Durham Staff Enhances Military Awareness

Durham Staff Enhances Military Awareness By Jeff Melvin staff members wanting to learn VISN 6 public affairs more about military culture took a 90-minute Military Cul- Seeking to gain greater tural Awareness training course understanding of the military, available in VA’s Talent Man- Durham VAMC staff formu- agement System. The idea was lated a plan to reach their ob- simple; Durham VAMC staff jective. The journey began with would take the course to bet- online Military Cultural Aware- ter understand the military, and ness training, followed by a in turn would be able to better continuing series of roundtable provide health care to those discussions with Veterans, and who served. culminated with an exchange “The informative training of field trips with the Airmen explained military culture from of Seymour Johnson Air Force the ground zero,” Tillman said. Base in Goldsboro, N.C. “In Jeopardy-style format, staff Durham VAMC Public Af- learned about military branch- fairs Officer Pete Tillman, one es, ranks, and conflicts. After of the lead organizers of the completion of the course, they initiative, offered his assess- were primed for an experience ment of the undertaking and the of real life proportions.” Ed Kubacki desired outcome. The next step was for the A 4th Fighter Wing munitions maintainer shows Durham VAMC According to Tillman the staff the various munitions which can be delivered by the F-15E Strike Eagle. first step began when about 30 Continued on Pg 4

VA Secretary Makes Two Stops In VISN 6 Inside in Brief By Hampton & Richmond Richmond podiatrist earns VAMC public affairs recognition; New arrivals Pg 3 enhance field support. Secretary of Veterans Af- fairs Eric K. Shinseki paid vis- N.C. American Legion its to the Mid-Atlantic Health Winter Conference. Care Network region on two Pg 4 occasions in February, first on Durham receives “gold Feb. 3 when he toured Rich- heart” from NC preven- mond VAMC and on Feb. 9 Pg 5 tion partners. when he made a stop in the Hampton VAMC area to visit National salute tells Veter- a trade school with a growing ans We Care. population of student Veterans. Pg 6 During his visit to Rich- mond, the Secretary received Officers transition to new a firsthand look at two of the baton; Sun to set on US medical center’s most highly Pg 7 Treasury checks. touted programs, the McGuire Marriage vow renewal cer- Polytrauma Rehabilitation Darlene Edwards emony; Vietnam Veterans Center and the Servicemember VA Secretary Eric Shinseki discusses Polytrauma with Dr. Shane Pg 8 homecoming 2012. Transitional Amputee Rehabili- McNamee, chief, physical medicine and rehabilitation, Richmond tation (STAR) program. VAMC, and U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott. Women can suffer same Secretary Shinseki also deployment ills as men; toured projects the facility has Pg 10 Facts about women Vets. implemented to become more visit. designed to provide intensive energy efficient. Virginia Con- McGuire’s Polytrauma rehabilitative care to Veterans VISN 6 Sites of Care with gressman Bobby Scott accom- Rehabilitation Center is one addresses and phone num- panied the secretary during his of five facilities in the country Continued on Pg 5 Pg 12 bers for each location. From the Director This month, I’ll shift to a more clinical focus and shine a light on some very important work going on behind the scenes that really speaks to the heart of being a Veteran-cen- tered health care organization. It is well known that servicemembers have experiences that few who have not served can iden- tify with. These can leave emotional Retirement Specialty Center Can Help scars that may be invisible to the The VISN 6 Retirement Specialty Center (RSC) is here eye, but are just as real as the physi- to assist you with your CSRS/FERS optional, disability, cal scars we can see. I’d like to take military and civilian service deposit, and annuity estimate this opportunity to tell you about retirement needs. what VISN 6 is doing to treat the in- For retirement assistance, please contact us at our toll visible wounds of war. free number 1-877-645-6015 or at [email protected]. Our VA is the undisputed leader in mending the physical traumas hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. of war. Equally as important, VA also leads national and interna- Face-to-face consultations are available by appointment tional efforts to heal psychological trauma as well. only. Within VA, there are 15 specialized mental health centers of excellence which include 10 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers (MIRECCs), four Mental Health Centers of personnel, patients and families through a variety of accessible Excellence, and the National Center for PTSD. means which include live presentations, print materials, record- The MIRECCs were established by Congress with the goal of ings, and even the web. researching the causes and treatments of mental disorders and us- So, why am I focusing on this work at this time? ing education to put new knowledge into routine clinical practice Unlike past conflicts where mental help for Veterans came too in VA. Each center addresses a particular mental illness, problem, little, too late, VA has made the commitment to address our Veter- or environmental situation. ans needs as soon as humanly possible and to assist our Veterans Post-deployment mental health challenges have been evident with their transition back to their civilian environment. for many years and in 2005, VA addressed this issue by awarding It’s important to note that an unprecedented number, 53 per- the VISN 6 MIRECC a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, edu- cent of the 2.2 million returning Veterans, have already sought care cators and researchers charged with the goal of bringing best prac- within VA. However, this means that 47 percent have not. Those tices in mental health care into deployment related mental health. who have not will likely seek care from community providers, who The overarching goal of Mid-Atlantic MIRECC is the clinical may not have access to the resources necessary to fully address assessment and treatment of post-deployment mental illness and traumatic brain injury or PTSD or related depression. readjustment related problems, and the development of new men- This is where MIRECC comes in. MIRECC is in constant tal health interventions through basic and clinical research. collaboration with North Carolina’s Area Health Education Cen- The MIRECC’s organizational structure includes three major ter and Citizen Soldier Support Program. The MIRECC team has components: research, clinical, and education. created training for community providers, such as primary care Locating a MIRECC in this network makes perfect sense be- doctors, caseworkers, and mental health providers to help them cause of the large population of Veterans within our boundaries. better understand the culture of Veterans and their families. The Installations like Fort Bragg, Camp Lejuene, Norfolk Naval Base, team also works to teach community providers how to best iden- Langley and Seymour Johnson Air Force Bases, along with the tify, assess, and treat mental health problems that may occur as a numerous Guard and Reserve bases allows the research registry result of war experiences. These workshops are available to all at access to large numbers of Veterans who are willing to help their www.ahecconnect.com/citizensoldier. Of note, these presentations fellow servicemembers by sharing their own stories. are the basis for the first national AHEC project ever approved! To The clinical component seeks to define, model, champion and date, more than 12,000 community providers have received train- refine the continuum of care for OEF/OIF/OND mental health. ing about deployment mental health issues and about how to work Key to their approach is that there should be “no wrong door” for in partnership with VA to ensure the best possible care for Veterans Veterans seeking care or for their families in helping them find and through this collaboration. work with that care. To achieve this, they have created an innova- While participation is voluntary, all returning OIF/OEF/OND tive collaboration with state governments in North Carolina and Veterans are invited to participate in ongoing research about the Virginia. effects of recent deployments on the physical and mental health Finally, the education component works to bridge the gap be- of servicemembers, especially as they transition from deployment tween research and clinical care. The education component trans- back to civilian life. Our goals are to learn more about the readjust- lates best practices and research concepts into educational materi- ment process, to recognize problems earlier, and to improve care. als and ensures that the knowledge is shared with all health care We are interested in learning about Veterans who have problems as well as those who have no problems at all. Voices of VISN 6 is published In this network, we are working to ensure that there is no monthly by VA Mid-Atlantic wrong door from which a Veteran or his/her family can seek help. Health Care Network. Again, I encourage all Veterans and families to learn more about Daniel F. Hoffmann, Network Director what is being done and what is being offered to those who need as- Augustin Davila, Deputy Network Director sistance. For more information, please go to www.mirecc.va.gov/ Questions or comments about Mark Shelhorse M.D., Chief Medical Officer visn6/index.asp. the newsletter, e-mail Bruce. Bruce Sprecher, Director, Public Affairs Steve Wilkins, Network Public Affairs Sincerely, [email protected] or call 919- Jeffery Melvin, Network Public Affairs Dan Hoffmann 956-5541. Patrick W. Schuetz, Newsletter Editor

