A   J  O  U  R  N  A  L   O  F   A  M  E  R  I  C  A  N   S  E  R  V  I  C  E

Iraqi soldiers march ahead of U.S. soldiers during their first combined patrol in Taji, Iraq, Jan. 30, 2010. The U.S. soldiers are assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division's 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Army photo by Capt. David Franklin.

U.S. Army Cpl. Alexander Marston, assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, walks along a mound of sulfur at a storage facility in Keramlais north of Qara Qosh, Iraq, on Jan. 26, 2010.   DoD photo by Pfc. Ali Hargis, U.S. Army. (Released)

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U.S. Army Capt. Jayne Strathe, attached to 1314th Civil Affairs Company, 17th Fires Brigade, speaks with a local man about his community during a joint foot patrol conducted with the 14th Iraqi army division, Al Ashar, Iraq, on Dec. 9, 2009. The patrol was conducted to promote stability and to assess the needs of the local populace. DoD photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, U.S. Army. (Released)

Pfc. Misty Raines, assigned to Charlie Company, 701st Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, demonstrates the proper application of medical supplies to the Iraqi Army medical staff at Ordnance Park, Tikrit, Iraq, on Dec. 17, 2009.   DoD photo by Spc. Canaan Radcliffe, U.S. Army. (Released)

U.S. Army Spc. Aaron Blasingame, from 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 5th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, provides rear security inside a Stryker armored vehicle during a combat mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on Jan. 15, 2010. The Army uses the Stryker in its day-to-day operations because of its unique combination of maneuverability and firepower. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Efren Lopez, U.S. Air Force. (Released)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Paul D. Ballesteros, with Bear Troop, 8th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, passes out colored pencils to Afghan children during a population engagement in a village in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on Jan. 28, 2010. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Francisco V. Govea II, U.S. Air Force. (Released)

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A U.S. soldier warms his hands by a fire made by Afghans during Operation Wawraa Tufaan in Zanbar province, Afghanistan, Jan. 31, 2010. The soldier is assigned to the 25th Infantry Division's Company D, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jeffrey Alexander.

As seen through a night-vision device, an Afghan soldier provides security as U.S. soldiers search multiple caves for weapons during Operation Wawraa Tufaan in Zanbar province, Afghanistan, Jan. 31, 2010. The U.S. soldiers are assigned to the 25th Infantry Division's Company D, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jeffrey Alexander.

• For More Access: Operation Enduring Freedom
• Military Casualty Information: Dept. of Defense Statistics

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A R O U N D  T H E  S E R V I C E S

Images of Military Life & Training

U.S. Army soldiers prepare their vehicles for potential missions in the Staunton, Va., area, Feb. 5, 2010. About 30 soldiers, assigned to Headquarters Company, 116th Infantry Brigade, are on state active duty in the Staunton area ready to assist local authorities during a major winter storm hitting the mid-Atlantic region. Virginia National Guard photo by U.S. Army Capt. Matt Nowak.

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Tim Lieb provides self-rescue instructions to members of the Cleveland Fire Department during ice-rescue training in Cleveland Harbor, Ohio, Feb. 3, 2010. Station ice-rescue personnel conducted training with members of the Cleveland Fire Department in order to streamline joint-rescue efforts. Lieb is an ice rescue instructor from Coast Guard Station Cleveland Harbor. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class George Degener.

• Around The Services Archived Gallery - Access Photos

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A R O U N D  T H E  G L O B E

U.S. ARMED FORCES - RELEASED NEWS & PHOTOS

GULF OF ADEN (Feb. 2, 2010) U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team 91114 and members of the visit, board, search and seizure team of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) leave the ship to investigate a Somali skiff. Farragut is part of Combined Task Force 151, a multinational task force established to conduct anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Elizabeth Allen/Released)

SATTAHIP, Thailand (Feb. 2, 2010) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) prepare to launch combat rubber raiding craft at the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49). Harpers Ferry is part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group participating in exercise Cobra Gold 2010. Cobra Gold is a joint and coalition multinational exercise hosted annually by the Kingdom of Thailand. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Geronimo Aquino/Released)

