Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
472516364
label
Persian Gulf-March 1995 [5]
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
472516364
contentType
document
title
Persian Gulf-March 1995 [5]
citationUrl
collections
Records of the Office of the Chief of Staff (Clinton Administration)
Jennifer O'Connor's Subject Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
472516364
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
otherTitles
2800759-20240267S-039-004-2024
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
c38944a070035893
ocrText
P.5
FEB 20 '95 11:34PM WHITE HOUSE SITUATION ROOM
DRAFT
2/20/95
GULF WAR ILLNESSES SPEECH
OUTLINE
Objectives:
1. To demonstrate that the President cares about and is
compassionate towards Gulf War veterans who are suffering from
illnesses that may be related to their service in the Gulf.
2. To underscore the President's commitment to ensuring that no
effort is spared in seeking the origins of the illnesses being
reported by Gulf veterans and in providing comprehensive medical
care to those affected.
3. To draw attention to the major Administration actions to
date in areas such as research, diagnosis and treatment, and to
unveil new Administration initiatives, including the
establishment of a Presidential Commission on Gulf War Illnesses.
Points to Make:
1. The President cares about those who served in the Gulf and
believes we have the same obligation to them as we do to our
World War II veterans.
-- Last June I traveled to Normandy, and earlier this month I
went to Iwo Jima, to honor those who served with courage and
distinction to defeat the forces of fascism in Europe and the
Pacific some fifty years ago.
--
I believe that the brave men and women who fought in the
Gulf some forty-five years later are owed a similar debt of
gratitude. They, too, must not be forgotten, especially those
who are still suffering from illnesses that may be related to
their service on behalf of this great nation. We must and will
take care of them.
2. This is a complex problem, which we have been grappling with
since the end of the Gulf War.
-- Nearly 700,000 Americans served their nation in the Gulf, in
both active duty and reserve units. Since then, roughly half
have left military service.
FEB 20 '95 11:34PM WHITE HOUSE SITUATION ROOM
P.6
2
-- Reports began to surface of persistent, sometimes
inexplicable illnesses, within a short time after U.S. forces
began to return home.
-- Over time, these very real and sometimes disabling health
problems became known as Gulf War Syndrome. But, in our efforts
to diagnose and treat these veterans, we have not discovered a
single syndrome or illness. In fact, there appear to be many
different types of Gulf War illnesses.
-- A number of causes have been suggested for these illnesses,
including:
* smoke from oil well fires;
* depleted uranium from U.S. munitions;
* tropical diseases;
* possible exposure to chemical or biological weapons,
or the drugs and vaccines used to protect against such
weapons;
-- We have examined and are continuing to examine these and
other possibilities but, thus far, no single cause has emerged,
just as no single illness explains all of the symptoms being
reported by our veterans.
-- We are as frustrated as Gulf veterans themselves over our
inability to get to the bottom of this problem.
3. We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to determine
the origins of the illnesses affecting our veterans. We will.
also spare no effort to ensure that our veterans get the medical
care they need, and get it quickly.
4. Many important initiatives have already been undertaken, or
are underway, to respond to the needs of Gulf War veterans who
are ill. Some of the most important of these are in the areas of
diagnosis, treatment and compensation. For example:
-- Any Gulf War veteran who believes that his or her illness or
symptoms may have been caused by exposure to a toxic substance or
environmental hazard is now given free medical care by the VA.
-- The VA has established a Persian Gulf Registry program that
offers free, complete physical examinations to every veteran who
served in the Gulf who has health concerns, whether or not that
veteran is 111. Thus far, some 40,000 veterans have participated
in this program.
FEB 20 '95 11:35PM WHITE HOUSE SITUATION ROOM
P.7
3
-- Gulf War veterans who are still in military service, and
their families, can take advantage of DOD's comprehensive
clinical evaluation program for both diagnosis and treatment.
Since its establishment last June, some 13,000 people have joined
this program, more than 8,000 of which already are undergoing in-
depth medical evaluations.
* I want to encourage every Gulf War veteran, whether
in the military or not, to participate in these
important VA and DOD medical programs.
-- In the area of compensation, I made sure, by legislation I
signed last fall, that veterans disabled by unexplained illnesses
receive a monthly check, even as we continue to search for what
is causing their illnesses.
* I am pleased to have with us here today
and
s who have received some of the very first of these
checks.
-- On the research side, we have more than 30 studies already
underway on a range of subjects, such as mortality, environmental
hazards, and exposure to oil well fire smoke.
5. I hope this gives you a sense of how hard we are already
working to respond to the medical needs of our Gulf War veterans.
But as proud as I am of what has been accomplished, it is clear
to me that it is not enough.
6. Today I'd like to draw your attention to a number of other
initiatives which are just now getting underway, or will soon be
established, to help deal with the medical problems of Gulf War
veterans. Some of the most important of these are in the
research area.
-- We are spending between $7-12 million on new research on the
effects of drugs and vaccines used to protect against chemical or
biological weapons, on infectious diseases present in the Gulf,
and on possible reproductive health risks from exposure to
chemicals such as pesticides. We are also beginning new research
to see if a combination of these and other factors could be
causing the illnesses of Gulf War veterans.
-- of particular note, as well, is a major study which is
looking at whether Gulf War-related illnesses can be passed on to
others, or if they can cause birth defects or miscarriages.
-- On the treatment side, DOD is establishing Specialized Care
Centers in Washington, D.C. and San Antonio, TX to provide care
FEB 20 '95 11:35PM WHITE HOUSE SITUATION ROOM
P.8
4
for patients who have already had comprehensive examinations at
other DOD facilities and need additional testing or treatment.
-- And, in a move toward even greater openness, DOD will, in
response to individual requests, prepare and make available
analyses concerning reports of the detection of chemical or
biological weapons.
7. Finally, to ensure that we are doing all of this right, I
have decided to establish a Presidential Commission on Gulf War
Illnesses.
-- This Commission will review and evaluate the full range of
U.S. government activities related to the illnesses being
reported by U.S. service personnel who served in the Gulf War, in
areas such as research, diagnosis and treatment and public
outreach.
-- I will ask the Commission to provide an interim report
within six months of beginning its work, and to include in this
report not only an evaluation of the activities we have underway,
but also recommendations on what else we should be doing, or
should be doing differently.
8. I am committed to ensuring that we learn from the mistakes
that the government made in its handling of Vietnam veterans
exposed to Agent Orange.
-- For many years, those veterans were denied both disability
benefits and the medical care they needed and deserved. This
will not happen again.
9. So, as we recall the sacrifices of those on the battlefields
of Europe and the beaches of the Pacific some fifty years ago, .50
too should we remember and, indeed, do all that we can to help,
our younger veterans. That is my solemn pledge.
DRAFT
DRAFT
3/1/95
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
Date
FACT SHEET
Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses: New Initiatives
Various steps have already been taken by the Clinton
Administration to respond to the health concerns of U.S. military
personnel who served in the Gulf War. Today, the President
announced a number of new initiatives aimed at further enhancing
the U.S. government response to the needs of Gulf War veterans
who are ill.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The President will establish an Advisory Committee on Gulf War
Veterans' illnesses to review and make recommendations on U.S.
government activities related to the illnesses being reported by
Placeholder language pending
U.S. military personnel who served in the Gulf War. This
Presidential decision.
Committee, which will begin its work in the spring of 1995, will
review and make recommendations on Gulf War illnesses-related
research, the activities of the Persian Gulf Veterans
Coordinating Board, medical examination and treatment programs,
public outreach efforts, the implementation of recommendations
from external reviews, possible risk factors, and reports of the
possible detection of chemical or biological weapons. The
Committee is to provide an interim report within six months of
beginning its work and a final report by no later than December
1996.
TREATMENT
The Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) are enhancing their current programs for diagnosing
and treating Gulf War veterans.
Specialized Care Centers: DOD is establishing Specialized
Care Centers in Washington, D.C. and San Antonio, TX, to
provide care for patients who need additional testing or
treatment after completing comprehensive medical
examinations at other military medical facilities. These
centers will open in March 1995.
DRAFT
DRAFT
Reproductive Problems: VA and DOD diagnostic test programs
for Gulf War veterans will soon include guidelines for
testing individuals who have had reproductive problems since
returning from the Gulf. Nationally recognized medical
experts are being consulted for advice in developing these
guidelines.
EXPANDED RESEARCH
In addition to the research that is already underway, VA and DOD
are planning to spend $8-13 million on new research on Gulf War
veterans' illnesses in 1995. Most of these studies will be
designed, peer reviewed and conducted by university researchers
and other independent scientists or, in the case of VA research,
by scientists at VA medical centers across the country.
Epidemiological Research: For the first time, major
epidemiological studies will be conducted to examine whether
such things as exposure to medications and pesticides, the
location of troops during the war, and the age and sex of
such troops are associated with specific symptoms. The DOD-
funded studies will be based on a random sample of Gulf War
veterans and civilians employed by DOD. A VA study will
compare the health of 15,000 Gulf War veterans and 15,000
veterans who served during the same years but not in the
Persian Gulf. Miscarriages, birth defects, and other
reproductive health problems and illnesses among spouses or
children will also be studied by DOD and VA.
Drugs and Vaccines: New research is being conducted on the
drugs and vaccines provided to help protect U.S. military
personnel in the Gulf against chemical and biological
weapons. This research will include further studies on the
anti-nerve agent pill pyridostigmine bromide, alone and in
combination with other medications or chemicals such as
pesticides. Research on the long-term effects of anthrax
and botulism vaccines will also be conducted, for the first
time.
Medical Evaluations of Spouses and Children: For the first
time, VA will provide medical evaluations and diagnostic
tests to spouses and children of Gulf War veterans. These
tests will be provided as part of a research project on the
possible relationship between the illnesses of Gulf War
veterans and those of their spouses and children.
Dependents of veterans who are enrolled in the VA Gulf War
Registry will be selected for inclusion in this study.
RAFT
DRAFT
Environmental Hazards: DOD and VA will support new research
to expand existing information on potential environmental
hazards such as infectious and parasitic diseases and the
effects of exposure to petrochemicals, lead, depleted
uranium and other toxic substances.
Improving Treatment: Later this year, DOD will accept
research proposals from scientists across the country
designed to improve treatment for Gulf War veterans with
diagnosed and undiagnosed illnesses and symptoms.
OPENNESS
In addition to the DOD declassification program previously
announced, DOD and VA are taking other steps to make information
available about issues of concern to Gulf War veterans.
Chemical and Biological Weapons: Since the end of the Gulf
War, some veterans have expressed concern about the
possibility that they were exposed to chemical or biological
weapons during the war. In response to these concerns, DOD
will prepare and make available analyses of the most
frequently cited reports of the detection of chemical or
biological weapons and will continue to declassify and
release documents bearing on these and other reports.
Data on Serious Illnesses: Information regarding cancers
and other serious illnesses among Gulf War veterans who
have received care in VA and DOD medical facilities will be
made available to the public. Reports, categorized by age
group, sex and race, will be released every six months by
the Persian Gulf Interagency Coordinating Board.
OUTREACH
VA Secretary Jesse Brown has recently sent letters to all VA Gulf
War Registry participants informing them of new compensation
regulations for undiagnosed illnesses.
FUTURE SAFEGUARDS
The Gulf War made clear the need for better training of U.S.
troops on health risks prior to overseas deployments, for
improvements in on-the-scene preventive medicine during
deployments, and for better follow-up documentation and medical
screening of troops after deployments. In response, DOD is
developing a comprehensive approach that will strengthen training
on the risks of toxic exposure and make more information about
such risks available to individual service members. The effort
DRAFT
will also improve documentation of each service members' health,
medical problems and exposures before, during and after
deployment. Policy guidelines for this new approach will be
completed this spring, with the military services developing
detailed implementing instructions thereafter.
RAFT
DRAFT
DRAFT
3/1/95
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
Date
FACT SHEET
Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses: Ongoing Initiatives
Shortly after returning from the Persian Gulf following
Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, some U.S. military
personnel began to report a variety of symptoms, such as fatigue,
muscle and joint pain, memory loss, and headaches. In order to
address these Gulf War veterans' health concerns, the
Administration has taken many steps, highlights of which are
listed below.
COMPENSATION
To make sure that veterans with chronic disabilities resulting
from Gulf War service are compensated, the Administration is
moving quickly to compensate those with both diagnosed and
undiagnosed illnesses.
Compensation for Diagnosed Illnesses: Under traditional
disability compensation programs, veterans receive monthly
compensation checks for diagnosed disabilities connected to
their service. As of January 31, 1995, 106,390 veterans are
receiving this type of disability compensation, including
472 for disabilities resulting from exposure to
environmental hazards.
Compensation for Undiagnosed Illnesses: President Clinton
strongly supported and signed legislation to allow for
compensation to veterans suffering from undiagnosed
illnesses. This is the first time ever that the Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) has compensated veterans before
their illnesses are diagnosed. The first compensation
checks under this new program were sent in mid-February
1995. All Gulf War veterans who had disability
compensation denied have been contacted to reapply under
this new program.
DRAFT
RAFT
2
TREATMENT
The Administration's first priority for Gulf War veterans is to
provide them with the best possible medical care, even when
diagnoses have not been made.
Priority Access to VA Health Care: In 1993 and again in
1994, President Clinton signed legislation that changes
standard eligibility rules to enable veterans to obtain free
medical care for illnesses that may be related to service in
the Persian Gulf. To date, more than 140,000 Gulf War
veterans have received free medical care in VA facilities.
Free Specialized VA Health Examinations: Under the VA
Persian Gulf Registry Health Examination Program, every Gulf
War veteran who has health concerns, whether or not the
veteran is ill, is eligible for a free, complete physical
exam. More than 40,000 veterans have participated in this
program since it began in 1992. Since June 1994, veterans
with unexplained illnesses whose medical conditions require
a more specialized approach have had access to a more
comprehensive health examination, which is also provided
without charge at any VA and military medical center.
Specialized VA Diagnosis Centers: For those veterans most
difficult to diagnose, VA has established Persian Gulf
Referral Centers in Washington D.C., Houston, TX, and Los
Angeles, CA.
Special Treatment for Active Duty Military Personnel & Their
Families: Under the Defense Department's (DOD's)
Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation Program, more than 13,000
Gulf War veterans still on active duty have registered for
extensive free medical exams and treatment. Between 8,000
and 9,000 individuals have begun to receive these exams and
treatment since the program began in June 1994. Military
personnel register by hotline and are then examined and
treated at local military medical centers and then, if
necessary, at 16 major medical centers in the U.S. and
Germany.
DRAFT
RAFT
3
DECLASSIFICATION
In June 1994, DOD announced that it was declassifying all of the
material related to the potential causes of Gulf War veterans'
illnesses. The Department is proceeding with declassification
efforts and releasing information as it becomes available. To
date, DOD has reviewed more than 400 linear feet of records to
declassify material that mentions the possible detection of
chemical or biological weapons. By the end of 1995, DOD will
have the capability to match the wartime locations of individual
service members with these incidents, as well as the presence of
various other potential environmental hazards, such as smoke from
oil well fires.
OUTREACH & EDUCATION
Because one of the most frustrating aspects of undiagnosed Gulf
War veterans' illnesses is the lack of medical knowledge about
the cause or cure, the Administration is reaching out to military
personnel and veterans to educate them about available medical
exams, treatment and compensation, as well as about new findings
as they develop.
Hotlines: DOD, as of June 1994, and VA, as of February
1995, began operating hotlines to provide Gulf War veterans
with easy access to medical examinations and treatment.
Callers are referred to the appropriate DOD or VA medical
treatment facility. In addition, the VA hotline provides
information on all VA medical care, compensation and
research programs for Gulf War veterans. The hotline
numbers are: DOD, 1-800-796-9699; VA, 1-800-PGW-VETS. VA is
also providing medical and compensation benefits information
on an electronic computer bulletin board, available 24 hours
per day. This number is 1-800-US1-VETS.
Defense Secretary and Joint Chiefs Chairman Letter to
Veterans: In May 1994, Secretary Perry and General
Shalikashvili jointly sent letters to all Gulf War veterans,
encouraging them to go to any medical facility for an
evaluation and exam if they have experienced health problems
since returning from the Gulf.
Staying Healthy Handbooks: As part of the 1994 deployment
to the Gulf, DOD published and distributed "Staying Healthy"
handbooks to help troops protect themselves against health
hazards overseas. Handbooks were also provided to troops in
Somalia and Haiti. Similar information was not consistently
DRAFT
4
available to military personnel during Operations Desert
Shield and Desert Storm.
Persian Gulf Review: VA publishes a quarterly newsletter,
Persian Gulf Review, which is sent to everyone on its health
registry, each VA Medical Center, and veterans' service
organizations. It provides information relevant to the
health and compensation concerns of Gulf War veterans and
their families.
RESEARCH
More than thirty research projects are underway to try to
determine the causes of Gulf War veterans' illnesses. The
research projects include epidemiological investigations,
environmental hazards research, psychological and neurological
studies, studies of the effects of the anti-nerve gas drug
pyridostigmine bromide, research on the tropical disease
leishmaniasis, and on the effects of exposure to depleted
uranium. A few of the more than thirty studies are highlighted
below.
Environmental Hazards Research Centers: VA Environmental
Hazards Research Centers, located in Boston, MA, East
Orange, NJ, and Portland, OR were opened in October 1994.
The centers are carrying out fourteen research projects in
such areas as: the effects of toxic exposure on behavior,
memory, the immune and nervous systems, and the development
of cancer and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Specific
studies are also examining chemical hypersensitivity,
chronic fatigue syndrome, and risk factors for undiagnosed
illnesses.
Mortality Study: The VA Epidemiology Service is completing
a study of death rates and causes of death among those who
served in the Gulf War. Comparisons will be made with
veterans who did not serve in the Gulf. Results are
expected later this year.
Birth Defects Study: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC),
VA and the Mississippi State Health Department examined a
report of increased numbers of birth defects in the children
of two units of the Mississippi National Guard. The
study, completed in December 1994, found no increase in
major or minor birth defects.
DRAFT
5
Iowa Study: At Congressional request, the Administration is
conducting a pilot survey of Gulf War veterans from Iowa,
comparing a random selection of those who served in the Gulf
War with a random selection of those who served elsewhere
during the same period. This CDC study includes a detailed
assessment of veterans' health concerns as well as those of
their families.
Kuwait Oil Fires Study: This ongoing study is examining
health risks to military troops and personnel exposed to oil
fire smoke in the Gulf. The study's initial findings,
released in September 1994, concluded that the levels of
toxic substances measured in May through December 1991 were
well below United States regulatory limits.
Anti-Nerve Gas Drug Studies: DOD is conducting studies of
the effects of pyridostigmine bromide, an anti-nerve gas
drug given to troops in the Gulf. The studies are examining
the effects of this drug on women and men as well as the
effects of interactions between this drug and other
environmental chemicals such as insecticides that were
present in the Gulf. Results are expected later this year.
Tropical Disease Study: DOD, VA and the Department of
Health and Human Services are examining the occurrences of
the tropical parasitic disease leishmaniasis in Gulf troops.
These studies aim to develop better diagnostic tests and
treatment for this disease.
Navy Studies: Three large epidemiological studies, begun in
October 1994, are being carried out by the Naval Health
Research Center in San Diego, CA. The studies are analyzing
the health of Gulf War Construction Battalion (SeaBee)
service members, hospitalization rates among all Gulf War
veterans, and birth outcomes in all Gulf War veterans and
their families. Preliminary results are expected in late
1995.
REVIEWS BY OUTSIDE EXPERTS
To ensure that all avenues for research on Gulf War veterans'
illnesses are being aggressively pursued, the Administration has
asked several panels of non-governmental scientists to review
ongoing activities and make recommendations for further research.
These reviews indicate a consensus in some areas. For example,
there is agreement among reviewers that, rather than a single
DRAFT
DRAFT
6
cause or illness, there are likely to be several different causes
and illnesses among Gulf War veterans.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Workshop: In April
1994, the NIH hosted a panel of outside experts to examine
research efforts to date and make recommendations for future
research in areas such as epidemiology, stress-related
diseases, pyridostigmine bromide and leishmaniasis. Many of
these recommendations are now being implemented.
National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine (IOM) :
As directed by Congress, an IOM panel is reviewing and
evaluating current research efforts related to Gulf War
veterans' illnesses. The group's first report, issued in
January 1995, provided a number of recommendations for
improving research, many of which are being implemented.
The IOM is also reviewing and evaluating DOD's
Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation Program.
Defense Science Board Task Force: This panel, headed by
Nobel laureate Dr. Joshua Lederberg, was asked by DOD to
examine intelligence and other information related to
possible troop exposure to chemical or biological weapons,
and potential health consequences resulting from low level
chemical exposure, environmental pollutants, Kuwait oil
fires and other health hazards. The panel's report,
released in June 1994, concluded that there was no evidence
of the use of chemical or biological warfare against J.S.
troops in the Gulf.
DRAFT
Specialty press
press a VA
Outreach meeting
DOD
- reference m speech to signis it
989 stils -Elp
- send nate 0 pen after sign
1) Pre - event
Congressional aspect
-Daseble 2 chinn t ranking vets committees
- Evans
ASCs
- Buyer
VAS
get of * lest names
- Joe kennedy
MHS
-Shellon
only need phone calls beforehand
and fact shut fax
and tacking points
USOs - phone calls to faxes
need talkers + fact sheets
Diana will draft
2) Post -event
Cony
PL
-VFW - press release immed after
I
follow up calls to get into
magazines
- op eds
Jen to ask Depts to do QsoAs
03/01/95 18:43
001
3 AFFAIRS
THE STATES OF
Department of Veterans Affairs
Office of Public & Intergovernmental Affairs
FAX: (202) 273-5717
TELEPHONE: (202) 273-5750/5751
FAX FACTS:
TO: Jennifer O'connor
Steve silverbing
DATE: 3/1
FROM: Kathy Jurado
Transmitting: Cover page plus
pages
COMMENTS:
Memorandum
Date:
March 1, 1995
To:
Jennifer O'Connor
From:
Kathy Jurado
Subject:
Communications Plan for POTUS Speech to VFW
VFW Press
VA will work with VFW Public Affairs to facilitate media interviews
with Commander Gunner Kent and Executive Director Larry Rivers on
TV and radio following the speech. We will encourage them to
conduct media interviews throughout the week of March 6th.
VSO Outreach
VA will copy President Clinton's speeches from Colleville, Manila and
Two Jima and distribute these to the VFW delegates (1000).
VA will distribute to the Veterans Service Organizations and their
publications 1) a summary of the President's VFW Speech, 2) a VA
press release with speech highlights and quotes from Secretary
Brown, and 3) a copy of the speech for publication and distribution.
Post Speech Media
VA will target the following states: Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan,
California, Illinois, Louisiana, Iowa, Missouri, New Hampshire, New
Jersey, Connecticut.
In each of the above states, VA Public Affairs will target media in
major population centers 1) distributing a VA press release and
President Clinton's speech and, 2) utilizing Secretary Brown, Deputy
Secretary Gober and Under Secretaries Vogel and Kizer for print and
radio interviews.
In addition, VA Public Affairs will distribute a press release and the
President's speech to the Persian Gulf media list which includes
nationwide media who write on Persian Gulf illnesses.
03/01/95
18:44
1
002
Memorandum
Date:
March 1, 1995
To:
Steve Silverberg
From:
Kathy Jurado
Subject:
Rescission Media Report
Tuesday, February 28
Secretary Brown
Florida Radio Network
Orlando Sentinel
States News Service
Wednesday, March 1
Secretary Brown
Tampa Tribune
Deputy Secretary Gober
WNIS-AM, Hampton, Virginia
Thursday, March 2
Deputy Secretary Gober
West Virginia Radio Network
KARN, Little Rock, AR
PRESS CLIPS and TRANSCRIPTS Attached
Gainesville Sun "Panel slashes funding for local VA clinic"
Orlando Sentinel "Orlando may lose VA clinic at base"
Hartford Courant" VA hospital expansion threatened by cuts"
WPKT Radio, Hartford, CT
03/01/95
18:44
003
The Gainesville (FL) Sun, 2/28/95
Panel slashes funding for local VA clinic
The outpatient clinic
He added that cuts strike at DDC of
the more vulnerable segments of popu-
has been on the drawing
lations. aging World War II and Kore
board for 11 years.
an War veterans
Brown said the proposed cuts also Пу
in the face of the national trend for
outpations services rather than more
in stall and wire report
expensive hospital stays
WASHINGTON - A project that's been on
Rep. Karen Thurman on Monday ex-
the Gainesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center
pressed outrage over the decision. say
drawing board for 11-years has been dealt H
ing it smacked of partisan politics.
severe blow in Congress.
"Ir's ourrageous," the Inverness
A planned $17 million ambulatory care or
Democrat said, "They're going 10 lake
and cut something they believed was
outpatient clinic at the VA Medical Center here,
extremely important not less than one
and similar projects at live other locations, have
year ago."
made it on the budget his list of a key House
Appropriations subcommittee
The panel responsible for veterans
"We ve spent millions of dollars to design
spending voted TO cut 5158 million
things we don't build," said Ed Dougherly, man-
worth of construction projects last
agement engineer (or the Cainesville VA Medi-
week. shrinking a $240 million pro-
cal Center.
gram to 584 inillion Subcommittee
The subcommittee agreed to pull $17.8 mil-
members agreed last Thursday to
lion budgeted for the Gainesville hospital's new
eliminate the Gainesville clinic along
outpauient clinic this year. as pain n: a 175
with FIVE others. all of which are based
Dillion budget-curring measure 10 come before
in Democratic districts. but spared one
the full committee Thursday.
located within the district of Republi-
The proposed cuts came B short
can Rep. Porter Gass in FOR Myers.
time after Veterans Affairs signed a
Rep. Ciff Stearns & longthme defend-
$1.2 million contract with Galnesville
CT of vetcrans' interests, was quick to
architects Flad & Associates
rise above party lines and juin
The predicament is not new. accord-
Thurman in lambasting the CUIS. "I'm
Ing to Dougherty.
going to fight this," Stearns sald Mon
"Were all frustrated." he said.
day during & telephone Interview.
The VA has spent close to $3 million
The Deala Republican said he al.
designing the project since 1983, and a
ready contacted Thurman and Rop.
shovel has yet to bit the ground.
Corrine Brown. DJacksonville, in
In 1983, the outpatient clinic was
hopes of uniting the area's congressio
part of a 290-bed psychiatric unit and
nal delegation against the planned
parking garoge project, totaling $90
cutbacks
million. It gradually has shrunk in
Sleven Cohen, Thurman's spokes-
scope over the years. The psychiutric
man, struck a partisan stance in de
facility has been lost, and the garage
fending the project.
remains DR paper.
"There were another five projects
The embulatory care clinic is now in
that werent touched, and those were
danger unless the full House Appropri-
all in Republican districts. except one."
ations Committee restores it to the hud-
Cohen aid.
get. and the Schate agrees.
But. SECAIDS sold the cutbacks were
I've been messing with this project
more of a regional issue than it parti-
for 10 years. and I'm beginning TO lose
San one.
hope." Dougherty said
"When it comes 10 veteran affairs,
Other clinics were scheduled to be
no one is partisan, and we shouldn't
bullt in Orlando, San Juan. Puerio Rico.
be." Stearns said. "WC are going to sug-
Columbia. Mc., West Haven, Conn., and
gcst that the facilities that are getting
Hempton. Va.
funding up in the northern part of the
Secretary of Velerans Affairs Jesse
United States be looked as carefully,
Brown condemned the House subcom-
because the VCIS are leaving the North
minee's netions.
and coming South."
"I AM bitterly disappointed that
these projects have been canceled I
have never seen anything like this be
fore and am afraid that this action sels
21 dangerous precedent," Brown sald
- 2
TO: Rill
PAGE / 082
News Clipping Transmittal Sheet
News Clip Identification
Sender Identification
004
5.
01/00/002
Newspaper: Orlando Sentinel
Name: OPA, Atlanta
Feed this way
City & State: Orlando, FL
Tidax only
Machine
Date of Publication: 3/1/95
Date: Facility: 3/1/95
Special Interest:
Phone: 404-347-3236
FILE:
Remarks:
Orlando
0PAC0 I
Ld St.
