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NATIONAL ECONOMIC COMMISSION
TOPIC 1: ECONOMY
The unemployment rate dropped sharply last month to 9 percent, the lowest level in nearly two years.
But the economy generated only 36,000 net new jobs, the fewest in four months. The January report
illustrates how job growth remains the economy's weakest spot, even as other economic indicators point
to a recovery that is strengthening. Friday's report offered a conflicting picture on hiring. Unemployment
fell because the Labor Department's household survey determined that more than a half-million people
without jobs found work. The department conducts a separate survey of businesses, which showed tepid
job creation. The two surveys sometimes diverge. Severe winter weather likely reduced the number of
jobs created. Harsh snowstorms last month cut into construction employment, which fell by 32,000, the
most since May. The unemployment rate for OEF/OIF veterans rose from 11.7 percent to 15.2 percent in
the last month.
National unemployment rate is 9.0% (January 2011). Gulf War II Veterans unemployment rate is
15.2%.
TOPIC 2: MEETINGS OF THE WEEK
OEF/OIF CASE MANAGEMENT OUTREACH
On Monday, January 1, 2011, Daryl Hill met Peggy Kennedy, VHA, to understand the sharing
of veterans information and the best ways to integrate veteran referrals from the Legion into the
OIF/OEF Case Management System.
GOOGLE APPLICATIONS
On Wednesday, February 2, 2011 Bob Madden and Daryl Hill participated in a Google
application workshop. The idea is to get a better understanding of what Google has to offer in
terms of business applications and how to effectively use them in collaboration with other team
members.
U.S. NAVY
On Wednesday, February 2, 2011, Joe Sharpe and Barry Searle met with Stephen Robinson,
Vice President, Prudential‟s Veterans Affairs Division, to discuss veterans employment
initiatives. Mr. Robinson is highly interested in our programs and wants to become more
involved in employing veterans and supporting veterans initiatives.
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
On Wednesday, February 2, 2011, Joe Sharpe and Daryl Hill participated in a White House
presentation on jobs for veterans within the Administration. The White House would like to
recruit highly talented veterans for all aspects of political appointments. They are seeking
guidance from Veteran Service Organization‟s to help fill these positions.
PATHWAYS TO HOUSING
On Wednesday, February 2, 2011, Mark Walker met with Christy Respress, Director of
Programs and Development, Pathways to Housing, to discuss the challenges that face homeless
veterans along with the Housing First model that her organization supports/implements. Housing
First approaches are based on the concept that a homeless individual or household‟s first and
primary need is to obtain stable housing, and that other issues that may affect the household can
and should be addressed once housing is obtained.
SMALL BUSINESS
On Thursday, February 3, 2011, Joe Sharpe, Daryl Hill and Dean Stoline met with Adam Lynn
and Eric Fitch from Small Business Congressional office to discuss the practices of VA in
providing contacts to Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. In the past, The American Legion has
seen and heard of issues with the VA actually not meeting their 3%goal of awarding contracts to
Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs). The meeting was to discuss if there should be
possible legislation to rectify these issues.
LICENSURE AND CREDENTIALING
On Thursday, February 3, 2011, Bob Madden spoke with Ron Horn, Deputy Director of Policy
for the Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy (WWCTP), to discuss the proposed summit
from The American Legion and other service branches. Mr. Horn is the point of contact for the
Office of the Secretary of Defense and would be able to guide us in getting other service branches
from participating. Currently the Navy is a participant.
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD)
On Thursday, February 3rd, 2011, Joe Sharpe and Mark Walker met with Mark Johnston,
Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, HUD and Justin Brock, Special
Assistant for Veterans Initiatives, HUD, to discuss Continuum of Care grants, HUD-VASH
vouchers and new initiatives HUD is implementing for low-income and homeless
individuals/families.
TOPIC 3: SMALL BUSINESS
“Startup America” is a White House initiative to celebrate, inspire, and accelerate high-growth
entrepreneurship throughout the nation. This coordinated public/private effort brings together an
alliance of the country‟s most innovative entrepreneurs, corporations, universities, foundations,
and other leaders, working in concert with a wide range of federal agencies to dramatically
increase the prevalence and success of America‟s entrepreneurs.
