Native American Veterans a Proud History of Service — Page 8

VAnguardU.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS NOVEMBER 2001

Native American Veterans A proud history of service — page 8

Inside: Claims Task Force Report, 4 ✩ Day of Giving, 7 ✩ Disaster Volunteers, 10 CONTENTS ❏ Claims Task Force 4 NTRODUCING Panel issues final report I Jack Maloney ❏ Disaster Response 4 Hearings examine VA’s role Day suddenly turned to night on headquarters at 66th and Amsterdam. the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, as two The next morning, he reported to ❏ Sept. 11 Relief Efforts 6 symbols of America’s financial the Police Command Center located VA unites to help, remember victims might, the World Trade Center’s parallel to Ground Zero. He distrib- ❏ twin towers, crumbled to the ground uted water and bubble gum to rescue Day of Giving 7 after being struck by hijacked workers and tried to assist those VA raises $265,000 for attack victims airliners. There was a thundering struggling with the trauma that explosion followed by thick clouds of comes with pulling broken bodies ❏ Native American Vets 8 blinding smoke. Screams of panic from mountains of rubble. Outreach focuses on barriers to service spread across Lower Manhattan as a On Friday, Sept. 14, he visited the chalky powder—a mix of drywall New York City Armory where ❏ Volunteers in NYC 10 dust, ash and other debris—engulfed families of the missing gathered for Employees donate time, skills the city, blocking the sun and coating information and assistance. “It was thousands of New Yorkers fleeing hard to watch,” he admitted, explain- ❏ the chaos and destruction. ing that it was difficult to see so PTSD Experts 11 “It was like a war zone,” said Jack many families struggling with their Counselors share knowledge with nation Maloney, team leader at the Man- grief. hattan Vet By the weekend, 13-16 Center. He said Dr. Alfonso Batres, COLUMNS there was a great director of VA deal of fear and Readjustment On the cover: uncertainty Counseling Service following the (RCS), and Dr. This photo from the Code attack. “It felt like Rodney Haug, RCS Talkers exhibit at the Pentagon being in a mortar regional manager, shows radio operators laying attack in Vietnam. arrived in Manhat- wire to transmit secret messages You could see tan to help VISN 3 between military commanders clouds of smoke, (Bronx, N.Y.) and advancing Marine units in dust in the air, and establish a VA the South Pacific during WWII. smell the fire … presence at Pier Japanese forces were never able people just didn’t 94, the Family to crack the code, which was know what to do.” Assistance based on the Navajo language. The former Marine Center. “We were froze for a second. there helping VAnguard Then he raced onto families of VA’s Employee Magazine the streets. veterans, telling November 2001 He made his way to the vet them about VA benefits and encour- Vol. XLVII, No. 9 center, only to find that U.S. Mar- aging them to seek trauma counsel- Printed on 50% recycled paper shals had closed the building. As he ing,” said Maloney, who received a stood outside pondering his next plaque of appreciation from VA move, the second tower came Secretary Anthony Principi when he Editor: Lisa Respess crashing down. “It was very surreal,” visited Manhattan following the Editorial Assistant: Matt Bristol he recalled. “People were running disaster. Photo Editor: Robert Turtil and screaming, but when I saw the Though some time has passed, building come down, I knew what I Maloney said for many, the wounds Published by the had to do.” of Sept. 11 remain fresh. “There’s a Office of Public Affairs (80D) Maloney had to get to the Red general sense of sadness … it’s Department of Veterans Affairs Cross where he could help those almost like the whole city is suffering 810 Vermont Ave., N.W. affected by the tragedy. In addition from depression.” Thankfully, Washington, D.C. 20420 to being an addiction and trauma experts like Maloney are using their (202) 273-5746 counselor, Maloney is certified by the skills to help Americans process their E-mail: [email protected] Red Cross in disaster mental health. feelings of grief and sorrow in the www.va.gov/pubaff/vanguard/ He spent the next 10 hours setting up wake of this national tragedy. ❏ index.htm and staffing a debriefing center at the American Red Cross New York By Matt Bristol

2 VAnguard Outlook John A. Gauss, Ph.D., Enterprise Architecture is Assistant Secretary for Information & Technology Key to VA’s New IT Strategy

Having together as a team and developed able to assist veterans in a timely and recently retired VA’s Enterprise Architecture. comprehensive manner. Ultimately, from 32 years of Experts from private industry and VA will be able to save time, effort active duty in other elements of the federal govern- and money. the United ment assisted the task force in this I want to point out that this is just States Navy, I effort. the start of a long and dynamic have been The Secretary charged them with process. VA’s senior leadership team dedicated to the breaking down organizational is committed to ensuring that this defense of our barriers to develop a One VA ap- effort is successful. As the CIO, the nation and to proach to Enterprise Architecture. Secretary is holding me accountable the young men He required unanimous consent for successful implementation of the and women before he would approve the report Enterprise Architecture. who serve this country in uniform. they developed. As a result, members of the task While on active duty, I was The task force held numerous force and I will be visiting VA responsible for providing our sailors, meetings and briefings to provide a facilities across the country over the soldiers, airmen and Marines with comprehensive, three-dimensional next 12 months to talk about what the best possible information tech- perspective on the problems and this new strategy means to veterans, nology (IT) to enable them to accom- issues facing VA, veterans, and IT in VA and its employees. We welcome plish their assigned missions. the coming years. The report, entitled the opportunity to brief anyone As the new Assistant Secretary “Enterprise Architecture: Strategy, interested in this issue as we move for Information and Technology and Governance, & Implementation,” forward quickly and responsibly to Chief Information Officer (CIO), I am represents the culmination of their make this new vision a reality. ❏ committed to bringing the best efforts. people, processes, systems and The Secretary’s goal is to redefine technology to the Department of the way VA does business and to Seven IT Performance Veterans Affairs (VA). end the practice of “stove-piped,” Objectives for FY 2002 I enthusiastically endorse the non-connected, incompatible IT Secretary’s vision for VA to be the systems. Enterprise architecture, as Improve performance and innovators in IT—the agency to part of VA’s overall IT strategy, will responsiveness to veterans by emulate. It is time for our informa- be a valuable and integral blueprint completing the Enterprise tion systems to change to keep up to accomplish this goal. It is a Architecture roadmap. with new technologies and with the tremendous undertaking, and thanks Implement a strong information higher expectations of our stakehold- to the task force’s tireless efforts we security infrastructure to protect ers. now have a detailed approach to the privacy of veterans. The Secretary has promised to begin the hard work ahead. Integrate disparate telecommu- “develop a comprehensive and Enterprise architecture represents nications networks to connect all integrated information technology the guiding principle for streamlin- of VA. system that will allow VA to be more ing and modernizing VA’s IT to Create a program/project effective, more efficient, and more better serve our nation’s veterans. management process to oversee productive for America’s veterans The “enterprise” is VA and the and help VA managers deliver and their families.” “architecture” is the complex frame- products that meet requirements, Last spring, he established a task work of processes, systems and are delivered on time and stay force to deliver on that promise. The programs by which VA provides within budget. task force examined a wide range of health care and benefits to veterans Establish standard perfor- issues affecting VA’s IT, including and their families. mance measurements to ensure computer security, privacy, business At the end of the process, veter- accountability. processes, data systems, telecommu- ans will need to register for benefits Design, test and implement a nications and the integration of more and health care only once. Veteran command and control system for than 700 different systems through- information will be available any- crisis response. out the country. where, anytime, to any authorized Develop a comprehensive plan Senior VA executives from both user at all VA facilities. to shape a future VA IT workforce our business and IT programs, Security and privacy will be whose diversity represents the representing all three of our adminis- ensured and maintained. VA health “face of America.” trations and key staff offices, came care and benefits providers will be

