Thursday, February 19, 2015

Sheriff’s Office: 16-year-old boy from Graham reported missing

Sheriff’s Office: 16-year-old boy from Graham reported missing

R. Ron Stilwell, veteran designer | Furniture Today

R. Ron Stilwell, veteran designer | Furniture Today

Survey Paints Bleak Picture of Hardships OC Veterans Endure | San Clemente, CA Patch

Survey Paints Bleak Picture of Hardships OC Veterans Endure | San Clemente, CA Patch

Veterans to be honored on 70th anniversary of Battle of Iwo Jima

Veterans to be honored on 70th anniversary of Battle of Iwo Jima: Young cadets at the Marine Military Academy will march in a parade today to honor the thousands of lives lost in the battle of Iwo Jima.

Annual Stand Down For Veterans - FOX 18 Quad Cities News and Weather

Annual Stand Down For Veterans - FOX 18 Quad Cities News and Weather

General Assembly notebook: Bills to assist veterans and their children advance - Roanoke Times: General Assembly

General Assembly notebook: Bills to assist veterans and their children advance - Roanoke Times: General Assembly

Report: Northern California VA office lost 14,000 veterans claims - Veterans - Stripes

Report: Northern California VA office lost 14,000 veterans claims - Veterans - Stripes

10 Investigates Exposes Columbus VA Hospital Providing Substandard Care for Amputees

10 Investigates Exposes Columbus VA Hospital Providing Substandard Care for Amputees

PREVIEW: Victims of the Veterans Administration

PREVIEW: Victims of the Veterans Administration





American
veterans are treated by the government more as a disgrace than as
heroes. Despite the Department of Veterans Affairs being exposed for
mistreating the very ones willing to sacrifice it all, the agency
continues to sink deeper into controversy – even as administrators
promise reform. And what better way to encourage changes than with a
cute acronym? “The embattled Veterans Affairs Department … is reminding
employees in a memo why they should care about their work,” says The
Washington Times. “The document circulating among employees is titled
the ‘I CARE Quick Reference’ sheet, and it spells out the desired core
values of the VA: integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect and
excellence. The memo says the VA is ‘a model of unrivaled excellence due
to employees who are empowered, trusted by their leaders, and respected
for their competence and dedication.’” No, really, that’s what it
claims. According to one anonymous employee, “Management has made a
mockery of it.” Concerned Veterans for America CEO Pete Hegseth added,
“Adopting a catchy acronym and circulating a checklist is not enough.
It’s easy to put on an ‘I CARE’ pin, but it doesn’t matter unless you
actually demonstrate that care through your actions and the results you
deliver.” But government doesn’t judge itself by standards, and that’s
the problem. Thanks to ObamaCare, we’ll all experience just how much the
government doesn’t care

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

The Veterans Administration Vows to Change | KTRH

The Veterans Administration Vows to Change | KTRH



 American veterans are treated by the government more as a disgrace than
as heroes. Despite the Department of Veterans Affairs being exposed for
mistreating the very ones willing to sacrifice it all, the agency
continues to sink deeper into controversy – even as administrators
promise reform. And what better way to encourage changes than with a
cute acronym? “The embattled Veterans Affairs Department … is reminding
employees in a memo why they should care about their work,” says The
Washington Times. “The document circulating among employees is titled
the ‘I CARE Quick Reference’ sheet, and it spells out the desired core
values of the VA: integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect and
excellence. The memo says the VA is ‘a model of unrivaled excellence due
to employees who are empowered, trusted by their leaders, and respected
for their competence and dedication.’” No, really, that’s what it
claims. According to one anonymous employee, “Management has made a
mockery of it.” Concerned Veterans for America CEO Pete Hegseth added,
“Adopting a catchy acronym and circulating a checklist is not enough.
It’s easy to put on an ‘I CARE’ pin, but it doesn’t matter unless you
actually demonstrate that care through your actions and the results you
deliver.” But government doesn’t judge itself by standards, and that’s
the problem. Thanks to ObamaCare, we’ll all experience just how much the
government doesn’t care