This mission to promote entrepreneurship is a core component of President Obama‟s national
innovation strategy for achieving sustainable growth and quality jobs. Not only do startups bring
a wealth of transformative innovations to market, they also play a critical role in job creation
across the United States. Those entrepreneurs who are intent on growing their businesses create
the lion‟s share of these new jobs, in every part of the country and in every industry. Moreover,
it is entrepreneurs in clean energy, medicine, advanced manufacturing, information technology,
and other fields who will build the new industries of the 21st century, and solve some of our
toughest global challenges.
The core goals of Startup America are to increase the number and scale of new high-growth
firms that are creating economic growth, innovation, and quality jobs; celebrate and honor
entrepreneurship as a core American value and source of competitive advantage; and inspire and
empower an ever-greater diversity of communities and individuals to build great American
companies.
Department of Veterans Affairs Launches New Incubators to Help Vets Start High-Growth
Businesses: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will establish two of the first integrated
business accelerators focused solely on helping our Veterans launch and sustain their own
businesses. The first accelerator program offers an interactive website that provides a
comprehensive roadmap of the starting a small business and provides assistance in utilizing the
diverse set of resources available to support Veteran entrepreneurs. The second program
includes a business incubator facility, located in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where early-stage
Veteran-owned businesses are mentored by experienced entrepreneurs and trained to develop the
skills needed to build successful businesses.
TOPIC 4: CAREER FAIRS
This week, Career Fairs were held in New Orleans, Louisiana; Gulfport, Mississippi and Phoenix,
Arizona. The Economic Division would like to personally thank the Department of Louisiana,
Mississippi and Arizona for their support and interest in reaching out to America‟s wounded warriors,
their spouses and other veterans through Legion sponsored Career Fairs. The American Legion continues
to support these Career Fairs that assist our veteran community with finding stable and gainful
employment. Additionally, these Career Fairs have been great opportunities to promote The American
Legion and our programs, as well as to promote membership.
TOPIC 5: HOMELESS VETERANS
The VA intends to enter into an Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) on an 11.5 acre parcel of land at the Charlie
Norwood VAMC in Augusta, Georgia. The selected lessee will finance, design, develop, renovate,
manage, maintain and operate the EUL development. As consideration for the lease, the lessee will be
required to renovate, operate, and maintain a transitional and permanent housing facility; provide
preference and priority placement for homeless veterans and veterans at risk of homelessness; and provide
a supportive services program that guides resident veterans toward attaining long-term self-sufficiency.
During its annual Washington Conference in March, The American Legion will host a roundtable
discussion focused on the topic of reducing veterans homelessness. Representatives from federal
agencies, homeless service providers, and other institutions will meet at the Renaissance Hotel in
Washington on March 18 from 10am to 12pm to discuss the issue.
Estimations and studies have shown veterans comprise a little more than one-fifth of the nation‟s
homeless population, with 107,000 of them on the street any given night. Recently, a significant rise has
been recorded in homelessness for veterans with children, particularly women veterans – a demographic
that is the fastest growing among the homeless population. The American Legion and the other
organizations and agencies with representation at the roundtable discussion will look to find ways to
address and quell these issues.
Joseph C. Sharpe, Jr., Director
Economic Division
202.861.2700 ext. 2989
Week Ending 02/04/11
Media Marketing Division: Report for January 2011
Stories:
American Legion women veterans survey (advance)
Tricare denial of coverage for cognitive rehabilitation therapy
VET-Force small business forum hosted by Legion’s DC Office
Jan. 18 small-business workshop in California
PNC David Rehbein and Recovering Warrior Task Force
Continued rise in veterans unemployment
Holiday gift cards given to recovering warriors in D.C. area
Cdr. Jimmie Foster meets with VA Secretary Eric Shinseki
Army briefing at Army-Navy Club about multiple-deployment stress
Cdr. Jimmie Foster meets with Office of Personnel Management Director John Barry
Gumbo in Zurich: VSOBs encouraged to think globally
JPMorgan Chase overcharging military families on home loans
homeless veteran “stand down” at Winterhaven in Washington, D.C.
Jan. 31 deadline for American Legion women veterans survey
The American Legion’s ad hoc committee on TBI/PTS meeting in Washington.
