|
------------- "...Dan Horkey announces that his patent-pending tattoo
art for orthopedic braces and prosthetic limbs will be on display as part of Wounded in Action:" "An Art Exhibition of Orthopaedic Advancements. The exhibition, a special
program at the American Academy Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) 2010 Annual National Meeting in New Orleans, March 9-13, celebrates
those who have had orthopaedic injuries as a result of serving the USA in war." please
click on th elink below for the press release including some photos
click here to read the press release
------------- The following is important information for any veteran with a prosthetic
limb, orthotic braces or uses a wheel chair and desires a little more pizzaz in his or her life. . FROM DAN HORKEY: Please forward this updated information to your Kitsap
Veteran Network
Share, educate and empower the local Washington veterans.
Breaking News:
Since November 2009, GTOPI Custom Restoration and Cosmetic Services are available to any veteran that receives OandP
care that wear orthotic braces, prosthetic limbs and even wheel chair cosmetic customization.
Veterans have
a dedicated web page http://gtopi.com/prosthetictattoo.aspx It's really easy for veterans to get started - my airbrush tattoos are covered by the VA Nationwide, covered
at 100% and they can do what ever they want.
If they want a custom painted finish, they just go to any local
auto mall and pick the color. We are offering a very shiny chrome painted finish too and many other patent pending methods
of applying tattoo art.
I have links on my website page that veterans can browse for military insignia
badges, ranks and other tattoo sites for people to get ideas. We can provide custom designs for veterans if they choose, but
my whole concept of my conpamy is to let the individual send me they choice of art, and the art can be literally any thing
under the sun, it's all about self-expression and it's personal.
Step 1. They simply call or visit
the VA Puget Sound Hospital, Prosthetics Department and request a 'Consult Prescription' and request that they wish to
work with GTOPI for their personalized Custom Cosmetics for their chair, prosthetic limb or orthotic braces.
When they call to request the 'Consult Prescription', they will need to provide our GTOPI Duns # 024489295 to the VA
Hospital in their hometown. The hospital will then fax GTOPI the 'Consult Presription' to my office.
Once I receive the fax, I can begin a personal dialogue with the veteran, and then forward any associated cost to their
local VA Hospital and a Purchase Order is generated in about 5-days. Once we have the PO, we can schedule the work in.
I handle all paper work associated and the Veteran need not worry about more paperwork.
My services
are available for vets in wheelchairs and orthotic braces, however we just need to run one of these through for a pre-authorization.
I hope to start pin striping the first wheel chair at Retsil VA Home. We can go mobile for pin striping, if
they choose to have some air brushing designs on their chair, it would have to be done at local studio in Port Orchard.
Thank you for your support and helping me reach our local veterans, empowering them with patent pending new
technology in Custom Art for their chairs, braes and prosthetic limbs.
Dan Horkey
GTOPI
the original
Email gtopi@live.com
Website www.gtopi.com
Customer Service Direct 360-895-1976
Fax 360-876-7733
Since
2008, GTOPI founder Dan Horkey has been empowering fellow amputee children, men and women around the globe with a unique personalized cosmetic
service. This is cutting edge technology and GTOPI offers several patent pending methods in OandP Custom
Cosmetic Innovations for Orthopedic Braces and Prosthetic Limbs.
The inventions all started when I added art and color to my world - "I experienced
courage, self-esteem and pride of sporting and showing off my tattoo of fiery flames" - Dan Horkey
" replacing the pain of the past with a picture of promise "
Make it unique...Make it part of
you...
Global Tattoo Orthotic
Prosthetic Innovations (GTOPI)
2981 Lowren Loop
Port Orchard, WA 98366-4085 USA
------------- Vet not allowed to bring his Service Dog into restaurant An Iraq War Veteran, Capt. Luis Carlos Montalvan entered a fast food restaurnat in NY with his dog, "Tuesday".
according to the newspaper article, "...he was confronted by restaurant workers on two separate visits, and
beaten with garbage can lids on a third when he returned with a camera...". The story is in the Minneapolis-Saint
Paul Star Tribune newspaper article, click the first link below to read the details. The second link is a petition to
the restaurant management if you feel moved to express yourself on this issue.
click here to read the article in the November 2009 Minneapolis-Saint Paul Star Tribune Newspaper article
click here to sign the petition to the restaurant CEO.
