AmVets Hawaii Welcomes Our New Legislative Director and Editor Brooks Outland

 

  

FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE

AmVets Hawaii is proud to announce our new Legislative Director 

and Writer/Editor of our AmVets 

Hawaii Newsletter, Brooks Outland.



 

Military BIOGRAPHY

BROOKS W. OUTLAND YNCS(SW)

Served as a Fire Controlman Trainee (FCSN) aboard the USS Missouri (BB-63) during that ship’s first combat deployment to Korea in 1950.   General Quarters station during combat operations as Telephone Talker/Assistant Director Operator for a quad-40mm anti-aircraft gun emplacement (fantail, port side).  Qualified to take over any gun crew position should they become incapacitated. Awarded Combat Action Ribbon, Korea Service Medal with two Battle Stars, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Korea War Service Medal (1950/1952)

Served as a Yeoman Trainee (YNSN) with Commander Service Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet (COMSERVLANT) in Norfolk, VA (1952/1954).  Advanced to YN3 in April 1952.

Broken Service (1954/57)

Served aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) as Petty Officer-in-Charge of Administration – Operations Office.  Responsible for the 24-hour operation of the office by two enlisted crews.  (1957/1959).  Advanced again to YN3 in May 1958.

Student at the Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) Training School, Little Creek, VA (1959/1960).  Did not complete training due to previous spinal injury (Korea).  Advanced to YN2 in June 1959.

Served with Enlisted Personnel Distribution Office, Atlantic (EPDOLANT) in Norfolk, VA as Assistant to the Chief Petty Officer-in-Charge of the Command Mail Room and Central Files.  (1960/1962).  Advanced to YN1 in November 1961.

Served with Commander Striking Fleet Atlantic Representative in Europe (COMSTRIKFLTLANTREPEUR) at NATO Headquarters in Paris, France as principle assistant to the Representative (Captain C. K. Ruiz, USN).  One of two individuals assigned to this activity.  Responsible for all functions of the activity in the absence of the Representative.  (1962/1964)

Served with Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic (SACLANT) at NATO Allied Command Atlantic in Norfolk, VA as Supervisor of Command Typing Pool.  Responsible for editing all outgoing correspondence originated in the command. (1964/1966)

Served with Military Assistance Command Vietnam, Studies & Observations Group (MACV/SOG) in South Vietnam, as Assistant Top Secret (SPECAT) Control Officer.  SOG was formerly more accurately titled as Special Operations Group.  Recommended for the Meritorious Service Medal (awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation with Palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal).  (1966/67)

Served with Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic, Representative in Europe (SACLANTREPEUR) at NATO Headquarters in Paris, France and later in Brussels, Belgium as Writer and Administrative Assistant to the Representative (Rear Admiral, Royal Navy succeeded by Rear Admiral Netherlands Navy).  Recommended for the Meritorious Service Medal (awarded the Navy Commendation Medal).  (1967/1970).  Advanced to YNC in April 1968.

Served with Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic (SACLANT) at NATO Allied Command Atlantic in Norfolk, VA as Writer and Administrative Assistant to Chief of Staff for Plans & Operations (Rear Admiral, USN).  Awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal (2^nd Award).  (1970/71).  Advanced to YNCS in November 1971.

Served as Personal Aide and Writer for Rear Admiral Dean L. Axene,  Deputy Chief of Naval Education and Training (CNET), in Pensacola, FL.   The first and only Enlisted Flag Officer Personal Aide in the U.S. Navy at that time.  Authorized to wear the Aiguillettes that identifies an Aide for a two-star Admiral.   Awarded the Navy Commendation Medal (2^nd Award).  (1971/73)

Retired from U.S. Navy as Senior Chief Yeoman (YNCS) on 1 Nov 1973 (20 years, 5 months, 21 days)

Served in U.S. Government Civil Service as Manpower Analyst, (GS-11) at CNET, Pensacola, FL.  Responsible for projecting total numbers of students and support personnel for all U.S. Navy training commands, for use in the Navy’s annual five-year budget projections.  (1973/1976)

Served as a partner in an all-volunteer group of four 100% disabled military retirees (CRLegislation.com) later Veterans Political Action Committee (VETSPAC).  The group was instrumental in getting legislation passed which now permits disabled veterans with VA disability ratings of 50% or higher to receive their earned retirement pay and their awarded VA disability compensation, concurrently.

Realizing that the state of Hawaii does not provide some of the benefits provided by other states, convinced Hawaii Senator Maile Shimabukuro to submit legislation which would provide certain disabled veterans an exemption of the annual vehicle tax.  That bill is SB 539.

 

Nearly 15,000 Hawai‘i DOD Employees Began Furloughs

Nearly 15,000 Hawai‘i DOD employees began furloughs. That’s a 20% paycut over 3 months.

Navy officials in Hawaii said they have 10,890 civilian employees, but 4,500 of those people who work at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Facility won’t be affected.

Approximately 1,680 Air Force civilians in Hawaii will be impacted by the furloughs, Capt. Robert Howard said in an email.

Marine Corps Base Hawaii officials said 510 employees there will be furloughed. And according to the Army, more than 850 U.S. Army Hawaii Garrison civilian employees may be furloughed. The Army figures don’t include numbers for the Tripler Army Medical Center, U.S. Army Pacific Command and some other Army commands.

The branches of the military said the furloughs will affect all sorts of employees including accountants, human resources personnel, contracting specialists, plumbers and electricians.

American Forces Press Service reported that the furlough notices started going out Tuesday, 9 July 2013.

AMVETS CALL OF DUTY ENDOWMENT CAREER CENTER IN HONOLULU, HAWAII ANNOUNCES VETERANS UNEMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE

                                                                                 AMVETS NEWS  

                                AMVETS National Headquarters, 4647 Forbes Blvd., Lanham, Md. 20706

Media contacts:  Jay Agg, jagg@amvets.org, (571) 991-6998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AMVETS CALL OF DUTY ENDOWMENT CAREER CENTER IN HONOLULU, HAWAII ANNOUNCES VETERANS UNEMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE

Center seeks to address 20% unemployment rate among veterans aged 18-24.

