Archive for the ‘Announcements’ Category
The Federal Budget—Fiscal Year 2012 for the Department of Veterans Affairs
| FY2012 Request: $61.85 billion FY2011 Request: $59.8 billion FY2010 Enacted: $55.9 billion |
We have a sacred trust with those who wear the uniform of the United States of America. For their dedicated service defending the United States, veterans receive an array of benefits and services. The President’s Budget simplifies access to these benefits; ensures that we are meeting the needs of the contemporary veteran population; and invests in the continued modernization of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to meet 21st century challenges.
The President’s Budget maintains the Administration’s commitment to our Nation’s veterans with $61.85 billion in discretionary funding, a 10.6 percent increase from the FY 2010 enacted amount to meet increased need. This increase will continue to drive change in the VA – transforming the Department to better serve veterans and their families at a time when more is being asked of our men and women in uniform.
Adapts and Innovates for Changing Needs
- Prioritizes specialized care needed by veterans, providing $6 billion for post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and other psychological and cognitive health needs, as well as collaborative programs between the Department of Defense and VA.
- Dramatically expands benefits and medical care for veterans’ caregivers, providing $208 million for specialized training, stipends, health care and mental health services. These benefits will enhance the standard of care through the retention of better trained, more qualified caregivers.
Combats veteran homelessness with a $939 million investment to continue the Administration’s historic commitment to end veteran homelessness and expand services for homeless and at-risk veterans. - Successfully implements an automated claims processing system for the timely and accurate delivery of Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to veterans and their beneficiaries. In 2012, over 500,000 participants are expected to receive almost $8.5 billion in tuition, fee, housing, and stipend benefits.
- Continues the development of a Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record for the secure and seamless access, sharing and exchange of health, benefits, and administrative data that will allow improved care and services to servicemembers and veterans.
- Continues to enhance the administration of veterans benefits by implementing high priority technology improvements to address the claims backlog.
- Includes $270 million investment, a 12 percent increase from the 2011 medical care enacted amount, for gender-specific health care for eligible women veterans to addresses their overall health care needs at every point where the veterans access care.
Reduces Costs While Improving Service and Efficiency
- Reduces costs and improves efficiency through implementation of a new, $183 million paperless claims processing system, which will speed processing, enhance the security of personal data, and improve veterans’ access to benefits information.
- Reduces spending for construction by 38 percent from the FY 2010 enacted amount to focus resources on providing timely, high-quality care and benefits to veterans.
Veterans Organizations Thank Congress for Support
GI Bill Upgrade Package will bolster education, job growth for veterans
Today, five veterans organizations came together in thanking our members of Congress for putting aside their partisan differences to support improvements in educational and professional opportunities for our military veterans.
The GI Bill Upgrade will increase tuition coverage for veterans in the vast majority of states, and it will also expand coverage to tens of thousands of Americans serving in National Guard. It will accomplish all this while decreasing our deficit by an estimated $700 million.
This upgrade will also expand the number of schools and courses covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill, improve and expedite claims processing, provide coverage for vocational schools, and provide more work-study jobs for student veterans. All of these changes are imperative to the successful re-integration of our troops into the civilian world following their years of service to our country.
This bill has enjoyed a broad, bipartisan endorsement from a broad coalition of veterans organizations. These organizations thank our members of Congress for their support, and hope that President Obama will act quickly to sign this bill into law.
- Truman National Security Project
- Student Veterans of America
- VetPAC
- Democratic Party of Virginia Veterans & Military Families Caucus
- Veterans & Military Families for Progress (VMFP)
VMFC Joins the DPVA Steering Committee
For those who are not yet aware, on 4 DEC 2010, the Democratic Party of Virginia’s (DPVA) State Central Committee unanimously voted to add the Veterans and Military Family Caucus (VMFC) onto its steering committee. As VMFC Chair, our joining the steering committee was solely about DPVA creating a fair and inclusive process for caucuses to join its steering committee. This past fall, many of you stepped up to the plate on our caucus’ behalf. Without your speedy and vocal advocacy, our current position would not exist. I want to personally thank all of you for your support in this endeavor.
