Tuesday, September 30, 2014

FW: General Petraeus on the military today



Thank You
Robert Serge
VVA 17 Member
Blog Master
To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember 




Subject: FW: General Petraeus on the military today











What a great letter from General Petraeus. This is a great statement on the honor of serving your country in the Armed Services.


I remember the day I found out I got into West Point.  My Mom actually showed up in the hallway of my high school and waited for me to get out of class.
She was bawling her eyes out and apologizing that she had opened up my admission letter.  She wasn't crying because it had been her dream for me to go there.  She was crying because she knew how hard I'd worked to get in, how much I wanted to attend, and how much I wanted to be an infantry officer.
I was going to get that opportunity.  That same day two of my teachers took me aside and essentially told me the following:
"David, you're a smart guy.  You don't have to join the military.  You should go to college, instead."
I could easily write a theme defending West Point and the military as I did that day, explaining that United States Military Academy is an elite institution, that separate from that, it is actually statistically much harder to enlist in the military than it is to get admitted to college, that serving the nation is a challenge that all able-bodied men should at least consider for a host of reasons, but I won't.
What I will say is that when a 16 year-old kid is being told that attending West Point is going to be bad for his future then there is a dangerous disconnect in America, and entirely too many Americans have no idea what kind of burdens our military is bearing.
In World War II, 11.2% of the nation's population served for four (4) years.
During the Vietnam era, 4.3% of the nation's population served in twelve (12) years.
Since 2001, only 0.45% of our population has served in the Global War on Terror.
These are unbelievable statistics.  Over time, fewer and fewer people have shouldered more and more of the burden and it is only getting worse.
Our troops were sent to war in Iraq by a Congress consisting of 10% veterans with only one person having a child in the military.  Taxes did not increase to pay for the war.  War bonds were not sold.  Gas was not regulated.  In fact, the average citizen was asked to sacrifice nothing, and has sacrificed nothing unless they have chosen to out of the goodness of their hearts.
The only people who have sacrificed are the veterans and their families.  The volunteers.  The people who swore an oath to defend this nation.  You stand there, deployment after deployment and fight on.  You've lost relationships, spent years of your lives in extreme conditions, years apart from kids you'll never get back, and beaten your body in a way that even professional athletes don't understand.
Then you come home to a nation that doesn't understand.  They don't understand suffering.  They don't understand sacrifice.  They don't understand why we fight for them.  They don't understand that bad people exist.  They look at you like you're a machine - like something is
Wrong with you.  You are the misguided one - not them.
When you get out, you sit in the college classrooms with political science teachers that discount your opinions on Iraq and Afghanistan because YOU WERE THERE and can't understand the macro issues they gathered from books, because of your bias.
You watch TV shows where every vet has PTSD and the violent strain at that.  Your Congress is debating your benefits, your retirement, and your pay, while they ask you to do more.  But, the amazing thing about you is that you all know this.  You know your country will never pay back what you've given up. You know that the populace at large will never truly understand or appreciate what you have done for them.
Hell, you know that in some circles, you will be thought as less than normal for having worn the uniform.  But you do it anyway.
You do what the greatest men and women of this country have done since 1775.
YOU SERVED.  Just that decision alone makes you part of an elite group.
"Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few." -Winston Churchill- Thank you to the 11.2% and 4.3% who have served and thanks to the 0.45% who continue to serve our Nation.
General David Petraeus
West Point Class 1974
 
" Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world.
But, the members of the U.S. ARMED FORCES don't have that problem. "

"May God bless all of our troops who put their lives on the line, for without their devotion to duty, honor and country, we would not have the freedoms that we all have."



Monday, September 29, 2014

FW: Honor Flight Information for volunteers to send them off and welcome them home.



Thank You
Robert Serge
VVA 17 Member
Blog Master
To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember 



From: rogerhenning@cox.net
To: alnvdist2adj@gmail.com
Subject: Honor Flight Information for volunteers to send them off and welcome them home.
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 17:16:13 -0700


I am forwarding this from Honor Flight Southern Nevada. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is the flight information for send off and welcome home.  We hope to have a big crowd at the welcome home so the more we can get out there the better.

Departure: Friday October 3 -- Southwest flight 995 leaves at 6:20am.  Expect group to be through security by 5:30am.  We will be at the last door for Southwest.