------------- Cushman vs Shinseki . Phil Chusman, USMC, was injured while serving in Vietnam '64-'65. He filed his claim with
the VA and received the bureaucratic run around. In 1982 he formed Veterans for Due Priocess Inc., a non-profit
corporation in OR, and is the Executive Director. A law firm in the Bay area is now working with him on his claim. There
are two links below to his websites, and three below that for articles in the press about his case decisions.
"Veterans Today"... "Special
Report"..."VETS WIN LANDMARK DECISION: Due Process Guaranteed for First Time"
"VA Watchdog dot Org"..."GROUND BREAKING FEDERAL APPEALS COURT RULING!": "COURT RULES FOR VETERAN IN VA BENEFITS
"DUE PROCESS" CASE"
"Lawyers for Warriors"..."Friday, August 21, 2009"..."Cushman v.
Shinseki: Constitution Requires Fairness in Veterans Disability Claims" ------------- from Sen Murray's 18 Nov press release: "Veterans: Honoring Our Nation’s
Heroes on a Very Emotional Veterans Day" "Last Tuesday,
as the tragedy at Fort Hood and the casualties from Fort Lewis continued to deeply affect our military and veteran communities,
I spoke at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent to pay tribute to the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes. In
my speech, I discussed my father, a veteran who came home from WWII and was diagnosed with MS. I also talked about the
strides we still have to make to update care by telling the story of a father who I recently met that has been providing care
to his quadriplegic son. Watch a slide show of pictures from the Tahoma ceremony."
------------- . "University
of Washington" . "Medal of Honor Memorial"
. "To honor the extraordinary
courage and selflessness of our UW Alumni who have earned this nation’s highest award for
valor, the Medal of Honor, the University is erecting a monument at the end of Memorial Way". ... "The
Memorial will be dedicated on Veterans Day - November 11, 2009...." . "10:00
AM Veterans Day Parade, Memorial Way
10:30 AM UW Medal of Honor Memorial Dedication Ceremony, end of Memorial Way
12:00 Public open house, opportunity to meet the Medal of Honor Recipients and artists and tour ROTC Departments." click on the link below to visit the UW webpage for the deteails
Link to the University of Washington webpage
------------- 2009
Fall STAND DOWN FOR VETERANS* AND THEIR FAMILIES Saturday,
October 10th, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Presidents
Hall, Kitsap County Fairgrounds 1200 Fairgrounds Road
Planned free services: Women, men and children's clothing / Limited meals / Hygiene items & shaving gear / Groceries / Haircuts / VA
health benefits / VA claims / Employment referrals / Dental screening / Limited medical screening / Immunization / Financial
assistance / Where to find your DD214 / Housing options / DSHS enrollment / ONE, OEF & OIF benefits / Help with 3rd degree
driver's license suspension / Foreclosure advice / Free voice mail / Free mail address / Access to other agencies and programs. Click on the link below to view the flyer.
Fall 2009 Kitsap Stand Down Flyer
------------- . Veteran's Job Fair in Bremerton on 26 Sep 2009
. The 7th Annual Department of the Navy Human Resources Service Center, Northwest Veterans Job Fair will be held Saturday,
September 26, 2009, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, at the Jackson Park Community Center in Bremerton. The event is FREE to Exhibitors
and our Veterans. The purpose of the fair is to familiarize Veterans with
the numerous opportunities for jobs here in the Northwest and build the community applicant pool with experienced candidates.
Therefore, this job fair will be marketed to all veterans, as well as military personnel transitioning into the civilian workforce.
