VFW Post 4252 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION 3190 North Carl G. Rose Highway U. S. POSTAGE Volume 19 Issue 3 Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori May - June 2017 PAID Hernando, FL 34462 HERNANDO, FLORIDA PERMIT #1 The Grapevine www.veteransgrapevine.com An Award Winning Nonprofit Publication Dedicated to the Heroes of America – Our Veterans and Their Families

Dr. David J. Shulkin sworn in as VA Secretary Find the Devil – Root Cause Analysis

A closer look at the various causes that have influenced the care delivery and overall efficiency of the Veterans Health System can be summarized in the diagram below (Source: Inefficiencies in Veterans Health System: An Explorative Analysis, healthcarereformmagazine.com, 2014 article by Varun Bahl and J. P. Pattanaik).

Dr. Shulkin, it is time to fix the system!

The Grapevine

Managing Editor – John Stewart S. No Factors Impact Most of the causes which have a impacted Veterans Email: [email protected] 1 Man (Human Resources) High Health System do revolve around Methods and the Hu- 2 Machine (IT, Medical Equipments) Moderate man Resources. Inefficient methods and practices cou- Mailed to Veterans at Home 3 Money (Budget, Funding) Moderate pled with causes related to human resources have com- Read Online by Veterans around the World

4 Methods (Policy, Internal Process) High pletely derailed the Veterans Health System. However, Sponsored by Patriotic Private Citizens 5 Materials (Supplies) Low factors like age old IT systems (MACHINE), VA budget and Local Business Leaders 6 Facilities (Infrastructure) Moderate cut (MONEY) can not be ignored. VFW Post 4252 from our Surrounding Communities Hernando, Florida The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a government-run military veteran benefit system with Cabinet-level sta- tus. It is the United States government’s fourth largest department, after the United States Department of Defense, the Department of (352) 726-3339 Health and Human Services, and the Department of Education. With a total 2013 budget of about $78.4 billion, VA employs nearly www.veteranspage.com/vfw4252/vfwmain.htm 312,841 people at hundreds of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, clinics and benefits offices and is responsible for administering ...and his Hero programs for veterans, their families and survivors. They currently manage over 1700 healthcare facilities across the country.

Compensation 101: What exactly is VA active military service. compensation? GRAPEVINE PATRIOTS CLUB But VA compensation is also an acknowledgement. An acknowl- By: Jason Davis edgement implies acceptance from the federal government that Damon & Ann Shingleton Permanent Tibor Halasi-Kun 12/2019 what happened to you in service can or may affect you after ser- Ruth and Michael O’Feild Permanent Gloria Quereux 06/2017 (Jason Davis served five years in the 101st ABN, including two vice. And that’s a broad, vague statement. Thus, VA compensa- Doris Crist 12/2017 Jack & Sybil Williamson 05/2018 combat tours to Iraq. He's currently an M.A. candidate in Writ- tion makes up for the potential loss of civilian wages or civilian Lady Di and Tom 05/2018 Edward & Janet Dyer 01/2018 ing at Johns Hopkins University and serves as social media working time you’d miss as a result of, or for tending to George and Muriel Canning Permanent Kevin Ryan 01/2018 administrator for the Veterans Benefits Administration). (appointments, etc.), your injuries/medical conditions. It’s basi- Bucky Palmer 08/2017 Doris Crist 01/2019 cally the government saying, “Hey, thanks for your service. You James Bell 08/2017 Martin Dolley 05/2017 As a social media administrator for VA’s Benefits Administra- sacrificed your health for America, so we accept that your re- MOCA Pup Tent 76 08/2017 George Daniel 05/2019 tion, I read thousands of comments (yep, all of them) each week duced health may impact your ability to live as comfortably as Albert White and Joyce Tasko 05/2018 Margaret Monroe 05/2019 from thousands of people scattered across the country. It’s no you would had you not gotten hurt/sick.” Catherine Cahill 06/2018 Richard Dunbar 05/2017 surprise that the most-talked about VA benefit Walter & Lille Mabie 05/2018 Paul Pilney 06/2017 is VA compensation, but it is sometimes surprising that the Lastly, VA compensation is not income. I’m going to say that Charlotte Poland & The Roland J. Desrosiers 08/2018 words we use to talk about this benefit are different from the again: VA compensation is not income. It is not a replacement or Tues Night Dart League 08/2017 Alva Jean Barron 09/2018 words used by those in our social media community. Even more substitution for civilian employment, and it is not a military re- Tom Black 09/2017 Kathy Sharpe 09/2017 surprising is that many don’t fully understand the intent, pur- tirement. Except in uncommon situations, VA does not pay you John Attanasio Jr. 09/2017 Alva Jean Barron 09/2018 pose or process behind this benefit. to not find or hold civilian employment. Compensation makes up John & Annie Williamson 01/2020 for; it doesn’t replace. Tom Hampton 01/2019 That’s on us, I guess, that we need to reach more of you to bet- Lorraine Casucci-Childs 03/2018 YOUR NAME NEEDS TO BE ter explain what compensation is, how it works, and who can Those are the basics. That’s what it is. Richard Pilny 03/2018 The Grapevine is now being read around HERE! DONATE AND get it. In general terms, this blog intends to do just that. Or, the world in two newspapers. Read the HELP US! sister issue of your Grapevine at: more loosely: here’s the skinny, the straight talk, with no PR, no (“Permanent” indicates a one time spin, no BS. donation of over $500 has been made) www.veteransgrapevine.com

Ready? We need your help . Post funding for it is very low and we need donations to publish the Grapevine. A $15 donation covers only about 75% of the cost to send you the Grapevine for one year. Obviously, those who are not donating (over 350 members) costs us a So, what is compensation? considerable amount of money for printing and mailing. In fact, because of budget cuts, we have had to stop mailing outside the State of Florida and outside local zip code areas to members who have not donated. Of course, business ads are also needed. Please It’s money, obviously. But there’s more to it than that. People donate and ask your local business to support us with a donation for a business card advertisement. often say it’s their “monthly check,” their “service-connected payment,” “their disability payment,” or even simply their Marsha Grundei In memory of Michael Grundei Permanent “benefits.” These are actual words I often see, but even they Alva O’Donnell In memory of Neal D. O’Donnell 03/2017 don’t effectively describe what compensation is, nor do they Jesse A. Lewis In memory of his loving wife Noreen Permanent accurately portray which specific benefit—among dozens VBA Eva Marlene Simpson In memory of Robert L. Simpson 06/2017 administers—they’re referring to. The auxiliary plays Bingo once a month at Life Care . The resi- Frank J. Albrecht In memory of Florence M. Albrecht 04/2018 dents win cash prizes and they sure enjoy it. Judy Prive calls the Clara Maurer In memory of Paul Maurer Permanent There are several types of VA compensation, but I’ve learned game and Margaret Monroe helps the residents Cathy Springer In memory of Ben Wall 08/2017 that most people are most often referring to disability compen- Harry Rost In memory of Ada Rost 03/2018 sation. When referring to disability compensation, people most Joe Fodor In memory of Thelma Fodor 01/2019 often say “my claim,” “my money,” “my benefits,” or “my Bob Huscher In memory of Joan Huscher 07/2017 check.” Sometimes they even say “my pension,” which is, itself, Kathy Sharpe In memory of Therese Sanford 05/2017 an entirely different and unrelated VA benefit. Frank Buonomo In memory of Inge Buonomo 08/2018 Linda Vozzella In memory of Bob Vozzella 09/2017 Alright, I’ve dragged you along long enough, What IS VA com- Harry Rost In memory of Ada Rost 03/2018 pensation? Michael R Hicks In memory of Bud Hicks

First of all, it’s taxpayer money. Every year, VA makes a budg- Join the Patriots Club Here Are The Newest Patriots et request for the following year. In simple terms for just VBA, Who Joined or Extended their Membership we look at what we’re currently paying to administer VA bene- We cannot make this publication available without your help. We fits, including how much we’re paying in compensation to the are in our 19th year of publication. Add your name to the elite list millions of Veterans on the rolls, then we analyze how much of wonderful people who support The Grapevine and our veterans. more we’ll need based on many factors, mostly that there are Donations are tax deductible as described in section 501c(19) of the Bill Merryman 02/2019 more Veterans now accessing and receiving and applying to Internal Revenue Code. If your name has been removed from the Patriots Club due to expiration, please renew it. Send your donation Norm & Marge Grady 02/2018 more VA benefits. However, VA’s budget does not limit what Greta Crabtree In Memory of we can pay in benefits. to: Quartermaster VFW Post 4252 3190 N. Carl G. Rose Highway Hernando, FL 34462. Checks should be made out to VFW Post Dave Sidelinger 05/2020 Secondly, to safeguard taxpayer money, disability compensation 4252, designated in the remarks for The Grapevine. A donation will Karlyne Dallaire 08/2018 is a process. There are federal laws that govern how we, the appear in The Grapevine for a period of one year for a minimum VBA, can administer it. This is a protection to the taxpayer to $15 donation and you will be mailed a copy. Out-of-state residents prevent abuse and fraud. must donate, as we cannot afford mailing and printing. Active Post members in the local area receive a free copy. A $500 or more do- See your name here. Renew or join and support Next, maybe most importantly—and the part you care about nation will be in our publication as long as it is is in print and the expiration date will be indicated as “Permanent”. There are no re- your Post paper. most: VA disability compensation is a tax-free, monthly pay- ment to eligible Veterans for the injuries and medical conditions funds should The Grapevine cease printing. they incurred/acquired/caught/received or aggravated while in

priorities for the department, one of which was to redesign the Veterans groups warn against unlimited choice A Hero Remembered Presumptive Conditions for health care Veterans Choice Program into “Choice 2.0.”

US Marine Corps First Lieutenant Wesley Lee Fox received A "condition", in the language of the VA, is any disease, ill- By NIKKI WENTLING | The Choice program, which Congress created in 2014 and funded with $10 billion, is set to expire in August with about $1 billion the Medal of Honor for his actions on February 22, 1969 as a ness or injury that occurs during active duty military service. Published: March 1, 2017 twice wounded and the only officer remaining to lead his com- To be service connected and eligible for a disability unspent. Shulkin is looking for Congress to eliminate the expira- tion date and reauthorize the program before he works to redesign pany, he refused medical treatment for his own injuries to su- compensation rating, the condition must be caused or contrib- WASHINGTON — Speaking to House and Senate veterans’ pervise the preparation of his wounded men for evacuation. uted to by an event that occurred during service. If the condi- affairs committees, the American Legion and Veterans of For- it. tion existed prior to service, it must be shown to eign Wars on Wednesday warned against the Department of Then 1st Lt. Fox was have been aggravated (made worse) by military service. Veterans Affairs excessively outsourcing medical treatment to Duffy called on Congress to quickly work on a solution to the choice program, rather than “waiting until the 11th hour.” assigned to Company A, the private sector. 1st Battalion, 9th Ma- To achieve a disability compensation rating, the veteran must

Shulkin wants to do away with rules that stipulate veterans could rines, 3d Marine Division prove that he or she had appropriate military service, that an Charles Schmidt, national commander of the American Le- during the Vietnam War. event that caused the claimed condition occurred gion, spoke out against “all-out privatization or any dissolu- only go outside of the VA for health care if they had to wait more than 30 days for an appointment or live more than 40 miles driv- A veteran of combat in and that a medically diagnosed condition that is disabling tion of the VA system.” VFW National Commander Brian Korea and Vietnam, he exists today. Duffy echoed that message later, saying veterans want to “fix ing distance from a VA facility. Some veterans and lawmakers have criticized the 40-mile, 30-day rule for limiting veterans’ held every Marine Corps – not dismantle – the VA health care system.” enlisted rank except Ser- The regulations that govern presumptive conditions only choices, and Shulkin called the program “extremely complex and bureaucratic.” geant Major and every eliminate the requirement to prove that an event caused the Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Mich., asked whether American Le- officer rank except Gen- condition. For example, a Vietnam veteran does not have gion members would rather receive “quality health care or Shulkin has not released plans for which veterans would be al- eral. He is one of 75 liv- to prove that agent orange caused the diabetes he has today. It health care from VA.” The phrasing prompted discussion from ing Medal of Honor re- is presumed that he was exposed to agent orange and also the crowd of a few hundred veterans. lowed to receive private-sector health care, or in what instances, but has said he wants a system with less “red tape.” cipients. that agent orange is at the root of the diabetes. While agent orange and the Vietnam veteran are the best known of all “The truth is, the two aren’t mutually exclusive,” answered The DAV, VFW and American Legion have said they want some private options available to veterans, but not unlimited choice. During Operation Dewey presumptive conditions and ratings, atomic veterans, certain Louis Celli, an American Legion director. “The VA trains Canyon in Quang Tri Korean veterans and other veterans may also be eligible for some of the finest doctors in the country, and we want to make The organizations discussed other priorities with lawmakers, in- Province, 1st Lt. Fox’s presumptive ratings of certain conditions. sure it retains the highest quality physicians. We’ll continue to company came under be a partner with them.” cluding more gender-specific health care for women at VA facili- ties, expanded benefits for caregivers and a modernization of the intense fire from a large and well concealed enemy force. He The regulations are complex. Some veterans who have a Vi- maneuvered to a position from which he could assess the situa- etnam Service Medal aren't eligible for presumptive ratings The comments followed a presentation from VA Secretary process that veterans use to appeal claims for disability and pen- sion compensation. tion and confer with his platoon leaders. As they departed to because they didn't set their boots on the soil of the coun- David Shulkin on Sunday in which he proposed removing execute the plan he had devised, the enemy attacked. First Lt. try of Vietnam. Many Korean veterans don't realize that they rules from the Veterans Choice program that limit the number The three groups told lawmakers they have not met with Presi- Fox was wounded, as were all of the other members of the may be eligible for service connections due to exposure to the of veterans allowed to seek non-VA care. command group except the executive officer. herbicide agent orange. dent Donald Trump, though they have tried. The American Le- gion said it was anticipating a meeting. “The bottom line is, if you open up choice to anyone, and they First Lt. Fox continued to direct the activity of his company, If you believe that you may be eligible for any presumptive can go anywhere, it will eventually drain resources from the During his address Tuesday night, Trump promised to increase advancing through heavy enemy fire to personally neutralize condition and rating, the best wayto find out is to file a VA VA,” Disabled American Veterans Director Garry Augustine one enemy position and directing his company to destroy oth- disability claim. The process of adjudication is the only sure said Tuesday. “The VA will eventually whither on the vine.” VA funding. ers. He moved through the hazardous area coordinating aircraft way to know. support with the activities of his men. When his executive of- The American Legion, VFW and Disabled American Veterans “Our veterans have delivered for this nation, and now we must deliver for them,” Trump said. ficer was mortally wounded, 1st Lt. Fox reorganized the com- were invited to present their legislative priorities to lawmakers pany and directed the fire of his men as they hurled grenades You Pick $3.00 to $3.50 lb Mid April this week. against the enemy and drove them into retreat. Wounded again We Pick $4.75 lb Thru June Used with permission from Stars and Stripes. in this final assault, he refused medical attention, established a Republicans on congressional veterans’ affairs committees Visit their website at www.stripes.com defensive posture and supervised the preparation of casualties Misty Meadows Blueberry Farm have said in recent months that they don’t want to privatize (Editor’s Note: Following the U.S. Senate’s passage by unani- for medical evacuation. Route 581 North (Off Turner Camp Road) the department. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., reiterated that mous consent the U.S. House of Representatives passed on April Wednesday. 5th legislation that extends the Veterans Choice Program (VCP) His actions inspired his Marines to overcome the fierce enemy until the funding dedicated to the program is exhausted. The VCP resistance and destroy a large bunker complex. Bill & Rhonda Scheiterle “We don’t want to privatize the VA, and I want to underscore is a critical program that increases access to care for millions of 8801 East Grays Lane that,” Tillis said. “Anyone here who tells you we’re intent on Veterans. Without this legislation, the ability to use VCP funding He retired from the Marine Corps as a full colonel in Septem- Inverness, FL 34453 privatizing the VA is not right.” would have ended abruptly on August 7th of this year. I do hope, ber 1993. But he continued to wear the uniform for eight more