November 2001 3 Claims Task Force Delivers Recommendations

The 12-member blue ribbon panel hearings with both the general public accountability at all levels, and to created last May to study VA’s and private sector organizations. encourage all VA offices to get worsening claims backlog completed The task force gave Principi 34 involved in tackling this problem. its work and delivered a final report recommendations, more than half of “Improving the process can be to VA Secretary Anthony Principi which can be accomplished within achieved only if the entire organiza- last month. Principi formed the six months. The goal is to reduce the tion sees it as ‘their’ problem,” the group to conduct a top-to-bottom claims backlog and processing times task force wrote in its report. “Solv- review of the claims processing by 50 percent over the next two ing the problem will demand full system and recommend actions VA years. cooperation and understanding at all can implement immediately without “I told Admiral Cooper and levels.” legislation. members of the task force that I did While praising VBA management Headed by retired Vice Adm. not want a discussion of abstract and staff for their dedication to Daniel L. Cooper, the Claims Pro- theories of veterans benefits—I finding ways of alleviating the cessing Task Force examined a wide wanted practical actions I could take problem, the task force found that range of issues affecting the speedy to improve VA’s claims processing,” many claims processing improve- processing of claims, from medical Principi said as he accepted the ment projects suffered from “poor or examinations and information group’s report. “I do not expect a incomplete planning and uneven technology, to efforts to shrink the single silver bullet to fix all our execution.” Current and former VA backlog and increase the accuracy of claims processing ills. We have officials, veterans service organiza- decisions. Over a four-month period, gotten beyond simple fixes.” tion representatives and other the task force reviewed past studies The panel specifically identified experts served on the task force. and recommendations to address the ways to free up VA employees to Reforming the claims processing problem, visited VA regional offices, spend more time helping veterans system is the Secretary’s top priority. examined training, records and data with their claims, to improve the To download a copy of the report, go processing centers, and held open basic claims process, to enhance to www.va.gov/opa/fact/claimstf/. ❏ Hearings Examine VA’s Disaster Response Role

VA’s role in the nation’s response also stockpiles pharmaceuticals and radiological threats. to domestic disasters like the Sept. 11 antidotes for biological and chemical Smith said he’d like to provide terrorist attacks should be expanded. toxins. VA $100 million over five years to That was the conclusion reached at Long recognized around the develop the centers, which would hearings held last month by the world as the authority in treating research methods of detecting, House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosing, vaccinating against and Committees to review the (PTSD), VA can provide highly treating threats such as anthrax and Department’s response to the attacks skilled mental health staff to help smallpox. The centers could conduct and examine what its future involve- those affected by terrorist attacks and their own research, as well as coordi- ment should be. other disasters. And the Department nate ongoing and new research at For nearly 20 years, VA has been recently developed a nationwide other government agencies and a partner with the Department of registry of employees who volunteer research universities. Defense (DoD), Department of with organizations like the Red Cross Another role of the centers would Health and Human Services, and the and have the training to respond to be to disseminate the latest and most Federal Emergency Management disasters. comprehensive information to public Agency in the National Disaster But the chairmen of the House and private hospitals and health care Medical System (NDMS). The NDMS and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Com- workers across the country, Smith is a joint effort between the federal mittees told VA Secretary Anthony said. Less than 20 percent of private government and the private sector to Principi at the hearings convened on hospitals have plans to treat victims back up civilian health care in Oct. 15 and 16 that the Department of chemical or biological weapons, response to disasters. In the hours can and should do more. according to a study published in the after the Sept. 11 attacks, all 80 Congressman Chris Smith (R- May issue of the American Journal of disaster teams of the NDMS were N.J.), chairman of the House Veter- Public Health. put on alert for the first time ever. ans’ Affairs Committee, said VA is “We need to make a major effort Since VA operates the largest uniquely positioned to help defend to prepare America to prevent or integrated health care system in the the nation against bioterrorism and respond to the new and very real country, it has considerable medical should get new federal funding to do threats from chemical, biological and resources to offer in helping the so. He announced plans to introduce radiological terrorism,” Smith said. nation deal with domestic crises or legislation to open four National Senator Jay Rockefeller (D- military casualties. Aside from being Medical Preparedness Centers: two W.Va.), chairman of the Senate ready to make thousands of hospital focusing on chemical and biological Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said beds available on short notice, VA threats, and the other two on he’s concerned that VA may not be a

4 VAnguard full partner in the federal Principi told the House and address medical needs in the critical government’s effort to plan a na- Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees first hours after an attack, especially tional response to terrorism. “You’re that in the wake of the Sept. 11 one involving chemical agents. VA the largest health care system in the attacks, he formed a group of senior medical centers also need more country, and my opinion is, you’re officials to assess VA’s ability to personal protective gear and training not at the table enough,” he told respond to a biological, chemical or to deal with attacks. Principi. radiological weapons attack, while Call-ups of Reserve or National While the Secretary said he’s been continuing its missions to care for Guard units could result in severe satisfied with the level of interagency veterans and provide back-up medical staffing shortages at VA cooperation and VA’s involvement medical support to DoD during war facilities. during and since the Sept. 11 attacks, or national emergencies. Among the Long-term deployments of VA he acknowledged there’s room for group’s findings: mental health staff to provide PTSD improvement. “Are we at the table as Some regions of VA’s health care counseling to disaster victims could much as we should be? Probably not. system would be hard-pressed if affect VA’s ability to treat veterans. We need to be there as a partner,” he they had to treat military and civilian VA’s Emergency Operations said. Rockefeller said the federal casualties of chemical or biological Center in headquarters needs to be government must make use of VA’s agents in addition to carrying out enhanced to improve the vast medical capacity and expertise. their primary mission of caring for Department’s ability to function “VA can offer invaluable services veterans. effectively during a crisis. during a public health care emer- Inventories of medical equipment The Secretary said the group’s gency. This is a huge system with and pharmaceuticals at VA medical recommendations are under review enormous capacity.” centers may not be adequate to for implementation. ❏ Nineteen VA Executives Win Presidential Rank Awards

