RAO

BULLETIN
14 February 2016
HTML Edition
THIS BULLETIN CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES
Pg

Article

Subject
* DOD *

05 == DoD Lawsuit ~ Edgewood [07] ------- (Vet Victory in Testing Appeal)

05 == DoD Lawsuit ~ Cuban Vet Pension ------------ (Reinstatement Sought)
07 == DoD 2017 Budget [01] ------------ (Pentagon Requesting $583 Billion)
08 == Commissary Funding [27] --------- (DoD $200M Budget Cut Proposal)
09 == Commissary Prices [02] -------------------------------- (Increase in 2017)
10 == DoD Fraud, Waste, and Abuse ---------- (Reported 1 thru 14 Feb 2016)
11 == POW/MIA Recoveries ------------------- (Reported 1 thru 14 Feb 2016)
* VA *

12 == VA Accountability [17] -------- (Judges Say No to Execs Demotions)

14 == VA Accountability [18] ------------- (New Top Exec Punishment Idea)
15 == VA Secretary [44] ------------ (Sen. Isakson Wants McDonald to Stay)
16 == VA SAH [09] -------- (Grant Processing Delays Due to Understaffing)
16 == VA Medical Foster Homes ---------------- (Nursing Home Alternative)
17 == VA Hospital Quality of Care [02] ---------- (2010-2013 Study Results)
18 == VA Appeals [19] -------------------- (Regional Office Appeals Process)
20 == VA Budget 2017 -------------------------------------- ($182.3B Proposed)
22 == VA Budget 2017 [01] ------- (Lawmakers Eye Ever-Growing Budget)
22 == VA Claim DBQ ------- (Disability Benefit Questionnaire Submission)
23 == VA Claim Denials -------------------------------- (Limpert~Emil WWII)
24 == VA Mustard Agent Claims [01] -- (VA Failure to Help Exposed Vets)
25 == VA Mustard Agent Claims [02] ------- (Missouri Vets Claim Denied)
25 == VA Polytrauma System of Care [01] -- (One Million TBI Screenings)
28 == VA Presumptive AO Diseases [23] -------------- (New VA Fact Sheet)
29 == Gulf War Syndrome [36] ------------- (New Analysis Pinpoints Cause)
29 == VA Caregiver Program [31] -------------- (Monthly Stipend Removals)
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31 == VA Heart Health Month ----------------------------------- (Make A Date)

31 == VA Blood Biobank ---- (To Play Major Role in Conquering Diseases)
33 == VA Robotic Legs [01] ----------- (VAMC Denver Tests Donated Suit)
34 == VA Robotic Legs [02] --------------- (160-person, 4-year Study Slated)
34 == VA Vet Choice Program [28] ----------------- (GAO to Audit Program)
35 == VA Vet Choice Program [29] ---- (Implementation | Systemic Failure)
35 == VA Vet Choice Program [30] ------------ (Ruining Some Vets Credit)
37 == VA Secretary [43] ----- (Political Challenges Tougher Than Expected)
39 == VA Hepatitis C Care [08] --------- (House Hearing on Treatment Cost)
40 == VA Hepatitis C Care [09] --- (VA Reviewing Rights to Miracle Drug)
40 == PTSD [202] ------------------- (Studies Reveal Accelerated Aging Link)
42 == PTSD Drugs ---------------------------------------------- (PTSD Meds 101)
43 == VA AO Benefits -------- (Policy Reassessment Complete | No change)
45 == VA Whistleblowers [40] - (Disclosure Surge Attributed to McDonald)
45 == VA Telehealth [08] ---------------------------------- (New Pilot Program)
46 == VA Clinic Colorado Springs CO -------- (Care Delays Irk Lawmakers)
47 == VA Fraud, Waste & Abuse ------------- (Reported 1 thru 14 FEB 2016)
49 == VA HCS So. Arizona -------- (New Cardiovascular Clinic for Women)
50 == VAMC Albany NY [01] -------------- (Director Wins Removal Appeal)
51 == VAMC Omaha NE [01] ------------ (Billed $15k for VA Misdiagnosis)
52 == VAMC Martinsburg WV [02] ---------- (Call Center Abandoned Calls)
53 == VISN 16 [01] - (VA Secretary Has Absolute Confidence in New Exec)
* Vets *

54 == Navy RAO Program ---------------------------------- (Volunteers Needed)

55 == Gulf War Syndrome [37] --- (Should Focus on Treatment vice Causes)
56 == Vietnam Veterans Memorial [16] --------------- (Limit on Left Objects)
56 == PTSD Punitive Discharges [01] ---------- (Recipients Denied VA Help)
58 == Vet Deportations [05] ------------- (Banished US Vets South of Border)
61 == Vet Cemetery North Carolina [02] --------- (Have Become Bedraggled)
62 == Vet Cemetery Rhode Island --------------- (Grounds Used as Dog Park)
63 == Vet Jobs [183] ----------------------------- (Oil and Natural Gas Industry)
64 == Vet Unemployment [06] ----------------------- (JAN Rate Remains Low)
64 == Vietnam Wall of Faces Memorial ------- (Hawaii 8th State to Find All)
64 == Veterans Total Care Initiative | NJ ------- (Facilitates Timely Vet Care)
65 == WWII Vets 100 ----------------------------------------------- (Beck~Lester)
67 == WWII Vets 101 ---------------------------------------- (Thomas Norwood)
68 == Obit: Riley~Jack | Hall of Fame Army Hockey Coach --- (3 Feb 2016)
68 == Obit: Obit: Gross~Clayton K | WWII Ace ---------------- (10 Jan 2016)
69 == Retiree Appreciation Days -------------------------- (As of 11 Feb 2016)
70 == Vet Hiring Fairs ------------------------------- (15 Feb thru 31 Mar 2016)
71 == Vet State Benefits & Discounts ------------------ (North Carolina 2016)
* Vet Legislation *

71 == Veterans Omnibus Bill -- (Lawmakers May be Headed Towards One)

72 == End of Service Physicals --------------------------------------- (H.R.4251)
73 == GI Bill [197] ------------ (VA Provider Equity Act (H.R.3016) Impact)
2

74 == Selective Service System [14] ----- (Draft Americans Daughters Act)

75 == Selective Service System [15] ----------- (Elimination SSS | H.R.4523)
75 == FACT Act ------------------ (S.357 | Puts Vets at Risk of Identity Theft)
76 == FACT Act [01] ------------------- (1st Hearing Triggers Strong Debate)
77 == VA Appeals [17] ------------- (H.R.4116 | Express Appeal Option Bill)
77 == VA Appeals [18] ------------- (VA Secretary on 2017 Budget Request)
77 == Vet Suicide [09] ------------ (Female Veterans Suicide Prevention Act)
78 == VA Home Loan [42] --- (Proposed Removal of Loan Guarantee Caps)
79 == Vet Bills Submitted to 114th Congress ---------- (160201 thru 160214)
* MILITARY *

81 == Selective Service System [13] ---- (USA/USMC Want Female Draft)

82 == Uniforms [05] --- (Navys Will Accommodate Bigger Bulkier Sailors)
83 == Detect -------------------------------- (DARPA Photon Detection Project)
84 == F-35 Fighter Jet ------- (500+ to be Built before Combat Test is Ready)
84 == Military Retirement System [22] ----- (Big Decision for Many Troops)
87 == USMC Tuition Aid [02] ------ (College 101 Course Replaced by HEP)
88 == Arsenal Planes ---------------------- (Solution to USAF Jet Fighter Gap)
89 == Military Enlistment Standards 2015 [13] (Miscellaneous Provisions)
91 == Medal of Honor Citations -------------------------- (Hooper~Joe R | VN)
* MILITARY HISTORY *

94 == Aviation Art ----------------------------------------------- (Lone Survivor)

94 == Military History Sites - (Airplanes-Ships-Weapons-Aces & Pioneers)
95 == Military History Anniversaries ------------------------- (15 thru 29 Feb)
95 == Military History ------------------------------------ (Make Do and Mend)
96 == D-Day ---------------------------------------- (Third Reich Atlantic Wall)
97 == WWII Ads -------------------- (Chrysler Build for the Needs of Today)
98 == WWII Prewar Events ------------- (1938 Hitlers Personal Bodyguard)
98 == WWII PostWar Events --- (1946 Empress of Japan Orphanage Visit)
99 == Spanish American War 84 --- (Spanish Cruiser Reina Cristina Crew)
99 == WWI in Photos 137 --------- (Aerial View of Western Front ca. 1919)
100 == Battle of Okinawa ------------- (Wana Ridge Near the Town of Shuri)
100 == Ghosts of Time ------------ (Then & Now Photos of WWII Sites (10)
* HEALTH CARE *

101 == TRICARE Enrollment Fee ----------------- (FY 2017 Budget Proposal)

102 == TRICARE Autism Care [16] ----------------------- (ABA Rate Change)
103 == TRICARE Standard Claims [02] ------ (Submitting Your Own Claim)
104 == TRICARE Cost Share 2016 -------------------------- (Standard & Extra)
104 == Infertility | Combat-Related --------------------- (Testicle Replacement)
* FINANCES *

106 == VFW UnMet Needs Program (Vet Emergency Financial Assistance)

106 == GI Bill Myths ----------------- (Dont Miss Out Because of These Four)
107 == IRS Data Breach [04] ------------------- (101,000 e-file PINs Disclosed)
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109 == Supermarket Self-Checkout ------ (Beware Scammers with Skimmers)

109 == Retirement Plan Contribution Limits -------------------- (2016 Changes)
111 == IRS Gambling Tax --------------------------- (What You Have to Report)
112 == SBP | Former Spouse [01] --------------------------- (Death Amendment)
113 == Saving Money --------------------------- (Useful Sayings about Doing It)
114 == Puppy Scam ------------------------------------------------- (How it Works)
115 == Online Sales Scam ----------------------------------------- (How it Works)
116 == Tax Burden for Minnesota Residents ------------------- (As of Jan 2016)
117 == Tax Burden for Colorado Retired Vets ---------------- (As of Feb 2016)
119 == Retiree State Taxes ----------- (What to Expect in South Dakota | 2016)
119 == Thrift Savings Plan 2016 -------------------- (Returns as of 12 Feb 2016)
* GENERAL INTEREST *

121 == Notes of Interest ------------------------------------- (1 thru 14 Feb 2016)

122 == Presidents Day ----------------------------------------------- (February 15)
123 == Overseas Voters [02] -------------------- (Easy Steps to Voting in 2016)
124 == Portsmouth Confederate Monument -------------------- (Removal Issue)
126 == Elected Officials Contact Data ---------------------------- (Where to Go)
127 == Navy Digital Library Program ----------------------- (Access Procedure)
127 == Doomsday Clock ------------- (Remains at Three Minutes to Midnight)
128 == Passwords ------------------------------ (Common and Easily Guessable)
130 == Photos That Say it All ------------------------------ (Golden Gate Bridge)
130 == Most Creative Statues ------ (Melbourne, Australia | Sinking Building)
131 == Interesting Inventions ------------------------------ (Wearable Translator)
131 == Moments of US History ------------------------------ (The Flatiron 1902)
132 == Parking ----------- (Revenge Tactic #13 against Inconsiderate Parkers)
132 == Brain Teaser ------------------------------------------------------ (Mr. Ollie)
132== Have You Heard? -------------------------------------------- (Persimmons)
133 == Have You Heard? -------------------------------------------------- (Politics)
133 == Brain Teaser Answer -------------------------------------------- (Mr. Ollie)
133 == Help!!! -------------------------- (Things that might make you say it (05)
Note:
1. The page number on which an article can be found is provided to the left of each articles title
2. Numbers contained within brackets [ ] indicate the number of articles written on the subject. To obtain previous
articles send a request to raoemo@sbcglobal.net.
* ATTACHMENTS *

Attachment - Veteran Legislation as of 14 Feb 2016

Attachment - VA Fact Sheet: AO Presumptive Service Connection
Attachment - North Carolina Vet State Benefits & Discounts FEB 2016
Attachment - Military History Anniversaries 15 thru 29 FEB
Attachment - Retiree Activity\Appreciation Days (RAD) Schedule as of 11 Feb 2016

* DoD *

DoD Lawsuit ~ Edgewood Update 07

Vet Victory in Testing Appeal

Seven years ago, in an unprecedented legal action, Vietnam Veterans of America, along with San Francisco-based
veterans organization Swords to Plowshares, joined with half a dozen veterans who volunteered to participate in
experiments that tested chemical and biological agents, said John Rowan, National President of Vietnam Veterans
of America. We wanted to establish the ongoing responsibility of government to care for veterans whose health had
been impacted because of their participation in the testing of more than 400 chemical and biological substances,
including hazardous agents such as sarin and mustard gas and mind-altering drugs, including LSD.
Our concerns have now been validated, said Rowan, in response to the news that the U.S. Court of Appeals for
the Ninth Circuit has agreed with the trial judge, affirming an injunction ordering the U.S. Army to provide all
former test subjects with any newly acquired information about the substances to which they were exposed and
which might impact their health. The three-member appeals panel also concluded that the military still has an
obligation to provide the test subjects with medical care.
Under its own regulations, said Rowan, the Department of the Army has an ongoing duty . . . to provide former
test subjects with newly available information relating to their health and an ongoing duty to provide medical care
to the test subjects for injury or disease that is a proximate result of their participation in research. And,
importantly, the full court denied the governments petition for rehearing the appeal.
This decision is a clear victory for veterans, noted Rowan. It reaffirms our position that caring for veterans is
part of the continuing cost of war. It is a testament to the convictions of the late Gordy Erspamer, who took on this
case pro bono for his law firm, Morrison & Foerster, that the government cannot ride roughshod over its own
regulations and the rights of veterans. And this case has succeeded in exposing the breadth and scope of some of the
top-secret experimentation that the military first denied and then acknowledged had been conducted to the potential
detriment of the health of thousands of test subjects.
VVA owes a debt of gratitude to Morrison & Foerster for their unwavering support of veterans in this case, Rowan
said. And we can hope that the military takes to heart the essential message of this decision, that they have a duty
to warn future human subjects of any potential health effects associated with any testing in which they may
participate. [Source: VVA Press Release | January 22, 2016 ++]
********************************

DoD Lawsuit ~ Cuban Vet Pension

Reinstatement Sought

Otto Macias was 19 when he left Cuba in the throes of a socialist revolution, enlisted in the U.S. Army and went to
fight communists as a machine-gunner in Vietnam. He returned from battle in 1969 broken and suffering from
post-traumatic stress and schizophrenia, his family says. After years of hospitalization in New York, Macias, then a
U.S. citizen, was well enough in 1980 to fly to Cuba to visit relatives he hadn't seen in decades. He never returned.
As he stayed with family in Havana, Macias' hallucinations became so bad he required hospitalization and constant
care from doctors or loved ones, his relatives say. Less than a year later, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs cut
5

off his monthly pension of $60 a large sum for Cuba, where salaries today average about $25 a month. The U.S.
agency never explained the cutoff, but the family's American lawyer says he's certain it was because of the Unite
States' trade embargo on Cuba.

In this photo, Otto Macias sits at his home during an interview in Havana, Cuba

Now, Macias' family is suing the U.S. government seeking to reinstate the pension. They say President Barack
Obama's loosening of the embargo offers the ailing 75-year-old a final chance to regain his benefits and win the
recognition of the military service that his adopted country has denied him for 35 years. "It's about justice," said
Macias' niece, Anitica. "He was on the battlefield ... he dedicated his life to that. He mutilated his life. He didn't have
a family because of it. They need to pay attention to him; they owe him an explanation. They need to recognize
him." More than 200 Cubans who had worked at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base and for the U.S. Merchant
Marine during World War II successfully sued the U.S. government in 2001 when it would not pay benefits to
people living in Cuba. The court ruling allowed Cubans who still had documents proving their service to receive
benefits, said Carlos Enriquez, a Florida lawyer who represented the men or their survivors. "They sent them their
money," Enriquez said. "They purchased cars, they purchased homes. It changed their lifestyle."
Macias lives with his brother in a modest apartment in a high-rise in east Havana. Psychologically stable after
years of treatment but suffering from skin cancer, he spends his days running small errands like buying bread, then
watching television or petting the family's graying dachshund. Macias declined to speak about his time in Vietnam.
He said in Spanish that even though he feels more Cuban than American now, he remembers much of his time in the
United States fondly and would enjoy visiting New York again if he were physically able. "I'd like to go back," he
said. A spokesman for the Department of Veterans Affairs said he couldn't comment on pending litigation but noted
the Treasury Department regulates payment of U.S. funds to other countries. The Treasury Department did not
respond to a request for comment on Macias' case. Macias' lawyer, New Mexico-based Jason Flores-Williams, said
the veteran's pension was clearly cut off because the U.S. embargo prohibits paying government benefits to anyone
living on the island. But the lawyer said he believes legal changes stemming from Obama's 2014 declaration of
detente with Cuba mean Macias has a good chance at winning his case.
The Obama administration has allowed U.S. companies to do limited business with the Cuban government and
lets Americans send virtually unlimited sums of money to Cubans for purposes ranging from helping relatives to
supporting a private business. "We would expect the Obama administration to support this litigation," FloresWilliams said. "It would be recognizing what (Macias) has done for the United States and bringing this man dignity
in the last years of his life." A court win for Macias could create a precedent for other Cuban-Americans who move
back to Cuba in the coming years and want to receive U.S. government benefits like Social Security payments.
While the number of Cuban-Americans reclaiming Cuban citizenship remains small, it is likely to grow as travel and
trade between the U.S. and Cuba become easier.
Moving back to the island may appeal especially to some Cuban-American retirees because of Cuba's free health
care and relatively low cost of living, meaning that any cases with legal issues such as Macias' could eventually
become more common. "The second you cross that 90 miles your benefits are terminated because you couldn't
receive a check due to Treasury Department regulations," Flores-Williams said. "This is an opportunity for the

Obama administration to show the Cubans that it's serious about human rights and change." [Source: Associated
Press | Michael Weissenstein | February 9, 201 ++]
********************************

DoD 2017 Budget Update 01

Pentagon Requesting $583 Billion

The Pentagon on 9 FEB will unveil a $583 billion budget request for 2017 that seeks a modest pay raise for service
members, new adjustments to the future military retirement system and familiar if unpopular changes to the
military health care system, according Defense Department documents slated for official release Tuesday afternoon.
The budget request for fiscal year 2017, which begins 1 OCT, also outlines incremental reductions for the global
active-duty force as well as deployment of more than 6,000 troops to Afghanistan and about 3,550 troops to Iraq.

The request for a 1.6 percent pay raise would fall below the official uptick in civilian-sector wages, marking the
fourth consecutive year that the Defense Department has sought to cut long-term costs by curtailing the growth in
basic pay. The 1.6 percent raise in basic pay, if approved by Congress, would take effect in January 2017. It falls a
half percentage point below the default raise of 2.1 percent, which is pegged to the recent Employment Cost Index, a
government metric that tracks the rise in private-sector pay. The 1.6 percent raise penciled in for next year is higher
than the 1.3 percent bump that troops received this year.
Overall, the budget request formally sent to Capitol Hill contains few surprises for military personnel accounts
and reiterates the Pentagons priorities and stated plans from the past several years. Total spending on military
personnel would remain essentially flat at $135 billion. While the details are subject to change before it becomes
law, the total budget of $583 billion tracks with a broader spending agreement that lawmakers reached last year so it
may avoid the partisan battles over top-line spending that have become common since the budget caps known as
sequestration took effect in 2013. The budget proposal is asking Congress to make some key changes to the
sweeping military retirement reform that became law last year. The Pentagon supports the fundamental changes that
will shrink military pensions for future troops by 20 percent yet also offer cash contributions to individual
investment accounts for all troops regardless of whether they serve a full 20-year career. But defense officials are
asking for modifications now to ensure that, when the new system goes into effect [in January 2018], it best meets
the retention needs of the services and our men and women in uniform, according to budget documents obtained by
Military Times. Those proposed changes include:

Raising the current cap on government contributions to individual investment accounts to 6 percent of basic
pay. Current law limits that to 5 percent.
Delaying the start of government matching contributions to individual investment accounts to the fifth year
of military service. The current law begins matching contributions at the third year of service.
Extending the governments matching contributions to an individual service member's actual retirement
date. Current law cuts off government matching contributions at 26 years of service.
Removing the new retirement systems mandatory minimum continuation pay for all troops reaching 12
years of service, and giving each of the services flexibility to set continuation pay based on their individual

needs. Current law ensures that all troops reaching 12 years of service receive continuation pay equal to 2.5
months basic pay.
The Defense Department also is asking Congress to approve changes to the military health care system, a move
many experts believe will become a focus for Congress as it looks to continue reducing military personnel costs. The
new budget seeks to add some new fees for military troops and families that see doctors in the civilian sector. Thats
designed to incentivize the use of less-costly military health care facilities. And the budget request seeks a new law
reorganizing the current Tricare health benefit into two programs: Tricare Select, a health maintenance program like
Tricare Prime that is limited to military hospitals; and Tricare Choice, an unmanaged care option like Tricare
Standard but with higher fees for many.
Also under next year's proposed budget, the total size of the force is slated to drop by almost 20,000 troops
leaving an active-duty force of 1.28 million service members. That's down almost 10 percent from a peak of 1.42
million in 2010, defense department data shows. Among those troop reductions would be some 15,000 soldiers,
reflecting the Armys previously announced plans to continue its drawdown from about 475,000 this year to 460,000
next year. The Armys long-term plans call for reducing the size of its force to 450,000. The Navy would cut about
4,400 sailors, bringing its total size down to about 333,000 for 2017. The size of the Air Force and Marine Corps
would remain unchanged under the 2017 budget request.
The budget offers some insight into plans for overseas deployments. It pencils in a force level of about 6,217
troops for Afghanistan, reflecting current goals to keep force levels near 10,000 into the fall and reduce them to
5,500 by January 2017. And the budget plans for about 3,550 troops in Iraq, slightly fewer than the current
authorized force of about 3,800. The budget request also includes a significant spike in spending for an "increased
presence" in Europe, primarily in response to Russian aggression and an effort to reassure European allies. That will
include an increase in rotational forces in the U.S. European Command, but the precise number of troops remains
unclear. [Source: Military Times | Andrew Tilghman | February 9, 2016 ++]
********************************

Commissary Funding Update 27

DoD $200M Budget Cut Proposal

Defense officials have proposed cutting about $200 million from the commissary operating budget, Military Times
has learned. But it is not clear whether that will affect the operations of commissary stores. In the Defense
Department budget for fiscal 2017 being submitted to Congress on Tuesday, officials call for $1.2 billion to operate
the 240 commissary stores worldwide in fiscal 2017, down from the $1.4 billion appropriated by Congress to
operate the stores in the current fiscal year. Officials made a similar proposal in 2015, to reduce the commissary
budget to $1.15 billion, which would have required cutting operating days and hours at most commissaries. But
lawmakers instead added $281 million for a total operating budget of $1.44 billion.
The DoD fiscal 2017 budget request decrease of about $200 million is driven by the lower commissary
operating support request, according to budget documents obtained by Military Times. One source familiar with
commissary operations said the $200 million reduction may be the result of various savings in operating costs that
the Defense Commissary Agency has implemented. One example is the change in the way the commissary agency
provides produce to stores in the Pacific, reportedly saving more than $40 million a year. "As long as it's not
affecting the benefit and they've made some efficiencies that reduce the [amount of taxpayer dollars required], we
wouldn't have any problem. But we'd like to see where the money is coming from," said the source. Lawmakers also
gave DoD leeway this year to test proposals for saving money in commissary operations while delivering the same
savings and same benefit. DoD is considering options for pilot programs.
Those taxpayer dollars, which cover commissary operating costs, enable the stores to sell groceries at cost, giving
military patrons an average of about 30 percent savings over civilian stores outside the gates. Lawmakers were
8

concerned that focusing on cutting taxpayer dollars would directly result in a cut to the commissary benefit the
savings customers enjoy. Defense officials will look for efficiencies first and let efficiencies drive the budget, rather
than the other way around, said Peter Levine, DoDs deputy chief management officer, in an 27 OCT speech.
Levine is leading the efforts to find taxpayer savings in DoDs resale operations. One proposal explored was the
merger or consolidation of the commissary and exchange systems, but Levine said officials determined that is not
necessary. We believe we can get efficiencies without consolidation, Levine said. [Source: Military Times | Karen
Jowers | February 9, 2016 ++]
********************************

Commissary Prices Update 02

Increase in 2017

Congress will seek to raise commissary prices while lowering others under a variable pricing plan as part of
upcoming 2017 legislation governing the Defense Department, one lawmaker told Military.com. "I do expect there
to be additional commissary provisions within the National Defense Authorization Act, some of which are to give
the Defense Commissary Agency the authorities and flexibility they need to move forward with some of the things
they've already said they would like to do," Rep. Joe Heck (R-NV), who oversees the House Armed Services
subcommittee on personnel, which sets commissary legislation, told Military.com in a recent interview. "We think
we've got to move the variable pricing," he added.

