Now That Congress Is in Recess

The month of August is here, that means that Congress is in recess for the month; and everyone is back in their home state.

Now is the time to call the local office, closest to you, of your elected official. Ask for a meeting with said official. A chance to look them in the eye and present your case. Get your facts together first, then

put it on the table. 

Be polite, courteous and smile. Then discuss Veterans issues...VA problems, maybe your experience with VA; other general concerns about our Armed Forces and Veterans, our US Military and the budget crisis.

Then....ask your Representative to cosponsor H.R. 2067 The Cold War Service Medal Act of 2015 and be sure to vote for passage when it reaches the floor for a vote.

Ask BOTH of your Senators to introduce an identical bill in the Senate. We need it on both sides to gain any traction. It is too late to have it included in the NDAA, so stand alone bills from the House and the Senate have to happen.

If anyone seems a little wishy-washy about it ASK THEM WHY NOT. 

Also ask for an investigation into the USS LIberty and the coverup. There has never been an official Congressional investigation into the murder of 34 Americans and wounding of another 174. 

An attack by the IDF (Israel Defense Force) on a clearly marked American

ship; practically unarmed,  with the purpose of killing all onboard and sinking the ship.

We as Cold War Veterans have been waiting since 1991 for recognition, it is time. The USS Liberty 

Veterans have been waiting since 1967 to get the truth, to finally know the why and the who.

DoD did have a very quick and brief investigation and called it a case of "mistaken identity."

The huge America Flag flying from the mast, and the big hull numbers on the side meant 

nothing to those who attacked the Liberty.

Write the letters, send the faxes, send the emails, make the phone calls, make the visits;  do it often.

Remember that you can visit or call the local office anytime. You can call the DC office and

ask to speak to their Veterans/Military aide and tell them what you want them to know.

---- Jerald Terwilliger Chairman Emeritus American Cold War Veterans "We Remember" ---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Veteran's I.D. Card Update -Veterans Affairs

On July 20, 2015 President Obama signed into law H.R. 91 The Veteran's I.D. Card Act of 2015.

This directs the VA to issue an ID card to those who served honorably in the Armed Forces.

This is just for identification and to prove you are actually a veteran. It does not grant any VA benefits
or access to military bases.

For the many business and private enterprises that offer discounts to veterans and service members, most of whom require proof of service, this should make things easier. It will be a federal issued
ID, and you will no longer have to carry a copy of your DD-214.

The bill as written said that VA could begin to issue the card in 60 days. VA will have to make sure
that all plans are in place and they are ready to go. It might take a little longer than that

For some reason it appears that the VFW was against this idea, claiming it would further burden
the VA. The American Legion while not against the ID Card stated some of the same things as
the VFW.

There was also a member of the VA who spoke against the card in a Congressional meeting. So
that might make things a little more difficult.

To obtain the ID Card you will have to go to the VA with copy of your DD-214 and pay a small
fee, which has yet to be determined. So this makes it cost neutral to the government.

As more plans are finalized the VA should publish information on availability and procedures needed,
places to obtain this card.


---- Jerald Terwilliger Chairman American Cold War Veterans "We Remember" ---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Social Security Disability and VA Disability

Recent news from the Social Security Administration.
Beginning March 17, 2014 veterans with a VA disability rating of 100 percent permanent and total (P&T) may receive expedited processing of claims for Social Security Disability benefits.

Both the VA and Social Security pay benefits of disability. However, their programs and criteria for receiving benefits are very different.

According to the Social Security, a VA rating of 100 percent Permanent and Total does not guarantee that you will receive Social Security disability benefits.