As we have done in years past, campaign after campaign, we, the Veterans and Military Family Caucus, will continue to push our issues statewide- making clear to all that our issues are Democratic issues.
Terron Sims
VMFC, Chair
Connolly to Participate Thursday in Governor’s Commission on Defense Cuts
Congressman also Announces Congressional Hearing to be Held on Cuts on September 29
Congressman Gerry Connolly will participate in the first meeting of Governor McDonnell’s Commission on Military and National Security Facilities on Thursday in Richmond. The commission will discuss Defense Secretary Robert Gates proposed cuts in defense contracting in Northern Virginia and the closure of the Joint Forces Command in Hampton Roads.
Connolly also said the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Management, Organization, and Procurement will hold a Capitol Hill hearing on the cuts on September 29. Connolly, a member of the committee, requested the Congressional hearing.
Connolly has praised Gates’ goal to cut defense spending, but he also has questioned the rationale and analysis behind the Defense Secretary’s plan to arbitrarily cut defense contracting by 10 percent a year for three years.
“Arbitrary across-the-board cuts generally don’t produce the desired result and are not a strategic means of achieving savings,” Connolly said, noting that previous efforts to reduce reliance on contractors did not achieve the savings hoped for by the Pentagon.
Connolly also said that smaller contractors, particularly companies owned by minorities, women, and disabled veterans, will probably bear the brunt of the cuts. “Large contractors have the resources to weather such cuts, but for many small companies, the loss of a contract can push them right out of business,” he said.
Connolly is also concerned about the ramifications of such arbitrary cuts. “Besides the obvious impact on the economy and workforce in Northern Virginia and other regions with a high concentration of federal contractors, there are some serious concerns about whether these arbitrary reductions in contracting and the shutdown of JFCOM will hurt the Pentagon’s national security interests,” he said. “There are no promises that the expertise lost when contracts are cut will automatically flow into the federal workforce.”
Membership Renewal
In just a short 2-year period the DPVA Veterans and Military Families Caucus has played key roles in the past 2 election cycles. Our efforts were paramount in working towards getting President Obama the number of votes he needed to garner the nomination here in the Commonwealth. Last year, though the gubernatorial elections did not fare in our favor, we did have 3 outstanding sets of VMF policy that the candidates pushed as a top tier issue during their campaigns. Our ability to sign up 100′s of supporters in a quick amount of time proved our level of effectiveness and efficiency as a committee. And, more importantly showed the people of the Commonwealth, including our fellow Democrats, that the issues of veterans and their families are our issues: Democratic issues.
This year, with the assistance of good friends in and active with our committee, we wrote the DNC’s Veterans Candidate Platform. We have taken said platform and distributed it to our Congressional candidates: both incumbants and first time candidates. Our VMF platform is a key component of these races, and significantly, is now being used nationally. Nearly every race has a VMF “guru” advising its campaign. Again, this speaks volumes to all of your hardwork and dedication. Since our inception, we are, and continue to be, the example for all of the other states’ Democratic party offiliated VMFCs. I thank you for all that you do!
To help continue our stallwart work, please renew your membership here. If you are not yet an official member of the Veterans and Military Family Caucus, you too may click on the link to join. The membership fee is only $10/year, which mainly goes towards the upkeep of our website.
Thank you for your time! I look forward to our great work together.
Terron Sims
Chair, Veterans and Military Families Caucus
Democratic Party of Virginia
Connolly To Present Vietnam War Vet With Medals 39 Years After His Heroism
Congressman Gerry Connolly will present the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Silver Star to Vietnam veteran Ronald Markiewicz of Woodbridge 39 years after the Army lieutenant and helicopter pilot risked his own life, while wounded, in two separate combat incidents to rescue downed helicopter crews and wounded Marines.
Connolly will present former Army First Lieutenant Ronald E. Markiewicz of Woodbridge with the two prestigious medals for gallantry in action and extraordinary achievement – authorized by the President of the United States – at a ceremony in Connolly’s Annandale office on Monday, July 19, at 2 pm. Markiewicz will be accompanied by family members at the ceremony in Connolly’s office.