Approximately 38 Department of Navy codes and shops as well as other employers will be participating. In
addition to providing an opportunity to showcase job openings, the fair will also provide Veterans an opportunity to discuss
any questions they may have. . Click on
the link below to view the poster.
Veterans Job Fair - Jackson Park (Bremerton), 26 Sep 2009
------------- . "Secretary Shinseki Moves to Simplify PTSD Compensation Rules .......
. "The VA is publishing a proposed regulation today in
the Federal Register to make it easier for a Veteran to claim service connection for PTSD by reducing the evidence
needed if the stressor claimed by a Veteran is related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. Comments
on the proposed rule will be accepted over the next 60 days. A final regulation will be published after consideration
of all comments received." Click on the link below to read the entire press release.
Click this link to view the VA press release
------------- .
The Washington Post newspaper on their
Federal Insider page on 24 Aug 09 has reported that a lawsuit is being filed by a Vet against the Department of Veterans Affairs
following a medical procedure using non sterilized equipment. Click on the link below to read the story.
Click this link to view the Washington Post story.
------------- The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims denied his claim. The U.S. Court of Apeals for
the Federal Circuit vacated and remanded the earlier decision: Cushman v. Shinseki - read more
below...
"VA Watchdog dot Org" has posted
the details of this case online to share with us.
"This
case involves an alleged violation of a veteran’s right to due process under the Fifth Amendment to the United States
Constitution, where the medical record on which his service-connected disability claim was evaluated contained an improperly
altered document. In contending that a veteran has a protected property interest requiring fair adjudication of his claim
for disability benefits, the Appellant raises a constitutional issue of first impression for this court. For the reasons discussed
below, we find that a veteran alleging a service-connected disability has a due process right to fair adjudication of his
claim for benefits. We further find that Mr. Cushman’s due process rights were violated in this case by the consideration
of tainted medical evidence. We vacate the contrary decision of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (“Veterans
Court”) and remand the case with instructions for a new hearing." . Click on the link below to view the details of the case:
www.vawatchdog.org
Military Sexual Trauma: Pack Parachute
Charity
. "Pack Parachute Charity is a gateway organization for people
with MST who in many cases are not able to ask the usual veteran and military-affiliated organizations for assistance when
they develop PTSD or other mental and medical issues as a result of their trauma." . Click on the link to the website to learn more.
click here to view the press release for the Pack Parachute Charity and their work with victims of Military Sexual Trauma
Click here to go to the IRS 501(c)(3) Pack Parachute Charity Website
-------------
The
Kitsap Sun has reported: "Thirty-five homeless Kitsap veterans will receive rent money for a year,
Sen. Patty Murray announced Thursday."
.
click here to read the Kitsap Sun newspaper story
from
Sen Murray's 18 June press release: "HOMELESS VETERANS: Senator Murray Announces Over $3 Million in Funding to Help House
Veterans Across Washington State"
“This is a huge boost for efforts to get homeless veterans in our state into stable housing,” said Senator Murray.
“Each one of these vouchers means a year’s rent for someone who has sacrificed for our nation but is now sleeping
on our streets. With new service members returning home every day and the economy sputtering, we must step up our efforts
to provide all veterans with housing and the dignity that comes with it. For too long homeless veterans have been forgotten
heroes.”
click here to read Senator Murray's complete press release about assisting Homeless Veterans.
-------------
. The Veterans Engaged
in Tomorrow Act (VET) (H.R. 1401) has been signed into law by President Obama. Click
on the link below to read the details.
click here to read the military.com story.
click here to view the bill summary.
-------------
Kitsap County Veterans Stand Down 07 May 2009 at the Fairgrounds.
