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Veterans: an infobook
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Contents
Articles
Generally
United States Department of Veterans Affairs DD Forms 214 and 215 Military Personnel Records Center Veteran Military discharge President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors United States House Committee on Veterans' Affairs United States Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs 1 1 8 10 13 19 25 27 29 31 31 36 39 48 53 55 57 73 73 79 143 148 152 157 165 173 173 176 183 184
Benefits
Veterans Benefits Administration VA loan G.I. Bill Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 SGLI & VGLI - life insurance United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act
Health
Veterans Health Administration List of Veterans Affairs medical facilities Military Health System TRICARE Walter Reed Army Medical Center Armed Forces Retirement Home Old soldiers' home
Other insurance
Military Benefit Association USAA Uniformed Services Benefit Association Social Security Disability Insurance
190 190 195 196 198 200 200 209 239 266 269 291 291 292 299 304 304 305 307 308 309 311 328 328 330 333 340 342 344 347 353 357 358 358 363
Problems
Gulf War syndrome Homelessness Post-traumatic stress disorder Survivor guilt Traumatic brain injury
Paralyzed Veterans of America Purple Heart Reserve Officers Association Retired Enlisted Association United Service Organizations Veterans of Foreign Wars Vietnam Veterans of America
365 366 374 378 379 390 394 397 397 403 403 407 408 408 409 411 414 416 417 419 419 423 425 426 429 431 432 433 441 444 450 452 460 468 475 475
Interviews with My Lai Veterans Taking Chance The Good Soldier The Ground Truth The Best Years of Our Lives The Wall That Heals When I Came Home Winter Soldier List of Iraq War documentaries List of documentary films about the Korean War
477 478 482 485 489 496 496 498 500 502 504 504
Other
Last surviving United States war veterans
References
Article Sources and Contributors Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors 507 514
Article Licenses
License 520
Generally
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Logo Agency overview Formed July 21, 1930 (Cabinet rank 15 March 1989)
Preceding Agency Veterans Administration Jurisdiction Headquarters Federal government of the United States 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, D.C., United States 38543.250N 7725.366W 278,565 (2008) $87.6 billion (2009)
Agency executives Eric Shinseki, General USA, Ret., Secretary W. Scott Gould, Deputy Secretary Child Agency Several Website va.gov
[1]
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a government-run military veteran benefit system with Cabinet-level status. It is the United States governments second largest department, after the United States Department of Defense.[2] With a total 2009 budget of about $87.6 billion, VA employs nearly 280,000 people at hundreds of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, clinics, and benefits offices and is responsible for administering programs of veterans benefits for veterans, their families, and survivors. It is administered by the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
History
The Plymouth colony first cared for veterans beginning in 1636. The Plymouth Colony was, along with Jamestown, Virginia, one of the earliest successful colonies to be founded by the English in North America and the first sizable permanent English settlement in the New England region. Aided by Squanto, an American Indian of the Patuxet people, the colony was able to establish a treaty with Chief Massasoit which helped to ensure the colony's success. It played a central role in King Philip's War, one of the earliest of the Indian Wars. Ultimately, the colony was merged with the Massachusetts Bay Colony and other territories in 1691 to form the Province of Massachusetts Bay. The Continental Congress of 1776 encouraged enlistments during the American Revolutionary War by providing pensions for soldiers who were disabled. Direct medical and hospital care given to veterans in the early days of the republic was provided by the individual states and communities. In 1811, the first domiciliary and medical facility for veterans was authorized by the federal government, but not opened until 1834. In the 19th century, the nation's veterans assistance program was expanded to include benefits and pensions not only for veterans, but also their widows and dependents. After the Civil War, many state veterans homes were established. Since domiciliary care was available at all state veterans homes, incidental medical and hospital treatment was provided for all injuries and diseases, whether or not of service origin. Indigent and disabled veterans of the Civil War, Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, and Mexican Border period as well as discharged regular members of the Armed Forces were cared for at these homes. Congress established a new system of veterans benefits when the United States entered World War I in 1917. Included were programs for disability compensation, insurance for servicepersons and veterans, and vocational rehabilitation for the disabled. By the 1920s, the various benefits were administered by three different federal agencies: the Veterans Bureau, the Bureau of Pensions of the Interior Department, and the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. The establishment of the Veterans Administration came in 1930 when Congress authorized the president to "consolidate and coordinate Government activities affecting war veterans." The three component agencies became bureaus VA Medical Center in Manhattan, New York City within the Veterans Administration. Brigadier General Frank T. Hines, who directed the Veterans Bureau for seven years, was named as the first Administrator of Veterans Affairs, a job he held until 1945. The VA health care system has grown from 54 hospitals in 1930 to include 171 medical centers; more than 350 outpatient, community, and outreach clinics; 126 nursing home care units; and 35 domiciliaries. VA health care facilities provide a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care. The responsibilities and benefits programs of the Veterans Administration grew enormously during the following six decades. World War II resulted in not only a vast increase in the veteran population, but also in large number of new benefits enacted by Congress for veterans of the war. The World War II GI Bill, signed into law on June 22, 1944, is said to have had more impact on the American way of life than any law since the Homestead Act nearly a century before.
United States Department of Veterans Affairs Further educational assistance acts were passed for the benefit of veterans of the Korean War, the Vietnam Era, the introduction of an "all-volunteer force" in the 1970's (following the end of conscription in the United States in 1973), the Persian Gulf War, and those who served following the attacks of September 11, 2001. The Department of Veterans Affairs Act of 1988 (Pub.L. 100-527) changed the former Veterans Administration, an independent government agency established in 1930, primarily at that time to see to needs of World War I, into a Cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs. It was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on October 25, 1988, but actually came into effect under the term of his successor, George H. W. Bush, on March 15, 1989. In their major reform period of 19952000, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) implemented universal primary care, closed 55% of their acute care hospital beds, increased patients treated by 24%, had a 48% increase in ambulatory care visits and decreased staffing by 12%. By 2000, the VHA had 10,000 fewer employees than in 1995 and a 104% increase in patients treated since 1995, and had managed to maintain the same cost per patient-day, while all other facilities' costs had risen over 30% to 40% during the same time frame.
Benefits
The benefits provided include; -- disability compensation -- pension -- education -- home loans -- life insurance -vocational rehabilitation -- survivors benefits -- medical benefits -- burial benefits.[7] The VA currently breaks down benefits in an easy to understand benefits booklet.[8] Benefits and topics include; VA Health Care Benefits, Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities, VA Pensions, Education and Training, Home Loan Guaranty, VA Life Insurance, Burial and Memorial Benefits, Reserve and National Guard, Special Groups of Veterans, Transition Assistance, Dependents and Survivors Health Care, Dependents and Survivors Benefits, Appeals of VA Claims Decisions, Military Medals and Records, and Other Federal Benefits.
United States Department of Veterans Affairs assist veterans in the process of getting care from the VA. In his budget proposal for fiscal year 2009, President George W. Bush requested $38.7 billion - or 86.5% of the total Veterans Affairs budget - for veteran medical care alone. In the 2011 Costs of War report from Brown University, researchers projected that the cost of caring for veterans of the War on Terror would peak 3040 years after the end of combat operations. They also predicted that medical and disability costs would ultimately total between $600 billion and $1 trillion for the hundreds of thousands treated by the Department of Veterans Affairs.[13]
Security breach
In May 2006, a laptop computer containing unencrypted social security numbers of 26.5 million U.S. veterans was stolen from a Veterans Affairs analysts home. The analyst violated existing VA policy by removing the data from his workplace.[16] On 3 August 2006, a computer containing personal information in the clear on up to 38,000 veterans was stolen. The computer has since been recovered and on 5 August 2006, two men were charged with the theft. In early August 2006, a plan was announced to encrypt critical data on every laptop in the agency using disk encryption software.[17] Strict policies have also been enacted that require a detailed description of what a laptop will be used for and where it will be located at any given time. Encryption for e-mail had already been in use for some time but is now the
United States Department of Veterans Affairs renewed focus of internal security practices for sending e-mail containing patient information.
Related legislation
1944 - Mustering-out Payment Act PL 78-225 1944 - Servicemens Readjustment Act PL 78-346 1944 - Veterans' Preference Act PL 78-359 1952 - Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act PL 82-550 1974 - Vietnam Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act 1988 - Department of Veterans Affairs Act PL 100-527 2006 - Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 PL 109-461
References
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] http:/ / www. va. gov (http:/ / www. usa. gov/ directory/ federal/ veterans-affairs-department. shtml) USA.GOV (http:/ / www. va. gov/ HOMELESS/ index. asp) Homeless Veterans at the VA United States Department of Veterans Affairs#Celebrities and Veterans Celebrities and Veterans (http:/ / www. washingtonpost. com/ business/ economy/ home-prices-hit-lowest-level-since-april-09-in-double-dip/ 2011/ 05/ 31/ AGlmRSFH_story. html) Home prices hit lowest level since April 09 in double dip [6] (http:/ / www. usich. gov/ opening_doors/ ) [7] Benefits: Links (http:/ / www. va. gov/ landing_vba. htm), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (http:/ / www. va. gov), Retrieved 26 May 2007 [8] (http:/ / www. va. gov/ opa/ publications/ benefits_book. asp)
Further reading
In 1998, the Institute of Medicine began a series of studies to respond to requests from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Congress for an examination of the health effects of potentially harmful agents to which Gulf War veterans might have been exposed. Jan. 1, 2000 - Gulf War and Health: Volume 1. Depleted Uranium, Sarin, Pyridostigmine Bromide, and Vaccines (http://www.iom.edu/CMS/4683/5534.aspx) Feb. 18, 2003 - Gulf War and Health Volume 2: Insecticides and Solvents (http://www.iom.edu/CMS/4683/ 5407.aspx) Aug. 20, 2004 - Gulf War and Health: Updated Literature Review of Sarin (http://www.iom.edu/Reports/ 2004/Gulf-War-and-Health-Updated-Literature-Review-of-Sarin.aspx) Dec. 20, 2004 - Gulf War and Health: Volume 3. Fuels, Combustion Products, and Propellants (http://www. iom.edu/CMS/4683/24236.aspx) Sep. 12, 2006 - Gulf War and Health: Volume 4. Health Effects of Serving in the Gulf War (http://www.iom. edu/Reports/2006/Gulf-War-and-Health--Volume-4-Health-Effects-of-Serving-in-the-Gulf-War.aspx) Oct. 16, 2006 - Gulf War and Health: Volume 5. Infectious Disease (http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2006/ Gulf-War-and-Health-Volume-5-Infectious-Disease.aspx) Nov. 15, 2007 - Gulf War and Health: Volume 6. Physiologic, Psychologic, and Psychosocial Effects of Deployment-Related Stress (http://www.iom.edu/CMS/4683/48534.aspx) Jul. 30, 2008 - Epidemiologic Studies of Veterans Exposed to Depleted Uranium: Feasibility and Design Issues (http://www.iom.edu/CMS/4683/56996.aspx) Jul. 30, 2008 - Gulf War and Health: Updated Literature Review of Depleted Uranium (http://www.iom.edu/ CMS/4683/56994.aspx) Dec. 4, 2008 - Gulf War and Health: Volume 7. Long-term Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injury (http:// www.iom.edu/en/Reports/2008/ Gulf-War-and-Health-Volume-7-Long-term-Consequences-of-Traumatic-Brain-Injury.aspx)
External links
United States Department of Veterans Affairs Official Website (http://www.va.gov/) A Brief History of the VA (http://www4.va.gov/about_va/vahistory.asp) from the Office of Facilities Management VA HyperFAQ (http://www.va.gov/hyperfaq) directory of top VA web pages. Proposed and final federal regulations from the Department Of Veterans Affairs (http://openregs.com/agencies/ view/12/) A Nation Repays Its Debt:The National Soldiers' Home and Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio, a National Park Service Teaching with Historic Places (TwHP) lesson plan (http://www.nps.gov/history/NR/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/ 115dayton/115dayton.htm) PBS NOW | Fighting the Army (http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/424/index.html) Investing In Veterans (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hon-eric-e-shinseki/investing-in-veterans_b_257725. html) by Eric Shinseki United States Department of Veterans Affairs (http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/institutions/ veterans_affairs_topic.html) collected news and commentary at The Washington Post
Available versions
There are two versions of the DD Form 214, usually referred to simply as "short" (edited) and "long" (unedited) copies. The edited, or "short" copy omits a great deal of information, chiefly the characterization of service and reason for discharge, thus the unedited ("long") copy is generally desired by veterans' organizations, employers, and law enforcement agencies alike.
Copies
Service members are given the option of accepting the edited, unedited or both copies upon separation. The National Personnel Records Center is the government agency tasked with replacing lost and destroyed DD Form 214s upon request from a veteran. Requested copies are mailed from the Military Personnel Records Center. The most important copy of the DD 214 for the individual is the "Member 4" copy. It is the standard form needed to obtain benefits such as GI Bill or government employment priority. The "Service 2" copy contains information as to the nature and type of discharge, and the re-enlistment code. This code is used to determine whether or not the service member can go back into the service. For unemployment benefits, veterans affairs benefits, as well as for several other services, the "Member's Copy 4" is usually needed. An
DD Forms 214 and 215 identical copy to the "Service 2", the "Member 4", is provided directly to the service member upon release from active duty. The military will not provide a replacement "Member's Copy 4" (it is the service member's personal copy) and any request for a replacement is always honored by providing a "Service 2" copy. Other versions of the DD Form 214 include the "Member 1" (deleted version), "Service 7 & 8" (carbon copies of the "Service 2"), "Veterans Affairs 3" (sent directly to the Department of Veterans Affairs), and "Department of Labor 5" (provided directly to the United States Department of Labor). Most veterans who separated from their service generally pre-1992 can obtain their DD 214 from the National Personnel Records Center, ("NPRC"). The NPRC has two distinct tracks available to obtain records for veterans. The first is for the veteran to submit a Department of Defense Standard Form 180 ("SF180") to the facility via mail or fax. The second is to appear in-person at the facility. A personal appearance to request your records will almost always be faster. There are companies who can stand in the veterans place in order to acquire the same in-person advantage, to "expedite" record acquisition for a fee. In addition, records after 1992 will generally be held by the military branches themselves. Private companies who have researchers at these other facilities will, again, almost always be able to acquire records faster than standard submission through the Government. The National Archives does maintain a list of independent researchers who will undertake a personal search and physically visit the St. Louis facility to request records in person.[1]
Corrections
The DD Form 215 ("Correction to DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty") is used to correct errors or additions to a DD Form 214 discovered after the original had been delivered and/or distribution had been made. It is distributed in the same manner as the DD Form 214.
Distribution
A DD Form 214/215 is prepared in eight copies and distributed as follows: Copy 1 Service Member Copy 2 Service Personnel File Copy 3 United States Department of Veterans Affairs Copy 4 Member (if initialed in Block 30) Copy 5 United States Department of Labor Copy 6 State Director of Veteran Affairs Copy 7 & 8 Distributed in accordance with Military Service Department directions
References
History, Usage and Acquisition of DD214s [2]
[1] Independent Researchers for Hire (Search the page for DD214 for specialists) (http:/ / www. archives. gov/ research/ hire-help/ military. html) - National Archives and Records Administration [2] http:/ / www. dd214. us/
External links
SPN and Separation Codes (http://www.dd214.us/reference/SPN_Codes.pdf) Reenlistment Codes (http://www.dd214.us/reference/Reenlistment_Codes.pdf) National Personnel Records Center (http://www.archives.gov/research/hire-help/military.html) How to get copies of Military Service Records (e.g.,: DD 214/DD 215) (http://www.archives.gov/veterans/) National Archives
DD Forms 214 and 215 Separation Program Designator (SPD) Codes (https://www.nh.ngb.army.mil/Recruiting/Tools_files/ r635_5_1.pdf) (PDF) Army Regulation 635-5 Separation Documents (http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r635_5.pdf)
10
Early history
The Military Personnel Records Center was designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki, and opened in 1955 after three years of construction. The facility was designed to replace the much older Army Personnel Records Center which was an active military installation of the United States Army and housed discharged and retired Army records dating back to the Spanish-American War. From 1955 to 1964, the Military Personnel Records Center was used mainly by government agencies requiring information from military service records. Veterans during this time period normally could not obtain service record information, except by way of personally visiting the facility. This had changed in 1965, when photocopy machines became widespread at the Military Personnel Records Center making it easier to reproduce service records upon request from all interested parties. In 1968, control of the Military Personnel Records Center converted to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), then referred to as the National Archives and Records Service (NARS), and the building became known as the "National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records" (NPRC-MPR).[1] Its sister organization, the Civilian Personnel Records Center (NPRC-CPR) was established in Overland, Missouri. Between 1965 and 1973, the Military Personnel Records Center gradually became overwhelmed with the volume of records requests it was receiving and developed a bad reputation as being non-customer friendly. Veterans would typically wait anywhere from six months to two years to obtain records, and in many cases the records provided were incomplete or not the correct records which were requested. There was also no recourse or quality assurance during this time period, leaving complaints on records requests largely unanswered.
11
Modernization
From 1975 to 1996, the Military Personnel Records Center operated through a complex system of paperwork forms with little computer automation. The 1980s saw serious complaints against the facility to the extent that the military service departments began procedures to hold their own records rather than have such records sent to the Military Personnel Records Center. In 1985, control of the Military Personnel Records Center was handed over from the General Services Administration to the National Archives and Records Administration. By the 1990s, efforts were underway to correct problems which had resulted in complaints against the facility and to reduce the huge amount of backlogged requests for military records. In 1995, the first major computer tracking facility was introduced at the Military Personnel Records Center and employees began receiving training on all types of service records, whereas before different offices handled records only from a particular branch of service. In 1999, a one million-plus dollar computer system, known as "Siebel" was introduced at the Military Personnel Records Center, thus changing the agency into a paperless system. MPR's internet request site came online in 2000 allowing veterans or other parties to request military service records over the Internet.
Present day
Most of the records on file at the National Personnel Records Center are considered property of the U.S. military and record requests are normally only honored from veterans, next-of-kin of deceased veterans, and certain agencies of the federal government. The general public may request records information under the Freedom of Information Act, but not copies of entire records or personal information regarding former military service members. Requests for information to the Military Personnel Records Center number approximately 4000 letters per day. In the fall of 2004, an Internet hoax stated that the Military Personnel Records Center was destroying paper copies of all records in lieu of computer scanning. National Archives officials stressed that all records are permanently archived, meaning that they will never be destroyed and always maintained as historical documents. Despite this statement, the number of requests to NPRC-MPR rose considerably, causing a significant backlog in record copy responses. As of 2005, internet notices and public announcements stemmed requests resulting from the "record destruction" rumor and the Military Personnel Records Center is back to a standard response time of approximately ten days for simple requests and as long as three to six months for complex requests requiring extensive research. After 1995, the Department of the Navy began retaining personnel records of Navy and Marine Corps personnel and ceased retiring these records to NPRC. Such records are now kept on file in Millington, Tennessee (for the Navy) and in Quantico, Virginia (for the Marine Corps). The Air Force and Army ceased retiring records to the Military Personnel Records Center in 2002 with the last Coast Guard records officially retired in 2004 although some USCG records as late as 2008 are still being sent to NPRC.
Military Personnel Records Center Between 2007 and 2008, the Army began giving NPRC access to its electronic military service record system (called "DPIRS") and most Army cases are now again answered directly by NPRC although, for problems concerning electronic Army records, veterans are advised to contact the United States Army Human Resources Command (HRC) directly. Between 1992 and 1998, the Department of Veterans Affairs began a project to receive military health records upon a service member's discharge, release, death in service, or retirement from the military. As of 2000, all military health records are now retired to the Department of Veterans Affairs instead of to the Military Personnel Records Center.
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Archival Records
In 2005, a large number of Marine Corps and Navy records, which had been housed at the Military Personnel Records Center as Department of the Navy records were transferred to the legal custody of the National Archives. The records in question consisted of enlisted Navy and Marine Corps personnel who were discharged or retired prior to 1939 and were reclassified as public access, much the same as Civil War and Spanish American War records which are maintained in Washington, D.C.. Between 2006 and 2007, the category of archival records was extended to any record where the veteran in question was discharged, retired, or died more than 62 years from the current date. Known as the "62 year rule" this also applied to the Reconstruction Records of the NPRC fire related records holdings. As of 2008, the 62 year rule of archival records applies to any record in NPRC's possession with the exception of Navy Medical Records, Inpatient Clinical Records (i.e. Hospital medical files), and certain records considered "organizational" such as rosters, pay records, and unit history information. As of 2009, with the first Air Force records from 1947 becoming public archival records, every branch of service now has some type of archival record on file at NPRC. The first records of the Korean War will become archival in 2012, the earliest Vietnam War records will become archival in 2023, while records of the Persian Gulf War will not become archival until 2053. The new Archival Records became open to unlimited access by the general public with all requests for information to such records responded by providing a copy of the entire file. Those seeking these records were required to pay a fee, whereas the "Non-Archival Records", that is the bulk of MPRC's holdings, are provided free of charge. As part of the Archival Records program, a number of notable persons records were also transferred to the custody of the National Archives and open to general public access.[2] Some records include: Desi Arnaz Henry H. Arnold Joseph Barrow (Joe Louis) Humphrey Bogart Benjamin O. Davis William J. Donovan James Doolittle James Forrestal Clark Gable Alexander Haley Curtis Lemay Burt Lancaster George S. Patton
13
Additional facilities
The headquarters of the U.S. Army Human Resource Command is currently located on the same lot as the Military Personnel Records Center in Overland, Missouri. The two buildings are physically connected by large access hallways. The General Services Administration also maintains a third, much smaller building, which is connected to the National Personnel Records Center and serves as a cafeteria and recreation facility. In 2005, the BRAC project announced the closure of the Army Human Resource Command, however HRC continues to operate a large number of offices out of its St. Louis headquarters, even though most of HRC has now transferred to Fort Knox, Kentucky.
References
[1] National Archives: Veteran's Service Records (http:/ / www. archives. gov/ veterans/ ) [2] National Archives: Persons of Exceptional Prominence (http:/ / www. archives. gov/ st-louis/ military-personnel/ public/ persons-of-prominence. html)
External links
a Congressional Research Service (CRS) Report "Military Service Records and Unit Histories: A Guide to Locating Sources" (http://digital.library.unt.edu/govdocs/crs/permalink/meta-crs-7746) http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/website http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/index.html Online and offline DD-214/personnel records request forms
Veteran
A veteran (from Latin vetus, meaning "old")[1] is a person who has had long service or experience in a particular occupation or field; " A veteran of ..." .[2] This page refers to military veterans, i.e., a person who has served or is serving in the armed forces, and has direct exposure to acts of military conflict, commonly known as war veterans (although not all military conflicts, or areas in which armed combat takes place, are necessarily referred to as "wars").
The Les InvalidesHpital des Invalides in Paris is a hospital and retirement home for French war veterans
Veteran
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Book given to U.S. veterans in 1919 to help them readjust to civilian life
Many countries have longstanding traditions, ceremonies, and holidays to honor their veterans. In the UK "Remembrance Day" is held on November the 11th and is focused mostly on the veterans who died in service to the monarch and country. A red or white poppy is worn on the lapel (for remembrance or for peace, respectively) in the weeks up to the date, and wreaths and flowers laid at memorials to the dead. In Russia, a tradition was established after the Second World War, where newly married couples would on their wedding day visit a military cemetery. In France, for instance, those wounded in war are given the first claim on any seat on public transit. Most countries have a holiday such as Veterans Day to honor their veterans, along with the war dead. In Zimbabwe the term veteran is used for political purpose and may not actually refer to someone that participated in a war, but still feels entitled to some benefit because of association with a cause for which there had been an actual war [3].
Veteran
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United States
The most common usage is for former armed services personnel. A veteran is one who has served in the armed forces, especially one who has served in combat. It is especially applied to those who served for an entire career, usually of 20 years or more, but may be applied for someone who has only served one tour of duty. A common misconception is that only those who have served in combat or those who have retired from active duty can be called military veterans.
Veterans who served on the battleship USS Missouri (BB-63)Missouri shortly after a ceremony marking the anniversary of the end of World War II.
President Abraham Lincoln, in his second inaugural address, in 1865 towards the end of the US Civil War, famously called for good treatment of veterans: "to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan". The American Civil War produced veterans' organizations, such as the Grand Army of the Republic. The treatment of veterans changed after the First World War. In the years following, discontented veterans became a source of instability. They could quickly organize, had links to the army, and often had arms themselves. Veterans played a central role in the post-World War I instability of Germany, while in the United States, the Bonus Army of unemployed veterans was one of the most important protest movements of the Great Depression, marching on Washington, DC, to get a claimed bonus that Congress had promised them. Each state of the United States sets specific criteria for state-specific veterans' benefits. For federal medical benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, prior to 7 September 1980 the veteran must have served at least 180 days of active duty, after the above-mentioned date, the veteran must have served at least 24 months. However, if the veteran was medically discharged and receives a VA service-connected disability stipend, the time limits are not applicable. American veteran experience after World War II After the Second World War, in part due to the experience of the First World War, most of the participating states set up elaborate veterans' administrations. Within the United States, it was veterans groups, like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars organization, that pushed for and got the G.I. Bill enacted. These gave veterans access to free or subsidized education and health care. The newly educated GIs created a significant economic impact, and with the aid of VA loans were able to buy housing and establish themselves as part of a growing American middle class. The explosion of the suburbs created sufficient housing for veterans and their families.
Veteran American veteran experience after OEF and OIF Many veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom have had to face challenges unique to warfare in the 21st century. One significant difference between OEF and OIF and previous wars is a greater dependence on reservists and repeat deployments. Up to 80% of troops deployed at the beginning of OEF were part of the part of the Army National Guard and Reserve[5] and about 40% of currently serving military members have been deployed more than once.[6] This has meant that many deployed troops, not being as steeped in military culture [7] have had more difficult transitions into military life, and for many the increased redeployment rate has meant more transitions, more uncertainty, longer terms, and shorter dwell times, all of which contribute to greater stress. Due to medical advances, warfare in the 21st century tends to yield more survivors with severe injuries which soldiers in previous wars would have died from.[8] This means that, though fewer service members die, more return from war with injuries more serious, and in turn more emotionally devastating, than ever before. Among these injuries is the increasingly common traumatic brain injury, or TBI, the effects of which can range from a mild concussion to amnesia and serious neurological damage.[9] Female veterans in the U.S. Women have served in the United States military for over two hundred years. Some female veterans perceive themselves as discriminated against by their male counterparts and, as such, women who have served in the armed forces have sometimes been known as "the invisible veterans".[10] Women were not fully recognized as veterans until after WWII, and prior to this they were not eligible for VA benefits. The VA estimates that by the year 2010 women will make up 40% of the veteran population. A tri-state (Washington, Idaho, Oregon) women veterans conference in Pendleton, Oregon, in April 2008, attracted 362 women veterans, according to the East Oregonian newspaper. African American veterans in the U.S. African Americans have participated in every war fought by or within the United States. Black veterans from World War I experienced racial persecution on returning to the U.S. from overseas, particularly in Southern cities.[11] Black veterans from World War II continued to be denied equality at home despite President Harry S. Truman's desegregation of the military after World War II. Black veterans went on to play a central role in the Civil Rights movement. The National Association for Black Veterans is an organization that provides advocacy and support for African American and other minority veterans.
16
Veteran
17
External links
At.Ease.dva.gov.au [17] Marine Corps Veteran Resources [18] Grand Valley State University Veteran's History Project digital collection [19]
Help organizations
A list of organisations offering help or advice follows. At Ease (AU) AT-ease.dva.gov.au [20] Combat Stress (UK) Combatstress.org.uk [21] Help-for-Veterans.com [22] British Legion Advice Line (UK) [23] Combat Veterans Community (US) [24] Ministry of Defence Veterans Help Pages (UK) [25] Scottish Veterans [26] Veterans UK (UK) [27] Veterans Aid (UK) [28]
Veterans in Prison Association (UK) [29] Vets in Prison (UK) [30] Veterans Help Network (USA) [31]
Veteran National Veterans Foundation (USA) [32] Swords to Plowshares (USA) [33] Ausres - Specialist Veteran Employer Services, Washington, DC (USA) [34] Operation Sacred Trust (Florida, USA)
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References
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] Veteran Merriam Webster Dictionary (http:/ / www. merriam-webster. com/ dictionary/ veteran) Accessed March 25, 2008. Dictionary definition 1 (http:/ / dictionary. reference. com/ browse/ veteran) http:/ / afraf. oxfordjournals. org/ content/ 101/ 402/ 9. short McCrummen, Stephanie (4 August 2009). "Nearly Forgotten Forces of WWII". Washington Post. Washington Post Foreign Service. Darwin, Jaine, Kenneth Reich. Citizen Soldiers Changed Forever: The Impact of OEF/OIF on Reserve and National Guard Troops and their Families SOFAR USA [6] "Returning Home from Iraq and Afghanistan: Preliminary Assessment of Readjustment Needs of Veterans, Service Members, and Their Families Washington, D.C: National Academies Press, 2010 [7] Friedman, MJ. "Veterans' Mental Health in the Wake of War." The New England Journal of Medicine, v352 n13 (2005): 1287-90 [8] Returning Home from Iraq and Afghanistan: Preliminary Assessment of Readjustment Needs of Veterans, Service Members, and Their Families Washington, D.C: National Academies Press, 2010 [9] Bass, Elizabeth, and Heidi Golding The Veterans Health Administration's Treatment of PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury Among Recent Combat Veterans Washington, DC: Congress of the United States, Congressional Budget Office, 2012 [10] Willenz, June A. (1994): "Invisible Veterans" Educational Record, v75 n4 p40-46, American Council on Education [11] Maxine D. Rogers, et al., Documented History of Rosewood, Florida in January 1923, op.cit., pp.4-6 (http:/ / mailer. fsu. edu/ ~mjones/ rosewood/ rosewood. html), accessed March 28, 2008; Clarence Lusane (2003), Hitler's Black Victims, p. 89. [12] http:/ / www. mentalhealth. org. uk/ media/ news-releases/ news-releases-2010/ 28-january-2010/ [13] Veterans-uk.info (http:/ / www. veterans-uk. info/ homelessness/ ex_serv. html) [14] Times article on increase in veterans in jail 9/09 (http:/ / www. timesonline. co. uk/ tol/ news/ uk/ crime/ article6848238. ece) [15] Combatstress.org.uk (http:/ / www. combatstress. org. uk/ ) [16] Durboraw, Al (2010). Combat veterans rights : to the Department of Veterans Affairs, benefits, medical services, compensation, appeals, etc.. Pittsburgh, PA: Dorrance Publishing Co.. ISBN978-1-4349-0409-6. [17] http:/ / at-ease. dva. gov. au/ www/ html/ 216-vvcs---veterans-and-veterans-families-counselling-service. asp [18] http:/ / www. kansascitymarines. net/ [19] http:/ / www. gvsu. edu/ library/ digitalcollections/ index. cfm?id=9A2DB0EB-0786-A637-598720846FBCCD75 [20] http:/ / at-ease. dva. gov. au/ www/ html/ 7-home-page. asp [21] http:/ / www. combatstress. org. uk/ [22] http:/ / www. help-for-veterans. com/ [23] http:/ / www. britishlegion. org. uk/ about-us/ legionline [24] http:/ / my. vfwwebcom. org/ [25] http:/ / www. mod. uk/ DefenceInternet/ DefenceFor/ Veterans/ [26] http:/ / www. svronline. org/ [27] http:/ / www. veterans-uk. info/ [28] http:/ / www. veterans-aid. net/ [29] http:/ / www. veteransinprisonassociation. co. uk/ [30] http:/ / www. vetsinprison. org. uk/ [31] http:/ / www. veteranshelp. com/ [32] http:/ / www. nvf. org/ [33] http:/ / stp-sf. org/ supportvets [34] http:/ / www. ausres. com/
Military discharge
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Military discharge
A military discharge is given when a member of the armed forces is released from his or her obligation to serve.
United Kingdom
There are several reasons why someone may be discharged from the military, including expiration of enlistment, disability, dependency, and hardship.[1]
United States
Discharge or separation should not be confused with retirement; career U.S. military members who retire are not separated or discharged; rather, they enter the retired reserve and may be subject to recall to active duty. A discharge completely alleviates the veteran of any unfulfilled military service obligation, whereas a separation (which may be voluntary or involuntary) may leave an additional unfulfilled military service obligation (MSO) to be carried out in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). Below are some of the most common reasons for discharge: Expiration of Term of Service (ETS) Reaching the maximum age limit High Year Tenure (reaching the maximum allowable time-in-grade, and not selected for promotion) Disability, Dependency, or Hardship Pregnancy/Parenthood Personality Disorder Condition not a disability Physical or Mental Conditions that interfere with military service resulting in being placed on the Temporary or Permanent Disability Retirement Lists Convenience of The Government/Secretarial Authority (voluntary redundancy due to funding cutbacks, for example) Unsuitability Misconduct Minor Disciplinary Infractions Misconduct Drug Abuse with and without administrative review board Misconduct Commission of a serious offense Entry-Level Performance and Conduct Resignation (available to officers only) Reduction in Force (RIF) Uncharacterized if discharged within the first 180 days of service and no misconduct found in service member's record Punitive Discharges Bad Conduct Discharge issued by either Special Court Martial or General Court Martial only. Dishonorable Discharge issued by a General Court Martial only
If discharged administratively for any of the above reasons, the service member will normally receive an honorable or a general (under honorable conditions) discharge. If misconduct is involved the service member may receive an Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge service characterization.
Military discharge
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Types
Administrative Entry level separation (ELS): uncharacterized Entry level separations, or uncharacterized discharge, are given to individuals who separate prior to completing 180 days of military service, or when discharge action was initiated prior to 180 days of service. This type of discharge does not attempt to characterize service as good or bad. It is typically used for individuals who do not complete initial (basic) or follow on training because they are not fit, or are not successfully adapting to a military lifestyle, but have not displayed particularly malicious or criminal behavior. Honorable To receive an honorable discharge, a service member must have received a rating from good to excellent for his or her service. Service members who meet or exceed the required standards of duty performance and personal conduct, and who complete their tours of duty, normally receive honorable discharges. However, one need not complete a term of service to receive an honorable discharge, provided the reason for involuntary discharge is not due to misconduct. For instance, a person rendered physically or psychologically incapable of performing assigned duties will normally have his or her service characterized as honorable, regardless of whether the condition or disability was incurred in the line of duty, provided he or she otherwise exceeded standards. Similarly, a service member selected for involuntary discharge due to a Reduction in Force (RIF) will typically receive an honorable discharge, assuming his or her conduct while on active duty met or exceeded standards.
An honorable discharge can, on rare occasions, be granted to a former service member (whose service was characterized as less than honorable) as an act of clemency, should that person display exemplary post-service conduct and show evidence of outstanding post-service achievement in areas such as education and employment. United States Marines must have a proficiency and conduct rating of 3.0/4.0 or higher to receive an honorable discharge.[2] General General discharges are given to service members whose performance is satisfactory but is marked by a considerable departure in duty performance and conduct expected of military members. Reasons for such a characterization of service vary, from medical discharges to misconduct, and are utilized by the unit commander as a means to correct unacceptable behavior prior to initiating discharge action (unless the reason is drug abuse, in which case discharge is mandatory). A commander must disclose the reasons for the discharge action in writing to the service member, and must explain reasons for recommending the service be characterized as General (Under Honorable Conditions). The service member is normally required to sign a statement acknowledging receipt and understanding of the notification of pending discharge memorandum. The person is also advised of the right to seek counsel and present supporting statements. In addition, service members are required to sign documents acknowledging that "substantial prejudice in civilian life" may be encountered under a general discharge.[3] Despite this, some personnel think because the discharge is described as general under honorable conditions, it is as good as or the same as an honorable discharge. Concerning
Military discharge VA disability and most other benefits that is true; however, a general discharge may preclude participation in the GI Bill, service on veteran's commissions, and other programs where a fully honorable discharge is required.[4] However, one state, Illinois, prohibits discrimination against a veteran from housing or employment on the basis of unfavorable discharge from military service per the Human Rights Act of 1970.[5] It does not apply to dishonorably discharged veterans, as shown below. Other Than Honorable (OTH) An OTH is the most severe form of administrative discharge. This type of discharge represents a departure from the conduct and performance expected of all military members. OTH discharges are typically given to service members convicted by a civilian court in which a sentence of confinement has been adjudged or in which the conduct leading to the conviction brings discredit upon the service. It can also be given as the result of certain civil hearings, like divorce for adultery. OTH discharges can be accepted in-lieu of court-martial proceedings at the service-member's request. Persons facing OTH are guaranteed, by the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the right to have their discharge heard by an administrative discharge board, which is similar to a court-martial but is not a public forum. Recipients of OTH discharges are barred from reenlisting into any component of the Armed Forces (including the reserves), and are normally barred from joining the Army National Guard or Air National Guard, except under rare circumstances that require exception-to-policy waivers. As of September 2006, all 50 states had policies barring the reenlistment of OTH discharge recipients. Clemency Discharge By Presidential Proclamation 4313,[6] President Ford created a procedure for those military personnel who resisted against the Vietnam War to receive a Presidential Pardon and have their punitive discharges changed to a Clemency Discharge. It also provided a path for those who left the country to return. If the military personnel fulfilled certain requirements of alternative service, they would also receive a Certificate of Completion from the Selective Service System. Punitive Bad Conduct (BCD) A Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) can only be given by a court-martial (either Special or General) as punishment to an enlisted service-member. Bad conduct discharges are often preceded by a period of confinement in a military prison. The discharge itself is not executed until completion of both confinement and the appellate review process.
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Virtually all veterans' benefits are forfeited by a Bad Conduct Discharge; BCD recipients are not eligible for VA disability compensation in accordance with 38 CFR 3.12.
Military discharge Dishonorable A dishonorable discharge (DD) can only be handed down to an enlisted member by a general court-martial. Dishonorable discharges are handed down for what the military considers the most reprehensible conduct. This type of discharge may be rendered only by conviction at a general court-martial for serious offenses (e.g., desertion, sexual assault, murder, etc.) that call for dishonorable discharge as part of the sentence. With this characterization of service, all veterans' benefits are lost, regardless of any past honorable service. This type of discharge is regarded as shameful in the military. In many states a dishonorable discharge is deemed the equivalent of a felony conviction, with attendant loss of civil rights.[7] Additionally, US federal law prohibits ownership of firearms by those who have been discharged under dishonorable conditions[8] per the Gun Control Act of 1968.
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Appeal procedures
After a discharge, the service member (or his or her next-of-kin, if the service member is deceased) can appeal the type of discharge that was given. Depending on how long ago the discharge was, they need to file form DD-293 if less than 15 years and form DD-149 if over 15 years. These are very different forms and go to very different places. 10 U.S.C.1552 [10]1553 [11] provide the law for this action. The service member (or his or her next of kin if the service member is deceased) must submit issues that claim an impropriety or inequity in discharge. Most of these requests are not approved,[12] and then only if the service member can prove he or she was unfairly denied an honorable characterization. Appellate review of punitive discharges Any punitive discharge adjudged by a Court-Martial is automatically reviewed by a military appellate court for each respective branch. These are the Army Court of Criminal Appeals (ACCA), Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals (AFCCA), Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals (NMCCCA), and the Coast Guard Court of Criminal Appeals (CGCCA). These courts are staffed by appellate military judges and function as an intermediate appellate court and have the power to review de novo both any questions of legal error and the factual basis of the conviction. If either the government or the accused is dissatisfied with the results of this appeal, the conviction or the sentence can be appealed to the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF). This court has the power of discretionary review, in that it can in some cases deny a petition to grant a review. This court however must hear any death penalty cases or cases certified by the Judge Advocate General of each respective service for appellate review. Litigants before the CAAF can appeal to the United States Supreme Court. However, this right only applies to any case that the CAAF has reviewed. Therefore, in most military justices cases, the CAAF is the court of last resort since a denial of a petition of review by that court will prevent any higher appeal. Service members who are given a punitive discharge and have completed any adjudged confinement are normally placed on appellate leave pending final review of their cases by the appellate courts. This includes members who plead guilty at their courts-martial since all cases are automatically reviewed. The member is considered to be on active duty and is subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice while on appellate leave. While the member is entitled to full health care benefits and other privileges of being on active duty, the member receives no pay or
Military discharge allowances and is not required to perform any military duties. A service member who was adjudged a punitive discharge at a court martial and then dies before the appellate review process is complete is considered to have died on active duty under honorable conditions. His or her next-of-kin is then entitled to any rights and benefits to which any other service member's family would be entitled. Upgrade of administrative discharges and special court-martial BCDs Once discharge is finalized, General, Entry-Level/Uncharacterized, and Under Other Than Honorable Conditions (UOTHC or OTH) discharges may be appealed for upgrade through the Discharge Review Board of the respective service, however, the appeal must be filed within 15 years of the date of separation, and it must be shown that the characterization of service was the result of an error or injustice. Bad Conduct Discharges handed down by a Special Court-Martial may be upgraded only as an act of clemency. Discharge Review Boards may also consider appeals for a change to the Narrative Reason for Discharge (contained in Block 28 of the DD 214). The DRB will not consider a request for the change of a Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) or Separation Designator (SPD) Code by itself, however, in the case that a discharge is upgraded, the RE and SPD codes are often changed to correspond with the new characterization of service and/or narrative reason for discharge. If more than 15 years have passed since discharge, appeals must be directed to the Board For Correction of Military/Naval Records of the respective service. The BCM/NR hears a wide array of appeals and correction requests, and can be utilized by Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, retired and discharged veterans alike. Normally, an appeal must be filed within 3 years of the occurrence of an error or injustice; however, exceptions are often made.
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Military discharge Army. Other certificates for long service, or to eligible spouses of veterans, may also be presented.[13] The Freedom of Information Act has made (limited) records of military service available to the public, upon request. However, information protected by the Privacy Act of 1974 can be released only with the veteran's consent.
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References
[1] "Advancement" (http:/ / navyadvancement. tpub. com/ 14325/ css/ 14325_487. htm). Integrated Publishing. . Retrieved 17 February 2012. [2] United States. Marine Corps Publisher=USMC (1949). Marine Corps manual. p.6. [3] Dep't of the Army, Reg. 635-200, Active Duty Enlisted Administrative Separations (http:/ / www. usapa. army. mil/ pdffiles/ r635_200. pdf), (6 June 2005) [4] http:/ / www. eielson. af. mil/ news/ story. asp?id=123117744 [5] Illinois Human Rights Act, ILGA.gov (http:/ / www. ilga. gov/ legislation/ ilcs/ ilcs5. asp?ActID=2266& ChapAct=775& nbsp;ILCS& nbsp;5/ & ChapterID=64& ChapterName=HUMAN+ RIGHTS& ActName=Illinois+ Human+ Rights+ Act) [6] Presidential Proclamation 4313 (http:/ / www. presidency. ucsb. edu/ ws/ index. php?pid=4714#axzz1jJbv1H6i) [7] Oregon.gov (http:/ / www. oregon. gov/ ODVA/ docs/ PDFs/ Criminal_Justice_Portal/ Military_discharge. pdf) [8] "Unlawful acts (18 U.S.C. 922(g)(2))" (http:/ / www. law. cornell. edu/ uscode/ 18/ 922. html). . Retrieved 2012-03-26. [9] See Goldsmith v. Clinton (http:/ / www. armfor. uscourts. gov/ opinions/ 1997Term/ 97-8012. htm), 48 M.J. 84 (C.A.A.F. 1998), reversed by Clinton v. Goldsmith (http:/ / www. law. cornell. edu/ supct/ html/ 98-347. ZS. html), 526 U.S. 529, 119 S. Ct. 1538, 143 L. Ed. 2d 720 (1999). [10] http:/ / www. law. cornell. edu/ uscode/ 10/ 1552. html [11] http:/ / www. law. cornell. edu/ uscode/ 10/ 1553. html [12] About.com: How To Upgrade Your Military Discharge (http:/ / usmilitary. about. com/ cs/ generalinfo/ ht/ dischargeupgrad. htm) [13] Army Regulation 635-5 Separation Documents (http:/ / www. apd. army. mil/ pdffiles/ r635_5. pdf) [14] Dep't of Veterans Affairs, Military Service Requirements for VA Loan Eligibility (http:/ / www. homeloans. va. gov/ elig2. htm)
Military discharge
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External links
Board for Correction of Naval Records (http://www.hq.navy.mil/bcnr/bcnr.htm)Bureau of Naval Personnel U.S. Marines. Frequently Asked Questions (https://lnweb1.manpower.usmc.mil/manpower/mi/mra_ofct.nsf/ mmsr/Separations-FAQs). Manpower and Reserve Affairs Personnel Management Division. Retrieved January 8, 2004. About.com Upgrading your discharge. (http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/generalinfo/a/dischargeupg.htm) Retrieved February 27, 2006. About.com Military Justice 101, Part 3. (http://usmilitary.about.com/od/justicelawlegislation/l/aadischarge1. htm) Retrieved February 27, 2006 Snopes.com Urban Legends: Disney's Discharge (http://www.snopes.com/disney/waltdisn/discharg.htm). Retrieved February 27, 2006
Work Process
The Commissioners visited United States Department of Defense (DoD), United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and private-sector treatment facilities, interviewed injured Service members and their families, health care professionals, and program managers, conducted a survey of injured service members, reviewed letters and emails from Service members, veterans, family members, and health care personnel, and analyzed recommendations of past commissions and task forces. This Commission had the unique task of evaluating the entire continuum of care instead of analyzing discrete systems and processes as was the tasks of similar Commissions.
Findings
The Commission found consistent reports of high-quality battlefield medicine care provided by military and VA medical staff. Much of the report findings focused on seriously injured Service members, as defined by recipients of the one-time payment from Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance to severely injured service members. The Commission found strong correlation between the feedback they received about DoD/VA health care and the feedback typical the feedback one would receive about health care from the private sector, such as poor care coordination and continuity, ineffective information technology systems, enduring stigma threatening those who seek mental health care, and inadequate long-term rehabilitation and staff shortages.
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Recommendations
This Commission made six recommendations with "action steps" to implement each recommendation. Also, each "action step" directs specific action roles to the VA, DoD, United States Congress or some combination of these three entities. 1. Immediately Create Comprehensive Recovery Plans to Provide the Right Care and Support at the Right Time in the Right Place Develop integrated care teams Create Recovery Plans Develop corps of Recovery Coordinators (with Public Health Service) 2. Completely Restructure the Disability and Compensation Systems Clarify the objectives of DoD and VA disability programs Create a single, comprehensive medical exam Provide lifetime TRICARE benefits for combat-injured Restructure VA disability payments Determine appropriate length and amounts of transition payments Update and keep current the disability rating schedule
Develop flexibility within Vocational Rehabilitation and Education (VRE) program 3. Aggressively Prevent and Treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury Enable all Iraq & Afghanistan veterans who need PTSD care to receive it from the VA Address shortage in mental health professionals Establish and expand networks of experts in PTSD and TBI Expand training regarding PTSD and TBI Develop or disseminate clinical practice guidelines
4. Significantly Strengthen Support for Families Expand eligibility for TRICARE respite care and aide and attendant care Expand caregiver training for families Cover family members under the Family Medical Leave Act 5. Rapidly Transfer Patient Information Between DoD and VA Make patient information available to all personnel who need it, initially in readable form Continue efforts for fully interoperable information system Develop a user-friendly single web portal for service members and veterans 6. Strongly Support Walter Reed By Recruiting and Retaining First-Rate Professionals Through 2011 Assure adequate resources Strengthen recruitment and retention of needed administrative and clinical staff
Press Coverage
25 July 2007 - Panel Calls for Changes in Military Medical Care [1] National Public Radio coverage of final report of the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors.
References
[1] http:/ / www. npr. org/ templates/ story/ story. php?storyId=12227958
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Source:
United States House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Resolutions electing Republican members (H.Res. 6 [1], H.Res. 37 [2]) Resolutions electing Democratic members (H.Res. 7 [3], H.Res. 39 [4], H.Res. 62 [5])
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Subcommittees
Subcommittee Chair Ranking Member Jerry McNerney (D-CA) Bruce Braley (D-IA)
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Jon Runyan (R-NJ) Economic Opportunity Health Oversight and Investigations Marlin Stutzman (R-IN)
Ann Marie Buerkle (R-NY) Michael Michaud (D-ME) Bill Johnson (R-OH) Joe Donnelly (D-IN)
External links
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs [6] United States Department of Veterans' Affairs [7] Veterans' Affairs Committee Democratic Webpage [8]
References
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] http:/ / hdl. loc. gov/ loc. uscongress/ legislation. 112hres6 http:/ / hdl. loc. gov/ loc. uscongress/ legislation. 112hres37 http:/ / hdl. loc. gov/ loc. uscongress/ legislation. 112hres7 http:/ / hdl. loc. gov/ loc. uscongress/ legislation. 112hres39 http:/ / hdl. loc. gov/ loc. uscongress/ legislation. 112hres62 http:/ / veterans. house. gov http:/ / www. va. gov/ index. htm http:/ / democrats. veterans. house. gov/
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Frank Murkowski Republican Alaska Alan Cranston Jay Rockefeller Alan K. Simpson Arlen Specter Jay Rockefeller Arlen Specter Larry Craig Daniel Akaka Patty Murray Democratic California
Democratic West Virginia 19931995 Republican Wyoming Republican Pennsylvania 19951997 19972001
Democratic West Virginia 20012003 Republican Pennsylvania Republican Idaho Democratic Hawaii Democratic Washington 20032005 20052007 20072011 2011present
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References
[1] Bernie Sanders is an Independent, but caucuses with Democrats on the committee. [2] http:/ / frwebgate. access. gpo. gov/ cgi-bin/ getpage. cgi?dbname=2011_record& position=all& page=S557 [3] Chicago Sun Times, Squabbles, no clear winner (Democratic candidate presidential debate), June 4, 2007 (http:/ / www. suntimes. com/ news/ hunter/ 413033,CST-NWS-hunter04. article)
External links
United States Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs (http://veterans.senate.gov/) Senate Veterans Affairs Committee member profiles (http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/people/ Congress/Senate_Committees/Veterans_Affairs_topic.html) collected news and commentary at The Washington Post
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Benefits
Veterans Benefits Administration
United States Veterans Benefits Administration
VA Logo Agency overview Formed July 21, 1930 (Cabinet rank 15 March 1989)
Preceding Agency Veterans Administration Jurisdiction Headquarters Federal government of the United States 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, D.C., United States 38543.250N 7725.366W 27,000 (Est) $58.4 billion (2010)
Agency executives Eric Shinseki, General USA, Ret., Secretary Allison A. Hickey, Brig Gen USAF, Ret., Under Secretary for Benefits Child Agency Click Here Website vba.va.gov
[1]
The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is "an organizational element of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs". The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is responsible for administering the Departments programs that provide financial and other forms of assistance to Veterans, their dependents, and survivors. Major benefits include Veterans compensation, Veterans pension, survivors benefits, rehabilitation and employment assistance, education assistance, home loan guaranties, and life insurance coverage.
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VBA's Mission
The mission of the Veterans Benefits Administration, in partnership with the Veterans Health Administration and the National Cemetery Administration, is to provide benefits and services to the veterans and their families in a responsive, timely and compassionate manner in recognition of their service to the Nation. "...to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan..." - Abraham Lincoln, 2nd Inaugural Address
Education Programs
Education Programs provide resources to Veterans, servicepersons, reservists, and certain Veterans dependents to help with readjustment and restore educational opportunities lost because of service to the country, to extend benefits of higher education to qualified persons who may not otherwise be able to afford it, to aid in military recruitment and the retention of highly qualified personnel, to encourage membership in the Selected Reserve, and to enhance the national workforce. Details may be found at www.gibill.va.gov.
Veterans Benefits Administration Post-Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) is available for eligible Veterans who entered active duty between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985. Benefits and entitlement are determined by the contributions paid while on active duty and Veterans have 10 years after separation in which to use the benefit. Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB) provides a program of education benefits that may be used while on active duty or after separation. There are several distinct eligibility categories. Generally a Veteran will receive 36 months of entitlement and has 10 years after separation to use the benefit. Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) is a program funded and managed by the Department of Defense (DoD) and is available to members of the Selected Reserve. VA administers this program but DoD determines the members eligibility. Generally a qualified member of the Reserve will receive 36 months of entitlement and will have 14 years in which to use the benefit. Reservists Educational Assistance Program (REAP) is a program funded and managed by DoD and is available to members of the Selected or Ready Reserve who are called to active duty to support contingency operations. VA administers this program but DoD determines the members eligibility. Generally a qualified member of the Selected or Ready Reserve will receive 36 months of entitlement and will be able to use the benefit as long as he or she remains in the Selected or Ready Reserve. National Call to Service is a program of education benefits that may be used while on active duty or after separation. The person must have enlisted on or after October 1, 2003, under the National Call to Service program and selected one of the two education incentives provided by that program. A Veteran will receive education benefits based on the education initiative selected. These are either (1) education benefits of up to 12 months of MGIB benefits (the 3-year rate) or (2) education benefits of up to 36 months of the MGIB benefits (half the 2-year rate). Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA) is designed to assist dependents of Veterans who (1) have been determined to be 100 percent permanently and totally disabled due to a service connected condition, (2) died due to a service-connected condition, or (3) died while on active duty. Dependents typically receive 45 months of eligibility. The criteria for using this benefit are: Children have 8 years to use this benefit. A spouse of a living Veteran has 10 years to use this benefit. A surviving spouse of a Veteran who died with a 100 percent service-connected condition has 10 years to use this benefit. A surviving spouse of a Veteran who died on active duty has 20 years to use this benefit. Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program (Post 9/11-GI Bill) is a new education assistance program for certain individuals with a qualifying period of active duty service after September 10, 2001. Individuals will be eligible for educational assistance in the form of tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a books and supplies stipend. The new program also provides certain individuals the opportunity to transfer unused educational benefits to their spouses and children. The new program is effective August 1, 2009. The Post-9/11 GI Bill also includes the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Frye Scholarship Program for the children of servicemembers who died while on active duty.
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Insurance Programs
The Insurance Programs were created to provide life insurance at a standard premium rate to members of the armed forces who are exposed to the extra hazards of military service. Veterans are eligible to maintain their VA life insurance following discharge. In general, a new program was created for each wartime period since World War I. There are four life insurance programs that still issue coverage as well as a program of traumatic injury coverage: Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) Provides up to $400,000 of life insurance coverage to active-duty members of the Uniformed Services and members of the Reserves, cadets and midshipmen of the four service academies, members of the Reserve Officer Training Corps, and members who volunteer for assignment to a mobilization category in the Individual Ready Reserve. SGLI also offers Family Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) for up to $100,000 in coverage for a servicemembers spouse, if the servicemember is on active duty or a member of the Ready Reserve of a uniformed service. All dependent children are automatically insured for $10,000 at no charge. Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) Individuals who separate from service with SGLI coverage can convert their coverage to VGLI, regardless of health, by submitting an application with the first months premium within 120 days of discharge. After 120 days, the individual may still be granted VGLI provided evidence of insurability is submitted within one-year of the end of the 120-day period. If the member is totally disabled at separation, SGLI coverage continues for free for two years, after which VGLI can be granted without evidence of insurability. Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (SDVI) A Veteran who has a VA service-connected disability rating but is otherwise in good health may apply for life insurance coverage of up to $10,000 within two years from the date of being notified by VA of the service-connected status. This insurance is limited to Veterans who left service after April 24, 1951. If the Veteran is totally disabled, premiums are waived, and he or she may apply for an additional $20,000 of coverage under this program.
Loan Guaranty
The Loan Guaranty Program provides assistance to Veterans, certain spouses, and service members to enable them to buy and retain homes. Assistance is provided through VAs partial guaranty of loans made by private lenders in lieu of the substantial down payment and private mortgage insurance required in conventional mortgage transactions. This protection means that in most cases qualified Veterans can obtain a loan without making a down payment. Also, the Loan Guaranty Program offers the following: Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grants are available to Veterans that have specific service-connected disabilities for the purpose of constructing an adapted dwelling or modifying an existing dwelling to meet the Veterans needs. The goal of the SAH Program is to provide a barrier-free living environment that affords the Veterans a level of independent living he or she may not have otherwise enjoyed. Native American Direct Home Loans are available to eligible Native American Veterans and, in certain circumstances, spouses who wish to purchase or construct a home on trust lands. These loans are direct loans made by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Servicing Assistance provides help for borrowers having difficulty in making their loan payments. The assistance can take several forms but the goal is to try to keep the Veteran in the property and avoid foreclosure. Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) Mortgage life insurance protection for up to $90,000 is available to severely disabled Veterans who receive a SAH Grant. Servicemembers' Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) - is a rider to the SGLI policies and provides automatic traumatic injury coverage to all servicemembers under SGLI, effective December 1, 2005. It provides for payment between $25,000 and $100,000 (depending on the type of injury) to SGLI members who sustain a traumatic injury that results in certain severe losses. The benefit is retroactive to October 7, 2001, if the loss was a
Veterans Benefits Administration direct result of injuries incurred in Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom.
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External links
Department of Veterans Affairs [3] Veterans Benefits Administration [4]
References
[1] [2] [3] [4] http:/ / www. vba. va. gov http:/ / www. va. gov/ ofcadmin/ docs/ vaorgbb. pdf http:/ / www. va. gov/ http:/ / www. vba. va. gov/ VBA/
VA loan
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VA loan
A VA loan is a mortgage loan in the United States guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The loan may be issued by qualified lenders. The VA loan was designed to offer long-term financing to eligible American veterans or their surviving spouses (provided they do not remarry). The basic intention of the VA direct home loan program is to supply home financing to eligible veterans in areas where private financing is not generally available and to help veterans purchase properties with no down payment. Eligible areas are designated by the VA as housing credit shortage areas and are generally rural areas and small cities and towns not near metropolitan or commuting areas of large cities. The VA loan allows veterans 103.15 percent financing without private mortgage insurance or a 20 per cent second mortgage and up to $6,000 for energy efficient improvements. A VA funding fee of 0 to 3.15% of the loan amount is paid to the VA; this fee may also be financed. In a purchase, veterans may borrow up to 103.15% of the sales price or reasonable value of the home, whichever is less. Since there is no monthly PMI, more of the mortgage payment goes directly towards qualifying for the loan amount, allowing for larger loans with the same payment. In a refinance, where a new VA loan is created, veterans may borrow up to 90% of reasonable value, where allowed by state laws. In a refinance where the loan is a VA loan refinancing to VA loan (IRRRL Refinance), the veteran may borrow up to 100.5% of the total loan amount. The additional .5% is the funding fee for an VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance. VA loans allow veterans to qualify for loans amounts larger than traditional Fannie Mae / conforming loans. VA will insure a mortgage where the monthly payment of the loan is up to 41% of the gross monthly income vs. 28% for a conforming loan assuming the veteran has no monthly bills. The maximum VA loan guarantee varies by county. As of 1 January 2012, the maximum VA loan amount with no down payment is usually $625,500, although this amount may rise to as much as $1,094,625 in certain specified "high-cost counties".[1] VA also allows the seller to pay all of the veteran's closing costs as long as the costs do not exceed 6% of the sales price of the home.
History
The original Servicemen's Readjustment Act, passed by the United States Congress in 1944, extended a wide variety of benefits to eligible veterans. The VA loan guarantee program was especially important to veterans.[2] Under the law, as amended, the VA is authorized to guarantee or insure home, farm, and business loans made to veterans by lending institutions. Over the history of the program, 18 million VA home loans have been insured by the government. The VA can make direct loans in certain areas for the purpose of purchasing or constructing a home or farm residence, or for repair, alteration, or improvement of the dwelling. The terms and requirements of VA farm and business loans have not induced private lenders to make such loans in volume during recent years. The Veterans Housing Act of 1970 removed all termination dates for applying for VA-guaranteed housing loans. This 1970 amendment also provided for VA-guaranteed loans on mobile homes. More recently, the Veterans Housing Benefits Improvement Act of 1978 expanded and increased the benefits for millions of American veterans.[2] Until 1992, the VA loan guarantee program was available only to veterans who served on active duty during specified periods. However, with the enactment of the Veterans Home Loan Program Amendments of 1992 (Public Law 102-547, approved 28 October 1992), program eligibility was expanded to include Reservists and National Guard personnel who served honorably for at least six years without otherwise qualifying under the previous active duty provisions. Such personnel are required to pay a slightly higher funding fee when obtaining a VA home loan. Despite a great deal of confusion and misunderstanding, the federal government generally does not make direct loans under the act. The government simply guarantees loans made by ordinary mortgage lenders (descriptions of which
VA loan appear in subsequent sections) after veterans make their own arrangements for the loans through normal financial circles. The Veterans Administration then appraises the property in question and, if satisfied with the risk involved, guarantees the lender against loss of principal if the buyer defaults. In association with the VA's program, the Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act protects service members from financial woes on their home loan that may occur as a result of active duty commitments, freezing their interest rates at 6%. On October 26, 2012, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced it has guaranteed 20 million home loans since its home loan program was established in 1944 as part of the original GI Bill of Rights for returning World War II Veterans. The 20 millionth loan was guaranteed for a home in Woodbridge, Va., purchased by the surviving spouse of an Iraq War Veteran who passed away in 2010. (www.va.gov)
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Funding fees
A funding fee must be paid to VA unless the veteran is exempt from such a fee because he or she receives a minimum of 10% VA disability compensation. If a veteran is awarded disability compensation after paying a funding fee, he/she can apply for a refund of this funding fee, so long as the beginning date of the disability is prior to the closing date of the home mortgage. The fee may be paid in cash or included in the loan amount. Closing costs such as VA appraisal, credit report, loan processing fee, title search, title insurance, recording fees, transfer taxes, survey charges, or hazard insurance may not be included in the loan. However, the seller may pay these on behalf of the VA borrower.
The VA funding fee can be financed directly into the maximum loan amount for the county in which the home is located. If the sales price and the financed VA funding fee total more than maximum loan amount for that county, the borrower or seller must pay for the fee out of pocket. All VA loans require an impound account for property taxes and homeowners insurance which makes the monthly payment of VA loans calculated as a PITI payment.**
VA loan
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The higher subsequent use fee does not apply to these types of loans if the veterans only prior use of entitlement was for a manufactured home loan.
Equivalents of VA loans
Private mortgage insurance
Main article: Private mortgage insurance Private mortgage insurance (PMI) guarantees conventional home mortgage loans - those that are not guaranteed by the government. This loan program is a private sector equivalent to the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and VA loan programs. The PMI company insures a percentage of the consumer's loan to reduce the lender's risk; this percentage is paid to the lender if the consumer does not pay and the lender forecloses the loan. Lenders decide if they need and want private mortgage insurance. If they so decide, it becomes a requirement of the loan. PMI companies charge a fee to insure a mortgage loan; the VA insures a loan at no cost to a veteran buyer (other than the VA funding fee); the FHA charges a monthly fee to guarantee the loan.[2]
VA Loan application
The VA loan application is a standardized loan application form 1003 issued by Fannie Mae also known as Freddie Mac Form 65. It is a Federal crime punishable by fine or imprisonment, or both, to knowingly make any false statements on a VA loan application under the provisions of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, et seq. [3] You will need the following paperwork to apply: Copies of your W2 statements for the past two years, so your gross household income can be confirmed, Copies of your previous two pay stubs, Documentation of other assets (checking accounts, savings accounts, financial investments, trust funds, etc.), If self-employed, two years of consecutive tax returns will be required.
VA loan
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References
[1] "2012 VA County Loan Limits for High-Cost Counties" (http:/ / www. benefits. va. gov/ HOMELOANS/ docs/ Loan_Limits_2012_Dec_2011. pdf) (PDF). U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. . Retrieved 2011-12-08. [2] Mishler, Lon; Cole, Robert E. (1995). Consumer and business credit management. Homewood, Ill: Irwin. pp.220121. ISBN0-256-13948-2. [3] "VA Home Loan Application" (text). Fannie Mae.
External links
Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Services (http://www.homeloans.va.gov/) Funding Fee Table (http://www.homeloans.va.gov/docs/funding_fee_tables.doc) VA Funding Fee (http://www1.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/benefits_chap05.asp) 2011 County Loan Limits (http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/docs/2011_county_loan_limits.pdf)
G.I. Bill
The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 (P.L. 78-346, 58 Stat. 284m), known informally as the G.I. Bill, was a law that provided a range of benefits for returning World War II veterans (commonly referred to as G.I.s). Benefits included low-cost mortgages, loans to start a business or farm, cash payments of tuition and living expenses to attend college, high school or vocational education, as well as one year of unemployment compensation. It was available to every veteran who had been on active duty during the war years for at least ninety days and had not been dishonorably discharged. Combat was not required.[1] By the end of the program in 1956, roughly 2.2 million veterans had used the G.I. Bill education benefits in order to attend colleges or universities. An additional 6.6 million used these benefits for some kind of training program.[2] Since the original 1944 law, the term has come to include other veteran benefit programs created to assist veterans of subsequent wars as well as peacetime service. Historians and economists consider the G.I. Bill a major political successespecially in contrast to the treatments of World War I veteransand a major contribution to America's stock of human capital that sped long-term economic growth.
History
On June 22, 1944, the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 became law; it was commonly known as the G.I. Bill of Rights. Politicians during the war wanted to avoid the postwar confusion about veterans' benefits that became a political football in the 1920s and 1930s.[3] President Franklin D. Roosevelt wanted a postwar assistance program to help transition from wartime but he wanted it need based for poor people, not just veterans. The veterans' organizations mobilized support in Congress that rejected FDR's approach and provided benefits only to veterans of military service, including men and women. Ortiz says their efforts "entrenched the VFW and the Legion as the twin pillars of the American veterans' lobby for decades".[4] Harry W. Colmery, a former national commander of the American Legion and former Republican National Chairman, is credited with drawing up the first draft of the G.I. Bill.[5][6] He reportedly jotted down his ideas on stationery and a napkin at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC.[6] U.S. Senator Ernest McFarland, D-Arizona, was actively involved in the bill's passage and is known, with Warren Atherton, as one of the "fathers of the G.I. Bill." One might then term Edith Nourse Rogers, R-Mass., who helped write and who co-sponsored the legislation, as the "mother of the G.I. Bill". Like Colmery, her contribution to writing and passing this legislation has been obscured by time.[7] The bill was introduced in the House on January 10, 1944, and in the Senate the following day. Both chambers approved their own versions of the bill.[5]
G.I. Bill The bill that President Roosevelt initially proposed was not as far reaching. The G.I. Bill was created to prevent a repetition of the Bonus March of 1932 and a relapse into the Great Depression after World War II ended. An important provision of the G.I. Bill was low interest, zero down payment home loans for servicemen. This enabled millions of American families to move out of urban apartments and into suburban homes. Prior to the war the suburbs tended to be the homes of the wealthy and upper class. Another provision was known as the 5220 clause. This enabled all former servicemen to receive $20 once a week for 52 weeks a year while they were looking for work. Less than 20 percent of the money set aside for the 5220 Club was distributed. Rather, most returning servicemen quickly found jobs or pursued higher education.
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G.I. Bill discharge received only $100 a month from which they had to pay for tuition and all of their expenses. Most found this amount to be sufficient to pay only for books and minor fees, and not enough to live on or attend college full-time. In particular, veterans of the Vietnam War disliked the fact that the bill did not provide them with the same educational opportunities as their World War II predecessors. Consequently, during the early years of the program, only about 25% of Vietnam veterans used their education benefits. In the next decade, efforts were made to increase veterans benefits. Congress succeeded, often in the face of fierce objections from the fiscally conservative Nixon and Ford Administrations, to raise benefit levels. In 1967, a single veterans benefits were raised to $130 a month; in 1970 they rose to $175; under the Readjustment Assistance Act of 1972 the monthly allowance rose to $220; in 1974 it rose to $270, $292 in 1976, and then $311 a month in 1977. As the funding levels increased, the numbers of veterans entering higher education rose correspondingly. In 1976, ten years after the first veterans became eligible, the highest number of Vietnam-era veterans were enrolled in colleges and universities. By the end of the program, proportionally more Vietnam-era veterans (6.8 million out of 10.3 million eligible) had used their benefits for higher education than any previous generation of veterans. Contrary to some stereotypes of Vietnam veterans, most who served in Vietnam used their benefits to construct productive and successful lives after service. Education benefits during the Vietnam era did not have the same impact on higher education as the original 1944 Bill because higher education had become much more commonplace in America. But the G.I. Bills of this period did have a similarly positive impact on the lives of the beneficiaries. The United States military moved to an all-volunteer force in 1973, and veterans continued to receive benefits, in part as an inducement to enlist, under the Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) and the Montgomery G.I. Bill (MGIB). From December 1976 through 1987, veterans received assistance under the VEAP. The VEAP departed from previous programs by requiring participants to make a contribution to their education benefits. The Veterans Administration then matched their contributions at a rate of 2 to 1. Enlisted personnel could contribute up to $100 a month up to a maximum of $2700. Benefits could be claimed for up to 36 months. To be eligible for VEAP, a veteran had serve for more than 180 days and receive an other than dishonorable discharge. Nearly 700,000 veterans used their benefits for education and training under this program. In 1985, a bill sponsored by Democratic Congressman "Sonny" Gillespie V. Montgomery expanded the G.I. Bill. The MGIB replaced the VEAP for those who served after July 1, 1985. This was an entirely voluntary program in which participants could choose to forfeit $100 per month from their first year of pay. In return, eligible veterans received a tuition allowance and a monthly stipend for up to 36 months of eligible training or education.
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Merchant Marine
Congress did not include merchant marine veterans in the original G.I. Bill, even though they are considered military personnel in times of war in accordance with the Merchant Marine Act of 1936. As President Roosevelt signed the G.I. Bill in June 1944 he said: "I trust Congress will soon provide similar opportunities to members of the merchant marine who have risked their lives time and time again during war for the welfare of their country." Now that the youngest veterans are in their 80s, there are efforts to recognize their contributions by giving some benefits to the remaining survivors. In 2007, three different bills related to this issue were introduced in Congress, one of which passed the House of Representatives only.[9]
G.I. Bill
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Content
All veteran education programs are found in law in Title 38 of the United States Code [10]. Each specific program is found in its own Chapter in Title 38. Unlike scholarship programs, the MGIB requires a financial commitment from the service member. However, if the benefit is not used, the service member cannot recoup whatever monies were paid into the system. In some states, the National Guard does offer true scholarship benefits, regardless of past or current MGIB participation.
Chapter 30
In 1984, former Mississippi Congressman Gillespie V. Sonny Montgomery revamped the G.I. Bill.[11] From 1984 until 2008, this version of the law was called "The Montgomery G.I. Bill". The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB) states that active duty members forfeit $100 per month for 12 months; if they use the benefits, they receive as of 2010 $1426 monthly as a full-time student (tiered at lower rates for less-than-full-time) for a maximum of 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses if the veteran is enrolled full-time. Part-time veteran students receive less, but for a proportionately longer period. This means for every month the veteran received benefits at the half-time, the veterans benefits are only charged for 1/2 of a month. Veterans from the reserve have different eligibility requirements and different rules on receiving benefits (see Ch. 1606, Ch. 1607 and Ch. 33). MGIB may also be used while active, which only reimburses the cost for tuition and fees. Each service has additional educational benefit programs for active duty members. Most delay using MGIB benefits until after separation, discharge or retirement. "Buy-Up" Option The "Buy-Up" option, also known as the "kicker", allows active duty members to forfeit up to $600 more toward their MGIB. For every dollar the service member contributes, the federal government contributes $8. Those who forfeit the maximum ($600) will receive, upon approval, an additional $150 per month for 36 months, or a total of $5400. This allows the veteran to receive $4,800 in additional funds ($5400 total minus the $600 contribution to receive it), but not until after leaving active duty. The additional contribution must be made while still on active duty. It is available for G.I. Bill recipients using either Ch. 30 or Ch. 1607, but cannot be extended beyond 36 months if a combination of G.I. Bill programs are used.[12] Time limit/eligibility MGIB benefits may be used up to 10 years from the date of last discharge or release from active duty. The 10-year period can be extended by the amount of time a service member was prevented from training during that period because of a disability or because he/she was held by a foreign government or power. The 10-year period can also be extended if one reenters active duty for 90 days or more after becoming eligible. The extension ends 10 years from the date of separation from the later period. Periods of active duty of less than 90 days qualify for extensions only if one was separated for one of the following: A service-connected disability A medical condition existing before active duty Hardship For those eligible based on two years of active duty and four years in the Selected Reserve (also known as "call to service"), they have 10 years from their release from active duty, or 10 years from the completion of the four-year Selected Reserve obligation to use MGIB benefits. At this time, service members cannot recoup any monies paid into the MGIB program should it not be utilized.
G.I. Bill Educational College, business Technical or vocational courses Correspondence courses Apprenticeship/job training Flight training (usually limited to 60% for Ch. 30, see Ch. 33 for more flight information)
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Under this bill, benefits may be used to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree at a college or university, a cooperative training program, or an accredited independent study program leading to a degree.
Chapter 31
Montgomery G.I. Bill "Chapter 31" is a vocational rehabilitation program that serves eligible active duty servicemembers and veterans with service-connected disabilities. This program promotes the development of suitable, gainful employment by providing vocational and personal adjustment counseling, training assistance, a monthly subsistence allowance during active training, and employment assistance after training. Independent living services may also be provided to advance vocational potential for eventual job seekers, or to enhance the independence of eligible participants who are presently unable to work. In order to receive an evaluation for Chapter 31 vocational rehabilitation and/or independent living services, those qualifying as a "servicemember" must have a memorandum service-connected disability rating of 20% or greater and apply for vocational rehabilitation services.[13] Those qualifying as "veterans" must have received, or eventually receive, an honorable or other-than-dishonorable discharge, have a VA service-connected disability rating of 10% or more, and apply for services. Law provides for a 12-year basic period of eligibility in which services may be used, which begins on the latter of separation from active military duty or the date the veteran was first notified of a service-connected disability rating. In general, participants have 48 months of program entitlement to complete an individual vocational rehabilitation plan. Participants deemed to have a "serious employment handicap" will generally be granted exemption from the 12-year eligibility period and may receive additional months of entitlement as necessary to complete approved plans.
Chapter 32
The Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) is available for those who first entered active duty between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 and elected to make contributions from their military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Participants' contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the Government. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses.
G.I. Bill
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Chapter 35
The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA) provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service related condition. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. Spouses may take correspondence courses
G.I. Bill
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Chapter 1606
The Montgomery G.I. Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) program may be available to members of the Selected Reserve, including all military branch reserve components as well as the Army National Guard and Air National Guard. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses.
Chapter 1607
The Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) is available to all reservists who, after September 11, 2001, complete 90 days or more of active duty service "in support of contingency operations." This benefit provides reservists return from active duty with up to 80% of the active duty (Chapter 30) G.I. Bill benefits as long as they remain active participants in the reserves.
Info Link
[16][17][18] [19][20]
[18]
[18][21][22]
[23][24]
[18][27] [28] While in the Selected Reserve. If separated from Ready Reserve for disability which was not result of willful misconduct, for 10 yrs after date of entitlement.
[29][30]
Time Limit 10 yrs from (Eligibility) last discharge from active duty.
12 yrs from discharge or notification of service-connected disability, whichever is later. In cases of "extreme disability", the 12 year timeline can be waived.
Entered service for the first time between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985;Opened a contribution account before April 1, 1987;Voluntarily contributed from $25 to $2700
On the day you leave the Selected Reserve; this include voluntary entry into the IRR.
On the day you leave the Selected Reserve; this include voluntary entry into the IRR.
36 months
36 months
48 months
Contingent Contingent up to 45 36 36 [33] [34] [35] as long as as long as months Months Months you serve you serve as a as a drilling drilling Reservist. Reservist.
G.I. Bill
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References
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] Glenn C. Altschuler and Stuart M. Blumin, The GI Bill: a new deal for veterans (2009) p 118 Olson, 1973 and see also Bound and Turner 2002; and (http:/ / www. todaysgibill. org/ todays-gi-bill/ history-of-the-gi-bill)/ Stephen R. Ortiz, Beyond the Bonus March and GI Bill: how veteran politics shaped the New Deal era (2009) p xiii Ortiz, Beyond the Bonus March and GI Bill: how veteran politics shaped the New Deal era (2009) p xiii The GI BILL's History: Born Of Controversy: The GI Bill Of Rights (http:/ / www. gibill. va. gov/ benefits/ history_timeline/ index. html) Findarticles.com (http:/ / findarticles. com/ p/ articles/ mi_qn4179/ is_/ ai_n11807386) U.S. Senate: Art & History Home > Senate Leaders (http:/ / www. senate. gov/ artandhistory/ history/ common/ generic/ People_Leaders_McFarland. htm) [8] See The Historical Development of Veterans' Benefits in the United States: A Report on Veterans' Benefits in the United States by the President's Commission on Veterans' Pensions, 84th Congress, 2d Session, House Committee Print 244, Staff Report No. 1, May 9, 1956, pp. 160-161. Also see "The New GI Bill: Who Gets What," Changing Times (May 1953), 22 and Congress and the Nation, 1945-1964: A Review of Government and Politics in the Postwar Years, Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Service, 1965, 1348. [9] Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007 (http:/ / www. usmm. org/ urgent. html) [10] http:/ / www4. law. cornell. edu/ uscode/ html/ uscode38/ usc_sup_01_38. html [11] GI-BILL History (http:/ / www. gibill. va. gov/ GI_Bill_Info/ history. htm) [12] Buy-Up Program (http:/ / www. gibill. va. gov/ GI_Bill_Info/ benefits. htm#MGIBAD) [13] Vabenefits.vba.va.gov (http:/ / vabenefits. vba. va. gov/ vonapp/ main. asp) [14] Davenport, Christian, "Expanded GI Bill Too Late For Some", Washington Post, October 21, 2008, p. 1. [15] More Details on GI Bill 2.0 (http:/ / military-education. military. com/ 2011/ 01/ va-offers-more-details-on-gi-bill-changes/ ) [16] Montgomery G.I. Bill Guidelines for Active Duty (MGIB) (http:/ / www. militaryconnections. com/ education_gibill_active. cfm) [17] Montgomery G.I. Bill - Active Duty - (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) (http:/ / www. gibill. va. gov/ pamphlets/ CH30/ CH30_Pamphlet_General. htm) [18] http:/ / www. military. com/ education/ gi-bill [19] Top-up Tuition Assistance - Military Veteran Education Benefits - G.I. Bill Veteran Resources (http:/ / www. militaryconnections. com/ education_tuition. cfm) [20] Tuition Assistance Top-up - (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) (http:/ / www. gibill. va. gov/ pamphlets/ tatu. htm) [21] VEAP - Military Veteran Education Benefits - G.I. Bill Veteran Resources (http:/ / www. militaryconnections. com/ education_veap. cfm) [22] Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) - (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) (http:/ / www. gibill. va. gov/ pamphlets/ CH32/ CH32_Pamphlet_General. htm) [23] http:/ / www. militaryconnections. com/ education_dea. cfm [24] Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program - (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) (http:/ / www. gibill. va. gov/ pamphlets/ CH35/ CH35_Pamphlet_General. htm) [25] Montgomery G.I. Bill Guidelines for Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) (http:/ / www. militaryconnections. com/ education_gibill_reserve. cfm) [26] MGIB-SR General Information - (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) (http:/ / www. gibill. va. gov/ pamphlets/ CH1606/ CH1606_Pamphlet_General. htm) [27] GIbill.va.gov (http:/ / www. gibill. va. gov/ pamphlets/ CH1607/ REAP_FAQ. htm) [28] GIbillmaze.webs.com (http:/ / gibillmaze. webs. com/ ) [29] Armyreserveeducation.com (https:/ / www. armyreserveeducation. com/ ) [30] http:/ / www. military. com/ education/ content/ money-for-school/ tuition-assistance-ta-program-overview. html [31] HRD.army.mil (https:/ / www. hrc. army. mil/ site/ reserve/ soldierservices/ pay/ studentloanrepay. htm) [32] Payment Rates (http:/ / www. gibill. va. gov/ GI_Bill_Info/ rates/ CH30/ ch30rates100107. htm) [33] Payment Rates (http:/ / www. gibill. va. gov/ GI_Bill_Info/ rates/ CH35/ ch35rates100105. htm) [34] Payment Rates (http:/ / www. gibill. va. gov/ GI_Bill_Info/ rates/ CH1606/ ch1606rates100105. htm) [35] Payment Rates (http:/ / www. gibill. va. gov/ GI_Bill_Info/ rates/ CH1607/ ch1607rates100105. htm)
Further reading
Bound, John, and Sarah Turner. "Going to War and Going to College: Did World War II and the G.I. Bill Increase Educational Attainment for Returning Veterans?" Journal of Labor Economics Vol. 20, No. 4 (October 2002), pp.784815 in JSTOR (http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/342012) Humes, Edward (2006). Over Here: How the G.I. Bill Transformed the American Dream. Harcourt. ISBN0-15-100710-1. Jennifer Keane, Doughboys, the Great War and the Remaking of America (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2001) Kathleen Frydl, "The G.I. Bill," Ph.D dissertation, University of Chicago, 2000.
G.I. Bill Olson, Keith, "The G. I. Bill and Higher Education: Success and Surprise," American Quarterly Vol. 25, No. 5 (December 1973)596-610. in JSTOR (http://www.jstor.org/stable/2711698) Olson, Keith, The G.I. Bill, The Veterans, and The Colleges (Lexington: University Press of Kentucky, 1974) Ross, David B., Preparing for Ulysses: Politics and Veterans During World War II (New York: Columbia University Press, 1969). Bennett, Michael J., When Dreams Came True: The G.I. Bill and the Making of Modern America (New York: Brasseys Inc., 1996) Greenberg, Milton, The G.I. Bill: The Law That Changed America (New York: Lickle Publishing, 1997). Suzanne Mettler, Soldiers to Citizens: The G.I. Bill and the Making of the Greatest Generation (New York: Oxford University Press, 2005). Boulton, Mark, "A Price on Freedom: The Problems and Promise of the Vietnam Era G.I. Bills," Ph.D dissertation: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2005). Stanley, Marcus (2003). "College Education and the Midcentury GI Bills". The Quarterly Journal of Economics 118 (2): 671708. doi:10.1162/003355303321675482. Van Ells, Mark D. To Hear Only Thunder Again: America's World War II Veterans Come Home. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 2001.
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External links
The American Legion's MyGIBill.org (http://www.mygibill.org) Official Veterans Administration site (http://www.gibill.va.gov) Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors analysis of the MGIB (http://www.objector.org/ before-you-enlist/postwar.html) Education Fact Sheet for Guard & Reserve Members (http://www.gibill.va.gov/pamphlets/DOD_Flyer.pdf) Education Benefits Available by States (http://education.military.com/money-for-school/ state-veteran-benefits) Web-Enable Education Benefits System (https://www.armyreserveeducation.com/Unsecured/Login. aspx?ReturnUrl=/MGIBWeb/CH_1607_Notification. aspx?SessionID=34ef341d-60ac-497e-a660-19450135795c& SessionID=34ef341d-60ac-497e-a660-19450135795c)
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Overview
The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 improves educational benefits for certain individuals serving on active duty in the Armed Forces on or after September 11, 2001. The main benefits include: Four academic years (36 months) of educational tuition benefits for an approved program up to the cost of the most expensive in-state undergraduate public tuition in the state the Veteran enrolls, currently, ranging from approximately $3,500 in Wyoming to over $13,000 in Montana. The amount received depends on the number of months the veteran served on active-duty service on or after September 11, 2001. The minimum requirement is service of at least 90 days, which entitles the veteran to 40% of the educational benefit. Additional tuition at more expensive private schools under the "Yellow Ribbon" program allows participating institutions to share the cost (as of 2008, one to one) with the federal government up to 100% of the expense.[4] A monthly living stipend based on housing costs of a service member of pay grade E-5 with dependents, based on zip code of learning institution. This rate varies greatly nationwide; the current rate for New York City is $2,744, while the same rate for El Paso, TX is $917. Veterans attending schools online or through correspondence will not receive this benefit if their entire enrollment is in distance or online learning. The veteran will be entitled to the stipend if at least one course is classified as "in-residence".[5][6] A benefit eligibility period of 15 years after leaving active duty (compared to 10 years in the current Montgomery G.I. Bill). International education programs outside the US are eligible. (US national computation for institutions without a US Campus) Elimination of the $1,200 program enrollment fee paid by the veteran at the beginning of military service currently required by the Montgomery G.I. Bill. There is also a one-time payment of additional assistance, paid concurrently with the disbursement of the final month of benefits, which refunds either all or portions of the original $1,200 enrollment fee; the refund amount depends both on the amount contributed, up to $1,200, multiplied by the percentile balance of remaining benefits when electing to convert to Chapter 33.
Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 An annual stipend to cover other education costs (e.g., books, supplies, fees) of up to $1,000. Up to $2,000 towards one-time licensing or certification test, not charged against the 36-month entitlement.
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50
Section breakdown
Section 3311: Educational assistance for service in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001 - Entitlement. This section prescribes multiple categories of veterans entitled to educational benefits under this Act. In general, to qualify, veterans must have served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least some period of active duty time served on or after September 11, 2001. Section 3312: Educational assistance - Duration. Veterans are entitled to receive educational assistance for a period of time that is linked to their entitlement, as measured by Section 3311 above. In general, veterans may not receive assistance for more than a total of 36 months, which equals 4 academic years. Section 3313: Educational assistance - Payment and amount. In general, veterans may receive monetary assistance to pursue an approved program of education as follows: (i) payments covering the established charges of the program, (ii) a housing stipend based on a servicemember of pay grade E-5 with dependants in the area of the educational institution (iii) an annual stipend of $1,000. This Section prescribes the timing of such payments and revised payment guidelines related to less-than-half-time education, apprenticeships, on-the-job-training, correspondence school, and flight training. Section 3314: Tutorial assistance. Veterans may receive additional payment for tutorial assistance, not to exceed $100/month, for a maximum of 12 months, or until a maximum of $1,200 is used. Section 3315: Licensure and certification tests. Veterans may receive payment for one licensing or certification test, not to exceed the lesser of $2,000 or the test fee. Section 3317: Public-private contributions for additional educational assistance. Establishes a system where private colleges and universities can voluntarily participate in the program. The government will pay up to 50% of the cost greater than the most expensive public program. Section 3319: Authority to transfer unused education benefits to family members. Allows transfer of a veteran's unused benefits to 1) a spouse after six years of service with an agreement to serve at least four more years and/or 2) a child after ten years of service. Section 3321: Time limitation for use of and eligibility for entitlement. Veterans have 15 years (as measured under the provisions of this Section) to use their educational entitlement. Section 3322: Bar to duplication of educational assistance benefits. Veterans who receive educational benefits under this Act may not receive concurrent assistance under another similar program; instead, veterans must elect one program over another. Section 3324: Allocation of administration and costs. Besides addressing administrative items, this section also prescribes ways for veterans to choose to elect into this Act's program from the existing Montgomery G.I. Bill program.
Controversy
Although the bill is widely considered an important piece of legislation, some flaws in the new GI Bill have been noted. Specifically, the fact that service-members who participated in the $600 Buy-up option will no longer be compensated. The Buy-Up option allows active duty members to contribute up to $600 more toward their MGIB. For every dollar the service-member contributes, the federal government contributes $8. Those who contribute the maximum ($600) will receive $5,400 in additional funds, but not until after leaving active duty. The additional contribution must be made while still on active duty. There is no provision for how Buy-up contributions will be handled under the new GI Bill, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has stated that service members electing Chapter 33 benefits will not be able to collect the additional payment and no refund will be posted for the original $600. Although the original Bill did not include National Guard state activation, effective October 1, 2011, the law was expanded to "include Active Service performed by National Guard members under title 32 U.S.C. for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the National Guard; or under section 502(f) for the
Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 purpose of responding to a national emergency." [11]
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Legislative history
Senator Jim Webb (D-VA), a decorated Vietnam veteran and former Secretary of the Navy, originally introduced the Senate bill the day after he was sworn in (on January 5, 2007) as S. 22 [12]. A House companion bill was introduced by Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA). On September 12, 2007, the bill became a bipartisan initiative when Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) cosponsored the bill. After earlier passing the House and Senate in different forms in May 2008 mainly with support from Democrats and a few Republicans, a bipartisan deal was brokered and the bill passed as an amendment to H.R. 2642, the FY08 Supplemental Appropriations Bill, commonly referred to as the War Funding Bill. On June 19, 2008 the veteran education assistance benefits, along with 13-week unemployment benefit extension, passed as an amendment with a vote of 416-12.[13] On June 26, the Senate voted 92-6 in favor of the final version of the bill.[14] President George W. Bush signed H.R. 2642 [2] into law on June 30, 2008.[3]
Bill supporters
Prior to passage, the bill received support from many Nationwide Organizations such as The American Legion, AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), and the Student Veterans of America (SVA).
Bill opponents
Some Department of Defense officials, John McCain and President Bush had argued that the measures would hurt servicemember retention in a time when retention is critical for the military. A Congressional Budget Office report that had been cited by opponents states that retention will drop by 16%, while proponents counter that the same study predicts recruitment will be up by 16% due to the new incentives this bill would create. Senator Webb also pointed out that currently, "recent studies show that 70% of all enlisted members get out at or before their initial enlistment." While President Bush had initially threatened to veto the bill, in early June 2008 the White House signaled he might be willing to sign it along with the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009. He wanted to see transferability between spouses and dependents added onto the new G.I. Bill, making it more valuable to career military personnel that would like to pay for their spouse or child's education.[15] On June 19, 2008 this provision was added to the war funding bill and President Bush indicated he would sign such a bill. This provision already existed with respect to the Montgomery GI Bill for regular servicemembers (the MGIB-AD).[16]
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I respect Senator John McCains service to our country. ...but I cant understand why he would line up behind the president in opposition to this G.I. bill. I cant believe he believes it is too generous to our veterans. I could not disagree with him and the president more on this issue. There are many issues that lend themselves to partisan posturing but giving our veterans the chance to go to college should not be one of them.
Notes
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
http:/ / www. law. cornell. edu/ jureeka/ index. php?doc=USPubLaws& cong=110& no=252 http:/ / hdl. loc. gov/ loc. uscongress/ legislation. 110hr2642 http:/ / georgewbush-whitehouse. archives. gov/ news/ releases/ 2008/ 06/ 20080630. html HR 2642 signed into law. "What Is The Yellow Ribbon Program?" (http:/ / www. collegeveteran. com/ b/ 2011/ 12/ 22/ what-is-the-yellow-ribbon-program-2/ ). . (https:/ / www. gibill2. va. gov/ vba/ vba. cfg/ php. exe/ enduser/ std_adp. php?p_faqid=969& p_created=1227634670& p_sid=NQOVLsyj& p_accessibility=0& p_redirect=& p_lva=& p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NDMsNDMmcF9wcm9kcz0mcF9jYXRzPTE3JnBfcHY9JnBfY3Y9MS4xNyZw p_li=& p_topview=1) [6] "Housing Stipend (BAH) and Distance Education" (http:/ / militarytimes. com/ forum/ showthread. php?t=1576619). Militarytimes.com. 2009-05-22. . Retrieved 2011-03-10. [7] More Details on GI Bill 2.0 (http:/ / military-education. military. com/ 2011/ 01/ va-offers-more-details-on-gi-bill-changes/ ) [8] In the case of members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces, service on active duty under a call or order to active duty under section 688, 12301(a), 12301(d), 12301(g), 12302, or 12304 of title 10. (http:/ / www. congress. gov/ cgi-bin/ cpquery/ ?& sid=cp1103tENV& refer=& r_n=hr720. 110& db_id=110& item=& sel=TOC_105235& ) (http:/ / www4. law. cornell. edu/ uscode/ 10/ usc_sup_01_10_10_E_20_II_30_1209. html) [9] (https:/ / www. gibill2. va. gov/ vba/ vba. cfg/ php. exe/ enduser/ std_adp. php?p_faqid=955& p_created=1217514343& p_sid=982sAkxj& p_accessibility=0& p_redirect=& p_lva=& p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NDMsNDMmcF9wcm9kcz0mcF9jYXRzPTE3JnBfcHY9JnBfY3Y9MS4xNyZw p_li=& p_topview=1) [10] "StudentAid.com" (http:/ / www. studentaid. com/ Planning/ Prepare/ Military-Careers). StudentAid.com. . Retrieved 2011-03-10. [11] http:/ / www. gibill. va. gov/ benefits/ post_911_gibill/ Post911_changes. html [12] http:/ / hdl. loc. gov/ loc. uscongress/ legislation. 110s22 [13] Hulse, Carl (2008-06-20). "House Approves Veterans Education Aid in a Deal on War Spending" (http:/ / www. nytimes. com/ 2008/ 06/ 20/ washington/ 20spend. html). New York Times. . Retrieved 2008-06-28. [14] Eisman, Dale (2008-06-27). "Sen. Webb's new GI Bill gets overwhelming OK in Senate" (http:/ / hamptonroads. com/ node/ 470399). The Virginian-Pilot. . Retrieved 2008-06-28. [15] "White House pushes GI Bill compromise on Iraq bill" (http:/ / www. usatoday. com/ news/ washington/ 2008-06-04-gi-bill_N. htm). USA Today. June 4, 2008. . Retrieved May 22, 2010. [16] "U.S. Code" (http:/ / uscode. house. gov/ uscode-cgi/ fastweb. exe?getdoc+ uscview+ t37t40+ 651+ 1+ + () AND ((38) ADJ USC):CITE AND (USC w/ 10 (3020)):CITE). Uscode.house.gov. . Retrieved 2011-03-10. [17] Clark, Kim (2008-06-12). "New GI Bill Could Bring More College Benefits - US News and World Report" (http:/ / www. usnews. com/ articles/ education/ 2008/ 06/ 12/ new-gi-bill-could-bring-more-college-benefits. htm). Usnews.com. . Retrieved 2011-03-10. [18] Jennifer Parker (2008-06-19). "McCain Now Supports GI Bill, War Funding Bill - Political Radar" (http:/ / blogs. abcnews. com/ politicalradar/ 2008/ 06/ mccain-now-supp. html). Blogs.abcnews.com. . Retrieved 2011-03-10. [19] Amanda Terkel (2008-06-27). "After Trying To Steal Credit For Webbs GI Bill, McCain Skips The Vote And Instead Chows Down On Chili In Ohio" (http:/ / thinkprogress. org/ 2008/ 06/ 27/ mccain-gi-bill-skip/ ). ThinkProgress. . Retrieved 2011-03-10.
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SGLI & VGLI - life insurance dismissed in federal courts without action.[6]
54
Alternatives
Insurance coverage similar to SGLI is replicated by a few other private organizations. These include the Military Benefit Association (MBA), the United Services Automobile Association (USAA), the Army and Air Force Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA), the Uniformed Services Benefit Association (USBA), and the Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association (ASMBA). These organizations provide insurance for members of the armed forces, sometimes with similar or higher coverage levels at rates that are similar to or lower than SGLI. Like SGLI, the coverage provided is unique in that it is tailored to the needs of military members, and do not have war clause exclusions.
References
[1] SGLI 2009 Annual Report (http:/ / www. insurance. va. gov/ sgliSite/ miscellaneous/ SGLI-Ann-Report-2009)/pdf [2] http:/ / www. dfas. mil/ mil-news/ june2008/ sglipremiumratedecrease. html [3] Evans, David (3 October 2010). "U.S. pays as Prudential invests troop death benefits" (http:/ / www. washingtonpost. com/ wp-dyn/ content/ article/ 2010/ 10/ 02/ AR2010100200530. html). Washington Post. Bloomberg News. . Retrieved 14 October 2010. [4] "Retained asset accounts: Prudential sets the record straight" (http:/ / news. prudential. com/ article_display. cfm?article_id=5767). Prudential. 27 August 2010. . Retrieved 14 October 2010. [5] Frosch, Dan (30 August 2010). "Families of Dead Soldiers Sue Insurer Over Its Handling of Survivors Benefits" (http:/ / www. nytimes. com/ 2010/ 08/ 30/ us/ 30prudential. html). New York Times. . Retrieved 14 October 2010. [6] Jowers, Karen (24 September 2010). "Prudential letter responds to SGLI controversy" (http:/ / www. militarytimes. com/ news/ 2010/ 09/ military-prudential-SGLI-letter-092410w/ ). . Retrieved 14 October 2010. [7] "An Open Letter to the Military Community from Prudential Financial" (http:/ / news. prudential. com/ images/ 20026/ AnOpenLettertotheMilitaryCommunity. pdf). Prudential. 23 September 2010. . Retrieved 14 October 2010.
External links
Official website (http://www.insurance.va.gov/)
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Overview
The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims is commonly referred to as the Veterans Court, USCAVC, or simply CAVC. The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims was formerly named the United States Court for Veterans Appeals, but was changed by the Veterans Programs Enhancement Act on March 1, 1999 (Pub.L. No. 105-368).[2] The Veterans Court is referred to in case citations by the designation "Vet. App." Opinions for the Veterans Court and other information about the Court can be found at www.uscourts.cavc.gov [3]. The Veterans Court is located in Washington, D.C. but may sit anywhere in the United States. While the Board of Veterans' Appeals is a part of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Court is not a part of the VA, it is an independent federal court. The Veterans Court hears oral arguments and reviews final Board decisions, the record before the agency, and the briefs of the parties for each appeal.[4]
Jurisdiction
The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims has "exclusive jurisdiction to review decision of the Board of Veterans' Appeals ... [with the] power to affirm, modify, or reverse a decision of the Board [of Veterans' Appeals] or to remand the matter, as appropriate."[5]
History
The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims was created on November 18, 1988, by the Veterans' Judicial Review Act of 1988.[6][7] Prior to the establishment of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, from the U.S. Revolutionary War to 1988, there was no judicial recourse for veterans who were denied benefits.[8] The United States Department of Veterans Affairs, formerly titled the Veterans Administration, was the only federal administrative agency that operated without independent judicial oversight.[8] The Board of Veterans' Appeals, which is a part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, provided the final decision in a veteran's claim for benefits. Veterans, advocacy groups, and veterans service organizations fought and urged Congress to provide judicial review of VA decisions since the 1950s. The lack of judicial review persisted, however, until the increase in veterans claims following the Vietnam War. The struggles of these veterans to obtain VA benefits highlighted the lack of independent oversight in the adjudication process. The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs initially resisted, noting that the Department of Veterans Affairs stood in "splendid isolation as the single federal administrative agency whose major functions were explicitly insulated from judicial review."[8] After decades of debate,[9] on November 18, 1988, Congress created the U.S. Court of Veterans Claims.[10][7] The U.S. Court of Veterans Claims is one of the very few federal courts that have been created since the ratification of the United States Constitution. On March 1, 1999, the Court's name was changed from the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims through the Veterans Programs Enhancement Act (Pub.L. No. 105-368).[11]
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Judges
Judges are appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate, in the same manner as Article III Judges.[4] They are appointed to serve fifteen-year appointments. Retired Judges are routinely recalled to active service to assist the Court in issuing its decisions in a timely manner. The eight active judges are:
Judge Began active service 2003 Ended active service Appointed by
George W. Bush
2003
George W. Bush George W. Bush George W. Bush George W. Bush George W. Bush Barack Obama Barack Obama
William A. Moorman 2004 Alan G. Lance, Sr. Robert N. Davis Mary J. Schoelen Margaret Bartley Coral Wong Pietsch vacant 2003 2004 2004 2012 2012
Frank Q. Nebeker Ronald M. Holdaway Kenneth B. Kramer John J. Farley, III Donald L. Ivers
George H. W. Bush George H. W. Bush George H. W. Bush George H. W. Bush George H. W. Bush George H. W. Bush George H. W. Bush Bill Clinton
References
[1] "USCAVC - United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims" (http:/ / www. uscourts. cavc. gov/ ). Uscourts.cavc.gov. . Retrieved 2012-10-03. [2] Pub.L. 105-368 (http:/ / www. law. cornell. edu/ jureeka/ index. php?doc=USPubLaws& cong=105& no=368), 112Stat.3315 [3] http:/ / www. uscourts. cavc. gov/ orders_and_opinions/ Opinions. cfm/ [4] "USCAVC - About the Court" (http:/ / www. uscourts. cavc. gov/ about/ ). Uscourts.cavc.gov. . Retrieved 2012-10-03. [5] "38 USC 7252 - Sec. 7252. Jurisdiction; finality of decisions - US Code - Title 38: Veterans' Benefits - Subchapter I - Organization and Jurisdiction - Id 19233752" (http:/ / vlex. com/ vid/ sec-jurisdiction-finality-decisions-19233752). vLex. . Retrieved 2012-10-03. [6] Pub.L. 100-687 (http:/ / www. law. cornell. edu/ jureeka/ index. php?doc=USPubLaws& cong=100& no=687), 102Stat.4105 [7] United States. Congress. House .... "Veterans' Judicial Review Act" (http:/ / openlibrary. org/ b/ OL17835255M/ Veterans'_Judicial_Review_Act). Open Library. . Retrieved 2012-10-03. [8] "USCAVC - History" (http:/ / www. uscourts. cavc. gov/ about/ History. cfm). Uscourts.cavc.gov. . Retrieved 2012-10-03.
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External links
United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims website (http://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/) Cavcbar.net (http://www.cavcbar.net/index.html) Uscourts.cavc.gov (http://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/orders_and_opinions/Opinions.cfm) Va.gov (http://www.va.gov/) Pva.org (http://www.pva.org/) Vetsprobono.org (http://www.vetsprobono.org/) Vlex.xom (http://vlex.com/source/us-code-veterans-benefits-1037) Openlibrary.org (http://openlibrary.org/b/OL17835255M/Veterans'_Judicial_Review_Act)
Overview
The law requires that employers with Federal contracts or subcontracts of $25,000 or more provide equal opportunity and affirmative action for Vietnam era veterans, special disabled veterans, and veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized. If covered by this act and a veteran believes he or she has been discriminated against they may file a complaint. These complaints can be filed with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs or with a local Veteran's Employment Representative at the local State employment services office.[2] A Vietnam era veteran is a person who: Served on active duty for a period of more than 180 days, any part of which occurred between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975, and was discharged or released with other than a dishonorable discharge; Was discharged or released from active duty for a service connected disability if any part of such active duty was performed between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975; or Served on active duty for more than 180 days and served in the Republic of Vietnam between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975. A special disabled veteran is a person who is entitled to compensation under laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs for a disability rated at 30 percent or more; or, rated at 10 or 20 percent, if it has been determined that the individual has a serious employment disability; or, a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability. As a part of affirmative action, Federal contractors and subcontractors are required to list with the local State employment service all employment openings except for executive and top management jobs; jobs which the contractor expects to fill from within; and jobs lasting 3 days or less.
Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act [Federal Register: November 5, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 215)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 65766-65775] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr05no08-7] ======================================================================= DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Veterans' Employment and Training Service 41 CFR Part 61-250 RIN 1293-AA16 Annual Report From Federal Contractors AGENCY: Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS), Labor. ACTION: Final Rule. SUMMARY: This final rule revises the regulations in 41 CFR Part 61-250 implementing the requirement under the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended, (``VEVRAA) that Government contractors track and annually report the number of employees in their workforces who are veterans covered under the law. Today's final rule revises the regulations in 41 CFR Part 61-250 to incorporate the amendment to VEVRAA made by the Veterans' Benefit and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000 (``VBHCIA). The VBHCIA amendment extended the protections of VEVRAA to a category of veterans called ``recently separated veterans. In addition, the final rule published today clarifies that the regulations in 41 CFR Part 61-250 implement the reporting requirements under VEVRAA prior to their amendment in 2002 by the Jobs for Veterans Act (``JVA), and apply to Government contracts entered into before December 1, 2003. The final rule also makes clear that the regulations in 41 CFR Part 61-300 implementing the JVA amendments to VEVRAA's reporting requirements, apply if a contract entered into before December 1, 2003, is modified on or after that date and the contract as modified is for $100,000 or more. DATES: These regulations are effective December 5, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Wilson, Chief, Compliance and Investigations Division, Veterans' Employment and Training Service, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room S-1312, Washington, DC 20210, Wilson.Robert2@dol.gov, (202) 693-4719 (this is not a toll-free number). For press inquiries, contact Michael Biddle, Office of Public Affairs, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room S-1032, Washington, DC 20210, Biddle.Michael@dol.gov, (202) 693-5051 (this is not a toll-free number). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended, (``VEVRAA), 38 U.S.C. 4212(d), requires that Federal contractors report annually to the Secretary of Labor the number of employees and new hires that belong to the categories of veterans protected under the statute. The Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) has promulgated two sets of regulations to implement the reporting requirements under VEVRAA. The regulations in 41 CFR Part 61- 250 implement the reporting requirements under VEVRAA prior to the amendments made by the JVA in 2002, and apply to Government contracts of $25,000 or more that were entered into before December 1, 2003. The regulations in part 61-250 require contractors to use the VETS-100 Report form to provide information on the number of covered veterans in their workforces. The recently published regulations in 41 CFR Part 61-300 implement
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Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act the JVA amendments to the reporting requirements under VEVRAA (73 FR 28710, May 19, 2008), and apply to contracts entered into or modified on/or after December 1, 2003. The JVA amendments increased from $25,000 to $100,000, the dollar amount of the contract that subjects a Government contractor to the requirement to report the number of employees in their workforces who are covered veterans. In addition, the JVA amendments changed the categories of covered veterans under VEVRAA and thus the categories of veterans that contractors are required to track and report on annually. The regulations in part 61- 300 require contractors to use the VETS-100A Report form to provide the required information on their employment of covered veterans. Today's final rule revises the part 61-250 regulations to incorporate the amendment to VEVRAA that was made by the Veterans' Benefit and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000 (VBHCIA). Prior to amendment by the VBHCIA, VEVRAA required contractors with a contract of $25,000 or more to report at least annually to the Secretary the number of employees, by job category and hiring location, who are ``special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and other protected Page 65767 veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized. The VBHCIA extended the protections of VEVRAA to a new category of veterans called ``recently separated veterans. Under the VBHCIA, ``recently separated veteran is defined as ``any veteran during the one-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty. (The JVA amendments expanded coverage of recently separated veterans from one to three years after discharge or release from active duty to three years.) In addition, the final rule clarifies that the regulations in 41 CFR Part 61-250 apply to any contract or subcontract of at least $25,000 entered into before December 1, 2003, and that the regulations in 41 CFR Part 61-300, not the part 61-250 regulations, apply to such a contract if it is modified on or after December 1, 2003 and the contract as modified is for $100,000 or more. This clarification will assist contractors in determining whether the reporting requirements in 41 CFR Part 61-250 and/or the reporting requirements in 41 CFR Part 61-300 apply to their contracts. The changes made by the final rule are discussed in the Section-bySection Analysis. The sections of the 41 CFR Part 61-250 regulations that have not been changed are not discussed in the preamble. Section-by-Section Analysis of Comments and Revisions Section 61-250.1 What are the purpose and scope of this part? This section outlines the purpose and scope of the regulations. The final rule adds the date to the statutory citation in paragraph (a) to indicate that the regulations in 41 CFR Part 61-250 implement the reporting requirements in 38 U.S.C. 4212(d) prior to their amendment in 2002 by the JVA. In addition, the final rule adds language to paragraph (a) to clarify that the reporting requirements in Sec. 61-250.10 apply to any contract of $25,000 or more entered into before December 1, 2003, and that the reporting requirements in Sec. 61-300.10 apply to such a contract if it is modified on or after December 1, 2003, and the contract as modified is for $100,000 or more. Further, the final rule adds language to paragraphs (b) and (d) stating that the regulations in 41 CFR Part 60-250 administered by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs apply to a contract of at least $25,000 entered into before December 1, 2003 (and not modified as described in paragraph (a) of this section). Section 61-250.2 What definitions apply to this part? The final rule amends Sec. 61.250.2(b) by adding a new paragraph
59
Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (7) setting forth the definition of ``recently separated veteran specified in the VBHCIA and by renumbering the remaining paragraphs in this section. Section 61-250.10 What reporting requirements apply to Federal contractors and subcontractors, and what specific wording must the reporting requirements contract clause contain? The final rule amends Sec. 61-250.10 by adding ``recently
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separated veterans to the clause heading and to paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of the clause. Section 61-250.11 On what form must the data required by this part be submitted? This section states that the data on veterans employment specified in the reporting requirements clause set forth in Sec. 61-250.10 must be reported on the VETS-100 Report. The final rule replaces ``mailed with ``provided in paragraph (a) to allow VETS the flexibility to distribute the form electronically. This change also would allow VETS to use the same distribution methods under both sets of regulations. In addition, the final rule revises the instructions for preparing the VETS-100 Report set forth in Sec. 61-250.11 to conform to the instructions found on the VETS-100 Report form that is currently approved for use under OMB Control No. 1293-0005. Regulatory Procedures Publication in Final VETS has determined that this rulemaking need not be published as a proposed rule, as generally required by the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 553 (``APA). The final rule amends the regulations in 41 CFR Part 61-250 to include ``recently separated veterans as one of the categories of covered veterans. In this regard, the final rule merely incorporates the VBHCIA changes to the categories of veterans covered under VEVRAA. In addition, the final rule amends 41 CFR 61-250.1(a) to clarify the scope and applicability of the reporting requirements of the regulations in 41 CFR Part 61-250 and the regulations in 41 CFR Part 61-300. The JVA amendments were made applicable only to Government contracts entered into or modified on or after December 1, 2003. The definitions relevant to contract coverage under 41 CFR Part 61-250 are those contained in 41 CFR 60-250.2. The term ``Government contract is defined in existing 41 CFR 60-250.2(i) as ``any agreement or modification thereof between any contracting agency and any person for the purchase, sale or use of personal property or non-personal services (including construction). Because a contract modification is a ``Government contract the JVA amendments apply to modifications of otherwise covered contracts made on or after December 1, 2003. Consequently, the regulation at 41 CFR 61-250.1(a) provides that the contractor must comply with the reporting requirements in 41 CFR 61- 300.10, and not 41 CFR 61-250.10, if its contract of $25,000 or more entered into before December 1, 2003, is modified on or after that date and the contract as modified is for $100,000 or more. In essence, the amendment to 41 CFR 61-250.1(a) incorporates the effective date of the JVA amendments, which was determined by statute. All the amendments to the regulations in 41 CFR Part 61-250 made by this final rule track statutory amendments. The Department of Labor may not, in response to public comment, change or decline to implement the coverage provisions of the VBHCIA amendment or the effective dates of the JVA amendments. Consequently, there is good cause for finding that applying the notice-and-comment procedure to the amendments to 41 CFR Part 61-250 is unnecessary and contrary to the public interest, pursuant to Section 553(b)(B) of the APA.
Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act Executive Order 12866 This final rule has been drafted and reviewed in accordance with Executive Order 12866, section 1(b), Principles of Regulation. VETS has determined that this rule is not ``a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, section 3(f). Accordingly, it does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that order. Executive Order 13132 VETS reviewed the rule in accordance with Executive Order 13132 regarding federalism, and determined that it does not have ``federalism implications. The rule will not ``have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Page 65768 Regulatory Flexibility Act The rule clarifies existing requirements for Federal contractors. In view of this fact and because the rule does not substantively change existing obligations for Federal contractors, we certify that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small business entities. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis under the Regulatory Flexibility Act is not required. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act VETS has concluded that the rule is not a ``major rule under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.). In reaching this conclusion, the OFCCP has determined that the rule will not likely result in (1) an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; (2) a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual industries, Federal, State or local government agencies, or geographic regions; or (3) significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or on the ability of United States-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises in domestic or export markets. Unfunded Mandates Reform Executive Order 12875--This rule does not create an unfunded Federal mandate upon any State, local, or tribal government. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995--This rule does not include any Federal mandate that may result in increased expenditures by State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, of $100 million or more, or increased expenditures by the private sector of $100 million or more. Congressional Review Act This regulation is not a major rule for purposes of the Congressional Review Act. Paperwork Reduction Act The information collection requirements contained in the existing VEVRAA regulations are currently approved under OMB Control No. 1293- 0005. The currently approved VETS-100 Report form reflects the requirements of the VBHCIA amendments, and thus requests information on the number of current employees and new hires that are recently separated veterans. Accordingly, this final rule does not make any changes to the currently approved information collections, and therefore need not be reviewed by the
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Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act Office of Management and Budget under the authority of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. List of Subjects in 41 CFR Part 61-250 Government contracts, reporting and record keeping requirements, Veterans. Signed at Washington, DC, on October 29, 2008. Charles S. Ciccolella, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training. 0 Based on the explanation provided by the preamble, VETS is amending Chapter 61 of Title 41 of the Code of Federal Regulations by revising Part 61-250 to read as follows: PART 61-250--ANNUAL REPORT FROM FEDERAL CONTRACTORS Sec. 61-250.1 What are the purpose and scope of this part? 61-250.2 What definitions apply to this part? 61-250.10 What reporting requirements apply to Federal contractors and subcontractors, and what specific wording must the reporting requirements contract clause contain? 61-250.11 On what form must the data required by this part be submitted? 61-250.20 How will DOL determine whether a contractor or subcontractor is complying with the requirements of this part? 61-250.99 What is the OMB control number for this part? Appendix A--Federal Contractor Veterans' Employment Report VETS-100 Authority: 38 U.S.C. 4211 (2001) and 38 U.S.C. 4212 (2001). Sec. 61-250.1 What are the purpose and scope of this part? (a) This part 61-250 implements 38 U.S.C. 4212(d) (2001). Each contractor or subcontractor with a contract in the amount of $25,000 or more entered into before December 1, 2003, with any department or agency of the United States for the procurement of personal property and non-personal services (including construction), and who is subject to 38 U.S.C. 4212(a) and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) regulations at 41 CFR Part 60-250, must submit a report according to the requirements of Sec. 61-250.10, except that the contractor or subcontractor must submit a report according to the requirements of Sec. 61-300.10, not Sec. 61-250.10, if such a contract is modified on or after December 1, 2003, and the contract as modified is in the amount of $100,000 or more. (b) Notwithstanding the regulations in this part, the regulations at 41 CFR Part 60-250, administered by OFCCP, continue to apply to the affirmative action obligations of contractors and subcontractors with contracts entered into before December 1, 2003 (and not modified as described in paragraph (a) of this section). (c) Reporting requirements of this part regarding veterans will be deemed waived in those instances in which the Deputy Assistant Secretary, OFCCP, has granted a waiver under 41 CFR 60-250.4(b)(1), or has concurred in granting a waiver under 41 CFR 60-250.4(b)(2), from compliance with all the terms of the equal opportunity clause for those establishments not involved in government contract work. Where OFCCP grants only a partial waiver, compliance with these reporting requirements regarding veterans will be required. (d) 41 CFR 60-250.42 and Appendix B to part 60-250 provide guidance concerning the affirmative action obligations of Federal contractors and subcontractors with contracts entered into before December 1, 2003, (and not modified as described in paragraph (a) of this section), with respect to applicants
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Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act for employment who are protected veterans. Sec. 61-250.2 What definitions apply to this part? (a) For purposes of this part, and unless otherwise indicated in paragraph (b) of this section, the terms set forth in this part have the same meaning as set forth in 41 CFR Part 60-250. (b) For purposes of this part: (1) Hiring location (this definition is identical to establishment as defined by the instructions for completing Employer Information Report EEO-1, Standard Form 100 (EEO-1 Report)) means an economic unit which produces goods or services, such as a factory, office, store, or mine. In most instances the establishment is at a single physical location and is engaged in one, or predominantly one, type of economic activity. Units at different locations, even though engaged in the same kind of business operation, should be reported as separate establishments. For locations involving construction, transportation, communications, electric, gas, and sanitary services, oil and gas fields, and similar types of physically dispersed industrial activities, however, it is not necessary to list separately each individual site, project, field, line, etc., unless it is treated by the contractor as a separate legal entity with a separate Employer Identification Number (EIN). For these physically dispersed activities, list as establishments only those relatively Page 65769 permanent main or branch offices, terminals, stations, etc., which are either: (i) Directly responsible for supervising such dispersed activities, or (ii) The base from which personnel and equipment operate to carry out these activities. (Where these dispersed activities cross State lines, at least one such establishment should be listed for each State involved.) (2) Employee means any individual on the payroll of an employer who is an employee for purposes of the employer's withholding of Social Security taxes except insurance salespersons who are considered to be employees for such purposes solely because of the provisions of section 3121(d)(3)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C.). The term employee does not include persons who are hired on a casual basis for a specified time, or for the duration of a specified job, and who work on remote or scattered sites or locations where it is not practical or feasible for the employer to make a visual survey of the work force within the report period; for example, persons at a construction site whose employment relationship is expected to terminate with the end of the employees' work at the site; persons temporarily employed in any industry other than construction, such as mariners, stevedores, waiters/waitresses, movie extras, agricultural laborers, lumber yard workers, etc., who are obtained through a hiring hall or other referral arrangement, through an employee contractor or agent, or by some individual hiring arrangement; or persons on the payroll of a temporary service agency who are referred by such agency for work to be performed on the premises of another employer under that employer's direction and control. (3) Job category means any of the following: Officials and managers, professionals, technicians, sales workers, office and clerical, craft workers (skilled), operatives (semiskilled), laborers (unskilled), service workers, as required by the Employer Information Report EEO-1, Standard Form 100 (EEO-1 Report), as defined as follows: (i) Officials and managers means occupations requiring
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Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act administrative and managerial personnel who set broad policies, exercise overall responsibility for execution of these policies, and direct individual departments or special phases of a firm's operation. Includes: Officials, executives, middle management, plant managers, department managers and superintendents, salaried supervisors who are members of management, purchasing agents and buyers, railroad conductors and yard masters, ship captains and mates (except fishing boats), farm operators and managers, and kindred workers. (ii) Professionals means occupations requiring either college graduation or experience of such kind and amount as to provide a background comparable to college education. Includes: Accountants and auditors, airplane pilots and navigators, architects, artists, chemists, designers, dietitians, editors, engineers, lawyers, librarians, mathematicians, natural scientists, registered professional nurses, personnel and labor relations specialists, physical scientists, physicians, social scientists, surveyors, teachers, and kindred workers. (iii) Technicians means occupations requiring a combination of basic scientific knowledge and manual skill which can be obtained through about 2 years of post-high school education, such as is offered in many technical institutes and junior colleges, or through equivalent on-the-job training. Includes: Computer programmers and operators, drafters, engineering aides, junior engineers, mathematical aides, licensed, practical or vocational nurses, photographers, radio operators, scientific assistants, technical illustrators, technicians (medical, dental, electronic, physical science), and kindred workers. (iv) Sales means occupations engaging wholly or primarily in direct selling. Includes: Advertising agents and sales workers, insurance agents and brokers, real estate agents and brokers, stock and bond sales workers, demonstrators, sales workers and sales clerks, grocery clerks and cashier-checkers, and kindred workers. (v) Office and clerical includes all clerical-type work regardless of level of difficulty, where the activities are predominantly non- manual though some manual work not directly involved with altering or transporting the products is included. Includes bookkeepers, cashiers, collectors (bills and accounts), messengers and office helpers, office machine operators, shipping and receiving clerks, stenographers, typists and secretaries, telegraph and telephone operators, legal assistants, and kindred workers. (vi) Craft workers (skilled) means manual workers of relatively high skill level having a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the processes involved in their work. These workers exercise considerable independent judgment and usually receive an extensive period of training. Includes: The building trades, hourly paid supervisors and lead operators who are not members of management, mechanics and repairers, skilled machining occupations, compositors and typesetters, electricians, engravers, job setters (metal), motion picture projectionists, pattern and model makers, stationary engineers, tailors, arts occupations, hand painters, coaters, decorative workers, and kindred workers. (vii) Operatives (semiskilled) means workers who operate machine or processing equipment or perform other factory-type duties of intermediate skill level which can be mastered in a few weeks and require only limited training. Includes: Apprentices (auto mechanics, plumbers, bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, machinists, mechanics, building trades, metalworking trades, printing trades, etc.), operatives, attendants (auto service and parking), blasters, chauffeurs, delivery workers, dressmakers and sewers (except factory), dryers, furnace workers, heaters (metal), laundry and dry cleaning operatives, milliners, mine operatives and laborers, motor operators, oilers and greasers (except auto), painters (except construction and maintenance), photographic process workers, stationary firefighters, truck and tractor drivers, weavers (textile), welders and flame cutters, electrical and
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Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act electronic equipment assemblers, butchers and meat cutters, inspectors, testers and graders, hand packers and packagers, and kindred workers. (viii) Laborers (unskilled) means workers in manual occupations which generally require no special training to perform elementary duties that may be learned in a few days and require the application of little or no independent judgment. Includes: garage laborers, car washers and greasers, gardeners (except farm) and grounds keepers, stevedores, wood choppers, laborers performing lifting, digging, mixing, loading and pulling operations, and kindred workers. (ix) Service workers means workers in both protective and nonprotective service occupations. Includes: Attendants (hospital and other institutions, professional and personal service, including nurses aides and orderlies), barbers, char workers and cleaners, cooks (except household), counter and fountain workers, elevator operators, firefighters and fire protection workers, guards, doorkeepers, stewards, janitors, police officers and detectives, porters, servers, amusement and recreation facilities attendants, guides, ushers, public transportation attendants, and kindred workers. (4) Special disabled veteran means: Page 65770 (i) A veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs for a disability: (A) Rated at 30 percent or more, or (B) Rated at 10 or 20 percent in the case of a veteran who has been determined under 38 U.S.C. 3106 to have a serious employment handicap; or (ii) A person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability. (5) Veteran of the Vietnam era means a veteran: (i) Who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service for a period of more than 180 days, and who was discharged or released there from with other than a dishonorable discharge, if any part of such active duty was performed: (A) In the Republic of Vietnam between February 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975, or (B) Between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975 in any other location; or (ii) Who was discharged or released from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service for a service-connected disability, if any part of such active duty was performed: (A) In the Republic of Vietnam between February 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975; or
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Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (B) Between August 5, 1964, and May 7, 1975, in any other location. (6) Other protected veteran means any other veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized, other than special disabled veterans or veterans of the Vietnam era. (7) Recently separated veteran means a veteran during the one-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service. (8) OFCCP means the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Employment Standards Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. (9) VETS means the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training, U.S. Department of Labor. (10) States means each of the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Wake Island, and the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands. (11) Eligibility period means the calendar year (January 1 through December 31) preceding the year in which the report must be filed. This calendar year is the same year in which the contractor received the Federal contract. (12) NAICS means the North American Industrial Classification System. Sec. 61-250.10 What reporting requirements apply to Federal contractors and subcontractors, and what specific wording must the reporting requirements contract clause contain? Each contractor or subcontractor described in Sec. 61-250.1 must
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submit reports in accordance with the following reporting clause, which must be included in each of its covered government contracts or subcontracts (and modifications, renewals, or extensions thereof if not included in the original contract). Such clause is considered as an addition to the equal opportunity action clause required by 41 CFR 60- 250.5. The reporting requirements clause is as follows: Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, ther Protected Veterans, and Recently Separated Veterans. (a) The contractor or subcontractor agrees to report at least annually, as required by the Secretary of Labor, on: (1) The number of current employees in each job category and at each hiring location who are special disabled veterans, the number who are veterans of the Vietnam era, the number who are other protected veterans, and the number who are recently separated veterans; (2) The total number of new employees hired during the period
Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act covered by the report, and of that total, the number who are special disabled veterans, the number who are veterans of the Vietnam era, the number who are other protected veterans, and the number who are recently separated veterans; and (3) The maximum number and minimum number of employees of such contractor at each hiring location during the period covered by the report. (b) The above items must be reported by completing the form entitled ``Federal Contractor Veterans' Employment Report VETS-100. (c) VETS-100 reports must be submitted no later than September 30 of each year beginning September 30, 2001. The eligibility period (the period during which an employer received a Federal contract) for this report and all subsequent reports is the calendar year (January 1 through December 31) that precedes the year in which the report is submitted. (d) The employment activity report required by paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3) of this clause must reflect total new hires and maximum and minimum number of employees during the 12-month period preceding the ending date that the contractor selects for the current employment report required by paragraph (a)(1) of this clause. Contractors may select an ending date: (1) As of the end of any pay period during the period July 1 through August 31 of the year the report is due; or (2) as of December 31, if the contractor has previous written approval from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to do so for purposes of submitting the Employer Information Report EEO-1, Standard Form 100 (EEO-1 Report). (e) The number of veterans reported according to paragraph (a) of this clause must be based on data known to contractors and subcontractors when completing their VETS-100 Reports. Contractors' and subcontractors' knowledge of veteran status may be obtained in a variety of ways, including, in response to an invitation to applicants to self-identify in accordance with 41 CFR 60-250.42, voluntary self- disclosures by protected incumbent veterans, or actual knowledge of an employee's veteran status by a contractor or subcontractor. Nothing in this paragraph (e) relieves a contractor from liability for discrimination under 38 U.S.C. 4212. (OMB No. 1293-0005) Sec. 61-250.11 On what form must the data required by this part be submitted? (a) Data items required in paragraph (a) of the contract clause set forth in Sec. 61-250.10 must be reported for each hiring location on the VETS-100 form. This form is provided annually to those contractors who are included in the VETS-100 data base. The form, and instructions for preparing it, are also set forth as follows: The Vets-100 Report Form Is Reprinted as Appendix A to 41 CFR Part 61-250 WHO MUST FILE This VETS-100 Report is to be completed by all nonexempt federal contractors and subcontractors with a contract or subcontract entered into before December 1, 2003, in the amount of $25,000 or more with any department or agency of the United States for the procurement of personal property and non-personal services. Services include but are not limited to the following services: utility, construction, Page 65771
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Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act transportation, research, insurance, and fund depository, irrespective of whether the government is the purchaser or seller. Entering into a covered federal contract or subcontract during a given calendar year establishes the requirement to file a VETS-100 Report during the following calendar year. A VETS-100A Report is to be completed by all nonexempt federal contractors and subcontractors whose only contract or subcontract with any department or agency of the United States for the procurement of personal property and non-personal services (including construction) was entered into or modified on or after December 1, 2003. WHEN TO FILE This annual report must be filed no later than September 30. Mail to the address pre-printed on the front of the form. LEGAL BASIS FOR REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Title 38, United States Code, Section 4212(d) and PL 105-339, requires that federal contractors report at least annually the numbers of existing employees who are: (1) Special disabled veterans, (2) veterans of the Vietnam era, and (3) other protected veterans (that is, who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized). For the existing employees, the numbers of veterans within these three groups are to be broken out by job category. New hires are to be reported over a twelve- month reporting period. The total number of veteran new hires in each of the three groups above is to be reported, along with the total number of recently separated veterans (i.e., hired within twelve months of separation). In addition, over the same twelve-month period, the total number of new hires, both veterans and non-veterans, is required to be reported, along with the minimum and maximum total employment. This reporting is required by hiring location. HOW TO SUBMIT THE VETS-100 REPORT Single-establishment employers must file one completed form. All multi-establishment employers, i.e., those doing business at more than one hiring location, must file (A) one form covering the principal or headquarters office: (B) A separate form for each hiring location employing 50 or more persons: and (C) EITHER, (I) a separate form for each hiring location employing fewer than 50 persons, OR (ii) consolidated reports that cover hiring locations within one State that have fewer than 50 employees. Each state consolidated report must also list the name and address of the hiring locations covered by the report. Company consolidated reports such as those required by EEO-1 reporting procedures are NOT required for the VETS-100 Report. Completed reports for the headquarters location and all other hiring locations for each company should be mailed in one package to the address indicated on the front of the form. RECORDKEEPING Employers must keep copies of the completed annual VETS-100 Report submitted to DOL for a period of three years. HOW TO PREPARE THE FORMS Multi-establishment employers submitting hard copy reports should produce facsimile copies of the headquarters form for reporting data on each location. Type of Reporting Organization: Indicate the type of contractual relationship (prime contractor or subcontractor) that the organization has with the Federal Government. If the organization serves as both a prime contractor and a subcontractor on various federal contracts, check both boxes. Type of Form: If a reporting organization submits only one VETS-100
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Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act Report form for a single location, check the Single Establishment box. If the reporting organization submits more than one form, only one form should be checked as Multiple Establishment-Headquarters. The remaining forms should be checked as either Multiple Establishment-Hiring Location or Multiple Establishment-State Consolidated. For state consolidated forms, the number of hiring locations included in that report should be entered in the space provided. For each form, only one box should be checked within this block. COMPANY IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION Company Number: Do not change the Company Number that is printed on the form. If there are any questions regarding your Company Number, please call the VETS-100 staff at (301) 306-6752 or e-mail HELPDESK@VETS100.COM. Twelve Month Period Ending: Enter the end date for the twelve-month reporting period used as the basis for filing the VETS-100 Report. To determine this period, select a date in the current year between July 1 and August 31 that represents the end of a payroll period. That payroll period will be the basis for reporting Number of Employees, as described below. Then the twelve-month period preceding the end date of that payroll period will be your twelve-month period covered. This period is the basis for reporting New Hires, as described below. Any federal contractor or subcontractor who has written approval from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to use December 31 as the ending date for the EEO-1 Report may also use that date as the ending date for the payroll period selected for the VETS-100 Report. Name and Address for Single Establishment Employers: COMPLETE the identifying information under the Parent Company name and address section. LEAVE BLANK all of the identifying information for the Hiring Location. Name and Address for Multi Establishment Employers: For parent company headquarters location, COMPLETE the name and address for the parent company headquarters, LEAVE BLANK the name and address of the Hiring Location. For hiring locations of a parent company, COMPLETE the name and address for the Parent Company location, COMPLETE the name and address for the Hiring Location. NAICS Code, DUNS Number, and Employer ID Number: Single Establishment and Multi Establishment Employers must COMPLETE the NAICS Code, Employer ID Number, and the DUNS number if the contractor has a DUNS number, as described below. NAICS Code Enter the six (6) digits NAICS Code applicable to the hiring location for which the report is filed. If there is not a separate NAICS Code for the hiring location, enter the NAICS Code for the parent company. Dun and Bradstreet I.D. Number (DUNS): If the company or any of its establishments has a Dun and Bradstreet Identification Number, please enter the nine (9) digit number in the space provided. If there is a specific DUNS Number applicable to the hiring location for which the report is filed, enter that DUNS Number. Otherwise, enter the DUNS number for the parent company. Employer I.D. Number (EIN): Enter the nine (9) digit numbers assigned by the I.R.S. to the contractor. If there is a specific EIN applicable to the hiring location for which the report is filed, enter that EIN. Otherwise, enter the EIN for the parent company. Page 65772 INFORMATION ON EMPLOYEES
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Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act Counting Veterans: Some veterans will fall into more than one of the protected veteran categories. For example, a veteran may be both a special disabled veteran and a Vietnam era veteran. In such cases, the veteran must be counted in each category. Recently separated veterans will be counted in the New Hires section of the VETS-100 Report only. In subsequent years, these veterans will no longer be considered newly separated veterans. Number of Employees: Select any payroll period ending between July 1 and August 31 of the current year. Provide all data for permanent full-time and part-time employees who were special disabled veterans, Vietnam-era veterans, or other protected veterans employed as of the ending date of the selected payroll period. Do not include employees specifically excluded as indicated in 41 CFR 61-250.2(b)(2). Employees must be counted by veteran status for each of the nine occupational categories (Lines 1-9) in columns L, M, and N. The description of job categories can be found in 41 CFR 61-250.2(b)(3). Blank spaces will be considered zeros. New Hires: Report the number of permanent full-time and part-time employees by veteran status who were hired (both veterans and non- veterans) and who were included in the payroll for the first time during the 12-month period ending between July 1 through August 31 of the current year. The totals in columns O, P, Q, R, and S (Line 10) are required. Enter all applicable numbers, including zeros. Maximum/Minimum Employees: Report the maximum and minimum number of permanent employees on board during the period covered as indicated by 41 CFR 61-250.10(a)(3). Contractors may use any reasonable method for calculating and determining the maximum and minimum number of employees during the reporting period. DEFINITIONS Hiring location means an establishment as defined at 41 CFR 61250.2(b). Special Disabled Veteran means (i) a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Department of Veterans' Affairs for a disability (A) rated at 30 percent or more, or (B) rated at 10 or 20 percent in the case of a veteran who has been determined under Section 38 U.S.C. 3106 to have a serious employment handicap or (ii) a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability. Veteran of the Vietnam-era means a person who: (i) Served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service for a period of more than 180 days, and who was discharged or released there from with other than a dishonorable discharge, if any part of such active duty was performed: (A) In the Republic of Vietnam between February 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975; or (B) between August 5, 1964, and May 7, 1975, in all other cases; or (ii) was discharged or released from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service for a service- connected disability if any part of such active duty was performed (A) in the Republic of Vietnam between February 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975; or (B) between August 5, 1964, and May 7, 1975, in any other location. Recently Separated Veteran means any veteran who served on active
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Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during the one- year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty. Other Protected Veterans means veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized. For those with Internet access, the information required to make this determination is available at http:/ / www. opm. gov/ veterans/ html/ vgmedal2.htm. A copy of the list also may be obtained by calling (301) 306-6752 and requesting that a copy of the list be mailed to you. (b) Contractors and subcontractors that submit computer-generated output for more than 10 hiring locations to satisfy their VETS-100 reporting obligations must submit the output in the form of an electronic file. This file must comply with current Department of Labor specifications for the layout of these records, along with any other specifications established by the Department for the applicable reporting year. Contractors and subcontractors that submit VETS-100 Reports for ten locations or less are exempt from this requirement, but are strongly encouraged to submit an electronic file. In these cases, state consolidated reports count as one location each. (c) Contractors and subcontractors may submit the VETS-100 Report via the Internet. The Internet address for the site is https:// vets100.vets.dol.gov/vets100login.htm. A company number is required to access this site. The number is provided to employers on the VETS-100 Report form that is provided annually to those employers who are included in the VETS-100 database. Other employers may obtain a company number by e-mailing their request to HELPDESK@VETS100.COM or by calling the VETS-100 Reporting System at (301) 586-1580. (d) VETS or its designee will use all available information to distribute the required forms to contractors identified as subject to the requirements of this part. (e) It is the responsibility of each contractor or subcontractor to obtain necessary supplies of the VETS-100 Report form before the annual September 30 filing deadline. Contractors and subcontractors who do not receive forms should request them in time to meet the deadline. Requests for the VETS-100 Report form may be made by mail by contacting: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210, Attn: VETS-100 Report Form Request or on the Internet at https://vets100.vets.dol.gov/.(OMB No. 1293-0005). Sec. 61-250.20 How will DOL determine whether a contractor or subcontractor is complying with the requirements of this part? During the course of a compliance evaluation, OFCCP may determine whether a contractor or subcontractor has submitted its report as required by this part. Sec. 61-250.99 What is the OMB control number for this part? Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., and its implementing regulations at 5 CFR Part 1320, the Office of Management and Budget has assigned Control No. 1293-0005 to the information collection requirements of this part. BILLING CODE 4510-79-P Appendix A to Part 61-250--Federal Contractor Veterans' Employment Report VETS-100 http:/ / www. regulations. gov/#!documentDetail;D=VETS_FRDOC_0001-0012;oldLink=false
71
72
References
[1] http:/ / www. law. cornell. edu/ uscode/ 38/ 4212. html [2] U.S. Department of Labor website (http:/ / www. dol. gov/ compliance/ laws/ comp-vevraa. htm) - Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act compliance info
73
Health
Veterans Health Administration
Veterans Health Administration
Agency overview Formed Jurisdiction Headquarters Employees Annual budget 1778
[1]
Federal government of the United States 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, D.C., United States 38543.250N 7725.366W 279,792 (March 2011)
[2] [3]
Agency executive Dr. Robert Petzel, Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health Parent Agency United States Department of Veterans Affairs Website va.gov/health
[4]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the component of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) led by the Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health[3] that implements the medical assistance program of the VA through the administration and operation of numerous VA outpatient clinics, hospitals, medical centers and long-term healthcare facilities (i.e., nursing homes). The VHA division has more employees than all other elements of the VA combined. The VHA is distinct from the U.S. Department of Defense Military Health System of which it is not a part.
Health care in the United States Government Health Programs
Federal Employees Health Benefits Program Indian Health Service Veterans Health Administration Military Health System / TRICARE Medicare Medicaid / State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Prescription Assistance (SPAP) Private health coverage
74
Health insurance in the United States Consumer-driven health care
Flexible spending account (FSA) Health reimbursement account Health savings account
High-deductible health plan (HDHP) Medical savings account (MSA) Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS) Managed care (CCP) Health maintenance organization (HMO) Preferred provider organization (PPO) Medical underwriting
Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (1986) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (1996) Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act (2003) Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act (2005) Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (2009) Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010) State level reform
Massachusetts health care reform Oregon Health Plan Vermont health care reform SustiNet (Connecticut) Municipal health coverage
Fair Share Health Care Act (Maryland) Healthy Howard (Howard Co., Maryland) Healthy San Francisco
History
The first Federal agency to provide medical care to veterans was the Naval Home in Philadelphia, PA. The home was created in 1812 and was followed by the creation of Soldiers Home in 1853 and St. Elizabeths Hospital in 1855. Congress created the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in 1865 in response to the high number of Civil War casualties. These homes were initially intended to be room and board for disabled veterans. However, by the late 1920s, the homes were providing a level of care comparable to hospital care. President Hoover created the Veterans Administration (VA) in 1930 to consolidate all veteran services. General Omar N. Bradley was appointed to VA administrator and Bradley appointed Major General Paul Hawley as director of VA medicine, both in 1945. Hawley successfully established a policy that affiliated new VA hospitals with medical schools. Hawley also promoted resident and teaching fellowships at VA hospitals. Ultimately, Hawley was responsible for starting the hospital-based research program at the VA. Bradley resigned in 1947. However, upon resignation, 97 hospitals were in operation and 29 new hospitals had been built. As a result, the VA health system was able to serve a much larger population of veterans than it had served in previous years. President Reagan Elevated the VA to cabinet status in 1988, which became known as the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department of Veterans Affairs oversees the Veterans Health Administration.[5] In the mid-1980s the VHA was criticized for their high operative mortality. To that end, Congress passed Public Law 99-166 in December 1985 which mandated the VHA to report their outcomes in comparison to national averages and the information must be risk-adjusted to account for the severity of illness of the VHA surgical patient population. In
Veterans Health Administration 1991 the National VA Surgical Risk Study (NVASRS) began in 44 Veterans Administration Medical Centers. By 31 December 1993 there was information for 500,000 non-cardiac surgical procedures. In 1994 NVASRS was expanded to all 128 VHA hospitals that performed surgery. The name was then changed to the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.[6] Beginning in the mid-1990s VHA underwent what the agency characterizes as a major transformation aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of care it provides to its patients. That transformation included eliminating underutilized inpatient beds and facilities, expanding outpatient clinics, and restructuring eligibility rules. A major focus of the transformation was the tracking of a number of performance indicatorsincluding quality-of-care measuresand holding senior managers accountable for improvements in those measures.[7]
75
VA Health Reform
1993 Clinton Healthcare Reform
The Clinton Healthcare Plan was a health care reform proposed by the Clinton Administration. Even though the reform was not successful, a task force was created in response to the Clinton Healthcare Reform proposal to determine if the VA was ready for managed care.[8] The negative results of market research forced the VA system to re-evaluate its current operations. Research revealed that 3 out of 4 veterans would leave the VA network if a national healthcare system were adopted. They also found that there was a high demand for primary care throughout the VA system. Research showed that many VA facilities believed that 55 percent of patients would choose to receive primary care at the VA facility if a primary care system was fully implemented in 1993. The study also showed that the VA facilities believed that 83 percent of veterans would choose to receive primary care at the VA if fully implemented by 1998. These results made it clear to the administration that it was time for a reform.[9]
Veterans Health Administration directors internally, a third of the newly hired VISN directors were hired outside of the VA system. The directors were responsible for meeting performance goals and improving upon measurable key efficiency and quality indicators. Directors monitored performances and reports were generated to show each networks performance. Some of these indicators included: -chronic disease quality -prevention performance -patient satisfaction ratings -utilization management The reform also changed the procedure for allocating funds to the various VISNs. Historically, funds were distributed between hospitals based on historical costs. However, it was found that this method affected efficiency and quality of services. Therefore, funding for each VISN was distributed based on the number of veterans seen in each network, rather than on historical values.[12] The New England Journal of Medicine conducted a study from 1994-2000 to evaluate the efficacy of the healthcare reform. They gathered the results of the evaluated key indicators from each of the networks and interpreted the results. There were noticeable improvements, compared with the same key indicators used for the Medicare fee for service system, as soon as two years after the reorganization. These improvements continued through year 2000. These results indicate that the changes made throughout the VA healthcare system, under the leadership of Kizer, did improve the efficiency and quality of care in VA healthcare system.[13]
76
VA Today
Overall Evaluation
"Patients routinely rank the veterans system above the alternatives, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index." In 2008, the VHA got a satisfaction rating of 85 for inpatient treatment, compared with 77 for private hospitals. In the same report the VHA outpatient care scored 3 points higher than for private hospitals.[16] "As compared with the Medicare fee-for-service program, the VA performed significantly better on all 11 similar quality indicators for the period from 1997 through 1999. In 2000, the VA outperformed Medicare on 12 of 13 indicators." [17] A study that compared VHA with commercial managed care systems in their treatment of diabetes patients found that in all seven measures of quality, the VHA provided better care.[18]
Veterans Health Administration A RAND Corporation study in 2004 concluded that the VHA outperforms all other sectors of American health care in 294 measures of quality; Patients from the VHA scored significantly higher for adjusted overall quality, chronic disease care, and preventive care, but not for acute care.[14] A 2009 Congressional Budget Office report on the VHA found that "the care provided to VHA patients compares favorably with that provided to non-VHA patients in terms of compliance with widely recognized clinical guidelines particularly those that VHA has emphasized in its internal performance measurement system. Such research is complicated by the fact that most users of VHAs services receive at least part of their care from outside providers."
[7]
77
Physicians
Doctors who work in the VHA system are typically paid less in core compensation than their counterparts in private practice. However, VHA compensation includes benefits not generally available to doctors in private practice, such as lesser threat of malpractice lawsuits, freedom from billing and insurance company payment administration, and the availability of the government's proprietary VistA electronic records system.[16]
Initiatives
The VHA has expanded its outreach efforts to include men and women veterans and homeless veterans. The VHA, through its academic affiliations, has helped train thousands of physicians, dentists, and other health professionals. Several newer VA medical centers have been purposely located adjacent to medical schools. The VHA support for research and residency/fellowship training programs has made the VA system a leader in the fields of geriatrics [23][24], spinal cord injuries [25], Parkinson's disease [26], and palliative care. The VHA has initiatives in place to provide a "seamless transition" to newly-discharged veterans transitioning from Department of Defense health care to VA care for conditions incurred in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Veterans Health Administration The Veterans Health Administration Office of Research and Development's research into developing better-functioning prosthetic limbs, and treatment of PTSD are also heralded. The VHA has devoted many years of research into the health effects of the herbicide Agent Orange used by military forces in Vietnam. In October 2012, the VHA announced a new goal "to care for and heal our wounded Veterans. In addition to repairing their damaged bodies and minds, VA has embarked on a unique campaign to repair their crumbling intimate relationships." [27]
78
References
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] http:/ / www. carnegielibrary. org/ research/ pittsburgh/ history/ FedScope (http:/ / www. fedscope. opm. gov/ employment. asp) http:/ / www. va. gov/ health/ aboutVHA. asp http:/ / www. va. gov/ health VA History in Brief.(n.d.). Department of Veterans Affairs Khuri, SF; Daley, J; Henderson, WG (2002). "The Comparative Assessment and Improvement of Quality Surgical Care in the Department of Veterans Affairs". Archives of Surgery 137 (1): 2027. doi:10.1001/archsurg.137.1.20. PMID11772210. [7] Quality Initiatives Undertaken by the Veterans Health Administration (http:/ / www. cbo. gov/ ftpdocs/ 104xx/ doc10453/ 08-13-VHA. pdf) Congressional Budget Office Report, August 2009 [8] Inglehart, J. K., (October 1996). Reform of the Veterans Affairs Health Care System. The New England Journal of Medicine. 335(18). [9] Yano et al. (December 2007). The Evolution of Changes in Primary Care Delivery Underlying the Veterans Health Administrations Quality Transformation. American Journal of Public Health. 97(12). [10] Ashton, C., Headley, E., Parrino, T., Starfield, B. (September 1995). Primary Care in VA. Boston: Management decision and Research Center. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Office of Research and Development. Health Services Research and Development Service [11] Yano et al. (December 2007). The Evolution of Changes in Primary Care Delivery Underlying the Veterans Health Administrations Quality Transformation. American Journal of Public Health. 97(12) [12] Kizer et al. (Jun 2000). Reinventing VA Healthcare: Systematizing Quality Improvement and Quality Innovation. Medical Care. 38(6 Suppl 1) [13] Kizer, K.W et al. (May 2003). Effects of the Transformation of the Veterans Affairs Health Care System on the Quality of Care. New England Journal Of Medicine. 348(22). [14] Comparison of Quality of Care for Patients in the Veterans Health Administration and Patients in a National Sample (http:/ / www. annals. org/ content/ 141/ 12/ 938. full) Annals of Internal Medicine, December 21, 2004 [15] "Code Red" (http:/ / www. washingtonmonthly. com/ features/ 2009/ 0907. longman. html) by Philip Longman, Washington Monthly, Sept. 7, 2009 [16] Vets Loving Socialized Medicine Show Government Offers Savings (http:/ / www. bloomberg. com/ apps/ news?pid=newsarchive& sid=aLIc5ABThjBk) Bloomberg, October 2, 2009
79
External links
Veterans Health Benefits and Services (http://www.sharpseniors.com/a/va-health-benefits-and-services/) "The Best Care Anywhere" (http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2005/0501.longman.html) by Phillip Longman, Washington Monthly, January/February 2005 Nonprofit Research Collection on Veteran Health (http://www.issuelab.org/closeup/May_2008) Published on IssueLab
Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) VA Independent Outpatient Clinic (IOC) VA/DoD Joint Venture Site (VADOD)
List of Veterans Affairs medical facilities Vet Center (VC) Mobile Vet Center (MVC) VA Outreach Clinic (ORC) VA Rehabilitation Center (REHAB) Community Service Program (CSP)
80
VISNs 1 through 23
VISN Regions
VISN VISN1 VISN2 VISN3 VISN4 VISN5 VISN6 VISN7 VISN8 VISN9 [2] [4] [6] [8] [10] [12] [14] [16] [18] [20] [22] [24] [26] [28] [30] [32] [34] [36] [38] [40] [42] Network name VA New England Health Care System [3] Region served Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut [5] New York New York, New Jersey Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia [11] [13] Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia, West Virginia Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama [17] [19] Florida, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio [25] Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana Missouri, Kansas, Illinois [29] [31] Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas Texas Arizona, New Mexico, Texas Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, California, Montana Northern California, Nevada, Hawaii, Philippines, Guam, Pacific islands [41] Southern California, Nevada Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Illinois
VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York NY/NJ Veterans Healthcare Network VISN4 [9] [7]
VISN10 VISN11 VISN12 VISN15 VISN16 VISN17 VISN18 VISN19 VISN20 VISN21 VISN22 VISN23
[21]
South Central VA Healthcare Network VA Heart of Texas Healthcare System VA Southwest Healthcare Network VA Rocky Mountain Network [35] [37]
[33]
81
Northampton VA Medical Center Providence VA Medical Center Togus VA Medical Center [48]
[47]
VA Boston Healthcare System, Brockton Campus VA Boston Healthcare System, Jamaica Plain Campus VA Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury Campus VA Connecticut Healthcare SystemNewington Campus
VA Connecticut Healthcare SystemWest Haven Campus White River Junction VA Medical Center Houlton Satellite Clinic [51] [52] [50]
White River Junction VT Houlton Portland [48] Caribou Bangor Bennington Boston Calais Conway Danbury Dorchester Fitchburg Framingham Gloucester Greenfield Haverhill Hyannis [66] New London Lincoln Littleton ME ME ME ME VT MA ME NH CT MA MA MA MA MA MA MA CT ME NH
Aroostook County (Caribou) Community Based Outpatient Clinic Bangor Community Based Outpatient Clinic Bennington Outpatient Clinic Boston Outpatient Clinic Calais Outpatient Clinic [55] [54] [53]
[60] [61]
Framingham Outpatient Clinic Gloucester Outpatient Clinic Greenfield Outpatient Clinic Haverhill Outpatient Clinic Hyannis Outpatient Clinic
[62] [63]
[64]
[65]
John J. McGuirk (New London) VA Outpatient Clinic Lincoln Community Based Outpatient Clinic [67] [68]
82
Lowell Martha's Vineyard Middletown Nantucket New Bedford Lynn Pittsfield Portsmouth Quincy [78] Rumford Rutland Saco Somersworth [82] Springfield Stamford Tilton [85] Colchester Waterbury Willimantic Winsted Worcester Auburn Bangor Gorham Boston Brockton Caribou Rocky Hill Hyannis Lewiston Lowell MA MA RI MA MA MA MA NH MA ME VT ME NH MA CT NH VT CT CT CT MA NH ME NH MA MA ME CT MA ME MA NH CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
Martha's Vineyard Outpatient Clinic Middletown Outpatient Clinic Nantucket Outpatient Clinic [71]
[72] [73]
New Bedford Outpatient Clinic North Shore Outpatient Clinic Pittsfield Outpatient Clinic
[74]
[75] [76]
Rumford Community Based Outpatient Clinic Rutland Community Based Outpatient Clinic Saco Community Based Outpatient Clinic Somersworth Outpatient Clinic [81]
[79]
[80]
Springfield Outpatient Clinic and Community Care Center Stamford Outpatient Clinic Tilton Outpatient Clinic [83]
[84]
VA Outpatient Clinic at Fort Ethan Allen Waterbury Outpatient Clinic Windham Outpatient Clinic Winsted Outpatient Clinic [86]
[87]
1A Northeast Regional Office Bangor Vet Center Berlin Vet Center [91]
Brockton Vet Center Caribou Vet Center Hartford Vet Center Hyannis Vet Center
[99] [100]
Manchester
83
Fairhaven West Haven Norwich Portland Warwick Springvale [107] South Burlington Springfield [109] MA CT CT ME RI ME VT MA VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
New Bedford Vet Center New Haven Vet Center Norwich Vet Center Portland Vet Center
[102]
[106]
[114]
VA Western New York Healthcare System at Batavia VA Western New York Healthcare System at Buffalo Auburn VA Outpatient Clinic [117] [118] [119]
[120] [121]
Clifton Park VA Outpatient Clinic Cortland VA Outpatient Clinic Dunkirk VA Outpatient Clinic
[122] [123]
Elizabethtown VA Outpatient Clinic Elmira VA Outpatient Clinic Fonda VA Outpatient Clinic [125] [126]
[127]
[128]
84
Jamestown Kingston Lackawanna Lockport Malone Massena Niagara Falls Olean Oswego Plattsburgh Rochester [140] Rome Schenectady Troy [143] Warsaw Watertown Wellsville Albany Binghamton Buffalo Rochester Syracuse [151] Watertown Watertown NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC VC VC VC VC VC MVC VC
[130] [131]
[132]
[137] [138]
[139]
Rome - Donald J. Mitchell VA Outpatient Clinic Schenectady VA Outpatient Clinic Troy VA Outpatient Clinic [142] [141]
Warsaw Community Based Outpatient Clinic Watertown VA Outpatient Clinic Wellsville VA Outpatient Clinic Albany Vet Center [146] [147] [144]
[145]
[148] [149]
[150]
85
State NY NY NJ NY NY NJ NY NY NY NY NY NY NJ
Type HCS HCS HCS VAMC VAMC VAMC VAMC VAMC DOM CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC REHAB REHAB CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC
Castle Point Campus of the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System East Orange Campus of the VA New Jersey Health Care System
[155]
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Campus of the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System (Montrose) James J. Peters VA Medical Center (Bronx, NY) [156] [157] [153]
Manhattan Campus of the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System Northport VA Medical Center [158] [153] [159]
Carmel Community Clinic/Putnam County Chapel Street Veterans Healthcare Center Eastern Dutchess Community Clinic Elizabeth CBOC [162] [163]
[160]
[161]
Ft. Monmouth Community Clinic Goshen Community Clinic Hackensack CBOC Hamilton CBOC [165] [164]
James J. Howard Community Clinic (Brick, NJ) Jersey City CBOC [169] [170]
Monticello Morristown
[172]
Opiate Replacement Treatment Program (ORTP), VA NY Harbor Healthcare System Brooklyn Campus
Opiate Replacement Treatment Program (ORTP), VA NY Harbor Healthcare System Manhattan Campus Patchogue Community Clinic Paterson CBOC [177] [178] [179] [180] [176]
Piscataway CBOC
86
Poughkeepsie Sunnyside NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NJ NY NY NY NJ NY NY NY NY NJ NY NJ NY CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
[183] [184]
Staten Island Westhampton White Plains Yonkers Babylon Bloomfield Bronx Brooklyn New York Lakewood New York Middletown Hicksville Woodhaven Secaucus Staten Island Ewing White Plains
Westhampton Community Air Base White Plains Community Clinic Yonkers Community Clinic Babylon Vet Center [187] [188]
[185]
[186]
[189] [190]
[199] [200]
87
Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Wilkes-Barre Wilmington Camden [213] Allentown Ford City Ashtabula [216] [217] Monaca St. Clairsville Reading Sutton [220] [221] Camp Hill Cape May Foxburg Berwick [224] PA PA PA DE NJ PA PA OH PA OH PA WV PA NJ PA PA DIVIO DIVIO VAMC VAMC OPC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University Drive Division Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center Wilmington VA Medical Center Camden VA Outpatient Clinic [210]
[211]
[212]
Allentown VA Outpatient Clinic (693B4) Armstrong County VA Outpatient Clinic Ashtabula County VA Clinic [215]
[214]
Belmont VA Primary Care Center CBOC Berks VA Outpatient Clinic [218] [219]
Camp Hill VA Outpatient Clinic (595GA) Cape May VA Outpatient Clinic (460GD) Clarion County VA Outpatient Clinic Columbia County Outpatient Clinic
[222]
[223]
Cranberry Township VA Outpatient Clinic Crawford County Primary Care Clinic Dover VA Outpatient Clinic [226]
Cranberry Township PA Meadville Dover [227] DuBois Frackville Ft. Dix Georgetown [231] [232] Horsham Johnstown Lancaster New Castle New Castle Bradford Hermitage Westover PA DE PA PA NJ DE PA PA PA PA PA PA PA WV PA
[225]
DuBois (Clearfield County) VA Outpatient Clinic (503GB) Frackville VA Outpatient Clinic (595GB) Ft Dix OPC at Marshall Hall (642GA) Georgetown VA Outpatient Clinic [228]
[229]
[230]
Johnstown VA Outpatient Clinic (Cambria County) (503GA) Lancaster VA Outpatient Clinic (595GC) Lawrence County CBOC - New Castle Lawrence County VA Outpatent Clinic McKean County Primary Care Clinic Mercer County VA Outpatient Clinic Monongalia County (540GD) [238] [239] [233]
[234] [235]
[236] [237]
Bangor
88
Wilkes-Barre Philadelphia Pottsville Reading Sayre [245] [246] [247] Spring City Springfield State College Tobyhanna Parsons [216] [250] Uniontown Vineland Franklin [252] [253] [254] Ventnor Sewell Horsham Vineland Warren [217] [216] [257] Washington Greensburg Williamsport Parkersburg [259] York Bristol DuBois Erie Erie PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA WV PA NJ PA NJ NJ PA NJ PA PA PA PA WV PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA WV CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC VC VC MVC VC VC VC VC VC MVC
Philadelphia MultiService Center (Philadelphia County) Pottsville VA Outpatient Clinic (595GF) Reading VA Outpatient Clinic (595GD) Sayre VA Outpatient Clinic (693GA) [242]
[243]
[244]
State College (Centre County) VA Outpatient Clinic (503GC) Tobyhanna Army Depot (693GC) Tucker County CBOC (540GA) [248]
[249]
Victor J. Saracini VA Outpatient Clinic (Montgomery County) Vineland Clinic Warren CBOC [255]
[256]
Williamsport OPC, Campus of Divine Providence Hospital (693GB) Wood County CBOC (540GB) [258]
York VA Outpatient Clinic (595GE) Bucks County Vet Center DuBois Vet Center [261] [262] [260]
[264]
[265] [266]
89
Morgantown Philadelphia Philadelphia Pittsburgh WV PA PA PA PA PA NJ WV PA DE VC VC VC VC MVC VC VC VC VC VC
Scranton Mobile Vet Center Scranton Vet Center Ventnor Vet Center [274]
[273]
[278]
Baltimore VA Medical Center - VA Maryland Health Care System Loch Raven VA Community Living & Rehabilitation Center Martinsburg VA Medical Center [282] [281]
Perry Point VA Medical Center - VA Maryland Health Care System Washington DC VA Medical Center Cambridge VA Outpatient Clinic Community Clinic-Alexandria Community Clinic-Greenbelt Community Clinic-Southeast [284]
[285]
[286]
Franklin Contract Outpatient Clinic Glen Burnie VA Outpatient Clinic Hagerstown Outpatient Clinic
[292]
[293]
[296]
90
Pocomoke MD CBOC CBOC CBOC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
Southern Maryland VA Outpatient Clinic Stephens City Outpatient Clinic 1B RCS Mid-Atlantic Region [299]
[300] [301]
Aberdeen Vet Center Outstation Alexandria Vet Center Annapolis Vet Center Baltimore Vet Center [302]
Cambridge Vet Center Outstation Elkton Vet Center [306] [307] [308] [309]
[314]
Salisbury - W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center Hickory CBOC [318] [319]
Charlotte CBOC
91
Fredericksburg VA Greenville Hamlet Midway Park Lynchburg NC NC NC VA CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC MVC VC VC VC VC MVC VC VC VC VC MVC VC VC VC
Fredericksburg CBOC
[328]
[329] [330]
Raleigh II CBOC
[336]
Winston-Salem CBOC
Winston-Salem NC Glen Jean Beckley Charlotte Fayetteville Greensboro [344] Greenville Greenville Norfolk Princeton Raleigh [349] Richmond Richmond Roanoke [352] WV WV NC NC NC NC NC VA WV NC VA VA VA
[342] [343]
Greenville Mobile Vet Center Greenville NC Vet Center Norfolk Vet Center [346] [347]
[345]
[348]
Richmond Mobile Vet Center Richmond Vet Center Roanoke Vet Center [350]
[351]
Virginia Beach VA
92
Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System West Campus Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center [360] [361] [358] [359]
Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center Athens Clinic [362] [363]
Decatur Clinic
Ft. Rucker (VA Wiregrass) Outpatient Clinic Selma Outpatient Clinic [360]
[356]
Aiken Community Based Outpatient Clinic Albany Clinic [365] [366] [367]
[364]
Bessemer Clinic
[354]
[356]
[356] [356]
[371] [359]
[372]
93
Guntersville Huntsville Jasper AL AL AL GA GA AL SC GA GA SC GA SC GA GA AL GA SC GA SC GA AL SC SC SC AL GA GA GA AL GA CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
[374] [375]
Lawrenceville Macon
[377]
[359] [378]
Oakwood Newnan
Orangeburg County Clinic Perry Outreach Clinic Rock Hill Clinic Rome CBOC
[380]
[381]
[382]
Savannah Clinic
Spartanburg CBOC
Stockbridge Outreach Clinic Sumter County Clinic Atlanta Vet Center [388]
[387]
Stockbridge Sumter Atlanta Birmingham N. Charleston Columbia Greenville Huntsville Lawrenceville Macon Marietta Montgomery Savannah
[389] [390]
[391]
[392] [393]
[394] [395]
[398]
[399]
94
[401]
North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System VA Caribbean Healthcare System [403] [404]
[402]
Malcom Randall VAMC, NF/SGVHS Orlando VA Medical Center West Palm Beach VAMC [405]
[406] [407]
Comerio Rural Outpatient Clinic Fort Myers Outpatient Clinic Jacksonville OPC Mayaguez OPC [402]
[408]
[409] [410]
New Port Richey FL Ponce Tallahassee [412] [413] Utuado Vieques Viera [415] Daytona Beach Port St Lucie Arecibo Boca Raton [419] Bradenton Brooksville PR FL PR PR FL FL FL PR FL FL FL FL FL FL
Tallahassee OPC
William V. Chappell, Jr., VA OPC St Lucie PTSD Clinic Arecibo CBOC [417] [418] [416]
95
Deerfield Beach Delray Beach Ft. Pierce Guayama [428] Miami Hollywood Homestead Key Largo Key West Kissimmee Lakeland Lecanto Leesburg Marianna [436] Miami Naples Ocala [439] [440] [441] Okeechobee Orange City Palm Harbor Hollywood [443] Port Charlotte St. Augustine Kings Hill St. Thomas [446] Sarasota Sebring St Marys [448] St. Petersburg Stuart [402] The Villages Valdosta FL FL FL PR FL FL FL FL FL FL FL FL FL FL FL FL FL FL FL FL FL FL FL VI VI FL FL GA FL FL FL GA CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC
Deerfield Beach CBOC Delray Beach CBOC Fort Pierce CBOC Guayama CBOC
[425]
[426]
[427]
Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Hollywood CBOC Homestead CBOC Key Largo CBOC Key West CBOC [429] [430] [431]
[432] [433]
[434]
Miami Outpatient Substance Abuse Clinic (OSAC) Naples Community-Based Outpatient Clinic Ocala CBOC [438] [437]
Port Charlotte Community-Based Outpatient Clinic Saint Augustine CBOC Saint Croix CBOC [402]
[444] [445]
Sarasota Community-Based Outpatient Clinic Sebring Community-Based Outpatient Clinic St Marys CBOC [402]
[447]
[402]
96
Vero Beach Zephyrhills Bay Pines Arecibo Clearwater Coral Springs Holly Hill Ft. Lauderdale Ft. Myers Gainesville Jacksonville Jupiter [462] Key Largo Melbourne Miami Orlando Lake Worth Ponce Rio Piedras Sarasota [470] St. Croix St. Petersburg [472] St. Thomas Tallahassee Tampa FL FL FL PR FL FL FL FL FL FL FL FL FL FL FL FL FL PR PR FL VI FL VI FL FL CBOC CBOC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
[459] [460]
Key Largo Vet Center Outstation Melbourne Vet Center Miami Vet Center [463]
[468] [469]
[471]
St. Thomas Vet Center Satellite Tallahassee Vet Center Tampa Vet Center [473]
[474]
97
Facility VISN 9: VA Mid South Healthcare Network Huntington VA Medical Center [475] [476] [477] [19]
State TN WV KY KY TN
Type HQ VAMC VAMC VAMC VAMC VAMC VAMC VAMC VAMC OPC OPC OPC OPC OPC OPC OPC OPC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC
[479]
[480]
Tennessee Valley Healthcare System - Alvin C. York (Murfreesboro) Campus Tennessee Valley Healthcare System - Nashville Campus Bristol, Virginia OPC [482] [481] [481]
Charlotte Avenue (Nashville, TN) OPC Chattanooga, Tennessee CBOC Cookeville, Tennessee OPC [483]
Nashville Chattanooga Cookeville Hopkinsville McMinnville Louisville [486] Nashville Berea Bolivar
Women Veterans Healthcare Center (Nashville, TN) Berea, Kentucky CBOC [476] [487] [488]
[475]
[489]
Covington, Tennessee (North Memphis) CBOC Dover (Stewart County), Tennessee CBOC Dyersburg, Tennessee CBOC Ft. Campbell CBOC Hazard CBOC [493] [494] [495] [478] [492] [491]
[490]
98
Jonesboro Knoxville Logan Memphis Morehead AR TN WV TN KY TN VA KY TN TN MS KY TN KY KY KY KY IN KY IN KY TN WV WV TN WV TN TN KY WV KY TN CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
Morristown Norton
[475]
Prestonsburg Rogersville Savannah Smithville Somerset Arnold AFB Carrollton [480] Louisville Ft Knox Clarkson [503] New Albany Louisville Scottsburg [505] Louisville Nashville Williamson Charleston Chattanooga Huntington Johnson City Knoxville Lexington
[499]
[478] [478]
VA Healthcare Center, Dupont Kentucky CBOC VA Healthcare Center, Ft. Knox Kentucky VA Healthcare Center, Grayson [502] [501]
VA Healthcare Center, New Albany Indiana VA Healthcare Center, Newburg Kentucky VA Healthcare Center, Scott County [480]
[504]
VA Healthcare Center, Shively Kentucky CBOC Vine Hill (Nashville, Tennessee) Williamson, West Virginia Charleston Vet Center [475] [506]
[507] [508]
[509] [510]
Johnson City Vet Center Knoxville Vet Center Lexington Vet Center
Logan Vet Center Outstation Louisville Vet Center Memphis Vet Center [514]
[515]
99
Nashville Pakersburg TN WV VC VC
Chalmers P. Wylie Ambulatory Care Center Chillicothe VA Medical Center Cincinnati VA Medical Center Dayton VA Medical Center [519]
[520]
[521]
Hamilton VA Healthcare Associates - Butler County Lancaster Community Based Outpatient Clinic [535]
Lawrenceburg Community Based Outpatient Clinic Lima Community Based Outpatient Clinic [537] [538]
[536]
Mansfield Community Based Outpatient Clinic Marietta Community Based Outpatient Clinic Marion Community Based Outpatient Clinic
[539]
[540]
[541] [542]
100
Middletown OH CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC VC VC VC VC VC VC
Middletown Community Based Outpatient Clinic New Philadelphia Clinic Newark CBOC [545] [544]
New Philadelphia OH Newark [546] [547] Painesville Portsmouth Ravenna [549] Richmond Sandusky Springfield Warren Zanesville Cincinnati [555] Cleveland Columbus Dayton [558] Cleveland Parma OH OH OH OH IN OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH
Painesville Community Based Outpatient Clinic Portsmouth Community Based Outpatient Clinic Ravenna Clinic [548]
Richmond Community Based Outpatient Clinic Sandusky Community Based Outpatient Clinic
[550] [551]
Springfield Community Based Outpatient Clinic Warren Community Based Outpatient Clinic
[552] [553]
Cleveland Heights Vet Center Columbus Vet Center Dayton Vet Center [556]
[557]
[562] [563]
Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center (Indianapolis VA Medical Center) VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System VA Illiana Health Care System [565]
[566]
VA Northern Indiana Health Care System-Fort Wayne Campus Benton Harbor VA Outpatient Clinic Bloomington VA Outpatient Clinic [562]
[568]
101
Peoria Clare Alpena Decatur Flint Gaylord Goshen [562] Grand Rapids IL MI MI IL MI MI IN MI CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
Clement C. Van Wagoner Outpatient Clinic Decatur VA Outpatient Clinic Flint VA Outpatient Clinic [572]
Grand Rapids VA Outpatient Clinic Jackson VA Outpatient Clinic Lansing VA Outpatient Clinic [576] [562]
Michigan Center MI Lansing [577] Martinsville Mattoon Muncie Muskegon Oscoda [581] Peru Pontiac South Bend Springfield Terre Haute Toledo [587] [588] Traverse City West Lafayette Yale Dearborn Detroit Fort Wayne Grand Rapids Indianapolis Peoria Pontiac Saginaw MI IN IL IN MI MI IN MI IN IL IN OH MI IN MI MI MI IN MI IN IL MI MI
Martinsville Community Based Outpatient Clinic Mattoon Community Based Outpatient Clinic Muncie/Anderson VA Outpatient Clinic Muskegon VA Outpatient Clinic Oscoda VA Outpatient Clinic [562] [579]
[578]
[580]
Peru Community Based Outpatient Clinic Pontiac VA Outpatient Clinic [582] [583] [584] [585]
[586]
West Lafayette VA Outpatient Clinic Yale VA Outpatient Clinic Dearborn Vet Center Detroit Vet Center [590] [589]
Grand Rapids Vet Center Indianapolis Vet Center Peoria Vet Center [595] [596]
[594]
[597]
102
Springfield Toledo IL OH VC VC
[599]
Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital [602] [603] [604] [605]
William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital Adam Benjamin, Jr. OPC [603]
Appleton Clinic (John H. Bradley) Auburn Gresham (Chicago) Clinic Aurora Clinic [610] [611] [612] [613]
Baraboo Clinic
[615] [616]
[617]
Green Bay Clinic (Milo C. Huempfner) Hancock Clinic [619] [620] [621]
103
LaSalle Loyal [605] Manistique Manteno Marquette McHenry Menominee Oak Lawn Rhinelander La Crosse Rockford [634] Kincheloe Union Grove Wausau [606] [637] [638] IL WI MI IL MI IL MI IL WI WI IL MI WI WI CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
[606]
[628] [629]
[633]
[635]
[636]
Wisconsin Rapids WI Chicago Heights Chicago Aurora Escanaba Evanston Merrillville Green Bay Madison Milwaukee Oak Park Orland Park [648] Rockford IL IL IL MI IL IN WI WI WI IL IL IL
Chicago Veterans Resource Center DuPage County Vet Center Escanaba Vet Center Evanston Vet Center [640] [641] [642] [643] [639]
Gary Area Vet Center Green Bay Vet Center Madison Vet Center
[644] [645]
[646] [647]
104
John J. Pershing VA Medical Center Kansas City VA Medical Center Marion VA Medical Center
[651]
[652]
Robert J. Dole Dept of Veterans Affairs Medical and Regional Office Center St. Louis VA Medical Center - Jefferson Barracks Division St. Louis VA Medical Center - John Cochran Division [654]
[654]
VA Eastern Kansas HCS - Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center Evansville Outpatient Clinic [657]
[660] [661]
Cameron Clinic
[665] [666]
Holton Hutchinson
[672]
[674]
Camdenton Lawrence
105
Liberal Paola Mayfield Mexico St. Louis [681] Mt. Vernon Seneca [683] Chanute Nevada [685] [686] Kirksville Owensboro Paducah Paragould Parsons Salem Salina St. Charles [693] St. James St. Joseph [695] Vincennes Warrensburg West Plains Kansas City KS KS KY MO MO IL KS KS MO MO KY KY AR KS MO KS MO MO MO IN MO MO KS MO IL IN MO KS MO KS CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
Liberal Clinic
Louisburg-Paola Clinic
Mayfield Community Based Outpatient Clinic Mexico VA CBOC / Missouri Veterans Home Missouri Veterans Clinic [680]
Mt. Vernon Community Based Outpatient Clinic Nemaha Valley Community Hospital [682]
Owensboro Community Based Outpatient Clinic Paducah Community Based Outpatient Clinic Paragould Clinic Parsons Clinic Salem Clinic Salina Clinic [688]
[687]
[689]
St. James VA Clinic / Missouri Veterans Home St. Joseph Clinic [694]
Vincennes Community Based Outpatient Clinic Warrensburg Clinic West Plains CBOC Wyandotte CBOC [696] [697]
2 Central Regional Office East St. Louis Vet Center Evansville Vet Center
St. Louis East St. Louis Evansville Kansas City Manhattan St. Louis Wichita
[701] [702]
Kansas City Vet Center Manhattan Vet Center St. Louis Vet Center Wichita Vet Center
[703]
[704]
[705]
106
Central Arkansas VA HCS John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center Jack C. Montgomery VAMC [709] [708]
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Oklahoma City VA Medical Center [710] [711]
Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks
[713]
[714]
Houston Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Baton Rouge Outpatient Clinic [716] [717]
Ernest Childers VA Outpatient Clinic (Tulsa) Hammond VA Outpatient Clinic Jennings Clinic [720] [721] [722] [719]
Lafayette Clinic
[723]
VA Gulf Coast Health Care System - Pensacola Outpatient Clinic Vinita Outpatient Clinic Altus Outpatient Clinic Ardmore CBOC [731] [729]
[730]
107
Blackwell Mountain Home Columbus OK AR MS TX FL AR OK AR TX MS AR OK MS AR LA OK OK MS TX MS AR MS AL LA MO AR MS FL AR OK AR TX CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC
Blackwell CBOC
[717]
Ft Smith CBOC
[738] [717]
[740] [709]
Hartshorne VA Outpatient Clinic Hattiesburg CBOC Hot Springs CBOC Houma CBOC Jay CBOC [741] [742]
Hartshorne Hattiesburg Hot Springs Houma Jay Konawa Kosciusko Longview Meadville Mena Meridian
[743]
Konawa CBOC
Meridian CBOC
Mobile Monroe
[753] [754]
Mount Vernon Mountain Home Natchez [756] Pensacola Pine Bluff [758] Stillwater Texarkana [717] Texas City
108
Panama City Beach FL Wichita Falls Baton Rouge Biloxi TX LA MS AR TX TX TX MS OK AR AL LA OK FL LA MO OK CBOC CBOC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
VA Outpatient Medical Clinic Naval Support Activity, Bldg 387 Veterans Clinic of North Texas Baton Rouge Vet Center Biloxi Vet Center [763] [764] [765] [762] [761]
Fayetteville Houston Houston [767] Houston Jackson Lawton North Little Rock Mobile [772] Kenner Oklahoma City Pensacola Shreveport Springfield Tulsa
Houston Veterans Resource Center Jackson Vet Center Lawton Vet Center [768] [769] [770]
[771]
New Orleans Veterans Resource Center Oklahoma City Vet Center Pensacola Vet Center [773]
Shreveport Vet Center Springfield Vet Center Tulsa Vet Center [777]
[779]
Central Texas Veterans Health Care System - Olin E Teague Veterans' Center Central Texas Veterans Health Care System - Waco VA Medical Center Kerrville VA Medical Center [781] [778]
VA North Texas Health Care System: Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center Central Texas Veterans Health Care System - Austin Outpatient Clinic Corpus Christi OPC [783] [782]
109
Laredo McAllen TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX IOC IOC IOC IOC IOC IOC IOC IOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC VC
[787]
San Antonio San Antonio [789] Harlingen Tyler [780] Fort Worth Victoria Granbury Beeville
[788]
South Texas VA Health Care Center at Harlingen Tyler VA Primary Care Clinic [790]
VA North Texas Health Care System:Fort Worth Outpatient Clinic Victoria OPC Acton Clinic [791]
Beeville CBOC
Bridgeport Brownwood
Bryan/College Station CBOC Cedar Park CBOC Del Rio CBOC Denton CBOC [797]
[796]
College Station TX Cedar Park Del Rio Denton [800] San Antonio Kingsville TX TX TX TX TX TX
[798] [799]
La Grange
[803] [804]
New Braunfels TX San Antonio Paris San Antonio Palestine San Antonio TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX
[805] [806]
[808] [809]
Greenville Seguin Sherman [812] [813] San Antonio Fort Worth Uvalde [815] Dallas
Sherman Clinic
Univ. of N. Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth CBOC Uvalde CBOC [814]
110
Pantego Austin TX TX TX TX TX TX VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
[817] [818]
[825] [826]
[828] [829]
Northern Arizona VA Health Care System Phoenix VA Health Care System [831]
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System West Texas VA Health Care System Lubbock Clinic Abilene CBOC [834] [835] [836] [833]
[838] [839]
[840] [841]
[842]
[843]
111
Cottonwood Fort Stockton Durango [847] El Paso Espanola Farmington Gallup [851] Globe Green Valley Hobbs Kingman [855] Lake Havasu City Las Cruces Las Vegas Liberal [859] Sun City Odessa [861] Payson Raton Safford San Angelo Santa Fe [866] Show Low Sierra Vista Silver City [869] Mesa Stamford [871] Phoenix AZ TX CO TX NM NM NM AZ AZ NM AZ AZ NM NM KS AZ TX AZ NM AZ TX NM AZ AZ NM AZ TX AZ CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC
Cottonwood CBOC
[849]
[850]
Globe-Miami VA Health Care Clinic Green Valley CBOC Hobbs CBOC [853] [854] [852]
Kingman CBOC
Safford Clinic
[865]
Show Low VA Health Care Clinic Sierra Vista Clinic Silver City Clinic [867]
[868]
Thunderbird VA Health Care Clinic Truth or Consequences CCBOC VA Northwest Tucson Clinic VA Southeast Tucson Clinic Yuma Clinic [875]
[872]
[873]
[874]
112
Albuquerque Amarillo [878] Chinle El Paso [880] Farmington Hotevilla Las Cruces Lubbock Mesa Midland Phoenix Prescott Santa Fe Tucson NM TX AZ TX NM AZ NM TX AZ TX AZ AZ NM AZ VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
[877]
Farmington Vet Center Satellite Hopi Vet Center Outstation 2 Las Cruces Vet Center Lubbock Vet Center Mesa Vet Center [882]
[881]
[883]
Midland Vet Center Phoenix Vet Center Prescott Vet Center Santa Fe Vet Center Tucson Vet Center
[889]
Burlington VA Outreach Clinic Fountain Green Clinic Havre Outreach Clinic [897] [898]
[896]
Alamosa /San Luis Valley Clinic/Sierra Blanca Medical Center Anaconda Outpatient Clinic Aurora Outpatient Clinic [900]
113
Casper WY CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC
Cut Bank Outpatient Clinic Elko Outreach Clinic Ely CBOC [909] [908]
[907]
[910]
[911] [912]
[914]
Lewistown Miles City Missoula Montrose Nephi South Ogden Orem Pocatello
Miles City Outpatient Clinic / Nursing Home Missoula Outpatient Clinic Montrose Outpatient Clinic Nephi CBOC Ogden CBOC Orem CBOC [924] [925] [922] [923]
Pocatello CBOC
Powell Pueblo Riverton Rock Springs Roosevelt [933] Sidney St. George
114
Denver Billings Boulder [939] Casper Cheyenne [941] CO MT CO WY WY VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
4A Western Mountain Regional Office Billings Vet Center Boulder Vet Center [937] [938]
Colorado Springs CO Denver [943] Fort Collins Grand Junction Missoula Pocatello Provo CO CO CO MT ID UT CO UT
Fort Collins Vet Center Outstation Grand Junction Vet Center Missoula Vet Center Pocatello Vet Center Provo Vet Center [945] [946] [944]
[947] [948]
[952]
Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center - Walla Walla Portland VA Medical Center [955]
VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center & Clinics Burns OPC (Extension Clinic) The Dalles OPC [959] [958]
Bremerton CBOC
115
Brookings Caldwell OR ID ID OR OR CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
[964] [965]
[966]
[970]
[972]
La Grande Lewiston
Mat-Su VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic Mount Vernon CBOC North Bend CBOC North Coast CBOC Port Angeles [978] [975]
[974]
[976] [977]
[979]
Richland Salem Twin Falls Bellevue Federal Way Seattle Wenatchee [986] Yakima Ontario Anchorage Bellingham Boise Eugene Everett Fairbanks Grants Pass
Valor CBOC Federal Way Valor CBOC North Seattle Wenatchee CBOC [985]
[983] [984]
Yakima Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) Ontario Oregon CBOC Anchorage Vet Center [987]
[988] [989]
116
Soldotna Portland Salem Seattle Spokane Tacoma Wasilla [1002] Yakima AK OR OR WA WA WA AK WA VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
Kenai Vet Center Satellite Portland Vet Center Salem Vet Center Seattle Vet Center [996]
VA Northern California Health Care System VA Pacific Islands Health Care System VA Palo Alto Health Care System VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System Capitola Clinic [1003]
[1006]
[1009] [1005]
Martinez Outpatient Clinic and Community Living Center McClellan Dental Clinic - Sacramento [1005] [1005]
Monterey Clinic
National Center for PTSD - Pacific Islands Division Oakland Behavioral Health Clinic [1005]
117
Oakland Redding Mather San Jose Santa Rosa [1008] [1007] San Francisco Auburn Sonora French Camp Atwater [1004] [1011] Tulare Ukiah Fremont [1012] [1013] [1007] [1014] Pago Pago Minden Susanville CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA AS NV CA IOC IOC IOC IOC IOC IOC IOC IOC IOC IOC IOC IOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
Sacramento Mental Health Clinic at Mather San Jose Clinic [1003] [1008]
VA Guam Community Based Outpatient Clinic VA Hilo Community Based Outpatient Clinic
VA Kauai Community Based Outpatient Clinic VA Kona Community Based Outpatient Clinic VA Lahontan Valley Outpatient Clinic [1018]
VA Maui Community Based Outpatient Clinic VA San Bruno Outpatient Clinic [1008] [1020]
[1019]
Kahului San Bruno Fairfield Chico Concord Eureka Fresno Hagatna Hilo Honolulu Kailua-Kona
Concord Vet Center Eureka Vet Center Fresno Vet Center Guam Vet Center Hilo Vet Center
[1023] [1024]
[1025]
118
Lihue Wailuku Modesto Rohnert Park Oakland HI HI CA CA CA VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
[1033] [1034]
Redwood City CA Reno Sacramento San Francisco San Jose [1039] Capitola NV CA CA CA CA
[1038]
[1043]
VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System (VASNHS) Mike O'Callaghan Federal Hospital [1045] [1046]
Bakersfield Community Based Outpatient Clinic Chula Vista (South Bay) [1051]
Community Based Outreach Center for Homeless Veterans (MASH) Corona [1053]
[1055]
119
Escondido Gardena [1058] Henderson El Centro Laguna Hills [1061] Lancaster Las Vegas Oxnard [1064] Pahrump Palm Desert San Gabriel CA CA NV CA CA CA NV CA NV CA CA CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
Escondido Gardena
[1057]
Henderson Community Based Outpatient Clinic Imperial Valley Laguna Hills [1059]
[1060]
Lancaster Community Based Outpatient Clinic Northwest Clinic Oxnard [1063] [1062]
Rancho Cucamonga
Rancho Cucamonga CA San Luis Obispo Santa Ana [1070] Santa Barbara Santa Maria Las Vegas Sun City Ventura Victorville CA CA CA CA NV CA CA CA CA CA NV CA CA CA CA NV CA NV CA CA
San Luis Obispo - Pacific Medical Plaza Santa Ana - Bristol Medical Center
[1069]
Santa Barbara Community Based Outpatient Clinic Santa Maria Community Based Outpatient Clinic Southwest Clinic Sun City [1073] [1074] [1072]
[1071]
[1075] [1076]
Long Beach Vista Las Vegas [1079] Santa Fe Springs Palmdale Corona [1082] Commerce Henderson Victorville Las Vegas [1086] Gardena Garden Grove
West Clinic
Whittier/Santa Fe Springs Clinic Antelope Valley Vet Center Corona Vet Center [1081]
[1080]
[1084]
[1085]
Los Angeles Veterans Resource Center North Orange County Vet Center
[1087]
120
Colton San Diego San Marcos Sepulveda [1092] Mission Viejo Temecula Ventura [1095] Culver City CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
[1089] [1090]
[1091]
South Orange County Vet Center Temecula Vet Center Ventura Vet Center [1093]
[1094]
Omaha - VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System Sioux Falls VA Medical Center St. Cloud VA Medical Center [1101]
[1102]
VA Black Hills Health Care System - Hot Springs Campus VA Black Hills Health Care System - Fort Meade Campus Cedar Rapids CBOC Coralville OPC [1104]
[1105]
Alexandria Community Based Outpatient Clinic Alliance VA Clinic Bellevue CBOC Bemidji CBOC [1110]
[1111]
[1112] [1113]
[1114]
121
Brainerd MN CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC
Brainerd VA Clinic
Chippewa Falls WI Dubuque Eagle Butte [1119] Eagle Butte Fergus Falls Fort Dodge Galesburg [1123] Gordon Grafton Grand Island Hayward Hibbing Holdrege [1129] Eagle Butte Knoxville Lincoln Mankato Maplewood Mason City McLaughlin Minot Mission IA SD SD MN IA IL NE ND NE WI MN NE SD IA NE MN MN IA SD ND SD MN WY NE NE SD SD IL SD WI
[1118]
Faith Community Based Outpatient Clinic Fergus Falls VA Clinic Fort Dodge VA Clinic Galesburg VA Clinic [1120]
[1121]
[1122]
Gordon VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic Grafton VA Clinic [1124] [1125] [1126]
[1127]
[1128]
Isabel Community Based Outpatient Clinic Knoxville VA Clinic Lincoln CBOC [1096]
Mankato CBOC
Maplewood VA Clinic Mason City VA Clinic McLaughlin VA Clinic Minot VA Clinic Mission CBOC
[1135]
[1136] [1137]
Montevideo Newcastle Norfolk North Platte Pierre Pine Ridge Quincy Rapid City Rice Lake
[1138]
[1139] [1140]
[1141] [1142]
[1143] [1144]
[1145]
122
Rochester Rushville Scottsbluff Shenandoah Sioux City [1151] St. James Spirit Lake Superior Waterloo Watertown Williston MN NE NE IA IA MN IA WI IA SD ND SD ND MN IA IA MN ND NE ND NE SD IL SD IA SD MN CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC CBOC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC VC
Shenandoah CBOC
South Central VA Clinic (St James) Spirit Lake VA Clinic Twin Ports VA Clinic Waterloo VA Clinic Watertown CBOC Williston [1156] [1157] [1152] [1153]
[1154]
[1155]
Winner VA Clinic
Winner [1158] Bismarck Brooklyn Park [1160] Cedar Rapids Des Moines Duluth Fargo Lincoln Minot Omaha [1167] Martin Moline Rapid City Sioux City Sioux Falls [1172] New Brighton
[1159]
Cedar Rapids Vet Center Satellite Des Moines Vet Center Duluth Vet Center Fargo Vet Center [1161]
[1162]
[1163] [1164]
[1165] [1166]
Pine Ridge Vet Center Outstation Quad Cities Vet Center Rapid City Vet Center Sioux City Vet Center Sioux Falls Vet Center [1168]
123
References
[1] In January 2002, the Veterans Health Administration announced the merger of VISNs 13 and 14 to create a new, combined network, VISN 23. Transition Watch (http:/ / www. colmr. research. va. gov/ publications/ transition_watch/ MDRCTrans5_02Vol5No3C. pdf), Vol. 5, No 3, May 2002, p.3. [2] http:/ / www1. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ region_flsh. asp?ID=1 [3] http:/ / www. newengland. va. gov/ [4] http:/ / www1. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ region_flsh. asp?ID=2 [5] http:/ / www. visn2. va. gov/ [6] http:/ / www1. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ region_flsh. asp?ID=3 [7] http:/ / www1. va. gov/ visns/ visn03/ [8] http:/ / www1. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ region_flsh. asp?ID=4 [9] http:/ / www. visn4. va. gov/ [10] http:/ / www1. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ region_flsh. asp?ID=5 [11] http:/ / www. va. gov/ VISN5/ index. asp [12] http:/ / www1. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ region_flsh. asp?ID=6 [13] http:/ / www. visn6. va. gov/ [14] http:/ / www1. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ region_flsh. asp?ID=7 [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] [39] [40] [41] [42] [43] [44] [45] [46] [47] [48] http:/ / www. southeast. va. gov/ http:/ / www1. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ region_flsh. asp?ID=8 http:/ / www. visn8. va. gov/ http:/ / www1. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ region_flsh. asp?ID=9 http:/ / www. visn9. va. gov/ http:/ / www1. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ region_flsh. asp?ID=10 http:/ / www. visn10. va. gov/ http:/ / www1. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ region_flsh. asp?ID=11 http:/ / www1. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=1011& dnum=All http:/ / www1. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ region_flsh. asp?ID=12 http:/ / www. visn12. med. va. gov/ http:/ / www1. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ region_flsh. asp?ID=15 http:/ / www. visn15. med. va. gov/ http:/ / www1. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ region_flsh. asp?ID=16 http:/ / www. visn16. va. gov/ http:/ / www1. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ region_flsh. asp?ID=17 http:/ / www. heartoftexas. va. gov/ http:/ / www1. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ region_flsh. asp?ID=18 http:/ / www. southwest. va. gov/ http:/ / www1. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ region_flsh. asp?ID=19 http:/ / www. va. gov/ visn19/ http:/ / www1. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ region_flsh. asp?ID=20 http:/ / www. visn20. med. va. gov/ http:/ / www1. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ region_flsh. asp?ID=21 http:/ / www. visn21. med. va. gov/ http:/ / www1. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ region_flsh. asp?ID=22 http:/ / www. desertpacific. va. gov/ http:/ / www1. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ region_flsh. asp?ID=23 http:/ / www. visn23. med. va. gov/ http:/ / www. bedford. va. gov/ http:/ / www. manchester. va. gov/ http:/ / www. northampton. va. gov/ http:/ / www. providence. va. gov/ http:/ / www. togus. va. gov/
[49] http:/ / www. connecticut. va. gov/ [50] http:/ / www. whiteriver. va. gov/ [51] http:/ / www. togus. va. gov/ visitors/ togopc_Houlton. asp
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[74] http:/ / www. bedford. va. gov/ bedopc_lynn. asp [75] http:/ / www. northampton. va. gov/ visitors/ pittsfield. asp [76] http:/ / www. manchester. va. gov/ nhopc_ports. asp [77] http:/ / www. boston. va. gov/ boston/ bwropc_quincy. asp [78] http:/ / www. togus. va. gov/ visitors/ togopc_rumford. asp [79] http:/ / www. whiteriver. va. gov/ visitors/ rutland_cboc. asp [80] http:/ / www. togus. va. gov/ visitors/ togopc_saco. asp [81] http:/ / www. manchester. va. gov/ nhopc_som. asp [82] http:/ / www. northampton. va. gov/ visitors/ springfield. asp [83] http:/ / www. connecticut. va. gov/ conopc_stam. asp [84] http:/ / www. manchester. va. gov/ nhopc_til. asp [85] http:/ / www. whiteriver. va. gov/ visitors/ colchester_cboc. asp [86] http:/ / www. connecticut. va. gov/ conopc_water. asp [87] http:/ / www. connecticut. va. gov/ conopc_windh. asp [88] http:/ / www. connecticut. va. gov/ conopc_wins. asp [89] http:/ / www. boston. va. gov/ boston/ bwropc_worcester. asp [90] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5546 [91] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5433 [92] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5646 [93] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=626 [94] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=627 [95] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5434 [96] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=653 [97] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5618 [98] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5435 [99] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5436 [100] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=422 [101] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5437 [102] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=654 [103] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=655 [104] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5438 [105] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=484 [106] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5439 [107] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=477 [108] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=633 [109] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=478 [110] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=635
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[167] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5038 [168] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=601 [169] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=604
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[226] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5632 [227] http:/ / www. va. gov/ ALTOONA/ DuBois. asp [228] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=6080
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[285] http:/ / www. maryland. va. gov/ facilities/ cambridge. asp [286] http:/ / www. washingtondc. va. gov/ alexandria. asp [287] http:/ / www. washingtondc. va. gov/ greenbelt. asp
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[344] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=6044 [345] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=720 [346] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=403
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[403] http:/ / www. caribbean. va. gov/ [404] http:/ / www. tampa. va. gov/ [405] http:/ / www. orlando. va. gov/
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[462] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5444 [463] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5605 [464] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=552
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[521] http:/ / www. dayton. va. gov/ [522] http:/ / www. cleveland. va. gov/ [523] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=414
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[580] http:/ / www. saginaw. va. gov/ visitors/ oscoda. asp [581] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5968 [582] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5081
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[639] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5938 [640] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5508 [641] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5048
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[698] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5239 [699] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5549 [700] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=643
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[757] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5626 [758] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5930 [759] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5407
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[816] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5941 [817] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5459 [818] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5460
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[875] http:/ / www. tucson. va. gov/ CBOCs/ Yuma. asp [876] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=489 [877] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=665
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[934] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=881 [935] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5705 [936] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5571
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[993] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=198& amp;map=1& amp;dnum=1& amp;stateid=AK [994] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=598& amp;map=1& amp;dnum=1& amp;stateid=OR [995] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5468& amp;map=1& amp;dnum=1& amp;stateid=AK
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[1052] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5115 [1053] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5108 [1054] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5927
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[1111] http:/ / www. nebraska. va. gov/ visitors/ bellevue. asp [1112] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5655 [1113] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5206
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[1170] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=5485 [1171] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=408 [1172] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?ID=426
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Agency overview Headquarters Employees Annual budget Washington, DC 137,000 $50 billion
Agency executive Dr. Charles Rice, Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Website www.health.mil
[1]
The Military Health System is the enterprise within the United States Department of Defense responsible for providing health care to active duty and retired U.S. Military personnel and their dependents.[2] The mission of the Military Health System (MHS) is to provide health support for the full range of military operations and sustain the health of all who are entrusted to MHS care.[3] The primary mission of the medical services system is to maintain the health of military personnel, so they can carry out their military missions, and to be prepared to deliver health care required during wartime. Often described as the medical readiness mission, this effort involves medical testing and screening of recruits, emergency medical treatment of servicemen and women involved in hostilities, and the maintenance of physical standards of those in the armed services. In support of those in uniform, the military medical system also provides, where space is available, health care services to dependents of active duty service members. Space available care is also provided to retirees and their dependents. Some former spouses are also included. Since 1966 civilian medical care for dependents of active duty personnel, and for retirees and their dependents who are under age 65 has been available (with certain limitations and co-payments) through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) and its successor, TRICARE. Since October 2001 TRICARE benefits have also been available to retirees and their dependents aged 65 and over.[2] The MHS executes a $50 billion budget and serves approximately 9.6 million beneficiaries, including active duty personnel and their families and retirees and their families.[4] The actual cost of having a government-run health care system for the military is higher because the wages and benefits paid for military personnel who work for the MHS and the retirees who formerly worked for it, is not included in the budget. MHS employs more than 137,000 personnel in 65 hospitals, 412 clinics, and 414 dental clinics at facilities across the nation and around the world, as well as in contingency and combat-theater operations worldwide.
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History
Federal Employees Health Benefits Program Indian Health Service Veterans Health Administration Military Health System / TRICARE Medicare Medicaid / State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Prescription Assistance (SPAP) Private health coverage
Flexible spending account (FSA) Health reimbursement account Health savings account
High-deductible health plan (HDHP) Medical savings account (MSA) Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS) Managed care (CCP) Health maintenance organization (HMO) Preferred provider organization (PPO) Medical underwriting
Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (1986) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (1996) Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act (2003) Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act (2005) Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (2009) Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010) State level reform
Massachusetts health care reform Oregon Health Plan Vermont health care reform SustiNet (Connecticut) Municipal health coverage
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Fair Share Health Care Act (Maryland) Healthy Howard (Howard Co., Maryland) Healthy San Francisco
Prior to the Civil War, medical care in the military was provided largely as a function of the regimental surgeon and surgeons mates. While further attempts were made to establish a centralized medical system, care provision was largely local and limited. The availability of effective treatment for disease and injury was, by modern standards, primitive. Significant changes began to occur near the time of the Civil War, when improvements in medical science, communications and transportation made centralized casualty collection and treatment more practical. In World War I the U.S. Army Medical Department expanded and developed greater organization and structure. Care began on the battlefield and was then transferred to successively greater levels of medical capability. Considerable medical service capability was located in the combat theater. This capability was to ensure the availability of needed care, and to help maintain combat unit strength by returning soldiers to duty if their condition could be effectively treated in theater. Expansion continued during World War II under the necessity to meet changing needs of the war, but without the benefit of an organizational or expansion plan. After World War II, the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government underwent significant reorganization. The separate Department of War and Department of the Navy were re-aligned under a single Department of Defense. The reorganization created conflict as the Army had evolved its own medical system, as had the Navy. Furthermore, the Air Force, originally part of the Army, was created as a separate military service with its own separate Medical Service. Changes in the perception of health care in the post World War II era and an assessment of medical services provided to dependents caused Congress to re-evaluate the dependent health care benefit in the late 1950s. At that point changes in tax law had induced business and industry to begin offering a health care benefit as an employment incentive. A 1956 Department of Defense estimate was that 40 percent of active duty dependents did not have access to federal facilities due to distance, incomplete medical coverage at the federal facility, or due to the saturation of services at military treatment facilities. Congress responded by passing the Dependents Medical Care Act of 1956 and the Military Medical Benefits Amendments of 1966. These acts created the program known as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS).[5] In the late 1980s, because of escalating costs, claims paperwork demands and general beneficiary dissatisfaction, DOD initiated a series of demonstration projects. Under a program known as the CHAMPUS Reform Initiative (CRI), a contractor provided both health care and administrative-related services, including claims processing. The CRI project was one of the first to introduce managed care features to the CHAMPUS program. Beneficiaries under CRI were offered three choices a health maintenance organization-like option called CHAMPUS Prime that required enrollment and offered enhanced benefits and low-cost shares, a preferred provider organization-like option called CHAMPUS Extra that required use of network providers in exchange for lower cost shares, and the standard CHAMPUS option that continued the freedom of choice in selecting providers and higher cost shares and deductibles. Although DODs initial intent under CRI was to award three competitively bid contracts covering six states, only one bid, made by Foundation Health Corporation (now Health Net) covering California and Hawaii, was received. Foundation delivered services under this contract between August 1988 and January 1994. In late 1993, in response to requirements in the DOD Appropriation Act for Fiscal Year 1994, the DOD announced plans for implementing a nationwide managed care program for the MHS that would be completely implemented by May 1997. Under this program, known as TRICARE, the United States would be divided into 12 health care regions. An administrative organization, the lead agent, was designated for each region and coordinated the health care needs of all military treatment facilities in the region. Under TRICARE, seven managed care support contracts were awarded covering DODs 12 health care regions.[6]
Military Health System Since then, TRICARE has undergone several restructuring initiatives, including re-alignment of contract regions, Base Realignment and Closure, and the addition of "TRICARE for Life" benefits in 2001 for those who are Medicare-eligible, and "TRICARE Reserve Select" in 2005.
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Coverage gaps
While the Military Health System dedicates $50 billion to covering military personnel, gaps in coverage persist, particularly for veterans. A 2012 report by the Urban Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation analyzes 2010 data from the Census Bureau and the 2009 and 2010 National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) to identify uninsured non-elderly veterans and to estimate the levels of medical coverage by state. The report found that of the 12.5 million nonelderly veterans in the United States, approximately 1.3 million did not have health insurance coverage or access to Veterans Affairs (VA) health care as of 2010. When family members of veterans are included, the uninsured total rises to 2.3 million. An additional 900,000 veterans use VA health care but have no other coverage. Uninsured veterans are more likely to be male (90.4%), non-Hispanic white (70.4%), unmarried (58.2%) and earned a high school degree (40.7%). More than 40% are younger than 45 years old. The U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, enacted in 2009, has provisions intended to make it easier for uninsured veterans to obtain coverage. Under the act, veterans with incomes at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Line ($30,429 for a family of four in 2010) would qualify for coverage as of January 2014; this group constitutes nearly 50% of veterans who are currently uninsured. Another 40.1% of veterans and 49% of their families have incomes that qualify for new subsidies through health insurance exchanges with the PPACA.[7][8]
Components
Led by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, the Military Health System includes several core organizational areas including: TRICARE/TRICARE Management Activity (TMA) Force Health Protection and Readiness [9] (FHP&R) Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCOE) Office of the Chief Information Officer [10] (MHS-OCIO)
The MHS also includes the medical departments of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Joint Chiefs of Staff; the Combatant Command surgeons; and TRICARE providers (including private sector healthcare providers, hospitals and pharmacies).
Facilities
See Category:United States military medical facilities.
References
This article incorporatespublic domain material from the United States Government document "Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care: Final Report [11]". This article incorporatespublic domain material from the United States Government document "Military Medical Care Services: Questions and Answers [12]". This article incorporatespublic domain material from the United States Government document "Unification of the Military Health System: A Half-Century Unresolved Debate [13]". This article incorporatespublic domain material from the United States Government document "Defense Health Care: Despite TRICARE Procurement Improvements, Problems Remain [14]".
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External links
Military Health System (http://www.health.mil/) TRICARE/TRICARE Management Activity (http://www.tricare.mil) (TMA) SAVE MY TRICARE (http://www.savemytricare.net) Force Health Protection and Readiness (http://deploymentlink.osd.mil) (FHP&R) TRICARE Online (http://www.tricareonline.info) Uniformed Services University for the Health Sciences (http://www.usuhs.mil) (USU) Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (http://www.dcoe.health. mil) (DCOE) TRICARE Supplemental Insurance for the military (http://www.tricaresupplement.us) Office of the Chief Information Officer (http://www.health.mil/mhscio) (MHS-OCIO)
TRICARE
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TRICARE
Tricare (styled TRICARE), formerly known as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), is a health care program of the United States Department of Defense Military Health System.[1] Tricare provides civilian health benefits for military personnel, military retirees, and their dependents, including some members of the Reserve Component. The Tricare program is managed by Tricare Management Activity (TMA) under the authority of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs). Tricare is the civilian care component of the Military Health System, although historically it also included health care delivered in the military medical treatment facilities.
History
Historically, health care for military personnel and their dependents was provided in military medical facilities as promised by the military, and through a referral system, by civilian medical personnel where military physicians were not available in a certain specialty, or overcrowding of a military medical facility occurred. After World War II and the Korean War, access to care in military facilities became increasingly unavailable due to resource constraints and growing demands on the system, and "space-available basis" was first noted. To address this problem, Congress passed the Dependents Medical Care Act of 1956 and the Military Medical Benefits Amendments of 1966. These acts allowed the Secretary of Defense to contract with civilian health care providers. This civilian health care program became known as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) in 1966.[2] In the late 1980s, because of escalating costs, paperwork demands, and general beneficiary dissatisfaction, DoD initiated a series of demonstration projects. Under a program known as the CHAMPUS Reform Initiative (CRI), a contractor provided both health care and administrative-related services, including claims processing. The CRI project was one of the first to introduce managed care features to the CHAMPUS program. Beneficiaries under CRI were offered three choices a health maintenance organization-like option called TRICARE (CHAMPUS) Prime that required enrollment and offered enhanced benefits and low-cost shares, a preferred provider organization-like option called TRICARE (CHAMPUS) Extra that required use of network providers in exchange for lower cost shares, and the standard CHAMPUS option that continued the freedom of choice in selecting providers but required higher cost shares and deductibles known as TRICARE Standard. Although DODs initial intent under CRI was to award three competitively bid contracts covering six states, only one bid, made by Foundation Health Corporation (now Health Net) covering California and Hawaii, was received. Foundation delivered services under this contract between August 1988 and January 1994. In late 1993, in response to requirements in the DOD Appropriation Act for Fiscal Year 1994, the DoD announced plans for implementing a nationwide managed care program for the MHS that would be completely implemented by May 1997. Under this program, known as Tricare, the United States was divided into 12 health care regions. An administrative organization, the lead agent, was designated for each region and coordinated the health care needs of all military treatment facilities in the region. Under Tricare, seven managed care support contracts were awarded covering DODs 12 health care regions.[3]
TRICARE Since then, Tricare has undergone several restructuring initiatives, including re-alignment of contract regions, Base Realignment and Closure, and the addition of "Tricare for Life" benefits in 2001 for those who are Medicare-eligible, and "Tricare Reserve Select" in 2005.
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Tricare's options
Tricare Standard
Tricare Standard provides a similar benefit to the original CHAMPUS program and is available to active duty personnel, retirees from the Active Component, retirees from the Reserve Component age 60 or older, and their eligible family members. Under Tricare Standard, beneficiaries can use any civilian health care provider that is payable under Tricare regulations. The beneficiary is responsible for payment of an annual deductible and coinsurance, and may be responsible for certain other out-of-pocket expenses. There is no enrollment fee for Tricare Standard.
Tricare Extra
Tricare Standard beneficiaries can elect to use the Tricare Extra option by using a civilian health care provider from within the regional contractor's provider network. In this way, Tricare Extra represents a preferred provider organization (PPO). When using Tricare Extra, the beneficiary's coinsurance amount is reduced by at least five percentage points. There is no fee for use of the Tricare Extra benefit other than the coinsurance.
Tricare Prime
Tricare Prime is a health maintenance organization (HMO) style plan available to active duty personnel, retirees from the Active Component, retirees from the Reserve Component age 60 or older, and their eligible family members. Under Tricare Prime, beneficiaries must choose a primary care physician and obtain referrals and authorizations for specialty care. In return for these restrictions, beneficiaries are responsible only for small copayments for each visit (retirees and their families only). There is an annual enrollment fee for Tricare Prime for military retirees and their family members. There is no enrollment fee for active duty military and their family members. US Family Health Plan US Family Health Plan, a Tricare Prime-sponsored health plan option, is made available by nonprofit health care providers in the Northeast U.S., Southeast Texas/Southwest Louisiana, and the Puget Sound region of Washington state.
TRICARE reinstatement under TRS is they return to a SELRES status. Reserve Component personnel who are also Federal civil servants (to include Army Reserve Technicians and Air Reserve Technicians (ART) in the Army Reserve, Army National Guard, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard) and eligible for the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program (FEHBP) are also excluded from TRS. Retired Reserve Component personnel and eligible dependent family members become eligible Tricare Standard, Tricare Extra or Tricare Prime on the service member's 60th birthday in the same manner as Active Component retirees and their eligible dependents are eligible immediately upon retirement from active service. Qualification questions should be referred to Tricare.
150
TRICARE
151
Program administration
The ultimate responsible organization for administration of Tricare is the U.S. Department of Defense Military Health System, which organized the Tricare Management Activity (TMA). The Tricare Management Activity contracts with several large health insurance corporations to provide claims processing, customer service and other administrative functions to the Tricare program.
Basic structure
Currently, there are three regional Managed Care Support Contractors (MCSCs), a Medicare/Tricare Dual Eligible Fiscal Intermediary Contractor (TDEFIC), and a Tricare Pharmacy contractor, who administers both Mail Order Pharmacy (TMOP) and Retail Pharmacy (TRRx) programs. In addition several administrative contractors provide quality management, auditing, and statistical services.
Dental insurance
TMA contracts and administers couple of Dental programs. United Concordia - as Tricare Dental Program (TDP) Delta Dental - as Tricare Retiree Dental Program (TRDP)
Health insurance
In 2004, Tricare Management Activity re-aligned the previous twelve regions into three large regions, known as Tricare North, Tricare South, and Tricare West. Services in these regions are provided by: North - Health Net Federal Services, LLC The North Region includes Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and portions of Iowa (Rock Island Arsenal area), Missouri (St. Louis area) and Tennessee (Ft. Campbell area). South - Humana Military Healthcare Services, Inc. The South Region includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee (excluding the Ft. Campbell area) and Texas (excluding the El Paso area). West - TriWest Healthcare Alliance The West Region includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa (excluding Rock Island Arsenal area), Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri (except the St. Louis area), Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas (the southwestern corner, including El Paso), Utah, Washington and Wyoming. All medical claims are processed by the following claims processing sub-contractors:
TRICARE North and South - PGBA, LLC (a subsidiary of Blue Cross-Blue Shield of South Carolina) West and overseas claims - Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation In 2009, the Tricare Overseas Program contract consolidated the following: Overseas enrollment Tricare Overseas claims processing Three area Tricare Service Center contracts Tricare Global Remote Overseas (TGRO) Tricare Puerto Rico Prime
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References
[1] What is TRICARE? (http:/ / tricare. mil/ mybenefit/ ProfileFilter. do?puri=/ home/ overview/ WhatIsTRICARE) Official website of the Tricare Management Activity [2] "Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care: Final Report" (http:/ / www. dodfuturehealthcare. net/ images/ 103-06-2-Home-Task_Force_FINAL_REPORT_122007. pdf) (pdf). United States Department of Defense. 2007-12-20. . Retrieved 2008-05-20. [3] "Defense Health Care: Despite TRICARE Procurement Improvements, Problems Remain" (http:/ / www. gao. gov/ archive/ 1995/ he95142. pdf) (pdf). United States General Accounting Office. 1995-08-03. . Retrieved 2008-05-26. [4] TRICARE Young Adult (http:/ / www. tricare. mil/ TYA ) [5] New TRICARE Program Offers Coverage for Young Adults Under 26 (http:/ / tricare. mil/ mediacenter/ news. aspx?fid=706)
External links
Official website (http://tricare.mil/tma/) Tricare information from Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare/)
The WRAMC Distinctive Unit Insignia Active Country Allegiance Branch Type Motto May 1, 1909 August 27, 2011 United States United States United States Army Hospital "We Provide Warrior Care"
Commanders
Notable LTG Kevin C. Kiley (2002June 2004; March 12, 2007) commanders MG Kenneth L. Farmer Jr. (June 2004Aug. 25, 2006) MG. George W. Weightman (Aug. 25, 2006March 1, 2007)
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Hospital type General History Founded May 1, 1909 Links Website wramc.amedd.army.mil [1]
The Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) was along with its precursor, the Walter Reed General Hospital the U.S. Army's flagship medical center from 1909 to 2011. Located on 113 acres (457,000m) in Washington, D.C., it served more than 150,000 active and retired personnel from all branches of the military. The center was named after Major Walter Reed (18511902), an army physician who led the team that confirmed that yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitoes rather than direct contact. Since its origins, the WRAMC medical care facility grew from a bed capacity of 80 patients to approximately 5,500 rooms covering more than 28 acres (113,000m) of floor space. WRAMC combined with the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, Maryland in 2011 to form the tri-service Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC).
History
Origins at Fort McNair
Fort Lesley J. McNair, located in southwest Washington, D.C. on land set aside by George Washington as a military reservation, is the third oldest U.S. Army installation in continuous use in the United States after West Point and Carlisle Barracks. Its position at the confluence of the Anacostia River and the Potomac River made it an excellent site for the defense of the nation's capital. Dating back to 1791, the post served as an arsenal, played an important role in the nations defense, and housed the first U.S. Federal Penitentiary from 1839 to 1862. Today, Fort McNair enjoys a strong tradition as the intellectual headquarters for defense. Furthermore, with unparalleled vistas of the picturesque waterfront and the opposing Virginia shoreline, the historic health clinic at Fort McNair, the precursor of today's Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC), overlooks the residences of top officials who choose the famed facility for the delivery of their health care needs. "Walter Reed's Clinic," the location of the present day health clinic at Washington D.C., occupies what was from 1898 until 1909 the General Hospital at what was then Washington Barracks, long before the post was renamed in honor of Lt. Gen. McNair who was killed in Normandy in 1944 by friendly fire. The hospital served as the forerunner of Walter Reed General Hospital; however, the Victorian era waterfront dispensary remains and is perhaps one of America's most historically significant military medical treatment facilities. It is reported that Walter Reed lived and worked in the facility when he was assigned as Camp Surgeon from 1881 to 1882. After having served on other assignments, he returned as Professor of Medicine and Curator of the Army Medical Museum. Some of his epidemiological work included studies at Washington Barracks, and he is best known for discovering the transmission of yellow fever. In 1902, Major Reed underwent emergency surgery here for appendicitis and died of complications in this U.S. Army Medical Treatment Facility (MTF), within the very walls of what became his final
Walter Reed Army Medical Center military duty assignment. Regarding the structure itself, since the 1890s the health clinic was used as an Army General Hospital where physicians, corpsmen and nurses were trained in military health care. In 1899, the morgue was constructed which now houses the Dental Clinic, and in 1901 the hospital became an entirely separate command. This new organizational command relocated eight years later with the aide of horse drawn wagons and an experimental steam driven ambulance in 1909. Departing from the 50-bed hospital, as documented in The Army Nursing Newsletter, Volume 99, Issue 2, February 2000,[2] they set out due north transporting with them 11 patients initially to the new 65-bed facility in the northern aspect of the capital. Having departed Ft. McNair, the organization has since developed into the Walter Reed Army Medical Center that we know today. As for the facility they left behind at Fort McNair, it functioned in a smaller role as a post hospital until 1911 when the west wing was converted into a clinic. Today, this renovated medical treatment facility at Fort McNair continues its rich, uninterrupted heritage in providing a wide variety of state-of-the-art health care to the capital region military community as an extension of WRAMC.
