Chairman Miller Discusses VA Backlog on Morning Joe

Korea Tensions High

Locklear: Tensions on Korean Peninsula Highest Since War's End By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, April 9, 2013 - With tensions on the Korean Peninsula reaching their highest level in the 60 years since the war there ended, the United States and South Korea are prepared to defend against a North Korean attack, should one come, the U.S. Pacific Command commander told Congress today. "I am satisfied that we are ready today," Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III told the Senate Armed Services Committee. Locklear expressed confidence in the capabilities of U.S. and South Korean forces and their ability to intercept a North Korean ballistic missile if one is launched in the coming days, as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has threatened. But expressing concern about any steps that could cause miscalculation and quickly escalate, Locklear said he would recommend such an action only after confirming where it was headed and to defend the homeland or a U.S. ally. "The best thing we as militaries can do is to preserve the peace, [and] to get it back to peace so diplomacy can work, and we would hope that could be done in North Korea," he said. "But it is a very dangerous situation. It is something we have to watch, and it could be quite volatile." North Korea dominated today's Senate hearing, originally scheduled to focus on Pacom's fiscal 2014 budget request. Army Gen. James D. Thurman, commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea, had been scheduled to testify alongside Locklear, but remained in South Korea to deal with the situation there. Locklear recognized in his prepared remarks concerns about North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and its concentration of combat forces along the demilitarized zone. But particularly troubling, he said, has been North Korea's willingness to use tactics that could cause miscalculation and spin out of control into conflict. These provocations "represent a clear and direct threat to U.S. national security and regional peace and stability," he said. Locklear said he felt confident that the allies have demonstrated to the North Korean leadership, as well as the American population, "our ability and our willingness to defend our nation, to defend our people, to defend our allies and to defend our forward deployed forces." The admiral told the Senate panel he is satisfied with actions being taken in response to the North Korean threat, including a B-2 bomber flight over South Korea and the planned deployment of missile defenses to Guam. The B-2 flight during the regularly scheduled Foal Eagle exercise "was a good opportunity for my forces in Pacom to coordinate with [U.S. Strategic Command], and for us to be able to demonstrate the capability," Locklear said. "And I believe that it was visibly demonstrated [and] was done at the right time to indicate the capabilities that the United States has to ensure the defense of our allies and our homeland." In addition, two Navy ships with missile defense capabilities have been positioned closer to the peninsula, and the Defense Department announced last week that Terminal High Altitude Air Defense System assets he would deploy to Guam as a precautionary measure. Locklear told the panel he agreed with the Defense Department decision to delay a routine reliability test of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile in light of what he acknowledged as a "particularly tenuous time." Asked by a committee member, Locklear acknowledged he wished China would play a larger role in helping to curb North Korea's provocations. "I feel they could do more," he said. The North Korean situation is influencing resourcing decisions at a time that sequestration is having a direct impact on near-term operational readiness, Locklear told the panel. Budget constraints have forced Pacom to prioritize its assets to ensure "the most pressing problems are properly addressed with the right force levels and the right levels of readiness," he said. "And today, that most pressing situation is what is happening on the peninsula in Korea." He lamented about budget impacts that will come to light over the longer term as overall readiness levels begin to decline. In some cases, he said, large-scale exercises designed to ensure future force readiness are being cancelled for lack of flight hours, transportation or funds to cover the fuel costs. The rebalance toward the Asia-Pacific region offers an opportunity to ensure the proper balance of capabilities there and to reemphasize the U.S. commitment to this vital part of the globe, Locklear said. He expressed concern, however, that sequestration and other budget shortfalls under the continuing appropriations resolution could undermine those efforts. "We have been accepting additional risk in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region for some time," Locklear told the panel. "Our rebalance strategy is in place, and we are making progress. Implementing and sustaining the strategic rebalance will require long-term, sustained commitment and resources."

Biographies: Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III Related Sites: U.S. Pacific Command Special Report: U.S. Pacific Command

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Sean Eagan
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.