Three VA leaders received year project to renovate the VACO VACO; Stephen Distinguished Executive Awards in building on schedule and under M. Lucas, Direc- the 2001 Presidential Rank Awards budget, and established and leads a tor, Wilkes-Barre, program. It’s an honor bestowed on Department-wide steering committee Pa., VA Medical only 1 percent of career senior on workforce planning. Center; Michael executives in the entire federal John H. Thompson, Deputy D. Olson, Direc- government. General Counsel in VACO, was tor, Chicago VA Linda W. recognized for serving as VA’s top Regional Office; Belton, Director career lawyer and manager of day- Allan S. Perry, of VISN 11 (Ann to-day legal operations. An accom- Director, VA Arbor, Mich.), plished legal advisor, legislative Central California Thompson was recognized counsel and legal manager, he has Health Care for leading the been instrumental in shaping federal System; Michael B. Phaup, Director, network as it veterans benefits and services. Durham, N.C., VA Medical Center; expanded from Another sixteen VA career senior Maureen T. Regan, Counselor to seven medical executives were honored in the the Inspector General, VACO; centers and five Meritorious Executives category. Phillip J. Ross, Director, Cleveland community- Belton Only 5 percent of career senior VA Regional Office; Michael A. based outpatient executives are chosen for this honor. Sabo, Director, VA Hudson Valley clinics to a current system of seven They were: E. Douglas Bradshaw Healthcare System; Dennis H. medical centers and 21 community- Jr., Assistant General Counsel, Smith, Director, VA Maryland based outpatient clinics. The increase VACO; Thomas A. Cappello, Health Care System; Michael C. in community clinics significantly Deputy Director, Walcoff, VBA Associate Deputy improved access to care for the 1.5 VISN 7 (Atlanta); Under Secretary for Field Opera- million veterans in the network’s James J. Farsetta, tions, VACO; and Montgomery D. service area. Director, VISN 3 Watson, Director, Montgomery, Ala., Robert W. Schultz, Principal (Bronx, N.Y.); VA Regional Office. Deputy Assistant Secretary for William D. Chosen through a rigorous Human Resources and Administra- Fillman Jr., selection process, Presidential Rank tion in VA Central Office (VACO), Director, Award winners are nominated by was recognized for his ability to Muskogee, Okla., their agencies, evaluated by boards motivate employees across organiza- VA Regional of private citizens, and approved by tional lines to achieve a common Office; Wallace the president. The evaluation criteria goal. Under his guidance, VA M. Hopkins, Schultz focus on the executive’s leadership in established a child-care center for Director, Ama- producing results. President George VACO employees and a national- rillo, Texas, VA Medical Center; W. Bush honored this year’s 345 level steering committee on child Anatolij Kushnir, Director, Office of winners at an Oct. 15 ceremony in care subsidies. He managed a multi- Asset Enterprise Management, Washington, D.C. ❏

November 2001 5 VA Unites to Aid, Remember Attack Victims

ered to write messages of hope and received from our VA family.” encouragement for their colleagues Across the country, at the Reno, in the VA New York Harbor Health Nev., VA Medical Center, Director Care System. “We wanted to do Gary R. Whitfield gathered staff the something and we thought we’d day after the attacks for the first in a send a card,” explained Deborah series of employee forums. The Cutts, a risk manager. “What we forums provided employees with didn’t plan on was the number of updates on the events unfolding in people who wanted to sign it.” Chief Washington, D.C., and New York Nurse Kate Harty suggested using a City and featured the medical large roll of wrapping paper, and the center’s expert on trauma-related “card” was born. stress, Dr. Richard H. Rahe, who “It was so large,” wrote John J. spoke about the stages of severe Donnellan Jr., director of VA New stress and how employees could best York Harbor Health Care System, manage their feelings in the after- “that we divided the card into three math of such horrific attacks. 30-plus foot sections.” The sections As the list of confirmed dead and were put on display in the lobbies of missing continued its upward spiral, the system’s New York, Brooklyn communities came together to and St. Albans campuses. “I cannot mourn the loss of life and show tell you how deeply this has touched support for victims’ families. Many our staff,” he wrote in an e-mail chose the hallowed ground of VA message to Assistant Deputy Under national cemeteries as focal points Secretary for Health Laura Miller. for candlelight memorial services Less than three weeks after the terrorist “This is one of many examples of the and prayer vigils. attacks on America, the Beckley, W.Va., VA outpouring of support we have (continued on page 12) Medical Center dedicated this memorial to the victims on its grounds.

ompassion replaced shock and grief in the wake of the Sept. Coping With Severe Stress C 11 terrorist attacks, as VA employees across the country In addition to his work as a psychiatrist at the Reno, Nev., VA Medi- took steps to assist those affected by cal Center, Dr. Richard Rahe is an internationally recognized expert on this national tragedy. Many held severe stress and is director of the Nevada Stress Center. In the days remembrance ceremonies and prayer after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, he spoke with employees about the vigils. Some put on fundraisers and stages of stress and the body’s reaction to stress. The following are blood drives. Others dedicated excerpts from his briefing. memorials to those who lost their lives in the attacks. First Stage: Shock and Disbelief The urge to help others is a very This stage may last from a few hours to several days. Symptoms are healthy response, according to Dr. disbelief, anguish, fatigue or loss of appetite. Rahe recommends getting Matthew Friedman, director of the in touch with family or friends, helping others or exercising. VA National Center for PTSD. “One Second Stage: Fear and Panic of the most difficult aspects of a May also last from the first few hours to several days. Symptoms are traumatic event is the overwhelming fear, avoidance and doubt of ever recovering. Re-establishing your sense of powerlessness,” said Fried- normal routine and resisting the urge to panic will help you move past man, from his office at the White this stage. River Junction, Vt., VA Medical and Third Stage: Anger and Blame Regional Office Center. “Empower- Can appear during the first weeks. Symptoms are outbursts of anger, ment is essential … particularly suspiciousness or loss of interest and motivation. Rahe recommends when the nature of the activity keeping an eye on the long road ahead instead of the current difficulties, directly assists those affected by the continue eating well and exercising, strengthen your faith and be on the trauma. You’re helping your own lookout for your own irrational or aggressive behavior. recovery while assisting others with Fourth Stage: Eventual Readjustment their trauma.” Usually occurs within the first few weeks to months. Symptoms are Operation We Care kicked off at feelings of loss, depression and suspiciousness. To move past this final the White River Junction VA Medical stage, Rahe recommends that you continue talking with friends and and Regional Office Center on Sept. family, continue to help others, have confidence in yourself, don’t focus 13 to bring together employees on revenge and start to plan for a life that is never completely safe. affected by the attacks. They gath-

6 VAnguard VA Employees Donate $265,000 to Relief Funds

On a single “Day of Giving,” VA employees at national cemeteries, regional offices and medical facilities across the country raised more than $265,000 for the “VA Remembers September 11th Fund.” The outpour- ing of donations reflects the generos- ity and compassion of VA employees who, like most Americans, were deeply affected by the horror of black Tuesday’s attacks. “Although this token of our solidarity does not lessen the suffer- ing of the victims’ families, we hope it will remind them that they do not suffer alone and that the nation and VA’s employees stand united with them,” said VA Secretary Anthony Principi. VA conducted the “Day of Giving” drive on Oct. 3 at all facili- ties. Each site set up a central collec- tion point and employees dug deep into their pockets to contribute to the relief effort. The VA Canteen Service also pitched in by donating all Chaplain Hugh Maddry, deputy director of VA Chaplain Service, leads the benediction at a proceeds from the sale of patriotic T- VACO ceremony to present VA’s “Day of Giving” contribution to the Sept. 11 relief efforts. shirts, baseball caps and pens. The With Maddry are Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration Jacob Lozada money collected was donated to two and Secretary Anthony Principi. relief agencies directly involved in assisting victims and families af- fected by the terrorist attacks. Brummel, program manager for the ington, D.C., and New York City, the During a Nov. 6 ceremony in VA Survivors’ Fund of the Community Community Foundation will concen- Central Office, Secretary Principi Foundation for the National Capital trate on supporting the long-term presented a combined check to Region. While the United Way will needs, such as education, health and Anthony Buzzelli, 2001 United Way use the funds to provide short-term rehabilitation, of the victims’ families Campaign chairman, and Beth emergency assistance in both Wash- in the D.C. metropolitan area. ❏

Searching for Evidence

VA has made a major contribution to the World Trade Center evidence recovery effort in Staten Island. Employees of the VA Office of Inspector General have been among the hundreds of federal, state and local investigators combing through the debris deposited at this site. A small FBI health unit in an overcrowded Army tent was supporting the team of investigators who were reporting about 15 injuries a day. The IG’s office asked VISN 3 (Bronx, N.Y.) for assistance and the next day a VA mobile treatment unit was on the scene providing quality care in a professional clinic setting.

