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

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

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

Female Veterans Bill of Rights

The House of Representatives voted and passed H.R. 5953 An act to direct the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs to display in each facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs a Women Veterans Bill of
Rights.

You can read the entire bill here Women Veterans Bill of Rights  This is a very important bill and when
it is sent to the Senate should be acted upon and passed quickly, with no changes.

It is just a shame that it has taken such a long time to finally face the undeniable fact that our Sister Veterans  deserve equal treatment and care.

Women Veterans are probably under more stress than their male counterparts. Stress, PTSD, are in
actuality harder for women. They have to perform the same as men, while at the same time are often
treated as less than equal, harassed-verbally, mentally and physically; and sad to say sexually abused.

When these brave women return home they find that their trials and tribulations are not over. The fight
goes on and becomes an even greater challenge. Far too often they travel down that long and lonely
road with no help.

Many of these women veterans are also mothers, often single mothers who find themselves with no
where to turn. A homeless veteran, male or female, is a blot on our country. A dark blemish that the
general public ignores and turns away from. This is not acceptable, and we as Americans should
be ashamed, we must do the proper and correct thing; and it must be done NOW.

While it is true that help is available many veterans do not know how or where to obtain proper care.
Our veterans were promised care when they joined the military, but it is very hard to find the help that
is needed.

One veteran lost is one too many. Our nation should stand up and not just say, but show, that we will
stand beside our military and our veterans. Every newspaper, every radio and TV station should do
their utmost to publicize how and where to go for assistance, and do it often; make sure that the
word gets out that Yes we do care, we will help you.

Why does it take so long, and why does it have to be an act of Congress to even begin to do the
right thing?

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 Pride

This post is a little late, but perhaps it will be seen and acted upon. 

In the past several years the Department of Veterans Affairs conducted a program "Veterans Pride".
This program encouraged veterans to wear their medals and ribbons on patriotic holidays, Veterans Day, in particular.

There was always a poster and handbills that could be printed and handed out in places where veterans
might pass and observe the poster. It was a wonderful way to remind all Veterans to be proud of their
service and to show their pride.

It seems that VA considered the Veterans Pride Initiative an old and outdated initiative and has deleted
it from their website.

The VA claims they still encourage veterans to wear their medals, they just do not want to show that
encouragement.

So this year there was no poster or handbill to be had. I personally last year printed several posters
to place in public establishments as a reminder.

Maybe the VA is trying to ignore some veterans. We as Cold Warriors know that Cold War Veterans
are often ignored, and have been told we are not "real veterans" if we did not serve in a "war period".

I believe the VA did not do all possible to recognize and honor ALL veterans, no matter of time served, or uniform worn. If you raised you hand, and wore the uniform you ARE a Veteran.

It is our hope that the VA will reconsider "Veterans Pride" and reinstate this initiative for next year. Not just a small spot on the VA website; but possibly even more government pages and perhaps even in
the national media.

I have to say that I was proud and happy to read so many reports of cities, towns, counties that celebrated Veterans Day in very large ways. I was even more happy to read of so many that were
dedicated to Cold War Veterans, who have been forgotten for far too long.

Now we are still fighting for a Cold War Service/Victory Medal. There are bills in Congress S.2743,
H.R. 4051 that would authorize a Cold War Service Medal. The Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2011, S.3454 contains a provision in SEC. 566 that would authorize the Cold War Medal.

Help us in our quest, contact your elected officials asking them to become cosponsors of the above listed bills. And ask that SEC. 566  remain intact in S.3454.

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

S.1237-Homeless Women Veterans and Homeless Veterans with Children Act of 2009

There is a bill in the Senate S.1237 RS Homeless Women Veterans and Homeless Veterans with Children Act of 2009
This bill was introduced by Senator Patty Murray (WA) with 8 cosponsors.
It has been reported out of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar.

This is a very important bill that will be of special interest and provide support for Women Veterans
and homeless Veterans with children. It will greatly increase special programs for Women Veterans
and homeless Veterans and will provide more and better care.

The American Cold War Veterans support this bill, and we reach out to our sisters-in-arms, knowing
the extra burdens faced by Women Veterans. The trials and tribulations these brave women face
are often much harder than those faced by male Veterans.

We seek equal treatment for ALL Veterans, no matter where on when they served. The uniform worn,
the job description, sex or national origin have no bearing on one fact: they are Veterans.

That should be the only criteria needed to allow access to the Veterans Administration; health care,
disability pensions, or any other program offered by the VA.

It is time for America to stand up for our Veterans and demand the best possible care. These Veterans
stood up for America, placed their lives on hold, faced danger and arduous conditions everyday.

Please contact both of your Senators, email, phone, fax, face-to-face tell them that ALL Veterans
deserve the same and equal treatment: the best our country can give them. Ask them to cosponsor
and vote for passage of S. 1237. Do not take no or a "canned" response as an answer. Contact your
Senators often, perhaps they will finally understand.