Return:  Sunday October 5 -- Southwest flight 582 lands at 2:20.  We expect to be off the plane and through security by 2:50.  Meeting will be above baggage claim.  

If people want to find out where to meet and do not see our sign, they can check in with USO.
Thank you for your continued support of Honor Flight Southern Nevada.

Belinda Morse, Executive Director/Chairman HFSN
BelindaM@HonorFlightSouthernNevada.org
702-749-5912


Roger J. Henning, PhD
Adjutant
Department of Nevada, District 2
2120 CROOKED PINE DRIVE
Las Vegas, NV                       89134

[702] 595-1795
aldist2adj@gmail.com

FW: This week's interments 10/2/2014



Thank You
Robert Serge
VVA 17 Member
Blog Master
To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember 



From: akan01@centurylink.net



Hi Everyone

This Thursday, Oct. 2, the following funerals are scheduled for 8:40 AM at the Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veteran's Memorial Drive, Boulder City, 89005.  These interments are for Nevada's fallen veterans who are without family, homeless, indigent or just forgotten by family and friends and remain unclaimed. 

This week's interments are:

Army veteran:  Rickie Gamblin
Navy veteran(s): Willie Seastrunnk 

At 9:20 is also a 2nd Navy vet William Williams

For anyone interested in riding over together, some of us meet for breakfast at the IHOP ( 4860 Boulder Hwy ) diagonally across the street from Sam's Town at around 6:50 AM.  It will be KSU at 7:50 AM.

Thank you Bob Donaghy

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Putting Veterans Funding First Act

Starting on October 1st, DAV will be kicking off an increased push for Congress to fix the VA and increase its capacity for the long run.
What's significant about October 1st is that it is the anniversary of the government shutdown, which put millions of Americans and veterans at risk.
Our primary focus will be calling for Congress to bring the bipartisan Putting Veterans Funding First Act up for a floor vote before the end of the year. This legislation is critical for protecting veterans from future shutdowns and the continuous cycle of late budgets through an advance appropriation for all VA benefits, programs and services.
We will be reaching back out to you via email on October 1st, providing simple ways you can get involved. Keep a lookout for it.
Additionally, DAV will be making a push throughout election season, which culminates on November 4, 2014, working to educate legislators and candidates on the core challenges our veterans face and need for reforms. We will follow up with resources and tips for your engagement in this push as well.
Working together, we have the power to create legislative change that improves the lives of our nation's veterans, their families and their caregivers.
Thank you for your continued support.
Regards,
Ron Hope
National Commander
Click the link below to view this message on the web:
https://www.votervoice.net/link/target/dav/J9276NMtK.aspx

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

FW: Honor Flight Southern Nevada volunteers NEEDED!



Thank You
Robert Serge
VVA 17 Member
Blog Master
To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember 



From: rogerhenning@cox.net
To: alnvdist2adj@gmail.com
Subject: Honor Flight Southern Nevada volunteers NEEDED!
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 11:28:17 -0700


For those of you who would like to send off and welcome home the Honor Flight Southern Nevada on October 3rd and 5th [Friday morning and Sunday afternoon], here is a reply from Belinda Morse of HFSN.  It would be really wonderful if we could get large crowds out for both, but most importantly, the Sunday return. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is the flight information for send off and welcome home.  We hope to have a big crowd at the welcome home so the more we can get out there the better.

Departure: Southwest flight 995 leaves at 6:20am.  Expect group to be through security by 5:30am.  We will be at the last door for Southwest.

Return:  Southwest flight 582 lands at 2:20.  We expect to be off the plane and through security by 2:50.  Meeting will be above baggage claim.  If people want to find out where to meet and do not see our sign, they can check in with USO.


Thank you for your continued support of Honor Flight Southern Nevada.
Belinda Morse, Executive Director/Chairman HFSN
BelindaM@HonorFlightSouthernNevada.org
702-749-5912


Roger J. Henning, PhD
Adjutant
Department of Nevada, District 2
2120 CROOKED PINE DRIVE
Las Vegas, NV                       89134

[702] 595-1795
aldist2adj@gmail.com

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

FW: Invitation to our Veterans Town Hall, Thursday, September 25, 2014

just click on link below



From: vva17fstvice@live.com
To: rserge1@outlook.com; lvdocholiday@msn.com; richardandshirley@netzero.net
Subject: FW: Invitation to our Veterans Town Hall, Thursday, September 25, 2014
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 16:09:59 -0400






Subject: Invitation to our Veterans Town Hall, Thursday, September 25, 2014


Good Morning,

On behalf of our Director, Ms. Isabel Duff, please accept this personal invitation to our Veterans Town Hall, Thursday, September 25, 2014, 5:00pm to 6:30pm, in the Auditorium.   Recommend you come early for a good seat.

