MAY 19-23, 2003

Statement from Governor Jeb Bush Regarding Memorial Day 2003 

"As we observe Memorial Day this weekend and pay homage to all of the brave Americans who have fought and died for our freedom, I ask that all Floridians be mindful of the true significance of this national holiday. Our freedoms are due in great part to the willingness of members of our armed forces to make the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of our country. We saw this most recently during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Tragically, in their successful mission to liberate the people of Iraq, some of our brave soldiers were killed in the line of duty, including 11 Floridians. I hope all Floridians will keep these brave soldiers and their families, both at home and abroad, in their thoughts and prayers, not only this weekend but everyday." 

To honor all those Americans who have served in the Armed Forces of their country, I was proud to sign four bills on Friday to begin observance of Memorial Day weekend: 

SB 0260 Condominiums/Armed Services Flags - This bill allows condominium owners, regardless of their association rules, to fly flags representing any of the armed services on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.

SB 2378 Veterans' Affairs - This bill makes it easier for the state to recognize and provide benefits for wartime veterans, by defining "wartime veteran" as anyone who participated in a military campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge was issued.  In addition, this bill will help speed completion of Florida's World War II memorial by allowing for donations from public organizations.  These donations will supplement the $200,000 in state funds the Governor has proposed for this worthy project in the next fiscal year.

SB 0482 Rental Agreements - This bill protects military personnel from paying liquidated damages to their landlords if they have received permanent change of station orders. In addition, this bill provides that no landlord of any dwelling in our state can discriminate against a member of the United States Armed Forces either in offering a place to rent or through any item in a rental agreement.

SB 2802 Military Student Education - This bill addresses the specific needs of children in military families who transfer to Florida's public schools.  It directs our Department of Education to develop ways to ease the transition of these children during their first two weeks in the classroom, and encourages partnerships between military bases and local school districts. 

We are all honored by the continued service and sacrifice and equally humbled by these soldiers' unwavering courage and commitment to this great nation. 

VA Observes Recent and Past Sacrifices on Memorial Day

WASHINGTON – Memorial Day observances across the country on May 26 will find the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) celebrating the sacrifices of men and women who died for their country in recent months, as well as long ago. “Joyous as the homecomings are for members of our armed forces who prevailed in the battle to liberate Iraq, we also somberly recognize that the cream of our young generation has paid freedom’s ultimate price,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi.  “In our national cemeteries, we will pay tribute to those who lie in freshly dug graves next to heroes from earlier generations.” 

    Principi called on Americans to pause at 3 p.m., local time, for a National Moment of Remembrance.  That moment of reflection was recognized by an act of Congress to put the "memorial" back in Memorial Day and honor America’s fallen heroes.

   Memorial Day ceremonies are planned at VA national cemeteries and some VA medical centers around the country.  Twenty-seven veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom have been buried to date in at least 18 national cemeteries.  The Houston National Cemetery expects nearly 10,000 people at a program that will feature a military flyover and a display of historical and current military vehicles.  At Dayton, the VA medical center hosts a parade through the grounds that ends in time for a ceremony in an adjacent national cemetery.  Motorcycle riders -- members of Rolling Thunder, who advocate for America’s missing-in-action service members -- will ride in the parade.  Other Rolling Thunder motorcyclists will place a wreath at the POW/MIA flag in the Mountain Home, Tenn., National Cemetery on their way to Washington, D.C.  Motorcyclists and owners of antique cars will cruise the streets of Augusta, Ga., on May 25 and each will contribute a gift for a veteran hospitalized at the VA medical center as an entry fee for the ride.  In southern California, West Coast Thunder motorcyclists will ride into the town of Riverside, where they will form a parade led by an honor guard to the VA cemetery for a program keynoted by Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, Pvt. Fernando Gonzalez.  Some 2,000 motorcyclists are expected.

   The 50^th anniversary of the end of the Korean War will be observed at many national cemeteries.  At the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, a Korean dance group from nearby Sedona will perform a “Prayer for Peace.” At Port Hudson, La., National Cemetery, World War II veteran James Jacocks will continue his annual tradition -- begun in 1947 -- of leading Boy Scouts and their parents in placing American flags on 11,000 gravesites.  Jacocks, 75, makes lemonade every year to reward the Scouts for their hard work.  He said he expects to continue this Memorial Day ritual as long as he can walk.

