05 Jun 2012

Bill to Provide for Veterans Passes House with Schilling/Schock Amendment

By Andie Pivarunas

Amendment turns missed opportunities into more convenient health care for veterans
Washington, DC - The House of Representatives last night passed H.R. 5854, the Fiscal Year 2013 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill, by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 407-12.  Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) teamed up with Congressman Aaron Schock (IL-18) and successfully included an amendment to the bill that directs $16 million within the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Rural Health to expand two pilot programs known as Project ARCH (Access Received Closer to Home) and Project HERO (Healthcare Effectiveness through Resource Optimization).  

In December, Schilling introduced H.R. 3723, the Enhanced Veteran Health Care Experience Act, based on the success of Project HERO and the promise of Project ARCH.  The Schock/Schilling amendment will expand these two successful programs, supporting the goal of Schilling's legislation, which allows but doesn't require veterans to access the health care they need in their hometowns with their own doctors.  Schock is a cosponsor of Schilling's bill.

"You can tell a lot about a country by looking at how it treats its veterans," Schilling said. "Our veterans have given so much for our country, and we must follow through with our promise to provide them with the care they need.  I've talked to many constituents in the 17th District who, like me, believe we must continue to make improvements to our veterans' health care.  The amendment Congressman Schock and I included would do just that, helping more veterans receive the care they need and deserve closer to home."

In April 2011, the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General released an audit of its Office of Rural Health (where both Projects HERO and ARCH are funded) indicating that "at the end of FY 2010, Office of Rural Health (ORH) did not obligate $16 million of the $533 million received during FYs 2009 and 2010 which constituted in missed opportunities for ORH to improve access and quality of care for rural veterans by not having sufficient controls to ensure the use of all available appropriated funds."  The Schilling-Schock amendment directs $16 million to expand Projects HERO and ARCH in an effort to provide veterans with more convenient access to health care.

Project ARCH allows veterans in five veterans integrated service networks (VISNs) to receive their health care from non-VA health care providers.  To participate the veterans must enroll and meet the VA's distance travel criteria.  Project HERO allows veterans to access specialized medical services outside of the VA health system.  The VA contracted with Humana Veterans Healthcare Services (HVHS) to enable veterans to go to one of their prescreened network providers for care.  To participate, the veteran must be located in one of the four VISNs the program is running in.

Schilling and Shock spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives last night in support of their amendment.  Video of their remarks can be seen here.

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05 Jun 2012

Braley Provides Answer to Obama's Call for Veterans' Job Corps

By Rick Martin

President again calls for jobs program during visit to Honeywell Facility

 

Washington, D.C. - Today, while visiting Honeywell's Golden Valley facility in Golden Valley, Minnesota, President Barack Obama will speak of the need to create a Veterans' Job Corps program to put unemployed veterans back to work.

 

Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) is pleased that President Barack Obama continues to push for creation of a Veterans' Job Corps. On May 8, Rep. Braley introduced legislation to create a national Veterans' Job Corps, a program that would seek to put unemployed veterans back to work using skills they developed in the military - to improve national parks, serve as police officers and firefighters, and work in communities.

 

This is not the first time President Obama has called for the creation of a Veterans' Job Corps. In his January State of the Union address, the President first called on Congress to create the Veterans' Job Corps.  In early May in Albany, New York, Obama included the Veterans' Job Corps on a Congressional "To Do List" to create jobs.

 

"We have made progress in reducing the number of unemployed veterans, thanks in part to several initiatives focused on putting veterans back to work, but there is still work to do. The bottom line is the number of unemployed veterans remains far too high," Braley said.

 

"Men and women who've put their lives on the line for our country deserve every opportunity when they return home.  Why not provide them the chance to keep contributing to the nation they love, whether as firefighters, cops, or park rangers?  They've already rebuilt Iraq and Afghanistan.  Now is the time to give them the chance to help rebuild America."