Honolulu, HI, June 18, 2013 — Today Honolulu Call of Duty Endowment Career Center Team Leader Donovan Lazarus announced a new initiative to combat unemployment among veterans, especially those between the ages of 18 and 24.

“We will be providing workshops, resume writing advice, and interview techniques,” said Lazarus. “Most importantly, we want to make lasting relationships with these men and women.”

While unemployment among veterans dropped 1.3 percent during the past year to 7.0 percent, unemployment among veterans aged 18-24 remains at 20.4 percent. AMVETS National Commander Cleve Geer believes the centers are uniquely suited to address today’s veteran unemployment crisis.

“AMVETS Call of Duty Endowment Career Centers are on the cutting edge of providing our men and women in uniform with the employment assistance they deserve,” said Geer. “Our centers partner with veteran-friendly businesses to help service members find lasting, meaningful employment and ultimately make a smooth transition back into civilian life.”

The Honolulu center is one of 17 Endowment Career Centers nationwide. Each center provides free training and employment assistance to veterans, active service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their spouses.  Center volunteers offer an array of services including career assessments, help obtaining licensing, resume writing and interview tips, and job search assistance and support. Lazarus is proud to be part of an initiative that offers veterans so many employment services.

“We are proud to help veterans get a foot in the door with businesses so they can get a job,” said Lazarus. “Additionally, we have a wide range of resources and techniques to draw on to help veterans improve their employment opportunities as well. Most importantly, we are lucky to have a talented and industrious group of volunteers ready to help veterans obtain gainful employment.”    

To contact the Honolulu career center, email career@amvets-hawaii.org. For more information about AMVETS Call of Duty Endowment Career Centers visit www.amvets.org/careercenter/ or call 1-877-726-8387.

About AMVETS:  

A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.amvets.org.

                                                  ###

Vet­er­ans of For­eign Wars and National Guard Asso­ci­a­tion of the US endorse AMVETS Anti-Discrimination Ini­tia­tive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vet­er­ans of For­eign Wars and National Guard Asso­ci­a­tion of the US endorse AMVETS Anti-Discrimination Ini­tia­tive to pro­tect vet­er­ans in hous­ing and employment

WASHINGTON, DC, June 24, 2013—Today AMVETS National Com­man­der Cleve Geer announced two major vet­er­ans ser­vice orga­ni­za­tions have endorsed the Amer­i­can Vet­er­ans Anti-Discrimination ini­tia­tive, a national leg­isla­tive effort to pro­tect vet­er­ans from unfair treat­ment in employ­ment, hous­ing and all areas of pub­lic life.

Cur­rently, Sen­a­tor Richard Blu­men­thal (D-CT) and Rep­re­sen­ta­tive Derek Kilmer (D-WA6) are in dis­cus­sions with AMVETS about prospec­tive vet­eran anti-discrimination bills for the Sen­ate and House of Rep­re­sen­ta­tives (respec­tively). Geer antic­i­pates the sup­port from the 1.4 mil­lion member-strong VFW andNGAUS, the nation’s old­est orga­ni­za­tion lob­by­ing on behalf of the National Guard, will cre­ate momen­tum for AMVETS’ Anti-Discrimination Initiative.

“The Amer­i­can Vet­eran Anti-Discrimination Ini­tia­tive is an impor­tant leg­isla­tive pri­or­ity for AMVETS and our com­mu­nity,” said Geer. “The added sup­port of VFW and NGAUS gives us the momen­tum we need for action on Capi­tol Hill and to pro­tect our tran­si­tion­ing veterans.”

“The value of mil­i­tary ser­vice has eroded to the point that being a vet­eran is seen as a lia­bil­ity to many employ­ers,” said VFW Exec­u­tive Direc­tor Bob Wal­lace. “That is why the VFW sup­ports AMVETS in their effort to pro­tect vet­er­ans from employ­ment discrimination.”

“NGAUS strongly sup­ports this AMVETS effort,” said Maj. Gen. Gus L. Har­gett, Jr., (Ret.) pres­i­dent of the National Guard Asso­ci­a­tion of the United States. “Lead­er­ship and tech­ni­cal expe­ri­ence gained from mil­i­tary ser­vices can bring great value to the civil­ian work­place. Our vet­er­ans deserve full and fair con­sid­er­a­tion for employ­ment oppor­tu­ni­ties as they arise.”

The Amer­i­can Vet­er­ans Anti-Discrimination Ini­tia­tive will: raise aware­ness among employ­ers of vet­er­ans and vet­er­ans’ issues; give vet­er­ans expe­ri­enc­ing employ­ment and hous­ing dis­crim­i­na­tion legal recourse to pur­sue their claims; ensure that an individual’s mil­i­tary or vet­eran sta­tus will not be used against them in seek­ing employ­ment, hous­ing, or edu­ca­tional oppor­tu­ni­ties. No one who has served and sac­ri­ficed for this coun­try should be penal­ized for it.

For more infor­ma­tion about the Amer­i­can Vet­er­ans Anti-Discrimination Ini­tia­tive, visitwww.amvets.org/legislative.

About AMVETS:
A leader since 1944 in pre­serv­ing the free­doms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS pro­vides sup­port for vet­er­ans and the active mil­i­tary in procur­ing their earned enti­tle­ments, as well as com­mu­nity ser­vice and leg­isla­tive reform that enhances the qual­ity of life for this nation’s cit­i­zens and vet­er­ans alike.AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered vet­er­ans’ ser­vice orga­ni­za­tions in the United States, and includes mem­bers from each branch of the mil­i­tary, includ­ing the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.amvets.org.

