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The following are items from the Unified Arizona Veterans meeting held on
SATURDAY MAY 5th, 2012
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This is the most recent installment by the Officers, Board of Directors and Members of your UNIFIED ARIZONA VETERANS (UAV) to communicate in abbreviated form key information items from each monthly meeting. Our focus is directed towards reaching as many as possible of the scores of Veterans groups which call Arizona home. We invite your participation in this information exchange process as well. Be sure to include the who, what, where and when of items you are reporting. Your point of contact is Reggie Yates, UAV member and current Trustee of Chapter XXV(Thunderbird) of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Association here in Phoenix.
Reggie can be reached at:
Our goal is to make this an easy, simple, and informative resource, and to provide contact information should you need clarity or additional details on items presented here.
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FELLOW VETERANS…
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A huge shout out and thank you to the Arizona Veterans community for your response to the call for nominations for the State’s highest recognition for Veterans, the Arizona Veterans Hall Of Fame. The selection committee has received a record number (73) nominations for the twenty positions that will comprise the Class of 2012. Throughout the next few months the committee will complete the deliberation process and select the final candidates. You might want to note your calendar for, Friday October 26,2012 and reserve that date to participate in the induction ceremony beginning at 10:30 AM at the:
El Zaribah Shrine Auditorium
552 N. 40th Street
Phoenix, AZ
Carol Culbertson
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REQUEST FOR INFORMATION UAV WEBSITE
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The UAV Website is taking shape nicely thanks to the efforts of Paradise Valley Community College and particularly, web designer, Ms. Leticia Garcia. Periodically, the website will feature a UAV member organization to spot light that organization’s activities programs and events. In order to move this project along in a timely manner request that each organization provide (if not recently submitted) the following by email to Reggie as soon as possible:
- Organization name/street address/mailing address
- Telephone/FAX numbers
- Email address/ Website address
- Short Bio sketch, photo of commander or chair
- Mission Statement
Unified Arizona Veterans’ website can be viewed at: www.azuav.org
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DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
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The Arizona DAV has become the beneficiary of several substantial bequeaths which has enabled the organization to expand programs in three major areas, critical to the success of recently returned veterans. A coalition of lawyers spearheaded by Roger Ferland is now available to coordinate and provide legal assistance and to assist in domestic issues such as divorce, and custody. There is a financial planning component which can help with organizing ,planning and budget needs. A medical component staffed by two dedicated doctors is available to expedite examinations and to assist in benefit claim support. Actively involved in advocating Veterans issues with our lawmakers, the DAV ‘s legislative goals this year include:
- Support for a guaranteed COLA increase annually
- Support for an independent budget for the VA
Due to recently changed tax laws, DAV has formed an independent 501 (C) 3 Organization, Arizona Disabled Veterans Foundation (ADVF), to fund requests for assistance and grants from Veterans and Veterans organizations. ADVF is unique in that it is consists of eight volunteer Board members who oversee the application and grant process; there are no members (by design). ADVF has funded more than $170.000 in aid and grants here in Arizona to date. More information is available. Contact:
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CITY OF SURPRISE MEMORIAL DAY
COMMEMORATIVE EVENT 2012
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In partnership with the City of Surprise, Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce and a host of business and community agencies, the Surprise West Valley Veterans will host this event on SATURDAY MAY 26th at Rangers/Royals Baseball Stadium (click here for map). This ceremony will focus on the more traditional observance of this “Day of Remembrance”, featuring Gold Star Mother, Ms. Debbie Lee as keynote speaker. There is a full schedule of activities including a pancake breakfast and military displays beginning at 6:30 AM. All Veterans groups/organizations and citizens are invited to attend and participate.
WE STILL NEED UNIT COLOR GUARDS AND FLAG BEARERS TO SIGN UP ASAP!!