however, past problems with this program will be corrected. We years as deputy commandant of cadets for the Virginia Tech Tel: 352 726-7907 At the end of Wednesday’s hearing, Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., will see). Corps of Cadets in his home state. There, his used his experi- questioned whether that was true. ences to inspire a new generation of military officers, business www.mistymeadowsblueberryfarm.com and civic leaders. “Senator Tillis started out saying nobody wants to privatize Something to ponder on... stuff up here, but if you listen to some of the questions, it sounds like they want to privatize stuff up here,” Tester told VFW Post 4252 Member, Commander of Post 4252 A recent study has found that women who carry a little extra Honor Guard and USMC Vietnam Veteran the American Legion. “So, your input is critically, critically weight live longer than the men who mention it. VFW Post 4252 important.” 10% Discount with this ad or VFW membership card I have never understood why women love cats. Cats are inde- Call Us Shulkin also testified to the Senate Committee on Veterans’ pendent, they don't listen, they don't come in when you call, they 352 726-3339 Affairs last month that he would not let a privatization of the like to stay out all night, and when they're home they like to be VA occur “under my watch.” left alone and sleep. In other words, every quality that women What is pointless? hate in a man, they love in a cat. Email Us Speaking to the DAV on Sunday, Shulkin unveiled his 10 [email protected] To tell a bald guy a hair-raising story.

Veterans with PTSD in the Justice System services, as well as housing, transportation and other supportive ser- Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Mili- will I still get an annuity? vices. Veterans are also provided with mentors: other Veteran volun- tary’s New Blended Retirement System teers who provide further support for the program participants. Upon In recent years, programs have been developed to avoid A 7. Yes, for those who retire after at least 20 years of service, completion of the Buffalo program, many participants have had their unnecessary incarceration of Veterans who have deployed Q 1. How is the military retirement system going to change? the retirement remains predominantly a defined benefit in which charges reduced or dismissed. At the time of Judge Russell's report, to war and subsequently developed mental health prob- you will get monthly retired pay. Instead of being calculated at there was a 0% recidivism rate among Veterans who had completed lems. The programs aim to assist Veterans who become A 1. -- The military retirement system will change as outlined 2.5% times the average of your highest 36 months of basic pay the program. involved in the justice system to get treatment for mental in the current National Defense Authorization Act. Changes (or your last month of basic pay, if you are under the older, final health problems that may exist. These programs are espe- pay system), your monthly retired pay will be calculated with a Veterans Justice Outreach will not go into effect until January 2018 Service members who cially needed given the numbers of Veterans returning joined after 2006 but before January 1, 2018 will have the 2% multiplier. from Afghanistan and Iraq. choice of whether to stay with the existing system or opt into To provide direct services to justice-involved Veterans, whether or Q 8. What education will you be providing and when can Service not they live in a community that has a Veterans Treatment Court, the new “Blended Retirement System.” Those who joined be- Veterans Treatment Court fore 2006 will remain in the current system. members opt in? VA has developed the Veterans Justice Outreach initiative (VJO).

VA is committed to the principle that when mental illness plays a In 2008 the Center for Mental Health Service of the US Q 2. Why is this good thing for Service members? A 8. DoD recognizes that quality financial education is key to role in non-violent crimes committed by Veterans, both the Veteran Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administra- making an informed decision as to whether a Service member and the community are better served by treating the Veteran's mental tion (SAMHSA) convened a conference with the goal of A 2. -- Blended Retirement will benefit the entire force. Cur- should opt-into the blended or remain under the current system. illness rather than incarcerating him or her (5-6). Under VJO, each looking at ways to decrease the involvement of Veterans rently, approximately 81 percent of those members who join The first opportunity that a Service member will have to opt-into VA Medical Center has a designated justice outreach specialist. VJO with the justice system and to provide them with mental the military leave with no retirement benefit. Under the Blend- the new system is on January 1, 2018. In anticipation of the new specialists function as a link between VA, Veterans, and the local health treatment. The conference was attended by repre- ed Retirement System, about 85 percent of Service members system, DoD has begun work on three courses: a leader over- justice system. They serve both incarcerated Veterans and justice- sentatives from law enforcement, corrections, the courts, will receive a retirement benefit, even if they don’t qualify for view of the blended retirement system (fielded by June 2016); a involved Veterans who have not been incarcerated. community organizations, Federal agencies, and Veterans' full retirement. course focused on those Service members with less than 12 years health and advocacy organizations. Out of this forum of service as of December 31, 2017 who will be eligible to opt-in VJO staff work with the courts to help eligible justice-involved Vet- emerged recommendations for a Veterans Treatment Q 3. How does the Thrift Savings Plan figure into the new sys- (fielded by January 1, 2017); and a course for our new acces- erans get mental health assessment, treatment planning, and referrals Court (1). tem? sions who enter the force on January 1, 2018 and beyond – who to VA services. Specialists communicate with officers of the court are now under the new blended system (fielded by January 1, Veterans Treatment Courts are based on the Drug Court about Veterans' compliance with VA treatment programs, and they 2018). The courses targeted at those eligible to opt-in as well as may also assist in training law enforcement personnel on issues such A 3. -- Blended Retirement will enroll all Service members and Mental Health Court models introduced in the 1990s joining after January 2018 into the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), the new recruits will include calculators so that Service members as PTSD or traumatic brain injury. For information and a list of VJO (2). As in these models, the goal is to divert those with with automatic and matching Department of Defense (DoD) can make comparisons as well as understanding the impact and contacts, see Justice Outreach. mental health issues from the traditional justice system contributions. After completion of two years of service, the need to make contributions to the TSP under the new system. and to give them treatment and tools for rehabilitation and Service member is vested and that money belongs to them. If The courses will also take into account unique aspects for both readjustment. While each Veterans Treatment Court is Conclusion the active and reserve components. We intend to beta test each of you leave, it goes with you. part of a community's justice system, treatment courts these courses at least three months before delivery. often form partnerships with VA and with Veterans' or- Efforts such as Veterans Treatment Courts and the VA's Veterans Justice Outreach initiative may prove helpful to Veterans who be- Q 4. I’m in the new blended retirement system, how long will ganizations. Since the first Veterans Treatment Court was the DoD match my contributions? Q 9. What should Service members deciding whether to change established in 2008, the number of courts has been grow- come involved in the justice system. The goal of these programs is to into the new system be most aware of? divert eligible Veterans from the traditional legal system and to ing fast. By August, 2010, there were 41 Veterans Treat- A 4. Based on the National Defense Authorization Act passed ment Courts in the United States (2). make sure they get needed treatment and support. This is important A 9. Because many of our Service members don’t make it to a 20 for all Veterans, including those returning from Iraq and Afghani- on November 25, 2015, the DoD will contribute 1% of a Ser- vice member’s basic pay to their TSP after 60 days of entering year retirement, this is a new benefit worthy of careful consider- How does a Veterans Treatment Court work? stan, who may be in need of treatment for PTSD or other mental ation. Early retirement savings and the power of compounding health problems. service and will begin to match the Service member’s contribu- tions (up to an additional 4% when a Service member contrib- interest are important life-long concepts that you will want to One example of how a Veterans Treatment Court works is utes at least 5%) at the start of the third year of service. Both pay attention to and learn more about. Stay tuned to the conver- Late one night a mugger wearing a mask stopped a well-dressed the court in Tulsa, OK (3). When a Veteran is arrested, the DoD automatic 1% and the matching contributions continue sation – you should be as informed as possible to include having man and stuck a gun in his ribs. "Give me your money," he de- police officers ask whether the detainee is a Veteran. If through the end of the Service member’s 26th year of service. all of your questions answered, before you make your decision. manded. Scandalized, the man replied, "You can’t do this – I’m a so, the Veteran's eligibility for Veterans Treatment Court DoD is committed to getting this right for you. US Congressman!" and for VA benefits is determined. Only Veterans charged Q 5. What is the second part of the system, continuation pay? with non-violent crimes who are in need of mental health Q 10. Do you think that a lot of Service members will leave the "Oh! In that case," smiled the robber, "Give me MY money!" or substance abuse treatment are eligible for treatment A 5.—The Blended Retirement System also offers a new military with the new system, since they’ll have money in their court. “continuation pay” – after 12 years of service, members will pocket and no incentive to stay? receive a cash payment if they opt to stay in for 4 more years. A Veteran's participation in treatment court is voluntary. The payment will be two and half months of basic pay for the A 10. We have done analysis on all of the Services and conclude Veterans who choose to participate are assessed by a men- active component member and half a month’s basic pay for the the current force profiles will not change when we reduce the tal health professional, and their treatment needs are de- reserve component member. retirement multiplier from 2.5% to 2.0% and offer government termined. Most Veterans receive treatment through the matching into the TSP. We will however, need a continuation Veterans Health Administration (VHA) network. While Q 6. What about the third part, the annuity? pay. This pay is similar to a retention bonus and targeted at the Veterans Treatment Court allows the Veteran to remain in mid-career to ensure the necessary retention that maintains those the community, a judge regularly checks on progress A 6. -- The third part of the Blended Retirement System is a force profiles. After two years of service, Service members can while the Veteran is in treatment. If the Veteran fails to defined benefit or a monthly annuity, which is similar to the 20- keep the DoD contributions to their TSP account. Service mem- meet the requirements of the program - for example, fails year retirement system now in place. Members who retire will bers will have the option to leave those contributions in the TSP drug screens or disobeys court orders - the Court will im- still get their monthly annuity pay, but at a reduced amount. or to roll them into another company and/or government 401K pose sanctions which may include community service, The annuity’s formula is 2 percent times years served times the retirement plan. The current TSP rules apply for early withdraw- fines, jail time, or re-arrest back through the legal system. “high three” or the average of the highest 36 months (three al before age 59 ½, in which the Service member would pay a years) of basic pay received. The Blended Retirement System penalty and incur the associated tax liability for taking the funds In 2008 the first Veterans Treatment Court was started in annuity is close to the current retirement formula, which uses 2 out early. Buffalo, NY. According to a report by its founder, Judge VFW Post 4252 was the last stop on Big Tony's Pub 44 Dice Run and a half percent as the multiplier. Robert Russell (4), the Buffalo program provides medical on Sunday February 26th. All proceeds were to benefit Veterans (continued on next page) and mental health treatment, training and job placement through the Dogs For Heroes program. Q 7. If I’m in the new blended system and retire after 20 years,

(continued from previous page) tions, likely coming from separate places in the brain. VA Accountability Watch received a performance bonus of $7,604 in 2012.

Q 11. How does this benefit the Defense Department? The researchers emphasize that these effects don’t pinpoint The Department of Veterans Affairs provides a wealth of ser- Dallas, Texas a region in the brain where the disorders differ. Rather, they A 11. This system allows the member to benefit from the power show a pattern that distinguishes the disorders when the vices for some 22 million American veterans, but a rash of pre- ventable veteran deaths, infectious disease outbreaks and bene- Dallas VA Medical Center Director Jeff Milligan and regional of compounding interest through the government contributions EEG results are averaged among a large group. director Lawrence Biro have received a combined $50,000 in to the TSP. Many more of our Service members will be started fit and construction delays has put the organization under in- tense scrutiny. bonuses since 2011 despite a series of allegations from VA earlier than before in their long-term retirement savings. From a “When you’re looking at an EEG, you can’t easily tell workers, patients and family members regarding poor care at the readiness point of view, the Department will have a 401k like where in the brain signals associated with TBI and PTSD Despite the fact that multiple VA Inspector General reports facility as well as more than 30 certification agency complaints component to our retirement system when people join our ranks are coming from,” said Laura Manning Franke, Ph.D., the against the medical center in the last three years. in critical cyber and medical specialties. study’s lead researcher and research psychologist at have linked many VA patient care problems to widespread mis- management within VA facilities and GAO findings that VA the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in Rich- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania mond, Virginia. “You get kind of a coarse measure – left, bonus pay has no clear link to performance, the department has consistently defended its celebration of executives who presid- right, anterior, posterior. We had a different distribution, The director of VA’s Philadelphia regional office, Thomas which suggests that different parts of the brain are involved. ed over these events, while giving them glowing performance reviews and cash bonuses of up to $63,000. VA Accountabil- Lastowka, received a $23,000 bonus in 2011 despite a doubling In order to determine what patterns are tracking their TBI in the backlog of disability compensation claims at the office and PTSD, you need an average to do that,” Franke added. ity Watch is dedicated to showing America’s veterans and American taxpayers how the department’s widespread and sys- between 2010 and 2011.