JURADO
may lose
VA clinic
AI stake for Orlando la the 314
at base
million approved by Congress last
year to convert the hospital all the
OPAATL
Orlando Naval Training Center
The GOP wants to ax
into a VA outpatient clinic and a
120-bed nursing home.
the $14 million outpatient
Brown warned in an Interview
clinic. The planned VA
with The Orlando Sencinel that
Central Florida may eventually
hospital in Brevard could
Lake an even bigger hit on B
be at risk, too.
planned VA hospital In Brevard
County - a project that came to
By Sean Holian
fruition only after years of inten-
alve lobbying by Florida !awmak-
6404 347 3236
BENTINEL WASHINGTON BUREAU
ors,
"This is just the beginning of
WASHINGTON - Republican
the barle," Brown said of the Dr.
budget-cutters have vlashed mon-
lando and Gainesville selbacks
ey for VA outpatient clinics in Or.
"In the 1998 budget, I have about
lando, Gainesville and four other
$156 million set aside for that Bre.
U.S. cities in a move that would
vard hospital
and ! think that's
kill all six projects unless the
nl risk."
After pasting originals, please photocopy on lightest setting to remove dark areas around print DO NOT REDUCE.
poney can berestored:
Besides putting the Orlendo
09: 09:41
Veterans Affairs Secretary Jesso
outpatient clinic In peril, the Bilu-
ation Illustrates 6 political dilem.
03/01/95 18:45
Brown Tuesday condemned the
action as "un-American" and "Do-
ma that will be replayed again and
litical meanness al 110 worst." He
again this year for Republican
seld he would Dght so have the
congressmen who signed the
03/01/95
"Contract With America."
money restored when the full
House Appropriations Committee
V.S. Rep. Bill McCollum, П.
meets to discuss the Issue on
Longwood, fought to gel money.
Thursday.
This transmittal sheet is recommended for use In submitting newspaper cuppings by fax ormail. Clippings may be pasted herizontally or vertically. PLEASE KEEP WITHIN LINES.
TO:
PAGE OF
News Clipping Transmittal Sheet
News Clip Identification
Sender Identification
005
006/006
Newspaper:
Name:
City & State:
Facility:
Food this my
total Telefax
Date of Publication:
Date:
Machine
Special Interest:
Phone:
FILE:
Remarks:
UPACO
going to fight very hard to get this
wouldn't be able to find the money
I can't develop ih" he said. "Be-
VA secretary
out of iL"
elsewhere in his budget.
cause if I acquired the property,
The new outpatient clinic would
Other cities with planned curtpa-
then I'm going to have to maintain
OPAATL
hopes clinic
case the strain on a crowded clinic
tient clinics on the chopping block
iL Why should I want to maintain
on Columbia Street in Orlando,
are Cohumbia, Ma; Hampton, Va;
property that K can't make use of?"
which serves veterans from 01-
West Haven, Conn; and San Juan,
An appropriations suboommittee
can be saved
ange, Seminole, Osoeola and parts
Puerto Rioa
cut the money for Orlando from the
of Brevard, Sumter and Lake coun-
"Il kills il," he said of the
Veterans Affairs department's 1995
ties
planned cul to Orlanda "It's not
budget as part of a sweeping mid-
Converting the relatively new
VA from A-1
just Orlando [that's been cut).
year budget review under way in
NTC hospital to a VA clinic would
There are $200 million worth of pro-
the House. Various appropriations
also save some of the 300 jobs Dr-
jects they have here I don't have
panels have slashed $17.5 billion in
for the outpatient clinic in his
lando would lose when the hospital
that kind of money just laying
projects governmentwide that were
home district. But, as a contract
closes this summer as part of the
around to pull out of the system."
approved by last year's Congress.
6404 347 3236
closing of the base.
Nearly 815 billion of that total has
signer, he may ultimately have no
"Now here you've got a beautiful
McColhum disputed that notion,
choice but to vote for a broader
come from programs overseen by
hospital that we were getting ready
and said Brown could probably and
budget-cutting bill that would in-
the departments of Education,
dude the death warrant for his pet
to take over," Brown said. "NO
the money to at least gel the outpa
Health and Human Services, Hous
project.
makes perfect sense for us to occu-
tient clinic running - if not the
ing and Urban Development, Labor
"To have me vote against the
py that building
It's a good in.
nursing home.
and Veterans Affairs. Though they
[budget-curting] bill as a whole be
restment for the public And. now
But Brown said if the action
deal with a past year's budget, these
After pasting originals, please photocopy on lightest setting to remove dark areas around print. DO NOT REDUCE.
cause this is in there, I probably
they come and take away that $14
stands, he will seck to cancel the
specific spending outs represent the
would not do that," McCollum said.
million that we set aside 50 we
June 1 transfer of the hospital from
First salvo in the COP's battle to
"L would probably vote for that
could move forward."
the Navy to Veterans Affairs
trim government as promised in its
...
The Cabinet secretary said he
"I would not want the property if
"Contract With America."
03/01/95 18:45
03/01/95 09:41
bill. But that doesn't mean I'm not
This transmittal sheet is recommended for use in submitting newspaper allppings by fax or mail. Chippings may be pasted harizontally 01 vertically. PLEASE KEEP WITHIN LINES.
03/01/95
18:46
006
Hartford (CT) Courant, 2/25/95
VA hospital expansion
threatened by cuts
By DREW WEAVER
The West Haven hospital had
Courant Staff Writer
planned to use the $48.6 million3
which DeLauro had. worked we
WASHINGTON - Federal
add to the fiscal 1895 budget for
dollars that had been allocated to
renovations in two buildings and
a $48 million expansion and ren-
construction of a new two-story
ovation of the West Haven Veter-
structure that would link noo
ans Affairs Medical Center could
buildings. The construction
be revoked under a package of
would provide more space for
cuts introduced in Congress late
surgery and ambulatory care
Thursday.
and create an indoor walkway
A House subcommittee voted
between the TWO nearby build-
to rescind funding for consurue-
ings.
tion projects at six veterans' hos-
The West Haven' hospital's
pitals nationwide, including
public affairs director, Louise:
West Haven's, in an attempt to
Fia-Simons. said 11 was Ironic
shave $156 million from the cur-
that saving money had been
rent year's budget.
cited 25 the reason for the cuts,
The cuts were pushed through
because the renovations would
the House Veteran's Administra-
make the hospital run more effi-
non and Housing and Urban De-
ciently.
velopment Appropriations Sub-
The construction, she said,
committee Thursday night by its
would enable the hospital to-
Republican majority in 8 6-3
treat more people as outpatients.
vote.
8 cheaper alternative to hospital
They could reach the House
stays.
floor as soon as the week of
"We thought we had the mon-
March 6.
ey, since Congress passed It and
Rep. Rosa DeLauro. D-3rd Dis-
the president signed it," Fitz-Si-
trict. criticized the plan to <us the
mons said. adding that the hospi-
West Haven hospital's funding.
The money is essential, because
tal expected to select the con-
struction company and receive
the hospital is old and needs ren-
the cash this September
ovation, she said.
"It's really a slap In the face to
Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-
veterans," Delaure said Friday.
Conn., vowed to fight the cut
"Nobody is saying we, can't deal
when the package reaches the
with fiscal responsibility
but
Senare. saying it was wrong to
this is extreme."
"put our veterans in the cros-
Republicans contend, howev.
shairs."
eΓ, they are just making a down
Rep. Christopher Shays, R-4th
payment on their promise to CUI
District, said although he hoped
the federal defecit.
the VA hospital would be spared
"The money had to come from
when the package is voied on in
somewhere. We had TO make pri-
the House, he understood the na-
ority decisions." said John
tion must "get its financial house
Czwarracki. press secretary for
in order."
the House Republican Conferen-
Delauro said she plans to
ce. "They're very tough deci-
meet Saturday with hospital offi-
sions. None of these are going to
cials and veterans TO devise a
be easy, biherwise they' already
strategy for preserving the fund-
be done." he said
ing.
03/01/95 18:47
1
007
WPKT Radio (Hartford, CT) "News," 2/27/95
Transcript
RESCISSION BILL
John Nowacki, anchor:
A Congressional committee has dealt a blow to the
Vetcrans Affairs Medical Center in West Haven. The
Appropriations subcommittee voted to cancel a check for
nearly fifty million dollars for an expansion. The
proposed cut still has to be approved by the full
Appropriations committee, and on the House floor and then
in the Senate. The money was approved by Congress last
year. The subcommittee stopped payment on six projects of
which West Haven is the largest. Eight vcterans turned out
this weekend to rally against the lawmakers' plan. The cut
is part. of nine billion dollars in the federal budget
legislators have cut to pay for emergency disaster aid and
future tax cuts. The West Haven VA would lose $48.6
million dollars.
# # #
- 3 -
MAR 1 '95 17:34 FROM OASD-PA-DDI
PAGE. 001
CERT FI MENT i-i OF EFENSE
Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant to the Secretary
of Defense for Public Affairs
1400 Defense Pentagon
will
&
Washington, D.C. 20301-1400
the
FAX COVER SHEET
DATE:
March 1, 1995
TO:
Jennifer O'Connor
PHONE: 202-456-2572
White House
FAX:
202-456-6704
FROM:
Jim Turner
PHONE: 703-695-0192
Media Relations
FAX:
703-697-3501
SUBJECT: VFW Gulf War Illness Speech Follow-up Media Plan
Number of pages including cover sheet:
2
If all pages are not received or are illegible, please call (703) 695-1092
MESSAGE:
Forwarded as requested.
Follow-up Plan for Presidential VFW Gulf War Illness Speech:
Monday, March 6:
DepSec Deutch interviewed by Armed Forces Radio and Television Network at 4 p.m. to be aired
world-wide March 7th.
Presidential Speech.
Tuesday, March 7:
DepSec Deutch Armed Forces Radio and Television Network interview aired.
Wednesday, March 8:
Secretary Perry conducts a Chicago Tribune Editorial Board at 4:15 p.m.
Dr. Joseph with Sorya Nelson, Times News Service at 9 a.m. (t)
-more-
MAR 1 '95 17:35 FROM OASD-PA-DDI
PAGE. 002
Thursday. March 9:
Dr. Joseph Testifies before House Veterans Affairs Committee on PGWI.
USD Dom with Tom Philpot, Military Update (A personnel-issue-oriented columnist who reaches 38
newspapers that serve military communities across the nation.) (t)
Friday, March 10:
Dr. Bailey with Nancy Tomich, U.S. Medicine. time TBD. (t)
-end-
** TOTAL PAGE. 002 **
03/01/95 18:56
001
OF
AFFAIRS изо CHERY STATE WISHINGTON
Department of Veterans Affairs
Office of Public & Intergovernmental Affairs
FAX: (202) 273-5717
TELEPHONE: (202) 273-5750/5751
FAX FACTS:
Jennifer O'Connor
TO:
DATE:
3/1
FROM:
Kathy Jurado
Transmitting: Cover page plus
pages
COMMENTS:
03/01/95
18:56
5
002
Memorandum
Date:
March 1, 1995
To:
Jennifer O'Connor
From:
Kathy Jurado
Subject:
Communications Plan for POTUS Speech to VFW
VFW Press
VA will work with VFW Public Affairs to facilitate media interviews
with Commander Gunner Kent and Executive Director Larry Rivers on
TV and radio following the speech. We will encourage them to
conduct media interviews throughout the week of March 6th.
VSO Outreach
VA will copy President Clinton's speeches from Colleville, Manila and
Iwo Jima and distribute these to the VFW delegates (1000).
VA will distribute to the Veterans Service Organizations and their
publications 1) a summary of the President's VFW Speech, 2) a VA
press release with speech highlights and quotes from Secretary
Brown, and 3) a copy of the speech for publication and distribution.
Post Speech Media
VA will target the following states: Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan,
California, Illinois, Louisiana, Iowa, Missouri, New Hampshire, New
Jersey, Connecticut.
In each of the above states, VA Public Affairs will target media in
major population centers 1) distributing a VA press release and
President Clinton's speech and, 2) utilizing Secretary Brown, Deputy
Secretary Gober and Under Secretaries Vogel and Kizer for print and
radio interviews.
In addition, VA Public Affairs will distribute a press release and the
President's speech to the Persian Gulf media list which includes
nationwide media who write on Persian Gulf illnesses.
GIs ill-prepared
for the detection
of chemical arms
By John Ritter
USA TODAY
vinced it was a false alarm.
Q: During the war, when
alarms were going off fre-
quently, what was the reac-
tion at Central Command?
A: Of course every time we
got a report of something like
that we followed up immedi-
ately, just because that was the
nightmare scenario. We were
more concerned about that
than anything else.
Not one time did we ever get
any sort of confirmation or
even anybody who came back
and said, yeah, we think it
might have happened, but we
can't verify it. There was never
a single report, not one.
Q: How do you think this
matter can be put to rest?
A: I just think we have to
keep on treating them in every
way we possibly can. And I
think we've got to continue to
try to come up with the reasons
why. Obviously there's some-
The Pentagon acknowledges
it had no reliable system to
thing here.
monitor battlefield environ-
ments during the gulf war and
is scrambling to develop better
methods of protecting troops.
"We've learned we'd better
get more serious about identi-
fying what our soldiers are
breathing," says Theodore Pro-
civ, deputy assistant secretary
of Defense for chemical and
biological matters.
Schwarzkopf: 'No evidence' of chemical attack
There seems to be no geo-
Military officials say U.S.
graphical pattern whatsoever
to the illness.
If it was a biological or
chemical type thing you would
assume that everybody within
a certain geographical area
would be showing symptoms.
That's the part that throws
me about the whole thing.
The only thing that has ever
come up was the famous
Czechoslovakian unit, and I re-
member exactly when that
happened, OK, because of
course we all panicked. And
we immediately checked with
every other unit in the area
that had chemical alarms and
none of their chemical alarms
were activating at all.
Even despite that we sent
the FOX (detection vehicle) in
there and did surveys, chemi-
cal surveys, to make absolutely
sure and they all came back
negative, too. So, that particu-
lar incident, I'm quite con-
forces were ill-prepared to de-
tect biological weapons, and an
PROCIV: 'We'd better get
effective Iraqi attack could
more serious.
have caused many casualties.
Troops also were exposed to
heat."
pesticides, diesel fuel and
The possibility troops
smoke from oil-well fires.
were exposed to fallout from
"The modern military has to
bombing Iraqi targets.
reconcile itself to people sin-
Poisonous debris clouds
cerely saying they've acquired
rose, the theory goes, then
some syndrome from military
winds carried them south.
service," says Matthew Messel-
Ex-Senate investigator
son, a Harvard University mo-
James Tuite says satellite pho-
with Scud missiles?
A: No. All the reports we had
had were he was attempting
the delivery capability with the
Scuds but never did perfect it.
Q: Do you believe troops
were exposed?
A: The only way I think it
could have possibly happened
would be perhaps in some kind
of a storage bunker within Ku-
wait if there had been chemi-
cals there. But we never had a
report of anything of that sort.
Q: Not even in Iraq?
A: No. We had one report -
one report that a fellow had
received burns that looked like
mustard gas burns. And later
that was discounted.
Q: How do you account for
the reports from gulf vets?
A: I don't know. I talked to
lecular geneticist.
tos show upper air moving
the commanding general of
Walter Reed Army Medical
Center and he confirmed to me
that they found no indication of
biological or chemical use.
"There needs to be a careful-
smoke plumes south from oil-
ly worked out format for data
well fires, in the opposite direc-
collection."
tion of ground winds. The same
The Pentagon is developing
could have happened with a
a system for medical personnel
AP
chemical plume, he says. "The
in every unit to take air sam-
Pentagon simply won't address
ples several times a day or dur-
high-altitude fallout."
ing suspicious events.
Most experts agree with the
Air canisters would be la-
Pentagon that contaminants
beled, dated and stored for lat-
would disperse at high altitude
er analysis, if needed.
and never reach troops. Biolog-
Officials say better alarms
ical agents, particularly, are
and protective suits also are be-
short-lived and perishable.
ing developed. And command-
"Once you get up that high,
SCHWARZKOPF: 'Something'
happening to veterans
to do it, and one was with his
artillery and the other was with
his aircraft from spray tanks.
We took out the air force.
That's why we attacked the ar-
tillery so heavily before we
ever went in on the ground.
Q: And you don't think he
could have delivered them
ers are getting better training.
dilution takes over," Prociv
Meanwhile, as the number
says. "The stuff becomes insig-
of veterans reporting gulf-ill-
nificant." But that theory has
ness symptoms grows, so do
never been field tested.
calls for a fuller accounting of:
The possibility troops
How well chemical-de-
were exposed to doses too low
tection equipment performed.
to kill but enough to bring on
What good were chemical
delayed symptoms.
weapons alarms if dust, heat,
Pentagon critics use the low-
smoke and low batteries trig-
dose scenario to explain why
gered hundreds of false alarms
some troops got sick and others
- as the Pentagon says.
didn't. "Like when the flu hits
"Why weren't they re-
Retired Army general Nor-
man Schwarzkopf has not
granted many interviews since
he led allied forces in the Per-
sian Gulf war, but he talked to
USA TODAY about the ques-
tion of whether troops were ex-
posed to chemical or biological
Q: Do you think Iraq used
A: No, I don't. There's abso-
town," says Tuite.
chemical or biological weap-
ons during the war?
lutely no evidence that we ever
ran into during the war, or any-
thing that's come up since the
war, that I know of, that says
called?" Army Maj. Gus Grant
"Some people don't get sick,
but some do - and some soon-
they used them.
Q: Do you think Saddam
weapons.
Hussein had any capability
left after the bombing to de-
liver such weapons?
A: I hope not, because very
much a purpose of the cam-
paign was to eliminate his bio-
logical-chemical capability.
He only really had two ways
wants to know.
Grant got to King Khalid Mil-
er than others."
itary City near the Iraqi border
Physician John Bailar says
two weeks after the air war
the Institute of Medicine panel
started and was astonished at
he headed considered the low-
how troops reacted to alarms.
dose issue and concluded
"They were used to it, they
chemical agents "would have
didn't reach for gas masks," he
different kinds of long-term
says. "Eventually, we picked
consequences than what we
up the attitude like everyone
were seeing in veterans. But
THUR SDAY, MARCH 2. 1995 USA TODAY
else that it was just dust and
it's not an ironclad argument."
Veterans claim gulf war chemical exposure
Many U.S. veterans who became ill after the Persian Gulf war say they believe they were exposed to chemical or
Iraqi chemical
biological agents. The Pentagon says no troops were exposed, and not a single detection report was verified. Iraqi targets
and biological
and key places in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia where U.S. troops reported incidents:
warfare facilities
Winds can spread
Syria
Detection leads to medal
chemical agents
Baghdad
Capt. Michael Johnson gets
The Pentagon disputes a
a medal for detecting
theory that winds carried
3
Wind
mustard agent at a Kuwaiti
fallout from bombed Iraqi
direction
2/2
school. But the Pentagon
targets back over
can change,
Iraq
says it was nitric acid.
U.S. troops, causing
spreading
Basra
gulf war illnesses.
debris over
a different
Ahmadi
area
Kuwait
Hafar al Batin
WIND
Jubail
King Khalid
Military City
Dhahran
THUE SDAY MARCH 2 1995 . USA TODAY
By John McConnico, AP
Troops find dead sheep
1
Robert Huff, a Navy chief medical
Riyadh
Close to
corpsman with the first troops in
the ground,
Kuwait, says he found hundreds
winds may
of dead sheep over a large area
Saudi
be blowing
and inside buildings, a possible
By Mike Haskey, AP
In one
2
But as
indicator, military manuals say, of
Arabia
direction
smoke or
biological agents.
fumes rise
Jiddah
WIND
At Ta'if
Scuds trigger alarms
Troops say chemical alarms sounded
Area
Nerve agent reported
during Scud missile attacks. The
8"
enlarged
An Army Special Forces
Pentagon says Iraq lacked technology
Chemical alarm
unit detects nerve agent
to arm missiles with chemical agents,
during first night of air war.
but post-war U.N. teams find them.
U.S. forces scattered more
Turkey
than 13,000 battery-powered
M-8 chemical detectors
Syria
Israel
Kuwait
across the desert.
Iraq
Mechanics decontaminate jets
Iran
Air Force mechanics say they were ordered to
Detector sounds alarm
Egypt
Jordan
decontaminate F-111 jets returning from bombing
12"
when heavy chemical
Saudi
missions in Iraq without proper protective gear.
agents are present.
Sudan
Red
Arabia
More than a dozen say they are sick. The Pentagon
If used in blowing sand
0
250
eas
says chemical agents would not stick to jets.
or dust, air filter must be
Yemen
Persian
replaced every day and
miles
Gulf
sometimes every hour.
Source: USA TODAY research
By Cliff Vancura and Marty Baumann, USA TODAY
02/23/95 16:54
202 273 4876
VA OFC OF SECTY
001
REFAY
R
HOMELAND GV VETER AMOUNT EFFATIVE
THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
WASHINGTON
STATES OF
TELEFAX TRANSMISSION MEMO
Jenn.fer O'CONNOR
ATTENTION:
ORGANIZATION:
Cabot affins
TELEFAX NO.:
456 6704
FROM:
Robert L. Jones, Special Assistant to the Secretary (00F)
ORGANIZATION: Department of Veterans Affairs
TELEFAX NO.:
(202) 273-48.76, Office No. (202) 273-4836
White House Phone No. (202) 456-5178, FAX No. 456-6218
3
NO. OF PAGES TO FOLLOW:
DATE:
2/23/95
MESSAGE:
Per Our Conversation I MeT WITH The
Staff of The VFW To Work OUI INITIAL
PLANS - Hope This 15 helpful
Bob
Putting Veterans First
02/23/95
16:54
202 273 4876
VA OFC OF SECTY
002
cy - Jemfer
DRAFT
Kathy
Phic
cofs
February 22, 1995
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Annual Washington Conference
Date: March 6, 1995
Location: Sheraton Ball Room Washington Sheraton Hotel Washington, DC
Time: 10:30 -11:30 a.m.
From: Jennifer O'Connor
I. Purpose
1500
To deliver a major speech to approximately 2,000 delegates attending the
VFW Annual Washington Conference and provide a photo-op (group) for 54
youth participants in the Voice of Democracy program, their escorts and the
leadership of the VFW and its Auxiliary.
II. Background
The VFW is the second largest congressional chartered veterans service
organization with 2.2 million members. The organization was chartered in 1936
and traces its roots to the American Veterans of Foreign Service and the
National Society of the Army of the Philippines which merged in 1914 to form
the VFW. The membership consist of all US citizens with honorable discharges
from the armed forces who have earned an officially recognized overseas
campaign medal. The organization has over 10,700 post comprising 55
departments in 50 states plus Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands, Panama, the Pacific
Areas, Europe and Washington, DC. The National Headquarters is in Kansas
City, Missouri and the organization operates a Washington office. Interest of the
organization are VA Health Care and Foreign Affairs/National Security.
You will meet Allen "Gunner" Kent, National Commander, Paul Spera, Senior
Vice Commander and James Nier, Junior Vice Commander. These officials
were elected to their positions at the National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada
in August 1994. You will also meet Larry Rivers, Adjutant General, Bob
Currieo, Executive Director, Joe Ridgley, Quartermaster General, Helen Harsh,
President Ladies Auxiliary and Rosemary Mazier, Auxiliary National Secretary.
The Chief of Staff of the Army Gordon Sullivan is scheduled to speak to the
organization at approximately 9:45 a.m. Secretary Jesse Brown will speak at
10:30 a.m.
02/23/95
16:55
202 273 4876
VA OFC OF SECTY
003
III.
Participants
Allen "Gunner" Kent, National Commander and his wife Becky
Paul Spera, Senior Vice Commander and his wife Joanne
James Nier, Junior Vice Commander and his wife Kimmy
Larry Rivers, Adjutant General and his wife Connie
Joe Ridgley, Quartermaster General and his wife Judy
Bob Currieo, Executive Director and his wife Cecilia
Helen Harsh, President Ladies Auxiliary,
Rosemary Mazier, National Secretary/Treasurer Auxiliary
Ron O' Burke Mara, General Manager Washington Sheraton Hotel
Jesse Brown, Secretary of Veterans Affairs
54 Voice of Democracy students with 10 escorts.
Approximately 2,000 VFW delegates
1500
IV. Press Plan
White House, VA and VFW photographers National
broadcast media and print media will be present during
remarks.
V. Sequence
10:30 a.m. arrive at the Burke Washington Sheraton Hotel, Calvert Street
Entrance. Met by Ron O Mara, General Manager. Escorted up the elevator
where you will be met by Allen "Gunner" Kent, National Commander. & Bob
Currieo
ex. Dir
(Holding Room 8201)
10:35 a.m. escorted by Gunner Kent to the Washington Room where you
will take a group photo with the Voice of Democracy students and their escorts.
(Brief casual remarks 54 students/10 escorts) INDIVID.
10:45 a.m. escorted to the Delaware Room 77 (directly across the hall)
where you will take an individual photo with the leadership of the VFW as listed
above. (No remarks required)
-2-
02/23/95
16:55
202 273 4876
va OFC OF SECTY
1
004
10:50 a.m. Secretary Brown will complete his remarks to the delegates
and will join you in the Delaware room.
11:00 a.m. Accompanied by SecVA and Gunner Kent, you will proceed
to the stage where you will be introduced by Gunner Kent.
11:00 - 11:20 a.m. Deliver Speech (At the conclusion of remarks sign
into law a change to the VFW National Charter-provide pens to Gunner Kent,
Larry Rivers and Bob Currieo).
11:25 a.m. Depart for the White House
-3-
02/16/95
08:08
202 273 4876
VA OFC OF SECTY
001
OF
UNITED VETERANS AMERICA SERIES
THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
WASHINGTON
Nailn
STATES C
OF
TELEFAX TRANSMISSION MEMO
LE
Jennifer O'CONNON
ATTENTION:
Cabinet Affairs
ORGANIZATION:
TELEFAX NO.:
456 6704
FROM:
Robert L. Jones, Special Assistant to the Secretary (00F)
ORGANIZATION: Department of Veterans Affairs
TELEFAX NO.:
(202) 273-48.76, Office No. (202) 273-4836
White House Phone No. (202) 456-5178, FAX No. 456-6218
2
NO. OF PAGES TO FOLLOW:
DATE:
2/16/95
MESSAGE:
For Your use - Please fell
in The Time & Let me KNOW
for
Putting Veterans First
02/16/95
08:09
202 273 4876
VA OFC OF SECTY
5.
002
DRAFT
February 16, 1995
PHOTO-OP WITH THE CHAIR PERSON
NATIONAL SALUTE TO HOSPITALIZED
VETERANS
DATE: MARCH 6, 1995
LOCATION: OVAL OFFICE
TIME:
FROM: Jennifer O'Connor
Robert L. Jones
I. PURPOSE
To have a photograph taken with the Chairperson of the National Salute
to
Hospitalized Veterans.
II. BACKGROUND
The annual VA Salute to Hospitalized Veterans began in 1978. The Traditional
observance during the week of Valentine's Day is appropriate because of the
sentiments of call. ring and sharing match the Salute's purpose of expressing
honor and appreciation to hospitalized veterans. The program pays tribute to
veterans hospitalized in VA and other facilities, increases community awareness
of VA's role of providing comprehensive medical care and encourages visits to
hospitalizes veterans. The National Chairperson serves as the public spokes
person and visits VA facilities throughout the year.
You will meet Mr. Charles Durning, a decorated World War II veteran and noted
film, stage and TV actor. Durning won critical acclaim in the 1960 touring
company of "The Andersonville Trial" and later established himself as a top
character actor on the New York stage. He appeared in the Academy Award -
winning film The Sting" and won a Tony Award for his supporting performance
as II Big Daddy" in Tennessee Williams's "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". During the
1990s, Durning continued an active stage and movie career while becoming a
network television series regular on "Evening Shade" receiving six Emmy
nominations. His acting career spans more than fifty years and encompasses
roles in 185 plays and 70 films. Durning is reluctant to discuss his military
service, but acknowledges that it had a major impact on his life that remains with
him today. Durning enlisted in the Army in 1944. He was awarded three purple
hearts and the Silver Star for his wartime service.