     A campaign involving students in the Library of Congress' Veterans History Project continues to capture the experience of veterans on taped interviews.  Memorial Day will mark the kickoff of a “summer of service” at nine VA medical centers.  VA voluntary service staff and volunteers will train teenaged students to work with local veterans, using computers to produce short digital movies about their war experiences. 

   This Memorial Day also finds volunteers continuing to inventory military memorials and monuments in VA’s national cemeteries.  Over the past year, 215 people volunteered to write descriptions and gather historical information about more than 400 of VA’s 425 memorials in cemeteries.  Principi said documenting history through memorials is part of VA’s commitment to maintaining its cemeteries as national shrines. 

    He said planning for the future needs for more burial space for veterans in some locations will be the focal point of some Memorial Day activities.  The new Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Madison will be dedicated May 26.  A $5.6 million VA grant supported establishment of the state cemetery.  At many national cemetery observances, speakers will acknowledge veterans who did not have military funeral honors at their interment services because they did not have family or friends to request honors or even to attend the services.   VA’s “Forgotten Heroes” program brings out volunteer teams of veterans to render funeral honors for those veterans. (VA Press Release, May 22, 2003) 

VA's prescription plan is a big draw 

(KRT) - The Veterans Affairs Department has one of the best prescription drug plans in America. Increasingly, former service members want to take advantage of it. Under the VA plan, veterans pay $7 per prescription for a 30-day supply. Under the department's proposed 2004 budget, the co-payment would be waived for lower-income vets, while higher-income veterans would pay $15 per prescription. These relatively low fees are attractive to older veterans, who tend to have more chronic ailments such as arthritis or heart disease. By the end of the decade, almost half of the nation's roughly 26 million veterans will be older than 65; a substantial number will be older than 85, officials note. Many elderly veterans cannot get low-cost prescription drugs anywhere but the VA. Despite statements by both political parties about the importance of providing drug coverage to senior citizens under Medicare, Congress has failed to do so.
   In the late 1990s, Medicare health maintenance organizations were a popular option for seniors seeking prescription drugs. These managed-care plans routinely offered low-cost coverage for medication as an incentive for seniors to join, along with other perks. But under financial pressure, Medicare HMOs have shut down in droves, leaving more than 2 million seniors scrambling to find coverage since 1998. Many appear to have turned to the VA for help, officials report. The best way for Congress to address burgeoning drug-related demand for services at the VA is "to get a prescription drug benefit enacted under Medicare," said Anthony Principi, secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. … Last year, VA filled 191 million prescriptions, up from 66 million in 1997.  (BY JUDITH GRAHAM, Chicago Tribune, Posted on Tue, May. 20, 2003) 