The study linked mTBI with increases in low-frequency temic lack of accountability may actually be encouraging more veteran suffering instead of preventing it. Does VA have the Phoenix, Arizona waves, especially in the prefrontal and right temporal re- gions of the brain, and PTSD with decreases in low- proper management and accountability structures in place to stop preventable veteran deaths, serious patient-safety issues Phoenix VA Regional Office Director Sandra Flint has received frequency waves, notably in the right temporoparietal re- more than $53,000 in bonuses since 2007 despite a doubling in gion. and benefit and construction delays? Consider the following recent examples and let us know what you think on Facebook. the office’s backlog of disability compensation claims since 2009. The differences in the levels of the waves may explain some Washington, DC of the symptoms of the two disorders, suggesting a decline Columbia, South Carolina in responsiveness for someone with mTBI, for example, and Diana Rubens, the VA executive in charge of the nearly 60 Q 12. What reaction have you received from current Service more anxiety for someone with PTSD. Columbia VA Regional Office Director Carl Hawkins received members on the new plan? offices that process disability benefits compensation claims, collected almost $60,000 in bonuses while presiding over a almost $80,000 in bonuses despite a doubling in the office’s Franke also noted that more low-frequency power has also backlog of disability compensation claims and inappropriate A 12. Many Service members want to hear more details about been linked to cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s dis- near seven-fold increase in backlogged claims. shredding of disability claims documents. how the new retirement system will work and how it impacts ease and less low-frequency power to problems such as drug them and their families. That’s why increased financial educa- addiction. Additionally, spotting distinct patterns of mTBI Washington, DC Waco, Texas tion and training will be essential to help Service members make and PTSD in separate parts of the brain is key for two rea- wise financial decisions and we in the Department are commit- sons: the possibility these conditions can be confused with VA construction chief Glenn Haggstrom collected almost $55,000 in performance bonuses despite presiding over a host Carl Lowe, the former director of the VA regional office in Wa- ted to getting this right. We expect that the new courses that will each other is reduced. That can help improve diagnosis and co, Texas, raked in more than $53,000 in bonuses as the office’s include calculators for comparison to be available to our mem- treatment and the patterns show that electrical activity ap- of major construction projects plagued by years-long delays and combined cost overruns of $1.5 billion. The Government average disability claims processing time grew to historic levels, bers by January 2017 and that training will occur throughout pears to be affected long after combat-related mTBI, sug- forcing veterans to wait longer than anywhere else in the coun- that year. gesting long-term changes in neural communication, the Accountability Office documented the delays and cost overruns for projects in Las Vegas, Denver, New Orleans and Orlando, try. signaling between cells in the nervous system. “That could help, in part, explain the reason for persistent problems.” Fla., in an April 2013 report. When questioned at a House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing in May, Haggstrom Buffalo, New York VA study finds EEG can help differentiate be- The study included 147 active-duty service members or could not explain what he did to earn the bonuses. tween PTSD and mild traumatic brain injury David West, a VA health official in New York, pocketed nearly Veterans who had been exposed to blasts in Iraq and Af- $26,000 in bonuses while overseeing chronic misuse of insulin ghanistan. Of those, 115 had mTBI, which accounts for St. Louis, Missouri A recent VA study points to a possible breakthrough in differ- pens that potentially exposed hundreds of veterans to blood- entiating between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and nearly 80 percent of all traumatic brain injuries. Forty of the borne illnesses. participants had PTSD, and 35 had both conditions. More than 1,800 veteran patients of the St. Louis VA Medical mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), otherwise known as a con- Center may have been exposed to HIV and Hepatitis as a result cussion. Dayton, Ohio Despite the new findings, Franke and her team believe more of unsanitary dental equipment. The facility has remained un- der fire for patient deaths, persistent patient-safety issues and The two disorders often carry similar symptoms, such as irrita- work is needed to better explain the differences in the pat- For nearly 18 years, the dental clinic at the Dayton VA Medical terns of both conditions in the brain’s electrical activity. critical reports. Despite the problems at the medical center, the bility, restlessness, hypersensitivity to stimulation, memory facility’s director from 2009 - 2013, RimaAnn Nelson, received Center allowed unsanitary practices, potentially exposing hun- loss, fatigue and dizziness. Scientists have tried to distinguish Researchers need to analyze the differences in scans from dreds of patients to hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Dayton VA Med- larger numbers of patients. nearly $25,000 in bonuses during her tenure there. between mTBI and PTSD in hopes of improving treatment op- ical Center Director Guy Richardson then collected an $11,874 tions for Veterans, but many symptom-based studies have been bonus despite an investigation into the exposures. After nine of Meanwhile, though, she said she hopes the research will Fayetteville, North Carolina inconclusive because the chronic effects of the two conditions the exposed patients tested positive Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, are so similar. If someone is rating high on an mTBI scale, for play a role in helping medical professionals better diagnose Richardson was promoted. someone’s condition through an individual EEG—whether A December 2012 audit of the Fayetteville VA Medical Center example, that person may also rate high for PTSD symptoms. found facility employees did not complete required suicide that person has PTSD, a brain injury, or a combination of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania the two. prevention follow-ups 90 percent of the time for patients at a The researchers used electroencephalogram, or EEG, a test that high risk of suicide. The audit also found the center measures electrical activity in the brain. The size and direction After persistent management failures led to a deadly Legion- “That’s the holy grail,” said Franke. “We want to use the “noncompliant” in cleanliness of patient care areas, environ- of the brain waves can signal abnormalities. mental safety, dental clinic safety, training and testing proce- naires’ disease outbreak in the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare Sys- EEG to differentiate the problems, but also to predict recov- tem, VA Pittsburgh director Terry Gerigk Wolf received a per- ery and be able to measure how people are doing in a more dures. In July 2012, during an investigation that substantiated Analyzing a large set of EEGs given to military personnel from patient misdiagnosis complaints, VA’s inspector general found fect performance review and regional director Michael Mo- the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the researchers saw patterns biological way than just measuring symptoms, although reland, who oversees VA Pittsburgh, collected a $63,000 bonus. those are still relevant. But symptoms are also problematic the responsible physician failed to properly review medication of activity at different locations on the scalp for mTBI and information 56 percent of the time, a step that is “critical to PTSD. They saw brain waves moving slowly in opposite direc- because they’re influenced by so many things that aren’t the (Source: House Committee on Veterans Affairs) disease that we’re interested in.” appropriate evaluation, treatment planning, and safety.” Fayetteville VA Medical Center Director Elizabeth B. Goolsby

VA Publishes Final Regulation to Aid Veterans Roe, Wenstrup & Conaway Introduce Bill To Marine vet volunteers as medic in Mosul cam- The nightmare is far from over. The volunteer medics are plan- Exposed to Agent Orange in Korea Protect Veterans’ 2nd Amendment Rights. Pass- paign ning for more work when Iraqi forces cross the Tigris River to es House, Now Awaits Senate Approval liberate the western part of Mosul. Will Provide Easier Path to Health Care and Benefits By SETH ROBSON House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Phil Roe, Maj. Ahmed Hussein, an Iraqi special forces officer who over- Veterans exposed to herbicides while serving along the demilita- M.D. (R-TN), along with Reps. Brad Wenstrup, DPM (R-OH) MOSUL, Iraq — A “marathon mass casualty” is how Ameri- sees the aid station where the volunteers work, said as many as rized zone (DMZ) in Korea will have an easier path to access and Mike Conaway (R-TX), introduced the Veterans 2nd can volunteer Pete Reed sums up his work providing medical 100 civilians have been treated there daily during the offensive. quality health care and benefits under a Department of Veterans Amendment Protection Act. This bill would prohibit VA from care to Iraqi soldiers and civilians in this city. “We receive a lot of women and children with injuries because Affairs (VA) final regulation that will expand the dates when considering any beneficiary who is assisted by a fiduciary as they’re targeted when they try to escape. They shoot them in the illnesses caused by herbicide exposure can be presumed to be “mentally defective” without a magistrate or judicial authority Reed, 27 of Bordentown, N.J., did two Afghan tours as a non- back as they run, especially the women,” Hussein said. related to Agent Orange. ruling that the beneficiary is a danger to themselves or others. commissioned officer in the Marine Corps from 2007 to 2011 before a four-year stint as an emergency medical technician. Islamic State’s latest tactic is to drop grenades from drones on “VA’s primary mission is to be an advocate for Veterans,” said “The freedoms granted by the Constitution should apply to all He’s been in Iraq since 2015. fleeing civilians, he said. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki “With this new Americans—especially the men and women who have been regulation VA has cleared a path for more Veterans who served willing to risk their lives to protect those freedoms,” said Roe. On Saturday Reed smoked a cigarette amid mortar blast cra- Hussein praised the work of the foreign volunteers and U.S. in the demilitarized zone in Korea to receive access to our quali- “This commonsense bill would ensure no veteran or beneficiary ters behind a field clinic in Mosul’s battle-scarred Al Karama Special Forces trainers teaching first aid to Iraqi troops. ty health care and disability benefits for exposure to Agent Or- is declared ‘mentally defective’ simply because they utilize a neighborhood. His clothes were flecked with the blood of a ange.” fiduciary.” child he had tried, in vain, to save. The Iraqi medics will treat anyone, even injured enemy fighters, but they don’t trust the locals, he said. Under the final regulation published today in the Federal Regis- “For the men and women who have worn the uniform of this The burly former ski instructor estimates he and his small ter, VA will presume herbicide exposure for any Veteran who country to be denied the very constitutional freedoms that they team of foreign volunteers have treated 1,500 wounded since “I’m coming here to help these people, but when I was here in served between April 1, 1968, and Aug. 31, 1971, in a unit deter- fought for is unconscionable,” said Wenstrup. the battle to free Mosul began in October. 2014, I couldn’t leave my base in uniform because there were mined by VA and the Department of Defense (DoD) to have many people working with al-Qaida. Now I don’t trust anyone,” operated in an area in or near the Korean DMZ in which herbi- “Veterans shouldn’t be forced to choose between utilizing the Each day the volunteers treat 50 to 60 patients. The patients’ he said. cides were applied. resources they’ve earned at the VA and exercising their Second injuries range from bullet and shrapnel wounds to amputations Used with permission from Stars and Stripes. Amendment rights. As a veteran myself, I am honored to work and “the worst things imaginable,” Reed said. Visit their website at www.stripes.com Previously, VA recognized that Agent Orange exposure could with my colleagues, Chairman Roe and Congressman Cona- only be conceded to Veterans who served in certain units along way, to ensure no veteran is denied their constitutional rights “I’ve dealt with a lot of messed-up kids and put a lot of people Smarty Pants the Korean DMZ between April 1968 and July 1969. due to bureaucratic overreach.” in body bags — young, old, women, Sunni, Shia,” he said. Marine Corps training prepared him to fight, deal with a few A new college graduate gets his first job in a hardware store. In practical terms, eligible Veterans who have specific illnesses "All too often, government bureaucracies fail the heroic men injured people and treat his buddies and himself, he said. When he asks his boss what task he is assigned to, the man tells VA presumes to be associated with herbicide exposure do not and women who have fought for our freedom," said Cona- “I don’t think there is any training in the world that can train him to begin by sweeping the aisles. have to prove an association between their illness and their mili- way. "In this case, the same department that was created to help you to treat three-month’s worth of mass casualties. It’s a mar- tary service. This “presumption” simplifies and speeds up the our veterans is taking away one of their most important consti- athon mass casualty. It is just this endless cycle of pain and "But I'm a college graduate," replies the young man. application process for benefits and ensures that Veterans receive tutional rights: the right to bear arms. I'm glad to have Chair- violence and death,” he said. the benefits they deserve. man Roe and Congressman Wenstrup on board with this im- "Oh," says the boss, "In that case, let me show you how it's portant legislation to ensure that no veteran is wrongly denied Reed came to Iraq with the goal of fighting the Islamic State done! VA encourages Veterans with covered service in Korea who their rights under the very Constitution they served to protect." but ended up training Kurdish peshmerga fighters and working have medical conditions that may be related to Agent Orange to as a medic with Iraqi special operations forces. submit their applications for access to VA health care and com- Background: Under current practice, if a veteran or beneficiary HERNANDO FRESH MARKET pensation as soon as possible so the agency can begin processing is appointed a fiduciary from the Department of Veterans Af- “My family thought I was nuts at first. They didn’t understand. their claims. fairs (VA), they are labeled as mentally incompetent in VA’s They have always been positive, but they just weren’t sure We Welcome Albert’s Certified Organics system, and the department automatically sends the veteran’s what I was doing over here,” he said. Individuals can go to website http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/AO/ name to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Crimi- Kale claimherbicide.htm to get a more complete understanding of how nal Background Check System (NICS). Inclusion on the NICS Half of the patients Reed treats are soldiers and half are civil- Broccoli Romaine to file a claim for presumptive conditions related to herbicide list may prohibit the beneficiary from legally purchasing or ians. The things he’s seen have left a mark. Spinach Strawberries exposure, as well as what evidence is needed by VA to make a owning a firearm. A beneficiary may apply for relief from the Cauliflower decision about disability compensation or survivors benefits. firearms prohibitions included in current policy, but that leaves His most recent memory is of four boys, ages 10 to 13, who Support Our Organic Farm & Path

a VA bureaucrat – not a magistrate or other judicial authority – were playing soccer last week when one kicked an improvised Organization. You Can See Them Pick- Additional information about Agent Orange and VA’s services with the power to determine whether or not relief is warranted. explosive device. The boy with the most serious injuries had ing The Organic Field Across The Street. for Veterans exposed to the chemical is available at an amputated leg and burns all over his body. www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange. Your Every Day “There were fist-sized holes in his abdomen and huge frag- The regulation is available on the Office of the Federal Register mentation in his thorax and entry wounds from shrapnel be- www.HERNANDOFRESHMARKET.com website at http://www.ofr.gov/. hind his ear. There was less bleeding than you would imagine because the heat cauterized the wounds,” he said. 1996 N. Florida Ave. Call The VA The medics stabilized the boy as best they could, and he made Hernando, FL it to another aid station before dying. His friend, whose intes- Benefits: 1-800-827-1000 tines hung out of a hole in his stomach after the blast, sur- vived, he said. Health Care: 1-877-222-VETS (8387) Organic Fresh “The only way you could see this in an emergency room in the Veggies VA Inspector General: 1-800-488-8244 States would be if a propane tank factory exploded,” Reed and More said. “I’m resilient, but there is no way anyone could make it Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 Press 1 through this without some emotional impact.”

