DOD Identifies Air Force Casualties

Former Chairman American Cold War Veterans

Life Member Veterans of Foreign Wars
716 720-4000

VFW Washington Weekly

VA Budget Released
The President on Monday released his $140.3 billion FY 2013 budget proposal for the Department of Veterans Affairs. The total amount includes mandatory funding for programs such as disability compensation and pension, as well as discretionary funding for VA medical care, to include advanced appropriations. The amount represents a 4.5-percent increase over FY 2012 funding, but falls more than $4 billion short of what is recommended by The Independent Budget, which the VFW co-authors with AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America. The VA budget request includes:

• $6.2 billion to expand inpatient, residential and outpatient mental health programs.
• $3.3 billion for returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans' programs.
• $2.1 billion to improve the benefits claims process.
• $1.3 billion for veterans' homelessness programs.
• $403 million for women veteran programs.
• $258 million for national cemeteries.

VFW has concerns about the low recommendation for major construction and the slight increase for medical and prosthetic research. VFW National Commander Richard DeNoyer said a record 240 troops lost one or more limbs in Afghanistan last year will require a lifetime of care, and that "it shouldn't be in VA medical facilities that average more than 60 years old." Read the VFW press release.

VFW Testifies on VA Budget
On Wednesday, VFW testified before the House VA Committee as part of an Independent Budget (IB) panel on the FY 2013 VA budget. The IB, now in its 26th year, captures the full picture of what VA needs to care for veterans. VFW is responsible for the construction portion of the IB, and our testimony centered on major and minor construction project funding. We voiced our concerns about the woefully underfunded construction accounts, noting that Congress projected some $2.8 billion for projects, while the Administration this year only asked for $725 million, which is well over $2 billion short of what is needed. Safety and accessibility are concerns when construction accounts remain unfunded or underfunded for years. VFW asked Congress to increase funding so VA can complete numerous projects under way, as well as those being planned.

• Read VFW testimony.
• Learn more about the hearing and view a recorded webcast.
• Read the Independent Budget.

DOD Budget Breaks Faith With Troops
Also released Monday was the requested FY 2013 budget for the Department of Defense, which the VFW believes contains negative military pay and benefits proposals that will become "deal breakers" with the troops. One proposal recommends 1.7-percent military pay increases for 2013 and 2014, and a mere half percent in 2015. Tied to pay changes is DOD's concurrence to create a Military Retirement Modernization Commission, which some in Congress already said should also examine the non-taxed status of military allowances, such as separate rations, housing and combat pay. The second proposal would force military dependents and retirees to pay more for their Tricare health programs. DOD recommended a three-tiered annual enrollment fee for Tricare Prime—based on the amount of retirement pay received—which over the next five years would quadruple existing fees for some working age military retirees. DOD also proposed instituting a one-tier annual enrollment fee and increased deductibles for Tricare Standard and Extra programs, a three-tiered fee for Tricare for Life coverage, and new pharmaceutical copays for everyone except uniformed service members. "Defeating these negative Quality of Life proposals are top VFW legislative priorities," said VFW National Commander Richard DeNoyer.

• Read more about VFW's position. 
• Help VFW defeat these negative proposals by writing your members of Congress. 
• Learn more about the budget proposal.

VFW Discusses G.I. Bill with State Approving Agencies
This week the VFW joined the National Association of State Approving Agencies, or NASAA, for the organization's annual conference in Arlington, Va. State Approving Agencies serve as the "boots on the ground" for certifying G.I. Bill-eligible programs across the country, which is why VFW was honored to join a distinguished panel of veterans' advocates to discuss challenges and opportunities for student-veterans who seek to use their Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits. Learn more about the panel and the VFW's ongoing efforts to ensure student-veteran success.

Pay & Benefits Top Troop Concerns
In testimony this week before the House Appropriations Committee's subcommittee on military construction and veterans affairs, the senior enlisted advisors of the four military services also said pay and benefits were the top concerns of their troops. "The last thing we want to have is for some soldier, sailor, airman or Marine deployed in harm's way, being concerned about whether or not they are going to be paid. That's something we don't need these young people to be concerned about," said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler. Service members also are concerned about their retirements, even though the senior enlisted advisors said retirement is not something that should be on the minds of a young people in uniform. "That is the No. 1 thing I hear from airmen and from families, said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy. "It is a distractor. I need young airmen focused on mission." Read more.

