ARCHIVES III

August 1998 ~ December 2001

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2001

December CURRENT ISSUES
LONG RANGE PLANS, WORKLOADS AND WAITING TIMES 
December 21 ARMED FORCES NEWS
CONGRESS WAFFLES ON CONCURRENT RECEIPT
December 21 ARMED FORCES NEWS
NDAA DERAILS RETIREE FORCED CHOICE
December 21 ARMED FORCES NEWS
VA RECOGNIZES GULF WAR ALS CLAIMS
December 19 DISCUSSION PAPER 
For Meeting With Mr. Jose R. Coronado & Staff
December 19 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOUSE VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 2001 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
FULFILLING AMERICA'S PROMISES TO OUR VETERANS
December 14 ARMED FORCES NEWS
VA CUTS OUTPATIENT COPAYS
December 13 MEDICAL CARE FUNDING
IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED
December 12 MY SAN ANTONIO~MILITARY
BUSY SEGUIN VETERANS FACE CLINIC CLOSURE
December 10 MEMORANDUM
FY 2002 NETWORK BUDGET EXECUTION POLICY DIRECTION
December 10 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DAV PRAISES VA ACTION FOR PERSIAN GULF VETERANS WITH ALS
December 8 MY SAN ANTONIO~MILITARY
EX-PRESIDENT LAUDS VETERANS FROM 1941
BY: SIG CHRISTENSON
December 8 MY SAN ANTONIO~MILITARY
VETERANS GATHER AT THE PACIFIC WAR MUSEUM TO REMEMBER THE ATTACK AND THE FRIENDS THEY LOST
BY: SIG CHRISTENSON
December 8 MY SAN ANTONIO~METRO AND STATE
TOWN ROLLS OUT THE RED CARPET
BY: ZEKE MAC CORMACK
December 7 IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
SMITH UNVEILS LEGISLATION TO REFORM BURIAL RULES AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
December 7 VA CHIROPRACTOR PLAN HITS OBSTACLES
THE HOUSE HAS APPROVED A PLAN TO ALLOW CHIROPRACORS TO SERVE AS PRIMARY -CARE PHYSICIANS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
November 30 ARMED FORCES NEWS
RETIREE FORCED CHOICE UPDATE
November 30 ARMED FORCES NEWS
VA CHIEF WOULD ELIMINATE SURPLUS BEDS
November 26 NEW MUSEUM HONORING VETERANS
November 15 NAUS
VA/DOD PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE HOLDS FIRST MEETING
November 15  NAUS
STATE VETERANS HOME 
November 15 ARMED FORCES NEWS
Tricare Payments Upped for Some Dual Beneficiaries
November 15 ARMED FORCES NEWS
Veterans' Records Backlog Nearing Fix
November 14 HOUSE APPROVES SMITH-EVANS LEGISLATION TO PROTECT
House Approves Smith-Evans Legislation to Protect VA Educational Benefit
November LEGISLATIVE BULLETIN
VA Fiscal Year (FY) 2002 Budget Update
November 2 ARMED FORCES NEWS
VA Pays One-Time Benefit Catch-Up
November 2 ARMED FORCES NEWS
'Tricare for Life' Starts With Small Glitch
November 2 ARMED FORCES NEWS
Medicare Premium Increases Set for 2002
October 19 ARMED FORCES NEWS 
TRICARE GUIDELINES FOR MTF LOCKOUTS
October 17 M E M O R A N D U M
IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED ON CONCURRENT RECEIPT
FROM: Joseph A. Violante, National Legislative Director
October 15 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOUSE APPROVES LEGISLATION TO COMBAT CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS
October 15 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chairman Smith Proposes New National Medical
Preparedness Centers Within VA
October 15 VFW WASHINGTON WEEKLY
October 15 MEDIA ADVISORY
Hearing to Examine the VA's Role in Responding to
National Disasters, Terrorist Threats and Wars
October 12 IMMENSE VA CLAIMS BACKLOG TAGGED 'CHARACTERISTIC'
October 10 FEDERAL DIARY ~ WASHINGTON POST
VETERANS LOBBY BALKS AT PROPOSAL TO STREAMLINE HIRING
October 10 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COMMITTE APPROVES BILLS TO END HOMELESSNESS
October 5 ARMED FORCES NEWS
TRICARE FOR LIFE STARTS ON SCHEDULE
October 3 M E M O R A N D U M
TO: Action E-List
FROM: Joseph A. Violante, National Legislative Director
IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED ON CONCURRENT RECEIPT
September 28 ARMED FORCES NEWS
TRICARE FOR LIFE IS READY
September 21 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
MORAN TO HOST HEARING ON VETERANS HEALTH CARE
September 9 VETS CARE GOING TO DOGS
by Lisa Nurnberger 
September 4 FOUND DOG TAGS
On a recent "Today Show" there was a story about two men who went to Hanoi on a business trip.....
August 31 VA PRIORITIZING OLDER VETERAN'S APPLICATIONS
Announcement by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi
August 22 GENERAL SCHELLHASE MET WITH SECRETARY PRINCIPI
At the invitation of Secretary Principi, General Schellhase returned to Washington DC  to meet with the Secretary to discuss issues regarding the Kerrville VA Hospital and the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS)
August 22 ISSUES PAPER
The following items are topics for discussion with Secretary Principi and General Schellhase reference the VA Medical Health Care at the Kerrville VA Hospital.
August WORM IMMOBILIZES TRICARE WEBSITE
August 22

