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The Alabama Veteran
“Proudly Serving America’s Finest”
VO L. 1- ED . 3 WINTER 2010
IMPORTANT DATES
An artist’s
rendering of
March 14 - Daylight the new state
Savings Time Begins veterans home
to be built in
March 20 - First Day of Pell City. The
Spring home will have
254 private
April 2 - SBVA Meeting rooms with
neighborhood
April 4 - Easter communities.
May 9 - Mother’s Day
Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Completes
May 15 - Armed Forces Design of State Veterans Home
Day dedicated to the men and women who
A state-of-the-art facility that will
become Alabama’s fourth and largest have served our great nation.
May 31 - Memorial Day state veterans home is closer to reality For more than a year, the Alabama
with the completion of the home’s de- Department of Veterans Affairs has
sign. worked on every detail of the home’s de-
INSIDE THIS Clyde Marsh, commissioner of the sign with the Williams Blackstock Archi-
Alabama Department of Veterans Af- tects of Birmingham. Marsh said the
EDITION driving force behind the new design con-
fairs, said the state VA is now ready to
Commissioner’s 2 move forward with the construction cept was to move away from the institu-
phase of the home. tionalized design that has been offered in
Corner
“Phase II, which is our next step, will the past in long-term care facilities.
be to break ground and start the construc- “The design of the home is a revolu-
Around the State 3 tion phase of the home,” said Marsh. tionary concept that will offer amenities
The home will have 254 private rooms to veterans that will give them the com-
News to Use 8 and will include 174 skilled-care beds forts of home,” said Marsh.
and 80 domiciliary/assisted living units, The veterans home will be built in
all integrated into residential neighbor- Pell City adjacent to the Jefferson State
VA National Update 10
hoods. Each neighborhood will have two Community College and across from a
to three houses with 12 to 14 private new St. Vincent’s/St. Clair Hospital. In
rooms, personal bathrooms, living and 2008, the St. Clair County Economic and
dining areas with a complete kitchen for Development Council deeded a 27-acre
serving meals. The home will feature a parcel of land to the state VA for the new
town center with a “Hall of Honor” home.
See Veterans Home page 3
VOL. 1- ED. 3 The Alabama Veteran PAGE 2
Commissioner’s Corner - W. Clyde Marsh
New Decade, New Challenges, New Initiatives
for America’s Veterans
Fellow employees, veterans and citizen supporters, the NASDVA also has drafted a resolution to support
dawning of this decade brought some significant challenges Alabama Senate Joint Resolution No. 11, Act No. 2010-13,
such as an armed conflict, a depressed economy and record which the Alabama Legislature passed in the 2010 legisla-
unemployment. When you add other factors, real or per- tive session, to extend the presumption of service connec-
ceived that could affect our quality of life, this fuels uncer- tion for Agent Orange exposure to those veterans who
tainty, causes fear and can be intimidating for many Ameri- served in the Republic of Vietnam, its contiguous waters,
cans. airspace, or adjacent countries. The relevant bill is before
Let me begin by stating that the Alabama Department of the U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for discussion.
Veterans Affairs and our state are not alone in experiencing I also had the privilege during the NASDVA mid-winter
the pinch in terms of resources and flexibility. I do want to conference to attend a funeral at Arlington National Ceme-
convey my thanks to all of our ADVA employees for con- tery for Army Col. (Ret.) Robert Louis Howard. A Viet-
tinuing to provide high quality, motivated and dedicated ser- nam War hero, Col. Howard was born in Opelika, Ala., and
vice to our veterans despite the department’s decreasing served gallantly wearing our nation’s cloth for three
manpower and personnel budget. Alabama Veterans con- decades.
tinue to receive counseling and assistance even though the Col. Howard joined the Army in 1956 and retired in
department is unable to hire more veterans service officers 1992. He was awarded the nation’s most esteemed award,
due to budget constraints. This is directly attributed to the the Medal of Honor, for his service during the Vietnam
compassion and commitment our state VA employees have War. Before his death, Col. Howard was considered the
for our veterans and their families. nation’s most decorated living Vietnam Veteran. Having
This decade also brings a record of new program initia- been nominated for the Medal of Honor three times for
tives and increased budgets at the federal level, which can three separate acts of bravery under fire, Col. Howard was
only improve conditions for all veterans in the long term. also wounded fourteen times - disregarding his own safety
The addition of Community Based Outpatient Clinics to annihilate the enemy and to save his men.
(CBOC’s) is one program designed to improve on the exist- The “Old Guard” honors detachment at Arlington Na-
ing quality of VA medical care. tional Cemetery did a superb job laying this war hero to
The VA Regional Office in Montgomery has recognized rest in final repose. Col. Howard’s funeral was well at-
a long-standing problem with the backlog of veterans tended by both military and DoD civilians including state
claims. To decrease the backlog and time for processing a and national representatives.
claim, the VA is adding personnel, conducting vigorous Over a dozen Medal of Honor Society members at-
training, and overhauling the claims process by eliminating tended the service for Col. Howard, and soldiers from the
unnecessary steps and redundancy. To improve efficiency, Army’s elite Special Forces were on hand in a mass show
the federal VA is also moving to a computer, web-based, of respect. From four star generals to non-commissioned
claims process. officers, many of them had served with Col. Howard during
During the National Association of State Directors of their military career.
Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) mid-winter conference I at- Again, it was my distinct honor to represent Alabama
tended in February in Washington, DC, it was clear that Sec- and our 420,000 veterans. It was equally gratifying to see
retary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki considers federal this true American hero be laid to rest with all the dignity
and state VA departments as partners in caring for the na- and respect our nation had to muster.
tion’s veterans. Secretary Shinseki has extended to state VA The greatest testament to America is that our men and
directors unfettered access to the federal VA to include a women are willing to fight and die to preserve its freedoms.
presence at congressional hearings and testimonies on Capi- The other testament is that America will not forsake neither
tol Hill concerning veteran’s benefits and services. those who have fought, nor those who will continue to fight
for democracy and the American way of life.
VOL. 1- ED. 3 The Alabama Veteran PAGE 3
Around the State
Veterans Home continued from page 1
The veterans home is approved for fund-
ing by way of a Federal VA Construction
Grant, which the U.S. Department of Veter-
ans Affairs funds 65% of the construction
cost with 35% of the cost covered by state
matching funds. The total project is esti-
mated at $50 million of which the state has
committed matching funds of $17.7 million.
Congress appropriated $100 million for
state veterans home construction projects in
2010, but fell short of covering the construc-
tion of Alabama’s fourth home.
“We can go out for bid as soon as we
have the $32 million federal budget ap-
proval,” said Marsh. “We expect the
new veterans home will get the required
VA federal funds in the FY 2011 budget Each community in the veterans home will have a town center where veterans,
family members and friends can gather for community activities and events. A stone
cycle, which will be the state VA’s next fireplace with large screen TVs will be the focal point of the town center.
window of opportunity.”
Bill Nichols State Veterans Home Celebrates 20 Years
A day of celebration marked the 20th anniversary of the Bill a reality,” said State Sen. Ted Little.
Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City on Nov. 30, The Bill Nichols Veterans Home opened in
2009, with special programs and events that commemorated the 1989 and was Alabama’s first state-operated veter-
day . ans care facility. Little said Nichols and Smith,
Community leaders and state officials joined the home’s who are both deceased, worked together to see that
residents, families and guests for the special occasion. the home was built.
“Congressman Bill Nichols engineered the political mechan- Little honored Smith by presenting his family
ics of getting the appropriations for this building, but Carlton with a plaque of recognition on behalf of the
Smith, the former veterans affairs officer for Tallapoosa County, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs.
had the vision and the dedication to ensure this effort became U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers presented a framed
copy of the speech he gave on the floor of the U.S.
House of Representatives on Nov. 19, in Washing-
ton, DC, that recognized the 20th anniversary of
the Bill Nichols Veterans Home.
“The home was named after William “Bill”
Nichols, who was instrumental in making Ala-
bama’s first state veterans home a reality. Con-
gressman Nichols, a World War II Veteran and
recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, was
first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in
1966 and served until his passing in December of
1988,” Rogers said in his speech.
Nichols’ daughters, Margaret Valchols and
Memarie Mitchell were in attendance.
Rep. Mike Rogers (right) presents a framed speech to Bill Biggs, Vice
“It brings back memories for me,” Valchos said.
President and COO of Health Management Resources, the healthcare
provider for the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home. Rogers gave the
“Twenty years ago we were all here for the dedica-
speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives that recog- tion. That was a special day.”
nized the 20th anniversary of the home.
VOL. 1- ED. 3 The Alabama Veteran PAGE 4
Around the State
Governor’s Toy
Drop Brings Cheer
to Children of
Military Families
More than 5,000 children throughout
Alabama received toys for Christmas
through the annual “Toy Drop” organ-
ized through Operation Grateful Heart
and the Hoover Fire department.
This was the sixth year Operation
Grateful Heart and the Hoover Fire De-
partment teamed up to collect donated
toys and distribute them to children who
have a parent away from home at
Christmas because they’re serving in the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Clyde Marsh
military. Operation Grateful Heart is an (second from right) joins Gov. Bob Riley and members of the Hoover Fire
initiative Gov. Bob Riley started in Department at the annual Christmas Troy Drop at the Alabama State Capitol.
2004 to provide assistance to military
personnel and their families. State Board of Veterans Affairs Welcomes
Some of the toys collected through
the toy drive were also given to non- New Members; Elects Officers
profit organizations that distributed
them to disadvantaged children in the Gov. Bob Riley has appointed Holston serves on the SBVA as
state. two new members to the State a representative of the Disabled
“No child should wake up on Christ- Board of Veterans Affairs, the American Veterans (DAV) of Ala-
mas morning and not have a toy to un- governing body of the Alabama bama.
wrap,” said Riley. “We want to do eve- Department of Veterans Affairs. Since leaving the Army in
rything we can to make sure no child is Willis Frazier of Aliceville, and 1994, Holston has held positions in
forgotten during Christmas.” Helen Holston of Ramer, joined the DAV at the national, district
Hoover fire fighters arrived at the eleven other members of the board and chapter levels in both Alaska
State Capitol on Dec. 14 with the toys. for a four-year term. and Alabama.