Advertisement Message from VA Secretary Dr. David Shulkin ous chief executive roles at Morristown Medical Center, and the Atlantic Health System Accountable Care Organization. He also Veterans: Understand Your Medicare!!! I am grateful to President Trump and to members of Congress served as President and CEO of Beth Israel Medical Center in for entrusting me with the privilege of serving Veterans and New York City. I have been working with Veteran’s with Medicare for almost 10 years. There is a lot of confusion among veterans the dedicated employees of the Department of Veterans Af- who are faced with choices in healthcare. I felt it necessary to write this article to help veterans and their families un- fairs as your secretary. It is my highest professional honor. Dr. Shulkin has held numerous physician leadership roles includ- ing Chief Medical Officer of the University of Pennsylvania derstand their Medicare. This is true for those already enrolled in Medicare or those who will become eligible to enroll Together, we’ll ensure our nation’s obligation to provide care Health System, Temple University Hospital, and the Medical Col- in the future. Because each veteran’s situation is unique, you need to understand your options. and benefits to those “who shall have borne the battle” and lege of Pennsylvania Hospital. He has also held academic posi- fulfill our institutional I CARE Values: integrity, commit- tions including Chairman of Medicine and Vice Dean at Drexel Important points: ment, advocacy, respect and excellence. University School of Medicine. As an entrepreneur, Dr. Shulkin founded and served as Chairman and CEO of DoctorQuality, one * The VA is separate from Medicare. Veteran’s may be enrolled in both programs. *(source: Dept. of Veteran affairs) That obligation and those values are sacred to me, first, as an of the first consumer-oriented sources of information on quality * The Medicare program is divided by types of care and service: inpatient (Medicare Part A), outpatient (Medicare American – a beneficiary of the service and sacrifices of Vet- and safety in healthcare. Part B) and prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D); You can select which parts you would like to participate. * erans and their families who defend our uniquely American (source: Dept. Of Veteran Affairs) A board-certified internist, Dr. Shulkin is also a fellow of the freedoms and opportunities. They’re also sacred to me be- cause my father served the nation as an Army psychiatrist, American College of Physicians. He received his medical degree and both my grandfathers were Army Veterans. My paternal from the Medical College of Pennsylvania, and he completed his * The VA does not recommend that veterans cancel or decline coverage in Medicare (or other health care or insur- grandfather served internship at Yale University School of Medicine and a residency ance programs) solely because they enrolled with VA. Having a secondary source of coverage is always in the vet- as chief pharmacist and fellowship in General Medicine at the University of Pitts- eran’s best interest. Many veterans enjoy the flexibility afforded to them by being enrolled in the VA and Medicare. at the VA hospital burgh Presbyterian Medical Center. He also received advanced For example, veterans enrolled in both programs would have access to non-VA physicians or may obtain prescription in Madison, Wis- training in outcomes research and economics as a Robert Wood drugs that are not on the VA formulary. * (source: Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs) consin, and as a Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholar at the University of Penn- young doctor, I sylvania. * If you decline Part B coverage and decide you would like to pick it up in the future, there may be 10% penalty ac- trained in VA hos- cessed to your premium for every year that you missed. That penalty will stay with you for as long as you have Part B. pitals. So, serving Dr. Shulkin has been named as one of the “50 Most Influential In most circumstances, you can only re apply for Part B between January 1st and March 31st of each year. Your Part the nation and serv- Physician Executives in the Country” by Modern Healthcare. He B will begin July 1st of that year. ing Veterans is a has also previously been named among the “One Hundred Most family tradition. Influential People in American Healthcare.” He has been mar- It was a privilege to ried to his wife, Dr. Merle Bari, for 29 years. They are the par- If you have Tri Care or group retiree insurance benefits, you are probably all set. These types of coverage will serve as VA’s Un- ents of two grown children.). provide you excellent flexibility and affordable access to care outside the VA. der Secretary for Health over the past If you are not eligible for any employer type retirement health insurance benefits, below are some of your coverage year and a half. options under Medicare: Now, I look for- 19th Hole ward to continuing 1)Purchase a Medicare supplement policy: With this type of coverage, you will have no network restrictions. You our collective ef- Liquor can see any provider, as long as they accept Medicare. Referrals are not required. The premium on these type plans is forts across the de- determined on your age and zip code. partment and our Great Pricing country to deliver the care and services our Veterans need and deserve. Among 2)HMO Medicare Advantage Plan. These plans will have $0 premium, in most cases. These plans will provide you many critical efforts already underway, we will continue affordable access to care, outside the VA, Part D drug coverage and will provide you with many extra benefits that building on significant progress increasing access for Veter- Open 9am you will not receive with original Medicare. In certain counties, there are plans that may reimburse a portion of your to 3640 E. McDonald Ln. ans, preventing suicide, addressing unique needs of women Part B premium each month, as well. With this type of coverage, referrals are required to see Specialists and you will 8pm daily Veterans, supporting Veterans’ families and caregivers, con- only be covered “in network” (unless it’s an emergency/urgent care situation). tinuing to drive down the disability backlog and Veteran 352 726-2534 Hernando homelessness, and pursuing necessary legislation to reform 3)PPO Medicare Advantage Plan. These plans will have little or no premium and will include Part D prescription the outdated appeals process and for other critical legislative drug coverage. This type of coverage will also provide you with extra benefits that you do not receive under original priorities. The winner of the St Patrick's Medicare. Unlike an HMO, with a PPO, referrals are not required to see Specialists. Not only are you covered Day raffle basket at VFW “innetwork” but “out of network”, as well (out of network will cost more). With the support of the president, Congress, Veterans, their Post 4252was Debbie O. service organizations, and the American people, we – the Ticket number was 364323. dedicated employees of VA – will continue to fulfill Presi- Approximately, 1 in 4 people who are enrolled in Medicare have opted for a Medicare Advantage Plan coverage. The dent Lincoln’s promise. Thanks to everyone who par- majority of these folks are not eligible for VA coverage. ticipated. There is no nobler mission. There is no higher calling for any If you need help understanding your Medicare and your Medicare coverage options, please call or email me. My of- American. I am humbled and proud to serve with you. fice is devoted to helping Veterans and their spouses with objective and helpful information that will allow you to “I am a master of fast calculations.” make an informed decision on your Medicare coverage choices. Having back up options outside the VA and under- (Dr. David J. Shulkin is the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “OK, what is 758 time 642 divided by 5?” standing your coverage is extremely important. I look forward to hearing from you and helping you. Prior to his confirmation on Feb. 13, 2017, Dr. Shulkin served as VA’s Under Secretary for Health for 18 months, leading the nation’s largest integrated health care system, “22!” with over 1,700 sites of care serving nearly nine million Vet- Dave Silver erans “Ha, that’s wrong!” (813)417-2716 [email protected] Before he began his service with VA, Dr. Shulkin held numer- “Might be, but it was fast!”

VA: Nurse practitioners nationwide no longer APNs to treat and diagnose patients alone but require oversight Beer VFW Post 4252 and Det 1139 Marine need physician supervision for prescribing medications. "Well, ya see, Norm, it's like this.. A herd of buffalo can only Corps League Combined Honor Guard

By NIKKI WENTLING “For example, the same nurse practitioner is required to have move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is The Men and Women Who Volunteer more physician oversight in Kansas City, Mo., than across the hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are To Remember and Honor Our Heroes WASHINGTON — To address staffing shortages across the state line in Kansas City, Kan.,” the American Nurses Associa- killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a country, the Department of Veterans Affairs will allow thou- tion wrote in a statement. whole, because the general speed and health of the whole Commander Bill Scheiterle sands of advanced practice nurses nationwide to treat patients group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest Chaplain Marlene Simpson without physician supervision. Under the VA’s new rule, advanced practice nurses will be ex- members! ; In much the same way, the human brain can only empted from state laws that restrict their practice. operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of Riflemen

Starting Jan. 13, certified nurse practitioners, clinical nurse spe- alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks cialists and certified nurse-midwives at VA hospitals will be Members of groups such as the American Association of Nurse the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular Steve Gardner Victoria Bennett authorized to “practice to the full extent of their education … Practitioners and the ANA reacted happily to the rule’s an- consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making Steven Duval George Kuykendall without the clinical supervision or mandatory collaboration of nouncement, saying it’s something they’ve lobbied for over the brain a faster and more efficient machine! That's why you Marc Dunne Vern Massingill physicians,” the rule states. several years. always feel smarter after a few beers. Bill Matos Frank Albrecht Ted Knight Don Mason David Shulkin, the VA Undersecretary for Health, said the “This is a win for veterans, as well as the VA nurses who treat Robert Bendle Carl Donaldson When Are The VFW Post 4252 Meetings? Tom Heron Denny Montgomery change would free up physicians, alleviating challenges the VA them,” the ANA wrote. has with getting veterans quick access to medical treatment. But Membership Meeting Jerry Cecil Linda Albrecht the physician-led American Medical Association said the rule The rule change has pitted nurses groups against other groups John Attanasio would do away with the team-based care that’s been adopted at advocating for physicians, which claim educational gaps make 2nd Thursday of the Month at 7pm the VA and revert it back to an “outdated model” of health care advanced practice nurses unqualified to serve as primary care Flag Bearer Auxiliary Meeting delivery. providers. Josefina 2nd Thursday of the Month at 4:30pm The VA started a system-wide effort to hire additional health After a proposal was posted on the Federal Register in May, it The Honor Guard needs members to fulfill our responsibility to care providers and speed up veterans’ access to treatment in received more than 223,000 comments in two months. It gar- House Committee Meeting our veterans and their families You can join. Call the Post and 2014, when media reports and internal investigations revealed nered thousands more when the VA announced this month the veterans had long waits for care and managers were manipulat- rule was finalized. The VA will continue to accept comments 1st Sunday of the Month at 12pm get involved. We provide uniforms for free. You provide the ing wait-time data. until Jan. 13, when the change goes into effect. honor.

Approximately 93,500 nurses are on the payroll at the VA, mak- The American Medical Association prompted questions of CANTEEN CHIT CHAT ing it the county’s largest employer of nurses. About 5,700 of whether advanced practice nurses had enough training to treat them are advanced practice, meaning they have a master’s or patients without supervision. Monday All Day Pizza $6.00 doctoral degree in a nursing specialty. Tuesday 1pm-? Lounge Bingo The VA responded to those comments, saying advanced prac- Wednesday 5-7pm Karaoke 6-9pm To meet veterans’ needs, the VA has estimated it needs to hire tice nurses would not be altogether replacing physicians or Thursday 2-4pm Show Me The Hand 40,000 more nurses by 2018. providing treatment beyond their training. Friday 5-6:30pm Dinner (see calendar) Saturday 10-2pm Ladies Auxiliary Last year, the Government Accountability Office issued a report The AMA also argued the change would get away from the Bingo (Non-smoking) stating it was especially hard for the VA to recruit and retain VA’s team-based approach to health care, in which a primary nurses with advanced training. care provider, nurse and others work together to treat veterans. Stop in and try our delicious lunches. Come in on Wednesday “All patients deserve access to physician expertise,” AMA for Karaoke and meet our new Bartender Jeannie. I promise The rule falls in line with a recommendation from the Commis- president Andrew Gurman said in a statement. “Providing coor- you will love her. Of course, Mrs. Mary and her contagious sion on Care this fall that called on the VA to more effectively dinated, physician-led, patient-centered, team-based patient smile are amazing as ever when she is your friendly Bartender use the health care providers it already has. care is the best approach to improving quality care for our VFW Post 4252 on other days. country’s veterans, especially given the highly complex medi- The Commission on Care was established by Congress to make cal care that veterans often require.” House Committee Come on by for a cold refreshment and good conversation. recommendations on VA reform, and its duties concluded earli- er this year when it released its final report. In the report, com- The VA reiterated that it would not do away with its model of Members We pride ourselves in serving our Veterans and their families. missioners wrote the VA was “failing to optimize use of ad- team-based care. Therefore, any needs you may have, don’t hesitate to let me 2016 -2017 vanced practice nurses.” know!!! The rule giving APNs full-practice authority will go into effect “In the Navy, we would never train a sailor to use 10 skills and Jan. 13. That’s also the last day the public can comment on the Dan Danecker Jay Parker Always My Pleasure change. then limit them to three; it makes no sense,” retired Capt. Steve Duvall Denny Montgomery Kimmie Kathryn Beasley, with the Military Officers Association of John Attanasio Canteen Manager America, said at a press conference about the rule earlier this Used with permission from Stars and Stripes. year. “No one would do that. But that’s what illogical and Visit their website at www.stripes.com Contact any member of the House Committee wasteful practice limitations on highly skilled advanced practice regarding problems or ideas. Your input will nurses do.” Going To Jail go before the general membership for approv- al, when needed. All By-Laws and Rules and State laws determine what advanced practice nurses are allowed 65 year old Mafia boss is sentenced to 50 years. Regulations of the Post, State, or National will to do. Nurses at VA hospitals in 22 states already have full- be enforced, as well as all Florida Liquor practice authority because their states allow them to evaluate, "But judge, I'm 65 years old! I can't do 50 years!" Laws, by this committee. Ocala Community Based Outpatient Clinic diagnose and treat patients and prescribe medications. Primary Care/Main Clinic Some states require advanced practice nurses to be supervised The judge sets his gavel down, looks at him and says, "Well, Committee meets on the 1st Sunday of each while treating, diagnosing and prescribing patients. Others allow month at 12 noon. 1515 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL 34470-6844 OK. Just do the best you can." Phone: 352-369-3320