The Social Security Administration says that to be approved for Social Security benefits you must meet Social Security's definition of "disability." It goes on to say we consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:
1. You cannot do the work you did before.
2. We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medial condition(s); and
3. Your disability is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

If you receive VA compensation, this will not affect your Social Security benefits.
If you are a veteran rated 100 percent P&T in order to receive expedited processing for Social Security Disability benefits you must apply to Social Security. This can be done in one of three ways.
1. Fill out your application on line Social Security Disability Application
2. Call the toll free number 1-800-772-1213 for the deaf or hard of hearing you can call at TTY 1-800-325-0778
3. Call or visit your local Social Security Office, location and phone number can be found in your telephone directory.

I urge every veteran to first of all apply for your Veterans Administration benefits. If you are/or become Permanent & Total apply as soon as possible for your Social Security Disability benefits. It will take some time before your are approved.

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former Chairman American Cold War Veterans "We Remember" ---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

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Veterans Using VA Health Care Meet Requirements For ACA (Obamacare)

Veterans who already have Veteran Affairs health care are covered under the new Affordable  Care Act requirements.

Any veterans who are already enrolled in VA health care are also not required to take any additional steps to meet ACA coverage standards. Enrolled veterans can also continue to use VA and other federal health care coverage such as Medicaid, Medicare, TRI-CARE, and private insurance.

However, non-enrollment in medical insurance for veterans and non-veterans alike can prove costly. Penalties applied to an individual’s taxes will begin being issued in 2014.

The penalty will be $95 or 1 percent of taxable income, whichever is greater, and those penalties will rise significantly in the next two years. For those veterans who aren’t insured, there is still time to get enrolled in VA health care.

Contact the nearest VA facility, or try your county/state Veterans Office. Help is also available through Veterans Service Organizations such as the American Legion, VFW, AMVETS. etc/

Veterans can also apply online by submitting the VA Form 1010EZ atVA 1010ez, or over the phone by dialing 1-877-222-VETS (8387) from Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Those veterans who apply and don’t qualify should apply again annually because the qualifications change every year.

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former Chairman American Cold War Veterans "We Remember" ---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Veterans Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Blocked

Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash) said on Thursday that an unnamed Republican Senator last week
blocked a bill that would have provided an annual cost of living adjustment, which means that payments of the new COLA could be delayed.

Senator Murray brought the bill, H.R. 4114 (which passed the House in July) to the Senate floor
on Sept. 21. The bill was cleared by Senate Democrats but was blocked by this unnamed Republican
Senator. So the Senate went into recess without passing the bill.

Once again Congress has stepped on our nation's veterans and one more time shown how little
our Congress thinks of those who served our country.

The bill as passed by the House would have given a cost-of-living-adjustment to 3.9 million veterans
and their survivors a raise in their disability compensation and benefits which is supposed to offset
inflation. Similar bills are usually passed each year with no controversy.

So, now with Congress not scheduled to return to work until Nov. 13, in order for the increase to
show in Jan. 1 checks the bill will have to be passed almost immediately.

Thursday afternoon the Department of Veterans Affairs stated that Congress must pass the
COLA no later than Nov. 13 if the increase is to be included in the Jan 1 checks. If the bill is
passed any later than that the VA would not be able to make all the changes to programming
of their system. Which means the increase would have to be paid retroactively.

This follows the move last week that saw the Veterans Job Corps Act fail to pass. A bill that
would have provided $1 billion to help veterans find employment. Their is now a bill in
the House that would direct the VA to create a Veterans Job Corps.

And so it continues, the ongoing disregard and disrespect for the brave men and women who
have served in our Armed Forces. The Veterans who sacrificed so much for our nation are again
left to hang in the winds of ill will.

America, it is time to say enough! Time to give our veterans what they were promised and what
is fair and just. If your elected officials are not standing up and voting for veterans and our military,
vote them out of office.

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former Chairman American Cold War Veterans "We Remember" ---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

VA Help for Gulf War Veterans

http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2365

It has now been 22 years since the start of the 1990-1991 Gulf War which comprises the deployment and combat operations known as Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Almost 700,000 Servicemembers were deployed during this period. Those Veterans who have enrolled in the VA health care system have made over 2 million outpatient visits for health care and had over 20,000 inpatient admissions in the VA health care system.

