March/April 2009

20 Years in the Cabinet Paperless HR Fisher Houses Commemorating Lincoln VAnguard

Features

Coming Soon: Paperless HR 6 Personnel files will be just a mouse click away A New Approach to Healing the Invisible Wounds 8 Tuscaloosa VAMC program supports returning veterans and families 16 ‘A family’s love is good medicine’ 10 Fisher Houses provide a ‘home away from home’ for families Commemorating Lincoln 16 Milwaukee VAMC employees help reenact 16th president’s inauguration A Seat at the Table 20 VA celebrates 20 years as a Cabinet department Preserving Nation’s Oldest Civil War Memorial 24 NCA begins project to save monument at Cave Hill cemetery

20 Departments

3 Presidential Visit 31 Medical Advances 4 Outlook 33 Have You Heard 5 News You Can Use 36 Honors 26 Around Headquarters 39 Heroes 30 Introducing 40 20th Anniversary

VAnguard VA’s Employee Magazine March/April 2009 On the cover Vol. LV, No. 2 President Barack Obama speaks to Printed on 50% recycled paper employees gathered in the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery conference room at VA Editor: Lisa Respess Gaegler Central Office on March 16. VA Secretary Assistant Editor/Senior Writer: Gary Hicks Eric Shinseki, whom President Obama Photo Editor: Robert Turtil praised for his distinguished career in the Photographer: Art Gardiner Army and his service to men and women in Staff Writer: Amanda Hester uniform, listens to the President’s remarks, at left. The President’s visit marked the Published by the Office of Public Affairs (80D) agency’s 20th anniversary as a Cabinet department. White House photo U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20420 (202) 461-7427 E-mail: [email protected] www.va.gov/opa/feature/vanguard

March/April 2009 Left: President Obama’s stop at VA headquarters was the high- light of the two-day 20th anniversary celebration; below: After the President departed, Secretary Shinseki joined employees in the VACO canteen for a cake-cutting ceremony, where he encouraged them to be full participants in the process underway to fulfill Obama’s pledge to transform VA for the 21st century.

robert turtil

A Presidential Visit for VA’s 20th Anniversary as a Cabinet Department President Barack Obama joined Secretary Eric K. Shinseki at VA Central Office on March 16 for the celebration of the department’s 20th anniversary as a Cabinet agency. A limited number of tickets to the program, held in the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Veterans Conference Center, were randomly distributed to headquarters employees by the Secretary’s office. The program was also broadcast live on the VA Knowledge Network, where employees across the nation could view it. In his remarks, Obama noted that on March 15, 1989, the day the Veterans Administration was officially elevated to a Cabinet-level agency and renamed the Department of Veterans Affairs, a ceremony was held to swear in VA Administrator Edward J. Derwinski as the first Secretary of Veterans Affairs. At that ceremony, Obama said, “President George H.W. Bush declared the mission of the agency is so vital that there is only one place for the veterans of America—in the Cabinet Room, at the table with the President of the United States of America. I could not agree more,” adding that he has pledged to transform the agency for the 21st century. After his speech, the President shook hands with several employees in the room, and departed. Secretary Shinseki then joined employees in the VACO canteen for a cake-cutting ceremony, with cake service provided by VA senior staff. For more on the 20th anniversary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, turn to page 20. Michael L. Moore outlook VAnguard

Helping Clinicians and Patients Make the Best Choices Joel Kupersmith, M.D. Chief Research and Development Officer

It was a medical story cel- health care decision makers three—did not benefit patients an important step toward ebrated for its immense impact across the country: “I have with acute kidney failure, personalizing care—that is, on cardiovascular treatment: drug A and B, or treatment compared to conventional tailoring health care to a spe- VA researchers, working with strategy A and B. Which is treatment. cific patient’s circumstances. Canadian colleagues, found best for my patient?” As health n Prolonged-exposure therapy In personalization of care, that patients with stable coro- care providers themselves, for post-traumatic stress dis- VA has exceptional research nary artery disease—in which most VA researchers are famil- order. VA researchers showed capability, thanks largely to its plaque buildup restricts the iar with these tough choices. that prolonged-exposure ther- electronic health record that blood supply to the heart VA Research is uniquely apy—in which therapists help supports sophisticated analysis muscle—often fare well with equipped to answer these types patients recall their trauma by integrating all elements of medication and lifestyle chang- of questions because of its en- memories under controlled a patient’s health history. VA es alone. A commonly used viable position within the Vet- conditions—helped women Research is also developing a treatment called percutaneous erans Health Administration, reduce their PTSD symptoms genomic medicine program to coronary intervention (PCI, the country’s largest integrated more than emotional support learn how a person’s genes can commonly called angioplasty), health care system. Because of and counseling focused on influence the way they react to which opens narrowed blood the multidisciplinary nature current problems. a drug or other treatment. vessels using a flexible tube of clinical study, all of VA’s n Two drugs for normalizing Armed with information called a catheter with a bal- research areas work collabora- heart rhythm. VA researchers about each intervention’s ef- loon at its tip, might best be tively to address the full spec- compared two drugs, amioda- fectiveness and a profile of reserved for patients with more severe forms of heart disease. VA’s comparative effectiveness research helps health The VA study, known by the acronym COURAGE— professionals answer the question: ‘Which health care short for Clinical Outcomes approach will benefit my patient the most?’ Utilizing Revascularization and Aggressive Drug Evalua- trum of veterans’ health care rone and sotalol, to determine individualized health factors, tion—is one among hundreds needs, with VA’s Cooperative which is better at correcting a VA providers can be maxi- of “comparative effectiveness” Studies Program often playing common heart rhythm abnor- mally informed and can best studies that have been under- a key role. mality called atrial fibrillation. educate patients to contribute taken by VA Research. Unlike CSP, a division of VA The drugs worked equally their preferences and values to studies that ask only whether Research that specializes in to initially achieve a normal health care decision-making. a new drug or other medical multi-site clinical trials and heartbeat, but amiodarone was Research findings alone approach works better than an epidemiological studies (stud- better at maintaining the regu- cannot improve health inert alternative called a pla- ies looking at the incidence lar beat. The two drugs were care outcomes. VA relies cebo, comparative effectiveness and cause of disease), was cited similarly effective in study par- on its “Quality Enhance- studies are head-to-head trials by the National Institutes of ticipants with ischemic heart ment Research Initiative,” to see which option works bet- Health as an example of “insti- disease, a condition in which or QUERI—a program that ter for a given health condition tutional completeness” for its narrowed arteries restrict the translates findings into better in a certain group of patients. ability to bring about change heart’s blood supply. patient care—to inform doc- These trials sometimes com- in clinical practice. In addition In addition to conducting tors and patients of important pare one drug to another. In to the lauded COURAGE clinical trials, VA Research, research conclusions that call other cases, they compare dif- trial, groundbreaking CSP-led through its “Evidence-Based for changes in practice. ferent approaches such as sur- comparative effectiveness trials Synthesis Program,” prepares VA’s comparative effec- gery versus an accepted drug include: and distributes reports based tiveness research helps health therapy, or different ways to n Intensive therapy to support on existing information about professionals answer the ques- deliver care to patients. kidney function. VA research- important health care topics. tion so crucial in this exciting, VA’s comparative ef- ers, in collaboration with By examining how yet sometimes bewildering, era fectiveness studies respond NIH investigators, showed therapies stack up against of burgeoning health care op- to a dilemma faced by health that delivering more intensive each other in defined groups tions: “Which health care ap- professionals caring for our na- therapy—for example, dialysis of people, comparative ef- proach will benefit my patient tion’s veterans, as well as other six times a week instead of fectiveness research represents the most?” March/April 2009 VAnguard news you can use

Celebrate VA Research Week 2009: ‘Turning Hope Into Reality’

“Turning Hope Into Reality.” contributions to the evolution n Genomics. This theme of VA Research of medicine.” VA research Week 2009—the annual Research Week opening is focusing celebration of department re- events April 29-May 1 take on analysis of searchers’ accomplishments— place on Capitol Hill and at human DNA underscores the momentous the Washington, D.C., VA because un- improvements to the lives of Medical Center. derstanding a veterans and other Americans Hosted by the VA Office person’s ge- that result from VA’s research of Research and Development netic makeup findings. in collaboration with veter- is a key to per- During the week of May ans service organizations and sonalizing dis- 3-9, with kick-off events April other partners, features include ease screening, 29-May 1, VA will recognize congressional and press brief- treatment and the advances that continue to ings; presentations by veterans, monitoring make it an acclaimed model public officials and others; and to a patient’s for bench-to-bedside research presentations and exhibits by unique needs. and that lay the foundation for VA researchers spotlighting n Com- VA’s preeminent patient care. research advances in such areas parative Ef- In addition to recognizing the as Parkinson’s disease, pros- fectiveness. achievements of VA’s visionary thetics, regenerative medicine, VA is leading researchers, Research Week spinal cord injury, pain man- the way in mitch mirkin pays tribute to veterans who agement, stroke and cardio- conducting Allen Wright, a Navy veteran who suffered a stroke participate in studies, without vascular disease, hypertension, “comparative in 2000, exercises his affected arm with the use of whom the department’s in- HIV/AIDS, diabetes, vision effectiveness” a robot called the MIT-Manus, as exercise physiolo- gist Tim DeHaan observes his progress. Wright is fluential research accomplish- and hearing, traumatic brain research— among more than 150 veterans taking part in a ments would not be possible. injury, post-traumatic stress head-to-head VA-funded clinical trial comparing robotic therapy “The future of medicine disorder, reducing disparities, studies to see with intensive non-robotic therapy for improving is determined by the research collaboration, and women’s which thera- motor function in chronic stroke patients. we do now,” said Joel Ku- health. peutic options Register for kick-off events and persmith, M.D., VA’s chief Also to be addressed dur- work better than others in a get additional information on research and development of- ing Research Week are current certain group of patients. local Research Week activities ficer. “This week honors the focal points of research that All VA employees are at www.research.va.gov/re- VA researchers and staff and keep VA at the forefront of encouraged to participate in searchweek. Come see how VA veteran research volunteers 21st-century medical investiga- the kick-off and VA Research research is “Turning Hope who together make pivotal tion, including: Week activities in your area. Into Reality.” Under Secretary for Health Kussman Announces His Retirement

Under Secretary for Health Dr. Michael J. Kussman has announced his intention to retire from federal service by May 9, ending a 37-year government career. Kussman, who attained the rank of brigadier general in the Army, has been with VA since 2000. As Under Secretary for Health since 2007, Kussman has directed a health care system with an annual budget of approximately $40.2 billion, overseeing the delivery of care to more than 5.6 million veterans. VA, the nation’s largest health care system, employs more than 231,000 health care professionals and support staff at more than 1,400 sites of care, including hospitals, community and facility-based clinics, nursing homes, domiciliaries, readjustment counseling centers, and various other facilities. “I’ve appreciated the tremendous opportunity VA has given me to continue to serve those with whom I served while in uniform,” said Kussman. “VA has a reputation for providing ‘the best care anywhere,’ and I hope I have helped to enhance that reputation.” In addition to its health care mission, VA is the nation’s largest provider of graduate medical education and a major contributor to medical and scientific research. More than 80,000 volunteers, 100,000 health profession trainees, and 25,000 affiliated medical faculty members are inte- Kussman gral parts of VA’s health care community.

March/April 2009

feature VAnguard

Julie Young is spearheading the con- n the federal version to electronic files; opposite: more information on the initiative is available on the HR Transformation government, re- Web site. Icords and files are important. If they are not available, things don’t get done. Fortunately for VA employees, their personnel files will now be available to them anytime. VA human resources offices across the country have begun roll- ing out the new electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF) system to their employees. When the rollout is complete, all employees will have the electronic folder available to them 24 hours a day, seven days a week from nearly any location. If an employee needs a copy of a document such as an SF 50, Notifica- tion of Personnel Action, all they need to do is log into eOPF, open the document and click print. No more making appointments with HR or waiting in line to see an HR professional for assistance. “The folder is available anytime and doesn’t have to be checked out,” said Julie Young, a human resources robert turtil specialist at VA Central Office who spearheaded the conversion from paper files to electronic files. “That leads to numerous advantages for employees Coming Soon: as well as VA.” In addition to convenience, the electronic folders save money, are more secure than paper copies, and Paperless HR lead to more accurate files, according to Young. With the new eOPF system, personnel files “With the conversion to eOPF, there’s the obvious savings of paper will be just a mouse click away, 24 hours a and associated resources that go along with filing, storing and transporting day, seven days a week. personnel folders, but we are also going to save time, which is a valuable

March/April 2009 VAnguard feature resource,” she said. “Employees do reason.” because eOPF is part of the Office of not have to go to HR to check their With traditional paper files, it was Personnel Management’s Enterprise files. HR employees don’t have to go possible for the files to be reviewed Human Resources Integration initia- look for a file that may or may not be without such documentation. With tive, which is one of five e-Govern- there. With eOPF, the file is always eOPF, that risk is removed. The phys- ment initiatives designed to support available.” ical security of the personnel folder is the President’s Management Agenda. The convenience and time sav- enhanced as well. Since the files are Through eOPF, OPM will maintain ings of electronic folders should also contained in a database and backed 1.8 million executive branch employ- result in more accurate files. Since up on a regular basis, loss due to theft, ees. employees can check their own files fire or another disaster is no longer a Other benefits will be added to anytime they want, they can make concern. eOPF as the system matures, such as sure everything is in order. If some- To date, more than 266,000 VA e-mail notification to employees that thing is missing, inaccurate or doesn’t employee records have been scanned a new document has been added to belong, they can pick up the phone into eOPF—replacing the paper files their file and is ready for their review. and have it corrected. In a paper sys- as official records. But some employees “eOPF provides employees and tem, that mistake may go unnoticed may wonder what happened to the their HR personnel with numerous for a long period of time. hard copies. benefits, advantages and unprec- “We urge every employee to log “The old folders have been retired edented flexibility,” said Young. “We into the system as soon as it is avail- to the National Personnel Records will continue to improve the system able to them to check their file,” said Center at a new facility to house to better serve the employee as well Young. “We adopted the as manage VA human use of a verification and resources.” validation system when After reviewing their the folders were scanned, eOPF, employees should but sometimes, things contact their HR office if happen. If an employee they have any questions or finds something wrong, concerns. Those who ex- they should call their HR perience technical difficul- office and let them know ties accessing eOPF should as soon as possible.” contact their local eOPF From the beginning, administrator; they may eOPF was designed to also contact the eOPF ensure the safety and Help Desk at eopf_hd@ security of Personally telesishq.com or call 866- Identifiable Information 275-8518. (PII) in the same manner “Questions concern- that VA protects the in- ing specific personnel formation of the millions actions or documents of veterans it serves. The Web-based non-records, as they are no longer should be made directly to their ser- system has multi-layered security that official,” said Young, adding that the vicing personnel representative,” said limits access and reduces risk of loss hard copies will remain there for a Young. “If they have trouble logging or damage to the documents. In addi- period of time before ultimately being in, they can contact either their lo- tion, records are backed up regularly destroyed. cal eOPF administrator or the Help and access is controlled through secu- New personnel actions will be en- Desk. If they contact the Help Desk rity permissions, with every instance tirely paperless, with documentation via e-mail, an electronic ticket will of access to an individual’s eOPF re- entered into eOPF. Employees will no automatically be created and tracked corded by user ID and reason code. longer receive copies through mail or to resolve their problem.” “Whenever someone other than distribution. If a paper copy is needed, To learn more about eOPF and the employee logs into the system to one can be printed from eOPF. the other initiatives, visit the HR view a folder, they must enter a reason VA employees who transfer to Transformation Intranet site at vaww. why they need to review that folder,” another agency or other employees va.gov/HRTRANSFORMATION/in- Young explained. “And all entries are who transfer to VA will not have to dex.asp. tracked electronically. We can tell worry about the transfer of their re- who looked at the folder and for what cords during in-processing procedures, By Gary Hicks