The Veterans Administration Vows to Change | KTRH

The Veterans Administration Vows to Change | KTRH

Another View -- Betsy McCaughey: The VA is undermining its own reform law already | New Hampshire

Another View -- Betsy McCaughey: The VA is undermining its own reform law already | New Hampshire

Jon Tester: All eyes on the Veterans Affairs

Jon Tester: All eyes on the Veterans Affairs

Urge your congressman to pass veterans Agent Orange Act

Urge your congressman to pass veterans Agent Orange Act

Urge your congressman to pass veterans Agent Orange Act

Urge your congressman to pass veterans Agent Orange Act

Heck will officiate at VA clinic ceremony - Mohave Daily News: The Laughlin Nevada Times

Heck will officiate at VA clinic ceremony - Mohave Daily News: The Laughlin Nevada Times

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Veteran cut off from VA payments turns to Trouble Shooters - WOAI News 4 San Antonio - Trouble Shooters

Veteran cut off from VA payments turns to Trouble Shooters - WOAI News 4 San Antonio - Trouble Shooters

VA Pittsburgh behavioral health unit reopens after norovirus scare

VA Pittsburgh behavioral health unit reopens after norovirus scare

VA chaplain recognized for dedication - Cecil Daily: Religion

VA chaplain recognized for dedication - Cecil Daily: Religion

Groundbreaking Held For New Apartment Community for Homeless Veterans | Palo Alto, CA Patch

Groundbreaking Held For New Apartment Community for Homeless Veterans | Palo Alto, CA Patch

KELOLAND.com | Rounds Celebrates New Office, Slams VA Over Hot Springs

KELOLAND.com | Rounds Celebrates New Office, Slams VA Over Hot Springs

Rogers discusses politics, fields VA questions in Sylacauga - The Daily Home: Dh Home Lead

Rogers discusses politics, fields VA questions in Sylacauga - The Daily Home: Dh Home Lead

Ceremony to rename Waco VA after World War II Doris Miller set for Thursday - WacoTrib.com: Military

Ceremony to rename Waco VA after World War II Doris Miller set for Thursday - WacoTrib.com: Military

Veterans are speaking; VA isn't listening

Veterans are speaking; VA isn't listening

Far fewer veterans use Choice Card and private health care than expected, VA says - Veterans - Stripes

Far fewer veterans use Choice Card and private health care than expected, VA says - Veterans - Stripes

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Owner of Smokey’s Pizza dies at 53 | The Columbian

Owner of Smokey’s Pizza dies at 53 | The Columbian

Chelsea Manning decision points to shift in views on transgender health care

Chelsea Manning decision points to shift in views on transgender health care

More than skin-deep: Miss Texas pays visit to Temple veterans - The Killeen Daily Herald: News

More than skin-deep: Miss Texas pays visit to Temple veterans - The Killeen Daily Herald: News

More than skin-deep: Miss Texas pays visit to Temple veterans - The Killeen Daily Herald: News

More than skin-deep: Miss Texas pays visit to Temple veterans - The Killeen Daily Herald: News

Is privatizing military veterans’ care better? Veterans Affairs employees say no

Is privatizing military veterans’ care better? Veterans Affairs employees say no

VA announces plan to help homeless vets in Los Angeles - U.S. - Stripes

VA announces plan to help homeless vets in Los Angeles - U.S. - Stripes

Friday, February 13, 2015

Community Drive for Disabled Veterans - CBS 7: Community

Community Drive for Disabled Veterans - CBS 7: Community

Unclaimed veterans honored interred at National Cemetery - WMBFNews.com, Myrtle Beach/Florence SC, Weather

Unclaimed veterans honored interred at National Cemetery - WMBFNews.com, Myrtle Beach/Florence SC, Weather