2 Richmond Podiatrist Earns Recognition By Darlene Edwards Foot Conference, in Phoenix Richmond VAMC public affairs attended by more than 500 participants. Dr. Jonathan Brantley, Visitors to the podiatry chief of podiatry, Richmond clinic will often find Brantley VAMC recently received the providing a detailed overview Excellence in Education for the of healthy foot care to his pa- Profession of Podiatry Award tients and explaining needed from the Veterans Health Ad- procedures. He will even in- ministration for his dedication clude diagrams, photos and and commitment to the educa- models to support his education of future podiatrists. tional efforts to ensure the pa- Among the many accom- tient understands the informa- plishments the doctor of po- tion related to their health. diatric medicine is credited The Richmond VAMC’s with is his establishment of busy podiatry clinic offers com- the podiatric medical and sur- prehensive foot and ankle care gical residency program at the to Veterans, ranging from rou- medical center. The active resi- tine preventative care for some dency program encompasses to surgery for others with com- Darlene Edwards a two-year training program. plex foot deformities. Richmond VAMC podiatrist Dr. Joseph Brantley has earned Veter- Dr. Brantley also frequently Dr. Brantley grew up in ans Health Administration’s Excellence in Education for the Pro- lectures to leading colleagues Edgewater Park, N.J., and at- fession of Podiatry Award. in the field most recently at a tended New York College of national conference, the Desert Podiatric Medicine. New Arrivals, Roles Enhance VISN 6 Field Support There are some new fac- special corporate compliance Katherine McMullin mechanic and airborne-quali- es in unfamiliar spaces and initiatives division for four joined the fied Sergeant in the U.S. Army, old faces in new spaces in an years. Prior to working for the organization serving for six and a half years. around the VISN 6. The fol- State of North Carolina, she last fall as a He joined the VA in 1995 and lowing are some of the new worked in logistics and admin- health sys- has served in various admin- hires and position changes istration in the private sector tems special- istrative roles at the Beckley since last August. from 1991 to 2003. Cathy was ist for tertiary VAMC where he is currently, SaMonia Ford joined an active duty Soldier with the care. She chief, HAS. In his key role VA and the U.S. Army where she worked transferred as VISN HAS Lead, Moye is VISN in Au- in maintenance as a welder and from the Durham VAMC responsible for serving as the gust as trans- logistics as a medical supply where she started as a coordi- point of contact for matters portation specialist. In her key role for nator in process and systems relating to Health Administra- assistant. the VISN, Cathy is responsible improvement working on tion Service. Before join- for providing administrative process action teams, patient James ing VA, Ford support to the program offi- satisfaction improvement ac- R. Payne III served in the cials and network executives. tivities, and data gathering and has served U.S. Army for eight years and Patrick analysis. She also worked as a as a VISN 6, most recently worked for the March is the program analyst in ambulatory Area Emer- NC National Guard. In her role telehealth care, where her duties includ- gency Man- for the VISN, Ms. Ford is re- data manage- ed data analysis and managing ager since sponsible for providing assis- ment coor- space and equipment. Kathi is August. He tance preparing transportation dinator for a native of Rockville, MD, and James is a North Carolina na- needs. the VISN. moved to North Carolina in tive and holds a bachelor’s and Cathy He joined 2002 to attend graduate school master’s degrees from Western Hendrix the VISN staff in January and at UNC. She is responsible for Carolina University. A mili- joined VISN comes to us from the Depart- providing administrative lead- tary retiree, James brings 20 6 in No- ment of the Army where he ership for tertiary care. years of leadership in various vember as a served as a DoD civilian in- Allen military and forward deployed management formation technology data Moye is the roles including two combat and program management specialist. Addi- new VISN tours to his new position. His assistant. tionally, Patrick is a Navy Vet- 6, Health certifications include certified Cathy is a newcomer to VA and eran with 26 years of dedicated Administra- emergency manager, hospital comes to us from the North service. In his new role for the tion Service emergency coordinator (Level Carolina Department of Rev- VISN, Patrick is responsible Lead. Born III), and anti-terrorism special- enue where she worked as the for providing telehealth pro- and raised in administrative assistant for the gram analysis. Beckley, W. Va., Moye was a Continued on Pg 4