Interviewing Techniques Workshop

For widest dissemination,

Interviewing Techniques Workshop

When: Mon, June 24, 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Where: Small Room, Oahu Veteran Center

(map<http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=Small+Room+>)


***For Servicemembers, Veterans and Spouses, at no cost*** 

Seating is limited to the first 25 people.

To register or for additional information and directions,

Contact AMVETS Hawaii Education Officer Mr. Ric Mesa at:
ric@amvets-hawaii.org or 808-397-3131.


AMVETS Veterans Career Center
Oahu Veterans Center
1298 Kukila Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96818
Phone: (808) 888-6075

Resume Writing Workshop

For widest dissemination,

Resume Writing Workshop

When: Thu, June 20, 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Where: Small Meeting Room, Oahu Veteran Center

(map<http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=Small+Meeting+Room>)

***For Servicemembers, Veterans and Spouses, at no cost*** 

Seating is limited to the first 25 people.

To register or for additional information and directions,

Contact AMVETS Hawaii Education Officer Mr. Ric Mesa at:
ric@amvets-hawaii.org or 808-397-3131.


AMVETS Veterans Career Center
Oahu Veterans Center
1298 Kukila Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96818
Phone: (808) 888-6075

University of Phoenix and AMVETS Offer Scholarships

An AMVETS Hawaii Bulletin for widest dissemination-

University of Phoenix and AMVETS Offer Scholarships:

University of Phoenix and AMVETS, a vocal advocate for veterans' education, are awarding $350,000 via 50 $7,000 scholarships to active duty service members, veterans and eligible family members to pursue a degree from University of Phoenix.

AMVETS has partnered with University of Phoenix since 2007, offering more than 225 scholarships to eligible veterans and family members.

Applications for the 2012 University of Phoenix AMVETS Scholarship are being accepted May 22, 2012, through August 21, 2012, and scholarship recipients will be notified by Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2012.

For more information on how to apply for the 2012 University of Phoenix AMVETS Scholarships, please visit

http://www.phoenix.edu/tuition_and_financial_options/scholarships/amvets-scholarship.html

or contact the AMVETS-Hawaii Education Officer at (808) 397-3131 or email at

ric@amvets-hawaii.org<mailto:ric@amvets-hawaii.org>.

Mahalo and Aloha!

Alert 13-6: Veteran Anti-Discrimination Initiative

Alert 13-6: Veteran Anti-Discrimination Initiative

 

The AMVETS membership approved a resolution at last year’s annual convention instructing HQ to do everything possible to eliminate all forms of veteran discrimination.  Since then, much time and effort has gone into pursuing this issue, including countless Hill visits and meetings with our colleagues in the veteran/military service organization community.

 

While we haven’t made much headway in garnering support for our initiative within the veterans/military community, we do have draft language for bills to be introduced in both the House and the Senate.  AMVETS is extremely grateful to both Rep. Kilmer (D-6^th/WA) and Sen. Blumenthal (D-CT) for taking the lead on ending the problem of veteran discrimination.

 

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the introduction of our legislation has been delayed.  We need each of you to help increase sponsorship of our legislation so our bills can be introduced sooner rather than later.

 

We’ve done the hard part for you; to do your part, simply click on ‘Take Action’ and you’ll be directed to our advocacy site where you’ll find a fully-editable, pre-written letter that you can print/mail or email to your elected officials.

 

 

Cheers,

 

Diane M. Zumatto

National Legislative Director

Hiring Our Heroes – April 27th Career Fair

Join AMVETS Veterans Career Center & Partners!

Hiring Our Heroes has launched an online partnership with Military.com to complement our
face to face hiring fair efforts across the country. Veterans can get help writing resumes and
interview tips; translating military skills, experience, and training into related civilian careers;
and finding current lists of employment opportunities with military-friendly employers.

Saturday, April 27, 2013
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Registration starts at 8:30 am
Hawaii Campus
745 Fort St., Ste. 2000
Honolulu, HI 96813

Refreshments will be served. Complimentary for veterans, active duty servicemembers and
their families, University of Phoenix students and alumni — invite your friends!


*** EMPLOYERS WILL CONDUCT ON-SITE INTERVIEWS AND ON THE SPOT HIRES***

Don't miss out!

For more information on Start Strong, click here.
http://www.uschamber.com/hiringourheroes/honolulu-hi2

Honolulu, HI | U.S. Chamber of Commerce

www.uschamber.com

Preparing for a successful career requires professional planning and guidance. 

News Release For AMVETS Hawaii, Post 1 Veterans Career Center

AMVETS National Commander Cleve Geer urge the President and Congress to reconsider the VA Budget

AMVETS National Headquarters

“I am deeply concerned that the President’s budget falls far short of meeting the needs of VA and the veterans it serves, especially in the area of new construction and maintenance for VA's medical facilities,” said AMVETS National Commander Cleve Geer. “I urge the President to take another look at The Independent Budget and to match the IB recommendations that will guarantee the sufficient, timely and predictable funding needed to care for our veterans.”

Veterans Groups Say President’s Budget Falls Short
Authors of Annual ‘Independent Budget’ Urge the Administration and Congress to Reconsider its recommendations

WASHINGTON -- Four of the nation’s leading veterans service organizations—AMVETS (American Veterans), DAV (Disabled American Veterans), Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans), and Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), are expressing their concerns with the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2014, for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The groups, also authors of The Independent Budget (IB), a comprehensive budget and policy document, are urging the Administration and Congress to reconsider the recommendations outlined in the IB—which calls for $68.4 billion to sufficiently meet veterans’ health care and benefits needs. The President’s budget proposal comes in just under $2 billion short of that, proposing just $66.5 billion for VA.