Under current law the Defense Commissary Agency sells goods at-cost, plus a 1-percent price bump to cover loss
and spoilage and a 5-percent surcharge on shoppers' final bill. An ongoing push by Congress, however, looks to
institute "variable pricing," a move that would allow commissary officials to raise or lower prices regardless of what
those items cost the system. Since store sales only cover the cost of goods, the commissary currently receives $1.3
billion a year in taxpayer funding, which largely pays for employee costs and store operations worldwide.
Lawmakers and the Pentagon have sought for several years to cut that funding and move the commissary to a selfsustaining model, but advocates warn that raising prices to pay for the system's operation will drive away customers
and eliminate the benefit, seen by many as a non-monetary form of military pay.
While a variety of price-setting schemes have been floated, Heck said he expects a push for a rule that would set
commissary prices on a region-by-region basis. That plan would set prices at a yet to be determined percentage
below the regional average of goods outside the gate. For example, if a gallon of milk costs an average $2.50 in
civilian stores in the Washington, D.C., area and the commissary were to set all prices at 15 percent below local
averages, that milk at the commissary would cost $2.12. But coming up with what that average savings over the
civilian marketplace should be is likely to be a sticking point. Heck said that any savings number has to be above the
breakpoint where shoppers will no longer bother making a trip to the commissary. "We know that there's a break
point, we know that if the savings is less than 'X' people will say 'well I'll just go to the Walmart superstore,'" he
9

said. "So we want to make sure that the savings is adequate to allow the commissary shopper to remain a
commissary shopper so they see it as a valued benefit."
As part of that process lawmakers have asked the commissary to produce a "market basket" of products that
could be compared in each region against prices outside the gate. But military family advocates and industry
representatives say there are major problems with that plan, including determining what products should be
compared, how often a survey should be done and what kinds of stores should be included in the comparison.
Military family advocates also warn that unless such a change is paired with increased cost of living allowances, a
bump lawmakers are unlikely to give, families stationed in high-cost regions will be paying more out of pocket for
groceries and, in effect, be punished for going where the military sends them. And no data has shown that such a
model would actually result in savings. "It puts at a disadvantage families living in locations where already they are
dealing with a high cost of living," said Eileen Huck, a deputy government relations director at the National Military
Family Association. "I haven't seen numbers that demonstrate how adopting this model would make the commissary
more efficient and allow it to operate at a lower appropriation." [Source: MilitaryTimes | Amy Bushatz | February
8, 2016 ++]
********************************

DoD Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

Reported 1 thru 14 Feb 2015

MCLB-Albany A Florida man has pleaded guilty to bribing a public official at a Georgia military base. The
Department of Justice announced 3 FEB that 60-year-old Ivan Dwight Brannan of Jupiter, Florida, pleaded guilty to
paying bribes at the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Georgia. Brannan is a former agent for a large national
trucking company. Details of Brannan's sentence were not given. Brannan admitted from 2006 to 2012 that he
provided cash and other items of value to Mitchell, a former traffic office supervisor for the Defense Logistics
Agency at MCLB-Albany. He said he directed truck driver David Nelson to provide cash and other things of value
amounting $120,000 to Potts and Jeffrey Philpot, another official in the DLA Traffic office. Potts was sentenced to
10 years and Philpot was given seven years in prison. Nelson pleaded guilty to bribery and awaits sentencing.
[Source: The Gazette | February 3, 2016 ++]
-o-o-O-o-o-

San Diego CA A federal judge on 29 JAN sentenced a Navy officer to 40 months in prison for providing ships
and submarine schedules to a Malaysian contractor in exchange for cash, the services of a prostitute and luxury hotel
stays in Singapore, Hong Kong and the island of Tonga. Lt. Cmdr. Todd Dale Malaki told Judge Janis L.
Sammartino that he regretted his actions before he was sentenced Friday in San Diego. Malaki is among nine
defendants who have pleaded guilty to bribery charges including the case's central figure, Singapore-based executive
Leonard Francis. The gregarious businessman bribed Navy officials with extravagant gifts to obtain information that
helped his Glenn Defense Marine Asia bilk the Navy out of at least $20 million, according to the criminal complaint.
Francis is awaiting sentencing. Only one defendant is still fighting the charges. Prosecutors have suggested there
still could be arrests in the ongoing investigation that has rocked one of the world's largest Navy fleets.

Lt. Cmdr. Todd Dale Malaki

10

Sammartino told the court that a more significant sentence was warranted because of Malaki's long-term
corruption over more than seven years. She said Malaki's case was "one of the most serious offenses the court has
seen in its tenure in the Southern District of California." She ordered Malaki, 44, to pay a $15,000 fine and $15,000
in restitution to the Navy. Malaki's defense attorney, Jeremiah Sullivan, said his client has taken responsibility for
what he did. "He dedicated 26 years of his life to serving the Navy and his country and he let everyone down,"
Sullivan said. "It pains him that he hurt so many." Malaki had faced a maximum of five years in prison. He is the
second defendant to be sentenced. Last week, Navy Petty Officer First Class Daniel Layug was sentenced to 27
months in prison for conspiracy to commit bribery.
Malaki's sentencing comes a day after Navy Cmdr. Michael Misiewicz, one of the highest ranking officers
charged in the Fat Leonard bribery case, pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit bribery and
bribery of a public official. He faces up to 20 years in prison if sentenced to the maximum amount for both charges.
Prosecutors say he and Francis moved ships like chess pieces, diverting them to Pacific ports with lax oversight
where GDMA submitted fake tariffs and other fees. In 2010, Misiewicz caught the world's attention when he made
an emotional return as a U.S. Naval commander to his native Cambodia, where he had been rescued as a child from
the violence of the Khmer Rouge and adopted by an American woman. His homecoming was widely covered by
international media. His sentencing hearing was set for April 29. [Source: The Associated Press | Julie Watson |
January 29, 2016 ++]
********************************

POW/MIA Recoveries

Reported 1 thru 14 Feb 2016

"Keeping the Promise", "Fulfill their Trust" and "No one left behind" are several of many mottos that refer to the
efforts of the Department of Defense to recover those who became missing while serving our nation. The number
of Americans who remain missing from conflicts in this century are: World War II (73,515) Korean War (7,841),
Cold War (126), Vietnam War (1,627), 1991 Gulf War (5), and Libya (1). Over 600 Defense Department men and
women -- both military and civilian -- work in organizations around the world as part of DoD's personnel recovery
and personnel accounting communities. They are all dedicated to the single mission of finding and bringing our
missing personnel home. For a listing of all personnel accounted for since 2007 refer to http://www.dpaa.mil/ and
click on Our Missing. If you wish to provide information about an American missing in action from any conflict or
have an inquiry about MIAs, contact:
Mail: Public Affairs Office, 2300 Defense Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 20301-2300, Attn: External Affairs
Call: Phone: (703) 699-1420
Message: Fill out form on http://www.dpaa.mil/Contact/ContactUs.aspx

Family members seeking more information about missing loved ones may also call the following Service
Casualty Offices: U.S. Air Force (800) 531-5501, U.S. Army (800) 892-2490, U.S. Marine Corps (800) 847-1597,
U.S. Navy (800) 443-9298, or U.S. Department of State (202) 647-5470. The remains of the following MIA/POWs
have been recovered, identified, and scheduled for burial since the publication of the last RAO Bulletin:
11

Vietnam
None
Korea
The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S.
serviceman, missing from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full
military honors. Army Cpl. Kenneth R. Stuck, 20, of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, will be buried Jan. 30 in his
hometown. On Nov. 1, 1950, Stuck was assigned to Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry
Division, when his unit was attacked by the Chinese Peoples Volunteer Forces in Unsan, North Korea. Stucks unit
was part of a screening force defending a withdrawal route when enemy forces attacked. On Nov. 2, with little hope
of rescue, Stucks unit attempted to escape and evade the enemy. Stuck was declared missing in action as a result of
this attempt. During the war, Stuck never appeared on any list of POWs held by North Korean, nor did any returning
POWs have any knowledge of his fate. The Army subsequently declared Stuck deceased on Dec. 31, 1953.
Between 1990 and 1994, North Korea returned to the United States 208 boxes of commingled human remains,
which when combined with remains recovered during joint recovery operations in North Korea, account for the
remains of at least 600 U.S. servicemen who fought during the war. North Korean documents included in the
repatriation indicated that some of the remains were recovered from the area where Stuck was believed to have died.
In the identification of Stucks remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory
used circumstantial evidence and forensic identification tools, including mitochondrial DNA analysis, which
matched a sister and brother, and Y-chromosome Short Tandem Repeat DNA analysis, which matched a brother.
-o-o-O-o-o-

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Cpl.
Dudley L. Evans, 24, of Greenville, Miss., who died in captivity after being taken prisoner in South Korea on Feb.
15, 1951. He was assigned to Company G, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division.
World War II
None
[Source: http://www.dpaa.mil | January 15, 2015 ++]

* VA *

VA Accountability Update 17

Judges Say No to Execs Demotions

Congress has repeatedly criticized for infrequent firings within the department, even in the wake of nationwide
scandals regarding patient wait times and records manipulations. Last month, VA Secretary Bob McDonald told
members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee that we have enough authority to fire people and that
dismissing more employees would not improve services throughout the department. But he has also repeatedly

12

promised to punish individuals found guilty of mismanagement and incompetence, a promise that lawmakers have
repeatedly called into question. [Source: Military Times | Leo Shane | February 2, 2016 ++]
Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson is promising new disciplinary action against a pair of senior
executives accused of gaming the departments internal promotion system, after appeals panels have rejected plans
to demote the pair. We have charges that have been sustained, but with no punishment, Gibson told reporters 2
FEB. I dont believe that reflects the intent of Congress in passing (new accountability) laws. Hell also launch an
investigation into whether other high-ranking officials should also face punishment for a series of judgment errors
that amounted to a revolving door of leadership moves which cost more than $400,000 in relocation expenses,
money lawmakers have insisted should be recovered from the employees.
That investigation will include interviews with Acting Undersecretary for Benefits Danny Pummill, and possible
disciplinary action for his role in the cases. If there is evidence that supports misconduct that was not available for
my review previously, I will take action, Gibson said. Gibson would not say whether the new proposed
punishments would leave the two embattled executives Diana Rubens, Philadelphia Regional Office director, and
Kimberly Graves, a Minnesota regional office director in their current jobs. Rubens and Graves are at the center
of a months-long controversy that has pitted VA leaders against the departments inspector general, congressional
critics and their own employees.
An inspector general report released in late September charged Rubens and Graves with abusing their authority to
reassign other directors to jobs elsewhere within VA, then moving into the vacant positions themselves. Investigators
said the moves carried with them fewer responsibilities but no salary reductions, plus generous relocation payouts.
Graves, who makes nearly $174,000 a year, got more than $129,000 to move from Philadelphia to Minnesota.
Rubens, who makes $181,000, received more than $288,000 to move from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia.
Lawmakers have repeatedly called for their firings. But Gibson and other senior VA leaders have blasted the IG
findings as politically motivated and baseless, and recommended demotions instead.
In two separate rulings over the last week, appeals judges denied those demotions, saying the mistakes made by
the executives dont warrant that level of punishment. Part of the justification for that decision is that other equally
culpable executives werent disciplined at all for similar mistakes. Gibson said those comments and new evidence
uncovered in the appeals process prompted him to look into whether Pummill who oversaw both women and
others should face punishment. He also noted that neither judge refuted VAs assertion that the women made errors
in judgement in involving themselves in job transfers that could be self-beneficial, which he called a validation of
the departments moves so far. The new punishment could involve relocating both women to other jobs, but not
demoting them from the senior executive service.
Gibson said he still has confidence in both of them as managers, but felt the moves were necessary because of the
appearance of impropriety they created. He also dismissed the idea that his department needs more tools to handle
employee accountability, noting that new rules approved by Congress in 2014 may have over-complicated this case.
The appeals judge in Rubens case noted that he would have preferred to mitigate punishment for the executive,
but under current law he was allowed only to reverse the decision. The law passed by lawmakers was designed to
speed the firing process by simplifying the notification and appeals process. Gibson called it the pitfalls associated
with a patchwork quilt of processes and legal standards. A decision on new punishment for Rubens and Graves, and
possible punishment for other executives, is expected next week.
Congress has repeatedly criticized VA for infrequent firings within the department, even in the wake of
nationwide scandals regarding patient wait times and records manipulations. Last month, VA Secretary Bob
McDonald told members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee that we have enough authority to fire people
and that dismissing more employees would not improve services throughout the department. But he has also
repeatedly promised to punish individuals found guilty of mismanagement and incompetence, a promise that
lawmakers have repeatedly called into question. [Source: Military.com | Leo Shane| February 2, 2016 ++]

13

********************************

VA Accountability Update 18

New Top Exec Punishment Idea

The Department of Veterans Affairs bosses have come up with a new idea on how to punish top executives at the
agency one that would keep control in the hands of VA leadership and exclude involvement of an outside appeals
board, VA Secretary Bob McDonald said 10 FEB. The idea was floated by Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson after
suffering a bruising blow from the mandated appeals board that overturned three VA punishments in a row in the
past few weeks. The actions by the Merit Systems Protection Board embarrassed the agency and frustrated Gibson,
who said the board had taken away his ability to hold senior executives accountable.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Bob McDonald and other top VA officials testify at a House Veterans' Affairs Committee
hearing on Capitol Hill, Feb. 10, 2016.

McDonald, appearing Wednesday before the House Veterans Affairs Committee to discuss the proposed VA
budget for 2017, said Gibsons idea was to put all senior executives under the regulatory Title 38 statute the same
one used for VA medical professionals -- which would allow the agency to fire executives at will. It gives us the
ability to pay them more competitively and gives us more flexibility in punishing them, McDonald said. He said
Gibson introduced the idea during a meeting Tuesday between the VA leadership and the House and Senate
oversight committee leaders. The announcement marked the first time that the lawmakers and VA officials appeared
to agree on accountability issues at an agency that has been plagued by scandal. For nearly two years, lawmakers on
the oversight committees have been critical of VA leadership for failing to take executives to task, after details
emerged of huge appointment and benefits wait times and of cover-ups that left veterans dying while languishing on
hidden wait lists.
Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL), the House Veterans Affairs Committee, has been pressing VA leaders to agree to legislative
reform of the civil service system that would allow for greater accountability. Until now, McDonald and Gibson
have said they had the tools they needed. Miller reiterated his concerns Tuesday, saying he would be remiss if he
didnt mention the frustrations he and other members of the panel felt following the MSPB reversals. Weve got to
have an honest conversation about whats happening in the civil service system, he said. Other groups also railed
against the system after the MSPB rulings. Last week, the board reversed the VAs attempt to fire Linda Weiss, the
director of the Albany Stratton VAMC following revelations of mismanagement of patient care. That reversal came
on the heels of earlier decisions by the board to undo disciplinary actions in high-profile cases against executives
Diana Rubens and Kimberly Graves, for their actions involving their reassignments to different positions while
collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars in relocation incentives. Gibson vowed last week that despite the boards
reversal, he would not return Weiss to any position where she would be responsible for patient care.
American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett issued a statement 9 FRB, saying it was impossible to
restore accountability to the VA when the board kept reversing its attempts to punish poor performers. By tolerating
bad behavior without even allowing a slap on the wrist, the MSPB is risking the lives of veterans, Barnett said.
The American Legion is calling on Congress, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the MSPB to work together to
reform the procedures needed to finally bring accountability to a department that desperately needs it. Gibsons
proposal will be incorporated into negotiations between the House and Senate oversight committees over a package
14

of veterans legislation that will go up for a vote later this year. The proposal could face some resistance, particularly
from Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-MA) who was instrumental in ensuring that the appeals board had the final say on
disciplinary cases against VA executives when the legislation was passed last year.
McDonald also outlined other issues he hopes Congress will consider for legislation this year, including 40 new
proposals. Among them: allowing McDonald the authority to transfer up to 2 percent of discretionary funding across
accounts; allowing for greater flexibility in job hours and pay for top medical staff so the VA can be more
competitive in hiring, and restructuring the current process for benefits appeals, in which some cases have taken
years or even decades to resolve. McDonald said he believed by restructuring the appeals process rather than just
adding more staffing, the VA could ultimately cut the number of staff and expenditure while streamlining process
and ending the backlog. If we are serious about changing the VA and better serving veterans, we cant keep kicking
the can down the road, McDonald said. Miller welcomed the proposal.
During two hours of testimony, McDonald faced down what has become routine criticism about accountability
issues in other areas as well. Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO) grilled McDonald on why nobody was punished after an
inspector general report last year found long wait times at the VA in Colorado Springs. McDonald said the report
found bad training, not intentional malfeasance, and the VA has addressed the issue. Lamborn wasnt appeased.
Whether it was malicious or not, I think the records were falsified and someone needs to be fired, he said. Rep.
Mike Coffman, another Republican from Colorado, picked up the mantle, pressing McDonald on why the VA
wouldnt get behind a legislative effort that would enable them to take back bonuses from executives who were
found to have acted badly to get the money and why the VA wasnt getting rid of more executives whod been found
guilty of wrongdoing. Coffman assailed McDonald for saying great things but not attacking the heart of the
problem and allowing bad behavior to continue. You cant fire your way to excellence, McDonald said. It might
be a good start, Coffman replied. [Source: Stars and Stripes | Dianna Cahn | February 10, 2016 ++]
********************************

VA Secretary Update 44

Sen. Isakson Wants McDonald to Stay

An influential member of the U.S. Senate wants Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob McDonald to stay on in that role
next year, no matter who becomes president. Everything Ive seen with Bob McDonald over the last 16 months,
Ive been very pleased with, said Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) in an interview for C-SPAN's Newsmakers taped
11 FEB. Isakson chairs the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. I would certainly hope he would stay for continuity
purposes, or the next president would pick him to stay. The main thing we need at VA is continuity and
commitment. Bob McDonald is a veteran, he ran a large business, hes committed to the I-CARE program at VA. I
want to make sure that goes through, and I would recommend him.
Isaksons comments stem from questions about the presidential candidates VA reform proposals. While on the
campaign trail, several have labeled the department a failure and a disgrace, and called for a massive downsizing
and outsourcing of VA programs. Isakson said his committee is looking at ways to expand outside care programs so
veterans have quick access to treatment, but he rejected calls for privatization of key department functions and
dismantling the system. The preponderance of veterans I talk to love their VA care and want to keep it, he said.
They dont want it to be replaced or taken away from them. I dont find a lack of enthusiasm for VA among
veterans. When asked about specific candidates, Isakson said committee activities under his predecessor, Sen.
Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont., were not as active as they should have been in oversight on a host of department
problems but credited him with helping push through the massive Choice Card legislation in 2014.
He also called VA criticisms from Republican frontrunner Donald Trump off-base and misinformed. I dont
know that he has served or used any VA services, so I think he is regurgitating what hes hearing in the press, he
said. A lot of the things being reported are things that happened before I came along or Secretary McDonald came
along. The VA is making substantial changes. Isakson said he expects that work to continue with a new veterans
15

omnibus package, rolling together a host of proposed health and benefits reform proposals. Whether that legislation
will include VA plans to overhaul the benefits appeals process remains to be seen. Isakson said he supports working
on changes to that system, but is not sure there will be enough time to reach compromise on a new plan this year.
[Source: Military Times | Leo Shane | February 11, 2016 ++]
********************************

VA SAH Update 09

Grant Processing Delays Due to Understaffing

The Veterans Affairs Department needs more staff to handle its program that helps disabled veterans to purchase or
modify homes to improve their independent living, according to advocates. In many areas of the country, inadequate
staffing contributes to delays in processing Specially Adapted Housing program grants and results in poor customer
service to veterans, said Heather Ansley, associate general counsel for corporate and government relations for
Paralyzed Veterans of America, testifying before the House Veterans Affairs Committees panel on economic
opportunity.
Investments in staffing are needed, she said, because staff members are not able to handle the large work load,
including the influx of veterans with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Veterans with ALS are critical users of the SAH
grant program and the housing adaptation assistance it provides, she said. The system is not responsive enough to
those with more rapidly changing disorders like ALS, she said. PVA recommends expediting the process for veterans
who are terminally ill, including those with ALS, she said. According to service officers with PVA, veterans are
having trouble reaching their SAH agents. This is not only unfair to the veterans, but to the agents who are trying to
serve them despite too many tasks and too few resources, Ansley said. While its understood that application reviews
need to be complete, said Rep. Ryan Costello (R-PA), we must strive to improve the timeliness of service for all
veterans.
VA is working to free up other staff to assist with the grants, said Mike Frueh, director of loan guaranty service
for the VAs Veterans Benefits Administration. Frueh said the VA looks at efficiency and effectiveness across the
board, and that these staff members need to be located around the country, but staffing can be adjusted if theres a
spike in need in one area. VA requires in-home interviews be conducted with veterans within 30 business days of
eligibility determination, and the typical SAH process requires numerous communications and in-person meetings
with the veteran. VA implemented streamlined policies and procedures for the SAH grant process in February 2014,
Frueh said. He noted that there has been an overall increase in the number of veterans eligible for the program,
citing expansions in the program, the military drawdown and VAs reductions in the disability compensation claims
processing time. In fiscal 2015, VA approved more than 1,800 grants totaling $96 million, he said, an increase of
about 44 percent over 2014, and an increase of 65 percent over 2013. [Source: Military Times | Karen Jowers |
February 11, 2016 ++]
********************************

VA Medical Foster Homes

Nursing Home Alternative

A Medical Foster Home (MFH) can serve as an alternative to a nursing home. It may be appropriate for Veterans
who require nursing home care but prefer a non-institutional setting with fewer residents. MFHs are private homes
in which a trained caregiver provides services to a few individuals. Some, but not all, residents are Veterans. VA
inspects and approves all Medical Foster Homes. The Homes have a trained caregiver on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week. This caregiver can help the Veteran carry out activities of daily living, such as bathing and getting dressed.
VA ensures that the caregiver is well trained to provide VA planned care.

16

You will continue to receive Home Based Primary Care services in the Medical Foster Home. You may also
receive the following services from the Medical Foster Home caregiver.
1. For Veterans:
Help with your activities of daily living (e.g., bathing and getting dressed)
Help taking your medications
Some nursing assistance, if the caregiver is a registered nurse
All of your meals
Planned recreational and social activities
2.

For Caregivers:
Peace of mind when Home and Community Based Services can no longer meet the Veteran's needs at
home
A place to enjoy spending time with the Veteran

You can use the below Shared Decision Making (SDM) Worksheet to help you figure out what long term care
services or settings may best meet your needs now or in the future. There's also a Caregiver Self-Assessment (CSA)
worksheet. It can help your caregiver identify their own needs and decide how much support they can offer to you.
Having this information from your caregiver, along with the involvement of your care team and social worker, will
help you reach good long term care decisions.
SDM: http://www.va.gov/geriatrics/guide/longtermcare/Shared_Decision_Making_Worksheet.pdf
CSA: http://www.va.gov/geriatrics/guide/longtermcare/Caregiver_Self_Assessment.pdf
Your physician or other primary care provider can answer questions about your medical needs. Some important
questions to talk about with your social worker and family include:
How much assistance do I need for my activities of daily living (e.g., bathing and getting dressed)?
What are my caregiver's needs?
How much independence and privacy do I want?
What sort of social interactions are important to me?
How much can I afford to pay for care each month?
Medical Foster Homes are not provided or paid for by VA. To be eligible for a MFH you need to be enrolled in
Home Based Primary Care, and a Home needs to be available. Your VA social worker or case manager can help you
with eligibility guidelines for Home Based Primary Care and Medical Foster Home care. Also, with locating one and
assist with making the arrangements. You will have to pay for the MFH yourself or through other insurance. The
charge for a MFH is about $1500 to $3000 each month based on your income and the level of care you need. The
specific cost is agreed upon ahead of time by you and the MFH caregiver. Talk with a VA social worker/case
manager to find out if you are entitled to additional VA benefits that will help pay for a Medical Foster Home
If a Medical Foster Home seems right for you, your VA social worker can help you locate one and assist with
making arrangements. Also, at http://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/Guide/LongTermCare/Locate_Services.asp you
can use the Locate Services and Resources page to help you locate Medical Foster Homes. [Source: Geriatrics and
Extended Care http://www.va.gov/geriatrics/guide/longtermcare/medical_foster_homes.asp# Feb 2016 ++]
********************************

VA Hospital Quality of Care Update 02

2010-2013 Study Results

Veterans' hospitals compare pretty favorably with others when it comes to treating older men with three common
conditions heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia, according to a study on death rates and readmissions.
17

Chances for dying or being readmitted within 30 days of treatment for those conditions varied only slightly for
patients hospitalized within the VA system versus at outside hospitals, the 2010-2013 study found. The results
contrast with longstanding concerns about challenges facing veterans and the VA health system, including quality
questions and long waits for care. They suggest that VA hospitals "are still able to deliver high-quality care for some
of the sickest most complicated patients," Dr. Ashish Jha, a Harvard health policy expert, said in an editorial
published 9 FEB with the study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The study analyzed claims for men aged 65 and older treated at 104 VA hospitals and for male Medicare patients
treated at 1,513 non-VA hospitals nationwide. Each comparison involved at least 7,900 patients. At VA hospitals,
death rates were marginally lower after a heart attack 13.5 percent vs 13.7 percent; and for heart failure 11.4
percent vs 11.9 percent. They were slightly higher for pneumonia 12.6 percent vs. 12.2 percent at non-VA
hospitals. Readmission rates ranged from about 17 percent to 25 percent for the three conditions and were highest at
VA hospitals, but only by about 1 percentage point or less. "Both groups are now working on quality in ways they
didn't a decade ago and the levels of good performance are quite comparable" for the conditions studied, said lead
author Dr. Harlan Krumholz, a Yale University cardiologist and researcher.
The efforts include online sites allowing consumers to compare patient outcomes for the three conditions studied
at VA hospitals and others nationwide, and growing use of pilot-style checklists during hospital procedures to verify
appropriate treatment. Still, Krumholz said the overall results aren't ideal. "Readmissions are still way too high and
we haven't made enough progress there," he said. Lower readmission rates at non-VA hospitals may partly reflect the
impact of financial penalties the Medicare system introduced in 2012 to reduce readmissions. But also, VA patients
tend to be sicker and travel farther for care, which could lead to more readmissions, the researchers said.
Dr. David Shulkin, the VA's undersecretary for health, said the results are not surprising and they debunk "the
impression that the VA has fallen behind. This really is validation" that VA employees "are really doing a very good
job and keeping focused on doing what's right for veterans." Krumholz noted that the study doesn't address quality
of care for young patients, women and those with conditions other than those studied. Jha, the editorial author, said
other important questions about VA hospitals remain, including timeliness of care and whether veterans perceive that
they are treated with respect. [Source: ABC News | Lindsey Tanner | February 9, 2016 ++]
********************************

VA Appeals Update 19

Regional Office Appeals Process

Most Veterans are aware that claims are rated at the VA regional office (RO), usually in their state. However, a lot of
Veterans are not aware that appeals are also reviewed at the regional office before they go to the Board of Veterans
Appeals (Board). Following addresses the ROs appeal process, your role in the process, and the things you can do
to help expedite your appeal.

