Veterans
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WASHINGTON – The following is an open letter to veterans from Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.
“My name is Ric Shinseki, and I am a veteran. For me, serving as Secretary of Veterans Affairs is a noble calling. It provides me the opportunity to give back to those who served with and for me during my 38 years in uniform and those on whose shoulders we all stood as we grew up in the profession of arms.
“The Department of Veterans Affairs has a solemn responsibility to all of you, today and in the future, as more veterans join our ranks and enroll to secure the benefits and services they have earned. I am fully committed to fulfilling President Obama's vision for transforming our department so that it will be well-positioned to perform this duty even better during the 21st century. We welcome the assistance and advice of our Veterans Service Organizations, other government departments and agencies, Congress and all VA stakeholders as we move forward, ethically and transparently, so that veterans and citizens can understand our efforts.
“Creating that vision for transforming the VA into a 21st century organization requires a comprehensive review of our department. We approach that review understanding that veterans are central to everything VA does. We know that results count, that the department will be measured by what we do, not what we promise, and that our best days as an organization supporting veterans are ahead of us. We will fulfill President Lincoln's charge to care for '… him, who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan …' by redesigning and reengineering ourselves for the future.
“Transforming any institution is supremely challenging; I know this from my own experience in leading large, proud, complex, and high-performing organizations through change. But the best organizations must be prepared to meet the challenging times, evolving technology and, most
importantly, evolving needs of clients. Historically, organizations that are unwilling or unable to change soon find themselves irrelevant. You and your needs are not irrelevant.
“Veterans are our clients, and delivering the highest quality care and services in a timely, consistent and fair manner is a VA responsibility. I take that responsibility seriously and have charged all of the department's employees for their best efforts and support every day to meet our obligations to you. Our path forward is challenging, but the president and Congress support us. They have asked us to do this well – for you. veterans are our sole reason for existence and our number one priority-bar none. I look forward to working together with all VA employees to transform our department into an organization that reflects the change and commitment our country expects and our veterans deserve.
“Thank you, and God bless our military, our veterans, and our nation.”
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SAN ANTONIO – Air Force Airman Matt R. Kennedy has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, core values, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree relating through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Jacinda Franusich of Kelseyville.
The airman is a 2007 graduate of Kelseyville High School.
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The clinic, which is hosted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and co-sponsored by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), instructs veterans with disabilities in adaptive Alpine and Nordic
skiing, and introduces them to a number of other adaptive recreational activities and sports.
This year's clinic will feature a record number of participants, including many who served in the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said that he will attend this year's event and is "looking forward to celebrating the triumph of the human spirit over both physical adversity and fear of failure." He believes that the event, and the volunteers who work with veterans during it, "give so many young veterans a glimpse of what is possible if they keep hope alive. I know of few greater gifts one can bestow on others."
The clinic is an annual rehabilitation program open to U.S. military veterans with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, orthopedic amputations, visual impairments, certain neurological problems and other disabilities, who receive care at a VA medical facility or military treatment center. It is the largest adaptive event of its kind in the world.
An estimated 200 certified ski instructors for the disabled and several current and former members of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team serve as instructors to meet the unique needs of the participants.
“Now, more than ever, we need events like the Winter Sports Clinic to challenge and inspire our wounded veterans,” said DAV National Commander Raymond E. Dempsey. “The complexity of the injuries suffered by some of our newest disabled Veterans and the health issues facing our aging
veterans make necessary the most creative and engaging recreational rehabilitation.”
At the six-day event, veterans also learn rock climbing, scuba diving, snowmobiling, curling and sled hockey. They can also participate in additional events and workshops. The U.S. Secret Service will offer a course on self-defense.
“DAV is proud to have a committed partner in the Department of Veterans Affairs,” said Dempsey. “Without our friends at VA, these 'miracles' are not possible.”
VA is a recognized leader in rehabilitative and recreational therapies, and operates more than 1,400 sites of care, including 153 medical centers. DAV is a nonprofit, congressionally chartered veterans
service organization with a membership of more than one million wartime disabled veterans.
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- Written by: Genevieve Day
LAKE COUNTY – Capt. Woody Hughes, retired U.S. Navy and PhD, received a special salute from Vietnam Veterans 951 when the chapter named him “Member of The Year” during a recent meeting at St. Mary Immaculate Parish Hall.
VVA recognized Capt. Hughes, chapter chaplain, for overall good works that he has performed in the community.
Chapter President Dean Gotham awarded certificates of appreciation for contributions and participation above and beyond the call of duty to the following outstanding members: Warren Fox, Ken Melville, Dave Retherford, Warren Canfield, Cliff Shores and Suzanne Schneider, associate member. Retherford received lifetime membership.
Schneider, an active chapter member, created 300 handmade wallets for nursing home residents as part of the “Seniors Not Forgotten” Christmas project.
Lisa Deppe, representing the VFW Ladies Auxiliary 2015, presented Gotham with a $200 check for the “Wall of Pride” in memory of the late Barnett Hoffman. The names of donors and sponsors will be acknowledged on the wall, which will be located in the reception area. The chapter will introduce to Lake County the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall this summer.