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155
President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush visit Sgt.
Patrick Hagood of Anderson, SC on October 5, 2005. On August 25, 2005, the BRAC Committee recommended passage of the plans for the WRNMMC. The transfer of services from the existing to the new facilities was gradual to allow for continuity of care for the thousands of service members, retirees and family members that depended upon WRAMC. The end of operations at the WRAMC facility occurred on August 27, 2011. The Army says the cost of closing that hospital and consolidating it with Bethesda Naval Medical Center in suburban Maryland more than doubled to $2.6 billion since the plan was announced in 2005 by the Base Realignment and Closing Commission (BRAC).[9]
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Tenants
In addition to the WRAMC hospital complex, the WRAMC installation hosted a number of other related activities and organizations. The North Atlantic Regional Medical Command The North Atlantic Regional Dental Command The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) The DOD Deployment Health Clinical Center The National Museum of Health and Medicine (NMHM) was co-located in the same building with the AFIP. The NMHM reopened 15 September 2011 on Fort Detrick Forest Glen Annex in Silver Spring, Maryland. The Borden Institute, a "Center of Excellence in Military Medical Research and Education". The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), formerly in Building 40 on the Georgia Avenue campus. This medical research institute moved to WRAMC's Forest Glen Annex in 1999. In 2008, authority over the Annex was transferred to Fort Detrick in preparation for WRAMC's 2011 move/closure.
Commanding officers
Major General Carla G. Hawley-Bowland 20072011[10] Major General Eric Schoomaker 2007 Major General George W. Weightman 20062007 Major General Kenneth L. Farmer, Jr. 20042006 Lieutenant General Kevin C. Kiley 20022004, acting 2007 Major General Robert Bernstein 19731978 Major General Harold L. Timboe
References
[1] http:/ / www. wramc. amedd. army. mil/ Pages/ default. aspx [2] North Atlantic Regional Medical Command (http:/ / www. narmc. amedd. army. mil/ ) [3] "Hospital Under Way" (http:/ / search. proquest. com/ docview/ 144711780/ 137F76107296E8195F7/ 2?accountid=46320). The Washington Post: p.R7. February 3, 1907. . [4] (http:/ / www. pennmedicine. org/ perelman/ proton/ walter_reed. html) [5] "The University of Pennsylvania/Walter Reed Army Medical Center proton therapy program". Technol. Cancer Res. Treat. 6 (4 Suppl): 736. August 2007. PMID17668956. [6] Walter Reed General Loses His Command (http:/ / abcnews. go. com/ Politics/ wireStory?id=2915742) [7] Army secretary resigns in scandal's wake (http:/ / news. yahoo. com/ s/ ap/ 20070302/ ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/ walter_reed) [8] Army's Kiley ousted in Walter Reed furor (http:/ / news. yahoo. com/ s/ ap/ 20070312/ ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/ walter_reed) [9] "Health care difficulties in the Big Easy" (http:/ / articles. cnn. com/ 2011-07-19/ us/ washington. military. hospital_1_patient-transfers-beds-new-hospital?_s=PM:US). CNN. February 28, 2006. . [10] http:/ / www. wramc. amedd. army. mil/ NewsAndEvents/ media/ resource/ Lists/ wrarticles/ DispForm. aspx?Id=935&
External links
Official Walter Reed Army Medical Center website (http://www.wramc.amedd.army.mil/) 20 July 2011 News "Storied US military hospital to close its doors (http://news.yahoo.com/ storied-us-military-hospital-close-doors-220913444.html) Walter Reed and Beyond A Washington Post Investigation (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/nation/ walter-reed/index.html) Wounded Soldiers Hotline (http://www.army.mil/-news/2007/03/18/ 2297-army-announces-wounded-soldier-hotline/) BRAC 2005: DoD Uses Process to Revamp Medical System (http://www.defenselink.mil/news/May2005/ 20050513_1063.html)
Walter Reed Army Medical Center Soldiers face neglect, frustration at army's top medical facility (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/ content/article/2007/02/17/AR2007021701172.html) Award winning student film on the controversy at Walter Reed (http://www.studentcam.org/) Video of William Shatner making plea for the public's assistance on behalf of the conditions at Walter Reed Medical Center (http://www.livevideo.com/video/ShatnerVision/8CF5BCAF85A64C019AE71508748603F1/ a-passionate-plea-for-your-ass.aspx) The short film Big Picture: The Soldier Patient (http://www.archive.org/details/gov.archives.arc.2569509) is available for free download at the Internet Archive [more]
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History
Para 42. Individual members of the profession of arms are distinguished from those of other professions by the "unlimited liability" they assume in their oaths of office. While members of some professions engage in dangerous tasks daily, only members of the Armed Forces can be ordered to place their lives in peril anywhere at any time. The obligations they undertake, risking life and well-being for the greater good, are in many ways extraordinary. - U.S. Army Field Manual 1
Armed Forces Retirement Home Our English Roots Our colonial ancestors brought with them from Britain ideas about the responsibilities of the individual towards his community, and of the community towards the volunteer soldier: "It was in the reign of Elizabeth, not long before the beginning of English colonization in America... What to do with...soldiers returning from her wars. Able bodied and unemployed were given to riot, violence, theft. The disabled and maimed became vagabonds and beggars. The feudal system had been destroyed. Parliament passed the first statute for relief of Souldiours (sic) " in the 1592-93 session. ....The Honor of our Nation, that such as have since the 25th day of March 1588, adventured their lives and lost their limbs... be relieved and rewarded...that others may be encouraged to perform the like." [5] During the 1680s the restored Monarchy introduced a standing army of professional regiments. Rather than pay these troops a service pension upon retirement, King Charles II had erected an invalids home in 1690, now called the Royal Hospital Chelsea [6].[7] Throughout the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries from New England to the Carolinas, laws were passed by the colonies to provided for the injured and wounded volunteer colonial soldiers back from the Indian Wars on the frontier. During the American Revolution both the states and the Continental Congress made provision for disability pensions,[8] but Congress was reluctant to fund so-called half-pay-for-life service pensions for commissioned officers, because they wanted no part of Standing Armies, or Career Soldiers and had no money in any event. In the end, Congress agreed to pay the Officers the equivalent of five years pay at the end of their service, and enlisted people got $80 dollars[9] Following a peace treaty with Britain the Continental Navy was disbanded, and the Continental Army reduced to 80 men. From that time until 1885 there were no retirement pensions for either Commissioned Officers or enlisted personnel. Finally, in 1885, retirement plans were provided for enlisted Army and enlisted Marines.[10] Navy enlisted had to wait until 1899 for a retirement pension.[11] The absence of retirement pensions drove efforts to establish homes for the disabled and decrepit soldiers and sailors. Naval Home Timeline In response to attacks by Barbary Pirates in the Mediterranean the new Federal Congress passed legislation in 1794 to build a small Navy,[12] and then as part of responding to French Privateer attacks on U.S. Merchant Marine shipping during the Quasi-War [13] of 1798-1800 Congress passed a bill in 1798 for the establishment of doctors and marine hospitals at port cities to care for merchant sailors.[14] This Merchant Marine doctor & hospital service eventually evolved into the U.S. Public Health Service. The following year, 2 March 1799, an act of Congress authorized U. S. Navy Seamen admission to the Merchant Marine hospitals. Twenty cents per month was deducted from the Seamens pay and paid to what was then the Naval Hospital Fund for the purpose of medical care and hospitals for U.S. Naval personnel. In addition, all proceeds from fines or forfeitures charged misbehaving sailors and officers were added to the Naval Hospital Fund.[15] Today, all active duty personnel contribute Fifty cents a month to the Armed Forces Retirement Home Trust Fund, and fines and forfeitures are still deposited to the Trust Fund.[16] On 26 February 1811 Congress passed an act authorizing construction of U.S. Naval Hospitals which included the phrase to provide a permanent asylum for disabled and decrepit navy officers, seamen, and marines. [17] The addition of an Asylum (meaning refuge in 18th Century English) was in lieu of a retirement or service pension for naval personnel. This act eventually resulted in the purchase of the Pemberton Estate in 1826 for $17,000,[18] which came with a large mansion to be used as a hospital, and the decision to construct a new building for an asylum. William Strickland was selected as Architect and Contractor to build the Philadelphia Naval Asylum. What was to become Biddle Hall was completed in 1834. The entire cost of the building, excluding the finishing of the attics, was $195,600: about four-ninths of which came from the Treasury directly, the remainder from the Hospital Fund. [19] These Treasury funds were required because the Hospital Fund had gotten into trouble in the 1820s when the Trustees [20] elected to invest fund assets in private equities rather than Treasury Bonds. From that time to the
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Armed Forces Retirement Home present, Naval Home Trust Funds have only invested with the U.S. Treasury. When the U.S. Solders Home and Trust Fund was created in 1851, some of its funds were invested in bonds issued by the states of Virginia and Missouri, from which little or no interest was received during the Civil War,[21] and in the future the Soldiers Home Trust Fund would also only be invested with Treasury. Biddle Hall was used to house not only the home for pensioners, but the Asylum staff, a Naval Hospital, an insane asylum and a School for Naval Midshipmen, the predecessor of the Naval Academy at Annapolis. Some of the residents of the Asylum were buried on the grounds of the Asylum, and then reburied at Mount Moriah Cemetery [22] following the Civil War. The number of Inmates varied over the long history of the Philadelphia Home, beginning with five in 1834, going to 220 in 1885,[23] and 204 on 1 July 1921.[24] Residents were provided with a small private room, furnished with simple furniture, to Biddle Hall Today which they could add their own furniture. Structural defects noted by Lieutenant Commander George Stockton in his 1886 paper on the Naval Home included the home basement, described as low and damp with insufficient drainage, The rooms in the attic were too hot for comfort, and asking the old and decrepit to climb up and down three flights of stairs from attic to the improperly placed dinning commons in the basement was difficult for some of the inmates.[25] Soldiers Home Timeline The United States Soldiers Homes was authorized by Congress in 1851.[26] In 1827, while the Naval Asylum was under construction, Secretary of War James Barbour recommended that an Army Asylum be constructed for soldiers. For the next twenty years people like Major Robert Anderson (of Fort Sumter fame) promoted the idea of homes for retired soldiers, without success. The problem was to develop a system of funding a Soldiers Home that would not involve any expenditure of public money. In 1846, he wrote to all the regiments in the active army, asking for information on fines and forfeitures from Court-Martials. He got answers from about half the regiments, added the twenty cents a month for the hospital fund received from the 9,438 enlisted soldiers then on active duty, and was able to estimate the annual revenue from both sources at $42,642, which turned out to be on the low side. He computed the annual cost of each member, using the Army clothing allowance of that year of $15.36, and the annual cost of one years ration at the prevailing rate of ten cents a day, to arrive at an annual cost for each member for these two items, of $51.86. He also went to the trouble of obtaining per annum inmate costs at five different East Coast insane asylums, and five different East Coast poor houses, which he reckoned at $43.80 per inmate, and sent the results, along with sighed petitions from many of the Officers Corps as the Army marched off to Mexico. Congress noted that it does not ask for any contribution from the Treasury.[27] On 14 September 1847 General Winfield Scott received the surrender of Mexico City, and accepted a contribution of $150,000 in gold from the Mexico City fathers in lieu of pillage. [28] General Scott spent part of this on shoes and blankets for his troops. Another portion went to a Spy Company he employed on the march from Vera Cruz to Mexico City. The remaining $118,791.19 he had deposited in a New York bank with the notation for Army Asylum. This action outraged the Secretary of War: he accused Gen. Scott of larceny under Art. 58 of the Articles of War, but Scott refused to turn the money over to the Treasury, and in the end he won.[29]
Article 58 of Articles of War, 1806: All public stores taken in the enemy's camp towns forts or magazines whether of artillery ammunition clothing forage or provisions shall be secured for the service of the United States for the neglect of which the commanding officer is to be [30] answerable.
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In 1851, SenatorJefferson Davis of Mississippi sponsored a bill to establish at a suitable place or places, a site or sites for the Military Asylum. [31] The bill passed both Houses and was signed into law by President Millard Fillmore the same day. The new Board of Commissioners decided to establish four homes, one each in New Orleans,
Armed Forces Retirement Home LA, East Pascagoula, Mississippi, Harrodsburg, Kentucky, and of course in Washington D.C. However, only Washington and the home in Harrodsburg were ever opened, and Harrodsburg closed in October 1858.
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Notable Buildings
AFRH-Washington D.C. (The U.S. Soldiers' and Airmen's Home) The Soldiers' Home occupies a campus in N.W. Washington, D.C.. It sits adjacent to two historic cemeteries, Rock Creek Cemetery and United States Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery (the forerunner of Arlington National Cemetery). The Soldiers' Home has had many interesting historic buildings, some of which survive to the present day: Anderson Cottage Main article: President Lincoln's Cottage
Scott Building
Built initially in 1843 by the banker George Washington Riggs as a summer cottage for his family, it was a part of the first parcel acquired by the U.S. Military Asylum. Renamed Anderson Cottage for co-founder Major Robert Anderson it housed the first residents of the home. It is now known as President Lincoln's Cottage. The brick house has a stucco exterior. Scott Building Begun in 1852 and completed in the 1890s, Scott Building is named for General Winfield Scott. The initial design for the building was in the Norman Gothic style. It housed 100-200 residents. Its castellated clock tower was used as a watch tower during the American Civil War, especially during General Jubal Early's raid on nearby Fort Stevens. The building is currently closed due to damage from the 2011 earthquake. The clocktower will require extensive repairs; the U.S. Congress has appropriated partial funds for the needed work. Sherman Building Built by Barton S. Alexander, the Sherman Building is connected to the Scott Building by a central annex. Its exterior is unfinished white marble. Stanley Hall Built in 1897, this was a recreation center and is now the Home's Chapel. Sheridan Building This building, begun in 1883, was built as a dormitory. It has three stories and is built of red brick.
Stanley Hall Chapel
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Grant Building Begun in 1911, the Grant Building was built as a barracks, mess hall, and recreation center.
Grant Building
Funding
The current legal basis for funding of the Armed Forces Retirement Home Agency is contained in 24 USC 419 Armed Forces Retirement Home Trust Fund Such amounts as may be transferred to the Fund. Moneys deposited in the Fund by the Chief Operating Officer realized from gifts or from the disposition of property and facilities. Amounts deposited in the Fund as monthly fees paid by residents of the Retirement Home under section 414 of this title. Amounts of fines and forfeitures deposited in the Fund under section 2772 of title 10.
Armed Forces Retirement Home Amounts deposited in the Fund as deductions from the pay of enlisted members, warrant officers, and limited duty officers under section 1007(i) of title 37. Interest from investments made under subsection (c) of this section. Other sources of income have been used in the past. At one time a small percentage of the Prize Money awarded for the capture of enemy war ships and pirate vessels, was awarded to the Naval Home Trust Fund. A notation in the Congressional Record for the Navy Affairs Committee in 1907-09 notes that the Naval Home Trust still had a balance of $14,000,000 partly from the capture of Prize Vessels, per an Act of 1870, and from suits for depredation of timber belonging to the United States.[32] It is plain the Navy had an interest in the nations timberlands when the Navy was still equipped with wooden sailing ships, but why this was true in the 20th Century is unclear.
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Funding for the Armed Forces retirement homes has always been based upon the principle of no cost to the public. But when wars happen or economic calamities happen or natural disasters happen, the funding system has failed. That is why the first item of the list above ("...Such amounts as may be transferred to the Fund") is included. This refers to the expendature of public monies appropriated by Congress. The original Naval Asylum required public monies for construction following an adventure by the trustees of the Naval Hospital Fund into private equity Investment. They invested in private bank stock, intending to get a higher rate of return, but in the 1820s the bank lost money, and so did the trust fund committee of the Secretaries of War, Navy, and Treasury. [33] The Gulfport home required public funding for a new home after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the old home. The Washington home is receiving public help to rebuild after the earthquake of 2011 damaged the Sherman building. But in general and for most of the time the system of self funding as worked.
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Notes
[1] 24 USC CHAPTER 10 SECTION 411-ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOME, 01/03/2012 (112-90) http:/ / uscode. house. gov/ download/ pls/ 24C10. txt [2] Summary of Performance and Financial Information (FY 11) pp 6-7; https:/ / www. afrh. gov/ afrh/ about/ par/ PERFORMANCE_F11. pdf, Accessed 21 Sep 2011 [3] http:/ / www. afrh. gov [4] Armed Forces Retirement Home website; https:/ / www. afrh. gov/ afrh/ afrhhome. htm [5] Glasson, William Henry, Federal Military Pensions in the United States, Oxford University Press, New York, 1918, pp 9-11 [6] http:/ / www. chelsea-pensioners. co. uk/ [7] Glasson, pg 11 [8] Glasson, pp 13-19 [9] Glasson, pp 23-4, pg 41; also see Hatch, L.C., The Administration of the American Revolutionary Army, Harvard Historical Studies Vol. X, New York, 1904 [10] Act of 14 Feb. 1885 (23 Statue 305) [11] Act of 3 Mar. 1899 (30 Statue 1004) [12] Toll, Ian, Six Frigates: The Epic History of the Founding of the United States Navy, Norton & Company, New York, 2006, ISBN 978-0-393-33032-8, pp 39-43 [13] http:/ / en. wikipedia. org/ wiki/ Quasi-War [14] U.S. Public Health Service, History: http:/ / www. usphs. gov/ aboutus/ history. aspx accessed 24 Sep 2012 [15] Laws Relating to the Navy and Marine Corps, and the Navy Department, July 1, 1865, GPO Washington, 1865, pg 18 [16] http:/ / www. gpo. gov/ fdsys/ granule/ USCODE-2010-title37/ USCODE-2010-title37-chap19-sec1007/ content-detail. html [17] Laws, pg 22 [18] Stockton, Chas H. LCDR, USN, The Naval Asylum and Service Pensions for Enlisted Men, Proceedings of the United States Naval Institute, Vol. XII, 1886, pg 54 [19] Stockton, pg 56 [20] Clark, Robert L., et al, Privatization of Public-Sector Pensions, http:/ / www. freepatentsonline. com/ article/ Independent-Review/ 54504264. html accessed 20 Oct 2012 [21] Goode, pg 87 [22] http:/ / www. cem. va. gov/ cems/ lots/ mountmoriah_naval. asp [23] Stockton, pg 58 [24] Naval Appropriations Bill 1923, 67th Congress, 2nd Session, Washington, GPO, 1922, pg 734 [25] Stockton, pg 59 [26] Goode, Paul R., Col. USA Ret. Deputy Governor, United States Soldiers Home The United States Soldiers Home Privately Published, 1956, pg 24, ISBN 9781 446 513 477 [27] Goode, pp 18-19 [28] Goode, pg 19 [29] Goode, pg 19-26 [30] Davis, George B. BG, Us Army JAG, A Treatise on Military Law of the United States, New York, John Wiley & Sons, 1908, pg 633 [31] Goode, pg 26 [32] Hearings before the Committee on naval affairs of the House of Representatives By United States. Congress. House. Committee on Naval Affairs, United States. 60th Congress, 1st session, 1907-1908. House. Pg 28 [33] Clark, Robert L., et al, Privatization of Public-Sector Pensions, http:/ / www. freepatentsonline. com/ article/ Independent-Review/ 54504264. html accessed 20 Oct 2012 [34] The Civil War: The Origins of Veterans Health Care (http:/ / www. va. gov/ health/ NewsFeatures/ 20110413a. asp) [35] Goode, pg 255
164
References
American Institute of Architects, A Guide to the Architecture of Washington. New York: Frederick A. Praeger, 1965. Forman, Stephen M., A Guide to Civil War Washington. Washington, D.C.: Elliott and Clark, 1995. Washington, D.C.: The A Guide to the Nation's Capital, Revised edition, Randall Bond Truett, Editor. New York: Hastings House, 1968. Toll, Ian, Six Frigates: The Epic History of the Founding of the U.S. Navy [Kindle Edition] ISBN: B000YJ66BO, W. W. Norton & Company (March 17, 2008) Laws Relating to the Navy and the Marine Corps, and The Navy Department, July 1, 1865, NAPU Public Domain Reprint, ISBN 9 781146 069601 Goode, Paul R., The United States Soldiers Home, A History of its First Hundred Years, Privately Published, 1956, ISBN 9781 446 513477 Glasson, William H, Ph.D. Federal Military Pensions In the United States, Oxford University Press, New York, 1918 Kelly, Patrick J. Creating A National Home, Building the Veterans Welfare State, Harvard University Press, Cambridge MA. 1997 Hatch, Louis C., The Administration of the Revolutionary Army, New York, Longman Green & Co, 1904 Stockton, Chas H. LCDR, USN, The Naval Asylum and Service Pensions for Enlisted Men, Proceedings of the United States Naval Institute, Vol. XII, 1886, pp 5167 Clark, Robert L., et al, Privatization of Public-Sector Pensions, http://www.freepatentsonline.com/article/ Independent-Review/54504264.html accessed 20 Oct 2012 Mansfield, Edward D, Life and Services of Gen Winfield Scott, AS Barnes & Co. New York, 1852 (Note: a digitized Google Book this appears to be a campaign biography for Gen Scott in the 1852 election) Eisenhower, John S. D., So Far From God: The U.S. War with Mexico, 1846-1848, Univ. of Oklahoma, 2000 Davis, George B. BG, U.S. Army JAG, A Treatise on Military Law of the United States, New York, John Wiley & Sons, 1908 Opinions of the judge advocate general of the army: April 1, 1917 to December 31, 1917, Volume 1 By United States. Army. Judge Advocate General's Dept, United States. Judge-Advocate General's Dept. (Army), United States. Army. Office of the Judge Advocate General, Washington, GPO, 1919 Military Compensation Background Papers, Sixth Edition, May 2005, DOD, http://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/ mil-comp.html accessed 23 Oct 2012
External links
AFRH website (http://www.afrh.gov/) Gulf Coast News Sep 2006 article on the future for the Gulfport MS AFRH (http://www.gulfcoastnews.com/ GCNnewsAFRHtobeDemolished.htm) Steve Phillips (April 23, 2009). "Progress evident at new Armed Forces Retirement Home" (http://www.wlox. com/Global/story.asp?S=10239088&nav=menu40_2). WLOX. Retrieved 2009=04-27.
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United States
Federal homes. The first national veterans' home in the United States was the United States Naval Home approved in 1811, but not opened until 1834 in the Philadelphia Naval Yard. The Naval Home was moved to Gulfport, Mississippi in 1976.[1] It was subsequently opened to veterans of other services and is now the Gulfport Campus of the Armed Forces Retirement Home.[2]
Many of the original old soldiers' homes were constructed in high Victorian style, like the New Hampshire Soldiers' Home in Tilton, New Hampshire.
The first Army national old soldiers' home in the U.S. was established in Washington, D.C. in 1851.[3] The Old Soldier's Home (Washington), now known as the Armed Forces Retirement Home, was the site of President Abraham Lincoln's summer home during the Civil War and is adjacent to National Cemetery, the first federal military cemetery in the U.S. President Lincoln's Cottage has been designated a National Monument, and recently underwent renovation. It reopened to the public on President's Day, 18 February 2008. The Home has remained in continuous use since its establishment in 1851. It is located on a beautiful 250-acre (1km2) wooded campus overlooking the U.S. Capitol in the heart of D.C. and continues to serve as a retirement home for U.S. enlisted men and women. Both the Washington D.C. and Gulfport soldiers' and sailors' homes are funded through a small monthly contribution from the pay of members of the U.S. Armed Services. Following the American Civil War the federal government increased the number of National Military Homes, and took over a few formerly state-run old soldiers' homes. By 1933 there were 17 federally managed veterans homes. All except the first two of these homes were eventually combined with other federal government agencies to become part of what is now called the Veterans Administration, or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs established in 1930. State homes. Caring for the disabled and elderly, and the widows and orphans of men who died in the war became a concern even before the Civil War ended. For example, in 1864 Fitch's Home for Soldiers and Their Orphans was opened with private donations in Connecticut. Various female benevolent societies pushed for the creation of a long-term care federal or state soldier home system at the end of the war.[4] Large veterans organizations like the Grand Army of the Republic and United Confederate Veterans eventually also worked for the creation of federal and state homes to care for disabled or elderly veterans. In a few cases veterans organizations on their own raised the money to buy property and build veterans homes. Most of these were quickly turned over to the state government to fund and manage. The majority of state legislatures established veterans homes paid for by state monies from the start. 43 states managed 55 functioning state veterans homes before 1933. Fourteen of those states also had a federal veterans home open at the same time as their state veterans home. Eleven states had two or more state veterans homes in operation at the same time (two of which also had a federal home). Some states simply had several homes at once. A few states admitted veterans' widows, and a few other states established separate homes for the widows and orphans. A few states had separate Union and Confederate old soldiers' homes. The first of 16 Confederate homes was opened in 1881 in Georgetown, Kentucky.[5] Confederate soldiers' homes were supported entirely by subscribers, or by their state with no funds from the federal government against which the Confederates had fought. A few state-run old soldiers' homes were eventually folded into the federal veterans home system. As their last few Civil War veterans were dying in the 1930s, some states chose to close their old soldiers' homes, and other states
Old soldiers' home began admission of veterans from more recent wars. Several of these state old soldiers' homes have been modernized and serve veterans to this day. City homes. Soldier homes in major cities were among the earliest, usually starting more as hotels for men passing through town, but increasingly taking on disabled servicemen. These were usually operated as paying businesses rather than being fully funded by the government.[4] Philadelphia had two soldiers' homes which were associated with nearby saloons and got their start as a part of the refreshment and lodging business.[6] Women activists also helped establish disabled soldiers' homes in Boston, Chicago, and Milwaukee, or in conjunction with the U.S. Sanitary Commission in 25 other cities. The Boston home closed in 1869, the Philadelphia homes closed in 1872, the Chicago Soldiers' Home lasted until 1877, and Milwaukee turned into a federal home. U.S. Sanitary Commission homes, lodges, and rest. During the Civil War the U.S. Sanitary Commission provided Union servicemen "Temporary aid and protection,food, lodging, care, etc.,for soldiers in transitn[sic], chiefly the discharged, disabled, and furloughed." By 1865 the Commission operated 18 "soldiers' homes," 11 "lodges," and one "rest" in 15 states north and south (for a list see Commission bulletin, 3:1279 [7]). Most of their homes were war-time facilities and were closed at war's end. They are not included in the following list.
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List of historic old soldiers' and sailors' homes within the United States
(by state)[8] Alabama Confederate Soldiers Home a.k.a. Jefferson Manly Falkner Soldiers' Home, Mountain Creek, Alabama[9] Tuskegee Home a.k.a. Veterans Administration Hospital and Nursing Home, Tuskegee, Alabama[10] Arkansas Confederate Soldiers' Home, Sweet Home, Arkansas[11] Los Angeles Disabled Veterans Home a.k.a. Pacific Branch National Military Home, Sawtelle, Los Angeles, California[12] Veterans Home of California Yountville, Yountville, California[13][14] Colorado State Soldiers and Sailors Home, Homelake, Colorado[15] Fitch's Home for Soldiers and Their Orphans, Darien, Connecticut[16] United States Soldiers' Home a.k.a. Armed Forces Retirement Home, Washington, D.C.[17] Florida Old Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Home, Jacksonville, Florida[18] St. Petersburg [National] Home (Bay Pines), St. Petersburg, Florida[19] Confederate Soldiers' Home a.k.a. Georgia Soldiers' Home, Atlanta, Georgia[20] Idaho State Soldiers Home, Boise, Idaho[21] Soldiers' Home, Chicago, Illinois[22] Danville Branch National Military Home, Danville, Illinois[23] Logan Home a.k.a. Maywood Home for Soldiers' Widows, Maywood, Illinois[24] Illinois Soldiers and Sailors Home a.k.a. Illinois Veterans Home, Quincy, Illinois[25]
It was not unusual for old soldiers to live out their old age and die under the institutional care of the home, including at the Soldiers' Home in Sawtelle, Los Angeles, California.
Soldiers' Widows' Home, Wilmington, Illinois[26] Marion Branch National Military Home, Marion, Indiana[23] Indiana State Soldiers Home, West Lafayette, Indiana[27] Iowa Veterans Home, Marshalltown, Iowa[28] Kansas Soldiers' Home, Fort Dodge, Kansas[29]
Old soldiers' home Kansas State Soldiers' Home a.k.a. Western Branch National Military Home, Leavenworth, Kansas[23] Confederate Soldiers' Home and Widows' and Orphans' Asylum, Georgetown, Kentucky[30] Kentucky Confederate Soldiers' Home, Pewee Valley, Kentucky[31] Soldiers Home of Louisiana a.k.a. Camp Nicholls Soldier's Home, New Orleans, Louisiana[32] Eastern Branch National Military Home, Togus, Maine[33] Maryland Line Confederate Soldiers' Home, Pikesville, Maryland[34] Discharged Soldiers' Home, Boston, Massachusetts[35] Soldiers' Home, Chelsea, Massachusetts[36] Michigan Soldiers' Home, Grand Rapids, Michigan[37] Minnesota Veterans Home, Minneapolis, Minnesota[38] Beauvoir Confederate Soldiers' Home a.k.a. Jefferson Davis Beauvoir Memorial Soldiers' Home, Biloxi, Mississippi[39] Biloxi Home [National Home] a.k.a. VA Medical Center, Biloxi, Mississippi[40] Missouri Confederate Home, Higginsville, Missouri[41] Missouri State Federal Soldiers' Home, St. James, Missouri[42] Montana State Soldiers' Home, Columbia Falls, Montana[43] Soldiers and Sailors' Home, Grand Island, Nebraska[44] Soldiers and Sailors' Home, Milford, Nebraska[42] New Hampshire Soldiers' Home, Tilton, New Hampshire[45] Home for Disabled Soldiers, Kearny, New Jersey[46] Veterans Memorial Home, Menlo Park, New Jersey[47] Home for Disabled Soldiers, Newark, New Jersey[48] Veterans Memorial Home, Vineland, New Jersey[49] New York State Soldiers and Sailors Home a.k.a. Bath Branch National Military Home, Bath, New York[23] State Women's Relief Corps Home a.k.a. New York State Veterans Home, Oxford, New York[50] Confederate Woman's Home, Fayetteville, North Carolina[51] North Carolina Soldiers' Home, Raleigh, North Carolina[52] Soldiers Home, Lisbon, North Dakota[53] Central Branch National Soldiers' Home, Dayton, Ohio [54][23] Soldiers' Home, Sandusky, Ohio[55] Oklahoma Confederate Home a.k.a. Oklahoma Veterans Center, Ardmore, Oklahoma[56] Oklahoma Union Soldiers Home, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma[57] Oregon State Soldiers' Home a.k.a. Roseburg Branch National Military Home, Roseburg, Oregon[58] Soldiers and Sailors Home, Erie, Pennsylvania[59] Cooper Shop Soldiers Home, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania[60] Soldiers Home of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania[61] United States Naval Home, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania[1] Rhode Island Soldiers' Home, Bristol, Rhode Island[62] Confederate Home for Soldiers and Sailors a.k.a. South Carolina Confederate Infirmary, Columbia, South Carolina[63] Battle Mountain Sanitarium National Military Home, Hot Springs, South Dakota[64] South Dakota State Soldiers' Home a.k.a. Michael J. Fitzmaurice Veterans Home, Hot Springs, South Dakota[65] Mountain Branch National Military Home, Johnson City, Tennessee [66][23] Confederate Soldiers Home a.k.a. Tennessee Soldiers' Home, Hermitage (Nashville), Tennessee[67] Texas Confederate Home for Men, Austin, Texas[68]
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Texas Confederate Woman's Home, north of Austin, Texas[69] Vermont Soldiers' Home, Bennington, Vermont[70]
Old soldiers' home Southern Branch National Military Home, Hampton, Virginia[23] Virginia Confederate Soldiers' Home a.k.a. Lee Camp Soldiers' Home, Richmond, Virginia[71] Washington State Soldiers' Home, and Washington State Soldiers' Colony, Orting, Washington[72] Washington Veterans' Home, Retsil, Washington[73] Grand Army Home a.k.a. Wisconsin Veterans' Home, King, Waupaca County, Wisconsin[74] Northwestern Branch National Military Home, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin (Milwaukee)[23] Wyoming State Home for Soldiers and Sailors (18951903), Cheyenne, Wyoming[75] Wyoming State Home for Soldiers and Sailors (1903-now), Buffalo, Wyoming[76]
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VA's explanation of long term care availability: Geriatrics and Long Term Care [80] Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivor, Chapter 1 VA Health Care Benefits, section on Nursing Home Care [81] The VA has a section of its website devoted to geriatrics [82] which includes information about long term care options P.J. Budahn, Veteran's Guide to Benefits, 4th ed. [83] (Mechanicsburg, Pa.: Stackpole Books, 2005; Digitized by Google Book), 193-240. List of State Veterans Nursing Homes [84] (scroll down for the list) (site charges fees for pension information: alternatively browse the VA's page explaining the Veterans pension [85]) State Veterans Homes with Approved Sharing Agreements [86]
References
[1] "US History Encyclopedia: Soldiers' Home" in Answers.com at http:/ / www. answers. com/ topic/ old-soldiers-home (Retrieved 4 January 2010), and Philadelphia Area Consortium of Special Collections Libraries (PACSCL), "Views of the U.S. Naval Asylum and Hospital, Philadelphia" in Philadelphia Area Consortium of Special Collections Libraries at http:/ / archives. pacscl. org/ shows/ navalhome/ index. html (Retrieved 4 January 2010). [2] https:/ / www. afrh. gov/ afrh/ gulf/ gulfcampus. htm [3] Ellis, Angela; Carl S. McCarthy. "Soldiers' Home." Dictionary of American History. The Gale Group Inc. 2003. Encyclopedia.com. (29 December 2009). http:/ / www. encyclopedia. com/ doc/ 1G2-3401803936. html [4] Trevor K. Plante, "Genealogy Notes: The National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers" in Prologue Magazine [Online] Spring 2004, Vol. 36, No. 1 at http:/ / www. archives. gov/ publications/ prologue/ 2004/ spring/ soldiers-home. html (Retrieved 17 December 2009). [5] R. B. Rosenburg, Living Monuments: Confederate Soldier's Homes in the New South (http:/ / www. worldcat. org/ oclc/ 27683131) (Chapel Hill, N.C.: Univ. of North Carolina Press, 1993), 28-29, citing Georgetown Weekly Times, 13 July; 30 November 1881; 14 November 1883; "Confederate Soldiers' Home," "Subscribers to Confederate Soldiers' Home and Widows' and Orphans' Asylum," Kentucky State Archives, Frankfort; Southern Historical Society Papers, 11 (1883): 432. [6] Library Company of Philadelphia, "McA 5778.F Civil War Volunteer Saloons and Hospitals Ephemera Collection 18611868" ([Philadelphia, Pa.: LCP, 2006), 5. Digitized at http:/ / www. librarycompany. org/ mcallister/ pdf/ saloons. pdf (Retrieved 16 December 2009). [7] http:/ / books. google. com/ books?id=BIw-AAAAYAAJ& pg=PA1279& lpg=PA1279& dq=U. S. + Sanitary+ Commission+ Soldiers+ Homes+ Soldiers+ Lodges& source=bl& ots=qNz0xgzb0Y& sig=x_w36BUs5RbJhTxuS0V6i-PUnhM& hl=en& ei=aWssS9_cIJTTngfkx9X_CA& sa=X& oi=book_result& ct=result& resnum=3& ved=0CA4Q6AEwAg#v=onepage& q=U. S.
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External links
Locating Old Soldiers Home Records (http://wiki.familysearch.org/en/ US_Military_Old_Soldiers_Home_Records) in the United States before World War II, showing the name of each home, years of operation, some Internet links to related sites, and in some cases the known manuscript collections of their records.
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Other insurance
Military Benefit Association
The Military Benefit Association, based in Chantilly, Virginia, was founded in 1956 and is one of the largest non-profit insurance associations in the United States sponsoring insurance plans and other membership benefits to the military and federal civilian communities.[1] Military Benefit Association was established with the objects and purposes of, promotion of the welfare of its members; the advancement and safeguarding of their economic interests; and generally to encourage and promote better financial conditions for its members through cooperative enterprises" [1]
History
The Military Benefit Association was first founded as the Armed Forces Enlisted Benefit Association in 1956 as a nonprofit association for the purpose of offering group term life insurance to enlisted military members who had few affordable life insurance alternatives. The founders were aware that enlisted service members did not have Military Benefit Association, located in access to the same benefits as military officers. In 1963, the name of Chantilly, Virginia. this organization was changed to Military Benefit Association (MBA).[2] Military officers, retirees, honorably discharged veterans, federal civilian employees, and their spouses have been added to the member eligibility list over the years. Adult former dependents of MBA members are now able to join MBA. Through gradual expansion of its membership eligibility, MBA has grown into an association that serves the entire military and federal civilian communities.[1][3]
Eligibility
Application for membership in the Association shall be received and entertained from the following: (1) Active Duty Membership: Personnel who are under age 62, or such age as is determined by the Board of Directors, and who are on active duty in any component of the following Uniformed Services: the United States Army, the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Air Force, the United States Public Health Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or Cadets or Midshipmen attending the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Coast Guard Academy or the United States Merchant Marine Academy.[3][4] (2) Associate Membership: And from personnel who are under age 62, or such age as is determined by the Board of Directors, and who are entitled to receive pay in a Ready Reserve Duty status in any of the Reserve Components of the United States Uniformed Services, or who are full-time civilian employees of the U.S. Government, and U.S. citizens, and are actively engaged in a full-time occupation for the U.S. Government on a regular and continuing basis, and from spouses of persons who qualify for membership under paragraphs (1), (2) or (3) of Section 2 of this article, and from dependents of members who qualify for member benefits under rules established from time to time by the Board of Directors. (3) Veteran Membership: And from personnel who are under age 62, or such age as is determined by the Board of Directors, and who shall have retired from active duty with pay in one of the U.S. Uniformed Services prior to becoming a member of the Association, and from those persons who have been honorably discharged from previous
Military Benefit Association active duty. (4) Auxiliary Membership: And from those persons, now adults, who were at one time dependents of members. Any member may continue membership as an Associate member of the Association upon separation, discharge or transfer from active duty, retirement, or upon termination of employment, under honorable conditions.
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Board of directors
The decisions which affect the welfare of MBA members are made by a Board of Directors who are in the military or have served in the military and know the concerns of their fellow service members. The MBA Board of Directors consists of seven elected members. Six are active duty members, three are enlisted personnel and three are commissioned or warrant officers. .[5] Not more than two of the seven Directors may represent one branch of the uniformed services. The President and the Vice President & General Counsel of the Association are ex-officio members of the Board of Directors and shall serve as Directors only so long as they hold their respective offices. An annual meeting is held the third Friday of October to elect directors and to transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting. All members are invited to attend the annual meeting.[1][6]
Member Benefits
MBA Term 90 Life Insurance, plans allowing service members to take the insurance with them when they enter civilian life upon ending service. Spouses can also become members. Veterans Patriot Term Life Insurance, plans offering coverage for honorably discharged members of the uniformed services. NexGen Dependent Term Life Insurance, plans offering increased coverage on dependent children as they transition to adult-former-dependent status at age 25. Adult Former Dependent Term Life Insurance, plans providing life insurance coverage for former dependents of MBA members. Decreasing Group Term Life Insurance, plans offering monthly income payment options. Tricare Supplement Plan, plans paying some cost of medical care beyond what Tricare will pay. Kaplan University, Military veterans and active-duty service members may receive up to 55 percent off the cost of tuition. Life Line Screening, screenings at a discount not available to the public. Liberty Mutual Auto and Home Insurance, savings on auto and home insurance from Liberty Mutual. MBA Scholarship Program, each year we will award five $2,000 college scholarships to eligible dependent children of MBA members for undergraduate study. Visa Platinum Card, MBA members can apply for U.S. Bank Visa credit cards with no annual fee and a competitive annual percentage rate. Hertz Car Rental Discounts, MBA members are automatically eligible to receive discounts on Hertz car rentals.
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Insurance Underwriter
All MBA-sponsored insurance is underwritten by Government Personnel Mutual Life Insurance Company (GPM), an insurance company based in San Antonio, Texas.[7]
Internet Partnerships
MBA has partnered with the following organizations to assist military members in making good financial choices. [VALoans.com] helps military and veteran families negotiate the process of applying for a home loan through the Veterans Administration.[8] [MilitaryHub.com] delivers information to help make better money management choices and use military discounts.[9] [MilitaryInfo.com] delivers military news and veteran benefit information to military veterans and their families.[10] [MilitaryCity.com] internet portal for the Military Times publications.[11] [Stripes.com] delivers military and world news for troops posted overseas.[12] [Military.com] delivers a comprehensive variety of military information.[13]
References
[1] http:/ / www. militarybenefit. org/ AboutUs/ Story/ [2] http:/ / www. dc. bbb. org/ report. html?national=y& compid=12976 [3] https:/ / www. militaryhub. com/ military-hub-mba. cfm [4] https:/ / www. militarybenefit. org/ ApplyNow/ [5] http:/ / www. dc. bbb. org/ report. html?national=y& compid=12976#NatBiz [6] http:/ / www. allbusiness. com/ membership-organizations/ civic-social-fraternal/ 4047543-1. html [7] http:/ / www. gpmlife. com/ [8] http:/ / www. valoans. com [9] http:/ / www. militaryhub. com [10] http:/ / www. MilitaryInfo. com [11] http:/ / www. MilitaryCity. com [12] http:/ / www. Stripes. com [13] http:/ / www. Military. com
USAA
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USAA
United Services Automobile Association
Type Industry Founded Headquarters Reciprocal Financial Services 1922 San Antonio, Texas United States
Number of locations 11 financial centers [1] Key people Lt. General John H. Moellering, USA (Ret.) (Chairman) Maj. General Josue Robles Jr., USA (Ret.) (CEO) Insurance, Banking, Investments, Retirement, Financial Planning USD 19.036 billion (2011) USD 2.128 billion (2011) [2]
Products Revenue Net income Total assets Total equity Employees Website
[2] [2]
USD 104.352 billion (2011) USD 20.040 billion (2011) ~23,400 (2011) [2]
[2]
[www.usaa.com www.usaa.com]
The United Services Automobile Association (USAA) is a Texas-based diversified financial services group of companies[3] which includes a Texas Department of Insurance regulated[4] unincorporated, reciprocal inter-insurance exchange and a Fortune 500[5] financial services company offering banking, investing, and insurance to people and families that serve, or served, in the United States military. At the end of 2011, there were 8.8 million members.[2] 2.5 million of the total of 8.4 million members were subscribing members who have about $78 each on deposit with the exchange to guarantee its financial capabilities. The company reported a surplus [not Net Worth] of $19.3 billion in 2011.[6] USAA was founded in 1922 by a group of U.S. Army officers to self-insure each other when they were unable to secure auto insurance due to the perception that they were a high-risk group.[7] USAA has since expanded to offer banking and insurance services to past and present members of the Armed Forces and their immediate families. The company was one of the pioneers of direct marketing and most of its business is conducted over the Internet or telephone using employees instead of agents.
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History
The organization was originally called the United States Army Automobile Association. In 1924, the name was changed to United Services Automobile Association, when members of other military services became eligible for membership. The company opened offices in Frankfurt, Germany, and London, England early in its history. USAA is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, occupying 286 acres (116ha) (a former horse farm)[8] in a large single-occupancy office building on the city's northwest side.[9] USAA was one of the pioneers of direct marketing and most of its business is conducted over the Internet or telephone using employees instead of agents. Until the 1960s the bulk of its business was conducted via mail. In the late 1960s USAA began a transition from mail to phone based sales and service. A toll-free number was launched in 1978, and Internet sales and service were launched in 1999 via its website. The organization started offering homeowner's and life insurance in the 1960s, and brokerage and banking services in the 1980s. In 1996, eligibility was extended to enlisted personnel.[10]
Lines of business
Property, casualty, and life insurance
USAA offers a range of personal property and casualty (P&C) insurance, including automobile insurance, homeowner insurance, renters insurance, valuable personal property insurance, and umbrella insurance. In addition to P&C insurance, USAA provides whole life insurance, term life insurance, and annuities. USAA's life insurance policies, while not completely unique in the industry, are different from most offerings since they do not include a war-exclusion clause[11] (also known as a "war clause").
Banking
Banking services are provided by the USAA Federal Savings Bank. The bank was established on December 30, 1983. According to the FDIC, as of June 2011, the bank held over $43.8 billion in deposits with more than 6.3 million accounts.[12] USAA Federal Savings Bank's main financial center in San Antonio is its only full-service banking location. It operates limited-service financial centers in other cities, usually near military bases, which provide advice and assistance in obtaining services and opening accounts online. These limited service locations cannot process deposits or withdrawals, but ATMs located on site do allow customers to make monetary transactions.[13][14] Banking services can be accessed in person, by mail, by phone, or through the internet. USAA Federal Savings Bank provides members the ability to deposit checks into their accounts by using mobile applications on the iPhone,[15] mobile devices with Google's Android operating system,[16] and Microsoft's Windows Phone.[17] With USAA's Deposit@Home feature, checks can be deposited at home using a computer scanner,[18] and some locations of the UPS Store can accept non-cash deposits into USAA accounts.[19] USAA also offers ATM fee rebates, free standard checks for the life of the account, free online bill pay, and bank-by-mail services. USAA was one of the few major banks to begin offering American Express cards in 2006 in addition to their traditional offering of Mastercard.[20] Major banking competitors include Bank of America-Military Bank, Pentagon Federal Credit Union,[21] and the Navy Federal Credit Union.
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Other business
Through its Alliance Services Company (ASC), USAA runs a mail-order catalog service specializing in the sale of diamonds and jewelry. In addition, the ASC secures a variety of discounted services for members. These include travel-related services through rental car alliances with Avis Budget Group and Hertz Corporation, as well as discounts on cruise travel. Their retail alliances also include partnerships with FTD,[22] FedEx, and ADT Security Services.[23] For its own investment purposes, USAA operates a real estate company[24] which has holdings including major office buildings, industrial buildings, hotels, and other properties throughout the country.
Target market
USAA's mission statement indicates its focus is to serve its niche market, which consists of members of the U.S. military and their immediate families. To that end, the Association has always marketed directly to members of the U.S. military. USAA membership is offered to officers and enlisted personnel, including those on active duty, those in the National Guard and Reserve, Officer candidates in commissioning programs (Academy, ROTC, OCS/OTS) and all those who have served in the aforementioned categories and who have retired or have been discharged honorably.[25][26] Children of USAA members are also eligible to purchase USAA's P&C insurance products, and former members of USAA are allowed to resume membership at any time (without an age limit). Eligibility can be determined using its website;[27] however, the site does not contain a comprehensive statement of eligibility. USAA has, in the past, published a list[28] of other eligible persons including special agents of the FBI and Secret Service, agents of the various military investigative services (NCIS, OSI, CI and CID), U.S. Foreign Service Officers, and officers from a variety of other smaller agencies. Recently, USAA has been sharpening its focus on members of the military. So, people working for certain non-military agencies that were accommodated in the past may find that they are no longer eligible.[29] Historically, only U.S. military officers (among certain other federally sworn officers) were eligible to join USAA, with descendants of USAA members able to purchase insurance from USAA-CIC. It did not matter if one was an active duty or retired officer; one could join at any time. In 1973, membership was opened to members of the National Guard and Reserves, and in 1996, eligibility was expanded to enlisted members of the armed services. As the number of persons who have served on active duty in an enlisted status in the U.S. Armed Forces is quite large, USAA chose to limit the establishment of eligibility to those who were currently on active duty or who had recently separated. The same time limit on establishment of eligibility was then applied to military officers. As USAA's capacity for taking on new members expanded, eligibility criteria relaxed. In 2008, USAA expanded membership eligibility to all military personnel and retirees, and all veterans who separated after 1996.[25] In November 2009, USAA expanded eligibility requirements to offer coverage to anyone who has ever served honorably in the US Military.[26] Auto and property insurance and some banking services require that the customer meet membership eligibility criteria. USAA investment products[30] as well as deposit-only banking services[31] are available to non-members.[32] Of the top ten automobile insurance competitors, USAA is the only provider that restricts service to members of the United States military and their immediate families.[33]
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Legal structure
One of the characteristics that allows USAA to operate differently than most other Fortune 500 companies is that it is not a corporation. The United Services Automobile Association is an inter-insurance exchange, the establishment of which is provided for under the Texas Insurance Code.[34] This insurance exchange is made up of current and former military officers and NCOs who have taken out P&C policies with USAA; thus they simultaneously are insured by each other and, as a group, own USAA's assets. Theoretically, this implies that each member could be held completely responsible for all the losses of all the other members. However, the insurance code (Sec 942.142) stipulates that should an entity such as USAA accrue a substantial amount of assets, member liability is limited only to the premiums they have paid to USAA. In other words, if an enormous disaster were to result in claims that would wipe out all the assets of USAA, individual members could not legally be called upon to pay for any amount USAA is unable to pay out in claims. Other insurance services are provided by a variety of wholly owned subsidiaries. Adult children of USAA members and U.S. military junior enlisted personnel make up a group known at USAA as "associate members" insured through a subsidiary called USAA-Casualty Insurance Company (USAA-CIC). USAA-CIC is not an insurance exchange but rather a Delaware Insurance Corporation. This is a subtle nuance but is important concerning the return of profits described below. Non-standard-risk drivers are insured by subsidiaries like USAA's County Mutual Insurance Company or USAA-General Indemnity Company. USAA also insures members in Europe through its subsidiary, USAA Limited. It is uncommon for a U.S. based insurance company to provide international P&C coverage, but USAA does so because so many military families are stationed out-of-country.
Miscellaneous information
The stated mission of USAA is to facilitate the financial security of its members, associates and their families through provision of a range of financial products and services. In so doing, USAA seeks to be the provider of choice for the military community.[36] Besides its headquarters in San Antonio, USAA has a second major office in Phoenix, AZ, and other smaller operations in Colorado Springs, CO; Norfolk, VA; Tampa, FL; Highland Falls, NY; London, England and Frankfurt, Germany.[37]
USAA's Colorado Springs location
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Leadership
USAA experienced much growth under its former CEO, retired Air Force Brigadier General Robert F. McDermott. The USAA building was constructed under his tenure and McDermott was behind USAA's shift from service-by-mail to service-by-phone.[38] He was succeeded as CEO by retired Air Force General Robert Herres.[39] It was under Herres that USAA expanded its services to enlisted members of the military and developed Internet based financial services.[40] Following General Herres as CEO was Robert G. Davis, a former Army officer[41] who came to USAA with experience in a variety of financial services companies. Davis is said to have changed the culture at USAA; during his time at USAA, membership, assets and net worth grew significantly. His tenure, however, was not without controversy. Davis oversaw USAA's first layoffs and by some reports had a confrontational style of leadership. Davis had indicated to USAA employees that he intended to continue to lead USAA until 2010, however, he retired in December 2007.[42] The nature of his retirement seems to have been precipitous, as current USAA CEO Josue Robles has stated that upon assuming the role of CEO, "I thought I was just going to be a temporary CEO and (the board) said, 'Guess what? The permanent CEO is you'."[43]
Credit ratings
Since it is not a publicly traded corporation, USAA is not bound by the same corporate governance rules as publicly traded companies. Even so, USAA is subject to insurance regulation and examination by state regulators as well as federal entities like the SEC, FTC, and FDIC. In addition, its records are audited by Ernst & Young as well as the major financial rating agencies, who rate both USAA and many of its subsidiaries. Relevant ratings include: A. M. Best Company: A++ (Superior)[44] Moody's Investor Service: Aaa (Exceptional) Standard and Poor's: AA+ [45]
Service ratings
USAA has consistently received the highest customer service ratings available to financial services companies, including those not in its niche. For its highly rated customer service, in 2002 JD Power awarded USAA with its Chairman's Award,[46] which at that time had been awarded to ten companies, none of them in the financial services arena. Since then, USAA has remained at the top of the JD Power ratings for auto insurance[47][48][49] home insurance,[50] mortgages,[51] and home equity loans.[52] In its March 5, 2007 issue, BusinessWeek[53] ranked USAA first in its list[54] of "Customer Service Champs", a list of 25 national businesses that included the Four Seasons Hotels, Lexus and Starbucks. USAA repeated as first on BusinessWeek's list in its' March 3, 2008, issue.[55] A 2007 Forrester Research report referenced in the San Antonio Express-News on June 27, 2007,[56] identified USAA as the leader in customer advocacy based on a customer survey. Eighty-eight percent of the USAA customers surveyed said "My financial provider does what's best for me, not just its own bottom line." No other company evaluated scored higher than 78%. USAA retained the top spot on Forrester Research's study in 2008[57] and 2009.[58] In its May 2009 issue, Consumer Reports named USAA's brokerage division as the top rated discount brokerage service in the United States.[59] In a survey of 145 companies conducted by Zogby International, USAA ranked #1 in customer service out of 145 American companies, and was subsequently awarded first place in the 2009 MSN Money Customer Service Hall of Fame.[60]
USAA
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Employment
USAA employs more than 23,400 personnel at its offices throughout the country.[2] In 2010, USAA was ranked 45th on Fortune Magazine's list of the "100 Best Companies to Work For".[61][62] In 2011, USAA moved up 28 spots to 17th on Fortune's list.[63] USAA has also been recognized for many years as one of the 50 best corporations for career advancement for Latinas in the US.[64][65] It has been recognized as a "Military Spouse-Friendly Employer"[66] and has also been recognized by GI Jobs as one of America's best employers for veterans and reservists.[67] USAA was ranked 17th on the Computerworld's "100 Best Places to Work in IT" in 2006,[68] 39th in 2007,[69] 20th in 2008,[70] 9th in 2009,[71] and 1st in 2010,[72] 2011,[73] and 2012.[74][75]
References
[1] "USAA Opens New Financial Center" (https:/ / www. usaa. com/ inet/ ent_blogs/ Blogs?action=blogpost& blogkey=newsroom& postkey=westpoint_financial_center). USAA. . [2] "http:/ / www. usaareporttomembers. com/ USAA 2011 Report to Members." [3] USAA Fact Sheets (https:/ / www. usaa. com/ inet/ pages/ newsroom_factsheets_main) [4] Texas Department of Insurance (https:/ / apps. tdi. state. tx. us/ pcci/ pcci_show_profile. jsp?tdiNum=86800& companyName=United Services Automobile Association& sysTypeCode=CL) [5] "Fortune 500 2010: Fortune 500 Companies 101-200" (http:/ / money. cnn. com/ magazines/ fortune/ fortune500/ 2010/ full_list/ 101_200. html). CNN. . [6] Serving You Through Life (San Antonio, Texas): pp.9. 2011. [7] Spechler, Jay W. (1996). Reasonable Accommodation: Profitable Compliance With the Americans With Disabilities Act. ISBN1-884015-94-8., p. 229. [8] (http:/ / www. mysanantonio. com/ news/ local_news/ Speaker-to-be_has_deep_Republican_roots. html) [9] Chordas, Lori (November 1, 2002). "The ultimate niche: USAA's commitment to serving only people connected to the military, and its unusual structure and sales strategy, set it apart from the rest of the insurance industry." (http:/ / goliath. ecnext. com/ coms2/ summary_0199-2199998_ITM). Goliath Business News. . Retrieved 2008-02-08 [10] USAA fact sheet (http:/ / www. gijobs. net/ documents/ USAA_Company_Fact_Sheet. pdf) retrieved April 16, 2008 [11] Answers.com (http:/ / www. answers. com/ topic/ war-exclusion-clause?cat=biz-fin) [12] FDIC Bank information search results for USAA (http:/ / www2. fdic. gov/ idasp/ main. asp), retrieved November 2, 2011 [13] USAA Opens Second Financial Center in Killeen to Meet Member Demand, USAA Website, January 20, 2011 (https:/ / www. usaa. com/ inet/ ent_blogs/ Blogs?action=blogpost& blogkey=newsroom& postkey=killeen_financial_center& tags=locations), retrieved April 19, 2011 [14] USAA Opens a Financial Center Near Pentagon, USAA Website, March 31, 2011 (https:/ / www. usaa. com/ inet/ ent_blogs/ Blogs?action=blogpost& blogkey=newsroom& postkey=pentagon_financial_center& tags=locations), retrieved April 19, 2011 [15] USAA Bank Will Let Customers Deposit Checks by iPhone, New York Times, August 9, 2009 (http:/ / www. nytimes. com/ 2009/ 08/ 10/ technology/ 10check. html?hpw) retrieved August 25, 2009 [16] USAA's Android App (https:/ / www. usaa. com/ inet/ ent_utils/ McStaticPages?key=usaa_mobile_android_main) [17] USAA's Deposit@Mobile (https:/ / www. usaa. com/ inet/ pages/ mobile_banking_dm) [18] USAA Deposit@Home (https:/ / www. usaa. com/ inet/ ent_utils/ McStaticPages?key=bank_deposit) [19] "USAA Easy Deposit" (https:/ / www. usaa. com/ inet/ pages/ usaa_easy_deposits_main?SearchRanking=2& SearchLinkPhrase=UPS store). USAA. . [20] American Express.com (http:/ / home3. americanexpress. com/ corp/ pc/ 2005/ usaa. asp) [21] Choosing the right ATM in Germany a high-stakes decision, Stars and Stripes, March 23, 2005 (http:/ / www. stripes. com/ article. asp?section=104& article=27036& archive=true) retrieved September 24, 2008 [22] FTD Becomes Floral Provider for USAA (http:/ / www. reuters. com/ article/ pressRelease/ idUS125223+ 02-Sep-2009+ BW20090902), Reuters, Wed 2 Sept 2009, Retrieved 13 Sept 2009 [23] USAA / Welcome to USAA (https:/ / www. usaa. com/ inet/ ent_utils/ McStaticPages?key=newsroom_factsheets_asc) [24] http:/ / realco. usaa. com/ [25] " USAA expanding its membership base, Army Times (http:/ / www. armytimes. com/ news/ 2008/ 08/ military_usaamembership_080908w/ ), Retrieved August 10, 2008" [26] " USAA page on expanded eligility (https:/ / www. usaa. com/ inet/ ent_blogs/ Blogs?action=blogpost& blogkey=newsroom& postkey=now_serving_all_who_have& order=1,7000& offerName=pubHome_Bnr_1_110509_VetExpansion09) Retrieved November 5, 2009" [27] usaa.com (http:/ / www. usaa. com/ ) [28] Eligibility (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 19991013091301/ usaa. com/ cp_eligibility. asp) [29] Afsa.org (http:/ / www. afsa. org/ USAID/ USAA/ USAAissues. cfm)
USAA
[30] USAA Investment Eligibility Guidelines (https:/ / www. usaa. com/ inet/ ent_utils/ McStaticPages?key=why_choose_usaa_investments_main& wa_ref=wcu_insurance_main_tab_investments) [31] USAA Banking Eligibility Guidelines (https:/ / www. usaa. com/ inet/ ent_utils/ McStaticPages?key=why_choose_usaa_banking_main& wa_ref=wcu_eligibility_main_tab_banking) [32] BusinessWire Press Release (http:/ / www. businesswire. com/ portal/ site/ google/ ?ndmViewId=news_view& newsId=20080804005287& newsLang=en) [33] Insurance (http:/ / www. iii. org/ media/ facts/ statsbyissue/ auto/ & nbsp;& ndash;& #32;Auto) [34] (http:/ / tlo2. tlc. state. tx. us/ statutes/ docs/ IN/ content/ word/ in. 006. 00. 000942. 00. doc) [35] USAA Subscriber Savings Account Brochure, January, 2008 [36] About USAA (https:/ / www. usaa. com/ inet/ ent_utils/ McStaticPages?key=about_usaa_main& wa_ref=pub_subglobal_footer_about_usaa_page) [37] List of USAA locations (https:/ / www. usaa. apply2jobs. com/ profext/ locations. html) [38] "Former USAA CEO McDermott dies at 86". San Antonio Business Journal, August 28, 2006 (http:/ / sanantonio. bizjournals. com/ sanantonio/ stories/ 2006/ 08/ 28/ daily5. html), retrieved September 18, 2008 [39] "Herres, former CEO of USAA and space program leader, dies at 75", San Antonio Express-News, July 25, 2008 (http:/ / www. mysanantonio. com/ obituaries/ Former_USAA_Chairman_Herres_dies. html), retrieved September 18, 2008 [40] Hendricks, David; "Herres took action to strengthen USAA", San Antonio Express-News, July 25, 2008 (http:/ / www. mysanantonio. com/ business/ columnists/ David_Hendricks_Herres_took_action_to_strengthen_USAA. html), retrieved September 18, 2008 [41] USAA CEO Robert G. Davis Named Chairman-Elect, Collision Repair Industry Insight, December 14, 2000 (http:/ / www. collision-insight. com/ news/ 20011214-usaa. htm), retrieved December 25, 2008 [42] Poling, Travis E. and Jefferson, Greg; "For better or worse, Davis shook USAA up", San Antonio Express-News, Dec. 16, 2007 (http:/ / www. mysanantonio. com/ news/ MYSA121607_01A_usaa_297e28b_html10503. html), retrieved December 25, 2008 [43] Poling, Travis E.; "USAA's Robles has 'military heart, business mind'", San Antonio Express-News, June 22, 2008 (http:/ / www. mysanantonio. com/ news/ MYSA062208_01A_USAARobles_3f11179_html15061. html), retrieved December 25, 2008 [44] USAA earns solid credit ratings from A.M. Best, San Antonio Business Journal, Dec 23, 2008 (http:/ / www. bizjournals. com/ sanantonio/ stories/ 2008/ 12/ 22/ daily16. html), retrieved December 25, 2008 [45] S&P cuts ratings of 5 insurers, Aug 8, 2011 (http:/ / www. marketwatch. com/ story/ sp-cuts-ratings-of-5-insurers-2011-08-08), retrieved August 8, 2011 [46] "USAA Receives Chairman's Award", San Antonio Business Journal (http:/ / sanantonio. bizjournals. com/ sanantonio/ stories/ 2002/ 06/ 17/ daily31. html), Retrieved on 15 September 2008 [47] JD Power 2008 National Auto Insurance Study (http:/ / www. jdpower. com/ corporate/ news/ releases/ pressrelease. aspx?ID=2008135) [48] JD Power 2007 Collision Repair Satisfaction Study (http:/ / www. jdpower. com/ corporate/ news/ releases/ pressrelease. aspx?ID=2007004), [49] JD Power 2008 Insurance New Buyer Study (http:/ / www. jdpower. com/ corporate/ news/ releases/ pressrelease. aspx?ID=2008084) [50] JD Power 2007 National Homeowners Insurance Study (http:/ / www. jdpower. com/ corporate/ news/ releases/ pressrelease. aspx?ID=2007243) [51] JD Power 2008 Primary Mortgage Servicer Study (http:/ / www. jdpower. com/ corporate/ news/ releases/ pressrelease. aspx?ID=2008144) [52] JD Power 2007 Home Equity Line/Loan Servicer Study (http:/ / www. jdpower. com/ corporate/ news/ releases/ pressrelease. aspx?ID=2007236) [53] Business Week (http:/ / www. businessweek. com/ magazine/ content/ 07_10/ b4024003. htm?chan=rss_topDiscussed_ssi_5) [54] Business Week (http:/ / bwnt. businessweek. com/ interactive_reports/ customer_satisfaction/ index. asp) [55] Business Week (http:/ / www. businessweek. com/ magazine/ content/ 08_09/ b4073048442931. htm?chan=search) [56] San Antonio Express-News (http:/ / www. mysanantonio. com/ business/ stories/ MYSA062807. 03E. usaa0628. 2b34a2f. html) [57] 2008 Forrester Research Press Release (http:/ / www. forrester. com/ ER/ Press/ Release/ 0,1769,1214,00. html) [58] USAA Ranks First in Customer Loyalty, San Antonio Express News, May 28, 2009 (http:/ / www. mysanantonio. com/ business/ 46414782. html), Retrieved June 7, 2009 [59] Low-cost brokers score high in service, Consumer Reports, May 2009 (http:/ / www. consumerreports. org/ cro/ magazine-archive/ may-2009/ money/ brokerage-services/ overview/ brokerage-services-ov. htm), Retrieved December 7, 2009 [60] Holahan, Catherine (2009-06-10). "10 companies that treat you right" (http:/ / articles. moneycentral. msn. com/ SmartSpending/ ConsumerActionGuide/ 10-companies-that-treat-you-right. aspx?slide-number=10). MSN Money. . Retrieved 2009-06-10. [61] "100 Best Companies to Work For" #45 USAA (http:/ / money. cnn. com/ magazines/ fortune/ bestcompanies/ 2010/ snapshots/ 45. html) [62] USAA Press Release regarding Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work For". (https:/ / www. usaa. com/ inet/ ent_blogs/ Blogs?action=blogpost& blogkey=newsroom& postkey=usaa_named_one_of_fortune) [63] USAA Named to Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For". (https:/ / www. usaa. com/ inet/ ent_blogs/ Blogs?action=blogpost& blogkey=newsroom& postkey=usaa_100_best_companies) [64] Latina Style 2008 Press Release (http:/ / www. hispanicprwire. com/ news. php?l=in& id=12332& cha=14) [65] USAA press release regarding Latina Style rankings (https:/ / www. usaa. com/ inet/ ent_utils/ McStaticPages?key=2008_09_Latina_Style_08) [66] Military.com article about Military Spouse rankings 2007 (http:/ / www. military. com/ military-report/ top-10-spouse-friendly-employers)
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USAA
[67] GI Jobs "2007 List of Best Employers" (http:/ / www. victorymediainc. com/ staticmedia/ Top50/ 2007PR/ GI. Jobs. Dec07. TOP. 50. List. pdf) [68] 2006 Computerworld rankings (http:/ / www. computerworld. com/ html/ research/ bestplaces/ 2006/ bpchart_01_main. html) [69] Computerworld 2007 rankings (http:/ / www. computerworld. com/ action/ article. do?command=viewArticleBasic& articleId=9024364) [70] Computerworld 2008 rankings (http:/ / www. computerworld. com/ spring/ bp/ 2008/ 1) [71] Computerworld 2009 rankings (http:/ / www. computerworld. com/ spring/ bp/ 2009/ 1) [72] No. 1 Place To Work in IT: USAA Computerworld 2010 (http:/ / www. computerworld. com/ s/ article/ 349624/ No. _1_Place_To_Work_in_IT_USAA) [73] No. 1 Place To Work in IT: USAA Computerworld 2011 (http:/ / www. computerworld. com/ s/ article/ 9216935/ Best_Places_to_Work_in_IT_2011) [74] No. 1 Place To Work in IT: USAA Computerworld 2012 (http:/ / www. computerworld. com/ spring/ bp/ detail/ 900) [75] USAA Scores a three-peat (http:/ / www. computerworld. com/ s/ article/ 9227900/ The_No. _1_Place_to_Work_in_IT_USAA)
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External links
USAA.com Official website (http://USAA.com) USAA Educational Foundation (http://www.usaaedfoundation.org/), a nonprofit organization providing consumer information USAA history (http://business.enotes.com/company-histories/usaa) USAA Real Estate Company (http://www.usaarealco.com/)
History
USBA was founded in 1959 to meet the needs of active duty military personnel, who at that time had difficulty finding adequate life insurance coverage that would cover combat-related deaths. USBA was one of the first companies to do away with the so-called "war clause" in all of its coverage.
Competition
Life insurance competitors include the government's own Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) as well Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI).
References
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,932025,00.html http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m4PRN/is_2005_March_22/ai_n27848853
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External links
USBA Website [1]
References
[1] http:/ / www. usba. com/
Usage
At the end of 2011, there were 10.6 million Americans collecting SSDI, up from 7.2 million in 2002.[1] The share of the U.S. population receiving SSDI benefits has risen rapidly over the past two decades, from 2.2 percent of adults age 25 to 64 in 1985 to 4.1 percent in 2005.[2] In a 2006 analysis by economists David Autor and Mark Duggan for the National Bureau of Economic Research, Autor and Duggan wrote that the most significant factor in the growth of SSDI usage had been the loosening of the SSDI screening process that took place in 1984, following the signing into law of the Social Security Disability Benefits Reform Act of 1984, which directed the Social Security Administration to place more weight on applicants' reported pain and discomfort, relax screening of mental illness, consider multiple non-severe ailments to be disabling, and give more credence to medical evidence provided by the applicant's doctor. These changes had the effect of increasing the number of new SSDI awards and shifting their composition towards claimants with low-mortality disorders such as mental illness and back pain. Autor and Duggan wrote that a second factor in increased SSDI usage was the rising value of SSDI benefits relative to what recipients would have earned if they had been employed, saying that in 1984 a low-income older male SSDI recipient would have received from SSDI about 68% of what he would have earned had he been working, and that by 2004, due to increasing income inequality in the United States, the same man would have received from SSDI 86% of what he would have earned through work. Autor and Duggan say that aging and changes to the overall health of the U.S. population, have had a small effect at most on SSDI usage.[3] Autor and Duggam argue that because the definition of disability adopted in 1984 is quite broad, the SSDI program often functions in practice as an insurance program for unemployable people.[4]
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Qualification
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), a person qualifies for SSDI if: they have a physical or mental condition that prevents them from engaging in any "substantial gainful activity" ("SGA"), and the condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and they are under the age of 65, and generally, they have accumulated 20 social security credits in the last 10 years prior to the onset of disability (normally four credits per full or partial year); one additional credit is required for every year by which the worker's age exceeds 42.[5][6] The work requirement is waived for applicants who can prove that they became disabled at or before the age of 22, as these individuals may be allowed to collect on their parent's or parents' work credits. The parent(s) experience no loss of benefits. Medical evidence is signs, symptoms and laboratory findings and is required to document the claim. Symptoms, such as pain, are considered but must be reasonably expected to come from a medically determinable impairment which the claimant is diagnosed to have. The decision is based on a sequential evaluation of medical evidence. The sequence for adults is: 1. Is the claimant performing a substantial gainful activity? If yes, deny. If no, continue to next sequence. 2. Is the claimant's impairment severe? If no, deny. If yes, continue to next sequence. 3. Does the impairment meet or equal the severity of impairments in the Listing of Impairments?[7] If yes, allow the claim. If no, continue to next sequence. 4. Is the claimant able to perform past work? If yes, deny. If no continue to next sequence. 5. Is the claimant able to perform any work in the economy? If yes, deny. If no allow the claim. Medical evidence that demonstrates the applicant's inability to work is required. The DDS or ALJ may also require the applicant to visit a third-party physician for medical documentation, often to supplement the evidence treating sources do not supply. The applicant may meet a SSA medical listing for their condition. If their condition does not meet the requirements of a listing, their residual functional capacity is considered, along with their age, past relevant work, and education, in determining their ability to perform either their past work, or other work generally available in the national economy. Determination of a residual functional capacitymade in the fourth step in the sequential evaluation processoften constitutes the bulk of the SSDI application and appeal process. A residual functional capacity is assessed in accordance with Title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 404, section 1545[8] by a disability determination service (DDS) or, on appeal, by an administrative law judge (ALJ), and is generally based upon the opinions of treating and examining physicians, if available. Residual functional capacity (RFC) is classified according to the five exertional levels of work defined in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, which are: Sedentary, Light, Medium, Heavy, and Very Heavy. If the residual functional capacity of an individual equals the previous work performed, the claim is denied on the basis that the individual can return to former work. If the residual functional capacity is less than former work then the RFC is applied against a vocational grid that considers the individual's age, education and transferability of formerly learned and used skills. The vocational grid directs an allowance or denial of benefits.
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SSDI Representation
You may apply for SSDI benefits on your own, or you can hire a disability or SSDI representative to assist you in applying for or appealing a claim. Typically, there are two primary types of paid SSDI representation organizations. First, there are companies with trained specialists experienced in handling SSDI applications and appeals in some or any local community across the country. There also are law firms that usually specialize in disability related cases in a local community. Most SSDI applicantsabout 90 percent according to the SSAhave a disability representative for their appeal. An August 2010 report by the Office of Inspector General for the Social Security Administration indicated that many people submitting an initial disability application for SSDI might benefit from using a third-party disability representative when they first apply for benefits. It indicated that having a disability representative earlier in the process significantly improves the chances of those with four major types of disabilities getting approved for SSDI.[9] The fee that a representative can charge for SSDI representation is set by law. Currently, under the SSA's fee agreement approval process, it is 25 percent of the retroactive dollar amount awarded, not to exceed $6,000. Some representatives may charge fees for costs related to the claim, such as photocopy and medical record collection expenses. If an SSDI applicant is approved quickly and does not receive a retroactive award, the SSA must review and approve the fee a representative will charge the individual. Disability representatives do not charge a fee if they are unsuccessful in obtaining a claimants disability benefit. A representative may decline to represent you if, after reviewing your situation, they do not believe you are likely to meet the requirements for SSDI. Most representatives will provide this screening at no cost to you. Typical reasons individuals do not meet the requirements are: their disability is not severe enough or the applicant does not have a sufficient work history (and did not pay enough into FICA).
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Timetable
The SSA provided a table of average wait times which were current through the end of fiscal year 2009.[10] These times include awards and denials.
Level 1 2 3 4 5 Name Initial application Reconsideration Hearing Appeals Council Wait time 101 no data 491 261
The 10 states with the longest wait time are Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Nebraska, Illinois, Missouri, the District of Columbia (D.C.) and Alabama.[15]
Payee assignment
Generally, the person qualifying for benefits is determined to be capable of managing their own financial affairs, and the benefits be disbursed directly to them. In the case of persons who have a diagnosed mental impairment which interferes with their ability to manage their own finances, the Social Security Administration may require that the person assign someone to be their representative payee. This person will receive the benefits on behalf of the disabled individual, and disburse them directly to payers such as landlords, or to the disabled person, while providing money management assistance (help with purchasing items, limiting spending money, etc.). The representative payee generally does not charge a fee for this service, especially if its a friend or relative. Social service agencies who are assigned as payee are prohibited from charging a fee, though some private payee agencies do provide the service for a small fee. Some states and counties have representative payee agencies (also called substitute payee programs) which receive the benefits on behalf of the disabled person's social worker, and disburse the benefits per the social worker's instructions.
188
References
[1] Paletta, Damian, and Dionne Searcey (28 December 2011). "Jobless Tap Disability Fund" (http:/ / online. wsj. com/ article/ SB10001424052970204296804577121392750460030. html). Wall street Journal. . Retrieved 16 September 2012. [2] "The Growth in the Social Security Disability Insurance Rolls" (http:/ / www. nber. org/ bah/ fall06/ w12436. html). National Bureau of Economic Research. . Retrieved 16 September 2012. [3] Autor, David; Mark Dugga (August 2006). "THE GROWTH IN THE SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY ROLLS: A FISCAL CRISIS UNFOLDING" (http:/ / www. nber. org/ papers/ w12436. pdf?new_window=1). NATIONAL BUREAU OF ECONOMIC RESEARCH. Working Paper 1243. . Retrieved 16 September 2012. [4] Autor, David; Mark Dugga (August 2006). "THE GROWTH IN THE SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY ROLLS: A FISCAL CRISIS UNFOLDING" (http:/ / www. nber. org/ papers/ w12436. pdf?new_window=1). NATIONAL BUREAU OF ECONOMIC RESEARCH. Working Paper 1243. . Retrieved 16 September 2012. [5] Social Security Administration (http:/ / ssa-custhelp. ssa. gov/ app/ answers/ detail/ a_id/ 342) [6] Barbara C. Wallace. Toward Equity in Health (http:/ / books. google. com/ books?id=x6UPRV73gEwC& pg=PT478& lpg=PT478& dq=). Springer Publishing Company. . Retrieved 2008-09-11. [7] "Listing of Impairments - Adult Listings" (http:/ / www. ssa. gov/ disability/ professionals/ bluebook/ AdultListings. htm). Social Security Administration. . Retrieved 2008-02-07. [8] "20 CFR 404.1545, Your Residual Functional Capacity" (http:/ / edocket. access. gpo. gov/ cfr_2006/ aprqtr/ 20cfr404. 1545. htm). Social Security Administration. . Retrieved 2008-12-19. [9] "Office of the Inspector General Social Security Administration: Disability Impairments on Cases Most Frequently Denied by Disability Determination Services and Subsequently Allowed by Administrative Law Judges (August 2010)" (http:/ / www. ssa. gov/ oig/ ADOBEPDF/ A-07-09-19083. pdf). SSA. . Retrieved 2010-11-23. [10] SSA (March 31, 2010). "Disabled-worker stats" (http:/ / www. ssa. gov/ OACT/ STATS/ dibStat. html). . Retrieved 2010-04-14. [11] Sylvester J. Schieber, Chairman, Social Security Advisory Board (February 14, 2007). "Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Social Security of the House Committee on Ways and Means" (http:/ / waysandmeans. house. gov/ hearings. asp?formmode=view& id=5438). . Retrieved 2008-02-07. [12] prweb.com "AAPD and Allsup Release State Rankings for Disability Backlogs" (http:/ / www. prweb. com/ releases/ 2007/ 7/ prweb543829. htm). PRWeb. prweb.com. Retrieved 2008-02-07.
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Further reading
Social Security Disability Starter Kit (http://ssa.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits.htm) B.E.S.T The Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (http://connections.govbenefits.gov/ssa_en.portal)
External links
Disability Programs (http://www.ssa.gov/disability/); Social Security Administration Press release (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice/pr/DSI-pr.htm) on new Social Security Disability determination process Workplace Rehabilitation Engineering and Research Center (http://www.workrerc.org) Social Security Disability Benefits (http://www.ssdrc.com/) (http://www.ssa.gov/redbook) 2011 Red Book "A Summary Guide To Employment Support For Persons With Disabilities Under The Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Programs" Social Security Administration Listing of Impairments (http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/ bluebook/AdultListings.htm) Survivor ship A to Z - SSDI 101: An Overview (http://www.survivorshipatoz.org/cancer/topics/ ssdi-101-an-overview-social-security-disability-insurance/)
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Veterans' Preference Act A year later, President Harrison issued an Executive Order allowing honorably discharged veterans who were former Federal employees to be reinstated without time limit. This was the first appearance of reinstatement eligibility as applied to veterans. In 1892, reinstatement rights were extended to the widows and orphans of veterans. The reinstatement provision was the last significant addition to preference legislation until 1919.
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Veterans' Preference Act its servicemen when peace comes. The Act would help ensure that veterans obtain or regain an economic position they otherwise would have attained had they not served in the armed forces. The Veterans preference Act of 1944 defined to whom and under what circumstances preference would be granted. It provided that Preference be given in competitive examinations, in appointments to positions in the Federal service, in reinstatement to positions, in reemployment, and in retention during reductions in force. Preference would apply to civilian positions permanent or temporary ; in all departments, agencies, bureaus, administrations, establishments, and projects of the Federal Government, and in the civil service of the District of Columbia. Further, the law provided that preference apply to positions in the classified civil service (now the competitive service), the unclassified civil service (positions excepted from the competitive service), and in any temporary or emergency establishment, agency, bureau, administration, project and department created by acts of Congress or Presidential Executive order. The legislative and judicial branches of the Government, as well as positions in the executive branch, which are required to be confirmed by the United States Senate, except Postmaster-ships, in the first-, second-, and third-class post offices were exempt from the Act. The Act originally granted preference to non-disabled veterans, disabled veterans, wives of disabled veterans, and the widows of disabled veterans. These were substantially the same groups granted preference under previous laws and regulations with two exceptions. Non-disabled veterans whose only service was performed during peacetime and the wives of non-service-connected disabled veterans over 55 years of age were no longer eligible for preference.
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Veterans' Preference Act result of the conclusion of the Vietnam War and its draft and the United States Department of Defense's desire to build a career military service. The Civil Service reform act of 1978 created new benefits for veterans with a 30 percent or more disability. It also gave veterans extra protection in hiring and retention. Under this act, preference was no longer granted to nondisabled veterans who retired at the rank of major or above. In 1988, a law was passed that required the Department of Labor to report agencies' violations of veterans' preference and failure to list vacancies with State employment services to the Office of Personnel Management for enforcement. The last major legislation affecting veterans' preference occurred in the form of the Defense Appropriations act of 1997. Under this legislation, preference was accorded to anyone who served on active duty during the Gulf War period (August 2, 1990 through January 2, 1992). This law also granted preference to certain service members who earned campaign medals for service in Bosnia and Herzegovina in support of Operation Joint Endeavor (November 20, 1995 through December 20, 1996) or Operation Joint Guard (December 20, 1996 through a date designated by the Secretary of Defense).
193
Veterans' Preference Act 1990: VRA law amended to include post-Vietnam-era veterans, but end coverage of most Vietnam-era veterans 1992: VRA law revised to restore eligibility to Vietnam-era veterans 1997: Defense Appropriations Act grants preference to gulf war veterans and certain campaign medal holders in Bosnia (included guard or reserve service if for other than training) .
194
References
U.S. Office of Personnel Management. "VetGuide" [1].
[1] http:/ / www. opm. gov/ veterans/ html/ vetguide. asp
195
Agency overview Formed Jurisdiction Headquarters Employees 1981 Federal government of the United States Washington, D.C. 1,000
The United States Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training (OASVET) was established by Secretary's Order No. 5-81 in December 1981.[2] The Assistant Secretary position was created by P.L. 96-466 in October 1980, to replace the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment position created by P.L. 94-502 in October 1976. The bipartisan Congressional intent was to establish leadership of the Department's programs for services to veterans at the policy-making level, and thereby help to ensure Congressional mandates for an effective: Job and job training counseling service program, Employment placement service program, and Job training placement service program for eligible veterans (carried out by the United States Department of Labor).
Corruption scandal
On 22 July 2011, the then Assistant Secretary Ray Jefferson was led out of the Frances Perkins Building by the FBI and subsequently resigned on July 25, 2011, following a contracting scandal.[3][4][5][6]
External links
http://www.dol.gov/vets
References
[1] http:/ / www. dol. gov/ vets [2] http:/ / www. dol. gov/ vets [3] Matt Bewig and Noel Brinkerhoff (30 July 2011). "Labor Official Resigns Following Corruption Investigation: Who is Raymond Jefferson?" (http:/ / www. allgov. com/ Appointments_and_Resignations/ ViewNews/ Labor_Official_Resigns_Following_Corruption_Investigation__Who_is_Raymond_Jefferson_110730). allgov.com. . Retrieved 17 October 2011. [4] "Labor Official Resigns Following Corruption Investigation" (http:/ / www. kansascity. com/ 2011/ 07/ 28/ 3042396/ labor-official-resigns-amid-corruption. html). Kansas City Star. 30 July 2011. . Retrieved 17 October 2011.
196
Criteria
A business hoping to be considered "Service-Disabled Veteran" must be at least 51% owned by an individual who can be considered by the government as a Service-Disabled Veteran. The terms "veteran" and "service-disabled veteran" are defined in 38 U.S.C 101(2) and (16). The following definitions are as stated in that code. Veteran- The term "veteran" means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Service Disabled- with respect to disability, that such disability was incurred or aggravated in line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service. An injury or disease incurred during military service will be deemed to have been incurred in the line of duty unless the disability was caused by the veterans own misconduct or abuse of alcohol or drugs, or was incurred while absent without permission or while confined by military or civilian authorities for serious crimes. Note that this definition does not require the disability to be causally connected to military service. Such disability does not require a minimum rating to be considered. A veteran with a 0 to 100% disability rating is eligible to self-represent as a Service-Disabled Veteran for Federal contracting purposes. Security funds of deposit in the scheduled amount of $12000.00 are required under Sec.8.1487, revised 2007,to ensure compliance of awarded contracts and supplies, there-of, for twelve -12- consecutive months upon classification and submission for registration under this program. This is in compliance with (15 U.S.C 644(g)) for program institution to the SDVOSB and authorized Veteran Applicant. Upon satisfactory performance of awarded Contracts,Services and or Supply facilitation by the SDVOSB, subject depository funds will be issued back to the performing SDVOSB at the end of the 12-Month Calendar performance period at -0%- interest in favor of the U.S Government.
Background
For a veteran who suffers a disability while in military service, the US Government has deemed it its moral obligation to provide the disabled veteran a range of benefits designed to ease the economic and other losses and disadvantages incurred as a consequence of the disability. These benefits include Government assistance for entering the Federal procurement marketplace. To achieve that objective, agencies shall more effectively implement section 15(g) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(g)), which provides that the President must establish a goal of not less than 3 percent for participation by service-disabled veteran owned businesses in Federal contracting, and section
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business 36 of that Act (15 U.S.C. 657f), which gives agency contracting officers the authority to reserve certain procurements for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.
197
Lack of compliance
Because the office setting aside these contracts has no ability to award Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business contracts, the request percentage of such contracts is significantly lower than it should be. A number of memos and orders have been issued to correct this trend. President George W. Bush issued Executive Order 13360 on October 20, 2004. The Executive Order was issued to strengthen opportunities in Federal contracting for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Concerns. The Administrator of Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) issued a memo about VETS GWAC, dated July 10, 2007, for chief acquisition officers and senior procurement executives. The memo strongly calls for agency participation in the use of VETS GWAC as a way of meeting the top priority of increasing opportunities for small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans.
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History
In 1894, the New York Legislature granted physically disabled Civil War veterans exemptions from municipal laws limiting "hawking or peddling".[4] The original legislation covered all commercial streets and public parks in the state.[5] Numerous court decisions upheld the 1894 statute over municipal regulations of all sorts, including those that attempted to limit the products that vendors could sell to printed materials and food.[5] The legislation gained new meaning after World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War created a large pool of veterans unable to secure traditional employment as a result of their disability.[4] In 1990, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division held that the 1894 law preempted a 1979 city ordinance banning street vendors from 30th to 61st Streets, between Second and Ninth Avenues, except on Sundays.[6] In 1991, the legislation's effect was restricted in Midtown Manhattan, limiting the total number of vendors allowed, and placing some congested Avenues and sidewalks off limits.[4] That legislation expired in 2003.[4] Legislation has been introduced in the New York Senate to make impersonation of such a vendor a Class A misdemeanor.[7]
Current text
N.Y. General Business Law 35 provides: This article shall not affect the application of any ordinance, by-law or regulation of a municipal corporation relating to hawkers and peddlers within the limits of such corporations, but the provisions of this article are to be complied with in addition to the requirements of any such ordinance, by-law or regulations; provided, however, that no such by-law, ordinance or regulation shall prevent or in any manner interfere with the hawking or peddling, without the use of any but a hand driven vehicle, in any street, avenue, alley, lane or park of a municipal corporation, by any honorably discharged member of the armed forces of the United States who is physically disabled as a result of injuries received while in the service of said armed forces and the holder of a license granted pursuant to section thirty-two.[8]
Current practice
Disabled veterans are required to abide by local licensing requirements for vendors, as provided in General Business Law 35.[9] However, time, place, and manner restrictions have been found to violate 32.[10] The General Business Law does not preempt the Vehicle and Traffic Law, section 1157, which prohibits peddling from a parked motor vehicle.[11] On non-restricted streets, there is no limit to the number of disabled veteran street vendors that can operated in a given area.[12] On restricted streets in Midtown Manhattan only one may operate; outside of Midtown, two.[12] For example, some areas would otherwise be off limits to street vendors entirely because they would either be ticketed for being too far from the curb or obstructing a bus or taxi stop.[1] Such is the case in the plaza outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art"the most coveted location for selling a hot dog in New York", for which a company called New York One has paid the city $575,990/year since 2007 to operate two cartswhere the city began to crack down on veteran vendors in August 2009.[1] New York One was able to negotiate their rent down to $364,672 for
Disabled veteran street vendors in New York 2007 due to the competition from veteran vendors, and later ended its contract early; the winner of the auction to succeed New York One was later evicted for non-payment.[1] Some vendors have alleged that their competitors merely hire veterans to sit near their carts, a practice lawyers for the city say would not qualify under the law.[1]
199
References
[1] Simon Akam. 2009, August 21. " A Prominent Collection at the Met: Food Carts (http:/ / www. nytimes. com/ 2009/ 08/ 22/ nyregion/ 22hotdogs. html)". New York Times. [2] LaVan and Neidenberg, P.A. 2009, September 7. " Disabled veterans benefit from loophole in New York City law (http:/ / www. disabilitylawclaims. com/ blog/ disabled-veterans-benefit-from-loophole-in-new-york-city-law. cfm)". Disability Law Claims Blog. [3] Ian Urbina. 2004, February 28. " For Some Vendors, Fears Over New Street Restrictions (http:/ / www. nytimes. com/ 2004/ 02/ 28/ nyregion/ for-some-vendors-fears-over-new-street-restrictions. html)". New York Times. [4] Mitchell Duneier. 2004, January 4. " Let New York's Veterans Vend (http:/ / www. nytimes. com/ 2004/ 01/ 04/ opinion/ let-new-york-s-veterans-vend. html)". New York Times. [5] Eric Pace. 1991, July 4. " Mixed Reviews on 5th Ave. To Veterans' Peddling Curb (http:/ / www. nytimes. com/ 1991/ 07/ 04/ nyregion/ mixed-reviews-on-5th-ave-to-veterans-peddling-curb. html)". New York Times. [6] Felicia R. Lee. 1990, December 20. " 5th Avenue Merchants Want a Ban on Vendors (http:/ / www. nytimes. com/ 1990/ 12/ 20/ nyregion/ 5th-avenue-merchants-want-a-ban-on-vendors. html)". New York Times. [7] " Bill S1956: Provides that impersonation of a disabled veteran vendor is a class A misdemeanor (http:/ / open. nysenate. gov/ openleg/ api/ html/ bill/ S1956)". [8] McKinney's General Business Law 35. [9] People v. Sands, 15 Misc.3d 459, 829 N.Y.S.2d 887. [10] Kaswan v. Aponte, 160 A.D.2d 324, 553 N.Y.S.2d 407 [1st Dept. 1990]. [11] People v. Mann, 1982, 113 Misc.2d 980, 450 N.Y.S.2d 275. [12] Robert Lederman. 2009, July 27 (updated). " Street artists, disabled veteran vendors, restricted streets (http:/ / knol. google. com/ k/ robert-lederman/ street-artists-disabled-veteran-vendors/ 2coa09aae21h9/ 7#)". [13] AP. 2004, February 27. " Lawmakers reach deal on NYC vendor restrictions (http:/ / www. firstamendmentcenter. org/ news. aspx?id=12768& printer-friendly=y)". [14] Marc Santora. 2004, February 27. " Albany ready to reinstate vendor law (http:/ / www. nytimes. com/ 2004/ 02/ 27/ nyregion/ albany-ready-to-reinstate-vendor-laws. html)". New York Times.
External links
WNYC Interview (http://www.wnyc.org/shows/bl/episodes/2009/08/28/segments/139582) with a disabled veteran vendor
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Problems
Gulf War syndrome
Gulf War illness
Classification and external resources
Pyridostigmine, a nerve agent antidote and one of the implicated toxins ICD-9 [1] V65.5 (inconclusive) also nonstandard "DX111" D018923 [2]
MeSH
Gulf War syndrome (GWS), also known as Gulf War illness (GWI), is a chronic multisymptom disorder affecting returning military veterans and civilian workers of the Persian Gulf War.[3][4][5] A wide range of acute and chronic symptoms have been linked to it, including fatigue, muscle pain, cognitive problems, rashes and diarrhea.[6] Approximately 250,000[7] of the 697,000 veterans who served in the 1991 Gulf War are afflicted with enduring chronic multi-symptom illness, a condition with serious consequences.[8] From 1995 to 2005, the health of combat veterans worsened in comparison with nondeployed veterans, with the onset of more new chronic diseases, functional impairment, repeated clinic visits and hospitalizations, chronic fatigue syndrome-like illness, posttraumatic stress disorder, and greater persistence of adverse health incidents.[9] Suggested causes have included depleted uranium, sarin gas, smoke from burning oil wells, vaccinations, combat stress and psychological factors, though only pyridostigmine (an antitoxin for nerve agents) and organophosphate pesticides have been conclusively linked.[8]
Classification
Medical ailments associated with Gulf War syndrome have been recognized by both the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.[3] Since so little concrete information was known about this condition the Veterans administrations originally classified individuals with related ailments believed to be connected to their service in the Persian Gulf a special non-ICD-9 code DX111, as well as ICD-9 code V65.5.[10] There is no formal definition of the term "Gulf War syndrome" or "Gulf War illnesses".[11]
201
Overview
According to an April 2010 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) sponsored study conducted by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), part of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, 250,000[7] of the 696,842 U.S. servicemen and women in the 1991 Gulf War continue to suffer from chronic multi-symptom illness, popularly known as "Gulf War Illness" or "Gulf War Syndrome." The IOM found that the chronic multi-symptom illness continues to affect these veterans nearly 20 years after the war, and, "the excess of unexplained Summary of the Operation Desert Storm offensive ground campaign, February 2428, 1991, by nationality. medical symptoms reported by deployed [1991] Gulf war veterans cannot be reliably ascribed to any known psychiatric disorder."[12] According to the IOM, "It is clear that a significant portion of the soldiers deployed to the Gulf War have experienced troubling constellations of symptoms that are difficult to categorize," said committee chair Stephen L. Hauser, professor and chair, department of neurology, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). "Unfortunately, symptoms that cannot be easily quantified are sometimes incorrectly dismissed as insignificant and receive inadequate attention and funding by the medical and scientific establishment. Veterans who continue to suffer from these symptoms deserve the very best that modern science and medicine can offer to speed the development of effective treatments, cures, andwe hopeprevention. Our report suggests a path forward to accomplish this goal, and we believe that through a concerted national effort and rigorous scientific input, answers can be found."[7] Questions still exist regarding why certain veterans showed, and still show, medically-unexplained symptoms while others did not, why symptoms are diverse in some and specific in others, and why combat exposure is not consistently linked to having or not having symptoms. The lack of data on veterans' pre-deployment and immediate post-deployment health status and lack of measurement and monitoring of the various substances to which veterans may have been exposed make it difficultand in many cases impossibleto reconstruct what happened to service members during their deployments nearly 20 years after the fact, the committee noted.[7] The report called for a substantial commitment to improve identification and treatment of multisymptom illness in Gulf War veterans focussing on continued monitoring of Gulf War veterans, improved medical care, examination of genetic differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic groups and studies of environment-gene interactions.[7]
202
Symptom U.S. UK Australia Denmark Fatigue Headache Memory problems Muscle/joint pain Diarrhea 23% 23% 17% 18% 32% 28% 18% 17% 16% 10% 7% 12% 16% 13% 23%
Excess prevalence of recognized medical conditions Condition Skin conditions Arthritis/joint problems Gastro-intestinal (GI) problems Respiratory problem Chronic fatigue syndrome Post-traumatic stress disorder
Birth defects have been suggested as a consequence of Gulf War deployment. However, a 2006 review of several studies of international coalition veterans' children found no strong or consistent evidence of an increase in birth defects, finding a modest increase in birth rate defects that was within the range of the general population, in addition to being unable to exclude recall bias as an explanation for the results.[15][16]
Proposed causes
The United States Congress mandated the National Academies of Science Institute of Medicine to provide nine reports on Gulf War Syndrome since 1998.[17] Aside from the many physical and psychological issues involving any war zone deployment, Gulf War veterans were exposed to a unique mix of hazards not previously experienced during wartime. These included pyridostigmine bromide pills given to protect troops from the effects of nerve agents, depleted uranium munitions, and anthrax and botulinum vaccines. The oil and smoke that spewed for months from hundreds of burning oil wells presented another exposure hazard not previously encountered in a warzone. Military personnel also had to cope with swarms of insects, requiring the widespread use of pesticides. United States Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Principi's panel found that pre-2005 studies suggested the veterans' illnesses are neurological and apparently are linked to exposure to neurotoxins, such as the nerve gas sarin, the anti-nerve gas drug pyridostigmine bromide, and pesticides that affect the nervous system. The review committee concluded that "Research studies conducted since the war have consistently indicated that psychiatric illness, combat experience or other deployment-related stressors do not explain Gulf War veterans illnesses in the large majority of
203
Organophosphate pesticides
The use of organophosphate pesticides and insect repellants during the first Gulf War is credited with keeping rates of pest-borne diseases low. Pesticide use is one of only two exposures consistently identified by Gulf War epidemiologic studies to be significantly associated with Gulf War illness.[20] Multisymptom illness profiles similar to Gulf War illness have been associated with low-level pesticide exposures in other human populations. In addition, Gulf War studies have identified dose-response effects, indicating that greater pesticide use is more strongly associated with Gulf War illness than more limited use.[21] Pesticide use during the Gulf War has also been associated with neurocognitive deficits and neuroendocrine alterations in Gulf War veterans in clinical studies conducted following the end of the war. The 2008 report concluded that all available sources of evidence combine to support a consistent and compelling case that pesticide use during the Gulf War is causally associated with Gulf War illness.[8]
Gulf War syndrome troops were exposed to nerve gas and mustard gas when the Iraqi depot in Khamisiyah was destroyed.[26] Recent studies have confirmed earlier suspicions that exposure to sarin, in combination with other contaminants such as pesticides and PB were related to reports of veteran illness. Estimates range from 100,000 to 300,000 individuals exposed to nerve agents.[27] However, while there are suggestions low-level exposure to nerve agents may be responsible for GWS, 2008 RAC report states that "evidence is inconsistent or limited in important ways".[28] Oil well fires During the war, many oil wells were set on fire in Kuwait by the retreating Iraqi army, and the smoke from those fires was inhaled by large numbers of soldiers, many of whom suffered acute pulmonary and other chronic effects, including asthma and bronchitis. However, firefighters who were assigned to the oil well fires and encountered the smoke, but who did not take part in combat, have not had GWI symptoms.[29] The 2008 RAC report states that "evidence [linking oil well fires to GWS] is inconsistent or limited in important ways".[28] Chronic inflammation The 2008 report on Gulf War Illness and the Health of Gulf War Veterans suggested a possible link between GWS and chronic, nonspecific inflammation of the central nervous system that cause pain, fatigue and memory issues, possibly due to pathologically persistent increases in cytokines and suggested further research be conducted on this issue.[30]
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Ruled out
Several potential causes of GWS have been ruled out, including "depleted uranium, anthrax vaccine, fuels, solvents, sand and particulates, infectious diseases, and chemical agent resistant coating".[28] Depleted uranium Depleted uranium (DU) was widely used in tank kinetic energy penetrator and autocannon rounds for the first time in the Gulf War[31] and has been suggested as a possible cause of Gulf War syndrome.[32] A 2008 review by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs found no association between DU exposure and multisymptom illness, concluding that "exposure to DU munitions is not likely a primary cause of Gulf War illness". However there are suggestions that long-term exposure to high doses of DU may cause other health problems unrelated to GWS.[8] in the Balkans war zone where depleted uranium was also used, no GWS-like symptoms or illnesses have been identified, which is seen as evidence of DU munitions' safety.[31] While depleted uranium from shrapnel fragments has been shown to move into neurological tissues, this has not been linked to any adverse effects, and comparisons between veterans
Gulf War syndrome with embedded DU fragments and those without have not found any consistent differences. A group of veterans with high levels of uranium in their urine from embedded particles have been monitored for any adverse health effects of these particles dissolving, and no such effects have been identified.[33] Anthrax vaccine Iraq had loaded anthrax, botulinum toxin, and aflatoxin into missiles and artillery shells in preparing for the Gulf War and that these munitions were deployed to four locations in Iraq.[34] During Operation Desert Storm, 41% of U.S. combat soldiers and 75% of UK combat soldiers were vaccinated against anthrax.[35] Reactions included local skin irritation, some lasting for weeks or months.[36] While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the vaccine, it never went through large scale clinical trials, unlike most other vaccines in the United States.[37] While recent studies have demonstrated the vaccines is highly reactogenic,[38] there is no clear evidence or epidemiological studies on Gulf War veterans linking the vaccine to Gulf War Syndrome. Combining this with the lack of symptoms from current deployments of individuals who have received the vaccine led the Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses to conclude that the vaccine is not a likely cause of Gulf War illness for most ill veterans.[8] Combat stress Research studies conducted since the war have consistently indicated that psychiatric illness, combat experience or other deployment-related stressors do not explain Gulf War veterans illnesses in the large majority of ill veterans, according to a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) review committee. An April 2010 Institute of Medicine review found, "the excess of unexplained medical symptoms reported by deployed [1991] Gulf war veterans cannot be reliably ascribed to any known psychiatric disorder."[12]
205
Diagnosis
Multisymptom illness is more prevalent in Gulf War I veterans than veterans of previous conflicts, but the pattern of comorbidities is similar for actively deployed and nondeployed military personnel.[39]
Epidemiologic research
Epidemiologic studies have been performed evaluating many suspected etiologic factors for Gulf War illness as seen in veteran populations. Below is a summary of epidemiologic studies of veterans displaying multisymptom illness and their exposure to suspect conditions from the 2008 U.S. Veterans Administration report.[40] A fuller understanding of immune function in ill Gulf War veterans is needed, particularly in veteran subgroups with different clinical characteristics and exposure histories. It is also important to determine the extent to which identified immune perturbations may be associated with altered neurological and endocrine processes that are associated with immune regulation.[30] Very limited cancer data have been reported for U.S. Gulf War veterans in general, and no published research on cases occurring after 1999. Because of the extended latency periods associated with most cancers, it is important that cancer information be brought up to date and that cancer rates be assessed in Gulf War veterans on an ongoing basis. In addition, cancer rates should be evaluated in relation to identifiable exposure and location subgroups.[41]
206
Epidemiologic Studies of Gulf War Veterans: Association of Deployment Exposures With Multisymptom Illness Preliminary Analysis (no controls for exposure) GWV population in which association was assessed Pyridostigmine bromide 10 GWV population in which association was statistically significant 9 Adjusted Analysis (controlling for effects of exposure)
[42]
Clinical Evaluations
Associated with neurocognitive and HPA differences in GW vets Associated with neurocognitive and HPA differences in GW vets
Pesticides
10
10
14
13
16
13
Oil Well Fires Number of Vaccines Anthrax Vaccine Tent Heater Exhaust Sand/Particulates Depleted Uranium
9 2
8 2
4 1
2 1
5 5
5 4
2 2
1 1
3 5
3 3
3 1
1 0
Controversy
Similar syndromes have been seen as an after effect of other conflicts for example, 'shell shock' after World War I, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after the Vietnam War. A review of the medical records of 15,000 American Civil War soldiers showed that "those who lost at least 5% of their company had a 51% increased risk of later development of cardiac, gastrointestinal, or nervous disease."[43] A November 1996 article in the New England Journal of Medicine found no difference in death rates, hospitalization rates or self-reported symptoms between Persian Gulf veterans and non-Persian Gulf veterans. This article was a compilation of dozens of individual studies involving tens of thousands of veterans. The study did find a statistically significant elevation in the number of traffic accidents suffered by Gulf War veterans.[44] An April, 1998 article in Emerging Infectious Diseases similarly found no increased rate of hospitalization and better health overall for veterans of the Persian Gulf War vs. Veterans who stayed home.[45] Despite these studies, on November 17, 2008 a congressionally appointed committee called the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses, staffed with independent scientists and veterans appointed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, announced that the syndrome is a distinct physical condition. The committee recommended that Congress increase funding for research on Gulf War veterans' health to at least $60 million per
Gulf War syndrome year.[46] In January 2006, a study led by Melvin Blanchard and published by the Journal of Epidemiology, part of the "National Health Survey of Gulf War-Era Veterans and Their Families", stated that veterans deployed in the Persian Gulf War had nearly twice the prevalence of chronic multisymptom illness, a cluster of symptoms similar to a set of conditions often called Gulf War Syndrome.[47]
207
References
[1] http:/ / www. icd9data. com/ getICD9Code. ashx?icd9=V65. 5 [2] http:/ / www. nlm. nih. gov/ cgi/ mesh/ 2012/ MB_cgi?field=uid& term=D018923 [3] "Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses: Illnesses Associated with Gulf War Service" (http:/ / www. publichealth. va. gov/ exposures/ gulfwar/ associated_illnesses. asp). United States Department of Veterans Affairs. nd. . Retrieved 2012-05-09. [4] Iversen A, Chalder T, Wessely S (October 2007). "Gulf War Illness: lessons from medically unexplained symptoms". Clin Psychol Rev 27 (7): 84254. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2007.07.006. PMID17707114. [5] Gronseth GS (May 2005). "Gulf war syndrome: a toxic exposure? A systematic review". Neurol Clin 23 (2): 52340. doi:10.1016/j.ncl.2004.12.011. PMID15757795. [6] "Gulf War Syndrome" (http:/ / replay. waybackmachine. org/ 20081011144938/ http:/ / www. healthsystem. virginia. edu/ UVAHealth/ adult_environ/ gulf. cfm). University of Virginia. Archived from the original (http:/ / www. healthsystem. virginia. edu/ uvahealth/ adult_environ/ gulf. cfm) on 2008-10-11. . [7] Stencel, C (2010-04-09). "Gulf War Service Linked to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Multisymptom Illness, Other Health Problems, But Causes Are Unclear" (http:/ / www8. nationalacademies. org/ onpinews/ newsitem. aspx?RecordID=12835). National Academy of Sciences. . Retrieved 2012-05-09. [8] Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses (2008-11-01). "Gulf War Illness and the Health of Gulf War Veterans: Scientific Findings and Recommendations" (http:/ / www. va. gov/ gulfwaradvisorycommittee/ docs/ GWIandHealthofGWVeterans_RAC-GWVIReport_2008. pdf) (pdf). U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. . Retrieved 2012-05-09. [9] Li, B.; Mahan, C. M.; Kang, H. K.; Eisen, S. A.; Engel, C. C. (2011). "Longitudinal Health Study of US 1991 Gulf War Veterans: Changes in Health Status at 10-Year Follow-up". American Journal of Epidemiology 174 (7): 761768. doi:10.1093/aje/kwr154. PMID21795757. [10] Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Initiative (2002). "A Guide to Gulf War Veterans' Health" (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20060926215559/ http:/ / www. hanford. gov/ hanford/ files/ VA_GuidetoGulfWarVeteransHealth. pdf). Archived from the original (http:/ / www. hanford. gov/ hanford/ files/ VA_GuidetoGulfWarVeteransHealth. pdf) on 2006-09-26. . [11] Iversen, A.; Chalder, T.; Wessely, S. (2007). "Gulf War Illness: Lessons from medically unexplained symptoms". Clinical Psychology Review 27 (7): 842854. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2007.07.006. PMID17707114. [12] Committee on Gulf War and Health: Health Effects of Serving in the Gulf War. Gulf War and Health, Volume 8 - Update of Health Effects of Serving in the Gulf War. National Academies Press. pp. 109 (http:/ / books. nap. edu/ openbook. php?record_id=12835& page=109). [13] RAC-GWVI Minutes 2005, p.70, This table applies only to coalition forces involved in combat. [14] RAC-GWVI Minutes 2005, p.71 [15] Doyle, P.; MacOnochie, N.; Ryan, M. (2006). "Reproductive health of Gulf War veterans". Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 361 (1468): 571584. doi:10.1098/rstb.2006.1817. PMC1569619. PMID16687262. [16] RAC-GWVI Report 2008, p.40 (PDF p. 50) [17] VA Press Release (http:/ / www. publichealth. va. gov/ exposures/ gulfwar/ announcement. asp) [18] Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses (2004-09-01). "Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses 2004 Report" (http:/ / www. va. gov/ RAC-GWVI/ docs/ Committee_Documents/ ReportandRecommendations_ScientificProgressinUnderstandingGWVI_2004. pdf) (pdf). United States Department of Veterans Affairs. . Retrieved 2012-05-09. [19] "Pyridostigmine bromide use in the First Gulf War" (http:/ / www. pbs. org/ wgbh/ pages/ frontline/ shows/ syndrome/ analysis/ pyribrom. html). PBS Frontline. 1996-12-01. . Retrieved 2012-05-09. [20] Office of the Special Assistant to the Undersecretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) for Gulf War Illnesses Medical Readiness and Military Deployments (2003-04-17). Environmental Exposure Report: Pesticides Final Report. Washington, D.C.: United States Department of Defense. [21] Krengel, M; Sullivan K (2008-08-01). Neuropsychological Functioning in Gulf War Veterans Exposed to Pesticides and Pyridostigmine Bromide (http:/ / www. dtic. mil/ cgi-bin/ GetTRDoc?AD=ADA491742). Fort Detrick, MD: U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command. . Retrieved 2012-05-09. W81XWH-04-1-0118 [22] Friis, Robert H.; Thomas A. Sellers (2004). Epidemiology for Public Health Practice. Jones & Bartlett Publishers. ISBN0-7637-3170-6. [23] Spektor, Dalia M.; Richard A. Rettig, Lee H. Hilborne, Beatrice Alexandra Golomb, Grant N. Marshall, L. M. Davis, Cathy Donald Sherbourne, Naomi H. Harley, William S. Augerson, Gary Cecchine, United States Dept. of Defense (1998). A Review of the Scientific Literature as it Pertains to Gulf War Illnesses. RAND Corporation. ISBN0-8330-2680-1. [24] "Campaigners hail 'nerve gas link' to Gulf War Syndrome" (http:/ / www. scotsman. com/ news/ uk/ campaigners_hail_nerve_gas_link_to_gulf_war_syndrome_1_1046500). Edinburgh: News.scotsman.com. November 13, 2004. . Retrieved November 24, 2009.