Welcomes the Inaugural Class of Veterans Innovation Partnership Fellows

Welcomes the Inaugural Class of Veterans Innovation Partnership Fellows

Keeping our promises to our veterans - Logan Banner - loganbanner.com

Keeping our promises to our veterans - Logan Banner - loganbanner.com

Mini-Stand Down to benefit veterans of Greene County - Greene County Messenger: Local News

Mini-Stand Down to benefit veterans of Greene County - Greene County Messenger: Local News

President Obama signs law aimed at assisting veterans - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

President Obama signs law aimed at assisting veterans - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

 Only a month away in Mount Vernon!
The next VA Puget Sound Health
Care System Veteran's Town Hall will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday,
March 12, 2015. The event will be held at the Skagit Valley Community
College Cardinal Center Multi Purpose Room. Please come with questions
for the VA and VBA staff.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

In a blow to al-Qaida fight, CIA pulls back in Yemen - Middle East - Stripes

In a blow to al-Qaida fight, CIA pulls back in Yemen - Middle East - Stripes

 Only a month away in Mount Vernon!
The next VA Puget Sound Health
Care System Veteran's Town Hall will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday,
March 12, 2015. The event will be held at the Skagit Valley Community
College Cardinal Center Multi Purpose Room. Please come with questions
for the VA and VBA staff.

Monday, February 9, 2015

Jon Stewart Says the Veterans Affairs Department Is Broken. Can Google Fix It? (GOOG, GOOGL)

Jon Stewart Says the Veterans Affairs Department Is Broken. Can Google Fix It? (GOOG, GOOGL)

Augusta whistleblowers have mixed feelings about new Veterans Affairs bill | The Augusta Chronicle

Augusta whistleblowers have mixed feelings about new Veterans Affairs bill | The Augusta Chronicle 



PLAINS TWP. — For the past 38 years, the Department of Veterans Affairs
has used the week of Valentine’s Day to show a little love for veterans
at its hospitals across the country.
The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center’s Voluntary Service
department kicked off the National Salute of Veteran Patients on Sunday
afternoon with a short ceremony at the Plains Township facility.
The ceremony featured Suzanne Hall singing the national anthem and “Let
There Be Peace On Earth,” the Wilkes University Ceremony Drill Team and
keynote speaker Thomas Hood, head of school at MMI Preparatory School
and an Army veteran.
Hood retired from the Army after 22 years in service and holds numerous
awards, including the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal with
Oak Leaf Cluster.
“The National Salute of Veteran Patients program is a wonderful tribute
to almost 100,000 veterans who are cared for at VA facilities around
the country,” Hood said. “The program is designed to both pay tribute
and appreciation to our veterans and to increase community awareness of
the roles of the VA medical center, while encouraging citizens to visit
hospitalized veterans and volunteer.”
Hood spoke of an article he read that talked about an increasing
disconnect between the American military and the people it serves.
“That connection between soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and the
American populous is such an important part of what makes this country
great,” Hood said. “One of the causes listed for this disconnect was the
decreasing number of people that are serving in the various branches
today.”
According to this article, Hood said, at the end of World War II,
nearly 10 percent of the population was on active duty in the military
and many families had at least one family member in uniform.
“We have been at war nonstop for the last 13 years, but today only
three quarters of one percent of the population has served in Iraq or
Afghanistan,” Hood said. “So while soldiers are often thanked for their
service, and I’ll say that happens at a higher rate than before, I’m not
sure those people that thank us for our service fully understand what
that service involves.”
In honor of the local veterans, the Hazleton Elks Lodge 200 donated $1,000 to the hospital during the ceremony.
John A. Brogna, a Vietnam War Marine Corps veteran, has volunteered at
the medical center for the past 24 years after he was treated in several
VA hospitals from a war-related injury.
“I know how important it is to have someone around,” Brogna said. “It
gets lonely, so it’s nice to have someone there with you. I have never
given up support for the soldiers.”
Deb Schlosser, the VA hospital’s voluntary service specialist, said
they have 502 volunteers at the hospital, ranging from 14 to 98 years
old.
“Veterans have given up so much for our country, so it’s always good to
pause and say thank you,” Schlosser said. “It’s good for them to know
that their sacrifices are appreciated.”
Throughout his speech, Hood explained the many lessons veterans are
able to pass onto future generations through interaction, such as
personal sacrifice, loyalty, fulfilling obligations, respect, honor and
integrity.
“The men and women served by this hospital have so much to share with
their fellow citizens,” Hood said. “While I do not believe we can fully
share our stories and experiences while in combat, no person can
properly share those soul-changing events, there are a lot of lessons
that are learned from service that can and must be shared with the
people of this country.”
Other events planned this week for the VA hospital’s patients include a
Patsy Cline tribute singer, gift distribution, Valentine’s Day bingo
and a casino day.