18

Appeals at the local regional office level. Once a VA office issues its decision on your claim, you have one year
from that date to file an appeal. Read the decision letter closely: it will tell you why VA made the decision it did. If
you are unsure why or how VA made its decision, ask a Veterans service officer for help. You can also call VA or go
to your regional office. If you disagree with VAs decision for any reason the effective date of your award, the
rating percentage you were given or the reason you were denied you should file a Notice of Disagreement (NOD).
If VA included VA Form 21-0958, Notice of Disagreement, with its decision, you must use that form to file your
NOD it is mandatory. At http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-0958-ARE.pdf you can access one if
necessary. The NOD is the start of your appeal.
Appeal Life Cycle. Once you file your NOD, you have several rights: you can submit new evidence, ask for a de
novo review where a decision review officer (DRO) takes a fresh look at the claim, reviewing the entire claims
file and/or ask to testify and present evidence at a telephone or in-person hearing. VA encourages Veterans who
choose to have a hearing to opt for an informal teleconference hearing, since these can be scheduled much faster.
Many appeals are favorably resolved at these early stages. Make sure you file your NOD on time: your right to
appeal ends a year from the date of VAs decision. When you file your NOD, you have a choice: either select a
traditional review or a de novo review by a DRO. You can make this choice right on your NOD when you start your
appeal. If you dont make a decision, VA will mail you a notice of this right, and youll have 60 days to respond, so
answer right away. Thus:
If you are dissatisfied with the decision on your claim, file your appeal right away
When you file your NOD, submit any new evidence you have; waiting until later on in the process can
delay your appeal
Also, when you file your NOD, state if you want a DRO review or a traditional review this will also save
you time on your appeal
Traditional Review. If you opt for a traditional review, a member of the RO appeals team reviews the decision on
your claim to determine if it was processed correctly; if it was, the RO will issue you a Statement of the Case (SOC).
An SOC lists the applicable laws and regulations related to that decision, all the evidence that was considered in
making the decision and a detailed explanation of the decision VA made.
De novo Review. A de novo review is your other option. de novo, which means new, or fresh look, is a Latin
term used by lawyers. In a de novo review, a DRO, who is a senior-level, highly experienced claim processor, looks
at all the evidence of record (your entire claims file, including any new evidence youve submitted). The DRO can
grant your appeal, deny your appeal and issue an SOC, or order additional development (such as a new medical
exam or a request for additional medical records), if warranted. Unless the RO grants the full benefit you are
seeking, you will receive an SOC. This means EVEN if the RO grants your claim, you may receive an SOC,
allowing you to continue the appeal. For instance:
If you were appealing service connection for tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and the RO granted this on appeal
at 10 percent, the RO appeals team will ONLY issue a rating decision since 10 percent is the highest rating
you can receive for tinnitus. This means the appeal has been granted in full. You will not receive an SOC.
If you were appealing VAs 10-percent rating for arthritis in your lower back because you believe you
should be rated higher, but the RO appeals team disagrees and continues your 10-percent rating, you will
If you were appealing VAs 10-percent rating for arthritis in your lower back because you believe you
should be rated higher, and the RO appeals team agrees and increases your rating to 20 percent, you will
receive BOTH a new award decision explaining why VA increased your disability rating AND an SOC
detailing how VA arrived at its decision, including why you were not entitled to a rating higher than 20
percent.
You have 60 days from the date the SOC is mailed to you to file a VA Form 9, Appeal to the Board of Veterans
Appeals, if you wish to continue your appeal to the Board. At http://www.va.gov/vaforms/va/pdf/VA9.pdf it can be

19

completed online and downloaded for mailing. Any time you submit more evidence after the SOC or before the
Form 9, VBA must conduct another review of the case and issue another SOC this one called a supplemental
statement of the case (SSOC) that includes the additional evidence or a rating decision, if the additional evidence
allows VBA to grant the appeal. This must be done each time you submit new evidence after the SOC. I have seen
appeals with four or five SSOCs. Keep in mind, each time you submit new evidence it triggers a new review. Its
like starting all over again in the appeals process. Each new SSOC can add up to 400 days to the appeal, so my best
advice is, submit all available evidence to support your appeal when you file your NOD.
On the Form 9, you can request an optional hearing before a judge at the Board, who will decide your appeal. A
hearing is not required and will delay a final decision, but if you want a hearing, you can choose a videoteleconference hearing, a travel board hearing at your local RO, or an in-person hearing in Washington, D.C. If you
want a hearing, your best bet is to opt for the video-teleconference hearing, since it can be scheduled much quicker
than other types of hearings. This is because you dont have to travel to Washington, D.C. and you dont have to
wait for a judge to travel to your RO. You still get the benefit of representation and talking to a judge face-to-face
though virtually, like on Skype or on FaceTime. Once you submit your Form 9, the RO appeals team reviews your
appeal to ensure all actions were completed and that it is ready to go to the Board. Once ready, the local RO will
certify and transfer your appeal to the Board in Washington, D.C. [Source: VAntage Point | Catherine Trombley |
February 10, 2016 ++]
********************************

VA Budget 2017

$182.3B Proposed

In his FY 2017 budget, President Obama is proposing $182.3 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Funding will continue to support the largest transformation in VA history; expand access to timely, high-quality
health care and benefits; and advance efforts to end homelessness among Veterans. VA has before it one of the
greatest opportunities in its history to transform the way it cares for our Veterans who nobly served and sacrificed
for our Nation, said VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald. As we work to become a more efficient, effective and
responsive, Veteran-centric Department, we cant do it alone; we need the help of Congress. This year, VA
submitted over 100 legislative proposals, including 40 new proposals to better serve Veterans. Our goal is provide
the best care to our Veterans while removing obstacles or barriers that prevent them from getting the care they
deserve.

The FY 2017 budget includes $78.7 billion in discretionary funding, largely for health care and $103.6 billion for
mandatory benefit programs such as disability compensation and pensions. The $78.7 billion for discretionary
spending is $3.6 billion (4.9 percent) above the 2016 enacted level, including over $3.6 billion in medical care
collections from health insurers and Veteran copayments. The budget also requests $70.0 billion, including
collections, for the 2018 advance appropriations for medical care, an increase of $1.5 billion and 2.1 percent above
the 2017 medical care budget request. The request includes $103.9 billion in 2018 mandatory advance
appropriations for Compensation and Pensions, Readjustment Benefits and Veterans Insurance and Indemnities
benefits programs in the Veterans Benefits Administration.
Health Care - With a medical care budget of $68.6 billion, including collections, VA is positioned to continue
expanding health care services to its millions of Veteran patients. Health care is being provided to over 922,000
Veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn/Operation
20

Inherent Resolve (OIR) and Operation Freedoms Sentinel (OFS). Major spending categories within the health care
budget are:
$12.2 billion for care in the community;
$8.5 billion for long-term care;
$7.8 billion for mental health;
$1.6 billion for homeless Veterans;
$1.5 billion for Hepatitis-C treatments;
$725 million for Caregivers;
$601 million for spinal cord injuries; and
$284 million for traumatic brain injuries.
Expanding Access - The Presidents Budget ensures that care and other benefits are available to Veterans when
and where they need them. Among the programs that will expand access under the proposed budget are:
$12.2 billion for care in the community compared to $10.5 billion in 2015, a 16 percent increase;
$1.2 billion in telehealth funding, which helps patients monitor chronic health care conditions and increases
access to care, especially in rural and remote locations;
$515 million for health care services specifically designed for women, an increase of 8.5 percent over the
present level;
$836 million for the activation of new and enhanced health care facilities;
$900 million for major and minor construction projects, including funding for seismic corrections, two new
cemeteries, and two gravesite expansions; and
$171 million for improved customer service by providing an integrated services delivery platform.
Improving the Efficiency of Claims Processing - The Presidents Budget provides for continued
implementation of the Veterans Benefits Administrations (VBA) robust Transformation Plan -- a series of people,
process, and technology initiatives -- in 2017. This plan will continue to systematically improve the quality and
efficiency of claims processing. Major claims transformation initiatives in the budget invest $323 million to bring
leading-edge technology to claims processing, including:
$180 million ($143 million in Information Technology and $37 million in VBA) to enhance the electronic
claims processing system the Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS); and
$143 million for Veterans Claims Intake Program (VCIP) to continue conversion of paper records, such as
Veterans medical records, into electronic images and data in VBMS.
In addition, the Presidents Budget supports increasing VBAs workforce to address staffing needs so it can
continue to improve the delivery of benefits to Veterans. As VBA continues to receive and complete more disability
compensation rating claims, the volume of non-rating claims correspondingly increases. The request for $54 million
for 300 additional full-time equivalent employees (FTE) and claims processing support will allow VBA to provide
more timely actions on non-rating claims.
Appeals Reform - The current appeals process is complicated and ineffective, and Veterans on average are
waiting about 5 years for a final decision on an appeal that reaches the Board of Veterans Appeals, with thousands
waiting much longer. The 2017 Budget proposes a Simplified Appeals initiative legislation and resources to
provide Veterans with a simple, fair, and streamlined appeals process in which they would receive a final appeals
decision within one year from filing an appeal by 2021. The Budget requests $156 million and 922 FTE for the
Board, an increase of $46 million and 242 FTE over 2016, as a down payment on a long-term, sustainable plan to
improve services to Veterans.
Ending Veterans Homelessness - The Administration has made the ending of Veteran homelessness a national
priority. The Budget requests $1.6 billion for programs to prevent or reduce Veteran homelessness, including:
21

$300 million for Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) to promote housing stability;
$496 million for the HUD-VASH program, wherein VA provides case management services for at-risk
Veterans and their families and HUD provides permanent housing through its Housing Choice Voucher
program; and
$247 million in grant and per diem payments that support temporary housing provided by communitybased organizations.

MyVA - The 2017 budget continues the largest Department-wide transformation in VAs history through the
MyVA initiative, which is changing VAs culture, processes, and capabilities to put the needs, expectations and
interests of Veterans and their families first. MyVA has developed five objectives fundamental to the transformation
of VA: 1) improving the Veterans experience; 2) improving the employee experience; 3) improving support service
excellence; 4) establishing a culture of continuous performance improvement; and 5) enhancing strategic
partnerships. To aid in this transformation, the Department established the Veterans Experience Office (VEO). The
VEO will represent the voice of Veterans and their families in Departmental governance; design and implement
customer-centric programs to make interactions with VA easier; and support VAs mission owners in carrying out
MyVA improvements across the system.
Veterans Choice Act - The Veterans Choice Act provides $5 billion to increase Veterans' access to health care by
hiring more physicians and staff and improving the VAs physical infrastructure. It also provides $10 billion through
2017 to establish a temporary program (the Veterans Choice Program) to improve access to health care by allowing
eligible Veterans who meet certain wait-time or distance standards to use eligible health care providers outside of the
VA system. In 2017, VA will use the Choice Act funds in concert with annual appropriations to meet VA staffing
and infrastructure needs and expand non-VA care to Veterans who are eligible for the Veterans Choice Program. VA
plans to spend $1.4 billion in 2016 and $853 million in 2017 to support more than 9,700 new medical care staff
hired through the Choice Act; $980 million in 2016 and $116 million in 2017 to improve VA facilities.
Other Key Services for Veterans $286 million to administer VAs system of 134 national cemeteries, including additional funding for
operations of new cemeteries and the National Shrine program to raise and realign gravesites;
$4.3 billion for information technology (IT), including investments to strengthen cybersecurity, modernize
Veterans electronic health records, improve Veterans access to benefits, and enhance the IT infrastructure;
and
$125 million for state cemetery grants and state extended care grants.
Enhanced Oversight of VAs programs - The 2017 budget requests an additional $23 million and 100 FTE for the
Office of Inspector General (OIG) to enhance oversight and assist the OIG in fulfilling its statutory mission and
making recommendations that will help VA improve the care and services it provides.
-o-o-O-o-o-

VA operates the largest integrated health care system in the country; the tenth largest life insurance program in
the Nation, with $1.3 trillion in coverage; monthly disability compensation, pensions, and survivors benefits to 5.3
million beneficiaries; educational assistance or vocational rehabilitation benefits and services to nearly 1.2 million
students; mortgage guaranties to over 2 million homeowners; and the largest cemetery system in the Nation.
Information about VAs 2017 budget submission and links to related documents may be found at
www.va.gov/budget/products.asp.
.Information about the Presidents budget may be found at
https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb. [Source: VA Press Release | February 9, 2016 ++]
********************************

VA Budget 2017 Update 01

Lawmakers Eye Ever-Growing Budget

22

Lawmakers warned Veterans Affairs officials 10 FEB not to assume theyll continue to see their budget grow
unchecked, especially in light of recent criticisms of department spending. The department has seen budget increases
each of the last 16 years, even as funding of other government programs has held steady or been reduced. When
lawmakers passed spending caps on federal programs in 2011, Veterans Affairs programs were exempt. In fiscal
2001, the VA budget totaled $45 billion. The presidents budget request for fiscal 2017 is four times that, topping
$177 billion, with $75 billion for discretionary funding alone.
Administration officials have said the increases reflect the growing demands on the department in the wake of the
wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and are designed to correct longstanding shortfalls in the department. But
congressional leaders warned that those cost corrections may be coming to an end. This budget request is almost
double the VA budget in 2009, and since then, the VA has been plagued by scandals and mismanagement and has
consistently proven its inability to use its existing resources, Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Johnny
Isakson (R-GA) said in a statement. The solution to fixing a broken agency is not simply giving it more money.
In a VA budget request hearing across Capitol Hill, House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (RFL) promised to fight to ensure VA has the resources it needs, but given recent problems, this budget request will
receive every bit of the scrutiny it is due. He referenced a billion-dollar cost overrun for plans to build a new VA
hospital near Denver and related budget shortfalls last year that caused Congress to pass emergency legislation to
keep the departments programs operating. But in classic VA fashion, Im not aware of a single employee that has
been held accountable for these unprecedented failures, he said. Other committee members lamented lingering
problems with veterans' access to health care appointments, disability benefits claims and middle management
mistakes.
VA Secretary Bob McDonald said the budget proposal does include a host of efficiencies and reforms, including
proposals to simplify the management structure within the department and close excess facility space. Were
providing more care, more access to care, he said of the budget increases. Were dealing with more disability
claims. Were serving a customer that has more demands. The annual budget process is expected to last well into
the fall, although leaders from both chambers have expressed hope that appropriations work could be completed
before the November presidential election. [Source: Military Times | Leo Shane | February 10, 2016 ++]
********************************

VA Claim DBQ

Disability Benefit Questionnaire Submission

You will need to use a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) as part of your application to the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) for disability benefits. With Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) Veterans now have
more control over the disability claims process. For VA exams, a VA clinician will fill out the DBQ . If you prefer
you have the option of visiting a private health care provider instead of a VA facility to complete their disability
evaluation form. Veterans can have their providers fill out any of the more than 70 DBQs that are appropriate for
their conditions and submit them to us. You can locate a DBQ appropriate for your condition by downloading it at
http://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/dbq_ListByDBQFormName.asp

For VA to use a DBQ to process your claim, your licensed healthcare professional must provide all requested
medical information. Note that VA will not pay or reimburse any expenses or costs incurred in the process of
23

completing and/or submitting a DBQ. VA reserves the right to confirm the authenticity of all DBQs completed by
private health care providers. There are four steps to submit a DBQ:
Step1:

Find the appropriate DBQ based on your claimed disability.

Go to http://benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/dbq_disabilityexams.asp
Select the appropriate DBQ by using the "List by DBQ Form Name" or "List by Symptoms" web pages.
Either download the DBQ so the licensed healthcare professional can complete it or print the DBQ for your
licensed healthcare professional to complete it by hand.

Step 2: Take the DBQ to your licensed healthcare professional and have your licensed healthcare professional
complete the form.
Your licensed healthcare professional must follow all instructions carefully.
Legibility is important! Therefore, VA prefers that your licensed healthcare professional completes the
DBQ electronically. If your licensed healthcare professional completes it by hand, please ask him to make
sure VA can read the information.
Ensure your licensed healthcare professional completes the last section of the DBQ by providing his or her
name, signature, and contact information. VA will only accept a DBQ signed by a licensed healthcare
professional. A licensed healthcare professional completing an electronic DBQ must print it to sign it.
For a video on provider instructions go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij3kmGLYndo.
Step 3: Obtain a copy of the completed DBQ for your records.
Step 4: Submit the completed DBQ to VA.
You or your licensed healthcare professional can fax, mail, or personally deliver the DBQ to the VA
Regional Office (RO) responsible for handling you claim. To find the RO's mailing address and fax number
go
to
http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/Allstate_flsh.asp?dnum=3&divName=Veterans%20Benefits
%20Administration

DBQs also help support VA's Fully Developed Claims (FDC) Program. DBQs are valuable for claims processing
because they provide medical information that is directly relevant to determining a disability rating. When submitted
with a fully developed claim, DBQs ensure VA's rating specialists have precisely the information they need to start
processing the claim. For more information go to http://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/dbq_FAQS.asp,
call 1-800-827-1000 or use the Ask us a Question site https://iris.custhelp.com/app/. [Source: January 8, 2016 |
http://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/dbq_disabilityexams.asp ++]
********************************

VA Claim Denials

Emil Limpert WWII

The Veterans Affairs Department refuses to pay benefits to a World War II vet in his 90s who was wounded in
combat and earned a Purple Heart. Fox 2 Now in St. Louis reports that after Emil Limpert submitted an application
for benefits to the Department of Veterans Affairs he was told he needed to provide more proof that he was in the
military. I get this letter that says we cant accept it because weve got no record of you being in the service, he
told the station. I guess Im the Unknown Soldier. He was wounded in a foxhole in the Philippines in 1944.
There were four guys in there, and two guys got killed, he told the station. And then the other guy, he got his
leg Oh, hell. I guess he lost his leg. It was slit in four places where a grenade hit between us and I got one in my
leg.

24

WWII combat vet denied VA benefits over lack of ID

Limpert said he waited until now to apply for benefits because he is down to nothing. He and his wife live in an
assisted-living facility outside St. Louis. We got rid of our car, we got rid of our house, he said. I got rid of
money I had in bonds and stocks and now I need help. His application included plenty of documentation, including
discharge papers, the names of his foxhole pals and the X-ray of his wounded leg. The proof also included his Purple
Heart and two Bronze Stars he received in the Pacific. Fox 2 reported the VA letter asks Limpert to submit affidavits
from fellow service members, most of whom are dead, or the location of the hospital where he was originally
treated. There aint no hospital, he told the station. We were in the jungles. The station reported that Limperts
military records were apparently among the millions destroyed in a massive fire in Overland, Missouri, in 1973. The
station also reported that it sought comment from the VA in Washington without success. Limpert has now turned to
his local senator for help in the matter. [Source: FoxNews.com | February 8, 2016 ++]

********************************

VA Mustard Agent Claims Update 01

VA Failure to Help Exposed Vets

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) had strong words for Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald on
4 FEB regarding the VA's failure to compensate thousands of World War II veterans who were exposed to mustard
gas. McCaskill has been requesting information from the agency ever since NPR reported the VA's mishandling of
disability benefits for the veterans, some of whom are now in their late 80s and early 90s, and still waiting.
McCaskill said the VA has "blown past deadlines for briefings and documents" and "shown no urgency in addressing
70 years of appalling mistreatment of these men, many of whom have already passed away." In a statement to NPR,
the VA says it is conducting "extensive research to collect and validate the data and information Senator McCaskill
has requested. VA is also looking to conduct additional outreach to any veterans newly identified as a result of this
research."
Last summer, NPR revealed that despite promises made in the early 1990s, the VA failed to contact more than
3,000 veterans who were exposed to large amounts of mustard gas in secret military experiments and that the agency
denied the veterans compensation based on a lack of documentation, even though such documentation was not
available to them. Since the report was published, more than two dozen members of Congress have written to
McDonald demanding an explanation for the failures and calling for the swift disbursement of benefits for veterans
who are still living. In her letter Thursday, McCaskill wrote: "I am trying to help the remaining veterans before time
runs out. This makes the VA's refusal to provide answers in a timely fashion all the more unacceptable." [Source:
NPR | Caitlin Dickerson | February 4, 2016 ++]
********************************

VA Mustard Agent Claims Update 02

Missouri Vets Claim Denied

In the final days of World War II, an 18-year-old Army private from Missouri named Arla Wayne Harrell was sent to
Camp Crowder in the southwest corner of the state, where he said he was twice exposed to mustard gas. He didn't
25

talk about it for years. When he finally did, he told his family that the Army warned him he'd be thrown in jail if he
ever disclosed the experiments. Harrell, known as "Arlie," has been rejected three times by the Department of
Veterans Affairs for claims to help treat a lung disorder and skin cancer that his family believes are connected to that
exposure, Harrell, who turns 89 next month, is in a nursing home in Macon, Missouri, 180 miles northwest of St.
Louis, unable to walk or talk. But his family hopes his final appeal to the VA will get him the recognition from the
government they believe he deserves.

Arla Wayne Harrell

The VA has said he needs more documentation "new and material evidence," as a 2006 rejection letter
describes it to prove the claim. Harrell's family said that's impossible. He was 18 at the time and had been warned
to never talk. At the time, Harrell was new in the military and didn't know or doesn't remember the names of other
men exposed with him. His children think he purposely blocked out the experience. But 55 pages of military records
in his family's possession show that right after Arlie Harrell said he was twice tested with mustard gas, in late July
1945, he was hospitalized at Camp Crowder with a high fever and a sore throat. The Army diagnosed it as
nasopharyngitis an inflammation of mucous membranes between the nose and throat along with tonsillitis and
severe gum disease. He served three years, mostly in postwar Germany. Ever since, his children say, he has suffered
persistent breathing problems.
Harrell and his wife, Betty, raised three daughters and two sons in a Kansas City suburb, and later, in the town of
Bevier, Missouri, a three-hour drive northwest of St. Louis. Harrell was a truck driver and mechanic; his wife
worked as a nurse. "He was always short of breath," said a son, Ray Harrell, of Sarasota, Florida, who served in the
National Guard. "Something was not quite right. I worked side by side with him a lot, and when he'd push it, he'd
just have to stop sometimes and catch his breath." According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
exposure to mustard gas, though not usually fatal, can cause short-term sinus pain, shortness of breath and other
respiratory ailments. Long-term health effects of mustard gas exposure can include "chronic respiratory disease,
repeated respiratory infections" and other symptoms, according to the CDC.
"I never knew a healthy dad growing up," said Trish Ayers, a daughter who lives in Berea, Kentucky "Dad
worked the whole time, but Dad struggled with his breathing. We girls could not use perfume, we could not use
hairspray, anything in the house" because of his ailment. Daughter Beverly Howe, a nurse trained in chemical,
biological and radiological treatment from Thomasville, Georgia, said she interviewed her father for a school paper
in the early 1970s, and he disclosed the gassing reluctantly to her for the first time. As a nurse, she recognized the
symptoms from her training. "He said it was secret and they weren't supposed to talk about it," she said. "If they did,
they'd be in big trouble." Then, while visiting a Veterans Administration hospital in Columbia, Missouri, in the late
1980s or early 1990s, a VA X-ray technician who had seen Arlie Harrell's records asked if he had ever been exposed
to mustard gas.
"I was mostly horrified when I saw the look of terror in my dad's eyes," said Ayers, who was with her father at that
appointment. "The man told him it was OK, you can talk about it now. He said, 'Yes,' and that was about it."