• Around The Globe Archived Gallery - Access Photos

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Section - A - Page 1. News                     "T H E  V E T E R A N S  H O U R"                   Feb. 1-28, 2010 Edition
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         A Special Feature from ArmedForcesPress.Com - "Americas Leading Online Veterans Newspaper"
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VA Press Release - Public and Intergovernmental Affairs

White House Seeks $125 Billion for Veterans in 2011

February 1, 2010
Homelessness, Claims Increases and Access - Priorities for VA Budget

WASHINGTON – To expand health care to a record-number of Veterans, reduce the number of homeless Veterans and process a dramatically increased number of new disability compensation claims, the White House has announced a proposed $125 billion budget next year for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Our budget proposal provides the resources necessary to continue our aggressive pursuit of President Obama’s two over-arching goals for Veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “First, the requested budget will help transform VA into a 21st century organization.  And second, it will ensure that we approach Veterans’ care as a lifetime initiative, from the day they take their oaths until the day they are laid to rest.”

The $125 billion budget request, which has to be approved by Congress, includes $60.3 billion for discretionary spending (mostly health care) and $64.7 billion in mandatory funding (mostly for disability compensation and pensions).

“VA’s 2011 budget request covers many areas but focuses on three central issues that are of critical importance to our Veterans – easier access to benefits and services, faster disability claims decisions, and ending the downward spiral that results in Veterans’ homelessness,” Shinseki said.

Reducing Claims Backlog

The president’s budget proposal includes an increase of $460 million and more than 4,000 additional claims processors for Veterans benefits.  This is a 27 percent funding increase over the 2010 level.

The 1,014,000 claims received in 2009 were a 75 percent increase over the 579,000 received in 2000.  Shinseki said the Department expects a 30 percent increase in claims – to 1,319,000 – in 2011 from 2009 levels.

One reason for the increase is VA’s expansion of the number of Agent Orange-related illnesses that automatically qualify for disability benefits.  Veterans exposed to the Agent Orange herbicides during the Vietnam War are likely to file additional claims that will have a substantial impact upon the processing system for benefits, the secretary said.

“We project significantly increased claims inventories in the near term while we make fundamental improvements to the way we process disability compensation claims,” Shinseki said.

Long-term reduction of the inventory will come from additional manpower, improved business practices, plus an infusion of $145 million in the proposed budget for development of a paperless claims processing system, which plays a significant role in the transformation of VA.

Automating the GI Bill

The budget proposal includes $44 million to complete by December 2010 an automated system for processing applications for the new Post-9/11 GI Bill.  VA also plans to start development next year of electronic systems to process claims from other VA-administered educational programs.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill authorizes the most extensive educational assistance opportunity since the passage of the original GI Bill in 1944.  Over $1.7 billion in regular Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit payments have been issued since the implementation of the program on Aug. 1, 2009.  In 2011, VA expects the number of all education claims to grow by 32 percent over 2009, going from 1.7 million to 2.25 million.

“To meet this increasing workload and process education claims in a timely manner, VA has established a comprehensive strategy to develop industry-standard technologies to modernize the delivery of these important educational benefits,” Shinseki said.

Eliminating Homelessness

The budget proposal includes $4.2 billion in 2011 to reduce and help prevent homelessness among Veterans.  That breaks down into $3.4 billion for core medical services and $799 million for specific homeless programs and expanded medical care, which includes $294 million for expanded homeless initiatives.  This increased investment for expanded homeless services is consistent with the VA secretary’s established goal of ultimately eliminating homelessness among Veterans.

On a typical night, about 131,000 Veterans are homeless.  They represent every war and generation, from the “Greatest Generation” to the latest generation of Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.  To date, VA operates the largest system of homeless treatment and assistance programs in the nation.

Targeting Mental Health, Preventing Suicides

“The 2011 budget proposal continues the department’s keen focus on improving the quality, access and value of mental health care provided to Veterans,” Shinseki said.