Veteran Paul Franklin tired of government making him prove he lost his legs | CTV News

Veteran Paul Franklin tired of government making him prove he lost his legs | CTV News 



PLAINS TWP. — For the past 38 years, the Department of Veterans Affairs
has used the week of Valentine’s Day to show a little love for veterans
at its hospitals across the country.
The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center’s Voluntary Service
department kicked off the National Salute of Veteran Patients on Sunday
afternoon with a short ceremony at the Plains Township facility.
The ceremony featured Suzanne Hall singing the national anthem and “Let
There Be Peace On Earth,” the Wilkes University Ceremony Drill Team and
keynote speaker Thomas Hood, head of school at MMI Preparatory School
and an Army veteran.
Hood retired from the Army after 22 years in service and holds numerous
awards, including the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal with
Oak Leaf Cluster.
“The National Salute of Veteran Patients program is a wonderful tribute
to almost 100,000 veterans who are cared for at VA facilities around
the country,” Hood said. “The program is designed to both pay tribute
and appreciation to our veterans and to increase community awareness of
the roles of the VA medical center, while encouraging citizens to visit
hospitalized veterans and volunteer.”
Hood spoke of an article he read that talked about an increasing
disconnect between the American military and the people it serves.
“That connection between soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and the
American populous is such an important part of what makes this country
great,” Hood said. “One of the causes listed for this disconnect was the
decreasing number of people that are serving in the various branches
today.”
According to this article, Hood said, at the end of World War II,
nearly 10 percent of the population was on active duty in the military
and many families had at least one family member in uniform.
“We have been at war nonstop for the last 13 years, but today only
three quarters of one percent of the population has served in Iraq or
Afghanistan,” Hood said. “So while soldiers are often thanked for their
service, and I’ll say that happens at a higher rate than before, I’m not
sure those people that thank us for our service fully understand what
that service involves.”
In honor of the local veterans, the Hazleton Elks Lodge 200 donated $1,000 to the hospital during the ceremony.
John A. Brogna, a Vietnam War Marine Corps veteran, has volunteered at
the medical center for the past 24 years after he was treated in several
VA hospitals from a war-related injury.
“I know how important it is to have someone around,” Brogna said. “It
gets lonely, so it’s nice to have someone there with you. I have never
given up support for the soldiers.”
Deb Schlosser, the VA hospital’s voluntary service specialist, said
they have 502 volunteers at the hospital, ranging from 14 to 98 years
old.
“Veterans have given up so much for our country, so it’s always good to
pause and say thank you,” Schlosser said. “It’s good for them to know
that their sacrifices are appreciated.”
Throughout his speech, Hood explained the many lessons veterans are
able to pass onto future generations through interaction, such as
personal sacrifice, loyalty, fulfilling obligations, respect, honor and
integrity.
“The men and women served by this hospital have so much to share with
their fellow citizens,” Hood said. “While I do not believe we can fully
share our stories and experiences while in combat, no person can
properly share those soul-changing events, there are a lot of lessons
that are learned from service that can and must be shared with the
people of this country.”
Other events planned this week for the VA hospital’s patients include a
Patsy Cline tribute singer, gift distribution, Valentine’s Day bingo
and a casino day.

VA shows love for veterans - News - Citizens' Voice

VA shows love for veterans - News - Citizens' Voice