3 New Arrivals Sheila K. Zeto became VISN rural Continued from Pg 3 coordina- ist. He is also a basic and ad- tor in Au- vanced disaster life support in- gust. She has structor and homeland security served as exercise evaluation program rural health instructor. Integrator at Barbara A. Rountree the Beckley joined the VAMC since January 2010 VISN 6 staff and as acting VRC since April in December 2011. She brings an extensive as telehealth background in project manage- program as- ment and data analysis to her sistant. She new position, stemming from transferred her experience as a research from the Dur- biologist and administrative ham VAMC, where she served officer with the U.S. Depart- as a program support assistant ment of Agriculture and as a in the home telehealth pro- VA safety manager and emer- gram, while participating in gency preparedness coordina- other programs. She graduated tor prior to her work in rural Steve Wilkins from the Mid-Atlantic Devel- health. Zeto is responsible N.C. American Legion Winter Conference opment Program in 2009 and for providing project manage- D. Mack Wood, a retired American Legion district manager, Leadership Development In- ment, technical expertise and greets VISN 6 Deputy Network Director Gus Davila following stitute Program in 2010. She is team leadership in order to co- Davila’s presentation to the North Carolina American Legion a certified mentor. In her new ordinate VISN 6 rural health Winter Conference in Raleigh. Davila highlighted VISN con- role, Barbara is responsible programs. She will also serve cerns including beneficiary travel and partnerships with com- for providing administration as liaison between VISN 6 and munity organizations to enhance health care opportunities for and program assistance to the the Office of Rural Health at Veterans during his talk. VISN Telehealth Manager. VA Central Office.

people who served. The inter- men learned about enrollment, nal connection with VA’s mis- observed clinicians, and were sion took form in ways both briefed on various VA pro- emotional and authentic.” grams. Energized by the online Most recently, the Airmen training and the roundtable dis- returned once again and took cussions, the group was eager part in the National Salute to to learn more. Hospitalized Veterans. The Air- North Carolina is home to men delivered Valentine’s cards eight military bases. Why not and spent time enjoying the arrange a trip to one of these in- company of inpatient Veterans, stallations to see firsthand how including those in the Commu- the military operates? Most of nity Living Center. the participants were not Veter- “The concept was simple ans and had little idea what life but the experience was complex on a military base was like. as well as profoundly meaning- A mutually beneficial col- ful,” Tillman concluded. “Our laboration was born. Thirty exploration opened the eyes of staff, and several VA contrac- staff even further to the life ex- Courtesy Photo tors, embarked on a special tour periences of those that choose Duke and Durham VAMC Medical Residents Leon Cannizzaro and of the Seymour Johnson AFB. to wear our nation’s uniform. Edward Coverstone sit in the cockpit of an Air Force KC-135 Stra- “Seeing impressive aircraft We took the military cultural totanker while learning more about Air Force operations. like the F-15E Strike Eagle and awareness training to a whole the Boeing KC-135 Stratotank- new level and have become a Durham continued from Pg 1 er, energized the group,” Till- more understanding workforce group to participate in several branch of service; and how did man said. “While the aircraft because of it.” roundtable discussions to put your family react when you were intriguing, talking with He said medical center the online lessons into action. told them.” the Airmen was truly remark- leaders were flooded with posi- Tillman, who served as “The stories were real and able and gave us a new appre- tive comments from training facilitator for the discussions, the atmosphere was priceless,” ciation for Veterans.” participants about how the ini- said compelling stories poured said Tillman. “By stepping The trip spawned a recip- tiative has given new perspec- out of Veteran panelists from back from looking at Veterans rocal visit to further cement tive to the work they do every various branches, genders, and as patients, and learning to look the partnership. About 30 Air- day. Next up, Durham VAMC periods of service, respond- at them as brothers, sisters, men from the Seymour John- is planning to do training and ing to questions like, “Tell fathers, and friends, the staff son AFB visited the Durham visit Fort Bragg near Fayette- me about the day you enlist- gained valuable insight about VAMC for firsthand military ville, one of the Army’s largest ed; why did you choose that the sacrifices of all of the brave cultural exchange. The Air- installations.

4 Durham Receives “Gold Heart” From NC Prevention Partners By Durham VAMC national tobacco cessation screening patients for tobacco systems similar to the one in public affairs standards, guidelines, and pro- use as a “vital sign,” providing place at each of the Durham grams.” team-based cessation counsel- VAMC facilities. As part of its NC Prevention Partners The Durham VAMC is ing, promoting evidence-based mission of “prevention first for (NCPP), a non-profit leader one of treat- a healthier North Carolina,” in reducing preventable ill- the first ment, NCPP plans to continue to ness and early death, recently of North and collaborate with the Durham awarded the Gold Heart stan- Caro- evaluat- VAMC on additional wellness dard to the Durham VAMC for lina’s ing the initiatives. its comprehensive treatment of acute system “We are especially proud tobacco dependence in Veter- care hos- on a of this achievement because ans. pitals to con- Durham VAMC is one of only “This distinction is a achieve tinuous four hospitals in the state to tribute to all of the Durham Gold basis. have earned the Gold Heart VAMC staff members who are Heart NCPP award from NCPP,” says Mc- working here and at our affili- status. has Sherry, a health psychologist ated community-based outpa- It mer- part- with 20 years of experience in tient clinics to help Veterans ited the nered tobacco cessation. “We’re go- get healthier by quitting tobac- award with ing to continue to help VA lead co,” says Dr. Clint McSherry, by meeting NCPP’s key re- several organizations to help the way in its commitment to Durham VAMC’s HBC. “And quirements for a successful hospitals across the state suc- promoting health and prevent- it’s also a testament to the val- quit-tobacco system for pa- cessfully implement effective, ing disease in our nation’s Vet- ue and effectiveness of VA’s tients. The criteria include empirically based quit-tobacco erans.”