“Hiring Heroes” career fairs sponsored by DoD
White House initiatives for military families (“Strengthening Our Military Families”)
Rep. Jeff Miller, chair, and first meeting of HVAC for 112th Congress
TAL opposition to Bachmann proposal for freezing VA health-care budget
Story on how VA has improved GI Bill processing
Interviews/Quotes:
Fang Wong by the Epoch Times on The American Legion in New York
Joe Sharpe by Federal News Radio on veterans unemployment
Craig Roberts on Mojave Cross decision by CBS Radio News (NYC) and KOMO Radio (Seattle)
Tim Tetz by Tom Philpott on Rep. Miller and HVAC
Cynthia Mason-Posey by The Examiner on women veterans survey
Marty Callaghan by Huffington Post about military panel on women in combat
Joe Sharpe by Bloomberg News on vet-owned small business issues
Tim Tetz by Congressional Quarterly on HVAC and VA budget
Videos:
Cdr. Jimmie Foster discusses meeting with VA Secretary Eric Shinseki.
Cdr. Jimmie Foster talks about his 2010 Far East Tour.
Edited 22 video clips from interview with PNC Michael Kogutek in Buffalo, N.Y.
Media outreach:
Women veterans survey reported by UPI wire service
Legion stand on Tricare issue reported by National Public Radio
Women veterans survey story picked up by military.com
Veterans unemployment story picked up by Global News.
Contacted TAL departments, requesting their help in promoting women veterans survey to local
media
Placed advertisement on Facebook to promote American Legion women veterans survey
Other:
Photo coverage of ad hoc committee meeting in Washington, Jan. 24-25.
National Commander coverage:
Cybercast News Service (Alexandria, VA)
UPI Wire Service ( Washington, DC)
Global News (Washington, DC)
The Gazette-Virginian (South Boston, VA)
Media advisories sent to:
For National Commander:
San Juan, Puerto Rico; Columbus, Ohio; Madison, Wis.; Atlanta/Macon, Ga.; Las Vegas and
Reno, Nev.
For VA & R/System Worth Saving:
Little Rock, Ark.; St. Louis, Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Cleveland and Houston
NATIONAL SECURITY AND FOREIGN RELATIONS DIRECTOR
Barry A. Searle
30-31 January 2011, The Director attended the Reserve Officer Association National Security
Expo focusing on the Reserve Component and the Operational Reserve. Interestingly the two
major themes running throughout the Expo were costs savings (new buzz word efficiencies) an
employment. There was very little discussion on operational or equipment issues. Rather it
seemed like the audience was being prepared for bad news when it comes to budget issues.
There was a call for help from the ROA (VSOs in general) to assist Reserve Component
members retain and attain employment so that they will continue to participate in the Operational
Reserve.
Presentations by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs primarily focused on
employment issues for the reserve component. He did not want to get into budget or the
Quadrennial Defense Review issues other to say that there will be continued pressure to reduce
costs. One of his themes, I believe setting the stage for budget fights, was the comment that,
“When the shooting stops the public forgets and looses interest.” “Congress” he said,
“Appropriates money for what the public has interest.”It appeared to be a call to VSOs to keep
the public interested in DOD issues or the money would go elsewhere.
He further stated that a strategic reserve such as we had in the 80's and 90's is no longer possible.
The operational reserve is the only viable way to protect the nation. That it was necessary to
develop a plan to maintain strength by involving employers in the process now. The Secretary
then called on ROA members to work will DoL to promote reserve servicemembers to industry.
His concept was to involve the ROA chapters at the local basis to reach out and assist reserve
component members and employers.
Note: The American Legion already is actively engaged in both the employment issue
(Economics Division) and the Family Readiness Initiative (NSFR Division)
His comments were echoed by the Service Assistant Secretaries. However, the Service Assistant
Secretaries were more forthcoming with comments on “efficiencies” and budget cutting. For
example the Navy highlighted that, "Even if we had unlimited resources we would not just throw
money away, we needs to get the most bang for the buck.” We have a responsibility to the
taxpayer to use only what we need. The Navy Secretary continued that he was concerned that
the country “Has lost perspective on the cost of the war and the increase in causalities.
Economics are setting in and the public does not want to pay for it.