Web:	http://americancoldwarvets.org/
Blog:	Cold War Veterans Blog
Email:	Sean.Eagan@gmail.com
Phone:	716 720-4000
Network:	My Fast Pitch! Profile

Socialist senator at odds with Obama over veterans benefits

Sen. Bernie Sanders opposes any cut in cost-of-living adjustments for former service members. But the president's upcoming budget would rein in such increases.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-cost-of-living-2013



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Sean Eagan
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
Web: http://americancoldwarvets.org/
Blog: Cold War Veterans Blog
Email: Sean.Eagan@gmail.com
Phone:  716 720-4000
Network: My Fast Pitch! Profile

HVAC Hearing to Examine VAOIG Audit on Improperly Marked Graves

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Wednesday, Apr. 10, 2013, at 2:30 P.M., in Room
334 of the Cannon House Office Building, the Subcommittee on
Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs will hold a hearing
examining the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector
General's (VAOIG) report regarding a National Cemetery Administration
(NCA) audit of all NCA burial sites.



Last year, Congress and VA agreed that NCA would conduct an audit of
all its burial sites following the discovery of 47 improperly placed
grave markers at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio,
Texas. A subsequent VAOIG report revealed that NCA's audit lacked
impartial and independent review procedures and found that the time
frame in which NCA conducted the audit did not take into account the
various sizes of national cemeteries, resulting in some large cemetery
directors feeling overwhelmed and rushed.



This hearing will examine whether NCA's audit methodology and scope
were effective, and explore the preventative measures NCA has
implemented to avoid future problems with improperly placed grave site
markers and grave site audits. The hearing will also serve to provide
an update on the state of other cemeteries within the Subcommittee's
jurisdiction, including Arlington National Cemetery and American
Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries.



The following event is open to the press:



WHO: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs

WHAT: Hearing: Sustaining the Sacred Trust: An Update on our
National Cemeteries

WHEN: 2:30 P.M., Wednesday, April 10, 2013

WHERE: Room 334, Cannon House Office Building and streaming at
veterans.house.gov





The witness list is as follows:



Panel 1

The Honorable Steve L. Muro

Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs

National Cemetery Administration

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs



Accompanied by:



Mr. Glenn Powers

Deputy Under Secretary for Field Programs

National Cemetery Administration

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs



Ms. Kathryn Condon

Executive Director of Army National Cemeteries Program

U.S. Department of Defense



The Honorable Raymond Wollman

Deputy Secretary

American Battle Monuments Commission



Panel 2

Ms. Linda Halliday

Assistant Inspector General for Audits and Evaluations

Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General



Accompanied by:



Ms. Cherie Palmer

Director, OIG Chicago Office of Audits and Evaluations

Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General



Panel 3

Ms. Diane M. Zumatto

National Legislative Director

AMVETS



Ms. Ami Neiberger-Miller

Director of Outreach and Education

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors



Written Testimony Submitted for the Record

Ms. Kari Cowan

Surviving Spouse of CW3 Aaron William Cowan, United States Army

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Sean Eagan
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
Web: http://americancoldwarvets.org/
Blog: Cold War Veterans Blog
Email: Sean.Eagan@gmail.com
Phone: 716 720-4000
Network: My Fast Pitch! Profile