March/April 2009 feature VAnguard

Left to right: Family Support Team or most Ameri- members Dr. Bettina Schmid and Dr. Kendall Thomas, with Tuscalo- osa VAMC psychologist Dr. David cans, hearing MacVicar. Fthe national anthem performed fills them with a sense of pride and patriotism, and often elicits tears—tears of joy because of their love of country. For one young boy in Alabama, hearing the national anthem elicits tears, but in his case, they are tears of sorrow, of pain, and of loneliness. As Dr. David MacVicar, staff psychologist at the VA medical center in Tuscaloosa, Ala., listened intently to a returning veteran from Iraq explain how his young son cries every time he hears the national anthem because it april jones reminds him of his father going away to war, it became clear to MacVicar that something needed to be done for A New Approach to the families of these veterans, who also suffer invisible wounds of war. Soon afterwards, MacVicar talked Healing the Invisible with leadership at the medical center, and quickly garnered their support to try a new approach to providing need- Wounds of War ed services for not only the veterans of the current conflicts, but also the The Tuscaloosa VA Medical Cen- family members of these heroes. Out of the sorrowful experience of ter’s Family Support Initiative is that young boy, as well as the heart- wrenching stories of other families marshaling community support to affected, the Family Support Initiative help returning veterans and their at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center was born. The Tuscaloosa VAMC loved ones. launched the initiative in November 2008 to help these veterans and their

March/April 2009 VAnguard feature families. The initiative has three parts: ment affects the whole family, and in ily therapy among them. He spent all n VA chaplains are reaching out to the current wars, members of the mili- but four tours of duty with the military community clergy to provide training tary and their family members often in an operational/deployment status, in recognizing the symptoms of the must deal with multiple deployments. with collateral duties assigned, such as invisible wounds of war, such as post- “One of our goals is to educate Family Readiness Officer and Family traumatic stress disorder and traumatic family members about deployment- Advocacy Officer. brain injury, and are providing guid- related issues and provide guidance Jessie Williams, a minister from ance on when to refer veterans to VA. on the needs of returning military the Live and Praise Worship Center n A Family Support Team, made up members, especially those returning in nearby Northport, Ala., said he is of a psychologist, a chaplain, and a so- with physical injuries or psychological participating in the initiative because cial worker, is available to meet fami- disorders, Schmid said. “The Tusca- he too personally understands the lies in their home for an assessment. loosa VA is proud to take the lead in pain of war. The Vietnam veteran Once the assessment is completed, reaching out to veterans and families served 18 months and remembers the appropriate referrals to VA and com- dealing with deployment.” negative stressors war had on his life. munity programs are made. Schmid added that so far the “War links to some of the stresses, n The Family Support Team is reach- team has had a positive response from the hazardous duties it frames, the ing out to community organizations the community and has also combined trauma it brings to the person’s life, and professionals in the community to provide education about the is- “The responsibility shouldn’t be on one group sues and challenges faced by veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan alone. There are a lot of resources in the com- and let them know that they can refer munity. Everyone can take part in the restora- veterans and family members to the tion of veterans back to the community.” Family Support Program. The team was quickly assembled efforts with the local VA transition and you can feel that in a person,” from two employees whose past ex- patient advocate on many occasions Williams said. “I believe it’s very periences made them a perfect fit for to share information and resources necessary to our community to take this new team and new initiative; a for outreach efforts. One vital part part. The responsibility shouldn’t be third position will be filled in the near of the outreach effort is to establish on one group alone. There are a lot of future. The team members are Dr. care options for the family members resources in the community. Everyone Bettina Schmid, a psychologist, and at minimal cost with various medical can take part in the restoration of vet- Dr. Kendall Thomas, a chaplain. Cur- and mental health providers in the erans back to the community.” rently the social worker responsibili- community. As the team works to assist the ties are being handled by Kristi Hill, a Thomas has begun outreach ef- families in need, they will rely on social worker for Tuscaloosa’s Transi- forts to local clergy members to pro- support from various agencies and tion Center for Returning Combat vide education and training that will sectors of the community to deal Veterans. help prepare them to recognize the with the wounds of war that affect Schmid is an Air Force veteran symptoms of veteran-related problems the entire community. As these two with a passion for outreach. Recently and how to refer people in need of wars have demonstrated, veterans and she and the team were asked to speak assistance to the best resources. A for- their families are not the only ones to a group of psychologists, social mer Navy and Marine Corps chaplain, affected when they return—everyone workers and counselors at the Univer- he knows firsthand what local minis- in the community is either directly or sity of Alabama Counseling Center. ters may encounter when their church indirectly affected by the outcomes of “The University of Alabama is members return from war. these veterans’ service to the nation. seeing more and more students who “In my experience of being for- Without the basic instinct of our have served in Iraq and may need ward-deployed as a Navy chaplain, I patriot citizens to lend a hand to help counseling services when they return,” understand extremely well the difficul- someone in need, the efforts of the said B.J. Guenther, staff therapist for ties of return and reunion of military team would not be successful. This the UA Counseling Center. “I asked families and readjustment,” Thomas team serves as an example of what Dr. Schmid and her team to speak to said. caring Americans can accomplish our staff about how to better counsel Thomas brings a wealth of experi- when they stand together to support these veterans returning from war.” ence and sage wisdom to the team, the newest generation of warriors. At the Feb. 9 meeting, Schmid including specialized training in mul- explained to the group that deploy- tiple disciplines, hospice care and fam- By Damon A. Stevenson

March/April 2009 feature VAnguard

“It’s an honor to be in this Fisher Houses job,” says Wayne Walker, manager of the Fisher provide a ‘home House at the VA medical away from home’ center in Richmond, Va. for families of severely injured or wounded veterans.

hris Ott felt like she had been “to hell and back” since the Cday in March 2007 when her son, John “J.T.” Doody, was shot in the right leg in Iraq. He was making progress at first, but then he suffered a debilitating stroke caused by a blood infection, which ultimately led to the Marine’s paralysis and loss of eyesight and speech. While her son underwent surgery, treatment and rehabilitation at the Naval Medical Center San Diego and then at the polytrauma center at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, Fla., she wanted to be close by. “After the injury, you’re in such shock,” Ott recalled. “You walk around in a daze, just trying to get through the day. But the Fisher House is there. It allows us to be close to our loved ones and gives us the opportunity to talk to one another—people who don spragg ‘A family’s love is good medicine’ are going through the same thing. We severe wounds or injuries who are in VA or military medical center. They each have our meltdowns. But you need of lodging while their loved ones have elevators and common areas, hold each other up and create a new receive medical care. including kitchens, laundry facilities, sense of family there.” “I don’t know what I would have dining rooms, living rooms, family Fisher Houses are large, modern done if the Fisher House wasn’t there rooms and libraries. homes—the newer ones have 20 bed- for me,” said Ott. “Well actually, I do Ott stayed at two Fisher Houses: room suites with private baths—that know. I would have found a way to be the Naval Medical Center San Diego are built and donated by the Fisher close to my son. I would have slept in Fisher House, from March to May House Foundation to the Department a chair by his bed.” 2007, and the Tampa VA Fisher of Defense or VA to support families The Fisher Houses are usually House, from February to December of service members or veterans with located within walking distance of the 2008.

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She credits the Fisher House as a construction phases, and plans call tion assumed the mission of building major contributor to her son’s ongo- for as many as 11 others to be built new Fisher Houses. ing recovery. Recently, J.T. started at VA facilities over the next few Today, there are 43 Fisher Houses talking—and he hasn’t stopped since. years. The VA Secretary provides the located at military hospitals in the “J.T. made so much progress when Fisher House Foundation a list of the U.S. and overseas, and at VA medi- he stayed there. And I’m convinced department’s highest priorities. Fisher cal centers throughout the country. that having their families so close is Houses have been built near all Level Nearly 10,000 families stay in Fisher the number one factor in these young One Polytrauma Rehabilitation Cen- Houses each year, and more than guys getting better. It gives them the ters. 120,000 families have been Fisher feeling of being at home. The Fisher The program began in 1990 with House guests since the program began. House is what allows that to happen.” a vision by Zachary Fisher and wife The Fisher House program has made Ott’s son is now an outpatient Elizabeth to serve family members in available nearly 3 million days of and lives in Riverview, Fla. She recognition of the special sacrifices lodging to family members since the moved him into his own house as a of the men and women in uniform program originated in 1990. Christmas present. and the hardships of military service. Fisher Houses are constructed by Fisher Houses came to be built at Asked once why the Fishers build the Fisher House Foundation on gov- VA medical facilities because a nurse these homes, Zachary responded, ernment land (military bases or VA at the Samuel S. Stratton VA Medi- “Elizabeth and I believe it’s important medical center grounds). When they cal Center in Albany, N.Y., in the to show in tangible ways our feelings are completed, VA Fisher Houses are early 1990s sensed an opportunity and of appreciation for our country and donated to VA. acted on it. the courageous, professional and dedi- Carol Sheets, Family Hospitality Jo-Anne Saulsbery saw a televised cated men and women who protect Program manager at VA headquarters, story in which New York construction and defend it, enabling the rest of us said families of patients are approved magnate Zachary Fisher talked about to enjoy the freedoms that we too of- to stay following an initial screening how his foundation provided homes ten take for granted.” typically conducted by a social worker for the families of severely wounded From 1990 to 1998, all Fisher for the patient. The social worker service members next to military Houses were given as gifts to the then makes the referral to the Fisher hospitals where their loved ones were federal government by the Zachary House manager. The manager lets the being cared for—she thought it was and Elizabeth Fisher Armed Services referring social worker know if there something that could be done at VA Foundation. Zachary Fisher died in is a room available and contacts the medical centers as well. 1999 and the Fisher House Founda- veteran or family to arrange for the “I thought, ‘Why not jot a letter to [Zachary Fisher] and ask him how I could get started setting up a comfort home here,’” Saulsbery told the Fisher House magazine in 1994. She had struck the right chord. Two weeks later, she got a call from one of Fisher’s associates, who told her the foundation wanted to build a Fisher House at the Albany VA Medi- cal Center. In 1994, the Fisher House at Al- bany became the first to house veterans’ families at a VA medical facility. “She really helped get this house built and get things started at VA,” said Jerry Jensen, manager of the Albany Fisher House. “She saw the need. She wanted to help, and she found a way to do it.” Paula Berger There are now 13 Fisher Houses Audrey Fisher, Fisher House Foundation ambassador, hands the key to the VA Greater Los at VA medical facilities, and more Angeles Healthcare System Fisher House to director Donna Beiter; house manager Sharon are on the way. Seven are in pre- Hudson is at right.

March/April 2009 11 feature VAnguard

Fisher House stay. Miami. The engineering and safety we are providing services that help Patients accompanied by their programs in headquarters are working our patients.” family members may also stay in a closely with each of these VA medi- Fisher said the houses are a good Fisher House if they are self-sufficient cal centers to coordinate the projects, example of how the public and pri- and receiving extended outpatient Stenger said. vate sectors can come together for medical care, such as an organ trans- Fisher Houses offer home-like en- the overall benefit of the American plant, chemotherapy or radiation vironments where families can prepare people. therapy. Caregivers for veterans also meals, do their laundry, relax and visit He said the number of Fisher are authorized to stay at the houses. with other families. Each Fisher House Houses at VA medical centers is John Stenger, director of Health is beautifully decorated and profes- expanding to meet the need for ad- Care Engineering at VA Central Of- sionally furnished to fit the style of the ditional housing for family members fice, said Fisher Houses have recently region. There is no charge to stay in a in large part because of the increased opened in Los Angeles and Dallas, Fisher House, although donations to number of veterans and service mem- with new houses underway in Bos- the Fisher House General Post Fund bers returning from Iraq and Afghani- ton, St. Louis, Chicago, Washington, are accepted. stan with severe wounds. D.C., Minneapolis, Augusta, Ga., and Having families nearby also helps “New houses were not built just the patients in their recovery. because we are able to build them,” “A family’s love is good medi- Fisher said. “We had them built where VA Fisher Houses cine,” said Ken Fisher, echoing the the needs are the greatest.” major theme of the Fisher House Fisher added that the houses also The Fisher House Foundation has Foundation. He joined the foundation serve as a setting in which families constructed and donated 13 houses board after his uncle Zachary died. provide moral and psychological sup- to VA: “This is a very stressful time for a port for each other. n VA Eastern Colorado Health Care veteran and the veteran’s family,” said “It’s an important byproduct—the System, Denver Dr. Madhu Agarwal, VA’s chief of- bonding of family support for each n Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical ficer for Patient Care Services, which other is found in the common areas Center, Albany, N.Y. oversees VA’s Fisher House program. where they meet and share their expe- n Minneapolis VA Medical Center “By taking care of a veteran’s family, riences.” n West Palm Beach (Fla.) VA Medi- cal Center n Cincinnati VA Medical Center More Houses Planned for the Future n Bay Pines (Fla.) VA Health Care System Currently, seven Fisher Houses are proffered and in pre-construction phases at: n Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical n Washington (D.C.) VA Medical Center Center, Houston n Miami VA Health Care System n VA Palo Alto (Calif.) Health Care n Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Ga. System n Hines (Ill.) VA Hospital n James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospi- n VA Boston Healthcare System tal, Tampa, Fla. n Minneapolis VA Medical Center (second house) n Hunter Holmes McGuire VA n St. Louis VA Medical Center Medical Center, Richmond, Va. n VA Puget Sound Health Care And the next recommended sites for future Fisher Houses are: System, Seattle n Birmingham (Ala.) VA Medical Center n VA North Texas Health Care Sys- n VA Long Beach (Calif.) Healthcare System tem, Dallas n VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven n VA Greater Los Angeles Health- n Lexington (Ky.) VA Medical Center care System n VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, Brooklyn * With the exception of the Denver n Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center VA Fisher House, which is lo- n VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System cated on the grounds of the former n VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Murfreesboro Fitzsimmons Army Hospital, all VA n South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio Fisher Houses are on the grounds n VA Salt Lake City Health Care System of the VA medical center. n Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee

12 March/April 2009 VAnguard feature

t the VA Puget Sound Health Care System just outside Se- Aattle, Fisher House residents and staff got used to seeing 4-year-old Jessica Storrs playing with her toys around the house. Her sunny, playful disposition belied the difficult time the girl’s mother and aunt were having while the girl’s father was undergoing treatment and care at VA Puget Sound. Jessica’s father, Niles, was admit- ted to VA in November 2008 and underwent a series of operations for cardiac-related complications. He was discharged after a weeklong stay and is back home with his family in Aber- deen, Wash. “Having the little girl so close by was a big part of what helped the Marilyn White, left, and Dorothy Damiano veteran bounce back,” said Cecile are longtime volunteers at VA’s first Fisher House, on the grounds of the VA medical Bagrow, Fisher House manager at center in Albany, N.Y., where a photo of Fisher House founders Zachary and Eliza- beth Fisher hangs above the mantel. Comfort and Companionship Roz budka VA Puget Sound. “Seeing and feel- hotel stays five or six miles from the three weeks in January. ing the girl every day most certainly medical center for days or weeks at “It was magical for us to be able helped the girl’s father recover. It’s a a time. Because they wanted to stay to stay there and be close to Ron dur- great example of how having families with their son around the clock, the ing the holidays,” said Ann Rogers. nearby at the Fisher Houses provides two would travel back and forth from VA provides staff to run its Fisher veterans with inspiration to help the hotel to the hospital, sometimes at Houses. Sheets said Fisher House them get through their sometimes odd hours late at night or early in the managers and support staff are respon- challenging ordeals.” morning. Going back and forth was sible for the day-to-day operations of The Fisher Houses help families both trying and taxing on them physi- the house. defray costly housing, food and trans- cally, mentally and emotionally. And “They keep the Fisher House portation expenses while providing it was expensive, because they were in tip-top shape, collaborating with ways for them to be close to their paying for their own lodging, meals many other VA staff and volunteers, loved ones. and transportation. Central Office, the Fisher House For more than 15 years, Jim and Now, thanks to the recently Foundation and community support- Ann Rogers made the six-hour drive completed Fisher House right on the ers,” Sheets said. from their home in Parsons, W.Va., grounds of the Richmond medical Fisher House managers deal with to the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA center, the two are only a few minutes families in stressful situations; their Medical Center in Richmond, Va., away. job is to make sure those families are several times a year to transport and Jim Rogers estimates he and his comfortably accommodated. be with their son, Ron, whenever wife have made about 30 trips to be “I see my role, and that of the he needed treatment related to the with Ron during his hospital stays Fisher House staff, as an advocate for spinal cord injuries he suffered in a over the years. When the Fisher the families, keeping their best inter- 1993 automobile accident while serv- House in Richmond was completed ests at heart,” said Bagrow, the Fisher ing at Little Rock Air Force Base in last September, the Rogerses stayed House manager at Puget Sound. “We Arkansas. for about four months. They went offer the gift of hospitality—listening Many of their visits required home and came back for another to stories, giving hugs, bringing some

March/April 2009 13 feature VAnguard humor to their day.” needs of the families are met, Fisher ways, ranging from organizing events “It’s an honor to be in this job,” House managers develop policies and to cooking to acting as a liaison be- said Wayne Walker, who became standard operating procedures for suc- tween Fisher House managers and the Fisher House manager in Richmond cessful operation of the Fisher House. VA medical center staff. after his Army career, including serv- Managers serve as liaisons be- Their most important role, how- ing as a battalion command sergeant tween the clinical providers and ever, may be the comfort and com- major in Afghanistan. Walker said veterans and families lodged at Fisher panionship they provide to families. his military background helps him in House. They consult with clinical Georgianna Smith has been vol- many ways because he was separated staff to enhance services provided and unteering at the Tampa Fisher House from his family at different intervals typically make appropriate referrals for since July 2007, as a form of therapy during his Army career, so he knows psychosocial support. after her son, Army Capt. Kevin and understands what families go through. “Many of our volunteers are there because they “The family members who stay here are here because of the sacrifices can personally relate to what the families are made by their loved ones in service to going through.” their country,” Walker said. “We do everything we can to make them feel They partner with other medical Joseph Smith, was killed on Dec. 8, at home while they are here.” center staff to ensure smooth opera- 2005, by a roadside bomb while serv- Fisher House managers also share tion of the house. They engage coming in Iraq. their individual experiences and net- munity groups and veterans service Smith does a range of chores work through national conference organizations to plan special activities around the Fisher House. She prides calls, annual conferences and reaching and events both at the Fisher House herself on working to make the house out to each other. and in the community. look like a 5-Star Hotel. More im- “They have a unique friendship And Fisher House managers work portant, she can understand what the and support each other in service to closely with the hundreds of volun- families are going through, dealing our nation’s veterans, service members teers who serve at houses throughout with the severe wounds of their loved and their families,” Sheets said. VA. ones as they are being cared for at the In addition to making sure the Volunteers serve in a variety of medical center’s Polytrauma Rehabili- tation Center. “I know the kind of pain—and change—these families are going through,” Smith said. “I am there for these families to help them with the change they have to learn to deal with. There’s nothing more important.” She now has her own cleaning business, and donates her time and services to the Fisher House. She also has led a drive to get local businesses to donate cleaning supplies and carpet cleaning equipment. Volunteers like Smith play a major role not only in providing meals and treats, but also in helping families cope with their situations. In Albany, Dorothy Damiano and Marilyn White have been baking for Fisher House guests for many years. Damiano retired in 1983 from the Lorraine thomas Albany VA Medical Center, where Four-year-old Jessica Storrs was a familiar sight around the VA Puget Sound Health Care Sys- she worked as a trauma nurse. She has tem Fisher House when her father was undergoing treatment at the health care system. volunteered at the Fisher House since

14 March/April 2009 VAnguard feature

Blue Star Mother Mallie Murray bakes for the families staying at the Fisher House at the VA medical center in Rich- mond, Va., on Wednesdays.

Don Spragg

1994, when it first opened. Damiano dedication of volunteers like Doro- transport the guests from the Fisher is well known to the families who stay thy. Many of our volunteers are there House to the hospital to visit their at the Albany location even today. because they can personally relate to loved ones. Her specialties are whoopee pies, what the families are going through.” Murray’s son serves in the Ma- chocolate chip cookies, brownies and On Wednesdays, Blue Star Moth- rine Corps and has been to Iraq three chocolate cake. ers Mallie Murray, Rebecca Hick- times. On Mondays and Thursdays, man and Linda Carr usually can be “You’re dealing with people’s guests will find White there, baking found baking brownies, cupcakes and emotions, with their finances, with brownies, apple cakes, scones and snacks for Fisher House families at the the personal tragedy of whatever hap- raspberry squares. She also orients new Richmond VA Medical Center. They pened to their loved ones,” Murray guests and assists with managing the prepared the Thanksgiving meal for said. “You have to provide empathy house. guests last year. They are planning to and sympathy and still not lose your Damiano and White often sit begin serving the guests a monthly perspective.” down with the guests having coffee meal. “All of us say, ‘There but for the or tea and sharing stories. Sometimes Sometimes volunteers run er- grace of God go I,’” said Hickman. they lend a shoulder to cry on. rands and help with transportation “We are here to help and offer “Dorothy Damiano was one of the and other tasks, particularly helpful them some hope,” added Carr. “We first VA volunteers at a Fisher House,” because many of the guests are not let them know that somebody does said Laura Balun, director of VA’s familiar with the city in which they care.” Voluntary Service in headquarters. are staying. “The comfort and love and relation- The group also recently spurred a By Bill Outlaw ships that take place at the Fisher fund-raising campaign that led to the Editor’s note: Susan Wentzell contributed to Houses come about because of the purchase of a golf cart used to help this story.

March/April 2009 15 feature VAnguard

President and Mrs. Lincoln (Robert Rotgers and Jessica Mi- chna) enter the ballroom.

Milwaukee VA Medical Center employees help reenact the 16th President’s second inaugural ball.

kirsten larson Commemorating Lincoln

resident Abraham Lincoln’s Milwaukee’s picturesque lakefront, the the Republic Ball that our dance mis- powerful words carry deep ball also raised funds to support the tress located. Pmeaning for a nation during organization’s multi-era military en- “Everything was scheduled, right times of war and peace. For veterans, campment held each year at the VA down to the music,” Rinaldi added. the immortal phrase “to care for him facility. “We had regular music during the who shall have borne the battle” from “We are strongly tied to the VA breaks and dance music by different Lincoln’s second inaugural address and its history,” said Laura Rinaldi, groups during the ball itself.” means the nation will not forget their Friends of Reclaiming Our Heritage Music for the ball was provided sacrifice. To commemorate Lincoln’s president and VA employee. “Our by the Regimental Volunteer Band of historic reelection in 1864, volun- facility started as the National Home Wisconsin, the award-winning fiddle teers with Friends of Reclaiming Our for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in and guitar duo John and Susan Nich- Heritage from the Milwaukee area May of 1867.” The legislation creating olson of Frogwater, and solo vocalist reenacted the 16th President’s second the National Home was one of the Gary Alexander. inaugural ball Feb. 28. last bills signed into law by Lincoln In keeping with the traditional The organization, which counts before his assassination in 1865. theme of the evening, many of the employees and volunteers from the Rinaldi, who was also a member guests arrived for the evening dressed Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical of the organization’s committee for in highly detailed 18th and 19th cen- Center in Milwaukee among its mem- the ball, noted that no detail was tury attire. bers, conducted the first-ever event as overlooked in recreating the look and “You can’t just go to a costume a commemoration of the bicentennial feel of the second inauguration. “We shop and purchase a Civil War-era of Lincoln’s birth. Held at the Marion even patterned the breaks [during the dress,” said Patricia Lynch, ball dance Center for Nonprofits, located along ball] after an 1880s Grand Army of continued on page 19

16 March/April 2009 VAnguard feature A Guiding Philosophy: 50th Anniversary of the VA Motto

Only a month before he was assassinated, Abraham Lincoln of Whittier’s first tasks when he became administrator was to delivered a surprisingly simple and brief second inaugural ad- create a “Chart Room” to serve as the operations center of the dress on the steps of the recently completed Capitol building in Veterans Administration. The room contained several Lincoln Washington, D.C. quotes, for inspirational and reflective purposes, including On March 4, 1865, Lincoln took the executive oath of of- Lincoln’s “House Divided” speech. Whittier, a huge admirer of fice for the second time. At that time, the nation was in the Lincoln, was inspired by Lincoln’s philosophy, and wanted it last throes of the Civil War. During the course of the war, more to guide the Veterans Administration’s dealings with veterans, than 600,000 lives were lost. especially those that are disabled. Lincoln knew the war had taken a toll on the country, A graduate of Boston University, Whittier spent most of fracturing it into two halves. In his life in public service. A front of thousands of specta- World War II Navy veteran, he tors, he stood at the podium was discharged as a lieuten- and delivered his address to ant and went into local politics the nation. Speaking out on in Boston. He served in the the tumultuous war and the Massachusetts state legisla- end of slavery, Lincoln, ever ture, in the Everett city govern- watchful of the times, spoke ment, and was twice selected strong words of brevity, rec- as a delegate to GOP national onciliation and healing. To conventions. Prior to joining close, he stated: the Veterans Administration, “With malice toward he served as lieutenant none; with charity for all; with governor of Massachusetts firmness in the right, as God from 1953 to 1957. gives us to see the right, let us Whittier joined the robert turtil strive on to finish the work we Veterans Administration are in; to bind up the nation’s as chief insurance direc- wounds; to care for him who tor in January 1957, and shall have borne the battle, from December of that and for his widow, and his year to January 1961, he orphan—to do all which may served as administrator. achieve and cherish a just, He is credited with many and a lasting peace, among VA firsts, including instal- ourselves, and with all na- lation of the first comput- tions.” ers, and creation of the Lincoln was setting the employee newsletter (now tone for the nation’s healing courtesy whittier family magazine) VAnguard and and reconstruction. Those Clockwise from top: Jaye Whittier, the VA Alumni Associa- powerful words became daughter of former VA Administrator tion. He also brought to the part of his legacy; they were Sumner G. Whittier, who gave VA its forefront VA’s connection Lincoln motto; Sumner Whittier with eventually carved onto the President Eisenhower in the ’50s, to Lincoln. walls of the Lincoln Memorial Courtesy Whittier family and (inset) running for reelection In January 1961, Whit- in Washington, D.C. In May in Massachusetts; Now 97, Sumner tier accepted a position Whittier lives in Maryland. 1959, a portion of that address, “to care for him who shall have as executive director of borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan,” became the Michigan Medical Service (Blue Shield). He was later in- the motto of the Department of Veterans Affairs, then called volved in three of President Nixon’s initiatives: welfare reform, the Veterans Administration. revenue sharing, and the Phase II economic program. In the Today, on the front of VA Central Office in Washington, 1970s, Whittier became the director of the Adult Assistance D.C., the motto is engraved on metal plaques adorning both Planning Office at Social Security and signed the first Social sides of the main entrance. The plaques were installed at the Security Insurance Treasury voucher for $285 million on Jan. 1, direction of Sumner G. Whittier, the fifth administrator of the 1974. In 2004, he published a book of poetry entitled, To Jessie, Veterans Administration. Sonnets to a Saint, and today, at age 97, he lives in Maryland. As chronicled in the Nov. 10, 1959, issue of VAnguard, one - By Amanda Hester

March/April 2009 17 feature VAnguard Meeting President Lincoln: A Veteran’s Remarkable Story

When you shake hands with William “Bill” Upham Jr., you asked to see the young man’s wound. can’t help but feel the history. At 92 years old, this World War “When my father was old, I used to help him get dressed II veteran has lived through some remarkable experiences. and would place both hands on his back trying to cover the He traveled the world aboard an ocean liner in 1932, a trip wound. I couldn’t cover the whole thing,” Upham Jr. recalls. that culminated in a personal audience with and blessing by Lincoln was so impressed with Upham Sr. that he ap- Pope Pius XI in Rome. Two years later, as a recruit in Wiscon- pointed him to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1862. sin’s famed 32nd Red Arrow Division, his company quelled a Graduating four years later, Upham Sr. became officer of the riot in Kohler, Wis., that killed two and injured 40. guard at Fort Monroe, Va., responsible for guarding Jefferson Then, in 1944, as a junior officer, he met Gen. George S. Davis, former president of the Confederacy. He got to know Patton in England. That same year, he was wounded in France Davis well, recalls his son, playing chess and talking with Da- and awarded two Bronze Stars for valor. After the war, he vis until the wee hours of the morning. Davis was familiar with returned to Wisconsin, worked for Northwestern Mutual Insur- Wisconsin, having spent time there as a young officer. ance Company for 49 years, and was married to his wife, Betty Upham Sr. resigned his commission in 1869. “My father Ann, for 71 years. He had three children and ran for governor returned to Wisconsin and became one of the founders of in 1974. the town of Marshfield,” Upham Jr. says. “He owned many It is difficult to imagine a personal history more rich and businesses, served as mayor and was very much loved by his rewarding. Then Upham talks about neighbors.” In the great Marshfield his father, who met President Abra- World War II fire of 1894, the town burned to the ham Lincoln nearly 150 years ago. veteran William ground, save the Upham home. “My father was born in 1841 …” Upham Jr. with “After the fire, Marshall Field— a portrait of his says Upham, pausing for dramatic father, who was founder of the Chicago department effect. appointed to West stores—who was a friend, sent my William Upham Sr. had traveled Point by President father a check for $25,000 to rebuild Lincoln. cross country from Westminster, the town. My father took that check Mass., to Racine, Wis., with his fam- to mean one thing—get to work,” ily in 1853. After the Civil War broke says Upham Jr. The Upham mansion out in 1861, the youngest of five stills stands today and has been brothers and two sisters enlisted in converted into a museum. Racine’s Belle City Rifles, which later In 1895, Upham Sr. was elected became Company F, 2nd Wisconsin governor of Wisconsin, running on Infantry—part of the famed “Iron the strength of support from the Brigade.” Grand Army of the Republic. During “My father was wounded at the his only term, he commissioned the First Battle of Bull Run (Manassas) state historical building on the Uni- in 1861 and left for dead,” Upham versity of Wisconsin-Madison cam- Jr. says. “A minie ball had pierced pus and signed into law the state’s his chest above the heart and left James theres first civil rights legislation. an enormous exit wound.” Minie In 1915, after the death of his balls were large-caliber, soft lead bullets that caused terrible first wife, 75-year-old Upham Sr. married a much younger wounds throughout the Civil War. woman and had two sons, William Jr., in 1916, and Frederick, The battle took place July 21, 1861, claiming the lives of in 1921. Upham Sr. died in 1924 at the age of 83. about 850 Union and Confederate soldiers. Upham Sr. was one “I grew up idolizing him,” Upham Jr. says of his father, of 2,706 men wounded in the fight. Three days later, scaven- the man who met Abraham Lincoln. “I remember sitting on his gers on the battlefield came upon a motionless Upham Sr. and lap listening to stories of the war. I think about my father every took off his shoes. Suddenly, the wounded soldier spoke to day. I still miss him and love him.” them: “I hope to use those shoes some day.” Upham Jr. has spent his entire adult life sharing his “He must have startled the crap out of those thieves,” father’s legacy with schools and a myriad of veterans service Upham Jr. says. organizations. His passion for Civil War history led him to serve After recovering at a Confederate hospital, Upham Sr. three years as the national commander-in-chief of the Military was shipped to the infamous Libby Prison in Richmond, Va. A Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, descendants of few months later, he was paroled during a prisoner exchange Union officers, and as former president of the Wisconsin Civil and had a personal audience with President Lincoln, who War Roundtable. - By James Theres