The spending request seeks $5.2 billion for mental health, an increase of $410 million (or 8.5 percent) over current spending, enabling expansion of inpatient, residential and outpatient mental health services, with emphasis on making mental health services part of primary care and specialty care.

The secretary noted that one-fifth of the patients seen last year in VA’s health care facilities had a mental health diagnosis, and that the department has added more than 6,000 new mental health professionals since 2005, bringing to 19,000 the number of employees dedicated to mental health care.

The budget request will enable the department to continue expanding its programs for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), along with the diagnosis and treatment of depression, substance abuse and other mental health problems.  Shinseki called PSTD treatment “central to VA’s mission.”

The proposed spending will continue VA’s suicide prevention program.  Since July 2007, the department’s suicide prevention hotline has received nearly 225,000 calls from Veterans, active-duty personnel and family members.  The hotline is credited with saving the lives of nearly 7,000 people.

Reaching Rural Veterans

For 2011, VA is seeking $250 million to strengthen access to health care for 3.2 million Veterans enrolled in VA’s medical system who live in rural areas.  Rural outreach includes expanded use of home-based primary care and mental health.

A key portion of rural outreach – which shows promise for use with Veterans across the country – is VA’s innovative “telehealth” program.  It links patients and health care providers by telephones and includes telephone-based data transmission, enabling daily monitoring of patients with chronic problems.  

The budget provides an increase of $42 million for VA’s home telehealth program.  The effort already cares for 35,000 patients and is the largest program of its kind in the world. 

Serving Women Veterans

The 2011 budget provides $217.6 million to meet the gender-specific health care needs of women Veterans, an increase of $18.6 million (or 9.4 percent) over the 2010 level.  Enhanced primary care for women Veterans remains one of the Department’s top priorities.  The number of women Veterans is growing rapidly and women are increasingly using VA for their health care.

Shinseki said the expansion of health care programs for women Veterans will lead to higher quality care, increased coordination of care, enhanced privacy and dignity, and a greater sense of security among women patients.  

Among the initiatives for women in the 2011 budget proposal are expanded health care services in Vet Centers, increased training for health care providers to advance their knowledge and understanding of women’s health issues, and implementing a peer call center and social networking site for women combat Veterans.  This call center will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Delivering World-Class Health Care

During 2011, VA expects to treat 6.1 million patients, who will account for more than 800,000 hospitalizations and 83 million outpatient visits.  

The total includes 439,000 Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, for whom $2.6 billion is included in the budget proposal.  That’s an increase of $597 million – or 30 percent – from the current budget.

The proposed budget for health care includes:

·         $6.8 billion for long-term care, an increase of $859 million (or 14 percent) over 2010.  This amount includes $1.5 billion for non-institutional long-term care; 

·         Expanding access to VA health care system for more than 99,000 Veterans who were previously denied care because of their incomes;

·         $590 million for medical and prosthetic research; and 

·         Continuing development of a “virtual lifetime electronic record,” a digital health record that will accompany Veterans throughout their lives.

VA is requesting $54.3 billion in advance appropriations for 2012 for health care, an increase of $2.8 billion over the 2011 enacted amount.  Planned initiatives in 2012 include better leveraging acquisitions and contracting, enhancing the use of referral agreements, strengthening VA’s relationship with the Defense Department, and expanding the use of medical technology.

Preserving National Shrines

“VA remains steadfastly committed to providing access to a dignified and respectful burial for Veterans choosing to be buried in a VA national cemetery,” Shinseki said. “This promise requires that we maintain national cemeteries as shrines dedicated to the memory of those who served this nation in uniform.”

The requested $251 million for cemetery operations and maintenance will support more than 114,000 interments in 2011, a 3.8 percent increase over 2010.  In 2011, the department will maintain 8,441 acres with 3.1 million gravesites.  The budget request includes $37 million to clean and realign an estimated 668,000 headstones and repair 100,000 sunken graves.