26

His children say he suffers from frequent pneumonia and bronchitis and from the aftermath of a stroke. Despite
his inability to talk, he is still cognizant and understands visitors, including his wife, who visits him almost every
day. The children say their parents are spending down savings on his care and that $500-a-month drug costs for
Harrell put a serious drain on their mother's state pension. VA benefits that would come if he was recognized as a
victim of the mustard gas exposure would help. But what matters most now, the children say, is that in the time their
father has left the government acknowledges the secret he kept for so long, and that the VA has for so long denied
that "my father could understand that somebody finally believes him," Howe said.
In November, National Public Radio reported that it had uncovered about 3,900 World War II veterans who had
been exposed to mustard gas in Army experiments, six times the number the VA had recognized. Harrell may be the
only World War II veteran from Missouri on that list who is still alive. VA Secretary Robert McDonald said his
agency would try to square the two lists. "We have to find the veterans who suffered through this," he told reporters
in November. Arlie Harrell's children helped file a new claim in November, but they say they feel they are again
being stonewalled by the VA. Now Sen. Claire McCaskill is pressuring the Pentagon and the VA to expedite the
investigation of the NPR claims. More importantly for Harrell, McCaskill's investigators point to a 2012 Army
Corps of Engineers document proving mustard gas was present at Camp Crowder. "All of the soldiers who
underwent the experiments with mustard gas in World War II have been treated reprehensibly by the VA and by the
Department of Defense," said McCaskill (D-MO). "These should have been handled decades ago, and this shouldn't
be a fight to get help."
A Veterans Administration spokesman said the agency could not talk about Harrell's claim because of privacy
concerns, but that it is working with the family on it. "VA appreciates the service and sacrifices of World War II
veterans who may have been subject to mustard gas testing," a statement released by the agency said. It said that
"we are working with all stakeholders to do right by these veterans to ensure they receive the benefits and services to
which they are entitled." Arlie Harrell told his family he was exposed during his training as a field medic and cook.
The war in Europe was over, but the atomic bombs had not yet fallen on Japan. He could not remember names of the
men whom he said locked him in a gas chamber at Camp Crowder and filled it with mustard gas, nor did he take
names of other men he said were herded in with him. He told family members some screamed or beat on the door in
panic, or passed out.
The government acknowledged in that 2012 Corps of Engineers document that there was testing of gas masks
and chemical weapons suits at Camp Crowder, but the family said Harrell told them he was not wearing a gas mask.
Trish Ayers said her father always talked of "breathing it in." Nor did Harrell remember the name of the man whom,
he says, directly applied mustard gas to his arm. As a medic in training, he was told, he needed to know the
symptoms of exposure in case the enemy ever used mustard gas in combat. It had been widely used in World War I.
"I personally think he just blocked it out as much as he could," Trish Ayers said. After the war, a get-on-with-it
resolve came home with the Greatest Generation. "He was always proud of the service he had done, but there always
was this reluctance to talk about it," Beverly Howe said.
What weighed on Harrell was the VA denials, his children, now all in their 50s and 60s, said. After each rejection,
he'd be depressed and worried, their mother angry, the children said. After the 2006 rejection, "You could see visibly
that it is still very disturbing to him," said another daughter, Betty Agan, of Salisbury, North Carolina "It's like, 'Dad,
what is going to happen to you?' Nothing. Nothing." McCaskill said: "I think this family is much more interested in
this veteran feeling that he is going to be acknowledged for what he did on behalf of his country than any money
that would go into his pocket."
That 2012 U.S. Corps of Engineers report says that soldiers at Camp Crowder were exposed to "chemical warfare
training" and tests of "gas mask proficiency" in three rooms it refers to as "gas chambers." Soldiers were also trained
in the "safe identification, handling, and decontamination of chemical agents and industrial chemicals used in
chemical warfare," the corps document says. The corps report says that in 1986, a man on a bulldozer clearing land
for development on the Camp Crowder site suddenly had difficulty breathing and watery eyes after a "white gaseous
27

cloud filled the air" after the bulldozer unearthed "several vials of unidentified liquid and metallic material of
military nature." Three vials contained mustard gas. None of that conclusively proves that Arlie Harrell was exposed
to mustard gas, but it is evidence the family didn't know about until informed by a reporter proving that mustard gas
was used at Camp Crowder in gas chambers like the one he described to his family. "This even makes me angrier,"
said Howe, the nurse, when told of the corps document. "All of these years, they could have been helping my dad
with these medical issues. We could have known what it was definitely, and then we could have had treatment with
that knowledge." [Source: St. Louis Post Dispatch | Chuck Raasch | February 7, 2016 ++]
********************************

VA Polytrauma System of Care Update 01

One Million TBI Screenings

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Polytrauma System of Care (PSC) has hit the one million mark in
screening Veterans for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), often regarded as one of the signature injuries of combat in
Iraq and Afghanistan. TBI symptoms such as severe headaches, memory loss, reduced executive functioning, and
tinnitus can range from manageable to seriously disabling, potentially limiting a Veterans ability to work and
manage daily living. Screening Veterans for TBI and helping them to deal with the condition is one of the central
programs of PSC. Started in May 2005, PSC provides comprehensive and coordinated rehabilitative care to Veterans
with life-changing injuries, including TBI, limb loss, blindness, hearing loss and tinnitus, among others. PSC also
assists with community re-entry needs. It is fully coordinated with the Department of Defense to ensure
uninterrupted, seamless health care transition for those that served on active duty.
Over these past 10 years, many Servicemembers have returned home with injuries that would not have been
survivable in previous conflicts. Today, they not only survive, they thrive, in large part due to PSC, a thoroughly
Veteran-centric VA program. The one million mark in TBI screenings reflects VAs success in building an
integrated polytrauma care program for wounded and injured Servicemembers and Veterans. said Dr. David J.
Shulkin, VA Under Secretary for Health. VAs dedicated polytrauma care teams recognize the importance of taking
care of the whole person and coordinating physical, mental and rehabilitative care for Veterans suffering the most
dramatic injuries of the war.
VA employees created PSC to address the need for a comprehensive multi-disciplinary system of care to help
Veterans suffering with two or more injuries considered disabling physical and psychological impairments, such as
blast injuries and traumatic amputations. PSC patients have sustained injuries affecting multiple body parts that
result in physical, cognitive, psychological, and functional disabilities. Frequently, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
occurs in Polytrauma patients, as does Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and other mental health problems.
The Polytrauma System of Care sets VA apart from other health care systems, said Dr. Joel Scholten, National
Director, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for VA. PSC demonstrates VAs unique understanding of the needs
of Veterans and the best way to support them in achieving well-being and their personal life goals.
VA has 110 Polytrauma rehabilitation sites across the country, including 5 Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers
(comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation); 23 Polytrauma Network Sites (comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation);
and 87 Polytrauma Support Clinic Teams (comprehensive outpatient rehabilitations). Services available through
PCS include interdisciplinary evaluation and treatment, development of a comprehensive plan of care, case
management, patient and family education and training, psychosocial support, and use of advanced rehabilitation
treatments and prosthetic technologies. For more information about the Polytrauma System of Care, visit
www.polytrauma.va.gov . A VA blog post featuring Polytrauma System of Care may be found at
http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/19757/10th-anniversary-of-vas-polytrauma-program. [Source: VA News Release
| February 5, 2016 ++]
********************************
28

VA Presumptive AO Diseases Update 23

New VA Fact Sheet

The Department of Veteran Affairs on February 4, 2016 released a new Agent Orange and Presumptions of Service
Connection: Inland Waterways and Blue Water Navy Veterans Fact sheet. A copy is available in the attachment to
this bulletin titled, VA Fact Sheet- AO & SC Presumptions. [Source: FRA | Charley Randall | February 6, 2016
++]
********************************

Gulf War Syndrome Update 36

New Analysis Pinpoints Cause

Exposure to pesticides and other toxins appears to be the cause of Gulf War illness in U.S. veterans, a new analysis
states. The Boston University researchers reviewed studies on Gulf War illness, and said their findings "clearly and
consistently" show a link between the disorder and exposure to pesticides and taking pyridostigmine bromide (PB)
pills, which were meant to protect troops against the effects of nerve gas. There's also evidence of a connection
between Gulf War illness and exposure to the nerve gas agents sarin and cyclosarin, and to oil well fire emissions,
according to the findings published in the January issue of the journal Cortex. These toxins damaged troops' nervous
and immune systems, and reduced the amount of white and gray matter in veterans' brains, said study leader Roberta
White in a news release from the university. White is a professor of environmental health at Boston University's
School of Public Health.
The main causes of Gulf War illness are like so-called "friendly fire," said study co-author James Binns. "We did
it to ourselves," he said in the news release. "Pesticides, PB, nerve gas released by destroying Iraqi facilities -- all
are cases of friendly fire. That may explain why government and military leaders have been so reluctant to
acknowledge what happened," Binns said. About 700,000 U.S. troops fought in the first Gulf War 25 years ago, and
as many as 250,000 veterans of that conflict have Gulf War illness, the researchers said. It is a debilitating disorder
that features symptoms such as fatigue, joint and muscle pain, headaches, concentration and memory difficulties,
gastrointestinal problems and skin rashes.
For years, Gulf War veterans have claimed that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs did not take Gulf War
illness seriously. In 2008, a committee created by Congress and directed by the White House released a report that
said Gulf War illness is a real disorder that's distinct from stress-related syndromes. The report from the Research
Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses called for research into the causes and treatments of the illness.
Binns was chairman of that committee. Efforts to find effective treatments for Gulf War illness have been
unsuccessful, but recent research has started to offer promising leads, the researchers added. [Source: HealthDay
News | February 1, 2016 ++]
********************************

VA Caregiver Program Update 31

Monthly Stipend Removals

There are a growing number of families around the country who are raising questions about why the VA has been
removing them from a caregiver program it launched in 2010. For three years Sarah Jenkins family received a
monthly stipend of $1,275 from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs. This gave Sarah the freedom to care for
her husband without having to worry about resuming her career. That let her keep a calm home and respond
instantly if her veteran husband experienced one of the mood swings that have characterized his behavior since a
group of mortars landed close to him on an Iraqi air field. The checks abruptly stopped in August when the VA
declared her family no longer needed them. Jenkins is still trying to figure out why. How am I going to keep him
still feeling safe? Thats what the caregiver program has enabled me to do to keep him feeling safe, said Jenkins,
29

39, whose family recently moved to their hometown in North Idaho after spending the previous 17 years in Roy and
Yelm.
The program delivers extra compensation to caregivers of badly wounded Iraq and Afghanistan veterans in the
interest of keeping them out of expensive, long-term treatment facilities. Most of the caregivers are spouses or close
family members of veterans. That program still is growing at a rate of 400 patients a month, but the VA has been
taking a closer look at the veterans it initially enrolled to see whether they still meet standards to continue receiving
checks. So far, about 7,000 veterans who once were enrolled in the program no longer are getting stipends. About a
third were cut because VA staff members determined they did not meet medical criteria for the support.
From the beginning, the money was not intended to be a permanent benefit and the programs creation stipulated
that the VA occasionally would reassess patients. The trouble was, the VA badly underfunded the program and fell
behind in oversight, according to a September 2014 study from the Government Accountability Office. Whats
different now is that the VA only last year published an article laying out how the program should be administered
and it might finally have enough employees to manage it as it was designed. The idea is to provide stipends to
families as long as the veterans health meets criteria laid out by the law, VA officials said. If the veterans health
improves, the VA might remove a patient from the financial part of the program. What youre seeing today is based
on our (GAO) findings nationwide that have helped us refocus the program and make sure were following the
guideline set by the law, said Rocco Bagala, the assistant chief for social work at VA Puget Sound.
Veteran support organizations around the country have been hearing scattered reports of caregiver families
raising concerns about losing their stipends. They dont have enough information yet to decide whether they want to
press the VA for reforms or to know for certain that the VA is removing patients from the program who genuinely no
longer need the stipends. The spirit of the law is that you go with the veteran, you go with the caregiver, said
Adrian Atizado, the deputy national legislative director for. The purpose of this program is to provide support and
services to the caregivers because they are taking part in personally discharging this nations responsibilities to this
nations veterans, he said.
Congress in 2010 called for the creation of a robust caregiver program for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans,
pointing to studies that showed families missing work to care for wounded loved ones. A Rand Corp. study in 2014
estimated the work of those families was worth about $3 billion a year, money that otherwise might be spent by the
government on veteran support services. Staff for U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) have received several complaints
from families cut from the program in recent weeks. Shes been one of the programs main supporters, promoting it
at events with the Wounded Warrior Project and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. She has been advocating for its
expansion to include veterans of all conflicts instead of just the most recent wars. We know that our military
caregivers sacrifice their careers, their time, even their own health to take care of our veterans, and they absolutely
deserve our support, Murray said. I want to make sure VA is a good partner in that effort.
The GAO showed the VA initially estimated about 4,000 veterans would qualify for the stipend. Instead, more
than 15,600 had enrolled by 2014. Last year, more than 24,700 people received caregiver stipends, according to the
VA. Spending on the program has swelled to the $555 million budgeted for 2016 from $350 million in 2014,
according to VA documents. Staffing has increased, too. At the time of the GAO report, VA Puget Sound had two
caregiver case managers overseeing 331 patients. It was one of the highest workloads in the VA. Now, VA Puget
Sound has four case managers working with 287 veterans. The program is bigger than just the financial stipends. It
also provides coaching and networking to help caregiver families learn from each other. Those benefits are provided
to all veterans, not just people who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. We take a lot of pride in making sure that we
are providing services for veterans and family members, Bagala said. We want to make sure the hard work the
caregivers are doing to support the veterans is recognized.
Some veterans who recently lost caregiver stipends took the decision as a sign the VA did not value them.
Theyre also unaware of the non-financial services the program provides. The recognition of all my hard work, that
was important, said Alisha McNulty, 32, of Olympia. Now its like theyve said, Never mind. She and her
30

husband have received caregiver stipends since 2012. They were abruptly cut from the stipends in December after a
short meeting with a psychologist at the Seattle VA hospital in November. It was a conspicuously quick decision to
the McNultys. The VA doesnt do anything that fast, said Jared McNulty, 33, a former infantry staff sergeant who
has struggled with post-traumatic stress since his deployment to Iraq with a Joint Base Lewis-McChord Stryker
brigade in 2004-05 He works part-time for the Timberland Regional Library system and Alisha spends much of her
life making a home that feels safe for him. They rarely have friends over, dont go out often and have cut down trees
so Jared McNulty can have a clear view of approaches to their house. I told the VA over and over. I dont know if
theyre not writing it down, if they dont think its issue or what the deal is, but (Jareds post-traumatic stress) has
never been addressed, Alisha McNulty said. The McNultys are appealing the VAs decision to cut their stipends.
Sarah Jenkins in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, is out of appeals. Her family lost its stipend in August when a VA
psychologist determined her husband, who has held a job has an X-ray technician despite his head injuries, did not
need additional support at home. The psychologists summary of his condition describes her husband who did not
want to be identified in this story as needing minimal assistance to overcome a hyper-alert state and incidents
in which he becomes startled Otherwise, it characterized him as generally able to care for himself while Sarah
performs typical household duties. Thats not how Sarah Jenkins describes her life.
She had been struggling with her husbands mood swings since he deployed to Iraq as a medical technician with
a JBLM Stryker brigade in 2004. She didnt know hed been exposed to close mortar blasts until she stumbled on
medical records almost three years later. He goes to the doctor less than he used to, but she worries that will change
when she has less time to give him if she returns to work. She wrote a six-page appeal to the VAs Northwest
regional headquarters asking to retain the stipend. In it, she wrote that her husband still experiences nightmares,
insomnia, memory loss and a quick temper. They were the same conditions that led her enroll in the program four
years ago. They dont see what I see in front of me, she said. [Source: The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.) |
Adam Ashton | January 30, 2016 ++]
********************************

VA Heart Health Month

Make A Date

As VA Goes Red for heart health month, women Veterans are encouraged to work with their primary care providers
to make a personal plan for heart healthy living. If women Veterans havent had a primary care visit in a year, they
are encouraged to make a date. Heart disease is the number one killer of women and high blood pressure, diabetes,
high cholesterol, or smoking can increase your risk of heart disease. Ignore the myths Here are the facts
Heart disease affects women of all ages. For younger women, the combination of birth control pills and
smoking boosts heart disease risks by 20 percent.
Even if youre a yoga-loving, marathon-running workout fiend, your risk for heart disease isnt completely
eliminated.
Factors like cholesterol, eating habits and smoking can counteract your other healthy habits.
Sixty-four percent of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms.
Because these symptoms vary greatly between men and women, theyre often misunderstood. Media has
conditioned us to believe that the telltale sign of a heart attack is extreme chest pain. But in reality, women are more
likely to experience shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, back or jaw pain, and sometimes unexplained excessive
fatigue. Reviewing Heart Health with your Primary Care Provider At your check up with your primary care provider
you should have a discussion about your cardiovascular health and risk factors. Since heart disease is the number
one killer of women, and kills more women than all forms of cancer combined, your primary care visit will
emphasize cardiovascular risks and making a personal plan for heart healthy living. The American Heart Association
estimates that 80 percent of all cardiovascular disease may be preventable, and its always better to prevent it than
treat it after it becomes life threatening. [Source: Veterans Health | Sally Haskell | February 2, 2016 ++]
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********************************

VA Blood Biobank

To Play Major Role in Conquering Diseases

Nearly a half million veterans have rolled up their sleeves for science as the Veterans Affairs Department shoots to
build the largest blood repository in the world. The VA's Boston-based Million Veterans Program is advancing the
research on DNA mapping to better understand genetic markers linked to illnesses such as cancers, heart disease,
post-traumatic stress and mental health conditions. According to VA officials, the department is collecting the blood
samples and medical histories of donors and feeding the information into a vast database to be used by civilian,
academic and government researchers across the globe. We are creating a massive central resource, and the
investigators will come to us, Million Veterans Program principal investigator Dr. J. Michael Gaziano explained.
"We already are running some test cases to learn how to build the computing environment that allows researchers to
come together and use this resource.
More than 440,000 veterans already have furnished blood to the program. Earlier this month, VA Secretary Bob
McDonald, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, who served in the Army for five
years, became the 441,196th. To me, the Million Veteran Program is one of our premier research programs,
McDonald said after his blood draw. Its fundamental to the precision medicine initiative that the president has
been leading. Precision medicine is the field of medical treatment tailored to a patients condition, DNA makeup,
environment and overall health. Experts believe advances in such personalized care will lead to more effective
treatments for disease. In his State of the Union address on Jan. 12, President Obama called for $215 million in
funding for the Precision Medicine Initiative, including $70 million toward a cancer research moon shot an
effort to cure cancer within a decade, much as the United States put a man on the moon just eight years after
President Kennedy announced the intention to do so.

VA Secretary McDonald becomes the 441,196th donor

The Million Veterans Program will be a part of the cancer and disease research already underway and in the
future, according to Gaziano. "There is the possibility to study any and all diseases. We think VA can play a valuable
role, he said. Veterans make excellent donors for such scientific research because they have detailed medical
records to accompany their samples, with some records dating back 40 years, according to VA officials. The medical
records, along with answers to questionnaires completed by donors on their lifestyle choices and environmental
exposures, including combat experience, provide valuable context to researchers, Gaziano said.
The VA cannot simply use any patients blood sample for the program. All veterans must volunteer to participate
in the Million Veterans Program, agreeing to share their medical records and experiences. The identities of all
donors are kept secret from researchers. Samples are stored in a secure database and labeled with a code rather than
a veterans name, and no identifying information is attached to the data accessed by researchers, according to the
VA. The program already has 1.8 million vials of blood components from veterans, including red blood cells, white
blood cells and plasma. The biorepository currently receives about 100,000 new samples a year, and VA officials
hope a partnership with the Defense Department could increase the number of donors to reach the million-veteran
mark by 2020, Gaziano said. The samples are stored at the VA's biorepository at VA Medical Center Boston. VA
32

officials are hoping to build a second storage site equipped with the same state-of-the-art system for DNA extraction
in Albuquerque, New Mexico, that would bring capacity to 4 million samples from a broad spectrum of donors.
When you do this type of research, you really want to have your samples spread out across the population,
Gaziano said.
The $130 million project already eclipses other genetic material repositories in the U.S., including Kaiser
Permanente's Research Program on Genes, Environment and Health, which has about 100,000 samples of saliva and
blood from participating patients. And it is closing in on the number of samples kept by the United Kingdom's
Biobank, a repository containing blood and urine samples and health data from half a million people. While the aim
is to have 1 million stored samples, VA is not waiting to reach that milestone before researchers access the repository
database. Test projects already underway include studies of heart disease risk factors, genetic markers for
schizophrenia and bipolar disease, and the risks of chronic use of alcohol, tobacco and opioid medications.
Gaziano said the studies will help veterans and civilians alike, and he is grateful for those who decide to
participate. The thing we hear from our veteran partners is that this is an opportunity for them to serve their brother
veterans, Gaziano said. Veterans can participate by walking in to a VA clinic or hospital that is designated as a
Million Veterans Program collection site. The donation takes about 20 minutes. According to VA officials, a
veteran's participation may change the way all diseases are treated in the future. Its really helpful to all mankind to
unravel the conundrum of how genes work," Gaziano said. [Source: Military Times | Patricia Kime | January 24,
2016 ++]
********************************

VA Robotic Legs Update 01

VAMC Denver Tests Donated Suit

Five years ago, a bomb explosion in southern Afghanistan paralyzed Army Sgt. Dan Rose from the chest down.
Doctors said he would never walk again. On 20 JAN, at the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in
Denver, he proved them wrong. With crutches and a bionic walking machine, the brown-bearded young man rose
from his wheelchair, strutted slowly across the auditorium with a metallic swoosh, pirouetted and strutted back. "It
was crazy," he said of standing and walking again. "Seeing people in the eye instead of the belly button. It was
awesome." Now, the VA office plans to study whether the psychological boost Rose got from standing upright can
help veterans in Colorado suffering from traumatic brain injuries.

Army Sgt. Dan Rose tries out the new Exoskeleton at the VA hospital with the help of Mike Glover, with Ekso Bionics
Rose was injured when an IED exploded under his truck in Afghanistan.

33

Thanks to SoldierStrong, a nonprofit dedicated to providing advanced medical technologies to veterans, the
Denver VA got the free exoskeleton suit to study whether it can help brains as well as bodies. The computer-driven
walking machine normally costs $150,000 to $188,000. The exoskeleton, formally the Ekso GT device, will be tried
on about 30 veterans in wheelchairs at first, and the VA hopes to have data by summer on its potential psychologic
benefits. "I see the psychological and physical as being connected," said Lisa Brenner, a VA research psychologist
and mental illness clinic director. The program will evaluate "what it's like for people to stand, talk to people eye to
eye, participate in life events," she said. "The world's set up for people who are standing." Rose remembers one
drawback about standing again for the first time in his home. He could see the top of his refrigerator covered in dust.
[Source: Denver Post | David Olinger | January 20, 2016 ++]
********************************

VA Robotic Legs Update 02

160-person, 4-year Study Slated

The ReWalk exoskeleton system is set to be tested in a 160-person, four-year long, multi-center study by the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs to evaluate the impact of exoskeleton use in a home or daily life setting. "This VA
clinical trial is groundbreaking in both its purpose and scope, and will undoubtedly provide a wealth of quality
research data to the department's already impressive research," ReWalk CEO Larry Jasinski said in a statement.
ReWalk provided six of the company's Personal 6.0 exoskeleton systems to be used by the VA in the study. The
systems from the Marlborough and Israel-based company allows people with certain spinal injuries to walk upright
rather than sit in a wheel chair. The study will start in October and is the first of its kind to examine the impact of
exoskeletons in daily life. The Department of Veterans Affairs is the largest single healthcare provider to persons
with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in the United States. A recent study on the benefits of the ReWalk Robotics
exoskeleton found significant improvements in the quality of life for an individual with spinal cord injury using the
system. [Source: WBJ Journal | Sam Bonacci | February 3, 2016 ++
********************************

VA Vet Choice Program Update 28

GAO to Audit Program

Thanks to the bipartisan efforts of three members of Congress, the Government Accounting Office (GAO) will audit
the VAs Veterans Choice program, which has been plagued by countless complaints from veterans and health care
providers alike. In an effort to help veterans, Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY), Senator Johnny Isakson (RGA), and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have convinced the GAO to conduct a comprehensive audit of the
Veterans Choice program.
The program was created in response to the tragic wait time scandal, in which at least 40 veterans died while
waiting for appointments at the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care system. When Congress passed the Veterans
Choice and Accountability Act and President Obama signed it into law in August 2014, the idea was to expand the
availability of hospital care and medical services for veterans. In May 2014 Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric
Shinseki had to resign because of the wait time scandal. Then, in November 2014, Sharon Helman was fired by the
VA. Helman had been the VA executive who was in charge of the Phoenix VA Health Care System at the time of the
scandal and the subsequent attempt to cover it up. At the time, many people thought that the problem was solved
because of Shinsekis resignation and Helmans firing. However, CNN was perceptive enough to ask, But will that
improve things at VA hospitals? The answer seems to be an emphatic no. In fact, there is ample evidence that that
the Veterans Choice program is a disaster.
Senator Isakson is the chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, and Senator Blumenthal is the ranking
member of that committee. During a committee hearing held on 28 JAN, Isakson asked VA Secretary Robert
McDonald how the VA plans to address the many issues the VA has faced during its implementation of the Veterans
34

Choice Program. McDonald had no answers. For example, Isakson pointed out that earlier this month a large health
care provider in New Hampshire announced that it would no longer participate in the Choice Program because the
VA has failed to provide payment for services rendered. Despite the best efforts of Congress and the President, the
VA has found another way to make sure that veterans get the short end of the stick. NPR reports that the New
Hampshire pain management company, PainCare, has notified its patients that as of February 1st, it will no longer
accept Veterans Choice. PainCare spokesman Tom Barnes told NPR, Of course we want to continue with these
patients. The thing is, were doing a lot of work, but were not getting any reimbursement for it.
Congresswoman Louise Slaughter represents the Rochester area in Western New York. She explains the situation
this way in her press release. In summer 2014, more than 120,000 veterans were waiting more than 125 days for
health care services. In response, Congress passed the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act, which
established the VCP. Two third-party administratorsHealth Net and Tri-Westwere awarded $5 billion and $4.3
billion, respectively, to implement the program. Health Net is responsible for the non-payments to PainCare.
However, Health Net could not tell NPR what percentage of claims it had paid on time or even how many claims
have been paid on time. PainCare finally got its first payment from the Veterans Choice program in December, but it
is still owed about $70 thousand dollars.
But that is only part of the problem. Barnes says that dealing with the Veterans Choice bureaucrats is a
nightmare. Even just receiving a phone call; if they call us, they require us to recite our company name, our
address, our phone number, and fax. And thats when they call us. Same thing when you call them. Barnes also says
that according to the VA, it has to schedule the veterans first appointment, and that visit must fall within an
authorization period determined by the VA without consulting the health care provider. Moreover, there have been
many times when the VA hasnt called to make the appointment before the authorization period expired. When that
happens, the veteran has to start all over again trying to get an appointment for medical care. How ironic is that,
when you consider that this kid of time delay was the exact reason why the Veterans Choice program was created in
the first place? [Source: Examiner.com | Thomas Mangan | January 24, 2016 ++]
********************************

VA Vet Choice Program Update 29

Implementation | Systemic Failure

Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) wants to know how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will fix a key health program,
calling its implementation a systemic failure. "I consistently hear reports that the Department of Veterans Affairs is
delaying the process of veterans requests to use the Choice Act, delaying the approval of provider participation in
Choice, and delaying payments to participating providers," he wrote in a letter to VA Secretary Bob McDonald
released 5 FEB. Under the Choice Act, veterans who can't get an appointment within 30 days are supposed to be
able to use the Veterans Choice List, which gives them access to private non-VA care. But Kirk pointed to a VA OIG
report released 4 FEB on a Colorado Springs, Colo., facility.
The report found that out of 288 veterans who had wait times of more than 30 days at the facility, all 288 were
either not added to the Veterans Choice List or were added later than they should have been. Kirk said that he wants
to know "how the VA plans to address these issues and ensure that all veterans have access to the Choice Act
envisioned by Congress with a comprehensive provider network," including addressing reports that the VA isn't
providing "timely payments" to healthcare providers under the Choice program. The VA noted in the OIG report that
it's taken steps to address the findings.
The VA's Veterans Health Administration has been repeatedly under the congressional spotlight since the
department faced a months-long scandal over allegations that VA officials manipulated appointment wait time data
to downplay how long veterans were waiting for healthcare. "Given the VHA's demonstrated inability to provide
even basic care, let alone comprehensive services, I find it particularly disappointing that VHA continues to stymie
35

the private sector's attempts to address veteran patient needs," he added in his letter to McDonald. Kirk is the latest
lawmaker who supported the Choice Act formally known as the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act
but has voiced concern about its implementation. [Source: The Hill | Jordain Carney | February 5, 2016 ++]
********************************

VA Vet Choice Program Update 30

Ruining Some Vets Credit

Some veterans are seeing their credit ruined by using the Veterans Choice health program because the Veterans
Affairs Department is not reimbursing participating physicians promptly, forcing them to bill their veteran patients
who often cant pay. Veterans advocates and House lawmakers said 11 FEB that veterans using the community care
program face long delays in treatment and bad credit because physicians are waiting up to six months for
reimbursements from VA and are demanding payment from patients, often forwarding the bills to collection
agencies.

Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA) said one of his constituents sought care for pain and orthopedic problems through
the Veterans Choice program, but VA did not reimburse the specialists in a timely manner, forcing the
veteran to reschedule needed surgeries and deal with aggressive collection agents. Now this veteran has
damaged health and damaged credit due to the VA, Ruiz said during a House Veterans' Affairs
subcommittee hearing. This damage that veterans suffer due to the VAs reimbursement system is
irreparable and unacceptable.

In another case, a veteran in Saginaw, Michigan, needed follow-up care for an eye appointment through
Veterans Choice. But while the initial appointment was approved, the needed sight-saving treatment was
not. Since approval and payment were delayed, the providing clinic stopped treatment and demanded
money from the patient before they would continue, Veterans of Foreign Wars senior legislative associate
Carlos Fuentes said. To solve the issue, VFW contacted the Veterans Choice contractor Health Net Federal
Services but was told that treatment could not be approved retroactively. The group then appealed to VA for
help, Fuentes said. It shouldnt require our involvement to have this paid, Fuentes told House committee
members.

The Veterans Choice program was launched in November 2014 to give veterans who face lengthy wait times for
care or live 40 miles or more from a VA facility the option to see a private physician. It has come under fire for
failing to improve veterans' access to medical treatment since patients continue to face challenges making
appointments or receiving approval for care. Providers have complained about the program as well, citing long
delays in payments and disparate reimbursement rates. According to VA officials, the department paid less than 70
percent of its claims to providers within 30 days. In contrast, 99 percent of Tricare and Medicare claims from
community providers are processed within 30 days.
In fiscal 2012, VA spent $4.5 billion on care for veterans outside VA hospitals and clinics. That figure rose to $10
billion in fiscal 2015, and the Obama administration has requested $12 billion for community care programs in fiscal
2017. But despite vast sums of money appropriated for the programs, systemwide problems persist. Earlier this
month, the VA Office of Inspector General found that for 64 percent of 450 appointments reviewed at a VA clinic in
Colorado Springs, Colorado, veterans waited more than 30 days for care and none were offered a faster appointment
through Veterans Choice.
The VA inspector general also found that in Tampa, Florida, eligible veterans were not offered care through
Veterans Choice and VA medical center staff inappropriately removed" veterans from the Choice eligibility list.
"VA needs to improve program controls. Without adequate controls, VA's consolidation plan is at increased risk of
not achieving its goal of delivering timely and efficient health care to veterans," said Gary Abe, deputy assistant

36

inspector general for audit and evaluations. VA officials say they are working to solve the problems, starting with the
late payments, by:
Changing requirements of providers to furnish medical documentation along with the bills.
Hiring more claims processing staff and establishing new productivity standards, said Dr. Baligh Yehia,
Veterans Health Administration assistant deputy undersecretary for health for community care. "There
should be no administrative burden that stands in the way of veterans getting care, Yehia said.
Seeking to consolidate its private care programs into a single initiative, the New Veterans Choice program,
and has asked Congress for legislative authority to implement the changes needed to jump-start the new
program.
Writing letters to credit bureaus to help restore former service members' credit ratings.
Providing a toll-free number, 877-881-7618, for veterans to call if they have problems with adverse credit
reports related to the Veterans Choice program.
Rep. Dan Benishek, a surgeon who chairs the House Veterans' Affairs personnel subcommittee, said the VA must
fix the problem or risk losing willing program participants. "The overly bureaucratic, highly manual claims process
does not meet the standards. Community providers continue to report millions of dollars in past-due, unpaid
claims and my office continues to hear regularly from providers who would like to serve veterans but they hesitate
to take referrals from the VA because it is so difficult to get paid for their services," Benishek said.
Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) said the VA is not entirely at fault for the problems with provider reimbursement. "A
lot of the beating up on the department needs to be put into context," Takano said. "VA was never set up to be an
insurer/payer. This is a revolution of sorts. The mindset has been that VA is a provider organization but now we are
looking at other approaches, including a permanent program for care in the community, which means setting up a
system to do both a provider and payer organization. Let's make that a distinction." [Source: Military Times |
Patricia Kime | February 11, 2016 ++]
********************************

VA Secretary Update 43

Political Challenges Tougher Than Expected

Bob McDonald, now in his last year as secretary of Veterans Affairs as President Obama wraps up his
administration, expected that there would be challenges when he took the job. He assumed the position 18 months
ago amidst a major scandal involving long patient wait times and veterans dying while waiting for appointments. At
the same time, there was the widely known backlog of disability claims applications -- with some veterans waiting
years for a decision -- and persistent delays and cost overruns with a major VA medical center in Colorado.

37

What the former head of international consumer giant Procter & Gamble, one-time airborne soldier and West
Point grad did not expect was unrelenting political attacks from Congress and elsewhere -- including, he believes, a
veterans group backed by billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch. "I think the biggest surprise was the
politics," he told Military.com during a recent interview at the VA Medical Center in Boston's Jamaica Plain
neighborhood. "Remember, I was confirmed 97 to zero. I thought I would focus on just getting better care for
veterans, so the politics has been surprising to me. I don't like politics, I'm not going to be a politician, Im not
running for anything." But McDonald's dislike for politics and lack of political ambition, coupled with a
comfortable, stable life made possible by a successful career with P&G, provides him "the freedom to do what is
right" regardless of whatever pressure is exerted, he said. "I don't need the money. I don't need the position," he said.
"I'm sacrificing, in a sense, to do this, but it's not a sacrifice because it's for my brothers and sisters who served. I've
got no other agenda."
McDonald was in Boston recently to tour a unique veterans' blood repository that is expected to boost medical
research across the country. The Million Veterans Program will provide blood samples and DNA for research into
myriad health problems, especially those plaguing veterans, but also for the wider population. That's a point he
raised during another part of his Boston visit, a recruiting talk he gave to more than 200 healthcare workers in
training at the VA facility.
Making the Pitch for the VA
McDonald makes the pitch at pretty much every VA hospital he visits. He offers a bit of VA history, including the
fact that the VA has earned three Nobel Prizes for its work, seven Lasker Awards -- known as the Nobel Prize of the
U.S. -- and pioneered medical advances and development now common around the world: the first liver transplant,
first kidney transplant, the shingles vaccine, the nicotine patch. A VA nurse came up with the idea of using barcodes
to link patients with their records. The electronic health record itself was pioneered at the VA, he said. To the social
workers and mental health providers in the room, he touted the VA's work in post-traumatic stress disorder and
traumatic brain injury. "We need you [at the VA] because we are on the cutting edge of [this research] and not
surprisingly what we're learning applies to policemen, firemen, EMT [emergency medical technician] workers, NHL
players, NFL players -- and we're on the cutting edge of this," he said.
The VA spends about $1.8 billion a year on research. McDonald notes the VA's total budget runs about $190
billion, so he believes it can afford to put more money into medical research, especially since the VA has the
wherewithal and the mission to look at medical problems that others, especially for-profit institutions, would shy
away from. "Talk about the necessity of the VA. Well, as a former CEO of a large company, I can only imagine if I
was running a for-profit hospital if someone came to me and said, 'We'd like you to do research on spinal cord
injuries.' I'd say, 'Well, how many people have spinal cord injuries?' " The discussion that would follow would deal
with the scale and the rate of return on the research investment, McDonald said, with the bottom line being there
would "be no rate of return." "But yet we do that research [at the VA] because we have veterans who have been
injured in combat [or] in training who have traumatic spinal cord injuries and we have to be one of the world's
leaders in spinal cord injury" treatment and prevention, he said.
Fielding Slings and Arrows
Despite that, the VA has taken multiple hits in recent years over its care -- or in some cases failure to care -- for
veterans. This includes the wait-times scandal that came to light with the VA Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona,
but was found to be systemic across the VA. Like the claims backlog, chronic veteran homelessness and cost
overruns in VA construction, the major problems all preceded McDonald's arrival. His nomination, in fact, was made
possible by the scandals, which led to President Obama asking for the resignation of the prior chief, Secretary Eric
Shinseki. "We're in a political environment. We're in a presidential election," he told a VA employee in the audience
who wondered at all the bad press. But, he said, there is "a group of people who want the VA to go away."
McDonald identified the group as Concerned Veterans for America, an organization widely reported to be funded
by the Koch brothers. McDonald said the group's former chief executive officer, Peter Hegseth, was recorded
38

"speaking at a Koch convention saying, 'Listen, we've got to point out everything bad going on at the VA, because if
we kill the VA, we can kill Obamacare, and if we kill Obamacare, we'll kill nationalized medicine.' " The recording,
first reported and posted online by The Nation magazine in 2014, does not include those phrases, though the speaker
does say that exploiting the VA's failures had "created a new line of defense against the march toward socialized
medicine, educating veterans and Americans in the process. Veterans have had government-run healthcare for
decades. We've had the preview of Obamacare, and the scandal has exposed the inevitable result of central planning
for all Americans: massive wait times, impenetrable bureaucracy, de facto rationing, wasted tax dollars. It goes on
and on."
In a statement to Military.com, Concerned Veterans for America said McDonald "is making false and baseless
attacks on CVA's reform proposals."
"Concerned Veterans for America has never advocated 'destroying' the VA," spokesman John Cooper said. "In
our Fixing Veterans Health Care Task Force report, which lays out our comprehensive VA reform plan, we very
clearly state that we want to preserve and reform the VA health care system as opposed to completely dismantling it,
as some have proposed. In fact, the recent Independent Assessment of the Veterans Health Administration, mandated
by Congress and funded by the VA, cited CVA's proposed reforms as a credible way forward in making the VA work
for veterans."
Taking on Congress
McDonald also criticized the tone of debate with Congress, in particular the House Veterans Affairs Committee,
over VA problems and operations. Given how well he was received in 2014, he said, McDonald believed he would
be allowed to do the job he was brought in for -- to improve delivery of health care to veterans. But the continuing,
oftentimes confrontational questioning of VA officials on the Hill did not start with his tenure. Shinseki and his
senior leaders -- some of whom McDonald inherited -- were grilled, as well. McDonald believes that even if a
lawmaker is genuinely concerned for veterans, the tone on the Hill is so much political posturing. He recalled taking
part in a Disabled American Veterans event in Denver last summer with Rep. Jeff Miller, the Republican chairman
of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. Miller has been dogged in digging into failings at the VA and demanding
accountability for incompetence or corruption. In numerous hearings, he has castigated the VA and senior leaders
over scandals, demanded reports and threatened to issue subpoenas to get testimony.
But when the two appeared together in Colorado, McDonald said, it was a far different Miller, who said at one
point that "knowing that Bob McDonald is the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, I could not have a better feeling for
where the department is going in the future." Says McDonald: "Juxtapose that [appearance] with some of the drivel
that you [hear in Washington]. Two different people." Miller, in a statement to Military.com, said that if not for his
committee's work investigating and exposing VA problems, "McDonald would not have the job he holds today and
thousands of veterans would still be stuck on secret waiting lists." Miller said the committee will continue to put the
spotlight on VA problems because it's the only way to get the department to address them effectively. That will be
the case "regardless of who's serving as VA secretary," Miller said. [Source: Military.com | Bryant Jordan | Jan 22,
2016 ++]
********************************

VA Hepatitis C Care Update 08

House Hearing on Treatment Cost

Congress is looking into why veterans are being denied a cure for a deadly form of hepatitis. In a CBS News
investigation, we told you the cure was developed by a doctor working for the Department of Veterans Affairs. The
doctor got rich, but at $1,000 a pill, the VA can't afford it. Much of the anger at the 3 FEB House hearing was
directed at someone who wasn't even in the room. "If I were you, I would be outraged," Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO)
said. "Certainly the taxpayers should be outraged," Rep. Ralph Abraham (R-LA) added. Their target is Dr. Raymond
Schinazi, who played a leading role developing a drug that cures hepatitis C. When he sold his company to
39

pharmaceutical giant Gilead in 2012, he made over $400 million. And he did it all while working seven-eighths of
his time for the VA.

Dr. Raymond Schinazi

"So, I'm not full time -- what I do with my remaining time is up to me," Schinazi told CBS News in December.
We asked him if anyone has ever questioned the arrangement that allowed him to become very wealthy while
working most of his time for the government. "Nobody has questioned anything yet," he said. That changed
Wednesday as House members including Rep. Tim Huelskamp (R-KS) grilled David Shulkin, the VA's
undersecretary for Health. "But he just sold a company for $400 million. Did anybody know about that?"
Huelskamp asked. "I'm not aware of who knew what three or four years ago," Shulkin responded. Coffman wanted
to know why Schinazi got rich, but the VA got nothing for a drug that one of its own doctors helped develop. "Is it
bureaucratic incompetence or is it corruption, or is it a combination of the two?" Coffman asked. "This wasted
resource is why this nation is unable to take care of the men and women who have served this country in uniform."
Others were upset that Schinazi wasn't there to be questioned. The VA says Schinazi retired just two days ago.
"The person that's responsible always seems to retire before the investigation starts," Coffman said. The VA did
approve Schinazi's part-time arrangement and told CBS News part-time employees are allowed to invest in private
companies, so long as all conflict of interest rules are followed. The VA said there will be both internal and outside
investigations.
Refer to http://www.cbsnews.com/news/congress-outraged-over-hepatitis-c-treatment-va-cantafford/ to view the CBS News report. [Source: CBS News | Chip Reid | February 3, 2016 ++]
********************************

VA Hepatitis C Care Update 09

VA Reviewing Rights to Miracle Drug

The Veterans Affairs Department is attempting to learn if it has a financial right to a Hepatitis C drug it says was
developed under the leadership of a former agency senior scientist. Pressed by lawmakers in Congress, department
officials are also trying to find out if the former scientist with the VA Medical Center in Atlanta unfairly benefited
from his work there by developing the drug with agency resources and then sold it and his company in 2011 for $11
billion. "We are going to make sure that we get to the bottom o of this with all the fact with the external reviews we
set in place and the internal reviews," VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. David Shulkin told the House Veterans
Affairs Committee Chairman on 2 FEB.
Committee Chairman Rep. Jeff Miller, a Republican from Florida, last week accused the company that now owns
the drug -- Gilead Sciences of California -- of price gouging the country. During Wednesday's hearing, however,
Miller and other lawmakers focused on Dr. Raymond Schinazi, the recently retired senior VA scientist in Atlanta
who they believe discovered the drug and possibly failed to go through the proper steps to ensure the department
could assert a financial interest in its commercial sale. "If, in fact, it is found that it was a [VA] employee that did, in
fact, discover the drug I think it's important that this committee really try to get to the bottom of it," Miller
said. Schinazi worked for the VA part time for 33 years before retiring on Feb. 1. He also works for Emory
University in Georgia and has owned several companies.
40

Shulkin called the drug, alternately called Sofosbuvir and Solvaldi, "truly a miraculous new drug" for treating
Hepatitis C, which afflicts thousands of veterans, especially those who served in Vietnam. By law, the VA has the
right to assert a financial interest in science and technology developed by its employees and using VA resources and
funding. When it does, commercial sales of a product or medicine put money back into the VA budget. The Hepatitis
C drug is estimated to be worth billions annually on the commercial market. At the same time, the VA is currently
paying an estimated $40,000 for an eight or nine week course of the drug for veterans, even though in other
counties, including Egypt, the same treatment cost about $900. [Source: Miliary.com | Bryant Jordan | February 04,
2016 ++]
********************************

PTSD Update 202

Studies Reveal Accelerated Aging Link

We've all heard of people "aging overnight" after a traumatic event. Scientists actually have a word for this
phenomenon: "Marie Antoinette Syndrome," named for the French queen. When she was captured after fleeing Paris
and sentenced to death by guillotine, observers claimed her hair turned white from shock. While accounts of the
queen's hair may just be legend, scientists have long suspected that chronic psychological stresstriggered by
events like war, abuse, or imprisonmentmay accelerate aging, leading to early onset of age-related disease or even
premature death. Now, two studies from researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine (MED), jointly
funded by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the National Institute of Mental Health, report
significant links between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans and accelerated aging. Many vets with
PTSD are aging too fast, at a surprisingly young age.

"We're seeing evidence, on multiple levels, of accelerated aging among very young veteranspeople in
their early 30s," says Erika Wolf, a MED assistant professor of psychiatry and clinical research
psychologist at the US Department of Veteran Affairs' National Center for PTSD, who is lead author on the
two studies. "These could snowball into major health problems down the road."
"The idea that traumatic events can have a physical effect on people has been around for a long time," says
Mark Miller, associate professor of psychiatry at MED and senior author on the two studies. "Observations
suggest that traumatic stress starts a cascade of biological consequences that can produce visible signs of
aging. More recent research shows how this is happening on a cellular level, and for the first time we have
the methods to actually see it in a person's DNA."

The first study, published online on September 30, 2015, in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, used new
tools for examining DNA for signs of aging and comparing it to a person's actual age. The tools, developed in 2013
by scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of California, San Diego, look at
specific areas of a person's genome and note how they are methylatedtagged with a tiny molecule of one carbon
and three hydrogen atoms, known as a methyl group. Methylation is one of the primary ways that the body switches
genes on and off, and certain patterns of DNA methylation correlate to a person's chronological age.
For the Psychoneuroendocrinology study, Wolf, who is also funded by the VA Clinical Science Research &
Development Career Development Award, examined data from 281 veterans, studied at the VA's Translational
Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS) database. TRACTS has collected health informationincluding
brain scans, blood tests, and the results of comprehensive psychological examsfrom 450 veterans who have been
exposed to trauma. She found small but significant evidence that veterans with PTSD had accelerated aging of their
DNA. "As we age, what we see in the DNA is a lot of 'flip-flopping'regions that are methylated become
unmethylated, and vice versa," says Wolf. This pattern appears across genes involved with cell death, cardiac
function, neurogeneration, and other cellular processes. "There's a lot of variability, but it makes sense that they are
involved with aging."

41

The second study, published online in January 2016 in the journal Biological Psychiatry, examined broader, agerelated health consequences of PTSD. Specifically, Wolf looked at metabolic syndromea constellation of
symptoms including obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipids, and high blood sugar that can contribute to
Type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and even neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Metabolic syndrome
is elevated among veterans, says Wolf, with an estimated 25 percent affected. That number may be as high as 40
percent among people with PTSD. Wolf wondered exactly how PTSD correlated to metabolic syndrome, and
whether the two together led to reduced cortical thicknessa shrinking of specific brain areas responsible for things
like emotional regulation and memory. Again using data from TRACTS, Wolf examined health information from
346 military veterans who had deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. She found that PTSD was directly associated with
metabolic syndrome, and that metabolic syndrome was strongly associated with reduced cortical thickness.
Wolf hopes to continue the research looking at longitudinal data, so she can see how this accelerated aging
proceeds over a decade or more. She also wants to expand the research to include Vietnam veterans, who could
provide an even longer-term view. The findings are significant, says Wolf, because they highlight a problem
metabolic syndromethat is not usually considered in treating PTSD and is "ripe for intervention." Furthermore,
says Miller, they suggest that clinicians may need to expand their repertoire of treatments for PTSD to target sleep,
diet, and exercise. "A lot of research is looking at the causes and risk factors of PTSD," says Miller. "Our research is
looking at the other side of the PTSD puzzlewhat are the consequences for the body?" "Traditionally, treatment
for PTSD involves psychotherapy that focuses on the memory of traumatic events," adds Miller. "That's an
undeniably relevant and important part of treatment. But these studies are suggesting that the clinical picture of
PTSD is much bigger than a problem with somebody's memory. The profound biological changes that accompany it
affect not just the mind and memory, but the whole body." [Source: Medical Express | Barbara Moran | February 3,
2016 ++]
********************************

PTSD Drugs

PTSD Meds 101

Since the syndrome was first officially acknowledged by psychiatrists in 1980, treatments for post-traumatic stress
disorder have grown in number both for civilians and for troops with combat traumas. But medications continue
to be a go-to treatment, usually in conjunction with talk therapy. While these drugs may help ease suffering, some
people complain that they dont feel like themselves while taking them. And families voice concerns about a loved
ones long list of pills. So, what are the classic PTSD drugs, and what are their side effects?
Dr. Tonya Masino, a psychiatrist at the VAs La Jolla hospital and a veteran of the PTSD clinic there, said its
typical for a patient to get a small cocktail of drugs to temper anxiety and sleep issues. PTSD patients with moderate
to severe symptoms are going to be offered an antidepressant, specifically an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor). It will probably be Zoloft or Paxil, as they are the only two Food and Drug Administration-approved
antidepressants specifically for PTSD, Masino said. The San Diego VA commonly prescribes five SSRIs for PTSD,
including Prozac, Celexa and Lexapro. If Zoloft or Paxil dont work, one of the others can be tried. Another popular
antidepressant option is an SNRI (serotoninnorepinephrine reuptake inhibitor,) such as Effexor. If the patient is
suffering from nightmares, its common to prescribe an alpha-blocker medication.

Why the drugs? Because the antidepressants modulate neurotransmitters in the anxiety and fear centers of
the brain, Masino said. The desired result: A reduction in the classic PTSD symptoms, which are hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts and memories, irritability, trouble with sleeping, depression and difficulty
feeling close to others. Also why: Some patients wont be able to engage well in therapy until their
symptoms are under control. PTSD patients with sleep issues may commonly get trazadone, brand name
Desyrel, which is also an antidepressant. These are the VAs frontline drugs for PTSD. If they dont work,
42

Plan B can involve mood stabilizers, such as Depakote for anger, or anti-seizure medications that smooth
out moods.
Masino said research has changed the way VA psychiatrists treat PTSD. Doctors used to prescribe anti-anxiety
medicines known as benzodiazepines, such as Xanax or Ativan. But in the past five to 10 years, research has shown
they dont work for PTSD over the long haul. Also, these medications can cause problems with memory, and they
are habit-forming, Masino said.

What about side effects? The complaint of feeling like a zombie on PTSD meds is probably a dosing
problem, Masino said. Common side effects of antidepressants are nausea, trouble sleeping, constipation,
loss of appetite, tiredness and dizziness. Another commonly reported outcome is sexual dysfunction. Any
of the above might make some PTSD patients want to stop taking their medications. But most people need
to take antidepressants for at least a year before they consider tapering off, Masino said. Otherwise, risk of
relapse is high.
What about the rare but possible side effect of suicidal thoughts while on antidepressants? All of the
VAs top PTSD antidepressants were on the list in 2004 when the FDA required drug makers to update the
black box warning on their products. The new warning reflected the possibility of increased risk of
suicidal thinking and behavior in young adults ages 18 to 24.
How does Masino handle the risk? She notes theres a difference between thinking about suicide and
suicidal behavior. A number of patients with PTSD and depression will come in with suicidal thoughts. I
advise patients that any medication we prescribe for mental health may affect your mood. We hope that
happens in a positive way, she said. But if theres any worsening of symptoms, or youre not liking the
way you feel, or if you have suicidal thoughts that werent there before, let your doctor know right away.
Masino calls an upswell of suicidal thoughts a very remote possibility, but added that its an important
thing for patients to be aware of. I think people are savvy enough to say, OK, Im having this now and I
wasnt before. Or, I was having this, and Im feeling much worse.