While the veterans organizations were pleased to see that the Administration has increased funding for areas such as the operations of the Veterans Benefits Administration, and for Information Technology, they expressed serious concerns with the reduction of funding particularly for Major Construction, where the Administration proposed just $342 million, drastically under the $1.1 billion recommended in the IB. Also a concern is the Administration’s fiscal year 2015 advance appropriation request which is approximately $2.8 billion less than the IB recommendation of $61.6 billion.

The Independent Budget recommends $58.8 billion total for health care for FY 2014, $611 million for medical and prosthetic research, and $2.25 billion for all construction programs.

The President’s budget proposes $54.6 billion for health care, $586 million for medical and prosthetic research, and just $799 million for all construction programs.

The groups also note that while it is not spelled out in the VA portion of the budget, the President's proposal applies the chained CPI for determining cost-of-living-adjustments for VA Compensation Benefits and Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC), as well as Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance for Social Security. The only programs exempt are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and VA Pension for low income individuals. These changes would affect millions of veterans and mean real sacrifice for those who live on fixed incomes and rely on these programs to meet basic expenses, attain quality of life and build a better future for themselves and those who depend on them.

All of the veterans groups expressed some concern with the budget’s shortcomings.
“I am deeply concerned that the President’s budget falls far short of meeting the needs of VA and the veterans it serves, especially in the area of new construction and maintenance for VA's medical facilities,” said AMVETS National Commander Cleve Geer. “I urge the President to take another look at The Independent Budget and to match the IB recommendations that will guarantee the sufficient, timely and predictable funding needed to care for our veterans.”

“The President’s budget proposal contains some positive aspects, particularly the continuing commitment to fixing VA’s broken claims process by converting to a modern, paperless IT system,” said DAV National Commander Larry A. Polzin. “While we also applaud efforts to bolster programs for women veterans, homeless veterans and mental health care, the overall direction of funding for medical services and health care infrastructure raises serious questions about whether VA will be able to meet the needs of America’s wounded heroes in the future.”
“While we are pleased that the President’s budget proposal calls for increases in some areas, we are still very concerned with the overall budget proposal,” said Bill Lawson, national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America. “Funding cuts to VA will have an enormous impact on the lives of veterans and their families, and we urge the Administration and Congress to strongly reconsider its budget proposal and fully implement the recommendations of this year’s Independent Budget.”

“The VFW is pleased that the Administration continues to make veterans’ programs a national priority and we appreciate that the President understands that our nation has a solemn obligation to care for our wounded, ill and injured veterans after they come home from war,” said John E. Hamilton, commander-in-chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. “The Independent Budget partners are happy to see this year’s proposed increases in funding for veterans’ programs, but we remain concerned that VA will not be able to adequately improve on their services to veterans without properly investing in major infrastructure improvements. VA must have efficient facilities in order to provide a continuum of quality care.”

In its 27th year, The Independent Budget is an annual comprehensive budget and policy document, written by veterans for veterans detailing funding requirements for VA. The Independent Budget aims to present a full picture of veterans’ needs—and how government can meet these needs.

The full recommendations of The Independent Budget can be viewed at www.independentbudget.org.

AMVETS National Commander Cleve Geer wrote in response to Bill McClellan's column

THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

Cut Military Funerals?

The following is a letter that AMVETS National Commander Cleve Geer wrote in response to Bill McClellan's column, which focused on cutting military funeral honors in order for the government to save money. To read his column, visit: http://bit.ly/10iU4Ar.

I am outraged and disappointed in the opinions expressed in your column that calls for the end of military funeral honors. As the leader of AMVETS, a Congressionally chartered veterans service organization, it is appalling that you suggest cutting funeral honors for military personnel in order for both the federal and state governments to save money.

Only 1 percent of Americans currently serve in the military and less than 7 percent of Americans are veterans.  For you to state that “most veterans did nothing heroic” is absurd. The mere fact that these men and women served in the Armed Forces proves that they are willing to sacrifice time, blood and their very lives for people like you, who they have never met. This in itself is heroic. Our veterans are the role models that children should be looking up to in today’s society. They have exhibited courage, whether behind a desk or in the midst of enemy fire; show that dedication to one’s country is more than demanding the government hand out benefits; and do not complain when the country turns their back and ignores their service, as with Vietnam veterans.

In fact, funeral honors for veterans should be protected in the coming days of spending reductions. Veterans have shed blood and sweat so that we may live in a free and prosperous country. To deny them the honor of being buried and celebrated because you believe they are not heroes shows just how unappreciated military service has become in our country.

Considering how little veterans ask for in return for their service, the least Americans and our government can do is provide them with a proper and honorable burial.

Veterans Supporting Veterans,

Cleve Geer
AMVETS National Commander

AMVETS Career Center in Hawaii

Great news!

We will be opening our first AMVETS Career Center on Oahu, Hawaii:

 

The goal of AMVETS Career Centers is to help veterans and service members succeed in their chosen careers. We provide access to a full range of career, training, and employment services.

 

Help us spread the word!

 

AMVETS Career Center Grand Opening in on Saturday, 20 April 2013 from 0900 – 1300 hours. [Days/Hours of operations thereafter: Mondays - Saturdays (0900 - 1300 hours)].

Location:  Oahu Veterans Center, 1298 Kukila Steet, Honolulu, HI 96818

 

The goal of AMVETS Career Centers is to help veterans and service members succeed in their chosen careers. We provide access to a full range of career, training, and employment services.

For more information, email us at career@amvets-hawaii.org and/or email Commander Donovan Lazarus at donovan@amvets-hawaii.org.

ALSO, learn more about Oahu Veterans Center by visiting their website at: www.oahuveteranscenter.com

Mahalo and Aloha!