provides patients an opportunity to gain an understanding of heavy equipment machine controls and to learn proper operating procedures well before their training on actual machines. The simulated environment provides the patient a safe place to learn about the machinery, while enhancing their performance skills. Hydraulic Excavator training is set in a construction environment and progressively takes the operator from basic controls ori- entation through more complex training exercises. The simulator provides hands-on learning in a safe and eco- nomical way to enhance traditional operator training programs. The equipment is an excellent addition to the STAR program, providing another tool that can be used toward achieving the goal of returning servicemembers to full time employment in their com- munities. Less than a week later, the Secretary returned to the Mid-At- lantic Health Care Network region when he made a short stop in Hampton Roads/Norfolk, Va., area to bring attention to another VA Jennifer Askey priority, helping Veterans find jobs. VA Secretary Eric Shinseki meets with Veterans attending Tide- He visited Tidewater Tech, a trade school that recently began water Tech Feb. 9 to discuss Post-9/11 GI Bill changes that allow accepting military Veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The school student Veterans to enter the labor force with skills gained from offers training in auto repair, welding, building maintenance, and vocational training programs. heating, ventilation and air conditioning. A new provision that went into effect in October extended the GI Bill’s benefits to in- Shinseki continued from Pg 1 clude apprenticeships, on-the-job training, vocational schools and and servicemembers who experienced severe injuries (including non-degree programs. brain injuries) to more than one organ system. During his visit, the According to school officials, the number of Veterans enroll- Secretary underscored themes from the State of the Union address, ing in its programs has increased significantly since the change in which President Obama outlined his strong commitment to Vet- took effect. Approximately 15 percent of Tidewater’s 200 students erans. are Veterans using the GI Bill. In addition, about half the school’s He also met with patients and staff at the polytrauma center instructors are Veterans and the center’s in-patient unit. Shinseki began his visit by meeting privately with a handful Following the visit to the polytrauma center, Secretary Shin- of student Veterans, followed by a quick tour of the school. Speak- seki and Congressman Scott participated in a demonstration of the ing to reporters after the visit the VA Secretary said that, although simulator now available for patients in the STAR program and to unemployment among Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans is slowly discuss the simulator’s role in the program. falling, it is still far too high. The STAR program provides comprehensive vocational and He said the original GI Bill helped remake America after physical rehabilitation to facilitate the transition of servicemem- World War II, and that with the benefits that include trade schools, bers with amputations into unrestricted military duty or competi- he thinks this GI Bill will do the same. tive civilian employment. “I’m very confident,” Shinseki said, “that this generation is The simulator, provided by Caterpillar and Simformotion, equally capable of rebuilding our nation.”

5 National Salute Tells Veterans We Care

By VISN 6 public affairs Veterans receive high quality care in VA facilities every day. The message that they are truly appreciated for their service and sacrifices in defending our country should never go unspoken even when the demands of everyday life loom large. Because VA and its employees appreciate the lives and sacrifices of each and every Veter- an, VA health facilities around the nation participate in a weeklong National Salute to Veterans to celebrate Veteran patients, and remind them VA doesn’t take Veterans for granted. The salute usually takes place throughout a week in Febru- ary spanning Valentines’ Day. Executed by VA medical center voluntary services staff, the annual VA National Salute to Veteran Patients program began in 1978. Vet- Debbie Voloski erans in and around VA facilities are treated to Air Force Retired Veteran Larry Snuffer entertains Miss West Virginia USA Andrea special meals and activities, visits from distin- Rogers with a story during her visit to Beckley VAMC in honor of VA’s National guished guests and special entertainment events Salute to Veteran Patients. Snuffer told staff that visits such as this “make him feel meant to honor the service and lives of Ameri- lifted, elated, and help to make his last days worthwhile.” ca’s heroes. More than a million cards and letters are sent to VA patients each year during the National Salute. VISN 6 activities included the various festivities held at each facility along with a “Valen- tines’ For Veterans” concert featuring country music star Aaron Tippin Feb. 9 in Salem, Va. Although Veterans have the respect and devotion of VA employees every day, the National Salute to Veteran Patients pronounces in an obvious way that we care.

Pete Tillman Sydney Perry, Miss North Carolina USA, brought a smile to the face of inpatient Hudson Huff as she delivered a Valentine’s Day card and carnation at the Durham VAMC.

Debbie Voloski Country music star Aaron Tippin sings a tune for Veteran Mark Sharp during Tippin’s visit to Salem VAMC Feb. 9. Later that eve- ning, Tippin gave a “Valentine For Veterans” Concert at the Sa- lem Civic Center.

Jennifer Askey (Right) Air Force Gen. Gilmary M. “Mike” Hostage, commander, Air Combat Command, delivers a card to Veteran Eugene Hodge in the Hampton VAMC Spinal Cord Injury Unit during the Na- tional Salute to Veterans Week.