III. PARTICIPANTS
Charles Durning, National Chairperson Salute to Hospitalized Veterans
02/16/95 08:10
202 273 4876
VA OFC OF SECTY
5.
003
DRAFT
Jesse Brown, Secretary of veterans Affairs
Jennifer O'Connor, Cabinet Affairs
Robert Jones Special Assistant to the Secretary
IV. PRESS PLAN
White House photographer only.
V. SEQUENCE
Charles Durning and Secretary Brown are escorted into the Oval Office.
Photos are taken.
Group departs.
VI. REMARKS
None required.
KJ-
I
-events - where people are going anyway
- - talking points 0
- Potas speech to Usos in afternern
-oun press rel w/ comments from
Sec'y wideles distributed
-same papers
D oft out to PG tax une to
all deperters
- -regional pub off offices in
targeted states
- see'n 0 sub cabunet on radio
-men pm- - Thing
DOD -
- Seein = supporting other spuch
will prggy back
- Deutch - extensive internal network
to achive duty
- intervew ar Them on BRAC
Monday
- will prggy back
- Josephs interviews
Marcel
still rud guidance
- Dr. study Satcher Domething re fowa
- maybe bringing a few folks in
to tack to it
- testify ing Thursday
-VA pubcommitee
)
ROUTING SLIP
DATE: 2/28/95
FROM:
Billy Webster
Director of Scheduling and Advance
SUBJECT: Photo op Far HOSPITALIZED VETERNS
Abner J. Mikva
Don Baer
Erskine Bowles
NEC
Rebecca Cameron
Leon Panetta
Rahm Emanuel
John Podesta
Mark Gearan
Jack Quinn
Jack Gibbons
Carol Rasco
Cindy Gire
Lee Satterfield
Pat Griffin
Steve Silverman
(J O'CONNER)
Marcia Hale
Patti Solis
Alexis Herman
G. Stephanopoulos
Nancy Hernreich
Ann Stock
Kitty Higgins
Stephanie Street
Harold Ickes
Kim Tilley
Anthony Lake
Jodie Torkelson
Bruce Lindsey
Kris Van Giesen
Mike McCurry
Melanne Verveer
Anne McGuire
Anne Walley
Mack McLarty
Maggie Williams
FILE: accepted 3/6/95
10:25 AM
ADVICE
ACTION
FYI
REGRET POTUS, suggest a surrogate is needed:
COMMENTS: accepted Per Belly 2/28/95
ROUTING SLIP
DATE: 26/95
ROM:
Billy Webster
Director of Scheduling and Advance
SUBJECT: Photo Op for Hospitalized Veteran
Don Baer
Abner J. Mikva
Erskine Bowles
NEC
Rebecca Cameron
Leon Panetta
Rahm Emanuel
John Podesta
Mark Gearan
X
Jack Quinn
Jack Gibbons
Carol Rasco
Cindy Gire
Lee Satterfield
X
Pat Griffin
Steve Silverman
x (J.O'Connor)
Marcia Hale
Patti Solis
Alexis Herman
ancy Hernreich
X
X
G. Stephanopoulos
Ann Stock
Kitty Higgins
Stephanie Streett
Harold Ickes
Jodie Torkelson
Anthony Lake
Kris Van Giesen
Bruce Lindsey
Melanne Verveer
Mike McCurry
X
Anne Walley
X
Anne McGuire
X
Maggie Williams
Mack McLarty
FILE: accepted tobe incorporated in a vet event
- Billy
ADVICE
ACTION
FYI
REGRET POTUS, suggest a surrogate is needed:
216195mtg. COMMENTS Accepted to be fit in to a reterant event @
some sout.
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
WASHINGTON
Attachto
January 27, 1995
proposal
under
3/6/95
MEMORANDUM
pending Cab affairs.
TO:
Billy Webster, Deputy Assistant to the President
and Director of Scheduling and Advance
FROM:
Department Hershel Gober, of Veterans Deputy Secretary Affairs Hill
SUBJECT: National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs submitted through Cabinet Affairs a schedule request
for actor Charles Durning, the 1995 chair of the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans
to pay a courtesy call to the President and have a brief photo-op on either February 21 or
22, 1995. I have been informed that this request has been rejected.
Charles Durning, a decorated World War II veteran and noted stage, film and TV actor,
will visit hospitalized veterans during the period February 12-18 and at various times
throughout the year. He will serve as public spokesperson for VA Voluntary Services.
Local celebrities, youth groups and veterans service organizations will visit VA medical
centers, State Veterans Homes and other facilities for the sixth consecutive year.
Newspaper Columnist Ann Landers has devoted her column in January to ask readers to
send a Valentine to a hospitalized veteran. This tradition demonstrates the sentiments of
caring and sharing while expressing honor and appreciation to hospitalized veterans.
Traditionally, the President has met briefly with the chair to express appropriate
appreciation and the photographs of the courtesy call are utilized to promote the VA
volunteer program. I recognize that there are numerous demands on the President and
that his schedule is extremely busy. This is an important symbolic national event.
I recommend that you reconsider the decision to regret this courtesy call and invite Mr.
Durning to the White House to meet briefly with the President.
01/24/95
TO:
William Webster
Deputy Assistant to the President and
Director of Scheduling and Advance
FROM:
Jennifer O'Connor
Special Assistant to the President, Cabinet Affairs
95 JAN24
REQUEST:
For the President to do a photo op with the Chair of the 1995 Salute to
Hsopitalized Veterans and during the photo op place a call to a
hospitalized veteran.
PURPOSE:
To show the President's commitment to veterans and his compassion
for sick veterans in particular
BACKGROUND:
A description of the program is attached. Each year, Veterans Affairs
selects a prominent person to chair the National Salute to Hospitalized
Veterans. It is usually an actor and s/he visits sick vets and chairs a
program to encourage others to visit them and volunteer in their
hospitals.
PREVIOUS PARTICIPATION:
The President did a photo op last year: He did not do the phone call
part of this request. Presidents participate in the photo op each year
for. The phone call is a new idea.
DATE and TIME:
U
3/6/95
possible wt
VFW
a
part
not
DURATION:
15 minutes
as separate
LOCATION:
Oval Office
event. Bethy,1/24/8
PARTICIPANTS:
President, Charles Durning, the national chair of the National Salute to
Veterans, Secretary Jesse Brown, Deputy Secretary Gober
OUTLINE OF EVENTS:
The President shakes hands and poses for a photo. He then places a
call to a sick veteran. (Note -- Billy -- we can do the photo op without
the call, but the call would be a nice touch.
REMARKS REQUIRED:
Brief talking points will be provided if he does the call.
MEDIA COVERAGE:
Pool press/ local press at the site of the phone call
PROPOSED ATTENDANCE:
President
Vice President
1st Lady
2nd Lady
RECOMMENDED BY:
Secretary Jesse Brown
CONTACT:
Jennifer O'Connor 6-2572
Kathy Jurado -- 273-5750
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 24, 1995
Billy
Per our conversation this morning, I am resubmitting the
request for the President to do a photo op with Charles
Durning, the national chair of the National Salute to
Hospitalized Veterans.
To add to your information about this, David Dreyer thinks
the call on Valentines Day is a good idea. Given your
interest in adding this to another vets event, we could do it
Friday Feb 17, as part of the salute to African American
veterans. Of course, Durning is not African-American. But
that seems to be the next veterans event on the schedule.
Thanks!
Jennifer O'C
and
if we do VFW, we will
they This on The front end
3/6/95 but we will not do
a separate event
Billy
1/24/95
ROUTING SLIP
DATE: 1/23/95 /
FROM:
Billy Webster
Director of Scheduling and Advance
SUBJECT: Photo- op w/ Chair of the 1995 Salute to Hospital Veterans
Don Baer
Abner J. Mikva
Erskine Bowles
NEC
Rebecca Cameron
Leon Panetta
Rahm Emanuel
John Podesta
Mark Gearan
Jack Quinn
Jack Gibbons
Carol Rasco
Cindy Gire
Lee Satterfield
Pat Griffin
Steve Silverman
rcia Hale
Patti Solis
Alexis Herman
G. Stephanopoulos
Nancy Hernreich
Ann Stock
Harold Ickes
Stephanie Streett
Anthony Lake
Jodie Torkelson
Bruce Lindsey
Kris Van Giesen
Mike McCurry
>
Melanne Verveer
Anne McGuire
Anne Walley
Mack McLarty
Maggie Williams
FILE: Regret
Jennifer 0'connor
FYI
ADVICE
ACTION
GRET POTUS, suggest a surrogate is needed:
COMMENTS: Per mts. w/ Billy 1/23
95
JAN23
01/19/95
TO:
Respirt
A8:
William Webster
Deputy Assistant to the President and
FROM:
Jennifer O'Connor
Director of Scheduling me and Advance
Special Assistant to the President, Cabinet Affairs
REQUEST:
For the President to do a photo op with the Chair of the 1995 Salute to
Hsopitalized Veterans and during the photo op place a call to a
hospitalized veteran
PURPOSE:
To show the President's commitment to veterans and his compassion
for sick veterans in particular
BACKGROUND:
A description of the program is attached. Each year, Veterans Affairs
selects a prominent person to chair the National Salute to Hospitalized
Veterans. It is usually an actor and s/he visits sick vets and chairs a
program to encourage others to visit them and volunteer in their
hospitals.
PREVIOUS PARTICIPATION:
The President did a photo op last year. He did not do the phone
part of this request. Presidents participate in the photo op each year
for. The phone call is a new idea.
DATE and TIME:
2/12-18/95
DURATION:
15 minutes
LOCATION:
Oval Office
PARTICIPANTS:
President, Charles Durning, the national chair of the National Salute to
Veterans, Secretary Jesse Brown, Deputy Secretary Gober
OUTLINE OF EVENTS:
The President shakes hands and poses for a photo. He then places a
call to a sick veteran. (Note -- Billy we can do the photo op without
the call, but the call would be a nice touch.
REMARKS REQUIRED:
Brief talking points will be provided if he does the call.
MEDIA COVERAGE:
Pool press/ local press at the site of the phone call
PROPOSED ATTENDANCE:
X
President
Vice President
1st Lady
2nd Lady
RECOMMENDED BY:
Secretary Jesse Brown
CONTACT:
Jennifer O'Connor 6-2572
Kathy Jurado -- 273-5750
01/19/95
15:55
005
NATIONAL SALUTE TO HOSPITALIZED VETERANS 1995
WHEN: Week of February 12-18, with special emphasis on Feb. 14,
Valentine's Day
WHERE: All VA medical centers and many state veterans homes
WHO: National Chairman Charles Durning, a decorated World War II
veteran and noted stage, film and TV actor, will visit hospitalized
veterans during the week and at various times throughout the years
and serve as public spokesperson for VA Voluntary Service.
Local celebrities, youth groups (schools, Scouts, Campfire and
others) and veterans service organizations will visit patients at
VA medical centers, state veterans homes and other facilities.
WHY: To pay tribute to veterans hospitalized in VA and other facilities; to
increase community awareness of VA's role of providing
comprehensive medical care to the nation's veterans; and to
encourage Americans to visit hospitalized vcterans and work as WP
BACKGROUND: The annual VA National Salute program began in 1978
when VA took over sponsorship of a program started in
1974 by No Greater Love, Inc., a humanitarian
organization. Voluntary Service chiefs plan and execute a
program of activities at local VAMCs. The traditional
observance during the week of Valentine's Day is
appropriate because the sentiments of caring and sharing
match the Salute's purpose of expressing honor and
appreciation to hospitalized veterans.
SPECIAL SUPPORT: For the sixth consecutive year, newspaper columnist
Ann Landers will devote her column in January to
asking readers to send a Valentine to a hospitalized
veteran. Readers will be asked to send cards and letters
to their nearest VAMC or to the Hines, IL, VA Hospital
which distributes them to other facilities.
01/19/95
15:55
1
006
BACKGROUND ON "PT PHONE HOME" PROGRAM
VA medical centers in general do not provide telephones in
patients' rooms. Patients who are not mobile must rely on nurses.or
volunteers to bring the telephones to them, or they must use pay
phones. Generally, VA hospitals have not been wired for individual
bedside telephones.
VA is currently replacing the telephone systems in VA medical
facilities, and for the past 4 years wiring for patient (PT) bedside
telephones has been included in the modernization effort. Of course
funding for bedside phones can compete for funding for direct
patient care, so a number of volunteers have contributed time and
equipment to make bedside telephones in VA hospitals a reality.
This program is known as "PT Phone Home." By the end of 1996 all
VA hospitals will have bedside telephones for patients.
The partnership between telecommunication unions and VA
has brought dignity. and hope to thousands of hospitalized veterans
across the country. These veterans, Who may be far away from
families now have an easy way to keep in touch with the people they
care about most. The partnership has also meant a savings to VA of
several million dollars in equipment and installation costs.
For the February 1995 telephone call, VA recommends that the
President call a veteran at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center, near
Tampa, Florida. Their telephone system has been operational for just
over a month.
The President has participated in these calls before, and they
are invariably covered by the local and state media. Calling during
Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week will bring a great deal of
attention to this program, and to the President.
ROUTING SLIP
DATE: 2,10,95
OM:
Billy Webster
Director of Scheduling and Advance
SUBJECT: Hospitalized Veterans
Don Baer
X
Abner J. Mikva
Erskine Bowles
NEC
Rebecca Cameron
Leon Panetta
Rahm Emanuel
John Podesta
Mark Gearan
P
Jack Quinn
Jack Gibbons
Carol Rasco
Cindy Gire
Lee Satterfield
&
J. 0' Connor
x
Pat Griffin
Steve Silverman
Marcia Hale
Patti Solis
X.
exis Herman
X
G. Stephanopoulos
wancy Hernreich
Kitty Higgins
Harold Ickes
attach to pending proposal
Anthony Lake
Bruce Lindsey
under Cabinet affairs
Mike McCurry
Anne McGuire
prop. attached.
Mack McLarty
2/9/95
FILE: I Accepted, wruco
ADVICE
ACTION
FYI
TGRET POTUS, suggest a surrogate is needed:
COMMENTS:
"allen
Seph- we ida
shev 144 214 Twa or
VFW
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
09-Feb-1995 03:26pm
TO:
Margo L. Spiritus
FROM:
Jennifer M. O'Connor
Office of Cabinet Affairs
SUBJECT:
Veterans Scheduling Memo for Billy
Margo -- please pass on to Billy. Thanks!
Billy --
I wanted to follow up on your suggestion that the way to
accomplish the Hospitalized Veterans photo-op is to add it on to
an already-scheduled veterans event.
To that end, could we add it on to the front or back end of the
January 19 Iwo Jima anniversary event. We could do a photo in the
Diplomatic Reception room before the motorcade leaves or as it
comes back. What do you think?
enniger Buin suggest - Iwo gima or VFW. Talk
to Lee to All if it works better on
Feb 19th or for March 6th (no desk)
is assigned yet. valley may >J know as I or
men act not more I'm wife how VFWIS \ will working. pass to you. ASAP.
Manles Colleen mccate
SENT BY:VFW WASHINGTON OFC
;
2-28-95 :12:12PM ; VFW WASHINGTON OFC-
202 456 6218;# 4/10
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES
7.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
WASHINGTON CONFERENCE
March 3 - March 7, 1995
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1995
12:00 noon
Adjutant General's Office
Idaho Room
and Press Headquarters
12:00 noon
Conference Office
Colorado Room
12:00 noon
Registration
Convention Lobby
"B" Side & Office
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1995
7:00 a.m.
National Veterans Service Committee
Wisconsin Room
9:00 a.m.
Adjutant General's Office
Idaho Room
and Press Headquarters
9:00 a.m.
Conference Office
Colorado Room
9:00 a.m.
Registration
Convention Lobby
"B" Side & Office
9:00 a.m.
Time and Place Committee
Holmes Room
8:30 a.m.
Homeless Veterans Committee
Calvert Room
10:00 a.m.
Budget and Finance Committee
Warren Room
12:00 noon
National Awards and Citations
Calvert Room
Committee
2:00 p.m.
National Council of Administration
Sheraton South
5:00 p.m.
Catholic Mass
Maryland Suite
SENT BY:VFW WASHINGTON OFC
2-28-95 12:12PM VFW WASHINGTON OFC-
202 400 6218.- D/10
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 1995
8:00 a.m.
Catholic Mass
Washington Ballroom
8:00 a.m.
Protestant Service
Maryland C
9:00 a.m.
Adjutant General's Office
Idaho Room
and Press Headquarters
9:00 a.m.
Conference Office
Colorado Room
9:00 a.m.
Registration
Convention Lobby
"B" Side & Office
9:00 a.m.
By-Laws, Manual of Procedure,
Kansas Room
Ritual Review Committee
9:00 a.m.
Americanism Committee
Maryland A
9:00 a.m.
Civil Service and Employment
Maryland B
Committee
9:00 a.m.
Hospital Committee
Calvert Room
9:00 a.m.
Life Membership Committee
Warren Room
9:00 a.m.
National Security and Foreign
Virginia Suite
Affairs Committee
9:00 a.m.
Youth Activities and Voice
Sheraton South
of Democracy Committees
1:30 p.m.
Buddy Poppy Committee
Calvert Room
1:30 p.m.
Community Activities Committee
Maryland A
1:30 p.m.
National Legislative Committee
Virginia Suite
1:30 p.m.
POW/MIA Committee
Delaware Room
1:30 p.m.
Safety Committee
Maryland B
1:30 p.m.
Public Relations Seminar
Warren Room
6:15 p.m.
Voice of Democracy Parade of Winners
Sheraton Ballroom
Voice of Democracy Contest.
Commander-in-Chief Kent and National President Harsh will announce the winners of the National
SENT BY:VF* WASHINGTON OFC : 2-28-95 :12:14PM ; VFW WASHINGTON OFC-
202 456 6218:# 8/10
DAYBOOK EDITOR
(Washington Area Conferences)
March 3-March 7--Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Washington Conference. Sheraton
Washington Hotel. Contact: Bill Smith/Steve VanBuskirk (202) 745-2119 or 328-8000,
Ext. 5920, (Idabo Room). Prior to Conference, (202) 543-2239
Events
Saturday, March 4
9:00AM
VFW National Homeless Veterans Committee Meeting--address
by Dale Renaud, Special Assistant to the Secretary on
Homelessness, Department of Veterans Affairs-Update on
V4 Homeless Programs
10:00 AM
Address by Ken Smith. Executive Director, New England Shelter
for Homeless Veterans, Boston-Overview of the
Shelter's Program
Location: Sheraton Washington Hotel, Calvert Room
Contact: 328-8000. Ext. 5920
Sunday, March 5
9:00AM
VFW National Security and Foreign Affairs Committee-address
by RADM John Mazach, USN and MG Tom Wilkersen, USMC-
U.S. Navy Roles and Missions-"Forward..from the Sea"
Location: Sheraton Washington Hotel, Virginia Suite
Contact: 328-8000.Ext 5920
9:05 AM
VFW National Civil Service & Employment Committee--address by
Leonard R. Klein, Associate Director, Career Entry Group,
U.S. Office of Personnel Management-Changes in Federal
Personnel Policies Pertaining to Recruiting, Hiring,
Promotion, Firing and How Some of these Changes Will
Affect Veterans Preference
Location: Sheraton Washington Hotel, Maryland Room B
Contact: 328-8000, Ext. 5920
9:25 AM
VFW National Civil Service & Employment Committee-address by
Richard A. Whitford, U.S. Office of Personnel Management--
The New Application Process for Federal Jobs
Location: Sheraton Washington Hotel, Maryland Room B
Contact: 328-8000, Ext. 5920
SENT BY:VFW WASHINGTON OFC
2-28-95 :12:13PM : VFW WASHINGTON OFC-
202 456 6218:# 6/10
MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1995
7:30 a.m.
Department Senior and Junior
Maryland A/B
Vice Commanders Breakfast
7:30 a.m.
National Council of Administration
Virginia Suite
members, Department Commanders,
Adjutants and Quartermasters
Breakfast
8:45 a.m.
General Session
Sheraton Ballroom
9:00 a.m.
Adjutant General's Office
Idaho Room
and Press Headquarters
9:00 a.m.
Conference Office
Colorado Room
9:00 a.m.
Registration
Convention Lobby
"B" Side & Office
1:00 p.m.
VFW-PAC State Chairmen
Maryland B
ROLL CALLS will be taken at all committee meetings. Members receiving expenses to attend the
National Conference will be expected to attend their respective committee meetings and the General
Session, Monday, March 6, 1995. Failure to answer roll call will result in a request to return expense
allowance advanced by the National Organization.
SENT BY:VEW MASHINGTON OFC
2-28-95 :12:13PM : VFW WASHINGTON OFC-
202 456 6218:# 7/10
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1995
8:45 a.m.
NATIONAL AND DEPARTMENT OFFICERS
WILL BOARD BUSES AT THE 24TH STREET
ENTRANCE OF HOTEL TO ATTEND JOINT
HEARING BEFORE SENATE AND HOUSE
COMMITTEES ON VETERANS AFFAIRS
9:00 a.m.
Adjutant General's Office
Idaho Room
and Press Headquarters
9:00 a.m.
Conference Office
Colorado Room
9:00 a.m.
Registration
Convention Lobby
"8" Side & Office
9:30 a.m.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF KENT WILL
PRESENT VFW LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
TO SENATE AND HOUSE COMMITTEES ON
VETERANS AFFAIRS, CANNON CAUCUS
ROOM, CANNON HOUSE OFFICE
BUILDING (ROOM 345).
6:00 p.m.
Reception General
Exhibit Hall A
7:00 p.m.
Congressional Banquet
Sheraton Washington
Ballroom
Commander-in-Chief Kent will present
the VFW Congressional Award to
Senator John McCain, Arizona.
Photo session with Voice of Democracy
Virginia Suite
winners immediately following the
Congressional Banquet.
SENT BY:VF WASHINGTON OFC ; 2-28-95 :12:11PM ; VFW WASHINGTON OFC-
202 456 6218:# 3/10
HEAD TABLE ACCEPTANCES
ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL DINNER
Senator John McCain, Recipient of Congressional Award
Mrs. Cindy McCain
Honorable William J. Perry, Secretary of Defense
Honorable (Mrs.) Jamie S. Gorelick, Deputy Attorney General (rep/Attorney General)
Honorable Eugene Moos, Under Secretary of Agriculture (rep. Sec. of Agriculture)
ADM Jeremy M. Boorda, USN, Chief of Naval Operations, Joint Chiefs of Staff
VADM Kent Williams, USMC, Chief of Staff (rep. Commandant of the USCG)
LTG George R. Christmas, USMC, Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Reserve
Affairs (rep. Commandant of the Marine Corps)
LTG Richard Hawley, Principal Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for
Acquisition (rep. AF Secretary and AF Chief of Staff)
Honorable John H. Dalton, Secretary of the Navy
LTG Claude Kicklighter, USA (Ret), 50th Anniversary of World War II
LTG Joseph S. Laposata, USA (Ret), Secretary, American Battle Monuments Commission
Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Ranking Democrat, Committee on Judiciary (DE)
Senator Thomas A. Daschle, Senate Minority Leader (SD)
Senator John Glenn, Ranking Democrat, Committee on Governmental Affairs (OH)
Senator William V. Roth, Jr., Chairman, Committee on Governmental Affairs (DE)
John Conyers, Jr., Ranking Democrat, Committee on the Judiciary (MI)
Benjamin A. Gilman, Chairman, Committee on International Relations (NY)
Bill Goodling, Chairman, Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities (MO)
Jim Kolbe, Commander-in-Chiefs Congressman (A7-5)
Norman Y. Mineta, Ranking Democrat, Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure (CA 15)
G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery, Ranking Democrat, Committee on Veterans Affairs (MS 3)
Martin A. Sabo, Ranking Democrat, Committee on the Budget (MN)
Gerald B. H. Solomon, Chairman, Committee on Rules (NY 22)
Bob Stump, Chairman, Committee on Veterans Affairs (AZ 3)
Robert S. Walker, Chairman, Committee on Science (PA 16)
R.E. Smith, National President, Air Force Association
Leon E. Panetta, Chief of Staff to the President
Allen F. "Gunner" Kent, VFW Commander-in-Chief
Mrs. Becky Kent, Wife of Commander-in-Chief
Paul A. Spera, VFW Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief
James E. Nier, VFWJunior Vice Commander-in-Chief
Larry W. Rivers, VFW Adjutant General
Joe Ridgley, VFW Quartermaster General
James R. "Bob" Currieo, Executive Director, VFW Washington Office
Rev. Thomas W. Neville, VFW National Chaplain
George R. Cramer, Past VFW Commander-in-Chief (Master of Ceremony)
Thomas A. Pouliot, Chairman, VFW National Legislative Committee
Lloyd E. Vanderhoof, Chairman, VFW National Security Committee
Donald B. Myers, Chairman, VFW Voice of Democracy Committee
Mrs. JoAnne Ott. Director, VFW Ladies Auxiliary Voice of Democracy Program
Mrs. Helen Harsh, National President, Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW
SENT BY:VFW WASHINGTON OFC ; 2-28-95 :12:10PM : VFW WASHINGTON OFC-
202 456 6218;# 2/10
FINAL AGENDA
VFW OPENING SESSION
MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1995
8:50-9:00 AM Musical Prelude (Patriotic Music) - United States Army Chorale and Combo
9:00 AM
Commander-in-Chief Kent calls Opening Session to Order and requests National
Honor Guard to Advance Colors
(United States Army Chorale and Combo will play National Anthem at proper time-after
Colors are placed)
After National Anthem, Commander-in-Chief Kent will call on National
Chaplain, Reverend Thomas Neville, for the Benediction.
Commander-in-Chief asks audience to be seated
Commander-in-Chief Kent introduces the U.S. Army Chorale and Combo
which will perform patriotic musical program--approx. 15 minutes)
9:40 AM
Commander-in-Chief Kent will introduce Diane Evans, Director, Vietnam
Women's Memorial Project
Remarks by Diane Evans
9:45 AM
Commander-in-Chief Kent will present Gold Medal of Merit and Citation to
AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION - acceptance by General Monroe Hatch
Response by General Monroe Hatch
10:00 AM
Commander-in-Chief Kent will introduce General Gordon Sullivan,
Army Chief of Staff
Address by General Sullivan
10:30 AM
Commandcr-in-Chicf Kent will introduce Honorable Jesse Brown,
Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Address by Secretary Brown
11:00 AM
Commander-in-Chief Kent will introduce The President of the United States
Keynote Address by The President
As time permits: --
Commander-in-Chicf Kent will introduce Sr. Vice Commander in Chief
Spera for remarks
- Commander-in-Chief Kent will introduce Jr. Vice Commander-in-Chief
Nier for remarks
- Remarks by Commander-in-Chief Kent
- Commander-in-Chief Kent will call on Kansas City staff for member-
ship update and presentations)
Jemp
The VFW charter Change
5257 Passed Today. 11:40 AM (Sende B.11)
PoTus COULD SIgn ON March 6
Suggest That OMB/hegs Service /Seculary
office be about to expedite
Bo/28/95
commitment to those currently
serving
G DoD
Uccain - Tues banquet
Speech
Opens / theme = engagement
polations
5013 danio at was
L
here em stand
have VA print up Neturo etc
spunes to distribute
to audience
/
want Aotas a 1030
543 2239
1832
Bill smith Bolurrico
Thus, 180 same time 0 Place
Salute issue
\
Bob - P6W vets
ROUTING SLIP
DATE: 2/8/95
FROM:
Billy Webster
accept
Director of Scheduling and Advance
SUBJECT: POTUS Keynote address to VFW con f.
Don Baer
Abner J. Mikva
March6,1995
Erskine Bowles
NEC
Rebecca Cameron
Leon Panetta
Rahm Emanuel
John Podesta
Mark Gearan
Jack Quinn
&
Jack Gibbons
Carol Rasco
Cindy Gire
Lee Satterfield
Pat Griffin
Steve Kittyittingins Sil verman
X
Marcia Hale
Patti Solis
Alexis Herman
G. Stephanopoulos
VFW
Nancy Hernreich
Ann Stock
speech
Harold Ickes
Stephanie Streett
Marchle
Anthony Lake
Jodie Torkelson
Bruce Lindsey
Kris Van Giesen
track
Mike McCurry
Melanne Verveer
Anne McGuire
Anne Walley
Mack McLarty
Maggie Williams
FILE X accepted March 6, 1995
FYI X
ADVICE
ACTION
REGRET POTUS, suggest a surrogate is needed:
COMMENTS: per 2/8/95 meeting
ROUTING SLIP
TE: 1/18/95
..OM:
Billy Webster
Director of Scheduling and Advance
SUBJECT: POTUS Keynote address to VFW conf.