Click on the link below to read the pdf flyer with the details:
click here to view the Stand Down Poster
-------------
-----Original Message-----
From: VA Media Relations [mailto:va.media.relations@VA.GOV]
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009
7:12 AM
To: VANEWS-L@WWW.LISTSERV.VA.GOV
Subject: VA Welcomes Vets with
New Web Site
Recent VA News Releases
VA Welcoming Vets Home with
New Web Site, Blog
WASHINGTON (April 20, 2009)
- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched its new "Returning Veterans" Web site -- www.oefoif.va.gov <http://www.oefoif.va.gov/> -- to welcome home Veterans
of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts with a social, Veteran-centric Web site focusing on their needs and questions.
"VA is entering the world of
Web 2.0, because that's where this generation of Veterans is already communicating," said Dr. Gerald M. Cross, VA's Principal Deputy Undersecretary for Health. "We're opening our doors to them virtually to let them know
what they can expect when they step through our doors in reality."
The Web site will feature videos,
Veteran stories, and a blog where Veterans are encouraged to post feedback. The
site also will restructure the traditional index-of-benefits format found on other VA pages into question-based, categorized,
and easily navigated links by topic. This will allow Veterans to find benefits
of interest easily and discover related benefits as they explore.
"We hope our returning Veterans
find this site easy and helpful, but also engaging," Dr. Cross said. "As the site grows, we will be linking to Veterans' blogs
and highlighting more of their own stories from their own views. We are their
VA, so we are eager to provide a forum for Veterans to discuss their lives."
-------------
(from Senator Murray's Feb 20, 2009 "Washington View")
"Economic
Recovery Bill Includes Billions to Help Get our State Working Again"
"Last Friday, I voted to help pass an Economic Recovery Package that includes over $6.7 billion in funding for
Washington state priorities...."
"VETERANS
VA MEDICAL FACILITIES: Includes $1 billion for upgrades and renovations to VA medical facilities nationwide to ensure
the VA can continue to provide quality medical care. This funding will be distributed to regions throughout the country and
will then be given to facilities based on need. It will also create construction jobs. Washington state facilities are expected
to receive a portion of the funding. Additional funding in the bill:
$150 million to
VA extended care facilities
$150 million for
hiring additional benefit claims processors to reduce wait times"
Please click on the link below to read more.
Click here to read Sen. Murray's current Washington View
-------------
VA Press Release: VA Marks Veterans Day 2008
Celebrating America's Freedoms
Celebrating America ’s Freedoms is a collection of stories
about some of America ’s most beloved customs and national symbols. Topics include the history of "Taps," the Pledge
of Allegiance, gun salutes, the correct method for displaying and folding the American flag and many more. Educators, students
and others should find this collection informative and helpful when researching or planning activities for national observances
such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Flag Day.
Click below to view the PDF, "Celebrating America's Freedoms"
click here to view the VA's "Celebrating America's Freedoms" pdf.
-------------
e-mail dated 03 Nov 2008 from Colleen Gilbert, Washington
State Department of Veteran Affairs:
"New Law Authorizes Veterans’ Salutes
during National Anthem"
click the link below to read the VA press release
VA Press Release in PDF
click here to go to the Veterans Affairs press release article webpage
-------------
e-mail dated 03 Nov 2008 from: Leif A. Bentsen, Coordinator, Kitsap County Veterans
Assistance Program:
"No Longer
Breaking the Law. For those of you that
have been saluting during the playing the national anthem can now rest at ease. The Defense Authorization Act of 2009,
signed into law by President Bush on October 19th, amends Section 301(b)(1) of title 36, United States Code, allowing veterans
and active duty personnel out of uniform to salute the flag during the playing of the national anthem. The original
law, National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, forgot to include the national anthem when it authorized hand-salutes
for veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag. So now we can
do both.
SEC. 1081. MILITARY SALUTE FOR THE FLAG DURING THE NATIONAL
ANTHEM BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES NOT IN UNIFORM AND BY VETERANS.
Section
301(b)(1) of title 36, United States Code, is amended by striking subparagraphs (A) through (C) and inserting the following
new subparagraphs:
`(A)
individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the
last note;
`(B)
members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided
for individuals in uniform; and
`(C)
all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in
uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being
over the heart; and'."