He went on to say that the Navy has reduced strength by 15% since 2006 but that actual
costs have increased by 15% in the same time frame. “Personnel Costs are eating us alive.”
During a question and answer period the Assistant Secretary for the Army was asked a question
about updating the “early retirement of reserve component members who deployed to combat
zones and reducing the retirement age from 60 by the number of months deployed.” The answer
was blunt and to the point, "You knew what the benefits were when you signed up. There is
not much stomach for improving entitlements in the building at this time.”
This meeting reinforced the signals coming out of DoD concerning veteran‟s entitlements such
as TriCare; the message is that the American People are looking for cost savings. They are
becoming more concerned with day to day economic issues than National Defense or Veterans .
That DoD must make sufficient changes to show progress rather than be avalanched by major
cost cuts.
The Director NSFR has been conducting extensive research on the TAL position going back to
the late 80‟s and early 90‟s including the original ”GI Bill of Health”, and developing press
releases and recommended positions on the TriCare issue. Popular wisdom is that the Legion
has a resolution that opposes increases to Tricare, the actual resolution states,”
RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, August 31, September 1, 2, 2010, That The American Legion shall prevail upon
this Administration and the Department of Defense to reconsider any proposals to
implement any increases in the military retirees’ TRICARE enrollment fees, deductibles,
or premiums.
One could argue that DoD has reconsidered since FY 2006 and has decided to do it. The
American Legion while voicing opposition may want to make an effort to reduce the inevitable
increases to the least amount possible.
Family Readiness initiative Throughout the week the Director conducted several meetings and
phone conversations with representatives from the USAR Office of Manpower, and Reserve
Component members from different TAL Departments to include a meeting on 31 January with a
National Guard Battalion Commander from Nevada and a 2 February meeting with LTC Cook
from the USAR in an attempt to execute a prototype of the program. Additionally a “2nd Draft‟
Concept Paper, outlining recommended actions by post members in the effort to fulfill the
charter as envisioned by Congress,” Veteran Service Organizations chartered by Congress under
Title 36 United States Code (U.S.C.) to assist veterans (service members) and family members
by “delivering services connected with either title 38 U.S.C., benefits and programs or other
Federal and State programs designed to assist veterans,”
The TAL organization has a unique ability to directly and positively impact service members
(veterans) and their families and to fill the void between those who have served and those who
have not. We are part of the family who served, we know the problems and issues, we can relate
to the long term effects of service, and most importantly we have the capability to assist with
more than just good wishes.
A final Concept and Resolution of Support will be introduced at the Spring NEC.
As an aside, During our Family Readiness Initiative meetings, our contacts in the USAR in the
Pentagon reinforce what we heard at the ROA meeting. Efficiencies, cost saving, and personnel
cuts will be accomplished. This is again obviously a realization that with the vast majority of the
population more interested in paying their own bills, and getting their kids through college, DoD
and VA are going to “take a hit”; this is an attempt to direct where that hit is and how hard a hit
will come.
Deputy Director
This week, Joseph Grassi, Deputy Director, National Security / Foreign Relations joined the
crew of the USNS Comfort for a in-depth tour of the famous hospital ship. The Comfort‟s
primary mission is to provide a mobile, flexible, and rapidly responsive afloat medical capability
for acute medical and surgical care in support of amphibious task forces, Marine Corps, Army
and Air Force elements, forward deployed Navy elements of the fleet and fleet activities located
in areas where hostilities may be imminent. Mr. Grassi attended a meeting following the visit to
discuss homeland security and emergency preparedness with local business leaders and
government agency representatives.
Mr. Grassi has also conducted research and responded to concerned Legionnaires on such
subjects as the Uniform Services Former Spouse Protection Act of 1983, The Leavenworth 10,
Space “A” military flights availability, extending selective service registration to women, live-
animal tissue combat-medic training, and the Peter G. Peterson Foundation‟s attempt to lobby
Congress to cut military and military retirees‟ benefits. Also, Mr. Grassi has received the
applications for the Law Officer of the Year and Firefighter of the Year Awards and has began
reviewing them in preparation for the Judging process to commence next month at the
Washington Conference.