18 March/April 2009 VAnguard feature

Lincoln ball (cont.) dances of the era. The com- mistress and VA volun- plex choreography of some teer. “All of the Civil War of the dances showcased the fashions are closely fitted to talents of the guests. each individual and some “My specialty is participants made their own mid-19th century period dresses.” dance,” said Lynch, who Some of the hand-sewn has performed with several dresses were made with the Milwaukee-area folk dance finest materials available groups, including the Cale- at the time, such as silk, donian Highland Dancers. and are adorned with lace. “Our committee’s part Men’s clothing at the ball in the ball was preparing also consisted of period craig larson people to dance and creat- wear, such as Civil War-era ing a program that would military uniforms. be entertaining but not too “It is quite an invest- overwhelming.” ment,” said Lynch. “It is our One of the books used hobby and we want to make during their research in- it the best presentation pos- cludes instructions for more sible.” than 500 dances. “We tried Following the tradition to choose dances that could of a period ball of the time, be picked up pretty easily there were four parts. The by the general public,” said entrance of the President Lynch. “In the end, we and his wife, which in- wanted to make it fun.” cluded the first dance of the Next for Friends of evening, the Grand March, craig larson Reclaiming Our Heritage is was the first part; the three the 8th Annual Reclaim- other parts included danc- ing Our Heritage event on ing and musical interludes. the grounds of the Zablocki Planned intermissions be- VA Medical Center May tween the parts of the ball 30-31. This free-admis- allowed guests to enjoy food sion, family-friendly event such as sandwiches, cake is held the weekend after and ice cream. Memorial Day. The living “During the Grand history event includes en- March, everyone pays their campments representing all respects and honor to the the major military eras in President and his wife,” said U.S. history, from the pre-

craig larson Revolutionary War colonial Living History Event militia up to recent military Top: An overhead view of ball guests in action, as President operations. The 8th Annual Reclaim- and Mrs. Lincoln look on; middle: Dance Mistress Patricia Lynch ing Our Heritage event provides instruction to ball guests. The complex choreography of VA staff will be on will be held May 30-31 some of the dances showcased the talents of the guests; bottom: hand to provide veterans Ball guests present themselves to the guests of honor. Many of the and their families up-to- on the grounds of the ball-goers were dressed in Civil War-era fashions. Clement J. Zablocki VA date information on VA Medical Center in Mil- Rinaldi. “What this also eran of portraying Lincoln, benefits and services “to waukee. The living history does is give all the women Rotgers is a member of the care for him who shall have event includes military the chance to show off Association of Lincoln Pre- borne the battle.” For more encampments. For more their gowns.” Portraying the senters. information, visit www. information, visit www. President at the ball was The evening magically rohmilwaukee.org. rohmilwaukee.org. Lincoln reenactor Robert lingered with circle waltzes, Rotgers. A 15-year vet- the rustic reel, and other By Craig Larson

March/April 2009 19 feature VAnguard

A Seat at the Table VA celebrates 20 years as a Cabinet department.

arch 15 marked the 20th anniversary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The department we know today was founded as the Veterans Administration (VA) in 1930. For the Mnext 58 years, the VA strove to keep Lincoln’s promise—“to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan”—providing the nation’s veterans the health care, benefits, education, homes and jobs they had earned through selfless service and sacrifice. Yet veterans still lacked a seat at the table in the Presi- dent’s Cabinet Room. Congress and President Reagan rectified that shortcoming in 1988, and on March 15, 1989, the VA of our fathers and grandfathers became the Department of Veter- ans Affairs. Since 1989, the department has grown from 240,000 to 286,000 employees, serving more than 23 million veterans and their families. VA operates 153 michael l. moore medical centers, 755 outpatient Former VA Secretaries James B. Peake, M.D., far left, and Togo D. West Jr., second from right, joined Secretary Shinseki at a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington Na- clinics, 230 vet centers, 128 national Cemetery on March 15 to commemorate VA’s 20th anniversary as a department. tional cemeteries, and 54 regional offices. It is the second-largest of the 15 Cabinet departments, the sixth-largest insurance company, and the largest health-care system whose patients all have electronic health records. VA’s online health record system recently received a top award for innovation in Web-based medical records, and its national cemeteries have recently earned the highest score ever in customer satisfaction. VA has a long and illustrious history under the leadership of such administrators as Frank Hines, Omar Bradley, Max Cleland and Harry Walters. Here’s a look back at some of the major milestones and achievements of the last two decades as a Cabinet department. 20 March/April 2009 VAnguard feature

1989 form proposals. n President Bush nominates Edward J. Derwinski as first n VA establishes Gulf War Health Registry to provide in- Secretary of Veterans Affairs. formation and health examinations to Gulf War veterans. n On March 15, White House ceremonies mark begin- n As a result of National Academy of Sciences findings, ning of the Department of Veterans Affairs, a new Cabinet VA announces that Vietnam veterans suffering several department. specific maladies are entitled to disability payments based n Legislation creates the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals on their service in Vietnam and presumed exposure to to review VA decisions denying veterans’ claims. Agent Orange. n Specialized treatment programs for homeless veterans n Full-time women veterans coordinator positions funded begin at 13 VA domiciliaries and 13 urban VA medical at 18 medical centers and 34 vet centers. centers. 1994 1990 n VA leads celebration of the 50th anniversary of the n VA launches advertising campaign to recruit medical signing of the GI Bill, highlighted by President Clinton’s personnel. speech at VA Central Office. n Satellite Television Network sends the first VA-pro- n New York VA Regional Office re-engineers its organiza- duced education program to more than 125 VA medical tional structure and work processes, providing faster, bet- facilities. ter, less costly service to veterans. Receives first National n VA facilities mobilize to support casualties of the Gulf Performance Review Hammer Award from Vice President War and assist Gulf War veterans with benefits claims. Gore. n VA establishes the Women Veterans Program Office 1991 (Center for Women Veterans) to improve services to n Congress passes the Persian Gulf Conflict Supplemental women veterans. Authorization and Personnel Benefits Act, which declares the conflict a war for determining eligibility for veterans’ 1995 benefits. n “Vision for Change,” setting structure for new Veter- n Agent Orange Act of 1991 establishes mechanism for ans Health Administration, is published. VHA initiates VA to presumptively recognize disabilities for service-con- reorganization of veterans health care system, replacing nection in Vietnam veterans based on exposure to herbi- four medical regions with 22 Veterans Integrated Service cides used in Vietnam. Networks (VISNs) emphasizing patient-focused care and n Smoke-free policy initiated at VA medical facilities. needs-based resource allocation. n Martinez, Calif., VA Medical Center closed due to n VA provides disability payments for Gulf War veterans earthquake damage. New outpatient clinic designed, built who have certain chronic disabilities resulting from undi- and opened in 10 months. agnosed illnesses that may stem from Gulf War service. n VA regional offices sell record 24,686 foreclosed proper- 1992 ties during the year, generating $1.6 billion. VA property n 1992 medical care appropriation included a $90 million inventory at lowest point in 14 years. addition attributable to 1991 cost recoveries, primarily from private health insurers. 1996 n Last Spanish-American War era veteran Nathan E. n “Prescription for Change” is published. Sets forth VHA Cook dies on Sept. 10 in a VA nursing home at age 106. mission, goals and strategic principles to guide re-engineer- n VA presents its first nationwide quality-achievement ing of VA health care system. award, the Robert W. Carey Quality Award, to the Phila- n VA readjustment counseling eligibility extended to vet- delphia VA Regional Office and Insurance, Benefits Deliv- erans of any era who served in a combat theater. ery and Systems Development Centers. n VA Voluntary Service celebrates its 50th anniversary. n Women Veterans Health Programs Act authorizes new services for women veterans. 1997 n VA introduces new national toll-free phone service that n VA implements the Veterans Health Care Eligibility routes caller to nearest VA regional office. Reform Act of 1996 by introducing the veterans health care enrollment program, requiring most veterans to enroll 1993 in the VA health care system to receive a uniform benefits n VA participates with a number of national task forces package. and working groups in determining the role of VA health n “Journey of Change” published. Sets strategic targets care under President Clinton’s National Health Care Re- and initiatives for implementation of re-engineering of VA

March/April 2009 21 feature VAnguard health care system. n VA joins federal response to Sept. 11 terrorist attacks n VHA begins establishing community-based outpatient and establishes a new Office of Operations and Prepared- clinics across the country to increase points of access to ness. veterans’ health care system. n VA begins providing benefits and services to Vietnam 2002 veterans’ children with the birth defect spina bifida. n Congress establishes 12-member Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses to advise the 1998 VA Secretary on proposed research studies. n VA reorganizes Equal Employment Opportunity com- n First meeting of the DoD-VA Executive and Health plaint process to create the new Office of Resolution Benefits Councils. VA and DoD examine ways to build a Management, removing operational managers from the more collaborative relationship between the two largest employee complaint handling process. Cabinet agencies. n State Cemetery Grants Program established to fund construction of state-run veterans cemeteries. 2003 n The National Cemetery System becomes the National n VA patient visits reach 50 million (inpatients and out- Cemetery Administration, headed by the Under Secretary patients) for the year—a record. for Memorial Affairs. n VA suspends enrollment of priority 8 veterans—those with annual incomes over the specified low-income lev- 1999 el—into the VA health care system. n VA launches Bar Code Medication Administration, n VA, HUD and HHS launch a $35 million program making medication administration safer and quality of VA through the federal Interagency Council on Homeless- care better. ness to provide permanent housing, health care and other n VA launches “One VA” program to enable employees supportive services to veterans and others experiencing to provide veterans seamless, customer-driven service. chronic or long-term homelessness. n Fifty-nine VA Civil War-era national cemeteries are n The CARES (Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced listed on National Register of Historic Places. Services) Commission begins a series of public meetings designed to address the future health care needs of 2000 veterans, and how and where VA can best provide those n VA passes through Y2K transition with no computer services. problems. New law takes effect insuring military honors n VA announces that it will contract out for management at the funeral of any honorably discharged veteran upon of foreclosed loan guaranty properties. request. n VA launches My HealtheVet, a Web portal for veterans n Veterans can now apply for compensation, pension, re- enrolled in VA health care providing information, medical habilitation benefits and health care online as part of a VA services and a direct link to their VA caregivers. Web page improvement project. n As part of a national program recognized by the White 2004 House Millennium Council, VA holds 200 stand downs n VA cares for more than 5 million individual patients in for homeless veterans during the year. a single year—a record. n The Veterans Rehabilitation and Counseling (VR&C) n NCA scores highest on American Customer Satisfac- Service becomes the Veterans Rehabilitation and Employ- tion Survey, above private and public sector organizations. ment (VR&E) Service to emphasize its focus on finding n Authorization to establish six new national cemeteries jobs for rehabilitated veterans. by 2008 under the National Cemetery Act of 2003. n VA Secretary announces plans to invest nearly $1 bil- 2001 lion over three years to modernize and expand veterans n Veterans Benefits Administration hires more than 1,000 health care system infrastructure based on recommenda- full-time employees to help reduce a backlog in benefits tions of the CARES Commission. claims, the largest increase since the Vietnam War. n RAND study concludes that VA patients receive signifi- n VA establishes six new Parkinson’s Disease Research, cantly better care than private-sector patients. Education and Clinical Care Centers. n The Grand Junction, Colo., VA Medical Center re- 2005 ceives the 2001 Presidential Award for Quality. n VA kicks off its Diamond Jubilee (75th anniversary) at n VA National Center for Patient Safety named one of DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. Event at- five winners of the “Innovations in American Govern- tended by Vice President Cheney. ment” awards. n Hurricane Katrina makes landfall near Gulfport, Miss.;

22 March/April 2009 VAnguard feature the Gulfport, Biloxi, and New Orleans VA medical centers Center. President Bush establishes a special commission to evacuated. Gulfport VAMC damaged beyond repair. investigate. n 40th anniversary of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insur- n First meeting of the Presidential Commission on Care ance (SGLI). of America’s Returning Wounded Warriors, commonly referred to as the Dole-Shalala Commission, takes place on 2006 April 13. n VA health care outscores private sector for the 6th con- n VA’s national Suicide Prevention Hotline becomes op- secutive year, according to the American Customer Satis- erational. faction Index, produced by the National Quality Research n James B. Peake, M.D., is sworn in as the sixth VA Sec- Center. retary, the first medical doctor to hold this office. n 18th million home loan guaranty to Rob Laurent in Kyle, Texas. 2008 n Theft of a VA employee’s laptop containing sensitive n VA’s voting policy clarified to allow voter registration information on 26.5 million veterans occurred and cap- at its facilities for veteran inpatients, domiciliary residents, tured the attention of the media, Congress and the public. and those with limited access to voting registration venues. n VA receives the “Innovations in American Govern- n First of 50 new mobile counseling centers is delivered to ment” Award from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Govern- VA on Oct. 22. ment for its advanced electronic health records and perfor- n Groundbreaking for Orlando, Fla., VA Medical Center mance measurement system. held on Oct. 24.

2007 2009 n 20th anniversary of the stand down program for home- n VA marks the 20th anniversary of Cabinet status with less veterans. a wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery followed n The Washington Post reveals substandard conditions for by a celebration at VA Central Office featuring President care of returning veterans at Walter Reed Army Medical Obama.

Secretaries of Veterans Affairs 1989-2009

Edward J. Derwinski 1989-1992 Jesse Brown 1993-1997 Togo D. West Jr. 1998-2000

Anthony J. Principi 2001-2005 R. James Nicholson 2005-2007 James B. Peake, M.D. 2007-2009 Eric K. Shinseki 2009-present

March/April 2009 23

James lucas feature VAnguard Preserving the Nation’s Oldest Civil War Memorial NCA begins a project to save the Bloedner Monument at Cave Hill National Cemetery. n Dec. 17, 1861, a battle ensued at Rowlett’s Station in western Kentucky in which the 32nd Indiana Infantry Regi- Oment, composed entirely of German immigrants, deflected a Confederate attack. Union casualties were less than 40.