-------------
From Air Force Link:
"New law allows salutes in civvies
during anthem"
"10/31/2008 - WASHINGTON (AFNS)
-- Veterans and servicemembers not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing
of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect in October.
The military salute is a unique
gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation's armed forces," said Dr. James B. Peake, secretary of Veterans
Affairs. "This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation's flag."
"...included
in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed Oct. 14."
"(Courtesy of VA News)"
Click on the link below to read more.
-----------
"VA Clarifies Voter Registration Regulations"
"WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) announced today it has clarified its policy on assisting veterans’ voter registration activities, with particular
focus on inpatients and residents of VA community living centers, domiciliaries and patients with limited access to community
voter registration resources.
The Department will welcome state and local election officials and non-partisan
groups to its hospitals and outpatient clinics to assist VA officials in registering voters at VA facilities. Such assistance, however, must be coordinated by those facilities in order to avoid disruptions to patient
care......"
Read the entire press release by accessing the link to it below
-------------
29th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, July 2009, Spokane, WA
"A multi-event sports and rehabilitation program for military service veterans
who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, amputations or certain neurological problems. Attracting
more than 500 athletes each year, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the largest annual wheelchair sports event in
the world."
click the link below to learn the details
-------------
Kitsap Standown 01 October 2008
Kitsap County Fall Stand Down will be next
Wednesday, October 1st 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Presidents Hall at the county fairgrounds. To process through the
line quicker, bring several copies of your DD214 or discharge papers. Veterans without paperwork can have service verified
at the stand down, it will just take a little longer.
The Dental Society has arranged for a mobile
dental clinic to be on site!
Feel free to hand out the attached flyer.
JEFFERSON AND CLALLAM COUNTY
VETERANS - Free rides to stand down
Thursday, Oct. 2nd from 9:00 to 3:00 at
the Clallam County fairgrounds in Port Angeles. Look for Free Ride Cards attached to stand down posters in Jefferson
and Clallam counties.
-------------
(from Senator Murray's July 29, 2008 "Washington View")
"Veterans
Suicides: Spokane Tragedies Reinforce Need to Improve Outreach"
"Last Tuesday (7/22), I delivered a speech on the Senate floor to raise awareness about the disturbing
increase in the number of suicides by troops and veterans and the need to improve mental health care offered by military and
VA facilities. The speech came after tragic stories of veterans suicides in Spokane and after the tragic death of Joseph Dwyer – an Army medic made famous in a photo taken
during the first week of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. In the speech, I called for an increase in resources to boost outreach,
breakdown barriers to care, and ensure that veterans are not turned away when they seek mental health care at VA facilities."
Click here to read Sen. Murray's current Washington View
-------------
Received
from the WDVA Listserve
New Laws Effective June
12:
Most laws passed during the 2008 Legislative Session will become
effective on June 12. Below is information on several laws that affect veterans however, additional information on all veterans
laws is available at: http://www.dva.wa.gov/legislative%20_updates.html
-------------
Veterans Conference - Kitsap County
The County Veterans Coalition of Washington and the
Kitsap County Veterans Board and the
Kitsap County Veterans Assistance Program
Present
"Working Together Those Who Served"
Regional CVC Veterans Conference
May 22 Kitsap Conference Center
-------------
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.............
From the Military.com website:
"Veterans Eligible for Compensation"
"Week of December 17, 2007"
"Tens of thousands of veterans forced from service short of 20 years because
of combat-related injuries will be eligible for Combat-Related Special Compensation effective Jan. 1, 2008, under a compromise
2008 defense authorization bill worked out recently by House and Senate conferees."
-------------
From the "Lets Say Thanks" website:
"The mission of Let's Say Thanks is to provide a way for individuals
across the country to recognize U.S. troops stationed overseas. By submitting a message through this site you have the opportunity
to send a free personalized postcard greeting to deployed servicemen and women."
click the link below to access their website and send a card.....