6 Sun To Set On Treasury Checks By Bruce Sprecher finance service center in -Aus VISN 6 public affairs tin, Texas, to automate the process and has also undertaken an Like many items of the initiative to reduce cash pay- past, U.S. Treasury checks are ments through use of a debit being replaced by safer, more card program through Treasury efficient electronic means. and Comerica Bank. The pilot People and organizations pre- debit card will debut later this viously paid by check will soon year in some locations around receive payment via electronic the country. Until then, manu- funds transfer to their bank ac- ally filling out the EFT Form counts. will be the way to go. During Fiscal Year 2010, Although some Veterans the U.S. government spent are seen at multiple VA sites, more than $540 million to pro- only one EFT Form is required. cess U.S. Treasury checks. In When turning in vouchers, Vet- Brad Garner December 2010, the Treasury erans should inform the clerks Fayetteville VAMC Police Officer Sgt. Allen Tolentino strikes ‘sus- decided to eliminate, with few if they have previously turned pect,’ lead mobile training team instructor Special Agent Anthony exceptions, checks by May in the form. Filling out multiple Everett, with the expandable straight baton. 2013. EFT forms may actually cause In line with the Treasury delays in getting paid. The only directive, VA will stop issuing time a new EFT form should Officers Transition To New Baton checks by Dec. 31, 2012. be accomplished, officials said, By Robin DeMark Center, served as lead instruc- The shift to EFT should be is when there is a change to a Fayetteville VAMC tor for the mobile training team. welcome news to Veterans as Veteran’s banking information, He said police officers are often there will be no chance of lost such as changing banks or hav- Eleven police instructors placed in situations where they checks and people will spend ing the money go to a different from five states along the East must use force to control an in- less time waiting in line at the account. Coast joined the Fayetteville dividual while at the same time cashier’s window, according to While the goal is to reduce VAMC Police Service to com- employing a force option that is VA officials. Efforts are under- cash on hand and eliminate plete a new law enforcement necessary and justified. way nationwide to prepare all check payments, cash reim- baton training and certification “Batons are tools that al- recipients to receive their funds bursement will remain an op- course conducted by the mobile low a different force option electronically. tion for those without resources training team from the VA Law between empty hand controls Gus Davila, VA Mid-At- to return home that day or who Enforcement Training Cen- and deadly force,” Everett said. lantic Health Care Network are unable to maintain a depos- ter in North Little Rock, Ark., “The goal is to achieve con- deputy director, said the net- itory account. Feb. 3. The training comes as trol without causing unneces- work spent more than $47 To ensure no one is caught VA Police Services nationwide sary injury or to use the least million on beneficiary travel off guard or experiences a transition from carrying side amount of force to achieve that during Fiscal Year 2011. “Ac- hardship, medical centers are handle batons to new expand- control. This is how we educate complishing these payments notifying patients through the able straight batons. our trainers to teach our police required tens of thousands of mail and with signage located “The new baton is de- officers.” transactions that cost money throughout each facility detail- signed to stun our primary tar- He added the LETC in- that will be better spent on pa- ing the dates of the conversion. gets, the large muscle groups structors were as good as any tient care when the EFT pro- “Durham and Hampton of the body, and is less likely at other law enforcement agen- cess is up and running,” Davila medical centers have begun the to break bones or cause per- cies across the country. “Law said. changeover and both facilities manent paralysis,” said Sgt. enforcement trainers must Davila went on to say that have sent letters to all patients Peter McDannell, Fayetteville have the maturity and passion while the medical centers are who received travel payments VAMC Police Services. “We to teach, and believe in their each progressing toward the in the past year explaining the are here to serve the Veterans mission always; to get their EFT process, all efforts are be- need to fill out and turn in an and seek voluntary compliance students to the highest standard ing made to ensure the transi- electronic funds transfer form first.” without fail,” Everett said. tion does not cause a hardship SF -3881,” Davila said. According to McDannell, VA law enforcement is re- for anyone. Because the transi- The forms can be picked the primary mission for all VA sponsible for the protection of tion to the EFT process requires up at the medical centers, or police officers is to provide patients, visitors, employees, the inputting of data for mil- downloaded off the web from professional law enforcement property, and maintaining law lions of Veterans nationwide, www.fms.treas.gov/pdf/3881. service to ensure the safety of and order on property as di- the implementation is being pdf. Veterans should fill out the Veterans, patients and employ- rected by the Veterans Health staggered throughout the coun- middle and bottom sections. ees. Encounters require differ- Administration. try and throughout the network. The medical center will fill out ent defensive techniques and For more information VHA is working with the the top portion. control measures that require about the VA Law Enforcement police officers to elevate or de- Center or VISN 6 Police Ser- escalate the level of force need- vices, visit www.osp.va.gov/ ed. Law_Enforcement_Training_ Special Agent Anthony Center_LETC or http://vaww. Everett, who is the physical visn6.va.gov/police.aspx, re- branch lead at the LE Training spectively.

7 George C. Duggins, North Carolina Vietnam Veterans of America Region 3 Conference

Date: March 28 to April 1, 2012

Location: Doubletree Biltmore Hotel, 115 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC, 828-771-2277

Contact person: Joe Kristek, Pres. NC VVV State Council, 910-673-4562 Courtesy Photo Spenser Wempe, Miss West Virginia, toured Beckley’s new Room Reservations: Call 828-274-1800. Make sure you tell Mobile Vet Center, a customized vehicle designed to provide Veterans with vital, on-the-spot counseling and reintegration them you are attending the Region 3 conference to receive services Feb. 17. the group rate. Conference and Hotel Registration Information available on Homecoming For Vietnam Veterans NC VVA State Council website: www.vva-nc.org More than 216,000 North demonstrations, and military Carolina residents served in salutes. Vietnam, and some 1,600 made Representatives from VA the ultimate sacrifice in that medical centers from North war. The USO of North Caroli- and South Carolina will be on na and Charlotte Motor Speed- hand to provide information way, with support from the and enroll eligible Veterans. North Carolina Association of Additionally, counselors from Broadcasters, will honor their area Vet Centers, along with service with a Vietnam Veter- a team from the Winston Sa- ans Homecoming Celebration. lem VBA regional office and The Vietnam Veterans a representative from National Homecoming Celebration Cemetery Administration will 2012 is set to be an unforget- be on hand. Veterans interest- table experience featuring live ed in enrolling should bring a entertainment, displays and copy of their DD-214.