VA Adds Texting Feature to Crisis Line
Since its launch in 2007, the VA's Veterans Crisis Line has answered more than 500,000 confidential calls, and trained responders have made more than 18,000 rescues. In 2009, an anonymous online chat service was added, which has already helped more than 28,000 people. Now VA has added a third option for veterans, service members and family members who would rather text than call or go online: a free text messaging service at 838255. The confidential Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255, Press 1), online chat (www.VeteransCrisisLine.net), and text messaging service (838255) are monitored 24/7 by trained crisis responders. Learn more about VA's overall crisis prevention program.

New Effort Aids Military Spouse Employment
Moving is tough enough on military families, but it's even tougher on the one-third of working spouses who are in professions that require licenses or certifications. Twenty-four states are currently making an effort to ease the portability of licenses and certifications without lowering any standards. First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden are now working to get this initiative out of the other 26 governors' inboxes. "We understand the unique challenges that you face, and we are going to do everything that we can to make sure that you can pursue your careers and provide for your families," said Mrs. Obama at the Pentagon on Wednesday. Read more.

Korean War MIA Identified
The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office recently announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Cpl. William R. Sluss, 21, of Nickelsville, Va. In late November 1950, Sluss and elements of the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division were attacked by Chinese forces near Kunu-ri, North Korea. On Nov. 30, 1950, Sluss was listed as missing in action as a result of that heavy fighting. In 1953, returning Americans who had been held as prisoners of war reported that Sluss had been captured by the Chinese and died in the spring of 1951 as a result of malnutrition. Read more.

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Former Chairman American Cold War Veterans

Life Member Veterans of Foreign Wars
716 720-4000

Subcommittee Reviews VA’s Plan to Decrease Disability Claims Backlog

WASHINGTON, D.C.—This week, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (DAMA) held a hearing to review the Administration's Fiscal Year 2013 VA budget request as it pertains to the Veterans Benefit Administration, National Cemetery Administration, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and American Battle Monuments Commission.

The hearing marked the second time in as many days that VA officials testified in front of members of the Committee about their proposed budget for FY2013. Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Jon Runyan (NJ-3) was hopeful that VA's goal this coming year to attempt to decrease the disability claims backlog, which has been growing exponentially the past three years, would work. "I am pleased to learn that VA shares in this endeavor in bringing VA into the 21st Century, as reflected in the 2013 budget. Timely processing of claims is the very least we can do for our nation's veterans."

Chairman Runyan also applauded VA for their proposed use of technology as a way to eliminate the backlog; however, he cautioned against the dangers of thinking that technology alone will solve this problem. "Technology alone will not solve the issues pertaining to the backlog. It is our solemn responsibility to remain vigilant," Runyan said. "We will continue to oversee these programs to ensure that they are operating efficiently while also serving the needs of our nation's veterans.  Although VA continues to emphasize its initiatives in the area of people, process, and technology; it is important that VA follow through on these programs while not forgetting its primary goal of providing timely, quality benefits to veterans."

A second major component addressed at the hearing was a recent audit conducted at National Veterans Cemeteries, revealing mismarked graves and improper burials. Runyan commended the National Cemetery Administration for their quick response, but repeated his charge that "no mistake going forward will be acceptable. We owe this commitment in honoring our veterans and their families that they rest in peace."

In these tight fiscal times, VA has proposed a 10.5% increase for FY2013. "We face a deficit crisis and we must act to be prudent stewards of our budget for generations yet born to ensure the survival of our common American values," Runyan said. "But this should not, and will not, come at the expense of our veterans and the sacrifices they have made to ensure we remain the strongest and freest country on the face of the earth."

Retweetables:

RT @HouseVetAffairs Subcommittee meets to review #President's 2013 budget for #vets

RT @HouseVetAffairs Subcommittee budget hearing reveals that #VA has a long way to go to fix the backlog

RT@HouseVetAffairs Technology is at the front of the fight against the #backlog, but it can't be the only solution: http://veterans.house.gov/press-release/committee-reviews-va%E2%80%99s-plan-to-decrease-disability-claims-backlog

For more news from the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, please visit:

Veterans.House.Gov

Find us on Facebook at: Facebook.com/HouseVetsAffairs or follow us on Twitter at:

@HouseVetAffairs

###

Former Chairman American Cold War Veterans

Life Member Veterans of Foreign Wars
716 720-4000

55-year marriage grows out of war tragedy - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

55-year marriage grows out of war tragedy

NEENAH, Wis. — Korean War veteran Dick Nooe’s memory can be hazy, but the moment he met his wife, Sara, while recovering from injuries that left him blind remains as clear as day.