As for PTSD patients taking an assortment of medications, Macino said the long list is sometimes due to them
being treated for several conditions. For example, its common for a veteran to get PTSD care while also recovering
from a surgery or dealing with long-term back pain. They see different doctors ... and they can end up on a number
of medications, Macino said. The really important thing is they need to make sure all of the doctors are talking to
each other and get all (the prescriptions) filled at the same pharmacy. A danger is that one drug might affect how
another works, rendering one useless, said Susan Leckband, a clinical pharmacist at the VA in La Jolla. Macino said
the patient is somewhat responsible to know what he or she is taking and what its effect is supposed to be.
She also said a long prescription list may look worse than it really is. With some conditions, and this is true in
mental health, its better to use a combination of medicines at lower doses than just one medication at a high dose,
where you run the risk of increased side effects, said the psychiatrist, a recent Navy veteran herself. Sometimes,
the number seems alarming, but there may be a rationale for it. Some medications are meant to be taken just when
you need them, not all the time.
NON-MEDICATION TREATMENTS FOR PTSD
Prevention - Early intervention after a trauma may prevent the development of post-traumatic stress disorder. A
brief stretch of therapy, group interventions and social support may provide benefits.
Exposure therapy: Repeated exposure to targeted thoughts, feelings and situations helps reduce their ability
to cause distress.
Cognitive therapy: Tries to provide a new way to handle distressing thoughts. Patients learn how going
through a trauma changed them and their view of the world.
Stress inoculation: Emphasizes breathing retraining and muscle relaxation. May also include cognitive
approaches and exposure techniques.
43

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Uses rapid eye movements while addressing memories of
trauma. Its believed that this leads the patient to process the memory and disturbing feelings in better
ways.
Imagery rehearsal: Believed to be effective in reducing nightmares. In this therapy, PTSD patients
rescript the endings of their nightmares while they are awake to make them less debilitating.

Complementary and alternative medicine. The Defense Centers for Excellence recommends these techniques as
possible secondary treatments: acupuncture, meditation or mindfulness, yoga, body manipulation and various energy
techniques.
[Source: San Diego Union Tribune | Jeanette Steele | February 5, 2016 ++]
********************************

VA Agent Orange Benefits

Policy Reassessment Complete | No change

A federal court had ordered the VA to reassess its policy denying Agent Orange benefits to Navy sailors who served
in the Vietnam War. The VAs conclusion: They still dont qualify. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has once
again turned down an effort by Navy veterans to get compensation for possible exposure to Agent Orange during the
Vietnam War. In a document released 5 FEB, the VA said it would continue to limit benefits related to Agent Orange
exposure to only those veterans who set foot in Vietnam, where the herbicide was sprayed, and to those who were on
boats in inland rivers. The VA compensates these veterans for a litany of associated illnesses, including diabetes,
various cancers, Parkinsons Disease, peripheral neuropathy and a type of heart disease.
Advocates for some 90,000 so-called Blue Water Navy veterans who served off the coast of Vietnam have been
asking the VA for more than a decade to broaden the policy to include them. They say that they were exposed to
Agent Orange because their ships sucked in potentially contaminated water and distilled it for showering, drinking,
laundry and cooking. Experts have said the distillation process could have actually concentrated the Agent Orange,
which contained the toxic chemical dioxin and was used to kill vegetation and deny enemy cover. ProPublica and
the Virginian-Pilot profiled their effort to gain coverage in September as part of an ongoing project to chronicle the
impact of Agent Orange on vets and their families.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims last April struck down VA rules that denied compensation for
sailors whose ships docked at certain harbors in South Vietnam, including Da Nang. Those ports, the court
determined, may have been in the Agent Orange spraying area. The court ordered the VA to review its policy. But on
Friday, the VA largely stood by its old policy and once again asserted that theres no scientific justification or legal
requirement for covering veterans who served off the coast. Environmental health experts in VAs Veterans Health
Administration have reviewed the available scientific information and concluded that it is not sufficient to support a
presumption that Blue Water Navy Veterans were exposed to Agent Orange, the VA said in a fact sheet.

44

Vietnam veteran Jim Smith has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and believes Agent Orange exposure may have
played a role. My feeling is the VA is thumbing their nose and sending the middle finger back to the Blue Water people,
he said. Its like nobody at the VA has any kind of science background whatsoever.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), the ranking member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, criticized
the VAs decision. Rather than siding with veterans, VA is doubling down on an irrational and inconsistent policy,
he said in a statement. Young sailors risked their lives during the Vietnam War, unaware that decades later, they and
their children and grandchildren would still feel the toxic effects of exposure. Veterans who served offshore and in
the harbors of Vietnam were exposed and deserve the presumption of service connection for Agent Orange-related
diseases. Blumenthal and others are seeking adoption of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, which would
ensure that all vets exposed to Agent Orange are compensated. The VA opposes the legislation, as it has several
previous iterations dating back to 2008.
The VAs new review rejecting benefits relied on a 2011 report by the respected Institute of Medicine, as well as
other published research, according to the agencys fact sheet. The Institute of Medicine report said there was no
way to prove Blue Water vets were exposed to the chemicals, but it identified plausible routes that Agent Orange
could have traveled out to sea and into a ships distillation system. Although military policy at the time
recommended against distilling water closer than 10 miles to shore where the chemical concentration would have
been highest veterans said doing so was often unavoidable, and their commanding officers routinely ordered it.
The VA said it is working with veterans groups to initiate a groundbreaking study of Blue Water Navy Veterans
health outcomes. We hope to have data gathered and analyses published in 2017.
Veterans called the VAs decision a betrayal. John Wells, a Louisiana lawyer who has spent more than a decade
advocating for Blue Water veterans, said his group would continue challenging the VA and push for legislation that
would mandate coverage for the Blue Water veterans. It wasnt completely unexpected. Were used to being
betrayed by the VA, Wells said. Were going to fight this thing until were done or dead. Jim Smith, who served
aboard the ammunition ship Butte, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and believes that Agent Orange
exposure may have played a role. My feeling is the VA is thumbing their nose and sending the middle finger back
to the Blue Water people, he said. Its like nobody at the VA has any kind of science background whatsoever.
Blue Water vets so named to set the sailors apart from their Brown Water Navy counterparts, who patrolled the
murky rivers of South Vietnam were initially deemed eligible for compensation under the Agent Orange Act of
1991, only to have the VA change its interpretation a decade later. [Source: ProPublica | Charles Ornstein and Terry
Parris Jr. | February 8, 2016 ++]
********************************

VA Whistleblowers Update 40

Disclosure Surge Attributed to McDonald

A report by Government Executive last month highlighted the fact that in year two of Secretary of the Department of
Veterans' Affairs Bob McDonald's tenure, the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) has seen a surge in whistleblower
disclosures in FY 2015, in large part due to an onslaught of new cases from VA employees. According to
Government Executive, OSC, which is tasked with protecting whistleblowers and federal employees from improper
personnel actions, received 755 whistleblower disclosures in fiscal 2015, a 56 percent increase over the previous
year. The agency received nearly 2,000 disclosures from employees across government last fiscal year, a 27 percent
increase from FY 2014.
It seems that at the very least Secretary McDonald has been successful in creating a culture in which
whistleblowers feel comfortable reporting inappropriate behavior. VAs contribution to OSCs workload has not just
come from whistleblowers. Employees at the VA filed 1,400 claims of prohibited personnel practices against their

45

supervisors last fiscal year, a 41 percent increase over 2014. Eight of every 10 favorable actions OSC won for
federal employees last year involved reprisal.
OSC is a small, independent agency of about 140 employees, and it is having a tough time handling its mandate
with current funding levels. Congress increased its budget in the recent omnibus spending bill by 5 percent to $24.1
million, but the agency said that boost does not keep pace with inflation or the inundation of new cases.
Schwellenbach said the agency plans to hire more staffers to take on the backlog of cases, which has ballooned in
recent years but remained stagnant in fiscal 2015. [Source: TREA Update | February 9, 2016 ++]
********************************

VA Telehealth Update 08

New Pilot Program

A new pilot program announced 5 FEB by the nation's Secretary of Veterans Affairs aims to help veterans in some of
the most rural parts of Mississippi. Federal officials also hope the new initiatives -- including a systematic overhaul
of the department's scheduling and management systems -- will show positive change in the wake of that 2014
scandal involving wait times nationwide. "In the same way veterans use their cell phones or tablets to view their
bank statements or FaceTime with a family member, we know that there's a way for them to receive health care in
this manner," VA Secretary Robert McDonald said to a crowd of nearly one hundred. "We have work to do to
balance privacy and convenience. Here in Mississippi is where we're going to try that out first."
Dr. Skye McDougall, recently appointed to oversee VA hospitals in Mississippi and other Southern states (VISN
16), said that also means faster responses from doctors for many vets who live too far from the Capital City to travel
back and forth for treatment. "My goal is to provide access to high-quality care," said McDougall. When asked
about the technology gap with many older veterans, McDonald said they'll offer training for those who don't know
how to use smartphones or tablets. It's a project he said is essential to the future of the VA, with younger veterans
embracing telehealth as they do technology. If successful, McDonald said they hope to avoid a situation where aging
veterans can't get access to the care they need, care that could increase more as they get older. As it stands now,
around 9.5 million veterans nationwide are over the age of 65. [Source: MSNewsNow | C.J. LeMaster | February 5,
2016 ++]
********************************

VA Clinic Colorado Springs CO

Care Delays Irk Lawmakers

Angry lawmakers are calling for a probe of misconduct at the Department of Veterans Affairs in light of a report that
found that hundreds of veterans faced care delays at a Colorado Springs clinic, even as an agency spokesman
disputed the findings. Colorado U.S. Reps. Doug Lamborn and Mike Coffman were joined by House VA committee
head Rep. Jeff Miller in calling for a congressional review of the Floyd K. Lindstrom Clinic, where VAs inspector
general found 68 percent of 450 veteran cases reviewed faced delays of more than 30 days for care. What angered
lawmakers the most was the use of phony dates in a scheduling system for some cases that investigators said made it
appear the appointment wait time was less than 30 days. This report documents blatant dishonesty and corruption,
and the sad truth is that this same sort of behavior is routinely tolerated across the department, Miller said.

46

Floyd K. Lindstrom Clinic

The report, released 4 FEB, found that 28 patients records were manipulated to show they had same-day
appointments when they actually waited and average of 76 days. I reject the notion that anywhere in this report it
says we falsified data, Denver VA spokesman Dan Warvi said. Warvi contends that the records, including those
that falsely showed same-day appointments, were correct according to a local standard in place until 2015. While
he denied that workers falsified reports, he couldnt explain the discrepancies for the 28 patients. Lamborn said VA
waits in Colorado Springs have claimed a life. In a letter to VA Secretary Bob McDonald, Lamborn said a veteran in
Colorado Springs was deemed a suicide risk during an April visit to the Lindstrom Clinic, but wasnt referred for
care. The former Marine killed himself six weeks later, Lamborn wrote. I am infuriated that your department
continues to intentionally delay the medical care our nations veterans have earned, the Colorado Springs
Republican wrote. Warvi said he couldnt comment on Lamborns allegations because of patient privacy concerns.
Patient waits at the clinic remain among the longest in the country, VA records show. For the month ending Jan.
15, 5,036 veterans were waiting more than a month for appointments 31 percent of all appointments scheduled at
the facility that opened in August 2014. Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Wes Clark said he and other leading local
veterans advocates were told when the new clinic opened that waits for care would drop. We were assured at the
beginning that this was going to be one of the best-run clinics in the country, Clark said. Just look at it now, only a
few months after opening. Should be some criminal penalties for this. Warvi said VA is working to shorten waits in
Colorado Springs, but is struggling to keep up with growing demand. The number of appointments there in 2015
rose to 170,000, up from 143,000 the previous year. Warvi said the number of veterans seeking care in Colorado
Springs is a sign that clients like the service theyre getting. [Source: Tribune News | Tom Roeder | February 7,
2016 ++]
********************************

VA Fraud, Waste & Abuse

Reported 1 thru 14 Feb 2016

AKRON, Ohio A Virginia architect convicted of conspiring with the former head of the Louis Stokes Cleveland
VA Medical Center admitted 2 FEB to using inside information to gain contracts from the VA. Mark Farmer will
spend 21 months to six years in prison under the terms of a post-jury-conviction deal with prosecutors. In exchange
for his admission, prosecutors agreed to seek no new charges against Farmer. Under the deal, Farmer admitted that
he knew about $3.9 million in illicit deals gained by using inside information from William Montague, the former
head of the Cleveland VA who later became director of the Dayton VA Medical Center. Other high-ranking officials
within Farmer's former company, Cannon Design, used inside information from Montague that would have resulted
in up to $20 million in projects, the agreement says. "High-ranking officials at Cannon Design knew about and
approved of the payments to Montague and received confidential documents and information that Montague
provided from the VA," the agreement says. No one else from Cannon Design has been charged.
A 28 SEP letter between prosecutors and Farmer's defense team helped lay the groundwork for the agreement.
The letter had to do with investigators gathering more documents and issuing more subpoenas to other Cannon
Design employees, Assistant United States Attorney Antoinette Bacon said during Tuesday's hearing. U.S. District
47

Judge Sara Lioi ordered that letter sealed from the public at the attorneys' request. Farmer, 55, was convicted in
August of conspiracy, racketeering, embezzlement, bribery, theft of public money, mail fraud and wire fraud. He'll
remain in federal custody until he's sentenced 29 MAR. The agreement calls for Farmer to forfeit $70,801 in illgained money. He also faces fines between $10,000 and $250,000.
The scheme occurred during a four-year period from 2010 to 2013. Montague, of Brecksville, resigned from the
Dayton VA in 2011 to run the consulting firm House of Montague. Montague admitted during Farmer's trial that he
sent along confidential information so Cannon Design could have an advantage when submitting bids on upcoming
projects. Cannon Design then used the confidential information to prepare proposals that resulted in the company
being chosen to design a veterans' hospital in West Los Angeles, California. Farmer and Cannon Design used
Montague as a "double agent" because of his access, particularly in 2011 when he served as an interim director at the
VA in Dayton. Farmer's primary role at the firm was to get VA projects across the country. He was the firm's man
contact with Montague and paid Montague's firm for insider information.
Montague, 64, pleaded guilty in September 2014. The deal states that he could spend as little as 4 1/2 years in
federal prison in exchange for his cooperation. He has yet to be sentenced. Farmer's deal also stipulates that
prosecutors wanted to make a deal for Farmer since there was a "significant unwarranted sentencing disparity"
between Farmer's and Montague's expected sentences. Prosecutors wrote there was a lack of evidence of the scope
of the deals at the time Montague entered his guilty plea. [Source: Cleveland.com | Adam Ferrise | February 02,
2016 ++]
-o-o-O-o-o-

Blythewood, SC United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated 26 JAN that Dennis Paulsen, age 45, of Blythewood
was convicted of stealing more than $1.5 million from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and the
Social Security Administration following a seven-day jury trial in federal court in Columbia. Mr. Nettles stated the
maximum penalty Paulsen faces is imprisonment for up to 20 years and fines of $500,000, along with forfeiture of
the more than $1.5 million. Senior United States District Judge Margaret B. Seymour of Columbia presided over the
trial and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S.
Probation Office.
In conducting one of the largest fraudulent single disability compensation claims in VA history, Paulsen
substantially feigned and exaggerated the impairment resulting from his multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis. After
being diagnosed and discharged from the Navy in the early 1990s, Paulsen began receiving a monthly VA benefit as
a result of his diagnosis. Unsatisfied with the amount he was receiving, Paulsen began a pattern of malingering by
claiming his MS rendered him unable to use his hands or feet in any respect. Still unhappy with the money he was
awarded, Paulsen ramped up his claims, lying to his doctors, presenting himself as house- and wheelchair- bound,
and making false claims that he required daily professional medical care to live until his benefits were increased to
the maximum disability payments available to a Veteran. At the same time, Paulsen used the same feigned
impairments to convince the Social Security Administration that he was entitled to SSA disability benefits.
Despite his feigned claims of impairments and presenting himself in a wheelchair to his doctors, Paulsen lived in
a non-handicap accessible residence and was able to ride his motorcycle and jet skis plus play baseball and golf on a
regular basis. In 1999, Paulsen met his ex-wife at the gym where he exercised and worked training others. In 2004,
Paulsen sold their 5,000 square foot house for more than half of a million dollars and moved from Virginia to
Blythewood, SC. In Blythewood, Paulsen purchased a two-story brick house that was not handicapped accessible
and stopped going to neurologists for his MS. Illustrating his lack of impairment, Paulsen was active in several
gyms, joined a baseball league from 2006 until 2014, and lived an active lifestyle, including playing pool, swimming
in his backyard pool, playing on the beach, and driving his Escalade and manual shift Mini-Cooper.
In 2014, a concerned citizen reported Paulsen to the VA and explained how Paulsen lacked the impairments that
he claimed. Upon learning that the VA was looking into his actual impairment from MS, Paulsen immediately quit
48

his baseball league and began appearing at the VA again in his wheelchair, claiming to be unable to walk or use his
hands. The extensive investigation by the VA and SSA included undercover agents, surveillance, and photographs
and video footage from banks, stores, and the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Family photographs kept by Paulsens
ex-wife were also obtained showing Paulsens many activities with his family, playing baseball, and participating in
a Marine Mud Run. Paulsen testified, in a wheelchair, for four hours and called three doctors as expert witnesses in
an attempt to support his claim that he was and had been totally disabled. The guilty verdict reflects that the jury did
not find this testimony credible. [Source: DOJ - Dist of South Carolina Press Release | January 26, 2016 ++]
-o-o-O-o-o-

Sacramento CA John Cal Howe II, 42, of Lakehead, pleaded guilty t8 FEB to 23 misdemeanor counts in a
scheme to obtain thousands of dollars in veterans benefits to which he was not entitled, United States Attorney
Benjamin B. Wagner announced. According to court documents, Howe pleaded guilty to one count of theft in
connection with a healthcare program, 20 counts of theft of government property, one count of making a fraudulent
demand against the United States, and one count of making a fraudulent representation about the receipt of military
decorations or medals. According to the superseding information filed on January 14, 2016, between February 2012
and April 2015, Howe obtained health care benefits from the Veterans Affairs Health Benefits Program. He also
obtained fraudulent travel reimbursements from the VA, and applied for a VA pension. He falsely claimed he was a
decorated United States Marine Corps veteran and the recipient of three Purple Heart medals, although he had never
enlisted or served in the armed forces of the United States. Howe is scheduled to be sentenced on April 25, 2016, by
United States Magistrate Judge Edmund F. Brennan. Howe faces a maximum statutory penalty of one year in prison,
a $100,000 fine, and a one-year term of supervised release on each count. The actual sentence, however, will be
determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal
Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. [Source: Springfield News-Leader | Jackie
Rehwald | January 19, 2016 ++]
-o-o-O-o-o-

Oakdale CA A Veterans Affairs contracting official has been sentenced for accepting gifts in relation to his job
duties, which included influencing the award of construction contracts for the Sacramento VA Medical Center.
Anthony Castaneda, 45, of Oakdale in Stanislaus County, was sentenced 11 FEB by U.S. District Judge Morrison
C. England Jr. to five months of house arrest and two years of probation for receipt of a gratuity by a public official,
according to a U.S. Attorneys Office news release. According to court documents, while working as a contracting
official for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Castaneda was in a position to influence the award of construction
contracts at VA facilities, including the VA hospital at the former Mather Field. In 2010, Castaneda received from a
construction contractor a prepaid vacation package at a theme park worth approximately $2,250. Castaneda and his
family traveled to the theme park for five days in October 2010. At the time he accepted the gift, authorities said,
Castaneda was in a position to influence the award of contracts by making recommendations about which
contractors should be given VA business. Court records also show that Castaneda received a second vacation
package from the same contractor worth approximately $1,440 in 2008. Castaneda pleaded guilty in federal court in
Sacramento in August. In addition to his period of house arrest, Castaneda was ordered to forfeit the value of the
2010 vacation and to pay a $2,000 fine. The contractor involved, Jacobo Tadeo Herrera, pleaded guilty to
providing a gratuity to a public official. He was sentenced in December in federal court in San Jose to three years
probation. [Source: The Sacramento Bee | Cathy Locke | February 11, 2016 +]
********************************

VA HCS So. Arizona

New Cardiovascular Clinic for Women

49

Women veterans in southern Arizona have a new resource at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System. It's a
cardiovascular clinic for women, and it's the first one of its kind in the entire VA system. According to the American
Heart Association, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women. Many women, including those who have served the
United States, do not know the risks or the symptoms.
Vicky McManaman is an Air Force veteran whose family has a history of heart disease. She lost a younger
brother, and the disease has also affected her father and her uncles. Still, McManaman was surprised when her
doctor found a blocked artery. "I was scared," she said. She underwent treatment and continues to take care of
herself. McManaman found out in time, but many women have no idea until it is too late.
"I have a really good friend who died from sudden heart attack death. I mean she was just washing dishes and she
died," she said. McManaman is now a patient at the Southern Arizona VA Women's Health Clinic's new
cardiovascular clinic, and is also an employee of the Southern Arizona VA.
Mary Kaye Pierce, nurse practitioner in cardiology, runs the new clinic. "I think it's a way of recognizing women
veterans now and the contributions they're making, and trying to bring it more to the forefront that the VA is here to
serve women," Pierce said. "We're trying to make it clear what we have to offer them and to sort of step up the
services for them." Everything from diagnosing heart disease to the heart attack itself can be very different for a
woman than it is for a man. Pierce said research is underway to find the best ways to diagnose women. Many health
care providers are learning to become aware that women do not always come in with chest pain. "Being more
cognizant of how they present, that it's atypical. It may just be fatigue, shortness of breath. So don't blow that off. It's
another problem. They should be worked up for cardiovascular disease also," Pierce said.
Anxiety and depression are also risk factors for heart disease. According to the American Heart Association,
women with heart disease are often diagnosed later, when the condition is severe. More women than men will die
within a year of the first heart attack, no matter their ages, and fewer women are prescribed cardiac rehabilitation
after a heart attack. The organization also said women have longer hospitalizations, great chances of dying in the
hospital and more bleeding complications. In a new report, women will see up to 30 percent more re-admissions
within a month after going home from the hospital. "Make people more aware of women and heart disease. Get
early treatment, early recognition and, yes, we hope to save lives with this [clinic] ultimately," Pierce said.
"Prevention is probably the most important thing we can do for women. So controlling things like diet, diabetes,
hypertension, their cholesterol levels, health lifestyle, exercise."
Pierce said the clinic is open one day a month. As the need grows, she said she hopes to be open at least two
days a month. She said the VA's cardiology clinic continues to be available to all veterans. For her part,
McManaman said she makes sure she always asks her health care provider questions important for her health. She
eats right, exercises, takes her medication and follows up. "So, yes, it's important because I want to be here for my
three grandchildren," McManaman said. [Source: Tucson News Now | Barbara Grijalva | February 1, 2016 ++]
********************************

VAMC Albany NY Update 01

Director Wins Removal Appeal

Linda Weiss, who until November was director of the Stratton VA Medical Center, won an appeal challenging her
removal from that post, according to a final decision of the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board released 5 FEB.
She will not, however, be allowed to return to the Albany VA or be placed at any other VA facility in a position
charged with overseeing patient care, according to a statement from VA Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson. I do not
intend to return the director of the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center to any position, in Albany or elsewhere,
where she would be responsible for patient care or safety, Gibson said. Weiss, who assumed the post as the Albany
VAs chief in 2010, did not return phone calls seeking comment.

50

Albany VA Director Linda Weiss fields a question during a 2014 town hall-style meeting.

The decision regarding Weiss appeal was bereft of details on the boards findings, which it said would be
forthcoming in a separate, formal statement to be released by 16 FEB. The decision does provide the first official
confirmation that Weiss was removed from her post last month, rather than choosing not to return after a two-month
paid administrative leave that began in November. Gibson removed her from the position, he said Friday, because
she did not take timely, appropriate action to ensure that veterans received safe medical care. Weiss did not hold her
employees accountable for actions that led to inappropriate care, he said. In my judgment, a medical center director
who fails to proactively address patient safety concerns or fails to be an advocate for vulnerable Veteran patients has
no place in the VA, Gibson said. Gibson also did not provide details about the specific patient safety issues
considered by himself or the MSPB.
The Times Union has reported that in the last year, two male nurses at Stratton were accused in separate
incidents of stealing medicine intended for patients. One of them was charged with federal crimes; the other, found
incoherent with a used syringe nearby, was let go from his job but not charged criminally even though it was the
second incident involving his illicit drug use. Another nurse remained on duty despite complaints from co-workers
that he was sleeping on duty, including in the bed of a patient who had died the night before. And a former nurse has
alleged that patients in a geriatric unit with treatable conditions were instead being given morphine, hastening
their deaths. A hospital spokesperson has denied this allegation. Complaints are known to have been filed with
federal overseers regarding the alleged inaction of Albany VA officers after a patient was unnecessarily held in
restraints for hours in 2013 and a nurse stole vials of morphine, instead giving salt-and-water mixtures to patients
who were in pain.
Gibson strongly criticized the MSBP for overriding his concerns about Weiss in reversing his decision to remove
her from her post. Under the Choice Act, my judgment is owed considerable deference by the MSPB, Gibson said.
Yet based on this and other recent decisions, it appears the MSPB does not agree with the Congresss or the VAs
interpretation of the extent of my authority and has, once again, substituted its judgment for mine and demonstrated
a willingness to second guess the VAs application of legitimate high standards for accountability. Appeals such as
the one that Weiss made are intended to insure the VA is not abusing its authority. [Source: Times Union | Claire
Hughes | February 5, 2016 ++]
********************************

VAMC Omaha Update 01

Vet Billed $15k for VA Misdiagnosis

An elderly Fremont veteran claims Omahas VA Health System admitted to misdiagnosing him with a serious heart
condition which led to unnecessary and expensive treatment. That veteran tells WOWT 6 News hes now stuck with
the bill. Larry Brown contacted Six On Your Side to help him make sense of a growing stack of medical bills; bills
Omaha's VA Health System refuses to pay even though Brown, who is 72 years old, is a Navy veteran who served in
Vietnam and Japan. I don't think I let people down when I was serving. And I don't expect the VA to let me down
either, but I feel like they have, said Brown.