8 Tele-Audiology Reduces Trips By Tim Devine Durham VAMC Last year the Durham VAMC Audiology Clinic was selected as one of only 10 VA Centers nationally to participate in a pilot program that allows an audiologist in Durham to program hearing aids on a patient at a local CBOC. With the help of an audiology health technician who travels to the patient site, the doctor at Durham uses a teleconferencing camera and specialized computer software to control the audiology instruments located at the CBOC to verify hearing aid performance and make needed adjustments. An obvious benefit of this new service is that patients will no longer have to travel to Durham for follow-up hearing healthcare. An equally important benefit, said Dr. Nancy Jones, chief of audiology and speech pathology at Durham, may be that Veterans will get better use of their amplification because, by providing this service at a more convenient location, patients will be more likely to attend follow-up appointments. “We hope that instead of giving up on their hearing aids, Vet- erans will now come back and talk with us about the situations that still give them problems,” Jones said. “Often all that’s required is a minor adjustment in the program.” So far, patient feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. One Veteran volunteered that the care was “just like being at Dur- ham, but without the long trip.” Currently, Veterans must still travel to Durham for their hear- Pete Tillman ing tests, but phase II of this pilot program will allow for many of Durham audiology staff demonstrate how the tele-audiology pro- these exams to be performed at CBOCs too. This phase is due to gram is used to help Veterans reduce travel and get high quality begin in September 2012. care.

Hampton’s Rural Health Team Reaches Out As part of the rural health initiative, Hampton’s Rural Health Team reaches out in every di- rection in their effort to enroll Veterans for VA health care. Hampton VAMC’s Rural Health Initiative team members trav- eled to the Outer Banks area of North Carolina, Feb 22, to conduct a Veteran’s benefit outreach event in Kill Devil Hills. The team (from left) Deborah Frondelli, nurse educator, Eliz- abeth Halvorsen, program support assistant, Eddie Hughes, medical support assistant, Carvin Harmon, social worker, take a brief pause in front of the monument to the Wright Broth- ers at Kill Devil Hills.

James Coty

9 Officials: Women Can Suffer Same Deployment Ills As Men By Terri Moon Cronk fore. That progress has come with a price. American Forces Press Service Veteran Jen Crane knows about that price. She began to have panic attacks while searching for work after she left the military. WASHINGTON – It once was thought that servicewomen neither She couldn’t continue her military job as a paralegal in the civilian were exposed to the same combat situations as men nor developed sector, so she took a bartending job. There, she was introduced to the same psychological injuries. Officials now recognize other- cocaine. She said it brought her anxiety down and made her social. wise. Eventually, her penchant for drugs nearly cost her everything. “With the type of combat we’re in now, it’s probably the only Crane turned to prostitution to support her drug habit, and place where men and women really are equal,” therapist Jeanine became homeless and broke. As her situation spiraled downward, Aversa says in “The Long Road Home,” February’s installment of she decided to take her life. But before she could act on her plan, the Pentagon Channel series “Recon.” police arrested her for drug possession. Officials estimate that the percentage Crane went to court, and began receiv- of women in the military has doubled in the ing counseling from Aversa. With support past 30 years. But that increase, the “Recon” from her therapist, the courts and her family, segment noted, has come with a rise in prob- today she is married, has a child and is the lems such as homelessness, drug addiction national spokeswoman for a nonprofit orga- and post-traumatic stress disorder among nization, traveling around the country to tell female Veterans. her story. The Defense and Veterans Affairs de- Experiences like Crane’s are helping partments work together to address service to change the care female Veterans receive. members’ physical, mental and emotional “We’re undergoing a culture change within injuries, including those of women, so offi- the Department of Veterans Affairs,” Pa- cials say it’s now easier for female Veterans tricia Hayes, the VA’s chief consultant on to ask for help. women’s health, told “Recon.” Kate McGraw, acting deputy direc- VA estimates that 6,500 female Veter- tor for the psychological health, clinical ans are homeless and live on the nation’s standards of care at the Defense Centers streets – double the number from 10 years for Excellence for Psychological Health ago. VA also reported that one in five wom- and Traumatic Brain Injury at the Walter en Veterans reported military sexual trauma Reed National Military Medical Center in during their military service, and the num- Bethesda, Md., said a “huge influx” of con- ber of women with PTSD is increasing. gressional funding and Defense Department McGraw outlined signs that someone support on the issues facing female Veterans is struggling with readjustment issues. She have helped address psychological health cited symptoms such as the inability to get and traumatic brain injury. good sleep, nightmares, or the feeling of Focus groups, growing numbers of sup- reliving events from a deployment when port groups and a mental health anti-stigma awake, disturbing dreams about deployment campaign are part of the DOD and VA support for female Veterans, events, changes in mood, irritability feeling increasingly on edge she said. or keyed up, or getting startled easily. Battling the stigma of seeking mental health counseling also Veteran Genevieve Chase, who suffered a traumatic head in- has remained a concern among military leaders, McGraw noted. jury after the vehicle she was riding in exploded, told “Recon” that Some servicemembers don’t seek help, she explained, because in spite of the struggles women try to overcome, their patriotism they believe doing so could hurt their careers. So “The Long Road remains intact. Home” is an attempt to try to de-stigmatize those fears. “Even the women who are trying to get on their feet or have Peculiar to women is an apparent higher rate of “co-occur- been struggling through military sexual trauma, substance abuse, rence” of PTSD and depression when compared with men after suicide or any major issue, when they come home, every single returning from deployment, McGraw said. Other behaviors also one of them is still proud of their service,” Chase said. can play a part in women’s lives, she said. The Pentagon Channel’s “Recon” series is a monthly, 30-min- “Women tend to have a higher incidence of binge drinking … ute broadcast that provides an in-depth look at operations, mis- and a higher incidence of eating disorder behavior … as compared sions, military events, history and other subjects highlighting the to males,” McGraw said, citing recent literature on studies con- accomplishments of U.S. military men and women. All “Recon” ducted during the past five years. programs are posted on the Pentagon Channel’s website at www. More doors are open to women in the military now than be- pentagonchannel.mil/recon/.