It was February, 58 years ago, and the Marine was recovering at the Hines Veterans Affairs Hospital in Chicago. His world had turned black — with the exception of a few shadows — a few weeks earlier when his unit was overrun by Chinese soldiers. In the desperate fight near the 38th parallel, a concussion grenade exploded in his face and enemy fighters beat him with rifle butts.

“I was a mess. There were serious fractures in my head and face,” Dick said. “In those hospitals I thought my love life was over.”

Sara, a 26-year-old “Gray Lady,” took on the task of socializing with the troops maimed in combat.

“I remember her introducing herself in a deep voice, and I had this picture of her as an old ‘gray lady,’ not knowing what the program was,” Dick Nooe, 80, said Feb. 14 at their tidy Neenah home. “I had been with umpteen women but that Thursday night when we danced, I knew she had the finest figure around.”

Sara, 85, remembers Dick as “a little better looking than most,” but is careful not to give the father of their two children too much credit.

Dick moved to Oregon to pursue studies after his recovery while Sara stayed behind in Chicago. The two exchanged letters and Dictaphone recordings before committing to moving in together and marrying. Eventually, the couple settled in Neenah.

Sara remembers an uncle warning her that the marriage would be fraught with hardship, caring for a blind man. She didn’t see it that way.

Fifty-five years later, Sara says “it’s just love, that’s all,” that has held the couple together.

Dick says their relationship is successful because they rely on each other on a daily basis.

“Each morning I get a cup of coffee for each of us and we take time to talk,” Dick said. “There are no secrets held from each other.”

The pair also isn’t shy about their intimacy. With a fair amount of giggling and teasing, they say their passion still burns.

As he keeps a keen eye on contemporary relationships, Dick called modern-day marriages troublesome, especially when children are caught in the crossfire.

“Couples truly need to talk things out and not suppress stuff,” said Dick, a therapist by trade who still practices.

Sara said a marriage is toughest in the early years.

“It’s always hard adjusting to each other,” she said.

Dick said relying on strong family bonds during rough patches is crucial.

Flowers don’t hurt either. Dick had a small Valentine’s bouquet delivered to Sara earlier in the day, as he does on occasion.

Although he can’t see Sara, Dick said his memory provides flickers of the days when he could still make out shadows.

“I have these beautiful memories of her that I always picture,” Dick said. “One is of walking down a sidewalk in Chicago and the sunlight hit her hair just right.”

Each year, Dick shows his thankfulness for the Gray Lady program that brought the pair together by donating to the Red Cross.

Although the Gray Ladies went away in the late 1960s, remnants of the volunteer program remain, said Barbara Behling, spokeswoman for the Red Cross in northeastern Wisconsin.

“We still have a number of programs supporting the military around the globe,” Behling said. “It’s one of our congressional mandates.”

At the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, Behling said the Red Cross still provides volunteers who sponsor activity nights reminiscent of the ones the Gray Ladies sponsored after World War II.

“It’s certainly evolved since those days, but we’re still doing tremendous work for our military members,” Behling said.

To this day, Dick’s Marine friends tell him he scooped up the “cream of the crop” with Sara 58 years ago.

“I’m thankful the staff at the VA told me about the Gray Ladies that night,” Dick said. “It led to a wonderful marriage, and we both can say we’re truly content.”