For information and details, please contact:
Bill Lipscomb Larry Brown
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USO ARIZONA UPDATE
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Presented by Anne Theodosis , Director, USO Arizona and Don Taylor , Advisory Council member. The count of wounded warriors from Iraq and Afghanistan has already exceeded 49,000 of our servicemen and women. The USO is prepared for a lead role in terms of programs and facilities dedicated to wounded warrior and family care. The USO began its support of the wounded warrior community in Germany , in April of 2003. Moving forward, USO will insure that Americans returning from combat zones have every possibility of leading fulfilling lives by addressing their needs directly or through best in class partnerships. Today USO is advancing on the build of two of the planned Wounded Warrior and Family Centers located at FT. Belvoir, VA and at the Walter Reed National Medical Center, Bethesda, MD. The USO is in the midst of “OPERATION ENDURING CARE”, a $100 million capital fund campaign to build the two centers . It is estimated that $25 million is needed to build; $50 million is required to support the current programs and $25 million endows the two centers. One hundred percent of all contributions (cash/cash equivalent) will go to initiatives that supports wounded warriors and their families as well as our families of the fallen. Locally, USO is involved in several wounded warrior programs and events to include ‘Pro vs. GI Joe”, (Dodgers and Sox spring training); United Through Reading ( active duty reading/DVD program), national touring comedian Trevor Romaine (“With you all the Way”), touring nationally Sesame Street (featuring “Katie “, whose dad is deployed) and Fry’s/Kroger supermarkets (purchase 10 items, $1.00 donation to USO, 20 items $200 donation to USO . USO will open a new facility inside Sky Harbor International Airport Terminal 4 in November of 2012. USO Arizona projects that a $50.00 monthly contribution from all Arizona Veterans Service Organizations would fund most of their in state priority programs. Please consider donating@uso.org.
USO OFFICIAL POLICY: Active duty, retirees, reservists on active duty, other service members.
USO Arizona welcomes our new program manager, Lynn Bufka, (602-275-7501; lbufka@uso.org) who joins us after serving at USO posts in Afghanistan and Kuwait. For more information, contact:
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VA MEDICAL CENTER
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Each clinic has a PACT (Patient Aligned Care Team) which exists to deliver more patient centered health care The emphasis here is on quick and easy communication between the patients and their health care providers. There is a directory of all our PACTS available. Even with the implementation of the PACT concept, the Patient Advocate Office is still experiencing a high volume of calls. Keep in mind that this office is staffed by just TWO wonderful, concerned and caring people. Multiple or repetitive calls tend to bog down the system in terms of reasonable response time. The Patient Advocate Office’s goal is to respond to each phone message within twenty four (24) hours of receipt.
Sarah Nelson
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CONGRESSIONAL BRIEF
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Dan Caldwell (formerly USMC), Fifth Congressional District representative shared these insights with us.
Thanks for your support of last month’s job fair sponsored by Congressman Schweikert, a number of Veterans were able to gain employment and many have scheduled job interviews as a result.
BAD NEWS: The Army and Marines will sustain a 100,000 personnel cut by 2017. Army will lose 80,000 troops and 8 Brigade Combat Teams; 22,000 will be cut for FY 2013. BCT’s will be restructured to add more battalions. The Corps will lose 20,000 marines including at least 3 infantry battalions, several artillery battalions and up to 10 helicopter squadrons. Navy is expected to lose at least 6 cruisers and the Air National Guard will bear the brunt of force reductions for the Air Force. Given the worsening budget situation, the Army and Marines could lose more personnel, reducing each service to their pre- 9/11 levels. What does this all mean? An additional burden on the VA, the military retirement system, veterans not -for-profits, and other social services for veterans.
GOOD NEWS: VA has been exempted from sequestration, meaning that the agency will NOT face automatic budget cuts. However, VA has consistently failed to implement Congressionally mandated reforms and will not likely be able to accommodate the influx of new veterans because data sharing and claims processing systems have not been updated. Remember what happened with post- 9/11 G I Bill?
Update on Previous Legislation:
H.R. 4072- Consolidating Veteran Employment Services for Improved Performance Act of 2012. Has left the full House Committee on Veterans Affairs and is awaiting a vote before the Full House.