“The Department of Veterans Affairs has not forgotten the service and dedication of Gulf War Veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “We continue to provide high-quality health care and benefits to them while we invest in research that helps us understand and treat Gulf War Veterans’ illnesses.” 

In support of care and services to the Veterans of the first Gulf War, VA has led efforts to better understand and characterize Gulf War Veterans’ illnesses and to improve treatment.   Research initiatives have included:

• Funding an independent Institute of Medicine (IOM) review of scientific and medical research related to treatment of chronic multi-symptom illness among Gulf War Veterans.  The report is expected in 2013.
• Funding and encouraging a wide spectrum of research focused on identifying new treatments to help Gulf War Veterans, including studies on pain, muscle and bone disorders, autoimmune disease, neurodegenerative disease, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory problems, and other chronic diseases.   Research is ongoing in other conditions, as well, that may affect Gulf War Veterans, such as brain cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease, or ALS), and multiple sclerosis. 
• Launching in May 2012, the third follow-up study of a national cohort of Gulf War and Gulf War Era Veterans (earlier studies were conducted in 1995 and 2005; the health surveys are done to understand possible health effects of service and guide health care delivery).
• Continuing the clinical, research, and education activities of the War Related Illness and Injury Study Center program which focuses on post-deployment health.

VA is also improving care and services for Gulf War Veterans through initiatives outlined in the 2011 GWVI Task Force Report. These include the evaluation of a clinical care model specifically for Gulf War Veterans and of enhanced education for health care providers about Gulf War Veterans’ concerns.  Additionally, a VA Gulf War Research Strategic Plan has been developed to address effective treatment for the symptoms experienced by some Gulf War Veterans and to guide efforts toward improvements in diagnosis, the understanding of genetic and biologic factors related to Gulf War Veterans’ illnesses, and the application of research findings in Veterans’ health care.

VA provides care for Veterans of all eras as part of its mission.  VA operates the nation’s largest integrated health care system.  With a health care budget of more than $50 billion, VA expects to provide care to 6.1 million patients during 920,000 inpatient hospital admissions and nearly 80 million outpatient visits during 2012.  VA’s health care network includes 152 major medical centers and more than 800 community-based outpatient clinics.

For more information on Gulf War Veterans’ illnesses, see: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/.

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former Chairman American Cold War Veterans "We Remember" ---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Obama said no cuts to VA, Secretary Shinseki says there will be cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C—Today, at a joint hearing of the House Veterans' Affairs and Armed Services Committees, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric Shinseki, confirmed that under sequestration, VA would face cuts, possibly affecting the administration of veterans' benefits and services, stating, "VA is exempt from sequestration except for administrative costs… I don't have a definition of administrative costs right now."

 

"President Obama publicly said Monday at the VFW Convention that VA is exempt from sequestration, yet the Secretary conceded today that VA would face cuts early next year if a sequester takes place," stated Rep. Jeff Miller, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. "Since last August, I have been asking this question and until today, I have received nothing but double speak. I am now demanding that VA and the President define 'administrative costs.' Does this mean closing veterans' hospitals, fewer claims processors to help veterans with their disability compensation, longer wait times for veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war or those having to bury a loved one, not to mention the possible impact on homeless veterans' programs and research to care for our wounded warriors? Congress, and more important, our veterans, deserve an honest, straight-forward answer."

 

In the first joint hearing of the two Committees in recent history, Members also addressed serious concerns that the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs were not working fast enough toward a seamless transition for servicemembers leaving the military. Secretary Shinseki noted that "over the next five years, there is the potential for one million serving men and women to either leave military service or demobilize from active duty," raising numerous questions on the already convoluted transition process for veterans.

 

Wait times for the Integrated Disability Evaluation System, which assists wounded warriors transition from DoD to VA, are already at record highs, the disability claims backlog has tripled in the past four years, and a majority of veterans seeking mental health evaluations wait an average of two months for an appointment.

