|
------------- "...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
------------- . From the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs on 22 Sep 2009: "Attention
Vietnam Veterans WDVA has been asked to facilitate a meeting between U.S. Veterans
and Republic of Vietnam Veterans who served during the Vietnam War to discuss how these veterans may be able to come together
at various events throughout the year. The location will be determined based on the number of veterans interested in
attending and we are looking at holding the meeting in late October. If you are interested in attending this initial
meeting or receiving more information on events throughout the year, please e-mail colleen@dva.wa.gov "
------------- 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
------------- . 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.
-------------
. Vietnam Veterans of America has brought a lawsuit
against the Central Intrellignece Agency. Click on the link below to read the details.
click here to view the details about the case
-------------
. 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
-------------
(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.
-------------
Vietnam Veterans War Memorial Highway
The Washington State Transportation Commission has approved designating
a State Highway (SR 112) as the "Vietnam Veterans War Memorial Highway". The dedication will be 11 October 2008, 11:00a.m.
at the John Crescent Grange 50870 Hwy 112, Joyce, WA.
Click on the links below to read more.
click here to view the Washington State Transportation Commission Resolution 689, passed 22 May 2008
-----------
"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
-------------
from the VVA National offices -
|
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|
VVA Testimony: Regarding Pending Legislation |
|
Before The Senate Veterans
Affairs Committee Regarding Pending Health Care Legisltion
Good morning, Mr. Chairman,
Ranking Member Burr, other Distinguished Senators of this Committee, and guests. On behalf of VVA National President John
Rowan and all of our officers and members, I thank you for the opportunity to share our views on pending health care legislation
for our nation's veterans and for your leadership in holding this hearing today.
My name is Tom Berger,
Chair of the National PTSD & Substance Abuse Committee for Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). I am a Vietnam combat veteran,
having served as a Fleet Marine Force Navy corpsman with the 3rd Marine Division, 1966 - 68, in I Corps, Vietnam.
S.2573,
the "Veterans Mental Health Treatment First" Act
S.2273:
The Enhanced Opportunities for Formerly Homeless Veterans Residing in Permanent Housing Act of 2007
S. 2377:
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the quality of care provided to veterans in Department of Veterans
Affairs' medical facilities, to encourage highly qualified doctors to serve in hard-to-fill positions in such medical facilities,
and for other purposes.
S. 2383
- A bill to require a pilot program on the mobile provision of care and services for veterans in rural areas by the Department
of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
S. 2639
- The Assured Funding for Veterans Health Care Act
S. 2796
- Community-Based Organization Pilot Programs
S. 2797
-Construction Authorization
S. 2799
- Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2008
S. 2824
- A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the collective bargaining rights and procedures for review of adverse
actions of certain employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
S. 2889
(Akaka, by request) Veterans Health Care Act of 2008, Sections 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
S. 2899
- A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study on suicides among veterans
S. 2921-
Caring for Wounded Warriors Act of 2008
S. 2926
- Veterans Nonprofit Research and Education Corporations Enhancement Act of 2008.
S. 2937
- A bill to provide permanent treatment authority for participants in Department of Defense chemical and biological testing
conducted by Deseret Test Center and an expanded study of the health impact of Project Shipboard Hazard and Defense, and for
other purposes.
S. 2963
- A bill to improve and enhance the mental health care benefits available to members of the Armed Forces and veterans, to
enhance counseling and other benefits available to survivors of members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and for other purposes.
S. 2969
Veterans' Medical Personnel Recruitment and Retention Act of 2008
S.2984
- "Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act of 2008"
[ Read complete testimony ] |
|
VVA Press Release |
|
Chris Noel and Bobbie Keith
To Receive Awards At Vietnam Veterans of America's National Leadership Conference
Chris Noel and
Bobbie Keith, two women who entertained the troops in Vietnam, will receive the Vietnam Veterans of America President's Award
for Excellence in the Arts at VVA's National Leadership Conference on Saturday, July 19, in Greenville, South Carolina. The
honors will be presented at the conference's final event, the Awards Banquet, at the Hyatt Regency Greenville, the site of
the Leadership Conference.
[Read the press release] |
|
VVA Chapter and State Council Web Pages |
|
Does your vva chapter or state council need a web page?
VVA
is pleased to offer our affiliate chapters and state councils an affordable option for gaining a presence on the web. Simply
pick one of the designs offered and fill in your information in the fields provided. Your information will be sent to us and
you will be directed to the payment page . VVA will create and host your one page site for only $25/year.
[Order Web Page Now ] |
|
The VVA Veteran May / June 2008 |
|
Downtown Live: The Greenville
Guide |
|
|
Originally the bucolic hunting grounds
of the Cherokee, South Carolina's Upcountry was dominated in the early twentieth century by the cotton mills that emerged
as engines of a revitalized South. And Greenville-midway between Atlanta and Charlotte-became a mill capital surrounded by
mill towns.