Markiewicz was a first lieutenant in the Army’s 71st Aviation Company, 14th Aviation Battalion, 23rd Infantry Division.
“It is truly an honor for me to have the opportunity to present this Vietnam War hero with well-deserved and long-overdue recognition of his gallantry in action and devotion to duty,” Connolly said. “Too often, we have overlooked the heroism, contributions, and sacrifices made by the men and women who serviced our country during the Vietnam War.”
WHAT: Distinguished Flying Cross and Silver Star Presentation Ceremony for Vietnam Veteran Ronald E. Markiewicz, 39 years after his heroic acts
WHEN: Monday, July 19, 2pm
WHERE: Rep. Connolly’s Congressional District Office
4115 Annandale Rd, Suite 103, Annandale, VA 22003
Complete descriptions of the heroic acts of March 21 and March 24, 1971 in Vietnam and Laos that earned Markiewicz these prestigious military awards follow:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 9 July 1918 (amended by act of 25 July 1963), has awarded the SILVER STAR to
FIRST LIEUTENANT RONALD E. MARKIEWICZ
71ST AVIATION COMPANY, 14TH AVIATION BATTALION, 23D INFANTRY DIVISION
For Gallantry: in action on 21 March 1971, while serving as a UH-1 Pilot, 71st Aviation Company, 14th Aviation Battalion, 23d Infantry Division, in support of combat operations in Vietnam. On this date, First Lieutenant Markiewicz participated in a valiant attempt to resupply Vietnamese Marines in Laos that were under siege by the North Vietnamese Army. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire from several positions, he completed his landing approach, successfully offloading ammunition in exchange for four wounded Vietnamese Marines. During the takeoff, heavy machine gun fire ripped through the aircraft, piercing the fuel cells. Ignoring the enemy fire, First Lieutenant Markiewicz navigated the burning aircraft to a location below the landing zone to facilitate a safe rescue effort. Despite his own wounds and under machine gun fire, he carried a wounded Vietnamese Marine while directing his men to the rescue helicopter for evacuation. First Lieutenant Markiewicz’ gallantry in action and devotion to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 2 July 1926, has awarded the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to
FIRST LIEUTENANT RONALD E. MARKIEWICZ
71ST AVIATION COMPANY, 14TH AVIATION BATTALION, 23D INFANTRY DIVISION
For EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENT: during aerial flight on 24 March 1971, while serving as a UH-1 Pilot, 71st Aviation Company, 14th Aviation Battalion, 23d Infantry Division, in support of combat operations in Vietnam. On this date, First Lieutenant Markiewicz attempted to extract downed helicopter crews from the border area between North and South Vietnam and Laos. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire from several positions, he began his rescue attempt by skillfully avoiding a deadly hail of gunfire. As the UH-1 approached the ground, heavy machine gun fire tore through the aircraft. Impacting enemy rounds riddled the cockpit, causing shards of metal and plexiglass to cut him in multiple places. Ignoring his wounds, First Lieutenant Markiewicz successfully landed the aircraft, enabling troops to recover the downed crews. Upon completion of the sortie, he obtained a replacement aircraft and continued with the mission. First Lieutenant Markiewicz’ devotion to duty is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Helping Homeless Veterans
Did you know that a third of the homeless in Hampton Roads are Veterans of the United States Armed Forces?
Please help the Virginia Beach Democratic Committee live our values at our Saturday, July 24th breakfast by providing support for homeless veterans through Vetshouse in Virginia Beach. Vetshouse provides housing, food, clothing, counseling and other assistance to homeless vets to help facilitate their return to gainful, independent, responsible and productive lifestyles. It is located right here in Virginia Beach.
Vetshouse Executive Director (and Veteran) Williard Smith will be our featured speaker. Cost of the all you can eat breakfast buffet (including tax and tip) is $10 for adults and $6 for kids under 12. $2 from every adult meal and $1 from every kids meal will be donated directly to Vetshouse.
