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THE INFORMER
DAV FRY CHAPTER 14
COMMANDER'S NEWSLETTER
October 2014
COMMANDER’S STATEMENT
We are now in a new fiscal year (FY) for the chapter. FY2014 was highly successful and we were able to
provide support to a lot of veterans in many different ways. While claims assistance and transportation
remain our core missions, we are also proud of the many additional programs we offer. If you need to
borrow medical equipment, we are here to help. We have motorized scooters and wheelchairs. Our
newsletters and our web site are recognized as among the best in the country. We look forward to this
year as another banner year. We could not do what we do without public support and community
partnerships. We pledge to continue to support community programs as long as we can. Many of us have
medical problems that are affecting our ability to work at the same levels as previously. We desperately
need new volunteers to pitch in. We want to keep this chapter as strong as it has been, but we can’t do it
without you. This is your chapter. Please participate in its activities, especially in the decision-making
process that occurs at each meeting. We look forward to seeing some new faces at our meetings on the
last Saturday of each month.
CHAPTER/UNIT INFORMATION
OFFICERS
Commander
Rod Pieren
Senior Vice-Commander
Joe Baeza
Junior Vice-Commander
Glenn Hohmann
Adjutant
Stu Jantzen
Treasurer
David DuBois
Legislative Liaison
Al Simpson
Chaplain
Don Churchfield
Arizona Veterans’ Hall Of Fame
Congratulations to DAV Fry Chapter 14 members Judy
Carroll and Marian Fletcher for having been selected
for induction into the Arizona Veterans’ Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame was founded in 2001 to recognize
veterans who have served honorably in our armed
forces and have continued to serve their communities
and fellow veterans, after their service in the military.
Both Marian and Judy have served the Sierra Vista
community through participation in veterans groups
and multiple volunteer programs that have made a
different to the Sierra Vista community. Other Sierra
Vista inductees will include Jackie Moore and Allen F.
"Gunner" Kent. Their induction will be held on Friday,
24 October 2014, in Phoenix. Congrats to all four. They
are positive influences in this community.
SERVICE OFFICER HOURS
1200-1600 Monday-Friday, except holidays and
special activities
TRANSPORTATION OFFICE HOURS
0900-1200 Monday-Friday
CONTACT US
Service officers: (520) 458-0307
Transportation Office: (520) 458-5776
Email: [email protected]
Fax: (520) 458-9226
Mail: PO Box 1014
Sierra Vista, AZ 85636
Website http://www.davmembersportal.org/chapters/az/14/default.aspx
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Chapter Awards
Several of our members received individual awards from the Arizona Department of the Disabled American Veterans
this year. These awards recognize the extra volunteer efforts of our members. Judy Carroll received the Distinguished
Service Award. Rod Pieren, Joe Baeza, Glenn Hohmann, Carlos Herrera, Bob Conte and David DuBois all received
Arizona DAV Department Appreciation Awards. Thank you all for a job well done.
Meet the New State Commander of the DAV Auxiliary!
Lucy Garza, who has been serving our local DAV Auxiliary Unit 14, for the past seven years was
elected as the new state DAV Auxiliary for fiscal year 2014- 2015. We offer our congratulations
to Lucy as she takes on this challenging role. Lucy has previously served as both the Junior Vice
Commander and the Senior Vice Commander of the state Auxiliary. Under Lucy’s local leadership,
DAV Auxiliary 14 earned the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Award for units sized 1050 members and the Non-VA award. Lucy would like to recognize Martha German, Margaret
Campbell, Sherron Driver, Lisa and Jonathan Campbell, Becky Roberts, Wilma Burch for all their
hard work and commitment to the unit, saying “Without these members, we would not be
successful.”
Tucson VA Transportation Shuttle Procedures
We have returned to the old procedure for transportation support to the Tucson hospital. DAV volunteers drive vets
to and from the VA hospital as part of the DAV Transportation Network administered by DAV Hospital Service
Coordinators at the VA medical centers. If you need transportation to or from the Tucson VA hospital, please contact
the Tucson VA Medical Center at 520-792-1450 (Toll free1-800-470-8262), Ext. 6565 at least 5 working days in
advance of your appointment.
On the last working day before your medical appointment, you must call the Sierra Vista Chapter 14 DAV
Transportation Office at 520-458-5776 between 1000-1200 to confirm your ride. It is the rider’s responsibility to
coordinate with Tucson and the Sierra Vista DAV transportation offices and to be at the designated pickup point on
time. Failure to show or other misuse of the DAV transportation system may result in a suspension of your riding
privileges for up to three months.
For DAV transportation rules, go to http://azdav.org/shuttle.
Upcoming Chapter Events
SierraVistability Day
Sierra VistAbility Day is an annual event organized by the City of Sierra Vista Commission on Disabilities Issues (CoDI)
and the Fort Huachuca Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). Its goal is to promote independent living for
individuals with disabilities and their families. Sierra VistAbility Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2014 from
10:00am to 2:00pm at the Mall At Sierra Vista. This Sierra VistAbility Day includes a number of disability related
organizations that promote their products and services to the disabled community. The organizations participating
include government agencies, non-profit organizations, support groups, healthcare providers, and private businesses.
Although most are local, there have been some participating organizations in past years that have come as far as the
Phoenix Valley. This “one-stop shop” format has been effective for educating both the public and peer organizations
about services and products available. This year the Commission is partnering with Positive ABA which will be
organizing an awareness walk called L.E.A.D. With Us (L.E.A.D stands for: Learn Embrace and Accept Disabilities) and
various children’s activities. Positive ABA is a local organization that provides applied behavioral analysis services for
children with autism. This will be a great addition to the event which continues to grow every year. Chapter 14
participates with an information booth manned by our Service Officers. Stop by at the mall to get some information
or to just say “hi”. We always enjoy seeing our members.