Volunteers from Maxwell Air Force Frazier is appointed to the state In 2000, former Alaska Gov.
Base, the Sunshine Center, the Family VA board as a representative of the Tony Knowles appointed Holston
Guidance Center in Montgomery, the American Legion in Alabama, to the Alaska Veteran’s Advisory
Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and which he is a lifetime member. Committee. Currently in Ala-
Community Initiatives and other groups A retired U.S. Army Sgt. Ma- bama, she is serving a second term
organized the donated toys and made jor, Frazier served as the State as 3rd District Jr. Vice Com-
sure they got to the right locations. Commander of the American Le- mander of the DAV. She is also
Among the groups that helped col- gion from 2006-2007. He is the the National DAV 8th District Sec-
lect donated toys were the Alabama De- current commander of the Ameri- retary that represents Alabama,
partment of Veterans Affairs, Alabama can Legion Joseph Cousette Post Mississippi and Tennessee.
Department of Children Affairs, the 327 in Aliceville. In October 2009, the State
Alabama Department of Industrial Rela- Frazier also serves as the Veter- Board of Veterans elected Ken
tions, AIDT and the group Mourning to ans Affairs Voluntary Service Rollins of Oxford as vice-chairman
Morning. Deputy Representative at the Tus- of the board.
Since the toy drive started six years caloosa VA Medical Center and is Since 2005, Rollins had served
ago, more than 19,000 toys have been the American Legion’s Alternate as the board’s deputy vice-
donated. National Executive Committee- chairman.
man. See SBVA page 7
VOL. 1- ED. 3 The Alabama Veteran PAGE 5
Around the State
Lt. Gen.
“Welcome Hal Moore
Home” - is joined by
Gov. Bob
Vietnam Riley at the
Veterans opening
day of the
and War Alabama
Hero National
Fair.
Honored (Photo by Governor’s
Office, Robin Cooper)
The U.S. Flag was not in short supply as America’s Vietnam Art Baylor as President of the Alabama National Fair before
Veterans were honored at Montgomery Garrett Coliseum on the turning the program over to Gov. Riley.
opening day of the Alabama National Fair on Oct. 9, 2009. “It is my pleasure to be around some of America’s greatest
The event marked the second annual “Salute to America’s Vet- heroes, our Vietnam Veterans,” said Riley. “For too long our
erans” that began in 2008 as a partnership between the Alabama nation did not honor your service. When you came back, there
Department of Veterans Affairs, the Alabama National Fair and were no parades, there were no bands...and it took a long time.
other civic and veterans service organizations in Alabama. But, fortunately I think that has changed because today we look
This year’s theme, “A Welcome Home Celebration for Viet- back on it at a different level of appreciation.”
nam Veterans”, honored the men and women who served in the Riley showed a combat news clip of Moore giving an inter-
war that ended 35 years ago. The special salute recognized and view on the battlefield at LZ X-Ray in Vietnam on Nov. 16,
commemorated those Vietnam Veterans who made the ultimate 1965. “Convey to the American people what a tremendous
sacrifice for freedom, those who are still missing in action, hon- fighting man we have here. He’s courageous, he’s aggressive,
ored those who were prisoners of war, and acknowledge all mem- and he’s kind...he’s just an outstanding man,” Moore said of his
bers of the Armed Forces who have bravely and honorably served soldiers in the interview.
their nation. In 1965, Moore, then a Lt. Col., and his under-strength battal-
Joining the celebration were Gov. Bob Riley, Montgomery ion of 450 Soldiers fought and won the first major battle of the
Mayor Todd Strange, Alabama State Board of Veterans Affairs American War in the Ia Drang Valley of Vietnam against over
Vice-Chairman Ken Rollins, Alabama Department of Veterans 2,000 North Vietnamese Regulars. Based on that battle, Moore
Affairs Commissioner Clyde Marsh, Lt. Gen. Allen Peck, com- co-authored with Joseph Galloway the book “We Were Soldiers
mander of Air University, and retired Army Lt. Gen. Harold G. Once...and Young”. The book was made into a movie, “We
Moore, the event’s distinguished guest and keynote speaker. Were Soldiers”, with Moore portrayed by actor Mel Gibson.
A “Parade of Honor” led by Moore opened the fair with hun- Moore holds two Combat Infantry Badges, the Purple Heart,
dreds of Vietnam Veterans participating. The Patriot Guard Rid- and the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation's second highest
ers and others in attendance lined the parade route waving the award for valor.