I hope to see you there.

V/R




David C. Martinez, Public Affairs Officer
VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System
(702) 210-0227

                                                                                                                  There has always been a VA in NEVADA

Monday, September 22, 2014

FW: Thursday Mission 25 September 2014



Thank You
Robert Serge
VVA 17 Member
Blog Master
To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember 


> From: akan01@centurylink.net
> To: akan01@centurylink.net
> Subject: FW: Thursday Mission 25 September 2014
> Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 15:47:08 -0700
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bob Donaghy [mailto:bobdonaghy@me.com]
> Sent: Monday, September 22, 2014 3:37 PM
> To: Undisclosed recipients:
> Subject: Thursday Mission
>
> Hi Everyone
>
> This Thursday, Sept 25, the following funerals are scheduled for 8:40 AM at
> the Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veteran's Memorial
> Drive, Boulder City, 89005. These interments are for Nevada's fallen
> veterans who are without family, homeless, indigent or just forgotten by
> family and friends and remain unclaimed.
>
> This week's interments are:
>
> Army veteran(s): Daniel Maday and Robert Schlensack
> Navy veteran(s): Willis Archibalo, Rotu Gehrels, and Mathias Schmipt
>
> USAF veteran(s): Michael Alexander
>
>
> For anyone interested in riding over together, some of us meet for breakfast
> at the IHOP ( 4860 Boulder Hwy ) diagonally across the street from Sam's
> Town at around 6:50 AM. It will be KSU at 7:45 AM.
>
> Thank you Bob Donaghy=
>

Sunday, September 21, 2014

FW: 2013 Member of the Year



Thank You
Robert Serge
VVA 17 Member
Blog Master
To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember 



To: rserge1@outlook.com; loumicsm@yahoo.com
Subject: 2013 Member of the Year
From: fbeek@aol.com
Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 01:29:13 -0400

VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA CHAPTER 1076
2013 MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Command Sergeant Major (Rtd) Louis Rothenstein
is hereby designated as the Member of the Year for Vietnam Veterans of America
Chapter 1076 for 2013. 2013 was a year of organization and definition for Chapter 1076.
Throughout the year Lou provided guidance and mature wisdom to inform the decisions
of the Chapter. His extensive knowledge of the military, in general, and the Veterans
Administration, in particular, were helpful in getting the Chapter well grounded. His
informative publication of and commentary on current affairs kept the Chapter well
informed of the issues pertinent to veterans today., even if we felt a little helpless when
faced with his global solutions to problems most of us never knew existed.
Command Sergeant Major Lou's dedication to and participation in our founding year was
of immeasurable help in getting the Chapter off to a good start. His dedication
and expertise reflect the integrity and knowledge that constitute his gentlemanly
approach to all issues. His actions reflect great credit on himself and the Chapter.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

VETERANX SERVICES FAIR


ONE HERO at a TIME


ONE HERO at a TIME 



CWV POST 1947 CHRISTMAS


FW: Thursday mission


Thank You
Robert Serge
VVA 17 Member
Blog Master
To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bob Donaghy [mailto:bobdonaghy@me.com]
> Subject: Thursday mission
>
> Hi Everyone
>
> This Thursday, Sept. 18 the following funerals are scheduled for 8:40 AM at
> the Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veteran's Memorial
> Drive, Boulder City, 89005. These interments are for Nevada's fallen
> veterans who are without family, homeless, indigent or just forgotten by
> family and friends and remain unclaimed.
>
> This week's interment is:
>
> Army veteran: Johnson Carbenner
>
> For anyone interested in riding over together, some of us meet for breakfast
> at the IHOP ( 4860 Boulder Hwy ) diagonally across the street from Sam's
> Town at around 6:50 AM. It will be KSU at 7:50 AM.
>
> Thank you Bob Donaghy=
>

Sunday, September 14, 2014

FW: Third Saturday Fun Shoot.