November 2001 7 Native American Heritage Month American Indians Find Hon

who served in Vietnam, which showed that about 50 percent of American Indian veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. For many, getting help hasn’t always been easy. Tribal lands are in remote loca- tions, hours away from health care or social services. As a result, American Indian veterans had a hard time accessing VA benefits and services. So in the early 1990s, VA began bringing services to them. The Prescott, Ariz., Vet Center estab- lished the first VA presence on tribal land when the staff opened an outstation on the Hopi Indian reservation. Other vet centers and community clinics soon followed suit. Today, many use traditional native counselors and ceremonial Ken Hall, team leader at the Prescott, Ariz., Vet Center, which established the first VA services to better serve American presence on tribal land with the opening of an outstation on the Hopi Indian reservation. Indian veterans. Distance isn’t the only barrier. rank Harwood had never heard tor of the VA Center for Minority Cultural differences also play a role. of the Selective Service. So Veterans, said they often volunteered At the Hot Springs, S.D., VA Medical F when his buddies started to serve in some of the most elite Center, where patient surveys show talking about registering, the combat units—Special Forces, Native Americans make up any- 18-year-old high school dropout Marine reconnaissance, paratroopers. where from one-quarter to one-third went down to the Army recruiter to And because of the stereotype that of all veterans served, Sharyn find out what it was all about. “They they were stealthy scouts, they got Richards, an Oglala Sioux (Lakota) wanted to sign me up on the spot,” stuck walking point. That left them and patient representative, is work- he recalled, laughing. The year was vulnerable to 1966. enemy fire A Blackfoot Indian, Harwood and highly was eager to serve his country. He susceptible to asked his grandfather for advice. “He the psycho- said maybe I should join the U.S. logical Navy to learn a trade.” He spent the trauma of next three-and-a-half years on an war. aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Tonkin. Hawkins Many American Indians join the points to the armed forces to bring honor and 1997 final pride to themselves and their fami- report of the lies. In Vietnam, they served at three Matsunaga times the rate of other cultural Vietnam groups, per capita, according to the Veterans Department of Defense. And like Project, a Harwood, who went on to earn his congression- master’s degree in social work and ally man- now serves as team leader at the dated study PIPESTONE COUNTY STAR PHOTO Yakima, Wash., Vet Center, 90 of American Santee Sioux warriors and Navy veterans Myron Taylor and Ray percent of them volunteered for Indian and Redwing (standing) honor VA Secretary Anthony Principi for his service military service. Asian-Pacific during a pipe ceremony at the Sioux Falls, S.D., VA Medical & Regional Anthony Hawkins, acting direc- Islanders Office Center.

8 VAnguard or, Pride in Military Service

compensation weren’t allowed at VA national claims. Others cemeteries. had no medical Robert Poe, director of the Black records and no Hills, S.D., National Cemetery, said idea of how to American Indian veterans from the trace their Pine Ridge Reservation were quite military docu- unhappy with VA burial restrictions. ments. Many Chief among their complaints was didn’t even the 30-minute time frame for services know they were and the fact that families were not entitled to allowed to be graveside for the benefits for burial. “My feeling was that these are injuries sus- veterans,” said Poe, “they fought for tained during (continued on page 10) active duty service. So employees at VA benefits The Navajo Code Talkers used a code based on their native language to offices located transmit secret messages during World War II. near American Indian reserva- Unbreakable ing to overcome cultural barriers. tions stepped up their outreach “Fortitude is valued in their society,” efforts. At the Phoenix VA Regional Code she explained. “When we used our Office, for instance, employees began pain scale to gauge their level of training members of the Navajo Soldiers like Van Barfoot, a pain, they always minimized it.” Nation to become certified veterans Choctaw from Mississippi who Now, instead of asking the veterans service officers. served with the 45th Infantry directly, nurses will ask family The Navajo Reservation is the Division in World War II, exem- members to describe their loved largest in the country and is located plify the values esteemed by one’s level of pain. And if they use about 200 miles north of Phoenix. Native American cultures— the scale, instead of asking if their “We’d been going out to the reserva- honor, pride and courage. With pain is “excruciating,” nurses will be tion to tell Native veterans about VA his platoon engaging an en- more descriptive, asking, “Does the benefits for years,” said Jerry trenched enemy force near pain keep you awake at night?” Gessner, staff assistant to the director Carano, Italy, on May 23, 1944, Dennis Quigley is a veterans at the Phoenix VA Regional Office. Barfoot single-handedly silenced service officer in the Rosebud Sioux He said they initially trained three successive enemy machine Tribe Veterans Affairs Program. A Navajo veterans service officers so gun positions and captured 17 former Marine, he helps American they could answer questions about prisoners. Indian veterans file benefits claims VA benefits. “Now our intent is to When the enemy launched an and access VA health care. He said train them adequately so they can armored counterattack, he took employees at the Hot Springs VAMC pass the veterans service officer up an exposed position in front of have “really gone out of their way to certification test administered by VA three advancing Mark VI tanks, accommodate Native American General Counsel,” said Gessner. and using a bazooka, disabled veterans.” He explained that they Passing the test allows service the lead tank and stalled the provided a van to transport veterans officers to file claims on veterans’ enemy advance. He later carried to their appointments and have behalf and represent them in claims two seriously wounded men implemented a cultural sensitivity hearings. 1,700 yards to safety. For his program for employees. “This is a In many American Indian cul- actions, he was awarded the very positive step and I’d like to see tures, it’s important for families to nation’s highest military honor, us continue working together in a watch as their loved ones are buried. the Congressional Medal of harmonious way.” Some may want to perform a burial Honor. When it came to applying for ceremony—burning sage or sweet Navajo Code Talkers also compensation and pension benefits, grass, or maybe gathering for a spirit exemplified those values. They some American Indians didn’t song accompanied by a lone drum. understand the legalese wording of And for a long time, those activities (continued on page 10)

