VFW National Commander calls upon members to assist fallen Marine's Dad
Kansas City, Mo., March 31, 2010 - The national commander of the nation’s largest organization of combat veterans is furious about the recent Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit Court decision ordering Albert Snyder, the father of a slain Marine to pay legal costs to the Westboro Baptist Church.
Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., led by Fred Phelps, has for years been taunting grieving mourners at military funerals nationwide. During the funeral of Marine Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder’s funeral in 2006, the anti-gay group praised the loss of the young Marine as well as other of the nation’s young servicemen and women, calling their deaths a by-product of a nation that tolerates homosexuality.
“This is a travesty at best and borders on the obscene, said VFW National Commander Thomas J. Tradewell Sr., of Sussex, Wis. “The irony in this whole situation is that the blood and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes have enabled this group to spread their message of hate. Yet, they celebrate when one of America’s best pays the ultimate sacrifice preserving that right of free speech," the Vietnam veteran said.
“Mr. Snyder has already confronted the difficulties of burying his Marine son and then bringing a lawsuit against this group of hate-mongers. It is absolutely wrong for the court to order him to shoulder a financial burden on top of everything else. That is why VFW national headquarters will be making a donation to the fund that has been established to assist in paying the legal costs. Additionally, I am asking that each of the more than 1.5 million members of the VFW do what they can to assist Mr. Snyder, even taking the time to offer a him note of support and encouragement.”
A fund has been set up to help Mr. Snyder pay the court costs. None of the money will be for attorneys, who are graciously representing him pro bono.
To contribute, go to www.matthewsnyder.org, or send a check payable to "Al Snyder Fund" to: Barley Snyder LLC, 100 East Market Street, York, PA 17401
WHO WE ARE:
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Akaka Legislation Passes Senate
Military healthcare programs not protected yet
Washington D.C., March 26, 2010 — The national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is saluting the U.S. Senate today for passing S. 3162 to explicitly recognize all Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare programs as meeting the minimum essential coverage standards of the new national healthcare law.
S. 3162 was introduced Wednesday by Senate VA Committee Chairman Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii). The Bill now goes to the House of Representatives for action.
In separate legislation, S. 3148 was introduced by Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee Chairman Jim Webb (D-Va.) as a companion bill to H.R. 4887, which was introduced by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) and approved last Saturday by a vote of 403-0. It would protect all military Tricare programs, as well as non-appropriated fund health plans. The VFW wants the Senate to vote on S. 3148 when it reconvenes after its upcoming two week recess.
“National healthcare will help many veterans who are currently not receiving DOD or VA care,” said Thomas J. Tradewell Sr., a combat-wounded Vietnam veteran from Sussex, Wis., “but missing from the original legislation was language that would clearly protect all military Tricare and VA healthcare programs. We hope that the healthcare programs provided by the nation's two largest federal departments will soon be protected as meeting the minimum essential coverage standards of the new law. America’s veterans, service members and families need to be assured that the VFW is committed to ensuring these vital programs are secured for them and that we will continue to advocate tirelessly on their behalf until the job is done.”
What prompted additional congressional action was not what the new healthcare bill provided, but what it did not. Buried in four lines of text in a 2,400-page document was recognition for only Tricare for Life and veterans’ healthcare programs just under chapter 17, of Title 38, as being accepted as minimum essential coverage under the new law. There was no mention of other Tricare programs or other Title 38 recipients, for instance — dependents, widows or children.
“Bill language is important because it becomes the law of the land,” said Tradewell. “I am extremely proud of Senator Akaka for his efforts and getting his bill passed, and for the efforts of Senator Webb, as well as Congressman Skelton for comprehending that the military Tricare program is too important not to include.”
"America's veterans, military and their families deserve strong champions in Congress like Akaka, Webb and Skelton, plus Senate VA Committee ranking member Richard Burr (R-N.C.), House VA Committee ranking member Steve Buyer (R-Ind.), and House Armed Services Committee ranking member Buck McKeon (R-Calif.).
Washington D.C., March 26, 2010 — The national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is saluting the U.S. Senate today for passing S. 3162 to explicitly recognize all Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare programs as meeting the minimum essential coverage standards of the new national healthcare law.
S. 3162 was introduced Wednesday by Senate VA Committee Chairman Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii). The Bill now goes to the House of Representatives for action.
In separate legislation, S. 3148 was introduced by Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee Chairman Jim Webb (D-Va.) as a companion bill to H.R. 4887, which was introduced by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) and approved last Saturday by a vote of 403-0. It would protect all military Tricare programs, as well as non-appropriated fund health plans. The VFW wants the Senate to vote on S. 3148 when it reconvenes after its upcoming two week recess.
“National healthcare will help many veterans who are currently not receiving DOD or VA care,” said Thomas J. Tradewell Sr., a combat-wounded Vietnam veteran from Sussex, Wis., “but missing from the original legislation was language that would clearly protect all military Tricare and VA healthcare programs. We hope that the healthcare programs provided by the nation's two largest federal departments will soon be protected as meeting the minimum essential coverage standards of the new law. America’s veterans, service members and families need to be assured that the VFW is committed to ensuring these vital programs are secured for them and that we will continue to advocate tirelessly on their behalf until the job is done.”