American flag and holding signs of support. To a standing ovation, Moore thanked the audience for hon-
The parade ended with an outdoor ceremony of oring him and all Vietnam Veterans.
patriotic music performed by the Huntingdon College Marching “This is a privilege beyond words,” Moore said. “Our lives
Band of Montgomery and a C-130 flyover by the U.S. Air Force have been made possible by those who cannot stand with us, but
Reserve’s 908th Airlift Command based at Maxwell Air Force whose memories live on.”
Base. The special program included a performance by The Grace
After the opening ceremony, the program continued inside Notes from Millbrook Baptist Church with a medley of service
Garrett Coliseum with welcoming remarks by Mayor Strange. songs recognizing all branches of the military. Vietnam Veter-
“On behalf of all of the River Region’ mayors, county commis- ans displayed a “Fallen Heroes Memorial” by presenting a Sol-
sioners, chairmen, and city councilmen, let me welcome you to dier’s boots, helmet, “dog tags” and M-16 that symbolized a
this great occasion,” Strange said. fallen comrade. The Gold Star Wives of America paid tribute to
In his remarks, Strange recognized Montgomery Police Chief those who died in the Vietnam War with a wreath laying cere-
mony. The program ended with the solemn playing of “Taps.”
VOL. 1- ED. 3 The Alabama Veteran PAGE 6
Around the State
Alabama VA
Commissioner
Appointed VP of
National Associa-
tion’s Southeast
Region
Retired Navy Rear Admiral Clyde
Marsh, commissioner of the Alabama
Department of Veterans Affairs, has
taken the helm of vice president of
the National Association of State Di- State VA Directors are sworn-in to their new leadership post at the National Asso-
ciation of State Directors of Veterans Affairs annual conference in Ashville, NC.
rectors of Veterans Affairs State VA Directors (from left to right) are: NASDA President Tony Schow, UT;
(NASDVA) Southeast Region. State Patrick Palmersheim, IA, David Fletcher, AR; John Keys, TN; Jim Willis, OR; John
VA directors elected Marsh at the Hilgert, NE; Clyde Marsh, AL. Les Beavers, former Kentucky VA Director and
NASDVA’s annual conference held NASDVA past president, administers the oath.
in Ashville, NC, in September. veterans officials from the 50
Southeast Region,” said Marsh. “I
As the region’s vice president, states and territories. NASDVA
look forward to working with the
Marsh will lead and coordinate veter- advocates VA benefits by work-
VA directors from our neighboring
ans’ advocacy initiatives on behalf of ing closely with Congress, the
states as we continue to develop
NASDVA for states that include: U.S. Department of Veterans Af-
and promote “best practices” for
Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Ken- fairs, veteran service organiza-
improving benefits and services for
tucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and tions and the Department of De-
the veteran.
Tennessee. fense.
NASDVA was founded in 1946
“I am honored to have the opportu-
with membership comprised of top
nity to represent NASDVA’s
State Board of Veterans Affairs Recognizes
Veterans Advocate
At an Oct. 2, 2009, meeting of VA board on veterans’ health care
the State Board of Veterans Affairs needs.
in Montgomery, Pat Waters of Au- The Alabama Department of
burn was recognized for her many Veterans Affairs operates a home in
years of advocacy work on behalf of Alexander City, Bay Minette and
Alabama Veterans. For her dedi- Huntsville that provide veterans
cated service, State VA Commis- with long-term care.
sioner Clyde Marsh and board mem- Marsh told Waters her kindness
bers presented Waters with a Cer- and compassion for Veterans re-
tificate of Appreciation signed by flects the spirit and tradition of self-
Gov. Bob Riley. less service.
Marsh said Waters has devoted “You have been an advocate and
countless hours of her personal time friend to Veterans and we thank you
and invested a significant amount of for all you have done and continue
State VA Commissioner Clyde Marsh presents a resources while helping the resi- to do for them and their families,”
Governor’s Certificate of Appreciation to Pat Waters dents of Alabama’s three state veter- Marsh said.
for her support to the State Veterans Home Program. ans homes and advising the state
VOL. 1- ED. 3 The Alabama Veteran PAGE 7
Around the State
SBVA continued from page 4
Rollins also chaired the Alabama State Veterans Homes
Committee for the past four years.
“I am honored and humbled by the vote of confidence
of my fellow board members,” said Rollins. Serving as
vice-chairman of the state VA board is a tremendous re-
sponsibility, but I look forward to working together with
the board members as we provide the best care, benefits
and services our veterans deserve.” The Blue Star Salute Foundation, Inc., presents a $1,500 donation to the State
Veterans Home Program. Standing left to right: BSSFI member Byron White,
In October, the State Board of Veterans Affairs State VA Commissioner Clyde Marsh, BSSFI Secretary Glenn Nivens, Veterans
also elected Dolores “Dee” Hardin of Prattville to serve Home Coordinator Kim Justice, BSSFI members William Wyatt and John Walker.
as the board’s deputy vice-chairperson. Hardin, a retired Organizations Support State Veterans Home
Air Force Master Sergeant, is the first woman to hold that Program
post. The State Veterans Home Program often receives
“I constantly tell people that of all the jobs I’ve either generous donations from organizations in Alabama that
been elected or appointed to, serving on the Alabama are oriented to serving veterans. In 2009, organizations such as the
Board of Veterans Affairs is the most inspirational to Blue Star Salute Foundation, Inc., Military Order of the Purple
Heart, VFW, the American Legion, DAV and many others contrib-
me,” said Hardin. uted over $52,000 to Alabama veterans homes. The special contri-
butions support veterans’ activities at the state’s three veterans
homes in Alexander City, Bay Minette, and Huntsville.