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Veterans Day Parade
As always, our chapter will participate in the Veterans’ Day Parade on Nov 11 th. This is a day to recognize the service
of veterans throughout the years. This is YOUR day. Come join us on the DAV float. Please be at the office NLT 0730 as
we have to be on line by 0800.
Military Appreciation
November is always a busy time for the chapter, but it is also rewarding because one of our activities, the
Military Appreciation Fundraiser, is one of only two fundraisers allowed by National without special
permission. Starting on the Friday after Veterans Day, November 14th, we start our Military Appreciation
fundraiser at the Golden Corral. The Disabled American Veterans and the Golden Corral have had a
partnership for over 14 years. As always, every penny we collect stays in the community and helps fund
our veteran support programs. You may donate at the Golden Corral or by using the donation sheet on
the back page of this newsletter. Please be sure to write “Military Appreciation” on the memo line of your
check. There are many veterans in our community who will benefit from your generosity and this income
keeps our office open. Please be generous.
We are also looking for volunteers to man our donation table. You can sign up at the October meeting or
send an email to [email protected] to see what shifts are still available. Please mark your calendar so that
you can help us with this project. The dates will be November 14-17. The free dinner will be held on 17
November by the Golden Corral. Thank you for your service to America.
Imagine having your child wake up on Christmas morning and you have nothing to give him/her. How would you feel?
Last year our Christmas project greatly expanded with the large number of homeless and low-income veterans in
Sierra Vista. We went to the community to team together to help these vets and the result was overwhelming. One of
our recipients wrote.
“My son and I are extremely grateful for the holiday box and the gift cards. They are very important for us
to have this time of year when we are at the end of the month and out of the bare essentials. We're
doing well now because of your incredible generosity, and we're doing better than ever. I am grateful,
and my son is as well, and we wish you the happiest of holidays and a great new year.”
We have already been notified that we have even more needy veterans and their families to include in our program
this year. As with any program, we can only do what we have funds to do. Last year several organizations were
generous and donated money to help this project. This year we are again asking for you to be part of the team. If you
are a member of another organization and that organization can help fund this program, please contact Judy at (520)
439-5839. We will gladly take whatever you can afford. Let’s join together to help these veterans and their families.
Let’s make sure their kids enjoy the holidays this year.
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DAV NEWS
dav.org
Message from Ronald Hope, National Commander
As our weary nation winds down from combat operations after nearly 13 years of war, those veterans will be making
that very challenging transition that we’ve all experienced ourselves. The transition out of uniform and back to civilian
life is difficult, but that’s where DAV is at its best. Helping veterans make that transition often begins with our service
officers, and I’m very proud to say I spent 31 years as a National Service Officer (NSO).
This past year the government shut down. Many of our NSO offices are located inside VA regional offices, and this
could have presented a problem. I cannot tell you how proud I am that, even though the government shut down,
DAV’s services to veterans and their families did not. Our NSOs developed a “Plan B,” and many worked out of our
Mobile Service Offices, overcoming any obstacles necessary to carry out their mission. Department and Chapter
Service Officers also stepped up, ensuring veterans weren’t left behind.
We have busy times ahead, as we continue the fight for passage of the Putting Veterans Funding First Act. This will
ensure that much-needed equipment and infrastructure at VA medical facilities is available and, in the event of
another government shutdown, that pension and disability compensation will not be stopped for those who’ve
sacrificed for our nation.DAV knows our partners at the VA operate the largest health care system in the country and
offer some of the finest health care in the world. We know they have our veterans’ best interests at heart, although
the actions of a few individuals have made it a challenging year for our partners at the VA. The bottom line is that you
can’t effectively run any organization with inadequate funding, and DAV will continue to advocate before Congress to
fully fund the VA so it can provide quality health care to our men and women who served. They deserve nothing less.
I’m also proud to say I plan to keep moving forward with our mission to respond to the unique care and health issues
of women veterans. Not very long ago, the word “veteran” was a purely masculine term. It’s not that way anymore.
Our female soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coast guardsmen are serving in the same dangerous areas as their
brothers-in-arms. And many come home with visible or nonvisible injuries that alter their lives forever.
We have many fights ahead of us, but none of us has ever backed away from a fight we’ve been called to while
wearing the nation’s uniform. Now I urge you to stand with DAV in the battles we face in the year ahead. Let your
local community leaders, stakeholders, elected officials and local congressional delegates know about veterans’ issues
in your own backyards. Access our Commander’s Action Network on DAV’s website, and tell your elected national
representatives where you stand on veteran-related issues. I look forward to working with you all this year. It’s an
honor and a privilege to serve as your National Commander, and I pledge to work tirelessly to ensure your voices are
heard as we continue our mission of more than 90 years of service to the men and women who raised their hands,
said, “Send me” and went forward to conduct America’s business when called.
For more information about the National Commander, you can find his biography at https://www.dav.org/wpcontent/uploads/RonaldHopeBio.pdf
DAV Statement on the VA Congressional Conference Committee Agreement
DAV released a statement by the Executive Director of its Washington Headquarters, Garry Augustine, on the
compromise reached by the House-Senate Conference Committee to strengthen the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) and increase access for veterans to timely medical care:
“For years, DAV has argued that woefully inadequate funding and budget gimmicks left the VA with neither the
medical staff nor the facilities to handle the influx of veterans seeking care. Fortunately, the compromise agreement
acknowledges this by appropriating the first year’s down payment on the resource request by Acting VA Secretary
Sloan Gibson to hire new doctors and nurses, repair and expand treatment space and lease additional clinic facilities.