"Despite repeated assurances from VA and DoD to provide a 'warm handoff,' it is clear that is not happening. Unfortunately, what we heard today, we have heard before. And what is clear is that there are still no tangible results demonstrating that the silos between the departments have been broken down," Miller said. "American know-how put a man on the moon in less than a decade, but 50 years later we can't produce single electronic medical database for our military and veterans in the same span of time? There is clearly something wrong with this system, and the time has come to see real change and real results."

For more news from the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, please visit:

Veterans.House.Gov

Find us on Facebook at: Facebook.com/HouseVetsAffairs or follow us on Twitter at:

@HouseVetAffairs

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former Chairman American Cold War Veterans "We Remember" ---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Court says VA must release documents about Cold War drug experiments

Veterans won another court order requiring the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to hand over more documents about its Cold War-era drug experiments on thousands of Vietnam veterans. 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley in Oakland, Calif., said the documents requested were "squarely relevant" to the claim that the government failed to adequately notify veterans of the chemicals they were exposed to and what that exposure might do to their health. 
The Army and the CIA, with the help of Nazi scientists, used at least 7,800 veterans as human guinea pigs for testing the effects of up to 400 types of drugs and chemicals, including mescaline, LSD, amphetamines, barbituates, mustard gas and nerve agents, the Vietnam Veterans of America and individual soldiers claim in a 2009 class action. 
The government covered up the true nature of its experiments, which began in the 1950s under code names such as "Bluebird," "Artichoke" and "MKUltra." 


For the full story follow this link
http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/07/23/48617.htm


---- Jerald Terwilliger Past Chairman American Cold War Veterans "We Remember" ---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

U.S. Senate passes bill to provide health care for Camp Lejeune water exposure

The U.S. Senate has approved a bill that will require the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide health care to veterans and their family members who have certain diseases and conditions as a result of exposure to well-water contaminated by human carcinogens at Camp Lejeune.

The Caring for Camp Lejeune Veterans Act is included in the Honoring America's Veterans Bill.

North Carolina Republican U.S. Senator Richard Burr wrote the Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act. He says, "This has been a long time coming, and unfortunately, many who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune over the years have died as a result and are not with us to receive the care this bill will provide. "While I wish we could have accomplished this years ago, we now have the opportunity to do the right thing for the thousands of Navy and Marine veterans and their families who were harmed during their service to our country. I am encouraged that the House will pass this bill quickly and it will go to the President's desk for his signature."

North Carolina Democrat U.S. Senator Kay Hagan said, “This bill will ensure that those who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune will receive the health care they need and deserve. I applaud the efforts of Chairman Murray and my colleague from North Carolina, Senator Burr, who has worked tirelessly on this issue. Since I joined the Senate, the issue of water contamination at Camp Lejeune has been close to my heart, and I have been working to help provide answers to veterans and their families who have lived or worked on the Marine Corps Base. The push for answers continues, but in the meantime, veterans and family members are suffering. Many need treatment today and cannot afford to wait while studies are completed. The Marines and their family members affected by this tragedy have sacrificed to keep this country safe. After decades of denial, this country owes it to them to ensure they are taken care of in their time of need.”

An estimated 750,000 people may have been exposed to probable and known human carcinogens in the base's water supply between the 1950s and 1980s. To date, this is the largest recorded environmental incident on a domestic Department of Defense installation. 

---- Jerald Terwilliger National Chairman American Cold War Veterans "We Remember" ---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

VA Pledges $100 Million To Help Homeless Veterans

WASHINGTON, Jul 17, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced today the award of nearly $100 million in grants that will help approximately 42,000 homeless and at-risk Veterans and their families. The grants are going to 151 community agencies in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

"We are committed to ending Veteran homelessness in America," said Shinseki. "These grants will help VA and community organizations reach out and prevent at-risk Veterans from losing their homes."