 

The Veterans' Job Corps Act would allow the executive branch to create the Vets Job Corps program as a cooperative project between federal agencies.  Members of the job corps could be employed to improve public lands and national parks, prevent forest fires, work in public safety jobs like police and fire departments, and control floods.  Participation in the corps would be open to unemployed veterans and unemployed widows of veterans.

 

As the highest-ranking Democrat on the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Braley has worked to reduce unemployment among veterans and create jobs for returning service members.  Last October, Braley co-hosted a series of bipartisan field hearings on veterans' unemployment with Indiana Republican Marlin Stutzman.  In November, President Obama signed into law a pair of tax credits Braley championed to give businesses incentives to hire unemployed veterans.  In February, Stutzman and Braley held another veterans' unemployment hearing in Washington.

 

A copy of the Veterans' Job Corps Act can be downloaded at the following link: http://go.usa.gov/d4m
05 Jun 2012

633rd Theater Gateway Unit Mobilizes for Kuwait

By Illinois Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (05/31/2012)(readMedia)-- A deployment ceremony is scheduled for approximately 10 Soldiers who will deploy to Kuwait this fall. The ceremony for the Illinois Army National Guard's 633rd Theater Gateway in Springfield will be June 5 at 1 p.m. at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln in Springfield.

The Soldiers will train for a brief time at Fort Dix, N.J., before deploying to Kuwait for approximately 10 months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The 633rd will provide operational control over the theater gateway of a base in Kuwait. They will be responsible for the initial reception, staging and onward movement of personnel deploying to the Central Command area of responsibility (CENTCOM AOR). The 633rd will also coordinate the reception, billeting, processing and movement of personnel in rest and recuperation leave status for personnel assigned to the CENTCOM AOR.

The unit will be mobilized for approximately one year and will return home in the summer 2013.

News media attending the event should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony and are required to notify the Public Affairs Office by 10 a.m., June 5 or they will not be allowed access onto Camp Lincoln. For more information call the Public Affairs Office at 217-761-3569.

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04 Jun 2012

Statement from Governor Quinn on General Assembly Passage of Hiring Veterans Tax Credit

By Leslie Wertheimer

SPRINGFIELD - May 29, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today released a statement regarding the passage of SB 3241, which provides up to a $5,000 tax credit to employers of post-9/11 Veterans.

 

"I salute the members of the General Assembly for passing the Hiring Veterans Tax Credit, an important initiative I proposed during my State of the State address to increase jobs for Veterans in Illinois.

 

"The men and women who have defended our democracy overseas should not have to fight for jobs when they return home. The Hiring Veterans Tax Credit will empower businesses to hire our Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

 

"Veterans are loyal, hard-working and know how to accomplish a mission, and this legislation will help alleviate unemployment among our returning servicemembers. This credit is also a boost for small businesses in Illinois.

 

"Sponsors Sen. John Sullivan, Rep. Jerry Costello and all the co-sponsors, thank you for your leadership in passing the Hiring Veterans Tax Credit.

 

"It is fitting that the day after Memorial Day, a day designated to honor our Veterans and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, Illinois took this solid step to help them find employment when they come home."

 

 

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04 Jun 2012

Braley to Hold Roundtable to Discuss Veteran Employment Opportunities

By Kira Ayish

Veterans face high unemployment when they come home, Braley working to ensure there are jobs when they return

 

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will hold a roundtable discussion with veterans focusing on employment opportunities and the challenges veterans face finding employment when they return home from deployment.

 

"One out of every four veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan is out-of-work. I'm working hard to reduce this number, but it's important we understand the unique challenges our veterans face when it comes to finding employment," Braley said.  "Men and women who've put their lives on the line for our country deserve every opportunity when they return home. "

 

Earlier this month, Braley introduced the Veterans' Job Corps Act, which would allow the executive branch to create the Vets Jobs Corps program as a cooperative project between federal agencies. Members of the jobs corps could be employed to improve public lands and national parks, prevent forest fires, work in public safety jobs like police and fire departments, and control floods. Participation in the corps would be open to unemployed veterans and unemployed widows of veterans.