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“While no veteran should be forced to wait too long or travel too far to get their care, we remain concerned that
simply giving veterans plastic cards and wishing them good luck in the private sector is not a substitute for a
coordinated system of care. The VA must remain fully responsible for ensuring the best health outcomes for veterans
not only by purchasing such care when VA is unable to provide it directly, but also by coordinating the delivery of
non-VA care, including all follow up necessary.
“We all share in the sacred obligation to provide wounded, injured and ill veterans the care and benefits they have
earned. Today’s agreement must now be followed by careful implementation of the legislation, aggressive oversight
of the new programs, and realistic budgets and appropriations so that such a crisis never recurs.
“Moving forward, Congress must provide VA with appropriations that are matched to its mission without gimmicks or
fake efficiencies. Moreover, to ensure that veterans are fully protected from future budget battles, Congress should
also swiftly enact pending bipartisan legislation to extend advance appropriations to all VA programs, services and
benefits.”
For the complete statement, go to http://www.dav.org/learn-more/news/2014/dav-statement-on-presidentssigning-of-veterans-health-care-access-bill/.
DAV Online Membership Payments
DAV has announced that it is now able to accept online payments. Prospective members who provide their credit
card information and agree to pay at least $10.00 per month are continuing to pay the installments to satisfy the
minimum requirements of Article 11, Sections 11.4 and 11.9 of the National Bylaws, which requires a minimum of
$40.00 to initiate life membership. Of the 17,000 new members who’ve utilized the online billing product, more than
6,600, or nearly 40%, have already paid their life membership in full. Forty percent of new members reaching full
paid life member status within 8 months is remarkable and far exceeds past performance. DAV recurring payments
provides new members with a complete, predictive online payment experience that helps drive the adoption of low
cost billing and payment methods; increasing the number and time it takes for part life members to achieve full life
membership. To use this system, you must have a personal email address. Membership applicants without an email
address can create one using the following formula; [email protected].
To take advantage of the DAV Automatic (New) Member Recurring Payment Program, go to
http://www.dav.org/membership/join and click “Apply Online Now.”
VA News
Va.gov
Robert McDonald New VA Secretary
On July 29th former Procter & Gamble chief Robert McDonald was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate to head
the troubled Department of Veterans Affairs as the agency’s next secretary. President Obama nominated McDonald
on June 30th, and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee gave him a warm reception during his confirmation hearing.
The unanimous vote represented a rare example of bipartisan action by the Senate to address a pressing problem.
McDonald will replace acting VA Secretary Sloan Gibson, who has led the department since Obama accepted the
resignation of former VA chief Eric Shinseki in late May amid reports of falsified scheduling records and extensive
treatment delays at VA medical centers. Numerous official reports in recent months have detailed the VA’s troubles,
documenting manipulation of scheduling and benefits records, retaliation against whistleblowers, and a general lack
of accountability. In one of the reports, White House adviser Rob Nabors described the VA culture as “corrosive.”
During his confirmation hearing, McDonald promised to transform the VA and correct its systematic failures. “I
desperately want this job because I think I can make a difference,” he said. Like Shinseki, McDonald also is a graduate
of the US Military Academy, West Point.
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VA To Make Phoenix Whistleblowers Whole
Secretary of Veterans Affairs McDonald announced that the VA, working closely with the U.S. Office of Special
Counsel (OSC), has successfully resolved whistleblower retaliation complaints filed by three individuals from Phoenix.
“At VA, we take whistleblower complaints seriously and will not tolerate retaliation against those who raise issues
which may enable VA to better serve Veterans,” said McDonald. “We depend on VA employees and leaders to put the
needs of Veterans first and honor VA’s core values of ‘Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence.’”
Based on the validity of their claims of retaliation, each whistleblower has settled their complaint with VA and two
have accepted new positions within the Department. Working with OSC, VA has taken several steps to strengthen
whistleblower protection and enhance accountability within the organization. VA leadership has sent a message to all
VA employees regarding the importance of whistleblower protection, has emphasized that managers and supervisors
bear a special responsibility for enforcing whistleblower protection laws and has met with employees at VA Medical
Centers across the country to reemphasize that message.
Additionally, VA is committed to achieving compliance with the OSC 2302 (c) Certification program, and has
established the Office of Accountability Review with a direct reporting line to the Secretary. Its charter is to ensure
leadership accountability for improprieties related to patient scheduling and access to care, whistleblower retaliation
and related matters that impact public trust in VA.
VA Fights against Veteran Identity Theft
Launches new identity theft website and toll-free help line
VA has launched a new campaign, titled More Than a Number, to educate veterans about identity theft prevention
using a new website containing identity theft resources for veterans and their beneficiaries. The website can be found
at www.va.gov/identitytheft and features educational information, interactive multimedia and links to other online
identity theft prevention resources. The campaign also includes a toll-free help line offering support for veterans,
their beneficiaries and VA employees who have questions and concerns about identity theft. The toll-free number is
1-855-578-5492, and it will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., EST.
New Process Will Reduce Processing Times and Improve Quality
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced that it is introducing a uniformed disability claims form to
better serve Veterans, families and survivors. Standardizing the process by which Veterans file claims and initiate
appeals will make it easier for Veterans and their survivors to clearly state what benefits they are seeking from VA
and provide information that is necessary to process their claims and appeals. The new forms eliminate applicant
guesswork, which often leads to delays in decisions and ultimately delays in receiving benefits. The new regulations
go into effect in late March 2015.
In the past, a Veteran or survivor did not have to use a certain form to seek compensation or other benefits from VA.