Under the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, VA is awarding grants to private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives that provide services to very low-income Veteran families living in -- or transitioning to -- permanent housing. Those community organizations provide a range of services that promote housing stability among eligible very low income Veteran families.

Under the grants, homeless providers will offer Veterans and their family members outreach, case management, assistance in obtaining VA benefits and assistance in getting other public benefits. Community-based groups can offer temporary financial assistance on behalf of Veterans for rent payments, utility payments, security deposits and moving costs.

This is the program's second year. Last year, VA provided about $60 million to assist 22,000 Veterans and family members.

In 2009, President Obama and Secretary Shinseki announced the federal government's goal to end Veteran homelessness by 2015. The grants are intended to help accomplish that goal. According to the 2011 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report to Congress, homelessness among Veterans has declined 12 percent since January 2010.

Through the homeless Veterans initiative, VA committed $800 million in FY 2011 to strengthen programs that prevent and end homelessness among Veterans. VA provides a range of services to homeless Veterans, including health care, housing, job training, and education.

More information about VA's homeless programs is available on the Internet at www.va.gov/homeless . Details about the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program are online at www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp .

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

        
        U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
        Office of Public Affairs 
        Media Relations 
        202-461-7600
        

---- Jerald Terwilliger Past Chairman American Cold War Veterans "We Remember" ---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

VA Introduces Text Messaging to Expand Efforts to Prevent Suicide

VA Introduces Text Messaging to Expand Efforts to Prevent Suicide

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding its efforts to prevent suicide through several new initiatives that increase the availability of services for Veterans, Servicemembers and their families.

The new initiatives include a new, free, confidential text-messaging service in the existing Veterans Crisis Line, introduction of toll-free access from Europe, and collaboration with Vets Prevail and Vets4Warriors, two groups providing crisis help to Veterans, Service members and their families.

“Offering text messaging services will help VA reach more Veterans and their friends and families,” said Dr. Janet Kemp, VA’s national mental health director for suicide prevention.  “We are working to meet their needs by communicating through multiple channels -- over the phone, through online chat, and now via text, which provides quick, easy access to support.  VA wants all Veterans to know that confidential support is only a text message away.”  

Since its founding July 2007, VA’s Veterans Crisis Line and the later Chat Service have received 500,000 calls and engaged in 31,000 chats resulting in over 18,000 rescues of Veterans in immediate crisis.

Now, in addition to the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 and Press 1) and online chat (www.VeteransCrisisLine.net), Veterans and Servicemembers in crisis—and their friends and families—may text free of charge to 83-8255 to receive confidential, personal and immediate support.  The text service is available, like the Veterans Crisis Line and online chat, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and connects a user with a specially trained VA professional -- many who are Veterans themselves.

As a part of the effort to extend VA’s reach, Veterans and members of the military community in Europe may now receive free, confidential support from the European Military Crisis Line, a new initiative recently launched by VA.  Callers in Europe may dial 0800-1273-8255 or DSN 118 to receive confidential support from responders at the Veterans Crisis Line in the U.S. 

VA’s Veterans Crisis Line continues to add external resources to provide Veterans with additional support.   Two of these organizations include Vets Prevail (www.VetsPrevail.org) and Vets4Warriors (www.Vets4Warriors.com).  
In December, Vets Prevail launched a chat service that connects Veterans to caring responders who provide information on a wide variety of resources.  If the Veteran is in crisis or needs mental health support, the conversation is then seamlessly transferred to a VA Veterans Crisis Line responder.  

Vets4Warriors has helped thousands of their peers connect with confidential assistance through a free hotline (1-855-838-8255/1-855-VET-TALK) and online chat (www.Vets4Warriors.com). If a Veteran is in need of professional crisis or mental health support, Vets4Warriors’ responders will transfer the Veteran to a responder at the Veterans Crisis Line.