On the 147th anniversary of this only about 50 percent of the original ing its limestone base from its footer. battle, in December 2008, the Nation- inscription—a relief sculpture of an A steel “lifting frame” box was built al Cemetery Administration began a eagle and about 300 words in Ger- around and below the monument on comprehensive effort to preserve the man carved in a rustic Fraktur-like site. After padding the monument, it unique memorial carved for these fall- script—survive. was lifted with a hydraulic crane onto en soldiers in the weeks following the Professional conservators will a truck bed, where it was affixed to a battle. Pvt. August Bloedner, a mem- treat the monument while it is at the substantial wood pallet and strapped ber of the unit, used a natural outcrop university to retard further loss of ma- into position for the 10-mile trip of limestone to fashion the monu- terial; in the meantime, NCA will be across town. ment, and it was placed on the graves seeking an appropriate facility where NCA’s contractor for the overall at Munfordville, Ky., by the end of it can be displayed to the public. Con- project is Heritage Preservation of January 1862 before the 32nd Indiana current to this work, NCA is pursuing Washington, D.C., which has exten- Infantry marched on. The Bloedner the creation of a replica of the monu- sive experience in outdoor sculpture Monument is the nation’s oldest Civil ment based on a 1955 photograph preservation and care. Conservation War monument, and as such possesses when it was in better condition, and Solutions Inc. of Santa Fe, N.M., is exceptional historic significance. historic transcriptions of the inscrip- the conservator. All plans for the In 1867, the remains of these tion to install at Cave Hill National monument are being made in col- fallen soldiers and their monument Cemetery. laboration with the VA Historic were moved to Cave Hill National Failure of the monument is due in Preservation Office and the Kentucky Cemetery in Louisville. This national part to the fact that it was fabricated Heritage Council, the state’s historic cemetery is located in a corner of his- from a poor-quality St. Genevieve preservation office. While the monu- toric Cave Hill Cemetery, a premier limestone; in contrast, the small base ment is at the university, NCA and Rural-style burial ground established made of Bedford limestone installed the Kentucky Heritage Council will in 1848. Initial interments of soldiers at the national cemetery in 1867 is work with Civil War-interest groups who died at camps and hospitals in in very good condition. Pollution and and others to identify a facility where the Louisville area occurred in No- other environmental foes have has- it can be displayed and protected over vember 1861. tened deterioration of the limestone. the long term. The fragile Bloedner Monument, The monument measures approxi- The Bloedner Monument replica also known as the “First German” mately 5 feet long, 1 foot deep and 3- and interpretive signage about it are Monument, was transported to a and-a-half feet high, and weighs about slated to be placed in Cave Hill Na- curatorial facility at the University 3,500 pounds. tional Cemetery by September 2009. of Louisville, where it may reside Moving the monument required August Bloedner was born in for up to three years. Unfortunately, cutting through the mortar anchor- 1827 in the Duchy of Saxe-Altenburg

24 March/April 2009 VAnguard feature

Documenting the ‘First German’ Monument Interment of the fallen 32nd Indiana Infantry on the Munfordville battlefield, and later installation of the monument, is documented in letters from the soldiers who witnessed it. “On the morning after the battle, 10 of the fallen were buried on top of a knoll with all military honors,” wrote one. In the afternoon, a military pro- cession “moved to the burial place under the sounds of a mournful dirge … Then the dead were low- ered into the graves under inspiring sounds of the ‘Marsallaise.’ The companies to which the dead men

courtesy NCA history program office belonged stepped forward, pulled sprigs of evergreen from their hats and dropped them on their former brothers in arms as a last greeting.” In early February 1862, the regiment passed by these soldiers’ graves again, and one soldier found that the burial site “is surrounded by rails, their burial mound is adorned with fir trees and ivy … A stone lays among these trees that contains the names, ages and birthplaces of these heroes handsomely and tastefully carved by an artist in the regiment.” There are 12 names on the monument as well as an inscription that displays fierce Germanic pride for serving the Union despite some unfamiliarity with the language of the United States: “Here rest the first men of the 32nd First German Regiment of Indiana who gave courtesy nca history program office their lives for the free institutions Top: To move the monument, workers first had to cut through the mortar anchoring its lime- of the Republic of the United States stone base from its footer. Then a steel “lifting frame” box was built around and below it; of North America. They fell on 17 above: Once it was free, it was padded and lifted onto a truck bed for its 10-mile trip. December 1861 in the encounter (now Thuringia), Germany, and he many of whom were not fluent in at Rowlett’s Station, Ky., in which 1 arrived in the United States about English. The Battle of Rowlett’s Sta- regiment of Texas-Rangers, 2 regi- 1849. After the outbreak of the Civil tion did not result in a victory for ments of infantry and 6 cannons of War, Bloedner enlisted for three years; either side, but the Union forces did the Rebels, more than 3,000 strong, he was sent to Indianapolis to serve in protect a local railroad, ensuring that were beaten into flight from the the 32nd Indiana Infantry because it troops and supplies would continue to battlefield by 500 German soldiers.” was made up of German immigrants, move through the area.

March/April 2009 25 around headquarters VAnguard

IPv6: The Next Generation Internet Will Offer New Capability

In August 2005, the Office neous broadcasting of events process.” of Management and Budget in real time, without a single While issued Memorandum 05-22, dropped frame of video cover- VA has been establishing the goal of transi- age. successful in tioning the federal government “IPv6 is the future of the complying from Internet Protocol version Internet and is becoming the with OMB, 4 (IPv4) to version 6 (IPv6). foundation for all future com- the new IPv6 Why? The world was munication infrastructures,” infrastructure quickly running out of IP ad- said Steven Pirzchalski, direc- has the poten- dresses, which are necessary for tor of telecommunications tial to advance any electronic device to con- engineering and design with service to nect to the Internet. the Office of Information and veterans—in- Under IPv4, networked Technology in VA Central cluding health devices are assigned a 32-bit Office. “As the Department care. For in- address, limiting the number moves toward a converged net- stance, a doc- of addresses to 4.3 billion. work architecture, we will be tor might be Once an unthinkably large able to take advantage of new able to check a number, when only one in capabilities like voice-over IP, patient’s vital several thousand homes had IP-based video and other col- signs or con- a computer, it is not nearly laboration-based applications trol an IV drip enough in an age where multi- that will allow us to offer more from a remote computer homes are common services cost-effectively.” location in real and cell phones and other Since OMB’s 2005 man- time. art gardiner devices can connect to the date, VA has consecutively “The Steven Pirzchalski says the new backbone of Internet. been rated as one of the best significantly Internet infrastructure will allow VA to offer better The new backbone of federal agencies in meeting the greater number service to veterans. Internet infrastructure, IPv6 new compliance. OMB rated of addresses operates on a 128-bit address VA’s IPv6 compliance during IPv6 provides is critical, but In addition to bolstering that can provide more than the first year of the transition that is only a small part of the patient care, IPv6 can also 340 undecillion possible ad- at 4/5, with a 5/5 for 2007 value IPv6 will provide the assist VA in its mission to re- dresses. Yes, that’s a real math and 2008. In June 2008, VA department,” said Pirzchalski. spond to national emergencies term that equates to 340 fol- met OMB’s 2008 IPv6 man- “We will be able to leverage and natural disasters such as its lowed by 36 zeroes. date, and has been selected as new capabilities from IPv6 response to Hurricanes Gus- Most recently, the 2008 one of three Level One federal that will help us simplify our tav and Ike in Louisiana and Beijing Olympics was the first agencies out of 165 tasked un- network, make it easier to Texas in August. major event to be broadcast der the mandate. manage, scale it to handle or- New VA initiatives such entirely using IPv6. The short- “We have taken the over- ders of magnitude more devic- as the expansion of commu- age of IPv4 addresses has hit all lead in developing an IPv6 es, provide greater security and nity-based outpatient clinics the rest of the world the hard- training curriculum that other make it more flexible to meet may be the first to reap the est, forcing many countries to agencies are leveraging to sup- our changing requirements.” benefits of IPv6. Auto-con- adopt the use of IPv6 much port their transition activities Pirzchalski said IPv6 will figured networks will bring earlier than in the U.S. As a and we have taken the lead give VA better ability to: CBOCs online faster, provid- result, many countries have in assembling a multi-agency n deploy converged services ing them with a wealth of pa- surpassed the U.S. in their IPv6 test initiative that in- (video, voice, etc.) to add new tient medical history to better ability to reap the benefits of cludes VA, NIST, GSA, SSA capabilities and reduce costs; serve them. the newer network protocol. and the IRS,” said Pirzchalski. n provide enhanced in-home Phase II of OMB’s IPv6 Many will long remember “While we believe we were services to veterans and their migration requires federal watching U.S. swimmer Mi- instrumental in helping many families; agencies to have IT staff, sys- chael Phelps shatter one record agencies achieve success during n implement greater security tems and software on IPv6, after another during the 2008 the first phase of the federal across the entire enterprise; a native IPv6 operational Summer Olympics, bringing IPv6 transition process, we and network, and IPv6 network home eight gold medals. The know that it is just the begin- n implement identity man- services and applications on- implementation and use of ning and we will continue to agement systems across the line and in use by 2011, with IPv6 during the 2008 Beijing be a thought leader in IPv6 department and with business a total transition away from Olympics allowed for simulta- during the ongoing transition partners. IPv4 to IPv6 by 2014.

26 March/April 2009 VAnguard around headquarters

Funding Plan for 2010 Improves Access, Modernizes Technology

President Obama’s first pro- If accepted by Congress, sents the first step toward in- in such areas as prosthetics, posed budget for VA expands the 2010 budget request creasing discretionary funding vision and spinal cord injury, eligibility for health care to would increase VA’s budget for VA efforts by $25 billion aging, and women’s health. an additional 500,000 veter- from $97.7 billion this fiscal over the next five years. The New VA Centers of Excellence ans over the next five years, year to $112.8 billion for the gradual expansion in health will focus on improving these meets the need for continued fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, care enrollment that this critical services. growth in programs for the 2009. This is in addition to would support will open hos- The proposed budget also combat veterans of Iraq and the $1.4 billion provided for pital and clinic doors to more addresses homelessness among Afghanistan, and provides the VA projects in the American than 500,000 veterans by veterans. It expands VA’s resources to deliver quality Recovery and Reinvestment 2013 who have been excluded current services through a col- health care for the nation’s 5.5 Act of 2009. from VA medical care benefits laborative pilot program with million veteran patients. The 2010 budget repre- since 2003. The 2010 budget nonprofit organizations that request provides the resources is aimed at maintaining stable to achieve this level of service housing for vulnerable veterans VA to Receive $1.4 Billion from while maintaining high qual- at risk of homelessness, while President’s Stimulus Package ity and timely care for lower- providing them with support- income and service-disabled ive services to help them get Employees, veterans and Recovery Web site, the veterans who currently rely on back on their feet through job the public can see how VA department’s appropriation VA medical care. training, preventive care, and plans to spend the more than breaks down this way: medi- The new budget provides other services. $1.4 billion it is receiving as cal facilities–$1 billion; grants greater benefits for veterans Finally, the President’s part of President Obama’s for state extended care–$150 who are medically retired budget request provides the stimulus package on the VA million; general operating ex- from active duty, allowing necessary investments to carry Recovery Web site at www. penses-claims processors–$150 for the first time all military VA services to rural com- va.gov/recovery. The stimulus million; Veterans Benefits Ad- retirees to keep their full VA munities that are too often package, officially known as ministration IT support–$50 disability compensation along unable to access VA care. The the American Recovery and million; National Cemetery with their retired pay. The President’s budget expands Reinvestment Act, is a key Administration–$50 million; President’s budget request also VA mental health screening part of efforts to stimulate the general operating expenses- provides the resources for ef- and treatment with a focus on economy through government support of veteran stimulus fective implementation of the reaching veterans in rural areas programs. payments–$7.1 million; Office post-9/11 GI Bill—providing in part through an increase VA will use the funds to of Inspector General–$1 mil- unprecedented levels of educa- in the number of vet centers improve medical facilities and lion; and IT support of veteran tional support to the men and and mobile health clinics. national cemeteries, provide stimulus payments–$100,000. women who have served the New outreach funding will grants to assist states in acquir- In addition, VA is mak- nation through active military help rural veterans and their ing or constructing state nursing a one-time payment of duty. families stay informed of these ing homes and domiciliaries, $250 to eligible veterans and The new budget will sup- resources and encourage them and to modify or alter existing survivors to mitigate the effects port additional specialty care to pursue needed care. facilities to care for veterans. of the current economy. VA For those programs estimates $700 million in pay- requiring construction, VA ments will be made, with pay- Women in Military Poster Art Donated to VA expects to award competitive, ments beginning in June. Artist Nancy E. Rhodes donated her original art for the pop- fixed-price contracts that com- To be eligible for the pay- ular “Women in the Military” poster to VA on March 26 at ply with the Buy American ment, VA beneficiaries must the VACO Women’s History and reporting requirements of have received compensation, Month program. Copies were the Recovery Act. pension, dependency and in- made available for purchase Stimulus funds will also demnity compensation (DIC), at the VA Employee Store in be used to hire and train or spina bifida benefits at any headquarters for $20, with 15 temporary claims processors, time between November 2008 percent of the purchase price pursue needed information and January 2009. Also, bene- donated to the store. View technology initiatives, and to ficiaries must reside within the the poster on Rhodes’ Web oversee and audit programs, United States or Puerto Rico, site at www.NancyERhodes. grants and projects funded un- Guam, Northern Mariana Is- com, where you can order it der the Recovery Act. lands, American Samoa, or the online. According to the VA U.S. Virgin Islands.