Veteran Benefits Threatened by Proposed Measure

Alert #13-2: Veteran Benefits Threatened by Proposed Measure 22 March 2013 Dear AMVETS, Some veterans and those receiving social security are in danger of having their benefits cut thanks to a proposal for a new inflation index – the chained CPI. The chained CPI would be used in setting the annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) for those receiving veteran’s and/or social security benefits. There is much contention in Washington, D.C. over this measure’s attempt to reduce the deficit on the backs of our most vulnerable citizens.   Fortunately Sen. Bernie Sanders has introduced Senate Amendment (SA) 0198 to stop the implementation of the chained CPI in determining future COLAs.   To do your part, simply click on the ‘Take Action’ button below. You’ll be directed to our advocacy site where you’ll find a fully-editable, pre-written that you can mail or email to your senators asking for their support.   Cheers, Diane M. Zumatto National Legislative Director

Veterans Hotline

IF YOU ARE A VETERAN IN EMOTIONAL CRISIS, CALL THIS TOLL-FREE NUMBER NOW

 
AVAILABLE 24/7. ALL CALLS ARE CONFIDENTIAL

21st century technology paves way for Ashford University graduates

21st century technology paves way for Ashford University graduates

CLINTON, IOWA (March 15, 2013) – South Dakota’s first secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, a global Fortune 100 company's top executive, and a Colorado chief of police have something in common – all three turned to Ashford University's 21st century online education model to advance their careers and become leaders in their fields.

The online model allows students to enhance their education with accessibility and flexibility. Ashford University uses innovative technology to provide online degree programs, with the mission of developing foundational leadership values, such as self-worth, creativity, interdependence, service, integrity and effectiveness.

The mission resonated with Larry Zimmerman, a top enlisted member of the South Dakota National Guard. He became the first official secretary of the state’s new Department of Veterans Affairs on Jan. 9, 2013, just two days after completing his bachelor’s degree in business and organizational management from Ashford University and, coincidentally, on his 59th birthday.

In his new leadership role, Zimmerman oversees more than 100 employees and leads the department responsible for ensuring South Dakota’s 70,000 veterans are receiving the right benefits and opportunities.

When asked what led him to pursue higher education after 29 years in the Army National Guard, Zimmerman said he aspired to set an example for his five grandchildren. “I had to show my grandkids the importance of an education,” he said. “Considering my extensive travel with the Army National Guard, I wouldn’t have been able to get a degree without the accessibility of online education. It worked for me and my career. Recently, I utilized my education to develop a mission statement and write a strategic plan for the new department.”

An assistant vice president within the Securities and Lending Division at JP Morgan Chase, Kaveen Benedict earned his Ashford University master's degree with an information systems specialization at the age of 36. The 2012 graduate was working full-time when he took online classes and credits the university with helping him keep a “healthy work-family-study balance.”

“Online education is the way of the future,” said Benedict. “I used new tools, such as the Ashford mobile app, to post assignments and discussions at any time and from any location. My education has given me the tools for managing larger teams and to fast forward my career.”

John Dyer, a seasoned law enforcement professional with 25 years of experience, earned a bachelor's degree in organizational management from Ashford. Soon after, he was promoted to chief of police in Rifle, Colo.

Like millions of working Americans, Dyer wanted to pursue higher education but was limited by choices. "I wouldn't have been able to make the move up to chief without the degree and would never have been able to fit coursework into my schedule without online education."

As a leader and mentor to his staff of 22, Dyer continually stresses the importance of education. "I tell sergeants and everyone I come in contact with – you have to think three steps ahead to achieve your goals."

Zimmerman’s, Benedict’s and Dyer's preference for online higher learning parallels a national trend. According to a recent national consumer poll by Penn Schoen Berland on behalf of Ashford University, more than 60 percent of adults between the ages of 35 and 48 say online degree programs provide a more realistic learning environment that mimics today’s work culture than traditional campus programs.

Technology makes it possible for students of all ages and backgrounds to advance their careers and become leaders in their fields.


About Ashford University
Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor’s degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University – where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Winet Rodriguez, vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

AMVETS National Commander Testified Before The US Senate

AMVETS National Commander Cleve Geer prepares to testify this morning before the Senate and House Committees on Veterans Affairs, delivering AMVETS legislative priorities directly to Congress on YOUR behalf.

Marine Commandant Sequestration Address

The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James F. Amos, released a White Letter addressing sequestration provisions that went into effect recently. Despite today's financial challenges, the Corps will remain the Nation's "911 Force," and continue to preserve the readiness of Marines and families as service members prepare for future missions.

AMVETS Blog Updates

Informational Alert #13 - 1

Newly Introduced Concurrent Receipt Legislation H.R. 303, H.R. 333, S234

This alert is related to AMVETS Resolution 13-21, which calls for enactment of legislation that would provide full and immediate concurrent receipt for all disabled military retirees.

Issue: Congress needs to fully eliminate the law that makes most disabled uniformed services retirees forfeit part or all of their military retired pay for VA disability compensation.

Background: For years, AMVETS has fought for legislation to provide relief from the antiquated law that requires a dollar-for-dollar offset of military retired pay for VA disability compensation. AMVETS wholeheartedly believes that retired pay is earned during a career of uniformed service, and VA disability compensation is recompense for pain, suffering and lost future earning power due to service-connected disabilities.

Since 2003 when Congress took the first, yet limited step towards eliminating this injustice for a small, yet significant, group of disabled retirees, steady incremental progress has continued to be made. Over the last six years, AMVETS has been involved in the battle which fully restored earned service-based retired pay for 100 percent disabled retirees with at least 20 years of service and all combat-disabled retirees without regard to length of service or percentage of combat-related disability.

Perhaps most importantly, AMVETS fought in the battle, which won a scheduled 10 year phase-out of the disability offset (to be completed by 2014) for retirees with 50 percent or higher-rated non-combat-related disabilities who have at least 20 years of service or were retired under the Temporary Early Retirement Authority of the 1990s.  