US soldiers getting credentials for their special- United States.” VA Changes Gulf War Veterans Need To Know Your disability has existed for 6 months or more; ties to help with civilian job hunt Your disability appeared either during service in SW The report released at the event said that among steps that can There have been some changes to the eligibility and claims Asia or before December 31, 2021, to a degree that is The U.S. Army is boosting efforts to help soldiers succeed in help soldiers succeed in civilian life are identifying credentials at least 10% disabling; and that most closely meet labor market demand, analyzing attain- period for Gulf War Veterans concerning presumptive illness- civilian life by giving them more tools and qualifications to es. Because of the mystery of the illnesses Gulf War Veterans The illness is classified as either an undiagnosed ill find work after military service. ment of credentials and incorporating military and veteran in- ness; diagnosable functional gastrointestinal disorder; terests in credentialing programs. have experienced, the rules seem to be ever changing, and we expect that to possibly continue into the future. Studies on the diagnosable chronic fatigue syndrome; or diagnosable Acting Army Secretary Robert Speer plans to give a directive fibromyalgia. Van Roosen said that about 15 percent of troops retire from the illnesses many Gulf War Veterans experienced continue to be in the near future that will broaden a transition program to conducted to find causes, treatment, and But for now, here are include credentialing soldiers in areas ranging from truck driv- military after they have served 20 years. You may also need either medical evidence or nonmedical indi- the changes that Veterans should know about when it comes ing and mechanics to information technology, according to to filing for a Gulf War related presumptive illness. cations such as verification of lost time from work; changes in Military.com. Most leave after five years, Military.com said, meaning that appearance and/or behaviors; changes in physical abilities; and/or about 135,000 soldiers transition out each year. Change in Eligibility: changes in mental or emotional attitudes or capacities. A C&P In some cases the Army gives soldiers the skills they need, Exam may be required to verify medical conditions. such as how to drive a truck, but then does not give them the VA national cemeteries now offering pre-need Eligibility rules have changed recently as to who qualifies as a formal credentials, such as a commercial driver's license, that Gulf War Veteran. The definition of Southwest Asia theater of And the GOOD NEWS is: The Time Period to File Claims eligibility determinations has been Extended allow them to apply successfully for similar work in the civil- Military Operations no longer includes Afghanistan. The are- ian world. VA announced today that it now provides eligibility determina- as included in the definition are: tions for interment in a VA national cemetery prior to the time In December 2016; it was announced that the time to file for pre- Maj. Gen. Hugh Van Roosen said Thursday the Army could of need. Through the Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility Iraq; sumptive illness claims was extended by 5 years until December do more to help soldiers be employable, reported Mili- Program, upon request, individuals can learn if they are eligi- Kuwait; 31, 2021; extending the original time period from December 31, tary.com. ble for burial or memorialization in a VA national cemetery. Saudi Arabia; 2016. This extension was based on studies conducted that showed The neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia; that many presumptive illnesses may take much longer to mani- "Is there any reason why we couldn't -- without a whole lot of “MyVA is about looking at VA from the Veterans’ perspec- Bahrain; fest than original thought. Another factor is that the Gulf War has effort -- include a commercial driver's license in the program?" tive, and then doing everything we can to make the Veteran Qatar; not officially ended, so extending the date was imperative for asked Van Roosen, the service's deputy chief of staff for man- Experience effective and seamless,” said VA Secretary Bob The United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.); those who are still serving in the theater of operations. Several power and personnel plans, programs and policies. McDonald. “This new program reaffirms our commitment to Oman; past extensions have already been passed; possibly more will be "We're always struggling with hours in the training day. providing a lifetime of benefits and services for Veterans and Gulf of Aden; passed in the future if our military personnel continue to serve in However, we have to balance that against whatever we can do their families.” Gulf of Oman; theater. to ensure a soldier who's leaving has as soft a landing as possi- Waters of the Persian gulf, the Arabian Sea, and the ble." Interested individuals may submit VA Form 40-10007, Appli- Red Sea; and What Does this Mean for Veterans? cation for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a The airspace above these locations. The Army is already doing exactly that in some vocations, he VA National Cemetery, and supporting documentation, such as If a Veteran has any conditions that fall under the category of a said. a DD Form 214, if readily available, to the VA National Ceme- While Veterans of service in Afghanistan are still eligible for qualifying chronic illness, including those undiagnosed illnesses tery Scheduling Office by toll-free fax at 1-855-840-8299; or certain infectious diseases associated with the SW Asia thea- such as fatigue, unexplained rashes, headaches, cognitive issues, "We're already doing credentialing in our medical fields ... email to: [email protected]; or mail to the National ter, a recent Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims decision muscle and/or joint pain or other multi-symptom illnesses; and [but] there's a lot of areas, particularly in our IT fields, that we Cemetery Scheduling Office, P.O. Box 510543, St. Louis, MO has affirmed that Afghanistan is not considered part of the SW certain infectious diseases, your time to file a claim has been ex- don't do anything like that, and there's not any particularly 63151. VA will review applications and provide written notice Asia theater when considering presumptive illnesses tended by another 5 years. This extension means many Veterans good reason for it," he said. of its determination of eligibility. VA will save determinations (see CAVC decision). It is noted on the VA website that ser- who may not have realized they are eligible for benefits can now and supporting documentation in an electronic information vice in Afghanistan on or after September 19, 2001, is consid- apply before the new deadline is reached or those who have not Military.com reported that Speer is expected to issue the di- system to expedite burial arrangements at the time of ered qualifying service for disability benefits associated with started to experience symptoms but may after the original dead- rective within a month. need. Because laws and personal circumstances change, upon “certain” presumptive diseases; line, will now be eligible to apply for benefits. receipt of a burial request, VA will validate all pre-need deter- At the same time, Army Sgt. Major Daniel Dailey has spoken minations in accordance with the laws in effect at that time. Brucellosis; about promoting the benefits of college credits and credential- VA operates 135 national cemeteries and 33 soldiers’ lots in 40 Campylobacter jejuni; Post Building Fund Donations - 2017 ing to recruit. states and Puerto Rico. More than 4 million Americans, includ- Coxiella Burnetii (Q Fever); ing Veterans of every war and conflict, are buried in VA’s na- Malaria; Your help is needed to continue facility improvements. The follow- A report titled "The State of Credentialing of Service Mem- tional cemeteries. VA also provides funding to establish, ex- ing people and organizations have stepped up to help us this year. Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Why not join them in helping us help our veterans and families by bers and Veterans: Challenges, Successes and Opportunities,” pand and maintain 105 Veterans cemeteries in 47 states and Nontyphoid Salmonella; territories including tribal trust lands, Guam, and Saipan. For operating from a worry free facility? which was funded by Military.com, was released at the Ameri- Shigella; can Legion event. Veterans buried in private or other cemeteries, VA provides Visceral leishmaniasis; and It is now time to donate for 2017. Please help us and see your name headstones, markers or medallions to commemorate their ser- West Nile virus. here alongside these phenomenal people: The report noted that U.S. lawmakers are acknowledging the vice. In 2016, VA honored more than 345,000 Veterans and need to give troops certifications and civilian licenses that will their loved ones with memorial benefits in national, state, tribal Check with your local VA representative to review your spe- Tom Hampton help them transition in civil life. and private cemeteries. Eligible individuals are entitled to bur- cific issues and ensure that you qualify before you file your (A fantastic supporter of the ial in any open VA national cemetery, opening/closing of the claim to ensure you do not experience undue delays in the Post and your Grapevine) Military.com quoted Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., noting grave, a grave liner, perpetual care of the gravesite, and a gov- claim process. at a recent hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee's ernment-furnished headstone or marker or niche cover, all at no cost to the family. Veterans are also eligible for a burial flag Joe Fodor Personnel Subcommittee: "America spends hundreds of mil- Other eligibility requirements to file for Gulf War associated (In memory of Thelma Fodor) lions of dollars each year to train service members to do high- and may be eligible for a Presidential Memorial Certificate. presumptive illnesses are: ly skilled jobs ... they should be ready to move into civilian Information on VA burial benefits is available from local VA life with [the help of] certifications.” national cemetery offices, from the Internet at the website Are an eligible Veteran; The Post was given $5,000.00 a num- www.cem.va.gov, or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at Served in the SW Asia theater of operations between ber of years ago from the estate of She said that the Senate "wants to work on making it easier for 800-827-1000. To make burial arrangements at any open VA August 2, 1990, to present; Henry Carl VanWalderveen, a past our service members when they leave the service to have that national cemetery at the time of need, call the National Ceme- There is no other cause of your disability or illness member of our Post. He will be al- credential in hand and recognized in all 54 jurisdictions of the tery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117. other than service in the SW Asia theater; ways remembered in our hearts and in this publication.

Auxiliary Chaplain’s Blessings Advance Care Planning Hello everyone, You know the kinds of foods you like, so when you go to a res- taurant, you can usually make your choices without much diffi- A short note just saying Hi and hoping all is good for every- culty. However, when it comes to making choices related to one, and keeping you all in my prayers. future health care, it can be more challenging. You may not be sick now or even want to think or talk about what you’d want if Two of our sisters lost very special fami- you do get sick and are unable to make decisions. But, just like ly members and we ask for a prayer for it’s helpful to know what’s on the menu, there are benefits to them as they go through this grieving becoming informed and thinking in advance about your future period of their life. Remember don’t it health care. Advance Care Planning is the process of clarifying until it’s too late to call or visit someone your values and your preferences for future health care, and as time flies by and doesn’t stand still for identifying who you would like to speak for you – your “Health anyone it’s just way too short to put off Care Agent” – if you are no longer able to make decisions for the little things that bring them pleasure. yourself. An Advance Directive is the legal document that you Please say prayers for all that are ill, in any distress at all, as should use to tell others what your preferences are and who you God is the answer. have chosen to be your Health Care Agent. We had a great dinner for our essay writing, coloring contest, In the future, if something happens to you and you can’t make and Americanism contest from Hernando Elementary this past decisions for yourself – maybe you’re unconscious or too ill – week, these children work so hard on these projects and we your health care team will use your Advance Directive to con- reward them yearly. tact your Health Care Agent and together, look to your prefer- ences on the Advance Directive as a guide to decisions about It’s that time of year for elections in your post, so get up off your care. Have you thought about what is important to you and Tom Browne your couches, or chairs and go to your meetings and make a what kind of medical care or mental health care you might want Grand of Florida difference in your post, don’t be the one who complains that in the future? Have you thought about who you would want to Commander you don’t like something in your post be the one going and be your Health Care Agent? Are you ready to make your choic- putting your opinion in to make sure it is being run like you Need to talk to a Citrus County es? If so, it’s time for you to complete VA’s http://www.va.gov/ like, Our vets deserve all the help we can give them so get out Veterans Service Officer? vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-0137-fill.pdf Advance Directive there and Make A Difference!! form. Call 352 527-5915 Oh my where has the time gone, Our dear snow bird friends to make an appointment. If you are facing a serious illness right now, you may want to are beginning to fly the coop, as you know we miss them choose from a different menu – one that addresses your current when they leave and love them more when they come back, so health care goals. Talk with your health care team about what is be safe our flying friends and hurry back. VFW Post 4252 important to you now. Your doctors can help you decide which Disclaimer Auxiliary Officers treatments and services would best help you reach your current Once again I am reaching out to health care goals. Based on this conversation, they can write all of you to keep our military 2016/2017 All submissions to The Grapevine are subject to review and ap- medical orders to ensure that the treatment plan designed for proval by the Post Commander. Additionally, I as Editor, reserve and the vets them in your pray- you is based on your goals. There are many Advance Care Plan- the right to edit those submissions due to space limitations or struc- ers, also be aware that suicide President Beth Wear ning resources for Veterans and their loved ones. VA’s website tural content that is, in my unprofessional opinion, unacceptable. I rates in the vet population is Sr. Vice President Gloria Quereaux for older Veterans (www.va.gov/Geriatrics) has an entire section further reserve the right to delay or refuse publication of any sub- very high so keep your eyes Jr. Vice President Hank Otto on Advance Care Planning with -- mission, due to space limitations, or late receipt, that would not and ears open and if you know Treasurer Ruth O’Feild meet my necessary deadlines. All donations, including those from of someone who you think Secretary Grace Slagle ads, are non-refundable, of which 100% of the monies are used to Links to the VA Advance Directive form. might be struggling please offer Chaplain Sandra Duvall print and mail this paper with any excess amount utilized in the Conductress Doris Ricard support of veterans. to help in any way you can, even if it means calling the hotline Podcasts for you to listen to on advance care planning, choosing yourself and ask for assistance in getting them help. Guard Margaret Monroe Patriotic Instructor Venita Hughes a Health Care Agent, how to be a Health Care Agent, and set- This newsletter may contain copyrighted material the use of which ting health care goals. has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Take time to enjoy your friends and family and try to relax. With all this said say a prayer with me and God Bless our na- In most instances that individual is unknown. I am making such 1-Year Trustee Venita Hughes This information about Advance Directives, choosing a Health material available in an effort to advance understanding of veterans' tion, our soldiers new and old, our children as they are our Care Agent, and how to have a conversation about Advance future our firemen, and police officers. Remember to smile 2-Year Trustee Sandra Duvall issues and believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyright- 3-Year Trustee Ronnie Porey Care Planning with your loved ones is of value to EVERYONE, ed material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright and be kind to one another. Veterans and civilians, regardless of age or health status. If you Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107. The material want help considering what matters to you, take a look at this in this newsletter is distributed without profit to those who have If you need me or need to let me know about illness or death Values Worksheet and for more information talk with your VA expressed an interest in receiving the included information for edu- please call 931-703-5231 or e-mail me at social worker. If you are facing a serious illness, and want more cating themselves on veteran issues affecting them. For more infor- [email protected] information, you can review www.ethics.va.gov/docs/GoCC/ We service all makes mation go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If lst_booklet_for_patients_setting_health_care_goals_final.pdf So until next time I will leave you with a prayer. and models of mowers you wish to use copyrighted material from this newsletter for pur- (i.e. Setting Health Care Goals: A Guide for People with Health poses of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain per- Serving Citrus County Since 1986 Problems.) Dear God please put your hands on each and everyone! mission from the copyright owner. Finally, everything herein may Stanley DiGuiseppi be factual or not. It is sourced from commercial and private enter- So, you can make your choices now. If your preferences and Thank you, Owner/President priorities change over time or as your health status changes, it’s prises and content is checked for accuracy as best as possible. okay to change your mind and make different decisions. You However, you have the responsibility to check the facts before Your chaplain can complete a new Advance Directive whenever you want, just responding to an article and committing any actions based upon any let VA know. They are here to serve you! article from this publication. Sandy Duvall