March/April 2009 27 around headquarters VAnguard

Fourteen Graduate from Cemetery Director Intern Program

Fourteen members of the class of 2008 national cemetery director intern program graduated Feb. 6. The graduation ceremony was held at VA headquarters. The interns spent the previous 12 months at VA’s National Cemetery Administration National Training Center in St. Louis. In the weeks following graduation, they began work as directors or assistants to directors at national cemeteries around the country. The National Training Center focuses on preparing employees to manage and oper- ate cemeteries as national shrines for America’s deceased veterans and military personnel. No other federal training facility provides training in cemetery management. VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki was the key- note speaker at the graduation—his first official robert turtil ceremony after being sworn in as Secretary on The graduates began work as directors or assistants to directors at national cemeteries. Jan. 21. “With today’s graduation, you affirm your readiness to assume stewardship for the national shrines that are the final resting places of the men and women who have protected and preserved this country since before the birth of the republic. “More than 3.4 million Americans—veterans from the Revolutionary War to today’s Global War on Terrorism—lie in final repose in our cemeteries. The quiet dignity, serenity, and pristine appearance of those cemeteries signify to all that these are special places for special people.” Acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Steve Muro, former Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs William Tuerk, NCA Office of Field Programs Director Pat Hallinan, NCA employees, and family and friends of the graduates were on hand for the ceremony. My HealtheVet Adds New Feature to Help Veterans Manage Care My HealtheVet, VA’s personal health care team and allows good care, that it is time to registers on My HealtheVet health record for veterans, now veterans to become active part- have a test or examination and completes the In-Person has a new feature available to ners in their health care. With done. Authentication process at their help veterans manage their more than 740,000 users now For instance, a veteran local VA medical center or health care online, putting the registered on My HealtheVet, can be reminded that it is clinic. In-Person Authentica- power of e-health care with it is clear that the integration time for a colorectal cancer tion requires VA patients to patients. Personalized Well- of features, access to health screening or flu shot, accord- provide valid, government- ness Reminders is joining the information, and one-stop ing to Theresa Hancock, My issued photo identification award-winning assortment of shopping for VA benefits and HealtheVet program director. (veteran identification card, online tools available on My services improves patient sat- Veterans with diabetes can driver’s license or other gov- HealtheVet. This new feature isfaction and enhances quality be reminded of tests such as ernment-issued photo identi- and current tools such as VA health care for veterans nation- hemoglobin A1c, and women fication) to an authorized VA Prescription Refill, Research wide. veterans can be reminded staff member and sign a release Health and others, enhance With the Wellness Re- of breast or cervical cancer of information form. VA patient-provider relationships minders feature, veterans can screenings. This feature also patients also are required to and continue to integrate into be more involved in their own allows veterans to share their watch a brief video that can be VA’s much-lauded electronic health care by following re- Wellness Reminders with viewed right on the My Heal- health records system. minders of upcoming tests as non-VA health care providers; theVet Web site. In-Person More than access to on- well as having the information they can easily log them into Authentication may be done line health information and to avoid duplicate tests and their e-health journal and print at any VA medical center and a gateway to online benefits procedures. Wellness Remind- out the summary prior to any many community-based out- and services, My HealtheVet ers lets the patient know, ac- clinic visit. patient clinics across the coun- enhances a veteran’s commu- cording to current guidelines Wellness Reminders is try. For more information, go nication with their primary and recommendations for available to any veteran who to www.myhealth.va.gov.

28 March/April 2009 VAnguard around headquarters

Ten Local Students Participate in Third Annual IT Job Shadow Day

Ten students from Marshall applications. VA mentors for Academy in Falls Church, Va., this year’s students included visited VA Central Office in Ruth J. Peterson, director, ad- Washington, D.C., on Feb. ministrative support business 5 as part of the third annual operations; David Cheplick, Information Technology Job director, wide area network; Shadow Day. Sponsored by Shelby Bell, supervisory pro- the Office of Information and gram management officer; Technology, this year’s theme, Kevin Causley, director, region “Moving IT Forward: The 5, OI&T; and John Livornese, Next Generation,” emphasized director, record management the fast-paced and ever-ex- services. The mentors focused panding IT field. on telecommunications, After a welcome by Act- server-based networks, and IT ing Assistant Secretary for communications, and also gave Information and Technology the students advice on the best robert turtil Stephen W. Warren, the stu- degree paths to follow and cer- During their visit, the high school students got a tour of the Section dents, all seniors at Marshall tifications that can help them 508 Compliance Lab with test engineer Alan Schlank. Academy, were given a brief acquire an IT position. overview of VA and its mis- At Marshall Academy, the need to do to get into these the hands-on experience and sion. Throughout the daylong students enroll in advanced IT types of positions.” guidance they received from tour, the students visited dif- classes, and most have already Carlos Robinson, work- the VA staff. “They were in- ferent areas of the building, passed the exam to receive place coordinator of the IT trigued with the correlation of including the Section 508 their professional-level Micro- Job Shadow Program in what they are learning in high Compliance Lab, to learn soft certifications. Through OI&T, said the shadowing school to the IT applications more about VA’s data storage, their classes, they learn how to program is important in plan- their mentors displayed to software applications and net- run an entire network, from ning for the future of VA. them today,” said Robinson. working capabilities. At noon, cabling to servers to security. “This program gives the stu- Marshall Academy, con- a panel discussion was held “We hope the students dents step-by-step guidelines sidered a “school within a with former OI&T interns, will realize that all their train- on how to become an em- school,” currently has more many of whom became VA ing and their hard work will ployee with the federal govern- than 750 students from 14 dif- employees themselves. lead to a nice job, that it all ment. VA’s objective is to get ferent high schools. Students Later in the day, the stu- comes to fruition,” said Allan them familiar with the student typically come to the school dents shadowed assigned men- Jones, network administration intern programs available to for one or two specific classes tors—senior-level IT special- teacher at Marshall Academy. them.” and then return to their base ists—to get some hands-on ex- “The main goal for the stu- At the end of the day, the schools for their standard perience with IT systems and dents is to learn what they students were excited about courses. Developmental Opportunity Now Offered to Senior Leadership “Leadership development” them? VA has recognized and knowledge to their leadership learning tools and resources may not sound like such a new embraced the notion that lead- profile, but a valuable oppor- customized for executives. concept for most organiza- ership is not a destination, but tunity exists to facilitate the This one-year program tions. Many government agen- a continuous journey. ongoing learning and develop- provides participants with a cies can boast of educational The VA Executive Fel- ment of these senior career number of options for devel- opportunities for high-poten- lows Program, launched in executives. opment activities, including: tial, high-performing employ- 2006, is designed to reward VA Learning University, n executive coaching with pri- ees, as well as document their and recognize senior executives the department’s corporate vate sector coaches; record of training for Senior who demonstrate outstand- university, along with a group n VA senior mentors; Executive Service candidates. ing leadership. This unique of VA’s senior learning leaders, n executive leadership train- The question then becomes, extended learning program un- have designed the EFP to en- ing; once these well-trained em- derscores VA’s understanding hance the networking of a di- n detail assignments/mini-sab- ployees become SES members, that not only do incumbent verse group of leaders, facilitate baticals; what further developmental senior officials bring a wealth the sharing of best practices, n opportunities to serve as opportunities are available to of talent, experience and and provide access to new continued on page 30

March/April 2009 29 introducing VAnguard

Shep Crumrine

Music therapist J. Sheppard what it takes to provide an en- begins his music Shep Crumrine “Shep” Crumrine is the latest vironment of recovery for our therapy sessions. is a music recipient of the Shirley Jefferies veterans.” Part of his focus therapist at Memorial Award. Presented Since 1998, Crumrine is to re-program the Milwaukee to him on Oct. 26, 2008, at has been a member of the Na- negative energy VAMC. the National Veterans Creative tional Veterans Creative Arts and thoughts, Arts Festival in Riverside, Ca- Festival national committee improve self- lif., the award is named after and assistant stage manager for esteem, and pull the former chief of Recreation sound. emotions out of Therapy Service at the VA “His commitment to vet- music. medical center in Knoxville, erans is evidenced by his caring Since the Iowa. Jefferies served as advisor attitude toward them, and by hospital is af- to the Creative Arts Festival the way he spends time getting filiated with the until she died of cancer in to know them,” said Elizabeth Medical College August 1994. Her award is Mackey, Creative Arts Festival of Wisconsin, presented to an individual who director. “I’ve worked with the VAMC demonstrates true dedication him since he became involved trains a lot of to the Festival, its goals and with bringing veterans to the residents. Crum- philosophy. festival. He strives to make rine often works Crumrine said he is hon- their lives better through his with nursing ored and humbled to have own musical talents and music students and psy- won the award. “It’s a warm therapy and by assisting them chology graduate bob pedersen and contented sort of feeling in any way possible.” students, teach- to know that I am thought Some might ask: What is ing them how to run therapy combo of my interests in so well of by so many. It’s music therapy? By definition, groups themselves and consult- medicine and music,” said humbling when I look at the it is the planned and inten- ing with them afterwards. He Crumrine. list of others who have been tional use of music as it affects conducts informal research After graduating from honored and think that I am brain functioning in four ways: in the areas of mental illness Illinois State University with among them. It is particularly attention and distraction; and music therapy. He often a master’s degree in music powerful when a veteran, who emotion and memory; physi- collects pre- and post-group education and music therapy, has sacrificed so much, is con- cal energy and coordination; meeting results to determine he began working in the pri- gratulatory towards me.” and stress and anxiety. Music different scenario outcomes, vate sector but soon wanted a Crumrine, who has therapists consider these pro- such as changes in blood pres- change from the money-driven worked at the Clement J. cesses as they plan their use of sure, heart rate, mood and insurance aspect of health care. Zablocki VA Medical Center music, customizing it to each pain management. “In the private sector, in Milwaukee since 1993, patient depending on what the Crumrine, a native of Il- my work was respected but is well respected among his treatment objective is and the linois, received his bachelor’s not ‘reimbursable’—it was peers for using his love of length of the treatment. degree in chemistry and more about the money. I was music as medicine. “Shep is “My day is never the pre-med at Knox College in intrigued by VA’s mission: very personable and so easygo- same,” said Crumrine. Galesburg, Ill. But he found to not just care for the medi- ing,” said Bert Berger, Ph.D., A typical day begins in something was missing in his cal needs, but to know the Zablocki VAMC psychologist the inpatient acute mental medical studies: his love of veteran’s quality of life is im- and Crumrine’s supervisor. health detox unit. After his music. After playing music all portant as well. At VA, I feel “He is able to handle all kinds morning meetings, where he his life, he decided to incorpo- supported and committed. I’m of clinical situations, and the details treatment plans and rate the two. privileged to be a part of their veterans really like him. He is alerts the attending physicians “I became a music thera- personal and emotional quality dedicated to his job and does on each patient’s progress, he pist because it was the perfect of life.” - By Amanda Hester

Leadership cont. faculty/facilitator/coach/men- posed me to the best practices government,” says Andree obvious, but also when things tor for national VA leadership and innovation employed by Boudreaux, VA regional are going well.” development programs; and senior leaders in the private counsel in Houston. “It has To learn more about this n executive communications sector, providing me with a challenged me to constantly program, contact Joy Hunter, training. perspective I may not have seek ways to improve, not only dean of the VA Learning Uni- “This program has ex- considered inside the federal when the need for change is versity, at [email protected].

30 March/April 2009 VAnguard medical advances

in diabetes management at Non-VA providers should the Phoenix VA Health Care consider altering the single System, who co-led the study goal used by the ADA or the with Carlos Abraira, M.D., of American Association of Clini- the Miami VA Medical Cen- cal Endocrinologists to the ter. “Risk factors such as blood clinically more appropriate pressure, blood lipids, diet and standards of the VA.” exercise should be of primary One of the aims of the interest.” VA Diabetes Trial was to Left unchecked, the high study the association between blood glucose levels that char- intense control of blood glu- acterize diabetes damage blood cose in people with type 2 vessels and nerves, resulting in diabetes and cardiovascular serious complications and even disease. Researchers compared death. Those complications good control with intense include cardiovascular disease, control in an older veteran blindness, and end-stage kid- population. They found that Larry gilstad ney disease. aggressive therapy to con- Carlos Abraira, M.D., co-chair of the VA Diabetes Trial, discusses the However, for patients trol blood glucose was not use of a glucometer—a device that measures blood sugar—with pa- who are older and have had significantly better than less tient Fulgencio Rodriguez at the Miami VA Medical Center. diabetes for some time, less intensive conventional therapy intensive control of blood glu- in preventing events such as Study Finds Less Glycemic Control Can Be cose can be just as beneficial, heart attacks and strokes, with Beneficial to Some Patients With Diabetes according to the researchers. no benefit to lowering levels The largest long-term U.S. rent standard recommended The VA health care system’s below 8 percent. clinical trial of its kind suggests by the American Diabetes As- guidelines already stratify There also was no signifi- that many physicians should sociation for tightly controlling recommendations for glucose cant difference in mortality, rethink how they treat some glucose may not be beneficial control in diabetic patients, microvascular complications, patients with diabetes. to many patients, and may depending on their microvas- or minor cardiovascular events, Results of the VA Diabe- actually result in a potentially cular disease, or complications such as angina and transi- tes Trial, published in the Jan. life-threatening situation in of small blood vessels and tory ischemic attacks (mini- 8 issue of the New England which blood sugars are too other diseases that are present. strokes). Journal of Medicine, indicate low. “The current approach to The VA Diabetes Trial that different levels of blood “In older patients with care of diabetes in the VA is involved nearly 1,800 veter- glucose control are appropriate long-standing diabetes, inten- substantiated by this study,” ans at 20 VA medical centers for different patients, rather sive glucose control should not said Duckworth. “Diet, exer- across the country, who were than a more widely accepted be the major focus of care,” cise, blood pressure and lipid followed for a minimum of standard. said Dr. William Duckworth, control are all essential factors five years and a maximum of Trying to achieve the cur- an endocrinologist specializing in management of diabetes. seven-and-a-half years.

Flu Study Demonstrates the Many Beneficial Effects of Getting an Annual Influenza Vaccine College students who get their between 2002 and 2006. rooms increases the likelihood Overall, one-fourth of flu shots are much less likely In short, the vaccine pre- of campus outbreaks. Other the students who were not to miss school or work each vents an illness that can knock studies have found anywhere vaccinated said they had an influenza season and live a students off their feet for up to from 9 to 20 percent of stu- influenza-like illness, defined healthier life, according to a a week at a time. Multiplied dents develop flu-related ill- as an upper respiratory infec- study published in the Archives over four years and 18 million nesses each season. tion that included coughing of Pediatric and Adolescent college students nationally, “Influenza-like illness is and fever. That compares to Medicine in December. that’s a lot of lost time. responsible for a substantial one-fifth of students who were The study by researchers “We’re excited to show disease burden among college vaccinated. at the Minneapolis VA Medi- bad disease, good vaccine, yet students, and vaccination is For the unvaccinated, cal Center and the University again,” said Dr. Kristin Nich- associated with substantial those infections resulted in of Minnesota surveyed 20,000 ol, an infectious disease expert benefits,” said Nichol. more missed classes (11 vs. 8 college students on two cam- at the Minneapolis VAMC Researchers have long percent); bad tests (6 vs. 4 per- puses. Roughly 30 percent and a professor at the Univer- known that the vaccine can cent); uncompleted homework of those students were vac- sity of Minnesota. prevent flu, but the study (9 vs. 6 percent); and badly cinated, and about 24 percent The close proximity of quantifies in multiple ways its executed assignments (11 vs. 8 suffered flu-related illnesses students in dorms and class- beneficial effects. percent.).

March/April 2009 31

medical advances VAnguard

Study Shows Headaches Caused By Traumatic Brain Injury Could Be a Sign of Cognitive Impairments The frequency and severity consciousness—for less than they had other symptoms as- Young said the study of headaches caused by trau- 30 minutes—from blasts and sociated with PTSD, such as could help health care profes- matic brain injury might signal explosions an average of three sleep disorders and problems sionals develop better tech- cognitive deficits, suggests a times while in Iraq. Neuro- with their sense of smell. niques to identify veterans new study of Iraq war veterans logical and neuropsychological Researchers say the force of who need a greater level of conducted by researchers at testing revealed impairments a blast can damage delicate care. the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA in 80 of these veterans that the nerves that regulate the way “The study points to the Medical Center. researchers attributed to TBI. the brain cares for these func- possibility of using olfactory “The most important Those veterans had been ex- tions. testing to look for people who finding was that the soldiers posed to more explosions than “The olfactory nerves are might benefit from additional who continued to have prob- the others, the study found. very small, so when there’s medical testing,” Young said. lems with headaches and Among veterans diag- movement, they get sheared “The good news about these PTSD were much more likely nosed with TBI, 93 percent off,” said Dr. Keith Young, olfactory tests is that they to have signs of residual cogni- reported having headaches that research coordinator for the don’t require computers, so tion impairment or abnormali- were more severe and persis- VA Center of Excellence for in a field hospital, you could ties,” said study author Dr. tent than those without TBI. Research on Returning War use scratch and sniff tests to Robert L. Ruff, neurology Non-TBI veterans described Veterans at the Central Texas identify people who need ad- service chief at the Cleveland headaches as tension-like and Veterans Health Care System ditional testing.” VAMC and professor of occurring about four times a and associate professor and According to Ruff, the neurology at Case Western month on average. Sixty per- vice chairman for research at study also suggests that TBI Reserve University. “By them- cent of those with TBI said Texas A&M Health Science and PTSD must be treated selves, the deficits were not they experienced migraine-lev- Center College of Medicine. as one problem and not two severe, but they compromised el headaches three times more “People who have multiple ex- separate ones. the veterans’ ability to return often than their non-TBI posures to blasts that cause loss The study can be found to where they were.” counterparts. of consciousness need to be on the VA Office of Research The researchers studied Many of the veterans carefully monitored for poten- & Development’s Web site: 126 veterans who had lost participating in the study said tial problems in the future.” www.research.va.gov.