November 2001 9 Code Talkers (cont.) VA Employees used a code based Volunteer Time, on their native language to Skills in New York transmit secret messages be- The horrific terrorist attacks on tween military the nation left many Americans commanders and wondering what they could do to advancing Marine help. Donating blood, making units in the South contributions to relief funds, and Pacific. It was a participating in remembrance code Japanese services became common ways to forces were unable express support for those affected by to crack. the tragedies. But some VA employ- Military experts ees were inspired to go a step have credited Maj. James P. Cassella, of the Defense Department Press further, by volunteering their time these brave radio Office, with the Code Talkers exhibit at the Pentagon. and skills to a variety of organiza- operators with tions participating in the relief contributing to U.S. victories in the battles for Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal, efforts. Tarawa, Saipan and Okinawa. In the first 48 hours of the assault on Iwo When Keith Growe got the call Jima, the Code Talkers transmitted about 800 error-free messages. asking him to volunteer some time The first 29 Code Talkers recruited by the U.S. Marine Corps devel- helping out in New York, he knew oped the code at Camp Elliott, Calif., in May 1942. They also compiled a right away what his answer would dictionary of more than 400 Navajo words to represent military terms that be. “I had the training, there was a didn’t exist in their language—a dictionary each Code Talker had to need, and I felt, like everybody else, memorize. that I wanted to do something to Code Talkers were sworn to secrecy; it wasn’t until 1968 that the help,” he said. Pentagon declassified the Navajo code. In September 1992, they re- Growe, a social worker with the ceived recognition for their efforts when the Department of Defense Healthcare for Homeless Veterans dedicated an exhibit in their honor at the Pentagon. program at the Columbus, Ohio, VA More recently, this past July, President George W. Bush presented Outpatient Clinic, has advanced Congressional Gold Medals to the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers. training and certification in trauma Chuck Hedin, an addiction therapist at the Denver VA Medical Center counseling. He’s a member of the and only nephew of John Willie Jr., one of the original 29, attended the Green Cross, a non-profit network of ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda. “You could almost feel the intensity,” counselors trained to help people he said, describing the mood in the crowded room. “It was a very proud deal with the emotional aftermath of moment for all of us, but also sadness for those who couldn’t be there. I traumatic experiences. think a lot of people felt that way.” Soon after the World Trade Center tragedy, a local union with more than 10,000 employees in the Native American vets (cont.) immediate area requested assistance from the Green Cross. Growe was religious freedom, and I’m not going the health care needs of Native asked to assist with debriefing to restrict theirs.” He said he tries to Americans, and each year, VA exercises, which help survivors talk do whatever it takes to accommodate employees set up shop at the Ameri- about the traumatic experience and the needs of American Indian can Indian Gathering of Nations held the grieving process. families, including allowing them to in New Mexico to promote VA “Research shows that early be graveside for the burial and benefits and services. debriefing can lead to a quicker giving extra time for burial ceremo- New York was the first to cel- recovery with less chance of ongoing nies. “It’s just a matter of scheduling ebrate the contributions of American emotional problems,” he explained. and managing resources,” Poe said. Indians when the state observed During his 10 days in New York, There are more than 550 federally American Indian Day in 1916. Sixty Growe worked 10- to 12-hour days recognized tribes in the United States years later, the U.S. Senate passed a facilitating group sessions and one- and some 190,000 American Indian resolution authorizing the President on-one therapy. He also helped veterans. VA is reaching out to of the United States to proclaim the survivors apply for benefits and find provide them with information on week of Oct. 10-16, 1976, as Native local resources. the benefits and services they have American Awareness Week. Finally, Working in the union’s headquar- earned through their military service. in 1990, the observance was ex- ters in downtown Manhattan, the Three members of the Secretary’s panded as National Native American team of Green Cross workers was Advisory Committee on Minority Heritage Month. ❏ available for those who needed a safe Veterans are American Indians, VA place to process the events and find research programs are focusing on By Matt Bristol comfort. The team helped post a

10 VAnguard families, friends, co-workers, as well getting an identification badge and as the building itself,” Growe said. directions to her assignment at the He heard many stories of both Floyd Bennett Naval Air Station in tragedy and heroism during his stay. Brooklyn, she began working her He recalled the story of one woman first 12-hour shift. who was so paralyzed by fear in the Stamper and the other volunteers moments after the attacks that she cooked about 3,000 breakfasts for the had to be led from the building by a rescue workers each day, plus custodian. She never had a chance to lunches, dinners, snacks and coffee. thank him because he quickly Working and living conditions were returned to the building to help rather primitive. others. The volunteers cooked using Growe said he was impressed portable propane ovens in an open with the resolve of the workers he tent lit by generators. They slept on met there. “People in New York have the floor of an unheated building found strength and hope,” he said. with no curtains or blinds, and “They are trying to begin moving bathrooms had to be shared by men forward with their lives.” and women. “Everything was ‘make Bertha Stamper, a computer do,’ like a M*A*S*H unit,” Stamper specialist at the Louisville, Ky., VA said. Medical Center, was similarly But she found the work reward- inspired by the three days she spent ing, and would do it again without Keith Growe (seated), a social worker at the cooking meals for rescue workers in hesitation. “It was absolutely amaz- Columbus, Ohio, VA Outpatient Clinic, New York City. She and another ing to meet and work with individu- reviews training material with graduate volunteer with the Kentucky Baptist als that displayed such an unbeliev- nursing student David Willis. Convention Disaster Relief Team able level of dedication and commit- began their journey one evening after ment,” Stamper said. memorial board in the lobby for Stamper had worked a full day at the “I can’t even begin to describe the those lost in the tragedy, and counse- medical center. teamwork involved, and the way lors stood nearby for those who She arrived by noon the next day people came together to help. The needed support. at a New Jersey church that served as experience was well worth every “People mourn the loss of their a check-in point for volunteers. After minute.” ❏ Counselors Share PTSD Expertise With Nation

The Sept. 11 terrorist Special Committee on PTSD. attacks left many Ameri- “Not everyone will develop cans experiencing feelings PTSD, but many will of fear, grief, helplessness experience some of its and anxiety—all common symptoms. This was a great symptoms of post- way to help reassure many traumatic stress disorder people who are experienc- (PTSD). VA experts in ing painful emotions and treating this mental thoughts and help guide disorder traditionally those feeling overwhelmed associated with combat to sources of help and experiences counseled healing.” millions of TV viewers Working from the last month during a broadcast studio in head- special broadcast from VA quarters, Kudler and Central Office. Kushner were interviewed For two hours on Oct. Dr. Harold Kudler, a PTSD expert from the Durham, N.C., VAMC, by reporters from 15 17, reporters from televi- prepares for his satellite interviews with television reporters from all television stations through a sion stations in 14 cities over the country. satellite hook-up. The around the country interviews typically lasted interviewed Dr. Harold Kudler, families and others in New York City three to seven minutes. assistant chief of psychiatry at the since Sept. 11. VA has an internationally recog- Durham, N.C., VA Medical Center, “We’re all under special stress nized network of more than 140 and Mara Kushner, a mental health right now, and VA has a lot of specialized programs for treating care manager with the VA New York expertise to share with the general PTSD through its medical centers Harbor Health Care System who has public about how to deal with the and clinics. Another 86 PTSD clinical coordinated VA’s response to stress symptoms and effects of that stress,” teams provide outpatient treatment, for veterans, emergency workers, said Kudler, who co-chairs VA’s often working with vet centers. ❏