~TALKING PAPER~

GENERAL SCHELLHASE TO MEET WITH SECRETARY PRINCIPI
At the invitation of Secretary Principi, General Schellhase will return to Washington DC on 22 August to meet with the Secretary to discuss issues regarding the Kerrville VA Hospital and the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS).

August 17 ARMED FORCES NEWS
VA Proposes Aid for Radiation-Exposed Veterans
August 17 ARMED FORCES NEWS
VA Launches CHAMPVA for Life
August 12 FEDERAL DAY
House Armed Services Committee 
Moves to Change Benefit Law
August 10 ARMED FORCES NEWS
AMVETS Blasts Proposed Vets Day Change
August 3 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MORAN BILL TO PROVIDE SERVICE DOGS TO DISABLED VETERANS
August 2 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SMITH SEEKS AGENCY COORDINATION, NEW PROGRAMS FOR HOMELESS VETERANS
August 1 EXPRESS NEWS: MILITARY
Expanding list of GI ailments advances 
By Jim Abrams 
Associated Press 
August HOUSE APPROVES VA DISABILITY 'COLA'
More Benefits from Vet Bill
July 31 EXPRESS NEWS: MILITARY
VA chief says Japan owes apology to U.S. POWs 
By Sig Christenson 
San Antonio Express-News
July 31 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOUSE PASSES SMITH BILL BOOSTING VETERANS DISABILITY PAYMENTS BY $2.5 BILLION
OVER 5 YEARS
July 31 HOUSE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS
Legislative Update 
July 27 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SMITH LEGISLATION ACCELERATES VA-DoD HEALTH CARE SHARING
July 25 M E M O R A N D U M
TO: Action E-List
FROM: Joseph A. Violante, National Legislative Director
SUBJ: LEGISLATIVE ALERT ON THREAT TO CONCURRENT RECEIPT LEGISLATION
July 23 VETERANS HONORS
The Pentagon is working with veterans groups to beef up military
participation at soldiers' funerals. 
July 23 EXPRESS NEWS: MILITARY 
Jewish vets record their memories of World War II 
By J. Michael Parker 
San Antonio Express-News 
July 22 EXPRESS NEWS: MILITARY
Navy's newest ship is solid like its namesake 
By Sig Christenson 
San Antonio Express-News
July 22 FEDWATCH
by Kimberly Oates
Military Works to Step Up Standards at Funerals for Vets
July 20 ARMED FORCES NEWS
New Vet Benefits Bill Advancing
Last week the House VA Subcommittee on Benefits passed the
Veterans Benefits Act of 2001
July 19 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
House Veterans' Affairs Committee approves COLA,
expanded list of gulf war illnesses
July 18 EXPRESS NEWS: MILITARY
WWII vets' funerals tax modern military 
By Pauline Jelinek 
Associated Press 
July 13 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VA COMMITTEE LEADERS QUESTION 'EITHER-OR' HEALTH CARE CHOICE
July 12 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Benefits Subcommittee Expands Presumptive Illness List And Recommends
Cost-of-Living Adjustment for Veterans
July FEDWATCH
VA Will Improve Mental Health Care Program
July ACCURACY STILL A PROBLEM IN V.A. CLAIMS
Armed Forces News
June 29 M E M O R A N D U M
TO: Action E-List Members
FROM: Joseph A. Violante, National Legislative Director
SUBJ: CONGRESSIONAL APPROPRIATIONS PROCESS
June NEW FISHER HOUSE OPENS!
The first Fisher House outside the United States opened June 17 at the
Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany
June HOUSE PASSES SMITH BILL 
INCREASING VETERANS’ EDUCATION BENEFIT BY 70%