Claims or appeals (Notice of Disagreement) could be submitted on any piece of paper which caused delays due to
missing information. By using standard forms for all disability claims, VA can more quickly and accurately identify
what the Veteran is claiming or appealing. This will allow VA to immediately move on to next steps in the evidencegathering and decision-making process, which saves administrative processing time and speeds the delivery of earned
benefits. The existing process is also inconsistent with most, if not all, other government and non-government
application processes, such as applying for social security, applying for a driver’s license, applying for a job or filing for
an income tax refund.
The updated process also includes standardizing the traditional informal claims process by employing a new “Intent
to File a Claim” process which affords the Veteran or survivor one year to compile the necessary documentation or
evidence to support the claim while preserving an effective date of claim.
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More information about VA Forms 21-526EZ, 21-527EZ, 21-534EZ or VA Form 21-0958, Notice of Disagreement, may
be found at https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal or http://www.va.gov/vaforms/.
However, we strongly encourage you to see our trained Service Officers to help you complete all
disability forms.
COLA Act Sent to President
Congress has passed legislation that would provide a cost of living adjustment for disabled veterans receiving
disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs and other compensation for survivors of veterans
who have died as a result of their service to the country. Known as the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living
Adjustment Act of 2014 (S. 2258), the bill would increase the disability benefits for veterans using the same cost of
living adjustment as Social Security. The bill now rests with the president awaiting his signature into law. If and when
it is signed into law, the bill would increase compensation in the following areas beginning Dec. 1, 2014, effective for
the first payment in January 2015: wartime disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents,
clothing allowance, dependency and indemnity compensation to surviving spouse, and dependency and indemnity
compensation to children.
ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
Getting on Military Bases Is About to Involve FBI Background Checks
By Aliya Sternstein Nexgov.com
Members of the defense community automatically will be screened against the FBI's criminal database when they try
enter military installations and pulled aside if the system shows an arrest, felony or outstanding warrant. The new
Defense Department tool is part of a larger, government-wide effort to continuously vet people with access to secure
facilities, following shootings at Fort Hood and the Navy Yard. Identification smartcards issued to troops, veterans,
relatives and other individuals permitted to enter military bases have long been checked against a DOD database
before access is granted. But an instant FBI background check has never been part of the process. DOD's information
technology system will tap the FBI’s National Crime Information Center system. This linkage had been in the works for
several years but took on renewed urgency after the Sept. 16, 2013, Navy Yard slaying. Gunman Aaron Alexis entered
secure areas using a valid ID card, despite having an arrest record and a history of other infractions. "Tthe real change
that happened was the physical security community and the IT guys talked to each other and said, ‘You know what,
it’s not a physical security problem; it’s an identity problem," said Michael Butler, deputy director for identity services
at the Defense Manpower Data Center. Butler said the accuracy of a trial run of the system, called the Identity
Management Capability Enterprise Services Application, has been "stunning.”. The Identity Matching Engine for
Security and Analysis is functional for any installation with the capability to scan persons entering the installation and
have implemented the IMESA interface with Defense Manpower Data Center,”
For further information, go to http://www.nextgov.com/defense/2014/08/getting-military-bases-about-involvefbi-background-checks/90431/ .
Veterans with PTSD Could Have Discharges Upgraded
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has directed that boards for correction of military records or naval records begin to
"fully and carefully consider every petition based on PTSD brought by each veteran."
As many as 80,000 veterans who suffered from post-traumatic stress and received other-than-honorable discharges
can use evidence of their PTSD to petition service boards to upgrade the bad paper discharge. At stake for individuals
is removal of lifelong stigmas that have scarred reputations, limited job prospects and blocked critical veteran
benefits. BCM/NRs will fully and carefully consider every petition based on PTSD brought by each veteran. This
includes a comprehensive review of all materials and evidence provided by the petitioner. To assist the BCM/NRs in
the review of records and to ensure fidelity of the review protocol in these cases, the supplemental policy guidance
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which details medical considerations, mitigating factors and procedures for review is provided. His memo and
supplemental guidance is on the chapter website at
http://www.davmembersportal.org/chapters/az/14/News%20Documents/DoD_Memo_PTSD_and_misconduct.pdf
False Emails Masquerading as Arizona Department of Veterans' Services
Some person or persons unknown is using an email address similar to that of the Arizona Department of Veterans’
Services and the Director’s email address asking the recipient to “view the encrypted document I uploaded for you
using Google Document” and then the email gives a “CLICK HERE” link on which to click. It is NOT from the Arizona
Department of Veterans’ Services. The email addresses from which these attacks are coming are dvs.az.gov. Any
legitimate mail from this department will come from azdvs.gov. Please take proper precautions if you receive a
suspect email with the subject “Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services coming from dvs.az.gov.
Facebook and Phone Scams Hit Locally
If you receive a phone call, email or Facebook query saying that you owe money or are eligible to receive money, be
aware. The Cochise County Sherriff’s Office has identified at least three scams in operation locally.

A call from “Kevin Brown” leaving a voice message saying he is from the IRS Debt Audit Department and that
you owe money is a scam. You will be told to call back or you will be arrested. The phone number involved is
(202) 747-0984

On Facebook, a person identifying herself as “Jennifer Harlow” states that she is with the FBI Fraud
Department and that the agency has detected fraud. The person who received this scam message was told he
had money coming back to him. He gave out personal Facebook information and was then locked out of all
his online accounts. He later discovered that more than 20 credit applications had been made in his name and
more than $17,000 charged against a fraudulent credit card.

The third fraud is from a “Michael” who claims that he is with the Publisher’s Clearing House contest and that
the individual had won the jackpot.
The bottom line is that you should never give out personal information to anyone calling you. You should also never
give out financial data. Legitimate financial institutions already have your data. And finally, never give out a password.
