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A Memorial Day Message From Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki


WASHINGTON (May 24, 2013) -- This weekend, Americans in large numbers will visit our national cemeteries and other final resting places to honor their loved ones, their friends, neighbors, colleagues, even some unknown to them—men and women who gave their lives in defense of our Nation.

Memorial Day is a time to reflect on their service and their sacrifice, even as our Armed Forces are performing difficult and dangerous missions in distant lands. They continue to safeguard our American way of life.

Memorial Day is set aside to honor the more than one million of our fellow citizens who have fallen in battle since the founding of our Republic. Their service helped to shape us as a Nation and secured, for us and our friends and allies, our security in a troubled world. Except for their service, we all would be facing different circumstances today.

During World War II, American forces literally helped to save the world from tyranny and oppression. Those who marched to the guns in the 1950’s saved a Nation. And the most devastating conflict in our history, the American Civil War, preserved a Union that would, within a hundred years, emerge as a world power, dedicated to preserving freedom and liberty.

Every generation has done its duty, just as today’s 1.37 million members of our Armed Forces are doing theirs under difficult circumstances.

On Memorial Day, their service in uniform stands in contrast to our ball games and backyard barbeques. Our defenders are ordinary Americans performing extraordinary deeds, bearing all the risks for our way of life. In remembering the Fallen, we honor the men and women who kept faith with our enduring principles of “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” We remember, as well, those who keep the faith today and honor their patriotism, valor, dedication, and loyalty.

A memorial written by Civil War-era orator, Robert Green Ingersoll, eloquently captures the significance of Memorial Day for all generations of our Fallen:

They died for liberty—they died for us. They are at rest.
They sleep in the land they made free, under the flag they rendered stainless. . . .
Earth may run red with other wars, but they are at peace.
In the midst of battles, in the roar of conflict, they found the serenity of death.

I join with all VA employees in honoring those who have been called to the Altar of Freedom, in offering prayers for them and their families, who sacrifice still today, and in asking for the Almighty’s continued blessings on this great Nation.


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GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF RETIRED ARMY COLONEL ERIC J. HESSE AS DIRECTOR OF DIVISION OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS


Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the appointment of retired U.S. Army Colonel Eric J. Hesse as the new Director of the New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs.

"Colonel Hesse has a long and distinguished record as an Army leader dedicated to improving the readiness of our military and serving our nation both overseas and here in New York State," Governor Cuomo said. "As Director of New York State's Division of Veterans' Affairs, he will continue his distinguished career of service by helping lead our state's efforts to ensure New York's veterans are receiving the support that they need."

Colonel Eric J. Hesse, USA, Retired, said, "I am honored to join Governor Cuomo's administration and help guide the state's efforts to ensure that New York takes care of veterans and their family members and provides our returning military service members with the support and benefits that they deserve. Since taking office, the Governor has worked to make New York State friendlier for veterans, including returning service members as they transition into civilian life and seek employment opportunities here in our state. I look forward to working in this administration on behalf of all our veterans."

Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York, said, "Colonel Hesse has been an outstanding Army officer, and his extensive experience with both the Active Duty military and the National Guard, along with his service in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo, helps him understand what veterans go through. I look forward to working with him on veterans' issues as part of Governor Cuomo's team."

Colonel Hesse retired from the Army last week after more than 26 years of service that included deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo.

Since July 2009, Colonel Hesse served as Command Inspector General of the New York Army and Air National Guard in Latham, New York where he was responsible for ensuring the readiness of an 18,000-member organization dispersed across New York State. His efforts focused on professional development and education programs as well as implementing a statewide inspection oversight effort aimed at improving military readiness.

Colonel Hesse previously served in numerous leadership positions culminating as Command Inspector General of the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) at Fort Drum, New York. The appointment is effective immediately.


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VA Expands Dates of Agent Orange Exposure in Korea from 1968-1969 to 1968-1971


Veterans who served along the demilitarized zone (DMZ) in Korea during the Vietnam War now have an easier path to access health care and benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) expanded the dates when illnesses associated with exposure to Agent Orange can be presumed related to their military service.