-------------
Excerpts from Senator Murray's website:
"Veterans Funding
The bill sets total veterans spending for 2008 at more than $87 billion which represents nearly all of the Independent
Budget which is put together by Veterans Service Organizations and is an increase of nearly $10 billion over the VA spending
bill approved last year by the Republican-led Senate.
"After years of neglect, our government is again honoring our veterans’ sacrifices," Murray said on the
Senate floor. "This bill takes into account the additional strains on the VA system that simultaneous wars and new battlefield
realties present…It invests in improving health care, expanding mental health services, and constructing new facilities.
It will mean more qualified health care workers, better prosthetics, and more accessible veteran's facilities."
Senator Murray also included language in the bill that instructs the VA to take important steps to bring VA facilities
closer to veterans in Washington state. The language pertains to existing and planned VA facilities in Northwest Washington,
Wenatchee, and Walla Walla. .......
The language that Senator Murray included for regional VA facilities in the bill is listed below:
Northwest
Washington Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC)
"The Committee is aware of the lack of access to VA primary
care in Washington state and appreciates the Department’s approval of a CBOC in Northwest Washington. The Committee
encourages the VA to move forward in opening the CBOC by the VA’s target date of February 2008." .... "
Please visit her website for the details.
Click here to read this story on Sen. Murray's website
.............
Port Angeles VA Clinic Opens
The Port Angeles VA Clinic is now a reality, and was dedicated in mid August
by Senator Patty Murray and Representative Norm Dicks. In an article in the Peninsula Daily News, they
estimate only 3,000 of the 14,000 Veterans living on the North Olympic Peninsula are currently enrolled, and if that
number increased, a full Community Based Outpatient Clinic could be built. Click the link below to read the details
in their article.
Link to the Peninsula Daily News Home Page
-------------
(from Senator Murray's "Washington View")
"Homeless Vets: Ensuring the Needs of Our Forgotten Heroes are Met"
"On Tuesday (8/7), I visited a transitional housing facility at the
VA Medical Center campus in Vancouver to ensure that the needs of homeless veterans are being met."
Click here to read Sen. Murray's 14 August 2007 Washington View
-------------
from the "Sanctuary for Veterans & Families" website:
"Spearheaded by military family members and veterans, The Sanctuary for Veterans & Families will create
a rural retreat in western Washington for the purposes of providing direct support and services to veterans and military families
dealing with the trauma of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The flagship project,
intended for replication in other regions, and designed by an environmentally-friendly architectural firm based in the Pacific
Northwest, will include "green buildings" nestled among existing trees on a gated, wooded site of at least 40 flat, usable
acres with or very near waterfront access. When completed in 2008/9, the buildings will provide a psychologically safe space
for veterans, Gold Star, and military families to reconnect, heal and recover from the invisible wounds of war through a combination
of proven traditional and non-traditional "best practice" modalities offered in a sustainable setting.
"
Click here to go to the "Sanctuary for Veterans & Families" website
.............
From Senator Murray's website:
"On July 25, Senator Murray helped pass landmark legislation to improve care for wounded troops and veterans
when they return home from battle. The Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act passed the Senate by unanimous consent.
......
The Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act:
- Requires the Department of Defense and VA to work together to develop a comprehensive plan to prevent, treat
and diagnose TBI and PTSD.
- Directs the two agencies to develop and implement a joint electronic health record so that critical medical
records are not lost as our wounded troops move from battlefield doctors to medical holds and on to the VA.
- Requires the military to use VA standards for rating disabilities, only allowing deviation from VA standards
when it will result in a higher disability rating for the service member.
- Requires the military to adopt the VA presumption that a disease or injury is service-connected when our
heroes – who were healthy prior to service - have spent 6 months or more in active duty
The bill also addresses:
- substandard facilities
- lack of seamless transition from DOD to the VA
- inadequacy of severance pay
- and medical care for caregivers not eligible for TRICARE. ......"