Don Baer
Abner J. Mikva
March 6 1995
Erskine Bowles
Leon Panetta
Rebecca Cameron
John Podesta
Rahm Emanuel
Jack Quinn
Mark Gearan
Carol Rasco
Jack Gibbons
Bob Rubin
Cindy Gire
vfyi
Steve Silverman
Pat Griffin
Patti Solis
fyr
Marcia Hale
G. Stephanopoulos
xis Herman
Ann Stock
Nancy Hernreich
Stephanie Streett
Harold Ickes
Jodie Torkelson
Anthony Lake
Kris Van Giesen
vfyi
Bruce Lindsey
Melanne Verveer
Mike McCurry
Anne Walley
Anne McGuire
Maggie Williams
Mack McLarty
FILE: Pending 3/6/95
FYI X
ADVICE
ACTION
REGRET POTUS, suggest a surrogate is needed:
MMENTS: per mtg w/Billy on '/18
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
1-13
Billy - -
The President asked
secretary Brown to
Make sure he (the
President) did this
event. Can you
let me know if
et IS on the
schedule ?
Jennifero
11/29/94
12:31
202 273 4876
VA OFC OF SECTY
1
003
35
SCHEDULE PROPOSAL
9/21/94
ACCEPT
REGRET
PENDING
55
TO:
Ricki Seidman
Assistant to the President and and Director
of Scheduling and Advance
FROM:
Alexis M. Herman
Assistant to the President and Director of
Public Liaison
REQUEST:
The President deliver a keynote address to the Veterans of
Foreign Wars Mid Winter Conference.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of speaking at their mid-winter conference is to
build a relationship with this Veterans Service Organization
and to recognize their efforts on behalf of the Administration
BACKGROUND:
The Veterans of Foreign Wars is the second largest Veteran
Service Organization of approximately 2.2 million members
and has supported the President on health care reform and
other significant legislative initiatives.
PREVIOUS PARTICIPATION:
The President has not participated in this event before.
11:00Am
DATE AND TIME:
March 6, 1995 at 9,00am
DURATION:
1 Hour
LOCATION:
The Sheraton Washington Hotel
PARTICIPANTS:
Approximately 3,000 members from the Veterans of Foreign
Wars
OUTLINE OF EVENTS:
Arrives at Sheraton Washington Hotel
Photo-op with designated leaders of the VFW
Introduced by National Commander Allen Kent
President delivers major address
President works rope line
President departs convention
REMARKS REQUIRED:
Present a 20 minute keynote address
MEDIA COVERAGE:
Open Press
1st LADY'S ATTENDANCE:
Not Required
VICE PRES. ATTENDANCE:
Substitute if the President cannot attend
Hanlca le
Holton/Wayler 9/21
2nd LADY'S ATTENDANCE:
Not Required
11/29/94 12:31
202 273 4876
VA OFC OF SECTY
5.
004
RECOMMENDED BY:
Steve Hilton
Deputy Director of Public Liaison
(202) 456-5166
CONTACT:
Bob Currico
Executive Director
Veterans of Foreign Wars
(202)-543-2239
cc:
Dan Wexler, OPL
ROUTING SLIP
TE: 1/11/95
FROM:
Billy Webster
Director of Scheduling and Advance
SUBJECT: VFW midwinter Conflunce pending Marchb, 1995
Don Baer
Abner J. Mikva
Erskine Bowles
Leon Panetta
Rebecca Cameron
John Podesta
Rahm Emanuel
Jack Quinn
Mark Gearan
Carol Rasco
Jack Gibbons
Bob Rubin
Cindy Gire
Steve Silverman
Pat Griffin
Patti Solis
Marcia Hale
G. Stephanopoulos
exis Herman
Ann Stock
Nancy Hernreich
Stephanie Streett
Harold Ickes
Jodie Torkelson
Anthony Lake
Kris Van Giesen
Bruce Lindsey
Melanne Verveer
Mike McCurry
Anne Walley
Anne McGuire
Maggie Williams
Mack McLarty
Lee Sattentrist
FILE: Pending MBUR March 6, 1995
FYI
ADVICE
ACTION
REGRET POTUS, suggest a surrogate is needed:
MMENTS: Per 1/11 meeting w/ Buay; Bitty still
needs to call Hersher.
ROUTING SLIP
DATE: 1/5/95
FROM:
Billy Webster
Director of Scheduling and Advance
SUBJECT: VFW Midwinter Conference March 6, 1995
Don Baer
Abner J. Mikva
Erskine Bowles
Leon Panetta
Rebecca Cameron
John Podesta
Rahm Emanuel
Jack Quinn
Mark Gearan
Carol Rasco
Jack Gibbons
Bob Rubin
Cindy Gire
Steve Silverman
Pat Griffin
Patti Solis
Marcia Hale
G. Stephanopoulos
Alexis Herman
Ann Stock
Nancy Hernreich
Stephanie Streett
Harold Ickes
Kris Van Giesen
Anthony Lake
Melanne Verveer
Bruce Lindsey
Anne Walley
Anne McGuire
Maggie Williams
lan Satterfield
Mack McLarty
FILE:
pending 3/6/95
FYI
ADVICE
ACTION
COMMENTS: Pending per 1/5/95 mtg. Billy will speak
to the President on This request
923
memo
ROUTING SLIP
DATE: 9,28,94
pending
FROM: Ricki Seidman
Assistant to the President
and Director of Scheduling and Advance
SUBJECT: VFW mid Winter Conference March 6, 1995
Joan Baggett
Anne McGuire
Rebecca Cameron
Mack McLarty
Abner J. Mikva
Leon Panetta
Rahm Emanuel
John Podesta
Mark Gearan
Jack Quinn
David Gergen
Carol Rasco
Jack Gibbons
Bob Rubin
Cindy Gire
Patti Solis
Pat Griffin
G. Stephanopoulos
Marcia Hale
Ann Stock
Alexis Herman
Stephanie Streett
Nancy Hernreich
Christine Varney
Harold Ickes
Joe Velasquez
Phil Lader
Melanne Verveer
Anthony Lake
Maggie Williams
Bruce Lindsey
Tony Wilson
FILE:
Pending march 1995.
FYI
ADVICE
ACTION
COMMENTS: anne - send a pending letter
SCHEDULE PROPOSAL
DATE 9/21/94
94
ACCEPT
REGRET
SEB
:
09
TO:
Ricki Seidman
Assistant to the President and and Director
of Scheduling and Advance
FROM:
Alexis M. Herman
Assistant to the President and Director of
Public Liaison
REQUEST:
The President deliver a keynote address to the Veterans of
Foreign Wars Mid Winter Conference.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of speaking at their mid-winter conference is to
build a relationship with this Veterans Service Organization
and to recognize their efforts on behalf of the Administration.
BACKGROUND:
The Veterans of Foreign Wars is the second largest Veteran
Service Organization of approximately 2.2 million members
and has supported the President on health care reform and
other significant legislative initiatives.
PREVIOUS PARTICIPATION:
The President has not participated in this event before.
DATE AND TIME:
March 6, 1995 at 9:00am
DURATION:
1 Hour
LOCATION:
The Sheraton Washington Hotel
PARTICIPANTS:
Approximately 3,000 members from the Veterans of Foreign
Wars
OUTLINE OF EVENTS:
Arrives at Sheraton Washington Hotel
Photo-op with designated leaders of the VFW
Introduced by National Commander Allen Kent
President delivers major address
President works rope line
President departs convention
REMARKS REQUIRED:
Present a 20 minute keynote address
MEDIA COVERAGE:
Open Press
1st LADY'S ATTENDANCE:
Not Required
VICE PRES. ATTENDANCE:
Substitute if the President cannot attend
2nd LADY'S ATTENDANCE:
Not Required
RECOMMENDED BY:
Steve Hilton
Deputy Director of Public Liaison
(202) 456-5166
CONTACT:
Bob Currieo
Executive Director
Veterans of Foreign Wars
(202)-543-2239
cc:
Dan Wexler, OPL
ROUTING SLIP
DATE: 2,10,95
follow up
FROM:
Billy Webster
Director of Scheduling and Advance
w/
SUBJECT: Hospitalized Veterans
Satterhed
(sent
Don Baer
X
Abner J. Mikva
e-mail
Erskine Bowles
NEC
2-11)
Rebecca Cameron
Leon Panetta
Rahm Emanuel
John Podesta
Mark Gearan
P
Jack Quinn
Jack Gibbons
Carol Rasco
Lee Satterfield
&
Cindy Gire
J. O'Connor
X
Pat Griffin
Steve Silverman
Marcia Hale
Patti Solis
&
Alexis Herman
X
G. Stephanopoulos
Nancy Hernreich
Ann Stock
Kitty Higgins
&
Stephanie Streett
Harold Ickes
Jodie Torkelson
Anthony Lake
Kris Van Giesen
Bruce Lindsey
Melanne Verveer
Mike McCurry
l
Anne Walley
X
Anne McGuire
X
Maggie Williams
8
Mack McLarty
FILE: X Accepted, which event TBD. per Billy 2/9/95
FYI x
ADVICE
ACTION
REGRET POTUS, suggest a surrogate is needed:
COMMENTS:
Seph- we ica
chev Inr Twa VFW or
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
09-Feb-1995 03:26pm
TO:
Margo L. Spiritus
FROM:
Jennifer M. O'Connor
Office of Cabinet Affairs
SUBJECT: Veterans Scheduling Memo for Billy
Margo - - please pass on to Billy. Thanks!
Billy - -
I wanted to follow up on your suggestion that the way to
accomplish the Hospitalized Veterans photo-op is to add it on to
an already-scheduled veterans event.
To that end, could we add it on to the front or back end of the
January 19 Iwo Jima anniversary event. We could do a photo in the
Diplomatic Reception room before the motorcade leaves or as it
comes back. What do you think?
Jennifer Buin suggests - Iwo Gima or VFW. Talk
to Lee to All if it works better on
Feb 19th or for March 6th (no desk)
is not know how VFWIS working to
assigned yet. Walley may > if know as I or
man more wite J will pass now you. ASAP.
ROUTING SLIP
DATE: 26/95
FROM:
Billy Webster
Director of Scheduling and Advance
SUBJECT: Photo Op for Hospitalized Veteran
Don Baer
Abner J. Mikva
Erskine Bowles
NEC
Rebecca Cameron
Leon Panetta
Rahm Emanuel
John Podesta
Mark Gearan
X
Jack Quinn
Jack Gibbons
Carol Rasco
Cindy Gire
Lee Satterfield
X
Pat Griffin
Steve Silverman
X (J.O'Connor)
Marcia Hale
Patti Solis
Alexis Herman
X
G. Stephanopoulos
Nancy Hernreich
Ann Stock
Kitty Higgins
Stephanie Streett
Harold Ickes
Jodie Torkelson
Anthony Lake
Kris Van Giesen
Bruce Lindsey
Melanne Verveer
Mike McCurry
X
Anne Walley
X
Anne McGuire
Maggie Williams
Mack McLarty
FILE: accepted tobe incorporated in a vet event
/ Billy
FYI
ADVICE
ACTION
REGRET POTUS, suggest a surrogate is needed:
2/6/95mtg COMMENTS Accepted to be fit in to a reterant event @
some point.
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
WASHINGTON
Attachto
January 27, 1995
proposal
under
3/6/95
MEMORANDUM
pending
Billy Webster, Deputy Assistant to the President
cab.affairs. cab. affairs.
TO:
and Director of Scheduling and Advance
FROM:
Department Hershel Gober, of Veterans Deputy Secretary Affairs Hill
SUBJECT: National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs submitted through Cabinet Affairs a schedule request
for actor Charles Durning, the 1995 chair of the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans
to pay a courtesy call to the President and have a brief photo-op on either February 21 or
22, 1995. I have been informed that this request has been rejected.
Charles Durning, a decorated World War II veteran and noted stage, film and TV actor,
will visit hospitalized veterans during the period February 12-18 and at various times
throughout the year. He will serve as public spokesperson for VA Voluntary Services.
Local celebrities, youth groups and veterans service organizations will visit VA medical
centers, State Veterans Homes and other facilities for the sixth consecutive year.
Newspaper Columnist Ann Landers has devoted her column in January to ask readers to
send a Valentine to a hospitalized veteran. This tradition demonstrates the sentiments of
caring and sharing while expressing honor and appreciation to hospitalized veterans.
Traditionally, the President has met briefly with the chair to express appropriate
appreciation and the photographs of the courtesy call are utilized to promote the VA
volunteer program. I recognize that there are numerous demands on the President and
that his schedule is extremely busy. This is an important symbolic national event.
I recommend that you reconsider the decision to regret this courtesy call and invite Mr.
Durning to the White House to meet briefly with the President.
01/24/95
TO:
William Webster
Deputy Assistant to the President and
Director of Scheduling and Advance
FROM:
Jennifer O'Connor
Special Assistant to the President, Cabinet Affairs
REQUEST:
For the President to do a photo op with the Chair of the 1995 Salute
95 JAN24 to
Hsopitalized Veterans and during the photo op place a call to a
hospitalized veteran.
PURPOSE:
To show the President's commitment to veterans and his compassion
for sick veterans in particular
BACKGROUND:
A description of the program is attached. Each year, Veterans Affairs
selects a prominent person to chair the National Salute to Hospitalized
Veterans. It is usually an actor and s/he visits sick vets and chairs a
program to encourage others to visit them and volunteer in their
hospitals.
PREVIOUS PARTICIPATION:
The President did a photo op last year. He did not do the phone call
part of this request. Presidents participate in the photo op each year
because.t the p rogram has promotional matë: ials hi the photo is
for. The phone call is a new idea.
DATE and TIME:
DURATION:
U 15 minutes 3/6/95 possible wt VFW a part not
as separate
LOCATION:
Oval Office
event. Bethy1/24/85
PARTICIPANTS:
President, Charles Durning, the national chair of the National Salute to
Veterans, Secretary Jesse Brown, Deputy Secretary Gober
OUTLINE OF EVENTS:
The President shakes hands and poses for a photo. He then places a
call to a sick veteran. (Note -- Billy -- we can do the photo op without
the call, but the call would be a nice touch.
REMARKS REQUIRED:
Brief talking points will be provided if he does the call.
MEDIA COVERAGE:
Pool press/ local press at the site of the phone call
PROPOSED ATTENDANCE:
President
Vice President
1st Lady
2nd Lady
RECOMMENDED BY:
Secretary Jesse Brown
CONTACT:
Jennifer O'Connor 6-2572
Kathy Jurado -- 273-5750
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 24, 1995
Billy --
Per our conversation this morning, I am resubmitting the
request for the President to do a photo op with Charles
Durning, the national chair of the National Salute to
Hospitalized Veterans.
To add to your information about this, David Dreyer thinks
the call on Valentines Day is a good idea. Given your
interest in adding this to another vets event, we could do it
Friday Feb 17, as part of the salute to African American
veterans. Of course, Durning is not African-American. But
that seems to be the next veterans event on the schedule.
Thanks!
-- Jennifer O'C
and
if we do VFW, we will
they This on The front end
3/6/95 but we will not do
a separate event
Billy
1/24/95
ROUTING SLIP
DATE: 1/23/95 /
FROM:
Billy Webster
Director of Scheduling and Advance
SUBJECT: Photo- op w/ Chair of the 1995 Salute to Hospital Veterans
Don Baer
Abner J. Mikva
Erskine Bowles
NEC
Rebecca Cameron
Leon Panetta
Rahm Emanuel
John Podesta
Mark Gearan
Jack Quinn
Jack Gibbons
Carol Rasco
Cindy Gire
Lee Satterfield
Pat Griffin
Steve Silverman
rcia Hale
Patti Solis
Alexis Herman
G. Stephanopoulos
Nancy Hernreich
Ann Stock
Harold Ickes
Stephanie Streett
Anthony Lake
Jodie Torkelson
Bruce Lindsey
Kris Van Giesen
Mike McCurry
Melanne Verveer
Anne McGuire
Anne Walley
Mack McLarty
Maggie Williams
FILE: Regret
Jennifer 0'connor
FYI
ADVICE
ACTION
'GRET POTUS, suggest a surrogate is needed:
COMMENTS: Per mts. w/ Billy 1/23
Regard
95 JAN23
01/19/95
A8:
TO:
William Webster
Deputy Assistant to the President and
Director of Scheduling and Advance
FROM:
Jennifer O'Connor are
Special Assistant to the President, Cabinet Affairs
REQUEST:
For the President to do a photo op with the Chair of the 1995 Salute to
Hsopitalized Veterans and during the photo op place a call to a
hospitalized veteran
PURPOSE:
To show the President's commitment to veterans and his compassion
for sick veterans in particular
BACKGROUND:
A description of the program is attached. Each year, Veterans Affairs
selects a prominent person to chair the National Salute to Hospitalized
Veterans. It is usually an actor and s/he visits sick vets and chairs a
program to encourage others to visit them and volunteer in their
hospitals.
PREVIOUS PARTICIPATION:
The President did a photo op last year. He did not do the phone call
part of this request. Presidents participate in the photo op each year
for. The phone call is a new idea.
DATE and TIME:
2/12-18/95
DURATION:
15 minutes
LOCATION:
Oval Office
PARTICIPANTS:
President, Charles Durning, the national chair of the National Salute to
Veterans, Secretary Jesse Brown, Deputy Secretary Gober
OUTLINE OF EVENTS:
The President shakes hands and poses for a photo. He then places a
call to a sick veteran. (Note -- Billy we can do the photo op without
the call, but the call would be a nice touch.
REMARKS REQUIRED:
Brief talking points will be provided if he does the call.
MEDIA COVERAGE:
Pool press/ local press at the site of the phone call
PROPOSED ATTENDANCE:
X
President
Vice President
1st Lady
2nd Lady
RECOMMENDED BY:
Secretary Jesse Brown
CONTACT:
Jennifer O'Connor 6-2572
Kathy Jurado -- 273-5750
01/19/95
15:55
005
NATIONAL SALUTE TO HOSPITALIZED VETERANS 1995
WHEN: Week of February 12-18, with special emphasis on Feb. 14,
Valentine's Day
WHERE: All VA medical centers and many state veterans homes
WHO: National Chairman Charles Durning, a decorated World War II
veteran and noted stage, film and TV actor, will visit hospitalized
veterans during the week and at various times throughout the years
and serve as public spokesperson for VA Voluntary Service.
Local celebrities, youth groups (schools, Scouts, Campfire and
others) and veterans service organizations will visit patients at
VA medical centers, state veterans homes and other facilities.
WHY: To pay tribute to veterans hospitalized in VA and other facilities; to
increase community awareness of VA's role of providing
comprehensive medical care to the nation's veterans; and to
encourage Americans to visit hospitalized vcterans and work as VA
volunteers.
BACKGROUND: The annual VA National Salute program began in 1978
when VA took over sponsorship of a program started in
1974 by No Greater Love, Inc., a humanitarian
organization. Voluntary Service chiefs plan and execute a
program of activities at local VAMCs. The traditional
observance during the week of Valentine's Day is
appropriate because the sentiments of caring and sharing
match the Salute's purpose of expressing honor and
appreciation to hospitalized veterans.
SPECIAL SUPPORT: For the sixth consecutive year, newspaper columnist
Ann Landers will devote her column in January to
asking readers to send a Valentine to a hospitalized
veteran. Readers will be asked to send cards and letters
to their nearest VAMC or to the Hines, IL, VA Hospital
which distributes them to other facilities.
01/19/95
15:55
1
006
BACKGROUND ON "PT PHONE HOME" PROGRAM
VA medical centers in general do not provide telephones in
patients' rooms. Patients who are not mobile must rely on nurses.or
volunteers to bring the telephones to them, or they must use pay
phones. Generally, VA hospitals have not been wired for individual
bedside telephones.
VA is currently replacing the telephone systems in VA medical
facilities, and for the past 4 years wiring for patient (PT) bedside
telephones has been included in the modernization effort. Of course,
funding for bedside phones can compete for funding for direct
patient care, so a number of volunteers have contributed time and
equipment to make bedside telephones in VA hospitals a reality.
This program is known as "PT Phone Home." By the end of 1996 all
VA hospitals will have bedside telephones for patients.
The partnership between telecommunication unions and VA
has brought dignity and hope to thousands of hospitalized veterans
across the country. These veterans, WHO may be far away from them
families now have an easy way to keep in touch with the people they
care about most. The partnership has also meant a savings to VA of
several million dollars in equipment and installation costs.
For the February 1995 telephone call, VA recommends that the
President call a veteran at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center, near
Tampa, Florida. Their telephone system has been operational for just
over a month.
The President has participated in these calls before, and they
are invariably covered by the local and state media. Calling during
Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week will bring a great deal of
attention to this program, and to the President.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
February 22, 1995
PERSIAN GULF VETERAN RECEIVES COMPENSATION
The President met in the Oval Office today with Michael T. Sills of Villa Park,
Illinois, one of the first recipients of a compensation check awarded to Persian Gulf veterans
under a new law signed by President Clinton in November. The law provides compensation
for Gulf veterans with chronic disabilities resulting from undiagnosed illnesses. Secretary of
Veterans Affairs Jesse Brown presented the check to Sills, an Air Force veteran, who served
in the Air National Guard in the war theater.
"Today, the country takes a long-overdue step to recognize the sacrifices of these
Persian Gulf veterans," the President said. "We are taking an unprecedented approach to
assisting these veterans by providing compensation for conditions that have defied
conventional diagnoses. We encourage any Persian Gulf veteran who is sick to file a claim
and we will automatically reopen previously denied claims as a result of this new law."
Approximately 700,000 men and women were deployed to the Gulf in the year
following the Dessert Shield mobilization, and more than 364,000 have left active duty and
become eligible for certain veterans programs. The prevalence of undiagnosed illnesses
among Gulf veterans is uncertain, but an ambitious series of medical research studies is in
progress to clarify health effects of Gulf service. DOD, HHS, and VA are working together
to develop research initiatives which are designed to provide information that will give
veterans the good health and peace of mind they deserve.
"I felt that we could not wait on science. For some Persian Gulf veterans like
Michael Sills, medical science does not have answers today," the President said, "but we must
not and will not give up."
While federal agencies have responded with medical care, research and now
compensation, it is critical that veterans come forward for help. Both VA and DOD are
providing specialized examinations of Gulf veterans who have health problems or concerns.
In addition, both departments are operating toll-free information centers to answer questions
and help veterans find needed health care or other services (VA, 800-PGW-VETS; DOD, 800-
796-9699).
"Michael Sills and veterans like him who served their country honorably have earned
our gratitude," said the President. "And when they are sick, we must do what is right."
30-30-30
Boorstin 6- 5696
6-6409
6-7150 to tell fox em to
900- speech prep D briefing time
deliver it
1025-1030 photo w/ Durning
1030 benes
greet gen myr
green : kent to Currio
Are - set room w/ Voice of Demore kids
photo
Other side same room
w/ 16 dignitaries of VC FW
holding - See Brown, Gunneckul
-0 Potus
anned into ballnon
riffles to flourishes
digntanes to vets fr. meet ogreet
speech- and for resources
pengagement
readeness, accomps
mid reference to JEW charter
Flotus caus Sunday
to a few folks
Mont Rockfuller gomeny
Daschu
Harkin
? Gephardt ?
Julia Laurie } fact L sheet
VA document
I
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON D.C. 20506
February 26, 1995
MEMORANDUM FOR DIANA ZUCKERMAN
JENNIFER O' CONNOR
LARRY CAVAIOLA
FRAN MURPHY
PETER BEACH
SUBJECT:
Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses
There will be a meeting on Tuesday, February 28, 1995 at 11:00
a.m. in Room 180 of the Old Executive Office Building to discuss
the President's forthcoming speech to the VFW. Please ensure
that your agency is represented at this meeting, as one of the
issues to be discussed is the announcement of a new Advisory
Committee on Gulf War veterans' illnesses. Please have your
agency representative call their name and date of birth in to
Jennifer O' Connor at 456-2572 by OOB Tuesday, February 28.
Attached for your information is a list of the VA Persian Gulf
Expert Scientific Committee members. Also attached is the latest
draft of the Fact Sheets on ongoing and new initiatives related
to Gulf War veterans' illnesses. Please provide me with any
final line in/line out changes on the Fact Sheets by COB Tuesday,
February 28.
Shis D.Hams
Elisa D. Harris
Director for Nonproliferation
and Export Controls
Attachments
CC: Dan Benjamin
Bob Bell
10/24/94
10:41
T202 535 7572
VACO
Chartered Committee
Department of Veterans Affairs
Persian Gulf Expert Scientific Committee
Chairman:
Susan H. Mather, M.D., M.P.H.
ACMD for Environmental Medicine and Public Health
VA Central Office (116)
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20420
Rebecca Bascom, M.D.
Associate Professor of Medicine
Department of Medicine
University of Maryland
10 South Pine Street, MSTF 800
Baltimore, MD 21201
Eula Bingham, Ph.D.
Professor of Environmental Health
University of Cincinnati Medical College
Institute of Environmental Health
Kettering Laboratory
3223 Eden Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45267
General Ronald R. Blanck
Commander
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Washington, D.C. 20307-5001
Turner Camp, M.D.
Medical Consultant
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
200 Maryland Avenue, NE
Washington, D.C. 20002
Richard Christian
Deputy Director
National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division
The American Legion
1608 K Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20006
10/24/94
10:41
202 535 7572
VACO
007/017
Jerry D. Cox
Associate National Appeals Officer
Disabled American Veterans
Board of Veterans Appeals
Room 305-LAF
811 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20420
Colonel Rick Erdtmann
Chief, Preventive Medicine Consultants' Division
Office of Surgeon General
U.S. Army
5109 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041-3258
Matthew J. Friedman, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology
Dartmouth Medical School
Executive Director for National Center for PTSD
VA Medical Center
North Hartland Road
White River Junction, VT 05009
Richard A Griesemer, D.V.M., Ph.D.,
Deputy Director
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
P.O. Box 12233
111 Alexander Drive
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Harry C. Holloway, M.D.
Professor of Psychiatry and Neural Science
Associate Administrator for Life and Microgravity Sciences
NASA
300 E. Street, SW
Washington, DC 20546
Han Kang, Ph.D.
Director, Environmental Epidemiology Service
VA Central Office (116E)
Suite 950
1120 20th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20036-3406
10/24/84
10:42
T202 535 7572
VACO
008, 017
Howard M. Kipen, M.D., M.P.H.
Associate Professor
Department of Environmental and Community Medicine
P.O. Box 1179
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Piscataway, NJ 08855-1179
Claudia S. Miller, M.D., M.S.
Assistant Professor
Environmental and Occupational Medicine
Department of Family Practice
University of Texas Health Science Center
7703 Floyd Curl Drive
San Antonio, TX 78284-7794
Fran Murphy, M.D.
Director, Persian Gulf Referral Center
Clinical Coordinator
VA Medical Center
50 Irving Street, NW
Washington, DC 20422
William C. Reeves, M.D.
Branch Chief
Viral Exanthems and Herpes Viral Branch
Centers for Disease Control
NCID/DVRD/VEHB
Mail stop A15
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30333
Gary Roselle, M.D.
Chief, Medical Service (111)
VA Medical Center
3200 Vine Street
Cincinnati, OH 45220
Executive Secretary:
Robert E. Allen, Ph.D.
Special Assistant
Office for Environmental Medicine and Public Health
VA Central Office (116)
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20420
DRAFT
2/24/95
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
Date
FACT SHEET
Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses: Ongoing Initiatives
Shortly after returning from the Persian Gulf following
Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield, some U.S. military
personnel began to report a variety of symptoms, such as fatigue,
muscle and joint pain, memory loss, and headaches. In order to
address these Gulf War veterans' health concerns, the
Administration has taken many steps, highlights of which are
listed below.
COMPENSATION
To make sure that veterans with chronic disabilities resulting
from Gulf War service are compensated, the Administration is
moving quickly to compensate those with both diagnosed and
undiagnosed illnesses.