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External links
Gulf War syndrome (http://www.dmoz.org/Society/Military/Veterans/Issues/Health/Gulf_War_Illness//) at the Open Directory Project
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Homelessness
Homelessness describes the condition of people without a regular dwelling. People who are homeless are most often unable to acquire and maintain regular, safe, secure, and adequate housing, or lack "fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence."[1] The legal definition of "homeless" varies from country to country, or among different entities or institutions in the same country or region.[2] The term homeless may also include people whose primary night-time residence is in a homeless shelter, a warming center, a domestic violence shelter, cardboard boxes or other ad hoc housing situation. American Government homeless enumeration studies[3][4] also include persons who sleep in a public or private place not designed for use as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.[5][6]
Children sleeping in Mulberry Street Jacob Riis photo New York, United States of America (1890)
An estimated 100 million people worldwide were homeless in 2005.[7] In western countries the large majority of homeless are men (75-80%), with single males particularly overrepresented.[8][9][10] In America, LGBT people are over-represented among homeless youth, at 40%.[11]
Homelessness homeless children and youths that will be using the educational programs, this change accrued in 2002. Congress later, in 2009, enacted the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition Housing Act, also known as The HEARTH Act. This broadened the general definition of homelessness and gave more consideration to help given to those who are considered homeless. Once again in 2011 HUD issued a final rule to implement changes to the definition of homeless in the HEARTH Act. The implemented rule expands who is eligible for HUD funded homeless assistance programs. (Cackley, A. P)
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Homelessness
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History
Modern
In the modern world, money was invented, building became specialized, and electric wiring and plumbing added to the cost of homes. Today, few people know how to build. Specialization increases demand and price, which raises the cost of living. Building laws, codes, ordinaces, and zoning limits may make home ownership even more expensive. In many places, houses without electricity and plumbing, or without foundations, are banned as substandard. These A homeless mother and her children in the street. same homes were legal in the past. The industrial revolution caused a great migration from the rural areas to urban areas. Urban areas often have more complex building codes to handle the denser populations in modern cities. City ordinances coupled with higher land prices may make housing even more expensive in such urban areas.
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The growing movement toward social concern sparked the development of rescue missions, such as America's first rescue mission, the New York City Rescue Mission, founded in 1872 by Jerry and Maria McAuley.[26][27]
In smaller towns, there were hobos, who temporarily lived near train tracks and hopped onto trains to various destinations. Especially following the American Civil War, a large number of homeless men formed part of a counterculture known as "hobohemia" all over America. This phenomenon re-surged in the 1930s during and after the Great Depression.[28][29] Early 20th century How the Other Half Lives later inspired Jack London's The People of the Abyss (1903). This raised public awareness, causing some changes in building codes and some social conditions. These were later replaced by dormitory housing ("spikes") provided by local boroughs, and these were researched by the writer George Orwell. By the 1930s in England, there were 30,000 people living in these facilities. In 1933, George Orwell wrote about poverty in London and Paris, in his book Down and Out in Paris and London. In general, in most countries, many towns and cities had an area which contained the poor, transients, and afflicted, such as a "skid row". In New York City, for example, there was an area known as "the Bowery", traditionally, where alcoholics were to be found sleeping on the streets, bottle in hand. The Great Depression of the 1930s caused a devastating epidemic of poverty, hunger, and homelessness. There were two million homeless people migrating across the United States.[30]
Food line at the Yonge Street Mission, 381 Yonge Street, Toronto, Canada in the 1930s.
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In the 1960s, the nature and growing problem of homelessness changed in England as public concern grew. The number of people living "rough" in the streets had increased dramatically. However, beginning with the Conservative administration's Rough Sleeper Initiative, the number of people sleeping rough in London fell dramatically. This initiative was supported further by the incoming Labour administration from 2009 onwards with the publication of the 'Coming in from the Cold' strategy published by the Rough Sleepers Unit, which proposed and delivered a massive increase in the number of hostel bed spaces in the capital and an increase in funding for street outreach teams, who work with rough sleepers to enable them to access services.[31] Later 20th century
Although The Bowery once was synonymous with homelessness, it has since become an avenue of high-priced luxury condominiums that jockey for space with its past.
Modern homelessness started as a result of economic stresses in society and reductions in the availability of affordable housing such as single room occupancies (SROs) for poorer people. In the United States, in the 1970s, the deinstitutionalisation of patients from state psychiatric hospitals was a precipitating factor which seeded the homeless population, especially in urban areas such as New York City.[32] The Community Mental Health Act of 1963 was a predisposing factor in setting the stage for homelessness in the United States.[33] Long term psychiatric patients were released from state hospitals into SROs and supposed to be sent to community mental health centers for treatment and follow-up. It never quite worked out properly, the community mental health centers mostly did not materialize, and this population largely was found living in the streets soon thereafter with no sustainable support system.[34][35] Also, as real estate prices and neighborhood pressure increased to move these people out of their areas, the SROs diminished in number, putting most of their residents in the streets. Other populations were mixed in later, such as people losing their homes for economic reasons, and those with addictions (although alcoholic hobos had been visible as homeless people since the 1890s, and those stereotypes fueled public perceptions of homeless people in general), the elderly, and others. Many places where people were once allowed freely to loiter, or purposefully be present, such as churches, public libraries and atriums, became stricter as the homeless population grew larger and increasingly congregated in these places. As a result, many churches closed their doors when services were not being held, libraries began enforcing "no eyes shut" and sometimes dress codes, and most places hired private security guards to carry out these policies, creating a social tension. Many public toilets were closed. This banished the homeless population to sidewalks, parks, under bridges, and the like. They also lived in the subway and railroad tunnels in New York City. They seemingly became socially invisible, which was the apparent effect of many of the enforcement policies. The homeless shelters, which were generally night shelters, made people leave in the morning to whatever they could manage and return in the evening when the beds in the shelters opened up again for sleeping. There were some daytime shelters where people could go, instead of being stranded on the streets, and they could be helped, get counseling, avail themselves of resources, meals, and otherwise spend their day until returning to their overnight sleeping arrangements. An example of such a day center shelter model is Saint Francis House in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in the early 1980s, which opens for homeless people all year long during the daytime hours and was originally based on the settlement house model.[36]
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Many homeless keep all their possessions with them because they have no access to storage. There was also the reality of the "bag" people, the shopping cart people, and the soda can collectors (known as binners or dumpster divers) who sort through garbage to find items to sell, trade and eat. These people carry around all of their possessions with them all the time because they have no place to store them. If they had no access to or capability to get to a shelter and possible bathing, or access to toilets and laundry facilities, their hygiene was lacking. This again created social tensions in public places.
These conditions created an upsurge in tuberculosis and other diseases in urban areas.[37][38][39] In 1974, Kip Tiernan founded Rosie's Place in Boston, the first drop-in and emergency shelter for women in the United States, in response to the increasing numbers of needy women throughout the country. In 1979, a New York City lawyer, Robert Hayes, brought a class action suit before the courts, Callahan v. Carey, against the City and State, arguing for a person's state constitutional "right to shelter". It was settled as a consent decree in August 1981. The City and State agreed to provide board and shelter to all homeless men who met the need standard for welfare or who were homeless by certain other standards. By 1983 this right was extended to homeless women. By the mid-1980s, there was also a dramatic increase in family homelessness. Tied into this was an increasing number of impoverished and runaway children, teenagers, and young adults, which created a new sub-stratum of the homeless population (street children or street youth).[40][41][42] Also, in the 1980s, in the United States, some federal legislation was introduced on homelessness as a result of the work of Congressman Stewart B. McKinney. In 1987, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act was enacted.
Several organizations in some cities, such as New York and Boston, tried to be inventive about help to the swelling number of homeless people. In New York City, for example, in 1989, a street newspaper was created called "Street News" which put some homeless to work, some writing, producing, and mostly selling the paper on streets and trains.[43]It was written pro bono by a combination of homeless, celebrities, and established writers. In 1991, in England, a street newspaper, following on the New York model was established, called The Big Issue and was published weekly.[44] Its circulation grew to 300,000. Chicago has StreetWise which has the second largest circulation of its kind in the United States, 30,000. Boston has a Spare Change News newspaper, founded in 1992 by a small group of homeless people in Boston, built on the same model as the others: homeless helping themselves.[45] San Francisco, California has a monthly Street Sheet newspaper, founded in 1989. Seattle has Real Change, a $1 newsletter that aims to directly benefits homeless people and also reports on economic issues in the area. Portland, Oregon has Street Roots, with articles and poetry by homeless writers, sold on the street for a dollar. More recently, Street Sense, in Washington, D.C. has gained a lot of popularity and helped many make the move out of homelessness. Students in Baltimore, MD have opened a satellite office for that street paper as well.[46] Trends in homelessness are closely tied to neighborhood conditions according to a report by the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation in 1990.[47]
Homelessness Twenty-first century In 2002, research showed that children and families were the largest growing segment of the homeless population in the United States,[48][49] and this has presented new challenges, especially in services, to agencies. Some trends involving the plight of homeless people have provoked some thought, reflection and debate. One such phenomenon is paid physical advertising, colloquially known as "sandwich board men"[50][51] and another specific type as "Bumvertising". Another trend is the side-effect of unpaid free advertising of companies and organizations on shirts, clothing and bags, to be worn by homeless and poor people, given out and donated by companies to homeless shelters and charitable organizations for otherwise altruistic purposes. These trends are reminiscent of the "sandwich board signs" carried by poor people in the time of Charles Dickens in the Victorian 19th century in England[52] and later during the Great Depression in the United States in the 1930s.
Sleeping homeless person in the corner of In the USA, the government asked many major cities to come up with Cologne Cathedral, Germany, 2010 a ten year plan to end homelessness. One of the results of this was a "Housing first" solution, rather than to have a homeless person remain in an emergency homeless shelter it was thought to be better to quickly get the person permanent housing of some sort and the necessary support services to sustain a new home. But there are many complications of this kind of program and these must be dealt with to make such an initiative work successfully in the middle to long term.[53][54]
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Some formerly homeless people, who were finally able to obtain housing and other assets which helped to return to a normal lifestyle, have donated money and volunteer services to the organizations that provided aid to them during their homelessness.[55] Alternatively, some social service entities that help homeless people now employ formerly homeless individuals to assist in the care process. Homelessness has migrated toward rural and suburban areas. The number of homeless people has not changed dramatically but the number of homeless families has increased according to a report of HUD.[57] The United States Congress appropriated $25 million in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants for 2008 to show the effectiveness of Rapid Re-housing programs in reducing family homelessness.[58][59][60] In February 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, part of which addressed homelessness Homeless children in the United States. prevention, allocating $1.5 billion for a Homeless Prevention Fund. The funding for it was called the "Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program" (HPRP), and was distributed using the formula for the Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) program.[61]
[56]
On May 20, 2009, President Obama signed the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act into Public Law (Public Law 111-22 or "PL 111-22"), reauthorizing HUD's Homeless Assistance programs. It was part of the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009. The HEARTH act allows for the prevention of homelessness, rapid re-housing, consolidation of housing programs, and new homeless categories. In
Homelessness the eighteen months after the bill's signing, HUD must make regulations implementing this new McKinney program.[62][63] In late 2009, some homeless advocacy organizations, such as the National Coalition for the Homeless, reported and published perceived problems with the HEARTH Act of 2009 as a HUD McKinney-Vento Reauthorization bill, especially with regard to privacy, definitional ineligibility, community roles, and restrictions on eligible activities.[64]
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Abuse by government or by other people with power. War or armed conflict. Natural disasters Mental disorder,[72] where mental health services are unavailable or difficult to access. A United States Federal survey done in 2005 indicated that at least one-third of homeless men and women have serious psychiatric disorders or problems.[73] Disability, especially where disability services are non-existent or poor performing. Social exclusion, including because of sexual orientation and gender identity[74] Substance abuse Lack of affordable housing. By way of example, an article in the November 2007 issue of Atlantic Monthly reported on a study of the cost of obtaining the "right to build" (i.e. a building permit, red tape, bureaucracy, etc.) in different U.S. cities. The "right to build" cost does not include the cost of the land or the cost of constructing the house. The study was conducted by Harvard economists Edward Glaeser and Kristina Tobio. According to the chart accompanying the article, the cost of obtaining the "right to build" adds approximately $600,000 to the cost of each new house that is built in San Francisco.[75]
Domestic violence. Relationship breakdown, particularly in relation to young people and their parents.[76] Prison release and re-entry into society. Disasters, including but not limited to earthquakes and hurricanes.[77]
Homeless veteran in New York
Forced eviction In many countries, people lose their homes by government order to make way for newer upscale high rise buildings, roadways, and other governmental needs.[78] The compensation may be minimal, in which case the former occupants cannot find appropriate new housing and become homeless. Mortgage foreclosures where mortgage holders see the best solution to a loan default is to take and sell the house to pay off the debt. The popular press made an issue of this in 2008.[79] Foreclosures on landlords often lead to eviction of their tenants. "The Sarasota, Florida, Herald Tribune noted that, by some estimates, more than 311,000 tenants nationwide have been evicted from homes this year after lenders took over the properties."[80] A substantial percentage of the U.S. homeless population are individuals who are chronically unemployed or have difficulty managing their lives effectively due to prolonged and severe drug and/or alcohol abuse.[81] Substance
Homelessness abuse can cause homelessness from behavioral patterns associated with addiction that alienate an addicted individual's family and friends who could otherwise provide support during difficult economic times. Increased wealth disparity and income inequality causes distortions in the housing market that push rent burdens higher, making housing unaffordable.[82] Dr. Paul Koegel of RAND Corporation, a seminal researcher in first generation homelessness studies and beyond, divided the causes of homelessness into structural aspects and then individual vulnerabilities.[71]
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Demographics
In western countries such as the United States, the typical homeless person is male and single,[83] with the Netherlands reporting 80% of homeless people aged 1865 to be men. Some cities have particularly high percentages of males in homeless populations, with men comprising 85% of the homeless in Dublin.[84] Ethnic minorities are also overrepresented in homeless populations, with such groups two and half times more likely to be homeless in the US. The median age of homeless people is approximately 35.[85]
There is sometimes corruption and theft by the employees of a shelter as evidenced by a 2011 investigative report by FOX 25 TV in Boston wherein a number of Boston public shelter employees were found stealing large amounts of food over a period of time from the shelter's kitchen for their private use and catering.[87][88] Homelessness is a risk factor for depression caused by prejudice (i.e. "deprejudice"). When someone is prejudiced against people who are homeless and then becomes homeless themselves, their anti-homelessness prejudice turns inward, causing depression. "Mental disorders, physical disability, homelessness, and having a sexually transmitted infection are all stigmatized statuses someone can gain despite having negative stereotypes about those groups. [89]
Homelessness Violent crimes against homeless people There have been many violent crimes committed against people who are homeless.[90] A 2007 study found that the rate of such crimes is increasing.[91][92]
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Social supports
While some homeless people are known to have community with one another,[95] providing each other various types of support,[96] people who are not homeless also may provide them friendship, food, relational care, and other forms of assistance. Such social supports may be done through a formal process, such as under the auspices of a non-governmental organization, religious organization, or homeless ministry, or may be done on an individual basis.
Income sources
Many non-profit organizations such as Goodwill Industries maintain a mission to "provide skill development and work opportunities to people with barriers to employment", though most of these organizations are not primarily geared toward homeless individuals. Many cities also have street newspapers or magazines: publications designed to provide employment opportunity to homeless people or others in need by street sale. While some homeless have paying jobs, some must seek other methods to make money. Begging or panhandling is one option, but is becoming increasingly illegal in many cities. Despite the stereotype, not all homeless people panhandle, and not all panhandlers are homeless.[97][98] Another option is busking: performing tricks, playing music, drawing on the sidewalk, or offering some other form of entertainment in exchange for donations. In cities where plasmapheresis centers still exist, homeless people may generate income through frequent visits to these centers.
Homeless people have been known to commit crimes just to be sent to jail or prison for food and shelter. In police slang, this is called "three hots and a cot" referring to the three hot daily meals and a cot to sleep on given to prisoners. Invented in 2005, in Seattle, Bumvertising, an informal system of hiring homeless people to advertise by a young entrepreneur, is providing food, money, and bottles of water to sign-holding homeless in the Northwest. Homeless advocates accuse the founder, Ben Rogovy, and the process, of exploiting the poor and take particular offense to the
Homelessness use of the word "bum" which is generally considered pejorative.[99][100] In October 2009, the Boston Globe carried a story on so-called cyberbegging, or Internet begging, which was reported to be a new trend worldwide.[101]
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Australia
In Australia the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) is a joint Commonwealth and state government program which provides funding for more than 1,200 organisations which are aimed to assist homeless people or those in danger of becoming homeless, as well as women and children escaping domestic violence [102]. They provide accommodation such as refuges, shelters and half-way houses, and offer a range of supported services. The Commonwealth has assigned over $800 million between 20002005 for the continuation of SAAP. The current program, governed by the Supported Assistance Act 1994, specifies that "the overall aim of SAAP is to provide transitional supported accommodation and related support services, in order to help people who are homeless to achieve the maximum possible degree of self-reliance and independence. This legislation has been established to help the homeless people of the nation and help rebuild the lives of those in need, the joining of the states also helps enhance the meaning of the legislation and demonstrates the collaboration of the states and their desire to improve the nation as best they can.
United States
Housing First is an initiative to help homeless people reintegrate into society, and out of homeless shelters. It was initiated by the federal government's Interagency Council on Homelessness. It asks cities to come up with a plan to end chronic homelessness. In this direction, there is the belief that if homeless people are given independent housing to start, with some proper social supports, then there would be no need for emergency homeless shelters, which it considers a good outcome. However this is a controversial position.[103][104]
Helping the homeless
Miami, Florida's Community Partnership for Homeless launched a national outreach program in 2008 to help other communities throughout the United States address homelessness. Since its inception in 1993, CPH has served nearly 76,000 residents with a successful outplacement rate of nearly 62 percent in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The number of homeless people in the county has declined by 83 percent. The national program shares CPH's model of Homeless Assistance Centers, job training programs, on-site childcare, housing assistance and more. The organization also provides background on its unique funding structure and partnerships within the community.[105] Carrfour Supportive Housing [106], a nonprofit organization established in 1993 by the Homeless Committee of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce develops, operates and manages innovative housing communities for individuals and families in need through a unique approach combining affordable housing with comprehensive, on-site supportive services. As the leading not-for-profit provider of supportive housing in Florida, Carrfour has supplied homes for more than 10,000 formerly homeless men, women and children since its founding. In Boston, Massachusetts, in September 2007, an outreach to homeless people was established in the Boston Common, after some arrests and shootings, and in anticipation of the cold winter ahead. This outreach targets homeless people who would normally spend their sleeping time on the Boston Common, and tries to get them into housing, trying to skip the step of an emergency shelter. Applications for Boston Housing Authority were being handed out and filled out and submitted. This is an attempt to enact by outreach the Housing First initiative, federally mandated. Boston's Mayor, Thomas Menino, was quoted as saying "The solution to homelessness is permanent housing". Still, this is a very controversial strategy, especially if
Homelessness the people are not able to sustain a house with proper community, health, substance counseling, and mental health supportive programs.[107] In October 2009, as part of the city's Leading the Way initiative, Mayor Thomas M. Menino of Boston dedicated and opened the Weintraub Day Center which is the first city-operated day center for chronically homeless persons. It is a multi-service center, providing shelter, counseling, healthcare, housing assistance, and other support services. It is a 3,400-square-foot (320m2) facility located in the Woods Mullen Shelter. It is also meant to reduce the strain on the city's hospital emergency rooms by providing services and identifying health problems before they escalate into emergencies. It was funded by $3 million in grants from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), the Massachusetts Medical Society and Alliance Charitable Foundation,[108] and the United States Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).[109] In 2010 in New York City, where there were over 36,000 homeless people in 2009,[110] there was a mobile video exhibit in the streets showing a homeless person on a screen and asking onlookers and passersby to text with their cellphones a message for him, and they also could donate money by cellphones to the organization Pathways to Housing.[111][112] In September 2010, it was reported that the Housing First Initiative had significantly reduced the chronic homeless single person population in Boston, Massachusetts, although homeless families were still increasing in number. Some shelters were reducing the number of beds due to lowered numbers of homeless, and some emergency shelter facilities were closing, especially the emergency Boston Night Center.[113] In 2011, the Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive Services for Veterans Families Initiative, SSVF, began funding private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives to provide supportive services to very low-income Veteran families living in or transitioning to permanent housing. Supportive Services for Veteran Families [114] [115]
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Shantytowns: Ad hoc dwelling sites of improvised shelters and shacks, usually near rail yards, interstates and high transportation veins. Some shanty towns have interstitial tenting areas, but the predominant feature consists of the hard structures. Each pad of site tends to accumulate roofing, sheathing, plywood, and nailed two by fours. Derelict structures: abandoned or condemned buildings Squatting in an unoccupied house where a homeless person may live without payment and without the owner's knowledge or permission. Vehicles: cars or trucks are used as a temporary or sometimes long-term living refuge, for example by those recently evicted from a home. Some people live in school buses, vans, sport utility vehicles, covered pick-up trucks, station wagons, sedans, or hatchbacks . Many cities now have safe parking programs in which lawful sites
Homelessness are permitted at churches or in out of the way places. For example, because it is illegal to park on the streets in Santa Barbara, the New Beginnings Counseling Center worked with the city to make parking lots available to accommodate homeless people.[116] The struggling singer-songwriter named Paleo lived out of his car for five years while writing songs and touring.[117] Public places: Parks, bus or train stations, public libraries, airports, public transportation vehicles (by continual riding where unlimited passes are available), hospital lobbies or waiting areas, college campuses, and 24-hour businesses such as coffee shops. Many public places use security guards or police to prevent people from loitering or sleeping at these locations for a variety of reasons, including image, safety, and comfort.[118][119] Homeless shelters: such as emergency cold-weather shelters opened by churches or community agencies, which may consist of cots in a heated warehouse, or temporary Christmas Shelters. More elaborate homeless shelters such as Pinellas Hope in Florida provide their residents with a recreation tent, a dining tent, laundry facilities, outdoor tents, casitas, and shuttle services that help inhabitants get to their jobs every day.[116] Inexpensive boarding houses: Also called flophouses, they offer cheap, low-quality temporary lodging. Residential hotels, where a bed as opposed to an entire room can be rented cheaply in a dorm-like environment.
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Inexpensive motels also offer cheap, low-quality temporary lodging. However, some who can afford housing live in a motel by choice. For example, David and Jean Davidson spent 22 years at a UK Travelodge.[120] 24-hour Internet cafes are now used by over 5,000 Japanese "Net cafe refugees". An estimated 75% of Japan's 3,200 all-night internet cafes cater to regular overnight guests, who in some cases have become their main source of income.[121] Friends or family: Temporarily sleeping in dwellings of friends or family members ("couch surfing"). Couch surfers may be harder to recognize than street homeless people[122] Underground tunnels such as abandoned subway, maintenance, or train tunnels are popular among the permanent homeless.[123][124] The inhabitants of such refuges are called in some places, like New York City, "Mole People". Natural caves beneath urban centers allow for places where people can congregate. Leaking water pipes, electric wires, and steam pipes allow for some of the essentials of living.
Homeless people are more likely to suffer injuries and medical problems from their lifestyle on the street, which includes poor nutrition, exposure to the severe elements of weather, and a higher exposure to violence (robberies, beatings, and so on). Yet at the same time, they have little access to public medical services or clinics.[137] There are significant challenges in treating homeless people who have psychiatric disorders, because clinical appointments may not be kept, their continuing whereabouts are unknown, their medicines are not taken and monitored, medical and psychiatric histories are not accurate, and for other reasons. Because many homeless people have mental illnesses, this has presented a crisis in care.[72][138][139] Homeless persons often find it difficult to document their date of birth or their address. Because homeless people usually have no place to store possessions, they often lose their belongings, including their identification and other documents, or find them destroyed by police or others. Without a photo ID, homeless persons cannot get a job or access many social services. They can be denied access to even the most basic assistance: clothing closets, food pantries, certain public benefits, and in some cases, emergency shelters.
Homelessness Obtaining replacement identification is difficult. Without an address, birth certificates cannot be mailed. Fees may be cost-prohibitive for impoverished persons. And some states will not issue birth certificates unless the person has photo identification, creating a Catch-22.[140] This problem is far less acute in countries which provide free-at-use health care, such as the UK, where hospitals are open-access day and night, and make no charges for treatment. In the US, free-care clinics, for homeless and other people, do exist in major cities, but they often attract more demand than they can meet.[141] The conditions affecting homeless people are somewhat specialized and have opened a new area of medicine tailored to this population. Skin conditions, including Scabies, are common because homeless people are exposed to extreme cold in the winter and they have little access to bathing facilities. They have problems caring for their feet[142] and have more severe dental problems than the general population.[143] Diabetes, especially untreated, is widespread in the homeless population.[144] Specialized medical textbooks have been written to address this for providers.[145] There are many organizations providing free care to homeless people in countries which do not offer free medical treatment organised by the state, but the services are in great demand given the limited number of medical practitioners. For example, it might take months to get a minimal dental appointment in a free-care clinic. Communicable diseases are of great concern, especially tuberculosis, which spreads more easily in crowded homeless shelters in high density urban settings.[146] There has been an ongoing concern and studies about the health and wellness of the older homeless population, typically ages fifty to sixty four years of age, and even older, as to whether they are significantly more sickly than their younger counterparts and if they are under-served.[147][148] In 1999, Dr. Susan Barrow of the Columbia University Center for Homelessness Prevention Studies reported in a study that the "age-adjusted death rates of homeless men and women were 4 times those of the general US population and 2 to 3 times those of the general population of New York City".[149] In 2004, Boston Health Care for the Homeless in conjunction with the National Health Care for the Homeless Council published a medical manual called "The Health Care of Homeless Persons", edited by James J. O'Connell, M.D., specifically for the treatment of the homeless population.[150] In June 2008, in Boston, Massachusetts, the Jean Yawkey Place, a four-story, 77,653-square-foot (7,214.2m2) building, was opened by the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. It is an entire full service building on the Boston Medical Center campus dedicated to providing health care for homeless people. It also contains a long term care facility, the Barbara McInnis House, which expanded to 104 beds, which is the first and largest medical respite program for homeless people in the United States.[151][152][153] A 2011 study led by Dr. Rebecca T. Brown in Boston, Massachusetts conducted by the Institute for Aging Research (an affiliate of Harvard Medical School), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program found the elderly homeless population had "higher rates of geriatric syndromes, including functional decline, falls, frailty and depression, than seniors in the general population and that many of these conditions may be easily treated if detected". The report was published in the Journal of Geriatric Internal Medicine.[154] A report commissioned by homeless charity Crisis in 2011 found that on average homeless people have a life expectancy of 47 years, 30 years younger than the rest of the population.[155]
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Homelessness Actually determining and counting the number of homeless is very difficult in general due to their lifestyle habits.[162][163] There are so-called "hidden homeless" out of sight of the normal population and perhaps staying on private property.[164] Various countries, states, and cities have come up with differing means and techniques to calculate an approximate count. For example, a one night "homeless census count", called a point-in-time (PIT) count, usually held in the early Winter, for the year, is a technique used by a number of American cities, especially Boston, Massachusetts.[165][166][167] Los Angeles, California uses a mixed set of techniques for counting, including the PIT street count.[164][168] In 2003, The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) had begun requiring a PIT count in all "Continuum of Care" communities which required them to report the count of people, housing status, and geographic locations of individuals counted. Some communities will give sub-population information to the PIT, such as information on veterans, youth, and elderly individuals as done in Boston.[169]
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Australia: On census night in 2006 there were 105,000 people homeless across Australia, an increase from the 99,900 Australians who were counted as homeless in the 2001 census[172] United States[173]: According to HUD's July 2010 5th Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, in a single night in January 2010, single point analysis reported to HUD showed there were 649,917 people experiencing homelessness. This number has increased from January 2009s 643,067. The unsheltered count increased by 2.8 percent while the sheltered count remained the same. Also, HUD reported the number of chronically homeless people (persons with severe disabilities and long homeless histories) decreased one percent between 2009 and 2010, from 110,917 to 109,812. Since 2007 this number has decreased by eleven percent. This is mostly due to the expansion of permanent
Homelessness supportive housing programs. The change in the numbers has happened due to the prevalence of homelessness in local communities rather than other changes. According to HUDs July 2010 Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, more than 1.59 million people spent at least one night in an emergency shelter or transitional housing program during 2010 reporting period, this is a 2.2 percent increase from 2009. Most users of homeless shelters used only emergency shelter, while 17 percent used only transitional housing and less than 5 percent used both during the reporting period. Since 2007 the annual number of those using homeless shelters in cities has decreased from 1.22 million to 1.02 million. That is a 17 percent decrease. The number of those using homeless shelters in suburban and rural areas has increased 57 percent from 367,000 to 576,00[174] Japan: 20,000100,000 (some figures put it at 200,000400,000)[175] Reports show that homelessness is on the rise in Japan since the mid-1990s.[176] There are more homeless men than homeless women in Japan because it is usually easier for women to get a job and they are less isolated than men. Also Japanese families usually provide more support for women than they do for men.[177]
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The United Nations, United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat) wrote in its Global Report on Human Settlements in 1995: "Homelessness is a problem in developed as well as in developing countries. In London, for example, life expectancy among homeless people is more than 25 years lower than the national average. Poor urban housing conditions are a global problem, but conditions are worst in developing countries. Habitat says that today 600 million people live in life- and health-threatening homes in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The threat of mass homelessness is greatest in those regions because that is where population is growing fastest. By 2015, the 10 largest cities in the world will be in Asia, Latin America and Africa. Nine of them will be in developing countries: Mumbai, India 27.4 million; Lagos, Nigeria 24.4; Shanghai, China 23.4; Jakarta, Indonesia 21.2; So Paulo, Brazil 20.8; Karachi, Pakistan 20.6; Beijing, China 19.4; Dhaka, Bangladesh 19; Mexico City, Mexico 18.8. The only city in a developed country that will be in the top ten is Tokyo, Japan 28.7 million."[184] In 2008, Dr. Anna Tibaijuka, Executive Director of UN-HABITAT, referring to the recent report "State of the World's Cities Report 2008/2009",[185] said that the world economic crisis we are in should be viewed as a "housing finance crisis" in which the poorest of poor were left to fend for themselves.[186]
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Homelessness by country
Homelessness in Australia Homelessness in Canada Homelessness in England Homelessness in Iraq Homelessness in Israel Homelessness in Japan Homelessness in Scotland Homelessness in the United States - The number of homeless people grew in the 1980s, as welfare cuts increased.[187]
Tent city next to high-rise commercial buildings
In Sweden, homelessness should not exist, since the municipalities in Kochi, India. (2007) are required to provide a home to any citizen who does not have one. However, the landlords and leaseors have the right to select guests among applicants. Owners (including municipality owned) avoid homeless people, unemployed people or people with a bad credit score. People who cannot pay their rent, will be evicted, including families with small children. In 2009, 618 children were evicted.[188] In cities with lack of housing, the only availability for homeless are usually shelters, usually privately owned, often of bad quality, for which municipalities pay. In Finland the municipalities are required by law to offer apartments or shelters to every Finnish citizen who does not have a residence. In 2007 the centre-right government of Matti Vanhanen began a special program of four wise men modelled after US-originated Housing First policy to eliminate homelessness in Finland by 2015.[189][190] In Italy, the growing number of homeless in Rome in 2010 was estimated at 7000. One third of these are thought to be political refugees and asylum seekers.
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Beyond homelessness
Transitional housing Transitional Housing provides temporary housing for the certain segments of the homeless population, including working homeless, and is set up to transition their residents into permanent, affordable housing. It's not in an emergency homeless shelter but usually a room or apartment in a residence with support services. The transitional time can be short, for example one or two years, and in that time the person must file for and get permanent housing and usually some gainful employment or income, even if Social Security or assistance. Sometimes, the transitional housing residence program charges a room and board fee, maybe 30% of an individual's income, which is sometimes partially or fully refunded after the person procures a permanent place to live in. In the USA, federal funding for transitional housing programs was originally allocated in the McKinneyVento Homeless Assistance Act of 1986.[192][193][194] Supportive housing Supportive housing is a combination of housing and services intended as a cost-effective way to help people live more stable, productive lives. Supportive housing works well for those who face the most complex challengesindividuals and families confronted with homelessness and who also have very low incomes and/or serious, persistent issues that may include substance abuse, addiction or alcoholism, mental illness, HIV/AIDS, or other serious challenges to a successful life. Pedestrian villages In 2007 urban designer and social theorist Michael E. Arth proposed a controversial national solution for homelessness that would involve building nearly carfree "Pedestrian Villages" in place of what he terms "the current band-aid approach to the problem."[195] A prototype, Tiger Bay Village, was proposed for near Daytona Beach, FL. He claims that this would be superior for treating the psychological as well as psychiatric needs of both temporarily and permanently homeless adults, and would cost less than the current approach. It would also provide a lower cost alternative to jail, and provide a half-way station for those getting out of prison. Work opportunities, including construction and maintenance of the villages, as well as the creation of work force agencies would help make the villages financially and socially viable.[196][197][198]
References
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[37] Centers for Disease Control, "Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis Among Homeless Persons : Recommendations of the Advisory Council for the Elimination of Tuberculosis" (http:/ / www. cdc. gov/ mmwr/ preview/ mmwrhtml/ 00019922. htm), April 17, 1992 / 41(RR-5);001. [38] Slutkin G. Management of tuberculosis in urban homeless indigents. Public Health Rep 1986;101(5):481485. 17. [39] McAdam J, Brickner PW, Glicksman R, Edwards D, Fallon B, Yanowitch P. Tuberculosis in the SRO/homeless population. In: Brickner PW, Scharer LK, Conanan B, Elvy A, Savarese M, eds. Health care of homeless people. New York: Springer, 1985:155175. 18. [40] Tull, Tanya, "Beyond Shelter: Testimony of Tanya Tull, President/CEO Before the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunities House Committee on Financial Services March 28, 2009" (http:/ / wiki. nlchp. org/ download/ attachments/ 7438857/ TANYA+ TULL+ TESTIMONY-Maxine+ Waters+ Hearing. doc?version=1& modificationDate=1239895515000) [41] Nunez, Ralph, "Family Homelessness in New York City: A Case Study" (http:/ / www. jstor. org/ stable/ 798021), Political Science Quarterly, Vol. 116, No. 3 (Autumn, 2001), pp. 367379, The Academy of Political Science. [42] Gray, Steven, "Report Says 1 in 50 U.S. Kids Is Homeless" (http:/ / www. time. com/ time/ nation/ article/ 0,8599,1883966,00. html), Time magazine, Tuesday, Mar. 10, 2009 [43] Harman, Dana, "Read all about it: street papers flourish across the US", The Christian Science Monitor, November 17, 2003. (http:/ / www. csmonitor. com/ 2003/ 1117/ p13s01-lihc. htm) [44] The Big Issue (http:/ / www. bigissue. com/ ) [45] Jefferson, David J. (March 11, 2010). "Spare Change's Most Insidious Myths" (http:/ / sparechangenews. net/ news/ spare-changes-most-insidious-myths). Spare Change News (Cambridge, Massachusetts: Homeless Empowerment Project). . [46] Street Sense website (http:/ / www. streetsense. org/ ) [47] Families on the move: Breaking the cycle of homelessness.,Notkin, S., Rosenthal, B., & Hopper, K., New York: Edna McConnell Clark Foundation Ken Burnett, 1990 [48] FACS, "Homeless Children, Poverty, Faith and Community: Understanding and Reporting the Local Story", March 26, 2002 Akron, Ohio. (http:/ / www. facsnet. org/ edu/ progs/ family_03-26-02. php3) [49] National Coalition for the Homeless, "Homeless Youth" 2005 (http:/ / www. nationalhomeless. org/ publications/ facts/ youth. pdf)PDF(164KB) [50] Schreiber Cindy, "Sandwich men bring in the bread and butter", Columbia (University) News Service, May 8, 2002. (http:/ / www. jrn. columbia. edu/ studentwork/ cns/ 2002-05-08/ syndication/ ) [51] Associated Press and CNN, "Pizza company hires homeless to hold ads", Tuesday, June 17, 2003. (http:/ / www. cnn. com/ 2003/ US/ West/ 06/ 17/ offbeat. pizza. ap/ ) [52] Victorian London site, "Sandwich Men" (http:/ / www. victorianlondon. org/ advertising/ sandwichmen. htm) [53] Abel, David, "For the homeless, keys to a home: Large-scale effort to keep many off street faces hurdles" (http:/ / www. boston. com/ news/ local/ articles/ 2008/ 02/ 24/ for_the_homeless_keys_to_a_home/ ), Boston Globe, February 24, 2008. [54] PBS, "Home at Last? A radical new approach to helping the homeless" (http:/ / www. pbs. org/ now/ shows/ 305/ index. html), NOW TV program, December 21, 2007. [55] Solutions at Work, "Formerly Homeless Boston Man Donates Significant Portion of Social Security Retro-Check to the Organizations and People Who Gave Him a 'Hand Up'" (http:/ / www. solutionsatwork. org/ InTheNews/ Hatton. html), 2002. [56] Bassuk, E.L., et al. (2011) Americas Youngest Outcasts: 2010 (http:/ / www. homelesschildrenamerica. org/ media/ NCFH_AmericaOutcast2010_web. pdf) (Needham, MA: The National Center on Family Homelessness) page 20 [57] Wendy Koch."Homelessness in Suburbs Increases. USA Today, July 9, 2009: 3a [58] National Alliance to End Homelessness, "Rapid Re-Housing" (http:/ / www. endhomelessness. org/ content/ article/ detail/ 2032), July 8, 2008. [59] United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, "Homeless Assistance Programs" (http:/ / www. hud. gov/ offices/ cpd/ homeless/ programs/ ) [60] National Alliance to End Homelessness, "HUD and McKinney-Vento Appropriations" (http:/ / www. endhomelessness. org/ section/ policy/ legislature/ federalbudget), FY 2010 [61] United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, "Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program" (http:/ / www. hudhre. info/ hprp/ ) [62] National Alliance to End Homelessness, "Summary of HEARTH Act" (http:/ / www. endhomelessness. org/ content/ general/ detail/ 2098), June 8, 2009 [63] "The HEARTH Act An Overview" (http:/ / www. nlchp. org/ content/ pubs/ HEARTH_Act_Overview_for_Web1. pdf), National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, Washington, D.C. [64] National Coalition for the Homeless, "NCH Public Policy Recommendations: HUD McKinney-Vento Reauthorization" (http:/ / www. nationalhomeless. org/ factsheets/ 2009Policy/ HMV. pdf), Washington, D.C., September 14, 2009 [65] And Now My Soul Is Hardened: Abandoned Children in Soviet Russia, 19181930 (http:/ / findarticles. com/ p/ articles/ mi_qa3763/ is_/ ai_n8801575), By Thomas J. Hegarty, Canadian Slavonic Papers [66] , ... ? (http:/ / kulac. narod. ru/ statya/ bomz. html) [67] "Hunger and Homelessness Survey: A Status Report on Hunger and Homelessness in America's Cities: A 27-City Survey December 2009" (http:/ / usmayors. org/ pressreleases/ uploads/ USCMHungercompleteWEB2009. pdf). United States Conference of Mayors (http:/ / www. usmayors. org/ ). December 2009. .
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[68] United States Conference of Mayors, "A Status Report on Hunger and Homelessness in America's Cities: a 27-city survey", December 2001. [69] United States Conference of Mayors, "US Conference of Mayors/Sodexho Hunger and Homelessness Survey: 2005" (http:/ / www. usmayors. org/ hungersurvey/ 2005/ HH2005FINAL. pdf)PDF(1.19MB), December 2005, "Main Causes of Homelessness", p.63-64. (http:/ / www. mayors. org/ uscm/ news/ press_releases/ documents/ hh2005_121905. pdf)PDF(62.3KB) (http:/ / www. sodexhousa. com/ press-releases/ pr122005. asp) [70] Vanneman, Reeve, "Main Causes of Homelessness" (http:/ / www. bsos. umd. edu/ socy/ vanneman/ socy498/ causes. html), University of Maryland [71] Cf. Levinson, Encyclopedia of Homelessness, article entry on Causes of Homelessness: Overview by Paul Koegel, pp.5058. [72] Segal S. P., Baumohl J. (1980). "Engaging the disengaged: Recommendations on madness and vagrancy" (http:/ / socialwelfare. berkeley. edu/ Faculty/ publications/ ssegal/ Engaging the Disengaged-Pro. PDF). Social Work 25: 358365. . [73] The Insanity Offense: How Americas Failure to Treat the Seriously Mentally Ill Endangers Its Citizens, E. Fuller Torey 2008 ISBN 978-0-393-06658-6 [74] The Yogyakarta Principles, Principle 11 and 15 [75] A Tale of Two Town Houses (http:/ / www. theatlantic. com/ doc/ 200711/ housing?ca=PoSzloTzAzqq0Pg+ PB504R6MjpVFf78zhjpE2yeHl78=), Atlantic Monthly, November 2007 [76] Seymour, George "The Young and the Homeless" (http:/ / www. onlineopinion. com. au/ view. asp?article=10256) Online Opinion April 9, 2010 [77] An example is the 1999 Athens earthquake in Greece in which many middle class people became homeless and are still without a home as of 2009, with some of them living in containers, especially in the Nea Ionia earthquake survivors container city provided by the government, and in most cases their only property that survived the quake was their car. Such people are known in Greece as seismopathis meaning earthquake-struck. [78] Elder, James, "Helping homeless victims of forced evictions in Zimbabwe" (http:/ / www. unicef. org/ infobycountry/ zimbabwe_27463. html), UNICEF, 20 June 2005 [79] Goodman, Peter S., "Foreclosures Force Ex-Homeowners to Turn to Shelters" (http:/ / www. nytimes. com/ 2009/ 10/ 19/ business/ economy/ 19foreclosed. html?_r=1& scp=1& sq=national homeless& st=cse), The New York Times, October 18, 2009 [80] http:/ / www. nationalhomeless. org/ publications/ crimreport/ crimreport_2009. pdf [81] Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (2006-09-17). Homelessness: The Causes and Facts (http:/ / www. cohhio. org/ resources/ factsheets/ Chicagofactsheet. html). Retrieved 2006-05-10. [82] For example, cf. "News Release: Personal Income for Metropolitan Areas, 2006" (http:/ / www. bea. gov/ newsreleases/ regional/ mpi/ mpi_newsrelease. htm), Bureau of Economic Analysis. [83] The homeless: opposing viewpoints - Tamara L. 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Bassuk, Ellen L.; Geller, Stephanie, "The Role of Housing and Services in Ending Family Homelessness" (http:// www.mi.vt.edu/data/files/hpd 17(4)/roleofhousingandservices.pdf) (2006). Housing Policy Debate. 17(4): 781806 Baumohl, Jim (editor) (1996). Homelessness in America (http://books.google.com/?id=gnkxULMSuSAC& printsec=frontcover). Phoenix: Oryx Press. ISBN0-89774-869-7. BBC News, "Warning over homelessness figures: Government claims that homelessness numbers have fallen by a fifth since last year should be taken with a health warning, says housing charity Shelter" (http://news.bbc.co. uk/1/low/uk/4089202.stm), Monday, 13 June 2005. Beard, Rick, "On Being Homeless: Historical Perspectives", New York, Museum of the City of New York, 1987. Booth, Brenda M. (http://www.uams.edu/dhsr/faculty/booth.htm), Sullivan, J. Greer, Koegel, Paul (http:// www.hsrcenter.ucla.edu/people/koegel.shtml), Burnam, M. Audrey, "Vulnerability Factors for Homelessness Associated with Substance Dependence in a Community Sample of Homeless Adults" (http://www.rand.org/ pubs/reprints/RP1147/), RAND Research Report. Originally published in: American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse (http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/titles/00952990.asp), v. 28, no. 3, 2002, pp.429452. Brickner, Philip, Under the Safety Net: The Health and Social Welfare of the Homeless in the United States (http:/ /books.google.com/books?id=z2AhVAmqz5EC&printsec=frontcover), W. W. Norton & Company, 1990. ISBN 0-393-02885-2 Burt, Martha R. (1992). Over the Edge: The Growth of Homelessness in the 1980s (http://books.google.com/ ?id=yPwaMQDbktgC&printsec=frontcover). Russell Sage. ISBN0-87154-177-7. Burt, Martha R., et al., "Homelessness: Programs and the People They Serve: Findings of the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients" (http://www.urban.org/publications/310291.html), Urban Institute, December 7, 1999 Burt, Martha; et al., Helping America's homeless: emergency shelter or affordable housing? (http://books. google.com/books?id=8_XzWQEhRGgC&printsec=frontcover), Washington DC : Urban Institute Press, 1st edition, April 2001. ISBN 978-0-87766-701-8 Burt, Martha R., "Evaluation of LA's HOPE: Ending Chronic Homelessness through Employment and Housing Final Report" (http://www.urban.org/url.cfm?ID=411631), Urban Institute, Washington DC, March 18, 2008 "A History of Modern Homelessness in New York City" (http://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/downloads/ NYCHomelessnessHistory.pdf). Coalition for the Homeless (New York). Cooper, Yvette, MP, "Effective Homelessness Prevention" (http://www.homeless.org.uk/newsanddiary/ 060412 Letter re prevention YC.doc), April 12, 2006.
Homelessness Crimaldi, Laura (December 11, 2006). "Homeless getting new lease on life". Boston Herald. Coyne, Barry V. (editor), "Homelessness: A Bibliography" (http://books.google.com/ books?id=0lBcwvYn55YC&printsec=frontcover), New York : Nova Science Publishers, August 2, 2006. ISBN 1-60021-306-5 Culhane, Dennis (http://www.sp2.upenn.edu/people/faculty/culhane/), "Responding to Homelessness: Policies and Politics" (http://www.igs.berkeley.edu/events/homeless/papers/CulhanePresentation/), 2001. Culhane, Dennis, "The Homeless Shelter and the Nineteenth Century Poorhouse: Comparing Notes from Two Eras of 'Indoor Relief'" (http://works.bepress.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1058& context=dennis_culhane) deMause, Neil (June 20, 2006). "Out of the Shelter, Into the Fire: New city program for homeless: Keep your job or keep your apartment" (http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0625,demause,73594,5.html). The Village Voice. DePastino, Todd (2003). Citizen Hobo: How a Century of Homelessness Shaped America. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. ISBN0-226-14378-3. Dreier, Peter; Appelbaum, Richard, "American Nightmare: Homelessness". In: Challenge: The Magazine of Economic Affairs. v.34, n.2, March/April 1991, pp.4652. Duffy, Gary (April 17, 2007). "Brazil's homeless and landless unite" (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/ 6563359.stm). BBC News. Firdion, Jean-Marie; Marpsat, Maryse (13 August 2007). "A Research Program on Homelessness in France" (http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118510304/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0). Journal of Social Issues 63 (3): 567. doi:10.1111/j.1540-4560.2007.00524.x. Friedman, Donna Haig, et al. (June 2007). "Preventing Homelessness and Promoting Housing Stability : A Comparative Analysis" (http://www.mccormack.umb.edu/centers/csp/publications/ HPI_3_Year_FINAL_Homelessness_June07.pdf), The Boston Foundation and UMASS/Boston Center for Social Policy. Friedman, Donna Haig (2003). "Surviving Against the Odds: Families' Journeys off Welfare and out of Homelessness" (http://www.huduser.org/periodicals/cityscpe/vol6num2/3surviv.pdf) (PDF). Cityscape (Washington, D.C.: United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Policy Development and Research) 6 (2). Hoch, Charles; Slayton, Robert A., New Homeless and Old: Community and the Skid Row Hotel, Philadelphia : Temple University Press, 1989. ISBN 0-87722-600-8 "Urban Homelessness & Public Policy Solutions: A One-Day Conference" (http://www.igs.berkeley.edu/ events/homeless/). Institute for Governmental Studies, Berkeley. January 22, 2001. "Homelessness: Programs and the People They Serve Highlights Report" (http://www.huduser.org/ publications/homeless/homelessness/highrpt.html). Interagency Council on the Homeless (USA). 1997. Jencks, Christopher (1994). The Homeless (http://books.google.com/?id=3cF_wDH5lpgC& printsec=frontcover). Harvard University Press. ISBN0-674-40595-1. Jordan, Katy, "Sharp rise in states homeless" (http://bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view. bg?articleid=1109919), Boston Herald, Wednesday, July 30, 2008 Kahn, Ric (December 17, 2006). "Buried in Obscurity" (http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/ articles/2006/12/17/buried_in_obscurity/). Boston Globe. Koebel, C. Theodore, Shelter and Society: Theory, Research, and Policy for Nonprofit Housing (http://books. google.com/books?id=kHYjdbfQDNUC&printsec=frontcover), SUNY Press, 1998. ISBN 0-7914-3789-2 Kuhlman, Thomas L., Psychology on the streets : mental health practice with homeless persons, New York : J. Wiley & Sons, 1994. ISBN 0-471-55243-7 Kusmer, Kenneth L. (2003). Down and Out, On the Road: The Homeless in American History (http://books. google.com/?id=xpJ3ME7vHuEC&printsec=frontcover). Oxford University Press. ISBN0-19-504778-8.
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Homelessness Levinson, David, (editor) (2004). Encyclopedia of Homelessness (http://books.google.com/ ?id=q-PgHH8TJi8C&printsec=frontcover). Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications. ISBN0-7619-2751-4. Macauley, Richard, "Bitter home truths in city blights" (http://www.cdeclips.com/en/hongkong/fullstory. html?id=54539), China Daily, Nov 5 2010 Mizuuchi, Toshio, "Transformation of recent homelessness issues and policies for them in capitalist metropolises of the East Asia; the case of Hong Kong, Seoul, Osaka and Taipei" (http://www.lit.osaka-cu.ac.jp/geo/ mizuuchi/english/e_material/abstract_Shanghai.doc), Abstract presented to the International Conference on Urban Changes in the 21st Century, at East China Normal University in Shanghai, China, from 30 June to 1 July 2004. O'Flaherty, Brendan (1996). Making Room: The Economics of Homelessness. Harvard University Press. ISBN0-674-54342-4. Paige, Connie, Homelessness hits record high: Advocates expect numbers to grow amid economic downturn and ask for state aid (http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/10/06/ homelessness_hits_record_high/), The Boston Globe, October 6, 2008 Quigley, John M.; Raphael, Steven, "The Economics of Homelessness: The Evidence from North America" (http://urbanpolicy.berkeley.edu/pdf/QR_EJHP01PB.pdf), European Journal of Housing Policy 1(3), 2001, 323336 Redburn, F. Stevens; Buss, Terry F., Responding to America's Homeless: Public Policy Alternatives (http:// books.google.com/books?id=j9K0hNuLakQC&printsec=frontcover), Praeger, 1986. Riis, Jacob (1890). [[How the Other Half Lives (http://www.yale.edu/amstud/inforev/riis/title.html)]]. Bedford/st Martins. ISBN0-312-47895-X. Rossi, Peter H. (1990). Down and Out in America: The Origins of Homelessness. University Of Chicago Press. ISBN0-226-72828-5. Sommer, Heidi (2001). "Homelessness in Urban America: a Review of the Literature" (http://www.igs. berkeley.edu/events/homeless/NewHomelessnessBook1.pdf). "A Brief History of Homelessness" (http://www.mungos.org/homelessness/history/). St. Mungo's organisation (UK). Swarms, Rachel L., "Number of homeless reported down 30%: Officials say 'housing first' strategy a success" (http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2008/07/30/ number_of_homeless_reported_down_30/), Boston Globe, New York Times News Service, July 30, 2008 Sweeney, Richard (1992). Out of Place: Homelessness in America. HarperCollins College Publishers. ISBN0-06-501639-4. Vissing, Yvonne (http://w3.salemstate.edu/~yvissing) (1996). Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Homeless Children and Families in Small-Town America (http://books.google.com/?id=p4s-e9eUircC&printsec=frontcover). University Press of Kentucky. ISBN978-0-8131-0872-8. Vissing, Yvonne (March/April 2003). "The $ubtle War Against Children" (http://www.forusa.org/fellowship/ mar-apr_03/vissing.html). Fellowship. Vladeck, Bruce, R.; The Committee on Health Care for Homeless People, Institute of Medicine (1988). Homelessness, Health, and Human needs (http://darwin.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=1092&page=R1). National Academies Press. United States Department of Health and Human Services, "Ending Chronic Homelessness: Strategies for Action" (http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/homelessness/strategies03/), Report from the Secretary's Work Group on Ending Chronic Homelessness, March 2003. Yoon, Il-Seong, "A Study on the Homeless in South Korea" (http://econgeog.misc.hit-u.ac.jp/icgg/intl_mtgs/ ISYoon.pdf), Pusan National University; International Critical Geography Group Conference, Taegu, Korea, 2000. (http://econgeog.misc.hit-u.ac.jp/icgg/intl_mtgs/taegu2000.html)
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Homelessness
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Further reading
Anderberg, Kristen (2011). 21st Century Essays on Homelessness. Seaward Avenue Press. ISBN1456532367. Arumi, Ana Maria, Yarrow, Andrew L., "Compassion, Concern, and Conflicted Feelings: New Yorkers on Homelessness and Housing" (http://www.publicagenda.org/research/research_reports_details.cfm?list=105), Public Agenda Foundation, February 2007 Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Housing and Community Development, Homelessness Commission, Commission to End Homelessness (http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=ehedterminal&L=3& L0=Home&L1=Economic+Analysis&L2=Key+Initiatives&sid=Ehed&b=terminalcontent&f=dhcd_hc_hc& csid=Ehed), "Report of the Special Commission Relative to Ending Homelessness in The Commonwealth" (http:/ /www.mass.gov/Ehed/docs/dhcd/hc/finalreport2008.doc), Final Report, December 2007 Crosette, Barbara, "Homeless and Hungry Youths of India" (http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage. html?res=9C0CE0DA1531F930A15751C1A966958260), The New York Times, December 23, 1990. Desjarlais, Robert R., Shelter blues: sanity and selfhood among the homeless (http://books.google.com/ books?id=vmcQzxkON6oC&printsec=frontcover), University of Pennsylvania Press, 1997 Friedman, Donna H., et al., "Preventing Homelessness and Promoting Housing Stability: A Comparative Analysis" (http://www.tbf.org/UnderstandingBoston/PortalListingDetails. aspx?sec=HousingCommunityDevelopment_Housing+&+Community+Development_Reports_Reports_2& id=5612&parentId=0), The Boston Foundation, June 2007. Institute of Medicine (U.S.), Committee on Healthcare for Homeless People, "Homelessness, Health, and Human Needs" (http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=1092), Washington, D.C. : National Academy Press, 1988. ISBN 0-309-03835-9 Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless, Springer Verlag (http://www.springerlink.com/content/104940/ ?p=80f0018412f44b39a7a345daca4244af&pi=0) and Psycke-Logos Press. (http://web.jjay.cuny.edu/~jpr/ Journal_of_social_distress_homepage.html) Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless (http://www.mahomeless.org/), "Down & Out: A Manual on Basic Rights and Benefits for Homeless People" (http://mahomeless.org/publications/publications.html), 20052006 edition, first published in 1984, 15 Bubier Street, Lynn, Massachusetts. Katz, Jessica Ilana, "Homelessness, Crime, Mental Illness, and Substance Abuse: A Core Population with Multiple Social Service Needs" (http://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/42829/52993655. pdf?sequence=1), Department of Urban Planning and Studies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, June 2003 Kenyon, Thomas, What You Can Do to Help the Homeless (Simon and Schuster, 1991) Min, Eungjun, (editor), "Reading the Homeless: The Media's Image of Homeless Culture", Praeger Publishers, 1999. ISBN 0-275-95950-3 National Coalition for the Homeless, "American Nightmare: A Decade of Homelessness in the United States" (http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICDocs/data/ericdocs2sql/content_storage_01/0000019b/80/20/25/a4.pdf), December 1989 Nieto G., Gittelman M., Abad A. (2008). "Homeless Mentally Ill Persons: A bibliography review" (http://www. psychosocial.com/IJPR_12/Homeless_Mentally_Ill_Nieto.html), International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation. 12(2) O'Flaherty, Brendan, "Making room : the economics of homelessness" (http://books.google.com/ books?id=Xcp4Bna6pFEC&printsec=frontcover), Cambridge, Mass. : Harvard University Press, 1996. ISBN 0-674-54342-4 Office for Public Management (UK), "Tackling Homelessness: learning from New York" (http://www.opm.co. uk/resources/papers/localgov/tackling_homelessness.pdf), Seminar Report, London, England, February 2004 Putnam, Kristen M., "Homelessness: Key Findings and Grantmaking Strategies" (http://www.putnamcic.com/ pdf/HomelessnessInitiatives.pdf), June 2002, Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation and Putnam Community Investment Consulting.
Homelessness Scanlon, John, "Homelessness: Describing the Symptoms, Prescribing a Cure" (http://www.heritage.org/ Research/Welfare/bg729.cfm), Heritage Foundation, Backgrounder #729, October 2, 1989 Southard, Peggy Ann Dee, "Looking for Sanctuary: Staying on Publicly Owned Lands as a Response to Homelessness (https://scholarsbank.uoregon.edu/dspace/bitstream/1794/3097/2/LookingforSanctuary.pdf), a dissertation presented to the Department of Sociology and the Graduate School of the University of Oregon in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Tsesis, Alexander, "Eliminating the Destitution of America's Homeless" (http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers. cfm?abstract_id=1026158), Temple Political & Civil Rights Law Review, Vol. 75, No. 539, 2002, Temple University Beasley School of Law University of Michigan Libraries, Selected Bibliography of Homelessness Resources (http://www.lib.umich. edu/socwork/homelessness.html) Wright, James D., "Address Unknown: the homeless in America" (http://books.google.com/ books?id=LInRJu0O7mQC&printsec=frontcover), New York : A. de Gruyter, Edition: 3, 1989
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External links
Homeless Statistics (http://www.homeless.org.au/statistics/) for Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and United States, all data from around the year 2001. PBS, "Home at Last?" (http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/305/index.html), NOW series program, first aired on February 2, 2007. The topic was what will most help homeless people reenter the fabric of society. Homelessness (http://www.dmoz.org/Society/Issues/Poverty/Homelessness/) at the Open Directory Project Homelessness (http://chuckcurrie.blogs.com/chuck_currie/homelessness/), Current information on U.S. homelessness written by The Rev. Chuck Currie, former National Coalition for the Homeless board member. Homelessness in Europe (http://www.feantsa.org/) FEANTSA is the European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless is an umbrella of not-for-profit organisations which participate in or contribute to the fight against homelessness in Europe.
239
No quieren (They do not want to) #9 from aquatint series Los Desastres de la Guerra (The Disasters of War, 18101820) Francisco Goya (17461828) ICD-10 ICD-9 DiseasesDB MedlinePlus eMedicine MeSH F43.1 [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
309.81 33846
000925
med/1900 D013313
[6]
Posttraumatic stress disorder[7] (PTSD) is a severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to any event that results in psychological trauma.[8][9][10] This event may involve the threat of death to oneself or to someone else, or to one's own or someone else's physical, sexual, or psychological integrity,[8] overwhelming the individual's ability to cope. As an effect of psychological trauma, PTSD is less frequent and more enduring than the more commonly seen post traumatic stress (also known as acute stress response).[11] Diagnostic symptoms for PTSD include re-experiencing the original trauma(s) through flashbacks or nightmares, avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma, and increased arousalsuch as difficulty falling or staying asleep, anger, and hypervigilance. Formal diagnostic criteria (both DSM-IV-TR and ICD-10) require that the symptoms last more than one month and cause significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.[8]
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Classification
Posttraumatic stress disorder is classified as an anxiety disorder, characterized by aversive anxiety-related experiences, behaviors, and physiological responses that develop after exposure to a psychologically traumatic event (sometimes months after). Its features persist for longer than 30 days, which distinguishes it from the briefer acute stress disorder and are disruptive to all aspects of life.[12][13] It has three sub-forms: acute, chronic, and delayed-onset.[14]
Causes
Psychological trauma
PTSD is believed to be caused by experiencing any of a wide range of events[15] which produces intense negative feelings of "fear, helplessness or horror"[16] in the observer or participant.[8] Sources of such feelings may include (but are not limited to): experiencing or witnessing childhood or adult physical, emotional, or sexual abuse;[8] experiencing or witnessing physical assault, adult experiences of sexual assault, accidents, drug addiction, illnesses, medical complications;[17] employment in occupations exposed to war (such as soldiers) or disaster (such as emergency service workers);[17] getting a diagnosis of a life-threatening illness[8] Children or adults may develop PTSD symptoms by experiencing bullying or mobbing.[18][19] Approximately 25% of children exposed to family violence can experience PTSD.[20] Preliminary research suggests that child abuse may interact with mutations in a stress-related gene to increase the risk of PTSD in adults.[21][22][23] However, being exposed to a traumatic experience doesn't automatically indicate they will develop PTSD.[24] It has been shown that the intrusive memories, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and the memories themselves, are greater contributors to the biological and psychological dimensions of PTSD than the event itself.[25] These intrusive memories are mainly characterized by sensory episodes, rather than thoughts. People with PTSD have intrusive re-experiences of traumatic events which lack awareness of context and time. These episodes aggravate and maintain PTSD symptoms since the individual re-experiences trauma as if it was happening in the present moment.[26] Multiple studies show that parental PTSD and other posttraumatic disturbances in parental psychological functioning can, despite a traumatized parent's best efforts, interfere with their response to their child as well as their child's response to trauma.[27][28] Parents with violence-related PTSD may, for example, inadvertently expose their children to developmentally inappropriate violent media due to their need to manage their own emotional dysregulation.[29] Clinical findings indicate that a failure to provide adequate treatment to children after they suffer a traumatic experience, depending on their vulnerability and the severity of the trauma, will ultimately lead to PTSD symptoms in adulthood.[30]
Evolutionary psychology
Evolutionary psychology views different types of fears and reactions caused by fears as adaptations that may have been useful in the ancestral environment in order to avoid or cope with various threats. Mammals generally display several defensive behaviors roughly dependent on how close the threat is: avoidance, vigilant immobility, withdrawal, aggressive defense, appeasement, and finally complete frozen immobility (the last possibly to confuse a predator's attack reflex or to simulate a dead and contaminated body). PTSD may correspond to and be caused by overactivation of such fear circuits. Thus, PTSD avoidance behaviors may correspond to mammal avoidance of and withdrawal from threats. Heightened memory of past threats may increase avoidance of similar situations in the future as well as be a prerequisite for analyzing the past threat and develop better defensive behaviors if the threat should reoccur. PTSD hyperarousal may correspond to vigilant immobility and aggressive defense. Complex posttraumatic stress disorder (and phenomena such as the Stockholm syndrome) may in part correspond to the
Post-traumatic stress disorder appeasement stage and possibly the frozen immobility stage.[31][32] There may be evolutionary explanations for differences in resilience to traumatic events. Thus, PTSD is rare following traumatic fire which may be explained by events such as forest fires long being part of the evolutionary history of mammals. On the other hand, PTSD is much more common following modern warfare, which may be explained by modern warfare being a new development and very unlike the quick inter-group raids that are argued to have characterized the paleolithic.[33]
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Neuroendocrinology
PTSD symptoms may result when a traumatic event causes an over-reactive adrenaline response, which creates deep neurological patterns in the brain. These patterns can persist long after the event that triggered the fear, making an individual hyper-responsive to future fearful situations.[11][34] During traumatic experiences the high levels of stress hormones secreted suppress hypothalamic activity which may be a major factor towards the development of PTSD.[35] PTSD causes biochemical changes in the brain and body that differ from other psychiatric disorders such as major depression. Individuals diagnosed with PTSD respond more strongly to a dexamethasone suppression test than individuals diagnosed with clinical depression.[36][37] In addition, most people with PTSD also show a low secretion of cortisol and high secretion of catecholamines in urine,[38] with a norepinephrine/cortisol ratio consequently higher than comparable non-diagnosed individuals.[39] This is in contrast to the normative fight-or-flight response, in which both catecholamine and cortisol levels are elevated after exposure to a stressor.[40] Brain catecholamine levels are high,[41] and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) concentrations are high.[42][43] Together, these findings suggest abnormality in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is responsible for coordinating the hormonal response to stress.[44] Given the strong cortisol suppression to dexamethasone in PTSD, HPA axis abnormalities are likely predicated on strong negative feedback inhibition of cortisol, itself likely due to an increased sensitivity of glucocorticoid receptors.[45] Some researchers have associated the response to stress in PTSD with long-term exposure to high levels of norepinephrine and low levels of cortisol, a pattern associated with improved learning in animals. Translating this reaction to human conditions gives a pathophysiological explanation for PTSD by a maladaptive learning pathway to fear response through a hypersensitive, hyperreactive, and hyperresponsive HPA axis.[46] Low cortisol levels may predispose individuals to PTSD: Following war trauma, Swedish soldiers serving in Bosnia and Herzegovina with low pre-service salivary cortisol levels had a higher risk of reacting with PTSD symptoms, following war trauma, than soldiers with normal pre-service levels.[47] Because cortisol is normally important in restoring homeostasis after the stress response, it is thought that trauma survivors with low cortisol experience a poorly containedthat is, longer and more distressingresponse, setting the stage for PTSD. Other studies indicate that people that suffer from PTSD have chronically low levels of serotonin which contributes to the commonly associated behavioral symptoms such as anxiety, ruminations, irritability, aggression, suicidality, and impulsivity.[25] Serotonin also contributes to the stabilization of glucocorticoid production. Dopamine levels in patients with PTSD can help contribute to the symptoms associated. Low levels of dopamine can contribute to anhedonia, apathy, impaired attention, and motor deficits. Increased levels of dopamine can cause psychosis, agitation, and restlessness.[25] Hyperresponsiveness in the norepinephrine system can be caused by continued exposure to high stress. Overactivation of norepinephrine receptors in the prefrontal cortex can be connected to the flashbacks and nightmares frequently experienced by those with PTSD. A decrease in other norepinephrine functions (awareness of the current environment) prevents the memory mechanisms in the brain from processing that the experience, and emotions the person is experiencing during a flashback are not associated with the current environment.[25]
Post-traumatic stress disorder However, there is considerable controversy within the medical community regarding the neurobiology of PTSD. A review of existing studies on this subject showed no clear relationship between cortisol levels and PTSD. However the majority of reports indicate people with PTSD have elevated levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone, lower basal cortisol levels, and enhanced negative feedback suppression of the HPA axis by dexamethasone.[44][48]
242
Neuroanatomy
Three areas of the brain whose function may be altered in PTSD have been identified: the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. Much of this research has utilised PTSD victims from the Vietnam War. For example, a prospective study using the Vietnam Head Injury Study showed that damage to the prefrontal cortex may actually be protective against later development of PTSD.[50] In a study by Gurvits et al., combat veterans of the Vietnam War with PTSD showed a 20% reduction in the volume of their hippocampus compared with veterans who suffered no such symptoms.[51] This finding could not be replicated in chronic PTSD patients traumatized at an air show plane crash in 1988 (Ramstein, Germany).[52][53] In human studies, the amygdala has been shown to be strongly Regions of the brain associated with stress and posttraumatic [49] stress disorder involved in the formation of emotional memories, especially fear-related memories. Neuroimaging studies in humans have revealed both morphological and functional aspects of PTSD.[54] However during high stress times the hippocampus, which is associated with the ability to place memories in the correct context of space and time, and with the ability to recall the memory, is suppressed. This suppression is hypothesized to be the cause of the flashbacks that often plague PTSD patients. When someone with PTSD undergoes a stimuli similar to the traumatic event the body perceives the event as occurring again because the memory was never properly recorded in the patients memory.[44] The amygdalocentric model of PTSD proposes that it is associated with hyperarousal of the amygdala and insufficient top-down control by the medial prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus particularly during extinction.[55] This is consistent with an interpretation of PTSD as a syndrome of deficient extinction ability.[55][56] A study at the European Neuroscience Institute-Goettingen (Germany) found that fear extinction-induced IGF2/IGFBP7 signalling promotes the survival of 1719-day-old newborn hippocampal neurons. This suggests that therapeutic strategies that enhance IGF2 signalling and adult neurogenesis might be suitable to treat diseases linked to excessive fear memory such as PTSD.[57] Further animal and clinical research into the amygdala and fear conditioning may suggest additional treatments for the condition. The maintenance of the fear involved with PTSD has been shown to include the HPA axis, the locus coeruleus-noradrenergic systems, and the connections between the limbic system and frontal cortex. The HPA axis which coordinates the hormonal response to stress[58] which activates the LC-noradrenergic system is implicated in the over consolidation of memories that occurs in the aftermath of trauma. This over consolidation increases the likelihood of developing PTSD. The amygdala is responsible for threat detection and the conditioned and unconditioned fear responses that are carried out as a response to a threat. The medial prefrontal cortex, part of the amygdala, can inhibit the conditioned fear responses during trauma.[44] The LC-noradrenergic system has been hypothesized to mediate the over-consolidation of fear memory in PTSD. High levels of cortisol reduces noradrenergic activity it is proposed that individuals with PTSD fail to regulate the increased noradrenergic response to traumatic stress.[59] It is thought that the intrusive memories and conditioned
Post-traumatic stress disorder fear responses to associated triggers is a result of this response. Neuropeptide Y has been reported to reduce the release of norepinephrine and has been demonstrated to have anxiolytic properties in animal models. Studies have shown people with PTSD demonstrate reduced levels of NPY, possibly indicating their increased anxiety levels.[44] The basolateral nucleus (BLA) of the amygdala is responsible for the comparison and development of associations between unconditioned and conditioned responses to stimuli which results in the fear conditioning present in PTSD. The BLA activates the central nucleus (CeA) which elaborates the fear response, (including behavioral response to threat and elevated startle response). Descending inhibitory inputs form the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) regulates the transmission from the BLA to the CeA which is hypothesized to play a role in the extinction of conditioned fear responses.[44]
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Genetics
There is evidence that susceptibility to PTSD is hereditary. Approximately 30% of the variance in PTSD is caused from genetics alone. For twin pairs exposed to combat in Vietnam, having a monozygotic (identical) twin with PTSD was associated with an increased risk of the co-twin having PTSD compared to twins that were dizygotic (non-identical twins).[60] There is also evidence that those with a genetically smaller hippocampus are more likely to develop PTSD following a traumatic event. Research has also found that PTSD shares many genetic influences common to other psychiatric disorders. Panic and generalized anxiety disorders and PTSD share 60% of the same genetic variance. Alcohol, nicotine, and drug dependence shares greater than 40% genetic similarities.[44] Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. A recent study reported significant interactions between three polymorphisms in the GABA alpha-2 receptor gene and the severity of childhood trauma in predicting PTSD in adults. A study found those with a specific genotype for G-protein signaling 2 (RGS2), a protein that decreases G protein-coupled receptor signaling, and high environmental stress exposure as adults and a diagnosis of lifetime PTSD. This was particularly prevalent in adults with prior trauma exposure and low social support.[44] Recently, it has been found that several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5) interact with childhood trauma to predict severity of adult PTSD.[61][62] These findings suggest that individuals with these SNPs who are abused as children are more susceptible to PTSD as adults. This is particularly interesting given that FKBP5 SNPs have previously been associated with peritraumatic dissociation (that is, dissociation at the time of the trauma),[63] which has itself been shown to be predictive of PTSD.[64][65] Furthermore, FKBP5 may be less expressed in those with current PTSD.[66] Another recent study found a single SNP in a putative estrogen response element on ADCYAP1R1 (encodes pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide type I receptor or PAC1) to predict PTSD diagnosis and symptoms in females.[67] Incidentally, this SNP is also associated with fear discrimination. The study suggests that perturbations in the PACAP-PAC1 pathway are involved in abnormal stress responses underlying PTSD. PTSD is a psychiatric disorder which requires an environmental event which individuals may have varied responses to so gene-environment studies tend to be the most indicative of their effect on the probability of PTSD then studies of the main effect of the gene. Recent studies have demonstrated the interaction between PFBP5 and childhood environment to predict the severity of PTSD. Polymorphisms in FKBP5 have been associated with peritraumatic dissociation in mentally ill children. A study of highly traumatized African-American subjects from inner city primary care clinics indicated 4 polymorphisms of the FKBP5 gene, each of these were functional. The interaction between the polymorphisms and the severity of childhood abuse predicts the severity of the adult PTSD symptoms. A more recent study of the African-American population indicated that the TT genotype of the FKBP5 gene was associated with the highest risk of PTSD among those who experienced childhood adversity, however those with this genotype that experienced no childhood adversity had the lowest risk of PTSD. In addition alcohol dependence interacts with the FKBP5 polymorphisms and childhood adversity to increase the risk of PTSD in these populations. Emergency room expression of the FKPB5 mRNA following trauma was shown to indicate a later development of
Post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD.[44] Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) is an enzyme that catalyzes the extraneuronal breakdown of catecholamines. The gene that codes for COMT has a functional polymorphism in which a valine has been replaced with a methionine at condon 158. This polymorphism has lower enzyme activity and has been tied to slower breakdown of the catecholamines. A study, of Rwandan Genocide survivors, indicated that carriers of the Val allel demonstrated the expected response relationship between the higher number of lifetime traumatic events and a lifetime diagnosis of PTSD. However those who were homozygotes for the Met/Met genotype demonstrated a high risk of lifetime PTSD independent of the number of traumatic experiences. Those with Met/Met genotype also demonstrated a reduced extinction of conditioned fear responses with may account for the high risk for PTSD experienced by this genotype.[44] Many genes impact the limbic-frontal neurocircuitry as a result of its complexity. The main effect of the D2A1 allele of the dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) has a strong association with the diagnosis of PTSD. The D2A1 allele has also shown a significant association to PTSD in those who engaged in harmful drinking. In addition a polymorphism in the dopamine transporter SLC6A3 gene has a significant association with chronic PTSD. A polymorphism of the serotonin receptor 2A gene has been associated with PTSD in Korean women. The short allele of the promoter region of the serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR) has been shown to be less efficient then the long allele and is associated with the amygdala response for extinction of fear conditioning. However the short allele is associated with a decreased risk of PTSD in a low risk environment but a high risk of PTSD in a high risk environment. The s/s genotype demonstrated a high risk for development of PTSD even in response to a small number of traumatic events but those with the l allele demonstrate increasing rates of PTSD with increasing traumatic experiences.[44] Genome-wide association study (GWAS) offer an opportunity to identify novel risk variants for PTSD which will in turn inform our understanding of the etiology of the disorder. Early results indicate the feasibility and potential power of GWAS to identify biomarkers for anxiety-related behaviors that suggest a future of PTSD. These studies will lead to the discovery of novel loci for the susceptibility and symptomatology of anxiety disorders including PTSD.[44]
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Epigenetics
Gene and environment studies alone fail to explain the importance the developmental stressor timing exposure to the phenotypic changes associated with PTSD. Epigenetic modification is the environmentally induced change in DNA which alters the function rather than the structure of the gene. The biological mechanism of epigenetic modification typically involves the methylation of cytosine within a gene which produces decreased transcription of that segment of DNA. The neuroendocrine alteration seen in animal models parallel those of PTSD in which low basal cortisol and enhanced suppression of cortisol in response to synthetic glucocorticoid becomes hereditary. Lower levels of GR mRNA have been demonstrated in the hippocampus of suicide victims with histories of childhood abuse. It hasnt been possible to monitor the state of methylation over time however the interpretation is early developmental methylation changes are long-lasting and enduring. It is hypothesized that epigenetic-mediated changes in the HPA axis could be associated with an increased vulnerability to PTSD following traumatic events. These findings support the mechanism in which early life trauma strongly validates as a risk factor for PTSD development in adulthood by recalibrating the set point and stress-responsivity of the HPA axis. Studies have reported an increased risk for PTSD and low cortisol levels in the offspring of female holocaust survivors with PTSD. Epigenetic mechanisms may also be relevant to the intrauterine environment. Mothers with PTSD produced infants with lower salivary cortisol levels only if the traumatic exposure occurred during the third trimester of gestation. These changes occur via transmission of hormonal responses to the fetus leading to a reprogramming of the glucocorticoid responsivity in the offspring.[44]
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Risk factors
Although most people (5090%) encounter trauma over a lifetime,[68][69] about 20-30% develop PTSD but over half of these people will recover without treatment.[11][68] Vulnerability to PTSD presumably stems from an interaction of biological diathesis, early childhood developmental experiences, and trauma severity.[11] A person that never established secure relationships and learned coping skills as a young child if exposed to a traumatic experience is more likely to develop PTSD than one that developed good coping skills and has a support network.[11] Predictor models have consistently found that childhood trauma, chronic adversity, and familial stressors increase risk for PTSD as well as risk for biological markers of risk for PTSD after a traumatic event in adulthood.[70][71][72][73] Peritraumatic dissociation in children is a predictive indicator of the development of PTSD later in life.[44] This effect of childhood trauma, which is not well understood, may be a marker for both traumatic experiences and attachment problems.[74][75] Proximity to, duration of, and severity of the trauma also make an impact, and interpersonal traumas cause more problems than impersonal ones.[76] Military experience Schnurr, Lunney, and Sengupta[65] identified risk factors for the development of PTSD in Vietnam veterans. Among those are: Hispanic ethnicity, coming from an unstable family, being punished severely during childhood, childhood asocial behavior, and depression as pre-military factors War-zone exposure, peritraumatic dissociation, depression as military factors Recent stressful life events, post-Vietnam trauma, and depression as post-military factors They also identified certain protective factors, such as: Japanese-American ethnicity, high school degree or college education, older age at entry to war, higher socioeconomic status, and a more positive paternal relationship as pre-military protective factors Social support at homecoming and current social support as post-military factors.[77] Other research also indicates the protective effects of social support in averting PTSD or facilitating recovery if it develops.[78][79] In a 2005 report, "PSYCHIATRY IN THE U.S. ARMY: Lessons for Community Psychiatry," Glass and Jones found early intervention to be a critical preventive measure: "PTSD symptoms can follow any serious psychological trauma, such as exposure to combat, accidents, torture, disasters, criminal assault and exposure to atrocities or to the sequelae of such extraordinary events. Prisoners of war exposed to harsh treatment are particularly prone to develop PTSD. In their acute presentation these symptoms, which include subsets of a large variety of affective, cognitive, perceptional, emotional and behavioral responses which are relatively normal responses to gross psychological trauma. If persistent, however, they develop a life of their own and may be maintained by inadvertent reinforcement. Early intervention and later avoidance of positive reinforcement (which may be subtle) for such symptoms is a critical preventive measure.[80] Studies have shown that those prepared for the potential of a traumatic experience are more prepared to deal with the stress of a traumatic experience and therefore less likely to develop PTSD.[11] Foster care In the Casey Family Northwest Alumni Study, conducted in conjunction with researchers from the Harvard Medical School in Oregon and Washington state, the rate of PTSD in adults who were in foster care for one year between the ages of 1418 was found to be higher than that of combat veterans. Up to 25% of those in the study meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD as compared to 1213% of Iraq war veterans and 15% of Vietnam War veterans, and a rate of 4% in the general population. The recovery rate for foster home alumni was 28.2% as opposed to 47% in the general population.[81][82]
Post-traumatic stress disorder Dubner and Motta (1999)[83] found that 60% of children in foster care who had experienced sexual abuse had PTSD, and 42% of those who had been physically abused met the PTSD criteria. PTSD was also found in 18% of the children who were not abused. These children may have developed PTSD due to witnessing violence in the home, or as a result of real or perceived parental abandonment. After individuals with dissociative identity disorder, patients with posttraumatic stress disorder have the highest hypnotizability of any clinical group.[84]
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Diagnosis
Criteria
The diagnostic criteria for PTSD, stipulated in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (Text Revision) (DSM-IV-TR), may be summarized as:[8][85] A: Exposure to a traumatic event This must have involved both (a) loss of "physical integrity", or risk of serious injury or death, to self or others, and (b) a response to the event that involved intense fear, horror, or helplessness (or in children, the response must involve disorganized or agitated behavior). (The DSM-IV-TR criterion differs substantially from the previous DSM-III-R stressor criterion, which specified the traumatic event should be of a type that would cause "significant symptoms of distress in almost anyone," and that the event was "outside the range of usual human experience."[86]) B: Persistent re-experiencing One or more of these must be present in the victim: flashback memories, recurring distressing dreams, subjective re-experiencing of the traumatic event(s), or intense negative psychological or physiological response to any objective or subjective reminder of the traumatic event(s). C: Persistent avoidance and emotional numbing This involves a sufficient level of: avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma, such as certain thoughts or feelings, or talking about the event(s); avoidance of behaviors, places, or people that might lead to distressing memories as well as the disturbing memories, dreams, flashbacks, and intense psychological or physiological distress;[25] inability to recall major parts of the trauma(s), or decreased involvement in significant life activities; decreased capacity (down to complete inability) to feel certain feelings; an expectation that one's future will be somehow constrained in ways not normal to other people. D: Persistent symptoms of increased arousal not present before These are all physiological response issues, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, or problems with anger, concentration, or hypervigilance. Additional symptoms include irritability, angry outbursts, hyper vigilance, increased startle response, and concentration or sleep problems.[25] E: Duration of symptoms for more than 1 month If all other criteria are present, but 30 days have not elapsed, the individual is diagnosed with Acute stress disorder.[25] F: Significant impairment The symptoms reported must lead to "clinically significant distress or impairment" of major domains of life activity, such as social relations, occupational activities, or other "important areas of functioning".[87]
Post-traumatic stress disorder Assessment Since the introduction of DSM-IV, the number of possible events which might be used to diagnose PTSD has increased; one study suggests that the increase is around 50%.[88] Various scales exist to measure the severity and frequency of PTSD symptoms.[89][90] Standardized screening tools such as Trauma Screening Questionnaire[91] and PTSD Symptom Scale[92] can be used to detect possible symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and suggest the need for a formal diagnostic assessment.
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"Developmental trauma disorder", a proposed new diagnosis, was still under discussion at the time of the draft publication.[105] The name of the disorder is being reviewed for a possible change, to posttraumatic stress injury, ostensibly to help reduce stigma towards those afflicted.[106]
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Management
Prevention and early intervention strategies
Modest benefits have been seen from early access to cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as from some medications such as propranolol.[107] Critical incident stress management has been suggested as a means of preventing PTSD, but subsequent studies suggest the likelihood of its producing iatrogenic outcomes.[108][109] A review of multiple studies, involving a number of different post-event psychological interventions structured to prevent PTSD "...did not find any evidence to support the use of an intervention offered to everyone", and that "...multiple session interventions may result in worse outcome than no intervention for some individuals.[110] Early detection The ability to prescreen individuals would be of great help in getting treatment to those who are at risk of PTSD prior to development of the syndrome. Several biological indicators have been identified that are related to later PTSD development. First, Delhanty[111] found that higher response times and a smaller hippocampal volume were identified as linked to later PTSD development. However, both of these indicators are relatively difficult to test for and need specialized tests or equipment, or both, to identify. A blood biomarker is much easier to test for. Van Zuiden et al.[112] found a biomarker when testing U.S. Army soldiers prior to deployment. They found that soldiers with more glucocorticoid receptors (GR) were more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD six months after deployment. However, higher GR levels have not been identified as a cause of PTSD, and may instead be an intermediator, or even an indicator that the individual has previously experienced traumatic events. There is a great deal of overlap between high GR levels and those who later are diagnosed with and without PTSD. Thus, the identification of high GR is simply a vulnerability indicator at this time. Delhanty[111] found that biological precursors existed directly following traumatic exposure in those who later developed chronic PTSD and were significantly different from those who did not. Directly following the traumatic event later sufferers often have significantly lower levels of hypothalamic pituitary-adrenal activity and a corresponding decrease in Cortisol. Other methods of early detection include the identification of specific risk factors associated with later PTSD symptoms. Resnick, Acierno, Holmes, Kilpatrick, and Jager[113] for example were able to identify that the forensic exam given to victims after a rape was associated with PTSD. Finally, global treatments attempt to avoid the problems of early detection by simply treating everyone involved. However, many studies[111] have found this to be often ineffective and for global treatments to at times increase prevalence rates of PTSD. Preventive Treatments Psychological debriefing The first form of preventive treatment is that of a psychological debriefing.[107] Psychological debriefing is the most often used preventive measure. One of the main reasons for this is the relative ease with which this treatment can be given to individuals directly following an event. It consists of interviews that are meant to allow individuals to directly confront the event and share their feelings with the counselor and to help structure their memories of the event. However, while this form of therapy is the most often used it is the least effective.[107] Studies have had mixed findings concerning psychological debriefings and have ranged from being of significant help to helping in the formation of PTSD in individuals who would otherwise have not developed PTSD.[58] The greater number of studies tends to simply find that it is neither overly beneficial nor harmful.[11]
Post-traumatic stress disorder Risk Targeted Interventions Risk targeted interventions are those that attempt to mitigate specific formative information or events. It can target modeling normal behaviors, instruction on a task, or giving information on the event. For example,[113] rape victims were given an instruction video on the procedures for a forensic exam. Also included in the video was advice on how to identify and stop avoidance behavior and control anxiety. Finally, the individuals modeling the forensic exam were shown to be calm and relaxed. PTSD diagnosis for those who saw the video were thirty three percent less than for those who went through the standard forensic procedure. Psychobiological Treatments Psychobiological treatments have also found success, especially with cortisol.[107] Psychobiological treatments target biological changes that occur after a traumatic event. They also attempt to chemically alter learning or memory formation. Cortisol treatments after a traumatic event have found success in mitigating later diagnosis of PTSD. As discussed earlier, cortisol is often lower in individuals who are at risk of PTSD after a traumatic event than their counterparts. By increasing cortisol levels to normal levels this has been shown to reduce arousal post event as well prevent GR upregulation. Stepped Collaborative Care Stepped collaborative care is where individuals who are at risk are monitored for symptoms.[107] As symptoms of PTSD appear the level of care is increased to treat those symptoms.
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Psychotherapeutic interventions
Many forms of psychotherapy have been advocated for trauma-related problems such as PTSD. Basic counseling practices common to many treatment responses for PTSD include education about the condition and provision of safety and support.[11][114] The psychotherapy programs with the strongest demonstrated efficacy include cognitive behavioral programs, variants of exposure therapy, stress inoculation training (SIT), variants of cognitive therapy (CT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR),[54] and many combinations of these procedures.[115][116] A 2010 review disagrees that these treatments have proven efficacy and points out methodological flaws in the studies and previous meta-analyses.[117] EMDR and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TFCBT) were recommended as first-line treatments for trauma victims in a 2007 review; however, "the evidence base [for EMDR] was not as strong as that for TFCBT ... Furthermore, there was limited evidence that TFCBT and EMDR were superior to supportive/non-directive treatments, hence it is highly unlikely that their effectiveness is due to non-specific factors such as attention."[118] A meta-analytic comparison of EMDR and cognitive behavioral therapy found both protocols indistinguishable in terms of effectiveness in treating PTSD; however, "the contribution of the eye movement component in EMDR to treatment outcome" is unclear.[119] Behavioral and Cognitive Behavioral therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) seeks to change the way a trauma victim feels and acts by changing the patterns of thinking or behavior, or both, responsible for negative emotions. CBT has been proven to be an effective treatment for PTSD and is currently considered the standard of care for PTSD by the United States Department of Defense[120] In CBT, individuals learn to identify thoughts that make them feel afraid or upset and replace them with less distressing thoughts. The goal is to understand how certain thoughts about events cause PTSD-related stress. Recent research on contextually based third-generation behavior therapies suggests that they may produce results comparable to some of the better validated therapies.[121] Many of these therapy methods have a significant element of exposure[122] and have demonstrated success in treating the primary problems of PTSD and co-occurring
Post-traumatic stress disorder depressive symptoms.[123] Exposure therapy is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy[124] that involves assisting trauma survivors to re-experience distressing trauma-related memories and reminders in order to facilitate habituation and successful emotional processing of the trauma memory. Most exposure therapy programs include both imaginal confrontation with the traumatic memories and real-life exposure to trauma reminders; this therapy modality is well supported by clinical evidence. The success of exposure-based therapies has raised the question of whether exposure is a necessary ingredient in the treatment of PTSD.[125] Some organizations have endorsed the need for exposure.[126][127] The US Department of Veterans Affairs has been actively training mental health treatment staff in prolonged exposure therapy[128] and Cognitive Processing Therapy[129] in an effort to better treat US Veterans with PTSD. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is specifically targeted as a treatment for PTSD.[130] Based on the evidence of controlled research, the American Psychiatric Association[131] and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense[132] have placed EMDR in the highest category of effectiveness and research support in the treatment of trauma. Several international bodies have made similar recommendations.[133] However, some reviewers no longer believe that the eye movements assist in recovery, proposing instead that the review of and engagement with memories, processing of cognitions, and rehearsal of coping skills are the psychotherapeutically effective components of the procedure.[117][134] Interpersonal psychotherapy Other approaches, particularly involving social supports,[78][79] may also be important. An open trial of interpersonal psychotherapy[135] reported high rates of remission from PTSD symptoms without using exposure.[136] A current, NIMH-funded trial in New York City is now (and into 2013) comparing interpersonal psychotherapy, prolonged exposure therapy, and relaxation therapy.[137][138][139]
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Medication
A variety of medications has shown adjunctive benefit in reducing PTSD symptoms,[140] but "there is no clear drug treatment for PTSD".[141] Positive symptoms (re-experiencing, hypervigilance, increased arousal) generally respond better to medication than negative symptoms (avoidance, withdrawal), and it is recommended that any drug trial last for at least 68 weeks.[141] With many medications, residual symptoms following treatment is the rule rather than the exception, which has led to increased research in the aggressive treatment of PTSD symptoms.[142] Some studies have shown that treatment with hydrocortisone shortly after a traumatic event, in comparison to a placebo, decreases the likelihood that the patient will suffer from PTSD. Other studies have indicated that propranolol administered within 6 hours of a traumatic event decreases the physiological reactivity to a reminder of the traumatic event. However propranolol had no effect on the rate of PTSD. Despite these studies there is not significant evidence that medication can prevent PTSD, therefore none is routinely administered.[143] Symptom management: potentially useful medication classes SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). SSRIs are considered to be a first-line drug treatment.[144][145] SSRIs for which there are data to support use include: citalopram, escitalopram,[146] fluoxetine,[147] fluvoxamine,[148] paroxetine,[149] and sertraline.[147][150] Among the anti-depressants described in this section, bupropion and venlafaxine have the lowest patient drop-out rates. Sertraline, fluoxetine, and nefazodone have a modestly higher drop-out rate (~15%), and the heterocyclics and paroxetine have the highest rates (~20%+).[151] Where drop-out is caused or feared because of medication side-effects, it should be remembered that most patients do not experience such side-effects.[152]
Post-traumatic stress disorder Alpha-adrenergic antagonists. Prazosin ("Minipress"), in a small study of combat veterans, has shown substantial benefit in relieving or reducing nightmares.[153] Clonidine ("Catapres") can be helpful with startle, hyperarousal, and general autonomic hyperexcitability.[] Anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers, anti-aggression agents. Carbamazepine ("Tegretol") has likely benefit in reducing arousal symptoms involving noxious affect,[147] as well as mood or aggression.[154] Topiramate ("Topamax")[153] has been effective in achieving major reductions in flashbacks and nightmares, and no reduction of effect was seen over time.[153] Zolpidem ("Ambien") has also proven useful in treating sleep disturbances.[155] Lamotrigine ("Lamictal") may be useful in reducing reexperiencing symptoms, as well as avoidance and emotional numbing.[][156][157][158] Valproic acid ("Depakene") and has shown reduction of symptoms of irritability, aggression, and impulsiveness, and in reducing flashbacks.[] Similarly, lithium carbonate has worked to control mood and aggressions (but not anxiety) symptoms.[154] Buspirone ("BuSpar") has an effect similar to that of lithium, with the additional benefit of working to reduce hyperarousal symptoms.[] Antipsychotics. Risperidone can be used to help with dissociation, mood issues, and aggression.[159] Serotonin antagonists. Cyproheptadine (Periactin) can be used to help with sleep disorders and nightmares.[160] Atypical antidepressants.[161] Nefazodone ("Serzone") can be effective with sleep disturbance symptoms and with secondary depression, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction symptoms.[147] Trazodone ("Desyrel") can also reduce or eliminate problems with anger, anxiety, and disturbed sleep.[147] Beta blockers. Propranolol ("Inderal") has demonstrated possibilities in reducing hyperarousal symptoms, including sleep disturbances.[155][162] Benzodiazepines. These drugs are not recommended by clinical guidelines for the treatment of PTSD due to a lack of evidence of benefit.[163] Nevertheless some doctors use benzodiazepines with caution for short-term anxiety relief,[159][164] hyperarousal, and sleep disturbance.[155] However, some authors believe that the use of benzodiazepines is contraindicated for acute stress as this group of drugs promote dissociation and ulterior revivals.[165] While benzodiazepines can alleviate acute anxiety, there is no consistent evidence that they can stop the development of PTSD, or are at all effective in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. Additionally, benzodiazepines may reduce the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions, and there is some evidence that benzodiazepines may actually contribute to the development and chronification of PTSD. Other drawbacks include the risk of developing a benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal syndrome; additionally, individuals with PTSD are at an increased risk of abusing benzodiazepines.[144][166] Glucocorticoids. Additionally, post-stress high dose corticosterone administration was recently found to reduce "PTSD-like" behaviors in a rat model of PTSD. In this study, corticosterone impaired memory performance, suggesting that it may reduce risk for PTSD by interfering with consolidation of traumatic memories.[167] The neurodegenerative effects of the glucocorticoids, however, may prove this treatment counterproductive.[168] Heterocyclic / Tricyclic anti-depressants anti-depressants. Amitriptyline ("Elavil") has shown benefit for positive distress symptoms and for avoidance, and Imipramine ("Tofranil") has shown benefit for intrusive symptoms.[147] Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Phenelzine ("Nardil") has for some time been observed to be effective with hyperarousal and depression and is especially effective with nightmares.[147] Miscellaneous other medications. Clinical trials evaluating methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "Ecstasy") in conjunction with psychotherapy are being conducted in Switzerland[169] and Israel.[170]
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Post-traumatic stress disorder Symptom prevention: potentially useful medication classes Some medications have shown benefit in preventing PTSD or reducing its incidence, when given in close proximity to a traumatic event. These medications include: Alpha-adrenergic agonists. Anecdotal report of success in using clonidine ("Catapres") to reduce traumatic stress symptoms[171] suggests that it may have benefit in preventing PTSD. Beta blockers. Propranolol ("Inderal"), similarly to clonidine, may be useful if there are significant symptoms of "over-arousal". These may inhibit the formation of traumatic memories by blocking adrenaline's effects on the amygdala.[162] Glucocorticoids. There is some evidence suggesting that administering glucocorticoids immediately after a traumatic experience may help prevent PTSD. Several studies have shown that individuals who receive high doses of hydrocortisone for treatment of septic shock, or following surgery, have a lower incidence and fewer symptoms of PTSD.[172][173][174] Medications by symptom group affected Medications can affect one or more of the symptoms, in one or more of the three major symptom classes[8] involved in diagnosing PTSD, which can be summarized in the following table:[159][164][175]
Symptom class Reexperiencing intrusive recall intrusive reexperiencing amitriptyline; fluoxetine; imipramine; lamotrigine; sertraline amitriptyline; fluoxetine; imipramine; nefazodone; sertraline (women only); topiramate; benzodiazepines; carbamazepine; clonidine; nefazodone; phenelzine; prazosin; topiramate; trazodone; zolpidem risperidone Symptom Medication
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dissociative recall
intense psychological distress (anger, anxiety) when exposed benzodiazepines; buspirone; carbamazepine; lithium (not for anxiety); to reminders of traumatic event(s) nefazodone; trazodone Avoidance avoidance feelings of detachment or estrangement from others restricted range of affect (numbing) Hyperarousal general hyperarousal sleep disturbance, nightmares amitriptyline; nefazodone; phenelzine; sertraline (women only) benzodiazepines; carbamazepine; clonidine; nefazodone; phenelzine; trazodone; zolpidem carbamazepine; nefazodone; valproic acid buspirone; fluoxetine; lithium; trazodone risperidone benzodiazepines; buspirone; carbamazepine; clonidine; propranolol; valproic acid amitriptyline; fluoxetine; lamotrigine; nefazodone; sertraline amitriptyline; risperidone amitriptyline; lamotrigine; sertraline (women only)
irritability, anger (and impulsiveness) anger aggression exaggerated startle response; general autonomic hyperexcitability
Some medications can also help with symptoms which may occur secondary to PTSD:[175]
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dream content distortions nefazodone relapse of symptoms self-mutilation carbamazepine clonidine; buprenorphine
Medication and self-medication issues and risks with PTSD Alcohol abuse and drug abuse commonly co-occur with PTSD.[153] Recovery from posttraumatic stress disorder or other anxiety disorders may be hindered, or the condition worsened, by medication or substance overuse, abuse, or dependence; resolving these problems can bring about a marked improvement in an individual's mental health status and anxiety levels.[176][177] Yohimbine (not considered specifically appropriate for PTSD) increases arousal by increasing release of endogenous norepinephrine and can worsen PTSD symptoms.[153]
Epidemiology
There is debate over the rates of PTSD found in populations, but despite changes in diagnosis and the criteria used to define PTSD between 1997 and 2007, epidemiological rates have not changed significantly.[10]
Disability-adjusted life year rates for posttraumatic stress disorder per 100,000inhabitants in 2004. "Mortality and Burden of Disease Estimates for WHO Member States in 2004". World Health Organization. .no data< 43.543.5-4545-46.546.5-4848-49.549.5-5151-52.552.5-5454-55.555.5-5757-58.5> 58.5
The United Nations' World Health Organization publishes estimates of PTSD impact for each of its member states; the latest data available are for 2004. Considering only the 25 most populated countries,[179] ranked by overall age-standardized Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) rate, the top half of the ranked list is dominated by Asian/Pacific countries, the USA, and Egypt.[180] Ranking the countries by the male-only or female-only rates produces much the same result, but with less meaningfulness, as the score range in the single sex rankings is much reduced (4 for women, 3 for men, as compared with 14 for the overall score range), suggesting that the differences between female and male rates, within each country, is what drives the distinctions between the countries.[181][182]
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Age-standardized Disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates for PTSD, per 100,000 inhabitants, in 25 most populous countries,[179] ranked by overall rate (2004)
Region Country PTSD DALY rate, overall 59 58 58 58 57 56 56 56 56 55 55 55 55 54 54 54 54 54 53 [180] PTSD DALY rate, females [181] PTSD DALY rate, [182] males
Asia / Pacific Thailand Asia / Pacific Indonesia Asia / Pacific Philippines Americas USA
86 86 86 86 85 83 85 83 85 80 81 81 80 80 80 80 78 80 76 76 76 76 76 60 60
30 30 30 30 29 30 29 30 29 31 30 30 30 28 28 28 30 28 29 28 28 28 28 30 30
Asia / Pacific India Asia / Pacific Iran Asia / Pacific Pakistan Asia / Pacific Japan Asia / Pacific Myanmar Europe Turkey
Asia / Pacific Russian Federation Europe Africa Africa Africa Africa United Kingdom Nigeria
United States
The National Comorbidity Survey [183] has estimated that the lifetime prevalence of PTSD among adult Americans is 7.8%, with women (10.4%) twice as likely as men[25] (5%) to have PTSD at some point in their lives.[68] More than 60% of men and more than 60% of women experience at least one traumatic event in their life. The most frequently reported traumatic events by men are rape, combat, and childhood neglect or physical abuse. Women most frequently report instances of rape, sexual molestation, physical attack, being threatened with a weapon and childhood physical abuse.[25] 88% of men and 79% of women with lifetime PTSD have at least one comorbid psychiatric disorder. Major deptressive disorder, 48% of men and 49% of women, and lifetime alcohol abuse or dependence, 51.9% of men and 27.9% of women, are the most common comorbid disorders.[184]
Post-traumatic stress disorder The United States Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 830,000 Vietnam War veterans suffered symptoms of PTSD.[185] The National Vietnam Veterans' Readjustment Study (NVVRS) found 15.2% of male and 8.5% of female Vietnam Vets to suffer from current PTSD at the time of the study. Life-Time prevalence of PTSD was 30.9% for males and 26.9% for females. In a reanalysis of the NVVRS data, along with analysis of the data from the Matsunaga Vietnam Veterans Project, Schnurr, Lunney, Sengupta, and Waelde found that, contrary to the initial analysis of the NVVRS data, a large majority of Vietnam veterans suffered from PTSD symptoms (but not the disorder itself). Four out of five reported recent symptoms when interviewed 2025 years after Vietnam.[77] A 2011 study from Georgia State University and San Diego State University found that rates of PTSD diagnosis increased significantly when troops were stationed in combat zones, had tours of longer than a year, experienced combat, or were injured. Military personnel serving in combat zones were 12.1 percentage points more likely to receive a PTSD diagnosis than their active-duty counterparts in non-combat zones. Those serving more than 12 months in a combat zone were 14.3 percentage points more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD than those who served less than one year. Experiencing an enemy firefight was associated a 18.3 percentage point increase in the probability of PTSD, while being wounded or injured in combat was associated a 23.9 percentage point increase in the likelihood of a PTSD diagnosis. For the 2.16 million U.S. troops deployed in combat zones between 2001 and 2010, the total estimated two-year costs of treatment for combat-related PTSD are between $1.54 billion and $2.69 billion.[186]
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In other species
There have been reports of captive[187] and wild[188] elephants suffering from posttraumatic stress reactions, the latter from seeing members of their herd shot by hunters. Service dogs used overseas in the military have been said[189] to develop posttraumatic stress after witnessing war.