(note: the Bill, S1606, was sent to the House, they are working on the topic as
HR 1538)
Click here to read this story on Sen. Murray's website
-------------
(from the DRA (Disability Rights Advocates) website)
"Nationwide
Class Action Against VA -- Department of Veterans Affairs Sued for Gross Mistreatment of Disabled Vets
July 23, 2007
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is flagrantly violating the constitutional
and statutory rights of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a national class action lawsuit filed today
in federal court. ...
... “The VA’s motto, taken from Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address, is ‘to
care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and orphan,’” said Melissa Kasnitz of DRA. “The
VA is not living up to its motto or its obligation to care for our disabled veterans. Instead it is abandoning our veterans,
shamefully following a path that will lead to broken lives and staggering social costs.” ... "
Click here to read this story on the DRA website
-------------
(from Senator Inhofe's "Press Room" webpage)
"Inhofe Legislation Allows
Veterans To Salute The Flag
July 26, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) today praised the
passage by unanimous consent of his bill (S.1877) clarifying U.S. law to allow veterans and servicemen not in uniform to salute
the flag.
........“I look forward to seeing those who have served saluting proudly
at baseball games, parades, and formal events. I believe this is an appropriate way to honor and recognize the 25 million
veterans in the United States who have served in the military and remain as role models to others citizens. Those who are
currently serving or have served in the military have earned this right, and their recognition will be an inspiration to others.”
"
Click here to read this story on Sen. Inhofe's website
-------------
25 July 2007
The Port Angeles Clinic is now open.
The hard work of the community, Veteran groups, Representative Norm Dicks and Senator Patty Murray have
come to fruition. VA has opened the Community Based Outpatient Center (CBOC) in Port Angeles. VA contracted
with Olympic Medical Center to offer primary care to enrolled Veterans of the North Olympic Peninsula area. It's referred
to as a "Virtual VA Clinic", and is located at 1005 Georgiana St. in Port Angeles, for appointments call 206-764-2626,
for information call 800-329-8387, extension 6-2626.
For history and details, read the articles in the Peninsula Daily News. Click
on the link below to their website, once there, search within their site for "virtual va clinic".
Link to the Peninsula Daily News Home Page
Once there, search within their website for "virtual va clinic"
-------------
(from Senator Murray's "Washington View", 19 July 2007)
"Veterans
A New Commitment to Wounded Warriors Included in Senate Bill
Last Thursday, a landmark bill that I helped to author that recognizes our
service members as a cost of war, helps to reduce red tape, and gives
veterans the support they need was included in the 2008 Department of Defense (DoD) authorization bill."
Click here to access this story on Sen. Murray's website
"Reviewing Personality Disorder Discharges
Recently concerns have been raised that service members who have PTSD and TBI are being inappropriately
discharged by the Pentagon with a "personality disorder". This leaves them without the benefits and medical care they deserve.
Last week, I helped introduce an amendment that will suspend this practice until it can be reviewed."
Click here to read this story on Sen. Murray's website
"Veterans Join My Staff
Last week, I was pleased to announce that I have hired two veterans to key staff positions in my state offices."
Click here to read this story on Sen. Murray's website
-------------
(from Senator Murray's "Washington View")
"Veterans: Restoring VA Access to All Veterans"
"Last week, the Veterans' Affairs Committee passed my bill that would make 242,000 veterans, whose VA enrollment
was cut off by the Bush Administration, eligible for care again. The bill would open the VA's door once again to
those veterans referred to as Priority 8 veterans, who have non-service-connected disabilities and whose income is
above a modest level that varies across the country. I believe that we must keep faith with the promise we make to all
veterans when they sign up to serve – the promise that their sacrifices will mean guaranteed health care for life."
To view the details, click the link below.
Also from the link below:
"OTHER IMPORTANT MURRAY VETERANS PROVISIONS PASSED TODAY:
Today, Senator Murray also included the following provision in S. 1315, The Veterans’ Benefits Enhancement Act
of 2007 which passed the Veterans Affairs' Committee.