Building for the Future

$1.15 billion requested for major construction for 2011 includes funding for medical facilities in New Orleans; Denver; Palo Alto, Calif.; Alameda, Calif.; and Omaha, Neb.  Also budgeted for 2011 are major expansions and improvements to the national cemeteries in Indiantown Gap, Pa.; Los Angeles; and Tahoma, Wash., and new burial access policies that will provide a burial option to an additional 500,000 Veterans and enhance service in urban areas.

A requested budget of $468 million for minor construction in 2011 would fund a wide variety of improvements at VA facilities.

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GRAND GOAVE, Haiti (Feb. 4, 2010) Cmdr. Kristine Johnson comforts a Haitian girl while Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Gina Martinez vaccinates her at a clinic set up by the U.S. Public Health Service and Sailors, Marines and embarked staff assigned to the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). Bataan is conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations as part of Operation Unified Response after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused severe damage in and around Port-au-Prince, Haiti Jan. 12. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Christina M. Shaw/Released)

The USNS Comfort conducts humanitarian assistance operations near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Jan. 31, 2010. The Comfort is supporting Operation Unified Response following an earthquake that devastated Haiti. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer J. L. Chirrick.

N E W S W O R L D

An International Feature - U.S. and Foreign Forces
For More Like This Access Newsworld

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (Jan. 20, 2010) Tanzanian Navy Cpl. Shaban Kahesi leads his visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) class during a compliant boarding exercise aboard the Africa Partnership Station (APS) East platform, the guided-missile frigate USS Nicholas (FFG 47). VBSS is just one of a series of maritime training courses being offered aboard Nicholas and the high speed vessel Swift (HSV 2). Africa Partnership Station East is in Tanzania to participate in maritime and cultural exchanges with the Tanzanian Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Julian 2nd class Olivari/Released)

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (Jan. 20, 2010) Quartermaster 3rd Class Michael Bernier, an Africa Partnership Station (APS) East visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) instructor, demonstrates searching techniques to Tanzanian Sailors aboard the APS East platform, the guided-missile frigate USS Nicholas (FFG 47). VBSS is a maritime training course being offered onboard Nicholas and the high speed vessel Swift (HSV 2. APS East is in Tanzania to participate in maritime and cultural exchanges with the Tanzanian Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jason Morris/Released)

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With the words, “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and orphan,” President Lincoln affirmed the government’s obliga­tion to care for those injured during the war and to provide for the families of those who perished on the battlefield...............  President Abraham Lincoln -- March 4th 1865

I N T R O D U C T I O N

-------Gary Thomas - Founder of "The Veterans Hour"-------

"The Distinguished Military Site Award"

The Editors of Military.Com: have selected Veterans News Hour Daily as one of the best military sites on the Web. Military.Com recognized this website as a valued resource for the military community. In appreciation, We received "The Distinguished Military Site Award". Thanks  Military.Com  - Please visit their site.

Founder of The Veterans Hour - SMSgt. Gary Thomas U.S.A.F. Ret. A decorated combat veteran,  he was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism while participating in aerial flight over Dak To II, Republic of Vietnam. Other awards include; The Air Medal with (First Oak Leaf Cluster) for Meritorious Achievement while participating in aerial flight over enemy territory, and The Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.

Numerous other medals include; The Japanese Occupation Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Medal, National Defense Medal with (First Oak Leaf Cluster) Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. During the Vietnam War he was also nominated for a second Distinguished Flying Cross and Two Bronze Stars. 

Gary Thomas has been a long time advocate for veterans rights locally and on the national scene. Though limited for health reasons he continues to be recognized for his leadership and tireless devotion to veterans, their families and our nation. He is a graduate of the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy and currently holds memberships in the V.F.W., D.A.V., N.C.O.A., American Legion, Life Member of U.V.O.A. and is President Emeritus of The Brotherhood of Vietnam Veterans.

Armed Forces Press is a privately owned service Not Affiliated with the U.S. Government, and is not supported by any commercial advertising. This web site is operated and maintained by a volunteer staff. Incurred cost and expenses are paid solely by us and through our Member Sponsor Program. E-mail us at mailto:veter3@sbcglobal.net for details. Our founder is Gary Thomas and his commentary will continue to appear periodically in the 1st. Sgt's Report.