What prompted additional congressional action was not what the new healthcare bill provided, but what it did not. Buried in four lines of text in a 2,400-page document was recognition for only Tricare for Life and veterans’ healthcare programs just under chapter 17, of Title 38, as being accepted as minimum essential coverage under the new law. There was no mention of other Tricare programs or other Title 38 recipients, for instance — dependents, widows or children.
“Bill language is important because it becomes the law of the land,” said Tradewell. “I am extremely proud of Senator Akaka for his efforts and getting his bill passed, and for the efforts of Senator Webb, as well as Congressman Skelton for comprehending that the military Tricare program is too important not to include.”
"America's veterans, military and their families deserve strong champions in Congress like Akaka, Webb and Skelton, plus Senate VA Committee ranking member Richard Burr (R-N.C.), House VA Committee ranking member Steve Buyer (R-Ind.), and House Armed Services Committee ranking member Buck McKeon (R-Calif.).
Friday, March 19, 2010
VA, Tricare Protection Promises Need Repeating
Washington March 19, 2010 — The nation's largest and oldest major combat veterans' organization will be watching intently this Sunday when the House of Representatives meets to push through a national healthcare bill.
"We have been repeatedly promised by the president and by senior congressional leaders that the healthcare programs provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the military's Tricare system will remain intact," said Thomas J. Tradewell Sr., the national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and its Auxiliaries.
"Yet I remain worried because a free press and an even freer Internet continue to fuel speculation that both systems could be lost and/or absorbed into a larger national healthcare plan," said Tradewell, a combat-wounded Vietnam veteran from Sussex, Wis.
In congressional testimony March 9 before a joint hearing of the Senate and House Committees on Veterans Affairs, Tradewell told committee members that "America's veterans and military retirees look to you — our champions in Congress — to protect both programs, and to do so vocally at every opportunity."
Doing so today was Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.), the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, who introduced H.R. 4887 to explicitly state in law that Tricare and other Defense Department nonappropriated fund health plans are protected from any health reforms currently under consideration by Congress.
“Our nation’s military provides us with first-class protection, and it is our obligation to provide them — and their families — with first-class healthcare in return," said Skelton, who received the VFW's 2010 Congressional Award last week.
"Not knowing is what scares people who have worn the uniform," said Tradewell. "Now is the time for the president and the leadership to step up and reiterate their promises to protect the VA and Tricare systems."
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is a nonprofit veterans' service organization composed of combat veterans and those who currently serve on active duty or in the Guard and Reserves. Founded in 1899 and chartered by Congress in 1936, the VFW is the nation's largest organization of war veterans and is one of its oldest veterans' organizations. With 2.1 million members located in 7,900 VFW Posts worldwide, the VFW and its Auxiliaries are dedicated to "honor the dead by helping the living" through veterans service, legislative initiatives, youth scholarships, Buddy Poppy and national military service programs. The VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 13 million hours annually in community service to the nation. For more information or to join, visit the organization's Web site at www.vfw.org.
Contact: Joe Davis, Director of Public Affairs, VFW Washington Office, (o) 202-608-8357, jdavis@vfw.org
"We have been repeatedly promised by the president and by senior congressional leaders that the healthcare programs provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the military's Tricare system will remain intact," said Thomas J. Tradewell Sr., the national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and its Auxiliaries.
"Yet I remain worried because a free press and an even freer Internet continue to fuel speculation that both systems could be lost and/or absorbed into a larger national healthcare plan," said Tradewell, a combat-wounded Vietnam veteran from Sussex, Wis.
In congressional testimony March 9 before a joint hearing of the Senate and House Committees on Veterans Affairs, Tradewell told committee members that "America's veterans and military retirees look to you — our champions in Congress — to protect both programs, and to do so vocally at every opportunity."
Doing so today was Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.), the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, who introduced H.R. 4887 to explicitly state in law that Tricare and other Defense Department nonappropriated fund health plans are protected from any health reforms currently under consideration by Congress.
“Our nation’s military provides us with first-class protection, and it is our obligation to provide them — and their families — with first-class healthcare in return," said Skelton, who received the VFW's 2010 Congressional Award last week.
"Not knowing is what scares people who have worn the uniform," said Tradewell. "Now is the time for the president and the leadership to step up and reiterate their promises to protect the VA and Tricare systems."
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is a nonprofit veterans' service organization composed of combat veterans and those who currently serve on active duty or in the Guard and Reserves. Founded in 1899 and chartered by Congress in 1936, the VFW is the nation's largest organization of war veterans and is one of its oldest veterans' organizations. With 2.1 million members located in 7,900 VFW Posts worldwide, the VFW and its Auxiliaries are dedicated to "honor the dead by helping the living" through veterans service, legislative initiatives, youth scholarships, Buddy Poppy and national military service programs. The VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 13 million hours annually in community service to the nation. For more information or to join, visit the organization's Web site at www.vfw.org.