AMVETS has been and continues to be committed to ending the disability offset for all disabled retirees. AMVETS strongly believes in the precept that career military members earn their retired pay by service alone, and that those unfortunate enough to suffer a service-connected disability during their time in service should not have any VA disability compensation subtracted from their retirement pay.  AMVETS does not support any distinction between service members disabled for combat versus non-combat-related causes, since the impact on their quality of life and future earnings ability would be equivalent.

Key Bills/Status: Congressman Gus Bilirakis, R-S.C., has reintroduced H.R. 303, the Retired Pay Restoration Act, would expand concurrent receipt for all length of service retirees regardless of disability rating.

Congressman Sanford Bishop, D-Ga., has introduced H.R. 333, the Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act, which includes elements of H.R.303 and expands concurrent receipt to Chapter 61 retirees with less than 20 years of service.

Senator Harry Reid, D-Nev., recently introduced S 234which is a bill to permit certain retired members of the uniformed services who have a service-connected disability to receive both disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs for their disability and either retired pay by reason of their years of military service or Combat-Related Special Compensation, and for other purposes.

MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2013

VA Awards Grants to Improve Health Care Access for Women Veterans

Emergency Services, Provider Education and Telehealth in Rural Areas Targeted

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs recently awarded 33 grants to VA facilities for projects that will improve emergency health care services for women Veterans, expand women’s health education programs for VA staff, and offer telehealth programs to female Veterans in rural areas.

“Our goal is 100 percent accessibility for women Veterans who need our care,” said  Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “These new projects will improve access and quality of critical health care services for women.”

This is the largest number of one-year grants VA has ever awarded for enhancing women’s health services. The complete list of grant recipients is given below. VHA’s national Women’s Health Program Office, Office of Rural Health, and Office of Healthcare Transformation are jointly supporting the winning proposals.

Telehealth concepts that received grants involve tele-mental health, tele-gynecology, tele-pharmacy, and telephone maternity care coordination. The grant program is part of VA’s continuing effort to improve access and quality of care for the increasing number of women Veterans seeking care at VA.

“We are committed to providing individualized, sensitive care to women Veterans,” said VA Undersecretary for Health Robert A. Petzel. “These grant-funded projects enable VA to continue to enhance care for women Veterans and exceed patient expectations.”

Education grants will expand mini-residency training for VA providers and nurses in primary care and emergency services to include topics such as gynecology and early obstetrics emergencies, military sexual trauma, and performing breast and pelvic examinations. Grants will also be used to upgrade emergency services for women Veterans in several VA health care facilities through the purchase of new gender-specific equipment and supplies and the development of protocols to aid in the management of common conditions in women.

Women serve in every branch of the military, representing 15 percent of today’s active duty military and nearly 18 percent of National Guard and Reserve forces. By 2020, VA estimates women Veterans will constitute 10 percent of the Veteran population.

Visit www.va.gov/womenvet and www.womenshealth.va.gov to learn more about VA programs and services for women Veterans.
Grant Recipients by Topic/Location
Innovations in Emergency Services for Women

·       VA New York Harbor HCS/VISN 3
·       New Jersey HCS/VISN 3
·       Durham VAMC/VISN 6
·       Atlanta VAMC/VISN 7
·       New Mexico VAHCS/VISN 18
·       Salt Lake City VAHCS/VISN 19
·       Puget Sound VA HCS/VISN 20
·       Greater Los Angeles HCS/VISN 22


Women’s Health and Specialty Care Mini-Residencies

·       VA New England HCS/VISN 1
·       New Jersey HCS/VISN 3
·       New Jersey HCS/VISN 3
·       Pittsburgh HCS/VISN 4
·       Maryland HCS/VISN 5
·       Atlanta/VISN 7
·       Tampa/VISN 8
·       VA Great Lakes HCS/ VISN 12
·       VA Heartland/VISN 15
·       South Texas Veterans HCS/VISN 17
·       VA Southwest Health Care Network/VISN 18
·       Greater Los Angeles HCS/VISN 22
·       Minneapolis/VISN 23


Telehealth for Women Veterans

·       VA New Jersey HCS/VISN 3
·       VA Maryland HCS/VISN 5
·       VA Health Care System of Ohio/VISN 10
·       VA Illiana HCS/VISN 11
·       St. Louis VAMC/VISN 15
·       VA Eastern Kansas HCS/VISN 15
·       El Paso VA HCS/VISN 18
·       Northern Arizona VA Healthcare/VISN 18
·       Greater Los Angeles HCS/VISN 22
·       Minneapolis/VISN 23


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THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

Operation Desert Storm: 22 Years Later

Tensions rose on Aug. 2, 1990 as members of the Iraqi Republican Guard invaded Kuwait, immediately triggering a response from the United States. This response resulted in Operation Desert Shield and was a means to prevent Iraqi forces from invading Saudi Arabia. United Nations Security Resolutions 678, an ultimatum to Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, was issued on Jan. 15, 1991 and demanded that Iraqi forces withdraw from Kuwait immediately. The United States launched air attacks on Jan. 17, 1991 and commenced Operation Desert Storm.

“As we remember the events that occurred 22 years ago, AMVETS would like to thank all of the service members who were involved in Operation Desert Storm,” said AMVETS National Commander Cleve Geer. “At times we, as Americans, must defend the rights of others, and Operation Desert Storm ensured that tyranny did not prevail in the Middle East.”

Operation Desert Storm was an immense success under the supervision of Army Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, a Vietnam veteran. While the military operation was not as lengthy as today’s conflict in Afghanistan, service members and individuals in the National Guard and Reserve came forward to ensure the concept of freedom was preserved overseas.

“When service members from the Vietnam War returned to the United States, our country did a poor job of welcoming them home,” said AMVETS National Executive Director Stewart Hickey. “Operation Desert Storm was our nation’s opportunity to celebrate what our military does for people in other countries.” Hickey served in the Marine Corps during Operation Desert Storm and was in-country from Sept. 15, 1990 to March 22, 1991. He was a company commander for D Company, 3rd Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division.