MOST DECORATED ENLISTED MAN IN NAVY HISTORY remaining enemy force. Now virtually dark, and although Try to fill in the missing numbers. Numbers Fun BM1 Williams was aware that his boats would become even James Elliott Williams, a Native American Cherokee from South better targets, he ordered the patrol boats' search lights turned The missing numbers are integers between 0 and 50. Carolina, entered the Navy in July 1947 and before retiring in April on to better illuminate the area and moved the patrol peri- The numbers in each row add up to totals to the right. 1967 gained the distinction of becoming the most decorated enlisted lously close to shore to press the attack. Despite a waning The numbers in each column add up to the totals along man in Navy history. When he retired from active service he was supply of ammunition the patrol successfully engaged the the bottom. employed with the Wackenhut Corporation and in 1969 was ap- enemy ashore and completed the rout of the enemy force. The diagonal lines also add up the totals to the right. pointed to the U.S. Marshal Service in South Carolina. He also be- Under the leadership of BM1 Williams, who demonstrated came an instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, unusual professional skill and indomitable courage through- Glynco, Georgia, and also served at the U.S. Marshal Service Head- out the 3 hour battle, the patrol accounted for the destruction quarters in Washington, D.C., until his retirement from Federal or loss of 65 enemy boats and inflicted numerous casualties Government Service. on the enemy personnel. His extraordinary heroism and ex- emplary fighting spirit in the face of grave risks inspired the Significant Awards: efforts of his men to defeat a larger enemy force, and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. MEDAL OF HONOR NAVY CROSS Naval Service. SILVER STAR MEDAL (2) LEGION OF MERIT W/COMBAT 'V' Williams died on October 13, 1999, and was buried at Flor- NAVY AND MARINE CORPS MEDAL (2) ence National Cemetery in Florence, South Carolina. The BRONZE STAR MEDAL W/COMBAT 'V' (3) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, speaking at the fu- PURPLE HEART (3) neral said, “We will forever be grateful for the leadership and NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL W/COMBAT 'V' (2) commitment he showed his sailors. Petty Officer Williams COMBAT ACTION RIBBON was an amazing sailor.” Following his death a retired Rear NAVY PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION (2) Admiral who commanded Williams in Vietnam remarked, NAVY GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL “Willie did not seek awards. He did not covet getting them. A man walks into a bar and orders a drink. Then he notices NAVY EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL We did not seek to make him a hero. The circumstances of there are pieces of meat nailed to the ceiling of the bar so he NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL time and place, and the enemy’s presence did that. I know asks the barman what they are for. The barman replies, “If KOREAN SERVICE MEDAL through personal investigation of each incident that he never you can jump up and pull one of them down you get free beer VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL placed his crew nor his patrol boats in danger without first all night. If you fail, you have to pay the bar $100. Do you REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM CAMPAIGN MEDAL ensuring the risk was calculated and that surprise was on his want to have a go?” side. He always had the presence of mind not to endanger MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION: friendly villages. He inspired us all, junior and senior alike. It The man thinks about it for a minute before saying, “Nah, the was my greatest honor to have served with the man who truly steaks are too high!” For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above led us all with his example of unselfish devotion to duty.” and beyond the call of duty. BM1 Williams was serving as Boat Captain and Patrol Officer aboard River Patrol Boat (PBR) 105 ac- Post Commander’s Comments companied by another patrol boat when the patrol was suddenly taken under fire by 2 enemy sampans. BM1 Williams immediately ordered the fire returned, killing the crew of 1 enemy boat and caus- It has been an interesting year as your Post Com- ing the other sampan to take mander, one of trials and tribulations, but one of refuge in a nearby river inlet. pride as I observed many Patriots in our Post step Pursuing the fleeing sampan, the forward to support our veterans and their families. U.S. patrol encountered a heavy I tried with all my heart to be the best Commander volume of small-arms fire from enemy forces, at close range, possible and lead our great bunch of people. My occupying well-concealed posi- special thanks goes to our Auxiliary who have tions along the river bank. Ma- been truly remarkable in fundraising activities, vis- neuvering through this fire, the iting veterans in local retirement facilities, helping patrol confronted a numerically out with our dinners and other activities, and most superior enemy force aboard 2 enemy junks and 8 sampans important of all truly caring for those who served augmented by heavy automatic our country in uniform and their families. Again, weapons fire from ashore. In the Auxiliary, thank you. savage battle that ensued, BM1 Williams, with utter disregard The guidance of past Post Commanders like Dan for his safety exposed himself to the withering hail of enemy fire Danecker and John Stewart have been invaluable, to direct counter-fire and inspire the actions of his patrol. Recogniz- as has our wonderful Post Quartermaster, Jay Par- ing the over whelming strength of the enemy force, BM1 Williams ker who has worked an unbelievable amount of deployed his patrol to await the arrival of armed helicopters. In the hours to manage our finances. Finally to Kimmie, course of his movement he discovered an even larger concentration our Bar Manager, and the other Bartendars...You of enemy boats. Not waiting for the arrival of the armed helicopters, he displayed great initiative and boldly led the patrol through the Did Good! Thank you! intense enemy fire and damaged or destroyed 50 enemy sampans and 7 junks. This phase of the action completed, and with the arrival Don Mason of the armed helicopters, BM1 Williams directed the attack on the

Did You Know? GAF Corporation provides a $250.00 rebate to veterans hav- The Boy Who Became a World War II Veteran brother’s clothes and fedora and practiced “talking deep.” What ing a new roof installed between January 1, 2016 and De- at 13 Years Old worried him most was not that an enlistment officer would spot By John Attanasio cember 31, 2017. GAF shingles and 3 additional GAF quali- the forged signature. It was the dentist who would peer into the Adjutant, VFW Post 4252 fying products must be used when the new roof is installed. In 1942, Seaman Calvin Graham was decorated for valor in mouths of potential recruits. “I knew he’d know how young I was A copy of your DD-214 is required, along with a paid receipt battle. Then his mother learned where he’d been and revealed by my teeth,” Graham recalled. He lined up behind a couple of The information provided below may be of assistance to you in from your contractor with the GAF products listed, and the his secret to the Navy. guys he knew who were already 14 or 15, and “when the dentist certain situations. This may be how to obtain a copy of your ser- UPC codes taken from the shingles and additional GAF kept saying I was 12, I said I was 17.” At last, Graham played vice record, have your DD-214 corrected, burial at a National product packaging. By Gilbert King his ace, telling the dentist that he knew for a fact that the boys in Cemetery and obtaining memorial certificates. Additionally GAF SMITHSONIAN.COM front of him weren’t 17 yet, and the dentist had let them through. Corporation has a limited time rebate offer for newly installed More information and a rebate form is available at “Finally,” Graham recalled, “he said he didn’t have time to mess roofs. www.gafroofsfortroops.com/rebate . You may also call GAF With powerful engines, extensive firepower and heavy armor, with me and he let me go.” Graham maintained that the Navy at 855-433-8959 for more information or assistance. the newly christened battleship USS South Dakota steamed out knew he and the others on line that day were underage, “but we Service record of Philadelphia in August of 1942 spoiling for a fight. The were losing the war then, so they took six of us.” crew was made up of “green boys”—new recruits who enlisted A copy of your service record is available, free of charge. You, or after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor—who had no It wasn’t uncommon for boys to lie about their age in order to your next of kin, may obtain a copy by completing SF-180 and qualms about either their destination or the action they were serve. Ray Jackson, who joined the Marines at 16 during World mailing it to the proper address listed on the back of this form. likely to see. Brash and confident, the crew couldn’t get War II, founded the group Veterans of Underage Military Service Detailed information on this process may be obtained at https:// through the Panama Canal fast enough, and their captain, in 1991, and it listed more than 1,200 active members, including www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard- Thomas Gatch, made no secret of the grudge he bore against 26 women. “Some of these guys came from large families and form-180.html. the Japanese. “No ship more eager to fight ever entered the there wasn’t enough food to go around, and this was a way out,” Pacific,” one naval historian wrote. Jackson told a reporter. “Others just had family problems and DD-214 wanted to get away.” In less than four months, the South Dakota would limp back to Additionally, you may have your DD-214 corrected if necessary. port in New York for repairs to extensive damage suffered in Calvin Graham told his mother he was going to visit relatives. A correction may be required to determine your eligibility to join some of World War II’s most ferocious battles at sea. The ship Instead, he dropped out of the seventh grade and shipped off to the VFW or American Legion. Corrections may be made by sub- would become one of the most decorated warships in U.S. San Diego for basic training. There, he said, the drill instructors mitting DD Form 149. The Veteran generally must file a request Navy history and acquire a new moniker to reflect the secrets were aware of the underage recruits and often made them run for correction within three years after discovery of an alleged error it carried. The Japanese, it turned out, were convinced the ves- extra miles and lug heavier packs. or injustice. The board may excuse failure to file within the pre- sel had been destroyed at sea, and the Navy was only too hap- scribed time, however, if it finds it would be in the interest of jus- py to keep the mystery alive—stripping the South Dakota of tice to do so. identifying markings and avoiding any mention of it in com- munications and even sailors’ diaries. When newspapers later Detailed information on this process may be obtained at https:// reported on the ship’s remarkable accomplishments in the Pa- www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/correct- cific Theater, they referred to it simply as “Battleship X.” service-records.html That the vessel was not resting at the bottom of the Pacific was Author’s note: I successfully had my DD214 corrected, over 40 just one of the secrets Battleship X carried through day after years after being discharged, in order to become eligible to join day of hellish war at sea. Aboard was a gunner from Texas the VFW. who would soon become the nation’s youngest decorated war hero. Calvin Graham, the fresh-faced seaman who had set off Burial for battle from the Philadelphia Navy Yard in the summer of VFW Post 4252 hosted an Appreciation Day for 1942, was only 12 years old. Burial at a National Cemetery is provided, free of charge, to hon- Law Enforcement, Firefighters and EMT with free Just months after her christening in 1942, the USS South orably discharged Veterans, their spouse and minor children. Ar- food and drink for those who serve our community Graham was just 11 and in the sixth grade in Crockett, Texas, Dakota was attacked relentlessly in the Pacific. rangements may not be made in advance and, in the past, eligibil- with great honor. Pictured here are Gloria Quereux when he hatched his plan to lie about his age and join the Na- ity was determined at the time of need. It is now possible to have with three of the heroes who came by to be appreci- vy. One of seven children living at home with an abusive step- one’s eligibility determined, prior to the need. You may obtain ated by our Post members and Auxiliary. father, he and an older brother moved into a cheap rooming By the time the USS South Dakota made it to the Pacific, it had assistance by calling the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at house, and Calvin supported himself by selling newspapers become part of a task force alongside the legendary carrier USS 800-535-1117. Your funeral director will also assist you at the and delivering telegrams on weekends and after school. Even Enterprise (the “Big E”). By early October 1942, the two ships, time of need. MOCA Officers 2016-2017 though he moved out, his mother would occasionally visit— along with their escorting cruisers and destroyers, raced to the sometimes to simply sign his report cards at the end of a se- South Pacific to engage in the fierce fighting in the battle for Presidential Memorial Certificates President Pat Sistrand Guadalcanal. After they reached the Santa Cruz Islands on Octo- Sr. Vice President Sandra Duvall mester. The country was at war, however, and being around newspapers afforded the boy the opportunity to keep up on ber 26, the Japanese quickly set their sights on the carrier and A Presidential Memorial Certificate is an engraved paper certifi- Jr. Vice President Gloria Quereaux launched an air attack that easily penetrated the Enterprise's own Chaplain Doris Crist events overseas. cate, signed by the current President, to honor the memory of hon- air patrol. The carrier USS Hornet was repeatedly torpedoed and orably discharged, deceased Veterans. Eligible recipients include Treasurer Mary Martin sank off Santa Cruz, but the South Dakota managed to pro- Guard Margaret Monroe “I didn’t like Hitler to start with,” Graham later told a reporter. next of kin and loved ones of honorably discharged Veterans. When he learned that some of his cousins had died in battles, tect Enterprise, destroying 26 enemy planes with a barrage from More than one certificate may be provided. Copies of the Veter- Conductress Helen Schieferstein its antiaircraft guns. Trustee #1 Charlotte Poland he knew what he wanted to do with his life. He wanted to an’s discharge and death certificate must be provided, along with fight. “In those days, you could join up at 16 with your par- VA Form 40-0247. Trustee #2 Betty Kimmerling Standing on the bridge, Captain Gatch watched as a 500-pound Trustee #3 Jennie Parks ents’ consent, but they preferred 17,” Graham later said. But he had no intention of waiting five more years. He began to bomb struck the South Dakota’s main gun turret. The explosion Detailed information is provided at the US Department of Veter- shave at age 11, hoping it would somehow make him look injured 50 men, including the skipper, and killed one. The ship’s ans Affairs web site www.VA.gov. under Burials & Memorials, older when he met with military recruiters. Then he lined up armor was so thick, many of the crew were unaware they’d been then Presidential Memorial Certificates. Old is when you're on vacation and your energy with some buddies (who forged his mother’s signature and hit. But word quickly spread that Gatch had been runs out before your money does. stole a notary stamp from a local hotel) and waited to enlist. (continued on next page) Roofs For Troops At 5-foot-2 and just 125 pounds, Graham dressed in an older