- A provision requiring an Institute of Medicine (IOM) study of the connection between Gulf War service and Multiple Sclerosis,
among other things.
- A provision adding Osteoporosis as a presumptive disability for former-POWs with PTSD"
Click here to view the details
-------------
"NEWS ADVISORY: New PTSD Counselor for Military Veterans in Tri-Cities
Richland – The Washington State Department
of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is pleased to announce the addition of licensed mental health counselor Roberto Valdez
to their Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) contract counseling program, covering the Tri-Cities area."
Click the link below to read the entire release.
WDVA Press Release - 06/26/07
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"Cantwell bill to expand GI Bill, giving veterans access to education benefits for life"
"....96 percent of all active duty soldiers enroll in the program, it is estimated that only 57 percent
take advantage of the benefits before they expire 10 years later."
On 01 May 2007 Senator Cantwell introduced this bill, it was read twice and referred it to
the Committee on Veterans Affairs.
(also see HR 2247)
Click the link below to read Senator Cantwell's Press Release concerning S.1261..
Senator Cantwell's Press Release
Link to the Library of Congress, Thomas Guide, S. 1261
&
"H.R. 2247: To amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to repeal the 10-year
limit on use of Montgomery..."
Representative Rick Larsen introduced this bill on 09 May 2007. It covers the same
topic as S.1261, above.
Link to the Library of Congress, Thomas Guide, H.R. 2247
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(from Senator Murray's "Washington View")
"WA Brave Soldiers: Meeting Face to Face with our State's Heroes"
"Last Friday, I traveled to Madigan Army Hospital at Fort Lewis Army Base in Tacoma. The visit gave me the
opportunity to talk with soldiers and their families about the challenges they face at home, overseas, and in acquiring the
care they need. Our conversations were candid and provided the first-hand experiences that help me bring their needs
back to Washington, D.C. I look forward to continuing my work to provide our troops and veterans with the benefits and care
they have been promised and so rightfully deserve." To view her report, click the link below.
click here to read (item 5) "Patty Murray's Washington View" - 07 May 2007
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"Veterans: Murray Introduces Bill to Bring Veterans Back into VA Healthcare System
| For Immediate Release: |
Wednesday, April 18, 2007 |
(Washington, D.C.) - Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced the Honor Our Commitment to Veterans
Act, which would allow new Priority 8 veterans to enroll in the Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system. Priority 8 veterans are those veterans with non-service-connected
disabilities whose income is above a modest level that varies across the country. "
.
"At Historic Joint Hearing, Murray Stands Up For Service Members Being "Low-Balled" by Disability
Rating System; Calls "Wal-Mart Greeter Standard" Unacceptable
Murray also calls for disability rating system that accurately accounts for PTSD and TBI
| For Immediate Release: |
Thursday, April 12, 2007 |
(Washington D.C.) - Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) called on top officials at the Department
of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to investigate reports of service members being "low-balled"
on their disability ratings."
"Walter Reed Revelation: VA and Pentagon Officials Knew of Bureaucratic Problems at Walter Reed
3 Years BEFORE They Were Exposed
| For Immediate Release: |
Thursday, April 12, 2007 |
(Washington, D.C.) - At a Senate hearing today, a top Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) official confirmed
to U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash) that the VA and Pentagon were aware of some bureaucratic problems at Walter Reed three
years before they were publicly exposed."
"TBI - Murray Gets Key Support from VA Secretary to Begin Tracking Traumatic Brain Injury on the
Battlefield
VA Secretary Will Write to Defense Secretary at Murray's Request
Earlier tracking
will help catch more cases of mild to moderate TBI and will improve treatment
| For Immediate Release: |
Thursday, April 12, 2007 |
(Washington, D.C.) - Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash) got key support from the Veterans Affairs (VA)
Secretary to have the Pentagon document explosions on the battlefield that could result in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) for
U.S. service members."
.
"Never again will one generation of veterans
abandon another"
(V V A's Founding Principle)
|