Compensation for Diagnosed Illnesses: Under traditional
disability compensation programs, veterans receive monthly
compensation checks for diagnosed disabilities connected to
their service. As of January 31, 1995, 106,390 veterans are
receiving this type of disability compensation, including
472 for disabilities resulting from exposure to
environmental hazards.
Compensation for Undiagnosed Illnesses: President Clinton
strongly supported and signed legislation to allow for
compensation to veterans suffering from undiagnosed
illnesses. This is the first time ever that the Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) has compensated veterans before
their illnesses are diagnosed. The first compensation
checks under this new program were sent in mid February
1995. All Gulf War veterans who have had disability
compensation denied have been contacted to reapply under
this new program.
2
TREATMENT
The Administration's first priority for Gulf War veterans is to
provide them with the best possible medical care, even when
diagnoses have not been made.
Priority Access to VA Health Care: In 1993 and again in
1994, President Clinton signed legislation that changes
standard eligibility rules to enable veterans to obtain free
medical care for illnesses that may be related to service in
the Persian Gulf. To date, more than 140,000 Gulf War
veterans have received free medical care in VA facilities.
Free Specialized VA Health Examinations: Under the VA
Persian Gulf Registry Health Examination Program, every Gulf
War veteran who has health concerns, whether or not the
veteran is ill, is eligible for a free, complete physical
exam. More than 40,000 veterans have participated in this
program since it began in 1992. Since June 1994, veterans
with unexplained illnesses, whose medical conditions require
a more specialized approach, have access to a more
comprehensive health examination, which is also provided
without charge and is available in VA and military medical
centers nationwide.
Specialized VA Diagnosis Centers: For those veterans most
difficult to diagnose, VA has established Persian Gulf
Referral Centers in Washington D.C., Houston, TX, and Los
Angeles, CA.
Special Treatment for Active Duty Military Personnel & Their
Families: Under the Defense Department's (DOD's)
Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation Program, more than 13,000
Gulf War veterans still on active duty have registered for
extensive free medical exams and treatment. Between 8,000
and 9,000 individuals have begun to receive these exams and
treatment since the program began in June 1994. Military
personnel register by hotline and are then examined and
treated at local military medical centers and then, if
necessary, at 16 major medical centers in the U.S. and
Germany.
3
DECLASSIFICATION
In June 1994, DOD announced that it was declassifying all of the
material related to the potential causes of Gulf War veterans'
illnesses. The Department is proceeding with declassification
efforts and releasing information as it becomes available. To
date, DOD has reviewed more than 400 linear feet of records to
declassify material that mentions the possible detection of
chemical or biological weapons. By the end of 1995, DOD will
have the capability to match the wartime locations of individual
service members with these incidents, as well as the presence of
various other potential environmental hazards, such as smoke from
oil well fires.
OUTREACH & EDUCATION
Because one of the most frustrating aspects of undiagnosed Gulf
War veterans' illnesses is the lack of medical knowledge about
the cause or cure, the Administration is reaching out to military
personnel and veterans to educate them about available medical
exams, treatment and compensation, as well as about new findings
as they develop.
Hotlines: DOD, as of June 1994, and VA, as of February
1995, began operating hotlines to provide Gulf War veterans
with easy access to medical examinations and treatment.
Callers are referred to the appropriate DOD or VA medical
treatment facility. In addition, the VA hotline provides
information on all VA medical care, compensation and
research programs for Gulf War veterans. The hotline
numbers are: DOD, 1-800-796-9699; VA, 1-800-PGW-VETS. TA is
also providing medical and compensation benefits information
on an electronic computer bulletin board, available 24 hours
per day. This number is 1-800-US1-VETS.
Defense Secretary and Joint Chiefs Chairman Letter to
Veterans: In May 1994, Secretary Perry and General
Shalikashvili jointly sent letters to all Gulf War veterans,
encouraging them to go to any medical facility for an
evaluation and exam if they have experienced health problems
since returning from the Gulf.
Staying Healthy Handbooks: As part of the 1994 deployment
to the Gulf, DOD published and distributed "Staying Healthy"
handbooks to help troops protect themselves against health
hazards. Similar books were provided to troops in Somalia
and Haiti. These handbooks were developed to provide
4
safeguards that were not consistently available during
Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Persian Gulf Review: VA publishes a quarterly newsletter,
Persian Gulf Review, which is sent to everyone on its
registry, each VA Medical Center, and veterans' service
organizations. It provides information relevant to the
health and compensation concerns of Gulf War veterans and
their families.
RESEARCH
More than thirty research projects are underway to try to
determine the causes of Gulf War veterans' illnesses. The
research projects include epidemiological investigations,
environmental hazards research, psychological and neurological
studies, studies of the effects of the anti-nerve gas drug
pyridostigmine bromide, research on the tropical disease
leishmaniasis, and on the effects of exposure to depleted
uranium. A few of the more than thirty studies are highlighted
below.
Environmental Hazards Research Centers: VA Environmental
Hazards Research Centers, located in Boston, MA, East
Orange, NJ, and Portland, OR were opened in October 1994.
The centers are carrying out fourteen research projects in
such areas as: the effects of toxic exposures on behavior,
memory, the immune and nervous systems; and the development
of cancer and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Specific
studies are examining chemical hypersensitivity, chronic
fatigue syndrome, and risk factors for undiagnosed
illnesses.
Mortality Study: The VA Epidemiology Service is completing
a study of death rates and causes of death of those who
served in the Gulf War. Comparisons will be made with
veterans who did not serve in the Gulf. Results are
expected later this year.
Birth Defects Study: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC),
VA and the Mississippi State Health Department examined a
report of increased numbers of birth defects in the children
of two units of Mississippi National Guard members. The
study, completed in December 1994, found no increase in
major or minor birth defects.
5
Iowa Study: At Congressional request, the Administration is
conducting a pilot survey of Gulf War veterans from Iowa,
comparing a random selection of those who served in the Gulf
War with a random selection of those who served during the
same period. This CDC study includes a detailed assessment
of veterans' health concerns as well as those of their
families.
Kuwait Oil Fires Study: This ongoing study is examining
health risks to military troops and personnel exposed to oil
fire smoke in the Gulf. The study's initial findings,
released in September 1994, concluded that the levels of
toxic substances measured in May through December 1991 were
well below United States regulatory limits.
Anti-Nerve Gas Drug Studies: DOD is conducting studies of
the effects of pyridostigmine bromide, an anti-nerve gas
drug given to troops in the Gulf. The studies are examining
the effects of this drug on women and men and also the
effects of interactions between this drug and other
environmental chemicals such as insecticides that were
present in the Gulf. Results are expected later this year.
Tropical Disease Study: DOD, VA and the Department of
Health and Human Services are examining the occurrences of
the tropical parasitic disease leishmaniasis in Gulf troops.
These studies aim to develop better diagnostic tests and
treatment for this disease.
Navy Studies: Three large epidemiological studies, begun in
October 1994, are being carried out by the Naval Health
Research Center in San Diego. The studies are analyzing the
health of Gulf War Construction Battalion (SeaBee) service
members, hospitalization rates among all Gulf War veterans,
and birth outcomes in all Gulf War veterans and their
families. Preliminary results are expected in late 1995.
REVIEWS BY OUTSIDE EXPERTS
To ensure that all avenues for research on Gulf War veterans'
illnesses are being aggressively pursued, the Administration has
asked several panels of non-governmental scientists to review
ongoing activities and make recommendations for further research.
These reviews indicate a consensus in some areas. For example,
there is agreement among reviewers that, rather than a single
6
cause or illness, there are likely to be several causes and
illnesses among Gulf War veterans.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Workshop: In April
1994, the NIH hosted a panel of outside experts to examine
research efforts to date and make recommendations for future
research in areas such as epidemiology, stress related
diseases, pyridostigmine bromide and leishmaniasis. Many of
these recommendations are now being implemented.
National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine (IOM) :
As directed by Congress, an IOM panel is reviewing and
evaluating current efforts related to Gulf War veterans'
illnesses. The group's first report, issued in January
1995, provided a number of recommendations for improving
research in this area, many of which are being implemented.
The IOM is also reviewing and evaluating DOD's Comprehensive
Clinical Evaluation Program.
Defense Science Board Task Force: This panel, headed by
Nobel laureate Dr. Joshua Lederberg, was asked by DOD to
examine intelligence and other information related to
possible troop exposure to chemical or biological weapons,
and potential health consequences resulting from low level
chemical exposure, environmental pollutants, Kuwait oil
fires and other health hazards. The panel's report,
released in June 1994, concluded that there was no evidence
of the use of chemical or biological warfare against US
troops in the Gulf.
DRAFT
2/26/95
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
Date
FACT SHEET
Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses: New Initiatives
Various steps have already been taken by the Clinton
Administration to respond to the health concerns of U.S. military
personnel who served in the Gulf War. Today, the President
announced a number of new initiatives aimed at further enhancing
the U.S. government response to the needs of Gulf War veterans
who are ill.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The [President] will establish an Advisory Committee on Gulf War
Veterans' illnesses to review and make recommendations on U.S.
government activities related to the illnesses being reported by
U.S. military personnel who served in the Gulf War. This
Committee, which will begin its work in the spring of 1995, will
review and make recommendations on Gulf War illnesses-related
research, the activities of the Persian Gulf Veterans
Coordinating Board, medical examination and treatment programs,
public outreach efforts, the implementation of recommendations
from external reviews, possible risk factors, and reports of the
possible detection of chemical or biological weapons. The
Committee is to provide an interim report within six months of
beginning its work and a final report by no later than December
1996.
TREATMENT
The Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) are enhancing their current programs for diagnosing
and treating Gulf War veterans.
Specialized Care Centers: DOD is establishing Specialized
Care Centers in Washington, D.C. and San Antonio, TX, to
provide care for patients who need additional testing or
treatment after completing comprehensive medical
examinations at other military medical facilities. These
centers will open in March 1995.
2
Reproductive Problems: VA and DOD diagnostic test programs
for Gulf War veterans will soon include guidelines for
testing individuals who have had reproductive problems since
returning from the Gulf. Nationally recognized medical
experts are being consulted for advice in developing these
guidelines.
EXPANDED RESEARCH
In addition to the research that is already underway, VA and DOD
are planning to spend $8-13 million on new research on Gulf War
veterans' illnesses in 1995. Most of these studies will be
designed, peer reviewed and conducted by university researchers
and other independent scientists or, in the case of VA research,
by scientists at VA medical centers across the country.
Epidemiological Research: For the first time, major
epidemiological studies will be conducted to examine whether
such things as exposure to medications and pesticides, the
location of troops during the war, and the age and sex of
such troops are associated with specific symptoms. The DOD-
funded studies will be based on a random sample of Gulf War
veterans and civilians employed by DOD. A VA study will
compare the health of 15,000 Gulf War veterans and 15,000
veterans who served during the same years but not in the
Persian Gulf. Miscarriages, birth defects, and other
reproductive health problems and illnesses among spouses or
children will also be studied by DOD and VA.
Anti-Nerve Gas Drugs: New research is being conducted on
the drugs provided to help protect U.S. military personnel
in the Gulf against chemical weapons. This research will
include further studies on the anti-nerve agent pill
pyridostigmine bromide, alone and in combination with other
medications or chemicals such as pesticides.
Medical Evaluations of Spouses and Children: For the first
time, VA will provide medical evaluations and diagnostic
tests to spouses and children of Gulf War veterans. These
tests will be provided as part of a research project on the
possible relationship between the illnesses of Gulf War
veterans and those of their spouses and children.
Dependents of veterans who are enrolled in the VA Gulf War
Registry will be selected for inclusion in this study.
Environmental Hazards: DOD and VA will support new research
to expand existing information on potential environmental
hazards such as infectious and parasitic diseases and the
3
effects of exposure to petrochemicals, lead, depleted
uranium and other toxic substances.
Improving Treatment: Later this year, DOD will accept
research proposals from scientists across the country
designed to improve treatment for Gulf War veterans with
diagnosed and undiagnosed illnesses and symptoms.
OPENNESS
In addition to the DOD declassification program previously
announced, DOD and VA are taking other steps to make information
available about issues of concern to Gulf War veterans.
Chemical and Biological Weapons: Since the end of the Gulf
War, some veterans have expressed concern about the
possibility that they were exposed to chemical or biological
weapons during the war. In response to these concerns, DOD
will prepare and make available analyses of the most
frequently cited reports of the detection of chemical or
biological weapons and will continue to declassify and
release documents bearing on these and other reports.
Data on Serious Illnesses: Information regarding cancers
and other serious illnesses among Gulf War veterans who
have received care in VA and DOD medical facilities will be
made available to the public. Reports, categorized by age
group, sex and race, will be released every six months by
the Persian Gulf Interagency Coordinating Board.
OUTREACH
VA Secretary Jesse Brown has recently sent letters to all VA Gulf
War Registry participants informing them of new compensation
regulations for undiagnosed illnesses.
FUTURE SAFEGUARDS
The Gulf War made clear the need for better training of U.S.
troops on the health risks associated with overseas deployments,
as well as for improvements in the medical records for such
troops. In response, DOD is developing a comprehensive plan that
will strengthen training on the risks of toxic exposure and make
more information about such risks available to individual service
members. The plan will also improve documentation of each
service members' health, medical problems and exposures before,
during and after deployment. This plan will be completed within
the next few weeks.
VETERANS
OF FOREIGN WARS
AN
- History
OVERVIEW
- Membership
OF THE
- Offices
ORGANIZATION
- Organization
- Partners
- Media Contacts
OF
- Ladies Auxiliary
101
- National Home
STATES
- Services
UNITED
5045
- Programs
- Publications
- Accomplishments
- Recent Projects
- Current Goals
-
- Year in Review
- VFW Symbol
5789
VFW
VFW
20859
VFW
846
HISTORY
FOUNDED
In 1899 the American Veterans of Foreign Ser-
and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902).
vice (Columbus, Ohio) and the National Society
These two organizations merged in 1914, creating
of the Army of the Philippines (Denver, Colo.)
the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. The
were organized to secure rights and benefits for
VFW was chartered by Congress in 1936.
veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898)
MEMBERSHIP
CURRENT SIZE
2.2 million members.
ELIGIBILITY
All U.S. citizens with an honorable discharge
from the armed forces who have earned an offi-
cially recognized overseas campaign medal.
WAR SERVICE
World War II - 52%, Korean War - 21%, Viet-
nam War - 24%; and the remainder from Soma-
lia, Persian Gulf War, Grenada, Panama, Lebanon
and other smaller expeditionary campaigns as well
as occupation duty.
OFFICES
NATIONAL
406 West 34th Street
HEADQUARTERS
Kansas City, Missouri 64111
(816) 756-3390 Fax (816) 968-1169
WASHINGTON
VFW Memorial Bldg.
OFFICE
200 Maryland Ave. N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 543-2239 Fax (202) 543-6719
STAFF SIZE
285
ORGANIZATION
The National Convention is the VFW's su-
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief.
preme governing body. Each August, thousands of
Appointed officials include the Adjutant Gen-
VFW members gather to elect new officers, adopt
eral (similar to a corporate CEO), National Chief
resolutions and handle important business affairs.
of Staff and the National Inspector General.
National officers, who serve one year, are
The National Council of Administration serves
elected by delegates to the National Convention.
as the VFW's board of directors. It comprises
The officers include the Commander-in-Chief,
elected national officers, the immediate past
Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, Junior Vice
Commander-in-Chief, three appointed officials
Commander-in-Chief, Quartermaster General
and elected members from each of 29 national
(similar to a corporate treasurer), Judge Advocate
districts comprising one or more Departments.
General (provides legal counsel), Surgeon Gen-
More than 10,700 Posts comprise 55 Depart-
eral and the National Chaplain.
ments in the 50 states plus Puerto Rico/Virgin Is-
Traditionally, at each National Convention,
lands, Panama, the Pacific Areas, Europe and
the Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief becomes
Washington, D.C.
the Commander-in-Chief, while the Junior Vice
The election, functions and titles of elected
Commander-in-Chief assumes the role of Senior
and appointed officers in Posts, Districts,
Vice Commander-in-Chief. For this reason, inter-
County Councils and Departments parallel the
est and activity centers around election of the new
national level.
STRUCTURE
National Veterans Service Committee
National Convention
Sr. Vice Commander-in-Chief
Political Action Committee
Jr. Vice Commander-in-Chief
National Council
of Administration
Judge Advocate General
Surgeon General
Commander-in-Chief
Standing Committees and
National Chaplain
Special Committees
Adjutant General
Chief of Staff
Quartermaster
General
Inspector General
Executive Director,
Assistant Adjutant
Assistant Adjutant
Washington Office
General, Programs
General, Administration
Services
Programs
Buddy Poppy
MEDIA CONTACTS
NATIONAL
Steve Van Buskirk, Assistant Director, Public Affairs - Media Relations
HEADQUARTERS
Vern Pall, Assistant Director, Public Affairs - Organization
Kansas City, Mo. (816) 756-3390 FAX (816) 968-1169
WASHINGTON OFFICE
William G. Smith, Director, Public Affairs
Washington, D.C. (202) 543-2239 FAX (202) 543-2746
PARTNERS
LADIES AUXILIARY
A national volunteer service organization, the
years, the VFW Ladies Auxiliary has raised more
Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW was founded in
than $45 million to treat and assist in the battle
1914. It includes more than 770,000 women, age
against this disease.
16 and over, who are close relatives of VFW-eli-
State Auxiliary organizations, known as De-
gible veterans. The Ladies Auxiliary is the back-
partments, are located in all 50 states, the District
bone of many VFW volunteer efforts.
of Columbia and foreign countries where the U.S.
In addition, the Auxiliary has its own volunteer
military is stationed. Within the Departments are
programs in VA medical centers, as well as state
the 7,000 individual units that comprise the Ladies
and community hospitals.
Auxiliaries of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
Of high priority to the Auxiliary is aid to can-
U.S. Like the national Auxiliary, they work
cer victims and cancer research. Over the past 45
closely with their VFW counterparts.
NATIONAL HOME
On 630-acres in Eaton Rapids, Mich. and es-
Other features of the Home include a student
tablished in 1925, the VFW National Home is
job training program, 4-H, and scholarships for
open to children, grandchildren and single-parent
those desiring to further their education.
children of VFW or Ladies Auxiliary members.
The VFW National Home is supported by
The family-like atmosphere emphasizes tradi-
gifts from VFW and Auxiliary members and
tional values such as respect for one another, pa-
friends, as well as funds from the annual Seals
triotism, good work habits and sound moral
campaign, bequests, planned gifts, National
character. The children enjoy many recreational
Home Life Memberships and the VFW's
activities and local community events.
Buddy Poppy program.
SERVICES
NATIONAL VETERANS
A network of more than 15,750 trained VFW
the 58 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) re-
SERVICE
service officers assist all veterans and their depen-
gional offices across the country. This network is
dents in gaining federal and state entitlements.
supported by claims and appeals consultants, field
Their work includes military records correction,
representatives and office staffs in VFW's Wash-
discharge upgrades, education benefits, disability
ington Office and National Headquarters.
compensation, pension eligibility and many other
Inspection visits by VFW field representatives
veterans programs.
at VA medical centers, regional offices and na-
The network includes volunteer service offic-
tional cemeteries ensure that the system designed
ers at the Post and District level, plus professional
to care for the nation's veterans is responsive to
Department Service Officers (DSO) at each of
their needs.
NATIONAL
The National Legislative Service (NLS) rep-
LEGISLATIVE SERVICE
resents veterans in Washington, D.C. in three
areas. NLS staff members monitor all legisla-
tion to determine its affect on veterans. They
alert VFW members to key veterans legislation
being considered. And they actively lobby Con-
gress and the Administration regarding rel-
evant bills. NLS staff members are often called
upon to assist congressional staffs in preparing
legislation concerning veterans issues. Through
the work of the NLS, the VFW has been at the
MR. MAGILL
MR. G
forefront of every fight for veterans entitle-
ments since the turn of the century.
NATIONAL
The VFW's employment staff monitors laws
employment councils and refer claims to the
CIVIL SERVICE AND
concerning veterans preference in federal em-
proper offices. A new feature of this effort is the
EMPLOYMENT
ployment and represents veterans in grievances
Job Opportunity Board.
regarding employment in both the federal and
VFW's national employment awards program
private sector. This staff works with a national
annually recognizes individuals, groups and em-
network of volunteer employment officers to
ployers who excel in providing employment ser-
identify issues, keep veterans concerns before
vices to veterans.
NATIONAL SECURITY
Tasked with dissemination of timely and accu-
In recent years, priorities for this section have
AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS
rate information on sensitive issues, the National
included resolving the fate of POW/MIAs from
Security and Foreign Affairs staff promotes
WWII, Korea and Vietnam, and appropriate re-
VFW's commitment to a strong national defense
ductions in defense spending resulting in a smaller
and a sound foreign policy.
yet efficient military.
PROGRAMS
AMERICANISM
The VFW's Americanism program provides
information, sponsors events and promotes activi-
ties designed to stimulate interest in America's
history, institutions of civic responsibility and pa-
triotism. By promoting Loyalty Day, teaching
Flag etiquette and good citizenship, conducting
patriotic ceremonies and events, Americanism
volunteers promote national pride and reverence
for America's traditions.
VOICE OF
A national broadcast scriptwriting competition
$2.4 million in scholarships and prizes from the
DEMOCRACY
for high school students, the Voice of Democracy
various levels of competition.
(VOD) program gives students the opportunity
to study representative government.
Conducted by VFW and Ladies Auxiliary vol-
unteers, VOD encourages 10th through 12th
grade students to write a script on a patriotic
theme (chosen annually by the VFW), and tape-
record their script. The recordings are then judged
at the Post level. Winners then move to the Dis-
trict level, Department (state) level and finally to
the national competition held during the VFW
Mid-Winter Conference in Washington, D.C.
Each year VOD winners receive more than
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
VFW Posts sponsor and provide leadership for
ties for activities benefiting the entire family.
a variety of youth activities. Approximately 1,200
Working in cooperation with the National
VFW Posts sponsor Boy Scout troops for more
Rifle Association, VFW Junior Rifle Clubs pro-
than 29,000 boys. Sons of the VFW units develop
mote competitive shooting and gun safety.
parent-son relationships by providing opportuni-
VFW's cooperative effort with the Fellowship
of Christian Athletes results in hundreds of
multi-denominational and educational youth
sports programs.
VFW's annual recognition of outstanding ca-
30
78
dets in Jr./Sr. ROTC encourages high school and
college students to achieve excellence in their
chosen curriculum.
Every year, VFW sponsors and provides lead-
ership to thousands of additional youth activities,
including Junior and Special Olympics, child iden-
tification programs and nearly every kind of sport-
ing endeavor.
SAFETY
VFW distributes a variety of materials and
America's streets and roadways.
provides educational programs on individual and
Because of the rise in drug abuse, the VFW
public safety throughout the year. Safety in many
Safety program produces educational materials
areas - home, automobile, bicycle and firearms
and teaches young people about the perils of sub-
- are all part of VFW Safety programs.
stance abuse. VFW hopes to increase awareness
Thousands of drivers improve their driving
and provide methods of countering drug abuse in
skills each year through Drive to Survive. A sepa-
the work place, school and home.
rate program, held in conjunction with the Ameri-
VFW provides recognition for outstanding
can Association of Retired Persons, is called 55
public servants such as firefighters, police officers
Alive, Mature Driving. It provides a classroom re-
and emergency medical technicians from the Post
fresher course for older drivers.
to the national level. Personnel demonstrating
Lite-a-Bike and Lite-a-Tike volunteers affix
exceptional dedication, courage or acts of lifesav-
illumination tape to children's bicycles and back-
ing are publicly presented with various awards
packs, respectively, to ensure their safety on
and citations.
COMMUNITY
Members volunteer their time, effort and
efforts by the Posts. Individual projects may also
ACTIVITIES
money to raise the awareness of communities
be submitted to National Headquarters for spe-
in such important areas as the environment,
cial recognition.
safety, schools, youth and community improve-
Working side-by-side with the Ladies Auxil-
ment programs.
iary, VFW members promote community projects
Posts annually work with organizations such as
to assist others and improve their towns and cit-
the March of Dimes and Keep America Beautiful.
ies as a whole. In doing so, the VFW plays a con-
Yearly contests are held to recognize outstanding
structive role and enhances its visibility.
BUDDY POPPY
Since 1922, this symbol of help has aided the
to fund VFW veterans service programs, provide
most needy of war veterans and their families.
relief for needy veterans and support for the VFW
The annual sale of nearly 16.5 million Buddy
National Home. Veterans are most visibly asso-
Poppies brings in much needed funds to the VFW.
ciated with the poppies on Memorial and Veter-
Revenue from the sale of Buddy Poppies is used
ans Day.
PUBLICATIONS
VFW Magazine, publication of the oldest ma-
cal issues are regularly featured, and various
jor veterans organization in the nation, dates back
magazine departments cover fast-breaking cur-
to the inception of Foreign Service in 1914. Today,
rent events of interest to veterans. Perhaps most
it is the 29th largest magazine, with a circulation
importantly, VFW Magazine speaks to all genera-
of more than 2 million.
tions of veterans. Other publications include the
Published monthly, except July, it also reaches
Washington Action Reporter (monthly) and the
millions of family members as well as influential
Communicator (9 times).
groups and individuals in Washington, D.C. Criti-
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Military pensions and compensation/training for
mittee in 1970.
disabled veterans after WWI.
Compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to
Establishment of the Veterans Administration
Agent Orange (herbicide).
in 1930.
Elevation of the Veterans Administration to
Promotion of the WWI Bonus.
cabinet-level department.
GI Bill of Rights in 1944.
Enhancement of the VA budget.
Development of the national cemetery system.
Preservation of the exclusivity of the VA hospi-
Creation of the Senate Veterans Affairs Com-
tal system.
RECENT PROJECTS
1994 - VFW's co-sponsorship of
236
downs" in the Kansas City area in
the National Veterans Golden Age
1993-94.
Games in 1994 contributed $50,000
1990-91 - Operation Hometown
from Posts and Auxiliaries. A recent
raised more than $500,000 from
agreement with the VA cemented the
VFW Posts and Ladies Auxiliaries.
VFW's support for this VA patient
allowing the VFW to ship 100,000
(55 and older) athletic competition
personal care packages to the troops
for upcoming years.
during the Persian Gulf War.
1993-94 - VFW National Head-
At the VFW-sponsored "Heart of
quarters personnel provided logistical backing
America Rally" in the Kansas City area, 75,000
and coordination for homeless veteran "stand
turned out to say, "Welcome Home."
RECOGNITION AND
In fulfilling its pledge to remember the nation's
rials have been erected across the nation through
REMEMBRANCE
war dead, VFW promotes national memorials for
the efforts and funds provided by individual VFW
veterans of WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and
Posts. VFW has raised some $612,000 for Korean
other conflicts. In addition, thousands of memo-
War Veterans Memorial.
CURRENT GOALS
LEGISLATIVE
National Health Care Reform. Retain VA as a
and full VA disability compensation.
separate, independent and exclusive health care
Oppose Transfer of Veterans Employment and
option for veterans.
Training Service. Keep the Veterans Employ-
A budget providing sufficient funding for the
ment and Training Service (VETS) as a sepa-
VA medical system.
rate agency of the Department of Labor.
Complete eligibility reform.
Oppose legislation that would merge VETS into
Exclusive appropriation subcommittees for the
the Employment and Training Administration.
VA in both the House and Senate.
Retain veterans preference in public and private
Maintain House and Senate Veterans Affairs
employment.
Committees.
"Reinventing" Government. Reject any pro-
Concurrent receipt of military retirement pay
posal intended to "streamline" government that
would reduce or diminish VA's ability to prop-
Veterans Reemployment Rights. Enact the
erly serve and care for the nation's veterans.
strongest measures to secure reemployment
Proper implementation of the Federal Unem-
rights for veterans.
ployment Tax Account (FUTA) Trust Fund.
NATIONAL SECURITY
Fullest possible accounting of all POWs and
Withhold refugee status for former Iraqi POWs.
MIAs from WWII, Korea, the Cold War and
AFEM for El Salvador vets.
Vietnam.
Limited strategic defense system.