Description:  Designed to provide helpful information for all veterans. The editors of Armed forces Press wish to thank our Founder; Gary Thomas President Emeritus of The Brotherhood of Vietnam Veterans. The Veterans Hour is adding a name to our website address. We are now "Armed Forces Press" and still accessed @ www.veteranshour.com or www.armedforcespress.com We hope you find this website to be of service. Americas Leading Online Veterans Newspaper!

Pictured above is: The Distinguished Flying Cross being presented to Master Sergeant Gary Thomas for Heroism While Participating in Aerial Flight on 9 June 1966. Click here to read the Official Citation.

Please submit your veterans questions, and comments, to Armed Forces Press by accessing this e-mail - Contact Us. Use the links in the table of contents in the left frame to access topics. Thank you, from all of us at The Veterans Hour. This Web Site provides helpful information for veterans and the entire military community and is not affiliated with the U.S. Government.

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"Americas' Leading Online Veterans Newspaper"

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"The Patriots who have volunteered to serve in our armed services have no equal in the world. I made a solemn commitment to the Congress, to the nation, and to you to keep the welfare of men and women in uniform uppermost in my mind at all times." 

.............. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates

F I S H E R  H O U S E

Supporting America's military in their time of need, we provide "a home away from home" that enables family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time -- during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury. http://www.fisherhouse.org/

Note: Veterans News Hour Daily ask that you please access The Fisher House website for more information on this wonderful organization. Having family close to those who are recovering  from serious medical conditions is truly a great and helpful cause. 

I N T R E P I D  F A L L E N  H E R O E S  F U N D

The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund is a leader in supporting the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families. Begun in 2000 under the auspices of the Intrepid Museum Foundation, and established as an independent not-for-profit organization in 2003, the Fund has provided close to $60 million in support for the families of military personnel lost in service to our nation, and for severely wounded military personnel and veterans. These efforts are funded entirely with donations from the public, and hundreds of thousands of individuals have contributed to the Fund. 100% of contributions raised by the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund go towards these programs; all administrative expenses are underwritten by the Fund’s Trustees. http://www.fallenheroesfund.org/

Note: Veterans News Hour Daily ask that you please access The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund website for more information. We in San Antonio are truly proud of what they do.

"T H E N  A N D  N O W"

An Air Transport Command plane flies over the pyramids in Egypt. Loaded with urgent war supplies and materials, this plane is one of a fleet flying shipments from the U.S. across the Atlantic and the continent of Africa to strategic battle zones., 1943. NARA Photo.

A B-1B from the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., flies over the pyramids in Egypt during Bright Star '99. Four B-1s from Ellsworth were among the 396 coalition aircraft that flew more than 3,000 sorties during the joint and combined coalition exercise involving 11 countries. (Photo by Staff Sgt. James Varhegyi)

• For More Access:  Then and Now Archive

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H I S T O R I C A L  P H O T O S  &  I M A G E S

T H E  Y E A R  1 9 1 9

Stage Women's War Relief. Peggy O'Neil has supplied hundreds of American children with yarn and knitting needles to knit garments for destitute children of France and Belgium., 01/28/1919 ARC Identifier 533752 / Local Identifier 165-WW-570A(3)

Captain Edward Rickenbacker, America's premier "Ace" officially credited with 22 enemy planes and the proud wearer of the French War Cross as he appeared upon his arrival on board the Adriatic. Underwood and Underwood., ca. 1919 ARC Identifier 533720 / Local Identifier 165-WW-434(P1775)

• For More Access: Historical Photos & Images

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VA News Releases  (01/10/2010 - 02/01/2010)

 White House Seeks $125 Billion for Veterans in 2011 - To expand health care to a record-number of Veterans, reduce the number of homeless Veterans and process a dramatically increased number of new disability compensation claims, the White House has announced a proposed $125 billion budget next year for the Department of Veterans Affairs. (2/1/10)