The VBDC will also be collecting donations for Vetshouse of the following items:
- Non-perishable Foods (Canned foods, Cereals, Peanut Butter, Pasta, etc.)
- Household Consumables (Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Dish Detergent, Laundry Detergent, Cleaning Products, Toothpaste, Soap)
- New or Very Gently Used Men’s Clothing
- Grocery Store, Department Store, or Gas Station Gift Cards
For additional information or to RSVP, please contact Virginia Beach Democratic Committee Public Service Committee Chair Lois Firestone at vbdcrsvp@gmail.com.
New Veterans Services Measures Take Effect Thursday
– Highlights 24 Pieces of Legislation to Make Virginia the Most Veteran Friendly State in America –
RICHMOND – Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell today highlighted legislation taking effect July 1st that recognizes his commitment to make Virginia the most Veteran friendly state in America. Included in this is legislation establishing a Veterans Skills Database, fee waivers for Veterans seeking small business permits, protecting the right to display the American flag at their home, and designating the Honor and Remember Flag as the Commonwealth’s emblem of service and sacrifice.
Speaking about the legislation becoming law on July 1st, Governor McDonnell remarked, “Virginia is home to more than 830,000 veterans and almost 200,000 Virginians are serving in the military around the world. Our state government must continue to do more to better serve those who have voluntarily protected America for generations past and present. During the 2010 legislative session we passed 24 pieces of legislation to make Virginia the most veteran-friendly state in America. I have tasked Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services Paul Galanti to develop a Veterans Bill of Rights to identify the needs of veterans and their families so we can make sure those needs are met. I have also asked the Virginia Employment Commission, in cooperation with the Department of Veterans Services and the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, to establish a Veterans Skills Database to help market and promote workforce skills to veterans. We passed legislation protecting a Virginian’s right to fly the American flag on his or her property. Further, we have designated the Honor and Remember Flag as the Commonwealth’s emblem of service and sacrifice by the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces, who have given their lives in the line of duty. The community of veterans and active duty soldiers who call Virginia home deserve our support and recognition to ensure their success in the Commonwealth.”
Commissioner of Veterans Services Paul Galanti also noted, “We are working hard to implement the most affected policies to ensure our veterans and active duty soldiers have the tools they need to be successful at home and continue to choose Virginia as their place of retirement. The 24 pieces of legislation going into law on Thursday will better equip us with the tools needed to provide Virginia’s veterans with the services they need.”
See new law details available here.
TBI Study
The RAND Corporation is conducting one-on-one telephone interviews with military members and veterans who were diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and received treatment for TBI during the past five years.
The RAND Corporation is also conducting one-on-one telephone interviews with spouses or family members of military members or veterans who were diagnosed with TBI and received treatment for TBI during the past five years.
The goal of the interviews is to learn about the information needs of military members, veterans, and their families getting help for TBI so that care for military members and veterans with TBI can be improved.
Interviews will last about 45 minutes. Each spouse or family member participant will be paid $25 for their time.
If you are interested, please send an email to RANDTBI@rand.org or call RAND at 800.419.9566 to find out if you are eligible to participate.
Fairfax County Needs Veterans to Mentor Service Members Injured in Iraq and Afghanistan for Wellness Activities Program
The Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation Services is recruiting veterans who are interested in mentoring injured service members who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan. Mentors will assist in leading an eight-week physical exploration class to help participants in discovering their physical activities preferences. The program will start in mid-June. The service men and women will meet once a week for eight weeks in various locations throughout Fairfax County. Training is provided. To receive more information or schedule an appointment for a mentoring interview, please contact Bruce Patrick at 703-324-5528, TTY 711 or via email to Bruce.Patrick@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Department of Community and Recreation Services
12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1050
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
703-324-5641, TTY 711, Fax 703-222-9792
Media Contact: Patricia L. McClenic, Public Information Officer
DCRS@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec
Fairfax County Project WOW! Is funded by a grant from the National Recreation and Park Association’s 2009 USOC Paralympics Grant Initiative, sponsored by the U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee.