Veterans
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“General Hickey is a proven leader with deep experience and passion, who is dedicated to the welfare of Veterans, their families and survivors,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “With her extensive knowledge, insight, and commitment, I am confident we will achieve the bold and comprehensive changes that will continue the transformation of the Veterans Benefits Administration into a 21st century organization.”
As under secretary, Hickey is responsible for a $72.3 billion budget and benefit programs that include compensation and pension benefits for more than four million veterans and survivors, education programs including the Post 9/11 GI Bill, home loan guaranties, vocational rehabilitation and employment services, and one of the nation's largest life insurance programs.
Hickey, a pilot and aircraft commander, has 17 years of leadership in Department of Defense (DoD) strategic and transformation planning, program and resource implementation, public and congressional affairs, and quality and organizational management.
She served as head of the Air Force's Future Total Force office, and as assistant deputy director of Air Force Strategic Planning, leading one of the largest mission and culture change efforts the Air Force has gone through since its inception.
Additionally, Hickey held the position of Air Force Future Concepts and Transformation Division Chief, focused on the integration of technologies, organizations, and operations that became the model for the Air Force of 2025.
She also brings private industry experience, leading human capital management as an executive for Accenture in their work for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and supported operational business processes for other intelligence community organizations in the areas of customer relationship management, call center practices, and other 21st century information technology systems.
“As a recently separated veteran, I have firsthand experience with the transition processes that thousands of Veterans and their families experience every day,” said Hickey. “I also have personal knowledge of the issues and sacrifices made by military families – including those of our National Guard and Reserve. I am excited to be part of the VA team focused on serving veterans.”
In addition to her own military service, Hickey is part of a proud military family. She is the daughter of a career Army Officer and Vietnam Veteran, Lt. Gen. William J. Hilsman (Ret.).
Her mother, Jean Hilsman, a military mother and spouse, served as a director and past president of the National Military Family Association and as the first Department of Defense Family Policy Office Director.
Hickey is also the spouse of Col. Rob Hickey (Ret.), a 30-year active duty Veteran, guard and reservist and a current federal government civilian employee. Hickey and her husband have three children.
Hickey replaced acting under secretary for Benefits Michael Walcoff, who has served with distinction throughout the Veterans Benefits Administration including positions as deputy under secretary, associate deputy under secretary for field operations, deputy area director, and regional office director.
He will be retiring from VA after more than 35 years managing the department's benefits programs and 57 field offices with nearly 20,000 employees.
For more information about VA and the Veterans Benefits Administration, go to www.va.gov.
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The text of the proclamation is below:
PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
On Memorial Day, we pay tribute to Americans who have suffered and died in war.
The custom of marking this day originated just after the Civil War. To help heal the wounds of war, Americans in all parts of the country began decorating the graves of the dead with flowers, a universal symbol of the renewal of life. As a small step in the lengthy task of reuniting a nation divided, we chose to honor all the dead, Union and Confederate, regardless of our own allegiances during that terrible struggle. After the First World War, we expanded our observance to honor all Americans who have fought and died in any of our nation’s wars. In 1971, the United States Congress declared Memorial Day to be a national holiday observed on the last Monday in May.
Today, I ask all Californians to pay tribute to our fallen military heroes. In their memory, I have ordered that flags be flown at half-staff on all state buildings and grounds throughout the state.
NOW THEREFORE I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim May 30, 2011, as “Memorial Day.”
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EDMUND G. BROWN JR.
Governor of California
ATTEST:
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DEBRA BOWEN
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The payload, which carries National Pathfinder Vaccine 10, is the last in a series working toward vaccines for two common infections: salmonella, which commonly contaminates the U.S. food chain, leading to food recalls and gastrointestinal illnesses, and an antibiotic resistant form of Staphylococcus aureus, also known as “golden staph,” the most common bacterial agent found in combat infections.
By using the unique environment of microgravity to determine the cellular changes that determine bacterial virulence, especially changes in gene functioning, scientists have sought to use these space flights to help speed vaccine development.
“The NASA space program has been invaluable to advancing VA research,” says VA Chief Research and Development Officer, Joel Kupersmith, MD. “The knowledge gained from this outstanding collaboration has improved health care for our nation's veterans and has demonstrated the vital role research partnerships play in VA's mission to provide veterans with the care and benefits they have earned.”
VA research has flown payloads related to a variety of vaccine targets on the last 10 space shuttles and is scheduled to fly another payload on the final journey of the Atlantis in June 2011.
This ongoing work has been in collaboration with the University of Colorado – Boulder, Banting, Best Lab at the University of Toronto, and Astrogenetix LLC.
Additionally, the Durham, North Carolina VA Medical Center (VAMC) houses a lead laboratory for the International Space Station Pathfinder program.
Several VA investigators, such as Millie Hughes-Fulford, Ph.D., director of Laboratory of Cell Growth at the San Francisco VAMC, have accompanied the numerous VA research studies that have been sent into space.
A payload specialist astronaut aboard space shuttle flight STS-40, Dr. Hughes-Fulford has studied a variety of key questions in immunology, including why T-cells - key to the immune system - stop working in microgravity.
For more information on VA research, please see www.research.va.gov/.
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Umberg retired from the United States Army in June 2010 after 36 years of active and reserve services.
With the Army Reserve, she served as chief of professional services for the 3rd Medical Command, commander for the 4211th and 6252nd United States Army Hospitals and chief nurse of the 18th Field Hospital.
During 13 years of active duty, Umberg served as a nurse and training officer and was inducted into the Order of Military Medical Merit and received a legion of merit medal.
Umberg was appointed to the board of visitors for the United States Military Academy by President Bill Clinton, serving from 2002 to 2004.
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Previously, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in conjunction with the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) has offered these specialized license plates through in person and mail-in sales only.
This new online system of purchasing will make it easier for all California motorists to show their support for veterans and the men and women serving in our military.
“These plates are available for any motorist to buy. The more plates purchased the more our state is able to help veterans,” said Peter J. Gravett, CalVet Secretary. “Every plate purchased basically covers the cost of filing a claim for a veteran, so that he or she can get the benefits they have earned.”
“We are pleased to now offer the sale of veteran’s plates online to our customers,” said George Valverde, Director of the California Department of Motor Vehicles. “These plates reflect the rich and storied history of the contributions of California veterans to our state.”
These plates have several models that help honor and recognize specific veteran groups, military units and services.
In addition to these plates, more than 200 insignias are available to put on these plates to help signify which organizations or military affiliations each motorist represents.
To view all available logos for your cars, motorcycles and trucks, go to http://www.cacvso.org/page/2011-1-19-59-license-plate-logos/.
The cost for sequential plate is $30 and $10 more for personalized plates.
With online sales CalVet expects the annual sales of these plates to rise.
All proceeds from the sale of veteran’s plates are used to expand veteran’s service in your community.
Since the inception of the veterans plate program in 1995, approximately 24,500 veteran plates have been issued with $6.8 million raised and distributed by the California Department of Veterans Affairs to benefit participating county veteran service offices and to commemorate veteran organizations.
To purchase your plate or to learn more visit http://dmv.ca.gov/ipp2/welcome.do?localeName=en.
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It will be the largest nationwide conference of its kind focused on helping veteran-owned businesses succeed in winning federal contracts.
“Veteran-owned businesses provide world class services and expand employment opportunities for some of our nation's most highly-trained and motivated men and women,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “That is why VA is proud to host this annual conference to help better prepare these veteran-owned businesses to compete and win contracts with the federal government.”
The conference, scheduled for the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, will provide veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses of all sizes with an opportunity to learn, network, and market their businesses.
The conference will offer a variety of new training sessions on navigating the federal acquisition process, including finance, compliance, business development, marketing, strategy, contract management, human resources, technology, and program management.
The conference track sessions will be targeted for a variety of businesses from new business owners just back from theater to well-established veteran-owned businesses looking to expand opportunities or increase market share.
An open house has been added to the event to give veterans from both the conference and local region the opportunity to experience the wide range of resources available to the veteran community.
The National Veteran Small Business Conference is open to both government and nongovernment personnel.
For more information and to register for the conference, go to www.nationalveteransconference.com.
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This year's theme, “Discovery and Collaboration for Exceptional Health Care,” celebrates two crucial elements of VA research: dedicated follow-through on important research findings to optimize medical therapies for veterans and others; and vital research and care collaborations between VA and academic institutions, other government agencies and health-related industry.
“VA has a legacy of extraordinary achievement in research and development,” said VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki. “These achievements keep us on the cutting edge of health care and ensure we can provide, to all generations of veterans, the very best care and services which they have earned through their service to the nation.”
“At the foundation of VA's collaborative system of world-class care is VA research-finding the answers to veterans' needs and advancing the nation's medical knowledge,” said VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Robert A. Petzel. “Our continued partnerships with our academic affiliates allow VA to expedite translation of research from bench to bedside, ensuring the best care for our nation's veterans.”
In today's economic climate, the partnerships being recognized during Research Week are especially crucial for leveraging resources and maximizing the yield from research investments.
“We are proud to join forces with others who share VA's passion for making life better for veterans and all Americans,” said VA Chief Research and Development Officer Dr. Joel Kupersmith. “Partnering with research organizations and academic partners means breakthrough findings come faster and will swiftly translate into life-improving therapies for our Veterans.”