Women Veterans comprise one of the fastest growing populations of Vet- Facts About Women Veterans erans. Today, there are more than 1.8 million living women Veterans of the nearly 22.7 million Veterans. Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6) totals are as follows: North Carolina - 70,729, Virginia - 93,637, West Virginia - 12,015. The population of women Veterans has increased from 1.1 million in 1980 to nearly 2 million today, and women are projected to be more than 10 percent of the Veteran population by 2020. The average age of female Veterans is 48 (male 63). Of the 1.8 million U.S. women Veterans, more than 500,000 have enrolled in the VA health care system. That number is expected to grow by 30% in the next five years. Women currently comprise more than 14% of the active duty military, nearly 18% of Guard and Reserves, and nearly 6% of VA health care users. More than 50% of female OEF/OIF Veterans have received VA health care.

10 Streamlined Online Application To Launch At Demobilization Sites WASHINGTON – The Depart- Enrollment for VA health ment of Veterans Affairs part- care is done as part of a service- nered with the First Army at member’s demobilization. The Camp Shelby, Miss., to launch online form allows the appli- a streamlined version of its on- cation to be completed during line application for VA health a regularly scheduled briefing benefits (VA Form 1010EZ) for all service members on VA for service members return- benefits. ing from deployment. VA will Quick enrollment is im- introduce it at demobilization portant for returning troops When To Get Seasonal Flu Vaccine sites nationwide by early spring because recently discharged Yearly flu vaccination ers is strongly recommended 2012. combat Veterans are eligible should begin in September, or to prevent transmission of the “This online application for five years of cost-free care as soon as the vaccine is avail- illness to patients, especially demonstrates VA’s commitment and medications for conditions able, and continue throughout those with long-term medical to work with the Department of potentially related to combat the flu season, which can last conditions who are at high risk Defense to make it easier for service. as late as May. This is because for serious complications from servicemembers to get the care The new application was the timing and duration of flu the flu. The CDC recommends they earned by their service,” piloted as part of the demobili- seasons vary. While flu season that all health care workers – said Secretary of Veterans Af- zation process at Camp Shelby. can begin as early as October, even those who are not directly fairs Eric K. Shinseki. “The Based on the results, VA plans seasonal flu activity peaks in involved in patient care (e.g., new, online system noticeably to collaborate with DoD to of- January, February or later. clerical, housekeeping and ad- reduces the paperwork and re- fer this online application at all Influenza is responsible for ministrative staff, volunteers, duces a 10-day process to three 61 demobilization sites nation- 200,000 hospital admissions etc.) – be vaccinated annually. days.” ally. and 36,000 deaths nationwide If you have questions The application is used to For more information, every year. According to the about whether you should get a enroll in the VA health care sys- contact VA at 1-877-222 VETS federal Centers for Disease flu vaccine, consult your health tem, which has more than 1,000 (8387) or visit www.va.gov/ Control and Prevention, vacci- care provider. sites of care across the country. healthbenefits. nation of all health care work- VA, NASDVA Sign Partnership Pact VA Joins Mortgage Bank Settlement WASHINGTON – Building needs, and continuous reevalu- WASHINGTON – VA an- their home at a loss due to reas- upon a 66-year partnership ation of existing programs.” nounced its participation in the signment to another location. with the states, the Department NASDVA represents the largest state-federal legal settle- VA has always provided of Veterans Affairs has signed state departments of Veterans ment in history that deals with assistance to Veterans and ser- a formal agreement with the affairs in dealings with VA and problems within the mortgage vicemembers who experience National Association of State with Veterans residing in their industry. trouble paying their mortgage, Directors of Veterans Affairs respective states. The states VA joined with the Depart- whether they have a VA loan (NASDVA) to enhance their re- fund about $5 billion in benefits ment of Justice, a coalition of or not. Depending on the situ- lationship. and services for Veterans. state attorneys general and oth- ation, VA’s loan specialists can “State agencies are invalu- The involvement of state er federal agencies in the settle- intervene on a Veteran’s behalf able partners in providing ser- governments in Veterans af- ment. to help pursue home-retention vices to Veterans,” said Sec- fairs goes back to the Ameri- The nation’s five largest options such as repayment retary of Veterans Affairs Eric can Revolution, with the fed- mortgage servicers have agreed plans, forbearances and loan K. Shinseki. “Our historic col- eral government becoming to this landmark $25 billion modifications. laboration with NASDVA has involved after the Civil War. In settlement that addresses past To get help, Veterans and ensured that countless Veterans 1946, NASDVA was created to mortgage loan servicing and servicemembers – even those receive the benefits they have coordinate programs between foreclosure abuses, provides without a VA guaranteed loan earned.” VA and the states, territories substantial financial relief to – may call a national toll-free The agreement pledges the and the District of Columbia. borrowers, and establishes sig- number, 877-827-3702 to speak two groups to maintain “effec- Secretary Shinseki signed nificant new homeowner pro- with VA loan specialists who tive communications, an ex- the agreement Feb. 13 during tections in the future. will provide information about change of ideas and informa- the NASDVA mid-winter con- In addition to cash pay- the process of obtaining a VA- tion, identification of emerging ference in Alexandria, Va. ments to avoid litigation, the guaranteed home loan, or as- banks also agree to undertake sistance in retaining their home Volunteer Opportunities other activities, such as prin- loan or avoiding foreclosure. For info. on opportunities to volunteer in your area, contact: cipal forgiveness, interest- Information about the VA rate-reduction refinancing, and Home Loan Guaranty program Asheville Darlene Laughter 828-299-2514 forbearance during unemploy- is also available online at www. Beckley Cheryl Yost 304-255-2121, ext. 4162 or 4165 ment. benefits.va.gov/homeloans. Durham Ronni Miller 919-286-0411, ext. 7810 The settlement also en- To see videos of Veterans who Fayetteville Norma Fraser 910-822-7027 hances protections available reached out to VA and were able Hampton Judith Curtis 757-722-9961, ext. 3124 under the Servicemembers to keep their homes or avoid Richmond Janet Langhorne 804-675-5000, ext. 4989 Civil Relief Act and provides foreclosure, please visit www. Salem Ann Benois 540-224-1919 additional assistance when ser- benefits.va.gov/homeloans/alt- Salisbury Nancy Perry 704-638-3409 vicemembers are forced to sell foreclosure.asp.