America’s Fallen Honored with
“The Lost Heroes Art Quilt”
National Exhibit Tour
A gift to the nation honoring America’s fallen heroes in Iraq
and Afghanistan, “The Lost Heroes Quilt” was on display in the
Old Supreme Court Chamber of the Alabama State Capitol in
Montgomery from February 1-6, 2010, as part of the national
exhibit tour of the tribute.
Artist Julie Feingold created the 5.5-foot by 15-foot quilt as a
non-political contemporary work of art. It includes 82 heroes
reflecting the diversity of America—50 in the center of the quilt
representing each state in the U.S. and 32 around the border. A
childhood photograph and poignant words describing each “The Lost Heroes Art Quilt” was displayed in the Alabama State
hero’s unique personality, interest, dreams and hopes appear Capitol as part of a two-year national exhibit tour.
around each hero’s square on the quilt, permanently memorial-
izing each life. Coffee Springs, who was killed when his Apache Helicop-
Clyde Marsh, commissioner of the Alabama Department of ter was shot down in Iraq on Feb. 2, 2007.
Veterans Affairs, was joined by other state officials and fami- Cheryl Chris, mother of Spec. Chris, and her family at-
lies of Alabama’s fallen at a Feb. 1 ceremony that opened the tended the ceremony.
exhibit. “Andrew would be a little embarrassed to have all this
“I thank Julie Feingold for having the vision, dedication and attention,” said Chris. She said because the quilt shows the
perseverance to create a work-of-art that honors our fallen he- fallen troops as children, it personalizes the people who
roes with dignity,” said Marsh. “Her effort to create this trib- served and the families they left behind.
ute reflects the compassionate spirit of our nation.” The quilt will travel the country for two years and will
Alabamians honored on the quilt are Army Spec. Andrew end its tour on Sept. 11, 2011, in Washington, DC. There,
Chris of Huntsville, who was fatally wounded in Iraq on June Feingold will offer it for sale to a collector or museum with
25, 2003, and Army Chief Warrant Officer Keith Yoakum of proceeds going to a charity that helps children of the fallen.
VOL. 1- ED. 3 The Alabama Veteran PAGE 8
Around the State
Col. Robert L. Howard dies at
70; Medal of Honor Recipient
Born in Opelika, Ala., Howard was one of the
most decorated Soldiers of the Vietnam War,
receiving eight Purple Hearts and the Silver Star.
Col. Robert L. Howard, one of the most decorated
Soldiers in the Vietnam War and Medal of Honor recipi-
ent died on Dec. 23, 2009. He was 70.
Howard died of pancreatic cancer at a hospice in
Waco, Texas, said his son-in-law, Frank Gentsch.
“He was a soldier’s soldier,” Gentsch said. “He Bugles Across America
loved his family, especially his grandchildren, but he
was very much his whole career about taking care of Honors Veterans
soldiers.”
Howard, who was wounded 14 times in Vietnam and Bugles Across America, a not-for-profit organization,
awarded eight Purple Hearts, was nominated three times was founded in 2000 by Tom Day of Berwyn, Ill., when
Congress passed legislation stating veterans had a right to
for the Medal of Honor, the most prestigious award for at least two uniformed military people to fold the flag and
U.S. combat veterans. He also was awarded the Distin- the playing of “Taps” on a CD player, or by an electronic
guished Service Cross and the Silver Star. bugle.
Howard received the Medal of Honor in 1971 for his Bugles Across America (BAA) is a volunteer program
bravery in Vietnam during a 1968 mission to rescue a that honors the service of veterans by providing volunteer
buglers to play “Taps” at military funerals in the absence
missing soldier in enemy territory. Howard, then a ser- of a military bugler, or in place of an electronic bugle.
geant first class, dragged his wounded platoon leader to Bugles Across America actively seeks volunteers to pro-
safety despite his own injuries. According to the cita- vide this valuable service to veterans and their families.
tion, Howard, “although unable to walk…., crawled Bugles Across America now has over 5,000 bugler
through a hail of fire to retrieve his wounded leader.” volunteers located in all 50 states and growing number
overseas. Since the Department of Veterans Affairs is
President Nixon bestowed the Medal of Honor on expecting more than 250,000 veterans to pass every year
Howard and six others in a private White House cere- for the next seven years, Bugles Across America will
mony attended only by the recipients and their families. need more volunteers.
News accounts at the time said Nixon didn’t want the To become a member of Bugles Across America, visit
ceremonies interpreted as an attempt to win public sym- www.buglesacrossamerica.org and click on “Volunteer, ”
or call Scott Gordon, BAA Director for Alabama at
pathy for his policies in Vietnam. (256) 423-6666.