November 2001 11 New York VA Medical Center’s Payroll Hero

and submit employee timecards. But ing to Kay Davis, Payroll Operations the day after the terrorist attacks, Section chief. That involved ensuring New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani every employee had a certified asked people who worked in Man- timecard on record to meet the hattan to stay home. processing deadline. Reyes knew he needed to com- They worked closely with Reyes plete his assigned payroll duties and and his counterparts in New York account for each employee’s and Washington, D.C., to get the timecard. His fellow employees were information they needed to pay all counting on getting those paychecks VA employees on time. “Mario on time. exemplifies the true spirit of a hero,” He’d hoped to log onto the Davis said. “He knew his work Mario Reyes didn’t let the disruption in New network and submit the timecards affected the livelihoods of many York City on Sept. 12 keep him from his from home, but the phone lines were dedicated VA employees and he did payroll duties. down. He knew he had to find a way not hesitate to put himself in danger to get the job done, so he left home to ensure his station employees were It probably never occurred to intending to use public transporta- paid.” ❏ most employees of the VA Medical tion to get to work. That’s when he Center in Manhattan that they might discovered the transit system was not get paid on time after the World not operational. In Memoriam Trade Center disaster. For one thing, Frustrated but undaunted, Reyes they were too busy caring for vic- decided his best bet would be to Gerald B.H. Solomon, 71, tims, maintaining normal operations walk to work. So after trudging former New York congressman in the face of extreme disruption, and many city blocks through smoky air and major supporter of VA’s dealing with their own feelings of and sidewalks and roadways elevation to Cabinet status, died shock, anger and grief. For another, clogged with debris, he finally Oct. 26 of congestive heart they’re no different from the rest of arrived safely at the medical center. failure at his home in Glens us who tend to take for granted that He got the information he needed to Falls, N.Y. At the time of his our paychecks will show up in our process the timecards, and submitted death, Solomon was co-chairing bank accounts when they’re sup- them in time to make the Wednesday a task force commissioned by posed to. afternoon deadline. President George W. Bush to That doesn’t happen magically. It Employees of the VA Payroll recommend reforms in the happens because of employees like Processing Section in Austin went delivery of health care to veter- Mario Reyes, payroll supervisor at the extra mile after the terrorist ans and military retirees through the Manhattan VAMC. He’d planned attacks to make sure all of the better coordination between VA to follow his normal bi-weekly Department’s salary payments and the Department of Defense. routine that fateful week to process would be made on schedule, accord- The Marine Corps veteran retired from Congress in 1999 VA Unites (cont.) after 20 years of service, during which he became known as a At the request of the mayor of forget the events of Sept. 11, 2001. As champion of veterans’ causes. As Honolulu, the National Memorial director of the Beckley, W.Va., VA ranking Republican on the Cemetery of the Pacific hosted a Medical Center, he wanted to do House Veterans’ Affairs Com- sunset memorial service on Sept. 13 something to help employees and the mittee during the Reagan attended by more than 1,500 people. community cope with the tragedy. administration, Solomon is “The mayor wanted to respond “We were all very concerned credited, along with then- immediately to demonstrate that the about what was happening,” said Chairman G.V. “Sonny” Mont- state of Hawaii and the city of Husson, who was born in Brooklyn. gomery, with reviving what Honolulu were going to rise to the “And I knew we had to do some- many political observers at the occasion and show the world the thing to honor and remember all time believed was a dying effort resolve of the American people who lost their lives in this senseless to elevate the Veterans Adminis- would never be diminished,” ex- act of terrorism.” tration to a Cabinet-level depart- plained Cemetery Director G.E. So on Sept. 29, the medical center ment. Castagnetti. He said the memorial dedicated a memorial to those killed Since retiring from Congress, service was held at the cemetery in the attacks. Husson described the Solomon had divided his time because the site is recognized as an significance of the memorial’s between New York and Wash- “international symbol of selfless design. “The pillar of stone repre- ington, D.C., where he did sacrifice,” and described the service sents the strength of America; the lobbying work. Survivors as one of the most moving he has eagle, the American people; and the include his wife, Freda, five ever attended. four beacons of light symbolize each children and six grandchildren. Gerard P. Husson vowed never to of the tragedy sites.” ❏

12 VAnguard May 2001, VA regional offices began accepting benefits claims from eligible Vietnam veterans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site, www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/ MEDICAL glance.htm, type II diabetes affects 90-95 percent of people with diabetes and most often appears after age advances 40. The disease is also more prevalent in certain ethnic groups. According to the Web site, “More than 18 percent Central Arkansas Researchers Find of adults older than age 65 have diabetes, and American Indians and Alaska Natives are 2.8 times more likely to Incidence of Chronic Lymphocytic have diagnosed diabetes than non-Hispanic whites of Leukemia Underestimated similar age. In addition, African Americans are 2 times Using computerized patient records, researchers at more likely than whites to die of diabetes.” Diabetes is a the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System found leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, leg and foot the true incidence of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) amputations, pregnancy complications and deaths is substantially higher than estimates drawn from tumor related to flu and pneumonia. registry data. “We have documented a substantially higher rate of Iowa City VAMC Researchers Identify CLL in our institution than previously reported, and believe that the problem of underreporting is likely to Virus that Inhibits HIV Cell Growth occur nationwide,” reported Dr. Clive Zent, chief physi- Researchers exploring relationships between alcohol, cian in Hematology/Oncology at the Central Arkansas VA hepatitis C and liver disease in patients with human and assistant professor at the University of Arkansas for immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have identified a virus, Medical Sciences (UAMS). originally known as hepatitis G, which appears to slow He said the tumor registry is generally a very efficient the growth of HIV cells. Now called GB virus type C mechanism for reporting cancer, but it wasn’t set up to (GBV-C), the virus causes neither hepatitis nor any other handle the change in diagnosis of CLL from bone marrow clinical symptoms, but appears to slow the growth of HIV biopsy to flow cytometric analysis of blood cells. This cells by as much as 40 percent. resulted in a significant underreporting of new diagnoses “From several earlier studies that examined the dating back to 1990. relationship of HIV and GBV-C, we suspected that GBV- “The Computerized Patient Records System is a C might exert a positive effect toward slowing the powerful tool,” said Zent. “It allows researchers to review progress of HIV infection,” reported researcher Jack data from a large patient population without handling Stapleton, M.D., of the Iowa City, Iowa, VA Medical paper records.” Using this system, Zent and colleagues Center and the University of Iowa College of Medicine. reviewed lymphocyte counts in more than 45,000 pa- “We expanded the previous research by looking at a very tients over a four-year period and found more patients large group of patients followed at our clinic between with the disease than previously estimated from tumor 1988 and 2000 and found that HIV-infected people registry data. Complete findings are reported in the Sept. without GBV-C infection were 3.68 times more likely to 1, 2001, issue of Cancer. die than those with GBV-C,” he concluded. Of the 362 In addition to Zent, other authors of the paper include: HIV patients examined during the 12-year clinical study, Mouhammed J. Kyasa, M.D., and Steven A. Schichman, 144 were also infected with GBV-C. M.D., Ph.D., both from the Central Arkansas VA and The study’s findings were reported in the Sept. 6, UAMS, and Richard Evans, Ph.D., from Iowa State 2001, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. University. Researchers are still investigating exactly how the hepatitis G virus interacts with HIV cells. “We are now working to understand precisely how GBV-C inhibits HIV Study Shows Diet and Exercise from growing,” said Stapleton. “We do not know whether Sharply Lower Risk for Type 2 Diabetes GBV directly interferes with HIV, or if the GBV stimulates Diet and exercise can sharply reduce the risk of cellular proteins, such as interferon or immune cytokines, getting type 2 diabetes for an estimated 10 million that protect the cells against HIV growth.” Americans at high risk for the disease, according to a There are more than 20,000 veterans infected with major clinical trial conducted by researchers from the VA HIV. In an effort to better serve their health care needs, in Puget Sound Health Care System, the University of September VA opened the Center of HIV Research Washington and 26 other medical centers nationwide. Resources located at the VA Palo Alto Health Care The study, called the Diabetes Prevention Program, also System in California. The center will assess research and found that treatment with the oral diabetes drug clinical trials throughout the Department and other metformin (Glucophage) also reduces diabetes risk in agencies to determine the potential for further research people at high risk for type 2 diabetes. clinical application. Type II diabetes is a disease VA recognizes as VA is the nation’s largest single provider of health associated with, but not necessarily caused by, exposure care to those infected with HIV and conducts the largest to Agent Orange. Consequently, veterans with type II voluntary HIV testing program in the country, with more diabetes who served in Vietnam are entitled to disability than 50,000 tests performed last year. For more informa- compensation based on the presumption that they tion about VA’s HIV program, visit the Web site: http:// developed the disease due to Agent Orange exposure. In vhaaidsinfo.cio.med.va.gov/aidsservice. ❏