For more information about VA’s suicide prevention program, visit: http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Telephone Support For Veterans Spouses To Be Expanded

Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric K. Shineski has announced that telephone support program
designed for the spouses of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan will be expanded.

The program which focuses on communication and problem solving has shown to reduce stress, and
spouses join support groups in a 12 sessions over a 6 month period.

Secretary Shineski said "Returning to civilian life after living in constant combat readiness can be
a shocking transition, and it is the immediate family, the spouses and children, who bear that
brunt of that transition with those who served." Shineski went on to say "The more support we
can provide to the family, the better the outcome will be for our Veterans."

Based on research by VA researchers Dr. Linda Nichols and Dr. Jennifer Martindale-Adams,
of the Memphis VA Medical Center and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

The program is part of the VA Caregiver Support Program. The Caregiver Support Line
phone number is 1-855-260-3274.

More information on the Caregiver Support Program please go to the main website
at http://www.caregiver.va.gov/

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Court Takes Back Ruling On VA Mental Health

In May a three judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the VA to institute a
new mental health care program that would speed the appeal process for denied claims, and
provide more timely mental health care and ensure that suicidal veterans are seen immediately.

In its May ruling the court held that the VA takes an average of four years to provide complete
health care that veterans have earned. It also noted that often a suicidal veteran can wait weeks
for a first appointment.

The court ruled that the slow handling of PTSD and other mental health claims was unconstitutional.

On Wednesday the 2-1 ruling was overturned when a majority of the court's judges voted to
rehear the case. The case will now be heard by an 11 judge panel on yet to be decided date. 

Veterans have complained for a long time that the VA is just not taking proper care and is very slow
in the handling of claims. Many say that it takes years to get into the VA system and often
have to appeal a denied claim two or three times.

These men and women feel they are second class citizens and are treated with disdain and
by uncaring staff.

While it is know that the VA is working very hard to change the processes and hire more
health care workers, it is a slow process; and something must be done to make it easier and
quicker for claims to be processed, and the healing begun.

More Wounded Warriors are added to the role every day, even as the fighting in Iraq
and Afghanistan is winding down.

With the suicide rate of almost 18 veterans a day it is unjust, unfair and a blot on our
country's promise to our veterans; that anyone should have to wait that long for treatment.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"


---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Veterans Crisis Hotline-Suicide Hotline

Much has been said about the increase of veteran and service member suicides. The numbers
continue to grow at an alarming pace. Help is available, although it is sometimes difficult
to find the right help. The VA recognizes this problem, DoD recognizes the problem. Do not
give up, find and get the help you need.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is working very hard to help prevent  the suicide of veterans and
military personnel. A report from the VA says that 462.854 calls were made to the VA Crisis Line
as of July 31, 2011.

259,891 of those calls were from veterans and 6,030 calls were from active duty military members.
The VA rescued 16,855 veterans and military personnel.

If you or a loved has suicidal thoughts, or thoughts of self harm the phone number to call
is 1-800-273-8255. This number is same as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Veterans and military members must push 1 which will connect them directly to the Department
of Veterans Affairs responders. If you do not push 1 your call will then go to the normal
Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

While the VA has received a lot of "bad press", and many complaints about the policies that
hindered availability of mental health care for so many veterans, it is unfair to pain all VA
healthcare professionals with the same brush. It is true that the VA does have some problems
and some people that do not seem to be thinking of the problems their patients face.

But, so many of the people working for and with the VA do care very much about their
veterans; they give of their own time, working overtime and spending long hours from
their families and personal life to do all they can to help their patients.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"



---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

VA Health Care For Women Veterans

On July 7 the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that is has started a massive program
to reach out to Women Veterans.

The VA wants input from Women Veterans on how to improve healthcare services that are provided
to Women Veterans

Members of the VA's Health Resource Center (HRC) will be calling Women Veterans nationwide, asking
for their experiences with the VA; and asking for suggestions that will enhance and further the VA's
mission to provide the best care anywhere.