Memories don't fade for Korean War vets 

With eight Purple Hearts, two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars with Valor, a Soldier's Medal and a Navy Cross, Ret. Command Sgt. Major A.J. Camoesas came dressed for the occasion in his uniform. Camoesas was one of about 30 Florida Korean War veterans at a council meeting Friday during their eighth annual convention at the Holiday Inn Riverfront in Bradenton. "What you may find interesting is that I got the Navy Cross even though I was in the Army," said Camoesas, who was in Special Operations during the conflict. He received the honor for fighting in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. Ainslee Ferdie, president of Chapter 110 in Miami and Camoesas' fellow travel companion, was quick to point out that there are only eight people in the Army who ever received the Navy Cross. "Not only that, but you don't see somebody with eight Purple Hearts very often," said Ferdie.
   Those Purple Hearts, which add up to five from Korea and three from Vietnam, are no big deal to Camoesas. "Back then, you got shot, they wrapped you up, made sure you could walk and hold a weapon and sent you back out as they tossed a Purple Heart your way," Camoesas said. A 34-year veteran of the Army who is originally from Portugal, Camoesas also displayed a Triple Combat Infantry Badge on his jacket. "That means he jumped right into a battlefield five times, maybe more," Ferdie said. "That is unbelievable, there are generals who tried to earn this rare badge and didn't get it."
   Following the council meetings, the veterans participated in a memorial service at Veterans Park to commemorate their fallen comrades and the 50th anniversary of the end of the Korean War. Bill Field, President of local Manasota Chapter 199, announced at the ceremony that it took him 43 years to realize that Korean War veterans saved South Korea and turned it into a democracy. "The most important thing to me is that South Korea personally thanked us and gave us medals for saving their country. I don't believe any other country we have helped has been so sincere," said Field.
   Although the phrase "The Forgotten War" is still tossed around when the Korean War is mentioned, many of these men don't feel forgotten any more. "We went in there without hesitancy and did what we had to do," said Jake Feaster, president of the Florida Korean War Veterans Association. "I think that the Korean War was so close after World War II, many Americans weren't ready for a war again so soon after peace had been restored, but we did what we had to do," said Harold E. Sievers, president of Lake County Chapter 169 in Leesburg. "I will always remember bringing the cease-fire to my squadron under armed air police guard in 1953, that was an experience I'll never forget," said Sievers. "I remember thinking that this cease-fire was never going to hold up, but it did." The Florida Korean War Veterans Association does not plan on vanishing any time soon. At the meeting, Feaster stressed the importance of the organization and its impact that it has on its members. "Believe me, there are still many Korean War vets out there who would love to join," said Feaster. Fifty people registered for the convention, which ends today. (By KURT D. SCHULTHEIS, Herald Staff Writer, May. 17, 2003)

HELP US BUILD THE MEMORIAL! 
Learn more about Florida's World War II Memorial.

NEWS YOU CAN USE   

 Hillsborough County Veteran Service Officer Joseph R.W. Couture, better known as Mr. Joe, retires May 30 with almost 28 years of service with Hillsborough County. Couture started with the county in 1975 after a 22-year career with the U.S. Air Force. Couture served residents as a veterans benefits counselor. He also served for almost two years as the manager of the Veterans Affairs Office. The Veteran Affairs Office at 1101 E. 139th Ave. in Tampa will host an open house in his honor from 1 to 4 p.m. May 30. For directions and other information, call the Veteran Affairs Office at (813) 975-2181.  

 The Board of Collier County (Florida) Commissioners has publicly recognized The Veterans Corporation with a Proclamation commending the Veterans Entrepreneurial Training (VET) Program^SM .  The VET Program, which provides business education to Veteran business owners, and Veterans interested in starting their own business, was offered to Veterans Corporation members in Collier County earlier this year.   View the proclamation.  Learn more about the VET Program. 

On May 6, 2003, Kathryn E. Spearman, M.S.W., President and CEO, Volunteers of America of Florida, testified before the United States House of Representatives Committee on Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health concerning Homeless Assistance Programs in VA. 

23rd National Veterans Wheelchair Games 

For useful information on concurrent receipt, we suggest the following website: http://www.crlegislation.com/. 

Your purchase of the "Florida Salutes Veterans" license plate helps people who need it most, when they need it most.  The entire $15 surcharge goes into a Trust Fund for the Operation and Maintenance of critically needed Veterans' Homes in Florida. 

Click here for information about the Florida Veterans Mobile Service Center.  

Click here for a copy of Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide. 

The President's Budget and Florida - Meeting the Goals of our Time 

FirstGov.gov

VA NEWS YOU CAN USE

 VA Approves Grant To Establish Massachusetts State Cemetery - WASHINGTON -- Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi today announced the award of a $7.4 million grant to Massachusetts to establish the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery at Winchendon. Winchendon is in northern Massachusetts. (5/23/03)  

 VA Observes Recent and Past Sacrifices on Memorial Day - WASHINGTON – Memorial Day observances across the country on May 26 will find the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) celebrating the sacrifices of men and women who died for their country in recent months, as well as long ago. (5/22/03)  

 VA Awards $31.1 Million to Washington State Veterans Home - WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded a grant for more than $31.1 million to Washington State for construction of a replacement nursing home facility at the Washington Veterans Home in Retsil. (5/21/03)  