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

Help for Veterans Benefits

Here is something for every veteran. Help is available, these links should help.
If you have filed or are going to file a claim, you have to ask for help. This might
give you an idea as to what is available and how to get the help you need.

I hope all the links work. Give this information to every veteran you know.


Veterans Benefits Administration Main Web Page http://www.vba.va.gov/
Veterans Legal and Benefits Information http://valaw.org/
Federal Benefits for Veterans dependents and survivors 2010
http://www1.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp


VHA Forms, Publications, Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/
VHA Programs - Clinical Programs & Initiatives
http://www1.va.gov/health_benefits/page.cfm?pg=13 
http://webmaila.juno.com/webmail/new/Ur ... Error.aspx>
VHA Public Health Strategic Health Care Group Home Page
http: // www.publichealth.va.gov/
VHI Guide to Gulf War VeteransAAcAAc,AA!(tm) Health
http://www1.va.gov/vhi_ind_study/gulfwa ... /index.asp
Vocational Rehabilitation http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/
Vocational Rehabilitation Subsistence
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/InterSubsistencefy04.doc
VONAPP online http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp
WARMS - 38 CFR Book C http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookc.html
Wartime Disability Compensation
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin ... +38USC1110
War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center -
New Jersey http://www.wri.med.va.gov/

Welcome to the GI Bill Web Site http://www.gibill.va.gov/
What VA Social Workers Do http://www1.va.gov/socialwork/page.cfm?pg=3
WRIISC Patient Eligibility http://www.illegion.org/va1.html 

Hearings
http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21 ... 1/ch04.doc
Homeless Veterans http://www1.va.gov/homeless/
HSR&D Home http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov
Index to Disability Examination Worksheets C&P exams
 http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/exams/index.htm
Ionizing Radiation http://www1.va.gov/irad/

Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom Veterans VBA http://www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/
M 10 for spouses and children <
http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/View ... pub_ID=1007
M10 Part III Change 1 http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/view...pub_id=1008
M21-1 Table of Contents http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/M21_1.html
Mental Disorders, Schedule of Ratings
http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/ ... S4_130.DOC
Mental Health Program Guidelin es
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/View ... pub_ID=1094
Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers
http://www.mirecc.med.va.gov/
MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Centers of Excellence http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
My Health e Vet http://www.myhealth.va.gov/
NASDVA.COM http://nasdva.com
National Association of State Directors http://www.nasdva.com/
National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
http://www.nchpdp.med.va.gov/postdeploymentlinks.asp
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders,
Schedule of Ratings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38cfr/ ... 5F124a.doc
OMI (Office of Medical Inspector) http://www.omi.cio.med.va.gov/
Online VA Form 10-10EZ https://www.1010ez..med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/
Parkinson's Disease and Related Neurodegenerative Disorders
http://www1.va.gov/resdev/funding/solic ... insons.pdf
and, http://www1.va.gov/padrecc/
Peacetime Disability Compensation
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin ... +38USC1131
Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability or Death
http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title3 ... teri_.html
and,http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapterii_.html
and, http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title3 ... riii_.html
Persian Gulf Registry http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/View ... pub_ID=1003