Operation Desert Storm lasted until Feb. 28, 1991 when those involved declared a cessation of hostilities. Cease-fire terms were negotiated in Safwan, Iraq on March 1, 1991, with Iraq officially accepting the terms on April 6, 1991.

Photos: Top: President George H.W. Bush speaks during a welcoming ceremony for U.S. military personnel just returned from deployment in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm at Sumter, S.C., March 24, 1991. Photo by N. Miller.

Middle: U.S. Army Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf (center), commander in chief, U.S. Central Command, walks to the reviewing stand with President George H.W. Bush (left) at the beginning of the National Victory Celebration parade in Washington, D.C., June 8, 1991.  Photo courtesy of U.S. Army.

Bottom: President George Bush (center) speaks to the crowd at an air base while making one of several Thanksgiving Day visits to U.S. troops who are in Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield, Nov. 22, 1990. U.S. Navy photo by JO3 Gerald Johnson.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

ALCOA ASSISTS VETERANS DURING HOLIDAYS AND WITH MANUFACTURING CAREERS

 

ALCOA has joined several major manufacturers and the Manufacturing Institute, a non-profit branch of the National Association of Manufacturers, to bring thousands of veterans into manufacturing careers. 

According to an article in the Nov. 19, 2012 issue of the Air Force Times, “GE, ALCOA Inc., Boeing, and Lockheed/Martin have pooled resources to help 15,000 veterans transition to manufacturing careers, and the group hopes to bring that number up to 100,00 if more companies join the effort.”

The article goes on to read, “Kris Urbauer, GE’s program manager of veteran initiatives, said ‘separating veterans looking for work are returning to a job market with a desperate need for manufacturing workers, and the timing is perfect to marry those two together.  The opportunity to grow manufacturing in the U.S., with this great talent pool kind of leading the charge is, I think, the perfect confluence.’”

Mike Haynie, executive director and founder of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, added, “Some 600,000 manufacturing jobs in the U.S. are unfilled, and the average employee in the manufacturing industry is in his or her 50’s.  The industry will need 10 million or more new skilled workers by 2020.”

Manufacturing Training sites are scheduled to open in Durham and Raleigh in 2013.  Those interested should go to www.getskillstowork.org for detail information.

This has not gone unnoticed by our Badin Generating Facility in Badin, N.C.  They recently donated $1,000 to Pfeiffer University’s North Carolina AMVETS Career Center, a non-profit veterans service organization providing volunteer general counseling and education,career and job assistance to those who are or have honorably served in our U.S. military.

North Carolina’s AMVETS Career Center 1 is located in the Stokes Student Center on main campus of Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, N.C.  Volunteers can be contacted by calling 704-463-3026 or emailingAMVET@fsmail.pfeiffer.edu.

A check was presented to Gerry Pion, the Career Center’s Deputy Commander, by ALCOA’s Hydro Operations Manager Mark Gross during a special ceremony at the company’s Badin office.  

Nicole Wright, the company’s Foundation Coordinator, summed up the proceedings by saying, “We all owe a tremendous gratitude to the veterans who served America, and ALCOA is proud to help support veterans in our community and across North Carolina.  Our contribution to the AMVETS Career Center in Stanly County will help establish scholarships for the sons and daughters of military veterans and support the center's work with veterans seeking to join the local workforce."

Photo: Left to right, ALCOA Badin Facilities Hydro Operations Manager Mark Gross presents a check to North Carolina AMVETS Career Center 1 Deputy Commander Gerry Pion.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2013

Mission ReDefined: Encouraging veterans with physical disabilities to take on sports

Michael Johnston is a paratriathlete with hopes of competing in the sport’s Paralympic Games debut in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

But he is also part of another mission: He’s trying to encourage fellow veterans and members of the Armed Forces with physical disabilities to get involved in sports to help open doors to new activities, enrich their lives and get them moving forward.

The “Mission Redefined” campaign, a joint effort by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Paralympics, will release a 30-second public service announcement on Jan. 15 that features Johnston sprinting down a track.

Johnston says it’s a campaign he’s proud to be a part of, and believes it’s necessary to help disabled veterans see what’s possible.

“When they get out of the military, they don’t really know where to go,” he said. “They don’t know how to get reconnected with their community, with life, so sports are a great way of bridging that gap.”

* * *

Johnston knows firsthand about making the transition from being injured in the military to becoming an athlete.

In 2003, Johnston, then in the Navy, lost his left leg in a motorcycle accident. Yet he was able go through rehabilitation, learn to walk with a prosthesis and return to active duty.

His life had gone through a traumatic change, but by staying in the Navy for another seven years he was able to adjust while in a familiar environment.

“I was expected to do the same duties as everybody else and that I previously had been doing,” he said.

But it wasn’t easy.

“After I was injured, I wasn’t even 21 yet, so I had no idea who I was or what I wanted to achieve in my life and I had very little direction,” he recalled.

After going through rehabilitation and learning to use his prosthesis (his leg was amputated just below the knee), he began to challenge himself.

What were his limits? What could he do physically? He wanted to not only test himself but prove to others that assumptions of limitations were wrong.

“[It] gave me a drive and determination to break those perceptions, you know, that ‘This guy’s going to slow us down’ and whatnot, of physical limitations that people associate with a lot of amputees and disabilities in general,” he said.

Eventually, he got involved in sports through the Navy’s Operation Rebound program and also the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

In 2008, he began competing in paratriathlons, and he’s competed internationally for the U.S. Paratriathlon National Team. In 2011, he finished fourth at the ITU Paratriathlon World Championship in Beijing.

Becoming an athlete has helped Johnston redefine his own life.

Now he is trying to help others redefine theirs.

* * *

The PSA begins with Johnston at the starting line. At the sound of a starter’s pistol, Johnston bursts from the blocks.