Contact: Joe Davis, Director of Public Affairs, VFW Washington Office, (o) 202-608-8357, jdavis@vfw.org
VFW Washington Weekly
In This Issue:
1. VA to Ease Gulf War Benefits
2. Claims Summit Draws a Crowd
3. Vietnam MIA Identified
1. VA to Ease Gulf War Benefits: VA Secretary Eric Shinseki announced Thursday he is taking steps to make it easier for veterans to obtain disability compensation for certain diseases associated with service during the first Gulf War, as well as those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan on or after Sept. 19, 2001. VA will publish a proposed regulation in the Federal Register to establish new service-connection presumptions for nine specific infectious diseases: Brucellosis, Campylobacter jejuni, Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), malaria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Nontyphoid Salmonella, Shigella, Visceral leishmaniasis and West Nile virus. Without a rule change for presumptive conditions, veterans are required to provide medical evidence to establish an actual connection between a specific disease and military service in Southwest Asia or Afghanistan. With the proposed rule, a veteran would only have to show service in Southwest Asia or Afghanistan, and a current diagnosis of one of the nine diseases. A final regulation will be published after a 60-day public comment period. For more information about disability compensation or health problems associated with military service during the first Gulf War and OEF/OIF, go to www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/ or www.va.gov.
2. Claims Summit Draws a Crowd: VFW participated in a claims summit held by House VA Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA). More than 50 witnesses discussed problems, ideas and potential solutions to help the disability claims process. Overhauling the veterans’ benefit delivery system is the number one priority goal of the VFW. We have asked VBA to improve their process by enhancing training and quality, improving IT infrastructure, and demanding a total commitment from leadership to accurately adjudicate claims the first time. For a list of VFW’s 2010 legislative priority goals, go to http://www.vfw.org/PR/Legislative/2010PriorityGoals%20PROOF.pdf.
3. Vietnam MIA Identified: The Defense Department announced this week that the remains of Air Force Maj. Curtis Daniel Miller of Palacios, Texas, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors in the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. On March 29, 1972, Miller was one of 14 crewmen aboard an AC-130 gunship operating in southern Laos when it was struck by an enemy surface-to-air missile and crashed. Search and rescue efforts ended after a few days due to heavy enemy activity in the area. In 1986, a joint U.S.-Lao team, lead by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, surveyed and excavated the crash site in Savannakhet Province. Evidence recovered resulted in nine crewmember identifications. The site would be excavated twice more in 2005-06, which resulted in more identifications. Remains that could not be individually identified will be buried together in Arlington National Cemetery.
1. VA to Ease Gulf War Benefits
2. Claims Summit Draws a Crowd
3. Vietnam MIA Identified
1. VA to Ease Gulf War Benefits: VA Secretary Eric Shinseki announced Thursday he is taking steps to make it easier for veterans to obtain disability compensation for certain diseases associated with service during the first Gulf War, as well as those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan on or after Sept. 19, 2001. VA will publish a proposed regulation in the Federal Register to establish new service-connection presumptions for nine specific infectious diseases: Brucellosis, Campylobacter jejuni, Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), malaria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Nontyphoid Salmonella, Shigella, Visceral leishmaniasis and West Nile virus. Without a rule change for presumptive conditions, veterans are required to provide medical evidence to establish an actual connection between a specific disease and military service in Southwest Asia or Afghanistan. With the proposed rule, a veteran would only have to show service in Southwest Asia or Afghanistan, and a current diagnosis of one of the nine diseases. A final regulation will be published after a 60-day public comment period. For more information about disability compensation or health problems associated with military service during the first Gulf War and OEF/OIF, go to www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/ or www.va.gov.
2. Claims Summit Draws a Crowd: VFW participated in a claims summit held by House VA Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA). More than 50 witnesses discussed problems, ideas and potential solutions to help the disability claims process. Overhauling the veterans’ benefit delivery system is the number one priority goal of the VFW. We have asked VBA to improve their process by enhancing training and quality, improving IT infrastructure, and demanding a total commitment from leadership to accurately adjudicate claims the first time. For a list of VFW’s 2010 legislative priority goals, go to http://www.vfw.org/PR/Legislative/2010PriorityGoals%20PROOF.pdf.
3. Vietnam MIA Identified: The Defense Department announced this week that the remains of Air Force Maj. Curtis Daniel Miller of Palacios, Texas, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors in the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. On March 29, 1972, Miller was one of 14 crewmen aboard an AC-130 gunship operating in southern Laos when it was struck by an enemy surface-to-air missile and crashed. Search and rescue efforts ended after a few days due to heavy enemy activity in the area. In 1986, a joint U.S.-Lao team, lead by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, surveyed and excavated the crash site in Savannakhet Province. Evidence recovered resulted in nine crewmember identifications. The site would be excavated twice more in 2005-06, which resulted in more identifications. Remains that could not be individually identified will be buried together in Arlington National Cemetery.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Burger King Campaign to Assist VFW Unmet Needs Program Nets $500,000
Kansas City, Mo., March 16, 2010— For the third consecutive year, dedicated supporters have stepped forward to honor America’s men and women in uniform, raising almost $500,000 for the VFW Unmet Needs program.
Launched by Burger King Franchisee Mike DeRosa in 2007, the “buy a burger; donate a buck” campaign netted a respectable $110,000 in donations for the military and family grant support program. Since then, participating independent Burger King Franchisees have doubled contributions each year to the VFW Foundation. In 2008, the second year of the program, they raised $250,000 during its “buy a burger; donate a buck” effort. When you add in the almost $500,000 raised this year, the total for three years is over $850.000!