“I admire him greatly for everything he’s done,” The BAA Website also provides a way for immediate
Howard’s son, Robert Jr., told the Columbus Ledger- family members of a veteran, or a funeral home director,
Enquirer in 2006 while in basic training at Ft. Benning, to request a BAA bugler for military funerals.
Ga. “My dad’s a hero.”
Robert Lewis Howard was born July 11, 1930, in State Veterans Home Program
Opelika, Ala. He enlisted in the Army at 17 and served Benefits from Tax Refund Donations
from 1956 to 1992. After retiring, Howard worked for
the Department of Veterans Affairs. He visited U.S. Alabama residents can support the Alabama
troops several times in Iraq. Veterans Homes Program by checking off a tax
A memorial service for Col. Howard was held at Ar- donation to the “Alabama Veterans Program” on
lington National Cemetery in Washington on Feb. 22, the Alabama Income Tax Form 40 or 40A. For
2010. more information about the State Veterans
LA Times and AP contributed to this story Home Program, visit www.va.state.al.us.
VOL. 1- ED. 3 The Alabama Veteran PAGE 9
News to Use
Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs ALABAMA BOARD OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS
Partners With the U.S. Census Bureau to
Governor Bob Riley-Chairman
Support the 2010 Census Ken Rollins-Vice Chairman
The Alabama Department of Veterans to a sample group of 250,000 people Dolores “Dee” Hardin-Deputy Vice
Affairs is partnering with the U.S. Census to include veterans. Chairperson
Bureau to spread the word about the 2010 As part of the ADVA’s partnership Brenda Ingram-Board Secretary
Census. Conducted every 10 years, the with the Census Bureau, the state VA
census is much more than a population is promoting the importance of census
count. Census data are used to reappor- participation to veterans in Alabama
American Ex-Prisoners of War
tion congressional seats to states, and di- communities. Specifically, the ADVA
rectly affect how more than $400 billion will inform veterans that the 2010 Robert Baker-Selma
per year in federal funding is distributed to Census and the monthly ACS is easy,
state, local and tribal governments. important and safe. American Legion
Accurate representation and funding Questionnaire Assistance Centers
are especially important to veterans be- (QAC) will be available to assist those Dolores “Dee” Hardin-Prattville
cause these individuals rely on many gov- unable to read or understand the cen- Willis Frazier-Aliceville
ernment, community and social service sus form. For those with visual im- William Wyatt-Harpersville
programs. In fact, census data determine pairments, the Language Assistance
funding for essential federal, state and Guide will be available in large print
local programs and services. and Braille. Deaf and hard-of-hearing
American Veterans
Of interest to veterans, an accurate persons who do not have access to
census count helps to determine: Educa- Video Relay Service (VRS) can call Joe McDonald-Birmingham
tion opportunities; job training programs; the TDD number, 1-866-783-2010. In
housing needs and forecasting; planning addition to these options, Language Disabled American Veterans
for health programs, clinics and short-and Assistance Centers will be available in
long-term care facilities for people with 59 languages at all QAC locations. James Graves-Vinemont
disabilities; and services for people living Important Dates Helen Holston - Ramer
in poverty. March 2010: 2010 Census Forms Chad Richmond-Pinson
Although the 2010 Census will not Delivered.
have questions specific to veterans, the April 1, 2010: Census Day. Veterans of Foreign Wars
American Community Survey (ACS), May-July 2010: Census workers
which is a supplement to the census, does visit homes that did not return
include questions relevant to veterans and forms.
Wayne Dial-Talladega
their service. The ACS is mailed monthly Dec. 31, 2010: Census Bureau
Linda Turner-Gaines- Lisman
presents population count. Charles Stephens-Fort Payne
U.S. Office of Personnel Management Military Order of the Purple Heart
Launches Website for Veterans Byron White-Birmingham
The U.S. Office of Personnel It also underscores the importance Vietnam Veterans of America
Management has launched of aligning the talents of these
FedsHireVets.gov Website as a criti- individuals with key positions so Ken Rollins-Oxford
cal component of President Obama’s the Government is better posi-
Veterans Employment Initiative. The tioned to meet mission objectives
website will become the main source and citizens are better served.
for veterans employment information In partnership with the Depart-
and resources for both veterans and ment of Defense, Labor, Veterans
hiring officials. The initiative repre- Affairs, Homeland Security, and
sents phase one of an ongoing effort other Federal agencies, the web-
to help the men and women who have site will be the preeminent source
served in the military and their fami- for Federal employment informa-
lies find employment in the Federal tion for veterans.
Civil Service.
VOL. 1- ED. 3 The Alabama Veteran PAGE 10
News to Use
ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS Department of Defense Increases
W. Clyde Marsh
STATE COMMISSIONER
Disability Rating for PTSD
Brenda Ingram - Executive Assistant More than 4,300 Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans who were
diagnosed in service as suffering from post-traumatic stress disor-
ASSISTANT COMMISSIONERS
der (PTSD), but got low military disability ratings have won an
Michael E. Northcutt agreement with the Department of Defense to upgrade those ratings
Willie E. Moore retroactively to 50 percent.