11 VISN 6 Sites of Care Albemarle POC Fayetteville VAMC Jacksonville CBOC Rutherford County CBOC 1845 W City Drive 2300 Ramsey St. 241 Freedom Way 374 Charlotte Rd. Elizabeth City, NC Fayetteville, NC 28301 Midway Park, NC 28544 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 252-331-2191 910-488-2120, 800-771-6106 910-353-6406, 910-353-6406 828-288-2780 www.fayettevillenc.va.gov

Asheville VAMC Jacksonville, N.C. Vet Center Salem VAMC 1100 Tunnel Road Fayetteville Vet Center 110-A Branchwood Driv 1970 Roanoke Blvd. Asheville, NC 28805 4140 Ramsey St. Jacksonville, NC 28546 Salem, VA 24153 828- 298-7911, 800-932-6408 Fayetteville, NC 28311 910-577-1100 540-982-2463, 888-982-2463 www.asheville.va.gov/ 910-488-6252 www.salem.va.gov/ Lynchburg CBOC Franklin CBOC 1600 Lakeside Drive Salisbury VAMC Beckley VAMC 647 Wayah St. Lynchburg, VA 24501 200 Veterans Avenue 1601 Brenner Ave. Franklin, NC 28734-3390 434-316-5000 Salisbury, NC 28144 Beckley, WV 25801 828-369-1781 304-255-2121, 877-902-5142 704-638-9000, 800-469-8262 www.salisbury.va.gov/ www.beckley.va.gov/ Morehead City CBOC Fredricksburg CBOC 5420 U.S. 70 1965 Jefferson Davis Highway Morehead City, NC 28557 Beckley Vet Center Fredericksburg, VA 22401 252-240-2349 Staunton CBOC 1000 Johnstown Road 540-370-4468 102 Business Way Beckley, WV 25801 Staunton, VA 24401 304-252-8220 Norfolk Vet Center 540-886-5777 Greensboro Vet Center 1711 Church Street 2009 S. Elm-Eugene St. Norfolk, VA 23504 Greensboro, NC 27406 757-623-7584 Brunswick Outreach Clinic 336-333-5366 Tazewell CBOC 20 Medical Campus Drive 123 Ben Bolt Ave. Supply, NC 28462 Tazewell, VA 24651 Princeton Vet Center 276-988-2526 910-754-8574 Greenbrier County CBOC 905 Mercer Street 804 Industrial Park Rd. Princeton, WV 24740 Maxwelton, WV 24957 304-425-5653 304-497-3900 Charlotte Vet Center Virginia Beach CBOC 2114 Ben Craig Dr. 244 Clearfield Avenue Charlotte, NC 28262 Raleigh CBOC Virginia Beach, VA Greenville CBOC 757-722-9961, ext. 1900 704-549-8025 800 Moye Blvd. 3305 Sungate Blvd. Greenville, NC 27858 Raleigh, NC 27610 252-830-2149 919-212-0129 Charlotte CBOC Virginia Beach Vet Center 8601 University East Drive 324 Southport Circle, Suite 102 Charlotte, NC 28213 Greenville Vet Center Raleigh II Annex Virginia Beach, VA, 23452 1021 W.H. Smith Blvd. 3040 Hammond Business Place 757-248-3665 Greenville, NC 27834 Raleigh, NC 27603 252-355-7920 919-899-6259 Charlottesville CBOC 650 Peter Jefferson Pkwy Wilmington CBOC Charlottesville, VA 22911 Hamlet CBOC Raleigh Vet Center 736 Medical Center Drive 434-293-3890 100 Jefferson Street 1649 Old Louisburg Rd. Wilmington, NC 28401 Hamlet, NC 28345 Raleigh, NC 27604 910-763-5979 910-582-3536 919-856-4616 Danville CBOC 705 Piney Forest Rd. Winston-Salem CBOC Hampton VAMC Richmond VAMC 190 Kimel Park Drive Danville, VA 24540 100 Emancipation Dr. 1201 Broad Rock Blvd. 434-710-4210 Winston-Salem, NC 27103 Hampton, VA 23667 Richmond, VA 23249 336-768-3296 757-722-9961, 888-869-9060 804-675-5000, 800-784-8381 www.hampton.va.gov/ www.richmond.va.gov/ Durham VAMC 508 Fulton St. Winston-Salem Annex Durham, NC 27705 Hickory CBOC Roanoke Vet Center 2101 Peters Creek Parkway 919-286-0411, 888-878-6890 2440 Century Place, SE 350 Albemarle Ave., SW Winston-Salem, NC 27127 www.durham.va.gov/ Hickory, NC 28602 Roanoke, VA 24016 336-761-5300 828-431-5600 540-342-9726

Emporia CBOC Hillandale Rd. Annex Robeson County CBOC Wytheville CBOC 1746 East Atlantic Street 1824 Hillandale Road 139 Three Hunts Drive 165 Peppers Ferry Rd. Emporia, VA 23847 Durham, North Carolina 27705 Pembroke, NC 28372 Wytheville, VA 24382-2363 434-348-1500 919-383-6107 910-521-8452 276-223-5400