 Miramar National Cemetery Dedicated - The Department of Veterans Affairs held a dedication ceremony today in San Diego for the Miramar National Cemetery. (1/30/10)

VA Secretary Shinseki Helps Veterans at VA Medical Center Homeless Stand Down - At the VA Medical Center in Washington, D.C., (DCVAMC), Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki joined hundreds of volunteers in support of homeless Veterans in our Nation’s capital.  (1/24/10)

VA to Begin Recovery of Post-9/11 GI Bill Advance Payments - The Department of Veterans Affairs is beginning the process of recovering advance payments made available during the fall 2009 semester to Veterans and servicemembers who applied for education benefits. (1/23/10)

VA Opens Washington Crossing National Cemetery - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the opening of the 131st national cemetery with the first burials taking place Jan. 20 at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, Pa. (1/22/10)

VA Reaching Out to Students and Schools to Speed Benefit Payments - In a coordinated effort to speed up the processing of Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefits this spring, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that it has been reaching out to student Veterans, servicemembers, university officials and other partners to meet its commitment to an aggressive processing goal by Feb. 1, 2010. Feb. 1 is the first date spring payments are due and presently VA has processed over 72,000 of the approximately 103,000 spring enrollments received. Since inception of the historic new program last year, VA has paid over $1.3 billion in benefits to more than 170,000 students. (1/20/10)

VA Wins National Award for Safe Medication Practices - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has won top national honors from the independent Institute for Safe Medication Practices for its excellence in preventing medication errors. (1/19/10)

Secretary Shinseki Announces $53 Million for Cape Coral, Fla., Facility - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the award of a $53 million contract to a Florida firm to construct a new clinic in Cape Coral. The new building will replace a Fort Myers facility and expand diagnostic and treatment capacity for southwest Florida’s Veterans. (1/15/10)

VA, DoD Expand Ranks of Federal Recovery Coordinators - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the hiring of five new Federal Recovery Coordinators, bringing to 20 the number of professionals coordinating care for the most seriously injured service members (1/14/10)

VA Secretary Shinseki Honored for Patriotic Service - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki was awarded the Gold Good Citizenship Medal by the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution during an honors dinner Jan. 9 at the Mount Vernon Inn. The gala was hosted by the George Washington Chapter of the SAR. (1/10/10)

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T H E  V E T E R A N S  J O U R N A L

GROTON, Conn. (Nov. 11, 2009) Allyn B. Donath and Sarah Baxter lay the wreath honoring all submariners who have been lost in service to their country in front of the Wall of Honor at the U.S. Submarine Veterans WWII National Submarine Memorial East in Groton. The submarine veterans' Veteran's Day celebration pays homage to veterans of the submarine force that have served the nation in peace and war time. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist/Released)

WAHIAWA, Hawaii (Nov. 11, 2009) Sailors assigned to Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station march through the main streets of Wahiawa during the Veteran's Day Parade in Hawaii. About a quarter of the population of Hawaii is military or military-affiliated. (U.S. Navy photo by Renee Neuman/Released)

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Tourists gathered at the Korean War Veterans Memorial for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., Oct. 5, 2009. U.S. troops, Republic of Korea delegates and local Korean War-era veterans participated in the event. DoD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden.

U.S. Army Gen. Walter L. Sharp, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, speaks about the sacrifices made by the 42-nation coalition that fought for South Korea in the Korean War at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., Oct. 5, 2009. Delegates from the Republic of Korea, U.S. troops and local Korean War-era veterans joined Sharp for the ceremony. DoD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Carden.