United Statesveterans
Further information: Benefits for US Veterans with PTSD A review of the provision of compensation to veterans for PTSD by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs began in 2005 after the VA had noted a 30% increase in PTSD claims in recent years.[190] In 2005 the suicide rate among male Veteran VA users was 37.19 per 100,000, compared to 13.59 in females.[191] This led to a backlash from veterans'-rights groups, and to some highly publicized suicides by veterans who feared losing their Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C. benefits, which in some cases constituted their only income. In response, on November 10, 2005, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs announced that "the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will not review the files of 72,000 veterans currently receiving disability compensation for posttraumatic stress disorder..."[192]
Post-traumatic stress disorder Many veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have faced significant physical, emotional, and relational disruptions. In response, the United States Marine Corps has instituted programs to assist them in re-adjusting to civilian life, especially in their relationships with spouses and loved ones, to help them communicate better and understand what the other has gone through.[193] Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) developed the Battlemind program to assist service members avoid or ameliorate PTSD and related problems. The American Legion is the most popular social and mutual-aid veterans' organization, with nearly 3 million members in over 14,000 Posts. Posts organize community events and service projects, and often have a bar open for limited hours. The American Legion is politically active on behalf of interests of veterans and service members, promoting support for veterans benefits, Veterans Affairs hospital system.[194] The Sierra Club Military Families and Veterans Initiative [195] organizes wilderness trips for veterans, and has received positive feedback about stress reduction.[196] One viewpoint suggests that "the key seems to be helping vets experience intense challenges free from the psychological shackles of life-and-death danger." Ice climbing has been a successful activity, "because its perceived challenge is so high,"[197] and Grizzly Tracking in Montana for Veterans, Service Members, and Families is scheduled for summer 2012.[198] More relaxing wilderness trips may also be of value, as settling into a rhythm moves an individual away from a state of hypervigilance into a more relaxed "flow experience". A Colorado therapist has suggested that "repetitive motor movements like cycling or skiing" and "rhythmic outdoor activities" reduce stress through a mechanism similar to EMDR therapy. An Outward Bound instructor comments that "the most healing occurs while [people are] drinking coffee and hanging out by the river" with fellow vets.[197]
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Other countriesveterans
In the UK, there has been some controversy that National Health Service is dumping veterans on service charities like Combat Stress.[199][200][201] Veterans Affairs Canada offers a new program that includes rehabilitation, financial benefits, job placement, health benefits program, disability awards, and family support.[202]
History
Earliest reports
Reports of battle-associated stress reactions appear as early as the 6th century BC. It has been suggested that Herodotus account of the Battle of Marathon refers to a case of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Epizelus.
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Terminology
The term post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was coined in the mid 1970s,[205] in part through the efforts of antiVietnam War activists and the anti-war group Vietnam Veterans Against the War and Chaim F. Shatan, who worked with them and coined the term post-Vietnam Syndrome; the condition was added to the DSM-III as posttraumatic stress disorder.[207] Early in 1978, the term was used in a working group finding presented to the Committee of Reactive Disorders.[207] The term was formally recognized in 1980.[205] (In the DSM-IV, the spelling "posttraumatic stress disorder" is used, while in the ICD-10 the spelling is "post-traumatic...".[208] Elsewhere, especially in less formal writing, the term may be rendered as two words"post traumatic stress disorder".)
Notes
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] http:/ / apps. who. int/ classifications/ icd10/ browse/ 2010/ en#/ F43. 1 http:/ / www. icd9data. com/ getICD9Code. ashx?icd9=309. 81 http:/ / www. diseasesdatabase. com/ ddb33846. htm http:/ / www. nlm. nih. gov/ medlineplus/ ency/ article/ 000925. htm http:/ / www. emedicine. com/ med/ topic1900. htm http:/ / www. nlm. nih. gov/ cgi/ mesh/ 2012/ MB_cgi?field=uid& term=D013313 Acceptable variants of this term exist; see Terminology section in this article. American Psychiatric Association (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-IV. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association. ISBN0-89042-061-0.
[9] Satcher D et al. (1999). "Chapter 4.2" (http:/ / www. surgeongeneral. gov/ library/ mentalhealth/ chapter4/ sec2. html). Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General. Surgeon General of the United States. .
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Survivor guilt
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Survivor guilt
Survivor, survivor's, or survivors guilt or syndrome is a mental condition that occurs when a person perceives themselves to have done wrong by surviving a traumatic event when others did not. It may be found among survivors of combat, natural disasters, epidemics, among the friends and family of those who have committed suicide, and in non-mortal situations such as among those whose colleagues are laid off. The experience and manifestation of survivor's guilt will depend on an individual's psychological profile. When the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM-IV) was published, survivor guilt was removed as a recognized specific diagnosis, and redefined as a significant symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
History
Survivor guilt was first identified during the 1960s. Several therapists recognized similar if not identical conditions among Holocaust survivors. Similar signs and symptoms have been recognized in survivors of traumatic situations including combat, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and wide-ranging job layoffs.[1] A variant form has been found among rescue and emergency services personnel who blame themselves for doing too little to help those in danger, and among therapists, who may feel a form of guilt in the face of their patients' suffering. Sufferers sometimes blame themselves for the deaths of others, including those who died while rescuing the survivor or whom the survivor tried unsuccessfully to save.[2]
Survivor syndrome
Survivor syndrome, also called concentration camp syndrome, or called KZ syndrome on account of the German term Konzentrationslager,[3] are terms which have been used to describe the reactions and behaviors of people who have survived massive and adverse events, such as the Holocaust, the Rape of Nanking, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic.[4] They are described as having a pattern of characteristic symptoms including anxiety and depression, social withdrawal, sleep disturbance and nightmares, physical complaints and emotional lability with loss of drive.[5] Commonly such survivors feel guilty that they have survived the trauma and otherssuch as their family, friends, and colleaguesdid not. Both conditions, along with other descriptive syndromes covering a range of traumatic events are now subsumed under posttraumatic stress disorder.[6]
Social responses
Sufferers may with time divert their guilt into helping others deal with traumatic situations. They may describe or regard their own survival as insignificant. Survivors who feel guilty sometimes suffer self-blame and clinical depression.
Treatment
Early disaster response and grief therapy methods both attempt to prevent survivor guilt from arising. Where it is already present, therapists attempt to recognize the guilt and understand the reasons for its development. Next, a therapist may present a sufferer with alternative, hopeful views on the situation. The emotional damage and trauma is then recognized, released and treated. With growing self-confidence the survivor's guilt may be relieved, and the survivor may come to understand that the traumatic event was the result of misfortune, not of the survivor's actions. Once able to view himself or herself as a sufferer, not one who caused suffering, the survivor can mourn and continue with life.
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Examples
Waylon Jennings was a guitarist for Buddy Holly's band and initially had a seat on the ill-fated aircraft on The Day the Music Died. But Jennings gave up his seat to the sick J.P. "Big Bopper" Richardson, only to learn later of the plane's demise. When Holly learned that Jennings was not going to fly, he said, "Well, I hope your ol' bus freezes up." Jennings responded, "Well, I hope your ol' plane crashes." This exchange of words, though made in jest at the time, haunted Jennings for the rest of his life.[7][8] Jennings, who later became a country music star, expressed survivor's guilt about Richardson's death. Holocaust survivor Primo Levi, haunted by his experiences in Auschwitz, explored his own survivor's guilt extensively in his autobiographical books, notably in I sommersi e i salvati (The Drowned and the Saved). His death was reportedly a suicide, and towards the end of his life he suffered from depression, possibly induced by his experiences.
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Notes
[1] JoNel Aleccia, " Guilty and stressed, layoff survivors suffer, too (http:/ / www. msnbc. msn. com/ id/ 28196734/ )", msnbc.com, December 15, 2008 [2] Bonnie S. Fisher, Steven P. Lab. Encyclopedia of Victimology and Crime Prevention, SAGE, 2010, p. 33, ISBN 978-1-4129-6047-2 [3] "The evolution of mental disturbances in the concentration camp syndrome (KZ-syndrom)" (http:/ / www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/ pubmed/ 2184095). 1990-02. . Retrieved 2010-12-07. [4] Walt Odets, " In the Shadow of the Epidemic: Being HIV-Negative in the Age of AIDS (http:/ / www. waltodets. com/ Books/ In_the_Shadow_of_the_Epidemic/ in_the_shadow_of_the_epidemic. html)", 1995. [5] Raphael Beverley, (1986). When disaster strikes. PP 90-91. Century Hutchinson, London. [6] Wilson JP, & Raphael B Editors. Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Traumatic Stress Syndromes. The International Handbook of Traumatic Stress Syndromes, p. 1. Plenum Press, New York. 1993. [7] VH1's Behind the Music "The Day the Music Died" interview with Waylon Jennings. [8] "Waylon's Buddy: Jennings Never Forgot His Mentor" (http:/ / www. cmt. com/ artists/ news/ 1452295/ 02142002/ holly_buddy. jhtml). CMT. . [9] Bertman, Sandra L. (1999). Grief and the healing arts: creativity as therapy. Baywood. p.166. ISBN978-0-89503-198-3. [10] Corr, Charles A.; Balk, David E. (2010). Children's encounters with death, bereavement, and coping (http:/ / books. google. com/ books?id=pmS4fBT4kf4C& pg=PA210). Springer. p.210. ISBN978-0-8261-3422-6. .
Further reading
Encyclopedia of Stress, Academic Press; 1st edition (April 2000) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV, American Psychiatric Publishing; 4th edition (June 2000)
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CT scan showing cerebral contusions, hemorrhage within the hemispheres, subdural hematoma, and skull fractures ICD-10 ICD-9 DiseasesDB MedlinePlus eMedicine MeSH S06 [2] [3] [9] [10] [11] neuro/153 [12] ped/929 [13] -801.9 [4] , 803.0 [5] -804.9 [6] , 850.0 [7]
[1]
800.0 5671
-854.1
[8]
000028
med/2820 D001930
[14]
Traumatic brain injury (TBI), also known as intracranial injury, occurs when an external force traumatically injures the brain. TBI can be classified based on severity, mechanism (closed or penetrating head injury), or other features (e.g., occurring in a specific location or over a widespread area). Head injury usually refers to TBI, but is a broader category because it can involve damage to structures other than the brain, such as the scalp and skull. TBI is a major cause of death and disability worldwide, especially in children and young adults. Causes include falls, vehicle accidents, and violence. Prevention measures include use of technology to protect those suffering from automobile accidents, such as seat belts and sports or motorcycle helmets, as well as efforts to reduce the number of automobile accidents, such as safety education programs and enforcement of traffic laws. Brain trauma can be caused by a direct impact or by acceleration alone. In addition to the damage caused at the moment of injury, brain trauma causes secondary injury, a variety of events that take place in the minutes and days following the injury. These processes, which include alterations in cerebral blood flow and the pressure within the skull, contribute substantially to the damage from the initial injury. TBI can cause a host of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral effects, and outcome can range from complete recovery to permanent disability or death. The 20thcentury saw critical developments in diagnosis and treatment that decreased death rates and improved outcome. Some of the current imaging techniques used for diagnosis and treatment include CT scans computed tomography and MRIs magnetic resonance imaging. Depending on the injury, treatment required may be minimal or may include interventions such as medications, emergency surgery or surgery years later. Physical therapy, speech therapy, recreation therapy, and occupational therapy may be
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Classification
Traumatic brain injury is defined as damage to the brain resulting from external mechanical force, such as rapid acceleration or deceleration, impact, blast waves, or penetration by a projectile.[15] Brain function is temporarily or permanently impaired and structural damage may or may not be detectable with current technology.[16] TBI is one of two subsets of acquired brain injury (brain damage that occur after birth); the other subset is non-traumatic brain injury, which does not involve external mechanical force (examples include stroke and infection).[17][18] All traumatic brain injuries are head injuries, but the latter term may also refer to injury to other parts of the head.[19][20][21] However, the terms head injury and brain injury are often used interchangeably.[22] Similarly, brain injuries fall under the classification of central nervous system injuries[23] and neurotrauma.[24] In neuropsychology research literature, in general the term "traumatic brain injury" is used to refer to non-penetrating traumatic brain injuries. TBI is usually classified based on severity, anatomical features of the injury, and the mechanism (the causative forces).[25] Mechanism-related classification divides TBI into closed and penetrating head injury.[15] A closed (also called nonpenetrating, or blunt)[19] injury occurs when the brain is not exposed.[20] A penetrating, or open, head injury occurs when an object pierces the skull and breaches the dura mater, the outermost membrane surrounding the brain.[20]
Moderate
912
Severe
38
Brain injuries can be classified into mild, moderate, and severe categories.[25] The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), the most commonly used system for classifying TBI severity, grades a person's level of consciousness on a scale of 315 based on verbal, motor, and eye-opening reactions to stimuli.[27] It is generally agreed that a TBI with a GCS of 13 or above is mild, 912 is moderate, and 8 or below is severe.[16][21][28] Similar systems exist for young children.[21] However, the GCS grading system has limited ability to predict outcomes. Because of this, other classification systems such as the one shown in the table are also used to help determine severity. A current model developed by the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs uses all three criteria of GCS after resuscitation, duration of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA), and loss of consciousness (LOC).[26] It also has been proposed to use changes that are visible on neuroimaging, such as swelling, focal lesions, or diffuse injury as method of classification.[15] Grading scales also exist to classify the severity of mild TBI, commonly called concussion; these use duration of LOC, PTA, and other concussion symptoms.[29]
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Pathological features
Systems also exist to classify TBI by its pathological features.[25] Lesions can be extra-axial, (occurring within the skull but outside of the brain) or intra-axial (occurring within the brain tissue).[30] Damage from TBI can be focal or diffuse, confined to specific areas or distributed in a more general manner, respectively.[31] However, it is common for both types of injury to exist in a given case.[31] Diffuse injury manifests with little apparent damage in neuroimaging studies, but lesions can be seen with microscopy techniques post-mortem,[31][32] and in the early 2000s, researchers discovered that diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), a way of processing MRI images that shows white matter tracts, was an effective tool for displaying the extent of diffuse axonal injury.[33][34] Types of injuries considered diffuse include edema (swelling) and diffuse axonal injury, which is widespread damage to axons including white matter tracts and projections to the cortex.[35][36] Types of injuries considered diffuse include concussion and diffuse axonal injury, widespread damage to axons in areas including white matter and the cerebral hemispheres.[35]
CT scan Spread of the subdural hematoma (single arrows), midline shift (double arrows)
Focal injuries often produce symptoms related to the functions of the damaged area.[23] Research shows that the most common areas to have focal lesions in non-penetrating traumatic brain injury are the orbitofrontal cortex (the lower surface of the frontal lobes) and the anterior temporal lobes, areas that are involved in social behavior, emotion regulation, olfaction, and decision-making, hence the common social/emotional and judgment deficits following moderate-severe TBI.[37][38][39][40] Symptoms such as hemiparesis or aphasia can also occur when less commonly affected areas such as motor or language areas are, respectively, damaged.[41][42] One type of focal injury, cerebral laceration, occurs when the tissue is cut or torn.[43] Such tearing is common in orbitofrontal cortex in particular, because of bony protrusions on the interior skull ridge above the eyes.[37] In a similar injury, cerebral contusion (bruising of brain tissue), blood is mixed among tissue.[28] In contrast, intracranial hemorrhage involves bleeding that is not mixed with tissue.[43] Hematomas, also focal lesions, are collections of blood in or around the brain that can result from hemorrhage.[16] Intracerebral hemorrhage, with bleeding in the brain tissue itself, is an intra-axial lesion. Extra-axial lesions include epidural hematoma, subdural hematoma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and intraventricular hemorrhage.[44] Epidural hematoma involves bleeding into the area between the skull and the dura mater, the outermost of the three membranes surrounding the brain.[16] In subdural hematoma, bleeding occurs between the dura and the arachnoid mater.[28] Subarachnoid hemorrhage involves bleeding into the space between the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater.[28] Intraventricular hemorrhage occurs when there is bleeding in the ventricles.[44]
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Symptoms are dependent on the type of TBI (diffuse or focal) and the part of the brain that is affected.[46] Unconsciousness tends to last longer for people with injuries on the left side of the brain than for those with injuries on the right.[20] Symptoms are also dependent on the injury's severity. With mild TBI, the patient may remain conscious Unequal pupil size is potentially a sign of a or may lose consciousness for a few seconds or minutes.[47] Other [45] serious brain injury. symptoms of mild TBI include headache, vomiting, nausea, lack of motor coordination, dizziness, difficulty balancing,[48] lightheadedness, blurred vision or tired eyes, ringing in the ears, bad taste in the mouth, fatigue or lethargy, and changes in sleep patterns.[47] Cognitive and emotional symptoms include behavioral or mood changes, confusion, and trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking.[47] Mild TBI symptoms may also be present in moderate and severe injuries.[47] A person with a moderate or severe TBI may have a headache that does not go away, repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions, an inability to awaken, dilation of one or both pupils, slurred speech, aphasia (word-finding difficulties), dysarthria (muscle weakness that causes disordered speech), weakness or numbness in the limbs, loss of coordination, confusion, restlessness, or agitation.[47] Common long-term symptoms of moderate to severe TBI are changes in appropriate social behavior, deficits in social judgment, and cognitive changes, especially problems with sustained attention, processing speed, and executive functioning.[40][49][50][51][52] Alexithymia, a deficiency in identifying, understanding, processing, and describing emotions occurs in 60.9% of individuals with TBI.[53] Cognitive and social deficits have long-term consequences for the daily lives of people with moderate to severe TBI, but can be improved with appropriate rehabilitation.[52][54][55][56] When the pressure within the skull (intracranial pressure, abbreviated ICP) rises too high, it can be deadly.[57] Signs of increased ICP include decreasing level of consciousness, paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, and a blown pupil, one that fails to constrict in response to light or is slow to do so.[57] Cushing's triad, a slow heart rate with high blood pressure and respiratory depression is a classic manifestation of significantly raised ICP.[16] Anisocoria, unequal pupil size, is another sign of serious TBI.[45] Abnormal posturing, a characteristic positioning of the limbs caused by severe diffuse injury or high ICP, is an ominous sign.[16] Small children with moderate to severe TBI may have some of these symptoms but have difficulty communicating them.[58] Other signs seen in young children include persistent crying, inability to be consoled, listlessness, refusal to nurse or eat,[58] and irritability.[16]
Causes
The most common causes of TBI in the U.S. include violence, transportation accidents, construction, and sports.[48][59] Motor bikes are major causes, increasing in significance in developing countries as other causes reduce.[60] The estimates that between 1.6 and 3.8million traumatic brain injuries each year are a result of sports and recreation activities in the US.[61] In children aged two to four, falls are the most common cause of TBI, while in older children traffic accidents compete with falls for this position.[62] TBI is the third most common injury to result from child abuse.[63] Abuse causes 19% of cases of pediatric brain trauma, and the death rate is higher among these cases.[64] Domestic violence is another cause of TBI,[65] as are work-related and industrial accidents.[66] Firearms[20] and blast injuries from explosions[67] are other causes of TBI, which is the leading cause of death and disability in war zones.[68] According to Representative Bill Pascrell (Democrat, NJ), TBI is "the signature injury of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan."[69] There is a promising technology called activation database guided EEG biofeedback which has been documented to return a TBI's auditory memory ability to above the control group's performance [70]
[71]
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Mechanism
Physical forces
The type, direction, intensity, and duration of forces all contribute to the characteristics and severity TBI.[15] Forces that may contribute to TBI include angular, rotational, shear, and translational forces.[43] Even in the absence of an impact, significant acceleration or deceleration of the head can cause TBI; however in most cases a combination of impact and acceleration is probably to blame.[43] Forces involving the head striking or being struck by something, termed contact or impact loading, are the cause of most focal injuries, and movement of the brain within the skull, termed noncontact or inertial loading, usually causes diffuse injuries.[25] The violent shaking of an infant that causes shaken baby syndrome commonly manifests as diffuse injury.[73] In impact loading, the force sends shock waves through the skull and brain, resulting in tissue damage.[43] Shock waves caused by penetrating injuries can also destroy tissue along the path of a projectile, compounding the damage caused by the missile itself.[28]
Ricochet of the brain within the skull may account for the coup-contrecoup [72] phenomenon.
Damage may occur directly under the site of impact, or it may occur on the side opposite the impact (coup and contrecoup injury, respectively).[72] When a moving object impacts the stationary head, coup injuries are typical,[74] while contrecoup injuries are usually produced when the moving head strikes a stationary object.[75]
Traumatic brain injury herniation, in which parts of the brain are squeezed by structures in the skull.[57] A particularly weak part of the skull that is vulnerable to damage causing extradural haematoma is the pterion, deep in which lies the middle meningeal artery which is easily damaged in fractures of the pterion. Since the pterion is so weak this type of injury can easily occur and can be secondary due to trauma to other parts of the skull where the impact forces spreads to the pterion.
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Diagnosis
Diagnosis is suspected based on lesion circumstances and clinical evidence, most prominently a neurological examination, for example checking whether the pupils constrict normally in response to light and assigning a Glasgow Coma Score.[28] Neuroimaging helps in determining the diagnosis and prognosis and in deciding what treatments to give.[81] The preferred radiologic test in the emergency setting is computed tomography (CT): it is quick, accurate, and widely available.[82] Followup CT scans may be performed later to determine whether the injury has progressed.[15] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can show more detail than CT, and can add information about expected outcome in the long term.[28] It is more useful than CT for detecting injury characteristics such as diffuse CT scan showing epidural hematoma (arrow) axonal injury in the longer term.[15] However, MRI is not used in the emergency setting for reasons including its relative inefficacy in detecting bleeds and fractures, its lengthy acquisition of images, the inaccessibility of the patient in the machine, and its incompatibility with metal items used in emergency care.[28] Other techniques may be used to confirm a particular diagnosis. X-rays are still used for head trauma, but evidence suggests they are not useful; head injuries are either so mild that they do not need imaging or severe enough to merit the more accurate CT.[82] Angiography may be used to detect blood vessel pathology when risk factors such as penetrating head trauma are involved.[15] Functional imaging can measure cerebral blood flow or metabolism, inferring neuronal activity in specific regions and potentially helping to predict outcome.[83] Electroencephalography and transcranial doppler may also be used. The most sensitive physical measure to date is the quantitative EEG which has documented an 80% to 100% ability in discriminating between normals and traumatic brain injured subjects. [84] [85] Neuropsychological assessment can be performed to evaluate the long-term cognitive sequelae and to aid in the planning of the rehabilitation.[81] Instruments range from short measures of general mental functioning to complete batteries formed of different domain-specific tests.
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Prevention
Since a major cause of TBI are vehicle accidents, their prevention or the amelioration of their consequences can both reduce the incidence and gravity of TBI. In accidents, damage can be reduced by use of seat belts, child safety seats[61] and motorcycle helmets,[86] and presence of roll bars and airbags.[43] Education programs exist to lower the number of crashes.[81] In addition, changes to public policy and safety laws can be made; these include speed limits, seat belt and helmet laws, and road engineering practices.[68] Changes to common practices in sports have also been discussed. An increase in use of helmets could reduce the incidence of TBI.[68] Due Protective sports equipment such as helmets can to the possibility that repeatedly "heading" a ball practicing soccer protect athletes from head injury. could cause cumulative brain injury, the idea of introducing protective headgear for players has been proposed.[87] Improved equipment design can enhance safety; softer baseballs reduce head injury risk.[88] Rules against dangerous types of contact, such as "spear tackling" in American football, when one player tackles another head first, may also reduce head injury rates.[88] Falls can be avoided by installing grab bars in bathrooms and handrails on stairways; removing tripping hazards such as throw rugs; or installing window guards and safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs around young children.[61] Playgrounds with shock-absorbing surfaces such as mulch or sand also prevent head injuries.[61] Child abuse prevention is another tactic; programs exist to prevent shaken baby syndrome by educating about the dangers of shaking children.[64] Gun safety, including keeping guns unloaded and locked, is another preventative measure.[89] Studies on the effect of laws that aim to control access to guns in the United States have been insufficient to determine their effectiveness preventing number of deaths or injuries.[90] Recent clinical and laboratory research by neurosurgeon Julian Bailes, M.D., and his colleagues from West Virginia University, has resulted in papers showing that dietary supplementation with omega-3 DHA offers protection against the biochemical brain damage that occurs after a traumatic injury.[91] Rats given DHA prior to induced brain injuries suffered smaller increases in two key markers for brain damage (APP and caspase-3), as compared with rats given no DHA.[92] The potential for DHA to provide prophylactic benefit to the brain against traumatic injury appears promising and requires further investigation. The essential concept of daily dietary supplementation with DHA, so that those at significant risk may be preloaded to provide protection against the acute effects of TBI, has tremendous public health implications. [93]
Treatment
It is important to begin emergency treatment within the so-called "golden hour" following the injury.[94] People with moderate to severe injuries are likely to receive treatment in an intensive care unit followed by a neurosurgical ward.[95] Treatment depends on the recovery stage of the patient. In the acute stage the primary aim of the medical personnel is to stabilize the patient and focus on preventing further injury because little can be done to reverse the initial damage caused by trauma.[95] Rehabilitation is the main treatment for the subacute and chronic stages of recovery.[95] International clinical guidelines have been proposed with the aim of guiding decisions in TBI treatment, as defined by an authoritative examination of current evidence.[15]
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Acute stage
Certain facilities are equipped to handle TBI better than others; initial measures include transporting patients to an appropriate treatment center.[57][96] Both during transport and in hospital the primary concerns are ensuring proper oxygen supply, maintaining adequate cerebral blood flow, and controlling raised intracranial pressure (ICP),[16] since high ICP deprives the brain of badly needed blood flow[97] and can cause deadly brain herniation. Other methods to prevent damage include management of other injuries and prevention of seizures.[28][81] Neuroimaging is helpful but not flawless in detecting raised ICP.[98] A more accurate way to measure ICP is to place a catheter into a ventricle of the brain,[45] which has the added benefit of allowing cerebrospinal fluid to drain, releasing pressure in the skull.[45] Treatment of raised ICP may be as simple as tilting the patient's bed and straightening the head to promote blood flow through the veins of the neck. Sedatives, analgesics and paralytic agents are often used.[57] Hypertonic saline can improve ICP by reducing the amount of cerebral water (swelling), though it is used with caution to avoid electrolyte imbalances or heart failure.[15] Mannitol, an osmotic diuretic,[15] was also studied for this purpose,[99][100][101] but such studies have been heavily questioned.[102] Diuretics, drugs that increase urine output to reduce excessive fluid in the system, may be used to treat high intracranial pressures, but may cause hypovolemia (insufficient blood volume).[45] Hyperventilation (larger and/or faster breaths) reduces carbon dioxide levels and causes blood vessels to constrict; this decreases blood flow to the brain and reduces ICP, but it potentially causes ischemia[16][45][103] and is, therefore, used only in the short term.[16] Endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation may be used to ensure proper oxygen supply and provide a secure airway.[81] Hypotension (low blood pressure), which has a devastating outcome in TBI, can be prevented by giving intravenous fluids to maintain a normal blood pressure. Failing to maintain blood pressure can result in inadequate blood flow to the brain.[28] Blood pressure may be kept at an artificially high level under controlled conditions by infusion of norepinephrine or similar drugs; this helps maintain cerebral perfusion.[104] Body temperature is carefully regulated because increased temperature raises the brain's metabolic needs, potentially depriving it of nutrients.[105] Seizures are common. While they can be treated with benzodiazepines, these drugs are used carefully because they can depress breathing and lower blood pressure.[57] TBI patients are more susceptible to side effects and may react adversely or be inordinately sensitive to some pharmacological agents.[95] During treatment monitoring continues for signs of deterioration such as a decreasing level of consciousness.[15][16] Traumatic brain injury may cause a range of serious coincidental complications which include cardiac arrhythmias[106] and neurogenic pulmonary edema.[107] These conditions must be adequately treated and stabilised as part of the core care for these patients. Surgery can be performed on mass lesions or to eliminate objects that have penetrated the brain. Mass lesions such as contusions or hematomas causing a significant mass effect (shift of intracranial structures) are considered emergencies and are removed surgically.[28] For intracranial hematomas, the collected blood may be removed using suction or forceps or it may be floated off with water.[28] Surgeons look for hemorrhaging blood vessels and seek to control bleeding.[28] In penetrating brain injury, damaged tissue is surgically debrided, and craniotomy may be needed.[28] Craniotomy, in which part of the skull is removed, may be needed to remove pieces of fractured skull or objects embedded in the brain.[108] Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is performed routinely in the very short period following TBI during operations to treat hematomas; part of the skull is removed temporarily (primary DC).[109] DC performed hours or days after TBI in order to control high intracranial pressures (secondary DC) has not been shown to improve outcome in some trials and may be associated with severe side effects.[15][109]
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Chronic stage
Once medically stable, patients may be transferred to a subacute rehabilitation unit of the medical center or to an independent rehabilitation hospital.[95] Rehabilitation aims to improve independent function at home and in society and to help adapt to disabilities [95] and has demonstrated its general effectiveness, when conducted by a team of health professionals who specialise in head trauma.[110] As for any patient with neurologic deficits, a multidisciplinary approach is key to optimising outcome. Physiatrists or neurologists are likely to be the key medical staff involved, but depending on the patient, doctors of Physical therapy will commonly include muscle other medical specialties may also be helpful. Allied health professions strength exercise. such as physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, cognitive rehabilitation therapy, and occupational therapy will be essential to assess function and design the rehabilitation activities for each patient. Treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms such as emotional distress and clinical depression may involve mental health professionals such as therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, while neuropsychologists can help to evaluate and manage cognitive deficits.[95] After discharge from the inpatient rehabilitation treatment unit, care may be given on an outpatient basis. Community-based rehabilitation will be required for a high proportion of patients, including vocational rehabilitation; this supportive employment matches job demands to the worker's abilities.[111] People with TBI who cannot live independently or with family may require care in supported living facilities such as group homes.[111] Respite care, including day centers and leisure facilities for the disabled, offers time off for caregivers, and activities for people with TBI.[111] Pharmacological treatment can help to manage psychiatric or behavioral problems.[112] Medication is also used to control post-traumatic epilepsy; however the preventive use of anti-epileptics is not recommended.[113] In those cases where the person is bedridden due to a reduction of consciousness, has to remain in a wheelchair because of mobility problems, or has any other problem heavily impacting self-caring capacities, caregiving and nursing are critical. The most effective research documented intervention approach is the activation database guided EEG biofeedback approach which has shown significant improvements in memory abilities of the TBI subject which are far superior than traditional approaches (strategies, computers, medication intervention). Gains of 2.61 standard deviations have been documented. The TBI's auditory memory ability was superior to the control group after the treatment.[70] Modulating neuroinflammation is an emerging treatment option for chronic brain dysfunction due to traumatic brain injury and stroke. Etanercept, a biologic TNF inhibitor, previously demonstrated in animal models to reduce microglial activation and improve traumatic brain injury, has been documented to reduce motor impairment and spasticity in patients with TBI, even years after brain injury.[114][115][116]
Prognosis
Prognosis worsens with the severity of injury.[117] Most TBIs are mild and do not cause permanent or long-term disability; however, all severity levels of TBI have the potential to cause significant, long-lasting disability.[118] Permanent disability is thought to occur in 10% of mild injuries, 66% of moderate injuries, and 100% of severe injuries.[119] Most mild TBI is completely resolved within threeweeks, and almost all people with mild TBI are able to live independently and return to the jobs they had before the injury, although a portion have mild cognitive and social impairments.[89] Over 90% of people with moderate TBI are able to live independently, although a portion require assistance in areas such as physical abilities, employment, and financial managing.[89] Most people with severe closed head injury either die or recover enough to live independently; middle ground is less common.[15] Coma, as it is closely related to severity, is a strong predictor of poor outcome.[16]
Traumatic brain injury Prognosis differs depending on the severity and location of the lesion, and access to immediate, specialised acute management. Subarachnoid hemorrhage approximately doubles mortality.[120] Subdural hematoma is associated with worse outcome and increased mortality, while people with epidural hematoma are expected to have a good outcome if they receive surgery quickly.[81] Diffuse axonal injury may be associated with coma when severe, and poor outcome.[15] Following the acute stage, prognosis is strongly influenced by the patient's involvement in activity that promotes recovery, which for most patients requires access to a specialised, intensive rehabilitation service. Medical complications are associated with a bad prognosis. Examples are hypotension (low blood pressure), hypoxia (low blood oxygen saturation), lower cerebral perfusion pressures and longer times spent with high intracranial pressures.[15][81] Patient characteristics also influence prognosis. Factors thought to worsen it include abuse of substances such as illicit drugs and alcohol and age over sixty or under two years (in children, younger age at time of injury may be associated with a slower recovery of some abilities).[81]
278
Complications
Improvement of neurological function usually occurs for two or more years after the trauma. For many years it was believed that recovery was fastest during the first six months, but there is no evidence to support this. It may be related to services commonly being withdrawn after this period, rather than any physiological limitation to further progress.[15] Children recover better in the immediate time frame and improve for longer periods.[16] Complications are distinct medical problems that may arise as a result of the TBI. The results of traumatic brain injury vary widely in type and duration; they include physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral complications. TBI can cause prolonged or permanent effects on consciousness, such as coma, brain death, persistent vegetative state (in which patients are unable to achieve a state of alertness to interact with their surroundings),[122] and minimally conscious state (in which patients show minimal signs of being aware of self or environment).[123][124] Lying still for long periods can cause complications including pressure sores, pneumonia or other infections, progressive multiple organ failure,[95] and deep venous thrombosis, which can cause pulmonary embolism.[28] Infections that can follow skull fractures and penetrating injuries include meningitis and abscesses.[95] Complications involving the blood vessels include vasospasm, in which vessels constrict and restrict blood flow, the formation of aneurysms, in which the side of a vessel weakens and balloons out, and stroke.[95] Movement disorders that may develop after TBI include tremor, ataxia (uncoordinated muscle movements), myoclonus (shock-like contractions of muscles), and loss of movement range and control (in particular with a loss of movement repertoire).[95] The risk of post-traumatic seizures increases with severity of trauma (image at right) and is particularly elevated with certain types of brain trauma
The relative risk of post-traumatic seizures increases with the severity of traumatic brain [121] injury.
A CT of the head years after a traumatic brain injury showing an empty space where the damage occurred marked by the arrow.
Traumatic brain injury such as cerebral contusions or hematomas.[119] People with early seizures, those occurring within a week of injury, have an increased risk of post-traumatic epilepsy (recurrent seizures occurring more than a week after the initial trauma).[125] People may lose or experience altered vision, hearing, or smell.[16] Hormonal disturbances may occur secondary to hypopituitarism, occurring immediately or years after injury in 10 to 15% of TBI patients. Development of diabetes insipidus or an electrolyte abnormality acutely after injury indicate need for endocrinologic work up. Signs and symptoms of hypopituitarism may develop and be screened for in adults with moderate TBI and in mild TBI with imaging abnormalities. Children with moderate to severe head injury may also develop hypopituitarism. Screening should take place 3 to 6 months, and 12 months after injury, but problems may occur more remotely.[126] Cognitive deficits that can follow TBI include impaired attention; disrupted insight, judgement, and thought; reduced processing speed; distractibility; and deficits in executive functions such as abstract reasoning, planning, problem-solving, and multitasking.[127] Memory loss, the most common cognitive impairment among head-injured people, occurs in 2079% of people with closed head trauma, depending on severity.[128] People who have suffered TBI may also have difficulty with understanding or producing spoken or written language, or with more subtle aspects of communication such as body language.[95] Post-concussion syndrome, a set of lasting symptoms experienced after mild TBI, can include physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioral problems such as headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and depression.[16] Multiple TBIs may have a cumulative effect.[124] A young person who receives a second concussion before symptoms from another one have healed may be at risk for developing a very rare but deadly condition called second-impact syndrome, in which the brain swells catastrophically after even a mild blow, with debilitating or deadly results. About one in five career boxers is affected by chronic traumatic brain injury (CTBI), which causes cognitive, behavioral, and physical impairments.[129] Dementia pugilistica, the severe form of CTBI, affects primarily career boxers years after a boxing career. It commonly manifests as dementia, memory problems, and parkinsonism (tremors and lack of coordination).[130] TBI may cause emotional, social, or behavioral problems and changes in personality.[131][132][133][134] These may include emotional instability, depression, anxiety, hypomania, mania, apathy, irritability, problems with social judgment, and impaired conversational skills.[131][134][135] TBI appears to predispose survivors to psychiatric disorders including obsessive compulsive disorder, substance abuse, dysthymia, clinical depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders.[136] In patients who have depression after TBI, suicidal ideation is not uncommon; the suicide rate among these persons is increased 2- to 3-fold.[137] Social and behavioral symptoms that can follow TBI include disinhibition, inability to control anger, impulsiveness, lack of initiative, inappropriate sexual activity, poor social judgment, and changes in personality.[131][133][134][138] TBI also has a substantial impact on the functioning of family systems[139] Caregiving family members and TBI survivors often significantly alter their familial roles and responsibilities following injury, creating significant change and strain on a family system. Typical challenges identified by families recovering from TBI include: frustration and impatience with one another, loss of former lives and relationships, difficulty setting reasonable goals, inability to effectively solve problems as a family, increased level of stress and household tension, changes in emotional dynamics, and overwhelming desire to return to pre-injury status. In addition, families may exhibit less effective functioning in areas including coping, problem solving and communication. Psychoeducation and counseling models have been demonstrated to be effective in minimizing family disruption [140]
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Epidemiology
TBI is a leading cause of death and disability around the globe[142] and presents a major worldwide social, economic, and health problem.[15] It is the number one cause of coma,[143] it plays the leading role in disability due to trauma,[81] and is the leading cause of brain damage in children and young adults.[20] In Europe it is responsible for more years of disability than any other cause.[15] It also plays a significant role in half of trauma deaths.[28] Findings on the frequency of each level of severity vary based on the definitions and methods used in studies. A World Health Organization study estimated that between 70 and 90% of head injuries that receive treatment are mild,[144] and a US study found that moderate and severe injuries each account for 10% of TBIs, with the rest mild.[77]
[141]
The incidence of TBI varies by age, gender, region and other factors.[145] Findings of incidence and prevalence in epidemiological studies vary based on such factors as which grades of severity are included, whether deaths are included, whether the study is restricted to hospitalized people, and the study's location.[20] The annual incidence of mild TBI is difficult to determine but may be 100600 people per 100,000.[68]
Mortality
In the US, the mortality (death rate) rate is estimated to be 21% by 30days after TBI.[96] A study on Iraq War soldiers found that severe TBI carries a mortality of 3050%.[68] Deaths have declined due to improved treatments and systems for managing trauma in societies wealthy enough to provide modern emergency and neurosurgical services.[105] The fraction of those who die after being hospitalized with TBI fell from almost half in the 1970s to about a quarter at the beginning of the 21stcentury.[81] This decline in mortality has led to a concomitant increase in the number of people living with disabilities that result from TBI.[146] Biological, clinical, and demographic factors contribute to the likelihood that an injury will be fatal.[141] In addition, outcome depends heavily on the cause of head injury. In the US, patients with fall-related TBIs have an 89% survival rate, while only 9% of patients with firearm-related TBIs survive.[147] In the US, firearms are the most common cause of fatal TBI, followed by vehicle accidents and then falls.[141] Of deaths from firearms, 75% are considered to be suicides.[141] The incidence of TBI is increasing globally, due largely to an increase in motor vehicle use in low- and middle-income countries.[15] In developing countries, automobile use has increased faster than safety infrastructure could be introduced.[68] In contrast, vehicle safety laws have decreased rates of TBI in high-income countries,[15] which have seen decreases in traffic-related TBI since the 1970s.[60] Each year in the United States about two million people suffer a TBI[26] and about 500,000 are hospitalized.[145] The yearly incidence of TBI is estimated at 180250 per 100,000 people in the US,[145] 281 per 100,000 in France, 361 per 100,000 in South Africa, 322 per 100,000 in Australia,[20] and 430 per 100,000 in England.[66] In the European Union the yearly aggregate incidence of TBI hospitalizations and fatalities is estimated at 235 per 100,000.[15]
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Demographics
TBI is present in 85% of traumatically injured children, either alone or with other injuries.[148] The greatest number of TBIs occur in people aged 1524.[18][43] Because TBI is more common in young people, its costs to society are high due to the loss of productive years to death and disability.[15] The age groups most at risk for TBI are children ages five to nine and adults over age 80,[117] and the highest rates of death and hospitalization due to TBI are in people over age 65.[118] The incidence of fall-related TBI in First World countries is increasing as the population ages; thus the median age of people with head injuries has increased.[15] Regardless of age, TBI rates are higher in males.[43] Men suffer twice as many TBIs as women do and have a fourfold risk of fatal head injury,[117] and males account for two thirds of childhood and adolescent head trauma.[149] However, when matched for severity of injury, women appear to fare more poorly than men.[97] Socioeconomic status also appears to affect TBI rates; people with lower levels of education and employment and lower socioeconomic status are at greater risk.[20]
History
Head injury is present in ancient myths that may date back before recorded history.[150] Skulls found in battleground graves with holes drilled over fracture lines suggest that trepanation may have been used to treat TBI in ancient times.[151] Ancient Mesopotamians knew of head injury and some of its effects, including seizures, paralysis, and loss of sight, hearing or speech.[152] The Edwin Smith Papyrus, written around 16501550BC, describes various head injuries and symptoms and classifies them based on their presentation and tractability.[153] Ancient Greek physicians including Hippocrates understood the brain to be the center of thought, probably due to their experience with head trauma.[154]
Medieval and Renaissance surgeons continued the practice of trepanation for head injury.[154] In the Middle Ages, physicians further described head injury symptoms and the term concussion became more widespread.[155] Concussion symptoms were first described systematically in the 16thcentury by Berengario da Carpi.[154] It was first suggested in the 18th century that intracranial pressure rather than skull damage was the cause of pathology after TBI. This hypothesis was confirmed around the end of the 19thcentury, and opening the skull to relieve pressure was then proposed as a treatment.[151] In the 19thcentury it was noted that TBI is related to the development of psychosis.[156] At that time a debate arose around whether post-concussion syndrome was due to a disturbance of the brain tissue or psychological factors.[155] The debate continues today.
282 Perhaps the first reported case of personality change after brain injury is that of Phineas Gage, who survived an accident in which a large iron rod was driven through his head, destroying one or both of his frontal lobes; numerous cases of personality change after brain injury have been reported since.[37][39][40][49][50][54][157][158] The 20th century saw the advancement of technologies that improved treatment and diagnosis such as the development of imaging tools including CT and MRI, and, in the 21st century, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The introduction of intracranial pressure monitoring in the 1950s has been credited with beginning the "modern era" of head injury.[105][159] Until the 20thcentury, the mortality rate of TBI was high and rehabilitation was uncommon; improvements in care made during World War I reduced the death rate and made rehabilitation possible.[150] Facilities dedicated to TBI rehabilitation were probably first established during World War I.[150] Explosives used in World War I caused many blast injuries; the large number of TBIs that resulted allowed researchers to learn about localization of brain functions.[160] Blast-related injuries are now common problems in returning veterans from Iraq & Afghanistan; research shows that the symptoms of such TBIs are largely the same as those of TBIs involving a physical blow to the head.[161]
In the 1970s, awareness of TBI as a public health problem grew,[162] and a great deal of progress has been made since then in brain trauma research,[105] such as the discovery of primary and secondary brain injury.[151] The 1990s saw the development and dissemination of standardized guidelines for treatment of TBI, with protocols for a range of issues such as drugs and management of intracranial pressure.[105] Research since the early 1990s has improved TBI survival;[151] that decade was known as the "Decade of the Brain" for advances made in brain research.[163]
Research
No medication to halt the progression of secondary injury exists,[68] but the variety of pathological events presents opportunities to find treatments that interfere with the damage processes.[15] Neuroprotection, methods to halt or mitigate secondary injury, have been the subject of great interest for their ability to limit the damage that follows TBI. However, clinical trials to test agents that could halt these cellular mechanisms have met largely with failure.[15] For example, interest existed in hypothermia, cooling the injured brain to limit TBI damage, but clinical trials showed that it is not useful in the treatment of TBI.[105] In addition, drugs such as NMDA receptor antagonists to halt neurochemical cascades such as excitotoxicity showed promise in animal trials but failed in clinical trials.[105] These failures could be due to factors including faults in the trials' design or in the insufficiency of a single agent to prevent the array of injury processes involved in secondary injury.[105] Recent research has gone into monitoring brain metabolism for ischaemia, in particular the parameters of glucose, glycerol, and glutamate through microdialysis. Developments in technologies may provide doctors with valuable medical information. For example, work has been done to design a device to monitor oxygenation that could be attached to a probe placed into the brainsuch probes are currently used to monitor ICP.[105] Research is also planned to clarify factors correlated to outcome in TBI and to determine in which cases it is best to perform CT scans and surgical procedures.[164] Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) has been evaluated as an adjunctive treatment following TBI, concluding a Cochrane review stating that its use could not be justified.[165] HBO for TBI has remained controversial as studies
Traumatic brain injury have looked for improvement mechanisms,[166][167][168] and further evidence shows that it may have potential as a treatment.[169][170]
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References
[1] Rehman T, Ali R, Tawil I, Yonas H (2008). "Rapid progression of traumatic bifrontal contusions to transtentorial herniation: A case report" (http:/ / www. casesjournal. com/ content/ 1/ 1/ 203). Cases journal 1 (1): 203. doi:10.1186/1757-1626-1-203. PMC2566562. PMID18831756. . [2] http:/ / apps. who. int/ classifications/ icd10/ browse/ 2010/ en#/ S06 [3] http:/ / www. icd9data. com/ getICD9Code. ashx?icd9=800. 0 [4] http:/ / www. icd9data. com/ getICD9Code. ashx?icd9=801. 9 [5] http:/ / www. icd9data. com/ getICD9Code. ashx?icd9=803. 0 [6] http:/ / www. icd9data. com/ getICD9Code. ashx?icd9=804. 9 [7] http:/ / www. icd9data. com/ getICD9Code. ashx?icd9=850. 0 [8] http:/ / www. icd9data. com/ getICD9Code. ashx?icd9=854. 1 [9] http:/ / www. diseasesdatabase. com/ ddb5671. htm [10] http:/ / www. nlm. nih. gov/ medlineplus/ ency/ article/ 000028. htm [11] http:/ / www. emedicine. com/ med/ topic2820. htm [12] http:/ / www. emedicine. com/ neuro/ topic153. htm# [13] http:/ / www. emedicine. com/ ped/ topic929. htm# [14] http:/ / www. nlm. nih. gov/ cgi/ mesh/ 2012/ MB_cgi?field=uid& term=D001930 [15] Maas AI, Stocchetti N, Bullock R (August 2008). "Moderate and severe traumatic brain injury in adults". Lancet Neurology 7 (8): 72841. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(08)70164-9. PMID18635021. [16] Parikh S, Koch M, Narayan RK (2007). "Traumatic brain injury". International Anesthesiology Clinics 45 (3): 11935. doi:10.1097/AIA.0b013e318078cfe7. PMID17622833. [17] Chapman SB, Levin HS, Lawyer SL (1999). "Communication problems resulting from brain injury in children: Special issues of assessment and management" (http:/ / books. google. com/ ?id=klwVAAAAIAAJ& pg=PA236& dq=non-traumatic+ "Acquired+ brain+ injury). In McDonald S, Togher L, Code C. Communication Disorders Following Traumatic Brain Injury. East Sussex: Psychology Press. pp.23536. ISBN0-86377-724-4. . Retrieved 2008-11-13. [18] Collins C, Dean J (2002). "Acquired brain injury" (http:/ / books. google. com/ ?id=z2sA3mnG_zUC& pg=PA395& dq=non-traumatic+ "Acquired+ brain+ injury). In Turner A, Foster M, Johnson SE. Occupational Therapy and Physical Dysfunction: Principles, Skills and Practice. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. pp.39596. ISBN0-443-06224-2. . Retrieved 2008-11-13. [19] Blissitt PA (September 2006). "Care of the critically ill patient with penetrating head injury". Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America 18 (3): 32132. doi:10.1016/j.ccell.2006.05.006. PMID16962454. [20] Hannay HJ, Howieson DB, Loring DW, Fischer JS, Lezak MD (2004). "Neuropathology for neuropsychologists". In Lezak MD, Howieson DB, Loring DW. Neuropsychological Assessment. Oxford [Oxfordshire]: Oxford University Press. pp.15862. ISBN0-19-511121-4. [21] Jennett B (May 1998). "Epidemiology of head injury" (http:/ / adc. bmj. com/ cgi/ content/ full/ 78/ 5/ 403). Archives of Disease in Childhood 78 (5): 40306. doi:10.1136/adc.78.5.403. PMC1717568. PMID9659083. . [22] McCaffrey RJ (1997). "Special issues in the evaluation of mild traumatic brain injury". The Practice of Forensic Neuropsychology: Meeting Challenges in the Courtroom. New York: Plenum Press. pp.7175. ISBN0-306-45256-1. [23] LaPlaca et al. (2007). p.16 [24] Weber JT, Maas AIR (2007). Weber JT. ed. Neurotrauma: New Insights Into Pathology and Treatment (http:/ / books. google. com/ ?id=FyzEQPKUuPcC& pg=PP1& dq=neurotrauma). Amsterdam: Academic Press. p.xi. ISBN0-444-53017-7. . Retrieved 2008-11-12. [25] Saatman KE, Duhaime AC Workshop Scientific Team Advisory Panel Members et al. (2008). "Classification of traumatic brain injury for targeted therapies". Journal of Neurotrauma 25 (7): 71938. doi:10.1089/neu.2008.0586. PMC2721779. PMID18627252. [26] Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs (2008). "Traumatic Brain Injury Task Force". http:/ / www. cdc. gov/ nchs/ data/ icd9/ Sep08TBI. pdf. [27] Marion (1999). p.4. [28] Valadka AB (2004). "Injury to the cranium" (http:/ / books. google. com/ ?id=VgizxQg-8QQC& pg=PA385). In Moore EJ, Feliciano DV, Mattox KL. Trauma. New York: McGraw-Hill, Medical Pub. Division. pp.385406. ISBN0-07-137069-2. . Retrieved 20080815. [29] Hayden MG, Jandial R, Duenas HA, Mahajan R, Levy M (2007). "Pediatric concussions in sports: A simple and rapid assessment tool for concussive injury in children and adults". Child's Nervous System 23 (4): 431435. doi:10.1007/s00381-006-0277-2. PMID17219233. [30] Seidenwurm DI (2007). "Introduction to brain imaging" (http:/ / books. google. com/ ?id=Sossht2t5XwC& pg=PA53& lpg=PA53& dq=extra-axial+ intra-axial). In Brant WE, Helms CA. Fundamentals of Diagnostic Radiology. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. pp.5355. ISBN0-7817-6135-2. . Retrieved 2008-11-17. [31] Smith DH, Meaney DF, Shull WH (2003). "Diffuse axonal injury in head trauma". Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation 18 (4): 30716. doi:10.1097/00001199-200307000-00003. PMID16222127. [32] Granacher (2007). p.32.
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Cited texts
Boake C, Diller L (2005). "History of rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury" (http://books.google.com/ ?id=AWxL26QinwYC&pg=PA3&dq="traumatic+brain+injury"+century). In High WM, Sander AM, Struchen MA, Hart KA. Rehabilitation for Traumatic Brain Injury. Oxford [Oxfordshire]: Oxford University Press. ISBN0-19-517355-4. Retrieved 2008-11-06. Granacher RA (2007). Traumatic Brain Injury: Methods for Clinical & Forensic Neuropsychiatric Assessment, Second Edition (http://books.google.com/?id=xt1YFydzXKQC&pg=PA1&dq="traumatic+brain+injury"+ century). Boca Raton: CRC. ISBN0-8493-8138-X. Retrieved 2008-11-14. LaPlaca MC, Simon CM, Prado GR, Cullen DR (2007). "CNS injury biomechanics and experimental models" (http://books.google.com/?id=FyzEQPKUuPcC&pg=PP1&dq=neurotrauma). In Weber JT. Neurotrauma: New Insights Into Pathology and Treatment. Amsterdam: Academic Press. ISBN0-444-53017-7. Retrieved 2008-11-10. Marion DW (1999). "Introduction" (http://books.google.com/?id=wHS_97NyMsYC&printsec=frontcover& dq=Traumatic+brain+injury+causes). In Marion DW. Traumatic Brain Injury. Stuttgart: Thieme. ISBN0-86577-727-6. Retrieved 2008-11-28. The original version of this article contained text from the NINDS public domain pages on TBI (http:/ / www. ninds. nih.gov/disorders/tbi/detail_tbi.htm)
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External links
Brain injury (http://www.dmoz.org//Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/Neurological_Disorders/ Trauma_and_Injuries/Brain_Injury//) at the Open Directory Project The Brain Injury Hub - information and practical advice to parents and family members of children with acquired brain injury (http://www.braininjuryhub.co.uk)
291
External links
This article incorporatespublic domain material from the United States Government document "Presidential Memorial Certificates [1], United States Department of Veteran Affairs". Department of Veteran Affairs - Presidential Memorial Certificates [1] Presidential Memorial Certificate [2]
References
[1] http:/ / www. cem. va. gov/ pmc. asp [2] http:/ / www. militaryconnections. com/ burial_memorial. cfm
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History
The first national cemeteries were set up after the United States Civil War by Edmund Burke Whitman.[1] Congress passed a law to establish and protect national cemeteries in 1867. [2] Final military honors are provided for qualified veterans by several volunteer details known as a Memorial Honor Detail or MHDs upon request of family members through their choice of mortuaries handling the deceased's remains.
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Flags flying at Fort Logan National Cemetery during Memorial Day 2006. The cemetery has flat markers, a practice which is used extensively in the new fields at this cemetery.
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Bath Baton Rouge Washington Bay Pines Beaufort Beverly Biloxi Sturgis Calverton Springfield Nicholasville Louisville Chalmette Chattanooga Hopewell Mechanicsville Corinth Indianapolis Culpeper Crow Agency Brooklyn Dallas Danville Danville Danville Dayton Eagle Point Fayetteville Salem Florence Bushnell Bayard Fort Bliss Augusta Dover Fort Gibson Richmond Fort Leavenworth Denver New York Louisiana D.C. Florida VA VA NPS VA
Bath National Cemetery Baton Rouge National Cemetery Battleground National Cemetery Bay Pines National Cemetery Beaufort National Cemetery Beverly National Cemetery Biloxi National Cemetery Black Hills National Cemetery Calverton National Cemetery Camp Butler National Cemetery Camp Nelson National Cemetery Cave Hill National Cemetery Chalmette National Cemetery Chattanooga National Cemetery City Point National Cemetery Cold Harbor National Cemetery Corinth National Cemetery Crown Hill National Cemetery Culpeper National Cemetery Custer National Cemetery Cypress Hills National Cemetery Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery Danville National Cemetery (Illinois) Danville National Cemetery (Kentucky) Danville National Cemetery (Virginia) Dayton National Cemetery Eagle Point National Cemetery Fayetteville National Cemetery Finn's Point National Cemetery Florence National Cemetery Florida National Cemetery Fort Bayard National Cemetery Fort Bliss National Cemetery Fort Custer National Cemetery Fort Donelson National Cemetery Fort Gibson National Cemetery Fort Harrison National Cemetery Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery Fort Logan National Cemetery
South Carolina VA New Jersey Mississippi South Dakota New York Illinois Kentucky Kentucky Louisiana Tennessee Virginia Virginia Mississippi Indiana Virginia Montana New York Texas Illinois Kentucky Virginia Ohio Oregon Arkansas New Jersey VA VA VA VA VA VA VA NPS VA VA VA VA VA VA NPS VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA
South Carolina VA Florida New Mexico Texas Michigan Tennessee Oklahoma Virginia Kansas Colorado VA VA VA VA NPS VA VA VA VA
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Las Animas Maxwell Sturgis Fort Mitchell Fort Richardson San Diego San Antonio Fort Scott Elgin Fort Smith Minneapolis Fredericksburg Cherokee County Schuylerville Gettysburg Richmond San Bruno Grafton Holly Hampton Hampton Hot Springs Houston Annville Jacksonville St. Louis Jefferson City Keokuk Kerrville Knoxville Leavenworth Lebanon Lexington Little Rock Farmingdale Los Angeles Baltimore Marietta Marion Colorado Nebraska South Dakota Alabama Alaska California Texas Kansas Oklahoma Arkansas Minnesota Virginia Georgia New York Pennsylvania Virginia California West Virginia Michigan Virginia Virginia South Dakota Texas Pennsylvania Florida Missouri Missouri Iowa Texas Tennessee Kansas Kentucky Kentucky Arkansas New York California Maryland Georgia Indiana VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA NPS VA VA NPS VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA
Fort Lyon National Cemetery Fort McPherson National Cemetery Fort Meade National Cemetery Fort Mitchell National Cemetery Fort Richardson National Cemetery Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery Fort Scott National Cemetery Fort Sill National Cemetery Fort Smith National Cemetery Fort Snelling National Cemetery Fredericksburg National Cemetery Georgia National Cemetery Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Gettysburg National Cemetery Glendale National Cemetery Golden Gate National Cemetery Grafton National Cemetery Great Lakes National Cemetery Hampton National Cemetery Hampton VA National Cemetery Hot Springs National Cemetery Houston National Cemetery Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Jacksonville National Cemetery Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery Jefferson City National Cemetery Keokuk National Cemetery Kerrville National Cemetery Knoxville National Cemetery Leavenworth National Cemetery Lebanon National Cemetery Lexington National Cemetery Little Rock National Cemetery Long Island National Cemetery Los Angeles National Cemetery Loudon Park National Cemetery Marietta National Cemetery Marion National Cemetery
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Bourne Memphis Nancy Massachusetts Tennessee Kentucky VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA
Massachusetts National Cemetery Memphis National Cemetery Mill Springs National Cemetery Miramar National Cemetery Mobile National Cemetery Mound City National Cemetery Mountain Home National Cemetery Nashville National Cemetery Natchez National Cemetery National Cemetery of the Alleghenies National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific New Albany National Cemetery New Bern National Cemetery Oakdale Cemetery Soldiers' Lot [3][4]
Miramar, San Diego California Mobile Mound City Mountain Home Madison Natchez Cecil Township Phoenix Honolulu New Albany New Bern Davenport Rittman Philadelphia Petersburg Zachary Prescott Bayamon Triangle Quincy Raleigh Richmond Riverside Rock Island Roseburg Dixon Salisbury San Antonio San Francisco Gustine Santa Fe Sandston Shiloh Sitka Lake Worth Springfield Alabama Illinois Tennessee Tennessee Mississippi Pennsylvania Arizona Hawaii Indiana
North Carolina VA Iowa Ohio Pennsylvania Virginia Louisiana Arizona Puerto Rico Virginia Illinois VA VA VA NPS VA VA VA VA VA [5]
Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery Philadelphia National Cemetery Poplar Grove National Cemetery Port Hudson National Cemetery Prescott National Cemetery Puerto Rico National Cemetery Quantico National Cemetery Quincy National Cemetery Raleigh National Cemetery Richmond National Cemetery Riverside National Cemetery Rock Island National Cemetery Roseburg National Cemetery Sacramento Valley National Cemetery Salisbury National Cemetery San Antonio National Cemetery San Francisco National Cemetery San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery Santa Fe National Cemetery Seven Pines National Cemetery Shiloh National Cemetery Sitka National Cemetery South Florida National Cemetery Springfield National Cemetery
North Carolina VA Texas California California New Mexico Virginia Tennessee Alaska Florida Missouri VA VA VA VA VA NPS VA VA VA
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St. Augustine Staunton Murfreesboro Kent Chelsea Florida Virginia Tennessee Washington Maine D.C. Mississippi Pennsylvania West Virginia Oregon VA VA NPS VA VA Army NPS VA VA VA
St. Augustine National Cemetery Staunton National Cemetery Stones River National Cemetery Tahoma National Cemetery Togus National Cemetery
U.S. Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery Washington Vicksburg National Cemetery Washington Crossing National Cemetery West Virginia National Cemetery Willamette National Cemetery Wilmington National Cemetery Winchester National Cemetery Wood National Cemetery Woodlawn National Cemetery Yorktown National Cemetery Zachary Taylor National Cemetery Vicksburg Newtown Grafton Portland Wilmington Winchester Milwaukee Elmira Yorktown Louisville
References
[1] "Edmund Whitman (1812-1873)" (http:/ / www. clements. umich. edu/ Webguides/ Schoff/ UZ/ Whitman. html). University of Michigan. . Retrieved 2008-10-31. "After the war Whitman became assistant quartermaster in charge of national cemeteries and mortuary records for the same district. Charged with inspecting cemeteries and battlefields, he located Union soldiers buried in Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, and Alabama." [2] Chap. LXI. 14 Stat. 399 (http:/ / memory. loc. gov/ cgi-bin/ ampage?collId=llsl& fileName=014/ llsl014. db& recNum=430) from "A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U. S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774 - 1875" (http:/ / memory. loc. gov/ ammem/ amlaw/ ). Library of Congress, Law Library of Congress. Retrieved April 25, 2012. [3] NPS: Oakdale Cemetery Soldiers' Lot, Davenport, Iowa (http:/ / www. nps. gov/ history/ nr/ travel/ national_cemeteries/ Iowa/ Oakdale_Cemetery_Soldiers_Lot. html)] [4] Oakdale Memorial Gardens [5] Rock Island National Cemetery
External links
Department of Veteran's Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (http://www.cem.va.gov/)
United States Department of Veterans Affairs emblems for headstones and markers
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United States Department of Veterans Affairs emblems for headstones and markers
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) maintains many cemeteries specifically devoted to veterans. Most have various rules regarding what must take place in order to be interred there. The VA only permits graphics on Government-furnished headstones or markers that are approved emblems of belief, the Civil War Union Shield, the Civil War Confederate Southern Cross of Honor, and the Medal of Honor insignia. Arlington National Cemetery has similar restrictions on headstones, though it is maintained by US Department of the Army. Generally the VA adds a new symbol a few months after receiving a petition from a faith group.[1] However, the Wiccan Pentacle was only added (in 2007) after a lawsuit by Americans United for the Separation of Church and State.[1]
The first "interfaith" headstone, which includes a Wiccan Pentacle for Jan Deanna O'Rourke and a Presbyterian Cross for her husband, was installed at Arlington National Cemetery on May 1, 2007, and dedicated on July 4, 2007.[2]
Flags flying at Fort Logan National Cemetery during Memorial Day 2006
U.S. Veterans Administration issued Confederate gravestone with Southern Cross of Honor symbol displayed at top
United States Department of Veterans Affairs emblems for headstones and markers
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) (Angel Moroni) USVA emblem 11
United States Department of Veterans Affairs emblems for headstones and markers
301
AtheistUSVA emblem 16
Seicho-No-IeUSVA emblem 23
EckankarUSVA emblem 28
United States Department of Veterans Affairs emblems for headstones and markers
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United States Department of Veterans Affairs emblems for headstones and markers
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Christian ScienceThe First Church of Christ, Scientist (Cross and CrownCross & Crown)USVA emblem 47
References
[1] NY Times Advertisement (http:/ / www. nytimes. com/ 2007/ 04/ 24/ washington/ 24wiccan. html) [2] www.witchvox.com (http:/ / www. witchvox. com/ va/ dt_va. html?a=usfl& c=military& id=11868), retrieved June 17, 2011. [3] Available Emblems of Belief for Placement on Government Headstones and Markers - Burial & Memorials (http:/ / www. cem. va. gov/ cem/ hm/ hmemb. asp)
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Background
Until the District of Columbia was granted the ability to issue corporate charters in the late 1800s, corporations operating in the District required a congressional charter. With few exceptions, most corporations since created by Congress are not federally chartered, but are simply created as District of Columbia corporations. Some charters create corporate entities, akin to being incorporated at the federal level. Examples of such charters are the Federal Reserve Bank, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Other national level groups with such charters are the American Red Cross, National Academy of Sciences, Boy and Girl Scouts, the 4H Club, National Park Foundation and the Disabled American Veterans, National Trust for Historic Preservation, the United States Olympic Committee, the National Conference on Citizenship, or NeighborWorks America. More common is a charter that recognizes a group already incorporated at the state level. These mostly honorific charters tend "to provide an 'official' imprimatur to their activities, and to that extent it may provide them prestige and indirect financial benefit." [2] Groups that fall into this group are usually veterans groups, fraternal groups or youth groups like the USO, the Girl Scouts of the USA or the Boy Scouts of America. Congress has chartered about 100 fraternal or patriotic groups.[3]
Process
Eligibility for a charter is based on a groups activities, whether they are unique, and whether or not they are in the public interest. If this is the case, a bill to grant a charter is introduced in Congress and must be voted into law. There have been questions about the federal governments power to manage corporations who have received a charter.[2] Because of questions on who is responsible for the activities of these entities, the issuance of charters was officially stopped in 1992, though some exceptions have been made. The granting of a charter does not include congressional oversight.[3]
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External links
Congressional or Federal Charters: Overview and Current Issues [4] Congressionally Chartered Nonprofit Organizations ("Title 36 Corporations"): What They Are and How Congress Treats Them [5] U.S. Code Title 36 [6], via United States Government Printing Office U.S. Code Title 36 [7], via Cornell University National Tropical Botanical Garden [8]
References
[1] Ronald C. Moe (April 8, 2004). "Congressionally Charters Nonprofit Organizations ("Title 36 Corporations"): What They Are an ow Congress Treats Them" (http:/ / www. llsdc. org/ attachments/ wysiwyg/ 544/ CRS-RL30340. pdf). Congressional Research Service. . [2] "Congressionally Chartered Nonprofit Organizations ("Title 36 Corporations"): What They Are and How Congress Treats Them" (http:/ / www. opencrs. com/ document/ RL30340/ 2004-04-08 00:00:00). Congressional Research Service. 2004-04-08. . [3] "What is a congressional charter?" (http:/ / www. mcclatchydc. com/ reports/ veterans/ story/ 13136. html). Knight Ridder Newspapers. 2007-12-12. . [4] http:/ / www. opencrs. com/ document/ RS22230/ [5] http:/ / www. llsdc. net/ sourcebook/ docs/ CRS-RL30340. pdf [6] http:/ / frwebgate. access. gpo. gov/ cgi-bin/ usc. cgi?ACTION=BROWSE& title=36usc [7] http:/ / www. law. cornell. edu/ uscode/ 36 [8] http:/ / www. ntbg. org/
Membership
Membership in the organization is open to: Air Force Active Duty (AFAD), Air National Guard (ANG), Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) active, retired, and veteran enlisted members of all grades. Family members (spouses, children, parents, and siblings) are eligible for membership in the AFSA Auxiliary. Other persons are eligible for associate membership.[1]
Structure
AFSA is governed by a 23-member Executive Council. On the Council are a President, Vice President, and four trustees (representing AFAD, AFRC, ANG, and retired and veteran personnel) who are elected by the general membership. There are also 14 geographical division presidents who are elected by their constituents. The Auxiliary President and former AFSA President serve as advisors to the Council. An Executive Director reports to the Council and operates the International Headquarters located in the Airmen Memorial Building in Suitland, Maryland.
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History
AFSA was founded and incorporated on 3 May 1961, and has evolved into an organization highly respected by congressional members and Department of Defense officials. AFSA is a leading force on Capitol Hill and works closely with elected representatives and their staff members to assist in drafting proposals for legislation on issues related to military members and their families. AFSA testifies numerous times each year before House and Senate committees and sub-committees. AFSA also works closely with White House staff personnel and Pentagon officials to ensure that enlisted members' concerns are heard and acted upon.
AFSA Publications
The organization publishes Sergeants magazine. The annual Enlisted Almanac edition has been praised as the definitive reference of Air Force and DoD enlisted statistics and projections. The AFSA Newsletter, published each week, informs members of the most recent legislative action, issues, and news that affects them and provides other news of interest to the Total Air Force Enlisted Corps and their families.
Scholarship Programs
AFSA and the Airmen Memorial Foundation (AMF) conduct an annual scholarship program to financially assist the undergraduate studies of single, eligible, dependent children of AFAD, AFRC and ANG enlisted members in active duty, retired, or veteran status. The AFSA program contains membership requirement, but there is none in the AMF or CMSAF Scholarship programs. These programs combined have awarded $1,359,850 in college aid to deserving students.
References
[1] http:/ / www. afsahq. org
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The America Supports You banner leads National Freedom Walk participants onto the Memorial Bridge toward Arlington, Virginia. The third annual walk commemorated the victims of the September 11 terrorist attack and honored military veterans, past and present
Dozens of corporations, recognized on the programs website, are also America Supports You supporters.
Website
The America Supports You website [1] serves as the forum where citizens and service members connect with homefront groups running support programs.
Controversy
In May 2006, The New York Times reported on allegations that money had been improperly moved from the Stars and Stripes newspaper budget to fund the public relations program. In October 2007, Stars and Stripes reported "documents obtained Friday show that Stars and Stripes awarded a $499,000 purchase agreement in July 2006 for a public relations firm".[2]
References
[1] http:/ / www. americasupportsyou. mil [2] "Stripes part of America Supports You audit | Stars and Stripes" (http:/ / www. stripes. com/ article. asp?section=104& article=57164& archive=true). Stripes.com. Archived (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20081217111409/ http:/ / www. stripes. com/ article. asp?section=104& article=57164& archive=true) from the original on 17 December 2008. . Retrieved 2008-11-24.
External links
Official website (http://www.americasupportsyou.mil) America Supports You blog (http://www.asylive.blogspot.com) America Supports You BlogTalkRadio profile (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stations/ PentagonRadioNetwork/asylive) America Supports You YouTube channel (http://youtube.com/user/americasupportsyou) America Supports You MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/americasupportsyou)
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External links
Official website [1]
References
[1] http:/ / www. axpow. org
American GI Forum
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American GI Forum
American GI Forum
Founder(s) Founded Dr. Hector P. Garcia March 26, 1948
Headquarters Washington, DC Key people Website Albert Gonzales, Commander http:/ / www. agifusa. org/
The American G.I. Forum (AGIF) is a Congressionally chartered Hispanic veterans and civil rights organization. Its motto is "Education is Our Freedom and Freedom should be Everybody's Business". AGIF currently operates chapters throughout the United States, with a focus on veteran's issues, education, and civil rights. Its two largest national programs are the San Antonio-based Veterans Outreach Program, and the Dallas-based Service, Employment, Redevelopment-Jobs for Progress, Inc. (SER). The current commander is Albert Gonzales.[1]
Origin
It was established in Corpus Christi, the seat of Nueces County, Texas, on March 26, 1948 by Dr. Hector P. Garcia to address the concerns of Mexican-American veterans, who were segregated from other veterans groups. Initially formed to request services for World War II veterans of Mexican descent who were denied medical services by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the AGIF soon spread into non-veteran's issues such as voting rights, jury selection, and educational desegregation, advocating for the civil rights of all Mexican Americans. Today, the AGIF advocates on behalf of all Hispanic veterans. The AGIF's first campaign was on the behalf of Felix Longoria, a Mexican American private who was killed in the Philippines in the line of duty. Upon the return of his body to Texas, he was denied funeral services by a White American-owned funeral home. Dr. Garcia requested the intercession of then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson, who secured Longoria's burial in Arlington National Cemetery. The case brought the AGIF to national attention, and chapters were opened throughout the country. A women's and youth auxiliary were also formed. The AGIF, along with the League of United Latin American Citizens, was a plaintiff in the case of Pete Hernandez, a farm worker accused of murder, to the Supreme Court of the United States. In its decision, Hernandez v. Texas (1954), the court ruled that Mexican Americans and all other racial groups in the United States had equal protection under the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution.
Past presidents
Dr. Hctor Prez Garca Tony Gallegos Francisco Ibarra Antonio Gil Morales (2005 2009) Albert Gonzales (present)
American GI Forum
310
External links
American G.I. Forum National site [21] Frequently Asked Questions about the 2008 G.I. Bill [22], Military.com American GI Forum [23] from the Handbook of Texas Online
References
[1] Henry Ramos, The American GI Forum: In Pursuit of the Dream, 1948-1983 (Houston, TX: Arte Publico Press, 1998). ISBN 978-1-55885-262-4 [2] http:/ / www. agif. us/ AZ. htm [3] http:/ / www. agif. us/ sherrera. htm [4] http:/ / www. agif. org/ [5] http:/ / www. agifmh. org/ [6] http:/ / www. agif. us/ IO. htm [7] http:/ / www. agif. us/ IL. htm [8] http:/ / www. agif. us/ KA. htm [9] http:/ / www. agif. us/ MI. htm [10] http:/ / www. agifflint. org/ [11] http:/ / www. agif. us/ NE. htm [12] http:/ / www. giforum-omaha. org/ [13] http:/ / www. agif. us/ NM. htm [14] http:/ / www. agif. us/ OK. htm [15] http:/ / www. agif. us/ PR. htm [16] http:/ / www. agif. us/ TX. htm [17] http:/ / www. agif. us/ UT. htm [18] http:/ / www. agif. us/ WA. htm [19] http:/ / www. agif. us/ DC. htm [20] http:/ / www. agif. us/ WY. htm [21] http:/ / www. agifusa. org/ [22] http:/ / education. military. com/ money-for-school/ gi-bill/ 20-top-faqs-for-new-gi-bill [23] http:/ / www. tshaonline. org/ handbook/ online/ articles/ AA/ voa1. html
American Legion
311
American Legion
The American Legion
Seal of the American Legion Motto Formation Headquarters Membership "For God and country" September 1919 Indianapolis, Indiana 2.4 million [1]
The American Legion is a social and mutual-aid veterans' organization including members of the United States armed forces. The organization was founded in 1919 by veterans returning from Europe after World War I, and was later chartered as an official American patriotic society under Title 36 of the United States Code. The organization is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, and also has offices in Washington, DC. The group has nearly 3 million members in over 14,000 Posts worldwide.[3] In addition to organizing commemorative events and volunteer veteran support activities, the American Legion is active in issue-oriented U.S. politics. Its primary political activity is lobbying on behalf of the interests of veterans and service members, including support for veterans benefits such as pensions and the Veterans Affairs hospital system.
American Legion
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History
Background
The aftermath of two American wars in the second half of the 19th Century had seen the formation of several ex-soldiers' organizations. Following the American Civil War of 1861-65 former Union soldiers had established an organization called the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), while their Southern brethren had joined together as the United Confederate Veterans (UCV) In the aftermath of hostilities.[4] Both of these organizations had emerged as powerful political entities, with the GAR serving as a mainstay of the Republican Party, which controlled the Presidency from the Civil War through the Theodore Roosevelt administration for all but the two terms of office of Grover Cleveland.[4] In Southern politics the UCV maintained an even more dominant position as a bulwark of the conservative Democratic Party which ruled there.[4] Similarly, the conclusion of the short-lived Spanish-American conflict of 1898 had ushered in another ex-soldiers' organization, the American Veterans of Foreign Service, today known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).[5]
Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, Jr., regarded as the founding father of the American Legion.
With the termination of hostilities in World War I in November 1918, certain American officers who had been participants in the conflict began to think about the creation of a similar organization for the nearly two million men who had shipped out for European duty.[5] The need for an organization for former members of the Allied Expeditionary Forces (AEF) was pressing and immediate. With the war at an end, hundreds of thousands of impatient draftees found themselves trapped in France and pining for home, certain only that untold weeks or months lay ahead of them before their return would be logistically possible.[6] Morale plummeted.[6] Cautionary voices were raised about an apparent correlation between disaffected and discharged troops and the Bolshevik uprisings taking place in Russia, Finland, Germany, and Hungary.[6] This situation was a particular matter of concern to Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., eldest son of the 26th President. One day in January 1919 Roosevelt had a discussion at General Headquarters with a mobilized National Guard officer named George A. White, a former newspaper editor with the Portland Oregonian.[7] After long discussion, Roosevelt suggested the establishment at once of a new servicemen's organization including all members of the AEF, as well as those soldiers who remained stateside as members of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps during the war without having been shipped abroad.[7] Roosevelt and Green advocated ceaselessly for this proposal until ultimately they found sufficient support at headquarters to move forward with the plan. Orders were issued by Gen. John J. Pershing to a group of 20 non-career officers to report to YMCA headquarters in Paris on February 15, 1919.[8] The selection of these individuals was handled by Roosevelt.[8] Joining them were a number of regular Army officers selected by Pershing himself.[9] The session of reserve and regular officers was given the task of providing a set of recommendations aimed at curbing the problem of declining morale.[8] A series of proposals resulted from the three days of sessions, including elimination of restrictive regulations, organization of additional athletic events and recreational opportunities, and
American Legion the expansion of leave time and entertainment programs.[10] At the end of the first day, the group retired to the Inter-Allied Officers Club, a converted home located across the street from the YMCA building,[9] where Lt. Col. Roosevelt unveiled his proposal for a new veterans' society for the first time.[11] Most of those present were rapidly won to Roosevelt's plan.[12] The group decided to declare all of their actions provisional until a duly elected convention of delegates could be convened and made no effort to predetermine a program for the still-unnamed veterans organization.[12] Instead they sought to expand their number through the convocation of a large preliminary meeting in Paris, to consist of an equal number of elected delegates from the ranks of enlisted men and the officer corps.[13] A provisional executive committee of four people emerged from the February 15 "Roosevelt dinner": Roosevelt in the first place, who was to return to the United States and obtain his military discharge when able, and then to gather assistants and promote the idea of the new veterans' organization among demobilized troops there; George White, who was to travel France touring the camps of the AEF explaining the idea in person; Secretary of the group was veteran wartime administrator Eric Fisher Wood, who together with former Ohio Congressman Ralph D. Cole, was were to establish a central office and to maintain contact by mail and telegram with the various combat divisions and headquarters staffs, as well as to publicize activities to the press.[14] Preparations for a convention in Paris began apace. A convention call was prepared by Wood and "invitations" distributed to about 2,000 officers and enlisted men and publicized in the March 14, 1919 issue of Stars and Stripes.[15] The convention call expressed the desire to form "one permanent nation-wide organization...composed of all parties, all creeds, and all ranks who wish to perpetuate the relationships formed while in military service."[16] In addition to the personal invitations distributed, the published announcement indicated that "any officer or enlisted man not invited who is in Paris at the time of the meeting is invited to be present and to have a voice in the meeting."[16] The conclave was slated to begin on March 15.
313
The Paris Caucus of March 1919, first gathering of the American Legion.
As "Temporary Chairman" Teddy Roosevelt, Jr. had already departed for America, the session was gaveled to order by Eric Wood, who briefly recounted Roosevelt's idea and the story of the 20 AEF officers who had jointly helped to give the new organization form.[19] In his keynote opening remarks Wood recommended to the delegates of the so-called Paris Caucus that they do three things: first, set up an apparatus to conduct a formal founding conference in the United States sometime in the winter; second, the body should draft a tentative name for the organization; and finally, the body should compose a provisional constitution to be submitted to the founding convention for its
American Legion acceptance or rejection.[20] Convention rules were decided upon and four 15-member committees were chosen.[21] The Committee on Name reported back that they had considered a dozen potential names, including Veterans of the Great War, Liberty League, American Comrades of the Great War, Legion of the Great War, and the American Legion, among others.[22] This list was whittled down to five ranked choices for the consideration of the Caucus, with "The American Legion" the preferred option.[22] It was noted in passing during the course of debate on the topic that Teddy Roosevelt, Jr. had been responsible for an earlier organization called "The American Legion" in 1914, a "preparedness" society with a claimed membership of 35,000 which had been absorbed into the Council of National Defense in 1916.[23] The Committee on Constitution reported with a report containing the draft of a Preamble for the organization, specifying organizational objectives.[22] This document stated that the group "...desiring to perpetuate the principles of Justice, Freedom, and Democracy for which we have fought, to inculcate the duty and obligation of the citizen to the State; to preserve the history and incidents of our participation in the war; and to cement the ties of comradeship formed in service, do propose to found and establish an Association for the furtherance of the foregoing purposes."[24] The majority report of the Committee on Convention recommended that 11 am on November 11, 1919 one year to the hour after the termination of hostilities in World War I be selected as the date and time for the convocation of a national convention.[24] No location was specified.[24] The Committee on Permanent Organization recommended an organization based upon territorial units rather than those based upon military organizations, governed by an Executive Committee of 50, with half of these coming from the officer corps and the other half coming from the ranks of enlisted men.[25]
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This cover of the first official organ of the American Legion emphasizes the unemployment problem facing many ex-soldiers during the post-war recession.
As time before the scheduled start of the convention was short, delegation to the assembly was highly irregular. On April 10, 1919, Temporary Secretary Eric Fisher Wood mailed a letter to the Governor of every state, informing them of the forthcoming gathering and making note of the non-partisan and patriotic nature of the League.[29] Follow-up cables by Roosevelt and Wood encouraged the organization of state conventions to select delegates.[29] This was, however, largely a failed formality, as states lacked sufficient time to organize themselves and properly elect delegates to St. Louis.[29] In practice, the fledgling organization's provisional Executive Committee decided to allow each state delegation twice as many votes at that state had in the United States House of Representatives and left it to each to determine how those votes were apportioned.[29] Participants at the St. Louis Caucus were enthusiastic although the session was not a productive one. Fully two days were invested choosing ceremonial officers and selecting Minneapolis as the site for the organization's formal Founding Convention in the fall.[30] Over 1100 participants competed to gain the floor to speechify, leading one historian to describe the scene as a "melee" in which "disorder reigned supreme."[31] Consequently, passage of the program by the gathering was largely a pro forma exercise, rushed through during the session's last day, with the actual decision-making process involving such matters as the constitution and publications of the organization being done in committee at night.[30] The preamble of the constitution adopted in St. Louis[32] became one of the seminal statements of the Legion's orientation and objectives: "For God and Country we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: "To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a 100 Percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our association in the Great War; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state, and
American Legion nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to prosperity the principles of justice, freedom, and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by devotion to mutual helpfulness." The St. Louis Caucus spent much of its time discussing resolutions: whether a stand should be taken on the League of Nations, Prohibition, or the implementation of universal military service, whether posts composed of Negro soldiers should be established, and whether Secretary of War Newton D. Baker should be impeached for his apparent leniency towards conscientious objectors in the months after the war.[33] A particularly hard line was taken towards the American radical movement, with one resolution passed on the final day calling on Congress to "pass a bill or immediately deporting every one of those Bolsheviks or Industrial Workers of the World."[34] Minneapolis, Minnesota was chosen for the site of the founding convention of the organization in November over the more centrally-located Chicago after much acrimonious debate about the perceived political transgressions of the Chicago city administration.
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American Legion Chief on the Legion's legislative agenda was a dramatic improvement of the level of compensation for soldiers who suffered permanent disability during the war. At the time of the end of World War I, American law stated that soldiers who suffered total disability were to receive only the base pay of a Private $30 per month.[41] The Legion concentrated its lobbying effort in 1919 on passage of legislation increasing payment for total disability suffered in the war to $80 a month a sum roughly sufficient in dollars of the day to provide a living wage.[41] Those partially disabled by their wounds were to receive lesser payments.[41] A flurry of lobbying by the Legion's National Legislative Committee in conjunction with cables sent to Congressional leaders by National Commander Franklin D'Olier helped achieve passage of this legislation by the end of 1919.[41] The American Legion's chief base of support during its first years was among the officers corps of the reserves and the National Guard.[42] The size of the regular army was comparatively small and its representation in the League in its earliest days was even more limited. Consequently, for nearly two decades the American Legion maintained a largely isolationist perspective, best expressed in three resolutions passed by the Minneapolis founding convention: "1. That a large standing army is uneconomic and un-American. National safety with freedom from militarism is best assured by a national citizen army and navy based on the democratic principles of equality of obligation and opportunity for all. "2. That we favor universal military training and the administration of such a policy should be removed from the complete control of any exclusively military organization or caste. "3. That we are strongly opposed to compulsory military service in time of peace."[43] Additional resolutions passed by the founding convention emphasized the need for military preparedness, albeit maintained through a citizens' army of reservists and National Guardsmen rather than through the costly and undemocratic structure of a vast standing army led by a professional military caste.[43] This nationalist isolationism would remain in place until the very eve of American entry into the Second World War.
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In this political cartoon from the Portland Telegram a Legionnaire prepares to hit a ball labeled "Bolshevism" with a rifle butt labeled "100 per cent Americanism" beside a quote from Theodore Roosevelt: "Don't argue with the reds; go to bat with them and go to the bat strong!"
At 2 pm the march began at the city park, led by a marching band playing "Over There."[45] Marchers included Boy Scouts, members of the local Elks Lodge, active-duty sailors and Marines, with about 80 members of the newly established Centralia and Chehalis American Legion posts bringing up the rear.[45] As the parade turned onto Tower Avenue and crossed Second Street, it passed IWW Hall on its left.[45] The parade stopped and Legionnaires surrounded the hall.[45] Parade Marshall Adrian Cormier rode up on horseback and, according to some witnesses, blew a whistle giving the signal to the Legionnaires to charge the IWW headquarters building.[45] A group of marchers rushed the hall, smashing the front plate glass window and attempting to kick in the door.[45] Just as the door gave way, shots were fired from within at the intruders.[45] This provided the signal to other armed IWW members, who were stationed across the street to set up a crossfire against potential invaders and they also began firing on the Legionnaires.[46] In less than a minute the firing was over, with three AL members left dead or dying and others wounded.[47] Taken by surprise by the armed defense of IWW headquarters, many Legionnaires rushed home to arm themselves, while others broke into local hardware stores to steal guns and ammunition.[47] Now armed, a furious mob reassembled and charged the IWW Hall again, capturing six IWW members inside.[47] The mob proceeded to destroy the front porch of the hall and a large bonfire was built, upon which were torched the local Wobblies' official records, books, newspapers, and mattresses.[47] One local Wobbly named Wesley Everest escaped through a back door when he saw the mob approaching the hall.[47] He fled into nearby woods, exchanging gunshots with his pursuers.[47] One of those chasing the fleeing IWW man was hit in the chest several times with bullets and was killed, running the death count of Legionnaires to four.[47] Everest was taken alive, kicked and beaten, and a belt wrapped around his neck as he was dragged back to the town to be lynched.[47] Local police intervened, however, and Everest was taken to jail, where he was thrown
American Legion down on the concrete floor.[47] Legionnaires formed armed vigilante groups and began raiding local pool halls and checking those present IWW membership cards.[48] Another group assembled at the local Elks Hall and met for two hours, discussing what was to be done.[48] At 7:30 pm, on cue, all city lights in town went out for 15 minutes and Legionnaires stopped cars and forced them to turn out their headlights.[48] The Elks Hall gathering entered the jail without meeting resistance and took Wesley Everest, dragging him away to a waiting car but leaving other incarcerated Wobblies in jail cells unhindered.[49] A procession of six cars drove west to a railroad bridge across the Chehalis River.[50] A rope was attached to Everest's neck and he was pushed off the bridge, but the lynching attempt was bungled and Everest's neck was not snapped by the fall.[50] Everest was hauled up again, a longer rope was substituted, and Everest was pushed off the bridge again.[50] The lynch mob then shined their car headlights on the hanging form of Everest and shot him for good measure.[50] Although a mob milled around the jail all night, terrorizing the occupants, no further acts of extra-legal retribution were taken.[50] Everest's body was cut down the next morning, falling into the riverbed below, where it remained all day.[51] As night fell Everest's body was hauled back to town, the rope still around his neck, where it was refused by local undertakers and left on the floor of the jail in sight of the prisoners all night.[51] No charges were ever filed in connection with the lynching.[52] Twelve IWW members were ultimately indicted by a grand jury for first degree murder in connection with the killing of the four Legionnaires and a local left wing lawyer was charged as an accessory to the crime.[52] A January 1920 trial resulted in the conviction of six defendants on charges of second degree murder.[53]
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Development
The Site of Ferdinand Branstetter Post No. 1 of the American Legion is a vacant lot in Van Tassell, Wyoming where the first American Legion post in the United States was established in 1919. The post was named after Ferdinand Branstetter, a Van Tassell resident who died in World War I. The structure housing the post has since been demolished. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. In 1969, it was hoped that an interpretative sign would be put up, and also possibly that a restored post building would be constructed. An interpretative sign exists at the site, in 2009. The first post of the American Legion, General John Joseph Pershing Post Number 1 in Washington, D.C., was organized on March 7, 1919, and obtained the first charter issued to any post of the Legion on May 19, 1919. The St. Louis caucus that same year decided that Legion posts should not be named after living persons, and the first post changed its name to George Washington Post 1. The post completed the constitution and made plans for a permanent organization. It set up temporary headquarters in New York City and began its relief, employment, and Americanism programs. Congress granted the American Legion a national charter in September 1919.
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1920s
The American Legion was very active in the 1920s. The organization was formally non-partisan, endorsing candidates of no political party. Instead the group worked to the spread of the ideology of Americanism and acted as an lobbying organization on behalf of issues of importance to veterans, with particular emphasis on winning a "soldier's bonus" payment from the government and for the alleviation of the unemployment to which many soldiers returned. The Legion also served a strong social function, building and buying "clubhouses" in communities across America at which its members could gather, reflect, network, and socialize. In 1924, the Legion and other veterans organizations won their battle for additional compensation for World War I veterans with the passage of the World War Adjusted Compensation Act. Most payments were scheduled to be paid in 1945.[54] In 1923, American Legion Commander Alvin Owsley cited Italian Fascism as a model for defending the nation against the forces of the left.[55] Owsley said: If ever needed, the American Legion stands ready to protect our country's institutions and ideals as the Fascisti dealt with the destructionists who menaced Italy!... The American Legion is fighting every element that threatens our democratic government Soviets, anarchists, IWW, revolutionary socialists and every other red.... Do not forget that the Fascisti are to Italy what the American Legion is to the United States.[56] The Legion invited Mussolini to speak at its convention as late as 1930.[56] The American Legion was instrumental in the creation of the U.S. Veterans' Bureau, now known as the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Legion also created its own American Legion Baseball Program, hosting national tournaments annually from 1926. Commander Travers D. Carmen awarded Charles Lindbergh its "Distinguished Service Medal," the medal's first recipient, on July 22, 1927. American Legion national convention was held in Paris, France in September 1927. A major part of this was drum and bugle corps competition in which approximately 14,000 members took part.
1930s to 1950s
The American Legion Memorial Bridge in Traverse City, Michigan, was completed in 1930.[57] The Sons of the American Legion formed at the American Legion's 14th National Convention in Portland, Oregon, on September 1215, 1932. Membership is limited to the male descendants of members of the American Legion, or deceased individuals who served in the armed forces of the United States during times specified by the American Legion. In the spring of 1933, at the very beginning of his presidency, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt sought to balance the federal budget by sharp reductions in veterans benefits, which constituted one quarter of the federal budget. The Economy Act of 1933 cut disability pensions and established strict new guidelines for proving disabilities. The American Legion generally supported the FDR administration and the Act, while the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) was loudly opposed. After a VFW convention heard speeches denouncing FDR's programs, the American Legion invited Roosevelt to speak and he won the convention's support. Nevertheless, the Legion's stance was unpopular with its membership and membership plummeted in 1933 by 20% as 160,000 failed to renew their memberships. The VFW then campaigned for a "Bonus Bill" that would immediately pay World War I veterans what they were due in 1945 under the 1924 World War Adjusted Compensation Act. The Legion's failure to take a similar position allowed the much smaller, less prestigious VFW to rally support while accusing the Legion of ties to the FDR Administration and business interests. In December 1933, retired General Smedley Butler, a popular and colorful speaker, toured the country on behalf of the VFW, calling on veterans to organize politically to win their benefits.[58] Butler believed the American Legion was controlled by banking interests. On December 8, 1933,
American Legion explaining why he believed veterans' interests were better served by the VFW than the American Legion, he said: "I said I have never known one leader of the American Legion who had never sold them outand I mean it."[59] In November 1934, Butler told the New York Evening Post and a congressional subcommittee that representatives of powerful industrial interests and the American Legion were trying to induce him to lead the Legion in a campaign to preserve the gold standard and to engineer a coup against President Roosevelt with Butler's aid in marshaling the support of veterans. Everyone implicated denied involvement and the press gave the story little credence. Nevertheless, Butler's charges, elaborated by articles in the Communist newspaper New Masses, gave birth to an enduring conspiracy theory, known as the Business Plot, that powerful business interests in alliance with the Legion planned to overthrow the federal government.[60] In 1935, the first Boys' State convened in Springfield, Illinois. The American Legion's first National High School Oratorical Contest was held in 1938. In 1942, the Legion adopted the practice of the VFW to become a perpetual organization, rather than die off as its membership aged as that of the Grand Army of the Republic was rapidly doing. The Legion's charter was changed to allow veterans of World War II to join. Throughout the 1940s, the American Legion was active in providing support for veterans and soldiers who fought in World War II. The American Legion wrote the original draft of the Veterans Readjustment Act, which became known as the G.I. Bill. The original draft is preserved at the Legion's National Headquarters. The American Legion vigorously campaigned for the G.I. Bill, which was signed into law in June 1944. The first Boys Nation program was held in 1946. At the Legion's 1951 convention at Miami, Florida, it formally endorsed its "Back to God" movement.[61] When launching the program in 1953 with a national television broadcast that included speeches by President Eisenhower and Vice-President Nixon, the Legion's National Commander Lewis K. Gough said it promoted "regular church attendance, daily family prayer, and the religious training of children."[62] In 1952, the American Legion asked for a congressional investigation into the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to determine if it was a communist or communist front organization.[63] Veterans of the Korean War were approved for membership in the American Legion in 1950, and the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation was formed in 1954.
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1960s to 1990s
On May 30, 1969, the Cabin John Bridge, which carried the Capital Beltway (I-495) across the Potomac River northwest of Washington, D.C., was officially renamed to the "American Legion Memorial Bridge" in a ceremony led by Lt. Gen. Lewis B. Hershey, director of the U.S. Selective Service System.[64] In 1976, an outbreak of bacterial pneumonia occurred in a convention of the American Legion at The Bellevue Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia. This pneumonia killed 34 people at the convention and later became known as Legionnaires' disease (Legionellosis). The bacterium that causes the illness was later named Legionella.
After a 1989 U.S. Supreme Court decision, the American Legion launched and funded an unsuccessful campaign to win a constitutional amendment against harming the flag of the United States. The Legion formed the Citizens' Flag Honor Guard and it later became the Citizens Flag Alliance.[65]
American Legion halls are found in cities both large and small, like this longstanding structure on Pine Street in Minden, Louisiana, which has for decades hosted military and civic events.
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1990s to present
In 1993, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts renamed a bridge in the city of Chicopee to the "American Legion Memorial Bridge".[66] Also in 1993, two members of Garden City, Michigan American Legion Post 396 shared an idea that would bond motorcycle enthusiasts in the Legion from the idea of Chuck Dare and post commander Bill Kaledas, creating the American Legion Riders. Joined by 19 other founding members, the group soon found itself American Legion Memorial Hall in Garden City, inundated with requests for information about the new group. As a Kansas source of information a website [67] was set up, and it continues to be a source of information worldwide. By 2009, the American Legion Riders program had grown to over 1,000 chapters and 100,000 members in the United States and overseas. In a letter to U.S. President Bill Clinton in May 1999, the American Legion urged the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Operation Allied Force in Yugoslavia. The National Executive Committee of The American Legion met and adopted a resolution unanimously that stated, in part, that they would only support military operations if "Guidelines be established for the mission, including a clear exit strategy" and "That there be support of the mission by the U.S. Congress and the American people."[68] In 2006, the Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Steve Buyer (R-Ind.), announced that he planned to eliminate the annual congressional hearings for Veterans Service Organizations that was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. In response, National Commander of the American Legion Thomas L. Bock said, "I am extremely disappointed in Chairman Buyer's latest effort to ignore the Veterans Service Organizations. Eliminating annual hearings before a joint session of the Veterans Affairs Committees will lead to continued budgetary shortfalls for VA resulting in veterans being underserved."[69] According to the American Legion, the ACLU has used the threat of attorney fees to intimidate cities, counties, school boards and other locally elected bodies into surrendering to its demands to remove religion from the public square.[70] As such the American Legion states that it "is leading a nationwide effort to combat the secular cleansing of our American heritage,"[71] stating that the phrase "separation of church and state" is nowhere mentioned in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution[71] The American Legion released a document titled "In The Footsteps Of The Founders A Guide To Defending American Values" to be available to the citizens of The United States of America.[71] The veteran's organization has done this to curtail religious-establishment cases against the Boy Scouts, the public display of the Ten Commandments and other symbols pertaining to America's religious history and heritage,[70] in coordination with other Christian Dominionists.
Programs
At the state level, The American Legion is organized into "departments", which run annual civic training events for high school juniors called Boys State. Two members from each Boys State are selected for Boys Nation. The American Legion Auxiliary runs Girls State and Girls Nation. In addition to Boys State, The American Legion features numerous programs including American Legion Baseball, Scouting, Oratorical Contests, Junior Shooting Sports, Youth Alumni, Sons of The American Legion, The American Legion Riders, and Scholarships at every level of the organization.
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Official publications
The organization's official publication in its initial phase was a magazine called The American Legion Weekly, launched on July 4, 1919.[72] This publication switched its frequency and renamed itself The American Legion Monthly in 1926.[73] In 1936 the publication's name and volume numbering system changed again, this time to American Legion Magazine.[74]
Organizational structure
Posts
The Post is the basic unit of the Legion and usually represents a small geographic area such as a single town or part of a county. There are roughly 14,900 posts in the United States. The Post is used for formal business such as meetings and a coordination point for community service projects. Often the Post will host community events such as bingo, Hunter breakfasts, holiday celebrations, and available to the community, churches in time of need. It is also not uncommon for the Post to contain a bar open during limited hours. A Post member is distinguished by a navy blue garrison cap with gold piping.
Counties
Each U.S. county comprises several Posts and oversees their operations, led by a County Council of elected officers. The County Commander performs annual inspections of the Posts within their jurisdiction and reports the findings to both the District and the Department level. A County Commander is distinguished by a navy blue garrison cap with white piping.
Districts
Each Department is divided into Divisions and/or Districts. Each District oversees several Posts, generally about 20, to help each smaller group have a larger voice. Divisions are even larger groups of about four or more Districts. The main purpose of these "larger" groups (Districts Divisions) are to allow one or two delegates to represent an area at conferences, conventions, and other gatherings, where large numbers of Legionnaires may not be able to attend. A District Commander is distinguished by a navy blue garrison cap with a white crown and gold piping.
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Departments
The Posts are grouped together into a state level organization known as a Department for the purposes of coordination and administration. There is a total of 55 Departments; one for each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico, and the Philippines. Canada was merged into Department of New York several years ago. The three Departments located overseas are intended to allow active duty military stationed and veterans living overseas to be actively involved with the American Legion similar to as if they were back in the states. The Department of France consists of 29 Posts located in 10 European American Legion Headquarters in Indianapolis counties, the Department of Mexico consists of 22 Posts located in Central America, and the Department of Philippines covers Asia and the Pacific Islands. A Department Officer or Department Executive Committee Representative is distinguished by a white garrison cap with gold piping.
National headquarters
The main American Legion Headquarters is located on the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza in Indianapolis. It is the primary office for the National Commander and also houses the historical archives, library, Membership, Internal Affairs, Public Relations, and the Magazine editorial offices.[76] The Legion also owns a building in Washington D.C. that contains many of the operation offices such as Economics, Legislative, Veterans Affairs, Foreign Relations, National Security, and Media Relations, and etc. A National Officer or National Executive Committee Representative is distinguished by a red garrison cap with gold piping.
American Legion
Stephen F. Chadwick, Washington, 19381939 Raymond J. Kelly, Michigan, 19391940 Milo J. Warner, Ohio, 19401941 Lynn U. Stambaugh, North Dakota, 19411942 Roane Waring, Tennessee, 19421943 Warren Atherton, California, 19431944 Edward N. Scheiberling, New York, 19441945 John Stelle, Illinois, 19451946 Paul H. Griffith, Pennsylvania, 19461947 James F. O'Neal, New Hampshire, 19471948 S. Perry Brown, Texas, 19481949 George N. Craig, Indiana, 19491950 Erle Cocke, Jr., Georgia, 19501951 Donald R. Wilson, West Virginia, 19511952 Lewis K. Gough, California, 19521953 Arthur J. Connell, Connecticut, 19531954 Seaborn P. Collins, New Mexico, 19541955 J. Addington Wagner, Michigan, 19551956 Dan Daniel, Virginia, 19561957 John S. Gleason, Jr., Illinois, 19571958 Preston J. Moore, Oklahoma, 19581959 Martin B. McKneally, New York, 19591960 William R. Burke, California, 19601961 Charles L. Bacon, Missouri, 19611962 James E. Powers, Georgia, 19621963 Hon. Daniel F. Foley, Minnesota, 19631964 Donald E. Johnson, Iowa, 19641965 Dale L. Renaud, Iowa, 19851986 Hon. James P. Dean, Mississippi, 19861987 John P. "Jake" Comer, Massachusetts, 19871988 Hon. H. F. "Sparky" Gierke, North Dakota, 19881989 Miles S. Epling, West Virginia, 19891990 Robert S. Turner, Georgia, 19901991 Dominic D. DiFrancesco, Pennsylvania, 19911992 Roger A. Munson, Ohio, 19921993 Bruce Thiesen, California, 19931994 William M. Detweiler, Louisiana, 19941995 Daniel A. Ludwig, Minnesota, 19951996 Joseph J. Frank, Missouri, 19961997 Anthony G. Jordan, Maine, 19971998 Butch L. Miller, Virginia, 19981999 Hon. Alan G. Lance, Sr., Idaho, 19992000 Ray G. Smith, North Carolina, 20002001 Richard Santos, Maryland, 20012002 Ronald F. Conley, Pennsylvania, 20022003 John A. Brieden, III, Texas, 20032004 Thomas P. Cadmus, Michigan, 20042005 Thomas L. Bock, Colorado, 20052006 Paul A. Morin, Massachusetts, 20062007 Martin "Marty" Conatser, Illinois, 20072008 David Rehbein, Iowa, 20082009 Clarence Hill, Florida, 20092010 Jimmie Foster, Alaska, 20102011 Fang A. Wong, New York, 20112012 James E. Koutz, Indiana, 2012present
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Footnotes
[1] American Legion: "History" (http:/ / www. legion. org/ history), accessed December 30, 2010 [2] http:/ / www. legion. org/ [3] Welcome to the American Legion Online (http:/ / www. legion. org/ homepage. php) [4] Marquis James, A History of the American Legion. New York: William Green, 1923; pg. 77. [5] Thomas A. Rumer, The American Legion: An Official History, 1919-1989. New York: M. Evans and Co., 1990; pg. 9. [6] James, A History of the American Legion, pg. 14. [7] James, A History of the American Legion, pg. 15. [8] James, A History of the American Legion, pg. 16. [9] Rumer, The American Legion, pg. 13. [10] James, A History of the American Legion, pp. 16-17. [11] James, A History of the American Legion, pp. 17-18. [12] James, A History of the American Legion, pg. 18. [13] James, A History of the American Legion, pp. 18-19. [14] James, A History of the American Legion, pg. 20. [15] Rumer, The American Legion, pg. 15. [16] Rumer, The American Legion, pg. 16. [17] Rumer, The American Legion, pp. 18-19. [18] Rumer, The American Legion, pg. 19. [19] Rumer, The American Legion, pg. 21. [20] Rumer, The American Legion, pg. 23. [21] Rumer, The American Legion, pg. 24. [22] Rumer, The American Legion, pg. 25. [23] Rumer, The American Legion, pg. 28.
American Legion
[24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] [39] [40] [41] [42] [43] [44] [45] Rumer, The American Legion, pg. 26. Rumer, The American Legion, pp. 26-27. James, A History of the American Legion, pg. 44. James, A History of the American Legion, pp. 45-46. James, A History of the American Legion, pp. 47-48. William Pencak, For God and Country: The American Legion, 1919-1941. Boston: Northeastern University Press, 1989; pg. 58. Pencak, For God and Country, pg. 59. The words are those of Dorothy R. Harper, "Hawaii Department History," quoted in Pencak, For God and Country, pg. 59. Reprinted in George Seay Wheat, The Story of the American Legion: The Birth of the Legion. New York: G.P. Putnam Co., 1919; pg. 193. Pencak, For God and Country, pp. 59-60. Pencak, For God and Country, pg. 60. Jones, A History of the American Legion, pg. 349. Richard Seely Jones, A History of the American Legion. Indianapolis, IN: Bobbs-Merrill Co., 1946; pg. 44. Quoted in Jones, A History of the American Legion, pg. 49. Jones, A History of the American Legion, pg. 45. Jones, A History of the American Legion, pg. 46. Jones, A History of the American Legion, pg. 47. Jones, A History of the American Legion, pg. 48. Jones, A History of the American Legion, pg. 85. Jones, A History of the American Legion, pg. 86. Tom Copeland, The Centralia Tragedy of 1919: Elmer Smith and the Wobblies. Seattle, WA: University of Washington Press, 1993; pg. 40. Copeland, The Centralia Tragedy of 1919," pg. 51.