Life in the mill towns
was tough and the work hard. The towns were usually built by and for the owners, who provided factory churches and factory
stores, often with factory scrip. But in the cool of the evening families gathered to watch the men play baseball: The Textile
Leagues were born.
At Brandon Mills,
13-year-old factory worker Joe Jackson had already earned a reputation. The eldest of eight children, he worked by day at
his father's side. In the evening, he was on the baseball field.
He was a phenomenon.
He first played in the Textile League and then in the minor leagues for the Greenville Spinners. More and more people came
out to see him. He was a natural-beautiful and graceful on the diamond. His home runs were known as "Saturday specials"; his
line drives, "blue darters"; his glove, "the place where triples go to die."
[ Read more ] |
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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
-------------
|
|
| Click on the image to enlarge it |
-------------
Women Veterans of America, Puget Sound Ch. 29 meets on the second Saturday
each month in Bremerton. For more info, call 360-373-3540 or click on the image above to visit their website.
.............
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."
-------------
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 the story on Senator 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
Details are in the Peninsula Daily News article
Link to the Peninsula Daily News Home Page
Once there, search within their website for "va clinic" .............
"INCOMING
Vietnam Veterans of America
As you are aware, November 11th marks the 25th anniversary of the dedication
of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and as part of our celebrations on November
10th, which feature the 25th Anniversary Vietnam Veterans Memorial Parade and a Veterans' Reunion Pavilion, VVA will distribute
a special 25th anniversary commemorative magazine. ......."
Click on the link below to read more....
click here to read the details.
-------------
(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 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"
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(from Senator Murray's "Washington View", 19 July 2007)
"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
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(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
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"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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News items from Senator Murray's website:
6/14/2007: Senator Murray Pushes "Wounded Warriors" Bill to Close Gaps in Care for Returning Service Members
6/13/2007: Wounded Warriors Act Aims to Mend Shortcomings in Care and Treatment of Wounded Soldiers
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
The Travelling Wall will be visiting Bremerton 13-15 July 2007.
It will be located at Miller -Woodlawn Memorial Park on Kitsap Way. Volunteers are needed
for publicity, programs and ceremonies, ground site & construction, safety, motorcycle escourt, hospitality, name readers,
accounting & administration, and e-mail communications coordinator. Details are included in the two forms below.
Please support this important effort with some volunteer time if you can.
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Washington Post, Federal Diary, by Stephen Barr, 16 May 2007:
Stephen Barr writes about the $3.8M bonuses paid to VA officials. Click on the link below to access the Washington
Post website and read the article.
Click here to read Stephen Barr's Washington Post Federal Diary column for 16 May 2007
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"Veterans: Pushing for Answers on VA Bonuses:"
Senator Murray has learned that $3.8M has been awarded as bonuses to VA officials, while
no mention was made of any increase in funding for the overstretched and underfunded Veteran care. Read her comments
in the pdf below:
click here to read (item 2) "Patty Murray's Washington View" - 07 May 2007
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The Wall, 25 Years, Anniversary Parade:
"Vietnam Veterans of America is presenting the 25th Anniversary Parade in celebration of the
dedication of “The Wall” on Saturday, November 10, 2007. If you were there in 1982, you know why you should be
back for the 25th. If you weren’t there in ’82, then this is the one to attend, because it is being held by us,
for us. " (from the VVA website)
| Click here to learn more |
|
Print the Flyer
| V.V.A. Ch. 102 is proud to help spread the word: |
|
| Veterans and their families in the west end of Clallam County are invited to participate. |
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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."
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"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."
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"Blue Water Sailors" may now file Agent Orange claims:
VVA Press Release Number 06-30, dated August 18, 2006,
"...On August 16, 2006, the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims rendered
a decision in the appeal of Haas v. Nicholson. In their 31-page decision, the Court determined the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) has been unlawfully denying presumptive disability compensation for exposure to Agent Orange (AO) for service
members who served in the waters offshore of Vietnam and earned the VSM. ..."
VVA Press Release, August 18, 2006, No.06-30
Subsequent VVA Press Release, January 11, 2007, No. 07-01
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Community Based Outpatient Center at Olympic Medicel Center, Port
Angeles:
In Port Angeles, citizens are working to establish a VA Community
Based Outpatient Center (CBOC) to serve local veterans. Currently, those on the roles must travel to
the Bremerton CBOC. That center is taking no new patients. As a result, vets from Port Angeles not currently
enrolled at the Bremerton Center must now extend their journey by adding a trek across the Sound to the VA
Medical Center in Seattle. Basically, from Port Angeles, counting travel time only, the three hour round trip to
Bremerton increases to a seven hour round trip for each treatment the veteran must have. Vets in the western
portion of the County may additionally endure up to a four hour round trip to travel to Port Angeles. Congressman Norm Dicks has iuntroduced legislation to create a CBOC in Port
Angeles. Click on the link below for details.
109th Congress, 2d Session, H.R. 6359 - "To require the establishment of a Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic
at the Olympic Medical Center, Port Angeles, Washington."
"Never again will one generation of veterans
abandon another"
(V V A's Founding Principle)
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