51

In 2014, Brown's VA doctors diagnosed him with atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart beat which can lead to
blood clots, strokes, and heart failure. He was put on blood thinners to reduce his risk. Then, late last year, Brown
checked himself into his local emergency room. I just didn't feel right, he told WOWT. Brown didn't know it at
the time, but he was bleeding internally. Brown's local ER doctors called doctors at the Omaha VA to arrange a
transfer, but the VA didn't have enough beds. Brown was sent by ambulance to Nebraska Medicine and stayed
several days of treatment. He said he racked up a $15,000 bill. Shortly after he was discharged, Brown got a phone
call from the VA asking him to attend a meeting with his VA doctors. They had made an error with my heart
monitor results. They had confused them with another patient, said Brown.
This meant he was misdiagnosed in 2014 for atrial fibrillation and those blood thinners he was prescribed could
be the cause of his internal bleeding. That bleeding which led to a giant medical bill that the VA wont pay. Brown
says the VA told him it can't pay the bill because Medicare is supposed to do it. He told WOWT 6 News he thinks
its their responsibility. He said, I feel the VA hospital was at fault and it should be their responsibility to cover
that. Brown also said this incident has forever changed the way he thinks about the VA Health Care system. Now
my trust and confidence level is down to about zero. I don't believe the doctors anymore. Its just taken away the
trust that I had, said Brown.
WOWT contacted the Omaha VA about Brown's story, and in a statement, they said: VA does not discuss
patients health care situations publicly to respect their privacy in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act of 1996. However, VA takes patient concerns very seriously, and has a process to look into
complaints to ensure we are providing excellent health care that ensures the health and well-being of all enrolled
Veterans. [Source: WOWT NBC Omaha | Brandon Scott | February 9, 2016 ++]
********************************

VAMC Martinsburg WV Update 02

Call Center Abandoned Calls

Veterans trying to reach their doctors, fill prescriptions or ask questions through the Martinsburg Veterans Affairs
Medical Center and its clinics are finding it harder since a new phone call center was started up in November.
Indeed, the medical center used some of its emergency procedures to address the thousands of abandoned phone
calls that were occurring soon after the phone system started up. Under the medical center definitions, abandoned
phone calls are those in which the caller hangs up before being connected with a human being, the call gets lost in a
transfer, or the caller was disconnected somehow.
According to data from the medical center in West Virginia, which also handles Veterans Affairs patients in the
Frederick area, the center receives tens of thousands of phone calls each month. The call center tracks phone calls as
presented, handled or abandoned. In a presented phone call, a caller is connected to the call center system
and uses the menu to get questions answered. In a handled phone call, a medical support assistant a person
answers the presented phone call and helps the caller. In an abandoned phone call, the caller hangs up before being
connected with a human being, the call gets lost in a transfer, or the caller was disconnected. Of 28,299 calls to
52

Martinsburgs hospitals and clinics in January, 85 percent were answered by a medical support assistant, but 4,171,
about 15 percent, of calls were abandoned. Last week, from Feb. 1 to Feb. 5, about 720 of 7,293 received calls were
abandoned, or about 10 percent, an improvement.
The Martinsburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center oversees several community clinics, including one in Frederick
County at Fort Detrick. The new call center system was implemented in November 2015. The new system is a
substantial upgrade, said Sarah M. Tolstyka, public affairs specialist at the Martinsburg Veterans Affairs Medical
Center. Before the new system, veterans could call community clinics directly. Now, calls for services or physicians
at community clinics are routed to the call center. Processing calls through the call center enables the medical center
to track the number of calls, abandoned calls and length of hold time.
Under the new system, a medical support assistant at the call center helps the veteran schedule, change or cancel
an appointment or relay a message to the veterans primary or specialty care provider. The assistants are staff
members who work at Martinsburg or one of the community clinics. But staff and patients of the Martinsburg
system have noted that the time between dialing the number and connecting with a medical support assistant can be
more than 30 minutes, that using existing staff places an added demand on their limited time, and that the call center
system has made it more difficult for physicians to talk to patients.
William J. Robinson, a veteran who lives in Hagerstown, regularly sees doctors at the Hagerstown clinic, but he
also visits the Fort Detrick clinic to see a specialty care doctor and goes to the Martinsburg hospital for some
medical procedures. Robinson is frustrated with the call center system. When he called to refill a prescription this
week, he was directed to a medical support assistant, who then contacted the Hagerstown clinic. Robinson said he
was put on hold for 20 minutes while the medical support assistant tried, unsuccessfully, to reach the clinics staff. I
have no other way of contacting them, Robinson said of the Hagerstown clinic. The assistant took his number, tried
to reach the clinic again, and called him back half an hour later to give him the information he needed. The call
center system lengthened the amount of time it took to get a refill from his usual clinic. Robinson said he has no
complaints about the Martinsburg hospital, but with the new call system, he has come to rely more on the
Department of Veterans Affairs online messaging system to correspond with his doctors.
The Martinsburg medical centers director activated its Incident Command System in November, soon after the
launch of the call center, to address the number of abandoned primary care calls. Primary care calls are often from
veterans contacting their primary care doctors. The Incident Command System is an internal method of
coordinating a response to an emergency. In Arizona, the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System activated its
Incident Command System in 2014 to address allegations regarding a waiting list for patients seeking appointments.
At Martinsburg, in November, the Primary Care Division received 9,453 calls. About 27 percent of those, or 2,577
calls, were abandoned. In response to the percentage of abandoned calls, the medical centers Incident Command
System added medical support assistants to answer phones for primary care.
The Incident Command System was deactivated at the Martinsburg medical center on Jan. 8. In January, the
proportion of abandoned primary care calls was 16.1 percent, out of about 12,100 received calls. The medical center
has now assembled a work group to address the abandoned calls. Tolstyka said the work group will tackle: Reducing
abandoned calls, technical and equipment issues, scripting of calls that do not relate to scheduling, including
prescription renewals and test results, appropriate methods of transferring calls, and training. The Primary Care
Automatic Call Distribution System Review and Redesign work group will meet 11 FEB. [Source: The FrederickNews Post | Sylvia Carignan | February 10, 2016 ++]

53

Martinsburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center

********************************

VISN 16 Update 01

VA Secretary Has Absolute Confidence in New Executive

The U.S. secretary of veterans affairs said 5 FEB that he stands by his appointment of a regional health care
executive who was accused of misleading Congress about how long veterans waited to receive care at a VA facility
where she worked in Los Angeles. Secretary Robert McDonald said he has "absolute confidence" in Skye
McDougall to oversee veterans hospitals and clinics in Texas. McDonald said he trusts McDougall based on work he
has seen her do in Los Angeles and Albuquerque, New Mexico. McDougal has been appointed to head VAs VISN
16 (Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Oklahoma). McDonald and McDougall spoke to veterans during a public
meeting at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. The entire congressional
delegation from Mississippi and most of the delegation from Louisiana publicly opposed his appointment of
McDougall. They raised concerns about reports that she gave false testimony to Congress about the length of
waiting times VA facilities she oversaw in Southern California.
Fred Lucas, a veteran from Raymond, Mississippi, asked McDonald why he would stick with the appointment of
McDougall in the face of congressional opposition. "If a person could mislead Congress, couldn't they mislead us
all?" Lucas asked. McDonald responded: "She did not mislead Congress." McDonald said McDougall misheard a
question she was asked during a congressional hearing. He said she was asked about the waiting time in Southern
California for new VA patients to receive health care, but she didn't hear the word "new" and gave numbers based on
waiting times for all patients. McDonald also said he met with members of Congress who expressed concerns about
her appointment to the Jackson-based job as head of the South Central Veterans Health Care Network, which
oversees 10 veterans hospitals and associated clinics. McDonald notified Congress in December that he was
appointing McDougall. "I explained to the congressional delegation that she did not mislead Congress she did not
lie; there was no intention to lie," McDonald said.

McDougall had been scheduled to start in November as regional director of the VA Southwest Health Care
Network that includes Arizona. In October, Arizona Sen. John McCain asked McDonald to reconsider McDougall's
appointment because of questions about whether she misled Congress about veterans waiting in California. Lucas,
54

the Mississippi veteran, asked McDonald on Friday why McDougall did not go to the region that included Arizona.
McDonald said that region was eliminated as the VA moved from 21 to 18 regions. McDonald said he trusts
McDougall based on work he has seen her do in Los Angeles and Albuquerque, New Mexico. "This lady's
leadership can help us in the southern part of the United States in VA by bringing innovative technology here,"
McDonald said.
McDougall on Friday did not address questions about what she told Congress. Instead, she discussed a new
telemedicine project the VA will start in Mississippi in coming months. She said veterans will be able to use
smartphones or tablets to connect with health care providers to receive some services remotely. She said the
technology could be used for dermatology appointments or to check incisions weeks after surgeries or to do
checkups for patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS. "When you don't feel good, it's really not good
to be driving very long distances to come in and get your health care," McDougall said. [Source: Associated Press |
Emily Wagster Pettus | February 5, 2016 ++]

* Vets *

Navy RAO Program

Volunteers Needed

The Navy Retired Activities Program has offices worldwide that are manned by volunteer retirees from all services.
Retired Activities Office (RAO) volunteers assist the retired community by serving as a point of contact between
retirees and military agencies, local and at the headquarters level. RAO volunteers provide follow-up service and
liaison support to survivors of retirees and their family members to ensure they are aware of all entitlements.
Additionally, RAO volunteers assist in conducting retiree annual seminars/appreciation days sponsored by their
installation. The dedication and commitment of all RAO volunteers is invaluable and without their support the
program would not survive.
As volunteers retire, sometimes after serving more than 20 years on the RAO staff, some of the locations are now
low on staff and have been forced to significantly decrease the number of hours they are able to provide service to
the retired community and their family members. The Navy is aggressively recruiting retirees from the local
community and is looking for military retirees who are willing and able to donate three to four hours during the
work-week. All RAOs operate during weekdays (times and days varies per location). Volunteers will receive on-thejob training and experience the satisfaction of serving our country in a different capacity. Please see that back of this
publication for a complete listing of all Navy RAOs. For more information contact Navy Retired Activities Office at
(901) 874- 6723/6949 [Source: Shift Colors | Navy Retired Activities Office | Winter-Spring 2016 ++]
********************************

Gulf War Syndrome Update 37

Should Focus on Treatment vice Causes

55

A scientific panel has concluded that the Veterans Affairs Department should stop searching for links between
environmental exposures in the 1991 Persian Gulf War and veterans illnesses and instead focus on monitoring and
treating those who have health problems related to deploying 25 years ago. In a report released 11 FEB, Institute of
Medicine researchers said Gulf War veterans are at increased risk for developing some physical and psychological
health conditions like post-traumatic stress, anxiety, Gulf War illness and chronic fatigue syndrome, but other
diseases like cancer, respiratory illnesses and most neurodegenerative conditions do not appear to occur at higher
rates in these former troops. Without concrete information on each Gulf War veterans exposure and the unlikely
prospect of ever having the data, VA should focus instead on following this group as members age and treat illnesses
that develop, panelists said.
According to the report, the federal government has spent more than $500 million since 1994 to study Gulf War
veterans' health but there has been little substantial progress in our overall understanding of the health effects from
the 1990-1991 deployments. Thus, without definitive and verifiable individual veteran exposure information,
further studies to determine cause-and-effect relationships between Gulf War exposures and health conditions in
Gulf War veterans should not be undertaken, wrote the panel of researchers, including experts in environmental
health, epidemiology and medicine. Future research, they added, should focus on personalized care for veterans,
follow-up assessments and treatment. The panel's top recommendation also said VA should thoroughly study the
mind-body connection of disease. "Any future studies of Gulf War illness should recognize the connections and
complex relationships between brain and physical functioning and should not exclude any aspect of the illness with
regard to improving its diagnosis and treatment, panelists noted.
The new report has outraged advocates for veterans who suffer from illnesses stemming from their service in the
1990-1991 operation. They argue the report reflects a bias among the panel toward VA and panelists were selective
in choosing which studies they reviewed for the study, "Gulf War and Health, Volume 10: Update of Health Effects
of Serving in the Gulf War, 2016." "IOM committees should not be made up of former VA officials and their
friends," said Rick Weidman, executive director for policy and governmental affairs for Vietnam Veterans of
America. It's outrageous that the VA under secretary from the 1990s who began the policy of minimizing Gulf War
illness was on this committee or that the committee chair was on record before she was appointed saying you can't
say what caused it.
"The science is unequivocal, if viewed honestly and in its totality: Toxic exposures were responsible, said Dr.
Beatrice Golomb, a professor of medicine at the University of California-San Diego and former scientific director
for the VA's Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Illness. "But the IOM doesn't look at all relevant studies.
This 'don't look, don't find' practice has been a consistent problem in IOM Gulf War reports. The report examined
studies on myriad diseases and their prevalence in Gulf War veterans as well as those who did not deploy. The panel
then categorized these illnesses on a spectrum ranging from the strongest link "sufficient evidence of a causal
relationship to "inadequate or insufficient evidence to determine an association. Post-traumatic stress disorder
was the only condition the panel found to be caused by Gulf War deployment. The group also found sufficient
evidence of an association for generalized anxiety disorder, depression, substance abuse, gastrointestinal symptoms,
chronic fatigue syndrome and Gulf War illness, a catch-all term used to describe undiagnosed symptoms in Gulf War
veterans.
According to the report, there also is "limited but suggestive" evidence that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS,
fibromalygia and chronic pain and self-reported sexual dysfunction are related to Gulf War deployment. But it found
little or no evidence that cancer, skin conditions, birth defects, musculoskeletal system diseases, multiple sclerosis
and other illnesses were related. In spite of a thorough literature search, [this] committee found little evidence to
warrant changes to the conclusions made by [a previous IOM] committee regarding the strength of the association
between deployment to the Gulf War and adverse health outcomes," they wrote.
About a quarter of the war's 700,000 veterans developed symptoms after deployment that include chronic
headaches, widespread pain, memory loss, persistent fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, skin conditions and mood
56

disturbances. Researchers have determined that environmental factors, such as chemical exposures in the region,
including sarin gas, pesticides and anti-nerve-agent pills, may have played a role in development of diseases among
some troops. Anthony Hardie, a Gulf War veteran and director of Veterans for Common Sense, said the new report
refutes earlier studies and is insulting to those who served as well as widows of those who have died from diseases
like brain cancer and ALS. Its the same old government theme from the 1990s to deny what happened and deny
care and benefits just when research to understand the illness and identify treatments is finally making real
progress, Hardie said. [Source: Military Times | Patricia Kime | February 11, 2016 ++]
********************************

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Update 16

Limit on Left Objects

The National Park Service is considering limiting the items it collects at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The
agency said in a news release 9 FEB that it will only keep items left at the memorial that are personal artifacts of
soldiers whose names appear on the memorial; Vietnam War military service items; and protest, activism and
advocacy materials related to the war. Objects left at the wall with no direct connection to a Vietnam veteran or the
Vietnam War will not be kept. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Collection includes more than 400,000 objects left at
the memorial since its dedication in 1982. The National Park Service is accepting public comment on the proposed
changes. Comments are accepted at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm.cfm?documentID=70782. [Source:
The Associated Press | February 9, 2016 ++]
********************************

PTSD Punitive Discharges Update 01

Recipients Denied VA Help

Agustin Cabrera was among the first combat troops to fight in the Iraq War when President George W. Bush sent
troops there in early 2003. But with exploding grenades a regular threat during convoys and near the prison camp
where he was stationed, Cabrera said he soon found himself beset by combat anxieties he couldnt control. The
Massapequa resident was written up in Iraq for snapping at superiors. Back stateside at his post with the 46th
Engineer Combat Battalion at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, further run-ins with authorities led to proceedings against him,
he said. Threatened with a court-martial, Cabrera said he accepted a dismissal that stripped him of rank and branded
his discharge as under other than honorable conditions.
Veterans advocates say tens of thousands of U.S. troops, who like Cabrera were forced out of the military under
similar circumstances, are being unfairly denied federally funded psychological and other services that could help
them cope with the war-related problems that led to their dismissal. They say as many as 100,000 living veterans
were discharged based on conduct related to post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury
psychological issues that mostly went unacknowledged by military leaders even after the nations newest warriors
began coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan.

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Veterans groups continue to seek Congressional help to protect veterans facing discharges based on PTSD- or TBI-related
behavior.

Kristofer Goldsmith, 30, a former Iraq War sergeant from Bellmore, is backing legislation that would make it
easier for veterans to have their discharge status upgraded wiping away prejudicial records that hamper their
return to society. Last month, he and four other veterans met with congressional leaders or their staff to urge passage
of SB 1567. The bill, introduced last June by Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) would require Defense Department panels
that evaluate a veterans request to prove that PTSD or traumatic brain injury were not the reason for the veterans
discharge. The proposed legislation is gaining support in Congress, including from members of Long Islands
delegation. Its not fair to them to ask them to fight for our freedoms and then turn our backs when they come home
troubled by their combat experiences, said Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-Garden City). Rice, who sits on the House
Committee on Veterans Affairs, is one of several area lawmakers who met with Goldsmith and the others. I think
we owe it to these men and women to help them, she said.
Veterans advocates say military leaders often use bad paper discharges to get rid of service members with
combat-related psychological issues, rather than help them get healthy. They say success rates before review boards
have varied greatly with each branch of service. As of 2013, Army boards were granting appeals about 40 percent of
the time, but Navy and Marine Corps boards were doing so in less than 5 percent of cases, according to the
Fitzgerald Law Firm, a Wisconsin practice that handles reviews. And they also say that while a September 2014
directive by then-Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has made it easier to win discharge upgrades, it has been applied
inconsistently. There is a coming tsunami of . . . veterans who have been wrongly discharged for conduct that was,
in fact, PTSD-related at a time when PTSD was not well understood, said Ken Rosenblum, a former Army lawyer
who served in Vietnam and directs a veterans legal clinic at Touro Law Center.
Pentagon spokesman Maj. Benjamin Sakrisson said upgrade petitions are evaluated on their merits, receive
substantial due process and can be strengthened by documentation of psychological difficulty. He said the vast
majority of service members with PTSD leave with honorable discharges. Goldsmith, 30, said that in spring 2007,
after a bloody combat tour in which he repeatedly witnessed deaths of Iraqi civilians, he was told his military release
date would be involuntarily extended for a year and hed be sent back to Iraq. The day before his unit left,
Goldsmith combined pills and alcohol in a suicide attempt. Accused of malingering, he was dismissed with a
general under honorable conditions discharge. Goldsmith said his discharge, which includes the notation
misconduct, serious offense, has been a red flag for prospective employers. He said doctors at the Veterans Affairs
Medical Center at Northport have since diagnosed him as having combat-related PTSD. But he said he has been
unable to persuade the military to view his psychological condition as a cause of his suicidal behavior and upgrade
his discharge status to honorable.
Unless modified, discharge classifications follow veterans for the rest of their lives, affecting their ability to find
jobs, finance housing, get medical care, pay for school or even to re-enlist. Veterans with honorable discharges are
entitled to the full range of veterans benefits, including lifetime medical care for service-connected disabilities or
illnesses, various educational and housing benefits, and burials at national cemeteries. However,
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Veterans with general under honorable conditions discharges, which mark them as having been guilty of
minor misconduct while in the service, forfeit GI Bill education benefits that can be worth tens of
thousands of dollars in tuition and housing expenses.
Veterans with an under other than honorable conditions discharge are deemed to have been guilty of acts
of insubordination, violence, drug abuse or other infractions and are stripped of all rank. They are generally
denied all benefits, although the Department of Veterans Affairs can consider appeals for medical care on a
case-by-case basis.
Bad conduct and dishonorable discharges are issued to soldiers convicted by a court-martial and
typically bar the recipient from any military or VA benefits. They are not eligible to have their discharges
upgraded by discharge review boards maintained by each of the military branches.
Veterans with general and less than honorable discharges have three years to appeal their status to the
Discharge Review Board of their respective service. Because military commanders have wide latitude in
handling such infractions as drug use, drunken driving or failing to show up for duty, the same violation
may be reflected quite differently on discharge papers.

The same action, four different outcomes; it happens every day, said Bradford Adams, a staff attorney for
Swords to Plowshares, a veterans advocacy group based in San Francisco. There is too much discretion given to
commanders for discharge status to be a reliable indicator of how a veteran served. But the stigma follows him for
life. Cabrera, 34, a communications major at Nassau Community College, said his discharge stemmed from thenundiagnosed PTSD, which left him angry and depressed during and after his deployment to Iraq. Discharged without
treatment in 2004 and denied psychological services by Veterans Affairs, Cabrera said he struggled in his
relationship with his fiancee, who had given birth to their first child while he was in Iraq. He also was hobbled
financially because his discharge papers scared off prospective employers, limiting him to minimum-wage jobs.
Hopes of improving his prospects with a college diploma were set back by his discharge-related ineligibility for
GI Bill education benefits. Cabrera said he hopes the proposed legislation will force the military to consider his
service-related PTSD as a contributing factor to his disciplinary problems and upgrade his discharge status to
honorable. Im proud of my service, and Id do it again if I had to, he said. But they need to know that to go
through something like that, you dont always come back the same way. They need to find ways to help soldiers deal
with what they went through, and not just get rid of them. [Source: Stars & Stripes | Martin C. Evans | February 6,
2016 ++]
********************************

Vet Deportations Update 05

Banished US Vets South of Border

They served the United States on battlefields from Korea to Iraq, but now they live in the shadow of the nation they
once served, deported to Mexico for offenses as minor as getting caught with marijuana. While many U.S. veterans
find adjusting to civilian life difficult, writing a bad check, possessing marijuana or getting into a bar fight are
enough to get some veterans banished from the nation they fought to protect. Thats because they were not citizens
when they donned the uniform and took up arms for America. Any U.S. obligation to them ended when they got in
trouble with the law. Some people get out of the military and go back to communities with good support systems
and some dont, said Hector Barajas, 38, one of several veterans who lives in the Deported Veterans Support
House, a modest building in the Otay Centenario neighborhood on the east side of Tijuana. Many of the men being
deported served in Vietnam and didnt get the treatment that were supposed to get.
Reminders of their service and evidence of their patriotism adorn the walls of the home known as The Bunker.
Draped in flags, decorated with military memorabilia and photos, the 1,000-square-foot, three-room building is a
step up from the cramped apartment Barajas used to share with fellow banished veterans. At any given time, there
are half a dozen or more men living in the home, just 3 miles from the San Ysidro border crossing. Although
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Barajas has become the patron saint of deported veterans, his journey to The Bunker is not unique. He moved to the
U.S. as a 7-year-old, and became a legal resident through his parents. When he was old enough, he joined the U.S.
Army, landing in the fabled 82nd Airborne Division where he served from 1995 to 2001. Not long after he was
honorably discharged, Barajas was arrested after an incident in which a firearm was discharged from his vehicle. No
one was hurt, but he pleaded guilty and did two years in prison. He was deported for the first time in 2004, and again
in 2009. He left his wife and young daughter behind in California.

Hector Barajas served in the legendary 82nd Airborne, but was never a citizen. Now, he says, he's been banished.

In Mexico, Barajas battled drug addiction for years before getting himself clean in 2013. By then, he also had
found an underground community of similarly situated veterans who had come back from the wars in Afghanistan
and Iraq only to be sent across the border. He opened his apartment to as many as he could, and nearly two years
ago, Barajas and his band of brothers moved into their current digs. Structure, chores and self-reliance help the
veterans tap the discipline they once knew in the military, and aid Barajas in keeping order. When one lodger moves
on, another is always there to take his or her place.
For Barajas, it is more than just a halfway house. From The Bunker and through the nonprofit Deported Veterans
Support House (http://deportedveteranssupporthouse.org) , he tries to help U.S. vets who show up at his door or
find themselves sent to as many as 22 different nations, including Bosnia, Ghana and Ecuador. Much of his time is
taken up by long-distance counseling and political advocacy. We support deported veterans on their path to selfsufficiency by providing assistance in the realms of food, clothing, and shelter as they adjust to life in their new
country of residence, reads the organizations mission statement. Ultimately, we hope to see an end to the need of
our services as we advocate for political legislation which would prohibit the deportation of United States service
personnel, both former and current. We advocate for veterans and their families.
According to Barajas, the soldiers and sailors he helps face endless problems -- from the possible loss of native
citizenship to the possibility of criminal charges awaiting them in their original country for their service in the war.
No federal agency tracks the number of deported U.S. veterans, but some immigration advocates estimate there are
hundreds, if not thousands. Barajas says he is aware of more than 300 spread throughout the world and typically sent
home to their birth countries even though they often have no family or connections there.