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[46] Copeland, The Centralia Tragedy of 1919, pp. 51-52. [47] Copeland, The Centralia Massacre of 1919, pg. 52. [48] Copeland, The Centralia Tragedy of 1919, pg. 53. [49] Copeland, The Centralia Tragedy, pp. 53-54. [50] Copeland, The Centralia Tragedy of 1919, pg. 54. [51] Copeland, The Centralia Tragedy of 1919, pg. 55. [52] Copeland, The Centralia Tragedy of 1919, pg. 59. [53] Copeland, The Centralia Tragedy of 1919, pp. 65, 82-83. [54] American Red Cross, "World War Adjusted Compensation Act," updated: July 19, 1926, 363-74, Available online" (http:/ / books. google. com/ books?id=0WYXAAAAYAAJ& ), accessed January 10, 2011 [55] William Pencak, For God And Country: the American Legion, 1919-1941 Northeastern University Press, 1989; pg. 21. [56] Alec Campbell, "Where Do All the Soldiers Go?: Veterans and the Politics of Demobilization," in Diane E. Davis, Anthony W. Pereira, eds., Irregular Armed Forces and their Role in Politics and State Formation. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2003; pp. 110-111. [57] Information on the American Legion Memorial Bridge (Michigan Department of Transportation Web Site) (http:/ / www. michigan. gov/ mdot/ 0,1607,7-151-9620_11154_11188-28476--,00. html). The Traverse City city commission decided to purchase dedication plaques for $100 at the request of the American Legion in 1930. [58] Stephen R. Ortiz, "The 'New Deal' for Veterans: The Economy Act, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Origins of the New Deal," Journal of Military History, vol. 70 (2006), 417-37 [59] New York Times: "Butler for Bonus out of Wall Street," December 10, 1933 (http:/ / select. nytimes. com/ gst/ abstract. html?res=F40F17FA3C5513738DDDA90994DA415B838FF1D3& ), accessed January 10, 2011 [60] George Wolfskill, The Revolt of the Conservatives: A History of the American Liberty League, 1934-1940 (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1962), 81-101. For an extended account of the conspiracy theory, see Jules Archer, The Plot to Seize the White House (NY: Hawthorn Books, 1973) [61] Sydney E. Ahlstrom, David D. Hall. A Religious History of the American People (http:/ / books. google. com/ books?id=5kFF6a1viGcC& pg=PA954& ). Yale University Press. . Retrieved 2007-12-31.; Gastn Espinosa, ed., Religion and the American Presidency: George Washington to George W. Bush (NY: Columbia University Press, 2009), 278-9 [62] New York Times: "'Back to God' Drive Enlists President," February 2, 1953 (http:/ / select. nytimes. com/ gst/ abstract. html?res=F40C14FF3D5B107A93C0A91789D85F478585F9& ), accessed February 1, 2011 [63] William A. Donohue, The Politics of the American Civil Liberties Union (New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers, 1985), 182 [64] "Cabin John Bridge Given a New Name", Washington Post, Times Herald (Washington, D.C.): City Life Section, May 31, 1969 [65] Citizens Flag Alliance (http:/ / www. sourcewatch. org/ index. php?) [66] Archives, Library of the State of Massachusetts (http:/ / archives. lib. state. ma. us/ actsResolves/ 1993/ 1993acts0091. pdf) Retrieved June 11, 2007 [67] http:/ / www. americanlegionriders. net [68] C-SPAN Video Library: "American Legion Urges Withdrawal of Troops from Yugoslavia," May 18, 1999 (http:/ / www. c-spanvideo. org/ videoLibrary/ clip. php?appid=596636896), accessed December 30, 2010
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[69] Army Times: Rick Maze, "Battle between Legion, Buyer Rages On," June 12, 2006 (http:/ / www. armytimes. com/ legacy/ new/ 1-292925-1865966. php), accessed December 30, 2010 [70] "Legion campaign backs anti-ACLU bill" (http:/ / www. legion. org/ documents/ pdf/ peraguide_0507_revised. pdf). WorldNetDaily. . Retrieved 2007-12-31. "The American Legion, with 2.7-million members the largest veterans organization in the world, has launched a nationwide grass-roots campaign to support a bill in Congress that would stop the ACLU from receiving taxpayer-paid attorney fees in the many religious-establishment cases against the Boy Scouts, the public display of the Ten Commandments and other symbols of America's religious history and heritage. The Legion says the ACLU has used the threat of attorney fees to intimidate cities, counties, school boards and other locally elected bodies into surrendering to its demands to remove religion from the public square." [71] "In The Footsteps Of The Founders A Guide To Defending American Values" (http:/ / www. legion. org/ documents/ pdf/ peraguide_0507_revised. pdf). The American Legion. . Retrieved 2007-12-31. [72] The American Legion Weekly, (http:/ / janus. uoregon. edu/ record=b2499498) OCLC WorldCat publication number 1480272. Master negative microfilm held by University Microfilms, now part of ProQuest. [73] The American Legion Monthly," (http:/ / janus. uoregon. edu/ record=b3367988) OCLC WorldCat publication number 1781656. [74] American Legion Magazine, (http:/ / janus. uoregon. edu/ record=b3367992) OCLC WorldCat publication number 1480271. [75] American Legion: "Eligibility Requirements for American Legion Membership" (http:/ / www. legion. org/ join), accessed December 30, 2010 [76] American Legion: "Office Locations (http:/ / www. legion. org/ offices), accessed December 30, 2010
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Further reading
Thomas B. Littlewood, Soldiers Back Home: The American Legion in Illinois, 1919-1939. Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press, 2004. George Seay Wheat, The Story of the American Legion. (http://www.archive.org/details/ storyofamericanl00whearich) New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1919.
External links
American Legion National Headquarters site (http://www.legion.org) Sons of the American Legion site (http://www.sal.legion.org) National American Legion Riders Information Center site (http://www.americanlegionriders.net/) Position on the Enola Gay exhibit (http://www.muddyboots.net/vsi/central_ny/egay.html) Story of the American Legion by George Seay Wheat (1919) (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/14478/ 14478-h/14478-h.htm) American Legion Photographs from the Western Historical Manuscript Collection (http://tjrhino1.umsl.edu/ whmc/view.php?description_get=American+Legion) at the University of MissouriSt. Louis The American Legion's national partnership with DOD to welcome home wounded servicemembers (http:// www.legion.org/veterans/h2h/about) American Legion Post 295's support of the wounded at Bethesda and Walter Reed Hospitals (http://www. operationprovidecomfort.us) American Legion National Convention Medals (http://www.steveleader.com/legion.htm) American Legion Posts directory (http://home.alposts.com/find-a-post1) (http://www.njamericanlegion.org/) (http://www.legion.org/)
328
References
[1] Veterans Service Organizations - American War Mothers (http:/ / www1. va. gov/ VSO/ index. cfm?template=viewreport& Org_ID=29)
External links
American War Mothers (http://www.americanwarmoms.org) official website
Former headquarters of the American War Mothers located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C.
AMVETS
AMVETS or American Veterans is a volunteer-led organization formed by World War II veterans which accepts honorably discharged veterans as members. AMVETS is one of the most respected volunteer-led organizations in the country[1] that provides, not only support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, but also community services that enhance the quality of life for this nation's citizens. The group holds a congressional charter under Title 36 of the United States Code.
Background
AMVETS is active in U.S. politics. Its primary political activity is lobbying for the interests of veterans, including support for veteran's benefits such as pensions and the Veterans Affairs hospital system; in addition, it has promoted other causes such as support for a Flag Burning Amendment. The AMVETS Silver Helmet Award is an annual award to "recognize excellence and achievement in Americanism, defense, rehabilitation, congressional service and other fields," according to "AMVETS - Our History" [2]. Archived from the original [3] on 2007-06-07. Retrieved 2007-09-13. Sometimes called the "Veterans Oscar," the award is shaped like a small, silver replica of a World War II helmet. Recipients have included Edmund Muskie, Lyndon B. Johnson and Lee Greenwood. The organization also gives out an award that used to be called the Peace Award, which in later years was called the Silver Helmet Peace Award, to honor people who promoted peace. AMVETS is frequently involved with ROTC and JROTC programs. A local chapter in the schools area may present awards, scholarships, and savings bonds to qualifying cadets in a unit. AMVETS has a number of subordinate organizations, which help to advance the aims and purposes of the AMVETS organization. These subordinate organizations are:
AMVETS AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary-composed of the wives, daughters, granddaughters, adopted daughters, sisters, mothers, and grandmothers of members of AMVETS. Sons of AMVETS-composed of the sons, grandsons, adopted sons, stepsons, brothers, fathers, grandfathers and husbands of members of AMVETS. Junior AMVETS-composed of the under-18 children and grandchildren of members of AMVETS, Ladies Auxiliary and Sons of AMVETS AMVETS Riders Sad Sacks-The Fun & Honor group of the AMVETS Sackettes-The Fun & Honor group of the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary The AMVETS Riders- composed of any member including subordinate with a motorcycle and the desire to promote the good and welfare of the AMVETS mission. AMVETS Career Center- a nonprofit corporation that provides services such as training and employment assistance for veterans, and active duty service members, who have served honorably or are currectly serving.
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References
[1] Journal of the House of Representatives. Michigan. Legislature. House of Representatives. v. 2 (1970) http:/ / books. google. com/ books?id=F0riAAAAMAAJ [2] http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20070607090004/ http:/ / www. amvets. org/ HTML/ who_we_are/ our_history. html [3] http:/ / www. amvets. org/ HTML/ who_we_are/ our_history. html
http://www.amvetscareercenter.org/
External links
http://www.amvets.org/ A film clip "Longines Chronoscope with Henry J. Mahady)" (http://archive.org/details/gov.archives.arc. 95872) is available for free download at the Internet Archive [more] http://www.amvetscareercenter.org/
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Program criteria
To be eligible for AW2, a soldier must have, or be expected to receive, an Army Physical Disability Evaluation System (APDES) rating of 30% or greater in one or more categories, or a combined rating of 50% or greater, for conditions that are related to combat since September 10, 2001. Conditions are based on the Veterans Administration Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) as used by the U.S. Army Physical Disability Agency (USPDA). Some of these categories are: Loss of vision/blindness Loss of limb Spinal cord injury/paralysis Permanent disfigurement Severe burns Traumatic brain injury Post traumatic stress disorder Mental Illness not limited to Schizophrenia/Bipolar Disorder Fatal/incurable disease
Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) An AW2 Advocate helps with daily problems, adjusting to life after injury, issues concerning returning to duty or leaving the military, and any long-term concerns. AW2 Advocates are located throughout the country at major military treatment facilities and VA Medical Centers and they assist Soldiers/Families through a number of different roles such as: Career and education guides Benefit advisors Military transition specialists Local resource experts Family assistants Life coaches.
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Many of these Advocates are located in the Soldier Family Assistance Centers (SFAC), a facility housing many service providers dedicated to wounded soldiers. The SFACs provide wounded veterans services, substance abuse information and referral for family members, financial counseling, transition and employment assistance, education counseling, public-use computers, and child care. They are designed to be a safe haven that promotes healing.[6] A core tenant of the Army Wounded Warrior Program is the Army Family Covenant a recent initiative to recognize growing demands from soldiers families strained by the War on Terrorism.[7][8] On Oct. 8, 2007, Chief of Staff of the United States Army, Gen.George W. Casey, Jr. announced the policy at a Family Forum of the Association of the United States Armys Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C..[9]
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References
[1] Army.mil - Army Wounded Warrior Program Honors Four Years of Service (http:/ / www. army. mil/ -news/ 2008/ 04/ 30/ 8862-army-wounded-warrior-program-honors-four-years-of-service/ ) [2] 2008 U.S. Army Posture Statement - Information Papers - U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program (http:/ / www. army. mil/ aps/ 08/ information_papers/ sustain/ US_Wounded_Warrior_Program. html) [3] General: Army still facing Warrior Transition Unit challenges | Stars and Stripes (http:/ / www. stripes. com/ article. asp?section=104& article=60201& archive=true) [4] AW2 FAQ (https:/ / www. aw2. army. mil/ about/ faq. html) [5] Possible Conditions Qualifying for AW2 Program (http:/ / aw2portal. com/ Conditions. aspx) [6] Home - Soldier Family Assistance Center (http:/ / sfac. wramc. amedd. army. mil/ default. aspx) [7] ArmyMWR Family Page (http:/ / www. armymwr. com/ portal/ family/ ) [8] Army Leadership to Families: "We Hear You Loud and Clear" (http:/ / www. army. mil/ -newsreleases/ 2007/ 07/ 13/ 4045-army-leadership-to-families-we-hear-you-loud-and-clear/ ) [9] Association of the United States Army: Army chief of staff introduces Family Covenant Initiative (http:/ / www. ausa. org/ webpub/ DeptHome. nsf/ byid/ WEBP-77UHAM) [10] Army Times, Wounded and waiting - Army News, opinions, editorials, news from Iraq, photos, reports - Army Times (http:/ / www. armytimes. com/ news/ 2007/ 02/ tnsmedboards070217/ ) [11] New Wounded Warrior Regiment (http:/ / www. military. com/ features/ 0,15240,131303,00. html) [12] Safe Harbor - Severely Injured Support (http:/ / www. npc. navy. mil/ CommandSupport/ SafeHarbor/ )
External links
Official AW2 Web site (https://www.aw2.army.mil) Official AW2 Blog (http://AW2.armylive.dodlive.mil) U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command Web site (http://WTC.armylive.dodlive.mil) Army Physical Disability Evaluation System Web site (http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/APDES/purpose. aspx) Veterans Administration schedule for rating disabilities (http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookc.html)
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Regionserved United States President Budget Website Patricia Driscoll US$ 8 million (2008) armedforcesfoundation.org [1]
The Armed Forces Foundation is an American non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. that began operations in 2001 with the mission of supporting the members of the United States Armed Forces from all branches of service, both active duty and retired. With such a broad range of goals the Foundation has expanded tremendously and now has annual donations of over $8 million.[2] Through its efforts, the Foundation currently administers 4 programs and a number of projects with the goal of raising funds and awareness to support service members and their families. The Armed Forces Foundation maintains a 94% ratio of every dollar donated from outside contributions back into its programs.
Mission statement
"The Armed Forces Foundation is dedicated to providing comfort and solace to members of the United States Armed Forces Community by providing financial support, career counseling services, homeowners education, recreational therapy programs and funding awareness projects."
Programs
The Armed Forces Foundation currently administers 4 core programs, each with a different focus.
The Honorable C.W Bill and Beverly Young Financial Assistance Fund
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The Honorable C.W Bill and Beverly Young Financial Assistance Fund, named after Congressman Bill Young and his wife Beverly, is the largest program administered by the Armed Forces Foundation and provides direct financial assistance to service members and their families facing financial hardship through injury and other service related situations. With the ability to provide money to service members and their families from all branches of service, the Foundation is able to make a valued impact on the lives of those who serve the United States. Financial Assistance The Foundation helps families cover such expenses as: Airline tickets to visit loved ones recuperating in a hospital Utility bills Rent or mortgage payments (for civilian housing) Car payments Childcare during illness, surgery or recovery Car insurance or registration payments
Congressman C.W Bill Young of Florida with his wife Beverly speak at the 2008 AFF Congressional Gala. Congressman and Mrs. Young are advocates of Veterans issues
Bereavement Support The AFF Bereavement Program augments the cost of funeral and travel arrangements for families of deceased servicemen and women during their time of mourning. The Bereavement Support Program helps in the following ways: Providing monetary assistance for loved ones to attend funeral services Providing grief counseling services Providing investment and estate planning services Yellow ribbon scholarship fund for children of deceased servicemen and women
National Impact The Armed Forces Foundation, a national charity, has helped hundreds of families across the United States. Below is a state by state break down of the Foundation's Direct Financial Assistance from 2006 through second quarter 2010.
State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Number of cases Total amount of assistance given 19 6 15 28 45 12 1 5 $14663.07 $3,782.00 $13,064.8 $15,501.7 $41,359.4 $13,788.7 $1,000.00 $4,346.22 $8,142 $36,829.2 $38,624.8
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Guam Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia 1 1 1 12 17 5 9 17 9 4 23 6 7 4 4 11 1 0 4 1 12 2 13 23 1 16 4 6 17 2 10 2 17 83 0 1 28 11 3 $1,000.00 572.55 807.13 $11,096.9 $17,648.3 $3,732.41 $9,505 $14,219 $9,443.84 $2,057.00 $23,216.9 $10,741.65 $5,694 $4,532 $3,633 $9,435 $568.00 0 $3,238 450 $15,758 $1,710.00 $11,131 $20,820.1 $842.00 $15,930.6 $2,404.71 $5,421 $15,400.9 $1,700 $9,019 $1,234.00 $15,786.7 $74,132.3 0 800 $22,456.2 $8,616.3 $3,435.24
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10 0 623 $8846.28 0 $558,137.24
President Bush visits with Wounded Service Member during an AFF Wounded Warrior Support Services Program, Troop & Hospital Staff Appreciation Dinner
Lodging Assistance: While recovering from combat injuries, having a family member by one's side is an integral part of the healing process. The AFF makes this possible through hotel, lodging and travel costs. The AFF provides for hotel and lodging costs to help families be with their loved ones at the following places: Navy Lodge at the National Naval Medical Center Mologne House at the Walter Reed Army Hospital
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Classic Outdoor Sports The Armed Forces Foundation Classic Outdoor Sports Program fills a vital need of injured servicemen and women and their families - that need being much needed R&R. Through the Classic Outdoor Sports Program, the Armed Forces Foundation along with a number of other supporters plan hunting and fishing trips for injured warriors and their families.
funded by the AFF The Classic Outdoor Sports Program has received wide praise from the press for its efforts in providing injured troops and their families with a much needed good time. The program has received recognition from Congressional leaders, ESPN, ESPN2, Outdoor Channel, The Sportsman Channel, Pentagon Channel, and Fox News.
Projects
PTSD and TBI Awareness Initiative
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Documentary The Armed Forces Foundation, along with 522 Productions partnered to create a 60 minute documentary film which aims at raising awareness of the effects of PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury in returning service members from active duty combat. According to a recent study administered by the Department of Defense, 1 in 6 service persons returning from combat in Iraq acknowledged symptoms of severe depression and PTSD. Of that number, the study also reported that 60% would be reluctant to seek help from commanding officers or their peers out of fear they would be treated differently. If left untreated, PTSD can lead to severe depression, alcoholism, violence and other unhealthy behavior. Hidden Battles on Unseen Fronts The book Hidden Battles on Unseen Fronts, Stories of American Soldiers with Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD, co-authored by Armed Forces Foundation President Patricia Driscoll Patricia Driscoll (Armed Forces Foundation)gives readers an intimate look into the world of U.S service personnel affected with TBI and PTSD. This awareness project has generated a dialogue between the Foundation, Corporations, and Government in what can be done to better care for service persons returning from combat and living with these unseen injuries.
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Armed Forces Foundation Grant Building Located in the Northernmost corner of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, the Grant Building is a handsome marble structure, and will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2012. The Grant Building is a large, rectangular shaped building with a central court from the second to through fourth floors. Plans for its construction were debated as early as the 19th century, but construction did not commence until 1906 and ultimately lasted six years. Baltimore based Architects Baldwin and Pennington designed the structure as both a residence and mess hall[2]
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National attention
Since the inception of the Foundation and with ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, a large media and political emphasis has been devoted on the cause the Armed Forces Foundation supports. In the past, the Armed Forces Foundation has been recognized by many high-ranked military officials as well as national elected officials. The foundation has been recognized in Congress[3] and by president George W. Bush.[4]
References
[1] http:/ / www. armedforcesfoundation. org/ [2] http:/ / www. armedforcesfoundation. org/ index1. html [3] Representative Wilson (SC). "Commending the Service of the Armed Forces Foundation." Congressional Record 150: 61 (May 5, 2004) p. 2552-2553 [4] "Official AFF Video" (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=5aTqoHuEk50). YouTube. 2007-06-05. . Retrieved 2012-03-30.
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Headquarters Washington, D.C Origins Area served Focus Founded by a group of blinded World War II veterans at an Army hospital in Avon Old Farms, CT United States The Blinded Veterans Association was established specifically to help veterans and their families meet and overcome the challenges of blindness. 24 11,000 "Blinded Veterans Helping Blinded Veterans" http:/ / bva. org
The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) is a U.S non-profit organization that was established to "help veterans and their families meet and overcome the challenges of blindness". Services from BVA are available to all veterans who have become blind, either during or after active duty. The BVA has its headquarters in Washington, D.C. BVA is a 503(c)(3) registered nonprofit; for the 2008-2009 Fiscal year, BVA's income was $4.2 million.[1]
Mission
The Mission of the BVA is: To promote the welfare of blinded veterans so that, notwithstanding their disabilities, they may take their rightful place in the community and work with their fellow citizens toward the creation of a peaceful world. To preserve and strengthen a spirit of fellowship among blinded veterans so that they may give mutual aid and assistance to one another. To maintain and extend the institution of American freedom and encourage loyalty to the Constitution and laws of the United States and of the states in which they reside.
History
The BVA was established in 1945, at the end of World War II, by young veterans who had lost their sight in combat and were recovering together at an Army hospital in Connecticut. In 1958, the BVA was chartered by the U.S. Congress (Title 36, Chapter 303) to "speak and write on behalf of blinded veterans in national legislative affairs".[2] In addition to its legislative role, BVA has 52 regional groups that help veterans find services such educational services, counseling, peer support, and rehabilitation services. Currently, the BVA membership is about 11,000, but BVA services are available to any blinded veteran, regardless of membership status
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References
[1] "BVA Guidestar Report" (http:/ / www2. guidestar. org/ ReportOrganization. aspx?ein=53-0214281). Guidestar.org. . Retrieved September 23, 2009. [2] "About BVA: History" (http:/ / www. bva. org/ history. html). Blinded Veterans Association. . Retrieved December 7, 2008. [3] "BVA Can Help" (http:/ / www. bva. org/ members. html). Blinded Veterans Association. . Retrieved December 7, 2008.
External links
"Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) website" (http://www.bva.org). Retrieved December 7, 2008. "Guidestar Profile with IRS 990" (http://www2.guidestar.org/ReportOrganization.aspx?ein=53-0214281). Guidestar. Retrieved September 23, 2009. "Charity Navigator rating Blinded Veterans Association" (http://www.charitynavigator.org/index. cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=7147). Charity Navigator. Retrieved December 7, 2008.
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The law updates the Blue Star Mothers Congressional Charter to: Include grandmothers, foster mothers, and female legal guardians; expand membership to mothers whose children have served more recently, by removing references to specific conflicts; and expand membership to eligible mothers living outside of the U.S. The group holds a congressional charter under Title 36 of the United States Code.
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References
[1] http:/ / people. mnhs. org/ mgg/ story. cfm?storyid=1255& CFID=3765& CFTOKEN=44295749
External links
Official website (http://www.bluestarmothers.org/) U.S. Statutes Incorporating the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. (http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/ uscode36/usc_sup_01_36_06_II_08_B_10_305.html) Blue Star Mothers of Wisconsin Chapter 2 (http://www.bluestarmothersofwisconsin.com/) Grand Valley Blue Star Mothers Colorado Chapter 4 (http://www.gvbluestarmothers.org/) Lone Star Chapter 6 of DFW Area of Texas (http://www.dfwbluestarmoms.org/) Connecticut Blue Star Mothers (http://www.ConnecticutBlueStarMothers.org/) "Rim of the World Blue Star Moms" ~ California Chapter 25 (http://www.rotwbluestarmoms.com/) "Blue Star Mothers H.O.M.E." ~ Corona, California Chapter 30 (http://bluestarmothershome.webs.com/) Image of the Blue Star Banner (http://www.bluestarmothers.org/assets/media/BSM1star.jpg)
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The Disabled American Veterans, or DAV, is an organization for disabled military veterans that helps them and their families through various means. It currently has over 1.2 million members. Charity Navigator does not rate the DAV as it is a 501(c)(4) organization. It does rate the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust.[1]
History
In the aftermath of World War I, disabled veterans in the United States found themselves seriously disadvantaged, with little governmental support.[2] The idea to form the Disabled American Veterans arose at a Christmas party in 1920 hosted by Cincinnati Superior Court Judge Robert Marx, a captain who had been injured in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in November 1918. Although it had been functional for some months by that time, the Disabled American Veterans of the World War (DAVWW) was officially created on September 25, 1931, at its first National Caucus, in Hamilton County Memorial Hall in Cincinnati.[3] While touring across the U.S. as part of the election campaign of James M. Cox, Judge Marx publicized the new organization, which quickly expanded. It held its first national convention in Detroit on June 27, 1921, at which time Marx was appointed the first national commander. In 1922, a women's auxiliary organization was founded. The DAVWW continued working through the Great Depression to secure the welfare of disabled veterans, although their efforts were troubled by fundraising challenges and the desire of the public to put the World War behind them. In the midst of these troubled years, DAVWW was issued a federal charter by Congress, on June 17, 1932.[4] The demands of World War II required the urgent expansion of the organization, which officially changed its name to Disabled American Veterans to recognize the impact of the new war.[5] In 1944, the DAV began offering a National Service Officer Training Program at American University in Washington, the first step of education that completed with a two-year mentorship DAV Thrift Store, Westland, Michigan program. The DAV expanded its efforts in a new way in 1945, when it first began distributing and then manufacturing "IdentoTags", miniature license plates which could be attached to a keyring with instructions that lost keys should be mailed to the DAVWW, who would return them to the owners.[4] The program proved long-lasting and highly successful, both in bringing in donations and employing veterans in manufacture. By 1952, 350 people were employed in the endeavor, which brought in over $2 million a year in donations.[4] Meanwhile, the number of disabled veterans had been increased by the still-ongoing Korean War.[6] The DAV suffered a decline in the later 1950s and into the 1960s, with diminishing leadership and funds, but it rallied around the veterans of the Vietnam War and also focused heavily on working for prisoners of war and
Disabled American Veterans missing in action.[6] Vietnam veterans soon filled the diminished ranks of the National Service Officers. On Veterans Day, 1966, the DAV moved its headquarters to Cold Spring, Kentucky. The following year, the IdentoTag program was discontinued in favor of providing address labels, with a request for donation, when changes in license plate practices made continuing the IdentoTag program impracticable. The DAV underwent substantial change in 1993, when internal arguments concerning the governance of the organization led to a watershed election that turned over the administration to new hands and the National Service Program was overhauled.[7]
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Logo
The organization's logo has since its foundation featured a World War I soldier, armed, kneeling before Columbia, who dubs the man knight. The logo design was taken from certificates used in World War I for sick and wounded veterans.[5] A painting by Edwin Blashfield, commissioned by Woodrow Wilson, the certificate featured above the words "Columbia Gives to Her Son the Accolade of the New Chivalry of Humanity" and, below, the words "Served With Honor in the World War and Was Wounded in Action."[8] The Disabled American Veterans Organization provides: Free response guidance for research and questions involving any type of disability compensation, medical, death/burial, insurance, education, or other miscellaneous benefits. Free completion and mailing of VA forms on behalf of the veteran or survivor. Free assistance to veterans in reopening and filing completed claims for service-connected or non-service-connected disabilities.
Free assistance to veterans/survivors who are filing any type of claim (original or otherwise) for benefits, compensation and/or pension with Veterans Affairs. Free filing of Notice of Disagreement forms with the VA Regional Office for veteran. Free assistance to veterans and/or surviving spouses to prepare and file appeals for claim denial with the VA Regional Office and Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington, D.C. Free follow-up on status of claims filed by veterans with the VA Regional Office. Free review of VA denials of claim and filing of appropriate responses. Assistance during major disasters; i.e., tornadoes, floods, etc.
References
[1] "Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust" (http:/ / www. charitynavigator. org/ index. cfm?bay=search. summary& orgid=7589). Charity Nagivator. . Retrieved 13 January 2011. [2] "Wars and Scars Chapter 1" (http:/ / www. dav. org/ about/ documents/ WarsAndScars/ Chapter1. pdf). Disabled American Veterans. . Retrieved 13 January 2011. [3] "Wars and Scars Chapter 2" (http:/ / www. dav. org/ about/ documents/ WarsAndScars/ Chapter2. pdf). Disabled American Veterans. . Retrieved 13 January 2011. [4] "Wars and Scars Chapter 3" (http:/ / www. dav. org/ about/ documents/ WarsAndScars/ Chapter3. pdf). Disabled American Veterans. . Retrieved 13 January 2011. [5] "Wars and Scars Chapter 4" (http:/ / www. dav. org/ about/ documents/ WarsAndScars/ Chapter4. pdf). Disabled American Veterans. . Retrieved 13 January 2011. [6] "Wars and Scars Chapter 5" (http:/ / www. dav. org/ about/ documents/ WarsAndScars/ Chapter5. pdf). Disabled American Veterans. . Retrieved 13 January 2011.
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Robert F. Marx (born December 8, 1933) is one of the pioneer American scuba divers and is best known for his work with shipwrecks and sunken treasure. Was not the founder as the previous link to that name implied.
External links
DAV homepage (http://www.dav.org/) Compliance News (http://www.compliancenews.com/) A national internet publication that promotes the interests of Disabled Veterans and provides lists of federal and state jobs that are looking to hire Veteran sub contractors.
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Headquarters Fort Worth, Texas Key people James N. Lanier, Chairman of the Board J. Scott Spiker, Chief Executive Officer Martin Durbin, Chief Operating Officer Mutual Funds, banking, life insurance www.firstcommand.com [1]
Products Website
First Command Financial Planning, Inc. is an investment adviser and a broker-dealer registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), all 50 states, and the District of Columbia. It is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC).[2] First Command is recognized in the financial planning industry as an FPA Alliance firm, one of only two companies ever to receive this elite recognition from the 27,000-member Financial Planning Association. First Command provides personalized services through locally-based trained and licensed Financial Advisors and through its Home Office in Fort Worth, Texas. The company offers advice on securities, with an emphasis on mutual funds, annuities, life insurance, and municipal funds (including Section 529 Plans). Through related companies it offers insurance and banking products and services.[2] As of December 31, 2009, First Command had more than 285,000 client families, $14.7 billion in managed assets, $51.7 billion in life insurance policies in force and $615 million in banking assets.[3] The company has a long history of working with military officers. In 2004, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reported that First Commands customers included 40 % of the current active-duty general officers, one-third of the commissioned officers, and 16% of the non-commissioned officers in the United States military. The great majority of the firm's agents are former commissioned or non-commissioned military officers. [4]
History
Early years
First Command was founded in 1958 by Carroll Payne, a retired military officer who realized that military families needed assistance in planning for their financial futures. Payne wanted to create a company that recognized and dealt with the unique circumstances applicable to United States military personnel.[5] The company began as a broker/dealer called United Services Investment Association Inc. (USIA), which later became United Services Planning Association Inc. (USPA). USIAs membership in the NASD (now FINRA) was approved on Jan. 21, 1959.[6] In 1963, USPA began offering financial plans to its clients, designed to promote long-term saving and investing. Dollar cost averaging and a pay-yourself-first approach were also used to encourage clients to invest on a regular basis.[7] In the mid 60s, USPA expanded its product offerings to include life insurance, leading to the creation of the Independent Research Agency for Life Insurance, Inc. (IRA).[6]
First Command Financial Planning, Inc. In 1970, USPA and IRA began operating under the combined name of USPA&IRA, a name which remained in use for the next three decades.
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Current operations
In the mid 2000s, First Command expanded beyond the military to serve federal employees and other consumers.[18] It then began to serve small business owners,[19] REALTORS,[20] and women.[7][21] In 2005, First Command hired Adan Araujo, the Senior Counsel for the SEC, as its new Chief Compliance Officer.[22] To that end, they recruited Bachrach and Associates Inc. According to Financial Planning Magazine, Bill Bachrach is one of the four most influential people in the financial services industry.[23] Bachrach said, Sales techniques are what have to be used with people who don't trust someone. We'll teach planners how to quickly and predictably earn people's trust so they don't have to sell. When a financial advisor is trusted, people will give them all of their money and follow their advice without having to be sold. Don't be a salesperson. Be a trusted advisor.[24] In anticipation of an SEC ruling requiring that all firms whose primary business is financial planning must become a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), First Command filed with the SEC to become one in the spring of 2005. This requires their agents to obtain additional training and certifications. As RIAs, the agents could now use the term "Financial Advisors" as compared to "Registered Agents", with the former being held to a higher ethical standard.[25] The higher standards require agents to document every client interaction in great detail and apply due diligence to all investment recommendations to ensure they are in the best interests of the client.[26] The company no longer offers the controversial systematic investment plans.[2] As of August 2006, Mary Shapiro, the NASD Vice-Chairman and President of Regulatory Policy and Oversight, continued to be critical of First Command, calling it an "unscrupulous organization" with an "awful" product. First Command's new president, Marty Durbin, responded to her criticism by stating, "Its unfortunate that settling these charges still doesnt mean its behind us. But its a futile effort to try to fight negative press and so we decided not to put a lot of energy that way."[27] In January 2007, First Command Board of Directors announced that they were separating the Chairman of the Board and CEO functions. Lamar Smith, who had held both positions since 1992, relinquished the Chairman of the Board and remained Chief Executive Officer. Jim Lanier, a former President and COO and 20-year board member of First Command, became the Chairman of the Board.[28] In April 2007, the First Command Board of Directors announced that CEO Lamar Smith was departing to become Chairman Emeritus. Chairman of the Board Jim Lanier assumed the role of interim CEO and Scott Spiker took over as the companys new Chief Executive Officer on Sept. 1, 2007. Spiker had held top leadership positions at Norwest Corp., RBC Dain Rauscher, Definity Health, Stanton Group and Destiny Health.[29] In April 2007, The Secretan Center announced a strategic initiative to assist First Command in the "continuing, expansive transformation" of the organization. The Secretan Center is a global consulting practice specializing in cultural and leadership transformation. First Command contracted with The Secretan Center for research, coaching and other services designed to "help achieve a cultural transformation that will raise the level of inspiration of all clients, financial advisors and employees and implement sought-after corporate changes and outcomes." Dr. Lance Secretan, founder of The Secretan Center, said: We are excited and inspired to accompany First Command Financial Services on its journey of organizational change. First Command is regenerating itself, moving assertively in a bold, new direction. The Secretan Center is committed to helping them in every way we can because their values and their hearts are in the right place.[30] Also in 2007, First Command introduced Tailored Professional Services, a fee-based planning program.[26]
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Corporate governance
First Commands Board of Directors is the governing body of the company. The Board selects the senior executive team, which is charged with the ethical conduct of the company's business. The Board acts as an advisor and counselor to senior executives, monitoring their performance and ensuring that high ethical standards are reflected in the corporate culture. Outside directors include Mark Brickell, Chief Executive Officer and a board member of Blackbird Holdings, Inc. in New York City; Logan Dickinson, president of The CSG Companies, a comprehensive group of employee benefit planning, consulting and brokerage firms headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas; and Robert E. Kramek, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Admiral who served as Commandant of the Coast Guard before his retirement in 1998.[32]
Affiliated companies
First Command Financial Planning, Inc. is an affiliate of First Command Financial Services, Inc., a life insurance general agency licensed to sell in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Guam. In certain states, First Command Financial Services, Inc. is registered as a separate domestic corporation; it does business in California as First Command Insurance Services. First Command Financial Services, Inc. offers liability, property and casualty insurance; life insurance; long term care insurance; disability income insurance; and annuities. First Command Financial Services, Inc. is also the parent company of First Command Bank, a federally chartered savings and loan association regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervision and a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
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Other
In 2006, First Command introduced long term care and property and casualty insurance.[26] In December 2006, First Command announced it had signed on as a corporate partner with the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl.[41] On July 4, 2008, ABCs Good Morning America featured a story on a First Command sponsored charity the Package Brigade that sends care packages to troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.[42] In September 2007, Samantha Hilliard, First Command district advisor was featured in Newsweek. Hilliard received the 2007 realLIFEstories Client Service Award for her service to the widow an Army officer killed in Iraq. The award was presented by the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE), a non-profit group dedicated to providing the public with information and education on life, disability, long-term care and health insurance.[43] In summer 2008, the U.S. Department of Defense and the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve honored First Command with the Patriotic Employer Award, which is presented to companies and individuals for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in Americas National Guard and Reserve force.[44]
Notes
[1] http:/ / www. firstcommand. com/ index. htm [2] First Command. Description of Services: First Command Financial Planning Inc. (http:/ / www. firstcommand. com/ pdf/ DOS. pdf) Accessed 6/19/07 [3] (http:/ / www. firstcommand. com/ about-first-command. htm) Accessed 8/23/10 [4] (http:/ / www. sec. gov/ litigation/ admin/ 33-8513. htm) SEC [5] History of First Command (http:/ / www. firstcommand. com/ who-we-are/ our-history. htm) Accessed April 22, 2009 [6] Dream Boldly: First Command Financial Services Celebrating 50 Years of History Designed by Anniversary Press, Copyright 2008 by First Command Financial Services [7] In Pursuit of the American Dream: First Command celebrates 50 years of commitment to American families Spring 2009 Journey magazine [8] Spring 2001 issue of Independence (the company's monthly magazine now known as First Command) [9] The statue reads It shall be unlawful for any person in the offer or sale of any securities or any security-based swap agreement (as defined in section 206B of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act [15 USCS 78c note]) by the use of any means or instruments of transportation or communication in interstate commerce or by use of the mails, directly or indirectly-to obtain money or property by means of any untrue statement of a material fact or any omission to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Section 17 of the Securities Act of 1933 (http:/ / www. law. uc. edu/ CCL/ 33Act/ sec17. html) [10] SEC p1 [11] the military's equivalent to a 401(b) [12] SEC p 10. The company targeted senior enlisted personnel (E-6s and above) and officers as their target clientele. Smith, p. 3. [13] NASD [14] Henriques, Inquiry Stymied [15] SEC p. 12. [16] Karen Jowers. First Command lawsuit ruled a class action (http:/ / www. airforcetimes. com/ news/ 2007/ 09/ military_firstcommand_classaction_070927w/ ) September 27, 2007. Accessed 1/7/08 [17] Declaration of Norman B. Blumenthal in support of motion for preliminary approval of class settlement, dated OCT. 16, 2008 [18] First Command Press Release. First Command Financial Planning Expands Services to Wider Market (http:/ / www. allbusiness. com/ government/ government-bodies-offices/ 5066905-1. html) Accessed April 22, 2009 [19] First Command Press Release. First Command commits to serving small business owners, self-employed (http:/ / www. firstcommand. com/ pdf/ ADA_press_release_GILES_--_10-13-06. pdf) Accessed June 17, 2007. [20] First Command Press Release. First Command promotes benefits of long-term financial planning at 2006 REALTORS Conference & Expo (http:/ / www. firstcommand. com/ pdf/ realtor_release. pdf) Accessed June 18, 2007 [21] First Command Press Release. First Command rolls out new Web resource for women (http:/ / www. firstcommand. com/ pdf/ women. pdf) Accessed June 18, 2007 [22] Araujo, Adan. Questions and Answers. First Command Magazine Summer 2005.
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References
First Command Press Release. First Command launches landmark industry research initiative (http://www. firstcommand.com/pdf/industry_research.pdf) April 23, 2008. Accessed April 22, 2009 Reuters. Rising cost of living in US cuts into savings (http://www.firstcommand.com/pdf/RisingCostsReuters. pdf) July 17, 2008. Accessed April 22, 2009 NASD Press Release; NASD Orders First Command to Pay $12 Million for Misleading Statements in Sales of Systematic Investment Plans to Military Personnel. December 15, 2004 (http://www.nasd.com/PressRoom/ NewsReleases/2004NewsReleases/NASDW_012786?ssSourceNodeId=553) Accessed 4/17/07 SEC U.S. SEC. Securities Act of 1933 Release No 8513/ December 15, 2004; Securities Act of 1934 Release 508559, December 15, 2004. (http://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/33-8513.htm) Accessed 4/16/07 Smith, Lamar. "Written Statement of Lamar Smith Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First Command Financial planning Inc on GI Finances: Protecting those whose Protect Us before the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises of the Committee on Financial Services U.S. House of Representatives September 9, 2004." (http://financialservices.house.gov/media/pdf/090904ls.pdf)
First Command Financial Planning, Inc. Accessed 4/15/07. St. Onge, Jeff. "Pentagon, Regulators to Advise Personnel on Finances (Update1)" (http://www.bloomberg. com/apps/news?pid=10000103&sid=aXdMLwsicomM&refer=us) Bloomberg.com February 16, 2006. Accessed 4/20/07 Swan, Patrick. No Predator First Command is an honorable service. (http://www.nationalreview.com/ comment/swan200407221439.asp) National Review Online. July 22, 2004. Accessed 4/22/07.
353
Founding
The Gold Star Mothers was founded by Grace Darling Seibold of Washington, D.C.[2] When the United States entered World War I in 1917, George Vaughn Seibold, 23, volunteered, requesting assignment in aviation. He was sent to Canada where he learned to fly British planes since the United States had neither an air force nor planes. Deployed to England, he was assigned to the British Royal Flying Corps, 148th Aero Squadron. With his squadron, he left for combat duty in France. He corresponded with his family regularly. His mother, Grace Darling Seibold, began to do community service by visiting returning servicemen in the hospitals.
The mail from George stopped. Since all aviators were under British control and authority, the United States could not help the Seibold family with any information about their son.
Gold Star Mothers Club Grace continued to visit hospitalized veterans in the Washington area, clinging to the hope that her son might have been injured and returned to the United States without any identification. While working through her sorrow, she helped ease the pain of the many servicemen who returned so war-damaged that they were incapable of ever reaching normalcy. But on October 11, 1918, George's wife in Chicago received a box marked "Effects of deceased Officer 1st Lt. George Vaughn Seibold". The Seibolds also received a confirmation of George's death on November 4th through a family member in Paris. On Sunday, December 15, 1918, nine days before Christmas Eve, the following obituary appeared in the Washington Star newspaper: Lieut. G. V. Seibold Killed in Action Battling Aviator, Recently Cited for Bravery in France, is War Victim. Lieut. George Vaughn Seibold, battling aviator, cited for bravery in action some time ago, lost his life in a fight in the air August 26, last. His father, George G. Seiboldhas been officially notified of his sons death by the War Department. Lieut. Seibold was a member of the 148th U. S. Aero Squadron. He was first reported missing in action, though a number of circumstances led to the fear that he had been killed. Hope was sustained until now, however, by the failure to receive definite word. George's body was never identified. Grace, realizing that self-contained grief is self-destructive, devoted her time and efforts to not only working in the hospital but extending the hand of friendship to other mothers whose sons had lost their lives in military service. She organized a group consisting solely of these special mothers, with the purpose of not only comforting each other, but giving loving care to hospitalized veterans confined in government hospitals far from home. The organization was named after the Gold Star that families hung in their windows in honor of the deceased veteran. After years of planning, June 4, 1928, twenty-five mothers met in Washington, DC to establish the national organization, American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. On May 28, 1918, President Wilson approved a suggestion made by the Womens Committee of the Council of National Defenses that, instead of wearing conventional mourning for relatives who have died in the service of their country, American women should wear a black band on the left arm with a gilt star on the band for each member of the family who has given his life for the nation. The Service Flag displayed from homes, places of business, churches, schools, etc., to indicate the number of members of the family or organizations who are serving in the Armed Forces or who have died from such service. Service flags have a deep Blue Star for each living member in the service and a Gold Star for each member who has died. Thus, the Gold Star and the term Gold Star Mother, as applied to mothers whose sons or daughters died in World War I, were accepted; they have continued to be used in reference to all American military engagements since that time.
354
355
Today
Today, membership in the Gold Star Mothers is open to any American woman whose child has died in the line of duty of the United States Armed Forces. Stepmothers and adoptive mothers are eligible for membership under certain circumstances. Husbands of Gold Star Mothers may become Associate Members, who do not vote or pay dues. Gold Star Mothers is made up of local chapters, which are organized into departments. Five members are required to start a local chapter. If no local chapter is available, a woman may join the organization as a member at large. Just as when it was founded, the Gold Star Mothers continues to concentrate on providing emotional support to its members, doing volunteer work with veterans in general and veterans' hospitals in particular, and generally fostering a sense of patriotism and respect for members of the Armed Forces. In early September 2005, Gold Star Mothers accepted its first non-citizen - Carmen Palmer of Mount Vernon, New York, who was born in Jamaica - as a member. The group had banned non-citizens for the first 77 years of its existence, most notably rejecting the application of Ligaya Lagman whose son Anthony was killed while serving in Afghanistan.[3] Palmer's son, Marine Cpl. Bernard Gooden, died in 2003 in Iraq at age 22. The group currently has 933 members. In September of 2012, President Barack Obama rededicated the last day in September as "Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day."[4]
Controversy
On May 26, 2001, NewsMax published an article claiming freshman Senator (and former first lady) Hillary Clinton had refused to meet with the Gold Star Mothers.[5] The website Snopes.com disputes the article, describing the incident as two Gold Star mothers visiting Clinton's office without an appointment, on a day when Clinton was not present.[6] However, according to the Gold Star Mothers, "Senator Clinton greeted us graciously on Gold Star Mothers Sunday, 2005."[7][8][9][10] In the 1974 Ohio Senate primary race between Howard Metzenbaum and John Glenn, Metzenbaum contrasted his business background with Glenn's military and astronaut credentials, saying his opponent had "never worked for a living." Glenn's reply came to be known as the "Gold Star Mothers" speech. He told Metzenbaum to go to a veterans' hospital and "look those men with mangled bodies in the eyes and tell them they didn't hold a job. You go with me to any Gold Star mother and you look her in the eye and tell her that her son did not hold a job." [11]
Uniform
The uniform consists of a white skirt, white shirt, and a white blazer, with a gold star embroidered on either lapel, and gold piping on the sleeve cuffs, and collars, and white shoes, either Mary Janes, or pumps, with a white cap, similar to a women's service hat, with gold piping. This uniform is worn at all parades, meetings, and social functions connected with military functions (i.e. Memorial Day services at Arlington National Cemetery, etc.)
License plates
Most states offer some form of a specialty license plate for motor vehicles owned by specific members of Gold Star families.[12]
356
Notable members
Perhaps the single most famous mother to have joined was Aletta Sullivan, the mother of the five Sullivan brothers, who were killed in action when their ship, the USS Juneau (CL-52) was sunk on November 13, 1942 during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal.
References
[1] http:/ / www4. law. cornell. edu/ uscode/ 36/ usc_sec_36_00000111----000-. html [2] History (http:/ / www. goldstarmoms. com/ WhoWeAre/ History/ History. htm). American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. official website. Retrieved 2011-02-06. [3] Group shuns Filipino mother of slain soldier (http:/ / www. msnbc. msn. com/ id/ 8014030/ ns/ us_news/ ) [4] White House, Press Office. "Presidential Proclamation -- Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day, 2012" (http:/ / www. whitehouse. gov/ the-press-office/ 2012/ 09/ 28/ presidential-proclamation-gold-star-mothers-and-familys-day-2012). . Retrieved 29 September 2012. [5] http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20010611090536/ http:/ / www. newsmax. com/ showinside. shtml?a=2001/ 5/ 26/ 73332 [6] http:/ / snopes. com/ politics/ military/ goldstar. asp [7] http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20060510160006/ http:/ / www. goldstarmoms. com/ agsm/ Events/ GoldStarMothersSunday/ GSMSunday. htm [8] http:/ / www. goldstarmoms. com/ agsm/ FAQs/ FAQs. htm [9] http:/ / www. snopes. com/ politics/ military/ goldstar. asp [10] http:/ / conwebwatch. tripod. com/ stories/ 2003/ nmapologizes. html [11] "Howard M. Metzenbaum, 1917-2008: Ohio Senator was a champion of labor and master of rules" (http:/ / www. latimes. com/ news/ obituaries/ la-me-metzenbaum13mar13,0,7830134. story), Los Angeles Times: B9, 2008-03-13, [12] Gold Star Family License Plate Status (http:/ / www. goldstarmoms. com/ Resources/ GSFLicensePlateStatus/ GSFStatus. htm). American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. official website. Retrieved 2011-02-06. [13] Phillips, Michael M. (August 11, 2012). "Parents of Fallen Troops Find a Home for Their Grief" (http:/ / professional. wsj. com/ article/ SB10001424052702304830704577495603728185594. html?mod=ITP_pageone_0& mg=reno64-wsj). The Wall Street Journal: pp.A1, A6. . Retrieved August 11, 2012.
External links
American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. (http://www.goldstarmoms.com/) official website
357
History
From the outset, the organization sponsored a variety of activities for the children, and guided them as they formed their own auxiliary of the organization called the Gold Star Sons and Daughters. Gold Star Wives groups were soon organized in other cities throughout the country, and were chartered as chapters of the Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. The Korean War, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Afghanistan and Iraq brought in new groups of widows (widowers). Added to the survivors of service personnel killed in action are thousands who die each year from service connected causes. Remarried widows are eligible for membership. Currently there are members, and local chapters, in all parts of the United States. The country is divided into eight regions. Region conferences are held in the spring where recommendations originate for presentation to the national convention held each year, usually in July. In addition, an Appreciation Award Reception in held in Washington, D.C. in late May honoring those who have shown that they have gratefully remembered those who gave their lives in the service of our country, and their survivors.
358
External links
Official website [1]
References
[1] http:/ / www. itamvets. org/
The Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (also referred to as the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A., the Jewish War Veterans, or the JWV) is an American Jewish veterans' organization, and the oldest veterans group in the United States. It has an estimated 37,000 members.[2]
359
Organization
National Museum of American Jewish Military History
Established Location
President
Public transit access Dupont Circle, Q Street Exit, Washington Metro Red Line Website http:/ / www. nmajmh. org
The JWV is organized into, in descending order of rank, a National Convention, a National Executive Committee, departments, district or county councils, and posts. There are also subsidiary organizations, including the Ladies Auxiliary, posts or other echelons created outside the United States, and any other subsidiary organizations established by a two-thirds vote of the National Executive Committee.[8] The National Convention is the annual assembly of the JWV, in which "supreme power" is vested in.[8] The National Convention usually takes place over a week in a major U.S. city determined by the National Executive Committee.[8] The 117th Annual National Convention in 2012, for example, was held August 5th - 12th in Norfolk, Virginia. Membership at National Conventions is restricted to voting members of the National Executive Committee who shall vote at the same time with their posts and delegates.[8] Each post may send up to one delegate and one alternate for
Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America each ten members.[8] The leader of the JWV, the National Commander, is elected at each National Convention, serving a term beginning with the adjournment of the National Convention and ending with the adjournment of the next National Convention. If a vacancy occurs in the office of National Commander, it is filled by election by the National Executive Committee, and the chairman of the National Executive Committee acts as National Commander until such election, to be held at the next National Executive Committee meeting or within 60 days, whichever occurs first. No person is allowed to succeed himself or herself to the office of National Commander, except when the U.S. is at war.[8] Additionally, in any department consisting of 10 or more posts, no two members of the same post may serve at the same time as an elected National Executive committeeman. National Executive Committeemen serve one-year terms commencing with the adjournment.[8]
360
Membership
Membership eligibility is established in the JWV's National Constitution, which lists the forms of membership as active, associate, honorary, in-service, posthumous, life, and distinguished life, and provides that "No person who promotes, or is a member of any organization or group which believes in, or advocates, bigotry or the overthrow of the United States government by force of arms or subversion" shall be eligible for membership.[9] Active membership may be granted to "any person of the Jewish faith of good character" who is a U.S. citizen and was an active duty member of the U.S. military (including the National Guard and Reserves) in or during any war, campaign, or conflict. The National Constitution also requires that members to have not been discharged under any conditions other than honorable.[9] Associate membership may be conferred on any Jew and U.S. citizen who does not qualify for active membership but who did either serve in wartime in a military allied to the United States and have been honorably discharged, or served in the U.S. military but not in wartime. The Constitution establishes that associate members are entitled to all the rights and privileges of active members except the right to act as a delegate of any echelon.[9] Life members are equivalent to active members but have no obligation to pay dues. Distinguished life veterans are those who are otherwise eligible to active or associate membership and are certified by the National Executive Director as a "service-connected paraplegic, a double amputee, or is suffering from a service connected total blindness." Like life members, distinguished life veterans are equivalent to active or associate members but have no obligation to pay dues.[9] Posthumous membership may be granted with the written consent of the next of kin of a Jewish member of the armed forces, of the Jewish faith who died while in the service. In-service membership may be granted to any Jew and American citizen of good character serving in active duty in the U.S. military. In-service members are exempt from dues.[9] Honorary membership may be conferred upon those ineligible for active membership who have "performed distinguished or faithful service for the United States of America, or for this Organization," and may be conferred only by the National Convention, "after investigation and report received from a Committee designated by the National Executive Committee."[9]
361
Activities
The Jewish War Veterans divides its activities into four areas: patriotic, Jewish, service, and affinity.
Patriotic
The Jewish War Veterans engage in advocacy to preserve religious freedom and separation of church and state as it relates to the U.S. military.[10] Among other activities, the group has criticized Evangelical proselytizing at the United States Air Force Academy[11] and has criticized the presence of crosses on war memorials and military bases. The Jewish War Veterans filed lawsuits seeking the removal of the Mount Soledad cross[12] as well as a large cross at Camp H. M. Smith,[13] and supported a federal court decision to remove a cross on federal lands at an armed forces memorial at Mojave National Preserve.[14] The JWV also has programs supporting the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.[15] Each year the JWV holds a memorial service at Arlington National Cemetery commemorating Orde Wingate, a major general in the British Army and Zionist.[16] The JWV also holds Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies,[17] as well as Vietnam Veterans Memorial[18] and Korean War Veterans Memorial programs,[19] as well as programs for Vietnam veterans.[20] The JWV also actively supports women in the military.[21]
Jewish
The JWV manages the National Museum of American Jewish Military History in Washington, D.C., close to its headquarters.[22] The organization sponsors, in cooperation with the Department of Defense, a Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust observance on military installations during the week coinciding with Yom HaShoah.[23] The JWV administers a JWV National Reward Fund, which offers rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those who have perpetrated antisemitic and other hate crimes[24] and presents about 30 engraved Kiddush cups to Jewish graduates of the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and U.S. Air Force Academy each year.[25] Additionally, the JWV runs the Lend a Hand program for the Jewish homeless and the poor, particularly needy veterans.[26]
Service
The JWV gives different awards to its members for excellence and service, including awards give to different departments, councils, or posts, as well as any echelon or to individuals.[27] The JWV also gives college scholarships to high school seniors who are direct descendants of members in good standing.[28] The group runs a "Support Our Soldiers" (SOS), which sends care packages of toiletries and kosher food, and Jewish holiday items to Jewish soldiers serving overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan, or elsewhere.[29] The JWV also runs anti-substance abuse programs,[30] a disaster relief fundraising and volunteer program,[31] and a National Stamp Distribution Program for "hospitalized veterans, shut-ins, and school-age children."[32] JWV members also volunteer at VA hospitals[33] and maintains a videotape library on veteran's affairs, Israel, and JWV topics for members.[34]
362
Affinity
The JWV offers group insurance plans for its members,[35] as well as discount and promotion plans in cooperation with businesses, including Hertz car rentals,[36] Pentagon Federal Credit Union,[37] and Bank of America.[38]
References
[1] http:/ / www. jwv. org/ [2] "Associations and Societies." The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2007. New York: World Almanac Education Group, 2007, p. 397. [3] " Article I (Name) (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ images/ uploads/ 9-11-2007_constitution_and_by-laws_. pdf)." Jewish War Veterans of the United States National Constitution." [4] " Title 36 (Patriotic and National Observances, Ceremonies, and Organizations). Subtitle II (Patriotic and National Organizations), Part B (Organizations), Chapter 1101 (Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America, Incorporated) (http:/ / www. access. gpo. gov/ uscode/ title36/ subtitleii_partb_chapter1101_. html)." Title 36 of the United States Code. [5] " Preamble (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ images/ uploads/ 9-11-2007_constitution_and_by-laws_. pdf)." Jewish War Veterans of the United States National Constitution." [6] " Member Organizations (http:/ / www. conferenceofpresidents. org/ content. asp?id=55)." Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. [7] " JCPA Member Agencies (http:/ / tools. isovera. com/ organizations. php3?action=printContentTypeHome& orgid=54& typeID=135& sortField=alpha& User_Session=e5089903fc060f533e147fcd68c90db4)." Jewish Council for Public Affairs. [8] " Article III (Organization) (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ images/ uploads/ 9-11-2007_constitution_and_by-laws_. pdf)." Jewish War Veterans of the United States National Constitution. [9] " Article IV (Membership) (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ images/ uploads/ 9-11-2007_constitution_and_by-laws_. pdf)." Jewish War Veterans of the United States National Constitution." [10] " Religious Freedom (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ programs/ patriotic/ americanism/ religious_freedom)." Jewish War Veterans. [11] See " JWV Condemns Revised Interim Guidelines on Exercise of Religion in the Air Force (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ images/ uploads/ airforceguidelines. doc)"; " JWV Condemns Anti-Semitism and Urges Training in Cultural Diversity at Military Academies (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ images/ uploads/ airforceacademy. doc)"; the Letter of JWV National Commander Louis Abramson to Lt. Gen. John W. Rosa, Jr., Superintendent, U.S. Air Force Academy (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ images/ uploads/ airforce. doc); Harrison, Donald H. " Beirut 1983: An Indelible Memory (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ images/ uploads/ resnicoff. doc)" San Diego Jewish Times; and " It's the Constitution - Sir: Remarks by MeLinda Morton at the 110th JWV Annual Convention (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ images/ uploads/ morton. doc)." [12] See Jewish War Veterans v. Rumsfeld (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ images/ uploads/ Mt_Soledad_Complaint. pdf) (complaint), United States District Court for the Southern District of California; " Federal Answer to Trunk and Paulson's First Amended Complaint (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ images/ uploads/ Mt_Soledad_Federal_Answer. pdf)"; " JWV Condemns Efforts to Protect Mt. Soledad Cross (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ images/ uploads/ Mt_Soledad_Cross1. doc)"; " JWV Litigates Mt. Soledad Memorial (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ images/ uploads/ Mt_Soledad_Cross2. doc)"; " JWV Files Complaint to Remove Mt. Soledad Cross from Federally-owned Property (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ images/ uploads/ Mt_Soledad_Cross3. doc)"; " ACLU Represents Jewish War Veterans and San Diego Residents in Effort to Relocate Mt. Soledad Memorial (http:/ / www. aclu. org/ religion/ govtfunding/ 26521prs20060824. html)," American Civil Liberties Union. [13] See Jewish War Veterans v. United States (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ images/ uploads/ Camp_Smith_lawsuit. pdf) (complaint). United States District Court for the District of Columbia; and court decision (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ images/ uploads/ Camp_Smith_decision. doc). [14] " JWV Applauds Decision to Bar Mojave Cross from Public Lands (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ images/ uploads/ mojavecross. doc)." Jewish War Veterans. [15] " Boy Scouts (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ programs/ patriotic/ boy_scouts)." Jewish War Veterans. [16] " Orde Wingate (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ programs/ patriotic/ orde_wingate)." Jewish War Veterans. [17] " Memorial Day and Veterans Day (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ programs/ patriotic/ memorial_day_and_veterans_day)." Jewish War Veterans. [18] " JWV National Vietnam Veterans Memorial Projects (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ programs/ patriotic/ vietnam_veterans/ jwv_national_vietnam_veterans_memorial_projects)." Jewish War Veterans. [19] " Korean War Veterans (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ programs/ patriotic/ korean_war_veterans)." Jewish War Veterans. [20] " We Care About Vietnam Vets (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ programs/ patriotic/ vietnam_veterans/ we_care_about_vietnam_vets)." Jewish War Veterans. [21] " Women in the Military (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ programs/ patriotic/ women_in_the_military)." Jewish War Veterans. [22] " National Museum of American Jewish Military History (http:/ / www. nmajmh. org/ )." [23] " Days of Remembrance in the Military (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ programs/ jewish/ days_of_remembrance_in_the_military)," Jewish War Veterans. [24] " JWV National Reward Fund (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ programs/ jewish/ jwv_national_reward_fund)," Jewish War Veterans. [25] " Service Academies (Kiddush Cups) (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ programs/ jewish/ service_academies_kiddush_cups)." Jewish War Veterans. [26] " Homelessness and Jewish Poor (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ programs/ jewish/ homelessness_and_jewish_poor)." Jewish War Veterans. [27] " National Awards (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ programs/ service/ awards/ national_awards)." Jewish War Veterans. [28] " Scholarships (http:/ / www. jwv. org/ programs/ service/ awards/ scholarships)." Jewish War Veterans.
363
External links
Official website (http://www.jwv.org/)
Mission statement
Members of the Marine Corps League join together in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving the traditions and promoting the interests of the United States Marine Corps, banding together those who are now serving in the United States Marine Corps and those who have been honorably discharged from that service that they may effectively promote the ideals of American freedom and democracy, voluntarily aiding and rendering assistance to all Marines and former Marines and to their widows and orphans; and to perpetuate the history of the United States Marine Corps and by fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to Marines.[1]
364
Programs
The Marine Corps League supports various programs to promote and honor the spirit and traditions of the Marines:
Injured Marines
Marines Helping Marines - Wounded Marines Program: Supports injured Marines in the following Brooke Army Medical Center (San Antonio, Texas) Walter Reed Army Medical Center (Washington, D.C.) Naval Hospitals National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland Naval Medical Center Portsmouth [2], Portsmouth, Virginia Naval Medical Center San Diego (Balboa Naval Hospital) Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton [3]
Marine-4-Life/Injured Marine Support Program: Mentors and provides support for transitioning Marines.
Youth Programs
Young Marines : A youth program emphasizing the core values of the Marine Corps U.S. Marines Youth Physical Fitness Program: For elementary and high school students Boy Scouts of America Scholarship program: Provides academic scholarships to children of Marines and former Marines. Toys for Tots: A program of the Marine Reserve
Veterans benefits
Legislative program: Participates in national and state issues which impact the military and veterans programs. Veterans Service Officer Program: Assist with claims resulting from active duty service. Veterans Affairs Volunteer Service Program: Volunteer assistance in VA Hospitals
Miscellaneous
Military Order of the Devil Dogs [4]: Fun and honor society of the MCL.
References
[1] Mission Statement (http:/ / www. mcleague. com/ mdp/ index. php?module=ContentExpress& func=display& ceid=1& MDPROSID=3b476239fd94a12d5b2a51e0817d0856), Marine Corps League. [2] http:/ / www-nmcp. med. navy. mil/ [3] http:/ / www. cpen. med. navy. mil/ [4] http:/ / www. moddkennel. org/
External links
Marine Corps League, National Headquarters Website (http://www.mcleague.com/mdp/)
365
Mission
It describes itself as having "developed a unique expertise on a wide variety of issues involving the special needs of our members veterans of the [United States] armed forces who have experienced spinal cord injury or dysfunction." It is also involved with promoting and protecting the civil rights of the disabled.
External links
Paralyzed Veterans of America [1] official website Charity Navigator's Rating of Paralyzed Veterans of America [2]
References
[1] http:/ / www. pva. org/ [2] http:/ / www. charitynavigator. org/ index. cfm/ bay/ search. summary/ orgid/ 4295. htm
Purple Heart
366
Purple Heart
Purple Heart
Purple Heart
Statistics
Firstawarded February 22, 1932 Totalawarded 1,910,162 (as of 5 June 2010)[1]
Precedence
Next(higher) Next(lower) Bronze Star Medal
[2] [2]
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. With its forerunner, the Badge of Military Merit, which took the form of a heart made of purple cloth, the Purple Heart is the oldest military award that is still given to members of the U.S. military, the only earlier award being the obsolete Fidelity Medallion. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York.
History
The original Purple Heart, designated as the Badge of Military Merit, was established by George Washingtonthen the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army by order from his Newburgh, New York headquarters on August 7, 1782. The Badge of Military Merit was only awarded to three Revolutionary War soldiers and from then on as its legend grew, so did its appearance. Although never abolished, the award of the badge was not proposed again officially until after World War I.[3] On October 10, 1927, Army Chief of Staff General Charles Pelot Summerall directed that a draft bill be sent to Congress "to revive the Badge of Military Merit". The bill was withdrawn and action on the case ceased on January 3, 1928, but the office of the Adjutant General was instructed to file all materials collected for possible future use. A
Purple Heart number of private interests sought to have the medal reinstituted in the Army. One of these was the board of directors of the Fort Ticonderoga Museum in Ticonderoga, New York. On January 7, 1931, Summeralls successor, General Douglas MacArthur, confidentially reopened work on a new design, involving the Washington Commission of Fine Arts. This new design was issued on the bicentennial of George Washington's birth. Elizabeth Will, an Army heraldic specialist in the Office of the Quartermaster General, was named to redesign the newly revived medal, which became known as the Purple Heart. Using general specifications provided to her, Will created the design sketch for the present medal of the Purple Heart. Her obituary, in the February 8, 1975 edition of The Washington Post newspaper, reflects her many contributions to military heraldry. The Commission of Fine Arts solicited plaster models from three leading sculptors for the medal, selecting that of John R. Sinnock of the Philadelphia Mint in May 1931. By Executive Order of the President of the United States, the Purple Heart was revived on the 200th Anniversary of George Washington's birth, out of respect to his memory and military achievements, by War Department General Orders No. 3, dated February 22, 1932. The Purple Heart award is a heart-shaped medal within a gold border, 1 inches (35mm) wide, containing a profile of General George Washington. Above the heart appears a shield of the coat of arms Sign on Interstate 35 designating the Purple Heart of George Washington (a white shield with two red bars and three Trail. red stars in chief) between sprays of green leaves. The reverse consists of a raised bronze heart with the words FOR MILITARY MERIT below the coat of arms and leaves. The ribbon is 1 and inches (35mm) wide and consists of the following stripes: inch (3mm) white 67101; 1 inches (29mm) purple 67115; and inch (3mm) white 67101.[3] Additional awards of the Purple Heart medal are denoted by oak leaf clusters in the Army and Air Force and by 5/16 inch stars in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard).[2] The criteria were announced in a War Department circular dated February 22, 1932 and authorized award to soldiers, upon their request, who had been awarded the Meritorious Service Citation Certificate, Army Wound Ribbon, or were authorized to wear Wound Chevrons subsequent to April 5, 1917, the day before the United States entered World War I. The first Purple Heart was awarded to MacArthur. During the early period of American involvement in World War II (December 7, 1941 September 22, 1943), the Purple Heart was awarded both for wounds received in action against the enemy and for meritorious performance of duty. With the establishment of the Legion of Merit, by an Act of Congress, the practice of awarding the Purple Heart for meritorious service was discontinued. By Executive Order 9277, dated December 3, 1942, the decoration was extended to be applicable to all services and the order required that regulations of the Services be uniform in application as far as practicable. This executive order also authorized the award only for wounds received. AR 600-45, dated September 22, 1943, and May 3, 1944 identify circumstances required to meet in order to be eligible for the Purple Heart for military and civilian personnel during World War II era.
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Executive Order 10409, dated February 12, 1952, revised authorizations to include the Service Secretaries subject to approval of the Secretary of Defense. Executive Order 11016, dated April 25, 1962, included provisions for posthumous award of the Purple Heart. Executive Order 12464, dated February 23, 1984, authorized award of the Purple Heart as a result of terrorist attacks or while serving as part of a peacekeeping force subsequent to March 28, 1973. The Senate approved an amendment to the 1985 Defense Authorization Bill on June 13, 1985 which changed the precedence from immediately above the Good Conduct Medal to immediately above the Meritorious Service Medals. Public Law Purple Heart Memorial, Westland, Michigan 99-145 authorized the award for wounds received as a result of friendly fire. Public Law 104-106 expanded the eligibility date, authorizing award of the Purple Heart to a former prisoner of war who was wounded before April 25, 1962. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 (Public Law 105-85) changed the criteria to delete authorization for award of the Purple Heart to any civilian national of the United States while serving under competent authority in any capacity with the Armed Forces. This change was effective May 18, 1998.[4] During World War II, nearly 500,000 Purple Heart medals were manufactured in anticipation of the estimated casualties resulting from the planned Allied invasion of Japan. To the present date, total combined American military casualties of the sixty-five years following the end of World War IIincluding the Korean and Vietnam Warshave not exceeded that number. In 2003, there were still 120,000 of these Purple Heart medals in stock. There are so many in surplus that combat units in Iraq and Afghanistan are able to keep Purple Hearts on-hand for immediate award to wounded soldiers in the field.[5] The "History" section of the November 2009 edition of National Geographic estimated the number of purple hearts given as below. Above the estimates, the text reads, "Any tally of Purple Hearts is an estimate. Awards are often given during conflict; records aren't always exact" (page 33).[1] World War I: 320,518 World War II: 1,076,245 Korean War: 118,650 Vietnam War: 351,794 Persian Gulf War: 607 Afghanistan War: 7,027 (as of 5 June 2010) Iraq War: 35,321 (as of 5 June 2010)
Criteria
The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after April 5, 1917, has been wounded or killed. Specific examples of services which warrant the Purple Heart include any action against an enemy of the United States; any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged; while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party; as a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces; or as the result of an act of any hostile foreign force. After 28 March 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the Army, or jointly
Purple Heart by the Secretaries of the separate armed services concerned if persons from more than one service are wounded in the attack. After 28 March 1973, as a result of military operations while serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force.[6] The Purple Heart differs from all other decorations in that an individual is not "recommended" for the decoration; rather he or she is entitled to it upon meeting specific criteria. A Purple Heart is awarded for the first wound suffered under conditions indicated above, but for each subsequent award an oak leaf cluster is worn in lieu of the medal. Not more than one award will be made for more than one wound or injury received at the same instant. A "wound" is defined as an injury to any part of the body from an outside force or agent sustained under one or more of the conditions listed above. A physical lesion is not required; however, the wound for which the award is made must have required treatment by a medical officer and records of medical treatment for wounds or injuries received in action must have been made a matter of official record. When contemplating an award of this decoration, the key issue that commanders must take into consideration is the degree to which the enemy caused the injury. The fact that the proposed recipient was participating in direct or indirect combat operations is a necessary prerequisite, but is not sole justification for award. The Purple Heart is not awarded for non-combat injuries.[6] Enemy-related injuries which justify the award of the Purple Heart include injury caused by enemy bullet, shrapnel, or other projectile created by enemy action; injury caused by enemy placed land mine, naval mine, or trap; injury caused by enemy released chemical, biological, or nuclear agent; injury caused by vehicle or aircraft accident resulting from enemy fire; concussion injuries caused as a result of enemy generated explosions. Injuries or wounds which do not qualify for award of the Purple Heart include frostbite or trench foot injuries; heat stroke; food poisoning not caused by enemy agents; chemical, biological, or nuclear agents not released by the enemy; battle fatigue; disease not directly caused by enemy agents; accidents, to include explosive, aircraft, vehicular, and other accidental wounding not related to or caused by enemy action; self-inflicted wounds (e.g., a soldier accidentally fires their own gun and the bullet strikes his or her leg), except when in the heat of battle, and not involving gross negligence; post-traumatic stress disorders;[7] and jump injuries not caused by enemy action. It is not intended that such a strict interpretation of the requirement for the wound or injury to be caused by direct result of hostile action be taken that it would preclude the award being made to deserving personnel. Commanders must also take into consideration the circumstances surrounding an injury, even if it appears to meet the criteria. In the case of an individual injured while making a parachute landing from an aircraft that had been brought down by enemy fire; or, an individual injured as a result of a vehicle accident caused by enemy fire, the decision will be made in favor of the individual and the award will be made. As well, individuals wounded or killed as a result of "friendly fire" in the "heat of battle" will be awarded the Purple Heart as long as the "friendly" projectile or agent was released with the full intent of inflicting damage or destroying enemy troops or equipment. Individuals injured as a result of their own negligence, such as by driving or walking through an unauthorized area known to have been mined or placed off limits or searching for or picking up unexploded munitions as war souvenirs, will not be awarded the Purple Heart as they clearly were not injured as a result of enemy action, but rather by their own negligence. From 1942 to 1997, civilians serving or closely affiliated with the armed forcesas government employees, Red Cross workers, war correspondents and the likewere eligible to receive the Purple Heart. About 100 men and women received the award, the most famous being newspaperman Ernie Pyle, who was awarded a Purple Heart posthumously by the Army after being killed by Japanese machine gun fire in the Pacific Theater near the end of World War II. Before his death, Pyle had seen and experienced combat in the European Theater accompanying and writing about infantryman for the folks back home. The most recent Purple Hearts presented to civilians occurred after the terrorist attacks at Khobar Towers, Saudi Arabia, in 1996about 40 U.S. civil service employees received the award for their injuries. In 1997, however, at the urging of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Congress passed legislation prohibiting future awards of the Purple Heart to civilians. Today, the Purple Heart is only for those men and women in uniform. Civilian employees of the U.S. Department of Defense who are killed or wounded as a result of hostile action may
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Purple Heart receive the new Defense of Freedom Medal, created shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
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Presentation
Current active duty personnel are awarded the Purple Heart upon recommendation from their chain of command, stating the injury that was received and the action in which the service member was wounded. The award authority for the Purple Heart is normally at the level of an Army Brigade, Marine Corps Division, Air Force Wing, or Navy Task Force. While the award of the Purple Heart is considered automatic for all wounds received in combat, each award presentation must still be reviewed to ensure that the wounds received were as a result of enemy action. Modern day Purple Heart presentations are recorded in both hardcopy and electronic service records. The annotation of the Purple Heart is denoted both with the service member's parent command and at the headquarters of the military service department. An original citation and award certificate are presented to the service member and filed in the field service record.
Purple Heart Medal with gold 5/16 inch star and lapel button in presentation case. World War II.
During the Vietnam War, Korean War, and World War II, the Purple Heart was often awarded on the spot, with occasional entries made into service records, but this was often not the case. In addition, during the mass demobilizations that followed each of America's major wars of the 20th century, it was a common occurrence for the Purple Heart to be omitted from service records, due to clerical errors, once the service record was closed upon discharge. An added complication is that a number of field commanders would engage in bedside presentations of the Purple Heart which would typically entail a general entering a hospital with a box of Purple Hearts, pinning them on the pillows of U.S. Army Purple Heart Certificate for a soldier wounded during the Korean War. wounded service members, and then departing with no official records kept of the visit or the award of the Purple Heart. Service members, themselves, could complicate the issue by leaving hospitals unofficially, returning to their units in haste to rejoin a battle or to not appear as a malingerer. In such cases, even if a service member had received actual wounds in combat, both the award of the Purple Heart, as well as the entire visit to the hospital which treated the enemy wound, would never be recorded in official records. Service members requesting retroactive awards of the Purple Heart must normally apply through the National Personnel Records Center. Following a review of service records, those Army members so qualified are awarded the Purple Heart by the U.S. Army Human Resources Command in Alexandria, Virginia. Air Force veterans are awarded the Purple Heart by the Awards Office of Randolph Air Force Base while the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard presents Purple Hearts to veterans through the Navy Liaison Officer at the National Personnel Records Center. Simple clerical errors, where a Purple Heart is denoted in military records but was simply omitted from a DD Form 214 (Report of Separation), are corrected on site at the National Personnel Records Center through issuance of a document known as a DD-215.
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Requests
Retroactive requests
As the Purple Heart did not exist prior to 1932, records of the decoration are not annotated in service histories of those veterans who were wounded or killed by enemy action prior to the establishment of the medal. The Purple Heart, however, is retroactive to 1917 meaning that it may be presented to veterans as far back as the First World War. Prior to 2006, service departments would review older service records, service histories, and all available records to determine if a veteran authorized a retroactive Purple Heart. As of 2008, such records are listed as "Archival" by the National Archives and Records Administration meaning they have been transferred from the custody of the military and can no longer be loaned and transferred for retroactive medals determination. In such cases, requestors asking for a Purple Heart (especially from records of the First World War) are provided with a complete copy of all available records (or reconstructed records in the case of the 1973 fire) and advised that the Purple Heart may be privately purchased if the requestor feels it is warranted. A clause to the archival procedures was revised in mid 2008, where if a veteran themselves or (if deceased) an immediate member of the family requested the Purple Heart on an Army or Air Force record, the medal would still be granted by the National Archives. In such cases where a determination was required to be made by the military service department, photocopies of the archival record (but not the record itself) would be forwarded to the headquarters of the military branch in question. This stipulation was granted only for the Air Force and Army; Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard archival medals requests are still typically offered a copy of the file and told to purchase the medal privately. For requests received directly from veterans, these requests are routed through a Navy Liaison Office on site at 9700 Page Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63132-5100 (the location of the Military Personnel Records Center).
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Notable recipients
Johnny Rook, University of Tennessee James Arness, actor Manny Babbitt, Vietnam War veteran, executed in California in 1999. Rocky Bleier, football player Pittsburgh Steelers Charles Bronson, actor J. Herbert Burke, U.S. Representative from Florida Llewellyn Chilson, U.S. Army, WWII, 3 Distinguished Service Crosses Wesley Clark, US Army General Steponas Darius, aviator, fought for the U.S. Army during World War I Charles Durning, actor Dale Dye, actor James Garner, actor Salvatore Giunta, Medal of Honor, Afghanistan War. Carlos Hathcock, United States Marine Corps sniper with a record of 93 confirmed kills Charles Franklin Hildebrand, journalist and publisher James Jones, writer John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States John Kerry, Massachusetts Senator and 2004 Democratic nominee for the Presidency of the United States Ron Kovic, writer Robert Leckie U.S. Marine, World War II and author. Protagonist in The Pacific Lex, honorary, USMC, military working dog Lee Marvin, actor John McCain, Arizona Senator and 2008 Republican nominee for the Presidency of the United States Audie Murphy, Medal of Honor, World War II, actor Tommie Doyle O'Cain Robert M. Polich, Sr., featured in Minnesotas Greatest Generation (2008) short Film Festival[8] Colin Powell, General, former United States Secretary of State. Charles P. Roland, American historian[9] Rod Serling, the host, creator, and writer of the 1959 CBS television series The Twilight Zone. Eric Shinseki, General, current United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Warren Spahn, baseball player Oliver Stone, director Sergeant Stubby, war dog World War I (Original Wound stripe, changed to Purple Heart in 1932) Bruce Sundlun, former governor of Rhode Island. Pat Tillman, Arizona Cardinals Safety Gilbert R. Tredway, American historian wounded in Pacific Theatre Matt Urban, Medal of Honor and seven Purple Hearts, World War II Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., writer Richard Winters, Major, U.S. Army, featured in HBO mini-series Band of Brothers Chuck Yeager, Brigadier General, pilot who first broke the sound barrier. Peter Badcoe, VC Major, Australian Army, Vietnam War and recipient of the Victoria Cross Michael Dyr: World War II
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In popular culture
In May 2006, a soldier made national headlines after giving his Purple Heart to a girl who had written many letters to troops.[12] In May 2007, Vietnam veteran Jerrell Hudman announced that he planned to give one of his three Purple Hearts to George, a Jack Russell terrier. George died from injuries sustained when he saved a group of five children from being mauled by two pit bull terriers in New Zealand.[13] In the Ubisoft game Blazing Angels, the Purple Heart is awarded for completing the mission 'Day of Infamy' with an Ace rating.
References
Notes
[1] "History: Purple Hearts". National Geographic (November 2008): 33. [2] "Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: DoD-Wide Performance and Valor Awards; Foreign Awards; Military Awards to Foreign Personnel and U.S. Public Health Service Officers; and Miscellaneous Information" (http:/ / www. dtic. mil/ whs/ directives/ corres/ pdf/ 134833vol3. pdf). DoD Manual 1348.33, Vol. 3. Department of Defense. . Retrieved 31 July 2012. [3] "Purple Heart" (http:/ / www. tioh. hqda. pentagon. mil/ Awards/ purple_heart. aspx). The Institute of Heraldry. . Retrieved 6 June 2011. [4] "Sec. 571. Purple Heart to be awarded only to members of the armed forces." (http:/ / www. dod. gov/ dodgc/ olc/ docs/ 1998NDAA. pdf). Public Law 10585. Department of Defense. . Retrieved 1 August 2012. [5] D.M Giangreco and Kathryn Moore (December 15, 2003). "Are New Purple Hearts Being Manufactured to Meet the Demand?" (http:/ / hnn. us/ articles/ 1801. html). History News Network. . Retrieved 2011-06-06. [6] "Military Awards" (http:/ / www. apd. army. mil/ pdffiles/ r600_8_22. pdf). Army Regulation 600822. Army Publishing Directorate. . Retrieved 1 August 2012. [7] Alvarez, L. and E. Eckholm (January 7, 2009 ). "Purple Heart Is Ruled Out for Traumatic Stress." (http:/ / www. nytimes. com/ 2009/ 01/ 08/ us/ 08purple. html?_r=1& scp=1& sq=purple heart post-traumatic stress& st=cse) New York Times. Retrieved on January 10, 2009. [8] Minnesota Historical Society Film Festival Red Leader on Fire (http:/ / www. mnhs. org/ people/ mngg/ film/ films2008_1. htm). [9] "Roland, My Odyssey Through History" (http:/ / www. lsu. edu/ lsupress/ bookPages/ 9780807128534. html). lsu.edu. . Retrieved February 3, 2011. [10] "National Affairs: Fighting Man" (http:/ / www. time. com/ time/ magazine/ article/ 0,9171,936077,00. html). Time. July 27, 1953. . Retrieved September 20, 2012. [11] Leiter, Maria Theodore (November 17, 2007). "War Hero Comes Home" (http:/ / www. pcnr. com/ news/ 2004-11-17/ Front_Page/ 060. html). www.pcnr.com. Putnam County News and Recorder. . Retrieved September 21, 2012. [12] "Soldier Gives His Purple Heart to Teen" (http:/ / www. washingtonpost. com/ wp-dyn/ content/ article/ 2006/ 05/ 27/ AR2006052700274. html). The Washington Post. Associated Press. May 27, 2006. . [13] "Purple Heart for brave George" (http:/ / www. smh. com. au/ news/ world/ purple-heart-for-brave-george/ 2007/ 05/ 08/ 1178390293699. html). The Sydney Morning Herald. Associated Press. May 8, 2007. .
Bibliography " Case Reference Guide regarding verification and issuance of the Purple Heart Medal", Military Personnel Records Center, St. Louis, Missouri
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External links
Army Regulation 670-1: Wear and Appearance of Army Uniform and Insignia (http://www.army.mil/usapa/ epubs/pdf/r670_1.pdf)
Motto Formation
"Serving Citizen Warriors Through Advocacy and Education Since 1922" 1922; Chartered by Congress in 1950
Headquarters One Constitution Ave. NE, Washington, DC Membership Website ~63,000 http:/ / www. roa. org/
The Reserve Officers Association is a professional association of officers, former officers, and spouses of all the uniformed services of the United States, primarily the Reserve and National Guard. Chartered by Congress and in existence since 1922, ROA advises and educates the Congress, the President, and the American people on national security. ROA advocates for adequate funding of equipment and training requirements, recruiting and retention incentives, and employment rights for all members of the Reserve.
Formation
The Reserve Officers Association of the United States (ROA) was founded on October 2, 1922, when several hundred officers, many of them combat veterans of World War I, first gathered with General of the Armies John J. "Black Jack" Pershing at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C., to formally establish a new organization. In the period between the World Wars, the right of the Reservist to appear before Congress in support of appropriations and matters affecting the national defense was established. Also during this time, Reserve programs, which were to prove invaluable in the mobilization period of 1941 and 1942, became established on the foundations laid by the citizen-soldiers who had served in World War I. During World War II, the Association became inactive "for the duration" as its members went off to war. ROA was reactivated in 1946, and in 1948, Reserve Officers of the Naval Services (RONS) merged with ROA. The Marine Corps and Coast Guard entered at about the same time. When law created a separate Department of the Air Force, for the first time the nation had, in ROA, a Reserve association embracing all the Services. Public Law 595 of the 81st Congress, second session, was "An Act to Incorporate the Reserve Officers Association of the United States." This act established the objective of ROA: "...support and promote the development and execution of a military policy for the United States that will provide adequate National Security." President Harry S. Truman, one of the early members of ROA, signed the charter on June 30, 1950.[1]
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Basic facts
ROA membership is open to all federally commissioned officers and warrant officers, and their spouses, from the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps, plus the U.S. Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. ROA holds a congressional charter, and is established in public law as a corporation to support and promote military policies that will provide adequate national security. ROA members are major participants in the Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers (CIOR), Interallied Confederation of Reserve Medal Officers (CIOMR), and Pan American Union of Reserve Officers of the Armed Forces (UPORFA), international organizations that hold annual events in Europe and South America. All national Reserve officer organizations of NATO have joined CIOR since its founding in 1948.[2]
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Structure
ROA is organized into 55 departments, one in each of the 50 states, plus departments in Latin America, the District of Columbia, Europe, the Far East and Puerto Rico. Each department is further divided into regional chapters. There are more than 300 chapters worldwide. ROA's leadership consists of elected national officers, and ROA's business activities are conducted by a national staff located in Washington, DC.
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ROA Honorees
Minuteman of the Year
Since 1958, ROA has honored each year The citizen who has contributed most to National Security during these times. Following are the Minutemen of the Year since 1990:[6] 2011 Tom Latham, US Representative 2010 Blanche Lincoln, US Senator 2009 Robert M. Gates, Secretary of Defense 2008 Joseph I. Lieberman, US Senator 2007 Gene Taylor, US Representative 2006 Mary Landrieu, US Senator 2005 Saxby Chambliss, US Senator 2004 Lindsey Graham, US Senator 2003 Mike Dewine, US Senator 2002 George W. Bush, President; C.W. Bill Young, US Representative 2001 John McCain, US Senator 2000 Jeff Sessions, US Senator 2000 Max Cleland, US Senator 1999 Bob Livingston, US Representative 1998 Paul McHale, US Representative; Steve Buyer, US Representative 1997 William J. Perry, Secretary of Defense 1996 Floyd Spence, US Representative 1995 Ike Skelton, US Representative 1994 Gregory H. Laughlin, US Representative 1993 Daniel K. Inouye, US Senator 1992 John P. Murtha, US Representative 1991 George H.W. Bush, President 1990 Robert C. Byrd, US Senator
2003 John B. Totushek, Vice Admiral, USNR 2003 James E. Sherrard III, Lieutenant General, USAF 2002 Russell C. Davis, Lieutenant General, USAF
Reserve Officers Association 2002 James M. Loy, Admiral, USCG 2002 Thomas J. Plewes, Lieutenant General, USA 2001 Robert A. McIntosh, Major General, USAF 2000 Charles L. Cragin, Assistant Secretary of Defense 1999 Terrence M. O'Connell, Chairman, Reserve Forces Policy Board 1998 Robert E. Kramek, Admiral, USCG
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External links
ROA website [8].
References
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] A Little History (http:/ / www. roa. org/ site/ PageServer?pagename=history) ROA Factsheet 2010 (http:/ / www. roa. org/ site/ DocServer/ 20091217_ROAFactSheet. pdf?docID=23941) The Officer Online (http:/ / www. roa. org/ site/ PageServer?pagename=officer_online) Defense Education Forum (http:/ / www. roa. org/ site/ PageServer?pagename=educate) Servicemembers Law Center (http:/ / www. roa. org/ site/ PageServer?pagename=Servicemembers_Law_Center) Minutemen of the Year (http:/ / www. roa. org/ site/ DocServer/ Minute_Man_of_the_Year_Recipients. pdf?docID=28061) Minutemen Hall of Fame inductees (http:/ / www. roa. org/ site/ DocServer/ Minuteman_Hall_of_Fame_Inductees. pdf?docID=28063)
External links
Official website [1]
[1] http:/ / www. trea. org
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Headquarters Arlington, Virginia Key people Sloan D. Gibson President and CEO 160+ centers worldwide To lift the spirits of troops and their families Donations (a 501(c)(3) non-profit) 24,395 Until Every One Comes Home www.uso.org [2]
The United Service Organizations Inc. (USO) is a nonprofit organization that provides programs, services and live entertainment to United States troops and their families. Since 1941, it has worked in partnership with the Department of Defense (DOD), relying heavily on private contributions and on funds, goods, and services from various corporate and individual donors. Although congressionally chartered, it is not a government agency. The USO operates 160 centers worldwide. During World War II, the USO became the G.I.'s "home away from home" and began a tradition of entertaining the troops that continues today. Involvement in the USO was one of the many ways in which the nation had come together to support the war effort, with nearly 1.5 million Americans having volunteered their services in some way. After it was disbanded in 1947, it was revived in 1950 for the Korean War, after which it also provided peacetime services. During the Vietnam War, USOs were sometimes located in combat zones. The organization became particularly famous for its live performances called Camp Shows, through which the entertainment industry helped boost the morale of its servicemen and women. Hollywood in general was eager to show its patriotism, and many famous celebrities joined the ranks of USO entertainers. They entertained in military bases at home and overseas, sometimes placing their own lives in danger, by traveling or performing under hazardous conditions. Today the USO has over 160 locations around the world in 14 countries (including the U.S.) and 27 states. In 2009, USO centers served 7.7 million visitors. In 2008, Sloan Gibson became the 22nd President and CEO. Brigadier General (Retired) John I. Pray, Jr., joined the USO in 2009 as Senior Vice President of Entertainment and Programs. In 2010, Rear Admiral Frank Thorp IV (USN, ret.) joined the organization as the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications.[3] In 2011, USO centers served 8 million visitors.
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History
Mission and goals
The USO was founded in 1941 in response to a request from President Franklin D. Roosevelt to provide morale and recreation services to U.S. uniformed military personnel. Roosevelt was elected as its honorary chairman. This request brought together six civilian organizations: the Salvation Army, Young Mens Christian Association (YMCA), Young Womens Christian Association (YWCA), National Catholic Community Service, National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board. They were brought together under one umbrella to support U.S. troops. Roosevelt said he wanted "these private organizations to handle the on-leave recreation of the men in the armed forces." According to historian Emily Yellin, "The government was to build the buildings and the USO was to raise private funds to carry out its main mission: boosting the morale of the military."[4] The first national campaign chairman was Thomas Dewey, who raised $16 million in the first year. The second chairman was Prescott Bush, a Actor Mickey Rooney, a World War II Bronze future senator and father to one future president, and the grandfather to [4] [1] Star recipient, honoring the USO in 2000 another. The USO was incorporated in New York February 4, with the first facility erected in DeRidder, Louisiana,1941.[5] More USO centers and clubs opened around the world as a Home Away from Home for GIs. The USO club was a place to go for dances and social events, for movies and music, for a quiet place to talk or write a letter home, or for a free cup of coffee and an egg. The USO also brought Hollywood celebrities and volunteer entertainers to perform for the troops. According to movie historian Steven Cohan, "most of all ... in taking home on the road, it equated the nation with showbiz. USO camp shows were designed in their export to remind soldiers of home." They did this, he noted, by "nurturing in troops a sense of patriotic identification with America through popular entertainment."[6] An article in Look magazine at the time, stated, "For the little time the show lasts, the men are taken straight to the familiar Main Street that is the goal of every fighting American far away from home." Maxene Andrews wrote, "The entertainment brought home to the boys. Their home." Actor George Raft stated at the beginning of the war, "Now it's going to be up to us to send to the men here and abroad real, living entertainment, the songs, the dances, and the laughs they had back home."[6] USO promotional literature stated its goals: "The story of USO camp shows belongs to the American people, for it was their contribution that made it possible. It is an important part in the life of your sons, your brothers, your husbands, and your sweethearts."[6]
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World War II
After being formed in 1941 in response to World War II, "centers were established quickly... in churches, barns, railroad cars, museums, castles, beach clubs, and log cabins."[7] Most centers offered recreational activities, such as holding dances and showing movies. And there were the well-known free coffee and doughnuts. Some USO bases provided a haven for spending a quiet moment alone or writing a letter home, while others offered spiritual guidance and made childcare available for military wives. But the organization became mostly known for its live performances called Camp Shows, through which the entertainment industry helped boost the morale of its Bob Hope USO show, 1944 servicemen and women. Camp Shows began in October 1941, and by that fall and winter 186 military theaters existed in the United States. Overseas shows began in November 1941 with a tour of the Caribbean. Within five months 36 overseas units had been sent within the Americas, the United Kingdom, and Australia, and during 1942 1,000 performed as part of 70 units. Average performers were paid $100 a week; top stars were paid $10 a day because their wealth let them contribute more of their talents.[8] In 1942, about seven months after the war began; CBS went on the air with a weekly radio variety show called Stagedoor Canteen. The show remained on the air for the duration of the war and became one of the nation's most popular.[9] In 1943, United Artists released a reality-style movie about the USO called Stage Door Canteen, and the following year Warner Brothers produced a similar movie, called Hollywood Canteen. In 1991, 20th Century Fox produced the film, For the Boys, which told the story of two USO performers, and starred Bette Midler and James Caan. It covered a 50-year timespan, from the USO's inception in 1941 through Operation Desert Storm, in 1991. Another movie was planned in 1950 but never made. Just 10 days after Al Jolson returned from entertaining troops in Korea, he agreed with RKO producers to star in a new movie, Stars and Stripes for Ever, about a U.S.O. troupe in the South Pacific during World War II. Unfortunately, he died a week later as a result of physical exhaustion from his tour. Camp Shows began in Normandy in July 1944, one month after Operation Overlord. Until fall 1944 overseas units contained five performers or fewer; The Barretts of Wimpole Street, using local theaters in France and Italy, was the first to use an entire theater company, including scenery.[8] At its high point in 1944, the USO had more than 3,000 clubs, and curtains were rising on USO shows 700 times a day. From 1941 to 1947, the USO presented more than 400,000 performances, featuring entertainers such as Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Frank Sinatra, Marlene Dietrich, Hattie McDaniel, Eubie Blake, Ann Sheridan, Laurel and Hardy, The Marx Brothers, Jack Benny, Larry Adler, Ossy Renardy, Zero Mostel, James Cagney, James Stewart, Gary Cooper, Doraine and Ellis, Lena Horne, Danny Kaye, The Rockettes, Al Jolson, Fred Astaire, Curly Joe DeRita, The Andrews Sisters, Joe E. Brown, Joe E. Lewis, Ray Bolger, Lucille Ball, Glenn Miller, Martha Raye, Mickey Rooney, Betty Hutton, Dinah Shore, and most famously, Bob Hope.
United Service Organizations The USO's fundraising efforts were not without controversy. An MGM film, Mr. Gardenia Jones, created to assist the USO in its fundraising campaign, was nearly withdrawn from theaters due to objections by the War Department. The objections were centered on scenes showing soldiers jumping with joy at the opportunity to shower in canteens and rest in overstuffed and comfortable USO chairs. The Army, noted the New York Times, "feels this is not good for morale as it implies that there are no showers or other comforts for soldiers in military camps." The film starred Ronald Reagan, who was then a captain in the Army.[10] Fundraising was also aided by non-USO entertainment groups. Soldier Shows, which troopsoften experienced actors and musiciansorganized and held their own performances, were common. The army formed a Special Services unit that organized such shows and supervised the USO, and the experience from the Soldier Shows led to Irving Berlin's Broadway show This Is the Army. Performers and writers from throughout the army were recruited for the production; they remained soldiers and continued drills. Berlin, who had written and produced the similar Yip, Yip, Yaphank during World War I, took the entire 165-person cast on tour in Europe in 1942, raising nearly $10 million for the Army Emergency Relief Fund. The following year the show was made into a film by the same title, again starring Ronald Reagan.[11][8] One of the highlights of the film was its introduction of Berlin's song, "God Bless America," considered one of the nation's most patriotic songs.[12] The This Is The Army stage production toured worldwide until it closed in October 1945 in Honolulu.[8] War correspondent Quentin Reynolds, in an article for Billboard magazine in 1943, wrote, "Entertainment, all phases of it -- radio, pictures and live -- should be treated as essential. You don't know what entertainment means to the guys who do the fighting until you've been up there with the men yourself. . . . You can quote me as saying that we should use entertainment as an essential industry so long as it's for the boys in service. Anybody who has been there would insist on it. . . . Hell, you should have seen how happy the G.I.'s were when they heard the ballplayers were coming over. And John Steinbeck, just back from a chore as war correspondent, . . . also applauded show business as part of the war effort and its importance as a morale builder."[13] According to historian Paul Holsinger, between 1941 and 1945, the USO did 293,738 performances in 208,178 separate visits. Estimates were that more than 161 million servicemen and women, in the U.S. and abroad, were entertained. The USO also did shows in military hospitals, eventually entertaining more than 3 million wounded soldiers and sailors in 192 different hospitals. There were 702 different USO troupes that toured the world, some spending up to six months per tour.[9] In 1943, a United States Liberty ship named the SS U.S.O. was launched. She was scrapped in 1967.[14]
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Twenty-eight performers died in the course of their tours, from plane crashes, illness, or diseases contracted while on tour.[8] In one such instance in 1943, a plane carrying a U.S.O. troupe crashed outside Lisbon, killing singer and actress Tamara Drasin, and severely injuring Broadway singer Jane Froman. Froman returned to Europe on crutches in 1945 to again entertain the troops. She later married the co-pilot who saved her life in that crash, and her story was made into the 1952 film With a Song in My Heart, with Froman providing the actual singing voice.[11] Others, such as Al Jolson, the first entertainer to go overseas in World War II, contracted malaria, resulting in the loss of his lung, cutting short his tour.
United Service Organizations One author wrote that by the end of the war "the USO amounted to the biggest enterprise American show business has ever tackled. The audience was millions of American fighting men, the theatre's location: the world, the producer: USO camp shows"[6] Performances continued after the end of the war in 1945. 60 new units went to Europe after V-E Day, and 91 new units went to the Pacific after V-J Day. The USO dissolved in December 1947, after having spent $240 million in contributions on Camp Shows, canteens, and other services. Special Services productions grew in number as replacement.[8] Women in the USO According to Emily Yellin, many of the key foot soldiers in the USO's mission were women who were "charged with providing friendly diversion for U.S. troops who were mostly men in their teens and twenties."[4] USO centers throughout the world recruited female volunteers to serve doughnuts, dance, and just talk with the troops. USO historian Julia Carson writes that this "nostalgic hour," designed to cheer and comfort soldiers, involved "listening to music - American style" and "looking at pretty girls, like no other pretty girls in the world - American girls."[15] African American women scrambled to rally the community around the soldiers and create programs for them. By 1946, hostesses had served more than two thousand soldiers a day while also providing facilities for the wounded and convalescent who were on leave. They went to black businesses and fraternal organizations in order to find sponsorship for their USO group, and later expanded to fulfill the needs of soldiers during the Korean War. Moreover, they worked to merge black and white USOs into one desegregated unit. As black historian Megan Shockley noted, "Their work for the desegregation of USOs had begun during World War II, and it finally paid off."[16] Women were also key entertainers who performed at shows. Stars such as Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland, Betty Grable and Rita Hayworth had traveled over a million miles. Yellin notes that on one tour, Hayworth visited six camps, gave thousands of autographs, and "came back from Texas with a full-fledged nervous breakdown from over-enthusiasm!"[4] Opera singer Lily Pons, after she had performed a "serious" opera song to troops in Burma, "an applause erupted that stunned even the most seasoned performers." She later wrote in a letter, "Every woman back home wears a halo now, and those who represent her had better keep theirs on, too."[4] Author Joeie Dee pointed out that "for women entertainers, traveling with the USO made it possible to be patriots and adventurers as well as professionals." She adds, however, that the G.I.s in the USO audiences "tended to see these women in a different light - as reminders of and even substitutes for their girls back home, as a reward for fighting the war, as embodiments of what they were fighting for."[17] Edward Skvarna remembers 1943, when he met Donna Reed at a U.S.O. canteen and asked her to dance. "I had never danced with a celebrity before, so I felt delighted, privileged even, to meet her. . . . But I really felt she was like a girl from back home." Jay Fultz, author of her biography, states that soldiers "often wrote to her as if to a sister or the girl next door, confiding moments of homesickness, loneliness, privation and anxiety."[18] Women entertainers One female entertainer wrote about conditions while performing: "We've played to audiences, many of them ankle deep in mud, huddled under the ponchos in the pouring rain (it breaks your heart the first two or three times to see men so hungry for entertainment.) We've played on uncovered stages, when we, as well as the audience, got rain-soaked. We've played with huge tropical bugs flying in our hair and faces; we've played to audiences of thousands of men, audiences spreading from our very feet to far up a hillside and many sitting in the trees. . . . We've played to audiences in small units of 500 or so, and much oftener to audiences of 8 to 10,000. Every night we play a different place."[4]
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Singer and dancer Ann Miller described performing for badly wounded soldiers. She did forty-eight shows for "broken soldiers," who were mostly lying on stretchers in the lobbies of hotels, watching as she entertained them. Yellin writes, "During her last show she collapsed and had to be taken home on an Army airplane."[4] Afterwards, Miller described the experience: "We went from ward to ward to ward, singing and dancing and trying to boost the morale of these men. It was just hell. . . . I just fell apart and I US Coast Guard, 1st show in Vietnam, 1970 think the shock of seeing those men with their arms and legs blown off - it was just frightening. But when you do it, you do it. You try to help them, try to sing and dance. You try to keep their spirits up. It's heartbreaking."[4]
Korean War
In the 1940s the USO was disbanded due partly to lack of funds. However, in 1950, when the United States entered the Korean War, Secretary of Defense George Marshall and Secretary of the Navy Francis P. Matthews requested that the USO be reactivated "to provide support for the men and women of the armed forces with help of the American people" According to war historian Paul Edwards, Between 1952 and 1953, not a day went by without the USO providing services somewhere in Korea. At home or overseas, in 1952 it was serving 3.5 million in the armed forces using much the same methods of operation as it did in World War II. Many stars, both well-known and new, came to perform, including Bob Hope, Errol Flynn, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor, Piper Laurie, Jane Russell, Paul Douglas, Terry Moore, Marilyn Monroe, Danny Kaye, Rory Calhoun, Mickey Rooney, Jayne Mansfield, Al Jolson and many others. Jolson notably was the first to volunteer and traveled to Korea at his own expense[19] (he was also the first to entertain troops during World War II.).[20] Hispanic-American soldiers were entertained by artists such as Prez Prado's Show featuring Evita Muoz as his invited mambo dancer. Veterans have recalled many of the USOs events, sometimes in vivid detail: "On that cold, overcast day, there were more than five thousand troops in the audience. They sat on the ground or up on the hillside. When everyone was settled, Danny Kaye opened the show by going to the microphone, looking at his large audience, and shouting, "Who's holding back the enemy?" The GIs roared with laughter. We were thrilled to have Kaye and his entertainers in our area. We especially liked the young women in the show. Danny was okay, with his stories and jokes, but after all, we knew what American men looked like."[21]:51 Author Linda Granfield in describing the show, writes, "For two hours, the men could forget they were soldiers at war. After the show, they returned to the fighting in the hills. Some in that audience never made it back."[21] By the end of the war, over 113,000 American USO volunteers were working at 294 centers at home and abroad."[22] And 126 units had given 5,422 performances to servicemen in Korea and the wounded in Japan
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Vietnam War
The USO was in Vietnam before the first combat troops arrived, with the first USO club opened in Saigon in April 1963. The 23 centers in Vietnam and Thailand served as many as a million service members a month, and the USO presented more than 5,000 performances during the Vietnam War featuring stars such as John Wayne, Ann-Margret, Sammy Davis Jr., Phyllis Diller, Martha Raye, Joey Heatherton, Wayne Newton, Jayne Mansfield, Redd Foxx, Rosey Grier, Anita Bryant, Nancy Sinatra, Jimmy Boyd, Lola Falana, and Bob Hope. Philip Ahn, the first actor of Korean descent to become a Hollywood star, became the first Asian American USO performer to entertain troops in Vietnam.[23] In addition, the USO operated centers at major U.S. airports to provide a lounge and place to sleep for American servicemen between their flights. Vietnam historian James Westheider noted that the USO "tried to bring a little America to Vietnam." Volunteer American civilians, who did 18-month tours, staffed the clubs. According to Westheider, "The young women wore miniskirts - no slacks were allowed." Each club had a snack bar, gift shops, a barbershop, photo developing, overseas phone lines, and hot showers.[24] When providing entertainment, the USO did its best to attract known stars from back home to help relieve the stresses of war. Senator John Kerry recalled how important this kind of diversion would become. He remembered a "Bob Hope Follies" USO show, which included actress Ann-Margret, Miss America, football star Rosey Grier, and others. According to Kerry biographer Douglas Brinkley, "When the Swift finally made it back to the My Tho River, the crew confronted the heartbreaking sight of a huge Navy landing craft ferrying the troops back. The USO show was over." Kerry later wrote, "The visions of Ann Margret and Miss America and all the other titillating personalities who would have made us feel so at home hung around us for a while until we saw three Chinook helicopters take off from the field and presumed that our dreams had gone with them."[25] But for GIs who saw the show, it was worth it: "We turned to watch Ann perform, and for about two minutes of American beauty, the war was forgotten. Everyone fully understood just what was really worth fighting for. . . . The show was fantastic, but the escape the Bob Hope tour provided us in expectation for days before, and after, helped us keep in touch with what we were there for -- God, Country, apple pie ... and Ann-Margret!"[26] The visits by the stars meant a lot to the men and women in Vietnam. "It was not just the entertainment; it meant that they were not forgotten that far away from home," writes Westheider.[24] He adds that the tours made a "deep impression" on the stars as well. Singer and actress Connie Stevens remembered her 1969 tour with Bob Hope, when she decided to go despite the fact she had two children both under the age of two. Today, she claims that "veterans were still stopping her and thanking her for visiting Vietnam over 30 years later."[24]
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Gulf War
To support troops participating in Operation Desert Shield, USO centers opened in Saudi Arabia. Entertainers performing for the troops included Jay Leno, Steve Martin, Delta Burke, Ann Jillian, Gerald McRaney, Marie Osmond, the Pointer Sisters, and Bob Hope on his final USO tour.[27]
United Service Organizations are well known: they are legend."[33] As a result of his non-stop entertainment to both the civilian population and the military, he received numerous other honors over the years: a C-17 Air Force plane was named The Spirit of Bob Hope; a naval vessel was named the USNS Bob Hope; and streets, schools, hospitals, and a golf tournament were also named in his honor. A Senate resolution declared him "a part of American folklore." The Guinness Book of Records called him the most honored entertainer ever. And during his 1993 televised birthday celebration, when he turned 90, General Colin Powell saluted Hope "for his tireless USO trouping", which was followed by onstage tributes from all branches of the armed forces. General William Westmoreland spoke about his loyalty to the GI throughout the gritty Vietnam years. And bandleader Les Brown, who was with him during many of his tours, mentioned that his band "had seen more of Hope's ass in the last forty years than any of Hope's immediate family."[32] War correspondent Quentin Reynolds wrote in 1943, "He and his troupe would do 300 miles in a jeep, and give four shows... One of the generals said Hope was a first rate military target since he was worth a division; that that's about 15,000 men. Presumably the Nazis appreciated Hope's value, since they thrice bombed towns while the comic was there."[13] During the Vietnam War years he gave a number of high-rating television specials and sensed that the media had given him a broad endorsement for continuing on his GI mercy missions. Soon after his Christmas show in Saigon in 1967, he learned that the Vietcong had planned a terrorist attack at his hotel against him and his entire troupe, missing him by ten minutes. He was later "mystified," writes Faith, "and ... increasingly intolerant of the pockets of dissent. Draft-card burnings on college campuses angered him..." "Can you imagine," Hope wrote in a magazine article, "... that people in America are burning their draft cards to show their opposition and that some of them are actually rooting for your defeat?"[32] In the spring of 1973, Hope began writing his fifth book, The Last Christmas Show, which was dedicated to "the men and women of the armed forces and to those who also served by worrying and waiting." He signed over his royalties to the USO. His final Christmas show was during Operation Desert Shield in 1990. The show was not easy, notes Faith. "There were so many restrictions. Hope's jokes were monitored by the State Department to avoid offending the Saudis... and the media was restricted from covering the shows... Because in Saudi Arabia national custom prescribes that women must be veiled in public, Ann Jillian, Marie Osmond, and the Pointer Sisters were left off Hope's Christmas Eve show."[32] In 2009, Stephen Colbert performing his last episode of weeklong taping in Iraq for his The Colbert Report show, carried a golf club on stage and dedicated it to Bob Hope's service for the USO.