This program is now referred to as Gulf War Registry Program
(to include Operation Iraqi Freedom) as of March 7, 2005:
http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/View ... pub_ID=1232
Persian Gulf Registry Referral Centers
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/View ... pub_ID=1006
Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Research 1999, Annual Report To Congress
http://www1.va.gov/resdev/1999_Gulf_War ... ndices.doc
Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Research 2002, Annual Report To Congress
http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/gulf_war_ ... rRpt02.pdf
Phase I PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/View ... pub_ID=1004
Phase II PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/View ... pub_ID=1005
Policy Manual Index http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/eds/edsmps.htm
Power of Attorney http://www.warms.vba..va.gov/admin21/m2 ... 1/ch03.doc 
Project 112 (Including Project SHAD) http://www1.va.gov/shad/
Prosthetics Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/View ... pub_ID=337
Public Health and Environmental Hazards Home Page
http://www.vethealth.cio.med.va.gov/
Public Health/SARS http://www..publichealth.va.gov/SARS/
Publications Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/publ ... .cfm?Pub=4
Publications and Reports http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/pubs_indi ... lf_war.htm
Records Center and Vault Homepage http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/default.html
Records Center and Vault Site Map http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/sitemap.html
REQUEST FOR AND CONSENT TO RELEASE OF INFORMATION FROM CLAIMANT'S RECORDS
 http://www.forms.va.gov/va/Internet/VAR ... 8-form.xft
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses
April 11, 2002 http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Minute ... 112002.doc
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses
http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Report ... s_2004.pdf
Research and Development http://www.appc1.va.gov/resdev/programs ... programs.cfm
Survivor's and Dependents' Educational Assistance
http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title3 ... er35_.html
Title 38 Index Parts 0-17
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/te ... rv1_02.tpl
Part 18
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/te ... rv2_02.tpl
Title 38 Part 3 Adjudication Subpart AAAcAAc,AA!"Pension,
Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/te ... ain_02.tpl
Title 38 Pensions, Bonuses & Veterans Relief
(also AAE,AA 3.317 Compensation for certain disabilities due to undiagnosed
illnesses found here)
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/te ... ain_02.tpl
Title 38 PART 4--SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES Subpart B--DISABILITY RATINGS
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/te ... .2&idno=38
Title 38 AAE,AA 4.16 Total disability ratings for compensation based on
unemployability of the individual.
PART 4AAcAAc,AA!"SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES
Subpart AAAcAAc,AA!"General Policy in Rating 
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/te ... 11&idno=38
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims http://www.vetapp.gov/
VA Best Practice Manual for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
http://www.avapl.org/pub/PTSD%20Manual%20final%206.pdf
VA Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/gwfs.html
VA Health Care Eligibility http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/home/hecmain.asp
VA INSTITUTING GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTION (GAF)
http://www.avapl.org/gaf/gaf.html
VA Life Insurance Handbook AAcAAc,AA!" Chapter 3
http://www.insurance.va.gov/inForceGliS ... h3.htm#310
VA Loan Lending Limits and Jumbo Loans http://valoans.com/va_facts_limits.cfm
VA MS Research http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
VA National Hepatitis C Program http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/
VA Office of Research and Development http://www1.va.gov/resdev/
VA Trainee Pocket Card on Gulf War http://www.va.gov/OAA/pocketcard/gulfwar.asp
VA WMD EMSHG http://www1.va.gov/emshg/
VA WRIISC-DC http://www.va.gov/WRIISC-DC/

VAOIG Hotline Telephone Number and Address
http://www.va..gov/oig/hotline/hotline3.htm
Vet Center Eligibility - Readjustment Counseling Service
http://www.va.gov/rcs/Eligibility.htm

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

President Obama Signs Veterans Health Bill

President Obama today signed into law The Veterans Health Care, Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009. This legislation contained something the Veterans Administration and several Veterans Service Organizations had long asked for secure and advanced budget appropriations for the VA Health Care.

This is a momentous day for our countries veterans and the Veterans Affairs, but more importantly for our nations veterans. In the last 23 years, 20 times the VA had to wait for
budget approval, thus creating delays and hardships for veterans receiving health care from the
VA.

The VA will now be funded a year in advance and will be able to more carefully plan how to use
the funds. No longer will the VA have to wait and wonder and worry. This advanced knowledge
will help eliminate problems in providing the high quality care that the VA provides to our veterans who so richly deserve

As President Obama signed the bill which was observed by Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Eric K. Shineseki, members of Congress who played key roles in the passage of the legislation.
Also in attendance were representatives of the American Legion and several other VSO's.
The President made brief comments saying this was a promise fulfilled.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"

Is the Obama Healthcare good for veterans?

Things are not quite fixed yet. The Obama Healthcare might still tax veterans using VA Healthcare from The Hill.


http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/vets-groups-concerns-on-healthcare-soothed-2009-08-03.html

Vets groups’ concerns on healthcare soothed

By Roxana Tiron

Posted: 08/03/09 08:12 PM [ET]

A leading veterans group said on Monday its concerns that healthcare reform would jeopardize the care of millions of veterans have been partly alleviated. But one sticking point remains: ensuring that veterans who are participating in the Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system would not be subject to a tax for uninsured or underinsured individuals. Until that issue is fixed “our concerns are not fully resolved,” said Raymond Dempsey, the National Commander of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). DAV was among six high-profile veterans groups that sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) last week expressing “grave concerns” over the House healthcare reform bill and warning that they would actively oppose it if several changes were not made. Rep. Steve Buyer (R-Ind.), the ranking member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, successfully offered several amendments that took care of most concerns: ensuring that veterans receiving VA healthcare could also enroll for additional health insurance and that the VA secretary would retain full authority to operate the VA healthcare system without interference from any new organizations or agencies established by the legislation. Buyer also offered an amendment aimed at ensuring that veterans in the VA healthcare system would not be subject to a tax for uninsured or underinsured individuals. While the amendment was withdrawn, Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) said that he would allow Buyer to offer the amendment when the bill is considered on the House floor later this year. Buyer’s “amendments and bipartisan support from Chairman Waxman are big steps in the right direction,” Dempsey said in a statement. “The DAV will continue to do more analysis of this voluminous bill, not to mention future versions, before we can have true assurance that veterans are protected. “But for now, we are pleased lawmakers are willing to make the fixes necessary to protect those who sacrificed to protect us.” Jerald Terwilliger National Vice Chairman American Cold War Veterans, Inc. "We Remember"