 

 

TODAY May 29, 2012

 

1:00pm                 Veteran Employment Roundtable

Veterans Freedom Center

2245 Kerper Blvd.

Dubuque, Iowa

 

 

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04 Jun 2012

Services to Be Held for Illinois Active Duty Soldier

By Illinois Guard PAO

WHEATON, IL (05/25/2012)(readMedia)-- Spc. Samuel T. Watts, 20, of Wheaton, Ill., died May 19, in Bethesda, Md., of wounds sustained April 25, in Zharay, Afghanistan, when he was attacked with an enemy improvised explosive device. Watts was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

"Sam was a really, really good guy and well loved in our community. We are so proud of what our son has done and are truly humbled by the outpouring of prayers and affection," said Susan Watts, Sam's mother. "We would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and support."

The family respectfully asks to not be directly contacted by the media at this time for interviews.

Honorable transfer, visitation, funeral and burial information is as follows:

Honorable Transfer:

May 26-10 a.m. arriving at Dupage Airport, 2700 International Drive, West Chicago, Ill.

***Media should arrive at least 30 minutes prior. Media will have access to the tarmac, but the family requests that media NOT take photos or video imagery of grieving family members.

Visitation:

May 29-3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 North Main St., Wheaton, Ill.

Funeral:

May 30-10 a.m. at St. John Lutheran church, 410 N. Cross St. in Wheaton, Ill. then procession to Wheaton Cemetery, 1209 Warrenville Road, Wheaton, Ill.

***Media will not be allowed access to the church.

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30 May 2012

Veterans History Project Recognizes Vietnam Veterans with Web Feature

By Library of Congress
Fifty years later, the Vietnam War remains part of the nation's collective consciousness. For the veterans who served during this era, this conflict has particular meaning.

The Veterans History Project (VHP) has launched the latest installment in its Experiencing War website presentation, titled "Vietnam War: Looking Back, Part 1." The website feature, one of 37 created thus far, highlights the wartime stories of veterans who served during the Vietnam War. These remarkable and intriguing stories are digitized and accessible on VHP's website, www.loc.gov/vets/.  

"Veterans who served during the Vietnam War are still affected to this very day by what they saw, heard and experienced, and this new web feature provides a peek into some of the most intimate details from that era," said Veterans History Project Director Robert Patrick. "The Veterans History Project is honored to join the Department of Defense and the entire nation in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the start of the Vietnam War - a period in history that will never be forgotten."

Vietnam veteran Tom Hagel said, "When we think of war, whether it's Vietnam or any other war, we think of it as a unitary subject ... but there are millions of Vietnam Wars."

One of the veterans spotlighted in VHP's new feature is Second Lt. Michael Burns, an Air Force pilot who tells the harrowing tale of being shot down on his 18th combat mission over North Vietnam and spending the next 56 months in captivity. Others include Army chaplain David Polhemus and Navy nurse Gail Gutierrez, both of whom share how they worked to heal the mental and physical wounds of the war and witnessed firsthand the toll that it took on their fellow servicemen and women and themselves. Air Force Col. Frank Tomlinson and Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Ralph Garcia describe what it was like to go on to have careers in the military, while other veterans struggled to put their service experiences behind them.  

"Vietnam War: Looking Back, Part 1" is the first of four Vietnam War-related features to be launched over the next year. The stories shared are but a few of the "millions of Vietnam Wars" embodied by the stories of Vietnam veterans. These interviews represent a wide variety of branches, service locations and military roles. Collectively, they illuminate the dramatic and ongoing effects of the war on those who participated.  

Congress created the Veterans History Project in 2000 to collect, preserve and make accessible the firsthand remembrances of America's war veterans from WWI through the current conflicts, so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. For more information, visit www.loc.gov/vets/ or call the toll-free message line at (888) 371-5848. Subscribe to the VHP RSS to receive periodic updates of VHP news.

Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution. The Library seeks to advance the knowledge and creativity of the American people through its collections, programs and services. Many of the Library's rich resources can be accessed through its website at www.loc.gov.