November 2001 13 September. The award was various sizes and printed or presented in recognition of the used as desktop wallpaper. team’s commitment to Best clicks for teachers and providing “world class” service homeschooling parents are HONORS to former prisoners of war and the 16-page Teachers Guide their family members. Team (in Acrobat PDF); the Patriotic and awards members include Decision Fact Sheet (look for Activities Review Officer Nancy for Veterans Day); and the The Los Angeles VA additional savings in staff time Mullins; Rating Veteran Veterans Day FAQ.” Regional Office was one of when employees nationwide Service Representative Paul two government offices in the adopt solutions tried by Hines; Coach Gail Berry; Robert F. Schaefer, M.D., country to receive the Office others. The lessons in the and Staff Assistant Tom a staff psychologist and chief of Personnel Management’s center have been accessed Loland, all from the regional of Anatomic Pathology at the PILLAR (Performance, internationally more than office; and Ex-POW Physician Central Arkansas Veterans Incentives and Leadership 591,000 times. One feature Dr. Jo Harbour; Chief of Staff Healthcare System, recently Linked to Achieve Results) allows people to pose for Operations Dr. Byrd celebrated Award for its management questions and receive advice. Payne; and Administrative 45 years practices. “It’s great to be Questions may be on clinical Assistant Amy Owen from the of service recognized for the work we’ve or other work-related issues, G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery and his done in setting up systems to and VA experts provide VA Medical Center. The 75th share information to all of our answers. VA employees also award was named in recogni- birthday. customers and stakeholders,” can automatically receive e- tion of Leo C. Wurschmidt Jr., He has said Stewart Liff, director of mail notices when innovations who devoted his career to been the Los Angeles Regional are posted on topics in which improving customer service in teaching Office. “The most important they registered their interest. VBA. The former VBA pathology Schaefer part of this, though, is that Southern Area director and at the we’ve created an environment The Disease Management director of regional offices in University of Arkansas for which honors America’s Association of America San Francisco, Winston- Medical Sciences (UAMS) veterans.” presented its 2001 Pfizer Salem, N.C., and Jackson, since 1961 and is one of few Health Solutions e-Health recently passed away after a physicians who can say they The VA Virtual Learning Leadership Award in disease long illness. have helped train almost Center received the Govern- management, technology and every pathologist in Arkansas. ment Technology Leadership healthcare connection to the Syndicated columnist He was noted in the Best Award presented by Govern- Home & Community Care Barbara J. Feldman has Doctors in America 1999 ment Executive magazine. Service Line in VISN 8 (Bay awarded the VA Office of Edition and received first The center is an online Pines, Fla.). The award Public Affairs Veterans Day place in the 2000-2001 learning program that allows recognizes innovation in the Web site (www.va.gov/pubaff/ Annual Faculty Teaching employees to share profes- use of the Internet to provide vetsday) her highest 5-star Award at UAMS. Schaefer sional innovations, lessons disease management rating as best Veterans Day served as a captain in the learned from errors, and ideas services to veterans living in Web site for kids and teach- U.S. Army from 1953-55 with for reducing costs, while rural communities. VISN 8 ers. Her message to VA: the 109th Field Hospital in improving efficiency, customer previously received the best “Congratulations! Your site Salzburg, Austria. service and quality. The Telehealth 2001 provider has been rated ‘Spectacular!’ Virtual Learning Center began award during the Association and awarded 5 stars in my Sophia Vinogradov, in 1997 when VA Under of Telehealth Service Provid- Oct. 24 syndicated newspaper M.D., a psychiatrist at the San Secretary for Health Dr. ers and the Healthcare column “Surfing the Net with Francisco VA Medical Thomas L. Garthwaite Information and Management Kids” [www.surfnetkids.com]. Center, was selected to be a directed establishment of a Systems conference. Feldman’s column appears in member of the first class of system that would spread the many papers nationally, the Academy of Medical word about best practices Jackson, Miss., VA including San Diego Union- Educators at the University of among VA’s health care Regional Office Director Joe Tribune, Atlanta Journal- California, San Francisco. professionals. It expanded to Adair accepted the first Leo Constitution and The Boston She is the only VA physician other VA organizations and to C. Wurschmidt Jr., Customer Globe. Her review reads, in among the 24 distinguished the public through the Internet Service Team Award from part, “For students and academy members. (www.va.gov/vlc) and has Acting Under Secretary for teachers, this government site Vinogradov has been on the shared more than 1,500 ideas Benefits Guy H. McMichael is my Veterans Day pick of professional staff at the internationally. Contributors III, on behalf of the Jackson the day! I enjoyed browsing medical center since 1993 who posted ideas online “One VA” Ex-POW Case the poster gallery, clicking on and is currently associate reported annual savings of Management Team during the twenty-four years of Veterans chief for research and more than $48 million. Less Veterans Benefits Administra- Day posters. This year’s education for Mental Health easy to quantify is the tion Directors Conference in poster can be downloaded in Service. ❏

