Veterans

Initiative Would Transform Federal Government into Model of Veterans Employment

November 09, 2009 -- Washington, DC – Today, the White House announced the launch of an initiative that is designed to transform the federal government into the model employer of America’s veterans. This evening, President Obama will be joined by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry to sign an Executive Order on the Employment of Veterans in the federal government, which establishes the Veterans Employment Initiative for the Executive Branch.    » read more »

November 09, 2009 -- SAN ANTONIO – Texas Governor Rick Perry today announced initiatives to expand and improve mental health support programs for veterans and their families utilizing state funds marked for veterans mental health.

“The men and women of the military make the ultimate sacrifice to leave their families and loved ones and serve our country fighting in distant lands,” Gov. Perry said. “While observing Veterans’ Day this week, we cannot forget to support these brave Americans and their families when they return home by ensuring they have access to the health care and benefits promised when they made their own promise to defend this nation, and by ensuring a seamless transition to civilian life and providing any support they need.”    » read more »

November 9, 2009 -- Washington, DC - Senators Daniel Akaka, Jon Tester and Mark Begich held a press conference today to discuss legislation to improve health care services to America's veterans. A single Republican Senator is obstructing efforts to pass the bipartisan Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009. Among other things, the legislation will provide benefits to caregivers of severely injured veterans, expand health care services to women, improve mental care treatment, provide outreach to homeless veterans and enhance VA medical services.    » read more »

Veterans' Affairs Committee Leaders Suggest Improvements on GI Bill Processing

November 9, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) and Ranking Member Richard Burr (R-North Carolina) wrote Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki to suggest ways to improve the processing of the post-9/11 GI Bill.

"Men and women at VA are working hard and working overtime to reduce the backlog of new GI Bill claims. This is a huge transition, and I hope our suggestions will help the Department speed up the process," said Akaka. "I want Secretary Shinseki to know that I am committed to helping him do whatever needs to be done - whether that be in resources or legislation."

The letter outlines potential improvements, including:    » read more »

Illinois Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association Donates $50,000 to Important Fund as Veterans Day Nears

November 8, 2009 -- CHICAGO - November 8, 2009 -- Illinois Governor Pat Quinn today joined with representatives from the Illinois Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association to accept a $50,000 donation to the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund.

“I salute the Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association for supporting this important cause for more than three years,” said Governor Quinn. “When our brave men and women answer the call to duty, they should not have to worry that their families are suffering financially at home. All of us in Illinois can help our military families by donating to the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund this Veterans Day.”    » read more »

Celebrates nation’s first pilot program to help veterans returning to colleges and universities

November 6, 2009 -- TAMPA – Today, Florida Governor Charlie Crist joined together with representatives from the University of South Florida (USF), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs at the USF campus to participate in Uniforms to Mortarboards, a statewide conference to discuss issues important to Florida’s veteran students. The Governor also applauded VetsSuccess on Campus, a new, veteran-specific educational pilot program by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at the University of South Florida.    » read more »

November 6, 2009 -- WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-NM), Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Kit Bond (R-MO) today introduced an amendment that would increase funding to provide transitional housing for homeless veterans, calling it our nation's sacred responsibility to support the men and women who answered America's call to duty.

The amendment would add $6 million to the $144 million already allocated for the Homeless Grant and Per Diem Program through the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill. This additional funding would bring the program to its full authorization level of $150 million. The appropriations bill is currently being debated by the full Senate.    » read more »

03 November 2009 -- Washington, DC - Late yesterday, the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Military Spouse Residency Relief Act. Congressman John Adler, who serves on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and is a sponsor of the bill, said it will allow a military spouse to claim the same state of domicile as their active duty spouse, regardless of where they are stationed. The bill is expected to be signed into law quickly.    » read more »

Five-Year Plan Unveiled at Homeless Summit

November 3, 2009 -- WASHINGTON – Today, at the “VA National Summit Ending Homelessness among Veterans,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki unveiled the department’s comprehensive plan to end homelessness among Veterans by marshalling the resources of government, business and the private sector.

“President Obama and I are personally committed to ending homelessness among Veterans within the next five years,” said Shinseki. “Those who have served this nation as Veterans should never find themselves on the streets, living without care and without hope.”    » read more »

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2009 – The secretary of veterans affairs today announced the framework of a bold initiative to end homelessness among veterans within five years.

VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki outlined the comprehensive plan to an audience of VA officials, other government representatives and private-sector homeless outreach organizers at the VA National Summit Ending Homelessness Among Veterans here. He called the goal an ambitious one that will take a nationwide collaborative effort to be successful.    » read more »

November 02, 2009 -- (Oklahoma City) -- Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry is urging fellow Oklahomans to support a privately funded effort that helps World War II servicemen and other veterans travel to Washington, D.C., to visit the national monuments and memorials dedicated to their service.

At a State Capitol news conference today, the governor announced that Oklahoma has become an official state hub of Honor Flight Network, Inc., a national non-profit organization that raises private funds to organize and finance trips to the nation’s capital at no cost to the veteran. The hub designation, Oklahoma Honor Flights, allows the state chapter to raise funds to help pay the costs of Oklahoma veterans who are able to participate in the program.    » read more »

Fund Would Provide Greater Aid to Military Families Nationwide

WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 4, 2009 -- Illinois Governor Pat Quinn will endorse a bill that would provide aid to military families in all branches of the armed services at a National Press Club Newsmakers press conference at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2009. The press conference will be in the Zenger Room on the 13th floor of National Press Building, 529 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20045.    » read more »

VA Secretary unveils plan at DC homeless summit

November 3, 2009 -- U.S. Senator Mark Begich today praised a plan released by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Erik Shinseki to end homelessness among veterans by marshalling the resources of the government, business and the private sector. According to the VA, the comprehensive plan includes preventive measures like discharge planning for incarcerated veterans re-entering society, supportive services for low-income veterans and their families, and a national referral center to link veterans to local service providers.    » read more »

Two Montanans scheduled to testify during November 5 hearing

October 30, 2009 -- (BIG SANDY, Mont.) – At the request of Senator Jon Tester, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee will hold a hearing next week to address better health care for American Indian veterans.

Those testifying at the November 5 hearing will include Kevin Howlett, Director of Tribal Health for Montana’s Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Buck Richardson, Minority Program Coordinator at Ft. Harrison.

Tester—a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee—requested the hearing last month.    » read more »

Senator's New Requirements Will Help Returning Soldiers, Prevent Needless Tragedies

October 28, 2009 -- (Washington, D.C.) - Montana’s senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus joined President Obama today for the signing of his legislation to provide medical screenings to returning combat troops to help identify and treat post-combat related behavioral health issues. Baucus’ measure was included in the final version of the Department of Defense Authorization Bill that the President signed into law.    » read more »