 VA Deputy Secretary Visits Europe for Memorial Day - WASHINGTON – Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Leo S. Mackay Jr., Ph.D., will participate with U.S. ambassadors and local officials of host countries in their annual Memorial Day ceremonies to honor America’s World I and World War II war-dead. Ceremonies are scheduled in France, Italy and Luxembourg at cemeteries administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission.  (5/21/03)  

 VA Grant Awards $3.4 Million to Oklahoma State Veterans Home - WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded a grant for nearly $3.4 million to Oklahoma for renovations to the Oklahoma Veterans Center, a comprehensive health care facility in Norman. (5/21/03)  

Memorial Day 2003 – Click on this link for useful information. 

Facts About the Department of Veterans Affairs -- 2003 -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was established on March 15, 1989, succeeding the Veterans Administration. It is responsible for providing federal benefits to veterans and their dependents. Headed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, VA is the second largest of the 15 Cabinet departments and operates nationwide programs for health care, financial assistance and burial benefits. (Word Version) 

Department of Veterans Affairs' FY 2004 Budget Submission - Summary Volume

The summary volume includes an overview of the Department’s congressional budget submission, budget highlights by program, and funding resources tables. The Summary Volume focuses primarily on the budget year 2004 - the upcoming fiscal year for which Congress needs to make appropriations. It also includes actual data on 2002 and current estimates for 2003. There are sections in the volume containing historical tables going back to 1995 and expenditures by state.  

VA Benefits for Family Members of Military Personnel Involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom (March 2003) The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a variety of programs to assist survivors of military personnel who die on active duty. (word version) 

La versión en Español de el folleto "Beneficios Federales para los Veteranos y sus Dependientes", el cual explica la variedad de beneficios disponibles para los veteranos y sus dependientes, se encuentra disponible en versión PDF al presionar aquí. 

On April 15, 2002, Networks submitted their Market Plans to the Under Secretary for Health and completed another major milestone in the CARES planning process. Market Plans were produced at the Network level based upon health care markets within that Network. Each Market Plan is composed of the completed Planning Initiative (PI) that solved each gap identified for that market, and will be incorporated into the Under Secretary for Health’s draft National CARES Plan. On June 2^nd, the plan will be turned over to an independent CARES Commission that will evaluate the draft National CARES Plan. The CARES Commission will solicit input from stakeholders, consider comments received during the 60-day public comment period, and subsequently hold public hearings. All regional network plans will be integrated into a draft National CARES Plan. 

Capital Asset Realignment For Enhanced Services, Phase II Update -- November 2002 -- In June 2002, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that the second phase of VA's national planning process, designed to meet the health care needs of veterans over the next 20 years, was underway. Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) was first conducted as a pilot study in Veterans Integrated Service Network 12. (VA's medical system is divided into 21 regional health care Networks.) Phase II is being conducted in the remaining 20 Networks. (word version) 

VISN 8 CARES Information 

VA Health Care and the Medical Benefits Package -- July 2002 -- One of the most visible of all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits is health care. VA has about 1,300 care facilities, including 163 hospitals, 850 ambulatory care and community-based outpatient clinics, 206 counseling centers, 137 nursing homes and 43 domiciliary facilities. (word version) 

Ask Benefits Questions Via E-MAIL: For specific Compensation and Pension benefits questions and local regional office issues, the contact list is by state and geographical area of jurisdiction.    

Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents (2003 Edition) - The 2003 edition of this booklet lists the variety of federal benefits available to veterans and their dependents. Selecting the link above will download the booklet as a PDF file. 