·         The Veterans Journal - Access Photo Gallery

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"The Veterans Hour" @ www.ArmedForcesPress.Com/

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"It was said long ago by a visitor to America - Alexis de Tocqueville - that the American woman thinks for herself, speaks with freedom and acts on her own impulse. I would add that she also chooses to defend freedom - her own and that of others." ................    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, Nov. 3, 2007

Toll Free Numbers for Contacting VA

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U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND
For a Complete List Access: US Central Command

U.S. EUROPEAN COMMAND
For a Complete List Access: U.S. European Command

U.S. PACIFIC COMMAND
For a complete list access: US Pacific Command

U.S. NORTHERN COMMAND
For a Complete List Access: U.S. Northern Command

U.S. SOUTHERN COMMAND
For a Complete List Access: U. S. Southern Command

U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
For a Complete List of Articles Access: http://www.defenselink.mil/

MEDIA LINKS

·         ABC .......................................................................  http://abcnews.go.com/

·         BBC ...............................................................   http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/

·         CBS ...................................... http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/home/main100.shtml

·         CNN ................................................http://www.cnn.com/

·         FOX........................................http://www.foxnews.com/

·         NBC  ........................................................http://www.nbc.com

CENTRAL COMMAND & USSOUTHCOM

Access: US Central Command to use the above map as an interactive tool. It allows you to click on the country of interest. This feature is easy to use and we found it to be very educational. All the highlighted nations are part of the Area of Responsibility of Centcom....

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U. S.  C O A S T  G U A R D

http://www.uscg.mil/

A Coast Guard MH-65C Dolphin rescue helicopter and crew circle over a fishing vessel where a crewmember sustained a head injury 10 miles south of Houma, La. Feb. 5, 2010. U.S. Coast Guard photo by AET3 Jace Bourgeois.

Two crewmembers from Aids to Navigation Team (ANT) San Diego, were transported to the Zuniga Jetty light 'Zulu' at the entrance of San Diego Bay by a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter to conduct repairs, Thursday Feb. 4, 2010. The ANT crewmembers were hoisted by helicopter because of the aid's remote location, making it impossible to reach by boat. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Jetta H. Disco.

"There is many a boy here today who looks on war as all glory, but boys, it is all hell. You can bear this warning voice to generations yet to come. I look upon war with horror" ...............  William Tecumseh Sherman, August 11th 1880.

SEARCH ENGINES & LINKS

AOL Search │ Google Search │ MSN Search │ Yahoo!

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MILITARY HEALTH SYSTEM

·         The Military Health System portal contains messages and information from HA and TMA. Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., is the assistant secretary of defense for health affairs.

MISC. LINKS:

·         Access Weather for Major Military Installations World Wide Weather Reports

·         Photo Gallery of Veterans Events - The Veterans Journal

PERSIAN GULF WAR LINKS

·         Persian Gulf Veterans who are unsure of what to do or how to contact the nearest VA medical Center, Can call toll free: To VA Persian Gulf Veterans Information Helpline 1-800 PGW VETS

·         Persian Gulf War Photos & Statistics (VNHD) War Album & Stats

·         Gulflink -- A Government Website With Good Information: http://www.gulflink.osd.mil/

TRICARE LINK INFORMATION

• Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP)
• Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)
• Tricare Beneficiary Information
• Tricare Dental
• Tricare for Life
• Tricare Help
• Tricare Online
• Tricare Pharmacy

Tricare Military Health System -- For information about Tricare for Life, interested persons may visit the TRICARE Web site at www.tricare.osd.mil/tfl or call the Worldwide TRICARE Information Center toll-free at 1-877-DOD-LIFE (1-877-363-5433).

VETERANS LINKS

·         Links to Govt. Vet. Org. and Media Sites  Veteran Resources (Links)

·         A List of Veterans Org. Websites Veterans Organizations

·         Helpful Telephone Numbers Telephone Directory

·         Legislation News -- Click here for the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Website

WHAT IS A VET

An Excerpt re-published From a Veterans Day Tribute
By Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC

"It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.  It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag"....... 

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The Veteran's Museum in Texas - http://www.TheVeteransMuseuminTexas.org
Additional Veterans Organizations Links: Click Here to Access List.  Related Links Page

Blinded Veterans Association - Serving vision impaired and blind veterans and their families the BVA is an outstanding veterans service organization charted by The United States Congress. Located at 477 H Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20001-2694 Tel. 1-800-669-7079 & (202) 371- 8880 Fax (202) 371-8258 Web Site http://www.bva.org & E-Mail bva@bva.org  For info.