Largest-Ever Increase Would Bring Dream of Higher Education To More Veterans and Aid Military Recruitment
June 24 ARMED FORCES NEWS
House Passes GI Bill Hike
Concurrent Receipt Refuses to Die
Tricare for Life Threatens Class Act
Medicare Part B Break Possible for Retirees
June 21 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Moran's VA Subcommittee on Health Probes
VA Mental Health, Homeless, Drug Treatment Programs
June 21 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VA Mental Health, Homeless, Drug Treatment Programs
Moran's VA Subcommittee on Health Probes
June 20 HOUSE BEEFS UP GI BILL
By Jim Abrams ~ Associated Press 
The House on Tuesday unanimously endorsed one of the biggest increases for a program that has helped millions of veterans get college educations since the end of World War II.
June 17 HOSPICE SERVICES AVAILABLE UNDER TRICARE
Disabled veterans and their families enrolled in the military's TRICARE medical plan can apply for respite and hospice care services when they are faced with life-ending illnesses.
May 27  MEMORIAL DAY SPECIAL
How to properly display the American Flag
May 27 VA INSURANCE HOAX 
The VA Office of Inspector General (VAOIG) requests assistance in attempting to put an end to an insurance hoax
May 25 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BUYER: MORE VA-DOD SHARING OF DRUG COSTS COULD SAVE TAXPAYERS
MORE THAN $300 MILLION ANNUALLY
May 25 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOUSE PASSES AMENDED BENEFITS BILL EXPANDING HEALTH, INSURANCE COVERAGE
May 22 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
World War II Memorial Gets Final 'Fast Track'
May 20 LETTER TO PRESIDENT BUSH IN RE: PRINCIPI'S NO SHOW
General Walter Schellhase asks the President to address the issues.
May 20 PRINCIPI ABSENT 
Where was the Secretary for the pre-scheduled Talking Paper meeting? 
General Schellhase wants to know.
May 16 EXPRESS NEWS: MILITARY
Bill would hasten memorial
May 15 TALKING PAPER
General Walter Schellhase outlines the topics for his Washington DC meeting with Secretary Principi in re: the Kerrville VA Hospital's future.
May 15 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
House Approves H.R. 1696 Calling for End to Delays
Blocking Construction of World War II Memorial
May FAMILY HEALTH MATTERS
Edited by Dr. Brad Krueger
Treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
May 3  LEGISLATURE HONORS VIETNAM WAR HERO ROY P. BENAVIDEZ
By Sig Christenson ~ San Antonio Express-News 
April 26 LEGISLATIVE BULLETIN 
April 25 HOUSE, SENATE BUDGET CONFEREES APPOINTED
Memorandum
April 16  VETS DOUBT BUSHS' WORD
San Antonio Express News ~ Military
April 10 EXPRESS_NEWS: MILITARY 
Many veterans are telling their stories for the first time 
April 8 OPM TO OFFER PEEK AT INSURANCE PROPOSAL FOR LONG-TERM CARE
April 6  HELP AVAILABLE FOR VETERANS ONLINE
San Antonio Express News ~ Military
April 6 SENATE BUDGET BOOSTS VETS FUNDING
News Release
April 6 FEDERAL DIARY
NEW BENEFIT FOR MILITARY RETIREES
April 4 IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Subcommittee: Privacy Risks Continue Despite VA Investment in Information
Technology
April 2 TREASURY DROPPING THE BOOM ON DELINQUENT VETERANS
April CHINA HOSTAGE CRISIS
April ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSED VA BUDGET WON'T STEM TIDE OF PENDING CLAIMS
By David Eberhart
Stars and Stripes Veterans Affairs Editor
April ADMINISTRATION MOVES TO OVERTURN VETERAN'S "LIFETIME CARE" VICTORY 
By David Eberhart 
Stars and Stripes Veterans Affairs Editor
April WHY WE NEED THE HEATHER FRENCH HOMELESS VETERANS ASSISTANCE ACT
By Bob Filner 
Special to The Stars and Stripes
April HOUSE BILL SEEKS COMPENSATION FOR FORMER POW'S OF JAPANESE
By Mickey McCarter
Stars and Stripes Executive Edit
April LAWMAKERS BACK 'LARGEST HIKE EVER' IN MONGOMERY GI BILL
By David Eberhart