Thank You
Robert Serge
VVA 17 Member
Blog Master
To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember 



From: rogerhenning@cox.net
To: henningnhss@gmail.com
Subject: Third Saturday Fun Shoot.
Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 11:24:10 -0700


FUN SHOOT WITH AMERICAN LEGION POST 76 and VVA Chapter 17
[I don't have the email list for VVA17 or 1076, so could someone who has that list please forward?]

WHEN:  Saturday 20, 2014 8:30 AM ~ 10:00 AM
WHERE: Clark County Shooting Park, Rifle and Pistol Range (map)
Clark County Shooting Complex

11357 N Decatur Blvd, Las Vegas, NV  89131
(702) 455-2000· clarkcountynv.gov

Members of Post 76 are getting together this quarter with the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 17 for a fun shoot at the range.  It is not a competition, just a chance to meet some new people, make some new friends and put some holes in those evil paper targets! Because this is a joint meeting, we need a rough count on the number who may attend.  If you are interested, please reply with either a YES, or MAYBE.  If you are not available or not interested at all in this type of activity, you need to do nothing.  No reply is necessary.
This is open to all, members of any organization, friends, family, anyone wanting to come out and have fun shooting rifles and pistols.  We will meet just outside the entrance to the Rifle Range building where you pay.  Because they only assign shooting stands near each other if you turn in your receipts together, we often wait until there are enough for us to break up into groups so that we have stands near each other. 
If you have not yet been to the new range, you must have the required yellow pass documenting that you saw the safety video.  If you don't have one, come 15 minutes early to do that. The entry fee is $9.00 per person.  No Post funds are used for these outside social events.
Don't have a pistol or rifle?  No problem, we have plenty of rifles and pistols for all, so come anyway and we will share what we have.
Come and join us.  No competition, just a bunch of people enjoying putting little holes in targets and cardboard on the target stands!
As always, I put your email address in the bcc field to protect you from spammers and email harvesters.


Roger J. Henning
HenningNHSS@gmail.com
rogerhenning@cox.net

(702) 595-1795
(702) 256-2214


Saturday, September 13, 2014

VVa 17 Wheelchair program

                                                                                                                                                   September 11, 2014

My name is Gordon Souza, and for the past 2 years I have been doing volunteer work associated with the Vietnam Veterans of America providing for, and contributing to veterans with limited mobility. In order to accomplish this, I receive nonmonetary donations from individuals, VFW, American. Legion, Marine Corps League Greater NV Detachment 186, and  BLACK MOUNTAIN Marine Corps League Detachment 495 Henderson, Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 17 and 1076, with the former being my main organization, with the motto, veterans 1st community 2nd

Over the past 2 years I have issued 30 electric chairs, 20 scooters, 40 sit down walkers and 60 wheelchairs. Along the way, a computerized artificial leg was donated. It took about a year, but finally I found the right person who needed the limb. The Marine, who was the recipient, could not use the limb provided to him and he was not able to get the one he needed. The limb was adjusted for him and he was given a much better way of life.

I assisted Veterans Village with scooters having headlights to add to mobility fleet while the money to repair their broken 4 wheels was not available. Another recipient was the Shriners with their need for wheelchairs, electric chairs and sit down walkers. There were also 2 Shriners who I attached chair lifts to their vehicles. To the Nellis Air Force Base, there were donated approximately 15 wheelchairs and 1 paraplegic chair with voice command. Also, sometime this month, there will be provided, to the hospital, 2 more paraplegic chairs, and one paraplegic chair to a Shriner with Multiple Sclerosis. There were many donations to the needy seniors in the community, and a paraplegic chair with voice command was donated to an extremely needy individual not in the military to assist the community.

In 2013, there was a family reunion in Vegas and 7 of the members were Vietnam Veterans, and they were all there at the same time. The Marine needed a wheelchair to get around with the rest of the family. They called on a Friday night and by Saturday morning they had what they needed

I would like to acknowledge a few people who assist me with maintenance and batteries:
Paul Martin an accessibility advocate and himself a paraplegic
Scooterville: Bob Fisk @ Broadacres Swap Meet provides mechanical repair and replaces parts. If a repair cannot be completed on the spot he will leave an adequate replacement until repair is completed.

As for myself, I am a retired Marine with the Rank of Master Gunny Sargent E9. Through my career, I have always kept my men in sight and provided help when needed. Then I was asked to take over this program from DAV to provide veterans with limited mobility.