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Financials
The USO has a paid staff of approximately 300. Additionally, more than 44,000 USO volunteers provide an estimated 371,417 hours of service annually. As reported by the USO, the unpaid volunteer to paid employee ratio overseas is 20 to 1. Within the United States, the number is "significantly higher". The following information is based on USO's audited financial statements[34] for the year ended December 31, 2011:
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Total Revenue and Other Support Grants Direct response USO center revenue Corporate, foundation and individual giving Investment income United Way and CFC Contributed materials, facilities and services
Total Operating Expenses U.S. $334,068,520 Program expenses Fund raising expenses Administrative expenses 300,456,722 20,098,767 13,513,031
References
[1] "Our Proud History: Important Dates in USO History" (http:/ / www. uso. org/ whoweare/ ourproudhistory/ historicaltimeline/ ). USO Web Site. USO Inc. . Retrieved 2010-05-17. [2] http:/ / www. uso. org/ [3] USO.org (http:/ / uso. org/ whoweare/ ourleadership/ usoseniorstaff/ ) [4] Yellin, Emily. Our Mothers' War: American Women at Home and at the Front During World War II, Simon and Schuster (2005) [5] John Whiteclay Chambers II. "USO." The Oxford Companion to American Military History. Oxford University Press (2000), highbeam.com (http:/ / www. highbeam. com/ doc/ 1O126-USO. html) [6] Cohan, Steven. The Road Movie Book, Routledge (1997) [7] Clairday, Robynn. Postcards from World War II, Square One Publishers (2001) [8] JSTOR3204158 Please expand by hand (http:/ / en. wikipedia. org/ wiki/ Template:cite_doi/ 10. 2307. 2f3204158?preload=Template:Cite_doi/ preload& editintro=Template:Cite_doi/ editintro& action=edit) [9] Holsinger, Paul. War and American Popular Culture: a Historical Encyclopedia, Greenwood Publishing Group (1999) [10] Pryor, Thomas. New York Times, June 28, 1942 [11] Goldstein, Richard. "Answers About World War II in New York" (http:/ / cityroom. blogs. nytimes. com/ 2010/ 09/ 29/ answers-about-world-war-ii-in-new-york/ ) New York Times, Sept. 29, 2010 [12] "God Bless America" sung by Kate Smith (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=09Gj7mJbPPc) [13] "Quentin Reynolds Talks on Terrific Job Big and Little Showbiz is Doing Overseas" (http:/ / books. google. com/ books?id=vwwEAAAAMBAJ), Billboard, Oct. 30, 1943 p. 4 [14] Reading 1: Liberty Ships (http:/ / www. cr. nps. gov/ nr/ twhp/ wwwlps/ lessons/ 116liberty_victory_ships/ 116facts1. htm) National Park Service Cultural Resources. [15] Carson, Julia. Home Away From Home: The Story of the USO, Harper & Brothers (1946) [16] Shockley, Megan Taylor. We, Too, are Americans: African American Women in Detroit and Richmond, 1940-55, Univ. of Illinois Press (2004) [17] Dee, Joeie. Hi GI, Xulon Press (2005) [18] "Dear Donna: A Pinup So Swell She Kept G.I. Mail" (http:/ / www. nytimes. com/ 2009/ 05/ 25/ arts/ 25donna. html?pagewanted=2& th& emc=th), New York Times, May 24, 2009 [19] Akst, Harry "The Jolson Nobody Knew" (http:/ / jolsonville. com/ articles/ korean-war-tours/ first-stop-tokyo/ ), Cosmopolitan, January, 1951 [20] Woolf, S.J. "Army Minstrel" (http:/ / jolsonville. com/ articles/ world-war-ii-tours/ army-minstrel-1942/ ), New York Times, Sept. 27, 1942 [21] Granfield, Linda. I Remember Korea: Veterans Tell Their Stories of the Korean War, 1950-53 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (2003) [22] Edwards, Paul M. The Korean War, Greenwood Publishing Group (2006) [23] Chung, Hye Seung. Hollywood Asian, Temple Univ. Press (2006) [24] Westheider, James E. The Vietnam War, Greenwood Publishing Group (2007) [25] Brinkley, Douglas. Tour of Duty: John Kerry and the Vietnam War HarperCollins (2004) [26] War-Stories.com (http:/ / www. war-stories. com/ aspprotect/ dn-poss-bob-hope-1966-2. asp)
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External links
Official website (http://www.uso.org/) Other web site: USO Clubs in World War II (http://usoclubs.blogspot.com/) USO of Illinois Official Website (http://www.usoofillinois.org/) Movie clips: Re-enacted WWII tour (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hC8ZmBIouzQ), from Jolson Sings Again (1949) USO World Gala, 2008: President Bush speech (http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/ 2008/10/20081001-14.html) Text and video, Oct. 1, 2008 The short film Big Picture: United Service Organization (USO): Wherever They Go (http://www.archive.org/ details/gov.archives.arc.2569724) is available for free download at the Internet Archive [more] The short film STAFF FILM REPORT 66-25A (1966) (http://www.archive.org/details/gov.dod.dimoc. 26977) is available for free download at the Internet Archive [more] The short film USO - 30 Years of Service (1971) (http://www.archive.org/details/gov.dod.dimoc.30293) is available for free download at the Internet Archive [more]
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Cross of Malta of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Formation Headquarters Membership 1899 Kansas City, Missouri 1.5 Million [1]
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) is a congressionally chartered (Title 36 USC Chapter 2301) [3] war veterans organization in the United States. Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, VFW currently has 1.5 million members belonging to 7,644 posts, and is the largest American organization of combat veterans.
Membership eligibility
Members must be a U.S. citizen or national with an honorable discharge from the U.S. military, or currently serving in the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard. Membership also requires military service overseas during an operation or conflict and decoration with an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, a campaign medal (or ribbon). A Leave and Earnings Statement showing receipt of hostile fire or imminent danger pay is also acceptable proof for membership eligibility.
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon (with Gold Border) Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Navy Expeditionary Medal, & Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal
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Nicaraguan Campaign Medal Yangtze Service Medal China Service Medal American Defense Service Medal European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal American Campaign Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal Army of Occupation Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal
Korean Service Medal Korea Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal Southwest Asia Service Medal Kosovo Campaign Medal Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Afghanistan Campaign Medal Iraq Campaign Medal
and/or Service for thirty (30) consecutive days duty in Korea or sixty (60) days of non-consecutive duty in Korea. Service members currently deployed to a combat zone meet the qualification for joining the VFW. A DD214 or World War II era discharge paper with campaign medals, and/or badges printed on back is used to verify membership eligibility.[4]
History
The VFW became a government-chartered non-profit organization by an act of the United States Congress on May 28, 1936;[5] as such, it receives no funding from United States tax receipts and is supported by charitable donations. The first VFW (then known as the American Veterans of Foreign Service) was founded in Denver, Colorado in 1899 and officially "VFW Post 1, John S. Stewart Post". There are two other Posts which try to claim being Post 1, however the VFW National organization recognizes VFW Post 1 in Denver, CO as the first VFW Post. The VFW name was created on September 17, 1914 at a conference at the Schenley Hotel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from the merger of two prior veterans organizations which both arose in 1899: the American Veterans of Foreign Service and the National Society of the Army of the Philippines.[5] The former was formed for veterans of the SpanishAmerican War, while the latter was formed for veterans of the PhilippineAmerican War.
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Mission
VFW works on behalf of American veterans by lobbying Congress for better veterans' health care and benefits.[6] The VFW also maintains a nationwide organization of employees and volunteers to assist veterans with their VA disability claims.[7] VFW also donates much money and lots of hours for work for the city. One of their most popular programs provides free phone calls to overseas active military members. The current Commander of the VFW is John E. Hamilton.[8]
Veterans of Foreign Wars The Veterans of Foreign Wars is, in basic principle, Christian as indicated by the three regular prayers offered at each Post meeting and additional prayers at ceremonies for deceased members. Additionally, in the initiation ceremony for new members, the Bible, which is always on the altar at all meetings, is pointed out to new members by the Post Commander where it is usually stated to be the source of all wisdom and where one can find the rules of comradeship. The VFW, along with the American Legion, refused to assist pagan families, churches, and veterans organizations around the country in their campaign to have the US Department of Veterans Affairs allow the creation of a separate emblem of spirit for use on the headstones of deceased pagan veterans. Such an emblem of spirit, the pentacle, was finally approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2007.[11]
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Community involvement
Direct community involvement is a VFW priority, extending beyond the realm of veterans helping fellow veterans. Annually, VFW and the Men's and Ladies Auxiliaries donate more than 13 million volunteer hours of community service.[12] VFW members mentor youth groups, help in community food kitchens, volunteer in blood drives, and visit hospitalized veterans. Others help veterans file compensation claims. VFW's Community Service programs are designed to encourage community service and increase civic pride, which ultimately enhances education, improves the environment, and ensures the availability of health services for veterans. VFW's Citizenship Education program is designed to stimulate interest in America's history and traditions and to promote citizenship, civic responsibility, and patriotism. VFW's Youth Scholarship programs provide more than $3.5 million in scholarships to our nation's youth. They include Voice of Democracy, Patriot's Pen youth essay contest, and Scout of the Year. The VFW's partnership with the Boy Scouts of America includes sponsoring more than 1,200 Scouting units with 40,000 members across the nation. VFW's Safety Program encourages VFW Posts and Auxiliaries to conduct programs in home, auto, and bicycle safety, as well as programs dealing with drug awareness and substance abuse. The VFW National Home for Children is a community development in a family-like environment that is home to orphaned or single parent children of VFW or Ladies Auxiliary members. The home, which was established in 1925 on 160 acres (0.65km2) in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, emphasizes the values of education, good work habits, and sound moral character.
References
[1] [2] [3] [4] www.vfw.org http:/ / www. vfw. org/ http:/ / uscode. house. gov/ download/ pls/ 36C2301. txt "VFW Eligibility Information" (http:/ / www. vfw. org/ resources/ pdf/ eligibility05. pdf) (PDF). VFW. October 2005. . Retrieved 2006-11-04. [5] "VFW At A Glance" (http:/ / www. vfw. org/ resources/ pdf/ glance. pdf) (PDF). VFW. 2004-09-02. . Retrieved 2006-11-04. [6] "Legislative Victories" (http:/ / www. vfw. org/ resources/ pdf/ legislature. pdf) (PDF). VFW. 2004-09-02. . Retrieved 2006-11-04. [7] "Services to Veterans" (http:/ / www. vfw. org/ resources/ pdf/ service. pdf) (PDF). VFW. 2004-09-02. . Retrieved 2006-11-04. [8] Veterans of Foreign Wars (http:/ / www. vfw. org/ News-and-Events/ Press-Room/ National-Officers/ ). VFW (2011-09-01). Retrieved on 2011-11-13. [9] VFW National Military Services Operation Uplink, Unmet Needs, Military Assistance Program (http:/ / www. vfw. org/ Assistance/ National-Military-Services/ ). Vfw.org. Retrieved on 2011-03-13. [10] National Veterans Service NVS Assistance from (http:/ / www. vfw. org/ Assistance/ National-Veterans-Service/ ). the VFW. Retrieved on 2011-03-13. [11] Banerjee, Neela (April 24, 2007). "Use of Wiccan Symbol on Veterans' Headstones is Approved" (http:/ / www. nytimes. com/ 2007/ 04/ 24/ washington/ 24wiccan. html?_r=0). The New York Times. . Retrieved 4 October 2012. [12] Veterans of Foreign Wars (http:/ / www. vfw. org/ Common/ About-Us/ ). VFW. Retrieved on 2011-03-13.
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External links
Veterans of Foreign Wars Homepage (http://www.vfw.org) Department of Arkansas: Veterans of Foreign Wars Homepage (http://www.arkansasvfw.org) Department of Georgia: Veterans of Foreign Wars Homepage (http://www.gavfw.org) Department of Missouri: Veterans of Foreign Wars Homepage (http://vfwmo.org) Department of New Hampshire: Veterans of Foreign Wars Homepage (http://vfwnh.org) Department of North Carolina: Veterans of Foreign Wars Homepage (http://vfwnc.org) Department of Texas: Veterans of Foreign Wars (http://www.texasvfw.org) Department of Wisconsin: Veterans of Foreign Wars Homepage (http://vfwofwi.com) My VFW WebCOM: Social network for Veterans of Foreign Wars Members, Auxiliary and supporters. (http:// my.vfwwebcom.org) Cpl Walter F. Bruce Post 1146 Largest Post in Michigan (http://vfwbrucepost1146.org) Veterans of Foreign Wars Scholarship Programs website (http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=cmty.levelc& cid=1836&tok=1) Lexington, KY Bluegrass Post Homepage: Veterans of Foreign Wars Homepage (http://vfw680.org)
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Advocacy
VVA aims to campaign on issues important to Vietnam veterans, to create a new identity for this generation of veterans, and to improve public perception of Vietnam veterans. The organization's main efforts concern: Government Relations Advocacy on veterans' issues National Task Force for Homeless Veterans Health care for veterans, including disabled veterans Issues pertaining to women and minority veterans National scholarship fund Assisting veterans seeking benefits/services from the government Organizes "Stand Downs" for the hard to reach homeless veteran in need of services.
VVA has organizing councils in 43 states, 525 local chapters, and over 50,000 individual members.
Founding principle
Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.
History
In January 1978, a small group of Vietnam veteran activists came to Washington, D.C., searching for allies to support the creation of an advocacy organization devoted exclusively to the needs of Vietnam veterans. VVA, initially known as the Council of Vietnam Veterans, began its work. By the summer of 1979, the Council of Vietnam Veterans had transformed into Vietnam Veterans of America, a veterans service organization made up of, and devoted to, Vietnam veterans. Bobby Muller and Stuart F. Feldman were among the organization's co-founders.[1] Membership grew steadily, and for the first time, VVA secured significant contributions. The combination of the public's willingness to talk about the Vietnam War and the basic issues that it raised, as well as the veterans themselves coming forward, was augmented by the nation's dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in November 1982. The week-long activities rekindled a sense of brotherhood among the veterans and a feeling that they shared an experience that was too significant to ignore. In 1983, VVA took a significant step by founding Vietnam Veterans of America Legal Services (VVALS) to provide assistance to veterans seeking benefits and services from the government. By working under the theory that a veteran representative should be an advocate for the veteran rather than simply a facilitator, VVALS quickly established itself as the most competent and aggressive legal-assistance program available to veterans. VVALS published the most comprehensive manual ever developed for veteran service representatives, and in 1985, VVALS wrote the widely acclaimed Viet Vet Survival Guide over 150,000 copies of which are now in print. The next several years saw VVA grow in size, stature, and prestige. VVA's professional membership services, veterans service, and advocacy work gained the respect of Congress and the veterans community. In 1986, VVA's exemplary work was formally acknowledged by the granting of a congressional charter. Today, Vietnam Veterans of America has a national membership of approximately 50,000, with 635 chapters throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. VVA state councils coordinate the activities of local chapters. VVA places great emphasis on coordinating its national activities and programs with the work of its local chapters and state councils and is organized to ensure that victories gained at the national level are implemented locally.
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Presidents of VVA
John Rowan, 2005present Thomas H. Corey, 20012005 George C. Duggins, 19972001 James L. Brazee, Jr., 19911997 Mary Stout, 19871991 Bobby Muller 1978-1987
Publications
VVA helps to provide greater public awareness of the outstanding issues surrounding Vietnam-era veterans by disseminating written information on a continual basis. The VVA Veteran [2], VVA's award-winning magazine, is mailed to all VVA members and friends of the organization. In addition, self-help guides on issues such as Agent Orange[3], to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder[4], to discharge upgrading are published and made available to anyone interested.
References
[1] Naedele, Walter F. "Stuart F. Feldman, prime Constitution Center supporter" (http:/ / www. philly. com/ inquirer/ obituaries/ 20100717_Stuart_F__Feldman__prime_Constitution_Center_supporter. html), The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 17, 2010. Accessed July 22, 2010. [2] http:/ / www. vva. org [3] http:/ / www. vva. org/ Benefits/ vvgagent. htm [4] http:/ / www. vva. org/ Benefits/ ptsd. htm [5] "BBB" (http:/ / www. bbb. org/ charity-reviews/ national/ veterans-and-military/ vietnam-veterans-of-america-in-silver-spring-md-115). Better Business Bureau. . Retrieved 2 May 2012.
External links
VVA web site (http://www.vva.org/) A Short History of VVA (http://www.vva.org/history.html)
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Headquarters New York City, NY Location Founder Website National Sidney Goodfriend www.acp-usa.org [1]
American Corporate Partners (ACP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping military veterans transition from the armed services to the civilian workforce through two free programs: a nationwide Mentoring Program and ACP AdvisorNet.
Program
Mission and Goals American Corporate Partners (ACP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting veterans in their transition from the US Armed Services to the civilian workforce. With the help of business professionals nationwide, ACP offers veterans tools for long-term career development through mentoring, career counseling, and networking opportunities. With the belief that one-on-one relationships enhance an atmosphere of mutual understanding, respect, and support, ACP aims to strengthen the connection between corporate America and veteran communities. Nationwide Mentoring Program ACPs nationwide Mentoring Program, currently serving more than 1,500 transitioning veterans, connects veterans (Protgs) with corporate professionals (Mentors) for a yearlong mentorship. Paired one-on-one based on their career objectives and professional experience, Mentors and Protgs define the goals of the mentorship together, and create and implement an action plan to achieve them through monthly discussions. Ideally, over the course of a year, all matched pairs will have twelve significant discussions regarding the Protgs career objectives. These can focus on topics ranging from rsum building and interview skills to networking and small business development.[2] ACP considers Veteran Protg applications from all interested and qualified service members who have served on active duty since 2001 and gives preference to those who have been deployed in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as those with service-related disabilities. Spouses of those service members severely wounded or deceased are also encouraged to apply. Mentors must be employees of ACPs Participating Institutions. Corporate Mentors represent a wide array of business expertise, including disciplines such as management, finance, marketing, sales, law, logistics, operations, and teaching. All applicants are interviewed by phone in order that ACP staff can learn more about their military and/or professional backgrounds, career-development goals, and preferences in a Mentor/Protg (e.g., industry, age, gender).
American Corporate Partners ACP AdvisorNet To assist more veterans with their professional goals, ACP launched a brand new program on Veterans Day 2011: ACP AdvisorNet. www.acp-advisornet.org [3] The first of its kind, ACP AdvisorNet is a free, online community connecting veterans with business leaders across the country. Through an interactive, easy-to-use, and ad-free interface, veterans can ask questions about career development, employment, and small business; and volunteer advisors can share advice on topics related to their expertise. Users can follow topics and Q&A threads as well as send private messages to initiate offline conversations. ACP AdvisorNet is available to all current and former members of the US Military, their immediate family members, and business leaders looking to share their expertise and advice. And all users can see the professional and/or military backgrounds of other users, promoting an environment of accountability and trust.
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Locations
Local While ACP cannot always guarantee a quality local fit, there are large concentrations of Mentors in the following cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Hartford, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Antonio/Austin, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. Mentors and Protgs who live in one of the above-mentioned cities may notify ACP staff of a strong preference for a local, in-person pairing. Locally matched pairs will be asked to commit to at least twelve in-person meetings, to be arranged by the Mentor. Mentors may attend all of the meetings personally or arrange for colleagues to meet with their Protg. National To offer the opportunity of a mentorship to veterans across the country, ACP asks Mentors to be flexible regarding the location of their Protg. Mentors and Protgs in national, long-distance mentorships communicate by phone, email, and/or videoconference. ACP recommends national pairs use videoconferencing during the first month of the mentorship to establish a personal connection. ACP expects nationally matched pairs to communicate every two weeks.
History
Founder Sidney E. Goodfriend launched American Corporate Partners on Labor Day 2008, with the help of six founding Participating Institutions. [4] The founding corporate partners include Campbell Soup, General Electric, Home Depot, Morgan Stanley, PepsiCo and Verizon.[5] Within its first year, ACPs Mentoring Program received more than 1,800 applications from US veterans across the country for 300 spots with a Corporate Mentor.[6] Since that time, ACP has seen significant growth, increasing the number of mentorship opportunities and welcoming additional Participating Institutions each year. By the end of 2009, the program grew to include a dozen Participating Institutions offering mentoring to more than 500 veterans. The number of mentorships doubled by the end of 2010; and as of early 2012, 37 Participating Institutions were offering mentoring to more than 1,500 veterans nationwide. On Veterans Day 2011, the organization launched ACP AdvisorNet, an online business Q&A community. ACP AdvisorNet was built to assist an increasing number of veterans and current service members in achieving their longand short-term career goals. ACP hopes to expand the program's reach significantly in 2012. A retired investment banker, Goodfriend credits his own success in the corporate world to strong mentoring relationships and holds a great appreciation for those who serve in the US Armed Forces.
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Participating Institutions
Accenture Alcoa American Airlines Aon Corporation AT&T Barclays BlackRock Bloomberg L.P. Boeing Cargill Citi Deloitte LLP Energy Future Holdings Corporation General Dynamics General Electric Company General Mills Goldman Sachs Harvard University Hewlett-Packard The Home Depot, Inc. IBM Corporation Intel Corporation Johnson & Johnson JPMorgan Chase & Co. Liberty Mutual Group Lockheed Martin MacAndrews & Forbes Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Morgan Stanley News Corporation Occidental Petroleum Corporation Och-Ziff Capital Management Group Omnicom Group PepsiCo, Inc. The Travelers Companies, Inc. The University of Texas System UPS URS Corporation
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Leadership
Board of Directors Sidney Goodfriend, Chairman & Founder Daniel H. Bayly Jack D. Bergen Isobel Coleman Devon Cross Amy O. Goodfriend Robert J. Kueppers Alain Lebec Allan Luks John Myers Francis X. Taylor Advisory Council Diane Bodman Richard Danzig, Advisor to President Barack Obama Robert J. Dole, United States Senator Christine A. Ferer John Hamre, President & CEO of the Center for Strategic and International Studies Karen Hughes, Global Vice Chair of Burson-Marsteller Jack H. Jacobs, Retired Colonel and Medal of Honor recipient Vernon Jordan Jr. Jack Keane, retired four-star general and former Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army William Kristol Mary Jo Myers Richard B. Myers, 15th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Lynne Pace Peter Pace, 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dennis Ross, American diplomat James A. Runde, Special Advisor of Morgan Stanley Peter J. Schoomaker, 35th Army Chief of Staff Henry Hugh Shelton, Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff George P. Schultz, 60th United States Secretary of State and 62nd United States Secretary of the Treasury Lawrence H. Summers, President Emeritus of Harvard University Paul Wolfowitz, 25th U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense
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References
[1] http:/ / www. acp-usa. org [2] "Program Aids Veterans Entering Corporate World" - Washington Post (http:/ / www. washingtonpost. com/ wp-dyn/ content/ article/ 2008/ 09/ 06/ AR2008090602774. html) [3] http:/ / www. acp-advisornet. org [4] (http:/ / www. dallasnews. com/ sharedcontent/ dws/ news/ texassouthwest/ stories/ 111108dnbusmentors. 19e7d2b3a. html) [5] Simon, Cecilia Capuzzi. "Beyond the Bill." New York Times, 30 October 2008. [6] "Program helps connect Veterans to careers"- Norwalk The hour (http:/ / www. thehour. com/ story/ 458351)
External links
ACP official website (http://www.acp-usa.org) ACP AdvisorNet (http://www.acp-advisornet.org) "Vets Helping Vets" - CareerBuilder (http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/ CB-2790-Government-Vets-Helping-Vets/) "A Mentor Opens Doors" - Military Times EDGE (http://www.militarytimesedge.com/advancement/ career-development/edge_mentors_110711/) "Aon Program Aims to Ease Veterans' Transition to Workplace" - Crain's Chicago Business (http://www. chicagobusiness.com/article/20111103/veterans/311059997/ video-aon-program-aims-to-ease-veterans-transition-to-workplace) ACP in the Wall Street Journal (http://acp-usa.org/ACP_Program/ACP_In_The_News/battlefront-boardroom) "Program Aids Veterans Entering Corporate World" - Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/ wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/06/AR2008090602774.html) "Veterans Get Help in Breaching Corporate World" - Boston Globe (http://www.boston.com/news/nation/ articles/2008/09/08/veterans_get_help_in_breaching_corporate_world) Bodach, Jill."Program helps connect Veterans to careers." (http://www.thehour.com/story/458351) "Esprit de Corps: GIS Paired with Biz Mentors" - New York Post, June 2009 (http://www.nypost.com/seven/ 06012009/news/regionalnews/esprit_de_corp__171920.htm) "Will survival be a snap for Ritz Camera Centers?" - San Francisco Chronicle, The Bottom Line, July 2009 (http:/ /www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/23/BUHA18SNI1.DTL) "IBM-ers are mentors, too" - The News & Observer, July 2009 (http://blogs.newsobserver.com/business/ ibm-ers-are-mentors-too) "Harvard to Participate in Career Mentoring Program for Military Vets" - Harvard Gazette, February 2010 (http:// acp-usa.org/acp_program/acp_in_the_news/harvard-participate-career-mentoring-program-military-vets) "Group Eases Soldiers Back to Business" - Cincinnati Enquirer, March 2010 (http://acp-usa.org/acp_program/ acp_in_the_news/group-eases-soldiers-back-business) "Deloitte Offers Career Guidance to Veterans Returning from Iraq and Afghanistan" - Deloitte Press Release, March 2010 (http://acp-usa.org/acp_program/acp_in_the_news/ deloitte-offers-career-guidance-veterans-returning-iraq-and-afghanistan) "Warriors in the Workplace" - Fortune, March 2010 (http://acp-usa.org/acp_program/acp_in_the_news/ warriors-workplace) "PepsiCo and Waste Management Celebrate Earth Day with Announcement of Multi-year Partnership" - PepsiCo Press Release, April 2010 (http://acp-usa.org/acp_program/acp_in_the_news/ pepsico-and-waste-management-celebrate-earth-day-announcement-multi-year) "ACP and IBM Team Up in Raleigh, NC" - WRAL-5; CBC Local New, July 2010 (http://acp-usa.org/ acp_program/acp_in_the_news/acp-and-ibm-team-raleigh-nc) "New Online Toolkit Helps U.S. Veterans Start Their Own Businesses IBM and American Corporate Partners expand assistance for U.S. veterans" - IBM Press Release, July 2010 (http://acp-usa.org/acp_program/ acp_in_the_news/new-online-toolkit-helps-us-veterans-start-their-own-businesses)
American Corporate Partners "EFH Employees Enlist In Veteran Mentoring Program" - EFH Press Release, August 2010 (http://acp-usa.org/ acp_program/acp_in_the_news/efh-employees-enlist-veteran-mentoring-program) "Helping Veterans to Reconnect Mentors offer time, advice to ease transition back into workforce" - Harvard Gazette, September 2010 (http://acp-usa.org/acp_program/acp_in_the_news/helping-veterans-reconnect) "Basic Training: Rutgers and Prudential provide instruction for veterans" - The Star-Ledger, October 2010 (http:/ /acp-usa.org/acp_program/acp_in_the_news/ basic-training-rutgers-and-prudential-provide-instruction-veterans) "G.I. Jobs Magazine Recognizes Travelers as a Top Military Friendly Employer for Fourth Consecutive Year Travelers Announces Additional Military Initiative" - Travelers Press Release, November 2010 (http://acp-usa. org/acp_program/acp_in_the_news/gi-jobs-magazine-recognizes-travelers-top-military-friendly-employer-fou) "Columbia College Crystal Lake student shares his connection with American Corporate Partners" - Columbia College - Crystal Lake, November 2010 (http://acp-usa.org/acp_program/acp_in_the_news/ columbia-college--crystal-lake-student-shares-his-connection-american-c) "Their New Ally: Nonprofit pairs vets with biz-world mentors" - New York Post, November 2010 (http:// acp-usa.org/acp_program/acp_in_the_news/their-new-ally) "Aon to Work With American Corporate Partners on Career Mentoring Program for Veterans" - Aon Press Release, December 2010 (http://acp-usa.org/acp_program/acp_in_the_news/ aon-work-american-corporate-partners-career-mentoring-program-veterans) "In transition from military to business, he had to stop with the 'sir' and 'ma'am'" Chicago Business - Powered by Crain's, January 2011 (http://acp-usa.org/ACP_Program/ACP_In_The_News/ transition-military-business-he-had-stop-sir-and-maam) "Military Mentoring Program Participants Celebrate 2010 Accomplishments" EFH Press Release, January 2011 (http://acp-usa.org/ACP_Program/ACP_In_The_News/ military-mentoring-program-participants-celebrate-2010-accomplishments) "Volunteers help American veterans transition to civilian careers" - IBM Press Release, January 2011 (http:// acp-usa.org/ACP_Program/ACP_In_The_News/volunteers-help-american-veterans-transition-civilian-careers) "Mentoring Veterans for Corporate Success" - Charlotte Military News Examiner, January 2011 (http://acp-usa. org/ACP_Program/ACP_In_The_News/mentoring-veterans-corporate-success) "Battlefield to boardroom: Corporate execs mentor troops" - US Army News Service, March 2011 (http:// acp-usa.org/ACP_Program/ACP_In_The_News/battlefield-boardroom-corporate-execs-mentor-troops)
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External links
AGWVA Official Site [1]
References
[1] http:/ / www. americangulfwarveteransassociation. org
History
The American Veterans Center is an outgrowth of the World War II Veterans Committee which itself grew out of World War II Chronicles, a weekly radio series co-produced by Radio America(another project of the American Studies Center) and the national Archives. The WWII Veterans Committee was founded in 1996 and was responsible for several activities and projects. The Committees motto was "From the Greatest Generation to the Latest Generation", and most of their activities focused on educating America's youth about the legacy of the WWII generation. In 2005 the National Vietnam Veterans Committee was formed to pursue a parallel education mission for America's Vietnam veterans, and in 2006 both organizations were combined under the umbrella of the American Veterans Center, with the mission of honoring the service of all America's Veterans "From World War II to Operation Iraqi Freedom," as well as active duty personnel. Since the Combination of the two committees in 2006 the American Veterans Center has seen significant growth and has produced and sponsored numerous events and panels including the 2008 erection of a baseball field on Guam in honor of the fallen WWII hero and former MLB baseball player Jimmy Trimble. American Veterans Conference- Annually on Veterans Day Weekend in Washington D.C. National Memorial Day Parade- The Nation's largest Memorial Day Parade every year on Memorial Day in Washington D.C. American Valor Quarterly- A quarterly publication produced by the American Veterans Center with stories written by distinguished veterans and military historians. Veterans Chronicles with Gene Pell"-A weekly radio program produced and syndicated by Radio America airing live from 11:00 pm 12:00 am ET on Sunday
American Veterans Center Proudly We Hail-A weekly radio program syndicated by Radio America airing live from 12:00 am 1:00 am ET on Monday Andrew J. Goodpaster Lecture and Prize- Annual Lecture in Washington D.C. honoring a Scholarly Veteran who has distinguished themselves on and off the battlefield. Wounded Warrior dinners and receptions- Held in Washington D.C. and focused at honoring the veterans recovering at Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Hospital.
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American Veterans Center The Tuskegee Airmen-Honored Guest Flying Tigers-Honored Guest Doolittle Raiders-Honored Guest Pearl Harbor Survivors Association-Honored Guest United States Marine Corps Band-Honored Guest United States Air Force Band-Honored Guest
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American Veterans Center Lieutenant Colonel Bruce P. CrandallWalter EhlersJoseph L. GallowayFirst Lieutenant Pete HegsethCaptain Thomas J. Hudner, Jr.Grant IchikawaMarvin MargoshesSergeant Marco MartinezJames McEachinLieutenant General Harold G. "Hal" Moore, Jr.George Joe SakatoJohn Robert SlaughterCharles "Chuck" TatumMichael E. ThorntonColonel Warren WiedhahnSergeant Jeremiah Workman-
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Forms of Media
The American Veterans Center is involved in several different forms of media and outreach; this includes Radio, Television, Video, and Print. You can listen live [3] on the internet for free to both of the Veteran Center's radio programs ("Veterans Chronicles" and "Proudly We Hail")and can download the podcasts [4] of "Veterans Chronicles" at any time. The American Veterans Center has just recently launched its own YouTube Channel [5] where you can watch all the conference videos and event clips and can watch parade clips from all the past years. They also produce a quarterly magazine called "American Valor Quarterly" [6], which can also be read online. Many of the American Veterans Center's events are broadcast live on television and covered by national print and online media. By constantly adapting to changes in media the American Veterans Center has put themselves at the forefront of Veterans organizations in America.
External links
American Veterans Center Website [7] National Memorial Day Parade Website [1] Radio America Website-American Veterans Center Sister Organization [8] Veterans Chronicles Website [9] American Valor Quarterly Website [6] American Veterans Center YouTube Channel [5] Podcasts of Veterans Chronicles [4]
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References
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] http:/ / www. nationalmemorialdayparade. com/ http:/ / www. americanveteranscenter. org/ AVC_conference. html http:/ / www. radioamerica. org/ streaming. htm http:/ / www. radioamerica. org/ podcasting. htm http:/ / www. youtube. com/ user/ avcvideos http:/ / www. americanveteranscenter. org/ AVC_publications. html http:/ / www. americanveteranscenter. org/ http:/ / www. radioamerica. org/ http:/ / www. radioamerica. org/ PRG_veterans. htm
References
Cherokee Nation Office of Veterans Affairs [1] Cherokee Nation Warriors memorial [2] Cherokee Nation Veterans Ceremony [3] Cherokee Nation Warriors Memorial on Flicker [4]
References
[1] [2] [3] [4] http:/ / veterans. cherokee. org/ http:/ / www. cherokeephoenix. org/ 1564/ Article. aspx http:/ / www. muskogeephoenix. com/ local/ local_story_288130417. html http:/ / www. essortment. com/ photostream/ photo/ pictures-flags. aspx
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External links
Fleet Reserve Association Homepage [1]
FRA logo
References
[1] http:/ / www. fra. org/
Events
A flyer accompanying some donation requests sent to the general public in 2005 lists a number of programs and events that the Foundation sponsors or contributes to, including: Interaction with homeless shelters to identify and assist homeless veterans Providing holiday gift baskets to veterans unable to leave a hospital setting Contributions to local food banks Providing tickets and transportation to sporting events for hospital-bound veterans As noted above, financial contributions to Veterans Administration hospitals Publication of "US Veterans Review", the Foundation's official publication On-line reunion services to assist veterans in finding others they have served with
Management of a "Veterans Hiring Veterans" job assistance program General maintenance of a veterans communications network through electronic, print, and personal means
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Criticisms
FAV, however, does not provide financial details on its Web site.[2] Charity Navigator reports that as little as 6% of donated funds are spent on veterans' services.[3] They have been accused of harassment because of their persistent calling of anyone who can be identified as a veteran.[4]
GI Rights Network
The GI Rights Network is coalition of nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations that provide free and confidential information to United States military servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Most of the work of the Network is done through the GI Rights Hotline, but the Network also provides email counseling and live in-person counseling in some locales.[1] The Network also maintains a website with easy access to information about discharges, military regulations, GI rights, and other organizations; all information is available in both English and Spanish.
GI Rights Hotline
The Network provides non-directive counseling to callers, with a particular focus on discharges and filing grievances. Counselors do not provide legal advice, but can assist callers in finding lawyers in their area who can give them appropriate advice.[2] Calls to the official national Hotline number 877-447-4487 are routed to different "nodes" of the network based on the area code of the caller. Hotline counselors come from a variety of backgrounds and include veterans, mental health workers and attorneys, but most counselors are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice.
History
The Network began in 1994 as a coalition of several organizations committed to peace and non-violence activism. The Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors served as the agent for the coalition for several years by managing the coalition's website, administering the national toll free phone number, and providing funding for a national coordinator for the Network. In the fall of 2006, the Network members selected an "Advisory Council" to move the Network from an unincorporated association to a democratically operated corporation. The Network was incorporated in California in 2008. The Network member organizations adopted bylaws and elected a board of directors in 2009.
In the news
In Harper's Magazine March 2005 Kathy Dobie's cover story "AWOL in America" cites the GI Rights Network as "a national referral and counseling service for military personnel," and uses its counselors as sources for the story. "On August 23, 2004, I interviewed Robert Dove, a burly, bearded Quaker, in the Boston offices of the American Friends Service Committee, one of the groups involved with the hot line. Dove told me of getting frantic calls from the parents of recruits, and of recruits who are so appalled by basic training that they cant eat, they literally vomit every time they put a spoon to their mouths, theyre having nightmares and wetting their beds.
GI Rights Network In a Chicago Public Radio Interview "Going AWOL A Hotline that Helps GIs Consider Their Options," (12-12-06) GI Rights counselor, Steve Woolford, explains the reasons why many servicemen and women go AWOL form military service.[3] In her second place Hearst Journalism Award Winning features piece "Sincere Disapproval"[4] author Leah Lohse references the GI Rights Network for its expertise in dealing with conscientious objection. The story gives a view into the beliefs and struggles of one particular conscientious objector. A USA Today story on 4/1/2009, "Army investigating unfit soldiers sent to war," cited The GI Rights Hotline for assisting servicemembers who were being deployed with disabilities and other medical problems.[5] [Army Sgt. Jesse] Raymo said he and others had exhausted their efforts to complain to supervisors and felt their only recourse was working with the GI Rights Hotline to draft a petition outlining their claims of mistreatment to send to members of Congress. He said more than 200 signatures have been gathered, most of them from civilians, and another petition signing event is being planned.
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References
[1] GIRightshotline.org, "About the Network" (http:/ / www. girightshotline. org/ about/ index. shtml) [2] GIRightshotline.org, "About the Network" (http:/ / www. girightshotline. org/ about/ index. shtml) [3] (http:/ / www. wbez. org/ content. aspx?audioID=661) [4] (http:/ / hearstfdn. org/ hearst_journalism/ competitions. php?type=Writing& year=2007& id=2) [5] (http:/ / www. usatoday. com/ news/ military/ 2009-03-31-army-inquiry_N. htm) [6] GIRightsHotline.org - List of Member Groups (http:/ / www. girightshotline. org/ contact/ index. shtml) [7] (http:/ / www. sdmcp. org/ ) [8] American Friends Service Committee (http:/ / www. afsc. org) [9] (http:/ / rcnv. org/ ) [10] (http:/ / www. centeronconscience. org/ index. shtml) [11] (http:/ / www. mc-network. de/ ) [12] (http:/ / www. catholicpeacefellowship. org) [13] (http:/ / www. afsc. org/ newengland/ cambridge. htm) [14] (http:/ / quakerhouse. org)
GI Rights Network
[15] [16] [17] [18] (http:/ / www. warresisters. org/ ) (http:/ / okgirightshotline. org/ ) (http:/ / abqpeaceandjustice. org/ gihotline. html) (http:/ / www. flinthillsgirights. com)
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Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), is an advocacy group dedicated to United States veterans of the War in Iraq and War in Afghanistan. Founded in 2004, IAVA the first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for new veterans. With over 200,000 Member Veterans and supporters nationwide, IAVA's role is to support the 2.4 million veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Legislative Victories
IAVA shepherded passage of the New GI Bill in 2008, was instrumental in getting Advanced Appropriations signed into law in 2009, made critical advances in VA Disability Reform in 2010, was a major player in passing the Vow to Hire Heroes Act in 2011 and is focused on defending attacks to the New GI Bill in 2012.
Board of Directors
Edward Vick, Board Chairman. Edward Vick is a former Naval officer who served two tours of duty during the Vietnam War and received two Bronze Star Medals with Combat V, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. His business career was spent in the marketing communications business, including most recently, the chairmanship of Young & Rubicam Advertising and its parent, Young & Rubicam Inc. Wes Moore, veteran, author, and former White House Fellow and Special Assistant to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, is on the board of directors. A paratrooper and Captain in the United States Army, he served a combat tour of duty in Afghanistan with the elite 1st Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division. Wes spearheaded the American strategic support plan for the Afghan Reconciliation Program that unites former insurgents with the new Afghan Government. Wes completed an MLitt in International Relations from Oxford University as a Rhodes
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Scholar. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Johns Hopkins University in 2001 with a degree in international relations. He is authoring a book published by Random House due for a highly anticipated 2010 release. Wes was recently named one of Ebony (magazine) Magazines Top 30 Leaders Under 30 for 2007 and one of Crains New York top 40 young business leaders under 40. Les Gelb Leslie (Les) Howard Gelb is a former correspondent for The New York Times and is currently President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations. He is also a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.Les was director of Policy Planning and Arms Control for International Security Affairs at the Department of Defense from 1967 to 1969, winning the Pentagons highest award, the Distinguished Service Award. Robert McNamara appointed Gelb as director of the project that produced the infamous Pentagon Papers, on the Vietnam War. He was an Assistant Secretary of State in the Carter Administration from 1977 to 1979, serving as director of the Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs and winning the Distinguished Honor Award, the highest award of the US State Department. He was a diplomatic correspondent at The New York Times from 1973 to 1977; between 1981 and 1993 he served in various positions, including national security correspondent, deputy editorial page editor, editor of the Op-Ed Page, and columnist. He was a leading member of the Times team that won a Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Journalism in 1986 for a six-part comprehensive series on the Strategic Defense Initiative. Les became President of the Council on Foreign Relations in 1993 and is now President Emeritus. He received a B.A. from Tufts University in 1959, and an M.A. in 1961 and Ph.D. in 1964 from Harvard University. From 1964-1967 he was Assistant Professor of Government at Wesleyan University. Rosanne Haggerty is the founder of Common Ground (NYC) Community, a not-for-profit housing development and management organization in New York City, which provides innovative housing opportunities for homeless adults. Common Ground is the largest developer of supportive housing in the United States. The organizations work has been widely imitated both in the US and abroad. Rosanne received her BA from Amherst College and is currently pursuing an MA at the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Historic Preservation. Prior to founding Common Ground in 1990, she was the coordinator of housing development at Brooklyn Catholic Charities. In addition to her role as executive director of Common Ground, Rosanne serves as a trustee of Amherst College and the Folger Shakespeare Library, a director of the Times Square Business Improvement District and of the Dwelling Place Women's Shelter. She is a board member of New York Citys Citizens Housing and Planning Council and the Centre for Urban Community Services. Perry Jefferies served as a First Sergeant with the Armys 4th Infantry Division in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After deploying to Iraq and traveling with the cavalry through the Sunni Triangle, his unit moved to the Iran-Iraq border and set up Camp Caldwell, future home of the new Iraqi Army. Perry joined the Army after enlisting in the Texas National Guard and served in Korea, Germany, and the United States before deploying to Iraq. He was awarded the Bronze Star for service in Iraq. He has served in infantry, armor, and cavalry units as a cavalry scout, platoon sergeant, first sergeant, supply sergeant, and as an instructor at the ArmorSchool at FortKnox. He retired in 2004 and was awarded the Legion of Merit. He is a member of the Order of Saint George for service to Armor and Cavalry. A graduate of PierceCollege in Washington, he works with the Armed Services Blood Program at FortHood and is a founding member of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Yannick Marchal is currently an exotic derivatives trader at Deutsche Bank in London in the Foreign Exchange Complex Risk group. He co-founded IAVA with Paul in 2004 and acted as IAVAs Chief Operating Officer through December 2005. Prior to his time at IAVA, Yannick worked in the Investment Banking and Equity Research divisions at JPMorgan for over three years. He graduated cum laude from Stern Undergraduate Business School in January 2000 and received an MBA from INSEAD, class of December 2006, with distinction. Craig Newmark A web-oriented software engineer by training, with 30 years of IT experience at companies such as IBM and Bank of America, Craig Newmark now spends his days working as a customer service rep at Craigslist.org. In 1995, while Craig was working at Charles Schwab, he started craigslist as an email list for friends and co-workers about events going on in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 1999, Craig retired from IT consulting to work full-time on
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Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America craigslist. What started as a fun side project in Craigs living room has since grown into one of the busiest sites on the internet, helping people with basic day-to-day needs such as finding a job, an apartment and a date, all within a culture of trust. Craig is involved with a variety of community efforts and is particularly interested in organizations promoting public diplomacy, Middle East peace and new forms of media such as participatory journalism. He sits on the boards of Sunlight Foundation, OneVoice, FactCheckED, and VotoLatino. Craig graduated from Case Western University.
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Activities
From their website, the group "addresses critical issues facing new veterans and their families, including mental health injuries, a stretched VA system, inadequate health care for female veterans, and GI Bill educational benefits. IAVA also provides valuable resources and empowers veterans to connect with one another, fostering a strong and lasting community."[2] The group uses Facebook and other forms of social media to connect veterans.[3]
References
[1] http:/ / iava. org/ [2] (http:/ / iava. org/ content/ iava-mission-and-history) [3] Ryan, John (November 21, 2010). "Facebook, similar media draw veterans together" (http:/ / www. usatoday. com/ news/ military/ 2010-11-22-vetsocialmedia22_ST_N. htm). USA Today. . Retrieved 2012-06-28.
External links
Official homepage (http://iava.org/) Nonprofit Research Collection on Veteran Health (http://www.issuelab.org/closeup/May_2008) With Guest Editorialist Vanessa Williamson, Published on IssueLab Defense Centers of Excellence DCoE Telehealth and Technology Resources for Returning Home (http://www. afterdeployment.org/web/guest/home)
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Mission statement
The current mission statement of the organization, from their website, states [1] To promote the social welfare of the community (that is, to promote in some way, the common good and general welfare of the people of the community); To assist disabled and needy war veterans and members of the U. S. Armed Forces and their dependents and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans; To provide entertainment, care, and assistance to hospitalized veterans or members of the U.S. Armed Forces; To carry on programs to perpetuate the memory of deceased veterans and members of the Armed Forces and to comfort their survivors; To conduct programs for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes; To sponsor or participate in activities of a patriotic nature; To provide insurance benefits for its members or dependents of its members or both; or To provide social and recreational activities for its members.
Structure
The IWVO structures itself into two groups. Members are veterans who join the IWVO but do not take any leadership role. Member Representatives are organized by state, and represent the IWVO and its directors in each state. Member Representatives provide support and outreach to their respective states. Most states have multiple representatives. In addition, some Member Representatives are directors for the organization. These include the National Legislative Director, National Media Director, National Membership Director, Chaplain, and other positions that the directors and founder create.[1] Since inception, the IWVO has created a structure of a Commander and a series of Vice Commanders, similar to that of other veterans organizations.[2]
Events
In late 2004, the IWVO began planning with Challenge Aspen, an adaptive sports organization based in Aspen Colorado, for a winter ski clinic to benefit IWVO members who were wounded in the war. IWVO National Legislative Director Daniel Rosenthal organized the trip, and within three weeks of its conception, six soldiers, sailors and marines attended the clinic. Five of the sailors and marines were from Balboa Naval Medical Center in San Diego, CA. The sixth soldier was from Tallahassee, Florida, and was in the same unit as Rosenthal, who also attended. The event was a success, and has become an annual event, though due to shakeups within Challenge Aspen, its future is in doubt. In 2005, a summer version of the clinic was founded, with more than 30 veterans attending, and is expected to also become an annual event.
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PTSD
The IWVO is home to an MSN group that claims to be the largest internet based PTSD support group for veterans and family members of the Iraq War. At least one and possibly more of the posters are psychologists and several are experienced in the VA system. On January 28, 2006 a funeral was held for IWVO Alabama member representative Douglas Barber. Barber was a PTSD speaker and lecturer who had been featured on the blog circuit in several interviews. Barber took his own life January 16, 2006 while on the phone with the IWVO Media Director Bob Page, and while founder Russell Terry was on with Bob. Also see: Benefits for US Veterans with PTSD
"These soldiers are coming home from Iraq with all kinds of problems," Terry says. "They go to the VA for treatment, and they're turned away. They're told, 'No, you have a pre-existing condition, something from childhood.'" That leap in logic boils Terry's blood. "Everybody receives a psychological screening when they join the military. What I want to know is, if all these soldiers really did have a severe [5] pre-existing condition, how did they get into the military in the first place?"
Kors' article notes that personality disorder discharges have been a priority for the IWVO since early 2006.[5]
External links
Iraq War Veterans Organization website [6]
References
[1] [2] [3] [4] Iraq War Veterans Organization - Welcome Home Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans (http:/ / www. iraqwarveterans. org) IWVO mailing list "Message from the commander" (http:/ / www. iraqwarveterans. org) Scoop: Pentagon Cheats Iraqi Veterans Out Of Medical Care (http:/ / www. scoop. co. nz/ stories/ HL0704/ S00027. htm) Political Affairs Magazine - Pentagon Cheats Iraq War Vets Out of Medical Care and Benefits (http:/ / www. politicalaffairs. net/ article/ view/ 5069/ 1/ 46) [5] U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (http:/ / www. sanders. senate. gov/ news/ record. cfm?id=272773) [6] http:/ / www. iraqwarveterans. org
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The Military Officers Association of America, or MOAA, is an association of 370,000 military officers, including active duty, retired, National Guard, Reserve, and former officers and their families. It is an independent, nonprofit, and politically nonpartisan organization. MOAA's focus includes military personnel matters, especially in regards to legislation affecting the MOAA community. The organization was called The Retired Officers Association (TROA) from its founding in 1929 to 2003, after a vote of members to change the name. [1] Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, MOAA is governed by a board of directors consisting of 36 officers from the seven uniformed services:[2] the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The current Chairman of the Board is retired United States Marine Corps General Richard I. Neal.[3] Membership is open to active duty, retired, National Guard, Reserve, former commissioned officers, and warrant officers of the uniformed services.
References
[1] "Mission and History" (http:/ / www. moaa. org/ about/ about_mission. htm). Military Officers Association of America. . Retrieved 1 September 2011. [2] "About MOAA Leadership" (http:/ / www. moaa. org/ about/ about_leadership/ index. htm). MOAA. . Retrieved 8 March 2009. [3] "Chairman of the Board: Gen Richard I. Neal, USMC-Ret." (http:/ / www. moaa. org/ about_bod_2010_neal. htm). Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). . Retrieved 8 March 2009.
External links
Official website (http://www.moaa.org/) MOAA chapter locator (http://www.moaa.org/comm/comm_chapters/index.htm)
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History
The Order was founded on December 13, 1894 in the office of Frank M. Avery in the Tribune Building in New York City. The first signer of the Order's "Institution" (founding document) was Major General Fitz John Porter who was a veteran of both the Mexican War and the Civil War. Eighteen others signed the Institution of which five were Mexican War veterans, 9 were descendants of American Revolutionary War officers and four who were descendants of officers who served in the War of 1812. The resultant Order was initially known as the Military and Naval Order of the United States and was organized and later incorporated under that name. Its hereditary line of descent spans the period of American history since national independence during the Revolutionary War. Initially membership in the Order was limited to officer veterans (and their hereditary descendants) of the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Mexican War and for the first two years of its existence membership categories were limited to Veteran and Hereditary Companions. In April 1895, the name of the Order was officially changed to its present name, The Military Order of Foreign Wars of the United States. The influence of the Order spread rapidly and soon Commanderies were formed in other States. It was deemed advisable to form a National Commandery to centralize and coordinate the activities of the various State Commanderies, and which would have general supervision and control over the policies and activities of the Order. The National Commandery was founded at a joint meeting of the individual State Commanderies in March 1896. In 1896 the membership category of Honorary Companion was created. President William McKinley, Lieutenant General Nelson A. Miles and Lieutenant General John M. Schofield were some of the earliest Honorary Companions. In 1928, a fourth membership status (Junior Companion) was created. In 1969, Companionship was extended to officer veterans and their descendants who served during a foreign war or expedition and to those who served in an enlisted status and were later commissioned. The membership of the Order and the number of State Commanderies over the 100 years of the Order's existence has fluctuated typically increasing after the end of a war and declining during times of peace. The Order's stringent and high eligibility requirements make it difficult for the Order to recruit members in large numbers. However, this selectivity has enabled the Order to sustain itself for over 100 years because it continues to fill its ranks with individuals of the highest caliber, patriotism, loyalty, and character. The motto of the Military Order of Foreign Wars is the Latin phrase, Deus et Libertas, God and Liberty. The War and Navy Departments, and later the Department of Defense, under various resolutions of Congress, gave recognition to the Order and permitted the wearing of its insignia on uniforms.
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Recent Commanders-General
Colonel Richard H. Love (19771979) Major General James C. McElroy (19871989) Commander Thomas F. Wiener (19891991) Colonel Versel Case, Jr. (19951997) Lieutenant Colonel Ronald R. Sommer (19971999) Colonel Joseph P. Kirlin (19992001) Captain Ronald E. Fischer (20012003) Major General John J. Salesses (20032005)
Noteworthy Companions
Among the early Veteran Companions of the Order were: Admiral of the Fleet George Dewey - Hero of the Battle of Manila Bay Rear Admiral Stephen B. Luce - Founder of the Naval War College Rear Admiral John L. Worden - Commanding officer of the USS Monitor Rear Admiral William T. Sampson - Leader of the Naval Campaign in Cuba Rear Admiral Winfield Scott Schley - Hero the Battle of Santiago Rear Admiral Charles D. Sigsbee - Captain of the Armored Cruiser USS Maine Colonel Theodore Roosevelt - Hero of the Battle of San Juan Hill and future President Lieutenant Colonel John Jacob Astor IV - Reputed wealthiest man in the United States, died on the RMS Titanic in 1912 Lieutenant Colonel (future General) Tasker H. Bliss - Future Army Chief of Staff First Lieutenant (future General of the Armies John J. Pershing - Future commander of the American Expeditionary Force and Army Chief of Staff (Source - Register of the Military Order of the Foreign Wars, 1900.) Companions who joined the Order on later dates include: General of the Army Douglas MacArthur - Army Chief of Staff, Commander Southwest Pacific Area and United Nations Commander during the Korean War General of the Army and President of the United States Dwight D. Eisenhower - Army Chief of Staff and Supreme Allied Commander in Europe Admiral of the Fleet William Halsey - Commander of the 3rd Fleet in Second World War Major General Smedley Butler, USMC - Two time Medal of Honor recipient General Alexander Haig - NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Secretary of State
References
[1] http:/ / www. hereditary. us/ chrono. htm [2] http:/ / www. mofwus. org
External links
MOFW National Website (http://www.mofwus.org)
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References
[1] "About NABVETS" (http:/ / www. nabvets. org/ index. php/ nabvets/ about-nabvets/ ). National Association for Black Veterans, Inc.. . Retrieved 2009-09-27.
External links
National Association for Black Veterans (http://www.nabvets.com/) Home page
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Estimates of how many homeless veterans there currently are on the streets of the US vary because it is difficult to conduct a census of the homeless population.[7] Dr. Jon Nachison, one of the original co-founders of the San Diego Stand Down, believes that "it's somewhere around 250,000." "Close to 40% of the homeless are veterans," according to Gary Parker, Program Director at VVSD (Veterans Village of San Diego).[8] "With the influx of veterans coming back from the current conflicts, we expect those numbers to rise." Parker himself was a homeless veteran for a period of time and now works with homeless veterans who have committed to a one-year program onsite at the Veterans Village of San Diego, formerly known as Vietnam Veterans of San Diego.[9]
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans When Dr. Nachison and fellow Vietnam veteran, Robert Van Keuren created the Stand Down in 1988, "Their basic premise was that this would be a community intervention which encouraged wide participation among service providers, both veteran specific and general, and sought the opinions of homeless veterans themselves to make known what was needed to get them off the streets and reintegrated into the community as productive members."[11] Al Pavich, Former Commander and CEO Emeritus of VVSD (Veterans Village of San Diego), who helped coordinate the Stand Down, said "We had enough meals for 150 and 700 showed up." Since its inception, Stand Down has assisted thousands of homeless veterans.[12]
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National Coalition for Homeless Veterans Many cities in upstate New York have launched initiatives on this front via cooperation between Syracuse's branch of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and The VA. Since the VA was created in 2008, permanent housing has been provided for around 329 homeless veteran out of the estimated 131,000 that can be found on any given night in America. New York, Florida, Texas, California, and Oregon together contain around half of these homeless veterans. Housing Authorities in cities such as Rome, Albany, Syracuse, Rochester and Amherst, have all been steadily increasing the number of homeless veterans put in permanent housing in the past year. The joint collaboration is known as HUD's Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing Program, or HUD-VASH Program. HUD-VASH reaches homeless veterans through local Veteran Affairs Medical Centers, which are located in all the aforementioned cities. Vouchers are then provided to local housing agencies to be distributed to homeless veterans based on need and prevalence. These veterans rent privately owned housing while only devoting 30% of their income to the rent: HUD-VASH covers the rest.[17]
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Notes
[1] [2] [3] [4] NCHV, About Us: "Who is NCHV?" (http:/ / nchv. org/ page. cfm?id=101) NCHV Fact Sheet, "A Voice Respected by Congress" (http:/ / www. nchv. org/ docs/ nchv organization factsheet. pdf) http:/ / theinvisibleones. com/ Former Commander and CEO Emeritus of VVSD, Al Pavich
[5] Zoroya, Gregg (March 3, 2005). "Brain trauma ails troops" (http:/ / www. usatoday. com/ news/ nation/ 2005-03-03-brain-trauma-lede_x. htm). USA Today. . [6] http:/ / www. nchv. org/ page. cfm?id=213 [7] Dr. Jon Nachison, San Diego, California, 2008 [8] http:/ / vvsd. net/ [9] http:/ / theinvisibleones. com/ [10] (http:/ / www. eastcountymagazine. org/ homeless_vets_259) [11] http:/ / www. vvsd. net/ standdown_meaning. htm [12] http:/ / www. vvsd. net/ standdown_meaning. htm [13] "Remarks by Secretary Eric K. Shinseki," 11/3/09 (http:/ / www1. va. gov/ opa/ speeches/ 2009/ 09_1103. asp) [14] http:/ / nchv. org/ news_article. cfm?id=632 [15] "VETS News Release,"08/05/2011 (http:/ / www. dol. gov/ opa/ media/ press/ vets/ VETS20111184. htm) [16] U.S. Department of Labor (August 9, 2011). "US Labor Department announces more than $5.4 million in job training grants to benefit homeless veterans" (http:/ / www. natlawreview. com/ article/ us-labor-department-announces-more-54-million-job-training-grants-to-benefit-homeless-vetera). The National Law Review. . [17] "VA and HUD Join Together to Support Homeless Veterans!" 1/3/11 (http:/ / www. syracuse. va. gov/ newsroom/ docs/ syr_010311. pdf)
External links
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans' Homepage (http://www.nchv.org/index.cfm) The Invisible Ones Homeless Combat Veterans Documentary (http://www.theinvisibleones.org) Department of Veterans Affairs' Homeless Veterans Homepage (http://www1.va.gov/Homeless/) Veterans Village of San Diego and San Diego Stand Down (http://www.vvsd.net) New York State Division of Veteran's Affairs: Homeless Veterans (http://veterans.ny.gov/homeless_vet.html)
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Purpose/focus "To provide a free resource to aid in the transition of veterans from military to civilian life by helping them find jobs, providing a network of other veterans, and providing job placement assistance." Headquarters New Haven, Connecticut Staff 5 Full-time Employees
The New Battlefront Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to aid veterans of the United States Armed Forces in their transition from military to civilian life. The New Battlefront Foundation (NWB) was "founded and operated by a disabled combat veteran" in order to "provide help navigating some of the troubles faced during a veteran's 'new battle' found upon returning home."[1]
History
The New Battlefront Foundation was founded in 2010 by Ryan Cleckner, a current law student[2] and former United States Army Ranger, Sniper, and combat veteran[3][4][5] dedicated to raising veterans' issues awareness[6][7] who was featured as one of the "Dozen Who Make a Difference"[8][9] by the Connecticut Law Tribune.
Services
The New Battlefront Foundation serves as a source for veterans to receive help and for volunteers to help provide the assistance needed. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs provides support to veterans and is overseen by the United States Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Veterans may receive assistance from the NBF in 3 main resource areas[10], Education[11], Employment[12], and Healthcare[13].
Education
The GI Bill and its benefits are explained to veterans as they are given help applying for and preparing for college. Volunteers provide assistance filling out the required paperwork and the veteran network supports veterans throughout their education.
Employment
A free job listing and searching database is provided for veterans to find jobs and potential employers to hire veterans. Resume writing assistance and job preparation advice is given.
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Healthcare
Veterans are provided help navigating the Veterans Health Administration via informational articles, community support, and volunteer advocates. Assistance filing a disability claim and getting enrolled in the health care system is provided. A special emphasis on PTSD counseling is provided[14].
References
[1] About Us (http:/ / www. newbattlefront. org/ index. php?option=com_content& view=category& layout=blog& id=43& Itemid=59), New Battlefront Foundation, , retrieved 2010-02-23 [2] Law students strive to make school forerunner in veterans advocacy (http:/ / law. quinnipiac. edu/ x362. xml), Quinnipiac University, November 23, 2009, [3] Kates, William (April 5, 2002), "Troops Back at Ft. Drum After Afghanistan Campaign" (http:/ / news. google. com/ newspapers?id=fOQrAAAAIBAJ& sjid=WQUGAAAAIBAJ& pg=2811,651470), Kentucky New Era, archived by Google News [4] Hart, Marcia (April 19, 2002), "Rangers Returning Home from Afghanistan" (http:/ / public. carson. army. mil/ sites/ pao/ mountaineer/ archives/ 2002 Archive/ 04-19-02. htm), The Mountaineer, Ft. Carson News (United States Army Public Affairs Office), [5] Tanner, Stephen (2002, 2009), Afghanistan: A Military History from Alexander the Great to the War Against the Taliban (http:/ / books. google. com/ books?id=J3pUS_-uD-oC& printsec=frontcover& dq=Afghanistan:+ A+ Military+ History+ from+ Alexander+ the+ Great+ to+ the+ War+ Against& cd=1#v=onepage& q=& f=false), Cambridge, Mass: Da Capo Press, p.319, ISBN978-0-306-81826-4, Google Book Search. Retrieved on February 24, 2010. [6] Solup, Jessica (December 9, 2009), "Grad students call for veteran recognition" (http:/ / www. quchronicle. com/ 2009/ 12/ grad-students-call-for-veteran-recognition/ ), QU Chronicle, [7] Marchi, Jason (January 21, 2010), "Ryan Cleckner: Fighting for our Veterans" (http:/ / www. theday. com/ article/ 20100121/ NWS10/ 301219744), North Haven Courier (Shore Publishing), archived by TheDay.com . [8] Dozen Who Make A Difference (http:/ / www. ctlawtribune. com/ getarticle. aspx?ID=35876), Connecticut Law Tribune, December 21, 2009, [9] DeMerell, Robin (December 21, 2009), "Finding a New Way to Fight" (http:/ / www. ctlawtribune. com/ getarticle. aspx?ID=35868), Connecticut Law Tribune, [10] Veteran Resources (http:/ / www. newbattlefront. org/ index. php?option=com_content& view=section& id=8& Itemid=76), New Battlefront Foundation, , retrieved 2010-02-23 [11] Education Assistance (http:/ / www. newbattlefront. org/ index. php?option=com_content& view=category& layout=blog& id=47& Itemid=81), New Battlefront Foundation, , retrieved 2010-02-23 [12] Employment Assistance (http:/ / www. newbattlefront. org/ index. php?option=com_content& view=category& layout=blog& id=46& Itemid=80), New Battlefront Foundation, , retrieved 2010-02-23 [13] Healthcare (http:/ / www. newbattlefront. org/ index. php?option=com_content& view=category& layout=blog& id=51& Itemid=121), New Battlefront Foundation, , retrieved 2010-02-23 [14] National Center for PTSD (http:/ / www. ptsd. va. gov/ ),
Operation Homefront
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Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides emergency assistance for U.S. military troops, the families they leave behind, and wounded warriors when they return home.[1] The organization raises funds to provide emergency, financial, and morale assistance to families while troops are participating in a tour of duty. Operation Homefront has more than 4,000 volunteers and two dozen chapters nationwide. Since its creation in 2002 by Meredith Leyva of CINChouse.com, and Amy Palmer [2], currently COO of the organization, Operation Homefront has met over 434,000 needs of military families and military personnel returning from duty.[3]
Achievements
Operation Homefront served over 400,000 needs of military In 2010, we met 167,348 needs for military families, including active duty, Guard and Reserve members from all branches of service. Since its inception, Operation Homefront has provided more than $92 million dollars of funding to programs to benefit military families. Operation Homefront is featured in a new national campaign sponsored by Outback Steakhouse. Operation Homefront has received a 4 star Charity Navigator rating,[4] the highest award offered.
References
[1] "Operation Homefront: Supporting our troops and helping the families they leave behind" (http:/ / www. operationhomefront. net/ ). . Retrieved 2008-06-01. [2] http:/ / www. operationhomefront. net/ about. aspx?id=1945 [3] Mark Martin (2007-12-26). "The homefront: serving those left behind" (http:/ / www. cbn. com/ cbnnews/ 290710. aspx). CBNNews.com. . Retrieved 2008-06-01. [4] (http:/ / www. charitynavigator. org/ index. cfm?bay=search. summary& orgid=10849) [5] http:/ / www. operationhomefront. net/ mcoy/ [6] http:/ / www. operationhomefront. net/ mcoy. aspx?id=15150 [7] http:/ / www. operationhomefront. net/ mcoy. aspx?id=18178
1. http:/ / www. operationhomefront. net/ mcoy/ 2. http:/ / www. operationhomefront. net/ mcoy. aspx?id=15150 3. http://www.operationhomefront.net/mcoy.aspx?id=18178
External links
Operation Homefront (http://www.operationhomefront.net)
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2008 "The Pets for Vets program is dedicated to providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with [1] Americas veterans who could benefit from a companion animal." http:/ / www. pets-for-vets. com/
Website
Pets for Vets is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the United States dedicated to providing a second chance to shelter dogs by rescuing, training and matching them with American veterans who need a companion pet.[2]
History
Pets for Vets was founded on 10/21/2009 by animal behaviorist and trainer, Clarissa Black, who was looking for a way to help American veterans who were suffering from combat stress and other emotional issues related to their service.[3] Many Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans suffer physical and emotional injuries making it difficult to transition back to civilian life.[4][5][6][7] Pets for Vets [8] helps military veterans reclaim normalcy in their lives through companion dogs. Each companion dog is rescued in connection with local animal rescue groups. They are then given basic obedience training and any additional training that will help them assimilate into their new lives and then finally placed in their "forever" home.
Issues addressed
Estimates that anywhere from one in eight[9] to one in five of all Iraq war veterans have some degree of PTSD and two thirds of those who screened positive for PTSD are not receiving treatment.[10] People who suffer from PTSD experience anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, flashbacks, and extreme wariness. It may manifest right away or show up months or even years later. Some of those who suffer from PTSD commit suicide.[11][12][13] According to the ASPCA, every year between 6 and 8 million dogs and cats are abandoned at shelters in the United States. Nationally five out of ten shelter dogs and seven out of ten shelter cats are euthanized because there is no one to adopt them from the shelter[14] These dogs and cats can make excellent companion animals but never have that chance.
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External links
Pets for Vets [27] official website National CBS news story on Pets for Vets [28] CNN news story on Pets for Vets [29] Treatment of PTSD [30] Department of Veterans Affairs [31] Iraq War Veterans Organization, Inc. [32] Post - traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms, Treatment, and Self-Help [33]
References
[1] "What We Do" (http:/ / www. pets-for-vets. com/ whatwedo. html). Pets for Vets. . Retrieved 15 November 2011. [2] Pets for Vets website About Us (http:/ / www. pets-for-vets. com/ aboutus. html) and How You Can Help. (http:/ / www. pets-for-vets. com/ howyoucanhelp. html) Retrieved May 21, 2010. [3] Pets for Vets (http:/ / www. pets-for-vets. com), Retrieved 10.08.09 [4] "Marine Corps Offers Yoga, Massages to Marriages Strained by War" (http:/ / www. foxnews. com/ story/ 0,2933,344991,00. html). Fox News. Associated Press. 2008-04-02. . Retrieved 2008-04-03. [5] Dixon, Laura (February 28, 2009). "Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry accuses Government of neglecting soldiers" (http:/ / www. timesonline. co. uk/ tol/ news/ politics/ article5819059. ece). London: Times Online. . Retrieved 2009-08-29. [6] Hickley, Matthew; Hope, Jenny (2009-03-02). "British troops in Afghanistan face mental health timebomb 'on the scale of Vietnam' | Mail Online" (http:/ / www. dailymail. co. uk/ news/ article-1158350/ Troops-face-mental-trauma-scale-Vietnam. html). London: Dailymail.co.uk. . Retrieved 2009-08-29. [7] "UK | Full interview: L/Cpl Johnson Beharry" (http:/ / news. bbc. co. uk/ 1/ hi/ uk/ 7916852. stm). BBC News. 2009-02-28. . Retrieved 2009-08-29. [8] http:/ / www. pets-for-vets. com [9] MSNBC - Mental Health (http:/ / www. msnbc. msn. com/ id/ 5334479/ ), Retrieved 10.08.09 [10] Atlanta Metro News-Research: War feeds depression and PTSD (http:/ / www. ajc. com/ metro/ content/ printedition/ 2008/ 04/ 18/ irmental0418. html), Retrieved 10.08.09
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Services
The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network originally defined its purpose as bringing an end to the U.S. military's DADT policy, which from 1993 to 2011 prohibited gays, lesbians and bisexuals from serving openly in the military, either by repeal of the statute that enacted it or by winning a judgement against the policy in the courts. It planned to monitor the dismantling of the policy in order to protect servicemembers during that process and then to serve as a watchdog for the right to serve in the U.S. military without regard to "actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity or militarily appropriate gender expression". It includes within the scope of its mission all active duty, National Guard, reserves, and officer training programs. SLDN provides free legal advice and assistance service members and potential recruits. It works with veterans organizations and allied organizations on behalf of their shared goals.
Legal actions
In June 2008, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled against SLDN in Cook v. Gates, in which SLDN's twelve clients sought reinstatement in the military after being discharged under DADT.[4] In December 2010, the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act established a process of review by senior military personnel designed to dismantle the DADT policy. In response, in January 2011, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network produced its own plan for ending the policy.[5] The DADT policy ended in September 2011.[6]
Lady Gaga addresses the crowd at the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network DADT "4the14K" rally in Portland, Maine, on September 20, 2010.
On October 27, 2011, SLDN sued the Department of Defense, challenging Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and two statutes that detail military benefits.[7] In a November 21 filing, SLDN argued:[8] Any claim that DOMA, as applied to military spousal benefits, survives rational basis review is strained because paying unequal benefits to service members runs directly counter to the military values of uniformity, fairness and unit cohesion. While there was once a debate as to whether gay and lesbian service members should be allowed to serve openly in the armed forces -- just as there were similar debates regarding integrating the military by race and then by gender -- there never has been any debate as to whether similarly situated service members who do the same work deserve the same benefits.
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network The case, McLaughlin v. Panetta, was put on hold at the request of both sides in anticipation of the outcome of two other First Circuit cases that were being appealed, Gill v. Office of Personnel Management and Massachusetts v. United States Department of Health and Human Services.[9] On February 17, 2012, the DOJ announced it could not defend the constitutionality of the statutes challenged in the case and passed the defense to the BLAG.[10] As of May 2012, the parties were disputing the BLAG's right to intervene.[11]
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Criticism
SLDN has been criticized by parts of the transsexual and intersex communities for excluding them from "Freedom to Serve" events and activism during the DADT debate.[12] Transsexual and Intersex servicemembers are banned from serving openly in the US Military under a "Medical Ban". This ban enforces DADT-style investigations,[13] though unlike DADT can be used to launch criminal proceedings against servicemembers. Throughout its existence, SLDN has refused to state their position on how these bans should be repealed while it has claimed to be the premier LGBTI military rights organization in the U.S. SLDN has also received criticism for presenting the "Barry Winchell Courage Award", named for Barry Winchell, an Army private who was murdered after it was discovered that he was dating transsexual activist and actress Calpernia Addams. SLDN have claimed that Winchell was gay. Addams and others have stated that Winchell was heterosexual.[14][15]
Notes
[1] Conduct Unbecoming: 3rd Annual Report on Dont Ask, Dont Tell, Dont Pursue (http:/ / books. google. com/ books?id=Cpnj0Nm6dmYC) C. Dixon Osburn, Michelle M. Benecke, Kirk Childress. DIANE Publishing, 1997. ISBN 0-7881-4678-5, ISBN 978-0-7881-4678-7. [2] San Diego Community News: Momentum on the Midway fund-raiser returns to San Diego (http:/ / www. gaylesbiantimes. com/ ?id=5728) Gay and Lesbian Times, 1 September 2005; Issue 923. [3] SLDN: "Stronger. Together. SLDN, OutServe Boards Announce Intent to Combine," July 2, 2012 (http:/ / www. sldn. org/ news/ archives/ stronger. -together. -sldn-outserve-boards-announce-intent-to-combine/ ), accessed July 2, 2012 [4] SLDN: Cook v. Gates (http:/ / sldn. 3cdn. net/ cc3a6f392d47a745fc_3nm6b5jrk. pdf), accessed July 11, 2011 [5] "Next Steps for 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal" (http:/ / www. sldn. org/ pages/ next-steps-for-dont-ask-dont-tell-repeal), accessed July 11, 2011 [6] http:/ / latimesblogs. latimes. com/ nationnow/ 2011/ 09/ dont-ask-dont-tell-officially-repealed. html [7] MetroWeekly: Chris Geidner, "SLDN Files DOMA Challenge, Seeking Equal Benefits for Same-Sex Military Spouses," October 27, 2011 (http:/ / metroweekly. com/ poliglot/ 2011/ 10/ sldn-files-doma-challenge-seek. html), accessed February 17, 2012 [8] MetroWeekly: Chris Geidner, "SLDN Lawyers Tell Court 'American Servicemembers and Their Families Are Among DOMA's Victims'," November 21, 2011 (http:/ / metroweekly. com/ poliglot/ 2011/ 11/ sldn-lawyers-tell-court-americ. html), accessed February 17, 2012 [9] MetroWeekly: Chris Geidner, "SLDN, DOJ Agree to 60-Day Delay in Case Challenging Gay Servicemembers' Spousal Benefits," February 16, 2012 (http:/ / metroweekly. com/ poliglot/ 2012/ 02/ sldn-doj-agree-to-60-day-delay. html), accessed February 17, 2012 [10] MetroWeekly: Chris Geidner, "DOJ Won't Defend Laws Preventing Equal Treatment for Servicemembers With Same-Sex Spouses," February 17, 2012 (http:/ / metroweekly. com/ poliglot/ 2012/ 02/ doj-wont-defend-laws-preventin. html), accessed February 17, 2012 [11] Wisconsin Gazette: "Boehner moves to defend anti-gay DOMA in military case," May 4, 2012 (http:/ / www. wisconsingazette. com/ breaking-news/ boehner-moves-to-defend-anti-gay-doma-in-military-case. html), accessed June 13, 2012 [12] SLDN Releases Post-DADT Freedom to Serve Guide and Demands Benefits - Bay Times www.sfbaytimes.com/PDF/8-25-BayTimes-complete.pdf - 25th August 2011 [13] DADT dead but ban on transgender service remains - Sept. 20, 2011 by Kate Sosin, Windy City Times http:/ / www. windycitymediagroup. com/ gay/ lesbian/ news/ ARTICLE. php?AID=33840 [14] "SLDN celebrates ten years fighting for LGBT people in the military" By Bob Roehr Originally printed 10/9/2003 (Issue 1141 - Pride Source - Between The Lines News) http:/ / www. pridesource. com/ article. html?article=4817 [15] "Case Examines the Law Regarding Transgender Discrimination" By: Gerri L. Elderhttp://www.totalinjury.com/news/articles/discrimination/federal-transgender-discrimination-case.aspx
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External links
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (http://www.sldn.org) official site American Veterans for Equal Rights (http://www.aver.us/) The Michael D. Palm Center- USB think tank on DADT (http://www.palmcenter.org/) The Gay Military Times (http://www.thegaymilitarytimes.com/) Metro Weekly: Article series about SLDN (http://www.metroweekly.com/archive/tags.php?ts=sldn)
OVERVIEW
Todays veterans face tremendous obstacles in their path of attaining a college degree. These challenges range from a missing sense of camaraderie to a lack of understanding by university faculty and peers. When coupled with the visible and invisible wounds of war, a college degree seems to be an elusive goal for men and women returning from military service. Student Veterans of America (SVA) makes that goal a reality.
MISSION
To provide military veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation.
IMPACT STATEMENT
Perhaps the most significant challenge facing student veterans is feeling like an outsider on a campus of 18-year-old traditional students. Not only are veterans typically older, but they have radically different life experiences and many are first-generation college students. A campus seemingly void of peers with shared experiences makes it even more difficult for a veteran to integrate into the normal flow of college life. SVA chapters are the boots on the ground that help veterans overcome such challenges. Each is a local student organization run by and for student veterans. In fact, 61% of respondents in a RAND study rated the support they received from fellow veterans as quite or extremely helpful to the pursuit of their educational goals. Social interactions within each chapter are a major component of that success. Currently, SVA has over 500 chapters in 50 states and 2 foreign countries. Now, SVA is diversifying our set of programs for quality assurance and maximum impact. Our scholarship programs focus on meeting the needs of 21st century demands by providing financial support to student veterans majoring in science, technology, mathematics, and engineering. With the decline in the economy and value of internships increasing, SVA has also launched the internship support program to provide financial incentives to student veterans accepting unpaid internships. We understand the value of internships and want to ensure veterans aren't deterred by a lack of financial support. For more information regarding SVA, please visit www.studentveterans.org.
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References
[1] http:/ / www. rehab. research. va. gov/ jour/ 03/ 40/ 1/ pdf/ peters. pdf [2] http:/ / www2. va. gov/ directory/ guide/ facility. asp?id=205 [3] "Charity Navigator: United Spinal Association" (http:/ / www. charitynavigator. org/ index. cfm?bay=search. summary& orgid=3644). . Retrieved 2010-02-06. [4] Charity Rating Guide and Watchdog Report, Volume Number 59, December 2011
External links
United Spinal Association web site (http://www.unitedspinal.org) Department of Veterans Affairs recognition of United Spinal Association as a veterans' service organization (http://www1.va.gov/VSO/index.cfm?template=viewReport&Org_ID=332)
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The United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. (USSVI) was created by a group of men from the United States Submarine Veterans of World War II. They shared a belief in the need of an organization open to all United States Navy submariners, from the very beginning of the Submarine Service to the present and into the future - not limited to just those who served so ably in World War II. They wanted to ensure their shipmates who were Killed in action on submarines would never be forgotten.
Purpose
Nearly 4,000 submariners have sacrificed their lives on the altar of American freedoms. It is the primary mission of USSVI to perpetuate their memory through memorials and "tolling the boats" memorial services. Per the USSVI Constitution Article III the Purpose/Creed consists of three sections:
Creed
Section 1: To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds, and supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishments. Pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States of America and its Constitution.
Camaraderie
Section 2: In addition to perpetuating the memory of departed shipmates, USSVI provides a way for all Submariners to gather for mutual benefit and enjoyment. The common heritage as Submariners is strengthened by camaraderie. USSVI supports a strong United States Submarine Force.
Perpetual remembrance
Section 3: The organization engages in various projects and deeds that bring about the perpetual remembrance of those shipmates who have given the supreme sacrifice. USSVI also endeavors to educate all third parties it comes in contact with about the services United States submariners performed and how the sacrifices of lost shipmates made possible the freedom and lifestyle Americans enjoy today.
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History
United States Submarine Veterans of World War II
Prior to the founding of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. (USSVI), there existed another U.S. submarine veterans association, the United States Submarine Veterans of World War II which still exists today. Originally founded in July 1955, membership in this organization is limited to submarine crews and relief crews who were on active duty from December 1, 1941 through September 1, 1945. As this organization grew, so did the development and deployment of American submarines across the globe, and it became apparent to many that there was a need and a strong desire for a new organization to include submariners of all eras.
Formation of USSVI
Fueled by a desire to form a new association, and inspired by the tragic loss of the USS Thresher (SSN-593) on April 10, 1963, a meeting was set for October 12, 1963. Led by Dominic Joe Negri and others, the Charter Meeting of USSVI was held in Orange, New Jersey, with 16 representatives present. The Creed and National Bylaws were established at this inaugural meeting. Officers were appointed to serve in an acting capacity until regular elections could be held in the summer of 1964. Robert Link was appointed President; Ken Walkington, Vice-President; Joe Burges, Secretary; and Mike Drucker, Treasurer.
In the American Airlines Lounge at Dallas Love Field in Texas. Seated are, left to right, Phyllis Lockwood, Joe Negri, Ron Smith, and Charlie Cook.
Incorporation
On May 24, 1964, shipmates Joe Negri, Ken Walkington, and Joe Marion met with New London, Connecticut attorney, L. Patrick Gray, Captain, U.S. Navy (Retired) (who later became the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation), to legally constitute USSVI as a legal, non-profit organization in the State of Connecticut, with a license to operate and conduct business in all 50 states. The organization was officially incorporated and chartered in New London, Connecticut. The signatories were Joe Negri, Ken Walkington, and Joe Marion. Additional USSVI Plank Owners included Warren Ed Gannon, Angelo La Pelosa, Robert Link, Tom Rowan, and Hugh Trimble. They selected former United States Submarine Veterans of World War II National Commander Bob Link as their first acting National Commander. Joe Negri was elected the first Connecticut State Commander and Dick Higham was elected the first Base Commander of Connecticut Base #1, which later became Groton Base. This fledgling organization would soon grew to several hundred shipmates scattered throughout Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.
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National Headquarters
The Groton Base started operating immediately and held meetings at the K of C in Groton. The attendance at these meetings was between 60-75 members. Joe Negri was elected the first state commander and Dick Higman was the first Base Commander. About a year later it was determined that they needed their own building and it was voted to sell raffle tickets (1000 tickets at $10 each) for a gold Cadillac to raise the money for the down payment on the present home at 40 School Street in Groton, Connecticut. The base building on School Street became a reality in 1966. Due to the fact that the Groton USSVI/Base was incorporated within the State of Connecticut and they had their own building, it was voted that Groton become the National Headquarters of USSVI.
Organization
National Officers
Nationally elected officers of USSVI are: National Commander (NC) National Senior Vice-Commander (NSVC) National Junior Vice-Commander (NJVC) National Secretary (NS) National Treasurer (NT)
The prerequisite for National Office is that a Nominee must be a Regular Member in good standing a minimum of thirty consecutive months. The term of office for all National officers is two years or until a successor is elected. No individual can serve more than two consecutive terms as National Commander. Other than the position of National Commander, there are no restrictions on the number of terms an individual may be elected to any office.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has the control and general management of the affairs and business of the organization. It is composed of the National elected officers, the Regional Directors, and the District Commanders, the immediate Past National Commander, the President of the Ladies Auxiliary and the Commander of the Holland Club.
Regional Directors
Regional Directors are directly responsible to the National Commander for the conduct of organizational business within their Region. They serve as members of the Board of Directors, members of the Scholarship Committee, and perform other such duties as required by the National Constitution and USSVI Bylaws.
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District Commanders
District Commanders serve as non-voting members of the Board of Directors. They assist the Base Commanders within their respective districts in the performance of their duties, to include providing assistance as required to ensure the proper operation of base meetings and events, recruiting and retention. They appoint all District committees, committee chairman and appointed officers as required to conduct District business. They also approve Base Constitution and Bylaws, ensuring compliance with National and State laws regulating the operation of the organization within his district (i.e. chartering, maintaining non-profit status, etc.)
Base Commanders
Base Commanders are responsible for the day-to-day operation of their specific base in accordance with their base Bylaws.
Structure
USSVI is organized by Regions, Districts, and Bases throughout the United States.
Region District Bases 9 7 7 5 6 6 5 8 7 14 13 10 10 7 4 5 7 7 8
Northeast EN1 Northeast EN2 Northeast EN3 Northeast EN4 Northeast EN5 Southeast ES1 Southeast ES2 Southeast ES4 Southeast ES5 Central Central Central Central Western Western Western Western Western Western CD1 CD2 CD3 CD4 WD1 WD2 WD3 WD4 WD5 WD6
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National Office
The National Office is located in Silverdale, Washington and manages membership and administrative services.
National Library
The National Library is located in North Little Rock, Arkansas at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum. The library has a complete set of the following magazines: Polaris magazine (of which is currently being scanned for archive) United States Submarine Veterans of World War II Ladies magazine American Submariner magazine (of which about 50% are scanned for archive)
Membership
USSVI currently has over 13,000 US Submarine qualified members.
Regular
USSVI Regular membership is restricted to current and former U.S. Military Personnel, who have been designated Qualified in Submarines by authorized U.S. Navy Command Authority, or are regular members of the U.S. Submarine Veterans of World War II. All are invited to join their shipmates in "Subvets". Contact office@ussvi.org or click the "Join US" button at www.ussvi.org for more information.
Life
Regular and Associate Members may become Life Members by paying the National Life Membership Fee established in the Organizations Bylaws. National Life Members will pay no further National dues, but may be required to pay Base dues as per Base Bylaws. A Base may offer a member, who is a National Life Member, Base Life Membership, not to exceed the cost of National Life membership. National Life Membership was inaugurated in 1984 at the National Business Meeting in Groton, Connecticut. Base Life Membership, in 1985, was voted-in at the Boston Base, available with National Life Membership as a prerequisite.
Associate
An Associate Member is a person who is not eligible for regular membership but is closely associated with a Regular Member. Each Associate Member must be sponsored by a Regular Member in good standing and are eligible for Life Membership. Associate Membership is reserved for persons not otherwise eligible for regular membership, but who are related to the Submarine Service by their deeds or actions. All Associate Members must be at least sixteen (16) years of age. This does not preclude any relative of a regular member in good standing from applying for Associate Membership.
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Ladies Auxiliary
A Ladies Auxiliary to the United States Submarine Veterans Inc. has been established and is known as Ladies Auxiliary of the United States Submarine Veterans, Incorporated., AKA "SubVettes". Any Base may adopt an Auxiliary at their own discretion; however, the adopted USSVI Bylaws must be approved by the District Commander prior to implementation. Membership in the Ladies Auxiliary must be limited to USSVI or SVWWII members Wives, Widows, Sisters, Mothers and Daughters not less than 16 years of age.
Holland Club
Any Regular Member who has been designated Qualified in Submarines for fifty (50) years or more and who is either (a) a National Life Member in good standing, or (b) an annual member in good standing for five or more consecutive years, is eligible to become a member of the Holland Club within the organization. Holland Club members will pay no further National dues, but may be required to pay Base dues as per Base Bylaws. The Holland Club was named after John Philip Holland an engineer who developed the first submarine to be formally commissioned by the U.S. Navy.
Member-at-Large
The Base or National Membership Chairman may place any member, who once chooses, or is assigned to a Base, and who is a National Life Member or whose National annual dues are current, but whose Base dues are in arrears, in a category of Member-at-Large. Members-at-Large whose National Annual dues are current or who are National Life Members will retain National benefits (i.e. receipt of National magazine and voting on National issues). A Member-at-Large may affiliate with a Base at anytime by remitting Base dues. A Regular base member may transfer to Member-at-Large Status at any time by making a request to his affiliated base or to the National Membership Chair.
Committees
Membership Scholarship Ways and Means Long Range Planning Memorials and Ceremonies Public Relations and Publicity Nominations National Archives New Base Development Constitution and Bylaws Veterans Affairs Awards National Convention Base Commanders Group Technology Audit
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Chartitable Funds
The USSVI Charitable Foundation (USSVCF) is administered by a Board of Directors made up of non-paid elected and appointed members. Expenses incurred by the Charitable Foundation are minimal and consist of expenses such as postage, certificates, website fees, stationary supplies, and informative brochures. The foundation was approved for tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code on December 5, 2000. To facilitate the many activities that may arise, the foundation is split into various dedicated funds. Brotherhood Funds Building Fund General Fund Memorial Funds Scholarship Funds Submarine Library Fund Submarine Museum Fund
National Conventions
Starting in 2014 National Conventions will only be held in even numbered years: 2014, 2016, 2018, etc. 2013 Rochester, Minnesota 2012 Norfolk, Virginia 2011 Springfield, Missouri 2010 Covington, Kentucky, 30 August through 6 September 2010 2009 San Diego, California 2008 Fort Worth, Texas 2007 Seattle, Washington 2006 Little Rock, Arkansas 2005 Kansas City, Missouri 2004 Saratoga Springs, New York 2003 Reno, Nevada 2002 Duluth, Minnesota 2001 Peoria, Illinois
2000 Atlantic City, New Jersey 1999 Reno, Nevada 1998 Hagerstown, Maryland
United States Submarine Veterans Inc. (USSVI) 1997 Mobile, Alabama 1996 Portland, Oregon 1995 Manitowoc, Wisconsin 1994 Portsmouth, New Hampshire 1993 Vallejo, California 1992 Norfolk, Virginia 1991 Honolulu, Hawaii 1990 Montreal, Canada 1989 San Diego, California 1988 Rochelle Park, New Jersey 1987 Albuquerque, New Mexico 1986 Boston, Massachusetts 1985 Bremerton, Washington 1984 Groton, Connecticut 1983 San Diego, California 1982 Montreal, Canada 1981 Portsmouth, New Hampshire 1980 Groton, Connecticut 1979 Elmont, New York 1978 Honolulu, Hawaii 1977 San Diego, California 1976 Albuquerque, New Mexico 1975 Atlantic City, New Jersey 1974 Hampton, Virginia 1973 Highland, New York 1972 San Juan, Puerto Rico 1971 Portsmouth, New Hampshire 1970 Chicago, Illinois 1969 Boston, Massachusetts 1968 Cherry Hill, North Carolina 1967 Hempstead, New York 1966 Groton, Connecticut 1965 New London, Connecticut 1964 Atlantic City, New Jersey
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Submarine articles
Submarine warfare Ballistic missile submarine Deep Submergence Vehicle Submarines in the United States Navy List of submarine actions List of submarine museums List of sunken nuclear submarines List of lost United States submarines
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References
[1] www.ussvi.org
USSVI History http://www.ussvi.org/history.asp USSVI Organization structure http://www.ussvi.org/Documents.asp?Type=Organization USSVI Bases http://www.ussvi.org/States.asp USSVI Creed http://www.ussvi.org/home.asp USSVI Membership http://www.ussvi.org/join.asp American Submariner magazine http://www.ussvi.org/americansubmariner.asp Roscoe, Theodore (1949). United States Submarine Operations in World War II. Maryland: US Naval Institute Pres. ISBN0-87021-731-3.
External links
United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. (http://www.ussvi.org) site USSVI National Office (http://www.ussvi.org/NationalOffice.asp) site On Eternal Patrol (http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/) site NavSource Naval History: Submarine Photo Archive (http://www.navsource.org/archives/subidx.htm) site
Background
In 1980 Co-Founders Bobby Muller and John Terzano came together with a goal to transform the American experience of the Vietnam War into a mission of compassion and justice. This idea became the heart of Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, which later became Veterans for America. The first major initiative was a journey back to Vietnam in 1981 to make peace with Americas former enemy. Because of that life-altering experience, VVAF began to lead reconciliation efforts that would ultimately result in lifting the U.S. trade embargo and normalizing relations with Vietnam. It is because of this advocacy that VVAF began a unique friendship with the Vietnamese that endures today. Nearly a decade later, a 1991 trip to the horrific "Killing Fields" of Cambodia inspired VVAF to co-found and coordinate the phenomenal global campaign to ban landmines, called Campaign for A Landmine Free World, which was awarded the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to galvanize nearly a third of the worlds countries to sign a treaty eradicating the use of antipersonnel landmines. Currently, VFA is focused on the consequences of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, marked by roadside bombs, a large inhospitable battlefield, inadequate dwell time, and the repeated deployment of a large number of troops.
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Projects
Wounded Warrior Outreach Program
VFAs Wounded Warrior Outreach Program (WWOP) was created to address the psychological and neurological injuries experienced by todays troops and the lack of resources and programs to provide assistance. WWOPs team of Servicemember Liaisons, composed of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans, visits military installations across the country and works one-on-one with returning troops who are suffering from psychological and neurological combat injuries. VFA conducts follow-up visits to military bases across the country to meet with military leaders to discuss trends in treatment identified by WWOPs Servicemember Liaisons. Upon completion of VFA's work on a base, WWOP creates a detailed report, along with immediate and long-term policy proposals.
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Notes
[1] http:/ / www. veteransforamerica. org
External links
VFA Site (http://www.veteransforamerica.org/) VFA's American Veterans' and Servicemembers' Survival Guide (http://www.veteransforamerica.org/ survival-guide/survival-guide-download/) Interview with War Kids Relief Director, Jonathan Powers (http://dev.epic-usa.org/files/EPIC/ the_Ground_truth_Powers.pdf)
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Foundation
Further information: Vietnam_Veterans_Against_the_War#History The stated objective of the group is as follows: We draw on our personal experiences and perspectives gained as veterans to raise public awareness of the true costs and consequences of militarism and war - and to seek peaceful, effective alternatives."[1] Veterans For Peace was founded as a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization and recognized as a United Nations non-governmental organization (NGO) in 1990, where it has been represented since at least 2003. Chapters and members are active in communities throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and Viet Nam. National conventions are held annually and members communicate through quarterly newsletters as well as daily list-serve news, online discussions groups as well as the national and chapter websites. Veterans for Peace has a national office in Saint Louis, Missouri and members across the country, both organized in chapters and at-large. At least one unrelated anti-war group from the Vietnam War era had a similar name: "Veterans for Peace in Viet-Nam" participated in a number of demonstrations in 1967.[2] Yet another group with a similar name may also have existed at the time of the Korean War.
Anti-war activities
Starting in late 2003 Veterans for Peace became a major participant of protests against the Iraq War. In 2004, a Southern California chapters of Veterans For Peace began installing Arlington West, a weekly "temporary cemetery" in tribute to those killed in the war in Iraq, each Sunday in Santa Barbara and Santa Monica, California. In August 2005, Veterans For Peace provided support to Cindy Sheehan, the mother of a US Army soldier killed in Iraq who embarked on an extended anti-war vigil near the ranch of US President George W. Bush in Crawford, Texas.[3] In May 2004, one month after the death of her son, Casey, Sheehan had first learned of the organization after seeing coverage of the Arlington West display on television. On August 5, 2005 she spoke at the organization's 20th annual convention in Dallas, Texas, just a day before traveling to Crawford to begin her vigil. Members traveled from California to install an Arlington West display at "Camp Casey," the site of Sheehan's protest. In March 2006, Veterans For Peace and coalition partners Iraq Veterans Against the War [4], Gold Star Families for Peace [5], and Military Families Speak Out [6] joined with Hurricane Katrina survivors and the relief and rebuilding organizations Savin' Ourselves After Katrina [7], Common Ground Collective [8], and Bayou Liberty Relief [9], as well as a number of African-American churches along the Gulf Coast on a march from Mobile, Alabama to New Orleans, Louisiana. Originally titled the Veterans and Survivors March [10], it quickly took on the moniker of Walkin' to New Orleans, in tribute to the famous song by Fats Domino. The marchers traveled the Gulf Coast advocating an immediate end to the war in Iraq and redirection of funds to help rebuild areas Katrina damaged not only in New Orleans [11], but also in Mississippi [12], and Alabama [13]. The march and the events surrounding it have inspired a plethora of websites [14] and images [15] on the web.
Veterans for Peace Currently, the Veterans Truth Project is working to tell the stories of soldiers returning from the Iraq war to inform the public and connect veterans with their communities. According to Vets for Peace - Peace Action Network, "The military has a clear and dangerous presence at Milwaukee's Summerfest" (June 26 - July 6, 2008). "One exhibit is especially offensive: kids as young as 13 years old can aim automatic weapons from atop a humvee at a large screen to virtually kill people." Veterans for Peace participated in an anti-war demonstration held on the White House sidewalk in December 2010; dozens of demonstrators were arrested, including Ray McGovern, Daniel Ellsberg, Chris Hedges and a number of Veterans for Peace members.[16] David Swanson works with Veterans for Peace and hosts Talk Nation Radio.[17] He promoted a talk by Medea Benjamin of CodePink who spoke out behalf of Abdulrahman al-Awlaki, who was killed in Yemen, just because his father, Anwar al-Awlaki "was someone who we dont like." He also promoted a talk by former U.S. Army Colonel Ann Wright which was co-sponsored by WarIsACrime.org, the Charlottesville Ron Paul Revolution, Socialist Party of Central Va. and the Middle Eastern Leadership Council.[18] The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee will award the 2012 Rachel Corrie Award to Wright who is a VFP member.[19]
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Issues
Veterans for Peace takes positions on a number of issues which generally oppose the military policy of the United States, NATO and its allies against nations such as Iran, Russia, Palestine and Syria.
Presidential Campaign
Veterans for Peace joined Code Pink in condemning President Barack Obamas hostility towards Iran, while praising Ron Paul for his "call for no war on Iran" and "an end of the U.S. empire".[20]
War in Iraq
When the U.S. government threatened invasion, VFP conducted public forums, met with elected representatives and participated in marches to express its opposition. As the war began, VFP gathered in Washington, DC, with other veterans groups for Operation Dire Distress. The organization participated in the Bring Them Home Now campaign and supports the Iraq Veterans Against the War. Local chapters continue to conduct educational forums, demonstrations, and ongoing Iraq memorial displays such as Arlington West (portrayed in the documentary Arlington West: The Film) to remember the growing human cost of the war, to end the occupation, and to bring U.S. troops home.
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Veterans affairs
Members and chapters actively participate in efforts to save VA healthcare and defend veterans rights; to provide counseling through the GI Rights Hotline to active duty military needing assistance; and providing alternative information to counter military recruiters in the schools.
Patriot Act
Veterans for Peace seeks to protect civil liberties that they believe are threatened by the Patriot Act and other similar legislation.
Drones
Veterans For Peace joined Code Pink, World Can't Wait and Afghans For Peace to protest Drones in Chicago in 2012.[25]
NATO
VFP has called for the dissolution of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as a "NATO has always been a war-making institution lacking in accountability to the peoples of the nations it claims to represent." VFP states that NATO has waged wars of aggression against Yugoslavia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya. VFP states that NATO maintains nuclear weapons in violation of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. They back Russia's protest that Russia is threatened by missile base construction on its borders. VFP cites Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Mubarak as examples where NATO did not address human rights abuses by dictators who supported NATO, and charges that NATO supports "Israel's expansionist agenda".[22]
War on Terror
In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, VFP called for restraint while agreeing that: "...the hijacked airplane attacks on the World Trade Towers and the Pentagon a grievous assault upon innocence; a cause for outrage, sadness and disbelief....At this critical point, we believe it is essential to recognize that terrorists do not represent, nor are representative, of any community or country as a whole. We must not allow terrorism the power to create fear, suspicion and hatred -- or to direct our nation's domestic and foreign policies. We must not surrender to the cycle of retaliatory violence these angry people would push us into. Instead, we must come together and support each other, with faith and trust."[26]
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Agent Orange
VFP works with other Vietnam veterans, Vietnamese-Americans, and the Vietnam Agent Orange Relief and Responsibility Campaign[27] to secure justice and compensation for the estimated 3 million Vietnamese whose health has been damaged by the 19 million gallons of poisoned Agent Orange and other herbicides that were sprayed over more than 1/8 of the land of southern Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia during the American portion of the Vietnam War. In 2005, the Vietnamese Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA)[28] sued 36 U.S. chemical companies for supplying the dioxin-laced herbicides to the Department of Defense. The suit was dismissed in Federal District court in 2007 and the reinstatement appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has not been successful. The suit is likely to head to the Supreme Court in 2009. VFP supports this activity because it wishes to promote reconciliation and friendship between the United States and Vietnam governments and people, and help heal the wounds of war.
Korea
After revelations of the massacres of civilians by U.S. soldiers during the Korean War, VFP sent several fact-finding delegations to investigate these allegations and bring the hidden history of that war before the public.[29] They continue to work for an end to that conflict through their Korea Peace Campaign.
Vieques
The VFP has actively supported the end of the U.S. Navy's use of the island-municipality of Vieques, Puerto Rico for bombing target practice. VFP continues to support current efforts for cleaning up the environment.
Colombia
VFP sent fact-finding delegations to Colombia and educated Americans about US military involvement, the murder of union leaders by para-militaries and other human rights abuses, including the use of harmful chemical defoliants in the War on Drugs.
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Central America
In the 1980s, VFP opposed US-sponsored wars in Central America. VFP regularly sends election observers to Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador.[30]
Israel-Palestine
Veterans for Peace issued a statement on Israel's 2006 invasion of Lebanon condemning the targeting of civilians by both sides and the "unjustified and totally disproportionate use of force and violence by the IDF (Israel Defense Forces)."[31] In 2009 it issued a statement against Veterans for Peace members at January 2009 protest vs. Israeli attacks on Gaza Israel's attacks on Gaza condemning attacks on civilians both sides and stating "Bombings, rocket attacks, blockading medical supplies and military invasions will not lead to peace and security but will perpetuate the cycle of death, destruction, fear and insecurity among the people of all countries, including the U.S."[32] VFP was a sponsor for the Boston March for Palestine which demanded to "Free Palestine! No war on Iran or Syria! and Boycott Israel!" along with the Boston Coalition for Palestinian Rights and the Palestine Task Force of United for Justice with Peace. Members of the Palestine Working Group support remembrance of Al Nakba, and have made visits to Gaza and participated in "efforts to break the blockade of essential supplies to the area, including the Gaza Flotilla".[33]
References
[1] (http:/ / www. veteransforpeace. org/ about. htm) [2] "Dr. King Marches Against the War in Viet Nam, March 1967" (http:/ / www. jofreeman. com/ photos/ KingAtChicago03. html). Jofreeman.com. . Retrieved 2012-08-18. [3] (http:/ / www. veteransforpeace. org/ convention05/ michael_sheehan. htm) [4] http:/ / www. ivaw. net [5] http:/ / www. gsfp. org [6] http:/ / www. mfso. org [7] http:/ / www. sosafterkatrina. org/ mission_statement. html [8] http:/ / commongroundrelief. org/ [9] http:/ / bayoulibertyrelief. org/ [10] http:/ / vetgulfmarch. org/ [11] http:/ / images. google. com/ images?svnum=10& hl=en& lr=& safe=off& client=firefox-a& rls=org. mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial& q=katrina+ damage& btnG=Search [12] http:/ / images. google. com/ images?svnum=10& hl=en& lr=& safe=off& client=firefox-a& rls=org. mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial& q=katrina+ damage+ mississippi& btnG=Search [13] http:/ / images. google. com/ images?svnum=10& hl=en& lr=& safe=off& client=firefox-a& rls=org. mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial& q=katrina+ damage+ alabama& btnG=Search [14] http:/ / www. google. com/ search?q=veterans+ and+ survivors+ march& start=0& ie=utf-8& oe=utf-8& client=firefox-a& rls=org. mozilla:en-US:official [15] http:/ / homepage. mac. com/ union_county_labor/ Veterans_for_Peace/ PhotoAlbum126. html [16] [[The Real News (http:/ / therealnews. com/ t2/ index. php?option=com_content& task=view& id=31& Itemid=74& jumival=6017)] (TRNN)] [17] "Peace Perspectives on Iran with Majid Amini, Michael Fischbach, and David Swanson" (http:/ / www. charlottesvillepeace. org/ node/ 2816). Charlottesvillepeace.org. 2012-05-25. . Retrieved 2012-08-18.