Stars and Stripes Veterans Affairs Editor
March 28 DRIVE FOR CONCURRENT RECEIPT HITS 'FURTHER STUDY' SNAG
Dave Eberhart
Stars and Stripes Veterans Affairs Editor
March 28 M E M O R A N D U M
IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED ON CONCURRENT RECEIPT
March 27 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
House Passes Two Smith Bills To Repair Hospitals and Aid Disabled Veterans 
March 26 VETERANS HOSPITAL EMERGENCY REPAIR ACT 
H.R. 811, AS AMENDED
March 26 VETERANS OPPORTUNITIES ACT OF 2001 
H.R. 801, AS AMENDED 
March 21 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
House VA Committee Acts on Benefits, Hospital Repair Bills
March 21 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chairman Smith Hails 12% Funding Increase For Veterans As A "Breakthrough Budget Increase"
March 19 NEW PHARMACY BENEFITS BEGIN APRIL 1 FOR SENIOR BENEFICIARIES
by Dave Eberhart, Stars and Stripes Veterans Affairs Editor
March 15 IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
VA Subcommittee Hears Testimony on Benefits Package, Outreach, and Servicemembers Insurance Measures
March 15 PRINCIPI APPLAUDS BUSH'S VA BUDGET FIGURES
March 15 HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS SLOW TO ADAPT TO DEPLOYMENT CONCERNS
March 14 VETERANS GROUPS PROMOTE AGENDAS ON CAPITOL HILL
March 14 PRINCIPI TASK FORCE TACKLING VA BENEFIT CLAIMS CRUNCH
March 14 EVANS INTRODUCES HEATHER FRENCH HENRY HOMELESS VETS BILL
March 14 STATEMENT OF ARMANDO C. ALBARRAN NATIONAL COMMANDER OF THE DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
March 13 IMMEDIATE RELEASE ~ Contact: Dan Amon
March 13 AGENT ORANGE HOTLINE
March 8 SMITH TO 'FAST-TRACK' HIKES IN BURIAL, DISABLED BENEFITS
March 2 TYPE 2 DIABETES, AGENT ORANGE LINKED BY VA
March 2 'LOST' WORLD WAR II BATTALION GETS PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION 
March 1 OMB GRANTS WAIVER, 
ENDS DELAY OF HOUSING LOANS FOR HOMELESS VETS
March 1 SMITH CALLS FOR $550 MILLION 
TO REPAIR VA'S CRUMBLING HEALTHCARE BUILDINGS
February 107TH CONGRESS-FEBRUARY 2001
BILLS INTRODUCED IN THE 107TH CONGRESS
FEBRUARY 22 GULF WAR AL JUBAYL CASE NARRATIVE UPDATE RELEASED
No. 075-01 
IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
February 22, 2001 
February 15 VA COMMITTEE HOLDS ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING, CHAIRMAN SMITH SETS AGENDA FOR 187th CONGRESS
February 12 LONG-TIME STAFFERS SMITH, WU PROMOTED BY HOUSE VETERANS' AFFAIRS
February 12 FEDERAL APPEAL DECISION FINDS FOR VETS
February 8 SENATE BUDGET COMMITTEE SEEN AS KEY 
TO DISABLED VETS CONCURRENT RECEIPT
February 2 STARS AND STRIPES ANSWERMAN:  MORE GUIDANCE ON THE VCAA
 -By John E. Howell, Stars and Stripes Veterans' Advocate 
February ~THE VIRTUAL "WALL" ~ 
THE ONLINE MONUMENT TO THOSE WHO FELL IN VIET NAM 
February We Must Earn Past Sacrifices - David Hackworth
February 8 People everywhere put their hearts into expressing how they respect and honor the Veterans of this great country. Please click on the star below to view a beautiful page from the good folks at thisfunsforyou.com! (be sure to give it time to load...it may take a moment, but it's well worth it!) 
January 22 PRINCIPI PROMISES 'TOP TO BOTTOM' SHAKEUP
AT VETERANS AFFAIRS
January 20 Dick Cheney Salutes Veterans
January 12 STARS AND STRIPES ANSWERMAN: "HOME FREE?"
By John E. Howell, Stars and Stripes Veterans' Advocate 
January 2 Radiation Compensation Issue Confronts New VA Chief 
By David Eberhart, Stars and Stripes Veterans Affairs Editor
January What is a Vet?
January Men in Bronze
January History Lesson: A Lesson for Our Citizens in the United States of America~
January ~THE REVIEW~ BOB WIENBERG PRESENTATION 
Director Robert Weinberg of the Hill Country Veterans Council recalls his eight months in Stalag Luft III and other German prison camps during World War II with a mixture of pain and humor