(continued from previous page) in newsreel footage, wrote the Navy, revealing the gunner’s true age. Shulkin proposes eliminating 40-mile, 30-day rule Shulkin on Sunday also listed employee accountability as a top knocked unconscious. Quick-thinking quartermasters managed for non-VA care priority. He said he would work to push legislation in Congress to save the captain’s life—his jugular vein had been severed, Graham returned to Texas and was thrown in a brig at Corpus that would allow the VA to “make sure bad employees are leav- and the ligaments in his arms suffered permanent damage—but Christi, Texas, for almost three months. By NIKKI WENTLING, February 26, 2017 ing the system.” some onboard were aghast that he didn’t hit the deck when he saw the bomb coming. “I consider it beneath the dignity of a Battleship X returned to the Pacific and continued to shoot Japa- WASHINGTON – Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin on Some lawmakers have pushed to make it easier to fire VA em- captain of an American battleship to flop for a Japanese nese planes out of the sky. Graham, meanwhile, managed to get Sunday proposed eliminating a controversial policy that limits ployees as a way to root out a perceived culture of corruption in bomb,” Gatch later said. a message out to his sister Pearl, who complained to the newspa- veterans from receiving private-sector health care. the department. pers that the Navy was mistreating the “Baby Vet.” The Navy Speaking to hundreds of people at the Disabled American Veter- The ship’s young crew continued to fire at anything in the air, eventually ordered Graham’s release, but not before stripping ans annual conference in Arlington, Va., Shulkin laid out his top The VA will also announce some “bold proposals” regarding including American bombers that were low on fuel and trying him of his medals for lying about his age and revoking his disa- 10 priorities for the Department of Veterans Affairs. It was his suicide prevention in coming weeks, Shulkin said. to land on the Enterprise. The South Dakota was quickly get- bility benefits. He was simply tossed from jail with a suit and a first public address since becoming VA secretary. ting a reputation for being wild-eyed and quick to shoot, and few dollars in his pocket—and no honorable discharge. Trump commented during his campaign on the number of vet- Navy pilots were warned not to fly anywhere near it. Back in Houston, though, he was treated as a celebrity. Report- High on Shulkin’s list was redesigning the Veterans Choice Pro- eran suicides – calling it a “national tragedy” – and said he ers were eager to write his story, and when the war film Bom- gram into what he called “Choice 2.0.” would improve mental health care at the VA. According to the The South Dakota was fully repaired at Pearl Harbor, and Cap- badier premiered at a local theater, the film’s star, Pat O’Brien, latest VA statistics, an average of 20 veterans died from suicide tain Gatch returned to his ship, wearing a sling and bandages. invited Graham to the stage to be saluted by the audience. The His plan would include removing the rule that allows veterans to each day in 2014. Seaman Graham quietly became a teenager, turning 13 on No- attention quickly faded. At age 13, Graham tried to return to go outside the VA for health care if they had to wait more than vember 6, just as Japanese naval forces began shelling an school, but he couldn’t keep pace with students his age and 30 days for an appointment or live more than 40 miles driving Other priorities Shulkin listed Sunday included improving VA American airfield on Guadalcanal Island. Steaming south with quickly dropped out. He married at age 14, became a father the distance from a VA facility. Some veterans and lawmakers have infrastructure, better coordinating with the Department of De- the Enterprise, Task Force 64, with the South Dakota and an- following year, and found work as a welder in a Houston ship- criticized the 40-mile, 30-day rule for limiting veterans’ health fense, enhancing information technology and making quicker other battleship, the USS Washington, took four American yard. Neither his job nor his marriage lasted long. At 17 years care choices, and Shulkin called the program “extremely com- decisions on claims for disability and pension compensation. destroyers on a night search for the enemy near Savo Island. old and divorced, and with no service record, Graham was about plex and bureaucratic.” There, on November 14, Japanese ships opened fire, sinking or to be drafted when he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He soon “Now I’m focused on the future,” Shulkin told Stars and heavily damaging the American destroyers in a four day en- broke his back in a fall, for which he received a 20 percent ser- President Donald Trump issued a plan for VA reform during his Stripes. “I’m focused on how we can make significant advance- gagement that became known as the Naval Battle of Guadalca- vice-connected disability. The only work he could find after that campaign that he said would ensure every veteran could choose ments from where we were to make this a better system.” nal. was selling magazine subscriptions. between the VA or private-sector care. Shulkin said Sunday that Disabled American Veterans and other veterans organizations he wanted a system with less “red tape.” will have opportunities soon to highlight their own priorities for Later that evening the South Dakota encountered eight Japa- When President Jimmy Carter was elected, in 1976, Graham VA reform to the Senate and House veterans' affairs commit- nese destroyers; with deadly accurate 16-inch guns, the South began writing letters, hoping that Carter, “an old Navy man,” “We want to be thoughtful about how we propose what the new tees. Dakota set fire to three of them. “They never knew what sank might be sympathetic. All Graham had wanted was an honorable choice program will look like, and do that in conjunction with ‘em,” Gatch would recall. One Japanese ship set its search- discharge so he could get help with his medical and dental ex- Congress, and to make sure we are fulfilling the president’s Disabled American Veterans will present their priorities to law- lights on the South Dakota, and the ship took 42 enemy hits, penses. “I had already given up fighting” for the discharge, Gra- promise and commitment that he has made to the country’s vet- makers on Tuesday, followed by The American Legion and temporarily losing power. Graham was manning his gun when ham said at the time. “But then they came along with this dis- erans,” Shulkin told Stars and Stripes. Veterans of Foreign Wars on Wednesday. shrapnel tore through his jaw and mouth; another hit knocked charge program for deserters. I know they had their reasons for Used with permission from Stars and Stripes. him down, and he fell through three stories of superstructure. doing what they did, but I figure I damn sure deserved more Choice set to expire Visit their website at www.stripes.com Still, the 13 year-old made it to his feet, dazed and bleeding, than they did.” and helped pull other crew members to safety while others Before he can propose Choice 2.0, Congress first must eliminate were thrown by the force of the explosions, their bodies In 1977, Texas Senators Lloyd Bentsen and John Tower intro- the expiration date for the original Veterans Choice Program, aflame, into the Pacific. duced a bill to give Graham his discharge, and in 1978, Carter Shulkin said. announced that it had been approved and that Graham’s medals “I took belts off the dead and made tourniquets for the living would be restored, with the exception of the Purple Heart. Ten “We want to make sure we continue the current program so vet- and gave them cigarettes and encouraged them all night,” Gra- years later, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation approv- erans don’t experience any gap in care,” he said. ham later said. ”It was a long night. It aged me.” The shrapnel ing disability benefits for Graham. had knocked out his front teeth, and he had flash burns from The program was created as a temporary measure in 2014 after it the hot guns, but he was “fixed up with salve and a coupla At the age of 12, Calvin Graham broke the law to serve his was discovered veterans were suffering long waits for health care stitches,” he recalled. “I didn’t do any complaining because country, at a time when the U.S. military might well be accused at some VA facilities. It was funded with $10 billion and given half the ship was dead. It was a while before they worked on of having had a “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy with regard to an expiration date of Aug. 7, 2017. my mouth.” In fact, the ship had casualties of 38 men killed underage enlistees. For fear of losing their benefits or their hon- and 60 wounded. orable discharges, many “Baby Vets” never came forward to Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Rep. Phil Roe, R-Tenn., intro- claim the nation’s gratitude. It wasn’t until 1994, two years after duced legislation last month to do away with the expiration date. Regaining power, and after afflicting heavy damage to the Jap- he died, that the military relented and returned the seaman’s last The lawmakers estimated by August, the choice program would anese ships, the South Dakota rapidly disappeared in the medal—his Purple Heart—to his family. still have approximately $1 billion in funding. smoke. Captain Gatch would later remark of his “green” men, “Not one of the ship’s company flinched from his post or (Source: http://www.smithsonianmag.com) Congress has yet to taken action on either the House or Senate showed the least disaffection.” With the Japanese Imperial bill. Navy under the impression that it had sunk the South Dakota, A Bad Diagnose the legend of Battleship X was born. “If Congress doesn’t act, we will see a significant amount of The doctor finished examining the frail husband. The wife took resources be removed,” Shulkin said. www.stripes.com In mid-December, the damaged ship returned to the Brooklyn the doctor aside and asked how she could help her husband. The Navy Yard for major repairs, where Gatch and his crew were doctor said what he needs to keep alive is more sex. If you could Shulkin has previously attempted to ease concerns that the VA Stars and Stripes has one of the widest distribution ranges profiled for their heroic deeds in the Pacific. Calvin Graham increase your sexual activity to 5 times per day it would work would move completely to the private sector. He did so again of any newspaper in the world. Between the Pacific and received a Bronze Star for distinguishing himself in combat, as wonders. She returned to her husband who asked her what the Sunday, saying the private sector does not have the "military European editions, Stars and Stripes services over 50 coun- well as a Purple Heart for his injuries. But he couldn’t bask in doctor said. cultural competency" that the VA provides. tries where there are bases, posts, service members, ships, glory with his fellow crewmen while their ship was being re- or embassies. I am proud that Stars and Stripes continues paired. Graham’s mother, reportedly having recognized her son She said, "You're going to die”. Other priorities in support of our Grapevine.

Remembering VA Hospitals Still Struggling With Adding Staff my kids to see me like this; I don't want to put my kids N D T M S M T B A A B M L E R Q D F C H A P D O Z F S C Q P Despite Billions From Choice Act through this,' " she said. O E V N F C L E T F Z J Q I U Z I B P L N I U I K O H F G X We Were Forgotten I N O Y I O I B C R K I A Y O L S A T Q A D R X S O W L W G Word Search Before they get to work on reforming the U.S. Department of His VA records show Grijalva went to one last appointment at T I M X O Y U T M U E O E A R U A J J O A I K E I E K W U G Veterans Affairs, Congress and the White House might want to the VA in San Diego, scheduled in December. His medication C A T D L Q G K I R N R L T M B B C X Q B S M C E R A T J B take a closer look at the last time they tried it — a $16 billion arrived just before his death. Around the time of his death, the A L I B D Y S S S L E B G V I D I F I H H Q E S W G S S P Q ACTION POLITICS fix called the Veterans Choice and Accountability Act of 2014, VA was just beginning to implement the Veterans Choice Act. C X C E J O E S D W O G E M S W L B B T G S A R J W O D E X AGENT PRAYER designed to get veterans medical care more quickly. San Diego seemed like a prime candidate to get extra staff. Y Q G V K I E V H G M P N L V S I K V X I N D E E Y O H Z G AIRMEN SAILORS But the NPR and local member station analysis of the VA's T P Q U L L U E R X O U C U I U T B E H F L P H C P L G Z Y BENEFITS SOLDIERS NPR and local member stations have been following that mon- own data show that San Diego got far fewer new staff mem- Q A Y I E W E S W Q M I N Y H E Y Y W E I B O Z E D X H S L BLOOD UNBELIEVE- ey, including the $10 billion for vets to get care outside the VA bers than it requested, and also fewer than many other VA O R M M P L Y E X I X R W F D N V V A W S D E P Y B R A T Q CHILDREN ABLE system. The Choice Act also channeled about $2.5 billion for centers that didn't have such bad wait times. K A O Y C Y J R O Q N C D O A A K E D G P R G N F X L L L V CHOICES VETERANS hiring more doctors, nurses and other medical staff at VA medi- F H Y H P N G U C Y Z K E P S X H U A Z H W O N E M R I A A CLAIMS WAR cal centers. No logical staffing pattern N D A H H Q L S L M Y U Z V E R R C F B L T C L Q F B S Z B CONGRESS WARFARE X I U A I I F A I L U R E S N K C M P F L R A W I Z I Y N D DEATH WHEELCHAIR The goal of the hiring money was to address a simple math The VA data show no logical pattern for distributing the R D E A T H E E S O M F T H I V N O U L V E R F Q A X T M R DENIAL problem. The number of veterans coming to the VA has shot up 12,000 doctors, nurses and other medical staff hired under the X T L T Z M H M I I P X R V R U P N D H E G W Y T G S C S B DISABILITY Find These in recent years, and the number of medical staff has not kept Choice Act. DISEASE D B G E K P P E M P I F W K A E T E T E R D D O Z X F N S B Words pace. The idea was that more caregivers would cut wait times. T K D E R U Q V H L L I Z K M N C Y N E T T O G R O F Z X Z FAILURES But an investigation by NPR and local member stations found David Shulkin became head of the Veterans Health Admin- S S E R G N O C J N L L G B A O J P E X H W K W U Q L E U E FAMILIES that: the VA has about the same number of new hires as the VA istration after that law passed, but has been overseeing the G Q A Y Y Z E H Q U N E C D U W H V X C O T D W R A B B J M FORGOTTEN would have been projected to hire without the additional $2.5 reform since 2015. Last fall, he told NPR that the Choice hires G Y S Q H J U S S R E Z E T A G G S R U S R P S U N P T N S GUARD billion; the new hires weren't sent to VA hospitals with the long- were based on a survey of VA medical centers. W Q H K F Q O N O N S R N V Q N N J X S P E R A F R A W Y G HOMELESS est wait times; and the VA medical centers that got new hires J Q C A O L P P K E S E W S I M P T U N I P T D A I A M Z X HOSPITAL were not more likely to see improved wait times. "Our goal is to get [the medical centers] the health profession- F L X Y D X C E X X G V Z S O U S V U A T C C Y F K L R O F HOUSING als that they need. So that's the Choice money. We wanted L T Q I O D S R V A L G U X I K D N O R A W E T Y S G E F G HUNGER San Diego's wait-time dilemma everybody to go out and execute on it, and to use that money T W E X C P C Z Y H O O U C E W F H N E L R P I M O U W R X ILLNESS as quickly as possible because we have a sense of crisis," said E R C H I L D R E N H Y F A F X W D S T R Y E Z C C O T I D MARINES San Diego's experience is typical. The Southern California city Shulkin, who has been nominated to become secretary of the S K E C X H O R A N G E J M R C T Y W E T R D A R E V J M L MEASURES is home to one of the largest concentrations of post-9/11 veter- Department of Veterans Affairs. His confirmation hearing is F W L J G S B K X I E B Y W S D E U X V G Y L L L E S C J A MONEY ans, and when the Veterans Choice Act passed, the San Diego expected this week. ORANGE VA had some of the country's worst wait times for mental health POLITICAL care in particular. The act was meant to help former soldiers like He also said the VA focused on places where the staff was Charlie Grijalva, who was diagnosed with PTSD when he was most needed. Thirty-three medical centers were "prioritized" VFW Post 4252 Auxiliary donated $800 to the Marine Corp’s Toys among the VA's 168 hospitals. For Tots program. This effort only occurs because of your support- still in the Army.