Assistant Director
This week, Freddy Gessner, Assistant Director, National Security and Foreign Relations
(NS/FR), prepared a cumulative synopsis of the items to be presented to the Foreign Relations
Commission Chairman. The Foreign Relations division is closely following the anti-government
revolts in several middle-eastern countries in order to analyze the potential impact these events
will have on the U.S. As control of these counties transfers to new regimes, the Department of
State will attempt to promote U.S. interests in these powers through the support we provide with
foreign aid.
In preparation for the State Department reception that will be taking place during the Mid-Winter
Conference this March, Mr. Gessner has coordinated a sponsor and approval of invitations
through membership at Post 68. The guest list is being finalized and we are now to gathering the
required information for each guest‟s security clearance.
Also in preparation for the POW/MIA portion of the NS/FR Joint Session during the conference,
Mr. Gessner has reached out to the Director of POW/MIA efforts in Cambodia from the Defense
Intelligence Agency at Boiling AFB.
Throughout the week, Mr. Gessner prepared for next week‟s trip to Indianapolis where he will be
participating in Cross-Training. The training will include developing ways for the NS/FR
division to work better with other divisions within the organization to include Magazine/Internet,
Public Relations, Emblem/Fundraising, Internal Affairs/Membership, Library, and Americanism.
MEB/PEB Service Officer, Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Brian Buckler
31 January 2011 – Participated and attended a conference call with 5 personnel from
SFAC management with the contract company in charge of building the digital kiosk at
the WTB. The Legion paid for this service back in August but the process has been
interrupted and needed to be brought back up. Past hiccups and setbacks were discussed
as well as how to operate forward with the best methods possible. A new project
manager has been placed on the kiosk design, and all involved are making sure this
contract becomes fulfilled.
01 February 2011 – Addressed a Washington Department of Veteran Affairs (WDVA)
benefits briefing plugging and advertising the free MEB/PEB services of the American
Legion. Many of the service members that attended are going through a medical board
and transitioning out of the military.
02 February 2011 – Assisted in helping a service member get involved with the Patient
Advocacy Group for assistance with complaints of medical treatment at Madigan
Hospital. The SM complained of a nurse case manager breaking a HIPAA/Privacy Act
agreement in regards to treatment related to her medical board.
03 February 2011 – Addressed a WTB Town Hall full of wounded warriors, during the
„Newcomers Brief‟ portion, plugging and advertising the American Legion MEB/PEB
representation services. Many of those in attendance are going through medical board
because of their disabilities and conditions.
This week I received 9 walk-ins, 0 appointments, and 0 MEB / PEB Board Decisions.
MEB/PEB Service Officer Brooke Army Medical Center
Jon Dickson
28 January 2011 – leave for surgery recovery
31 January 2011 – Attended a town hall meeting, where I briefed on services offered by
American Legion. Began work on a pre discharge claim for the VA
01 February 2011 – Maintained contact with current clients via phone calls and e-mails. Meet
with a service member to review their MEB. Also, review a PEB and explained the findings.
Attended a town hall meeting, briefed service member and their families on services offered by
the American Legion, Meet with Service member wrote a rebuttal to their MEB.
02 February 2011 – Reviewed a MEB, explained the findings and explained his options. Met
with Veteran, reviewed and explained the findings of his appeal. Also, meet with a Service
member to review and explain his PEB. Explained his options, as well as the pros and cons of
filling for un-employability (UI) and provided the need paperwork that needs to be completed.
03 February 2011 – Assisted a veteran with completing change of discharge status. Continued
working on rebuttal paperwork.
MEB/PEB Service Officer, Walter Reed Hospital
Jerry Johnson
Monday was covered by three appointments seeking answers to their questions about the MEB
results they had just received. I explained the procedure and what would follow in the next
segment of the process once the rating were returned from the Department of Veterans affairs.
Tuesday of this week was very slow many people at Walter Reed were anticipating a heavy ice
storm and were preparing to leave early. I was able to talk to other members of the Warrior
Transition Battalion, (WTB), about getting more info and trying to find something concrete
about the upcoming base closure.
Jerry also was asked to give his opinion to a soldier that had been denied Social Security
Disability. While this is not in my field of practice, I reviewed the information of the case and
saw that the soldier had never been properly examined by the social security administration. I
explained to him that a written statement from his treating doctors which states because of his
combined injuries and illnesses he would be unable to maintain gainful employment, may be the
key to overturning the social security decision
On Wednesday Jerry took a day of PTO due to work being done on his apartment.
Thursday Jerry contacted the executive offices of the hospital to arrange for a briefing for the Ad
Hoc committee on TBI/PTSD. The executive offices were helpful in giving me a contact that
could possibly do the briefings.
PNC William Detweiler also contacted this office on this date to ask if a visit and tour could be
arranged for himself and members of a World War II Veteran‟s group.
Thursday Jerry also received a confirmation email that the American Legion office would be
transferred to Fort Belvoir with the WTB there.
Friday of this week has been slow Jerry visited several areas on base and put the Legion
magazine out for display along with other legion publications.
Jerry also received a positive reply from Dr. French that he would be glad to give a briefing the
American Legion Ad Hoc Committee for TBI/PTSD. He will set it up to be held in the MATC
conference room and in addition he will have a small tour of the facility arranged.
Press Releases
Barry Searle attended the Reserve Officer Association National Security Expo focusing on the
Reserve Component and the Operational Reserve.
Joseph Grassi, Deputy Director, National Security / Foreign Relations joined the crew of the
USNS Comfort for a in-depth tour of the famous hospital ship.
Freddy Gessner, Assistant Director, National Security and Foreign Relations (NS/FR), prepared
a cumulative synopsis of the items to be presented to the Foreign Relations Commission
Chairman
Brian Buckler participated and attended a conference call with 5 personnel from SFAC
management with the contract company in charge of building the digital kiosk at the WTB
This week I received 9 walk-ins, 0 appointments, and 0 MEB / PEB Board Decisions.
National Security-Foreign Relations Division
Barry Searle, Director
(W) 202-263-2984
Week ending: 2-4-11
NATIONAL VETERANS AFFAIRS AND REHABILITATION COMMISSION
Deputy Director of Healthcare
Caregiver Hotline Launched this Week
The following article was posted on the Legion Website:
The Department of Veterans‟ Affairs has launched a toll-free national Caregiver Support Line at
(855) 260-3274. The Caregiver Support Line was created to recognize the significant
contributions made by caregivers in allowing veterans to remain at home surrounded by family
and friends.
The line is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and on Saturdays from
10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time. Licensed clinical social workers will be available to answer
questions, listen to concerns and directly link callers to the Caregiver Support Coordinator at
their local VA medical center. Each VA medical center has a Caregiver Support Coordinator
who can locate assistance tailored to the particular situation. For more information, click here.
Department Service Officer School/Washington Conference
Prepared and assisted with coordination of speakers, agenda, and presentations. Developed a
VA&R Commission Welcome Folder. The folders include a VA&R Chairman Welcome Letter,
VA&R Commission Guide, a Staff Directory, presentation hard copies and a CD containing all
of the conference presentations. The folders will be distributed at the Washington Conference to
all VA&R Commission Members.
Training/Meetings Scheduled this Week for the Month of February
Feb. 13-17- Training new Field Service Representative, Warren Goldstein on System Worth
Saving Site Visit at the Denver, Colorado VA Medical Center
Feb. 23- Magazine Videoconference with Field Service Representatives to discuss
Photo/Interview Techniques for System Worth Saving Site Visits
Feb. 24- VA Central Office Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Centers (MIRECC)
Training for Field Service Representatives
Feb. 25- (Postponed due to Building Renovations) VA&R Cross Training for all VA&R
Employees. The training will provide an overview of the divisions in the Washington DC office
and specific training on claims, benefits, and other VA&R programs.
VA&R Resolutions and VA&R Volunteer Programs
Conducted training with Cynthia Mason-Posey, Assistant Director for Policy & Research who
will be transitioning into management of the VA&R resolution portfolio and the VA Voluntary
Service (VAVS) Program.
Assistant Director for Policy and Research
Maryland Campus Compact for Student Veterans
Cynthia Mason-Posey. Assistant Director of Policy and Research attended the signing of the
Maryland Campus Compact for Student Veterans. The meeting was convened by Lt. Governor
Anthony G. Brown – a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, a graduate of ROTC and the nation‟s
highest-ranking elected official to serve a tour of duty in Iraq. The Maryland Campus Compact
for Student Veterans is a memorandum of understanding between the State and 21 community
colleges and public four-year institutions of higher education.
