Veterans

General Pace's Departure Is an Important Step Toward Rectifying the Mismanagement of the Iraq War

June 8, 2007 -- NEW YORK - The nation's first and largest organization for the veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), commends Secretary Gates for replacing General Peter Pace as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.    » read more »

WASHINGTON, June 1, 2007--The national commander of America’s oldest and largest organization of combat veterans is taking issue with an apparent attempt by the U.S. Marine Corps to bring administrative actions against three former Marines for their anti-war positions.

“This is about First Amendment rights and whether the military can discipline former servicemen who are in the inactive reserves,” said Gary Kurpius, who leads the 2.4 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and its Auxiliaries.    » read more »

Any honorably discharged veteran is entitled to a burial flag. The funeral director, as part of the services, will make the necessary arrangements for the family on behalf of the veteran. The flag may be used to cover the casket and it is presented to the family as a keepsake. The local office of the Department of Veterans' Affairs can also provide information on the procedure for obtaining a flag for a deceased veteran.    » read more »

IAVA Members Describe the Red Tape and Lack of Care Veterans Face

May 15, 2007 -- NEW YORK - Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) will address the Presidential Commission headed by Donna Shalala and Bob Dole created in the wake of the fallout over Walter Reed. The commission is currently hearing testimony and statements on how to improve care for men and women in uniform.    » read more »

Sen. Inouye to Lead National Steering Committee

5/25/2007 -- The Clinton campaign today announced the launch of Veterans and Military Retirees for Hillary, a national initiative to highlight Clinton's support of the men and women of our Armed Services. Medal of Honor winner and Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye will lead the national steering committee, which will advise the campaign on policy and outreach to the 26 million American veterans and their families.    » read more »

"I believe in a sacred contract between our country and America's veterans and military families. We must stand by those who stand by us. When our service men and women sacrifice so much to defend our freedom and secure peace around the world, we have a moral obligation to take care of them and their families." – John Edwards    » read more »

05/28/2007 -- SANTA FE, NM -- Today, Governor Bill Richardson issued the following statement commemorating America's brave men and women veterans.    » read more »

Georgia Attorney General Baker Calls On Defense Department To Honor Commitment To Members Of Reserves and National Guard

5/24/2007 -- Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker has asked Robert Gates, United States Secretary of Defense, to quickly remedy a situation that has seen members of the Armed Forces Reserves and the National Guard denied benefits to which they were entitled by federal law.    » read more »

IAVA Members Describe the Red Tape and Lack of Care Veterans Face

May 15, 2007 -- NEW YORK - Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) will address the Presidential Commission headed by Donna Shalala and Bob Dole created in the wake of the fallout over Walter Reed. The commission is currently hearing testimony and statements on how to improve care for men and women in uniform.    » read more »

May 11, 2007 -- WASHINGTON -- To ensure veterans of southwestern Florida have access to a final resting place that honors their military service, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has purchased a 295-acre site in Sarasota County for a new national cemetery for veterans and their families.    » read more »

Governor also signs bill to save students money on college textbooks

May 14, 2007 -- OLYMPIA – Washington Governor Chris Gregoire today signed into law several measures that will support veterans and their families.

“During this time of war, it’s important to remember the sacrifice that so many of our service members and their families are making right now,” said Governor Gregoire. “These measures help to fulfill our obligation to our service members, veterans and their families.”

The bills signed today by Governor Gregoire will:    » read more »

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2007--America’s largest organization of combat veterans is critical of the split funding proposal in the emergency war funding bill adopted by the House last night, but applauds the inclusion of milestones to force the Iraqi government into an active leadership role to stabilize their own country.    » read more »

May 8, 2007 -- WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson today announced the formation of a formal, 17-person committee that will advise him on ways to improve VA programs serving veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and their families.

"This panel will report directly to me,” Nicholson said. “I am asking for their ideas and input on how VA can consistently ensure world-class service to America's newest generation of heroes, particularly severely disabled veterans and their families."    » read more »

AP Reports that VA Gave Out More than $3.8 Million While Veterans Waited for Care and Services

May 3, 2007 -- NEW YORK - The nation's first and largest organization for the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), is deeply concerned about the hefty bonuses the Department of Veterans Affairs awarded its officials while the financially strapped agency struggled to care for the thousands of returning veterans.    » read more »

Legislation passed nearly unanimously includes renewable energy, veteran services

May 4, 2007 -- Saint Paul – Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty today signed the $170 million Agriculture and Veterans Omnibus Bill that strengthens the Clean Water Legacy Act, builds on the Governor’s Next Generation Energy initiative, and continues Minnesota’s commitment to members of the military and veterans.    » read more »