Opposition to diplomatic recognition - ex-
Support for South Korea.
change of embassies - of Vietnam until a full
Pressure North Korea to cease nuclear weapons
MIA accounting is attained.
production.
A viable defense budget coupled with strong
Readmit Taiwan to U.N.
armed forces and intelligence agencies.
Sale of modern weaponry to Taiwan.
Full range of transition assistance for those dis-
Adequate legislation to protect U.S. technology.
charged from the post-Cold War military.
Adoption of strong measures against terrorism.
Oppose direct U.S. role in Bosnia.
Retain ban on homosexuals in military.
Tax relief for Somalia vets.
Service medal for unrecognized Korea vets.
Enact emergency measures to halt illegal immi-
Full participation in NATO.
gration.
Produce and deploy B-2 Stealth Bomber.
YEAR IN REVIEW
AUGUST 1993 - JULY 1994
Highlights in organizational, veterans, civic
November: Legislation is passed to provide
and foreign affairs appear below in chronologi-
treatment for Persian Gulf vets suffering from ill-
cal order.
nesses contracted during Operation Desert Storm.
1993
August: VFW's National Convention in Dal-
December: VFW challenges Clinton's policy in
las attracts 13,123 delegates.
Somalia, calling it not in the nation's national in-
terests.
September: Trade embargo is extended
against Vietnam.
VFW opposes Pentagon's policy on homo-
sexuals known as "don't ask, don't tell" rule,
October: Somalia. In the fiercest firefight since
which was officially adopted the previous July.
the Vietnam War, 18 GIs are killed in action and
84 are wounded in street battles in Mogadishu.
1994
January: VFW comes out against women in
planes over Bosnia.
ground combat units after the Pentagon redefines
the meaning of combat to open more positions to
Five Islamic terrorists bomb the World Trade
females.
Center in New York.
February: The Clinton Administration lifts the
Last U.S. troops depart Somalia, ending Op-
trade embargo against Communist Vietnam.
eration Continue Hope. U.S. casualties total 30
VFW opposes this move as unwarranted.
KIA, 14 non-hostile deaths and 175 wounded.
86,883 GIs serve there, making them eligible for
VA establishes presumptive service-connec-
the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and thus
tion for two additional Agent Orange-related dis-
the VFW.
eases - Hodgkin's disease and porphyria cutanea
tarda, a liver disorder.
April: U.S. Air Force F-15 fighters shoot down
two U.S. Blackhawk helicopters over northern
First federal summit meeting on homeless vet-
Iraq, killing 15 Americans in the "no-fly" zone.
erans is convened in Washington, D.C.
U.S. planes strike Serb targets around the be-
March: Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. John
sieged town of Gorazde.
Shalikashvili addresses Washington Conference.
Some 330 men of the 11th Marine Expedition-
For the first time ever, NATO forces engage
ary Unit from the USS Peleliu deploy to Burundi
in combat: U.S. aircraft shoot down two Serbian
to support the evacuation of U.S. citizens from
Rwanda in Central Africa.
Legislation is introduced that would make
Persian Gulf vets suffering a chronic disability
VFW delegation visits Vietnam, Laos, Thailand
from an undiagnosed illness eligible for VA dis-
and Korea on a POW/MIA fact-finding mission.
ability payments.
May: U.S. entanglement in the former Yugo-
Tensions heighten on Korean Peninsula over
slavia grows. GIs involved with Operation Able
sanctions and the North's refusal to allow nuclear
Sentry reach 520.
facility inspections by the U.N. One month later
the North's leader dies.
VFW opposes U.S. military intervention in
Haiti as not in the national interest. U.S. Navy
Russia enrolls in NATO's Partnership for
ships remain off the coast.
Peace program.
Medals of Honor are posthumously awarded
Agent Orange compensation is approved for
to Master Sgt. Gary I. Gordon and Sgt. 1st Class
additional herbicide-related cancers: multiple
Randall D. Shughart during a White House cer-
myeloma and four respiratory diseases.
emony. They were killed in action in Somalia on
Oct. 3, 1993. These are the first MOHs earned
U.S. warships return to the Somalia coast.
since 1972 in Vietnam.
July: U.S. diplomatic mission opens in Hanoi.
Senate holds hearings on the causes of the so-
called "Persian Gulf syndrome."
A delegation comprising five veterans organi-
zations - including the VFW - visits Vietnam
Presidential Decision Directive 25, which out-
to assess progress on the MIA issue.
lines U.S. military participation in U.N. operations,
is signed by Clinton. Entire text is not released.
Four U.S. ships carrying 2,650 Marines take up
positions off Haiti.
June: The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit,
stationed in the Indian Ocean, leaves the coast of
A and C companies, 2nd Bn., 15th Inf., 3rd Inf.
Somalia. Only a 50-man Marine unit remains
Div., deploy to Macedonia.
ashore to protect U.S. diplomats in Mogadishu.
Berlin Brigade is deactivated after nearly 50
Women in combat: The Army secretary with-
years of occupation in the Cold War's symbolic
draws his recommendations for opening more
battleground. Some 100,000 GIs served in the city
combat positions to females after opposition from
during that period.
senior Army generals.
CROSS OF MALTA
OF
Long a symbol of valor and aid to the sick and
VETERANS
FORMER
WARS
wounded, the Cross of Malta was the emblem of
OF
the Knights of Malta who cared for injured Cru-
THE
STATES
UNITED
saders and pilgrims to the Holy Land.
The emblem is an eight-pointed cross formed
by four arrowheads converging in the center.
Each point represents one of the Eight Beatitudes
taken from the Sermon on the Mount.
a link to its three predecessor veterans groups
In the VFW emblem, the center where the four
formed in Colorado, Ohio and Pennsylvania af-
arrowheads join contains a representation of the
ter the Spanish-American War. Each of the three
American eagle similar to the Great Seal of the
had the Cross of Malta as its insignia.
United States. The eagle's beak holds a banner
VFW founders believed the Cross of Malta
with the words Pro Deo et Patria, for God and
embodied the spirit of love, duty and sacrifice
Country.
which motivated them to form the VFW as a
In addition to being emblematic of the VFW,
means of aiding veterans, their widows and de-
the Cross of Malta provides the organization with
pendents.
For more information contact:
Public Affairs
VFW National Headquarters
406 W. 34th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111 816-756-3390 FAX 816-968-1169
OF
FORM
WARS
THE
STATES
UNITED
ACTION
Vol. 19
No. 6
R
E
P
R
E
R
February 1995
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
INDIVIDUAL
E
ven as I wrote last month about some of
prospect of these veterans receiving the care
INVOLVEMENT
the challenges which are to confront the
and compensation which was their due
KEY TO
VFW and America's veterans in the 104th
appeared bleak indeed.
SUCCESS
Congress, I think it now appropriate to
VA is necessarily precluded by law from
reflect on some of this great organization's
treating a given disability as service-con-
accomplishments in the 103rd Congress.
nected unless some link can be established
by
I would only caution, however, that we
with active duty military service. Since
James R. Currieo
must not lose sight of the fact that these
"Persian Gulf Syndrome" has no known
accomplishments were only realized
diagnoses or cause, such a link could not be
through the direct involvement of certain
readily demonstrated. This is where the
dedicated VFW members in advancing our
VFW swung into action.
legislative objectives.
We quickly marshalled support in favor
And, as mentioned last month, if we are
of the secretary of veterans affairs authoriz-
to prevail in the challenging times ahead, it
ing the provision of health care to veterans
is absolutely critical that even more of us
suffering from "Persian Gulf Syndrome."
play an active role in protecting veterans
Much to his credit, Secretary Jesse Brown
programs and entitlements.
was quick and compassionate in his
response and such veterans were authorized
Gulf Vet
VA health care. But more help was needed.
Victory
Due to their illness, a number of these
The VFW world an all out
A key VFW
Persian Gulf veterans were either forced to
victory in the
work reduced hours or not at all. They and
campaign at Persian Gult War
103rd Congress
their families were desperately in need of
was on behalf of
financial assistance.
reterans. We quickly marshalled
this nation's sick
But the strict rules governing the award-
and disabled
supportin avor of Secretary
ing of VA compensation effectively prevent-
Persian Gulf veter-
ed such payments from being made to veter-
lesse Brown's authorizing health
ans. Afflicted with
ans suffering from the undiagnosable
a series of ill health
"Persian Gulf Syndrome."
wire to vers suffering from
symptoms for
The VFW then waged an all out cam-
Persian Gull syndrome.
which there is still
paign on their behalf. Along with conduct-
no known diag-
ing an open symposium on "Persian Gulf
noses or cause, the
continued on pg. 7
NATIONAL VETERANS SERVICE
VA PROPOSES
T
he Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
veteran who exhibits objective indications of
REGULATIONS
has publicized proposed regulations
a chronic disability resulting from an illness
TO
which will authorize compensation for ill
or combination of illnesses manifested by
Persian Gulf veterans whose medical condi-
one or more signs and symptoms.
COMPENSATE
tions elude a definable diagnosis.
The disability must become manifest
PERSIAN GULF
The proposed regulations, published in
during service in the Southwest Asia theater
VETERANS
the Dec. 9, 1994, Federal Register, will
of operations or to a compensable degree of
implement the provisions of the Persian
at least 10% not later than two years after
Gulf War Veterans Benefits Act.
the last date the veteran performed active
by
Congress enacted the legislation in
military service in the Persian Gulf.
Frederico
response to the needs and concerns of
The disability cannot be attributed to
Juarbe Jr.,
Persian Gulf veterans. Several thousand
any known clinical diagnosis.
Gulf veterans have applied for disability
The disability is chronic if it has
Director
compensation since the end of Desert Storm.
existed for six months or more.
Although discernably ill, the overwhelming
The disability will be rated using
majority were denied com-
evaluation criteria for an anal-
pensation.
ogous disease or injury from
VA Secretary Jesse Brown
the rating schedule.
VA Eliminating
asserted that he fervently
Signs or symptoms
Micromanagement
desired to grant compensation
which may exhibit an undiag-
to the ill veterans.
nosed illness include, but are
Field representatives of your
However, Brown felt he
not limited to: fatigue, skin
National Veterans Service
could not grant compensation
signs or symptoms, headaches,
recently attended the Depart-
because of a VA general
The VFW has fought hard to
muscle pain, joint pain, neuro-
ment of Veterans Affairs Senior
counsel interpretation of the
ensure VA health care for
logic signs or symptoms, neu-
Management Conference held
statute governing the authority
Desert Storm vets.
ropsychological signs or symp-
in Washington, D.C.
Jesse Brown, secretary of vet-
to compensate for service-
toms, respiratory system signs
erans affairs, and Kenneth W
connected disabilities.
or symptoms, sleep disturbances, gastroin-
Kizer, M.D., the new under sec-
This appeared to bar compensation when
testinal signs or symptoms, cardiovascular
retary for health, indicated that
the personal injury or disease lacked a diag-
signs or symptoms, abnormal weight loss
their goal was to reshape the VA
by eliminating micromanage-
nosis. Brown, supported by the VFW,
and menstrual disorders.
ment and to develop a new
requested legislation be enacted to remedy
Compensation will not be granted
organizational plan based on
the situation.
when there is affirmative evidence that the
management flexibility at the
This created a perplexing situation for the
undiagnosed illness was not incurred during
local level.
suffering veterans. Aside from speculation
Gulf service, the illness was caused by a
Dr. Kizer indicated that for
the VA to succeed, it must have
and innuendo, no diagnosis or even case def-
supervening condition or event that occurred
the decision-making process as
inition of the now dubbed "Persian Gulf
between the last day of Gulf service and
close to the patient as possible,
Syndrome" seemed attainable in the near
illness onset or the illness is a result of
continue to minimize bureaucra-
future.
willful misconduct.
cy, and maximize responsive-
Although the Senate disputed the need for
Brown has stated that all previously
ness to those in their care.
congressional action, legislation passed on
denied Persian Gulf claims will be reopened
The next few years will cer-
tainly be an interesting time for
the final day of the 103rd Congress. The
in light of the new law.
the VA as it continues to deal
new law, Public Law 103-446, overwhelm-
The VFW applauds the enactment of
with personnel cuts and bud-
ingly reflects the views of Brown and the
P.L. 103-446. We feel vindicated that the law
getary constraints. The VFW will
VFW.
essentially supported our original and con-
continue to remind the Clinton
Provisions of the proposed regulations in
sistent view that legislation was necessary to
Administration and Congress of
their obligation to those who
P.L. 103-446, specify that:
compensate Persian Gulf veterans with undi-
served this country.
VA will compensate a Persian Gulf
agnosed illnesses.
2
WASHINGTON ACTION REPORTER
NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE
SPECIAL
V
eterans have a new avenue available to
Service (VETS) Office. The location of this
EMPLOYMENT
ensure that federal agencies properly
office in your state may be obtained by
consider them for jobs in the competitive
calling 1-800-442-2VET.
COMPLAINT
civil service. Using authority provided
PROCEDURES
under the Veterans Employment, Training,
What the Complaint May Cover
FOR VETERANS
and Counseling Amendments of 1988, the
A veteran may file a complaint if a
Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
federal agency:
and the Department of Labor (DOL) have
fails to grant Veterans Preference in
by
developed procedures to resolve certain
initial appointment. By law, preference is
Sid Daniels,
kinds of federal employment complaints
limited to veterans who are disabled or who
Director
brought by veterans. The time limit for
served on active duty during specified
filing a complaint is 45 days from the date
periods or in a campaign for which a service
of the action.
medal was awarded;
fails to list vacancies with the state
Who May File a Complaint
employment service when the agency is
A vet may file a complaint if he or she:
considering "outside" candidates - - i.e.,
served on active duty for more than
people who are not eligible for noncompeti-
180 days, other than for training, and has
tive appointment; and
other than a dishonorable discharge; or
fails to establish a program to provide
has a service-connected disability; or
job opportunities for disabled veterans and
is a member of a Reserve component
veterans eligible for Veterans Readjustment
who: was ordered to active duty under 10
Appointments.
USC 672 (a), (d), or (g); or 10 USC 673 or
673 (b): served on active duty during a
What is Not Covered
period of war;
A veteran may not use this special proce-
The lederal government has
received a cam-
dure for matters already covered by a formal
paign medal; and
appeal or grievance procedure. For example,
established U grievance
has other than a
if an agency fails to restore a veteran to duty
dishonorable dis-
procedure for veterans who
after returning from military service, he or
charge.
she may appeal to the Merit Systems
feel they've been denied a job
Protection Board. If not selected for promo-
Where to File a
tion, the veteran may appeal through the
in violation of Veterans
Complaint
agency's internal grievance system.
A veteran
Preverence.
should discuss
What Happens Next
concerns with a supervisor and/or the
After DOL accepts the veteran's com-
federal agency personnel office that took the
plaint, a DOL representative will work with
action. If unable to resolve the matter with
the agency to resolve the complaint, usually
the agency, the veteran has two options:
within 30 days. If the veteran is not satis-
Contact the state employment service
fied, the DOL representative will ask the
(local office) and speak to a veterans
director of the local OPM service center to
employment representative or a Disabled
decide the issue on its merits and notify all
Veterans Outreach Program representative,
parties within 30 days.
who will make sure the complainant's infor-
If still not satisfied with the decision,
mation is complete and forward the com-
within 20 days the veteran may ask the
plaint to the DOL; or
OPM regional director to review the matter.
File a written complaint directly with
The ruling of the OPM regional director
a DOL Veterans Employment and Training
is final.
FEBRUARY 1995
3
1777
NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE SERVICE
NEW
COMMITTEES
F
or the first time in nearly a half century,
bership of each committee.
Republicans now chair committees in
Following are the new committee heads
CONTROLLED
both the House and Senate.
and ranking minority members of the con-
This change in control also gives the
gressional committees of the 104th
BY
Republican Party the majority of the mem-
Congress.
REPUBLICANS
by
James N. Magill,
Director
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Henry J. Hyde, III - Chairman
Agriculture
John Conyers, Jr. - Ranking Democrat
Pat Roberts - Chairman
National Security
E. "Kika" de la Garza - Ranking
(formerly Armed Services)
Democrat
Floyd D. Spence - Chairman
Appropriations
Ronald V. Dellums - Ranking Democrat
Robert L. Livingston - Chairman
Natural Resources
David R. Obey - Ranking Democrat
Don Young - Chairman
Banking and Financial Services
George Miller - Ranking Democrat
(formerly Banking, Finance and Urban
Rules
Affairs)
Gerald B. H. Solomon - Chairman
Jim Leach - Chairman
Joe Moakley - Ranking Democrat
Henry B. Gonzalez - Ranking Democrat
Science
Budget
(formerly Science, Space, and Technology)
John R. Kasich - Chairman
Robert S. Walker - Chairman
Martin O. Sabo - Ranking Democrat
George E. Brown, Jr. - Ranking Democrat
Commerce
Select Intelligence
(formerly Energy and Commerce)
Larry Combest - Chairman
Thomas J. Bliley, Jr. - Chairman
Norm Dicks - Ranking Democrat
John D. Dingell - Ranking Democrat
Small Business
Economic and Educational Opportunities
Jan Meyers - Chairwoman
(formerly Education and Labor)
John J. LaFalce - Ranking Democrat
Bill Goodling - Chairman
Standards of Official Conduct
William L. Clay - Ranking Democrat
(To be named by Speaker) - Chairman
Government Reform and Oversight
(To be named by Min. Leader)-Ranking
(formerly Government Operations)
Democrat
William F. Clinger - Chairman
Transportation and Infrastructure
Cardiss Collins - Ranking Democrat
(formerly Public Works and Transportation)
House Oversight
Bud Shuster - Chairman
(formerly House Administration)
Norman Y. Mineta - Ranking Democrat
Bill Thomas - Chairman
Veterans' Affairs
Vic Fazio - Ranking Democrat
Bob Stump - Chairman
International Relations
"Sonny" Montgomery - Ranking
(formerly Foreign Affairs)
Democrat
Benjamin A. Gilman - Chairman
Ways and Means
Lee H. Hamilton - Ranking Democrat
Bill Archer - Chairman
Judiciary
Sam M. Gibbons - Ranking Democrat
4
WASHINGTON ACTION REPORTER
SENATE
Daniel K. Inouye - Ranking Democrat
Aging
Labor and Human Resources
William S. Cohen - Chairman
Nancy Landon Kassebaum -Chairwoman
HOUSE VETERANS
David Pryor - Ranking Democrat
Edward M. Kennedy - Ranking Democrat
AFFAIRS
Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry
Rules and Administration
COMMITTEE PICKS
Richard G. Lugar - Chairman
Ted Stevens - Chairman
SUBCOMMITTEE
Patrick J. Leahy - Ranking Democrat
Wendell H. Ford - Ranking Democrat
CHAIRMAN
Appropriations
Small Business
Mark O. Hatfield - Chairman
Christopher S. Bond - Chairman
House Veterans Affairs
Robert C. Byrd - Ranking Democrat
Dale Bumpers - Ranking Democrat
Committee Chairman Bob
Armed Services
Veterans' Affairs
Stump (R-Ariz.) announced the
Strom Thurmond - Chairman
Alan K. Simpson - Chairman
committee's Republican leader-
Sam Nunn - Ranking Democrat
John (Jay) Rockefeller - Ranking
ship for the 104th Congress.
Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs
Democrat
The committee will operate
with three subcommittees, a
Alfonse M. D'Amato - Chairman
reduction from five. According,
Paul Sarbanes - Ranking Democrat
to Stump, "This will allow US to
Budget
reduce staff numbers through
Pete V. Domenici - Chairman
consolidation without compro-
James Exon - Ranking Democrat
mising our ability to get
the job done."
Commerce, Science & Transportation
Élaborating on the
Larry Pressler - Chairman
change, Stump stated,
Ernest F. Hollings - Ranking Democrat
"The Oversight and
Energy and Natural Resources
Investigations Subcom-
mittee functions would
Frank H. Murkowski - Chairman
be absorbed by the
J. Bennett Johnston - Ranking Democrat
three subcommittees as
Environment and Public Works
part of their responsi-
John H. Chafee - Chairman
bilities." The new
Max Baucus - Ranking Democrat
House Veterans Affairs
Ethics
Subcommittee chair-
men and ranking
Mitch McConnell - Chairman
Democratic members
Richard H. Bryan - Ranking Democrat
will be:
Finance
Bob Packwood - Chairman
Hospitals
and
House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman
Daniel P. Moynihan Ranking Democrat
Health Care
Bob Stump (R-Ariz.) meets with Commander-in-
Foreign Relations
Tim Hutchinson, Chairman
Chief Allen "Gunner" Kent, a fellow Arizonan.
Jesse Helms Chairman
Chet Edwards, Ranking
Democrat
Claiborne Pell - Ranking Democrat
Compensation, Pension,
Governmental Affairs
Insurance and Memorial
William V. Roth, Jr. - Chairman
Affairs
John Glenn - Ranking Democrat
Terry Everett, Chairman
Intelligence
Lane Evans, Ranking
Democrat
Arlen Specter - Chairman
Education, Training,
J. Robert Kerrey - Ranking Democrat
Employment, and Housing
Judiciary
Steve Buyer, Chairman
Orrin G. Hatch - Chairman
Maxine Waters, Ranking
Democrat
Joseph R. Biden - Ranking Democrat
Indian Affairs
John McCain Chairman
FEBRUARY 1995
5
NATIONAL SECURITY & FOREIGN AFFAIRS
FORMER SOVIET
STATES COPE
E
xcerpted below is the unclassified
launchers over the next decade. Russia also
portion of a General Accounting Office
does not want U.S. involvement in actually
WITH
(GAO) review of the effort to reduce
destroying its nuclear warheads.
COOPERATIVE
Russian strategic nuclear missile forces and
other weapons of mass destruction. The
Nuclear Warhead Dismantlement:
THREAT
study suggests countries of the former
Russia appears able to dismantle tens of
REDUCTION
Soviet Union (Belarus, Ukraine,
thousands of retired nuclear warheads by the
PROGRAM
Kazakhstan) can meet the goals of the
end of the century without U.S. help. The
Cooperative Threat Reduction Program
total Russian nuclear stockpile is estimated
(CTR) only with U.S. assistance.
to be 30,000 warheads.
by
According to Russian officials, they are
Kenneth A.
Background: In 1991, Congress autho-
dismantling the former Soviet Union nuclear
Steadman,
rized the Department of Defense to establish
stockpile at a rate of 2,000 to 3,000 weapons
a Cooperative Threat Reduction Program to
per year. If Russia can continue dismantling
Director
help the former Soviet Union:
warheads at the highest rate, then as many as
destroy nuclear, chemical and other
24,000 warheads could be eliminated by the
weapons (including strategic nuclear deliv-
year 2001.
ery vehicles);
Furthermore, Russia does not want any
transport and store these weapons in
help from the U.S. in actually dismantling
connection with their destruction; and
these weapons.
prevent their proliferation.
Strategic Delivery Vehicles: The former
Results in Brief: The CTR program
Soviet Union states must still eliminate
stands at an important crossroad in its evolu-
about 530 START-accountable nuclear deliv-
tion. Over the past three years, it has
ery systems and destroy their launchers (e.g.,
evolved from a hastily established one year
silos, submarine tubes, and heavy bombers)
effort into a wide-ranging, multi-year
to comply with START I limits.
program.
Assuming that Kazakhstan and Ukraine
Currently planned CTR aid appears to be
eliminate the systems deployed on their ter-
crucial to Ukrainian and Kazakhstani efforts
ritories, and Belarus returns its systems to
to dismantle systems.
Russia for redeployment as agreed in the
CTR officials appear to have overstated
Lisbon Protocol, Russia will be required to
the probable
eliminate only about 200 delivery vehicles
impact of
and their launchers.
similar CTR
Russia has been dismantling nuclear
projects in
delivery systems in compliance with arms
Russia. Russia
control treaties for decades without U.S.
can meet -
assistance.
without CTR
According to Russian officials, Russia
aid - its
has already achieved 100% of START's
Strategic Arms
three-year limits and nearly 50% of its
Reduction
seven-year limits for delivery vehicles.
Treaty I obliga-
Russia could meet START delivery vehicle
tions and elimi-
limits in five years - well within the
Under the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program,
nate thousands
allowed seven-year period that will begin
the U.S. will help the former Soviet Union destroy its
of strategic
when START enters into force. In the past
nuclear, chemical and other weapons, including
nuclear delivery
four years, Russian officials have claimed to
delivery vehicles, such as this SS-13 Savage missile.
vehicles and
have eliminated over 400 launchers.
6
WASHINGTON ACTION REPORTER
Syndrome" which featured the head of
was to be paid Oct. 1, 1995, rather than
Walter Reed Hospital - General Ronald
April 1, 1995.
INVOLVEMENT
Blank - the VFW brought a number of
The VFW was shocked by this proposal
Persian Gulf veterans to Washington to serve
and immediately brought its full force to
continued from pg. 1
as witnesses at the various congressional
bear on behalf of eliminating the delay. As a
hearings addressing this issue.
result, the effective date was rolled back and
Further, appalled by the paucity of infor-
military retirees will now receive their
mation on the syndrome, the VFW Action
COLAs at the same time as all other federal
Corps utilized our national magazine to
retirees.
conduct an independent Persian Gulf survey
in order to shed some light on this urgent
VA Budget
matter. With over 2,500 responses, this
The final issue I will address here repre-
survey clearly demonstrated that providing
sents what is on one hand a victory for veter-
VA health care compensation to afflicted
ans, but on the other a defeat. I am referring
veterans is very much in order.
to the VA budget for fiscal year 1995.
Finally, members of the VFW's legisla-
In the face of an ever-tightening federal
tive team have testified before congressional
budget, the fact that we were able to realize
committees and worked tirelessly behind the
an overall increase in VA funding of $897.2
scenes to ensure that Persian Gulf veterans
million over last year, with $610.3 million
receive treatment and compensation.
more going to VA health care is a victory for
This major VFW objective was finally
all veterans.
realized with the enactment of Public Law
But I can tell you that it is a meager
103-446, which among numerous other
victory, indeed. The increase in VA funding
things, authorizes compensation on a pre-
falls way short of keeping pace with infla-
sumptive basis to Persian Gulf War veterans
tion as well as other uncontrollable spending
suffering from chronic disability resulting
increases.
from undiagnosed illnesses collectively
It is completely inadequate with respect
known as "Persian Gulf Syndrome."
to carrying out much-needed improvements
and renovation to allow VA to compassion-
Other Battles Won
ately care for its current charges while
The VFW was busy on many other fronts
preparing for near future upsurges in patient
as well. This organization was instrumental
workload.
in achieving the enactment of laws providing
One of the unfortunate consequences of
for improvements in the provision of health
the demise of the President's, and then the
care to women veterans by VA; extensions
Senate's, national health care reform propos-
and enhancements in the care provided by
als is that money was lost to VA.
VA to veterans suffering from dioxon and
The VFW, among others, had been suc-
ionizing radiation related disabilities; as well
cessful in having these legislative initiatives
as improvements in veterans housing and
provide an addition $4 billion for VA health
education and training programs. We were
care. Unfortunately, this money was forfeit-
also successful in getting a law to protect the
ed with the death of these proposals.
VA health care system from OMB-mandated
Now, with the increased push in Congress
staff cuts.
to reduce federal spending, the going is even
I would also mention here that the VFW
going to get much tougher.
played a key role in realizing a cost-of-
Again, for the sake of the veterans of
living adjustment for this nation's military
today as well as tomorrow, I urge all of you
retirees which is to be paid in full and on
to get involved. The very fate of VA and vet-
time. As a cost-saving measure, this COLA
erans programs hang in the balance.
FEBRUARY 1995
7
OF
AMERICAN
WARS
THE
STATES
UNITED
ACTION
Vol. 19
No. 5
R
E
P
January 1995
R
T
E
R
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
THE 104TH
CONGRESS:
I
f nothing else can be said of the sea
the proper congressional oversight of veter-
change which has taken place in our
CHALLENGES
ans programs lies in two areas: First, House
nation's capital, it is that it clearly represents
Republicans plan to dramatically reduce
AHEAD FOR
the American people's demand for change.
both the number and size of congressional
VETERANS
And it's change in the form of a Republican
committees. Second, despite the fact that the
majority in both the House and Senate, and
VA committees potentially touch the lives of
support for their conservative agenda. What
by
approximately one-third of the U.S. popula-
this precisely portends for veterans remains
tion, lawmakers have shown considerable
James R. Currieo
to be seen.
reluctance through the years to be assigned
While certain aspects of the unfolding
to them. I will speak more on this later.