The VA notes that Women Veterans are the largest and growing the fastest portions of the veteran
population. There are approximately 22.7 million living veterans and women comprise more than
1.8 million of that total. They account for almost 8 percent of the total veteran population, and
6 percent of the total of all veterans currently using VA healthcare treatments.

It is estimated that by 2020 women veterans will make up 10 percent of the veteran population and
9.5 percent of those who use the VA facilities.

The HRC started making calls on June 1 to women who have enrolled, but are not yet using VA
services. The HRC also is informing Women Veterans of services the VA offers, and if the veteran
is interested in using VA health services connects the veteran with the proper department. If a veteran
has any complaints about VA healthcare they are connected with a patient advocate to help solve
the problem.

The VA includes specialists in all aspects of women's health, including general primary care,
heart disease, mental health care, menopausal services, and osteoporosis problems. The VA also
has excellent screenings for breast and cervical cancer.

Recently the Women Veterans Health Care program instituted changes to upgrade and improve
what care is offered to women. Instituting new programs to improve access and enrich services
for Women Veterans. Also instituting comprehensive primary care for Women Veterans, new
research on the effect of military service has on women's lives.

In addition new programs to improve communication and outreach to Women Veterans and providing
mental health, homelessness information and new programs to meet the needs of Women Veterans.

For more information on Women Veterans health care please go to the VA website
Veterans Affairs, Womens Health Care

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Automatic Enrollment of Veterans Returning From Combat Zones Into VA

A bill in the House of Representatives H.R. 1460 would provide for the automatic enrolement
of veterans returning from Combat Zones into the VA medical system.

This bill would benefit all veterans returning from combat zones, by immediately placing the
veteran into the VA medical system, allowing these veterans access to VA hospital care and
medical services at Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.

It would also provide them with a veterans identification card. and a list of all VA facilities
within 100 miles of the veteran's home.

This bill would greatly increase the ease of veterans getting the health care they need, and
hopefully decrease the hardships faced by many as they apply and then wait long periods
to become enrolled in the VA system.

Our country must provide the best possible care to ALL veterans, and remove the stumbling
blocks and delays that are currently in place, and allow veterans the choice to enroll in the
VA medical system.

Contact your Representative ask them to become a cosponsor to H.R. 1460.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

13,000 Veterans At Risk

About 13,000 veterans were placed at risk due to improper infection control practices at VA
hospitals in Ohio, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia and Missouri.

There have been eight confirmed HIV-positive results and sixty-one cases of Hepatitis B or C, from
those tested. It is not known if these cases were caused by VA exposure or by other means.

Infections are a problem in private and public hospitals and happen quite often. The VA says
it record of care to over 6 million veterans a year is good.

Although many of the veterans who were possibly put at risk think that being placed in harms
way again, some of them decades after they served their tours feel that the VA has let them down
again.

Once more we hear of failings of the VA in protecting our veterans. Not only not protecting, but
jeopardizing their lives. To quote the old song "Oh when will they ever learn."

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Vietnam Blue-Water Sailors Out of Luck?

According to an article  in the New York Times there is not enough data available to determine
if sailors who served on deep water ships(or blue-water sailors) during the Vietnam War were
exposed to Agent Orange.

A report released Friday by the Institute of Medicine, which took 112 pages, reached this conclusion.

This is very sad news for those who served aboard the large ships that did not always enter
coastal waters of Vietnam. It also would appear highly unlikely that the Department of Veteran
Affairs will establish rules to make it easier for these Navy veterans to receive benefits for any
of the diseases linked to Agent Orange.

Many are asking for legislation to expand coverage of benefits and make it just as easy for these
deep water sailors to  receive health care and disability payments as it is for infantrymen who
were exposed to Agent Orange.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) who has sponsored legislation to help the blue-water veterans,
said the new report did not disprove the possibility that deep-sea sailors were sickened by Agent
Orange during Vietnam.