As the camera captures him in full stride, the words “Passion,” “Power,” and then  “Strength” appear in place of his churning left leg, until “Strength” explodes and falls away, revealing Johnston’s racing prosthesis. As he sprints away, the words “Mission Redefined” appear on screen and a narrator says, “Redefine your mission. Find a sport, get involved.” The spot ends with the Mission ReDefined and U.S. Paralympics logos.

Viewers can then go to the Department of Veterans Affairs Adaptive Sports site (www.va.gov/adaptivesports) to find affiliated sports clubs around the nation in which they can get involved.

As Johnston reflects on the weeks and months after his injury in 2003, he believes the “Mission Redefined” campaign would have been inspirational.

“It would definitely move me and hopefully inspire me to get out and re-engage in sports and life again,” he said, recalling that he felt lost at the time.

The message with this campaign, he said, is that people and programs are out there to help veterans get moving, and being active — finding a sport or activity — is a terrific step. But the message, he said, is even simpler.

“The big push I have is just getting involved,” said Johnston, now living in San Diego. “Just getting off the couch and being reconnected.”

* * *

Christopher Nowak, VA’s director of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events, is in charge of the “Mission Redefined” campaign. Nowak, a Marine Corps veteran who lost his right leg while serving, started work on the campaign in 2011.

To Nowak, Mission Redefined has multiple meanings.

“One is the VA itself,” Nowak said. “We’re redefining our mission on how we deliver adaptive sports to veterans as well as sporting opportunities. And also we’re using the campaign for veterans. There’s an opportunity to redefine their mission in life. They’ve been through a traumatic injury and this is an opportunity for them to use sports to redefine their mission.”

The campaign’s name works, he said, because to men and women in the military, “everything is defined as a mission.”

“What we hope with this campaign is that veterans understand that after a traumatic injury life is not over. It may seem like it, they all go through it, as well as I did,” he said. “You go through a certain phase in your life after your injury. But something clicks in” to get them back on track, he said, and sports can be a giant part of that process.

This campaign, combined with the success and attention garnered by some of the military veterans competing at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, is providing a whole new layer of attention and information for veterans, Nowak said.

And working with the U.S. Olympic Committee as a partner, he said, has helped the VA “get out of the box” and push the message in the most effective way possible.

For Johnston, who was involved in filming the PSA— doing countless takes until 2 or 3 in the morning on a high school track north of Los Angeles — the joint VA/U.S. Paralympic campaign is worth every penny.

“Anybody that sees it will connect with it,” he said. “It breaks down all borders. It’s not just amputees, not just military. Everybody will connect with forward movement.”

Story courtesy Red Line Editorial, Inc. (http://www.redlineeditorial.com/) Doug Williams is a freelance contributor for teamusa.org. This story was not subject to the approval of any National Governing Bodies.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

OBAMA SIGNS OPEN BURN PIT LEGISLATION

Department of Veterans Affairs to develop new registry

LANHAM,Md., Jan. 11, 2013— On Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013, President Obama signed legislation requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a registry for service members who lived and worked near open burn pits in Iraq, Afghanistan and other overseas locations. This new measure will allow VA to track the number of military personnel and veterans who have been afflicted with conditions due to burn pits, as well as inform them of treatment options.

“This is a tremendous victory for veterans and AMVETS,” said AMVETS National Legislative Director Diane Zumatto. “AMVETS has continued to push for the Department of Veterans Affairs to create a burn pit registry and believes this legislation will allow service members and veterans to receive the care they deserve.”

AMVETS has focused on the problems associated with burn pits in overseas locations, and has promoted the topic as a legislative priority since 2011. At the 68th AMVETS National Convention in Daytona Beach, Fla., AMVETS leadership and members passed Resolution 13-32: Open Burn Pit Registry Act 2011. AMVETS requested that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki develop an open burn pit registry to address the members in the Armed Forces who have been exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes as a result of burn pits. In their many efforts to further progress on this issue, AMVETS’ National Legislative Department worked with Rep. W. Todd Akin, the creator of the Open Burn Pit Act, to develop legislation involving open burn pits.

“I want to thank the countless veterans and activists for veterans causes for supporting this legislation,” said Rep. Akin. “Without the support of veterans organizations, this legislation would not be moving forward.”

In addition to this measure, AMVETS continues to advocate for VA to develop a public information campaign that will inform eligible individuals about the registry, how to register and the benefits registering, as well as developments in the treatment of associated conditions.

“AMVETS is dedicated to advocating for continued improvement of VA health care benefits and services for all service members and veterans,” said AMVETS National Commander Cleve Geer. “By establishing an open burn pit registry, both President Obama and VA have taken a positive step toward assisting veterans who have been ignored, yet suffer from conditions associated with their service overseas in conjunction with open burn pits.”

To learn more about the open burn pit registry, visit:http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/index.asp

About AMVETS:     
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visitwww.amvets.org.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2013

AMVETS NATIONAL COMMANDER APPROVES DEFENSE SECRETARY NOMINATION

LANHAM, Md., Jan. 8, 2013—This afternoon, AMVETS National Commander Cleve Geer endorsed President Barack Obama’s nomination of Chuck Hagel as the next Secretary of Defense. Obama announced the nomination yesterday, Jan. 7, 2013.

“AMVETS fully supports President Obama’s nomination of Chuck Hagel for the future Secretary of Defense,” said Geer. “As a veterans service organization, AMVETS’ main mission is to serve as an advocate for veterans, their families and the community in which they live. I am confident that former Sen. Hagel will utilize his experience and understanding of America’s military to lead this nation’s troops and the Department of Defense.”

If confirmed by the Senate, Hagel will be first infantryman to serve as the Secretary of Defense. He will replace current Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, who has been in this position since 2011. Hagel’s experience ranges from serving in the Army during the Vietnam War to representing Nebraska as a senator. 

About AMVETS:
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more, visit:www.amvets.org.

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