Awards for my service:
Vietnam Veterans of America                                                      The 99th Medical Group
                Chapter 17                                                          Certificate of Appreciation presented to                                
As member of the Year for his                                     (Ret.) MGy. Sgt.  Gordy Souza    
Contribution to Veterans                                              The Vietnam Veterans of America
With Limited Mobility                                                                     Chapter 17
                2013                                                                     on this 9th day of July 2014

Graywolf Humanitarian Award
Excellence in helping those in need above and beyond the call of duty
                                2014
From the Senior Community of Dorothy Kidd Mobile Park

Marine Corps League
Marine of the Year          2013

Have on hand to donate:
1 set crutches
2 wheelchairs
1 sit down walker
4 electric chairs (being repaired)

This year the VVA received 2 $500.00 donations into the DVA budget to assist in buying batteries for wheelchairs in the mobility program.

Friday, September 12, 2014

FW: Support a Veteran - Hire a Veteran - EMPLOYERS NEEDED - 10.01.2014

just click on links below for more info


https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B11axbziSq-EVEFDR2lqVmxwUXc/edit?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B11axbziSq-EU1A1bDg5SjU0NUE/edit?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B11axbziSq-EcjN4NExhQmVxejg/edit?usp=sharing

Thank You
Robert Serge
VVA 17 Member
Blog Master
To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember 



Subject: Support a Veteran - Hire a Veteran - EMPLOYERS NEEDED - 10.01.2014
From: biglew55@aol.com
Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:50:18 -0400






Hello Community "Veteran Employment" Services and Supporters!

The upcoming Veterans Service Fair (VSF) Event *see attached event flyer*-  is scheduled for Wednesday-October 1st, 2014 from 9am to 3pm at the Cambridge Community Center at 3900 Cambridge Street, LV, NV; is looking for "Employment" Services with "Veteran Employment Opportunities" 

If your company and/or organization has "Employment Opportunities for Veterans" and would like to have a table at the VSF event...*$100 Vendor Fee for a table and 2 chairs... 

*Please Complete and Return the Attached Vendor Registration/Application Form and the Attached Sponsorship/Payment Form *Due: Not Later Than Friday-September 19th 2014

*$100 Vendor Fee will be Waived for ALL 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and discounts will be considered for other organizations that have a "Veterans Preference-Hire First" policy.

Checks can be made payable to the Veterans Care Assistance Program (VCAP) or via credit card via paypal at www.cvnc-foundation.org ... Go to "Donations" and then hit "Credit Card" and indicate "Veterans Service Fair" in the Purpose Space. 

If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding the event and/or discounts and/or payments...Please Contact:  

Kelly Moshman - kellymoshman@yahoo.com or vsfkmoshman@gmail.com - 702-985-6045 or 702-981-8664 or 702-455-7386 

Thanks in Advance for your Veteran Employment Support,

Sincerely,

Karen Lewis

Retired Air Force Veteran

Volunteer VSF Employment Representative
CP: 702-236-0453 or E: biglew55@aol.com







FW: VVA Web Weekly - What's New on vva.org: September 11, 2014




Subject: VVA Web Weekly - What's New on vva.org: September 11, 2014
From: achaney@vva.org
To: vva17nv@outlook.com
Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 20:04:49 +0000

VVA's Web Weekly - What's New on vva.org






This email was sent to vva17nv@outlook.com
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Vietnam Veterans of America · 8719 Colesville Road · Suite 100 · Silver Spring, MD 20910 · USA

Having trouble viewing this message? Click here to view the web version.
In This Issue September 11, 2014

VVA on DoD Announcement of Guidance for Upgrading Discharge Requests 

Report on Phoenix VA Deaths Raises Questions

VA Announces 90-day Reform Plan
Ringy, Dingy Mr. Secretary…
VA Secretary Says Hiring Spree Needed to Meet Patient Demand
VA Has Too Many Websites
Pentagon Says Suicides Hold Steady in First Three Months
September Is National Suicide Prevention Month
FacebookFAO - FacebookYouTube Logo

Remembering The Victims Of 9/11

9/11 tribute
Veterans Crisis Line
VA Caregiver Hotline
VVA Press Release
Donate to VVA
ADVERTISEMENT
Veterans Consortium Banner Ad
Action Alert

Support Senate Bill S.2738

VVA on DoD Announcement of Guidance for Upgrading Discharge Requests 

"Vietnam Veterans of America is very pleased with the recent announcement by Secretary of Defense Hagel regarding the September 3, 2014, Department of Defense (DoD) guidance to Military Department Boards for Correction of Military/Naval Records (BCM/NR) when considering petitions regarding discharge upgrade requests by veterans claiming Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, who received Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharges," said VVA National President John Rowan.