14 VAnguard health care in today’s complex Form 40-1330, Application for environment.” With that goal Standard Government in mind, VISN 4 (Pittsburgh) Headstone or Marker (for is participating in a national private cemeteries) on the HAVE pilot that will allow employees National Cemetery Adminis- to choose from approximately tration (NCA)’s Web site at you heard 650 Web-based courses www.cem.va.gov. The form through their office or home was recently updated by computers. Two of the NCA’s Memorial Programs network’s facilities, the Erie Service and Systems Integra- Behind the Scenes Support and Wilmington, Del., VA tion Center. Applicants can Medical Centers, are leading now go online, print and sign the way. The pilot will identify the form, then mail it and all strategies that support e- supporting documents to the learning in VA medical address listed on the applica- facilities, and identify barriers tion. that impede the use of this instructional tool. Courses One of the fastest-growing available include: communica- veterans groups in the tions skills, team building, country, Veterans Strike project management, writing Force One, was founded by skills, accounting, the patients at the VA Chicago manager’s roles, safety and Health Care System’s West OSHA compliance, and Side Division to help other quality improvement. veterans, especially the homeless, access health care In an effort to improve services. The group is made health care to more than up of more than 900 veterans. Denver Distribution Center employee Elizabeth Kiester packs 20,000 veterans infected with In the past, they have held hearing aid batteries to mail to veterans. Last year, the center HIV, VA announced the drives to collect clothing, mailed out more than 14.6 million batteries to veterans all over creation of the Center of HIV personal hygiene items and the world. Research Resources, stationery for homeless located at the VA Palo Alto veterans and have hosted VA designated Nov. 5-9 Acquisition and Materiel Health Care System in staff appreciation ceremonies Management Week. The Department depends on California. “In treatment of for VA Chicago employees thousands of employees around the country who work as HIV, research drives care,” that serve the mission of a team in operating the largest federal acquisition and noted Dr. Lawrence Deyton, “Putting Veterans First.” logistics program outside the Department of Defense. director of the Public Health They serve in VA medical centers, regional offices and Strategic Health Care Group, Three veterans whose national cemeteries; in the National Acquisition Center which oversees VA’s HIV World War II experiences and the Service and Distribution Center in Hines, Ill.; program. “The goal of the new helped provide the basis for the Denver Distribution Center; the Asset Management center is to improve health the Home Box Office (HBO) Service in Somerville, N.J.; and in VA Central Office. care for veterans by assess- miniseries “Band of Brothers” “VA is justly proud of all its acquisition and materiel ing research and clinical trials attended a Veterans Forum management employees throughout the Department,” throughout VA and other hosted by the Dallas VA said Gary J. Krump, Deputy Assistant Secretary for agencies and by determining Medical Center. The HBO Acquisition and Materiel Management. “These dedicated the potential for further miniseries chronicles the individuals work behind the scenes to make sure our research and application in triumphs and sacrifices of the medical centers, regional offices and cemeteries get the the clinical setting.” Dr. Mark soldiers of Easy Company, supplies and equipment they need to take care of Holodniy, who works at the 506th Parachute Infantry veterans. As VA celebrates Acquisition and Materiel Center for Quality Manage- Regiment, 101st Airborne Management Week, we salute these employees and ment in HIV Care and is Division of the U.S. Army, as thank them for their unwavering commitment to VA and director of the AIDS Research they participate in the D-Day the veterans we all serve.” Center and co-director of the invasion and subsequent molecular pathology labora- liberation of France, Holland “From a management Center. “One way we can do tory at the VA Palo Alto and finally, the capture and perspective, it is absolutely this is through an effective Health Care System, will run surrender of Nazi Germany. essential that we sustain a training program that ensures the new center. There are only about 35 highly motivated workforce,” our employees are able to surviving members of Easy says James Palmer, director manage multiple issues Families of deceased Company’s “Band of Broth- of the Erie, Pa., VA Medical associated with providing veterans can now access VA ers.” ❏

November 2001 15 HEROES LETTERS ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ The article “Organ Donation” on pages 15-16 of the January/February 2001 issue of VAnguard caught my attention. I would like to commend your publication on the Aaron Lumpkin, a police secured the scene and inclusion of this subject. I was pleased that you included medical clerk at the Nashville paramedics arrived. Unfortu- information about National Organ and Tissue Donor campus of the VA Tennessee nately, the young man died at Awareness Week too. Valley Healthcare System, the hospital the next day. As a dialysis patient for more than ten years, I would just happened to be in the Police found .38 bullet casing like to offer another side of this treatment modality. In the right place at the right time to near where the men were article mentioned, I interpreted the comments from patients help a veteran in need. The standing, and Denison said it to be a limited view of living with kidney disease. Today, veteran, on his way to an was “just lucky” that he and there are many exciting treatment options, including home appointment, stopped off in his friends survived. “We were hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, nocturnal hemodialysis, the men’s restroom, where he just about to leave, but my and self-care dialysis in units. suddenly collapsed. Lumpkin buddy wanted us to listen to a All of these treatment modalities allow patients more caught the man as he fell, song he’d been working on. freedom and independence. Many dietary and fluid restric- preventing him from hitting his Otherwise we’d have been out tions are minimized with these treatments. I know this first head on the floor. He then in the middle of it.” hand because I have been a home hemodialysis patient for called for help and stayed with ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ over four years. This type of treatment provides me with the the veteran until triage staff freedom to schedule my own treatments and help manage arrived. Dr. Mary A. Cote, all of my care. The additional treatment time I receive assistant chief of Ophthalmol- ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ allows me dietary and fluid freedom. In addition, I feel great. ogy in the VA Long Beach I exercise regularly and maintain a high albumin level. Rocky Denison, a Healthcare System, was There are many resources for patients today. The Web site registered nurse and guitar dancing at the Brea Commu- www.lifeoptions.org provides motivation for kidney patients player from the Central nity Center when an elderly and professionals. As a member of the Life Options Arkansas Veterans dancer collapsed just a few Rehabilitation Advisory Board, I was discouraged to read Healthcare System, was feet away. She tried to revive the comments of the patient in your article who said that her jamming with his band in Little the unconscious woman, but energy levels while on dialysis were greatly diminished. Rock one night when they when she didn’t respond, Here at Omaha (VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health heard gunshots out in the Cote started CPR and yelled Care System), we have implemented the Life Options street. “My buddy yelled, ‘Get for someone to call 911. A program in our dialysis unit with success. The research- down, get down,’ and we hit fellow dancer began helping based educational materials Life Options provides are the floor,” said Denison, her, and they continued based on the 5 E’s of renal rehabilitation: Encouragement, describing how the incident performing CPR until para- Education, Exercise, Employment, and Evaluation. Patients unfolded that night. “I was medics arrived. The woman who adopt these principles of rehabilitation can live long sitting right by the window, so survived the incident, and and live well with kidney disease. I believe this because it is I looked outside, but couldn’t thanks to Cote, will have an true for my life. see anything. Then I looked opportunity to dance again. Also, while I commend your mention of organ donation, out the door and saw two ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ I was disappointed that you did not cover additional guys running off. They were information. There are a number of Web sites and re- shooting at these guys across Christie Hartman, a sources for information on organ donation. Most states the street and then they nurse and addiction specialist provide educational materials and allow drivers to indicate jumped in a van and sped off.” at the York campus of the VA their willingness to donate on the driver’s license. Local Denison kept an eye on the Tennessee Valley affiliates of the National Kidney Foundation also provide street and when he saw the Healthcare System, was information. Non-related living donors are a relatively new blue lights from a police walking down the hallway option for organ donation of kidneys. People interested in cruiser, he ran outside to help when a patient alerted her donating a kidney to someone who is not related may now one of the victims. “He was hit that a veteran outside the do so at many transplant centers. in the left side of his chest and building was having chest I hope that you will continue to publicize more informa- the bullet went out his lower pains. She quickly assessed tion about organ donation in future issues. Thank you for back,” said Denison. “It must his condition and stayed by your efforts. have hit his spinal cord his side until further help because he wasn’t moving.” arrived. Her quick actions and Carol A. Keller He applied pressure to the composed behavior helped Performance Improvement Coordinator gunshot wound and monitored avoid a chaotic situation. The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System the victim’s vital signs until veteran has recovered. ❏

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