Long-Term Study of PTSD in Twins Shows Both Genetic and Environmental Factors Increase the Risk A decade-long study conduct- versed by treatment and could “This suggests the ‘fragile a role in inhibiting the fear ed by VA and the National be taken as targets of PTSD egg’ hypothesis—that some response.” Institute of Mental Health on treatment.” people are probably geneti- The assumption for the PTSD among combat veterans Pitman’s group studied cally a little bit less resilient [to last 10 years, based on animal and their identical twins has more than 100 combat veter- PTSD] than other people,” tests, has been that the hippo- yielded critical information ans of the Vietnam War, each said Dr. Julie Fudge, an associ- campus shrunk due to stress, about the root causes of the of whom had an identical twin ate professor of psychiatry and but the study shows that this condition. Researchers found who did not serve in combat. neurobiology and anatomy at is probably not the case for that both genetic and environ- “We made the assump- the University of Rochester the hippocampus, according mental factors increase the risk tion that, because twins have Medical Center in New York. to Dr. Keith Young, research of developing PTSD. the same genes and the same However, the ventrome- coordinator for the VA Center “In addition to building family upbringing, the twin dial prefrontal cortex area of of Excellence for Research on our understanding of how who did not serve in combat the brain used for decision- Returning War Veterans at the PTSD comes to exist, we may represents what the combat- making is smaller in the com- Central Texas Veterans Health have useful signs for PTSD exposed twin would be like ex- bat-exposed veteran compared Care System, and associate prevention and treatment,” cept for the combat exposure,” to their unexposed twin. professor and vice chairman said study author Dr. Roger he said. “We discovered a number for research at Texas A&M Pitman, a professor of psychia- Prior to this research, of abnormalities in PTSD Health Science Center College try at Harvard Medical School. experts had noted a smaller combat veterans not shared of Medicine. “In other areas of “For example, persons hippocampal volume in people with their twins, and we in- the brain they may very well with recognized PTSD risk with PTSD. The hippocam- fer that the abnormality was be being damaged by the ex- factors may be best advised pus is a part of the brain used caused by combat,” Pitman cess stress,” he said. to avoid occupations that in memory. The twins study said. “One of these is increased A thus-far unpublished would have them serve in showed a smaller hippocampal heart rate response when the finding, Pitman added, is that highly stressful situations, such volume existed in both twins, combat veteran is startled. combat-exposed veterans had as serving in military forces. indicating that the lower vol- Another example is loss of gray a broad array of psychiatric Things acquired as a result of ume may be a preexisting risk matter in the rostral anterior symptoms not seen in their stress are more likely to be re- factor for PTSD. cingulated cortex, which plays brothers.

32 March/April 2009 VAnguard have you heard

and actor Mickey Rooney (“National Velvet”) read the Houston VA Gettysburg Address. The cer- Regional Loan emony featured the music of Center Closes Its the Vintage Brass Band from First Native American Long Beach, Calif. The UCLA Direct Loan Color Guard provided military The Houston VA Re- honors, and Charles Lane, of gional Loan Center closed the Los Angeles Opera, sang its first loan under the the national anthem. Native American Direct “This year’s ceremony is Loan Program on Jan. 7, extra special because it marks providing a loan to Viet- the bicentennial of Lincoln’s nam-era veteran Daniel birth,” said Cynthia Nunez, Simmer, a member of the cemetery director. “His Muscogee (Creek) Na- Paula berger eloquent words have endured from his century to ours, and tion. Los Angeles National Cemetery caretaker Doug Hopkins adjusts the Simmer heard about microphone for Mickey Rooney. even now serve as the motto for the Department of Vet- the Native American Di- Hollywood Legend Delivers Gettysburg Address erans Affairs.” Students from rect Loan Program and at Los Angeles National Cemetery Santa Barbara High School, contacted Ken Davis, More than 600 people attend- on Feb. 12. Actress Gigi Per- Washington High School Creek Nation tribal vet- ed the 17th Annual Abraham reau (“The Man in the Gray and Hollywood High School eran representative, who Lincoln Remembrance at Los Flannel Suit”) served as master (Rooney’s alma mater) at- helped initiate a Memo- Angeles National Cemetery of ceremonies for the event, tended the ceremony. randum of Understanding between the Muscogee Cemetery Caretaker tribe and VA. To com- Helps Dying Veteran plete this type of loan, an Jonathan Bussey, a cemetery MOU must exist between caretaker at the National Me- VA and a federally recog- morial Cemetery of the Pacific nized tribe. Simmer, who in Honolulu, Hawaii, was fea- is 100 percent service- tured in the November/Decem- connected, also qualified ber 2008 issue of the Air Force for a Specially Adapted magazine Airman. Bussey, also Housing grant, which was a technical sergeant in the Air used in conjunction with Force Reserve, was highlighted the home loan. for his dedication to fulfilling SAH agents Donnie the burial wishes of a fellow re- Guinn and Patrick Boyd servist. of the Houston RLC The six-page article details coordinated with Indian how Bussey assisted Senior Health Service, builders Master Sgt. Jvanne Hoelscher and contractors during in planning for her final resting the construction phase place at the national cemetery. to ensure grant approval Hoelscher, 51, knew she was dying of breast cancer but measures were met. Sim- wanted to make sure her final mer’s newly completed requests would be honored. 1,600 square-foot ranch- Bussey explained the steps that style home stands on his needed to be taken prior to inherited allotted land in her death so her family would Cromwell, Okla. His loan be able to make final arrange- is the first made in the ments. On April 4, 2004, her mainland United States cremated remains were laid to that combines the Native rest in the Hawaii cemetery’s James Messner American Direct Loan columbarium with full military Jonathan Bussey wipes down the niche marker on the final resting and an SAH grant. honors, exactly as she requested. place of Master Sgt. Jvanne Hoelscher.

March/April 2009 33 have you heard VAnguard

nonprofit cadre of retired sports legends and celebrity athletes, the basketball legends were escorted around the inpatient wards and the community living center by Phoenix VA Health Care System staff. Addition- ally, through a live satellite hook-up, troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan were encouraged to take advantage of VA benefits. “We are trying to Scott king help VA get these return- Gil Mendez is a practical nurse at the Spokane VAMC. Bill pedene ing warriors enrolled in VA services,” said Coach Kevin Ivory, right, a Navy veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, meets Charles Hatcher, host of Spokane Nurse NBA legend Scottie Pippen at the Phoenix VA Health Care System. Receives Thanks for radio’s “Sports Inside and Helping Injured News Unique Partnership Unites Veterans, Troops and Out” and a Navy veteran. Correspondent in Iraq NBA Legends During All-Star Game Weekend “Nearly 50 percent of the In January 2006, Gilbert Former NBA players Scot- during the NBA All-Star troops don’t enroll, and VA Mendez, then an Air tie Pippen, Sam Jones and Game activities held Feb. has great care and benefits, Force Reserve medic, was Wali Jones caused quite a 13-15 in Phoenix. so our troops need this to working the ER at Balad stir when they met with Sponsored by Cham- help themselves and their Air Base, Iraq, when field military troops and veterans pions 4 Champions, a families.” medics arrived with Bob Woodruff, ABC News Unclaimed Remains Finally Laid to Rest at Black Hills National Cemetery national correspondent. In- In February, Lt. Col. Leon- homes throughout the state. service throughout the Ko- jured by an IED blast, “his ard Sloan was laid to rest at Working with the staff at rean War. Further research head was swollen to double the size and there was a lot Black Hills National Cem- the cemetery to determine uncovered his service in the of blood and dirt,” Mendez etery in Sturgis, S.D.—32 eligibility and final rank of 147th Field Artillery during said. “We just tried to keep years after his death. the veterans, the National World War II. Sloan, who him breathing and stop the Recently, a task force Guard of South Dakota was married with children, bleeding until we rolled created by South Dakota found out Sloan was one of died in 1977. Following his him into the operating Gov. Michael Rounds dis- their own. death, his urn remained at room.” covered the cremated After enlisting in the the funeral home until this Woodruff, who remains of two veterans, in- National Guard, Sloan year, when a full intern- underwent months of re- cluding Sloan, had been left transferred to the Army in ment with military honors covery, thanked Mendez unclaimed at local funeral 1940 and remained in the was held at the cemetery. in a recent e-mail. “Those doctors, nurses and medics Volunteer Caregivers at VA Southern Oregon Take On Many Shapes saved my life,” he wrote. A new volunteer program matched up with veterans older veterans, volunteers are “If this happened to me five years earlier, I would is taking shape at the VA seeking a friendly visit. So a precious resource. not have lived.” Accord- Southern Oregon Reha- far, several have volunteered As VA Southern Oregon ing to Mendez, now a bilitation Center and Clinics as caregivers in a variety of begins expanding outreach practical nurse at the VA in White City. Called the creative and innovative ways, services to the growing vet- medical center in Spokane, Caregiver Support Network, including a certified driver eran population within the Wash., he was just doing the program is designed to who transports non-ambula- community, programs like his job. “A ‘thank you’ enhance the lives of older, tory veterans, a cookie baker Home Based Primary Care, from a wounded warrior, housebound veterans. extraordinaire, a clever domi- Homemaker Home Health even a national reporter, is Hearing the call to as- noes player, and a party orga- Aid, and Adult Day Health better than any medal the sist with the aging veteran nizer. By sharing their time, Care will continue to benefit military can give,” he said. population, volunteers are talent and compassion with from volunteer involvement.

34 March/April 2009 VAnguard have you heard

Partnership Between VA Brandon Gleason is the San Diego VAMC and Missouri High School leading scorer on his Creates Veterans Beneficial for All Involved high school basketball Healing Garden Here’s a quick trivia question: team and holds down Where can you find a beauti- How many VA employees a part-time job at the ful, tranquil garden with water Columbia VAMC. are leading their high school fountains, wind chimes, flow- boys’ basketball teams in scor- ers and a gazebo? At the VA ing while also serving as team San Diego Healthcare System, captain? The answer: only one. of course! Brandon Gleason, a senior Opened Nov. 3, 2008, at Frederick Douglass High the Veterans Healing Garden School in Columbia, Mo., is is part of the facility’s Plan- completing his second year in etree Philosophy, which is a a unique “partnership in edu- patient-centered approach to cation” program between the caring for veterans. The staff school and the Columbia VA jim broadus thought that the medical cen- Medical Center. A straight “A” ter needed a relaxing environ- student, Gleason works as a medical supply aide in the VAMC’s sterile processing department. ment for patients, especially The partnership, which began in August 1998, allows up to 10 students to spend half the day mental health patients, to posi- in a classroom and the rest in a paid, part-time job. In exchange, the VA Employee Association tively influence their health assists with scholarships, and students volunteer time at community events, such as Veterans Day and encourage healing. activities. To date, more than 100 students have participated in the partnership, including a few With that in mind, a who later became permanent VA employees. team of five employees—Non- nie Artero, Ellen Berman, Care Packages to Iraq Courtesy of Texas VA Employees’ Generosity Robert Earnest, Jeffrey Nick- When Cesar Fausto, contract lected small items, such as toi- somebody in the VA got erson, and Robert West—de- specialist with VA’s Corporate letries and snack foods, for the my name [and] sent a whole cided to create the garden. A Data Center Operations in troops. Two weeks later, 12 bunch of boxes. Everybody Garden Club was established Texas, spread the word that cartons full of donated items was standing around while I to handle routine mainte- a friend’s military son in Iraq were mailed to members of the opened them. Basically one nance, periodic plantings, and was in need of convenience 21st Military Police Company person would say, ‘Hey! I horticultural education. “Our items, his co-workers respond- (Airborne), 2nd Platoon. really need that,’ then they patients and staff are delight- ed generously. Fausto, who In January, Fausto re- would take it. They had a lot ed—it’s a temporary escape works at the Austin Informa- ceived an appreciative e-mail of fun just opening them [like] from the hospital environ- tion Technology Center, col- via a soldier’s mother: “Mom, big kids.” ment,” said West. “The garden has been an overwhelming Holiday Outreach Effort success.” The Manchester, Targets Young Veterans N.H., VA Medical During the 2008 holiday sea- Center set up an One-Stop Source son, staffers from the VA medi- outreach booth at a cal center in Manchester, N.H., local shopping mall USA.gov, the U.S. govern- were on kiosk duty at the popu- during the holidays. ment’s official Web portal, lar Mall of New Hampshire. is your one-stop source Though you wouldn’t typically for online government expect to find a VA outreach information and services. team at a shopping mall, it is The site brings millions of where you can find many young federal, state, local, tribal veterans. and territorial govern- “One of our top priorities ment Web pages together right now is to reach out to our in one easy-to-navigate returning OEF/OIF veterans, place. You can renew your and this project has proven Jim thompson that locations such as this are driver’s license, shop gov- an effective means of interacting with this group of younger veterans,” said Marc F. Levenson, ernment auctions, apply M.D., medical center director. The kiosk, conveniently positioned near a major department store for federal benefits, and entrance, was the suggestion of James F. Thompson, public affairs officer at the medical center. In much more, all from the total, more than 140 veterans offered their contact information for follow-up calls and e-mails, and comfort of your home. hundreds of veterans, families and friends stopped to ask about VA programs and benefits. March/April 2009 35 honors VAnguard