VA - 13 Years as a Cabinet Department - Website contains informational material regarding VA's history as a Cabinet Department  

Facts about the Department of Veterans Affairs 

VA Calendar of Events for May 

VA State Summary for Florida

NEWS STORIES OF INTEREST

PSL veteran indicted on 115 counts of benefits fraud
Stuart News - 5/23/2003

Veterans ask for county holiday
Orlando Sentinel - 5/23/2003

Barefoot Bay: Memorial Day parade on Monday
Stuart News - 5/22/2003

Two studies vindicate the Atkins diet _ but does the weight loss last?
Gainesville Sun - 5/22/2003

What was the best airplane in World War II?
Sun-Herald - 5/22/2003

Museum vets give reason to mark Memorial Day
Florida Today - 5/22/2003

Veterans To Be Saluted At Memorial Day Events
Tampa Tribune - 5/22/2003

Milton seeks VA nursing home
Pensacola News Journal - 5/21/2003

Memorial Day to be remembered by many
Sun-Herald - 5/21/2003

Smoking Compromise Might Get Snuffed Out
Tampa Tribune - 5/21/2003

Legislature tries to strike smoking deal
Miami Herald - 5/21/2003

Limestone tiles installed as base of Florida Vietnam memorial
Stuart News - 5/20/2003

Show To Commemorate America's Veterans
Tampa Tribune - 5/20/2003

Health care eludes veterans
Bradenton Herald - 5/20/2003

VA's prescription plan is a big draw
Bradenton Herald - 5/20/2003

Lakeland Medic Gets Medals for Bravery
Lakeland Ledger - 5/20/2003

Lawmakers close in on smoking ban
Orlando Sentinel - 5/20/2003

First Marines to return to California base face readjustment
Sarasota Herald Tribune - 5/19/2003

Local veterans get good deal for starting , tuning up businesses
Sun-Herald - 5/19/2003

Mail Helps Troops Feel Home Support
Tampa Tribune - 5/18/2003

$70,000 boost to assist homeless shelter
Orlando Sentinel - 5/18/2003

Cooking for the kinfolk
Sun-Sentinel - 5/18/2003

Veterans affairs: Registry helps Agent Orange victims
Stuart News - 5/17/2003

Memories don't fade for Korean War vets
Bradenton Herald - 5/17/2003

STATE LEGISLATION OF INTEREST TO VETERANS 

Senate Committees 

House Committees 

Click here for a summary/status report of bills we kept an eye on during the 2002 legislative session. 

Click here for a list of bills we are tracking.—New 2003 Session bills are added daily! 

Veterans Bills - 2003 Session Report – Weekly Action 

Note:  The links below will not work.  This action report is for informational purposes only. 

FEDERAL LEGISLATION OF INTEREST TO VETERANS 

May 22, 2003 - The Honorable Robert H. Roswell, MD, Under Secretary for Health before the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health, regarding VA's long-term care programs and issues related to the GAO report "VA Long-Term Care: Service Gaps and Facility Restrictions Limit Veterans' Access to Non institutional Care" (GAO 03-487).
Click here for Testimony in Web Format  

May 6, 2003 - Dr. Leo S. MacKay, Jr., Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, before the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health, regarding VA's programs and services for homeless veterans.
Click here for testimony in Web Format  

May 6, 2003 - Ned L. Cooney, Ph.D., Director of Mental Health and Substance Abuse at the Newington Campus of the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, before the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health, regarding the daily challenge of promoting recovery for homeless veterans with substance use disorders.
Click here for testimony in Web Format  

H.CON.RES.178

Title: Expressing support for the goals of Veterans Educate Today's Students (VETS) Day, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Rep Pallone, Frank, Jr. [NJ-6] (introduced 5/13/2003)      Cosponsors: 46

Latest Major Action: 5/21/2003 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Benefits. 

Click here for information on federal legislation. 

Issues and Action: Veterans Issues 

Find your member of Congress. 

United States Senate 

U.S. House of Representatives 

VA Testimony at Congressional Hearings 

• Chronological List of Department of Veterans Affairs Testimony. List covers 2001-1997, in reverse chronological order.

VA testimony before Committees of the U. S. House of Representatives:

• House Committee on Veterans Affairs
  • HVAC Subcommittee on Benefits
  • HVAC Subcommittee on Health
  • HVAC Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
• House Committee on Banking and Financial Services
• House Committee on Government Reform

VA testimony before Committees of the United States Senate:

• Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs
• SVAC Field Hearings
• Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

(Some links require Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded here) 

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