ing our Post with donations and our receiving the small profits from But the VA data show that prioritized medical centers didn't our dinners and other events that you attend, (or should attend). Back in 2014, Grijalva lived with his wife, Gloria, in Imperial Valley — about two hours from the VA hospital in San Diego. always get more resources than others. Los Angeles was prior- After spending 18 months deployed in Afghanistan, and a year itized and got only about 108 new hires from the Choice mon- in Iraq, he started having suicidal thoughts. ey. Dallas, a similarly large center, got almost three times as many (298), even though Dallas was not "prioritized" and The VA tried to help him. Early in 2014, the doctors there didn't have particularly bad wait times. seemed to get his prescription right. By summer, his psychiatrist had left the VA, but Grijalva was transferred to a nurse practi- Albuquerque, N.M., and Cincinnati have about the same vol- tioner. He missed an appointment in September 2014, according ume of appointments. But Albuquerque had among the worst to records provided by the VA, but the new provider agreed to wait times in the country for mental health, while Cincinnati refill his prescription over the phone. was among the best. The VA's data show both received the same number of psychiatrists from the Choice money. Because San Diego's wait times were so long, under the new Choice program, Grijalva qualified to see a private doctor out- Wait times across the board have not come down, though the side the VA system. He had an initial consultation with the pri- VA says that's because of a continuing surge in demand from vate psychiatrist near his home, but he didn't live to begin treat- patients. And Shulkin stressed that wait times are not the most ment. In December 2014, his medication ran out. important measure of health care. He says efficiency is up and the number of veterans waiting for urgent care has shrunk Beware of Veteran Pension Scams Grijalva had a young family and a new baby on the way. His from tens of thousands to a mere dozen or two. Still, it was the wife said he insisted on giving his kids a magical Christmas. long wait times — and the harm they did to veterans — that Veterans' benefits, including their pensions, are being targeted "He said, you know, 'I want to do what I did as a kid,'" Gloria drove Congress to pass the Choice Act. in a new scam. As part of the scam, criminals pose as attorneys Grijalva said. "Play some Christmas music. Have the kids deco- or financial advisers and extend an offer to assist the veteran rate the tree, drink hot chocolate. ... Even though he was feeling Slow hiring in a tough market with their pension. The scam involves convincing veterans to the way he was, he wanted to have that kind of Christmas for his transfer their assets into a special trust account, then charging kids." Doctors and nurses are scarce nationwide. In the economic them exorbitant fees to help complete lengthy, complicated centers where many vets live, medical professionals often find In Memory of Dave Sidelinger, former member of our paperwork associated with the transfer. The veteran is told the It wasn't to be. A few days before Christmas, his wife found better offers at private hospitals. And in rural or remote areas, Honor Guard and friend to everyone. And, in asset reallocation will allow the person to qualify for aid and him. He had hanged himself a few hours after he texted her, "I there often are very few doctors or nurses available to work at memory of the several men in these photos who gave attendance benefits. But, this is not true. If you are approached love you." either VA or private hospitals. so much to us and have joined Dave in Heaven. by scammers, contact your local police or sheriff's department. RIP Heroes. "He has told me when he was at his lowest that [he] 'didn't want (continued on next page)

(continued from previous page) type of hiring that we were doing and expanded the type of hiring we were doing," Shulkin told NPR in December. Post 4252 Birthdays

Shulkin knows that his hiring process is cumbersome. May 3 Barbara Sveom This sort of budgeting strategy is common in Washington, ac- May 7 Charlotte Poland (“Ms. Smiles”) "The complexity of hiring puts us at a disadvantage with the cording to Phil Carter, of the Center for New American Security. Alice Gross private sector. We are very fortunate that people wait and turn "It makes complete sense for a self-interested bureaucracy to hire May 14 Ann Marie Gallagher down private sector jobs because this is where they want to with that money first. I think VA hired staff with this money will May 31 Roland Desrosiers work and this is the mission ... but frankly we have to be com- all intention of improving access and quality. I think the VA lead- petitive," he told NPR last fall. ership found it harder to do that," he said. June 1 Joe G. June 3 Mike St. Pierre (“Mr. Happiness”) Shulkin came to the VA from the private sector, he said, to Carter says that the VA has a difficult time projecting what needs June 4 Jay Parker (“Snake, the Wife Says)” get the department in step with best practices. He has succeed- it will have across a system of 168 hospitals nationwide, and that June 7 Steve Duvall (“Da Boss”) ed in getting some salaries up to private-sector levels. But the the VA may just have been hiring at its maximum capacity in a Christine Martin roughly $2.5 billion from the Choice Act resulted in a net gain tough market. June 9 Margaret Monroe (“The Babe”) of only a few thousand doctors and nurses, across a system June 10 Frank Albrecht (“Mr. Warmth”) Swift crews ply Gulf with smiles — and bullets that serves about 9 million veterans. "But I don't see malice here, just the basic inefficacy of American June 11 Grace Slagle bureaucracy," Carter said. June 12 George Kuykendall (“Smiley”) By Tom Quinn,, August 22, 1966 That's partly because the VA's process is so slow that about Danise Peroche 13 percent of candidates drop out during the months-long lag But some Republicans in Congress do see something more mali- Hailey Walker PHU QUOC ISLAND, Vietnam – “We have to be ready to fire, time after they are hired. NPR and local member stations cious — a shell game to free up money from congressional re- June 14 Ron Cart but we also have to have a smile on our face.” spoke with more than half a dozen current VA employees strictions. June 16 Lady Di (“The Dart Pro”) about this problem, but none agreed to be quoted. Almetta June 29 Phyllis (“The Dart Pro’s Coach”) In those words Gunner Mate 1C R. J. Kajer described the unoffi- Pitts is a former VA employee who used to work at the VA in A spokesman for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs said: cial mission of the Navy’s Swift boats plying the waters off Seattle. Waiting to start that job nearly left her broke. "It was a money grab, with no plan on where to put people and Post 4252 Anniversaries southern Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand. VA used the funds to fill existing vacancies for the most part." "It took about six months. And so I had to think about ways to May 15 Tom & Christine Martin “The biggest part of the job is checking for Viet Cong sampans,” just put my money together to be able to really be able to pur- (Source: This story is part of a project called "Back at Base," in May 17 Jayne & Rich Stasik says Kajer. “We’re a bit like traffic cops. But we try to make sue this job," she said. which NPR — along with public radio stations around the coun- May 22 Ted & Brenda Knight friends too.” try — is chronicling the lives of America's troops where they May 30 John & Renate Stewart (“1968!!!”) Pitts liked the VA. She interned at the VA in Seattle while live. A live broadcast by STEVE WALSH, KPBS: PATRICIA Still the crews must be ready for anything during the sampan pursuing her master's in social work. Her mother, an Army MURPHY, KUOW; STEPHAN BISAHA; and QUIL LAW- June 12 Judy & Dan Danecker (“Our Lady”) searches. vet, was already working there as a federal police officer. Af- RENCE on their Jan 31st Morning Edition discussed this subject. June 14 Betty & Jerry Handy ter a series of interviews, Pitts was notified she had been NPR's Juan Elosua contributed to this story.. You can find NPR Everyone at the An Thoi base on Phy Quoc Island remembers hired. online at www.npr.org). Attention Members and Auxiliary... the day earlier this year when the Viet Cong sank one Swift.

"I received my acceptance letter and it did inform me that I Would you like your birthday or anniversary to appear A VC flag fluttered from a buoy a few hundred yards offshore. started that September and I was like 'Oh my gosh, I'm so Green Valley’s Family Restaurant here? See the Canteen Bartender and ask her to put A Swift pulled alongside and a hand reached out and yanked off excited,' but ... 'Wow, it's like May.' " you in the little black book. If it is not there, your the flag. It would have made a nice souvenir. Serving Open birthday or anniversary will not be printed in the During the four months of waiting, Pitts moved back in with Breakfast 7 Days A Week Grapevine. If you want your name removed, see the But a mine ripped the Swift’s hull. The VC had been waiting on her mom to save money until the job started. She ended up Lunch 7am to 9pm Bartender. the shore and they exploded a hand-detonated mine. Four men working for the VA for 13 months and was laid off. At the And died and two others were injured. The boat sank. time, Human Resources offered to help find another job at a Dinner 352 726-0206 If a name or date is incorrect, please correct that darn VA out of state. She loved her work helping traumatized vet- little black book. Of course, if you would like your The memory of that incident helps keep the men alert. erans, but Pitts decided she had to move on. 2780 North Florida Avenue Suite 14 Hernando, Florida name removed from the book simply tell the Bartend- er. Still, they frankly admit that one of their biggest problems is Budget shuffling Free Coffee and 10% Discount For America’s Veterans fighting boredom – not the VC. Ironically the Swift crews creat- ed their own problems, for their patrols have helped cut VC traf- Another reason the $2.5 billion bump didn't seem to raise the fic to a minimum. Contact The Veterans Administration VA's staffing levels may have more to do with Washington bureaucracy than health care. (800) 827-1000 The 50-foot-long Swifts are out for 36 hours at a stretch and do most of their patrolling at night. NPR found that the rate of increase in VA staff after the Marine Corps Meetings In a busy night, a Swift stops and searches 20 sampans. The pa- Choice money was not noticeably different than past years trol might find only freshly caught fish or vegetables on board, without it. Detachment 1139, Marine Corps League, meets every 3rd or they might find communist guns and ammunition. Wednesday of the month at 7pm at VFW Post 4252. If you are a The Choice hiring money from Congress mostly replaced, Marine you should be there!!! The Swifts are one of the Navy’s answers to the patrol problems instead of augmented the VA's normal hiring budget, which encountered in the waters off Vietnam. In close to the shore are freed up less restricted money to take care of other needs. ID Statement: Grapevine the junk fleets, farther out are the 82-foor-long Coast Guard pa- Shulkin defends how the money was spent. VFW Post 4252 trol gunboats. Volume 19 Issue 3 Don’t forget to visit your Post webpage. The radar-equipped Swifts were introduced into Vietnam last "When you're given a budget you face a number of new May - June 2017 Oct. 30. The all-aluminum boats travel at 20-25 knots and carry Bi-Monthly Telephone The link can be found at www.veteranspage.com. stresses on those resources. You have increases in pharmaceu- 352-726-3339 twin 50. caliber machine guns mounted in a turret, an 81mm You can read, or download, an online version of this mortar and other armament. ticals, you have your wage increase, you have your leasing VFW Post 4252 paper there. Or, read the sister paper for national cost increases, you have IT increases. So without the Choice Email: 3190 Carl G. Rose Hwy readers at: www.veteransgrapevine.com money, we would not have been able to have maintained the Hernando, Florida [email protected] Used with permission from Stars and Stripes. Visit their website at www.stripes.com

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6 Auxiliary Bingo with10am food available 13 Auxiliary Bingo with10am food available 20 Auxiliary Bingo with10am food available 27 Auxiliary Bingo with10am food available

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4 ShowMe Money The 2pm 11 ShowMe MoneyThe 2pm Auxiliary Meeting 4:30pm MeetingPost 7pm 18 ShowMe Money The 2pm 25 ShowMe Money The 2pm

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1 New Jersey 12 Club noon Brentwood visit 2pm Queenof Hearts 6pm 8 Queenof Hearts 6pm 15 Brentwoodvisit 2pm Queenof Hearts 6pm 22 Lifecare visit 2pm Queenof Hearts 6pm 29 Queenof Hearts 6pm

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