Burial Benefits for Veterans
For veterans, burial benefits include a gravesite in any of the VA’s 131 national cemeteries with available space,
opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential
Memorial Certificate – AT NO COST TO THE FAMILY. Cremated remains are buried or inurned in national cemeteries
in the same manner and with the same honors as casketed remains. For spouses and dependents buried in a national
cemetery, burial benefits available include burial with the veteran, perpetual care, and the spouse’s or dependent’s
name and date of birth and death inscribed on the veteran’s headstone or marker – AT NO COST TO THE FAMILY.
Eligible spouses and dependents may be buried or inurned even if they predecease the veteran. The veteran’s family
should make funeral or cremation arrangements with a funeral provider or cremation office. Any item or service
obtained from a funeral home or cremation office will be at the family’s expense. Specific gravesites or columbarium
sites cannot be reserved in advance at a VA national cemetery.
On the other hand, for burial in a private cemetery, a veteran’s burial benefits may include a government headstone,
marker, or medallion; a burial flag; and a Presidential Memorial Certificate – AT NO COST TO THE FAMILY. However,
there are no VA benefits available to spouses or dependents buried in a private cemetery. Eligibility for the Southern
Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista is similar to that for the national cemeteries, except that it may
include a residency requirement.
In either case, a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214 is mandatory for establishing VA eligibility.
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From USA Today
VA Rejects Link between Gulf War Service and Cancers
The Department of Veterans Affairs has rejected a request from members of Congress and veterans advocates to
make brain cancer, lung cancer and migraines presumptive conditions for Gulf War veterans. Officials said they
cannot prove the high rate of these illnesses among Gulf War vets are related to military service. VA officials said the
number of brain cancer deaths for troops exposed to sarin gas was too low to be conclusive, though it was double the
rate of troops not exposed. And the rate of lung cancer deaths, though 15% higher than those who did not serve in
the 1991 Gulf War, is "inconclusive" because researchers did not know how many of the servicemembers smoked.
Those exposed to smoke after oil wells were set on fire in Iraq, as well as to sarin gas after the U.S. bombed a
munitions plant in Khamisayah, Iraq, saw an increased risk of brain cancer, according to a study Rep. Mike Coffman,
R-Colo., and cited in letters to former VA secretary Eric Shinseki in March. As many as 100,000 troops may have been
exposed to sarin, a nerve agent, according to the Defense Department, but a recent study shows more may have
been affected. Gulf War vets also saw a "significant relative excess" of lung cancer, according to a second study. And a
third study showed that veterans with chronic fatigue syndrome or Gulf War Illness were likely to also suffer
migraines, the lawmakers wrote.
Robert Jesse, VA's acting undersecretary for health, turned down the request, saying that the Institute of Medicine
found "inadequate and insufficient evidence" for an association between Gulf War service and the diseases. Ron
Brown, president of the National Gulf War Resource Center, said the official response flies in the face of VA's own
research. "What they've done is used the overall population of deployed veterans during Desert Storm," he said. "If
you use the whole population, it does not show an increase of cancers, but if you look at Khamisiyah, there are
significant increases of cancers."
A 2007 Institute of Medicine study found that, though the number of cases was small, the brain cancer death rate for
servicemembers in the sarin-gas exposure zone was twice as high as for servicemembers outside it, according to the
American Journal of Public Health.
Gulf War veterans already have presumptive status for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal
disorders, and undiagnosed illnesses that include weight loss, fatigue, cardiovascular disease, muscle and joint pain,
headache, menstrual disorders, neurological and psychological problems, skin conditions, respiratory disorders and
sleep disturbances, according to VA.
For the full story, go to http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/07/07/gulf-war-vets-claim-highcancer-rates/11368525/
From the Wall Street Journal
Jump in Appeals Dog the VA's Progress on Disability Claims
Outstanding Appeals Have Risen 60%, Placing Many Veterans in a Kind of Limbo That Can Last Years
By Ben Kesling [email protected]
The next secretary of Veterans Affairs will face well-known problems of mismanagement at VA hospitals and long
waits for doctor appointments, but also will be confronted by an issue former Secretary Eric Shinseki hailed as a
success: faster processing of disability claims. Under Mr. Shinseki, the VA slashed the backlog for things such as
compensation claims for injuries sustained while in the service. But that progress masked a 60% jump in outstanding
appeals of denied claims and a slowdown in processing claims for things like adding dependents to veterans' files, VA
data show. The emphasis on reducing the backlog helped send more claims into the slow-moving appeals process,
putting many veterans into a kind of limbo that can take years to resolve, veterans groups and government watchdog
groups say.
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The VA enrolled some two million vets under Mr. Shinseki's leadership as it actively sought to aid more former
military members. This expansion, including Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange and newly separated vets
from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, contributed to a swell in the number of benefits claims.
Disability payments are on track to total $65.7 billion in the current fiscal year and account for 43% of the VA's $153.8
billion budget—topping the $46.1 billion for medical programs. The White House estimates disability payments would
increase to $72.6 billion in fiscal 2015.
The VA began tackling the matter in 2012 and hoped to complete revisions that would help reduce the backlog before
the end of that year, said Diana Rubens, deputy undersecretary for benefits. But the department couldn't come to an
agreement over standards with union representatives, she said.
Then in May, the department drafted a new set of standards meant to give employees incentive to resolve appeals as
quickly as possible. The VA's independent inspector general and some veterans groups say the VA isn't doing enough.
Two years ago, the inspector general recommended the VA "revise productivity standards" to ensure review officers
get credit only for work that moves an appeal forward, according to the most recent IG report to Congress. The VA
responded substantially to the IG's recommendations for the first time in June, but the inspector general has yet to
review the response and determine its effectiveness, said Cathy Gromek, spokeswoman for the inspector general.