VA Project Receives My HealtheVet Awarded Carter Leadership in Top Health IT Honors Caregiving Award VA’s My HealtheVet received The REACH VA Project was top honors for outstanding presented with the Rosalynn health information technolo- Carter Institute’s Leadership gy, personal health record and in Caregiving Award at VA’s electronic medical record in- National Leadership Board novations and solutions at the meeting on Feb. 18 in Wash- 25th Annual TEPR (Towards ington, D.C. the Electronic Health Record) The pilot program, run Conference in Palm Springs, out of the VA medical center Calif., on Feb. 2. The award in Memphis, Tenn., with close was based on such criteria as coordination through Geriat- data, data integrity, security rics & Extended Care Services and consumer control by the and Care Management and robert turtil Medical Records Institute at Social Work Service in VA VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Michael Kussman presents the the TEPR Conference. Central Office, is designed award to Dr. Linda Nichols, third from right, and Dr. Jennifer Martin- “This award is further to raise the standard of care dale-Adams, second from right, principal investigators for the REACH evidence VA is a proven leader provided to caregivers and pa- VA Project, at the National Leadership Board meeting on Feb. 18. in using the latest technology tients with dementia through Looking on are (left to right): Heather Mahoney-Gleason, of Care to ensure America’s veterans Management and Social Work Service in VA Central Office; Thomas use of evidence-based interven- Edes, of Geriatrics & Extended Care Services in VACO; and Laura receive world-class health tions proven by rigorous scien- Bauer Granberry, of the Rosalynn Carter Institute. care,” said VA Secretary Eric tific research. K. Shinseki. “America’s vet- It represents the first na- veteran who is receiving the the Resources for Enhancing erans deserve the best this tional clinical application of a care. Alzheimer’s Caregivers Health country has to offer, and VA proven dementia intervention The award included a (REACH) II study funded by is achieving that high stan- that focuses on information, $10,000 check, which will the National Institute on Ag- dard with My HealtheVet.” safety, caregiver health and help fund the continuation ing and the National Institute Shinseki noted the number of behavior management for the of the project. It is based on of Nursing Research. registrants for My HealtheVet has now topped 700,000. Jackson VA Medical Center Director Receives Trailblazer Award from FEA Linda F. Watson, director of had a vision of a united orga- Feb 27. Minneapolis VA Scientist the G.V. “Sonny” Montgom- nization dedicated to quality Watson has a wide range Receives French Award ery VA Medical Center in service for veterans,” Watson of health care leadership Dr. Apostolos P. Georgopou- Jackson, Miss., was honored said. “I am truly honored to experience and has previ- los, head of the Brain Sciences with a Trailblazer Award from receive this recognition.” ously received the Presidential Center at the Minneapolis VA the Jackson Federal Executive Watson, the first African Meritorious Rank Award for Medical Center, was awarded Association. American appointed as direc- exceptional long-term accom- the prestigious 2009 Neuronal “Throughout my career, tor of a Mississippi VA medi- plishments and the Secretary Plasticity prize of La Fonda- I have had the great fortune of cal center, was recognized at of Veterans Affairs Award for tion Ipsen for his outstanding working with many employees the FEA African American the Advancement of Nursing contribution to findings in throughout VA who truly History Month Celebration on Programs. the “Brain-Machine interac- tion” domain. Georgopoulos Local NAACP Chapter Honors North Chicago VA Medical Center’s Diversity will share the prize with Alim The North Chicago VA workforce diversity. Minori- era. Also representing North Louis Benabid, of the Univer- Medical Center was honored ties make up 58 percent of the Chicago VAMC were: Dr. sity of Grenoble, and Miguel by the NAACP Lake County North Chicago VA Medi- Tariq Hassan, chief of staff; Nicolelis, of Duke University. branch in February during its cal Center’s workforce and Marianne Semrad, associate The prize will be of- annual Centennial Found- women represent 59 percent, director; Richard Holt, deputy ficially awarded at the Society ers Day Luncheon. Local numbers that far exceed those associate director of patient of Neurosciences meeting in NAACP President Kingston of the Chicago civilian labor services; Dr. Sarah Fouse and Bordeaux, France, May 27. G. Neal, along with Secretary workforce. Barbara Thomas, chairs of the Each year, La Fondation Ipsen Karen Carstens (also a North Dr. Preston Cannady, a EEO committee; Jacqueline bestows its award on science Chicago VAMC employee), North Chicago VAMC physi- Amos, chairperson of the pioneers in recognition of their presented an award to Direc- cian, served as a guest speaker Black History Month Com- high achievement in neurosci- tor Patrick Sullivan for his for the celebration, providing mittee; and Nancy Gember, ences, neuropsychology, lon- facility’s proactive approach to reflections on the civil rights EEO program manager. gevity and endocrinology.

36 March/April 2009 VAnguard honors

Houston VA Doctor Receives Distinguished Scientist Award VA North Texas Pharmacist Among Recipients Dr. Blase Carabello, act- of National Pharmacy Education Award ing director of the Michael For the second consecu- receive the Crystal APPLE E. DeBakey VA Medical tive year, VA North Texas Award in back-to-back years. Health Care System Phar- The AACP is the national Center in Houston, recently macist Cynthia Foslien- organization representing received the American Col- Nash was selected as a the interests of pharmacy lege of Cardiology’s Distin- recipient of the 2008 Crystal education and educators. guished Scientist Award— APPLE—Academic-Practice VA North Texas and the college’s highest research Partnerships for Learning Texas Tech University honor. Carabello was listed Excellence—Award by the Health Sciences Center have as one of the nation’s best American Association of partnered for the past six doctors in the field of car- Colleges of Pharmacy. years. Approximately 200 diovascular disease in 2008. Foslien-Nash and Texas pharmacy students and 11 Tech partners Dr. Angela post-doctoral pharmacy resi- Carabello He is a former chairperson of the program committee for the Council on Clinical Treadway and Dr. Craig dents receive training in the Cox were recognized for program each year. Cardiology and a member of the Committee on Scientific their contributions to the The Crystal APPLE Sessions of the American Heart Association. Carabello academic-practice partner- aims to recognize the con- also serves as the Moncrief Professor of Medicine and vice ship of VA North Texas tributions of individuals chairman in the Department of Medicine at Houston’s and Texas Tech University within pharmacy academia Baylor College of Medicine. Health Sciences Center in and practice who partner to Since 2001, Carabello has served as a member of the creating a quality advanced develop exemplary experien- Cardio/Renal Advisory Committee for the Food and Drug pharmacy practice experi- tial education learning and Administration in Washington, D.C. He is on the edito- ence in an exemplary patient patient care environments rial board and serves as an editorial consultant for numer- care teaching environment. for pharmacy student profes- ous medical journals, including the Journal of Heart Valve VA North Texas and sional education. Foslien- and the Texas Tech University Nash was presented the Disease Journal of Cardiac Failure. Health Sciences Center are APPLE Award in Washing- the only organizations to ton, D.C., on Feb. 23.

Outpatient Clinic Volunteer Receives Chaplain Wins Nelson Health Care Ethics Award National Award The 2008 William A. Nel- Chaplain Training Center Vietnam veteran Bob Axelson son Award for Excellence in in Hampton. VA chaplains shows up for work at around Health Care Ethics was pre- from all over the United 6:30 a.m. every day at VA’s sented to Chaplain Lowell States are now actively en- Bettendorf, Iowa, outpatient clinic, where he usually has to S. Kronick, associate direc- gaged in serving veterans wait for someone to unlock tor for education at the VA through their local health the door to let him in. He National Chaplain Center care ethics committees us- works about 30 hours a week, in Hampton, Va., in Febru- ing Kronick’s information. lending a hand to veterans ary by Under Secretary for As an expert in spiritual or helping staff members. Health Dr. Michael J. Kuss- and pastoral care, Kronick Whatever needs to be done, courtesy american legion man. brings a unique and valued he does it, and he isn’t paid a Axelson Kronick is responsible perspective to ethical issues dime. for continuing education of concern to the diverse re- Axelson’s volunteer efforts were recognized in March for approximately 1,000 VA ligious communities of VA by the National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Com- chaplains nationwide. In patients. As recipient of the mission, a branch of the American Legion. The organization presented him with a Citation for Meritorious Service as the consultation with the VA William A. Nelson Award, national outstanding volunteer hospital worker of the year National Center for Ethics Kronick received a plaque during its annual conference in Washington, D.C. Axelson in Health Care, he devel- and a cash award. The an- started serving fellow veterans at the clinic nine years ago af- oped a weeklong course in nual award is named for ter being seen there as a patient himself. health care ethics offered a retired VA chaplain and annually at the National educator.

March/April 2009 37 honors VAnguard

VA Boston Healthcare System Earns Secretary’s VA Employees Win Labor Relations Award Hubert H. Humphrey The VA Boston Healthcare Service Award System is the fiscal year Daniel Schoeps and 2007 recipient of the Sec- Patrick Brady, of Geri- retary of Veterans Affairs atrics & Extended Care Labor-Management Rela- Services in VA Central tions Award for its efforts Office, received the in dramatically improving Hubert H. Humphrey employee morale and labor Award for Service to relations. The award was America from the De- established in 2001 to rec- partment of Health and ognize outstanding and in- Michael l. moore Human Services. novative labor-management Former VA Secretary James B. Peake presents the Labor-Management Shoeps and Brady relationships throughout Relations Award to VA Boston Healthcare System nurses and union were recognized for representatives (from left) Frank Collins and Ellen Pitts, of NAGE, their work on the Vet- VA as assessed though such and Bethany McIvor, Lynn Candella and Linda Rubino, of AFGE. areas as cost savings, in- erans Directed Home creased productivity, improved service to veterans and their families, and improved work- & Community Based ing conditions for employees. Services Program. The Members of the VA Boston partnership include facility management and four union honor was shared with locals—AFGE Locals 221 and 2143 and NAGE Locals R1-25 and R1-187. VA’s Nation- the U.S. Administration al Partnership Council also recommended honorable mention recognition for the local on Aging staff and was partnerships at four other nominated Veterans Health Administration sites: Loma Linda, presented “for develop- Calif.; Northport, N.Y.; Walla Walla, Wash.; and Durham, N.C. These four facilities will ing innovative partner- receive certificates acknowledging their efforts. ships to improve the health and well-being of veterans of all ages Freedom Team Salute Commendation Goes to Jackson VARO Employee by expanding access to David Brower, chief information officer at the VA regional office in Jackson, Miss., received the home and community Freedom Team Salute Commendation from the Army during a special ceremony on Feb. 10. Honoring Brower’s outstanding service and sacrifices in defense of America’s liberty, Secretary of based care.” the Army Pete Geren, and Gen. George W. Casey Jr., Army chief of staff, signed the Freedom The Veterans Di- Team Salute Letter of Thanks and Certificate of Appreciation. rected Home & Com- In presenting the Freedom Team Salute Commendation, volunteer ambassador Daniel P. munity Based Services Hatcher, a retired Army major, cited Brower’s outstanding, selfless service during the Vietnam Program is a special War, supporting special operations out of Thailand. Hatcher noted that Brower proudly served component of the Ad- from 1970 to 1973, when military service was not a popular thing to do. The Freedom Team Sa- ministration on Aging lute Commendation celebrates veterans who have served and who remain as living connections to Nursing Home Diver- generations of duty, honor and patriotism. sion Modernization Program. It is designed Jackson VA Doctor Appointed to Key Academic Task Force to serve veterans of any Dr. Stephen Geraci, chief of medical service at the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery VA Med- age who are at risk of ical Center in Jackson, Miss., and professor and vice-chairman of internal medicine at the nursing home place- University of Mississippi School of Medicine, has been appointed to the Alliance for Aca- ment and their family demic Internal Medicine Task Force on Curriculum Redesign. “The health care world is caregivers, using a con- changing rapidly every day, and our graduate educational programs in internal medicine sumer-directed model must adapt, make the major changes, and do so expeditiously if we are to continue to of care. Under the produce the best physicians in the world through the American education system,” he program, the veteran said. has more input into de- Geraci joins a group of 15 of the top educators in internal medicine in the country cisions about their care, represented through the American College of Physicians, the Association of Professors of with the assistance of a Medicine, the Clerkship Directors in Internal Medicine, the American Board of Internal case manager and fiscal Medicine, and the Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine, the leading or- intermediary. ganizations in internal medicine graduate medical education in the United States. 38 March/April 2009 VAnguard heroes

Dallas Employees Stop Becky Baird, left, and Nurse ‘Detectives’ Help to Help an Accident Jana Harrison rushed to Find Missing Veteran Victim the aid of an injured mo- While browsing a local During her drive to work torist on an icy morning. newspaper, Sandra Farmer, on an icy January morning, nurse manager at the commu- Dallas VA Medical Center nity-based outpatient clinic in nursing education clerk Longview, Texas, thought she Jana Harrison encountered recognized a photo of a miss- a car’s bumper in her lane. ing elderly man in the paper Searching ahead, she wit- as a clinic patient. The man’s son had purchased a ticket for nessed a Dallas County his return to Dallas, 175 miles constable’s vehicle bounce away, but he hadn’t shown up. off the retaining wall. Farmer mentioned the Harrison pulled off the bruce morris article to registered nurse Gail road and rushed to the car, Clanton, and the two decided finding the driver unresponsive. All the vehicle doors were smashed or locked shut. Soon to check records; they found other passersby, including VA registered nurse Becky Baird, came upon the scene offering the man was indeed a patient help. A sheriff arrived and was able to pry open a door, allowing Harrison to crawl inside. at the clinic. They continued The victim struggled to communicate that his neck, back and legs were in severe pain. to investigate, learning that Harrison supported his neck while Baird monitored his pulse and alertness. Firefight- the man had been treated the ers soon arrived and the victim was removed from the car and hospitalized. He has since day before, across the country at the VA Boston Healthcare been released and has recovered. System. The patient had told Boston staff that he had trav- Clinic Nurse Aids Victim in Semi-Trailer Truck Collison With Compact Car eled for three days to visit Sandra Manton-Garza, a of the car bleeding profusely and to assure him that help his brother, but upon arrival, registered nurse at the VA out- from two gashes on his face was on the way. She stayed found his home had been torn patient clinic in Fort Worth, and one on his arm. with him until emergency ve- down. The patient was left Texas, was headed to the Manton-Garza worked hicles arrived. The gentleman with no place to go and came airport when she witnessed a quickly to stop the bleeding later announced that he was a to the VA Boston emergency semi-trailer truck hit a com- and try to keep the victim physician and complimented room, where he was evalu- pact car at a busy intersection. from going into shock. All the Manton-Garza on the quick ated, treated and placed as an Rushing to the scene of the while she spoke to the man aid she provided him after the inpatient at the West Roxbury accident, she found the driver to make sure he was coherent harrowing accident. campus. He was then seen by a social worker and placed in a Rescue on the Slopes homeless shelter for veterans. Rebeka Silva urges everyone to learn the While on a ski vacation, Re- Longview “detectives” Heimlich maneuver. beka Silva, chief of Dental Farmer and Clanton com- Service at the San Francisco municated all the information VA Medical Center, witnessed they had gathered to adminis- a young girl collapse onto trative officer Tim McNamara, the snow as family members who contacted VA police screamed her name. Silva ran officer Bryan Spear, who in up the hill and found the un- turn contacted Carthage, conscious girl not breathing. Texas, and Boston police. The She immediately dropped mystery of the missing veteran to her knees and directed the was solved. The next day’s family to pull the victim into a newspaper included a story sitting position. Two attempts stating that the man had been at the Heimlich maneuver located and that his family failed as bulky ski clothes of was bringing him home from rescuer and victim impeded Boston. The family stated that Ed caballero effective contact. One more the man’s memory had been powerful thrust from a better slipping recently and they position produced a cry from the girl’s family—“There it is!”—as a large wad of bubblegum flew were grateful to the staff at the out. The girl took a deep breath and started crying. Silva is thankful she knew the Heimlich ma- Longview VA clinic for locat- neuver and believes everyone, including kids over 12, should be trained in this lifesaving technique. ing him.

March/April 2009 39 Department of Veterans Affairs 20th Anniversary Festive balloons decorated the reception held following a wreath-laying ceremony on March 15 at Arlington National Cemetery to commemorate the anniversary. Two former VA Secretaries joined Secretary Shinseki at the ceremony.

James Lucas