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30 May 2012

UI gives veterans safe harbor

By Hawkeye Caucus

As a petty officer second class in the Navy, it was Adam Connell's job to successfully board ships being used for arms smuggling, drug trafficking, and other nefarious activities in South America and the Persian Gulf.

To get from his frigate to a 200,000-ton supertanker commandeered by pirates and other bad guys took telescopic hook ladders, precision timing, and lots of nerve, especially since the ships were sometimes traveling abreast at speeds of 25 knots.

But the distance Connell had to travel from ship to ship pales in comparison to the cultural gap he's had to bridge transitioning from almost five years of military life to campus life as a nursing student at the University of Iowa.

Fortunately, Connell, a sophomore working on his Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, found a range of services the UI offers to make the transition to college for veterans a bit easier financially, academically, and even socially.

Connell enrolled in the first-ever meeting of the College of Education class "Life After War: Post-Deployment Issues," designed exclusively to help veterans examine their military experiences, while honing study skills. He got a work-study position in the UI Veterans Service Office, which offers veterans access to computers and tutoring, through a collaborative program between the UI and the VA Hospital in Iowa City. And he met other veterans through the UI Veterans Association.

QUOTE/UNQUOTE

Adam Connell: "The support offered through the UI Veterans Association really helped me out a lot. I was able to hang out with people who speak the same language as I do. And it was just good having camaraderie again, something I took for granted when I was on active duty."

DID YOU KNOW?

Iowa and Texas are the first two states being used as test beds for a pilot Hero to Hired program that connects veterans with employers eager to hire them, using a website and mobile app. The UI is helping direct veterans to the service, which will add four additional states in 2013, and is working to get listed on the H2H website as an institution seeking veteran job applicants.

FYI

Learn more about some of the many ways the UI is helping veterans succeed at http://now.uiowa.edu/2012/04/giving-veterans-helping-hand

29 May 2012

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack to Host Event in Iowa on Helping Veterans Find Work; Discuss Presidential 'To Do List' to Assist Local Veterans

By Randy Stalsberg

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2012 - TOMORROW, Agriculture Secretary Vilsack will meet with Iowa veterans to discuss a key component of President Obama's Congressional "To Do List": The need to honor our commitment to veterans by passing legislation creating a Veterans Jobs Corps, to help hire returning service members to serve their communities.

 

Secretary Vilsack will highlight military service by men and women from rural America, and discuss some of the work USDA is doing right now to provide economic opportunity for veterans, particularly the more than 6 million who live in rural areas.

 

Friday, May 25, 2012

10:45 a.m. CDT

 

WHAT: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will host a media availability immediately following a roundtable discussion with Iowa veterans on President Obama's Congressional "To Do List": employment for returning service members.

 

WHERE: Boline-Manfredi VFW Post 9662

1309 NE 66th Ave

Des Moines, Iowa

 

29 May 2012

Loebsack: Iowa Air Guard's 132nd to Welcome President; Again Prove Why They Are Second to None

By Randy Stalsberg

Air Force One will land at the Iowa Air Guard Base

 

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement on the eve of President Obama's visit to Iowa.  The President will arrive aboard Air Force One at the Iowa Air Guard's 132nd Fighter Wing base in Des Moines.  Earlier this year, the Air Force announced a proposal to retire the 132nd's F-16's and eliminate 378 positions.  Since that announcement, Loebsack has been working as the only member of Congress from Iowa serving on the House Armed Services Committee, to stop the Air Force's proposal.  Loebsack's bipartisan initiative to prevent the elimination of Air National Guard positions and the retirement or transfer of Air National Guard aircraft, including the F-16's based in Des Moines, was approved by the House of Representatives last week as part of the annual defense policy bill known as the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act.

 

"Iowans are proud of the 132nd's work and now the President will be able to see why.  When it comes to hard work and performance, Iowa's 132nd Fighter Wing is truly second to none.  The plan to eliminate Iowa Airmen's positions and retire their aircraft was short sighted for both taxpayers and national security.  I am proud to have worked to stop this proposal and to fight for the men and women of the Iowa National Guard who have served our country and our state with great dedication and honor."

 

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