H.R. 3895- Protect VA Healthcare Act of 2012 (moot anyways because of sequestration exemption). S. 2259 Veterans ‘ Compensation Cost-of- Living Adjustment Act of 2012, HR 4048: Veteran Contracting Opportunities: Has not been heard by full committee yet.
For more information contact:
Daniel Caldwell
480-946-2411
Daniel.Caldwell@Mail.House.Gov
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ARIZONA DEPARTMENT
OF VETERANS SERVICES
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The Tucson Veterans Home is progressing apace. Recently, successfully completed all Legislative requirements.
Veterans Cemetery Sierra Vista – Work is underweigh to complete $5 million in new construction and repairs to upgrade the facility.
Camp Navajo – Veterans Home (120 beds) and Cemetery are in advanced planning stages. No estimate yet as to when groundbreaking might be scheduled.
Military Family Relief – Administered by AZDVS , this program has funded more than 50 requests to date for a total of $181.000.
Fourth Annual Arizona Women’s Military Veterans Conference – Scheduled for Saturday June 16th 2012 here in Phoenix. The conference centers around how women veterans can better access entitlements and find peer support. Contact:
Gabe Forsberg
Women Veterans Coordinator, ADVS
Women Veteran Specialty License Plate – Now available on line as well as by application at your local MVD location.
All AZDVS related Bills passed/proved during the most recent legislative session:
SB 1058 – Extends AZDVS for another 10 years
SB1126 – Approves WWII Memorial
SB 1291 – Creates a more efficient system for donations to Veterans causes
SB 2428 – Allows special Veterans designation (voluntary) on drivers licenses.
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UAV LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
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The focus of this group continues to center on Veterans Education and Training, Jobs/Economic Opportunity, Health and Wellness. UAV and the Legislative Committee welcomes Dave Hampton, AZDVS, who has agreed to serve as consultant and also new member Sharon Woods (Cactus Waves). The Copper Shield Award (annual recognition of State Legislator most active on Veterans issues) process has been revised and updated. A new, email friendly nomination form is now available (from UAV Secretary Carol Culbertson) for applicants and is due in its completion by Monday September 3rd, 2012. Contact:
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ARIZONA WAR MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
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With the exception of the Arizona Memorial and landscape related maintenance, many of us were appalled to learn that most of our memorials at Wesley Bolin Plaza receive very little care in terms of regular maintenance and repair. Fortunately, many months ago that mission landed on the already fully engaged shoulders of Major Paul Ellis , Arizona Army National Guard. Since then, he has driven the effort to survey and refurbish in great detail the 18 or so Memorials at the Plaza. This in addition to his full time responsibilities in a key position in the Resource Management , Construction and Facilities Management Office. Coordinating the effort and resources of many volunteers and various construction related agencies , he was on fairly short notice , able to literally resurrect the Vietnam Memorial Site insuring that it was safe and structurally sound for thousands of visitors marking the 18th annual ceremony which occurred this past April. .He has developed a not- for- profit organization with the goal of funding (through grants and donations) the repair and upkeep of these Memorials sacred to many of us as we go forward. Chapter XXV(Arizona), 173rd Airborne Brigade Association, a UAV member, is pleased to partner in this effort. Contact:
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ARIZONA VETERANS HALL OF FAME
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The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for the class of 2012 is slated for Friday, October 26, 2012 at the El Zaribah Shrine Auditorium,552 N. 40th Street, Phoenix , AZ at 1030am. Its not too early to begin lining up your candidates for the Class of 2013!
Carol Culbertson
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NAVAL ORDER OF ARIZONA
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The program and luncheon (optional) will be held at Macayo’s, 4001 N. Central on Tuesday May 22nd beginning at 11:30am. Noted Naval author (“ No Right To Win”), historian and editor of the Midway Roundtable will feature a presentation focused on the MIDWAY COMMEMORATION.
Carol Culbertson
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Unified Arizona Veterans
AZUAV.ORG
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