"This report does not invalidate the claims of thousands of blue-water Navy veterans who are
still suffering from the same illnesses as those who served ashore in Vietnam," the senator said
in a statement.


It has been estimated that as many as 800,000 military members were exposed to Agent Orange
even if they never set foot on Vietnam soil.

Since 1991 the government has presumed that Vietnam veterans with certain diseases were exposed
to Agent Orange, making them eligible for health care and disability payments. But then in 2002
the VA decided it would apply only to those who had actually been in Vietnam.


A federal court upheld that decision which basically left out sailors that served on large ships
like aircraft carriers which were in the deep water and further from Vietnam shores. So called
brown-water sailors who served on smaller boats that operated on inland waters are still
eligible for those benefits.

Agent Orange contains one of the most toxic forms of dioxin, and has been linked to
some cancers, and was the most used herbicide in Vietnam.



So another injustice is perpetrated upon our brave veterans. Will it ever end?

Contact your elected officials, tell them to include these blue-water sailors, and marines who
even though they did not enter Vietnam, or it's coastal waters.

Equal treatment and rights for all veterans is something our country must bring about. It is our
duty to those who served, no matter where or when. Justice must be served. Our veterans
deserve nothing less.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"



---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

9th Circuit Court Blames Congress and President For Not Helping Veterans

On Tuesday the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals issued a 104 page decision that cited the failure
of the political branches to correct what it called the VA's "egregious problems" and "unchecked
incompetence" in delivering mental health care to veterans.

The three judge panel said this failure violated veterans' due process rights under the U.S.
Constitution. 

The court said that examples show that veterans with PTSD or severe depression were often
forced to wait over eight weeks to receive mental health referrals. It also said that some veterans
committed suicide while waiting for help.

The court said that over 84,000 veterans are waiting for assistance with no legal means to
challenge these delays. The court added that these delays "can mean the difference between
life and death." An average of 18 veterans commit suicide every day.

In 2007, two nonprofit organizations, Veterans for Commons Sense and Veterans United
for Truth had sued the VA claiming "shameful failures" to care for wounded veterans.
This claim was dismissed by the California district court which said the court did not have
the jurisdiction to implement or interfere with the VA's mental health program.

The three judge panel acknowledged that it's intervention in VA affairs was an "extraordinary
step" and this was better suited for Congress or the president.

Judge Stephen Reinhardt wrote that the panel concluded that the political branches had
"so completely and chronically failed" to respect veterans' rights that the court had to
intervene.

"No more veterans should be compelled to agonize or perish while the government fails
to perform its obligations," the opinion said.

The 9th Circuit Court sent the case back to the lower court to determine what changes
are needed to ensure that veterans in need of mental health care receive prompt treatment
and those with urgent problems receive immediate care.

A lawyer for the two veterans' groups Heather Moser, called the decision "monumental" for
recognizing that veterans' have a constitutional right to mental health care in
a timely manner.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Wilmington, NC VA clinic back on track

In November, 2009 the VA announced that a new "Super Clinic" was to be built in Wilmington, NC.
The plan was to have the clinic completed by this year, but hit a snag last year when the developer could not obtain the land needed for the clinic.

A new contractor for the $66 million project has been secured and the plan now is to have the
clinic operating by 2013.

The new clinic will provide specialty services such as audiology, neurology, podiatry and
optometry as well as primary care and mental health care.

North Carolina is home to nearly 800,000 veterans, and the new clinic will serve up to 7 counties
in Wilmington area of Southeastern North Carolina.

Senators Richard Burr (R-NC), Kay Hagan (D-NC) and Congressman Mike McIntyre (D-NC)
have all praised the plans and have indicated they plan to make sure the program stays on
schedule.

Again the VA is to be praised for increasing the availability of care for our veterans. These men
and women sacrificed a great deal to protect our country, now our country must care for them.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"



---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996