Republican agenda are in keeping with
VFW objectives, especially as they pertain
Republican Contract
to national security and foreign affairs, pro-
You are, of course, all familiar with the
posed reductions in the federal government,
Republican's Contract with America, which
as well as social programs, have the poten-
was put before the American public some-
tial for trouble.
time last August. The GOP leadership has
Couple this with the fact that both the
promised to put the 10 points of this "con-
House and Senate
tract" in legislative form and bring them up
Veterans Affairs
for a vote within the first 100 days.
sea chang has taken place in
committees will
Some of this plan's proposals enjoy the
now be headed by
support of current national VFW resolu-
our nation's capital, and it clearly
chairmen who are
tions. For example, language to restore
represents the American people
relatively unfamil-
essential parts of national security funding
iar with serving in
to strengthen national defense and maintain
demand for change... in the form
this capacity.
U.S. credibility around the world is in
Republicans have
of Republican majority in both
keeping with this organization's general
not held the major-
positions. Similarly, the contract would pre-
the use and Senate. What this
ity in the House
clude placing U.S. troops under U.N.
since 1954, so
command.
precisely portends for veterans
there is room for
I believe, however, we must also recog-
concern.
remains to
nize elements of danger in certain provi-
I believe the
sions of this plan and this Congress's initial
greatest danger to
continued on pg.
NATIONAL VETERANS SERVICE
DIOXIN LINKS
n November a letter from our commander-
BVA HOUSECLEANING
TO CANCER: VA
in-chief to the secretary of veterans affairs
SECRETARY'S
urged him to add cancer of the throat,
In late July 1994, two attorneys on the
VIEWS
prostate cancer and peripheral neuropathy to
staff of the Board of Veterans Appeals
those determined to be presumptive condi-
(BVA) were under investigation for illegal
tions linked to exposure to Agent Orange.
removal of official documents from certain
by
The Chief made the point that "this issue
veterans appeals' files.
Frederico
(had) dragged on long enough and that the
These two attorneys were removing docu-
Juarbe Jr.,
EPA's conclusion that dioxins probably
ments from a veteran's file and then return-
caused cancer in human beings (was) suffi-
ing the packet with a request that these doc-
Director
cient reason for (VA) to grant reasonable
uments be obtained. This relieved them of
doubt to those veterans suffering from the
any immediate responsibility to complete
cancers (and conditions) noted."
action on the appeal.
VA Secretary Jesse Brown subsequently
The VFW reacted to this news in a letter
responded to the Chief. He said, "The VA
to the BVA chairman:
shares (the VFW's) interest in seeing that
We (the VFW) hope there will be an
appropriate compensation is awarded to vet-
exhaustive review of every case dealt with by
erans," But, he added, "it would be prema-
the individuals concerned to determine
ture to take action at this time."
whether there is a need to reconstruct the
Brown said, "The EPA study, although
claims folder and/or re-evaluate any action.
undoubtedly important, (was) just one docu-
BVA is identifying veterans whose cases
ment to be considered in determining the
were appealed to the BVA during and after
conditions for which we (the VA) should
1990, and whose claims folders were
establish presumptive service connection on
reviewed by these two former BVA employ-
the basis of herbicide exposure."
ees. These veteran appellants will be notified
He concluded: "I am awaiting the results
by letter (from the BVA) and given an
of a second review by the National Academy
opportunity to inspect their claims folders
VA Adjudication Update
of Sciences. At that time we (the VA) will
within 90 days and advised of options they
In December, / reviewed an
make further determinations."
may have. 1,800 files are under review.
exchange of views between the
Your National Veterans Service staff will
In those cases where it has been deter-
chief judge of the U.S. Court of
monitor this matter closely. If any changes
mined by BVA that tampering has occurred,
Veterans Appeals and the VA
do occur, members will be informed.
the letter will specify the nature of whatever
secretary.
tampering has been discovered.
In brief, the judge alleged
Some of the options a veteran-appellant
that the adjudication function of
may have are reconsideration of any final
VA was out of control and
adjudication on the merits of the claim;
largely unresponsive to the
requesting a remand; or to present additional
requirements levied upon it by
evidence, comments or arguments currently
the Court.
on remand.
Jesse Brown understandably
BVA Chairman Charles Cragin stressed:
disagreed. Since then, an inves-
We at the Board abhor the egregious
tigative panel has been formed.
conduct of these former BVA employees and
/ am representing the VFW on
the affect this conduct may have on the lives
that nine-member panel. This will
of individuals who have selflessly served
afford opportunity for valuable
their country. The individuals responsible
input by the National Veterans
are being dealt with through this country's
Service (NVS) staff and VFW
Three more cancers have been linked to
criminal justice system, and will never again
service officers nationwide.
Agent Orange exposure among Vietnam vets.
be allowed to handle veterans' records.
2
WASHINGTON ACTION REPORTER
NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE
VFW PRIORITY
n meeting the employment and training
positions or reach an acceptable alternative.
GOALS:
needs of veterans, it is crucial that a
We call upon Congress to strengthen laws
EMPLOYMENT
strong Veterans Preference policy remain in
for assuring that Veterans Preference is fully
place, and that agency hiring authorities
observed and implemented by all federal
ISSUES
observe and respect the spirit and letter of
hiring activities and for reporting each
these laws and policies. Due to attacks on
agency's progress on an annual basis.
by
Veterans Preference, detractors have suc-
Sid Daniels,
ceeded in undermining many of the positive
Veterans Preference
effects of these laws and policies.
We support Veterans Preference in
Director
In 1985, veterans comprised nearly 35%
federal employment and oppose any effort
of the federal civilian workforce. In 1992,
to reduce or circumvent this hard-earned
that number dropped to 28%. In the private
benefit. We call upon federal policy-makers
sector, the drop-off in the number of veter-
to strengthen laws for assuring Veterans
ans being hired is deplorable, even though
Preference is fully observed and implement-
many companies that receive federal con-
ed by federal hiring activities.
tracts have a special obligation to consider
veterans first.
Enforce Veterans Affirmative Action
In 1993-94, blatant abuses of Veterans
in Federal Contracts
Preference abounded throughout the federal
We call upon the U.S. Department of
government.
Labor, Office Federal Contract Compliance
Unfortunately,
Programs (OFCCP) to increase its vigilance
In working Poward our
those veterans who
of the veterans affirmative programs under
were the victims of
38 USC, Section 4212, and to vigorously
priority goals, we are commut
those violations
enforce its provisions through which the
could only expect
employment of veterans in the private sector
ted 10 opposing any attempt to
minimum assis-
may be enhanced.
weaken or therwise
tance from the
employing agency
Oppose the Transfer of Veterans
e-emphasize Veterans
or the Office of
Employment and Training Service
Personnel
We strongly support keeping the Veterans
Preference in federal hiring
Management
Employment and Training Service (VETS)
activities.
(OPM), the overall
as an independent agency within the
manager of federal
Department of Labor. We urge Congress to
personnel policies.
oppose legislation that would merge VETS
This total disregard of Veterans
into the Employment and Training
Preference is best illustrated by the U.S.
Administration (ETA) compromising its
Postal Service (USPS), which carried out
oversight role of ensuring veterans receive
massive "reorganization" of its workforce,
priority and preference in services provided
resulting in the displacement of over 47,000
by federally funded employment and train-
workers. The reorganization failed to follow
ing providers.
reduction-in-force (RIF) rules which, in
part, gives "bumping" rights to veterans.
Reemployment Rights Protection
Several of those veterans were reassigned to
We urge Congress to enact the strongest
lower grade jobs in violation of RIF proce-
measures that secures reemployment rights
dures. In subsequent rulings by the Merit
for veterans and all other individuals called
System Protection Board (MSPB) the Postal
to serve in the U.S. military service while
Service has been admonished to (in effect)
not placing an undue burden on the employ-
restore the veterans to their previously held
ers of America.
JANUARY 1995
3
NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE SERVICE
REPUBLICANS
With the Republican Party taking
National Security
SET AGENDA
of Congress, there has been
Limit the U.N.'s ability to command U.S.
FOR FIRST 100
much debate over its Contract with
troops. Restore the discretionary budget
DAYS OF 104TH
America. The House will bring the contract
"firewalls" that separated defense, domestic
points to a vote, during the first 100 days of
and international spending.
CONGRESS
the new Congress.
The Senate wants to take a slower pace.
Senior Citizens
by
While not focusing on distinctly veterans
Repeal the Clinton Administration's
issues, the contract will affect all U.S. citi-
requirement that senior citizens who earn
James N. Magill,
zens. Following are the provisions of the
more than $34,000 (single) or $44,000
Director
Contract with America:
(couple) pay income tax on 85% of their
Social Security benefits.
Balanced Budget Amendment
Increase the amount senior citizens can
Line-Item Veto
earn from $11,160 to $30,000 without
Require the federal budget to be balanced
decreasing their Social Security benefits.
by 2002 or seven years after enactment,
Help senior citizens purchase long-term
whichever is later. Grant the President
health care by allowing tax-free withdrawals
authority to veto individual line items in a
from IRAs, 401(k) plans and other qualified
spending bill without vetoing the entire bill.
pensions for purchasing insurance.
Crime
Capital Gains
Eliminate loopholes and limit appeals in
The capital gains tax cut would:
death penalty cases. Increase appropriations
Reduce, by 50%, the capital gains tax.
STUMP ASSUMES CHAIR
for incarcerating violent felons.
Permit taxpayers to adjust the purchase
OF HOUSE VETERANS
price of an asset for inflation that occurs
Welfare
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
after the effective date of the law, thus
Stop benefits under the primary federal-
reducing the total capital gain and its tax.
With the Republican takeover
state welfare program (Aid to Families with
of the House of Representatives,
Dependent Children) after two years and
Rep. Bob Stump (R-Ariz.) has
Legal Reforms/Product Liability
been elected to chair the House
require recipients to report the identity of a
Allow judges to require losers in lawsuits
Veterans Affairs Committee for
child's father before collecting benefits.
to pay the lawyers' fees of both sides. Limit
the 104th Congress.
the amount of "punitive" damage awards
Stump, a WWII Navy vet, is
Children
that juries can impose in product liability
serving in his10th term; the last
Establish a national system to locate
six years of which he has been
and medical malpractice lawsuits.
the ranking minority member of
parents who fail to make child support pay-
the Veterans Affairs Committee.
ments. Strengthen laws against child
Congressional Term Limits
Born in Phoenix, Ariz., on
pornography and establish a tax credit for
Limit House members to six years and
April 4, 1927, Stump was a
people who care for elderly relatives.
senators to 12 years.
member of the Arizona House of
Representatives from 1959 to
Middle-Class Tax Cut
1967; and served in the
SOCIAL SECURITY
Arizona Senate from 1967 to
Grant extra $500 per child tax credit to
1976.
families earning up to $200,000 a year.
CHANGES FOR 1995
He is a strong advocate of
Create a tax credit to lessen the effect of
generous benefits for veterans,
the marriage penalty.
and has indicated health care
The following Social Security changes
and the VA benefits claims
Provide that in contributing to an IRA
will become effective in 1995. Should you
system will be a top priority on
account, individuals would pay income tax
have questions a toll-free number - 1-800-
the committee's agenda for the
when they pay into the account, but not on
772-1213 - is available between 7 a.m. and
104th Congress.
the interest accrued upon withdrawal.
7 p.m. EST.
4
WASHINGTON ACTION REPORTER
Social Security and Supplemental
receive the maximum of four credits for the
Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will
year. To be eligible for Social Security bene-
receive a 2.8% raise for 1995.
fits, a worker needs a specific number of
credits. The number depends on his or her
Benefits Increase
date of birth and the type of benefit
The average monthly Social Security
involved. Most
benefit for a retired worker will increase to
people need 40
$698. The average monthly benefit for a
credits to be eligible
couple where both spouses are receiving
for retirement bene-
benefits will be $1,178 in January 1995.
fits, but some younger
Average monthly disability benefits will be
people qualify for dis-
$661 in January 1995. A young widow with
ability and survivors
two children will receive an average
benefits with as few
monthly payment of $1,365 in 1995.
as six credits.
The maximum federal SSI monthly
The maximum
payment for one person will be $458 in
that beneficiaries
January 1995. For a couple, the maximum
between the ages of
monthly amount will increase to $687 in
65 and 69 can earn in
January 1995. Because some states add
1995 without reduc-
money to the federal benefit, total payment
ing their Social
Social Security beneficiaries will see slight increases in
amounts will vary from one state to another.
Security benefits is
their monthly payments this year.
$11,280. For every $3
Changes Mandated
a person earns over this limit, $1 is withheld
The annual increase in Social Security
from his or her benefit.
and SSI benefits is based on the Consumer
For people under age 65, the corre-
Price Index. Other changes that will
sponding limit will be $8,160. For every $2
become effective Jan. 1, 1995, are based on
a person under 65 earns over this amount,
"automatic adjustment" provisions and the
$1 is withheld from benefits. The benefits of
increase in average wages.
people aged 70 or older who continue to
The combined Social Security and
work are not affected.
Medicare tax rate will not go up in 1995.
Other changes include:
Future Tax Changes
The Social Security "wage base" for
For planning purposes Social Security
1995 will be $61,200. The wage base is the
beneficiaries need to be aware the tax rate
maximum amount of earnings taxed for
on some of their benefits may have
Social Security.
increased. Couples whose provisional
As was true in 1994, all wages and
income is more than $44,000 and individu-
salaries will be subject to the Medicare
als with income exceeding $34,000 may pay
portion of the Social Security tax - 1.45%.
income tax on up to 85% of their Social
For the self-employed, the tax remains at
Security benefits.
2.9% and it, too, applies to all their earnings.
Couples whose provisional income is
The changes were part of the Omnibus
between $32,000 and $44,000 may pay tax
Reconciliation Act of 1993.
on up to 50% of their benefits, as will be
The amount of wages needed to earn
true for individuals whose income is
one Social Security "credit" will be $630 in
between $25,000 and $34,000.
1995. The maximum number of credits that
For those beneficiaries whose income is
can be earned each year is four. Thus,
below these levels, Social Security benefits
anyone earning at least $2,520 in 1995 will
are not taxed.
JANUARY 1995
NATIONAL SECURITY & FOREIGN AFFAIRS
WILL THE ARMY
BE 'HOLLOW'
W
hile downsizing at historic rates, the
strategic mobility of pre-positioned equip-
Army has never, in peacetime, been so
ment and yet-to-be bought C-17 airlift air-
IN THE 21ST
heavily committed. Operations include fight-
craft and ships - Roll On/Roll Off - with
ing fires in Washington state, maintaining
a 24-knot capability.
CENTURY?
order following the Los Angeles riots, bring-
ing emergency food and shelter to hurricane
Personnel
by
victims and missions overseas - Haiti,
In the area of personnel, Maj. Gen.
Kenneth A.
Guantanamo, Rwanda, Somalia, Bosnia and
Wallace Arnold, assistant deputy chief of
Kuwait. At present, the Army has 40,000
staff for personnel, said that as we move
Steadman,
soldiers deployed around the world in some
toward reshaping the Army, we must avoid a
Director
90 countries - a number which is usually
"hollow Army." He said that from the
16,000 to 18,000 soldiers.
Army's perspective, America must:
In the past year, we have heard a great
maintain full funding of Army recruit-
deal about "Bottom-Up Review" by the mil-
ment and advertising programs to ensure a
itary services. However, the VFW is greatly
quality force;
concerned that such reviews may be "cutting
stop benefits erosion, ensure adequate
too much meat from bone and not leaving us
compensation for America's Army and its
with enough muscle."
retirees; and
stabilize the Army's strength at 495,000
Resources
and civilian strength at 228,000.
Maj. Gen. John Ellerson, Office of the
Arnold noted the size of the Army is
Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, said
moving from an 800,000-man force in 1989
that resources (budget and manpower) are
to a current force of 542,000. By 1996, it
dropping to a point which would be the
will be at a troop strength of 495,000.
lowest since before the Korean War. Strict
Similarly, the Reserve will move from a high
adherence to the Department of Defense
of 776,000 in 1989 to 642,000 today and
"Bottom-Up Review"
575,000 by 1998.
may be threatening the
readiness and capabil-
Roles & Missions
ity of the armed
Brig. Gen. Jack Costello, Roles and
forces. Especially at
Mission Office, Office of the Deputy Chief
U.S. FORCE STRUCTURE - 1999
a time when they are
of Staff for Operations, tracks the Army's
ARMY 10 Divisions (active)
asked to perform a
participation in the Defense Department's
5+ Divisions (Reserve, 15 combat brigades)
multitude of roles
Commission, which oversees the roles and
NAVY 11 Aircraft Carriers (active)
and missions.
mission of the armed forces. This office
1 Aircraft Carrier (Reserve/ training)
45-55 Attack Submarines
Currently, the
makes recommendations regarding how the
346 Ships
effort and resources
respective services perform operationally
AIR FORCE 3 Fighter Wings (active)
of the Army are
and with one another. Its report is due in
7 Fighter Wings (Reserve)
directed toward the
May of 1995.
Up to 184 Bombers
capability of fighting
The bottom line in this series of excellent
MARINE CORPS 3 Marine Expeditionary Forces
174,000 Personnel (active endstrength)
two major regional
discussions by senior Army planning offi-
42,000 Personnel (Reserve endstrength)
conflicts (MRC)
cials is that these are difficult times.
simultaneously.
We, as a veterans service organization,
STRATEGIC NUCLEAR FORCES - 2003
However, a great
with a historic interest in and objective of
18 Ballistic Missile Subs
deal of that capabili-
promoting an active, firm foreign policy and
Up to 94 B-52 Bombers
20 B-2 Bombers
ty, as we enter the
strong national defense, must ensure that
500 Minuteman III ICBMs (single warhead)
21st century, will be
America remains committed to national
enhanced by the
security.
6
WASHINGTON ACTION REPORTER
legislative push. For instance, establishing
reasons the VA committees have not
an automatic mechanism to eliminate the
CONGRESS
received the same financial blessings as
entire national debt over a specified period
some of the other committees is that they
of years in the form of a balanced budget
continued from pg. 1
have consistently proven to be unpopular
amendment.
among our lawmakers with respect to com-
It may be appealing on the surface, but it
mittee assignments.
is also fraught with problems. For one, once
Another problem is that members of vet-
such a mechanism is established, it could
erans committees simply are not in a posi-
compel reductions in federal expenditures
tion to steer federal dollars or other benefits
even at a time when economic conditions
to their respective home states and districts.
would call for an opposite fiscal course to be
Unlike members of such committees as
pursued.
Appropriations, Agriculture, Armed
Thus, the entire American economy could
Services and Interior, just to name a few.
be placed in jeopardy. Falling short of such a
dire situation, this mechanism would
Contact Your Representatives
nonetheless mandate draconian reductions in
It is my grave concern that should the
government programs, primarily those
push to reduce committee size and numbers
which are funded on a "discretionary basis."
grow too extreme - unpopular may well
Veterans health care is one such program.
equate to expendable. We must not allow
Further, eliminating the national debt may
such a situation to emerge.
well require entitlement programs to be cut.
While the Washington Office will, of
In this event, veterans disability compensa-
course, continue to closely work with the
tion would certainly be capped and perhaps
Congress, to preclude any such eventuality,
even reduced. In fact, veterans programs and
much more now needs to be done. VFW
the entire VA system could be placed in
members must regularly correspond with
jeopardy with a constitutional mandate to
their lawmakers to express our views on the
eliminate the debt in place. But this scenario
affairs of veterans and the nation. It is criti-
is only prospective.
cal that we pay special attention to the new
Republican committee chairmen as well as
Cutting Committees
the freshmen members of the House and
Neither the House nor Senate Veterans
Senate.
Affairs committees have enjoyed the extra-
Let them know what we are about as an
ordinary fiscal largess experienced by
organization, and urge them to work to
certain other congressional committees. Like
protect the entitlements and benefits which
the veterans programs they oversee, they
veterans have earned through special service
have just been provided with sufficient tools
to the nation.
to get the job done. Make no mistake, they
In this way we will not only articulate our
have done an outstanding job in this regard.
particular objectives and concerns, but also
But this is not due to a surfeit of staffing
let them know that VA and veterans pro-
and funds. It is hard work that has allowed
grams have a large and active constituency.
them to perform so well. So it is the VFW's
We must bring across that the Veterans
position that the House Veterans Affairs
Affairs committees and, for that matter, the
Committee must not be subjected to House-
Department of Veterans Affairs, are not
wide cuts in staffing and funding.
operating within some kind of public
vacuum. Veterans and their supporters
Prestige Lacking
throughout the country are paying close
It is here that I will further address some-
attention. They insist that veterans programs
thing I touched upon earlier. One of the
not be sacrificed.
JANUARY 1995
7
VETERANS OF
FOREIGN WARS
OF THE U.S.
FIRST
TO
SERVE
LEGISLATIVE
AND
SECURITY
PRIORITY GOALS
FOR 1995
PRIORITY NATIONAL
Today, veterans are still no stranger to sacrifice. In
the battle to reduce the deficit, more than $10 billion in
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
savings have been realized through reductions in VA pro-
grams over the past decade. As a result of deficit reduc-
1994-1995
tion, the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Care
system has suffered greatly. Because of severe under
funding, VA medical centers are being forced to delay
much needed equipment replacement and plant mainte-
nance, reduce staff, close wards, and, in some cases,
delay or ration medical treatment.
PREAMBLE
The Congress must recognize and fully understand
that veteran entitlements are not the cause of the eco-
nomic problems facing our Nation. In fact, the cost of
providing earned entitlements to our veterans is actually
It (benefits) was a part of their hire
it
was
the
decreasing.
price of their blood and of your Independency, it is
As the Department of Veterans Affairs faces a crisis
therefore more than a common debt, it is a debt of
in its health care system, so does America's medical care
honour.
system. As the Nation moves toward national health care
--George Washington
reform, it is imperative VA remain an independent and
exclusive medical care system dedicated to serving our
That special segment of our society who were the
Nation's veterans. Any attempt to diminish VA's role as a
FIRST TO SERVE when called upon to defend our Nation
primary provider of health care will not only be detrimen-
are now being faced with another battle. As this Nation
tal to veterans but will also undermine this Nation's posi-
struggles to reverse deficit spending, those benefits and
tion as the world's leader in medical research and greatly
entitlements that have been earned by our veterans are
reduce our capability to educate future physicians.
slowly being eroded and diminished. Ironically, the debt
Not only is reform in the health care arena mandato-
of honor owed our Nation's veterans is falling victim to
ry, it is also essential VA reform its eligibility criteria SO
the fiscal debt that is undermining the Nation's very
all veterans will have access to the full continuum of
foundation.
health care. In too many cases veterans are being denied
Today, with fewer veterans in Congress, it is becom-
care in one facility only to learn they would have been
ing easier and apparently more acceptable to once again
accepted for treatment in another facility. Veterans
ask veterans to sacrifice. This time, not with their blood
should not be subjected to the doubt and confusion
but with the benefits and entitlements they have earned.
which exists today in determining who will be admitted
Veterans, like most Americans, do not want to pass
or will be denied treatment in the system created exclu-
along to their children an unmanageable debt. Veterans,
sively for them.
as well as all citizens are being told that to reduce the
Of the entire veteran community, no single group
national debt and balance the annual budget requires
was targeted for sacrifice more than the military retiree.
their sacrifice. We constantly hear that spending on enti-
One most recent attempt was the cost-of-living adjust-
tlements must be reduced. What we do not hear is that
ments (COLAs) cited in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation
America's veterans already know the meaning of sacri-
Act of 1993, Public Law 103-66, that made 1 April the
fice. Veterans have experienced sacrifice when they
effective date for all federal civil service retiree's to
answered the call of our government in its time of need.
receive their COLA and 1 October the effective date for
While serving their Nation, veterans have lost months
military retiree's to receive theirs. If this scheme is not
and years with their loved ones and have been forced to
defeated annually over the next five years, it will have the
delay the pursuit of civilian careers. Many returned home
effect of requiring the military retiree's to provide 80% of
disabled and far too many gave the supreme sacrifice.
the total savings to be realized from the reduction of
1
COLA payments.
2
Another long-standing issue is the fact that of all
victims of those violations could only expect minimum
categories of federal employees only the military retiree
assistance from the employing agency or the Office of
is required under law to suffer a dollar-for-dollar reduc-
Personnel Management (OPM), the overall manager of
tion from his longevity retirement pension if that retiree
federal personnel policies.
is also in receipt of compensation from the Department
What appears to be total disregard of veterans' pref-
of Veterans Affairs for a service-connected disability.
erence is best illustrated by recent actions of the U.S.
Our military retirees have earned their retirement income
Postal Service (USPS) which carried out massive "reor-
and should not have to sacrifice a portion of it in order to
ganization" of its workforce, resulting in the displace-
receive the disability compensation to which they are
ment of over 47,000 workers. The reorganization failed
entitled by law.
to follow reduction-in-force (RIF) rules which in part
Also there is the important issue of veterans finally
gives "bumping" rights to veterans. Subsequently, sever-
being awarded VA compensation for service connected
al of those veterans were reassigned to lower grade jobs
illness/injury more than three years after filing their
which is a violation of RIF procedures. In subsequent
claim. Present law precludes filing an adjusted Federal
rulings by the Merit System Protection Board (MSPB-a
Income Tax return with the IRS. Hence military retirees
federal agency which adjudicates personnel violations),
cannot recoup their previously paid retirement money
the Postal Service has been admonished to (in effect)
which would now be offset with tax-free VA dollars.
restore the veterans to their previously held positions or
In its attempt to reduce spending, Congress is also
reached an acceptable alternative.
proposing to initiate reform within its own house. One
In working toward our priority goals, we are com-
approach under consideration is to reduce the number of
mitted to opposing any attempt to weaken or otherwise
standing congressional committees. Inconceivably, it has
de-emphasize veterans' preference in federal hiring activ-
been suggested that the House and Senate Veterans'
ities. We call upon the Congress to strengthen laws for
Affairs Committees be redesignated Armed Services
assuring that veterans' preference is fully observed and
Subcommittees. With all the attempts to diminish or
implemented by all federal hiring activities and for
eliminate veterans benefits and entitlements, it is now
reporting each agency's progress on an annual basis.
crucial that veterans continue to have a strong voice in
the form of a congressional standing committee.
In meeting the employment and training needs of
veterans, it is crucial that a strong veterans' preference
policy remain in place, and that agency hiring authorities
observe and respect the spirit and letter of these laws
and policies. Due to attacks on veterans' preference poli-
cy, detractors have succeeded in undermining many of
the positive effect of these laws and polices.
This has had a dampening effect in the hiring of vet-
erans. In 1985, veterans comprised nearly 35 percent of
the federal civilian workforce. Based on a 1992 Report to
Congress, that number has dropped to 28 percent. In the
private sector the drop-off in the number of veterans
being hired is deplorable, even though many companies
that receive federal contracts have a special obligation to
consider veterans first.
In 1993-94 blatant violations and abuses of veter-
ans' preference abounded throughout the federal govern-
ment and unfortunately, those veterans who were the
3
4
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY GOALS
ENTITLEMENT PROTECTION
1994-1995
We adamantly oppose any attempt by the Federal
Government to cap or diminish those entitlements earned
by our Nation's veterans or provided to their widows or
orphans.
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS BUDGET
MAINTAIN HOUSE AND SENATE
VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEES
We prevail upon the Congress to adopt a budget for
the Department of Veterans Affairs that will assure the
We urge the U.S. House of Representatives and the
integrity of the entire VA system SO no veteran will be
U.S. Senate to retain the Veterans' Affairs Committees as
denied or have delayed any benefit, entitlement, or med-
standing committees in both Houses of Congress.
ical treatment to which they are eligible.