Chapter 951 (with a contribution from VFW Post 2015) hosted a memorial service Feb. 12 at St. Mary's with Rabbi Richard Altman officiating. More than 100 friends, relatives and veterans officials paid tribute to Hoffman, who died Jan. 30. United Veterans Council provided a rifle salvo followed by Chaplain Hughes' presentation of the flag to Hoffman's family.
Hoffman, who was instrumental in the formation of Chapter 951 and Santa Rosa Chapter 223, was vice president and later treasurer of 951. He was twice a white hat commander for VFW.
Despite health restrictions, “Hoffman made outreach to veterans a priority, caring deeply for homeless/and or challenged veterans,” Gotham said.
His medals include Vietnam Veterans Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantry Badge and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
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COLUMBUS, Ga. – Anthony W. Patrick has graduated from Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga., and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
During the 14 weeks of training, the officer candidate received “basic soldiering” instruction in leadership, professional ethics, soldier team development, combined arms tactics, weapons defense, combat water survival, squad drill, intelligence, field training exercises, day and night land navigation, confidence obstacle course, common core tasks, communications, staff and general military subjects, and physical fitness tests which include three, four and five-mile runs, and foot marches between 5-10 mile routes.
The candidate is tested on leadership skills and team work abilities required of a commissioned officer.
Students learned to utilize acquired skills to function in “leader and follower” positions in squad and platoon sized elements, and evaluated in various leadership garrison positions while in a stressful and demanding field environment.
Patrick has served in the military for 14 years.
He is the son of Al Patrick of Clearlake and Kathy Patrick of Cambria.
The lieutenant graduated in 1992 from Lower Lake High School and received an associate degree in 2006 from Columbia College, Mo.
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SAN ANTONIO – Air Force Airman Darren B. Young has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, core values, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises and special training in human relations.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree relating through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Greg Young of Mammoth Lakes and Suzette Young of Clearlake Oaks.
Young is a 2004 graduate of Mammoth Lakes High School.
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- Written by: Ginny Craven
LAKEPORT – The “Liberty Stars” is a beautiful traditional quilt. It was created by Lakeport’s Kerrie Hershey as her way of supporting the troops.
Hershey, owner of Kerrie’s Quilt Shop in Lakeport, was looking for a way to do something special for our troops. She decided to put her talent to work.
The quilt boasts striking red and blue stars on a white background. The reverse side is a deep dark blue with a golden eagle print.
The design is very traditional, appealing to men and women alike. The time-honored art of quilting is alive and well in Lake County and this is proof.
The Liberty Stars has been created on behalf of Operation Tango Mike, a group which sends monthly care packages to deployed troops.
Raffle tickets are available for chances to win the one of a kind treasure. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5.
The quilt is currently on display at Kerrie’s Quilting, 1853 North High St., Lakeport, and tickets may be purchased there.
Watch for upcoming locations as the Liberty Stars will be displayed at various businesses until the winner is drawn on July 4.
If you are interested in hosting the quilt for display, please call Ginny Craven at 349-2838.
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The potluck will start at 6 p.m., with the meeting to follow at 7 p.m.
VVA 951 meets at Saint Mary Immaculate Parish Hall, 801 N. Main St., Lakeport.
All Vietnam-era veterans, veterans of all eras, their families and friends, and members of the general public are all cordially welcome.
For more information e-mail
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The 2010 budget request is a significant step toward realizing a vision shared by the president and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki to transform VA into an organization that is people-centric, results-driven and forward-looking.
"Our success must encompass cost-effectiveness," Shinseki said. "We are stewards of taxpayer dollars, and we will include appropriate metrics to accurately gauge the quality of our care and the effectiveness of our management processes."
If accepted by Congress, the president's budget proposal would increase VA's budget from $97.7 billion this fiscal year to $112.8 billion for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. This is in addition to the $1.4 billion provided for VA projects in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The 2010 budget represents the first step toward increasing discretionary funding for VA efforts by $25 billion over the next five years. The gradual expansion in health care enrollment that this would support will open hospital and clinic doors to more than 500,000 veterans by 2013 who have been regrettably excluded from VA medical care benefits since 2003.
The 2010 budget request provides the resources to achieve this level of service while maintaining high quality and timely care for lower-income and service-disabled Veterans who currently rely on VA medical care.
The new budget provides greater benefits for veterans who are medically retired from active duty, allowing for the first time all military retirees to keep their full VA disability compensation along with their retired pay.
The president's budget request also provides the resources for effective implementation of the post-9/11 GI Bill – providing unprecedented levels of educational support to the men and women who have served our country through active military duty.
The new budget will support additional specialty care in such areas as prosthetics, vision and spinal cord injury, aging, and women's health. New VA Centers of Excellence will focus on improving these critical services.
The proposed fiscal year 2010 budget also addresses the tragic fact of homelessness among veterans. It expands VA's current services through a collaborative pilot program with nonprofit organizations that is aimed at maintaining stable housing for vulnerable veterans at risk of homelessness, while providing them with supportive services to help them get back on their feet through job training, preventive care, and other critical services.
Finally, the president's budget request provides the necessary investments to carry VA services to rural communities that are too often unable to access VA care. The president's budget expands VA mental
health screening and treatment with a focus on reaching veterans in rural areas in part through an increase in vet centers and mobile health clinics. New outreach funding will help rural veterans and their families stay informed of these resources and encourage them to pursue needed care.
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