USO Newsletter

		Exploring the Invisible Wounds of War    The pain is invisible, but it's very real.    "Portraits" -- the USO's new public service announcement series -- focuses on the invisible wounds of war, including post traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. The series seeks to educate Americans on the challenges our service men and women face upon returning from war.    "Post traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury are not seen, they are not really understood, and often, they are overlooked," USO President Sloan Gibson said. "We hope our new Public Service Announcement, and its companion website, www.usoinvisiblewounds.org, raises awareness of the problems and offers a way to learn about the challenges these heroes and their families face as they return home."    The series is done in a documentary style and features five veterans and one spouse sharing intimate details of how post traumatic stress has affected their lives.  read more... First Warrior and Family Center Under Construction The first USO Warrior and Family Center is coming to life. The USO -- along with partners Huffman Development, Cusimano Associates and STUDIOS Architecture -- selected Scott Long Construction to build the center in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Earth moving at the site began January 9. The center is being funded by the USO's Operation Enduring Care, a campaign to help wounded, ill and injured troops and their families and caregivers. UPCOMING EVENTS  Operation Desert Storm ended on February 28, 1991  Daylight Saving Time starts in North America on March 11  Wear something green for St. Patrick's Day on March 17 Operation Iraqi Freedom began on March 20, 2003  The Month of the Military Child kicks off April 1  USO Honored with National Medal of Arts The USO received a tremendous honor February 13, when President Barack Obama presented the National Medal of Arts to the USO for its 71 years of entertaining America's troops.    "We are humbled by the president's recognition of our mission to lift the spirits of troops and their families through exceptional entertainment around the world," USO President Sloan Gibson said. "Most importantly, we have never done this alone. From our celebrity friends who have worked with us over the years, our military and corporate partners, and our hard-working entertainment staff, we all share in this honor."    It is the only time in the medal's 28-year history that it has been awarded to a military charity. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Stars Tour Mideast Service men and women throughout the Middle East came in droves to see Army General Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff -- and a quartet of celebrities -- on his first USO holiday tour in December.    Singer Jordin Sparks, actress and model Minka Kelly, seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry and comedian Thomas "Nephew Tommy" Miles joined Dempsey on the five-country tour.    "As the son of a former soldier, I know too well the sacrifice our troops and their families make each and every day they put on their uniform," Horry said. "It is an honor for me to participate in this USO tour and accompany General Dempsey as he makes his way abroad to visit troops."    The group visited troops in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Germany.    "General Dempsey's USO holiday tour has been nothing short of amazing," said Kelly, who also visited Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on a USO tour in 2008. "Everyone I have met and spent time with [is] extraordinary." Bagram East Center Comes to Life The USO opened its newest center serving troops at war -- Bagram East, at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan -- in order to accommodate more than 20,000 troops assigned to Bagram as well as the thousands of troops transitioning through the airfield.    The center's grand opening took place February 6. It's the ninth USO center in Afghanistan, and sits across Bagram Airfield from the Pat Tillman Memorial USO.    With 14 computers, free WiFi, and 18 private phone stations for free calls to anywhere in the United States, troops can easily connect with friends and family back home. The center also has nine video gaming stations, a 40-seat movie theater, a coffee bar, music room, a library and a card-playing area. Making Them Smile Barb Troegner understands what it's like to show up in an airport needing a place to rest.    The programs and marketing manager of USO Hawaii was once on the other side of the desk, traveling with her own military family. Now, it's her turn to give back.    "[The best part is] seeing the smiles of the volunteers, the smiles of the recipients of whomever we are able to support and the smiles of the donors that support USO," she said. "I believe that giving something always helps a person feel better. At the USO, we give our time to make things easier for those that serve us."    Troegner has a background in education, earning a bachelor's degree in 1975 from the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown, New Jersey, before working in various schools during her career.    But she always knew she'd repay her early experience with the USO.    "As a traveling military family, we often used the USOs," she said. "I made a promise to myself that I would give back to the USO. After working at the Oahu Veterans Center, the opportunity to volunteer with the USO presented itself and led me to eventually become a full-time staff member."  read more... Visit us online at USO.org or at

Former Chairman American Cold War Veterans

Life Member Veterans of Foreign Wars
716 720-4000

Miller: “Time to Provide VA Healthcare to Lejeune Veterans”

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Rep. Jeff Miller, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, issued the following statement to provide VA healthcare to Camp Lejeune veterans who were exposed to contaminated drinking water from the 1950s to the 1980s: 

"Thousands of unsuspecting Marines and their families, stationed at Camp Lejeune, were exposed to contaminated drinking water. Although the contamination has been traced back to the 1950s, the government has largely ignored this problem, allowing thousands of husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, and children to suffer alone.

"I am calling on Secretary Shinseki to make our Lejeune veterans a priority group within the VA healthcare system and provide them with the care they so desperately need for medical issues related to the water contamination. Some of our Lejeune veterans are no longer with us. But their sacrifice lives on and reminds us all of our duty to take care of those who remain, and who through no action or fault of their own, are today suffering from a host of serious health problems.

"In 2009, the Administration conceded that 'VA could, in accordance with the regulatory process, revise its enrollment regulations to establish in Priority 8 an additional subcategory for Veterans who are potentially affected by the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune.' Almost three years have since passed without any assistance being offered to those affected. I will continue to work with the Senate's champion for Lejeune's veterans and family members, Senator Richard Burr, to advance legislation, but the Secretary can help these men and women now. They've waited long enough."

Former Chairman American Cold War Veterans

Life Member Veterans of Foreign Wars
716 720-4000