"It is the right thing to do, especially for our Vietnam veterans. Many of our brothers and sisters were inappropriately discharged under other than honorable conditions after serving their country, because PTSD was not recognized at that time. In many cases, a PTSD diagnosis was not made until decades after their service was completed. And, because of their OTH discharge, they were unable to receive VA benefits. VVA has been advocating for these veterans for a long time, and we are very grateful that Secretary Hagel has taken this action," said Rowan. 
Read entire press release
Read DoD Memo
As Reported by The Arizona Republic

Report on Phoenix VA Deaths Raises Questions

Veterans Affairs acting Inspector General Richard Griffin, left, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington on Aug. 26, 2014, before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. Assistant Inspector General John Daigh is at right. (Photo: AP)
According to a September 9 article in The Arizona Republic by Dennis Wagner, more than a week before the VA's I.G. Phoenix investigation report was released, The Republic learned that a dispute had arisen over standard-of-proof language that was being pushed by VA administrators to downplay deaths in Phoenix. VA I.G. Griffin would not discuss why his investigative findings did not address how many deceased patients might have lived longer if timely treatment had been available, or the hundreds of surviving veterans whose medical conditions could have been improved — or suffering reduced — if not for inappropriate delays in care. 
Read complete story here
As Reported by The Washington Post

VA Announces 90-day Reform Plan

According to a September 9 article in The Washington Post by Emily Wax-Thibodeaux, Robert McDonald, the newly appointed secretary of the sprawling and scandal-tainted Department of Veterans Affairs, announced a 90-day reform plan Monday, promising to put former troops at the heart of his strategy.
Read complete story here
As Reported by Stars and Stripes

Ringy, Dingy Mr. Secretary…

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Bob McDonald adjusts charts during a press conference at VA's headquarters in Washington, D.C., Sept. 8, 2014.  JOE GROMELSKI/STARS AND STRIPES
According to a September 8 Stars and Stripes article by Joe Gromelski, it's not every day that a Cabinet secretary gives out his cell phone number to a room full of reporters, but that's what Department of Veterans Affairs chief Bob McDonald did as part of a bid to show the VA is changing a hierarchical culture that stifled criticism and ultimately contributed to a scandal that cost McDonald's predecessor his job.
Read complete story here
As Reported by The New York Times

VA Secretary Says Hiring Spree Needed to Meet Patient Demand

Robert A. McDonald Credit Alex Wong/Getty Images
According to a September 8 article by Richard A. Oppel, Jr., in The New York Times, VA secretary Robert McDonald said that the department needed to hire "tens of thousands of new doctors, new nurses, new clinicians" — emphasizing the significance of a shortage of employees who are directly involved in treating patients, a factor many experts said was a main driver in the waiting-list scandal that rocked the agency this year.
Read complete article here
As Reported on the Defense One Next Gov Website

VA Has Too Many Websites

According to a September 9 article by Bob Brewin on the Defense One Next Gov website, VA Secretary Robert McDonald said he plans to launch a new digital services team in the agency to help winnow down its numerous websites as part of a plan to improve the services VA delivers to veterans.
Read complete story here
As Reported by The Air Force Times

Pentagon Says Suicides Hold Steady in First Three Months

According to a September 5 article in The Air Force Times by Patricia Kime, the Pentagon released its data on suicides among troops in the first quarter of 2014, showing that the Defense Department is holding steady in its battle against self-inflicted deaths. From January to March, 120 active-duty, reserve and National Guard members died by suicide.
Read complete story here

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Spread The Word

September Is National Suicide Prevention Month

suicide prevention month
The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention offers 10 Steps We Can Take to Reduce Suicides. Each of us can play a role in recognizing the critical need of others and encourage help-seeking behavior. The 10 Steps We Can Take to Reduce Suicides is just a start for those who want to get involved, make a difference, and save lives. See: www.ActionAllianceforSuicidePrevention.org
The following link goes to information, PSAs, News Articles, and Blog information on Spreading the Word about the Veterans Crisis Line:  http://spreadtheword.veteranscrisisline.net/
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