The theme of Research Week 2011 marks the 65th anniversary of Policy Memorandum No. 2, an historic agreement which allowed VA to affiliate with medical schools.
VA and the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) have further strengthened their working relationship through a data and information-sharing agreement.
The new agreement standardizes data security requirements and processes across institutions, helping to speed the pace of research and introduction of new treatments into practice.
“This agreement is the latest example in the VA's rich, and productive history working with the nation's medical schools to bring about new advances,” said AAMC Chief Scientific Officer Ann C. Bonham, who holds a doctorate. “At the same time, it requires adherence to the highest standards of privacy protection.”
In addition to Research Week activities nationwide at VA medical centers and partner organizations, on May 5 at VA Central Office in Washington, DC, distinguished speakers will present their perspectives on VA's achievements in health research.
Presenters will include several veterans, as well as Kupersmith; VA Chief of Staff John Gingrich; and Deputy Under Secretary for Policy and Services Madhulika Agarwal, MD, MPH. Guest speakers will include Bonham; Col. Greg Gadson, Army Wounded Warrior Program Commander; E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine; Gregg Zoroya, USA Today reporter; and Stephen Cochran, veteran and country music singer-songwriter, who will moderate a panel of veterans discussing their participation in VA research.
Information about Research Week activities being held at VA Central Office and across the country is available at www.research.va.gov/researchweek.
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On Friday, Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. today appointed Peter James Gravett as secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs.
Gravett, 69, of Rolling Hills Estates, is a retired major general with more than 35 years of commissioned service in the California National Guard with service in 10 countries.
He has been the state chair for the Southern California Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee since 2007. He is currently a principal business associate at Traiden Global Solutions, where he has worked since 2008.
Previously, Gravett served as president and chief executive officer of Gravett and Associates from 2002 to 2008.
Before retiring from the Guard, he served as commander of the 40th Infantry Division from 1999, when he was promoted to major general, to 2002, becoming the first African-American division commander in the 225-year history of the United States National Guard.
In this role, Gravett served a dual assignment in Kiev, Ukraine with the Partnership for Peace program.
Previously, Gravett served as assistant division commander-support from 1996, when he was promoted to brigadier general, to 1999.
In 1990, Gravett was promoted to colonel, and he served as commander of an armor brigade from 1993 to 1996, and division chief of staff from 1990 to 1993.
He served as division provost marshal, military police battalion commander, armor battalion commander, division civil-military operations officer and armor brigade executive officer after he was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1981.
As a major, from 1976 to 1980 Gravett served as an assistant division logistics officer and a division transportation officer.
From 1974 to 1975 he served as a logistics officer, intelligence officer and acting operations officer. Gravett also served as an armored cavalry troop commander from 1971 to 1974.
He began his commissioned service as a military police platoon leader and an armored cavalry troop platoon leader in 1968.
This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $175,000. Gravett is a Republican.
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On April 22 the Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced that Sims’ remains have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
Pfc. Sims bravely gave his life in service to the state and nation, and the governor and first lady extended their deepest condolences to his family at this difficult time.
In memorial, Governor Brown ordered that flags be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol on Monday. Pfc. Sims’ family will receive a letter of condolence from the governor.
The DPMO reported that on April 24, 1943, Sims and four crew members aboard a C-87 Liberator Express departed from Yangkai, China, in support of “the Hump,” a dangerous mission to resupply Chinese nationalist forces and their U.S. air support after the Japanese invasion of Burma cut off the only land route.
Prior to takeoff, a ground crew determined the aircraft had sufficient fuel for the six-hour flight to the air base on the other side of the Himalayas in Chabua, India.
Once cleared for takeoff, there was no further communication between the aircrew and airfield operators.
Army officials launched a search effort when the plane did not arrive at the destination. No evidence of the aircraft was found and the five men were presumed killed in action.
In 2003, an American citizen in Burma reported to U.S. officials at the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) that he had found aircraft wreckage he believed to be an American C-87 in the mountains 112 miles east of Chabua.
He was detained by Burmese officials when he attempted to leave the country with human remains and artifacts from the site. The remains and materials were handed over to officials at the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon. Attempts to excavate the site are being negotiated with the Indian government.
Meanwhile, JPAC scientists continued the forensic process, analyzing the remains and physical evidence already in hand.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used mitochondrial DNA, which matched that of Sims' sister, in the identification of his remains.
Of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, more than 400,000 died.
At the end of the war, the U.S. government was unable to recover and identify approximately 79,000 Americans. Today, more than 72,000 are unaccounted for from the conflict.
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