VETERANS HOMES COORDINATOR From date of discharge, veterans with a PTSD disability will be
eligible for disability retirement and access to Tricare to include
Kim Justice coverage for their spouse and dependent children. Any out-of-
GENERAL COUNSEL pocket medical costs since discharge also could be paid retroac-
tively and the veteran and family members will gain access to dis-
Sandra Speakman counted shopping and recreational services on base.
CLAIMS and TRAINING The change in DoD’s disability rating for PTSD applies to veter-
ans who were discharged with a rating for PTSD of less than 50
Darrell Smith - Director of Claims percent after Dec. 17, 2002, and before Oct. 14, 2008.
Mark Sullivan - Training Manager
BUDGET / FINANCE A base
Dixie Black - Senior Accountant education
Mary Ann Heath - Staff Accountant advisor
Carol Yockers - Accounting Technician
explains the
ALABAMA G.I. DEPENDENT’S SCHOLARSHIP
Post- 9/11 GI
Shelia Worthington - Eligibility and Adjudication Bill to an
Kayla Kyle - Account Clerk
Airman at
MAILING ADDRESS Eglin Air
Department of Veterans Affairs Force Base,
PO Box 1509 Fla. (Photo by 2nd
Montgomery, Alabama 36102-1509 Lt. Andrew Caulk)
Telephone: (334) 242-5077
Fax: (334) 242-5102
VA Reaches Students and Schools to Speed
INTERNET WEB ADDRESS
GI Bill Payments
In a coordinated effort to speed up veterans service organizations, con-
www.va.state.al.us
the processing of Post-9/11 GI Bill edu- gressional members and other edu-
Comments concerning this publication or its contents cation benefits this spring, the Depart- cation stakeholders highlighting the
may be directed to the attention of: ment of Veterans Affairs reached out to VA’s emphasis on the importance of
student veterans, servicemembers, uni- timely submission of school enroll-
Robert Horton versity officials and other partners to ment information.
Public Information Officer meet its commitment to an aggressive The VA also released a “Hip
Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs processing goal in 2010. The first Pocket” guide and checklist with
PO Box 1509 date spring payments were due helpful tips to assist veterans in the
Montgomery, Alabama 36102 Feb. 1. application process. The guide and
By mid-January, the VA had proc- checklist can be found on college
E-mail: robert.horton@va.alabama.gov
essed over 72,000 of the approximately campuses and VA’s GI Bill Web
103,000 spring enrollments received. site at www.gibill.va.gov. Case
The VA sent letters to university presi- managers are available to assist vet-
dents and school certifying officials, erans Monday-Friday at
State VA directors, and notified 1-888-442-4551.
VOL. 1- ED. 3 The Alabama Veteran PAGE 11
VA National Update
President Signs Historic
Bill for Advance VA
Funding
President Barrack Obama signed the
Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and
Transparency Act in an Oct. 22, 2009,
ceremony at the White House. The new
law requires advance funding for the VA
health-care system.
“We have made the biggest commit-
ment to veterans, the largest percent in-
crease in the VA budget, in more than 30
years,” Obama said. “So we’re keeping President Obama signs into law a measure to advance funding to the VA. At the
our promise to make real progress for our White House ceremony were (from left to right): Rep. Henry Brown Jr., R-
vets.” S.C.; Rep. Mike Michaud, D-Maine; House Speaker Nancy Pelosi; Rep. Chet
In short, the president said, VA advance Edwards, D-Texas; Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif.; VA Secretary Eric Shinseki; Sen.
funding “promotes accountability at the Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii. (White House Photo.)
VA, it ensures oversight by Congress...and “Let me say that I take spe- funding. Most of all, for our
it ensures that veterans health care will no cial pride in this legislation,” veterans, it will mean better
longer be held hostage to the annual budget Obama said. “Because as a access to doctors and nurses,
battles in Washington.” senator, I was a proud co- and the medical care that they
The president made his remarks in the sponsor of this legislation, I provide.”
East Room of the White House, joined by served on the Veterans’ Affairs Akaka introduced the VA
VA Secretary Eric Shinseki and Sen. Committee.” advance funding bill in Con-
Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, chairman of the The president said the new gress on Feb. 12, 2009, guided
Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and legislation will fund medical it through committee hearings
the bill’s sponsor. care for veterans one year in and gathered 56 co-sponsors.
Obama thanked several members of advance. On Oct. 13, the Senate
Congress for their efforts in getting the ad- “For VA, this means timely approved the legislation unani-
vance funding bill passed. sufficient and predictable mously.