Veterans groups say the issue could be a major one for Robert McDonald, the new Secretary for Veterans Affairs.
"The Veterans Benefits Administration has made significant progress to transform the way it does business and
eliminate the backlog of disability claims in 2015," Sloan Gibson, acting VA secretary said in a statement. "At the same
time, we definitely have more work to do to achieve our goals, as well as improve productivity on appeals." Since
2011, the VA has improved the accuracy of its claims adjudication process and cut into the backlog while improving
quality control, Ms. Rubens said. "We want to get these claims right the first time," she added.
For the full story, go to http://online.wsj.com/articles/jump-in-appeals-dog-the-vas-progress-on-disability-claims1404772479
The Two Faces of the VA
By Judy Carroll
A lot has been written and talked about the problems involving the Veterans Administration and its mismanagement
of veteran programs. As a result, many veterans have suffered and die. The problems that plagued the Phoenix VA
Medical Center are not unique. Most VA medical treatment systems are understaffed and veterans wait months for
treatment. Managers fail to perform their jobs and are rewarded with bonuses. Frustration grows as the VA asserts
that the claims processing system is more speedy and accurate yet veterans wait years for their claims to be settled,
only to find that they are denied. The veteran must then start the appeals process, which in and of itself takes years
for resolution. Veterans’ VA records are inaccurate and it becomes the veteran’s responsibility to identify the errors
and get them resolved. a process that can take years. In short, the veteran does not receive the compensation that is
due and financial hardships result. . I, too have experienced many of these same problems.
However, that part of the VA story has been told. If properly administered and funded, the Veterans Access, Choice
and Accountability Act of 2014 will go a long way towards alleviating many of the problems. What has not been well
articulated is the efforts of the medical providers who care for their veterans. I call this the “Two Faces of the VA.”
This first is the administrative “face”, which is responsible for administering VA programs and managing VA resources.
The second ”face” is the medical side, those professionals who take care of you when you are sick or need a checkup.
I have been with the VA since 2002. I have received treatment at two different VA medical facilities. During that time I
have had only three providers who I believed did not live up to the VA’s core values of Integrity, Commitment,
Advocacy, Respect and Excellence (ICARE). Luckily, I was able to transfer to more caring providers.
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Patient care normally starts when you enter a clinic and are greeted by the medical support staff. A nurse may call
you in for your vitals to be taken. Then you see your doctor or technician. The majority of the time, these individuals
are respectful, kind and caring. Yes, there are exceptions, just as there were exceptions to positive behavior in any
military unit in which you served. The majority of your associates tried to live up to your unit’s core values. Some
failed.
You may say that you had to wait to get an appointment, had to stand in line too long or you were not seen at your
appointment time. To me all of these are administrative issues, caused by lack of resources. There simply is not
enough staff to handle the flow. But they do their best to get folks taken care of. If the doctors are behind schedule,
they either had an emergency or they are taking the time to discuss medical issues with another patient. It may be
months until that patient can get an appointment. Don’t you want your doctors to listen to what you have to say and
address your concerns? I have rarely seen a doctor or technician delay appointment times to chit chat with others.
They are truly professional.
So the next time you want to say how messed up VA is and complain about how long it takes to get an appointment
or your claim processed, remember that you are upset about administrative issues, which the medical providers
cannot fix. So please smile at your providers and say “thanks’. Remember the two faces of the VA.
Veterans Treatment Court
A new Veterans’ Treatment Court is being set up in Cochise County to allow veterans apprehended for misdemeanors
to have judicial proceedings go through a process that provides a structured transition to obeying the law and
provides mentorship to help the veterans avoid negative situations and behaviors. Successful completion may result
in the reduction of the original charges, reduction of penalties and restoration of privileges (driving). Officiating as
judge will be Colonel (Retired) Terrie Gent , an Air Force Judge Advocate, who served as an appellate judge before she
retired.
Veterans must volunteer to have their case referred to the Veterans Treatment Court. They must agree to a plea
bargain that is approved by the prosecutor and defense counsel, and accepted by the judge. In addition, veterans
must sign a “release’ to allow medical information to be given to the court and agencies assisting the court. The plea
bargain will include participation in a treatment program.
Veterans Treatment Courts are successful in part because they link troubled veterans with volunteer veteran
mentors. Justice For Vets is helping local Veterans Treatment Courts harness the camaraderie that exists among
members of the Armed Forces by training veterans from the community to volunteer and serve as mentors for other
veterans. The Justice For Vets Mentor Corps builds on the undeniable truth; there is no bond as strong as the one that
exists between those who have fought for their country.
This program is still in the planning stage but the goal is to have the program up and running by January 2015. For
more information on the program or on mentorship, go to http://justiceforvets.org/.
Fort McClellan’s Deadly Little Secrets
By Judy Carroll
If you were a member of the Woman’s Army Corps, the Military Police Corps or the Chemical Corps, you may have
been assigned to Fort McClellan, a picturesque post on the outskirts of Anniston, Alabama. You may have been
assigned there in a supporting capacity. You may now be experiencing unexplained medical problems. Your
assignment to Fort McClellan may have played a role in your health.
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Fort McClellan, Alabama, was the home to the Women's Army Corps, the Military Police Corps, the Chemical Corps
and an infantry battalion, plus a variety of service support personnel, such as medical, logistics, administration,
transportation, engineers etc. But Fort McClellan has some deadly little secrets. In 2009, the TV documentary "60
Minutes" called Fort McClellan and the surrounding town, Anniston, "America's most toxic town".
When Fort McClellan was closed down in 1999 under the Base Alignment and Closure Act (BRAC), the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) became actively involved. Fort McClellan was declared a toxic site and was federally
mandated to be decontaminated.