“Their gifts to the Unmet Needs program, has assisted hundreds of military families who are confronted with emergent financial needs. Their continued generosity enables the VFW to continue to assist our nation’s military families when they need it most. This is an incredible demonstration of love and support for members of our armed forces. We are so appreciative of everyone who helped in this great endeavor,” stated Thomas J. Tradewell Sr., VFW Commander-in-Chief.
Participating states included:
Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
The VFW Unmet Needs program provides emergency financial assistance to U.S. military service members experiencing financial hardships, often brought on by deployment. Funds from donations are available to the five branches of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard), as well as members of the Reserves and National Guard. Funds awarded by the program are offered in the form of grants--not loans--so recipients don’t need to repay them.
Launched by Burger King Franchisee Mike DeRosa in 2007, the “buy a burger; donate a buck” campaign netted a respectable $110,000 in donations for the military and family grant support program. Since then, participating independent Burger King Franchisees have doubled contributions each year to the VFW Foundation. In 2008, the second year of the program, they raised $250,000 during its “buy a burger; donate a buck” effort. When you add in the almost $500,000 raised this year, the total for three years is over $850.000!
“Their gifts to the Unmet Needs program, has assisted hundreds of military families who are confronted with emergent financial needs. Their continued generosity enables the VFW to continue to assist our nation’s military families when they need it most. This is an incredible demonstration of love and support for members of our armed forces. We are so appreciative of everyone who helped in this great endeavor,” stated Thomas J. Tradewell Sr., VFW Commander-in-Chief.
Participating states included:
Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
The VFW Unmet Needs program provides emergency financial assistance to U.S. military service members experiencing financial hardships, often brought on by deployment. Funds from donations are available to the five branches of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard), as well as members of the Reserves and National Guard. Funds awarded by the program are offered in the form of grants--not loans--so recipients don’t need to repay them.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
VFW Fires Back at Defense Official
Don't pin budget blame on servicemembers or retirees
Washington, D.C., March 11, 2010 — "Any attempt to link rising military personnel costs with shrinking military readiness is total nonsense," said Thomas J. Tradewell Sr., who leads the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., the largest and oldest major combat veterans' organization.
"If the Defense Department needs a larger budget for personnel programs, then let the VFW carry that message to Congress. Just don't pin the budget blame on servicemembers and military retirees."
Tradewell's ire is targeted at the new DOD undersecretary of personnel and readiness, Clifford L. Stanley, who in testimony yesterday before the personnel subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said "Rising personnel costs could dramatically affect the readiness of the department."
His predecessor, Dr. David Chu, took the same position in a January 2005 Wall Street Journal article, by saying "The amounts have gotten to the point where they are hurtful. They are taking away from the nation's ability to defend itself."
"What's hurtful," said Tradewell, a combat-wounded Vietnam veteran from Sussex, Wis., "is a continuing perception that DOD is more concerned about the budget than they are about recruiting and retaining a professional volunteer force that's been at war now for more than eight years."
According to Wednesday's testimony, last year was the military's most successful recruiting year since the establishment of the all-volunteer force in 1973. Stanley, a retired Marine Corps major general, said in order to continue that recruiting trend, “The department must provide a compensation package comparable and competitive to the private sector. At the same time," he said, "we must balance the demands of the all-volunteer force in the context of growing equipment and operations costs."
The VFW national commander said any attempt to compare the wages and benefits of those who are fighting a two-front war and those who are not is pointless. "The military contract requires extended time away from family under extremely hazardous conditions, with being hurt or killed on the job a very real possibility. No civilian contract requires the same conditions for employment," he said.
"War is expensive and so is the cost of fielding an all-volunteer military, as well as retaining the best so that they can lead the force while training their successors. Our troops only ask for our respect and for better pay, better benefits, and better support programs for themselves and their families," said Tradewell.
"It is a sacred responsibility that this nation provides her defenders something more tangible than just the privilege of fighting and dying for their country."
Washington, D.C., March 11, 2010 — "Any attempt to link rising military personnel costs with shrinking military readiness is total nonsense," said Thomas J. Tradewell Sr., who leads the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., the largest and oldest major combat veterans' organization.
"If the Defense Department needs a larger budget for personnel programs, then let the VFW carry that message to Congress. Just don't pin the budget blame on servicemembers and military retirees."
Tradewell's ire is targeted at the new DOD undersecretary of personnel and readiness, Clifford L. Stanley, who in testimony yesterday before the personnel subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said "Rising personnel costs could dramatically affect the readiness of the department."
His predecessor, Dr. David Chu, took the same position in a January 2005 Wall Street Journal article, by saying "The amounts have gotten to the point where they are hurtful. They are taking away from the nation's ability to defend itself."
"What's hurtful," said Tradewell, a combat-wounded Vietnam veteran from Sussex, Wis., "is a continuing perception that DOD is more concerned about the budget than they are about recruiting and retaining a professional volunteer force that's been at war now for more than eight years."
According to Wednesday's testimony, last year was the military's most successful recruiting year since the establishment of the all-volunteer force in 1973. Stanley, a retired Marine Corps major general, said in order to continue that recruiting trend, “The department must provide a compensation package comparable and competitive to the private sector. At the same time," he said, "we must balance the demands of the all-volunteer force in the context of growing equipment and operations costs."
The VFW national commander said any attempt to compare the wages and benefits of those who are fighting a two-front war and those who are not is pointless. "The military contract requires extended time away from family under extremely hazardous conditions, with being hurt or killed on the job a very real possibility. No civilian contract requires the same conditions for employment," he said.
"War is expensive and so is the cost of fielding an all-volunteer military, as well as retaining the best so that they can lead the force while training their successors. Our troops only ask for our respect and for better pay, better benefits, and better support programs for themselves and their families," said Tradewell.
"It is a sacred responsibility that this nation provides her defenders something more tangible than just the privilege of fighting and dying for their country."
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
VFW Cites Backlog, Health Care as Top Legislative Priorities
Washington D.C.,March 9, 2010 — In his opening statement today before a joint hearing of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees, Thomas J. Tradewell Sr., the national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., testified about his organization's concern with the national health care debate, and whether or not it will impact the health care programs currently provided to veterans and military retirees by the VA and the military’s Tricare system.
"Many promises have been made — by the president and by this Congress — that VA and Tricare will be protected, but a free press and an even freer Internet continue to fuel speculation that both health systems will be lost and/or absorbed into a larger national plan," said Tradewell, who leads the nation’s largest and oldest major combat veterans’ organization. "America’s veterans and military retirees look to you — our champions in Congress — to protect both programs, and to do so vocally at every opportunity."
In his testimony, the combat-wounded Vietnam veteran from Sussex, Wis., addressed the number one VFW legislative issue: Fix the backlog of more than 1.1 million individual claims and appeals for compensation, pension and education benefits currently plaguing the Veterans Benefits Administration.
"The most important issue facing America’s veterans today is the unacceptable VA claims backlog, and an equally unacceptable processing error rate," said Tradewell, referring to a system wide 17-percent average error rate that soars to 25, 29 and 38 percent in the VA Regional Offices in Virginia, Alaska and Maryland, respectively.
"This massive backlog has resulted in a six-month average wait for an initial rating decision, and a two-year average wait for an appeal decision. That is completely unacceptable, [as is] asking a veteran to wait half of a year or more for a rating decision that could have a one-in-three chance of being incorrect."
The VFW national commander commended VA Secretary Eric Shinseki for making the reform of the VA claims system a top VA priority, but cautioned against "silver bullet" fixes that could prove more harmful than helpful to veterans.
"We know that any single plan to make the overall claims process simpler could occur at the expense of the rights and benefits earned by veterans, their dependents and survivors," he said. "A quick fix plan is simply unacceptable, because fixing the backlog will require thoughtful solutions to avoid harming veterans and exacerbating the problem.
"VBA is the key to everything VA does, so the VFW will continue to offer its expertise to the VA and your committees so that we can solve this backlog problem together," he said. "Veterans have grown tired of the excuses. They want and deserve action. The VFW wants to help."
Other VFW high interest issues addressed ranged from the proper care and treatment of returning servicemen and women with traumatic injuries to mind and body, the need for an integrated information technology system to bring the VA into the 21st century, veterans’ unemployment and homelessness, and military caregivers and survivor benefits. Tradewell also provided testimony regarding further traumatic brain injury research and treatment, suicide awareness and prevention, and women veterans' health care needs.
Joining Tradewell at the hearing were VFW and Ladies Auxiliary leaders from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Europe, the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Click here to read the full testimony.
Monday, March 8, 2010
VFW Announces 2009-2010 National Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen Essay Contest Winners
(Left) - 1st place VOD winner, Madison Mullen, receives her check. (Right)- 1st Place Patriots Pen winner, Abigail Barnard receives her check at the VFW Legislative Meeting in Washington D.C.
Kansas City Mo., March 8, 2010 - The winners of the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary sponsored Voice of Democracy (VOD) audio-essay competition and the Patriots Pen essay competition were announced late yesterday afternoon during the VFW National Legislative/Voice of Democracy/Senior Vice Commander Meeting Washington D.C.
The VOD program celebrated its 63rd year with this year’s theme, “Does America Still Have Heroes?” The first place winner, Madison Mullen, sponsored by Post 3297 out of Delaware, Ohio, received an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C., where she was presented with the T.C. Selman Memorial Scholarship award in the amount of $30,000. The 2nd place winner, Anthony Zendejas IV, sponsored by Post 239 out of Bremerton, Washington, received the $16,000 Charles Kuralt Memorial Scholarship Award. The 3rd place winner, Lena Savell, sponsored by Post 12057 out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, received the $10,000 VFW Scholarship Award. All other state winners received at least a $1,000 college scholarship. Just over 50,000 students participated in this year’s competition.
Read Madison Mullen’s award winning essay
Watch Madison deliver her essay on-demand at vfw.org
See list of all winners
The Patriot's Pen program is designed to foster patriotism by allowing students the opportunity to express their opinions on democracy based on an annual theme, this year’s being, “When is the Right Time to Honor Our Military Heroes?” The first place winner, Abigail Barnard, sponsored by Post 7385 out of Mesquite, Nevada, received an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C., where she received a $10,000 savings bond and trophy during a special luncheon. The 2nd place winner, Nora Faris, sponsored by Post 5649 out of Concordia, Missouri, will receive an $8,000 savings bond and glass plaque. The 3rd place winner, Ariela Rivkin sponsored by Post 1429 out of Teaneck, New Jersey, will receive a $7,000 savings bond and glass plaque. Wood plaques will be sent to all of the sponsoring Post’s Department headquarters for presentation during their respective Department Convention or other appropriate ceremony. A total of 109,465 students participated in this year’s competition.
Read Abigail Barnard’s award winning essay
Watch Abigail deliver her essay on-demand at vfw.org
See list of all winners
Friday, March 5, 2010
Broken VA Claims System Tops VFW Legislative Agenda
600 War Veterans to Storm Capitol Hill Tuesday
Washington D.C., March 5, 2010 – A broken Department of Veterans Affairs disability claims system will be the top legislative issue next week when more than 600 war veterans storm Capitol Hill for the annual legislative conference of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.
“VA healthcare is world-class, but the VA’s benefits administration is the key to everything the VA does — and that key is broken,” said Thomas J. Tradewell Sr., the national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., the nation’s largest and oldest major combat veterans’ organization.
The VA claims backlog for disability, compensation, education and appeals currently exceeds 1.1 million, which results in average waiting times ranging from 180 days for new claims to be adjudicated to two years for appeals. Worse still, according to Tradewell, is the adjudication error rate.
The VA cites a system-wide error rate of 17 percent, but the VA Inspector General reported error rates ranging from 25 to 38 percent in VA regional offices in Virginia, Alaska and Maryland for three of the most commonly filed claims — Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and illnesses related to exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange.
“Asking a veteran to wait half of a year or more for a rating decision that could have a one-in-three chance or more of being incorrect is absolutely unacceptable,” said Tradewell, a combat-wounded Vietnam veteran from Sussex, Wis.
“Veterans have earned the right to better service from our nation, and VA has the undeniable responsibility to properly review and take corrective action on claims processed at regional offices with abysmal quality standards.”
Tradewell is scheduled to testify Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. before a joint hearing of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees in room G-50 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.
Aside from the claims issue, other VFW high interest items include the proper care and treatment of servicemen and women veterans returning home with traumatic injuries to mind and body, the need for an integrated information technology system to bring the VA into the 21st century, veterans’ unemployment, homelessness, and military caregivers and survivor benefits, among others.
Joining Tradewell at the three-day legislative conference will be VFW and Ladies Auxiliary leaders from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Europe, Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean. They will carry the VFW legislative agenda to their congressional members and staffs following the Tuesday testimony.
The conference kicks off Monday at the Hyatt Regency-Crystal City with the presentation of VFW national awards and special guest speakers who include VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki, Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr., and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.
National awards to be presented are the VFW Congressional Award to Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.,), the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee; the VFW News Media Award to Army Times Publishing Company; a VFW Gold Medal and Citation to the Army's Old Guard; and VFW Teachers Awards to Patricia Mazure of Taylor Elementary School in Trenton, Mich., Mark D. Leet of Simons Middle School in Flemingsburg, Ky., and William V. Melega of Chapel Hill High School in Chapel Hill, N.C.
The Monday conference will stream live on www.vfw.org, and video of Tradewell’s testimony will be available online Tuesday afternoon.
Washington D.C., March 5, 2010 – A broken Department of Veterans Affairs disability claims system will be the top legislative issue next week when more than 600 war veterans storm Capitol Hill for the annual legislative conference of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.
“VA healthcare is world-class, but the VA’s benefits administration is the key to everything the VA does — and that key is broken,” said Thomas J. Tradewell Sr., the national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., the nation’s largest and oldest major combat veterans’ organization.
The VA claims backlog for disability, compensation, education and appeals currently exceeds 1.1 million, which results in average waiting times ranging from 180 days for new claims to be adjudicated to two years for appeals. Worse still, according to Tradewell, is the adjudication error rate.
The VA cites a system-wide error rate of 17 percent, but the VA Inspector General reported error rates ranging from 25 to 38 percent in VA regional offices in Virginia, Alaska and Maryland for three of the most commonly filed claims — Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and illnesses related to exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange.
“Asking a veteran to wait half of a year or more for a rating decision that could have a one-in-three chance or more of being incorrect is absolutely unacceptable,” said Tradewell, a combat-wounded Vietnam veteran from Sussex, Wis.
“Veterans have earned the right to better service from our nation, and VA has the undeniable responsibility to properly review and take corrective action on claims processed at regional offices with abysmal quality standards.”
Tradewell is scheduled to testify Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. before a joint hearing of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees in room G-50 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.
Aside from the claims issue, other VFW high interest items include the proper care and treatment of servicemen and women veterans returning home with traumatic injuries to mind and body, the need for an integrated information technology system to bring the VA into the 21st century, veterans’ unemployment, homelessness, and military caregivers and survivor benefits, among others.
Joining Tradewell at the three-day legislative conference will be VFW and Ladies Auxiliary leaders from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Europe, Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean. They will carry the VFW legislative agenda to their congressional members and staffs following the Tuesday testimony.
The conference kicks off Monday at the Hyatt Regency-Crystal City with the presentation of VFW national awards and special guest speakers who include VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki, Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr., and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.
National awards to be presented are the VFW Congressional Award to Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.,), the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee; the VFW News Media Award to Army Times Publishing Company; a VFW Gold Medal and Citation to the Army's Old Guard; and VFW Teachers Awards to Patricia Mazure of Taylor Elementary School in Trenton, Mich., Mark D. Leet of Simons Middle School in Flemingsburg, Ky., and William V. Melega of Chapel Hill High School in Chapel Hill, N.C.
The Monday conference will stream live on www.vfw.org, and video of Tradewell’s testimony will be available online Tuesday afternoon.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Donates $100,000 to VFW Foundation’s Voice of Democracy Student Essay Contest
“To secure, manage and distribute resources to support veterans, active duty personnel, Guard and Reserve, their families and communities.”
Kansas City, MO, March 4, 2010 – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Foundation announced today that it has received a $100,000 gift from the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation in support of its Voice of Democracy student essay contest.
Each year more than 65,000 U.S. students (grades 9-12) from public, private, parochial and home schools, research write and record an essay based on a patriotic theme. Winners advance from their local geographic areas to state then national levels, all the while earning money for educational scholarships. The national winner is awarded a $30,000 prize.
Currently, 70,000 teachers/counselors receive informational materials relating to the Voice of Democracy program. The donation from the Bradley Foundation will be used to increase distribution to approximately 350,000 teachers and school counselors across the United States, thereby dramatically expanding student participation in the scholarship contest.
Daniel M. Shea, the Executive Director of the VFW Foundation, stated: “We are extremely grateful for the Bradley Foundation’s commitment to our nations’ youth. Their generosity will allow us to reach thousands of more American school children, thus providing them an opportunity to become involved in the VFW’s Voice of Democracy program and will ultimately lead them to a better understanding of democracy and a lifetime of responsible citizenship.”
“We are proud to be involved with such a worthwhile program. Our Foundation strongly supports activities to educate youth in such worthwhile principles” said Daniel P. Schmidt, the Bradley Foundation’s Director of Program. “Our involvement emphasizes that the Bradley Foundation is committed to education, especially civics and history curriculums,” he added.
The VFW Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the official charity of its parent organization, the VFW (America’s oldest major combat veterans group). Its mission is to support non-political programs that secure, manage and distribute resources to improve the lives of veterans, military service personnel, their families and communities. Please visit, http://www.vfwfoundation.org for more information.
The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation is a private, independent grantmaking organization based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its grants support research and educational projects, programs, and other activities that effectively further the founding Bradley brothers' philanthropic intent and honor their legacy. More information can be found at http://www.bradleyfdn.org/.
Kansas City, MO, March 4, 2010 – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Foundation announced today that it has received a $100,000 gift from the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation in support of its Voice of Democracy student essay contest.
Each year more than 65,000 U.S. students (grades 9-12) from public, private, parochial and home schools, research write and record an essay based on a patriotic theme. Winners advance from their local geographic areas to state then national levels, all the while earning money for educational scholarships. The national winner is awarded a $30,000 prize.
Currently, 70,000 teachers/counselors receive informational materials relating to the Voice of Democracy program. The donation from the Bradley Foundation will be used to increase distribution to approximately 350,000 teachers and school counselors across the United States, thereby dramatically expanding student participation in the scholarship contest.
Daniel M. Shea, the Executive Director of the VFW Foundation, stated: “We are extremely grateful for the Bradley Foundation’s commitment to our nations’ youth. Their generosity will allow us to reach thousands of more American school children, thus providing them an opportunity to become involved in the VFW’s Voice of Democracy program and will ultimately lead them to a better understanding of democracy and a lifetime of responsible citizenship.”
“We are proud to be involved with such a worthwhile program. Our Foundation strongly supports activities to educate youth in such worthwhile principles” said Daniel P. Schmidt, the Bradley Foundation’s Director of Program. “Our involvement emphasizes that the Bradley Foundation is committed to education, especially civics and history curriculums,” he added.
The VFW Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the official charity of its parent organization, the VFW (America’s oldest major combat veterans group). Its mission is to support non-political programs that secure, manage and distribute resources to improve the lives of veterans, military service personnel, their families and communities. Please visit, http://www.vfwfoundation.org for more information.
The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation is a private, independent grantmaking organization based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its grants support research and educational projects, programs, and other activities that effectively further the founding Bradley brothers' philanthropic intent and honor their legacy. More information can be found at http://www.bradleyfdn.org/.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Skelton to Receive VFW Congressional Award
WASHINGTON, March 3, 2010 – The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. will present its 2010 Congressional Award to Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) for his outstanding service to national defense, homeland security, and to veterans, servicemembers and their families. The presentation will take place Monday during the opening session of the annual VFW Legislative Conference at the Hyatt Regency in nearby Crystal City.
"The Congressional Award is extremely important to the VFW," said National Commander Thomas J. Tradewell, Sr., a combat-wounded Vietnam veteran from Sussex, Wis., "because it recognizes a champion in Congress who fights for a strong and secure America, and for those who wear and have worn the uniform, as well as their families."
The VFW Congressional Award has been presented annually since 1964 to one member of the House or Senate for significant legislative contributions on behalf of veterans and military service personnel. Past recipients include strong national security and veterans' advocates, such as Mississippi's Sen. John Stennis (D) and Rep. "Sonny" Montgomery (D), and South Carolina Sen. Strom Thurmond (R), among many others. Last year's award went to Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka (D), the chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.
Congressman Skelton chairs the powerful House Armed Services Committee, and he has been a staunch advocate of America’s military, her veterans, and their families throughout his 17 terms in Congress.
He hails from Lexington, Mo., and his family was close friends with a local World War I veteran and VFW member by the name of Harry S. Truman, who was a county judge at the time. Young Ike would go on to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, an Associate’s Degree from Wentworth Military Academy, and a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Law degree from the University of Missouri. Prior to running for Congress in 1977, he was a member of the Missouri State Senate, as well as a prosecuting attorney and special assistant attorney general.
As chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, it is his responsibility to ensure that the U.S. properly trains and equips the military forces. He is a strong advocate of congressional oversight responsibilities, especially as it pertains to weapons acquisition programs, and is a champion for those who perform the mission of securing the nation.
"Our military, veterans and families of past and present have no better friend in Congress than Chairman Skelton," said Tradewell. "I am honored to present the prestigious VFW Congressional Award to him."
More than 600 VFW members from around the country, as well as Europe, the Pacific and Latin America/Caribbean are expected in town next week to meet with their congressional members on issues important to veterans, servicemembers and their families.
Special guest speakers at the VFW Legislative Conference opening session on Monday include Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki, Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr., and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.
Other awards being presented include the VFW Media Award to Army Times Publishing Company; a VFW Gold Medal and Citation to the Army's Old Guard; and VFW Teachers Awards to Patricia Mazure of Taylor Elementary School in Trenton, Mich., Mark D. Leet of Simons Middle School in Flemingsburg, Ky., and William V. Melega of Chapel Hill High School in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Financial management program helps Guardsmen, families
By Venessa Scrivano
National Guard Bureau
ARLINGTON, Va., (3/1/10)-- Americans everywhere are feeling the pinch of the recession. National Guard members also experience the additional challenge of trying to maintain financial health in the face of multiple deployments.
Difficulties caused by overreliance on credit, budget mismanagement, bankruptcy, family emergencies and other economic pitfalls pose a unique stressor to service members and their families – a factor recognized by the leadership of the National Guard Bureau as a threat to overall mission readiness.
“The current economic climate underscores how important sound financial management practices are to our service members and their families,” said Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau. “Their financial health is essential to the National Guard’s military preparedness.”
A welcome addition to the programs in support of service members and their families is the Financial Management Awareness Program (FMAP), established by the National Guard Bureau.
FMAP’s concept is simple: it functions like a social network of financial management resources, facilitating access to free financial services from the Department of Defense and other partners for the 700,000 service members and dependents in the Guard community.
FMAP is working to promote a culture within the National Guard of saving money, planning ahead, and taking fiscal responsibility.
Blaine Coffey, chief of NGB’s Personnel and Compensation division, which spearheaded the creation of the program, maintains that FMAP’s success lies in prevention.
“The operative word is ‘Awareness’,” he said. “FMAP offers tools to help you adapt to a volatile economic climate – to anticipate and navigate through the continuum of life events that create financial challenges, like getting your first car, investing in a new house, growing your family or planning your children’s education.”
Coffey, who had been assigned the financial officer for the National Guard’s Hurricane Katrina relief effort, said FMAP owes its inspiration to the family model.
“Growing up as part of a family, we grow up to become products of our environment,” he said. “As a National Guard family, we are helping our members to be proactive and aware by creating an environment of responsibility.”
FMAP is not alone in the fight to improve the finances of Guard members. Among
their partners are established Department of Defense programs, including the Joint Family Support Assistance Program (JFSAP), the Office of Personal Finance (OPF), SaveAndInvest.org, MilitarySaves.org, My Army OneSource, and Military OneSource, all of which provide resources to assist in family budgeting, financial planning, free income tax support and individual counseling.
This month, FMAP launches with the Department of Defense Military Saves Campaign, a major initiative within the America Saves Campaign to promote growing wealth and savings.
“We are in a unique moment right now. People are reading the news, they’re concerned about the economy, and they want to make sure that their personal finances are strong,” said Nancy Register, director of America Saves, a campaign run by the Consumer Federation of America that helps individuals build wealth, not debt through improving financial management and savings behavior. “The silver lining in our current financial crisis is that more and more consumers are getting back to the basics: watching what they spend and focusing on saving.”
As a first step in its mission to promote fiscal responsibility in the National Guard, FMAP has developed a financial assessment survey to gauge the current state of financial health within the National Guard community and determine the degree to which service members and their families are aware of all the resources available to them through FMAP’s partner organizations.
Hosted on the Joint Services Support (JSS) System website (www.JointServicesSupport.org), the survey will broaden FMAP’s understanding of how National Guard members are using existing Department of Defense programs and ensure essential financial services are made available to all.
Users who take the survey are also encouraged to take the “Saver Pledge” on MilitarySaves.org, which gives pledges access to tips and information.
To learn more about FMAP and take the survey, log on to www.JointServicesSupport.org.
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