ALLOW MILITARY RETIREES TO FILE AMENDED
NATIONAL HEALTH CARE
FEDERAL TAX RETURNS
We call upon Congress to insist that any National
Military retirees be allowed to file amended tax
Health Care plan retains the Department of Veterans
returns back to effective date of award of VA disability
Affairs' Health Administration as a separate, independent
compensation regardless of period of time involved.
and exclusive health care option for veterans.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE
COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT FOR
VA BENEFICIARIES AND MILITARY RETIREES
We continue our strong support of the provision of
veterans' preference in federal employment and oppose
Full cost-of-living adjustments at least equal to the
any effort to reduce or circumvent this hard earned bene-
increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) be provided
fit. We call upon federal policymakers to strengthen
annually and in a timely manner to all recipients of VA
laws and guidelines for assuring that veterans' prefer-
compensation and military retirement pay.
ence is fully observed and implemented by federal hiring
activities.
ELIGIBILITY REFORM
BETTER ENFORCEMENT OF TERAU AFFIRMATIVE
We adamantly support the enactment of legislation
ACTION III FEDERAL CONTRACTS
providing that all veterans have access to the full contin-
uum of medical care provided by the Department of
We call upon the U.S. Department of Labor, Office
Veterans Affairs.
Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) to
increase its vigilance of the Veterans Affirmative
OPPOSE OFFSET OF MILITARY RETIRED PAY
Programs under 38 USC, Section 4212, and to vigorous-
ly enforce its provisions through which the employment
We strongly support the amending of current law so
of veterans in the private sector may be enhanced.
as to allow the concurrent receipt of military retirement
pay as well as VA compensation for those military
retirees who have a service-connected disability.
5
6
OPPOSE THE TRANSFER OF
PRIORITY
VETERANS EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SERVICE
We strongly support keeping the Veterans
NATIONAL SECURITY AND
Employment and Training Service (VETS) as a indepen-
dent agency within the Department of Labor. We urge
FOREIGN AFFAIRS PROGRAM
Congress to oppose legislation that would merge VETS
into the Employment and Training Administration (ETA)
1994-1995
and thereby compromise its oversight role of ensuring
veterans receive priority and preference in services pro-
vided by federally funded employment and training
providers.
PREAMBLE
VETERANS REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS PROTECTION
Major political changes have reshaped our Nation
We urge Congress to enact the strongest measures
and the entire world. Today, after four decades, the col-
that secures reemployment rights for veterans and all
lapse of communism and the transformation of the Cold
other individuals called to serve in the U.S. military ser-
War have unleashed new forces for peaceful democratic
vice while not placing an undue burden on the employers
changes. The Cold War has ended and freedom has
of America.
advanced across Eastern Europe giving hope to millions.
Democratic forces have redrawn the political map of the
former Soviet Union and eastern Europe. In Western
Europe, a reunified Germany remains a member of the
NATO Alliance which is also redefining its security role.
In Central America, dictators and communist juntas were
deposed and democratic governments restored in
Panama and Nicaragua. However, in Europe,
Yugoslavia's internal problems threaten the stability of
the region and in the Caribbean, Haiti and Cuba have
vexed U.S. policy makers.
These changes came about because, for the dura-
tion of the Cold War, our country remained committed to
a strategy of peace through strength. Our political lead-
ers, actively supported by the VFW, were able to maintain
a strong defense program and a firm foreign policy that
set the example for other countries. American leader-
ship, sustained by this example and, again, supported by
the VFW, forged a collective defense that contained the
challenge of an aggressive and repressive communist
ideology.
Over the past decades, American leadership and its
commitment to the strategy of peace through strength
finally prevailed as millions threw off the communist
yoke and embraced democracy.
The VFW endorsed and encouraged these democrat-
7
8
ic changes in Europe, Central America and the Soviet
PRIORITY SECURITY GOALS
Union. But even as we applaud these peaceful changes,
the lessons we learned from both Cold and Hot Wars
1994-95
remind us what must be done to preserve the blessings
of liberty for posterity. Those lessons remind us that we
must never again be unprepared, as we were fifty years
NATIONAL STRATEGY OF PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH
ago, to meet aggression. An active, firm foreign policy
and strong national defense are of vital importance in
Our National Security Program for 1994-1995 reaf-
keeping the peace. It was the best policy yesterday. It is
firms our commitment to a National Strategy of Peace
the best policy today and it will remain the best policy
Through Strength. Despite the major changes in the
against future aggression.
world, the lessons of the past half century of conflict
Throughout its 95 year history, the Veterans of
serve notice that the United States must maintain
Foreign Wars of the United States has met the challenge
defense forces that, in the judgment of our military lead-
of sustained support for a firm foreign policy and strong
ers, are adequate to meet current and future threats. Our
national defense so long as there were serious threats to
awareness of the dangers still ahead lead us to support
our survival. The recent events in Europe, in the Mideast
the maintenance of effective security and intelligence
and the Soviet Union confirm our dedication to remain
capabilities to prevent strategic surprise from any quar-
committed to this and other priority goals described
ter.
below.
We also know that our freedom and security can
best be achieved by remaining united in common pur-
pose and defense with our allies and friends.
We recognize that the political changes that trans-
formed Europe can be endangered or reversed unless
our Nation maintains a firm foreign policy that nourishes
a brighter future for the new democracies of Europe,
Asia and of Central America. Within our hemisphere,
Castro remains the communist dictator of an isolated
and unsupported Cuba. The VFW believes it is time to
increase pressure to force Castro out and that the U.S.
should use all measures, short of violence or military
action, to accomplish this. With regard to Haiti, the VFW
opposes military intervention to bail out failed economic
or diplomatic initiatives which are not in the national
interest.
MISSING IN ACTION
With over 2,200 Americans still missing in Southeast
Asia, another 8,000 missing in Korea, and 78,000 from
World War II, the resolution of this heart-rending,
humanitarian issue remains a priority issue for the
Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The VFW reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the
goal of the fullest possible accounting of our missing
men. For us, this issue will remain a non-negotiable
matter of honor and a duty to be fulfilled for all our lost
9
10
comrades. In consideration of Vietnam, the VFW recog-
sense approach to the withdrawal and reduction of U.S.
nizes that at some point in time, but only after significant
forces in Europe. The VFW believes the U.S. must retain
results in accounting for our POW/MIAs have been
such land, sea and air bases as necessary to support
achieved, we should lift the constraints of the economic
military operations in Europe and elsewhere. Also, we
embargo and move towards normalizing diplomatic rela-
reaffirm our support for the continued existence of the
tions thereby encouraging even greater cooperation
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and for the
toward our goal.
U.S. Army's School of the Americas. However, we
In reaching this decision, the VFW will be guided by
oppose a direct role for U.S. combat forces in the
our own opinions, factual findings and judgments as
Yugoslav civil war.
determined by periodic visits to the region by our
National Officers and on the best information available.
STRATEGIC FORCES/STRATEGIC DEFENSE
During such visits to the region, our representatives will
attempt to open a dialogue with local organizations in
Whereas the strategic bomber supports our national
order to pursue our goal of the fullest possible account-
strategy of deterrence and increases our technological
ing.
advantage over potential aggressors, the VFW endorses
Among the changes we support is a thorough
the production and deployment of the B-2 STEALTH
review and revision of the 1942 Missing Persons Act to
bomber as a vital part of a strong strategic TRIAD. The
better protect our POW/MIAs and their families. We also
VFW also strongly endorses and urges others to endorse
place on the record our conviction that in order to pre-
the deployment of a ballistic missile defense as a first
vent future POW/MIA tragedies, the U.S. Government
priority before the end of the century and we urge the
insist on ironclad guarantees that any future truce, peace
President and the Congress to review their current priori-
or surrender agreements provide for the fullest possible
ties and reestablish strategic defense as a strategic prior-
accounting and that the U.S. Government retain and
ity with appropriate funding.
maintain POW/MIA intelligence archivists.
With regard to the over 8,000 Korean War
ARMED FORCES
POW/MIAs, the VFW, having seen new opportunities to
account for our MIAs, urges the United States and
The VFW expresses our highest regard and support
Korean governments to seek more active efforts to
to the men and women of the Armed Forces - active,
recover and return our missing comrades.
reserve and National Guard - and salute those who
Those still missing from World War II will not be
have and are serving. The VFW is on record supporting
forgotten. The VFW will continue to play an active role to
the continued maintenance of the Selective Service
recover our World War II and Cold War comrades and
System and urge Congressional support for full funding.
urge the retention of the U.S.-Russian Joint Commission
We support the award of the Armed Forces
to carry out this work.
Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) to those who served in El
The VFW endorses projects which foster a growing
Salvador for 60 days or more and the Korean Service
public awareness of the POW/MIA issue. We support the
Medal to those who served in that country without
annual POW/MIA Recognition Day and flying the
recognition. We also support the AFEM for the Naval
POW/MIA flag from state buildings as well as public
Medical Augmentation Team in Operation Urgent Fury.
businesses.
The VFW opposes any plans or directives which
would place U.S. military forces under the command of
MILTIARY POSTURE
foreign military officers, including those who are operat-
ing exclusively under orders from the United Nations.
The VFW supports a national defense posture
Further, we call upon the Congress to reject any effort to
which, in the judgment of our military leaders, is ade-
surrender the United States military, our foreign policy or
quate to meet current defense requirements and more
any sovereignty to the United Nations.
than equal to the current threats. We support a common
The VFW continues to oppose efforts by the
11
12
President and homosexual organizations to force the mil-
gies. We endorse legislation supporting and protecting
itary services to accept and/or retain homosexuals and
new technologies to prevent erosion of our national
we urge this matter be taken before the Supreme Court
economy and of our national security. Additionally, we
to seek final judicial reaffirmation of homosexual exclu-
urge Congress to pass legislation to limit foreign owner-
sion from the Armed Forces. The Uniformed Code of
ship of U.S. corporations, companies, businesses,
Military Justice should be rewritten to dismiss any ques-
industrial technologies or processes which are vital or
tion of the denial of civil rights. We also oppose the cur-
sensitive to our national defense.
rent Administration's plans to assign women serving in
the Armed Forces to jobs that call for them to aggres-
PACIFIC ALLIES
sively seek out, close with and kill or capture enemy
forces. We urge the United States Congress to exercise
We urge the United States to continue its support
its responsibility and reexamine these personnel assign-
for the Republic of Korea by providing modern weapons
ment policies with a view of restricting women from
and technology, to vigorously respond to any aggression
direct combat positions.
by North Korea, and bring pressure on North Korea to
cease its nuclear weapons effort and comply with inter-
TERRORISM/IMMIGRATION
national safeguards.
The VFW continues its vigorous support for the pre-
The VFW urges decisive action to punish terrorists
viously approved sale of modern aircraft (especially the
and support for enactment of a full range of measures to
previously approved F-16s), weapons and technology to
deter, guard against and combat terrorism wherever
the Republic of China on Taiwan. We also urge the
located to include reviewing all procedures for screening
President and the Congress to support any bid by the
and identifying possible terrorist groups in the U.S. We
Republic of China to rejoin the United Nations.
urge that other countries be reminded "there are no neu-
trals in the war against terrorism."
Recognizing that terrorism has been linked to illegal
immigration, we petition for an expanded and strength-
ened Customs and Immigration Services and U.S. Coast
Guard. We also support the enactment of emergency
measures to prevent the smuggling of illegal aliens and
to stop, detain and deport potential terrorists or those
with ties to terrorist groups. We urge that military
resources be employed, as necessary, to assist in stop-
ping the flow of illegal aliens. Also, we believe the
President and the Congress should carefully consider the
results and recommendations of the Bipartisan Review
of the 1986 Immigration Act.
However, we also support the Congress in urging
the Administration to withhold refugee status to former
Iraqi POWs and those foreign leaders who are guilty of
acts of inhumanity against their people.
PROTECTING TECHNOLOGY
In recognizing that a sound and prosperous national
economy is essential to our military power, the VFW
urges measures be taken to protect our new technolo-
13
14
STATEMENT OF FOREIGN WARS
of THE THE UNITED STATES
VFW NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
VFW BUILDING
406 W. 34TH STREET
KANSAS CITY, MO 64111
VFW WASHINGTON OFFICE
VFW MEMORIAL BUILDING
200 MARYLAND AVENUE, N.E.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20002
derived directly from its membership. 1993-94
You provide the legislative team with the strength
mon goals and defends vital interests. Wher-
T
Ihrough its programs and projects the Veterans
needed to win on Capitol Hill.
ever GIs are sent, they have VFW support. And
of Foreign Wars of the United States honors the
witnessed another strong year for the VFW. By
the VFW believes American troops must be
dead by helping the living. With over 10,800
joining, veterans send
under U.S. command.
Posts and over 2.1 million members, the VFW
a clear message to
is a major force representing America's 27
Congress that they are
million veterans and their families.
involved. And the VFW
NATIONAL
Founded in 1899 by veterans of the Span-
continues to grow in
CIVIL SERVICE
ish-American War, the VFW now has members
numbers and strength
AND
VFW maintains a na-
PROGRAMS
from WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam
as a result.
EMPLOYMENT
tional network of volun-
War, as well as actions like Grenada, Lebanon,
During the decade
teer employment officers
Panama, Kuwait and Somalia.
of the '90s, veterans
who identify pertinent issues at the local level. They
Together these overseas wartime veterans
must remain active to ensure hard-earned
participate in various state and community councils
benefits. Activity is the organization's most
to voice veterans employment needs. Referrals are
VOICE OF
The Voice of Democracy
bring a wealth of knowledge and dedication
to the organization. Their interests and needs
potent weapon.
made through the new Post Job Opportunity Boards.
DEMOCRACY
program is a broadcast
are the same as those of America. When you
The VFW has 10 national services and
VFW's Washington Office director of em-
scriptwriting contest
listen to the veteran you hear the voice of an
programs, each designed to serve the needs
ployment is responsible for the organization's
conducted annually in the nation's high schools by
entire nation.
of members and the communities in which
veterans jobs and training program. He repre-
the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary. Tenth through
VFW strength, power and influence is
they live. Let's take a look at them.
sents the membership before committees and
12th grade students tape-
public/private sector
record their script on a patri-
agencies, monitors pro-
otic theme. The recording is
grams and recommends
then judged at the Post level.
grades, education benefits, disability compensa-
appropriate action. As-
Winners then move to the
SERVICES
tion and pension eligibility.
sistance also is provided
District level, Department
Field representatives make regular visits to VA
in filing claims.
(state) level, and finally to
medical centers, regional offices and national cem-
An annual national
the national competition
eteries. These visits ensure that the system estab-
lished by the nation to care for its veterans is
employment awards pro-
held during the VFW Mid-
NATIONAL
responsive to their needs. There is no fee of any kind
gram is conducted by the
Winter Conference in Wash-
VETERANS
The VFW maintains a
VFW to recognize individuals, groups and employ-
ington, D.C.
SERVICE
nationwide service net-
for this representation and the VFW stands ready
ers who excel in providing job opportunities to vet-
Each state winner receives an all-expense paid
work that provides as-
to assist any veteran or dependent requiring assis-
erans.
trip to Washington, D.C., where they witness gov-
sistance to veterans and their families seeking or
tance. This service exemplifies the VFW's commit-
ernment in action and visit national historic sites
determining eligibility for state and federal veter-
ment to Honor the Dead by Helping the Living.
and monuments.
ans benefits.
Voice of Democracy winners annually receive
This great pyramid of service starts with the
Post service officer who directs claimants to the
NATIONAL
more than $2.4 million in scholarships and
awards from all levels in the VFW.
trained and professional VFW Department ser-
SECURITY AND
vice officers in each of the 58 Department of Vet-
NATIONAL
FOREIGN
VFW is committed to
erans Affairs regional offices around the country.
LEGISLATIVE
Veterans entitlements
working for a strong na-
AFFAIRS
They are the focal point
SERVICE
and programs are the
tional defense and firm
for any claim for an en-
direct result of years of
foreign policy. America is more secure today than
legislative effort. VFW has stood in the forefront
yesterday because organizations like the VFW
YOUTH
Fully aware that the
titlement.
nation's future rests
This network is sup-
of those efforts and has proudly led the fight for
have traditionally taken an unwavering stance on
ACTIVITIES
ported by claims and ap-
better treatment for all the nation's veterans.
issues of preparedness.
with its youth, the
peals consultants, field
Each year new challenges arise, and the VFW
The national security resolutions adopted at
VFW actively promotes and sponsors a wide range
representatives and other
is there to meet them. VFW has been successful
annual conventions represent the VFW's plat-
of youth programs:
staff in the VFW Wash-
in fighting VA budget cutbacks and preserving the
form. Military superiority and a well-trained mili-
Boy Scouts of America units are sponsored
ington Office and Na-
VA system. Specific health issues such as compen-
tary force are the centerpieces of this platform.
by 1,262 Posts accounting for over 36,000 boys.
tional Headquarters. This
sation for exposure to Agent Orange have been
Arms reductions that protect U.S. security and
Sons of the VFW is designed to develop the
core professional staff fo-
VFW priorities for many years.
reduce the risk of conflict are the goal.
parent-son relationship as well as provide oppor
cuses on matters concerning the full range of ser-
Your VFW legislative team continually spear-
International affairs resolutions support the
tunities to participate in activities benefitting the
vices or entitlements available to veterans and
heads the drive to have veterans entitlements not
need for a bipartisan foreign policy that places
entire family.
their families which includes, but is not limited
only maintained but expanded. Our victories are
national interests above all else. Such support
Sports sponsored by the VFW range from
to, military records correction, discharge up-
the result of working with you - the members.
for allies and friendly countries advances com-
baseball to ice hockey.
ages the perils of substance abuse.
Junior Rifle Clubs, in cooperation with the
Veterans In Action
Public Recognition, through commendation
National Rifle Association, promote competitive
certificates, is a way of saying thanks to law en-
matches for individuals and teams. Safety is always
forcement officers, firefighters and paramedics in lo-
VFW Services and Programs
a top priority.
BUDDY
VFW Buddy Poppy
cal communities across the country.
Reserve Officer Training Corps allows high
POPPY
sales were 16,554,159
school and college students to earn the VFW medal
in 1993-94.
pendant and citation presented annually to out-
Since 1922, when the first Buddy Poppy sale was
standing cadets.
held, this program has raised millions of dollars to
Special Olympics
Post
FISHIN
support the National Veterans Service, Department
and the Jr. Olympics
service programs and the VFW National Home in
COMMUNITY
Members give their
programs are endorsed
Eaton Rapids, Mich. Buddy Poppy ideally fulfills the
ACTIVITIES
time, effort and money
and supported by the
VFW goal of honoring the dead by helping the liv-
to raise the conscious-
VFW.
ing in a tangible way.
ness of communities in such important areas as
Child Identifica-
the environment, safety, schools, youth and com-
tion via both VFW Posts
munity improvement programs.
and the Ladies Auxil-
Posts annually work with organizations such as
iaries distributes booklets
the March of Dimes and Keep America Beautiful.
to help communities fin-
Yearly contests are held to recognize outstanding
gerprint their children.
SAFETY
In conjunction with the
efforts by the Posts. Individual projects may also be
These are just a sam-
Ladies Auxiliary, VFW
submitted to National Headquarters for special rec-
OUR
pling of the varied youth activities sponsored or
has instituted numerous
ognition.
supported by the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary.
safety programs that benefit members and non-
Working side-by-side with the Ladies Auxiliary,
In fact, nearly any youth activity which encour-
members alike. Here are some examples:
VFW members promote community projects to as-
ages good health and builds character is sup-
Home Protection encompasses fire preven-
sist others and improve their towns and cities as a
DONEG
ported by the VFW.
tion and home security.
whole. In doing so, the VFW plays a constructive role
ON:G
Drive to Survive teaches drivers of all ages
and enhances its visibility.
how to drive defensively.
ER
OCCER
Hunter Safety promotes responsible, ethical
hunter conduct, emphasizes importance of wildlife
AMERICANISM
Americanism programs
management laws and regulations, and teaches safe
RECOGNITION AND
provide support for our
handling of firearms.
democratic institutions.
Bicycle Safety covers bicycle selection, main-
REMEMBRANCE
Loyalty Day is one of the highlights of the
tenance,
developing
Americanism program. It is a national day for re-
cyclist's skills and knowl-
VFW began promoting veterans memorials in a
affirming allegiance to America and the ideals for
edge of traffic rules and
big way with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Mem-
regulations.
bers contributed in excess of $200,000 to this worthy
Post 5752 in Mount Joy Penn.
which it stands. Through parades, speeches and
effort during the early 1980s.
presented a donation to the Donegal
other events, we have made Loyalty Day an oppor-
Lite-A-Bike entails
VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary have contributed
Youth Soccer organization to help
tunity to say, "I'm proud to be an American."
bicycle inspections, test-
Patriotic Education Programs. The VFW
ing of cyclists' riding abil-
$610,000 to the Korean War Memorial, due for dedi-
purchase equipment.
and its Ladies Auxiliary have always been among
ity and application of
cation in July 1995.
VFW is on record in
the leaders in ad-
reflectorized tape.
vocating patriotic educa-
Lite-A-Tike pro-
support of a WWII me-
tion.
Distributing
vides reflective triangles
morial in Washington,
and strips for illuminat-
D.C., too.
patriotic literature, con-
ing backpacks of school children.
Presently, the organi-
ducting patriotic cere-
monies and parades and
55 Alive Mature Driving is a classroom train-
zation is also supporting
holding flag presenta-
ing program offered to older drivers in conjunction
the Vietnam Women's
with the American Association of Retired Persons
Memorial Project as well
tions are some of the
(AARP).
as the Women In Mili-
ways the VFW ensures
proper citizenship edu-
Drug Awareness is a method of attacking
tary Service For America
Allen F. "Gunner" Kent
drugs in the work place, school and home. Through
Foundation.
Commander-in-Chief
cation, especially for
school children.
educational materials, we are teaching people of all
1994-95
Junior Rifle Clubs, in cooperation with the
ages the perils of substance abuse.
Veterans In Action
National Rifle Association, promote competitive
Public Recognition, through commendation
matches for individuals and teams. Safety is always
certificates, is a way of saying thanks to law en-
forcement officers, firefighters and paramedics in lo-
VFW Services and Programs
a top priority.
BUDDY
VFW Buddy Poppy
Reserve Officer Training Corps allows high
cal communities across the country.
POPPY
sales were 16,554,159
school and college students to earn the VFW medal
in 1993-94.
pendant and citation presented annually to out-
Since 1922, when the first Buddy Poppy sale was
standing cadets.
held, this program has raised millions of dollars to
Special Olympics
VFW
Post
4450
FISHIN
support the National Veterans Service, Department
and the Jr. Olympics
service programs and the VFW National Home in
COMMUNITY
Members give their
programs are endorsed
Eaton Rapids, Mich. Buddy Poppy ideally fulfills the
ACTIVITIES
time, effort and money
and supported by the
VFW goal of honoring the dead by helping the liv-
to raise the conscious-
VFW.
ing in a tangible way.
ness of communities in such important areas as
Child Identifica-
the environment, safety, schools, youth and com-
tion via both VFW Posts
munity improvement programs.
and the Ladies Auxil-
Posts annually work with organizations such as
iaries distributes booklets
the March of Dimes and Keep America Beautiful.
to help communities fin-
Yearly contests are held to recognize outstanding
gerprint their children.
SAFETY
In conjunction with the
efforts by the Posts. Individual projects may also be
These are just a sam-
Ladies Auxiliary, VFW
submitted to National Headquarters for special rec-
pling of the varied youth activities sponsored or
OUR
has instituted numerous
ognition.
supported by the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary.
In fact, nearly any youth activity which encour-
safety programs that benefit members and non-
Working side-by-side with the Ladies Auxiliary,
members alike. Here are some examples:
VFW members promote community projects to as-
ages good health and builds character is sup-
Home Protection encompasses fire preven-
sist others and improve their towns and cities as a
DONEG
ported by the VFW.
tion and home security.
whole. In doing so, the VFW plays a constructive role
ON:G
Drive to Survive teaches drivers of all ages
and enhances its visibility.
how to drive defensively.
Hunter Safety promotes responsible, ethical
TER
OCCER
hunter conduct, emphasizes importance of wildlife
AMERICANISM
Americanism programs
management laws and regulations, and teaches safe
RECOGNITION AND
provide support for our
handling of firearms.
democratic institutions.
Bicycle Safety covers bicycle selection, main-
REMEMBRANCE
Loyalty Day is one of the highlights of the
tenance,
developing
Americanism program. It is a national day for re-
cyclist's skills and knowl-
VFW began promoting veterans memorials in a
affirming allegiance to America and the ideals for
edge of traffic rules and
big way with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Mem-
which it stands. Through parades, speeches and
regulations.
bers contributed in excess of $200,000 to this worthy
Post 5752 in Mount Joy, Penn.
other events. we have made Loyalty Day an oppor-
Lite-A-Bike entails
effort during the early 1980s.
presented a donation to the Donegal
and Ladies Auxiliary have contributed
YouthSoccer.organization ta.help
T
Ihrough its programs and projects the Veterans
derived directly from its membership. 1993-94
You provide the legislative team with the strength
mon goals and defends vital interests. Wher-
witnessed another strong year for the VFW. By
needed to win on Capitol Hill.
ever GIs are sent, they have VFW support. And
of Foreign Wars of the United States honors the
joining, veterans send
the VFW believes American troops must be
dead by helping the living. With over 10,800
under U.S. command.
Posts and over 2.1 million members, the VFW
a clear message to
is a major force representing America's 27
Congress that they are
million veterans and their families.
involved. And the VFW
NATIONAL
Founded in 1899 by veterans of the Span-
continues to grow in
CIVIL SERVICE
ish-American War, the VFW now has members
numbers and strength
AND
VFW maintains a na-
PROGRAMS
from WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam
as a result.
EMPLOYMENT
tional network of volun-
War, as well as actions like Grenada, Lebanon,
During the decade
teer employment officers
Panama, Kuwait and Somalia.
of the '90s, veterans
who identify pertinent issues at the local level. They
Together these overseas wartime veterans
must remain active to ensure hard-earned
participate in various state and community councils
bring a wealth of knowledge and dedication
benefits. Activity is the organization's most
to voice veterans employment needs. Referrals are
VOICE OF
The Voice of Democracy
to the organization. Their interests and needs
potent weapon.
made through the new Post Job Opportunity Boards.
DEMOCRACY
program is a broadcast
are the same as those of America. When you
The VFW has 10 national services and
VFW's Washington Office director of em-
scriptwriting contest
listen to the veteran you hear the voice of an
programs, each designed to serve the needs
ployment is responsible for the organization's
conducted annually in the nation's high schools by
entire nation.
of members and the communities in which
veterans jobs and training program. He repre-
the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary. Tenth through
VFW strength, power and influence is
they live. Let's take a look at them.
sents the membership before committees and
12th grade students tape-
public/private sector
record their script on a patri-
agencies, monitors pro-
otic theme. The recording is
grades, education benefits, disability compensa-
grams and recommends
then judged at the Post level.
tion and pension eligibility.
appropriate action. As-
Winners then move to the
SERVICES
Field representatives make regular visits to VA
sistance also is provided
District level, Department
medical centers, regional offices and national cem-
in filing claims.
(state) level, and finally to
An annual national
the national competition
eteries. These visits ensure that the system estab-
NATIONAL
employment awards pro-
held during the VFW Mid-
lished by the nation to care for its veterans is
VETERANS
The VFW maintains a
gram is conducted by the
Winter Conference in Wash-
responsive to their needs. There is no fee of any kind
SERVICE
nationwide service net-
for this representation and the VFW stands ready
VFW to recognize individuals, groups and employ-
ington, D.C.
work that provides as-
to assist any veteran or dependent requiring assis-
ers who excel in providing job opportunities to vet-
Each state winner receives an all-expense paid
sistance to veterans and their families seeking or
erans.
trip to Washington, D.C., where they witness gov-
tance. This service exemplifies the VFW's commit-
ernment in action and visit national historic sites
determining eligibility for state and federal veter-
ment to Honor the Dead by Helping the Living.
and monuments.
ans benefits.
This great pyramid of service starts with the
Voice of Democracy winners annually receive
Post service officer who directs claimants to the
NATIONAL
more than $2.4 million in scholarships and
awards from all levels in the VFW.
trained and professional VFW Department ser-
SECURITY AND
vice officers in each of the 58 Department of Vet-
NATIONAL
FOREIGN
VFW is committed to
erans Affairs regional offices around the country.
working for a strong na-