There were three main sources of toxic exposure to those who worked and lived on Fort McClellan and the
surrounding cities. The first source of contamination was from a multinational agrochemical and agricultural
biotechnology corporation that produced Agent Orange and other herbicides. The second source of contamination
was from the myriad of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, some dating back to the First World War, on Fort
McClellan itself, and the herbicides used on Fort McClellan. The third source was from the Anniston Army Depot.The
Depot is an active U.S. Army installation. The installation provides munitions storage and refurbishment, testing and
decommissioning of combat vehicles and various types of ordnance. In the past, operations at the Depot generated
solid and liquid wastes that contaminated soil and ground water. All of this exposure to nuclear, biological and
chemical toxins has resulted in serious health conditions, to include cancer, endocrine disorders, autoimmune
disease, neurological problems, diabetes and more, for many of the veterans and their families.
When Fort McClellan was closed under the Base Realignment and Closure Act (BRAC), the “Final BRAC report on
Ordinance, Ammunitions and Explosives, Chemical Warfare Materials, Conclusion and Recommendations (Revision 1)
Fort McClellan”, September 2001 addresses the issue of radiological, biological and chemical warfare materials. This
open source DoD document shows that nuclear, biological and chemical materials were used, tested and stored at
Fort McClellan and that the areas involved were contaminated. These areas were easily accessed by those working
on Fort McClellan. The risk assessment (Appendix A) for the main post rates this installation as “Catastrophic”,
Category “1,” with the statement “There is evidence that explosive ordinance has been used at this site since 1912.
There is also evidence that Chemical Weapons Munitions contamination may also exist.”
http://www.davmembersportal.org/chapters/az/14/News%20Documents/Fort%20McClellan/Conclusions_and_Re
commendations_Rev1_Sep_01.pdf
One contentious issue is whether or not Agent Orange was used, tested or stored at Fort McClellan. A Directorate of
Housing and Engineering document show that the toxic components of Agents Orange and White herbicides were
used and stored at Fort McClellan. It is conceivable that DEH workers, not understanding the chemistry involved,
could have used a combination of these herbicides on the ever-pervasive, fast-growing vegetation in Alabama, in an
attempt to keep them under control. But the mixture of these specific herbicides could easily result in unexpectant
toxicity to those who lived and worked on Fort McClellan. Since these herbicides have a long life, their effects could
have contaminated the Fort McClellan community long after they were banned. Those who spent a lot of time
outdoors would have been especially susceptible to contamination. Only a couple of claims have been approved as
service-connected due to exposure at Fort McClellan. Both involved use of herbicides. Therefore, the way claims for
toxic exposure while stationed at Fort McClellan are written are critical to their approval. Our Service Officers are very
aware of the Fort McClellan contamination issue and can help you write your claim.
Neither the VA nor DoD has acknowledged the existence of the contamination. There is a bill in Congress to require
the VA to set up a Fort McClellan health registry and provide support to Fort McClellan veterans. Information on that
bill is in the “Legislation Section” of this newsletter. There has been a bill in Congress for several years. They have
never been passed possibly because of the lack of information or misinformation about toxicity issues. I have
completed a research paper on Fort McClellan and the contamination that has robbed veterans and their families of
good health. The article is available to anyone. Please feel free to ask for a copy by sending an email to
[email protected]. Please read the article and put pressure on Congress to finally sign H.R.411 - Fort McClellan Health
Registry Act of 2013-2014. Let’s work together this year to get this bill passed.
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LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES
H.R.411 - Fort McClellan Health Registry Act of 2013-2014
H.R.411 – the Fort McClellan Health Registry Act of 2013-2014 directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish
and maintain a special record to be known as the Fort McClellan Health Registry containing the name of each
individual who, while serving in the Armed Forces, was stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama, during the period
beginning on January 1, 1935, and ending on May 20, 1999, and who: (1) applies for care or services from the VA; (2)
files a claim for compensation on the basis of any disability which may be associated with such service; (3) dies and
is survived by a spouse, child, or parent who files a claim for dependency and indemnity compensation on the basis
of such service; (4) requests a health examination from the VA; or (5) receives such health examination and requests
inclusion in the Registry. It also requires the Secretary, upon request, to provide such health examination, as well as
consultation and counseling with respect to examination results. It also directs the Secretary to: (1) notify
individuals in the Registry of significant developments in research on the health consequences of potential exposure
to a toxic substance or environmental hazard related to service at Fort McClellan; and (2) carry out appropriate
outreach activities with respect to such health examinations, consultation, and counseling
(https://beta.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/411)
The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 Highlights
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To improve access to and quality of care for veterans, the bill would:
Require VA to offer an authorization to receive non-VA care to any veteran who is enrolled in the VA health
care system as of August 1, 2014, or who is a newly discharged combat veteran if such veteran is unable to
secure an appointment at a VA medical facility within 30 days (or a future published goal established by VA)
or resides more than 40 miles from the nearest VA medical facility, with certain exceptions.
Require VA to provide a Veterans Choice Card to eligible veterans to facilitate care provided by non-VA
providers.
Provide $10 billion for the newly-established “Veterans Choice Fund” to cover the costs of this increased
access to non-VA care.
Require an independent assessment of VA medical care and establish a Congressional Commission on Care to
evaluate access to care throughout the VA health care system.
Extend the ARCH (Access Received Closer to Home) pilot program for two years.
Extend a pilot program to provide rehabilitation, quality of life, and community integration services to
veterans with complex-mild to severe traumatic brain injury through March 31, 2015.
Improve the delivery of care to veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma as well as care for Native
Hawaiian and Native American veterans.
