Arizona State Council VVA Blog

Vietnam veteran looks toward reunion – The Southeast Sun: Fort Rucker: lawrence castagneto, vietnam, aviator,

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 02:14:45 +0000

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Click on the link to read the full story – very interesting…

Although the Vietnam War ended nearly 40 years ago, memories of the jungles halfway around the world still linger in the minds of the veterans who fought for the red, white and blue.

via Vietnam veteran looks toward reunion – The Southeast Sun: Fort Rucker: lawrence castagneto, vietnam, aviator,.

Women Veterans Task Force Draft Plan Released

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 04:04:25 +0000

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 15, 2012

Women Veterans Task Force Draft Plan Released

VA Seeks Public Comment on Strategies

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs is releasing for public comment a draft of its strategic report to address key issues facing women Veterans. The plan outlines steps for improvements to care and services for women Veterans that are sustainable, accountable and a part of the department’s culture and operations.

“Expanding care and services to women Veterans is too important to limit ourselves solely to the views within the department, so we are seeking feedback from all stakeholders, most importantly women Veterans themselves,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “The VA must be visionary and agile enough to anticipate and adjust not only to the coming increase in women Veterans, but also to the complexity and longevity of treatment needs.”

Shinseki formed a task force to develop an action plan to address women Veterans’ issues. Since then, the group has conducted a broad survey of department experts to identify those issues and organize them by priority. The draft report is an interim step prior to VA finalizing its overall plan.

The report comes at an important juncture in VA’s history that demands a review of the quality, quantity, and types of services and programs it provides to women Veterans. The number of women Veterans using VA has increased 83 percent in the past decade, from about 160,000 to over 292,000 between fiscal years 2000 and 2009, compared with a 50 percent increase in men.

Women are now the fastest growing cohort within the Veteran community. In 2011, about 1.8 million or 8 percent of the 22.2 million Veterans were women. The male Veteran population is projected to decrease from 20.2 million men in 2010 to 16.7 million by 2020. In contrast, the number of women Veterans will increase from 1.8 million in 2011 to 2 million in 2020, at which time women will make up 10.7 percent of the total Veteran population.

VA is training providers in basic and advanced topics in women’s health through mini-residencies, and over 1200 providers have currently received training. Comprehensive women’s health care can be provided within three different models of care, including comprehensive women’s clinics; separate, but shared, space women’s clinics; or integrated primary care clinics. All of these clinic models ensure that women receive all of their primary health care (prevention, medical, and routine gynecologic care) by a single primary care provider. A network of medical directors and program managers who coordinate care for women Veterans now encompasses all 153 medical centers in the VA Health Care System.

The public notice and instructions for how to submit comments will be posted at www.regulations.gov. The draft written report will be open for comment for 30 days, and responders will have a number of options to provide both electronic and written feedback. Readers will also be able to participate in a public discussion board on the Internet at: http://vawomenvetstratplan.uservoice.com/forums/159415-general.

To view the report without making recommendations, please visit VA’s website at: http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/Draft_2012_Women-Veterans_StrategicPlan.pdf.

# # #

MOH Awarded–SP4 Leslie Sabo

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:56:39 +0000

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Unified Arizona Veterans meeting held on SATURDAY MAY 5th, 2012

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 04:18:49 +0000

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The following are items from the Unified Arizona Veterans meeting held on
SATURDAY MAY 5th, 2012

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 173^rd Airborne Brigade Association here in Phoenix.

Reggie can be reached at:

reggie@azuav.org

602-373-0703

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.

FELLOW VETERANS…

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. 40^th Street

Phoenix, AZ

(click here for map)

Carol Culbertson

602-943-7634

Carol.Culbertson@azuav.org

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION UAV WEBSITE

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

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS

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:

Pat Young
623-330-8215

azns01@cox.net

CITY OF SURPRISE MEMORIAL DAY
COMMEMORATIVE EVENT 2012

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

BLPSCMB@cox.net LarryAZ1@aol.com
623-546-0598 623-546-3335

USO ARIZONA UPDATE

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:

Anne Theodosis
602-275-3816

atheodosis@uso.org

VA MEDICAL CENTER

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

602-277-5551 extension: 6171

Sarah.Nelson@va.gov

CONGRESSIONAL BRIEF

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

ARIZONA DEPARTMENT
OF VETERANS SERVICES

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

602-255-3373

gforsberg@azdvs.gov

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.

For more information contact:
Dave Hampton
602-255-3373

dhampton@azdvs.gov

UAV LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

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:

Lionel Sanchez

602.332.5325

unlionel@aol.com

ARIZONA WAR MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

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 18^th 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), 173^rd Airborne Brigade Association, a UAV member, is pleased to partner in this effort. Contact:

Major Paul J. Ellis

602.267.2475

paul.j.ellis@us.army.mil

ARIZONA VETERANS HALL OF FAME

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. 40^th Street, Phoenix , AZ at 1030am. Its not too early to begin lining up your candidates for the Class of 2013!

Carol Culbertson

602-943-7634

Carol.Culbertson@azuav.org

NAVAL ORDER OF ARIZONA

The program and luncheon (optional) will be held at Macayo’s, 4001 N. Central on Tuesday May 22^nd 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

602-943-7634

Carol.Culbertson@azuav.org

Unified Arizona Veterans
AZUAV.ORG

2nd Annual DINNER IN HONOR OF ARIZONA VIETNAM VETERANS

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 01:03:25 +0000

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To Arizona Vietnam Veterans, families & friends:

The Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services and the Arizona Military Museum in conjunction with the Department of Defense 50^th Commemoration of the Vietnam War is proud to host the 2^nd Annual DINNER IN HONOR OF ARIZONA VIETNAM VETERANS at Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino in Chandler, Arizona on October 20, 2012. We are honored to have as Special Guest Speaker, Lieutenant General Claude M. Kicklighter, USA (Ret.), Director of the 50^th Commemoration of the Vietnam War project.

AS WE DID LAST YEAR, WE PRESENT THIS EVENT AND DINNER TO HONOR THE SERVICE OF ARIZONA’S VIETNAM VETERANS. Our intent is that this event be part of the 50^th Commemoration of the Vietnam War activities whose first stated objective is:

To thank and honor veterans who served in the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.

The affair will be a special experience including a Vietnamese Color Guard, a wonderful dinner, good music, some short speeches, some videos, TAPS, and a special presentation to Vietnam veterans. It is open to those who desire to honor Vietnam veterans. Business attire/casual or Army Class A or service equivalent is appropriate. We look forward to seeing many Vietnam veterans, their families and friends. The dinner cost is $40.00 per person. Unfortunately, the hotel can only accommodate 400 attendees, so we need your RSVP registration and check ASAP to confirm your attendance at this wonderful experience. Wild Horse Pass Hotel rooms are set aside for your convenience at only $99.00 per night, particularly if you’re travelling from outside the Phoenix area. Just call the hotel for room reservations at 1-800-946-4452. For other questions call 520-868-6777.

As a Vietnam veteran proud of your service or as one who desires to participate in honoring those who served in the Vietnam War, just mail your completed RSVP form with payment ASAP. We hope that you will strongly support this meaningful event.

Colonel Joey Strickland, USA (Ret.), Director Colonel Joseph E. Abodeely, USA (Ret.)

Arizona Department of Veteran Services Director, Arizona Military Museum

Military Photographer of the Year winners Pictures – CBS News

admin — Sat, 12 May 2012 23:21:18 +0000

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Military Photographer of the Year winners

First awarded in 1960, Military Photographer of the Year honors (issued under the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs) recognizes excellence among military cameramen. This year’s contest included 3,500 submissions from 603 entrants in several categories, including Feature, News, Portrait, Sports and Pictorial.

via Military Photographer of the Year winners Pictures – CBS News.

Overseas shipping of many electronics banned – Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World – Military Times

admin — Fri, 11 May 2012 22:05:54 +0000

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By Jon Anderson and Karen Jowers – Staff writersPosted : Friday May 11, 2012 17:49:32 EDT

Starting next week, the U.S. Postal Service will prohibit shipping of lithium or products containing lithium to international, APO, FPO and DPO addresses.The move, a response to new standards developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Universal Postal Union, will make it much more difficult for the military community and other federal employees overseas to obtain mobile phones, laptops, watches, cameras and other items that use the batteries through the mail.

via Overseas shipping of many electronics banned – Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World – Military Times.

Sports and Fitness Center for Persons with Disabilities – Disabled Veteran/Wounded Warrior Offer

admin — Fri, 11 May 2012 02:02:01 +0000

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The Sports and Fitness Center for Persons with Disabilities (Spofit) http://www.disabilitysportscenter.com/about-spofit is offering a free Punch Pass (12 Visits valid for one year) to workout at their fully accessible fitness center. The Veteran will need to show their Veteran Identification Card (VIC) or Military ID Card to the front desk. Spofit is located at 5031 E Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034, their number is 602.386.4566 and their hours are Monday – Friday 6:30am to 9:00pm, Saturday 9:00am to 2:00pm and closed Sundays. Please spread the word.

2012 Salute to Vietnam Veterans – General Anthony C. Zinni – Extended

admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 02:37:43 +0000

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What did (scam) vets charity do with $56M?

admin — Tue, 08 May 2012 08:53:52 +0000

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