VA Budget 2011– Investing in America’s Veterans
On Feb. 4, 2010, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs “After years of working to provide adequate VA budgets,
Chairman Bob Filner conducted a hearing to address the presi- I am pleased that the recommendations of the Independent
dent’s budget request for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Budget have been addressed,” said Chairman Filner. “I am
Under a new law, the Administration is able to request two impressed by this robust budget request and its emphasis on
budgets for the VA; one to provide fiscal 2011 total funding funding many of the priorities of this Committee, including
and another to provide fiscal 2012 funding for certain VA addressing homelessness, rural health care access, and the
medical accounts. mental health care needs of our veterans.”
For fiscal year 2011, the Administration has proposed a VA Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki presented an
budget of $125 billion, an $11 billion increase from the 2010 overview of the 2011 budget for VA and provided details on
enacted budget. The Administration is requesting $51.5 bil- key investments in “high priority performance goals,” which
lion in resources for VA medical care, an increase of $4.1 bil- include reducing the claims backlog, eliminating veteran
lion over fiscal year 2010 levels. For fiscal year 2012, the homelessness, automating the G.I. Bill benefits system, es-
Administration has requested a 5 percent increase in funding tablishing a virtual lifetime electronic record, improving
above the amounts requested for fiscal year 2011. mental health care, and deploying a Veterans Relationship
System.
VOL. 1- ED. 3 The Alabama Veteran PAGE 12
VA National Update
VA Expands the Department of Veter-
ans Affairs.
List of Agent Other illnesses previ-
ously recognized under
Orange Related VA’s “presumption” rule
Illnesses as being caused by expo-
sure to herbicides during
Relying on an inde- the Vietnam War are:
pendent study by the Insti- Acute and Subacute
tute of Medicine, Secretary Transient Peripheral
of Veterans Affairs Eric Neuropathy
Shinseki decided to estab- AL Amyloidosis
lish a service-connection Chloracne
for Vietnam veterans with Chronic Lymhocytic
three specific illnesses Leukemia
based on the latest evi- concealment for the enemy, the war and who have a Diabetes Mellitus
dence of an association Agent Orange left a legacy of “presumed” illness do not have (Type 2)
with the herbicides re- suffering and disability that to prove an association be- Hodgkins’s Disease
ferred to as Agent Orange. continues today. Between tween their illnesses and their Multiple Myeloma
The illnesses affected January 1965 and April 1970, military service. This Non-Hodgkin’s
by the recent decision are an estimated 2.6 million mili- “presumption” simplifies and Lymphoma
Parkinson’s disease, tary personnel who served in speeds up the application proc- Porphyria Cutanea
ischemic heart disease and Vietnam were potentially ex- ess for benefits, according to Tarda
B-cell leukemia's such as posed to sprayed Agent Or- VA officials. Prostate Cancer
hairy-cell leukemia. ange. The secretary’s decision Respiratory Cancers
Used in Vietnam to In practical terms, veterans brings the number of presumed Soft Tissue Sarcoma
defoliate trees and remove who served in Vietnam during illnesses to 15 recognized by
Tool Kit Helps Schools Aid Those Due ‘Stop-Loss” Pay Must
Military Children Apply
The American Association of School Administrators About 185,000 veterans who were forced by wartime “stop loss”
have developed a new online tool kit to help school offi- orders to serve on active duty after enlistment contracts had expired,
cials understand and meet the needs of military children. or past their approved retirement dates, are due a retroactive special
Supported by a grant from the Veterans Support Foun- payment of $500 for each extra month they served.
dation, the association developed the tool kit with help But these veterans must apply by Oct. 21, 2010, to get the extra
from a variety of sources, including the Department of money set aside in appreciation for the extra time they had to serve.
Defense Education Activity. Payments could total $640 million.
Relatively few military kids go to Defense Department Through December 2009, only about 15,000 veterans and current
schools, so transitions have been an issue for years. Chil- members had applied for “Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay.” The
dren of active-duty, National Guard and reserve troops are average lump sum payment made to eligible Army veterans so far is
scattered throughout communities across the nation. $4,500, said Army spokeswoman Jill Mueller. That suggests an av-
The tool kit is available at www.aasa.org/ erage stop-loss period of nine months, considerably longer than was
MilitaryChild.aspx., or at the Alabama Department of Vet- needed by any other service.
erans Affairs website, www.va.state.al.us. The Army was the only service that was still using “stop loss” in
Some of the suggestions offered in the toolkit include: December. The Army was to end the “stop loss” policy in January
assembling welcome packets for military children, estab- 2010.
lishing buddy programs, setting up transition centers, cre- Congress first authorized stop loss special pay of $500 a month to
ating school district web pages for military parents and serving stop-loss members in 2008. Payments began last March and
providing counselors trained in helping military families are authorized through June 30, 2011.
deal with change, deployment and grief. The tool kit also The pool of eligible veterans for the back pay program is esti-
features a videotaped discussion among school administra- mated at 120,000 for the Army alone.
tors, a counselor and a parent. Veterans entitled to the stop-loss pay should file their claim with
their service branch by Oct. 21, 2010.
VOL. 1- ED. 3 The Alabama Veteran PAGE 13
Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs
RSA Plaza Building
770 Washington Ave., Suite 470
P.O. Box 1509
Montgomery, Alabama 36102-1509
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