To expand VA’s internal capacity to provide timely care to veterans, the bill would:
Provide $5 billion to VA to increase access to care through the hiring of physicians and other medical staff and
by improving VA’s physical infrastructure.
Authorize 27 major medical facility leases in 18 states and Puerto Rico.
To provide real accountability for incompetent or corrupt senior managers, the bill would:
Authorize VA to fire or demote Senior Executive Service (SES) employees and Title 38 SES equivalent
employees for poor performance or misconduct.
o Provide an expedited and limited appeal process for employees disciplined under this authority.
Appeals would go to a Merit Systems Protection Board administrative judge, who would have 21 days
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to decide on the appeal. If a decision is not reached within that 21-day period, then VA’s decision to
remove or demote the executive is final.
o Prohibit SES employees from receiving pay, bonuses and benefits during the appeal process.
Reduce funding for bonuses available to VA employees by $40 million each year through FY 2024.
To improve education benefits for veterans and dependents, the bill would:
Require public colleges to provide in-state tuition to veterans and eligible dependents in order for the school to
remain eligible to receive G.I. Bill education payments.
Expand the Sgt. Fry Scholarship Program to provide full Post 9/11 G.I. Bill benefits to spouses of
servicemembers who died in the line of duty after 9/11.
According to current CBO estimates, the bill would result in nearly $17 billion in spending over a 10-year period,
with 10-year offsets totaling roughly $5 billion, making it less expensive than previous VA reform packages
passed by the House and Senate.
WOMEN VETERANS
Women Veterans: The Long Journey Home
DAV report shows service gaps for women in health care, transition services, disability compensation,
employment and housing.
The research reveals that America’s nearly 300,000 women veterans are put at risk by a
system designed for and dominated by male veterans. This report paints a compelling picture
of federal agencies and community service providers that consistently fail to understand that
women are impacted by military service and deployment differently than men. And it points
to changes that are needed in the overall culture and services provided by the federal
government and local communities, listing 27 specific recommendations.
Women Veterans: The Long Journey Home presents the most comprehensive assessment conducted to date of the
policies and programs at the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense, Labor and Housing and Urban Development.
The report was authored by Frances M. Murphy, MD, MPH, former VA deputy under secretary for health, the
highest career official in the Veterans Health Administration, and the first woman, and first woman veteran, to hold
this position. Dr. Sherry Hans, PhD, former deputy chief ethics officer at the VA and a past health policy advisor at
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, co-authored the study.
For more information, go to http://www.dav.org/women-veterans-study/
All Women’s Veterans Luncheon
Palo Verde chapter 87 will be hosting the annual Arizona Women Veteran’s luncheon, which will be held on 8
November 2014 from 11:00-2:00 at Viscount Hotel at 4855 E. Broadway, Tucson AZ 85711. The cost per person is
$20.00. The menu consists of Chicken Stuffed/Wild Rice, Sliced Roast Beef Au Jus and Pasta Primavera. Please RSVP
by October 30, 2014. Please make check payable to WAC Palo Verde Chapter 87 and mail it to WAC Veterans #87,
P.O. Box 419, Green Valley, AZ 85622-0419. Additional point of contact is Maureen (Moe) Gagliardi (520) 444-1607.
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Chaplain’s Corner
Commander’s Corner
Oh, heavenly Father, we thank you for all that you
have provided to us. We know that without You,
we are nothing. Being rich has nothing to do with
possessions, but rather the qualities of
perseverance, integrity, compassion and loyalty.
We ask You to continue to bless and watch over
our family and friends. Make us like You in caring
for others who are less fortunate. You gave us
eternal life. Let us give others the means for living
a comfortable life, for we are all brothers and
sisters. Please soften our hearts to donate to the
special activities that help our chapter care for
others. Grant us the quality of generosity.
I want to thank all of our volunteers for the time
and effort they put in to help their fellow
veterans. You have established the positive
reputation of this chapter and without you we
could not succeed. We invite other members to
join our cadre of volunteers. Even if you can only
spend a few hours a week or participate in our
fundraisers, you can help. Please mark your
calendars for our Military Appreciation
Fundraiser 14-17 November at the Golden
Corral. Let us know when you will be available.
Call us with your name and phone number and
we will add you to our fundraiser roster.
A Soldier
There is discipline in A Soldier you can see it when he walks,
There is honor in A Soldier you hear it when he talks.
There is courage in A Soldier you can see it in his eyes,
There is loyalty in A Soldier that he will not compromise.
There is something in A Soldier that makes him stand apart,
There is strength in A Soldier that beats from his heart.
A Soldier isn't a title any man can be hired to do,
A Soldier is the soul of that man buried deep inside of you.
A Soldier's job isn't finished after an 8 hour day or a 40 hour week,
A Soldier is always A Soldier even while he sleeps.
A Soldier serves his country first and his life is left behind,
A Soldier has to sacrifice what comes first in a civilian's mind.
If you are civilian - I am saying this to you.....
next time you see A Soldier remember what they do.
A Soldier is the reason our land is 'Home of the free',
A Soldier is the one that is brave protecting you and me.
If you are A Soldier - I am saying this to you.....
Thank God for EVERY SOLDIER Thank God for what YOU do!
~ by Angela Goodwin ~
Our monthly meetings are held at the Cochise County Justice Courthouse at 4001 E. Foothills Drive at
1300 on the 4th Saturday of each month. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting.
Sincerely Yours,
Rod Pieren
Commander
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DAV Fry Chapter 14
P.O. Box 1014
Sierra Vista, AZ 85636
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PERMIT 634
Disabled American Veterans
Fry Chapter 14
P.O. Box 1014
Sierra Vista, AZ 85636
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Fulfilling our promises to the16men and women who served