2000

October  Documentary Shows Spirit of Ex-POWs 
By SANDY SHORE 
Associated Press Writer 
July 6 Schellhase appeals to Harvey Hildebrand to bring the current Veterans Health Issues to Governor Bush's attention and address them in a timely manner. 
May "Blue Team" at Kerrville V.A. Hospital closes...
May 18 HVAC's  response to Bush's boiler plate letter of 1 May.
May 1 Bush provides HCVC a boiler plate reply in reference to support for Veterans.
April 20 Generals Bacon and Schellhase along with Judge Henneke met with VA staff members Mr. Tim Shea, Dr. Dan Bacon and Ms. Robin Gutierrez to discuss the Texas Veterans Home proposal. 
April 6 Schellhase to Governor Bush urging him to speak to Veterans Healthcare issues during his campaign speeches between now and the election.
April 6 Schellhase to Holliday (Bush's policy person) urging him to have Bush speak to Veterans Healthcare issues.
March 22 Schellhase to Coronado thanking him for his cooperation on the CWT issue in Kerrville.
March 14 Coronado to Schellhase stating no further action on the CWT issue in Kerrville.
March Message reference the closing of the Blue Team at Kerrville VA hospital and other changes being made.
February 17  Coronado to Schellhase reference the space to be used by the Texas Veterans Home and said proposal.
February 9 VA memo to VA chief of staff stating how all space in VA hospital is being used - floor by floor.
February  3 Schellhase to Coronado thanking him for HR 2116 recap and a request for Texas Veterans Home proposal update.
January 24-26 Report on Schellhase's visit to Washington to meet with Gramm, Smith & Hutchison.

1999

December 22 Letter from Schellhase to Stephen P. Backhus, Director Veterans' Affairs & Military Health Care Issues reference the lack of explanation in the GAO reports for non use of VA facilities.
November 22   Legislative Alert E-Mail messages to House Members ... from Joseph Violante, legislative director of DAV.
November  9  Proposal for P.A. Operations for Year 2000
NATIONAL DIRECTORS' PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
October 28 Letter from DAV national commander, Michael E. Dobmeier to President Clinton, House Majority Whip Tom Delay (R-Tex.), and every member of the House of Representatives reference DAV's outrage.
October 20   PRESIDENT SIGNED VA/HUD APPROPRIATION BILL On October 8, 1999, the House/Senate Conferees on VA/HUD appropriations finalized their consideration of the fiscal year (FY) 2000 appropriations. The final agreement:
October  CO-SPONSORSHIP OF SENATE BILL TO CLARIFY AND IMPROVE VETERANS' CLAIMS AND APPELLATE PROCEDURES 
October  Congressional Vote 
Motion to Waive C.B.A. Re: Wellstone Amdt. No. 1747 H.R. 2684
October Dr.Bacon, I HAVE SOME CONCERNS ABOUT THE IDEAS THAT WERE PRESENTED AT THE MEETING
YESTERDAY......DEBBIE BAILEY, RNCS
July 13 Synopsis of presentation from Hill Co. Veterans Council to JOINT COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATION OF HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATIONS Audie Murphy VA Medical Center on July 13, 1999 
July - September   Copy of Sample Letter-"The House Appropriations Committee approval of a 1.7 billion increase for the VA Health Care System..."
May 3 Letter from Joseph Benham: "There's great irony, and not a little hypocrisy, in the fact that the same Administration which calls piously for the nation to support our troops in the Yugoslav campaign is turning its back on those who already have served their country.. 
February  24  TESTIMONY OF HARLEY L. THOMAS Associate Legislative Director Paralyzed Veterans of America 
February  24  TESTIMONY OF GEORGE C. DUGGINS National President Vietnam Veteran of America 
February  11  STATEMENT OF TOGO D. WEST, JR. Presentation to House Committee on Veteran Affairs 
February  1 NEWS RELEASE - HOUSE COMMITTEE ON V.A. AFFAIRS  Bob Stump (R Ariz), Chairman 
January  29  STATEMENT OF KENNETH W. KIZER
Undersecretary of Health VA Before the committee on Veteran's Affairs
January  25  Congressional Visit

1998

October  21  Letter to Phil Gramm: "The letters your staff forwarded to my office, regarding the "down-sizing" and/or possible closure of the Kerrville Division (KD) of the South Texas Veterans Health Care (STVHCS), have been received in ..."
October  15  Letter to Jose Coronado from Roger Noe: "First, let me introduce myself a little better. I am a 1 00% disabled Viet Nam Era veteran whose condition became worse while working in Maine with the Army Air Force Exchange Service. Due to my permanent unemployability, we came back home to..."
August  17 Letter to Dr. Vernon Chong: "The rumors are flying about the possibility of many changes that could be on the horizon for the VA Hospital here in Kerrville. We do not like to react to rumors but our concerns are mounting as this..."

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