More than 22,000 OEF-OIF veterans have returned to Maryland in recent years. By 2010 there
were over 470,000 veterans residing in Maryland accounting for over 8% of the State‟s total
population. Military related behavioral health and relationship problems are serious risk factors
for returning veterans. Some veterans begin their higher education experience without adequate
high school preparation. Post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury afflict a higher
proportion of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
The American Legion Women Veterans Survey
The survey window closed on January 31st. A total of 2,963 women took the survey with a
completion rate of 71.9%. The largest group of respondents was born between 1950 and 1959.
All major racial and ethnic groups were represented as well as all branches of service to include
reserve and guard. Respondents served from the World War II Era through OEF/OIF. 15% of the
respondents reported suffering from PTSD due to Military Sexual Trauma (MST). 31.9% of the
respondents receive all of their health care from the VA. 47.5% do not receive any of their health
care from the VA.
ProSidian is currently analyzing the initial survey results and preparing the final report. The final
report will be available on March 21, 2011. We are now conducting an online focus group of
Women Veterans. The comments gathered from the focus group will be included in the final
report.
Board of Veterans Appeals
For the week of January 28, 2010 - February 3, 2011, the Board of Veterans‟ Affairs reached
dispositions on 185 American Legion represented appeals. The Appeals and Special Claims Unit
directly supported the grant of benefits for 42 veterans and found 103 errors requiring further
development, with a favorable outcome for 78.4% of the veterans represented.
Appeals Management Center
Carl Davis, Team Leader received approximately 81 telephone calls from veterans and DSOs.
Mr. Davis attended a meeting at the VAMC Washington, DC. Mr. Davis consulted with VA
Coaches, VSRs and the AMC Service Center Manager 15 times. He counseled an estimated 6
veterans on Friday at Andrews AFB during his scheduled weekly outreach visit. Mr. Davis
reviewed 15 Supplemental Statement of the Cases (SSOCs) and 23 VA Rating Decisions.
Vincent Covert, Appeals Representative reviewed BVA remands, SSOCs and prepared 102 VA
Form 646s - Statement of Accredited Representative (Re-certifying Appeal Cases to the Board of
Veterans Appeals (BVA). Mr. Covert, spoke with 27 Veterans and DSOs by telephone who
requested the status of their pending appeals. Mr. Covert consulted 11 times with VA Coaches
and VSRs concerning individual VA Appeals. He reviewed 41 VA Rating Decisions for
accuracy and completeness.
Daryl Puryear, Appeals Representative met with nine clients who filed VA Claims for
Compensation/Pension. Mr. Puryear completed all necessary documents and submitted claims to
the Department of Veterans Affairs Washington, DC Regional Office Washington. He
established nine new, American Legion Power of Attorneys (VAF 21-22). Mr. Puryear spoke
with an estimated 30-40 telephone and walk-in veterans who requested information concerning
filing claims. He provided veterans benefits counseling at the VAMC for seven veterans and
submitted one records request to NPRC.
Wanda Kennedy, Administrative Secretary answered 70 telephone calls from veterans who
called for status of pending appeals. Ms. Kennedy returned telephone calls from veterans and
DSOs concerning pending appeals. She scanned 200 items of VA correspondence (letters,
SSOCs, VA Rating Decisions, etc). Ms. Kennedy mailed over 67 items of correspondence to
American Legion DSOs.
Military Review Board
The Military Review Board staff assisted 45 former service members with new, upcoming and
pending petitions to prepare their cases for review by the Discharge Review Boards and the
Board for Correction of Military Records. The section‟s case development included: 42 phone
calls; 36 emails; 33 correspondences; nine walk-in appointments; three written briefs; one re-
consideration and seven Veterans‟ Affairs inquiries. In addition to working with their clients, the
Military Review Board staff provided a day of orientation and training for their new part-time
employee, Racshell Wright-Jones, who will be performing administrative tasks.
NATIONAL VETERANS AFFAIRS AND
REHABILITATION COMMISSION
Verna Jones, Director
(202) 263-2983
Week Ending 2/4/2011