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External links
Veterans for Peace official site (http://www.veteransforpeace.org/) Video clip (http://www.indybay.org/news/2003/02/1577030.php) of Vietnam vet and anti-war activist Jaime Vasquez speaking for VFP Video clip (http://www.archive.org/details/jmoon) of VFP member Jason Moon talking about his experience in Iraq SOA Watch (http://www.soaw.org/new) (School of the Americas watchdog site) War IS The American Way (http://www.mccormack.umb.edu/nejpp/articles/19_1/12.PAtwood179-200. pdf) Veterans for Peace Santa Barbara Chapter (http://www.vfpsb.org) Agent Orange Relief and Responsibility Campaign (http://www.vn-agentorange.org/index.html/Vietnam)
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Mission
VAAFA's stated mission is to provide professional development, mentorship, enhanced camaraderie, and networking for current and former Vietnamese American service members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Through fund raising events and activities, the association raises money to provide care packages for deployed service members as well as provide financial assistances to families; in order for a member travel to the location of care in the event a military service member is wounded in the line of duty. VAAFA, also seeks to raise awareness of the contribution and sacrifices of Vietnamese American in the U.S. Armed Forces through active engagement of the Vietnamese Community through participation in community events and activities. As a military association, it does not endorse any political groups or activities. In 2010, VAAFA established the Fallen Heroes Scholarship, for 12 U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Vietnamese American students currently enrolled in college or high school seniors. The Fallen Heroes Scholarship was established in memory of Vietnamese American military service members who have died in defense of the United States of America.
History
In the Spring of 2007, Lieutenant Commander Christopher V. Phan, Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy, was deployed with the U.S. Navy SEAL to Iraq. He and several of the SEALs were trying to arrange a flight out of Baghdad when Lieutenant Colonel Tho V. Nguyen, U.S. Army, overheard LCDR Phan speaking at the reservation counter. The men struck up a conversation on the air field and made a commitment that they would stay in touch upon redeployment to the States. True to their words, LCDR Phan and LTC Nguyen remained friends after their deployment. They both knew and experienced the loneliness of serving overseas in harm's way and being far from their families. They wanted to establish an association in order to assist all Vietnamese American service members and their families to cope with the separation and loneliness. LCDR Phan and LTC Nguyen, along with Sergeant Thao Bui, U.S. Army, Captain Triet Bui, U.S. Army, and Captain Hien Vu, U.S. Air Force, met at Captain Bui's home and began drafting the by-laws and article of association for the Vietnamese American Armed Forces Association (VAAFA) on August 23, 2008. VAAFA received official recognition from the State of California on September 15, 2008. The association held its installation banquet on May 31, 2009. VAAFA's membership is growing and the association hopes to reach and serve all Vietnamese American service members, their families, and the Vietnamese American community.
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Past Events
05/31/09 - Vietnamese American Memorial - Orange County, CA 05/31/09 - Installation Banquet - Orange County, CA 09/6/09 - First Bi-Annual Conference - Coronado, CA 09/26/09 - First Annual Care Package Donation Drive - Orange County, San Jose, CA 09/27/09 - First Annual Care Package Donation Drive - San Diego, CA 11/22/09 - A Gift From The Heart Donation Drive - Orange County, CA 11/26/09 - Alta Gardens Care Center Thanksgiving Day Visit - Orange County, CA 12/13/09 - Toy Distribution - Orange County, CA 12/19/09 - Toy Distribution - San Jose, CA 02/14/10 - Alta Gardens Care Center Tet Visit - Orange County, CA 03/05/10 - Fallen Heroes Scholarship Fundraiser Banquet - Orange County, CA
Notable members
U.S. Army Captain James Vn Thch - first Vietnamese American military adviser to the Iraqi Army; only U.S. servicemember to be awarded the rank of Honorary Brigadier General in the Iraqi Army[1][2]
References
[1] "First Vietnamese-American to Serve as a Military Advisor to the New Iraqi Army" (http:/ / www. prweb. com/ releases/ 2006/ 07/ prweb408426. htm). Prweb.com. . Retrieved 2011-11-21. [2] "Two Years in Iraq and Honored as a General" (http:/ / www. prweb. com/ releases/ 2008/ 4/ prweb855714. htm). Prweb.com. . Retrieved 2011-11-21.
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External links
Official Page (http://www.vaafa.org) VAAFA YouTube Videos (http://www.youtube.com/user/VAAFAVIDEOS) Viet Bao Newspaper article on VAAFA (http://www.vietbao.com/?ppid=45&pid=5&nid=145272) Nguoi Viet Newspaper articles on VAAFA (http:/ / www. nguoi-viet. com/ absolutenm/ anmviewer. asp?a=95864& z=3) VAAFA Page on Military.com (http://unitpages.military.com/unitpages/unit.do?id=867649) Phiem Dam Online article on VAAFA Hu-Phng-Ym-Tr-Tin-Tuyn.php) (http:/ / www. haingoaiphiemdam. com/ tin-cong-dong/
Vien Dong Article on VAAFA Care Package Drive (http:/ / www. viendongdaily. com/ Contents. aspx?item=94& contentid=6959)
History
VVAW was founded by six Vietnam war veterans, including Jan "Barry" Crumb, Mark Donnelly, and David Braum, in New York City in June, 1967 after they marched together in the April 15, 1967 Spring Mobilization to End the War anti-war demonstration with over 400,000 other protesters. After talking to members of the Veterans for Peace group at that march, Barry discovered there was no organization representing Vietnam veterans.[1] The VVAW's website summarizes its history, in part indicating that: Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Inc. (VVAW) is a national veterans' organization that was founded in New York City in 1967 after six Vietnam vets marched together in a peace demonstration. It was organized to voice the growing opposition among returning servicemen and women to the still-raging war in Indochina...[2] According to the organization itself, VVAW organized rap groups for veterans in 1970, the predecessor to readjustment counseling at modern Vet Centers. Their website goes on to indicate that they helped draft legislation for education and job programs, and assisted veterans with post-war health care through the VA hospital system, including assisting victims of Agent Orange and other chemical agents. The VVAW advocated amnesty for war resisters.[2] The fluctuating membership size of this organization has been a point of some confusion, with some sources claiming it peaked at over 20,000 and others claiming it never exceeded several thousand. Several historic events would serve to fuel the organization's rapid growth as well as its decline in membership. The organization remained small until late 1969 when it gained several hundred new members.[3] With the Nixon administration's decision to invade Cambodia and the Kent State shootings in 1970, VVAW's visibility increased, as did their membership, from 1,500 to almost 5000.[4] Publicity from VVAW-sponsored events continued to spur membership growth past 8,500
Vietnam Veterans Against the War by the first month of 1971, and thousands more flocked to the organization after Playboy Magazine donated a full-page VVAW ad in its February edition.[5] An FBI informant within the organization notes in March, 1971 that membership had grown from 1,500 to over 12,000 in the past four months.[6] The national televised coverage of VVAW's week-long April, 1971 protest in Washington, DC, and smaller protests in subsequent months continued to increase their notoriety. By 1971, the group had grown to 20,000 members.[7] The organization itself claims a peak membership of over 30,000.[2] Including non-veterans, VVAW had "roughly 50,000" members.[8] By 1972, negotiations at the Paris peace talks were in full swing, signaling the beginning of the end of the war as well as the end of VVAW's primary mission. Membership in the organization diminished as the leadership organised to broaden its purpose. Membership requirements were relaxed, and political differences arose as new members fought with old about which direction the VVAW should take. The organization had dwindled to just several thousand members by 1973.[9] With internal struggle still threatening to tear the group apart, 2,000 members demonstrated in Washington DC in July 1974, demanding universal amnesty for draft resisters and deserters, and universal discharge with benefits for all Vietnam veterans.[10] Historian Andrew E. Hunt concluded, "Detractors have always cited numbers when criticizing VVAW. At the pinnacle of VVAW's success in 1972, membership rolls listed almost twenty-five thousand card carriers, or fewer than 1 percent of all eligible Vietnam era veterans... By emphasizing the low percentage of Vietnam veterans who paid dues to VVAW, opponents have sought to dismiss the significance and impact of the organization."[11]
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Vietnam Veterans Against the War the Dewey Canyon III week of protest events. This film is currently on limited distribution and is now available on DVD.
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Vietnam Veterans Against the War veterans continued to meet with and lobby their representatives in Congress. Senator Ted Kennedy spent the day speaking with the veterans. The guerrilla theater re-enactments were moved to the steps of the Justice Department. After a close vote by the veterans, they decided to remain where they were. Many of the veterans were prepared to be arrested for continuing to camp on the National Mall, but none were arrested. Several of the patrolling park police officers reassured the veterans that arrests were not going to be made, despite orders to do so. Headlines the following day read, "VETS OVERRULE SUPREME COURT."[21][22] On Thursday, April 22, a large group of veterans demonstrated on the steps of the Supreme Court, and demanded to know why the Supreme Court had not ruled on the constitutionality of the war in Vietnam. The veterans sang "God Bless America" and 110 were arrested for disturbing the peace, and were later released. John Kerry, as VVAW spokesman, testified against the war for 2 hours in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before a packed room of observers and media.[23] The veterans continued lobbying on Capitol Hill all day. A Washington District Court judge angrily dissolved his injunction order, rebuking the Justice Department lawyers for requesting the court order and then not enforcing it. Veterans staged a candlelight march around the White House, while a huge American flag was carried upside down in the historic international signal of distress.[24] On Friday, April 23, more than 800 veterans, one by one, tossed their medals, ribbons, discharge papers and other war mementos on the steps of the Capitol, rejecting the Vietnam war and the significance of those awards. Several hearings in Congress were held that week regarding atrocities committed in Vietnam and the media's inaccurate coverage of the war. There were also hearings on proposals to end the United States' participation in the war. The vets planted a tree on the mall as part of a ceremony symbolizing the veterans' wish to preserve life and the environment.[25] Senators George McGovern and Mark Hatfield helped arrange at least $50,000 in fundraising during preparations for Dewey Canyon III. The VVAW paid $94,000 for an ad to advertise this event in the April 11, 1971 New York Times.[21]
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Operation POW
Operation POW, organized by the VVAW in Massachusetts, got its name from the group's concern that Americans were prisoners of the Vietnam War, as well as to honor American POWs held captive by North Vietnam. The event sought to tie antiwar activism to patriotic themes. Over the 1971 Memorial Day weekend, veterans and other participants marched from Concord, Massachusetts to a rally on Boston Common. The plan was to invoke the spirit of the American Revolution and Paul Revere by spending successive nights at the sites of the Battle of Lexington and Concord and the Battle of Bunker Hill, culminating in a Memorial Day rally with a public reading of the United States Declaration of Independence. The event organizers requested permission in advance to camp overnight on the historic Lexington, Massachusetts Green, but were refused by the town Board of Selectmen. On the day of the marchers' arrival in Lexington, an emergency town meeting was held. The Selectmen, citing a town bylaw, insisted that the demonstrators must vacate the Green by 10:00 p.m. The VVAW and town citizens that supported them decided instead to camp on the village green. At 2:30 a.m. on May 30, local and state police awoke and arrested 441 demonstrators for trespassing. All were given the Miranda warning and were taken away on school buses to spend the night at the Lexington Public Works Garage. Julian Soshnick, a Lexington resident and charismatic lawyer of Boston Strangler fame, was among several
Vietnam Veterans Against the War attorneys that volunteered to represent the demonstrators. He worked out a deal with friend, colleague, and Concord Court Judge, John Forte. The protesters later paid a $5 fine each and were released. The mass arrests caused a community backlash and eventually gave positive coverage to the VVAW.[27][28][29]
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Vietnam Veterans Against the War In 1978 Chicago Veterans Administration caseworker Maude de Victor noticed a pattern in cancers and other illnesses suffered by Vietnam veterans and linked those illnesses with exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange, and its dioxin contaminants. VVAW led veterans organizations in the struggle to force the government to test, treat and compensate the victims of those poisons. Congress mandated a study of Agent Orange in 1979. Veterans sued the herbicide manufacturers, Dow Chemical and Monsanto, in 1982. Two years later the companies settled the suit for $180 million to compensate what at that time was over 200,000 claimants.[37] These were lonely campaigns since the "main stream" veterans groups regarded Vietnam veterans as "crybabies and losers" in general, and VVAW in particular was seen as being unpatriotic and anti-American. A natural ally, Vietnam Veterans of America, was not founded by VVAW member Robert Muller until 1978. It was not until 1990 that the American Legion and VVA filed suit against the government for failing to conduct the study ordered by Congress in 1979.[38][39] Several members moved on to prominent positions in society. In 1978 former VVAW member Bobby Muller co-founded the Vietnam Veterans of America. Former member John Kerry became Lt. Governor of Massachusetts in 1982, and won a United States Senate seat in 1984. Ron Kovic went on to write Born on the Fourth of July, an autobiography which became an Academy Award winning movie in 1989. Every five years, members and former members attend regular reunions, with the 1992 event attracting hundreds of veterans to commemorate the founding of the organization twenty five years earlier. VVAW continues to organize programs and fundraising events in support of veterans, peace, and social justice. [40]
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Source footnotes
[1] Dictionary of the Vietnam War, James S. Olson, page 475 [2] Vietnam Veterans Against the War, VVAW: Where We Came From, Who We Are (http:/ / www. vvaw. org/ about/ ), accessed August 15, 2007. [3] Gerald Nicosia; Home to War: A History of the Vietnam Veterans' Movement; Pages 49-50 [4] Marilyn B. Young, Robert Buzzanco; A Companion to the Vietnam War; Page 407 [5] Andrew E. Hunt; The Turning: A History of Vietnam Veterans Against the War; Page 57 [6] FBI File 100-HQ-448092 - Section 2, Declassified through FOIA; Page 106 [7] Christian G. Appy. (2004) Patriots: The Vietnam War Remembered from All Sides, at page 395. Penguin. ISBN 978-0-14-200449-4. [8] Richard Stacewicz. Winter Soldiers: An Oral History of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War, pg 253. Twayne Publishers. ISBN 978-0-8057-4579-5 [9] Spencer C. Tucker; Encyclopedia of the Vietnam War: A Political, Social, and Military History; Page 789 [10] James Olson; Dictionary of the Vietnam War; Page 476 [11] Andrew E. Hunt; The Turning: A History of Vietnam Veterans Against the War; Page 197 [12] The Philadelphia Inquirer, Sept. 8, 1970, page 33 [13] Gerald Nicosia, Home to War: A History of the Vietnam Veterans' Movement; Carroll & Graf Publishers, 2004, Page 87, 108-109 [14] Milliarium Zero/Winterfilm Collective; VVAW Historical Archive Docs. Pages 8-10 [15] Gerald Nicosia; Home to War: A History of the Vietnam Veterans' Movement; Page 89 [16] Andrew E. Hunt; The Turning: A History of Vietnam Veterans Against the War; New Your University Press, 1999, pg 61 [17] Dictionary of the Vietnam War, James Olson, pages 475-476 [18] The Vietnam Wars 1945-1990, Marilyn B. Young, pages 257-259 [19] "Vietnam Veteran Ministers Arlington Memorial" (http:/ / www. vietnamveteranministers. org/ chaplain/ memorial. htm). . Retrieved 2007-03-20. [20] Home to War: A History of the Vietnam Veterans' Movement, Gerald Nicosia, page 111 [21] Home to War: A History of the Vietnam Veterans' Movement, Gerald Nicosia, pages 118-143 [22] Washington Daily News, April 22, 1971, page 1 [23] "C-SPAN Transcript of Kerry Testimony" (http:/ / www. c-span. org/ vote2004/ jkerrytestimony. asp). . Retrieved 2007-03-20. [24] Gerald Nicosia; Home to War: A History of the Vietnam Veterans' Movement, 2004, Carroll & Graf Publishers; Page 107 [25] John Kerry and Vietnam Veterans Against the War; The New Soldier; Pages 28-31 [26] "Vietnam Veteran Ministers Walter Reed Memorial" (http:/ / www. vietnamveteranministers. org/ chaplain/ vvaw. htm). . Retrieved 2007-03-20. [27] Unfinished Symphony: Democracy and Dissent - Documentary, 2001 [28] Against the Vietnam War: Writings by Activists, Mary Susannah Robbins, pages 78-90 [29] Lexington Minute-Man Newspaper, May 23, 1991. [30] The Veteran Magazine, Vol. 29, Number 1, Spring/Summer 1999 [31] New York Sun, April 14, 2004, Page 1 -- Josh Gerstein [32] New York Times newspaper, December 27, 1971, Page 1 [33] "Scott Camil, oral history analysis" (http:/ / ufdc. ufl. edu/ UF00093322/ 00001/ 69j). . Retrieved 2006-03-11. [34] "How Kerry Quit Veterans Group Amid Dark Plot By Thomas H. Lipscomb" (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20040314171432/ http:/ / daily. nysun. com/ Repository/ getFiles. asp?Style=OliveXLib:ArticleToMail& Type=text/ html& Path=NYS/ 2004/ 03/ 12& ID=Ar00100). Archived from the original (http:/ / daily. nysun. com/ Repository/ getFiles. asp?Style=OliveXLib:ArticleToMail& Type=text/ html& Path=NYS/ 2004/ 03/ 12& ID=Ar00100) on 2004-03-14. . Retrieved 2007-07-18. [35] Home to War: A History of the Vietnam Veterans' Movement, Gerald Nicosia, pages 59, 162-165 [36] Bessel A. Van der Kolk, Alexander C. MacFarlane, Lars Weisth; Traumatic Stress: The Effects of Overwhelming Experience on Mind, Body, and Society; Pages 61-62 [37] Home to War: A History of the Vietnam Veterans' Movement, Gerald Nicosia, pages 490-492 [38] Long Time Passing, Myra Macpherson excerpted in The American Experience in Vietnam, ed. Grace Sevy, pages 64-70 [39] Myths and Realities: A Study of Attitudes Toward Vietnam Era Veterans, Veteran Administration Publications, July 1980 [40] Andrew E. Hunt. The Turning: A History of Vietnam Veterans Against the War, New York University Press, 1999, page 188-189 [41] "VVAW Official Website - Court Order" (http:/ / www. vvaw. org/ about/ vvawai. php). . Retrieved 2007-03-22. [42] Andrew E. Hunt. The Turning: A History of Vietnam Veterans Against the War, New York University Press, 1999, page 188 [43] Andrew E. Hunt. The Turning: A History of Vietnam Veterans Against the War, New York University Press, 1999, page 181-182
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Further reading
Kerry, John, and Vietnam Veterans Against the War. The New Soldier. MacMillan Publishing Company: October 1971. ISBN 0-02-073610-X Nicosia, Gerald. Home to war: a history of the Vietnam veterans' movement. Crown Publishers: 2001. ISBN 0-8129-9103-6 Hunt, Andrew E. (2001-05-01, copyright 1999). The Turning: A History of Vietnam Veterans Against the War (http://books.google.com/books?id=3AhGjLUf8SYC&printsec=frontcover&dq=The+Turning:+A+ History+of+Vietnam+Veterans+Against+the+War&hl=en&src=bmrr&ei=aW4KToW5DZGcgQfIhJCFCg& sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=book-preview-link&resnum=1&ved=0CDgQuwUwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false). New York University Press. ISBN978-0-8147-3635-7. Retrieved 2011-06-29. Lay summary (http:// best-websites-to-download-free-ebooks.blogspot.com/2011/02/turning-history-of-vietnam-veterans.html). Retzer, Joseph David. War and Political Ideology: The Roots of Radicalism Among Vietnam Veterans. Doctoral thesis. Yale University. 1976. W.D. Ehrhart. Passing Time: Memoir of a Vietnam Veteran Against the War. University of Massachusetts Press: 2nd edition, 1995. ISBN 978-0-87023-958-8 Fink, Bob. Vietnam, A View from the Walls. (http://www.greenwych.ca/vietnam.htm) History of the anti-Vietnam war U.S. protest, Posters, Freedom of Information surveillance documents, art, clips and narrative. ISBN 0-912424-08-7. Cortright, David. Soldiers in Revolt. Haymarket Books: September 2006. ISBN 978-1-931859-27-1.
Films
1972 - Winter Soldier. Directed by the Winterfilm Collective. 1973 - Operation Last Patrol. Directed by Frank Cavestani and Catherine Leroy. 2004 - Going Upriver: The Long War of John Kerry. Directed by George Butler. 2005 - Sir! No Sir!. Directed by David Zeiger.
External links
VVAW web site (http://www.vvaw.org/) History of the U.S. War in Vietnam (http://www.vvaw.org/about/warhistory.php) By Barry Romo, Pete Zastrow & Joe Miller The Winter Soldier Investigation sponsored by VVAW (http://lists.village.virginia.edu/sixties/HTML_docs/ Resources/Primary/Winter_Soldier/WS_entry.html) Winter Soldier (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0204058/) at the Internet Movie Database Blood Debt (http://chicagofreespeechzone.blogspot.com/2007/09/blood-debt.html) Members of Vietnam Veterans Against the War and Vietnamese victims come together to assess the legacy of Agent Orange (warning: graphic images - viewer discretion advised). From the Chicago FreeSpeechZone VVAW Coordinator Barry Romo's speech against the Iraq War and cutting of veteran health care funding (http:// chicago.indymedia.org/local/webcast/uploads/metafiles/vets_against_warylbfsg.mov/) Lexington Historical Society (http://www.lexingtonbattlegreen1971.com/) GI Antiwar Movement films, audio clips, photos and libraries (http://www.sirnosir.com/index.html) My Lai Peace Park Project (http://www.mylaipeacepark.org/) Iraq Veterans Against the War (http://www.ivaw.org/) Vietnam Vet and VVAW leader Terry DuBose on Rag Radio (http://www.archive.org/details/ RagRadio2011-06-17) Interviewed by Thorne Dreyer, June 17, 2011 [55:42] Articles about VVAW and Winter Soldier at The Rag Blog (http://theragblog.blogspot.com/search/label/ VVAW)
VoteVets.org
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VoteVets.org
VoteVets.org
Motto Formation Type The voice of America's 21st century patriots 2006 (PAC) and non-profit 501(c)(4)
VoteVets.org is organized as a non-partisan political action committee (PAC) and non-profit 501(c)(4) status in the United States.[3][4][5][6][7] It was co-founded in 2006 by Jon Soltz and Jeremy Broussard. Initially composed of United States Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans, the organization views defense policy as an American priority. The stated goal of the PAC is to put in Congress Afghanistan or Iraq war veterans who are critical of the execution of the war in Iraq. According to the VoteVets.org, the goal of the 501(c)(4) is to educate the American public on the war and military issues, and hold politicians accountable. In February 2007, a VoteVets.org spokesman told the The Washington Post that the group had 20,000 members, including 1,000 veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan'.[8] According to the group's website, the group has over 220,000 supporters.[9] Although organized as nonpartisan, it has been described as "partisan", "closely aligned with Congressional Democrats," and "liberal" in news stories.[10][11][12] In a June 2011 press release, the organization specifically identified itself as the "largest progressive group of veterans in America."[13]
2006 elections
During the United States 2006 election cycle, VoteVets.org PAC spent between $1.2 and $2 million (sources differ) trying to influence the outcomes of various congressional races. [14] [15] Senators targeted by the VoteVets' campaign for their support of the Iraq War include: Republicans George Allen, Rick Santorum, Conrad Burns, and Jim Talent.[15] For each congressional campaign, they released a television advertisement criticizing the (now former) senators for their vote against body armor for US troops in 2003.[16] VoteVets claim was based, in part, on the Republican senators' vote against an amendment offered [17] by Democratic Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu, in 2003, to boost National Guard and Reserves equipment funding by $1 billion. [18] The group FactCheck.org (a self-described non-partisan project of the Annenberg Center at the University of Pennsylvania) stated that the ad was misleading because the 2003 Senate budget amendment (on which the criticism was based) made no specific reference to "body armor". [19] However, the progressive Media Matters for America repeatedly pointed out what it said were "misleading" statements about the ads by FactCheck.org.[20][21][22][23] The group also ran ads targeting now-former Republican Representatives Melissa Hart, Gil Gutknecht, John Sweeney, John Doolittle, and Jon Porter. In that ad, an Iraq veteran, Tomas Young, who was paralyzed in Iraq, criticized the members of Congress for voting against increases in funding for veterans health care, while, in some cases, voting themselves a pay raise. The group also made a number of contributions to candidates, but only to those candidates who served during the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan. In 2006, out of all the Iraq or Afghanistan veterans running for Congress, VoteVets.org supported all but one of them (Van Taylor, Republican in Texas). Those endorsed candidates were: Patrick Murphy (D-PA), Joe Sestak (D-PA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Sam Schultz (R-IN), Andrew Duck (D-MD), and David Harris (D-TX). The group also supported Tim Walz (D-MN), and Chris Carney (D-PA). Murphy, Sestak, Walz, and
VoteVets.org Carney were all elected to Congress, and VoteVets.orgs site indicates they have been endorsed for their 2008 reelection.
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2008 elections
VoteVets.org Political Action Committee continued to endorse Iraq and Afghanistan veterans for Congress in the 2008 elections. Those include Rick Noriega (D-TX) who ran for Senate in Texas against incumbent John Cornyn, and many who ran for the House, including John Boccieri (D-OH), Michael D. Lumpkin (D-CA), Ashwin Madia (D-MN), Jill Morgenthaler (D-IL), Steve Sarvi (D-MN), and Jonathan Powers (D-NY). The group also has endorsed candidates who are not Iraq or Afghanistan combat veterans, including Eric Massa (D-NY), and Gary Peters (D-MI), who both served within the last decade. The group also held an on-line runoff, in which members were able to vote for one older veteran to endorse. That runoff was won by Charlie Brown (D-CA), who the group endorsed.[24] The group also endorsed the candidates who it endorsed in 2006 and reached Congress, Democratic Representatives Patrick Murphy, Joe Sestak, Tim Walz, and Chris Carney. Overall, VoteVets PAC contributed nearly $500,000 to candidates and other PACs during the 2008 election cycle.[25] While VoteVets did not officially endorse a candidate for president in 2008, the group did publicly support Barack Obama's plan for Iraq and actively opposed John McCain's campaign for President, despite McCain being an honored war veteran.[4]
Action Fund
VoteVets.org Action Fund, the group's non-profit wing, has also been active in the paid airwaves. The first ad generated by the action fund was an ad critical of then-Democratic Senator Joe Lieberman, for "failing to ask the tough questions" on the war. The group ran a newspaper ad and radio ad, featuring Jeremy Broussard, in Connecticut. The Action Fund also commissioned a 2006 poll, conducted by pollster Celinda Lake, of troops who had returned from Iraq. That poll found many troops did not feel they were given what they needed to succeed in Iraq, and even more had faced medical, mental, and financial hardship when they returned home. The action fund ran a television ad that gained national prominence titled, "Because of Iraq." That ad was notable because it included the image of another television ad, featuring Osama bin Laden, produced by the Republican National Committee, commonly referred to as the "ticking time bomb" ad. The ad from VoteVets begins with a series of veterans of the war explaining what they felt was a negative impact of the war in Iraq. For example, one veteran said, "Because of Iraq, there are more terrorists in the world." At the end of the VoteVets ad, General Wesley Clark says, "So if you see commercials telling you to be afraid of terrorism, remember: It's because of Iraq." In a series of ads that may have received the most attention for the group, VoteVets.org presented three generals, two of whom were commanders on the ground in Iraq, who became critical of President Bush's execution of the war. Those were Major General (ret.) John Batiste, Major General (ret.) Paul Eaton, and General Wesley Clark. Major General Batiste had commanded the First Infantry Division in Iraq, and Major General Eaton had been the first to be in command of rebuilding Iraqi Defense Forces after the fall of the Saddam regime. Those ads ran in the districts of Congressmen and Senators that the group felt were ready to abandon the President on the war. In fact, four targets of the ad were part of the so-called "gang of eleven" Republicans who went to the White House to complain to President Bush about the war, right after the ad aired. Though some claimed the targets of the ad were "vulnerable Republicans," some of the targets, including Reps. Fred Upton and Mike Rogers, have easily won reelection in the past, and are considered "safe" seats. In 2008, the Action Fund undertook two major actions that received national attention. First, the organization, along with Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington exposed an internal email from a Department of Veterans Affairs center in Temple, Texas, which read in part, "Given that we are having more and more compensation seeking veterans, I'd like to suggest that we refrain from giving a diagnosis of PTSD straight out. Consider a diagnosis of
VoteVets.org Adjustment Disorder, R/O PTSD.[26] The exposing of the email caused Senator Barack Obama to call for hearings, and for Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee in the Senate, Senator Daniel Akaka, to hold such hearings.[27] The second major action was a public push for a 21st Century GI Bill, which would boost the amount troops received in education benefits. The Action Fund backed the bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Jim Webb and Senator Chuck Hagel. As part of the group's efforts, it released an internet video with Brave New Films, urging the passage of the bill,[28] with an attached petition, which received 30,000 signatures, according to the group. It also aired television ads, targeting Senator John McCain[29] and Senator John Cornyn,[30] who did not support the bill.
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Activity in 2010
PAC disbursements
As of the June 30, 2010 Federal Election Commission (FEC) filing, VoteVets PAC had disbursed almost $165,000 to candidates and other PACs during the 2010 election cycle.[31]
VoteVets.org then used against our troops. Photos and news clips show the deadly capability of the weapon. Miller noted that every time the price of a barrel of oil increases $1, Iran makes another $1.5 billion, enhancing their ability to create weapons to be used against our troops. The World oil market depends greatly upon Iranian supply and the United States, as the top consumer of oil in the world, significantly drives up oil prices. The ad concludes by telling Congress, "It's time to lead. Pass Clean Energy and Climate Legislation."[37] Senator John Kerry, the sponsor of the bi-partisan clean energy bill on the Senate, endorsed the ad on the same day.[38] On April 14, 2010, conservative Fox News host Bill O'Reilly showed the ad on his television show during a segment with conservative comedian and commentator Dennis Miller in which both endorsed the ad.[39]
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Hannity complaint
In March 2010, VoteVets partnered with Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington against Sean Hannity and his "Freedom Concerts" alleging that Hannity had engaged in deceptive and illegal marketing practices by suggesting that all concert ticket sale revenue goes directly to scholarships for children of killed and wounded service members." CREW and VoteVets filed complaints with the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Trade Commission about Freedom Concerts, Freedom Alliance, and Lt. Col. Oliver North.[40]
Oil spill ad
In May 2010, VoteVets launched an ad campaign in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The massive $1.5 million television and web ad campaign was the first to make the connection between the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and our national security. The ad campaign features a veteran who served with the Louisiana National Guard, cleaning up the massive spill, speaking from a polluted shoreline of Louisiana. In the ad, Louisiana resident and veteran Evan Wolf makes the point that the necessity of using the Guard to help clean up efforts takes the military away from critical national security missions. Indeed, over 11,000 Guardsmen have been sent to the Gulf to help with the clean up. In the ad, Wolf says, When I signed on with the National Guard, I did it to help protect America from our enemies Not to clean up an oil companys mess here in the Gulf of Mexico But America needs a new mission. Because whether its deep-drilling oil out here, or spending a billion dollars a day on oil from our enemies overseas, our dependence on oil is threatening our national security. "Some folks in Washington say now is not the time for clean American power. I got to ask - if not now, when?" he closes. The television ad ran on national cable, with versions running in Louisiana, Florida, Maine, Washington, New Jersey, Illinois, and New Hampshire, that called on those states Senators to push clean legislation forward. Legislation pending in the Senate would cut Americas foreign oil dependence in half, expand the clean energy manufacturing tax credit by $5 billion and force offshore drilling rigs further offshore.[42]
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Summer ad campaign
In June 2010, VoteVets partnered with the League of Conservation Voters, Service Employees International Union, and Sierra Club and announced an $11 million campaign to help ensure that the U.S. Senate takes decisive action on comprehensive energy and climate legislation that summer. This unprecedented effort is one of the largest coordinated efforts to date to educate the public on where key Senators stand on the historic fight to put America back in control of its energy future with legislation that creates new clean energy jobs, reduces our dangerous addiction to oil and curbs harmful carbon pollution. As part of the campaign, VoteVets ran ads criticizing Senators Richard Burr (R-NC), Mike Johanns (R-NE), and Ben Nelson (D-NE) for opposing clean energy climate legislation. The coalition also ran ads supporting Senators Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and Harry Reid (D-NV) for their support of the legislation.[43]
SGLI petition
In August 2010, VoteVets helped expose an alleged scam perpetrated by banks in the disbursement of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) funds to gold star service flag families. According to VoteVets, Prudential Financial and MetLife had been investing life insurance benefits for service members killed and Iraq and Afghanistan and not turning the accrued interest over to the families of the deceased. VoteVets launched a petition asking Congress to hold hearings on the issue.[45]
Election Activity
In September 2010, VoteVets spent $500,000 in a massive literature drop and get out the vote campaign in Pennsylvania for Democrats Joe Sestak, Patrick Murphy and Bryan Lentz, all Veterans. Some of the dispersed literature compared Republican Pennsylvania Senate nominee Pat Toomey to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and criticizing his support of financial institutions over Veterans[46][47] and his voted against combat bonuses for deployed troops.[48] Additionally, VoteVets spent time in Washington state praising the record on veterans issues of Democratic Senator Patty Murray and claiming that her Republican opponent, Dino Rossi, had a sub-par record on similar issues.[49] In October, VoteVets launched nearly $1 Million dollars in ads in Pennsylvania criticizing Republicans Mike Fitzpatrick and Pat Toomey. That same month, VoteVets launched a $400,000 ad buy in Nevada in support of Democratic Senator Harry Reid. According to VoteVets, titled "Highway," the ad shows a young man hiking along the road, just as Harry Reid did once a week as he went back and forth to school. Narrated by Anthony Funches an Air Force veteran from Las Vegas, the ad chronicles how Harry Reid has always beat the odds, including his leadership to provide care and benefits to our nation's veterans.[50] "Harry Reid has always been there for us," said Jon Soltz, Iraq War veteran and Chairman of VoteVets.org. "This ad truly encapsulates how we feel about him and the dogged leadership he's provided, especially when it comes to veterans. In very many ways, veterans coming home face the same kind of challenges that Harry Reid has always conquered - getting an education, working our way up the ladder. So not only are we thankful for his leadership, and respect it, but we identify with his character. That's why we've chosen to run an ad like this.".[50] Also in October 2010, VoteVets spent $350,000 on an ad in Missouri criticizing Republican Senate Candidate and Representative Roy Blount for his vote against health care for 9/11 first responders.[51] VoteVets also spent $200,000 in Virginia to run ads criticizing Republican House candidate Robert Hurt for his lack of support for
VoteVets.org unemployment benefit extension which the group claimed disproportionately affected Veterans.[52] Later that month, VoteVets announced a dramatic expansion of its ad buys in Pennsylvania and Nevada by a combined $600,000. In all, the expansion brought VoteVets spending to $4 million dollars during the cycle, across the country.[53]
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VetVoice blog
On November 20, 2007, VoteVets.org launched a blog on politics and the military called VetVoice [2]. On the blog's first day, VetVoice posted messages from seven presidential candidates welcoming troops and veterans to the site.[56] The blog is edited by Afghanistan War veteran Richard Allen Smith.[57]
Board of Advisors
As of September 2010 from the VoteVets.org website [62]. Jon Soltz, Co-Founder and Chairman Douglas J. Band Richard Beattie Bill Belding General Wesley K. Clark (ret.) Major General Paul D. Eaton (ret.) Jason Flom Leslie H. Gelb Paul Hackett Elaine Kamarck Bob Kerrey Lawrence Korb William E. Little Lawrence E. Penn III
VoteVets.org
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References
[1] http:/ / www. votevets. org [2] http:/ / www. vetvoice. com [3] Beutler, Brian (April 23, 2009). "Progressive Groups Organize For Clean Energy" (http:/ / tpmdc. talkingpointsmemo. com/ 2009/ 04/ progressive-groups-organize-for-clean-energy. php). TPM DC. . Retrieved May 8, 2009. [4] Koppelman, Alex (July 23, 2008). "VoteVets targets McCain with new ad" (http:/ / www. salon. com/ politics/ war_room/ 2008/ 07/ 23/ votevets_ad/ ). Salon's War Room Blog. . Retrieved May 8, 2009. [5] Geraghty, Jim (May 15, 2007). "VoteDems, Er, I Mean, VoteVets Goes After John McCain" (http:/ / campaignspot. nationalreview. com/ post/ ?q=NWU4MDVlYjYwZmE3Mzg3ZDRjNjEzOGMwOTg5NTVkMmE). National Review's The Campaign Spot Blog. . Retrieved May 18, 2009. [6] Smith, Ben (April 27, 2009). "VoteVets on climate" (http:/ / www. politico. com/ blogs/ bensmith/ 0409/ VoteVets_on_climate. html). Politico's Ben Smith's Blog. . Retrieved May 18, 2009. [7] Curry, Tom (May 11, 2007). "Democratic-linked groups mount ad offensive" (http:/ / www. msnbc. msn. com/ id/ 18592516/ ). MSNBC. . Retrieved May 18, 2009. [8] Layton, Lyndsey; Jonathan Weisman (February 8, 2007). "Veterans Group Speaks Out on War" (http:/ / www. washingtonpost. com/ wp-dyn/ content/ article/ 2007/ 02/ 07/ AR2007020702317. html). The Washington Post. . Accessed via Lexis Nexis. [9] "About Us" (http:/ / votevets. org/ about?id=0001). VoteVets.org. 2012-07-11. . Retrieved 2012-07-11. [10] Weisman, Jonathan (2008-05-23). "Senate Passes $165 Billion Measure to Pay for Wars" (http:/ / www. washingtonpost. com/ wp-dyn/ content/ story/ 2008/ 05/ 23/ ST2008052300064. html). The Washington Post. . Retrieved 2010-11-18. [11] Hulse, Carl (2007-10-03). "Limbaugh Latest Target In War of Condemnation" (http:/ / query. nytimes. com/ gst/ fullpage. html?res=9E02E4D91E30F930A35753C1A9619C8B63& sec=& spon=& pagewanted=all). The New York Times. . Retrieved 2010-08-17. [12] {Weisman, Jonathan (2008-02-26). "Liberal Advocacy Groups Take Aim at McCain" (http:/ / www. washingtonpost. com/ wp-dyn/ content/ article/ 2008/ 02/ 25/ AR2008022502483. html). The Washington Post. . Retrieved 2010-07-18. [13] http:/ / www. votevets. org/ news?id=0448 [14] Horrigan, Marie (May 11, 2007). "New Mexico Rep. Wilsons Foes Seek to Keep Her on Defensive Over Iraq" (http:/ / www. nytimes. com/ cq/ 2007/ 05/ 11/ cq_2709. html). The New York Times. . Retrieved 2007-05-12. [15] Gray, Geoffrey (November 20, 2006). "Swift-Boat Revenge; How one New Yorker beat Republicans at the attack-ad game.". New York Magazine. Accessed via Lexis Nexis. [16] YouTube (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=W8zQA1gYwpk) Vote Vets PAC television advertisement against George Allen. [17] (No Author) (April 6, 2003). "HOW THEY VOTED". The San Diego Union-Tribune, States News Service. Accessed via Lexis Nexis. [18] Lewis, Bob (September 13, 2006). "Veterans' group to air ad attacking Allen". The Associated Press State & Local Wire. Accessed via Lexis Nexis. [19] Rotstein, Gary (November 20, 2006). "Vets Group's Attack Ads Targeted GOP". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Pennsylvania). Accessed via Lexis Nexis. [20] "AP advanced FactCheck.org's misleading criticism of Vote Vets ad targeting Allen" (http:/ / mediamatters. org/ items/ 200609220022). Media Matters for America. September 22, 2006. . [21] "In defense of Allen, Cal Thomas cited FactCheck.org's already-debunked criticism of Vote Vets ad" (http:/ / mediamatters. org/ items/ 200609280002). Media Matters for America. September 28, 2006. . [22] "Media Still Using Debunked FactCheck.org Analysis to Discredit VoteVets Ad in Senate Contests" (http:/ / mediamatters. org/ items/ 200609280011). Media Matters for America. September 28, 2006. . [23] ""Still criticizing Vote Vets ad, FactCheck.org's Jackson falsely claimed, "There has never been a vote on body armour""" (http:/ / mediamatters. org/ items/ 200610300009). Media Matters for America. September 30, 2006. . [24] VoteVets.org Endorsed Candidates, www.votevets.org [25] "COMMITTEE (C00418897) SUMMARY REPORTS - 2007-2008 CYCLE" (http:/ / query. nictusa. com/ cgi-bin/ cancomsrs/ ?_08+ C00418897). Query.nictusa.com. 2008-12-31. . Retrieved 2010-09-13. [26] "E-mail from VA worker says to avoid PTSD diagnosis" (http:/ / www. votevets. org/ news?id=0134). Associated Press. May 18, 2008. . Retrieved 2008-06-26. [27] Shane, Leo (June 6, 2008). "VA officials answer criticisms in Congress" (http:/ / www. stripes. com/ article. asp?section=104& article=62618& archive=true). Stars and Stripes. . Retrieved 2008-06-26. [28] YouTube - Why Won't McCain Sign the GI Bill? (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=pK_9sI7hzAc) [29] YouTube - VoteVets.org Ad on McCain / GI Bill (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=kcDMD0B7r88) [30] YouTube - VoteVets.org Ad on Cornyn/ GI Bill (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=D8cz3iAC3qo) [31] "COMMITTEE (C00418897) SUMMARY REPORTS - 2009-2010 CYCLE" (http:/ / query. nictusa. com/ cgi-bin/ cancomsrs/ ?_10+ C00418897). Query.nictusa.com. 2010-06-30. . Retrieved 2010-09-13. [32] "News" (http:/ / votevets. org/ news?id=0275). VoteVets.org. 2010-01-22. . Retrieved 2010-09-13. [33] "News" (http:/ / votevets. org/ news?id=0289). VoteVets.org. 2010-02-04. . Retrieved 2010-09-13. [34] "News" (http:/ / votevets. org/ news/ ?id=0306). VoteVets.org. 2010-02-05. . Retrieved 2010-09-13.
VoteVets.org
[35] Girl, Blue. "VoteVets calls out Roy Blunt with $600,000 ad campaign" (http:/ / showmeprogress. com/ diary/ 4114/ votevets-calls-out-roy-blunt-with-600000-ad-campaign). Show Me Progress. . Retrieved 2010-09-13. [36] "National Veterans Tour stops in Joplin" (http:/ / www. joplinindependent. com/ display_article. php/ mariwinn1267850120). Joplin Independent. . Retrieved 2010-09-13. [37] Allen, Richard. "VoteVets Launches Powerful New Ad Campaign" (http:/ / www. vetvoice. com/ showDiary. do?diaryId=3782). VetVoice. . Retrieved 2010-09-13. [38] John, Senator (2010-03-04). "John Kerry: Listen to These Vets" (http:/ / www. vetvoice. com/ showDiary. do?diaryId=3785). VetVoice. . Retrieved 2010-09-13. [39] Allen, Richard (2010-04-15). "Bill O'Reilly and Dennis Miller tell VoteVets Detractors to STFU" (http:/ / www. vetvoice. com/ showDiary. do?diaryId=3966). VetVoice. . Retrieved 2010-09-13. [40] Allen, Richard. "VoteVets, CREW File Complaint Against Hannity's "Freedom Alliance" with IRS, FTC" (http:/ / www. vetvoice. com/ showDiary. do?diaryId=3886). VetVoice. . Retrieved 2010-09-13. [41] Allen, Richard (2010-04-06). "New Poll Shows Support For Clean Energy Among post-9/11 Vets" (http:/ / www. vetvoice. com/ showDiary. do?diaryId=3911). VetVoice. . Retrieved 2010-09-13. [42] "News" (http:/ / votevets. org/ news?id=0334). VoteVets.org. 2010-05-27. . Retrieved 2010-09-13. [43] "News" (http:/ / votevets. org/ news/ ?id=0340). VoteVets.org. 2010-06-30. . Retrieved 2010-09-13. [44] by: BG_Ret Steven M. Anderson. "Why I Back Clean Energy In This Ad" (http:/ / www. vetvoice. com/ showDiary. do?diaryId=4258). VetVoice. . Retrieved 2010-09-13. [45] Allen, Richard. "Banks Scamming Gold Star Families; VoteVets Launches Petition" (http:/ / www. vetvoice. com/ showDiary. do?diaryId=4294). VetVoice. . Retrieved 2010-09-13. [46] http:/ / votevets. org/ news?id=0368 [47] http:/ / votevets. org/ news?id=0363 [48] http:/ / votevets. org/ news?id=0364 [49] http:/ / votevets. org/ news?id=0361 [50] http:/ / votevets. org/ news?id=0374 [51] http:/ / votevets. org/ news?id=0385 [52] http:/ / votevets. org/ news?id=0391 [53] http:/ / votevets. org/ news?id=0392 [54] http:/ / votevets. org/ news?id=0393 [55] Terkel, Amanda (2011-12-12). "VoteVets Gears Up For 2012 Election As Chair Jon Soltz Returns From Iraq" (http:/ / www. huffingtonpost. com/ 2011/ 12/ 12/ votevets-jon-soltz-iraq-2012-election_n_1142472. html?1323712759). Huffington Post. . [56] The Raw Story | GOP front-runners turn down opportunity to blog for vets (http:/ / rawstory. com/ news/ 2007/ GOP_frontrunners_turn_down_opportunity_to_1120. html) [57] by: VetVoice (2007-10-31). "About" (http:/ / www. vetvoice. com/ showDiary. do?diaryId=14). VetVoice. . Retrieved 2010-09-13. [58] http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=aMPIi03wSfY [59] "Ret. Generals' Ads Protest Bush Iraq Plan" (http:/ / www. cbsnews. com/ stories/ 2007/ 05/ 10/ politics/ main2784603. shtml). CBS News. May 10, 2007. . Retrieved 2007-05-12. [60] SHANKER, THOM (May 13, 2007). "Army Career Behind Him, General Speaks Out on Iraq" (http:/ / www. nytimes. com/ 2007/ 05/ 13/ us/ 13generals. html?_r=1& oref=slogin). The New York Times. . Retrieved 2007-05-13. [61] Brian Montopoli (2007-05-11). "CBS News Asks Batiste To Step Down As Consultant" (http:/ / www. cbsnews. com/ blogs/ 2007/ 05/ 11/ publiceye/ entry2791091. shtml). CBS News. . Retrieved 2007-05-12. [62] http:/ / www. votevets. org/ about?id=0005
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External links
VoteVets.org Homepage (http://www.votevets.org) VoteVets.org MySpace Page (http://myspace.com/votevets) VoteVets.org YouTube Page (http://www.youtube.com/user/votevets)
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501(C)(3) Corporation #20-2370934 "To raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service members; to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other; to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs" Jacksonville, Florida Steven Nardizzi, Esq.
The Wounded Warrior Project is a nonprofit organization whose stated mission is to "honor and empower wounded warriors" of the United States Armed Forces. "The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) works to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs."[3] According to Charity Navigator, WWP allocates 55 percent of its revenue to program expenses and 44.8 percent to fundraising and administrative expenses.[4]
History
Website
The History page on the WWP web site currently states: Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) began when several veterans and friends, moved by stories of the first wounded service members returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq, took action to help others in need. What started as a program to provide comfort items to wounded service members has grown into a complete rehabilitative effort to assist warriors as they recover and transition back to civilian life.[5]
Roanoke
Wounded Warrior Project was founded in 2002 in Roanoke, Virginia[1] by John Melia[6][7] with the assistance of family and friends. Melia had himself been severely wounded in a helicopter crash while serving in Somalia in 1992.[1] Besides John, the original founders of WWP included Jim Melia (John's brother), John F. Melia (John's father), Al Giordano and Steven Nardizzi.[8] Prior to its incorporation on February 23, 2005,[9] the WWP operated as a subsidiary of the United Spinal Association of New York.[6][8][10] It was during this period that the organization would develop one of its trademark activities, delivering backpacks full of supplies and other items to the bedsides of injured soldiers.
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Jacksonville
In July 2006, WWP's headquarters were moved from Roanoke to Jacksonville, Florida. WWP Founder John Melia cited a strong local veteran community, access to Jacksonville International Airport, and support from the local business community, specifically the PGA Tour. Melia says, "Florida is one of the most veteran-friendly states in the country."[1] Today, Wounded Warrior Project operates under the ASSURE3 model of service, which outlines the guiding principles for WWP programs and staff. Advocate Serve Support Unite Rehabilitate Educate Employ Empower
University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix and the Wounded Warrior Project awarded ten University of Phoenix Wounded Warrior Project Scholarships worth full-tuition at the University of Phoenix in 2011. Wounded Warrior Project alumni, spouses, and primary caregivers were eligible.[12]
College football
In the 2009 and 2010 seasons, the Maryland Terrapins, South Carolina Gamecocks, Texas Tech Red Raiders and Utah Utes wore special uniforms designed by Under Armour to promote the Project. In the 2011 season, the South Carolina Gamecocks, South Florida Bulls and Texas Tech Red Raiders wore special uniforms designed by Under Armour to promote the Project.
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Programs
The Programs page on the WWP website[15] displays information regarding a variety of programs now offered through the Wounded Warrior Project covering assistance such as: Combat Stress Recovery, Family Support, Physical Health & Wellness, WWP Backpacks, Campus Services, TRACK Education Centers, Transition Training Academy, Warriors to Workforce Transition, Alumni & Networking, Benefits Service, International Support, Peer Mentoring, Policy & Government Affairs, Warrior Public Speaking and the WWP Resource Center. In Congressional testimony,[16] a beneficiary of the program explained, Without these outside veterans organizations, such as the Wounded Warrior Project, soldiers such as myself would be very lost. 1LT John A. Fernandez, injured veteran of the Iraq War in 2005 testimony before the U.S. Congress[10]
Wounded Warrior Project Policy & Government Affairs Program - 2008 expenses $1,441,769, 2008 revenue $0 "WWP'S Policy & Government Affairs Program will continue to build effective relationships with the Congress, Federal Government (especially with VA, DOL, DoD, HHS and the Social Security Administration), military services, other key non-profit associations, veteran and military service organizations, the public and the media in Washington, DC to advocate for WWP's policy agenda."[17]
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Financial information
2005-2006 Annual Report [19] 2005-2006 Audited Financial Statements [20] 2006-2007 Annual Report [21] 2006-2007 Audited Financial Statements [22] 2007-2008 Annual Report [23] 2007-2008 Audited Financial Statements [24] 2008-2009 Annual Report [25] 2008-2009 Audited Financial Statements [26] 2009-2010 Annual Report [27] 2009-2010 Audited Financial Statements [28]
ORGANIZATION NAME [29] WWP, Inc. - 2005 , Filed on 2004 forms, covers three months in 2005? WWP, Inc. - 2006 [30]
$239,286 990
FL FL
2006 2006
$3,035,159 $3,233,328
24 20-2370934 30 20-2370934
[31] WWP, Inc. - 2006 , Covers one month? WWP - 2007 WWP - 2008 WWP - 2009 WWP - 2010 [32] [33] [34] [35]
FL FL FL FL
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NAME John Melia Steven Nardizzi Albion Giordano Cindy McDonald Jeffrey Searcy John Roberts Bruce Nitsche Jeremy Chwat Abigail Roberts
2007 TITLE Executive Director Deputy Executive Director, Operations Deputy Executive Director, Programs Controller Executive Vice President of Development National Service Director Executive Vice President of Special Projects Executive Vice President of Program Services Executive Vice President of Marketing
COMPENSATION $196,981 $160,063 $160,063 $75,115 $130,990 $120,991 $120,991 $120,991 $90,173
BASE
TOTAL REPORTABLE COMPENSATION $204,898 + $191,000* * John Melia also listed as an independent contractor making $191,000 in addition to his salary. $163,306
$173,738 $26,850
Steven Nardizzi Albion Giordano Jeffrey Searcy Jeremy Chwat Adam Silva Bruce Nitsche John Roberts
Executive Director
$141,163 $21,850
$293
$141,163 $21,850
$0
$163,013
$110,694 $21,850
$0
$132,544
$4,902
$122,544
Chief Development Officer Executive Vice President Special Projects National Service Director
$4,274 $4,495
$106,850 $122,544
$4,902
$122,544
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Major Contributors
During 2007 the largest contributor listed was the firm Direct Media Services, Inc., of New York, with aggregate contributions of $17,416,955. This is twice the total assets of WWP for that year. However, tax forms indicate that these contributions were "Noncash", so they likely take the form of donated services.
References
[1] Strupp, Dave (July 6, 2007), "Fast-growing group helps warriors" (http:/ / jacksonville. bizjournals. com/ jacksonville/ stories/ 2007/ 07/ 09/ story3. html), Jacksonville Business Journal (Jacksonville, Florida: American City Business Journals, Inc.), OCLC44317335, , archived by WebCite here (http:/ / www. webcitation. org/ 5drg7Vy28) [2] http:/ / www. woundedwarriorproject. org/ [3] Our Mission & Our Purpose (http:/ / www. woundedwarriorproject. org/ content/ view/ 412/ 875/ ), Wounded Warrior Project, , retrieved 2009-01-16 [4] "Wounded Warrior Project" (http:/ / www. charitynavigator. org/ index. cfm?bay=search. summary& orgid=12842). Charity Navigator. . Retrieved November 2, 2012. [5] History (http:/ / www. woundedwarriorproject. org/ mission/ history. aspx), Wounded Warrior Project, , retrieved 2012-04-18 [6] Herbert, Robert (March 12, 2004), "Our Wounded Warriors" (http:/ / query. nytimes. com/ gst/ fullpage. html?res=9E07E4DC103EF931A25750C0A9629C8B63), The New York Times, [7] CNN Fredricka Whitfield interview with John Melia (http:/ / transcripts. cnn. com/ TRANSCRIPTS/ 0403/ 20/ cnnitm. 00. html), CNN, March 20, 2004, , archived by WebCite here (http:/ / www. webcitation. org/ 5dsWPvjdE) [8] WWP FAQ's (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20050405140943/ http:/ / woundedwarriorproject. org/ pages. php?catid=213& pageid=674/ ), Wounded Warrior Project, , retrieved 2012-04-18 [9] Unified Registration Statement for Charitable Organizations (http:/ / apps. sos. wv. gov/ business/ charities/ readpdf. aspx?DocID=79193), State of West Virginia, June 18, 2008, [10] United States Congress. Senate. Committee on Veterans' Affairs (2005), Back from the Battlefield, Part II: Seamless Transition to Civilian Life : Hearing Before the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundred Ninth Congress, First Session, April 19, 2005 (http:/ / purl. access. gpo. gov/ GPO/ LPS66651), Washington, D. C.: Government Printing Office, pp.78, ISBN978-0-16-075462-3, LCCN2006415120, OCLC63270891, [11] National Veterans Organization Awards $2.7 Million Grant to Aid Wounded Soldiers (http:/ / www. unitedspinal. org/ 2005/ 09/ 26/ national-veterans-organization-awards-27-million-grant-to-aid-wounded-soldiers/ / ), United Spinal Association, , retrieved 2012-04-18 [12] "University of Phoenix and Wounded Warrior Project Provide Scholarship Opportunities to Injured Service Members; University awarding 10 full-tuition scholarships to eli-gible Wounded Warrior Project Alumni, spouses and primary caregivers" (Press release). University of Phoenix. 19 July 2011. [13] Wounded Warrior Project's Board of Directors (http:/ / www. woundedwarriorproject. org/ mission/ board-of-directors. aspx), Wounded Warrior Project, , retrieved 2011-10-19 [14] Wounded Warrior Project's Executive Staff (http:/ / www. woundedwarriorproject. org/ mission/ executive-staff. aspx), Wounded Warrior Project, , retrieved 2011-10-19 [15] Programs (http:/ / www. woundedwarriorproject. org/ programs. aspx), Wounded Warrior Project, , retrieved 2012-04-18 [16] John A. Fernandez statement before U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs (http:/ / veterans. senate. gov/ hearings. cfm?action=release. display& release_id=137287fc-4aae-47c3-9c90-7e7237cf7c23) [17] IRS Form 990 filing 2009, Part III, Statement of Program Service Accomplishments (http:/ / dynamodata. fdncenter. org/ 990_pdf_archive/ 202/ 202370934/ 202370934_200909_990. pdf), United States Internal Revenue Service, , retrieved 2011-02-25 [18] Annual Report 2008-2009 (http:/ / www. floridavets. org/ pdf/ ann_rprt_09. pdf) Florida Department of Veterans Affairs website [19] http:/ / www. woundedwarriorproject. org/ media/ 4456/ wwp_annualreport-2005-2006. pdf [20] http:/ / www. woundedwarriorproject. org/ media/ 4493/ 2005-06_audited_financial_statements_final. pdf [21] http:/ / www. woundedwarriorproject. org/ media/ 4465/ wwp_2006-2007_annual_report_final. pdf [22] http:/ / www. woundedwarriorproject. org/ media/ 4496/ 2006-07_audited_financial_statements_final. pdf [23] http:/ / www. woundedwarriorproject. org/ media/ 4468/ 2008-wwp-annual-report. pdf [24] http:/ / www. woundedwarriorproject. org/ media/ 4499/ 2007_08_audited_financials. pdf [25] http:/ / www. woundedwarriorproject. org/ media/ 4471/ wwp-2009-annual-report. pdf [26] http:/ / www. woundedwarriorproject. org/ media/ 4502/ 2009_bound_financial_statements. pdf [27] http:/ / www. woundedwarriorproject. org/ media/ 75923/ 2010-annual-report-small. pdf [28] http:/ / www. woundedwarriorproject. org/ media/ 4505/ fy2010_wwp_audited_financial_statements. pdf [29] http:/ / tfcny. fdncenter. org/ 990s/ 990search/ 990. php?ein=202370934& yr=200507& rt=990& t9=A [30] http:/ / tfcny. fdncenter. org/ 990s/ 990search/ 990. php?ein=202370934& yr=200607& rt=990& t9=A [31] http:/ / tfcny. fdncenter. org/ 990s/ 990search/ 990. php?ein=202370934& yr=200609& rt=990& t9=A [32] http:/ / dynamodata. fdncenter. org/ 990s/ 990search/ 990. php?ein=202370934& yr=200709& rt=990& t9=A [33] http:/ / dynamodata. fdncenter. org/ 990s/ 990search/ 990. php?ein=202370934& yr=200809& rt=990& t9=A
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External links
Better Business Bureau charity report (http://charityreports.bbb.org/public/Report.aspx?CharityID=3806)
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Music by Editing by
Beyond Treason is an 89-minute 2005 film by William Lewis and Joyce Riley. It reveals a history of profiteering by chemical companies such as Monsanto Company who used war as an occasion to sell their latest products, such as Agent Orange. The film gives details of US government testing of chemicals on its own citizens such as Operation Whitecoat and MKUltra. The film makes a compelling case that this policy is responsible for Gulf War syndrome, still referred to by the US military as a 'mystery illness'. The film suggests that the symptoms have a range of causes including cost cutting on safety equipment by military contractors, exposure to depleted uranium (DU) munitions or other unlicensed chemicals as well as intentional experimentation on American soldiers by the US military. Beyond Treason won the Grand Festival Award at the 2005 Berkeley Film Fest. The film is accompanied by a CD that contains supporting information that depleted uranium was considered as an area denial weapon in 1943.
External links
Beyond Treason [1] Beyond Treason trailer [2] Beyond Treason review [3] Beyond Treason [4] at the Internet Movie Database Depleted Uranium: Health and Public Health Issues Arising from the Use of Depleted Uranium Munitions [5] (2005)
Beyond Treason
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References
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] http:/ / www. beyondtreason. com/ http:/ / www. beyondtreason. com/ media/ beyond_treason. wmv http:/ / www. emvg. net/ reviews/ beyondtreason. php http:/ / www. imdb. com/ title/ tt0496241/ http:/ / www. psr. org/ documents/ du_report. pdf
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Cinematography Richard Pearce Haskell Wexler Editing by Release date(s) Running time Country Language Sylvia Sarner
1970
Interviews with My Lai Veterans is a 1970 short documentary film directed by Joseph Strick. It won an Academy Award in 1971 for Documentary Short Subject.[1]
Cast
Richard Hammer - Himself - Interviewer (voice)
References
[1] "New York Times: Interviews with My Lai Veterans" (http:/ / movies. nytimes. com/ movie/ 141517/ Interviews-with-My-Lai-Veterans/ details). NY Times. . Retrieved 2008-05-26.
External links
Interviews with My Lai Veterans (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065894/) at the Internet Movie Database
Taking Chance
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Taking Chance
Taking Chance
Directed by Produced by Ross Katz Lori Keith Douglas Ross Katz Brad Krevoy Cathy Wischner-Sola William Teitler LtCol Michael Strobl Ross Katz Kevin Bacon Marcelo Zarvos
Cinematography Alar Kivilo Editing by Studio Distributed by Release date(s) Running time Country Language Lee Percy Brian A. Kates HBO Films HBO Films
Taking Chance is a 2009 historical drama film based upon the experiences of Marine Lt. Col. Michael Strobl (Kevin Bacon), who escorts the body of a fallen Marine, PFC Chance Phelps (posthumously promoted to LCpl), back to his hometown from the Iraq War.[1][2] The film was selected for showing at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and premiered on HBO on February 21, 2009.
Plot
This movie starts out with two Marines driving wearing dress blue uniforms to a place that doesnt get shown. Then it cuts to Lt. Col. (Lieutenant Colonel) Mike Strobl played by Kevin Bacon searching on his computer the casualty report for the middle east. After a few clips of Kevin Bacon running through the woods, service members coffins getting put into an airplane, and some driving. We find the Lt. Col. at work giving a presentation to several other Marines. Then the Lt. Col. makes his way home with his family for a short while, then the camera cuts to five Marines in woodland MarPat camouflage taking US Flag draped coffins off of an airplane in the rain. After a short clip of the Lt.
Family members of Chance Phelps attend the Virginia premiere in February 2009
Taking Chance
479
Col. eating dinner with his family, we find him looking at the casualty report yet again but this time he writes down some information. The movie then cuts to him in an interview with a higher ranking Marine and he asks to escort a Marine named PFC (Private First Class) Chance Phelps. He says it is because the PFC is from his hometown, then we see him discuss his choice with his wife. After he explains that he is doing this only because the PFC is from his hometown and has no other meaning, the film cuts to several people doing medical procedures on a dead body which one can assume to be PFC Phelps. After the morticians are shown, the film then cuts to the Lt. Col. leaving and telling his wife goodbye. He then gets to the Dover Port Mortuary where he gets his instructions on how to go about escorting the fallen Marine. After the instruction, all the service members who are awaiting to escort their fallen comrades, they head outside and render honors to the departing escorts. The Lt. Col. then gets told that Phelps isn't ready to be transported yet due to the amount of casualties. So he gets a hotel room and the next day he does an inventory, with another Marine, of Phelps' personal items including: A cross on a string, a Saint Christopher necklace, a wristwatch, and Phelps' dog tags. The Lt. Col. then verifies that the body in the van is in fact the PFC and begins his drive to the airport where he has a talk with Rich Brewer played by John Magaro of the Dover Port Mortuary. They talk about the military and how the driver knew some people from his high school who didn't make it back from when they shipped off. He makes it to the airport, says goodbye to the driver and renders honors to the PFC. He then checks into the airport where the ticketing agent tells him that he has been upgraded to First Class. He goes through Security and tells the TSA agent that he can't put Phelps' personal items into the x-ray scanner. He also says that he won't take off his Marine Dress Uniform Jacket to go through the metal detector because it would degrade the uniform. He then renders honors to the PFC as the coffin gets put onto the airplane. The man next to him orders a Jack Daniels, and he orders a water and the man asks him "What, are you on duty?" he replies, "Yes, I am" and they take off. While in the air the flight attendant hands him a crucifix and tells him that she wants to have it.
Taking Chance
480
Cast
Kevin Bacon as Lieutenant Colonel Mike Strobl Tom Aldredge as Charlie Fitts Nicholas Reese Art as Nate Strobl Blanche Baker as Chris Phelps Tom Bloom as Navy Chaplain Guy Boyd as Gary Hargrove James Castanien as Robert Orndoff Gordon Clapp as Tom Garrett Mike Colter as MGySgt Demetry GySgt Henry Coy as Marine Driver Joel de la Fuente as Ticketing Agent Liza Coln-Zays as Ticketing Agent Ann Dowd as Gretchen Tate Ellington as A.V. Scott Noah Fleiss as Army Sergeant Julian Gamble as Jeff Mack Enver Gjokaj as Corporal Arenz Brendan Griffin as Major Thompson Sgt Adam Hayes as Dover Team Leader Danny Hoch as TSA Agent Ruby Jerins as Olivia Strobl Tom Kemp as Business Man John Bedford Lloyd as General Kruger John Magaro as Rich Brewer Matthew Morrison as Robert Rouse Maximilian Osinski as Sgt Neuman Wol Parks as Major Schott Del Pentecost as Minneapolis Cargo Handler Dominic Colon as Minneapolis Cargo Handler Christina Rouner as Tall Flight Attendant Victor Slezak as Sgt Mulcahy Felix Solis as Philly Cargo Worker Sarah Thompson as Annie Paige Turco as Stacey Strobl Sharon Washington as Mortuary Technician Julie White as Colonel Karen Bell Emily Wickersham as Kelley Phelps William Wise as Larry Hertzog Tom Wopat as John Phelps
Taking Chance
481
Critical reception
Taking Chance received generally favorable reviews, and currently holds a 76/100 rating on Metacritic.[3]. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes gave it a more mixed reception, with 50% of professional critics giving the film a positive review.[4] One review from The Baltimore Sun, said that it "... is one of the most eloquent and socially conscious films the premium cable channel has ever presented," and USA Today, said "A small, almost perfectly realized gem of a movie, Taking Chance is also precisely the kind of movie that TV should be making." On the other end is Slant Magazine, saying "Instead of well-drawn characters or real human drama, we are presented with a military procedural on burial traditions. The film desperately wants the viewer to shed tears for its fallen hero without giving a single dramatic reason to do so." The film was the most-watched HBO original in five years, with over two million viewers on the opening night, and more than 5.5 million on re-airings. Critics often attribute this success to its apolitical nature, not directly depicting nor offering an opinion of the Iraq War.[5] The film received two significant awards: Bacon received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor Miniseries or Television Film and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie, as well as a Primetime Emmy Award for "Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Miniseries or Movie", including nine other nominations at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards.
References
[1] Boedeker, Hal (February 15, 2009). "HBO's 'Taking Chance' is a moving salute to the fallen" (http:/ / www. orlandosentinel. com/ entertainment/ tv/ orl-ctvprime021509feb15,0,3535716. column). TV Preview (Orlando Sentinel). . Retrieved 2009-02-23. [2] Shales, Tom (February 21, 2009). "HBO's 'Chance' Finely Renders Solemn Honor For Fallen Troops" (http:/ / www. washingtonpost. com/ wp-dyn/ content/ article/ 2009/ 02/ 20/ AR2009022003750. html). TV Preview (Washington Post). . Retrieved 2009-02-23. [3] Taking Chance reviews (http:/ / www. metacritic. com/ tv/ shows/ takingchance?q=taking chance) at Metacritic [4] Taking Chance (http:/ / www. rottentomatoes. com/ m/ taking_chance/ ). Rotten Tomatoes. Flixter. Retrieved 5 July 2012. [5] "'Taking Chance'" (http:/ / online. wsj. com/ article/ SB123698771319725901. html). Wall Street Journal (News Corporation): pp.8. March 14, 2009. . Retrieved 2009-03-14.
External links
Taking Chance (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1019454/) at the Internet Movie Database Official website for Taking Chance (http://www.hbo.com/films/takingchance/) on HBO Arts of War on the Web review, February 20, 2009 (http://vva.org/blog/?p=261) KMIR6 NBC story on PFC Chance Phelps (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4Rl6qqPOnc) on YouTube Taking PFC Phelps home, by LtCol Michael Strobl, USMC (Ret) (http://www.chancephelps.org/ ?page_id=126) You're his witness now (http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/02/marine_takingchance_022009w/) Marine Corps Times
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The Good Soldier is a 2009 documentary film directed and produced by American filmmakers Lexy Lovell and Michael Uys. Using interviews with five veterans from different generations of American wars, the film explores the definition of what being a 'good soldier' really means. Howard Zinn author of A People's History of the United States and a former bombardier in WWII served as an advisor to the filmmakers.
Synopsis
The filmmakers follow the journey of five American veterans from World War II, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Iraq War as they sign up, participate in battle and finally change their perspective about the real meaning of war and being a good soldier. At the end, The Good Soldier poses the question: "What is it that makes a good soldier? Is it the ability to kill other human beings?" The film is composed of candid interviews with the veterans, who marched eagerly to defend their country in 1944, 1966, 1991, or 2003 only to return conflicted by the atrocities they saw and participated in, and questioning what true service to your country really means, The juxtaposition of these searing interviews with jarring on-the-ground archival footage exposes the brutality of combat, and honors the bravery not only of those who fight, but those who fight for change. In ultimately choosing to work for peace in the world, the heroes profiled in this film, have begun to take steps towards peace with themselves as well.
Release
The documentary was previewed at the National Veterans for Peace Convention 2009 in College Park, MD August 59, 2009.[2] The premiere was at the Hamptons International Film Festival on October 9, 2009, where it was picked up for limited theatrical distribution by Artistic License Films of New York.[3] The international premiere was at the Levante Film Festival in Italy.[4] The Good Soldier opened theatrically nationwide on Veterans Day, November 11, 2009. The opening was coordinated with an event called "A National Day of Conversation",[5] in which combat veterans, many of them members of VFP, hosted question and answer sessions with audiences. On November 6, 2009, as the feature component of his special Veterans Day edition of Bill Moyers Journal,[6] Mr. Moyers broadcast a fifty-minute
The Good Soldier version of the documentary. During this broadcast, the "National Day of Conversation" was announced.
483
Critical reception
From Daily Variety :"Skillfully interweaving the stories of five different servicemen from four different conflicts, "The Good Soldier" is a surprisingly nondoctrinaire docu about anti-war veterans that marches to its own drummer."[7] The majority of reviews were positive. Kam Williams wrote: "co-directors Lexy Lovell and Michael Uys deserve a 21-gun salute for fashioning a sobering antidote to all that patriotic claptrap about serving God, country and apple pie..."[8] Nicholas Rapold in Time Out New York called it "deeply moving,"[9] and Aaron Hillis of The Village Voice described the film as "shocking and affecting".[10] Jason Albert of the Onion.com (AV Club) said..."It's hard to imagine watching a more affecting movie than The Good Soldier...it may be as affecting a movie as I've ever seen. I found it both hard to watch and hard to turn away from. Really powerful stuff." Matthew Nestel of Box Office Magazine called the film "arresting with troves of detailed memories pouring out for the first time."[11] It was also praised by Hiphamptons.com: "the film should be mandatory viewing for every President and member of Congress."[12] The film scored 77% for critic approval, out of 13 reviews, on Rotten Tomatoes.[13] Joseph Jon Lanthier from Slant Magazine gave the film 2.5 stars out of 4; he praised the film's topic of anti-war idea but believed that "its idealistic agenda grows tiresome despite its legitimacy."[14] From The New York Times, Neil Genzlinger called The Good Soldier "an attack on the military, drenched in blood" and said that while the film had compelling stories, the five interviewees in film were "hardly representative of veterans."[15]
Awards
On Saturday November 21, 2009 "The Good Soldier" won the Maysles Brothers Award for Best Documentary from the jury at the Starz Denver Film Festival.[16] On Monday September 27, 2010 "The Good Soldier" won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Historical Programming - Long Form.[17]
Other media
The Good Soldier Received much advance coverage from media outlets such as The Huffington Post and Daily Kos. In addition public statements about the film were made by individual chapters of VFP[18] and the Daily Gazette of Schenectady, NY ran an editorial titled "A gift to all veterans for Veterans Day" about the upcoming premiere.[19] Documentary Magazine wrote about the film in a feature article titled "War Stories: The Good Soldier examines the cost of combat."[20] The film was also publicly endorsed by U.S. Labor Against the War.[21]
References
[1] Documentary Film, The Good Soldier, Features Songs And Original Music By JJ Grey http:/ / www. mi2n. com/ press. php3?press_nb=12433 [2] http:/ / www. vfpnationalconvention. org/ program. html [3] http:/ / www. indiewire. com/ article/ good_soldier_invades_u. s. _distribution/ [4] http:/ / www. levantefilmfest. com [5] http:/ / www. documentary. org/ content/ war-stories-good-soldier-examines-cost-combat [6] http:/ / www. pbs. org/ moyers/ journal/ 11062009/ profile. html [7] Scheib, Ronnie (November 11, 2009). "The Good Soldier Movie Review" (http:/ / www. variety. com/ review/ VE1117941580. html?categoryid=31& cs=1). Variety. . [8] http:/ / blackstarnews. com/ news/ 135/ ARTICLE/ 6104/ 2009-11-11. html [9] newyork.timeout.com/articles/film/.../the-good-soldier-film-review [10] www.villagevoice.com/.../finding-humanity-with-the-peaceniks-in-the-good-soldier/ [11] http:/ / boxoffice. com/ reviews/ 2009/ 11/ the-good-soldier. php [12] HTTP://hiphamptons.com/?P=1003
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External links
Official website (http://www.thegoodsoldier.com) The Good Soldier (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1377701/) at the Internet Movie Database
485
Music by
Cinematography Reuben Aaronson Christopher Bottoms Editing by Distributed by Release date(s) Running time Country Language Rob Hall Focus Features 2006 72 min
United States
English
The Ground Truth (also known as The Ground Truth: After the Killing Ends) is a 2006 documentary film about veterans of the Iraq War. It was directed and produced by Patricia Foulkrod.
Synopsis
The film addresses the issues many soldiers face upon their return from the War in Iraq, including problems with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and an inability to meld back into "normal" society. The film includes footage of soldiers in Iraq and personal interviews with about two dozen people directly affected by the war (either veterans or family members/friends of veterans). The veterans, both men and women, speak of their experiences before, during, and after the war. The veterans speak about recruitment and training, combat, their returns home, facing their families, and their difficulties in making the necessary changes needed to fit back into society. The Ground Truth was released in theatres on September 15th of 2006 and released on DVD on September 26th of the same year. People can sign up to host screenings of the film online at The Ground Truth [1] or view a low-resolution copy online, see bottom.
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The accounts
Robert Acosta is a specialist in the U.S. Army and felt his time in the army saved him from facing time in prison. He lost his right hand and part of his right foot in Iraq in a grenade explosion. Charles Anderson served in the U.S. Navy from 1996-2005, serving time in Iraq in 2003. When discharged he was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Upon his return from the war, Anderson became actively involved in the anti-war effort and publicly supported increased government-provided care for veterans returning from Iraq. Aidan Delgado was a specialist in the U.S. Army Reserve. Delgado served in Iraq in 2003 and was discharged in 2005. After finishing his service in Iraq, he became active in an anti-war program where he spoke publicly about what he felt to be the truth about Iraq. He also became a member of Iraq Veterans Against the War and the Buddhist Peace Fellowship. Kelly Doughtery served as a medic and military policewoman in the U.S. Army National Guard. Kelly spent a year in Iraq from 2003-2004. After returning home, she became the co-founder and Southwest Coordinator for Iraq Veterans Against the War. She also gave worldwide speeches expressing her views on the war. Jim Driscoll helped found Vets4Vets, an organization which provides peer support for veterans. Sean Huze served as a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in Iraq in 2003. Upon his dischange, he was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Certificate of Commendation, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. After his return he became involved in theatre and used dramatic art and expression to address the issue of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He founded and is currently the artistic director for The VetStage Foundation, a non-profit theatre company for veterans. Denver Jones was a U.S. Army Reserve Specialist and re-enlisted to serve in Iraq after the attacks on 9/11. During his service he was involved in a Humvee accident, which shattered his spine and damaged his bladder. The accident left him completely disabled. Jones suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after his return from Iraq. Joyce and Kevin Lucey became involved in the anti-war effort after their son (Jeffery Lucey a 23 year-old veteran of the Iraq war) committed suicide. Jefferey had spent five months in Iraq in 2003, and fought in the Battle of Nasiriyah. He suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after the war. Camilo Meja is a sergeant in the U.S. Army National Guard and fought in Iraq for a period of six months. After his return to America, he began to speak publicly about his experiences and disagreement with the War in Iraq. Demond Mullins enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard and served five years. He was deployed to Iraq for one year in 2004. After his return he joined Iraq Veterans Against the War. Perry O'Brien was discharged as a conscientious objector (CO) after spending eight months in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne. He later founded Peace-Out [2], a website offering assistance to soldiers wishing to obtain CO status. He also became a member of Iraq Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace. Paul Rieckhoff served as a platoon leader in Iraq. After returning home, he joined the anti-war effort by trying to spread word of what he felt are the true conditions soldiers in Iraq face. He is the creator of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Stephen L. Robinson is a former Airborne Ranger and instructor at Ranger School. From September 2001 to January 2006, he served as Executive Director of the National Gulf War Resource Center. Robinson has been recognized as an expert on chemical and biological weapons and on Gulf War Illness. He served in the Gulf War, and also on the Veterans Affairs Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Illnesses, and also as a Special Advisor for Vietnam Veterans of America. Robinson also became involved as the Government Relations Director for Veterans of America.
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Associated organizations
10% of proceeds from the sale of The Ground Truth DVDs go to Operation Helmet. Other associated organizations include Iraq Veterans Against the War, AMVETS, Appeal for Redress, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the National Center for PTSD, the National Veterans Foundation, Purple Hearts Project, Soldiers Project, US Vets, Veterans for America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wounded Warrior Project, Vets 4 Vets, and several faith-based and student organizations.
Credits
Director: Patricia Foulkrod; Producor: Patricia Foulkrod; Executive Producers: Jodie Evans, Carl Linderum, Victor Scherb, Louise J. Wannier, Andrew Mysko, *Jon Faiz Kayyem, Dal LaMagna Cinematographer: Reuben Aaronson; Editor: Rob Hall; Released by: Focus Films; Running time: 88 minutes; Rating: R Original Music by David Hodge. The Ground Truth was filmed in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California; *Iraq; and Venice L.A., California. DVD release information: ASIN B000HA4WSY
External links
official site for the film, "The Ground Truth" [3] September 15, 2006 New York Times review [4] The Ground Truth [5] at AllRovi The Ground Truth [6] at the Internet Movie Database Low-resolution copy with distributor's permission, viewable in five 15-minute segments [7]
488
References
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] http:/ / thegroundtruth. net http:/ / www. peace-out. com/ http:/ / www. thegroundtruth. net/ http:/ / movies2. nytimes. com/ 2006/ 09/ 15/ movies/ 15trut. html http:/ / www. allrovi. com/ movies/ movie/ v316343 http:/ / www. imdb. com/ title/ tt0446345/ http:/ / www. dailymotion. com/ hiroproto/ 1
489
Music by
Cinematography Gregg Toland Editing by Studio Distributed by Release date(s) Running time Country Language Budget Box office Daniel Mandell Samuel Goldwyn Productions RKO Radio Pictures
The Best Years of Our Lives is a 1946 American drama film directed by William Wyler and starring Fredric March, Myrna Loy, Dana Andrews, Teresa Wright, Virginia Mayo, and Harold Russell. The film is about three United States servicemen trying to piece their lives back together after coming home from World War II. Samuel Goldwyn was inspired to produce a film about veterans after reading an August 7, 1944 article in Time about the difficulties experienced by men returning to civilian life. Goldwyn hired former war correspondent MacKinlay Kantor to write a screenplay. His work was first published as a novella, Glory for Me, which Kantor wrote in blank verse.[2][3] Robert Sherwood then adapted the novella as a screenplay.[3] The Best Years of Our Lives won seven Academy Awards in 1946, including Best Picture, Best Director (William Wyler), Best Actor (Fredric March), Best Supporting Actor (Harold Russell), Best Film Editing (Daniel Mandell), Best Adapted Screenplay (Robert Sherwood), and Best Original Score (Hugo Friedhofer).[4] In addition to its critical success, the film quickly became a great commercial success upon release. It became the highest-grossing film in both the United States and UK since the release of Gone with the Wind. It remains the sixth most-attended film of all time in the UK, with over 20 million tickets sold.[5] The film had one of the highest viewing figures of all time, with ticket sales exceeding $20.4 million.[6]
490
Plot
After World War II, Fred Derry (Dana Andrews), Homer Parrish (Harold Russell), and Al Stephenson (Fredric March) meet while flying home to Boone City (a fictional city patterned after Cincinnati, Ohio.[2]). Fred was a decorated Army Air Forces captain and bombardier with the Eighth Air Force in Europe who still suffers from nightmares of combat. Homer lost both hands from burns suffered when his aircraft carrier was sunk, and now uses mechanical hook prostheses. Al served as an infantry platoon sergeant in the 25th Infantry Division in the Pacific. Before the war, Al was a bank loan officer. He is a mature man with a comfortable home and a loving family: wife Milly (Myrna Loy), adult daughter Peggy (Teresa Wright), and college freshman son Rob. Al has trouble readjusting to civilian life, as do his two new acquaintances, and is showing signs of alcoholism. Shortly after returning home, Al is persuaded to return to the bank (with a promotion and raise). The bank president views Al's military experience as valuable in dealing with other vets who are returning to civilian life, and may seek loans from the bank. Al soon realizes the narrow tightrope that he's walking, when he approves a loan (without collateral) to a young Navy vet who wishes to purchase land for a farm, and is soon forced to explain to the bank president why he made the approval. Later, at a banquet held by the bank officers in his honor, a slightly inebriated Al manages to eloquently articulate, with some rambling, his belief that the bank (and America) must stand with the vets who risked everything to defend the country, and give them every chance possible to rebuild their lives back home. Before the war, Fred had been an unskilled drugstore soda jerk. He wants something better, but the tight postwar job market forces him to reluctantly return to his old job. Fred had met Marie (Virginia Mayo) while in flight training and married her shortly afterward, before shipping out less than a month later. Marie became a nightclub waitress while Fred was overseas. Marie seems to have been largely enamored of Fred when he was an aviator, and now does not enjoy being married to a soda jerk. Homer was a football quarterback and became engaged to Wilma (Cathy O'Donnell) before joining the Navy. Both Homer and his parents now have trouble dealing with his disability. He does not want to burden Wilma with a handicapped man and so pushes her away, although she adjusts best to his changed life, and still wants to marry him. Peggy meets Fred while bringing her father home from a bar where the three men meet once again. They are attracted to each other, and Peggy dislikes Marie, finding her shallow. Peggy tells her parents she intends to end Fred and Marie's marriage, but they tell her that their own marriage overcame similar problems. In order to protect Peggy, Al demands that Fred to stop seeing his daughter. Fred agrees, but the friendship between the two men becomes strained. At Fred's drugstore an obnoxious customer, who says that the war was fought against the wrong enemies, gets into a fight with Homer. Fred intervenes to protect his friend, and knocks the man into a glass counter. Having lost his job, Fred and Homer leave the drugstore. Later, Fred encourages Homer to put his misgivings behind and marry Wilma, offering to be his best man if he needs one. Arriving home, Fred discovers his wife with another veteran (Steve Cochran). Marie confronts Fred and tells him that she thinks he is a flop and that she is getting a divorce. Fred decides to leave town, and gives his father his medals and citations, saying that they were "passed out with the K-rations." His father tries to persuade Fred to stay and start a new life on his home turf. After Fred leaves, his father is nearly brought to tears when reading the citation for Fred's Distinguished Flying Cross, and learns for the first time what a hero his son truly had been. At the airport, Fred books space on the first outbound aircraft, without regard for the destination. While waiting, he wanders into a vast aircraft boneyard. Inside the nose of a B-17, he begins to relive and purge himself of the intense memories of combat. The boss of a work crew interrupts him. When the crew chief says the aluminum from the aircraft is being salvaged to build housing, Fred persuades the boss to hire him. At home, one evening, Wilma visits Homer and tells him that her parents want to her leave Boone City for an extended period, to try and forget him. Torn between wanting her to stay, but not wishing to burden her life living with someone in his condition, Homer bluntly demonstrates to Wilma how hard life with him would be, but when Wilma makes clear that she loves him anyway, he gives in and agrees to marry her.
The Best Years of Our Lives The story concludes on the day of Homer and Wilma's wedding, in the Parrish home. True to his word, the now-divorced Fred is Homer's best man at the wedding. Al and Fred meet for the first time after their confrontation in Butch's over his relationship with Peggy; and despite Al's friendly overtures, Fred remains cool. During the ceremony, Fred and Peggy watch each other tentatively from across the room. After the ceremony, Fred becomes convinced that he has to put the past behind him and build a new life. He approaches Peggy and holds her, telling her that it might be years before their lives become comfortable. She smiles, and they kiss and embrace.
491
Cast
Myrna Loy as Milly Stephenson Fredric March as Sergeant First Class Al Stephenson Dana Andrews as Captain Fred Derry Teresa Wright as Peggy Stephenson Virginia Mayo as Marie Derry Cathy O'Donnell as Wilma Cameron Hoagy Carmichael as Uncle Butch Harold Russell as Petty Officer 2nd Class Homer Parrish Gladys George as Hortense Derry Roman Bohnen as Pat Derry Ray Collins as Mr. Milton Minna Gombell as Mrs. Parrish Walter Baldwin as Mr. Parrish Steve Cochran as Cliff Dorothy Adams as Mrs. Cameron Don Beddoe as Mr. Cameron Marlene Aames as Luella Parrish Charles Halton as Prew Ray Teal as Mr. Mollett Howland Chamberlain as Thorpe Dean White as Novak Erskine Sanford as Bullard Michael Hall as Rob Stephenson Victor Cutler as Woody
Casting brought together established stars as well as character actors and relative unknowns. Famed drummer Gene Krupa was seen in archival footage, while Tennessee Ernie Ford, later a famous television star, appeared as an uncredited "hillbilly singer" (in the first of his only three film appearances). At the time the film was shot, Ford was unknown as a singer. He worked in San Bernardino as a radio announcer-disc jockey. Blake Edwards, later notable as a film producer and director, appeared fleetingly as an uncredited "Corporal". Actress Judy Wyler was cast in her first role in her father's production. Additional uncredited cast members include Mary Arden, Al Bridge, Harry Cheshire, Joyce Compton, Heinie Conklin, Clancy Cooper, Claire Du Brey, Tom Dugan, Edward Earle, Billy Engle, Pat Flaherty, Stuart Holmes, John Ince, Teddy Infuhr, Robert Karnes, Joe Palma, Leo Penn, Jack Rice, Suzanne Ridgeway, Ralph Sanford and John Tyrrell.[7]
Production
Director William Wyler had flown combat missions over Europe in filming Memphis Belle (1944) and worked hard to get accurate depictions of the combat veterans he had encountered. Wheeler changed the original casting that had featured a veteran suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder and sought out Harold Russell, a non-actor to take on the exacting role of Homer Parrish.[8] For The Best Years of Our Lives, he asked the principal actors to purchase their own clothes, in order to connect with daily life and produce an authentic feeling. Other Wyler touches included constructing life-size sets, which went against the standard larger sets that were more suited to camera positions. The impact for the audience was immediate, as each scene played out in a realistic, natural way.[8] The movie began filming on April 15, 1946 at a variety of locations, including the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Ontario International Airport, Ontario, California, Raleigh Studios, Hollywood and the Samuel Goldwyn/Warner Hollywood Studios.[8] Many scenes were also filmed in Phoenixville, PA, most notably the banking scenes using the Farmers and Mechanics Bank located on Main Street and various other scenes showing Bridge Street and Main Street in Phoenixville, PA. The Best Years of Our Lives is notable for cinematographer
The Best Years of Our Lives Gregg Toland's use of deep focus photography, in which objects both close to and distant from the camera are in sharp focus.[9] For the passage of Fred Derry's reliving a combat mission while sitting in the remains of a former bomber, Wyler used "zoom" effects to simulate an aircraft's taking off.[10] The "Jackson High" football stadium seen early in the movie in aerial footage was Corcoran Stadium, the home of Xavier University's (Cincinnati) football team from 1929 to 1973. After the war, the combat aircraft featured in the film were being destroyed and disassembled for reuse as scrap material. The scene of Derry's walking among aircraft ruins was filmed at the Ontario Army Air Field in Ontario, California. The former training facility had been converted into a scrap yard, housing nearly 2,000 former combat aircraft in various states of disassembly and reclamation.[8] Big-band jazz drummer Gene Krupa briefly appears in a montage of nightclub performers.
492
Reception
Upon its release, the film received extremely positive reviews from critics. Shortly after its premiere at the Astor Theater, New York, Bosley Crowther, film critic for The New York Times, hailed the film as a masterpiece. He wrote, It is seldom that there comes a motion picture which can be wholly and enthusiastically endorsed not only as superlative entertainment but as food for quiet and humanizing thought... In working out their solutions Mr. Sherwood and Mr. Wyler have achieved some of the most beautiful and inspiring demonstrations of human fortitude that we have had in films."[11] He also said the ensemble casting gave the "'best' performance in this best film this year from Hollywood." A present-day critic, Dave Kehr, wrote, The film is very proud of itself, exuding a stifling piety at times, but it works as well as this sort of thing can, thanks to accomplished performances by Fredric March, Myrna Loy, and Dana Andrews, who keep the human element afloat. Gregg Toland's deep-focus photography, though, remains the primary source of interest for today's audiences."[9] David Thomson offers tempered praise: "I would concede that Best Years is decent and humane... acutely observed, despite being so meticulous a package. It would have taken uncommon genius and daring at that time to sneak a view of an untidy or unresolved America past Goldwyn or the public."[12] Manny Farber called it "a horse-drawn truckload of liberal schmaltz."[13][14] In July 2010, the film has a 97% "Fresh" rating at Rotten Tomatoes, based on 36 reviews.[15] The film enjoys a 100% "Fresh" rating on the site's "Top Critics" section, based on 8 reviews. Chicago Sun Times film critic Roger Ebert put the film on his "Great Movies" list in 2007, calling it "...modern, lean, and honest."[16] The film was a massive popular success. When box office prices are adjusted for inflation, it remains one of the top 100 grossing films in U.S. history. Among films released before 1950, only Gone With the Wind, The Bells of St. Mary's and four Disney titles have done more total business, in part due to later re-releases. (Reliable box office figures for certain early films such as Birth of a Nation and Charlie Chaplin's comedies are unavailable.) [17]
493
Honorary Award
1947 Golden Globe Awards Won: Best Dramatic Motion Picture Won: Special Award for Best Non-Professional Acting - Harold Russell 1948 BAFTA Awards Won: BAFTA Award for Best Film from any Source Other wins National Board of Review: NBR Award Best Director, William Wyler; 1946. New York Film Critics Circle Awards: NYFCC Award Best Director, William Wyler; Best Film; 1946. Bodil Awards: Bodil; Best American Film, William Wyler; 1948. Cinema Writers Circle Awards, Spain: CEC Award; Best Foreign Film, USA; 1948.
In 1989, the National Film Registry selected it for preservation in the United States Library of Congress as being deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." American Film Institute recognition 1998 AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies #37 2006 AFI's 100 Years... 100 Cheers #11 2007 AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies (10th Anniversary Edition) #37
494
References
Notes
[1] " 'Best Years of Our Lives' (1946)." (http:/ / www. boxofficemojo. com/ movies/ ?id=bestyearsofourlives. htm) Box Office Mojo. Retrieved: February 4, 2010. [2] Orriss 1984, p. 119. [3] Levy, Emmanuel. "Review: "The Best Years of Our Lives" (1946)." (http:/ / www. emanuellevy. com/ article. php?articleID=583) emanuellevy.com, 4 May 2010. Retrieved: November 20, 2011. [4] "The 19th Academy Awards (1947) Nominees and Winners." (http:/ / www. oscars. org/ awards/ academyawards/ legacy/ ceremony/ 19th-winners. html) oscars.org. Retrieved: November 20, 2011. [5] "BFI'S Ultimate Film Chart." (http:/ / www. bfi. org. uk/ features/ ultimatefilm/ chart/ index. php) BFi.org.uk. Retrieved: July 27, 2010. [6] "Top 100 films." (http:/ / www. film4. com/ ) Channel 4. Retrieved: October 25, 2010. [7] " 'The Best Years of Our Lives' (1946): Full cast and credits." (http:/ / www. imdb. com/ title/ tt0036868/ fullcredits#cast) Internet Movie Database. Retrieved: February 4, 2010. [8] Orriss 1984, p. 121. [9] Kehr, Dave. The Best Years of Our Lives. (http:/ / onfilm. chicagoreader. com/ movies/ capsules/ 942_BEST_YEARS_OF_OUR_LIVES) The Chicago Reader. Retrieved: April 26, 2007. [10] Orriss 1984, pp. 121122 [11] Crowther, Bosley. The Best Years of our Lives. (http:/ / movies2. nytimes. com/ mem/ movies/ review. html?res=EE05E7DF1739E561BC4A51DFB767838D659EDE) The New York Times, November 22, 1946. Retrieved: April 26, 2007. [12] Thomson, 2002, p. 949. [13] Flood, 1998, p. 15. [14] OCLC90715570 "Manny Farber." (http:/ / www. findarticles. com/ p/ articles/ mi_m0268/ is_n1_v37/ ai_21118156)findarticles.com. Retrieved: April 26, 2007. [15] " 'The Best Years of Our Lives'." (http:/ / www. rottentomatoes. com/ m/ best_years_of_our_lives/ ) Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved: July 30, 2010. [16] Ebert, Roger. "The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)." (http:/ / rogerebert. suntimes. com/ apps/ pbcs. dll/ article?AID=/ 20071229/ REVIEWS08/ 473062636/ 1023) Chicago Sun Times, December 29, 2007. Retrieved: November 20, 2011. [17] "All-time Films (adjusted)." (http:/ / boxofficemojo. com/ alltime/ adjusted. htm) Box Office Mojo. Retrieved: September 19, 2010. [18] Bergan, Ronald. "Obituary: Harold Russell; Brave actor whose artificial hands helped him win two Oscars." (http:/ / www. guardian. co. uk/ news/ 2002/ feb/ 06/ guardianobituaries) The Guardian, February 6, 2002. Retrieved: June 12, 2012.
Bibliography
Dolan, Edward F. Jr. Hollywood Goes to War. London: Bison Books, 1985. ISBN 0-86124-229-7. Flood, Richard. "Reel crank - critic Manny Farber." Artforum, Volume 37, Issue 1, September 1998. ISSN 0004-3532. Hardwick, Jack and Ed Schnepf. "A Viewer's Guide to Aviation Movies", in The Making of the Great Aviation Films. General Aviation Series, Volume 2, 1989. Kinn, Gail and Jim Piazza. The Academy Awards: The Complete Unofficial History. New York: Black Dog & Leventhal, 2008. ISBN 978-1-57912-772-5. Orriss, Bruce. When Hollywood Ruled the Skies: The Aviation Film Classics of World War II. Hawthorn, California: Aero Associates Inc., 1984. ISBN 0-9613088-0-X. Thomson, David. "Wyler, William". A Biographical Dictionary of Film. London: Little, Brown, 2002. ISBN 0-316-85905-2.
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External links
The Best Years of Our Lives (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036868/) at the Internet Movie Database. The Best Years of Our Lives (http://www.allrovi.com/movies/movie/v4943) at AllRovi. The Best Years of Our Lives (http://tcmdb.com/title/title.jsp?stid=68507) at the TCM Movie Database. The Best Years of Our Lives (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/best_years_of_our_lives/) at Rotten Tomatoes The Best Years of Our Lives (http://www.filmsite.org/besty.html) detailed synopsis/analysis at Film Site by Tim Dirks. The Best Years of Our Lives (http://www.reelclassics.com/Movies/BestYears/bestyears.htm) film article at Reel Classics. Includes MP3s. The Best Years of Our Lives (http://www.thegoldenyears.org/years.html) at the Golden Years web site. Streaming audio The Best Years of Our Lives (http://ia700508.us.archive.org/0/items/ScreenGuildTheater/ Sgt_47-11-24_ep363_The_Best_Years_of_Our_Lives.mp3) on Screen Guild Theater: November 24, 1947 The Best Years of Our Lives (http://ia700308.us.archive.org/31/items/ScreenDirectorsPlayhouse/ SDP_49-04-17_ep015-The_Best_Years_of_Our_Lives.mp3) on Screen Directors Playhouse: April 17, 1949
496
The Wall That Heals is a 1997 documentary film about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial narrated by Louis Gossett, Jr.
External links
The Wall That Heals [1] at the Internet Movie Database
References
[1] http:/ / www. imdb. com/ title/ tt0224364/
497
References
[1] (http:/ / www. imdb. com/ title/ tt0800266/ ) Internet Movie Database entry
External links
Official website of the film (http://www.whenicamehome.com/) When I Came Home (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0800266/) at the Internet Movie Database Variety Review (http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117930455.html?categoryid=31&cs=1&p=0) Cinematical Review (http://www.cinematical.com/2006/04/19/tribeca-review-when-i-came-home)
Winter Soldier
498
Winter Soldier
Winter Soldier
Produced by Vietnam Veterans Against the War Winterfilm Collective
Distributed by Milliarium Zero Release date(s) 27 January 1972 Running time Country Language 96 min.
United States
English
Winter Soldier is a 1972 documentary film chronicling the Winter Soldier Investigation which took place in Detroit, Michigan, from January 31 to February 2, 1971. The film documents the accounts of United States soldiers who returned from Vietnam, and participated in this war crimes hearing. The Winterfilm Collective (listed as Winterfilm, Inc. in the credits to the film Winter Soldier) consisted of: Rusty Sachs, Barbara Kopple, Fred Aranow, Nancy Baker, Joe Bangert, Rhetta Barron, Robert Fiore, David Gillis, David Grubin, Jeff Holstein, Barbara Jarvis, Al Kaupas, Mark Lenix, Michael Lesser, Nancy Miller, Lee Osborne, Lucy Massie Phenix, Roger Phenix, Benay Rubenstein, and Michael Weil.[1]
Participants
Soldiers who appeared in the film included (in order of appearance): Rusty Sachs, 1st Marine Air Wing Joseph Bangert, 1st Marine Air Wing Scott Shimabukuro, 3rd Marine Division Kenneth Campbell, 1st Marine Division Scott Camil, 1st Marine Division John Kerry, Coastal Divisions 11 & 13, USN Steve Pitkin, 9th Infantry Division Jonathan Birch, 3rd Marine Division Charles Stevens, 101st Airborne Division Fred Nienke, 1st Marine Division David Bishop, 1st Marine Division Nathan Hale, Americal Division Michael Hunter, 1st Infantry Division Murphy Lloyd, 173rd Airborne Brigade Carl Rippberger, 9th Infantry Division Evan Haney, US Naval Support Activity Robert Clark, 3rd Marine Division Gordon Stewart, 3rd Marine Division Curtis Windgrodsky, Americal Division Gary Keyes, Americal Division Allan Akers, 3rd Marine Division William Hatton, 3rd Marine Division
Winter Soldier Joseph Galbally, Americal Division Edmund Murphy, Americal Division James Duffy, 1st Air Cavalry Division Scott Moore, 9th Infantry Division Mark Lenix, 9th Infantry Division Thomas Heidtman, 1st Marine Division Dennis Caldwell, 1st Aviation Brigade James Henry[1]
499
The collective produced the 1971 film documentary about the Winter Soldier Hearings in Detroit, as well as associated anti-war protests and marches.
Reception
At the time of its original release in 1972, Winter Soldier was greeted with skepticism and largely ignored by the mainstream media. "Only the local Detroit Free Press bothered to confirm the veracity of accounts and the credentials of participants," according to Johnny Ray Huston in a 2005 review of the film and its impact. "Television primarily turned a blind eye, and conservative publications like the Detroit News cast doubt on the allegations made without offering any specific proof of deception."[3] The ABC, NBC, CBS and PBS television networks were offered opportunities to broadcast the film but declined.[4] For the first 30 years after its release, the film was shown sporadically in arthouse settings.[2] In 2005, the film was re-released in theaters, this time attracting mostly favorable reviews. Writing in the Washington Post, Ann Hornaday called it "a riveting example of pure filmic storytelling. ... 'Winter Soldier' is an important historical document, an eerily prescient antiwar plea and a dazzling example of filmmaking at its most iconographically potent. But at its best, it is the eloquent, unforgettable tale of profound moral reckoning."[2] The movie review Web site Rotten Tomatoes, where established film critics' reviews are collected and an aggregate "Tomatometer" rating given to each film, lists "Winter Soldier" as 100% on the Tomatometer, with unanimous positive reviews of the film.[5]
Winter Soldier
500
References
[1] Winter Soldier movie and production credits [2] Ann Hornaday, " 'Winter Soldier': Cold Days in Hell (http:/ / www. washingtonpost. com/ wp-dyn/ content/ article/ 2005/ 12/ 08/ AR2005120801996. html)," Washington Post, December 9, 2005; p. C5. [3] Coldest 'Winter' ever: A little-seen, superb Vietnam doc explodes again today (http:/ / www. wintersoldierfilm. com/ reviews_083105_sanfrancisco. htm); Johnny Ray Huston; San Francisco Bay Guardian, August 31-September 6, 2005 [4] Jonathan Curiel, " Why did it take 30 years for this film to get a national release? (http:/ / www. wintersoldierfilm. com/ reviews_090205_sanfrancisco. htm)" San Francisco Chronicle, September 2, 2005. [5] Rotten Tomatoes Reviews (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20080507103024/ http:/ / www. rottentomatoes. com/ m/ winter_soldier/ ); November 20, 2008
External links
Winter Soldier (http://www.wintersoldierfilm.com) Winter Soldier (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0204058/) at the Internet Movie Database Winter Soldier (http://www.allrovi.com/movies/movie/v155354) at AllRovi
Why We Fight (2005) Baghdad ER (2006) Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers (2006)
List of Iraq War documentaries Iraq in Fragments (2006) The Corporal's Boots (2006) The Ground Truth (2006) The War Tapes (2006) My Country, My Country (2006) No Substitute / Victory: Vietnam to Iraq (2006) When I Came Home (2006) Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq (2007) Body of War (2007) Buying the War (2007) Ghosts of Abu Ghraib (2007) I Am an American Soldier (2007) Jerebek (2007) [3] No End in Sight (2007) Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience (2007) This Is War: Memories of Iraq (2007) Three Soldiers (2007) Year at Danger (2007) Changing Us (2008) Fighting for Life (2008) My Vietnam, Your Iraq (2008) [4] Reserved to Fight (2008) The Corporal's Diary: 38 Days in Iraq (2008) Bad Voodoo's War FRONTLINE PBS (2008) Brothers at War (2009) Triangle of Death (2009) The Unreturned (2010) The War You Don't See (2010) This is War (2010) The Tillman Story (2010)
501
External links
List with summaries and links to some videos [5]
References
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] http:/ / www. insideiraqthemovie. com/ http:/ / www. confrontingiraq. net/ http:/ / www. jerabekmovie. com/ http:/ / www. myvietnamyouriraq. com/ http:/ / wardocumentaryfilms. com/ browse/ iraq/
502
Overview
Korea: The Forgotten War (1987) Korea, after the War (1954) The War in Korea (1988) Korea: The Unknown War (1988) Our Time in Hell: The Korean War (1997) The Korean War: Fire and Ice (1999) Korean War Stories (2001) Korean War in Color (2001) The Korean War (2001) Korea: The Unfinished War (2003) Korea: The Forgotten War in Colour (2010)
Specific Contingents
Australia
Kapyong (2011)
Belgium
(French) (Dutch) Korea, the Belgian Legacy (2000)
Canada
Test of Will - Canada in the Korean War In Korea with Norm Christie
Luxembourg
(Luxembourgish) (French) (German) (English) Tour of Duty: Luxembourgers of the Korean War (Tour of Duty: Ltzebuerger am Koreakrich) (2009)
503
Turkey
(Turkish) The Veterans of the Korean War (Kore Gazileri) (1951)
United States
Korea: We Called it War (2002) Love Company: Reflections of the Korean War (2010) Uncle Sam Desired Our Presence: Arkansans in the Korean War" (2010)
United Kingdom
20th Century Battlefields - 1951 Korea (2007)
Prisoners of War
They Chose China (2005)
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Other
Last surviving United States war veterans
This is an incomplete list of the last surviving veterans of American wars. The last surviving veteran of any particular war, upon his death, marks the end of an historic era. Exactly who is the last surviving veteran is often an issue of contention, especially with records from long-ago wars. The "last man standing" was often very young at the time of enlistment and in many cases had lied about his age to gain entry into the service, which confuses matters further.
A photo of Lemuel Cook (17591866), the last official veteran of the American Revolutionary War who enlisted in the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons, Continental Army.
Daniel Bakeman (17591869) Claimed to be veteran and was awarded pension by Congress, though could not prove service.[2] John Gray (17641868) Last verifiable veteran although service period was too short for pension qualification.[3] Samuel Downing (17641867)[4] Lemuel Cook (17591866) Last official veteran.[5]
505
War of 1812
Hiram Cronk (18001905) United States Army.[6]
Texan Revolution
William P. Zuber (18201913)[8][9]
Mexican-American War
Owen Thomas Edgar (18311929) United States Navy.[10]
Indian Wars
Fredrak Fraske (18721973)[12] John Daw (18701965)[13][14] Dewey Beard (18571955) Native American from Lakota tribe. Last survivor of Battle of the Little Big Horn.[15] He also fought at Wounded Knee.[16]
Spanish-American War
Jones Morgan (18821993)[17] Nathan E. Cook (18851992)[18]
World War I
Frank Buckles (19012011)[19]
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References
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