Missile Defenders Trained, Ready for Deployment, General Says

By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, April 5, 2013 - Missile defenders preparing for the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Air Defense System to Guam are ready for the mission, the Army general at their home station reported, noting his full confidence in the ability of U.S. air defense systems to protect against North Korean missiles. "We don't know the duration of the deployment, but what we do know is that they are ready," Army Maj. Gen. Dana J.H. Pittard, commander of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, Texas, said today during a news conference at the fort. "They are trained, they are ready, and they will do the mission," Pittard said. The Defense Department announced earlier this week its plans to deploy a THAAD system to Guam as a precautionary move to strengthen the regional defense posture against the North Korean regional ballistic missile threat. All three of the Army's THAAD batteries, part of the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, are based at Fort Bliss. The THAAD system is a land-based missile defense system that includes a truck-mounted launcher, a complement of interceptor missiles, an AN/TPY-2 tracking radar and an integrated fire control system. Once deployed, the THAAD system will work in tandem with other missile defense systems in the region to provide multi-tiered protection, Pittard explained. Aegis cruisers and other air defense systems will provide lower-level coverage. Patriot missiles and other systems will provide defenses at slightly higher altitudes. The THADD system operates at the next level, capable of shooting down short-, medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase. The THADD interceptors use a "hit-to-kill approach," relying on the kinetic energy of the impact to destroy the incoming missile. These layered air defenses could take out a missile launched by North Korea "fairly quickly," Pittard said. "We are very confident of that," he added. The THAAD deployment will strengthen defense capabilities for American citizens in the U.S. territory of Guam and U.S. forces stationed there, the Defense Department said in an April 3 news release announcing the deployment that's expected in the coming weeks. "The United States continues to urge the North Korean leadership to cease provocative threats and choose the path of peace by complying with its international obligations. The United States remains vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations, and stands ready to defend U.S. territory, allies and national interests," the release said. Pittard responded to questions about the THAAD deployment during a news conference announcing the largest renewable energy project in U.S. military history. Earlier this week, the Army Corps of Engineers authorized El Paso Electric to start work on a 20-megawatt solar farm on the post, which will power a large percentage of its activities.

Biographies: Army Maj. Gen. Dana J.H. Pittard Related Sites: Fort Bliss DOD News Release Related Articles: DOD to Deploy Ballistic Missile Defense System to Guam

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Sean Eagan
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.

Web:	http://americancoldwarvets.org/
Blog:	Cold War Veterans Blog
Email:	Sean.Eagan@gmail.com
Phone:	716 720-4000
Network:	My Fast Pitch! Profile

Disabled Veterans Sports Clinic Opens in Colorado

By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, April 1, 2013 - An Iraq war veteran now serving as a senior Department of Veterans Affairs official opened the world's largest and longest-running disabled sports event here last night, and he challenged almost 400 veterans to reach for new heights through teamwork and mental and physical toughness. "We all know the importance of sports and the incredible results that they can play in not only healing our minds and bodies, but our spirits as well," Tommy Sowers, VA assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs, told participants at opening ceremonies for the 27th annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. "Sports are more than just activity and competition," he said. "They improve us, they teach us, they challenge us and make us stronger -- and they do it in ways that we cannot imagine." Sowers urged the participants, including many that were wounded during operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, to push their limits as they tackle events designed to help them discover new abilities. "It is you and the mountain," he said. "Good luck. Have a wonderful week -- with determination, with toughness, and with joy." The clinic, co-sponsored by VA and the Disabled American Veterans, is open to U.S. military veterans with disabilities ranging from spinal cord injuries and orthopedic amputations to visual impairment and neurological conditions. During the six-day program, veterans learn adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing and are introduced to rock climbing, scuba diving, trapshooting, snowmobiling, sled hockey and other sports and activities. But Larry Polzin, the DAV national commander, emphasized that the clinic is no vacation. "You came here with a mission. Your job is to learn something new [and] to take that and make the most of it," Polzin told the veterans. "When you leave here, it is going to be a totally different feeling for you." Those new discoveries will remain with the participants and help in their rehabilitation long after they return to their communities, Sower told American Forces Press Service. "These sorts of events are absolutely critical, not just for the one week that they are here, but for the 51 other weeks [of the year] as well," he said. "We see the benefits going forward -- not just for the veterans themselves, but also for their caregivers and families." As the veterans cheer on and inspire each other during the winter sports clinic, Sowers said they're also setting an example for others. He noted, for example, that disabled athletes around the world benefit from adaptive equipment pioneered at the winter sports clinic, and the techniques taught here. Sowers offered high praise to the DAV, the Snowmass Village and Aspen communities, and the hundreds of volunteers and sponsors who come together to make the clinic a success. "It is not an example, it is THE example of the right type of public-private-local partnership," he said.

Biographies: Tommy Sowers Related Sites: Department of Veterans Affairs

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Sean Eagan
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.

Web:	http://americancoldwarvets.org/
Blog:	Cold War Veterans Blog
Email:	Sean.Eagan@gmail.com
Phone:	716 720-4000
Network:	My Fast Pitch! Profile