Previously, VA recognized exposure for service between April 1968 and July 1969. VA now presumes exposure for service between April 1, 1968, and August 31, 1971, if a Veteran served in a unit determined by VA and the Department of Defense to have operated in an area of the DMZ where Agent Orange or other herbicides were applied. The expanded dates took effect on February 24, 2011.

This presumption simplifies and speeds the application process for Veterans of the Korean DMZ. VA encourages Veterans who believe they have health problems related to Agent Orange to submit their applications for VA health care and disability compensation benefits.

To apply for health care benefits contact the nearest VA health care facility at 1-877-222-VETS (8387).

To file a claim for disability benefits, apply online at www.ebenefits.va.gov, or contact the nearest VA regional office at 1-800-827-1000.

Veterans who served along the Korean DMZ may also be eligible for a free Agent Orange Registry health evaluation.

Agent Orange Registry Health Evaluation for Eligible Veterans – Including Korea

VA started the Agent Orange Registry program in 1978 to respond to the health concerns of Vietnam Veterans. VA offers this evaluation to eligible Veterans free of charge. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to get a registry evaluation.

What does a registry evaluation provide?
A free, specialized health evaluation that includes a medical and military service history, and may include a physical exam and other evaluation as needed Answers to questions about environmental exposures Information about VA health care and other benefits

Who is eligible for an Agent Orange registry evaluation?
Vietnam Veterans, Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ) Veterans, Veterans from certain locations in Thailand, Veterans from other locations who were exposed during the spraying, testing, or transport of herbicides for military purposes

How do I get an appointment for a registry evaluation?
Talk to an Environmental Health Coordinator at any VA medical facility. Call 1-877-222- VETS (8387) to find the closest facility or visit www.va.gov/directory.

Source page info from: VA Health Care “Agent Orange Review” .pdf file. http://www.publichealth.va.gov/docs/agentorange/reviews/newsletter-winter2012.pdf


 

 

Legacies of War

Ric Davidge, Chairman, Govt Affairs Cmte 907 229 5328

 

Click on the image to the left to read the Legacies Of War in .pdf format.

 

At the Agent Orange & Other Toxic Exposure Cmte meeting and then again at the Govt Affairs Cmte meeting in Silver Spring last week we were presented with extraordinary documents that were once classified and now reveal the federal governments across agency effort to deny any causal relationship between the exposure to Agent Orange (at any level) with veteran illnesses, disabilities, and tragically the impact on the progeny of Vietnam Veterans.

 

Click Here to read the Zumwalt-agent-orange Document.

 

We would also like to have this shared with every State Director of Veterans Affairs so that each state is informed and activated. The medical costs of the disabilities of so many Vietnam Veterans and their progeny are an economic and social impact in every state. We hope that every State Legislature will take up this cause and pass state resolutions calling for Congress to act. These documents have been verified and confirmed by others who participated in this work. We are now on the hunt for additional documents and materials referenced in this report that are essential to our case.

 

If you have any questions regarding this material, please contact the VVA office and/or Herb Worthington/Chairman of the Agent Orange and Other Toxic Exposures national cmte for VVA. He is and will remain the point man on this mission. We now have DRAFT legislation that we are finalizing that will go to our champions on the Hill. Once that is ready we will again send this out to every Vietnam Veteran and their families and ask them to immediately contact their members of Congress and insist it be passed and fully implemented.
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National Deployment of Paperless Claims Processing System Underway


WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today the nationwide transition to paperless processing of Veterans’ disability claims at its regional benefits processing offices is underway. VA is aggressively building a strong foundation for its new electronic claims processing system, called Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS) – a lasting solution that will transform how VA eliminates the backlog in 2015.

“Our approach to claims processing is being modernized to better serve Veterans and address the complex claims our employees are dealing with every day,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “We continue to transform our claims system to be more responsive through new processes and technology, because taking care of our Veterans and their loved ones is our highest priority.”

As of December 2012, 18 VA regional offices have implemented the new system and are beginning to process newly received compensation claims in an entirely digital format. The VA is on track for full deployment of the system to the remaining 38 regional offices in 2013.

Source:

http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2418
 
 

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