Non Commissioned Officers Association - NCOA - was founded in 1960 as a federally chartered, non-profit organization. The NCOA is outstanding in it's service to Americas non-commissioned and petty officers who are active duty, veterans, or retired. From legislation on capital hill, to job fairs, and local chapter involvement, the NCOA offers a variety of products and services to members. NCOA includes all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, including National Guard and Reserve. For more information about NCOA including membership, mission, current news, and services, access their web site at: http://www.ncoausa.org

Air Force Sergeants Association - Veterans News Hour Daily Salutes the Air Force Sergeants Association: For over 40 Years the AFSA has served Air Force enlisted personnel effectively, and with great dedication. We thank AFSA for their service to member veterans, active duty, and ultimately our nation. To learn more about AFSA and how you can become a member please access their Web Site from the link below. Click here to access AFSA Web Site: http://www.afsahq.org

Cost of Freedom - Tribute In Honor of Veterans of World War II. - This web site honors WW II veterans and contains journals which describe their stories in their own words. Congratulations to all who help preserve this history. These journals are very compelling: Please visit their site by accessing the link above. www.costoffreedom.org

NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:

·         The American Legion

·         The Disabled American Veterans

·         Military Officers Association of America

·         The Veterans of Foreign Wars

E-Mail Contact Information:

• The Webmaster  mailto:Webmaster@veteranshour.com
• Gary Thomas      mailto:Gary.Thomas@veteranshour.com
• James Thomas    mailto:JamesThomas@veteranshour.com

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"I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, and our flag still waves proudly from the walls. I shall never surrender nor retreat"............William Barrett Travis, The Alamo, 24 February 1836

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United Veterans of America

http://unitedveteransofamerica.com

The Veterans Hour: Salutes Dr. Barry Krupkin, Supreme National Commander of United Veterans of America for his tireless devotion to Americas Veterans.  Dr. Barry Krupkin, SNC, Ph.D is an honored member of The Veterans Hour Advisory Board. His input is much appreciated! Thank you, Barry! Pictured Above, in Vietnam is Barry Krupkin, (Notice the chemical drums). More Agent Orange Info.

Social Security Claims - Handled - Appeals Expert - By Dr. Anna Pat Krupkin, PhD - Disability Consultants (850) 835-2163 - P.O. BOX 539, Freeport, FL. 32439 - No Fee unless you collect. Call for details. http://unitedveteransofamerica.com

U.V.O.A. SEND A DONATION:  IN ANY AMOUNT TO THE ADDRESS LISTED BELOW OR BECOME A MEMBER -- $25.00 ANNUAL OR $150.00 LIFE.  Please mention that you are a Veterans News Hour Daily Reader. Thank You!

U.V.O.A NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP OFFICE
46 Veterans Lane, Freeport, Fl. 32439-9627
Tel (850) 835-2163 Fax (850) 835-4036
http://unitedveteransofamerica.com

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V E T E R A N S  N E W S  H O U R  D A I L Y
"America's Leading Online Veterans Newspaper"

Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez, U.S.A. Ret. & SMSgt Gary Thomas U.S.A.F. Ret. To read more about Roy's life and untimely death including the official citation for the Medal of Honor awarded Green Beret Sergeant Roy P. Benavidez; click on the link below. We will all miss him! It was an honor and a privilege to have been his friend. His life truly represented the words most often used to describe him. Duty, Honor, Country! Click Here

Submit Questions?
E-Mail us for any veterans questions or concerns you may have. Thank You!
mailto:veter3@sbcglobal.net

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POW/MIA Poster Unveiled; En Route to Troops, Families, Vets Groups Worldwide

OLD GLORY

Flag Description: Thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing 50 small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars (top and bottom) alternating with rows of five stars; The 50 stars represent the 50 states, the 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies; known as Old Glory; the design and colors have been the basis for a number of other flags, including Chile, Liberia, Malaysia, and Puerto Rico. SOURCE CIA WorldFactbook.

T H E  V E T E R A N S  H O U R
"America's Leading Online Veterans Newspaper"

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