Part halfway house, part nonprofit nerve center, "The Bunker" is Barajas' home. Patriotism still runs deep at "The
Bunker," where deported veterans help each other survive

Most deported veterans were permanent residents, or green-card holders, at the time they enlisted, according to
Department of Defense spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen. He said about 5,000 documented noncitizens sign

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up for the military every year. The military does not require citizenship, just status as a lawful permanent resident.
The Pentagon estimates that up to 65,000 noncitizens are now serving in the U.S military. A prominent incentive for
joining is that the resident will be fast-tracked to naturalized citizenship. But a brush with the law before the
paperwork is complete means expulsion. In one particularly cruel irony, honorably discharged veterans like Barajas
remain eligible for VA benefits and medical treatment for injuries suffered during their service. But most of these
benefits lie in the U.S., beyond their reach. Im still entitled to a military funeral and the VA will pay for the
marker, he said. I cant come back now, but I can be buried in Arlington. Only then will they give me an American
flag and say, Thank you for your service.
At the heart of the issue lies the question of whether non-citizen veterans earned special treatment on the
battlefield. Former Marine Dominic Certo, author of Gold in the Coffins, and an adviser to the veterans advocacy
organization Operation Homefront, believes they do. Anyone who has served our country and risked their lives or
provided service for the citizens of this country as a veteran deserves amnesty -- especially when there are so many
who have done nothing to earn citizenship or provide a military service to our country, Certo said. William Gheen,
president of the Americans for Legal Immigration, disagrees. Americans want both legal and illegal immigrants
that commit crimes to be deported in the interest of protecting American property, jobs, taxpayer resources and
lives, said Gheen. Immigration laws should be enforced equally.
Often, noncitizen veterans are deported without even getting to tell their side of the story, said Margaret Stock, an
Alaska-based attorney, retired Army lieutenant colonel and West Point professor. Stock has taken on several
veterans deportation cases, and says the situation has become significantly worse under the Obama administration.
The administration is deporting as many criminal aliens as possible for the numbers, but it doesnt take into account
military service, Stock said. Most people also dont understand how complicated immigration law really is and
how easy it is to run afoul of these complex laws. Making matters worse, Stock said, is that defendants in
deportation cases are not automatically given attorneys and often cant afford to hire their own, resulting in many
being wrongfully deported.
Any lawful permanent resident, veteran or not, can be deported upon conviction of a crime that falls under the
extremely broad umbrella of a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude. This can be either a misdemeanor or felony, and
typically includes anything from assault, fraud and perjury to robbery, theft and bribery. The rulings are often
viewed by immigration lawyers as arbitrary and the immigration code now includes scores of petty offenses listed
alongside the severe ones, all punishable by deportation. Still, the federal government is very deliberate in its review
of cases involving veterans, insisted Gillian Christensen, spokeswoman for the U.S. immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE). Any action taken by ICE that may result in the removal of an alien with military service must
be authorized by the senior leadership in a field office, following an evaluation by local counsel, she said. ICE
specifically identifies service in the U.S. military as a positive factor that should be considered when deciding
whether or not prosecutorial discretion should be exercised. The final order of removal is issued not by ICE, but a
federal immigration judge.
Tijuanas proximity to the U.S., together with the fact that many deported veterans were originally from Mexico,
makes it an all-too-familiar landing spot. At shelters and barrios throughout the city, men of all ages who served in
the U.S. military can be found. Andres de Leon, 72, crossed into the U.S. as a teenager, fought in Vietnam and was
honorably discharged from the Army in 1969. Six years later, drugs and joblessness led to a brush with the law. He
was deported in 1975, and has lived in Tijuana ever since. His dream of returning to the U.S. still burns. My friends
are all dead now, he said from the kitchen of the Tijuana shelter that has affectionately been named Chow Hall."
But I still want to go back.
Other cases are more complex. Daniel Torres, 29, came to the U.S. illegally with his family as a child, but
enlisted as a Marine in 2007 and was soon deployed to Iraq. Technically, he was not a lawful resident and should
never have been accepted. I just didnt want to be another Mexican living in the United States, Torres said. I
wanted to say I had contributed, that I had done something for the country. After Iraq, they needed volunteers for
61

Afghanistan and I liked military life and was considering being a lifer, he added. But my legal status was always
in the back of my mind. Torres lost his wallet during pre-deployment training. When he went to obtain a new one,
his secret got out and he was dismissed with a general discharge largely on the strength of high recommendations
from his superiors. Torres missed the military, and sought to join the French Foreign Legion. But injuries sustained
in Iraq disqualified him and, unable to legally return to his family in the U.S., Torres drifted to Tijuana. He works as
a paralegal during the day and goes to law school at night. It would be easy for me to play the victim, but I dont
feel I should, he said. I knew the risk and I know Im paying for it. I just hope I dont have to pay for it forever.
[Source: Fox News | Hollie McKay | January 26, 2016 ++]
********************************

Vet Cemetery North Carolina Update 02

Have Become Bedraggled

As the burial rate rises at North Carolinas state-managed cemeteries for veterans, officials say theyre embarrassed
by how bedraggled some have become. And thats inspiring a push for more spending although some legislators
are looking at alternatives. Just this month, Gov. Pat McCrory publicly apologized to the family of a Marine who,
before he succumbed to leukemia, had told his mother he didnt want to be buried in the Jacksonville state veterans
cemetery. Michael Boffo, who died in August 2014, had deemed the grounds a mess after touring the site for a
dignified plot, and chose to be buried in Virginia, the family says. Ive been to these cemeteries now, and frankly,
theyre in bad shape and do not reflect the gratitude North Carolinas citizens have for our veterans, McCrory said
Jan. 15 at a Gulf War anniversary event in Raleigh. He told the crowd he would ask the General Assembly to
designate money for improvements.

Gov. Pat McCrory, center, greets a group of veterans after dedication of the states newest veterans cemetery in Goldsboro
in November.

In a recent presentation to a legislative panel, Cornell Wilson, head of the states new Department of Military and
Veterans Affairs, showed a slide that depicted an orange hazard cone next to a line of grave markers on patchy,
sandy grounds. After a decade of neglect, the result is ugly and potentially unsafe state cemeteries, the slide read.
Four veterans cemeteries are under state management, offering free plots to honorably discharged veterans and
$400 plots for qualifying dependents. The governors office announced 29 JAN that North Carolina now has the
nations eighth-highest veteran population. The newest state cemetery, in Goldsboro, was just dedicated in
November to accommodate about 11,000 graves. The N&O reported that the federal government provided a $5.4
million grant for its construction but wasnt interested in running it, so the state stepped in. The General Assembly
supplemented the federal grant with $600,000.
But staffing levels at the cemeteries havent changed much in at least a decade, the department says. According to
a 2014 year-end report from the state, there were 15 full-time employees assigned to the three state cemeteries in
operation at the time. Ten of them were paid from income, including sale of plots for dependents. The cemeteries
had $450,000 in appropriations programmed for the first half of the current fiscal year under the Department of
Administration, a broad agency that previously housed the cemeteries oversight. The state contributed about
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$64,000 of that; the rest is federal money. Updated budget figures under the Department of Military and Veterans
Affairs, which now oversees the cemeteries, were not available, but officials say the program is underfunded.
A law that passed last year extended burial services into weekends at all four cemeteries, which stretches the staff
even thinner, officials say. Put it like this other states operate at three times the staffing level, said Ilario
Pantano, who oversees veterans affairs at the new department. So were really operating a skeleton crew against
the need.
The rate of burial growth, at 4 percent in recent years, is expected to reach 7 percent this year, according to the
new department. Thats attributed in part to an aging veteran population. More than 400,000 veterans in North
Carolina are over age 60. The state cemeteries have acreage where they could grow, but every new burial adds
maintenance needs. Pantano said the cemeteries in Jacksonville and Fayetteville which together received 741
new burials in 2015, some of whom were dependents raise the most concern. Its not entirely a horror story, but
its not appropriate for our fallen, Pantano said. Its just not. He described scenes of excessive dirt, soil erosion
and other conditions that do not invoke the solemnity or the stature of what we all perceive and believe a veterans
cemetery should look like. This is not Arlington. And it should be. And it should be.
In addition to the four state-managed veterans cemeteries Black Mountain is home to the fourth there are
five federally run cemeteries in Raleigh, Wilmington, New Bern and two in Salisbury. Their oldest burials date to
the 19th century. The federal facilities arent reporting the same maintenance shortcomings but are seeing a similar
burial rate increase. Jasper Edwards, spokesman for the Salisbury complex, connected the increase there to
improved efforts to inform veterans about the cemeteries, where veterans who have received anything other than a
dishonorable discharge may qualify for free burial. We take care of all the headstones and niche covers to ensure
they are enshrined forever, Edwards said. He didnt have burial growth rates handy, but did acknowledge a rise in
senior-age veteran deaths. Because theyre World War II. Im getting a lot of those in here, Edwards said. And
the Korean War veterans are now coming. Vietnam Veterans (too) because of what Agent Orange did to them.
While the next legislative session isnt scheduled until late April, McCrory said he has directed his administration
to find resources to improve the state sites and have made a commitment that they will be supported in my
proposed budget. While veterans affairs money is typically prioritized for programs that help living veterans,
Pantano said the creation of the new department a cabinet-level agency gives better focus to the cemeteries
cause. That cause previously had to compete for allocations with other divisions under the broad Department of
Administration, he said. But the push for stronger funding hasnt won over all lawmakers. Rep. George
Cleveland, a Jacksonville Republican and chairman of a House committee that examines veterans needs, said hes
concerned with the upkeep. But he said the money on hand might be sufficient. Just from a high-level view, I have
a feeling that it is a management problem, he said, though he did not go into specifics. And until they can show
me that it isnt that, Im not amenable to addressing more money for them. [Source: The News Observer |
Benjamin Brown | January 30, 2016 ++]
********************************

Vet Cemetery Rhode Island

Grounds Used as Dog Park | Disrespectful

Families of those buried in Rhode Island's veterans' cemetery say that using the grounds as a dog park is
disrespectful to the fallen, and they're battling pet owners over access to the property. Unlike many state veterans'
cemeteries nationwide that ban pets out of respect, Rhode Island has no such restrictions. Rhode Island has received
six complaints in the past year from visitors to the cemetery who were upset that dogs are roaming about the 265acre property in Exeter. One complaint alleges a dog knocked down a child. The head of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars department in Rhode Island, Frank Rosebrock, is appalled that dogs walk among the veterans' stones and
sometimes relieve themselves. "I can't believe it," he said. "It is disgusting."

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The chairman of House Veterans Affairs Committee agrees. Democratic Rep. Jan Malik introduced a bill on 2
FEB to prohibit pets, except for service animals, from the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Violators
would be fined. It's very common for state veterans' cemeteries to restrict pets and recreational activities to maintain
their sanctity, said David Brasuell, president of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs.
Brasuell was surprised to hear Rhode Island allows pets, and called it "inappropriate." In New England, New
Hampshire allows leashed pets into its veterans' cemetery while Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont and Maine
allow service animals only. "We don't need them using the gravestones as trees," said Pam Porter, in Connecticut's
office of cemetery and memorial services.
At the Rhode Island cemetery on Monday, a 10 -year-old Puggle named Artie sprinted along the cemetery
roads. His owner, Rebecca Allen, unleashed him because she can't keep up. When he veered near gravestones, she
called to him to steer him away. She carried waste bags. Allen, an Exeter native, likes the quiet of the cemetery. She
said she never goes near people visiting the gravesites and she has relatives buried there, too. She's frustrated that
responsible dog owners could be penalized because of a few irresponsible ones. "People come here to mourn. I
understand that," she said. "But why shouldn't someone be able to bring their dog?"
A bill was introduced to ban pets, except for service animals, from the cemetery in 2014 and 2015. Kim Ripoli,
who oversees the state's Division of Veterans Affairs, told lawmakers in 2014 that it was horrible to witness a dog
defecating on hallowed ground. The dogs didn't have lobbyists. The effort stalled over questions about how to
enforce a ban, said Democratic Rep. Raymond Gallison, who sponsored the bills. The veterans affairs division is
also currently considering addressing the issue as it revises its cemetery rules. [Source: Associated Press | Jennifer
Mcdermott | February 3, 2016 ++]
********************************

Vet Jobs Update 183

Oil And Natural Gas Industry

American Petroleum Institutes Vets4Energy campaign has launched an initiative to help veterans connect with
companies in the oil and natural gas industry. Vets can use the new Veterans Energy Pipeline website
http://veteransenergypipeline.com to translate their job skills from the military into the oil and gas industry. For
example, you select your branch of service and your military occupation, and the website will show you which
civilian jobs are similar. Employers can also use the site to find veterans with the skills theyre seeking. Don Loren,
retired rear admiral and the national liaison for Vets4Energy, said the group aims to spur discussion about energy
policies, which are linked to national security. He said a significant element of national security is veteran
employment. What better way to promote a sound oil and natural gas energy industry than to incorporate these
skills and experiences into that environment, Loren said.

With the United States and other countries trying to move away from fossil fuels, however, there are concerns
over whether this is a secure industry for veterans in years to come. I know theres a lot of conversation taking
place out there right now, said Jack Gerard, API president and CEO. By 2040, 2050, 60 percent of the energy the
U.S. uses will be oil and natural gas. If you want a long-term opportunity in an industry, look at these industries
that are fundamentally the backbone of our society, he said. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and member of the Senate
Veterans Affairs Committee, said he believes in solar and wind power but that theres not enough of those available.
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Wed still like to find the fuel of the future, but its just not there yet, he said. Loren encouraged veterans to send
feedback viahttp://www.vets4energy.com/contact if they couldnt find jobs that incorporated their skills on the site.
[Source: Military Times | Charlsy Panzino | February 5, 2016 ++]
********************************

Vet Unemployment Update 06

JAN Rate Remains Low

The strong veteran employment numbers charted throughout 2015 continued in the first month of the new year,
government data indicate. The unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans was 5.7 percent in January, according to
the Bureau of Labor Statistics, equal to the previous month's rate and in line with the 5.8 percent average for all of
2015's unemployment reports. The unemployment rate was 4.9 percent in January, down a hair from December's 5
percent rate, with the U.S. tacking on 151,000 jobs. The January unemployment rate for the youngest generation of
veterans is up a bit from the all-time low of 4.2 percent recorded in November. Still, 5.7 percent is the lowest
unemployment rate ever recorded in a January report for this group, for whom unemployment data dates back to fall
2008. The next lowest January unemployment rates were more than 2 full percentage points higher: 7.9 percent in
2014 and 2015. [Source: Military times | George Altman | February 5, 2016 ++]
********************************

Vietnam Wall of Faces Memorial

Hawaii 8th State to Find All

Hawaii this month became the eighth state to find photos of all their Vietnam fallen. The addition of Army Sgt. 1st
Class Felicisimo Hugo of Wahiawa now means all 277 fallen service members from Hawaii have a photo on the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundations Virtual Wall of Faces. The other states who have submitted photos for all
their Vietnam fallen are Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
More than 45,000 photos have been received, but another 13,000 still need to be collected to ensure theres a picture
for every name inscribed on The Wall. Learn more about the initiative and how you can help at:
http://www.vvmf.org/news/article=Hawaii-Becomes-Eighth-State-To-Find-Photos-For-Their-Fallen . Every photo
collected will be featured in VVMFs Virtual Wall of Faces http://www.vvmf.org/wall-of-faces and seen in the future
Education Center at The Wall http://www.vvmf.org/education-center. [Source: VFW | Action Corps Weekly |
February 5, 2016 ++]

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66

67

Felicisimo Hugo

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********************************

Veterans Total Care Initiative | NJ

Facilitates Timely Vet Car

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To expedite the health care process for New Jerseys estimated 400,000 veterans, Rutgers University has launched a
program to facilitate timely medical and behavioral health care and peer support. The initiative comes on the heels
of a recent report by the Department of Veterans Affairs inspector general that revealed that about 307,000 veterans
might have died while their health care enrollment was pending. Veterans Total Care Initiative, a six-month pilot
program supported by a $5 million grant from the New Jersey Department of Health, is the first service of its kind to
provide integrated care to veterans. People in need of medical care need it now, not three months from now, said
Maj. Gen. (ret.) Mark Graham, senior director of Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care National Call Center,
which operates the program along with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and New Jersey Medical
School. They dont want to be told to go to a website. They want a live person to help them navigate the process,
minimize paperwork and cut through the bureaucracy.
The call center, which manages three 24/7 peer support lines for veterans and military personnel and their
families, offers this resource to veterans who need health care and call 866-838-7654. The initiative is unique in that
it provides integrated care: Peer counselors assist veterans in setting up expedited appointments for primary or
behavioral health care and provide follow-up support. Since many of the veterans who call are anxious and have
needs beyond health care, the peer support component is essential, Graham said. The peer counselors, who are
veterans themselves, can alleviate their anxiety and assure them they will stay with them through the entire process.
When veterans call seeking assistance for primary or behavioral health care, a peer support specialist will discuss
their current needs and then work with the caller on various options. Many people who have served in the armed
forces may not have insurance or qualify for services at the VA, said Terrell McCain, a peer counselor and Iraq
veteran who said close to 20 veterans were assisted in the first week. We stay on the line to help the caller complete
the application if necessary. When the appointment is ready to be made, peer counselors never put veterans on hold
but remain on the line while connecting them to a representative at one of the participating Rutgers-operated
facilities at New Jersey Medical School in Newark, Robert Wood Johnson Medical Group in New Brunswick and
University Behavioral Health Care in Newark and Piscataway. They also connect callers in the states southern
counties to clinics at Cooper University Hospital in Camden and Kennedy University Hospital in Cherry Hill.
Veterans can get an appointment within a few days and sometimes even on the same day. It is all about the veterans
a team effort, McCain said.
The initiative will not only help veterans receive faster appointments, but also will assist in getting vets the
number of appointments they need. A veteran who is enrolled in the VA might only be able to get one appointment
a month when they need them weekly, McCain said. We work with the clinics to ensure that veterans get the
necessary care. After the initial call, the peer counselor stays in touch with the veteran by placing a reminder call
the day before the appointment; they also follow up to discuss the veterans experience, what happens next and how
they can help. As part of the initiative, peer counselors also offer support with non-medical issues such as financial,
housing or employment concerns. Sometimes, callers just want to vent, McCain said. Were here for that, too.
[Source: Rutgers Today | Patti Verbanas | February 9, 2016 ++]
********************************

WWII Vets 100

Lester Beck

Les Beck Jr., a 69-year-old Vietnam veteran, spotted Lewis Army Air Corps hat while sitting in the Veterans Affairs
hospital in Fresno in early August. The hat was identical to one owned by Becks father, who passed away in 1995,
and the younger man struck up a conversation with Lewis. It was just such a remarkable occurrence, Beck said
while sitting at Orville Lewis dining room table in Orange Cove on 26 AUG. Not only were they in the same camp
at the same time, but they were in the same barracks. Since their first meeting in early August, Beck has kept in
contact with Lewis over the phone and driven twice from his home in Coarsegold to Lewis house in Orange Cove.

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During Saturdays visit, Beck set a heavily worn journal down on Lewis table. It belonged to his father, who had
kept it throughout their imprisonment and until the day he died.

Left to Right: Drawing of Lester Beck, Lester Beck Jr. and Orville Lewis, and old photo of Becks plane after it had been
shot down.

Inside, there were a few newspaper clippings and black and white photos. However, most of the journal was
filled with hand-drawn portraits and pictures scrawled during Becks time at the prison. The artistry ranged from
professional-grade, beautiful pencil portraits of Beck and others drawn by soldiers who put their art careers on hold
to serve their country, to quick sketches perhaps more suitable for a refrigerator door. One drawing, however,
carried a lot more weight than the thin, damaged journal page it rested on. It depicted, in what looked to be crayon,
two soldiers in front of a large, brown guard tower and a barbed wire fence. One soldier seemed caught on the fence,
streaks of red pouring out of him. The other appeared to be standing on the ground with his arms raised. A German
soldier stood primed on his perch, apparently firing a gun at the men. The younger Beck said the drawing depicted a
botched escape attempt. The man on the ground was urging his fellow soldier not to try to scale the fence. Both
men, Beck said, were shot and killed.
Lewis remembered the incident. When Beck flipped to the drawing, the WWII vets normally cheerful expression
gave way to a slightly sullen stare toward the journal resting on his table. We all knew that if we tried to escape,
wed either get out or get shot, Lewis said. There was nothing else. Orville Lewis spent 21 months and five days
in Stalag XVII prison camp in Austria. He remembered the elder Beck as a quiet man who always chose his words
deliberately, which garnered a nod from his son. He also remembered that Beck, which is how he knew Les father,
was in the hospital for much of their time in the POW camp. Dad had 32 shrapnel and gunshot wounds after his
plane was shot down, Beck said. He was literally holding his entrails when the Germans found him.
Beck said his father passed out while being interrogated by German soldiers at the crash site and woke up later in
a German morgue. Two doctors were arguing about whether they should save him or not, Beck said. And dad
told one of them that if he (the doctor) operated, he would live. And he did. The doctor who saved his father visited
the injured GI at the camp for a few weeks, Beck said, but he eventually stopped coming. Dad found out his (the
doctors) wife and two kids were killed during an Allied bombing run, Beck said. I think it really affected him.
Becks father didnt remember much about the time between his crash and his entrance into the prison because he
was in and out of consciousness. But Lewis was there to fill in the blanks for the younger veteran. They probably
took him to Frankfurt, Lewis said. Thats where they took me. They interrogated you tried to scare you, but we
were prepared. I was more shocked by how much they knew about me, he continued. They knew what high
school I went to knew the names of my teachers.
These somewhat serious exchanges were an anomaly during Saturdays visit; most of the banter between the two
men was lighthearted and peppered with laughter. Both WWII vets, Beck said, had been very handsome in their
youth. Becks mother, a British woman who met and married his father during the war, shared a popular saying
71

about American GIs at the time. They were overpaid, oversexed and over here, Beck said with a laugh. Thats
true, said a chuckling Lewis. Both men moved to California shortly after the war. The Beck family settled in
Southern California, while Lewis reunited with his parents, who moved to Reedley during the war. Lewis quickly
married. I met my wife at a dance in Dinuba, he said. We were married Oct. 11, 1945.
The elder Beck worked as a contractor and building supervisor with the California Department of Corrections.
Lewis worked many different jobs with the U.S. Forest and National Parks services. He also set up more than 2,500
of the central San Joaquin Valleys first TV antennas while working in electronics at Montgomery Ward. Lewis
recently became a great-great-grandfather. Les Beck Jr. followed in his fathers footsteps, joining the Army in 1965.
He was deployed to Vietnam in 1967 and was shot in the foot on Jan. 31, 1968 during the Tet Offensive. Had he not
served and received military benefits after his injury, Beck might never have met Lewis, who did not keep in touch
with many of his fellow prisoners after the war ended. Beck said the thing he has most cherished about the new
relationship so far has been getting answers to questions he never got to ask his father while he was alive. Ive been
able to ask Orville about things that happened back then, he said. Its like having a second chance at it. [Source:
The Fresno Bee | Rory Appleton | August 29, 2015 ++]
********************************

WWII Vets 101

Norwood Thomas

A 93-year-old World War II veteran is embarking on a journey from the United States to Australia to visit his
wartime girlfriend after more than 70 years apart. Norwood Thomas will be reunited with Joyce Morris, The
Virginian-Pilot reported on a quest that has gone viral online. "I'd rather die traveling to Australia than live sitting
around at home wondering, 'What if?'" Thomas said. The two met in London shortly before D-Day. Morris was a 17year-old British girl, and Thomas was a 21-year-old paratrooper. "Joyce was special. The one that got away,"
Thomas said. "But after the war, my orders to go home came so quick there was no real chance to even say
goodbye." After the war, the pair wrote letters to each other, and Thomas even asked Morris to come to America and
be his wife. But somehow Morris misunderstood and thought he'd found someone else. She stopped writing.

Thomas (left) holds up a photo of Joyce Morris at his home in Virginia Beach, Va. Thomas is embarking on a 10,500-mile
journey to Australia to visit Morris. Thomas (right) answers a question of airline employees about his military service
before flying to Australia at the airport in Norfolk, Va.

As time passed, they both married other people and had careers and children. Thomas' wife died in 2001. Morris
divorced her husband after 30 years. Last year, Morris asked one of her sons to look for Thomas on the Internet,
where she found his name featured in The Virginian-Pilot's D-Day series called "The Lucky Few." Thomas and
Morris, who is now 88, recently reconnected via Skype. After their story went public, hundreds of people made
donations to help fund Thomas' trip to Australia, and Air New Zealand arranged the flight. "I'm just looking forward
to seeing her smile," Thomas said. "I have no idea if there'll still be romantic feelings. But at the very least, I'll get to

72

spend time with an old friend. Just sitting and reminiscing will be wonderful." [Source: Associated Press | February
8, 2016 ++]
********************************

Obit: Jack Riley

3 FEB 2016

Former Army West Point hockey coach Jack Riley, who led the Black Knights on the ice for 36 seasons and led
Team USA to its first-ever Olympic hockey gold medal in 1960, died Wednesday afternoon at age 95, the school
announced in a news release. Riley retired in 1986 with a 542-343-20 record at West Point at the time, the
second-most wins in college hockey history. He earned enshrinement in the school's Sports Hall of Fame (the
inaugural class of 2004) as well as the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame (1979) and the International Hockey Hall of Fame
(1988). Twenty years before the "Miracle on Ice" at Lake Placid, New York, the Riley-led Team USA went unbeaten
at Squaw Valley, California, with wins over Canada and the Soviet Union, among other rivals, in the medal round.

In this Feb. 29, 1960 file photo, U.S. Olympic Hockey coach Jack Riley is welcomed back to U.S. Military Academy at
West Point, N.Y.

Riley served as a Navy pilot in the Pacific theater during World War II, according to his U.S. Hockey Hall of
Fame biography, then played on the 1948 Olympic team before joining the Army West Point coaching staff in 1950.
He moved into head job the next year. His son, Rob Riley, took over the position after Jack Riley's retirement and
coached the team until 2004. He yielded to another son, Brian Riley, who now coaches the Black Knights. "The
three most important things to our father was family, serving his country as a Navy pilot and coaching at West
Point," Brian Riley said in the news release. "Interacting with and coaching the cadets over the years is what made
West Point his dream job." Riley died surrounded by family and friends in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, according to
the release. "He lived a great life and although he is known as a hockey coach to many people, he was a great
husband, father, grandfather and friend to all," Brian Riley said. "My brothers, sister and I were especially grateful to
have been able to call him dad and have had a wonderful and caring father for all these years." [Source: Army
Times | Kevin Lill |February 3, 2016 ++]
********************************

Obit: Clayton Kelly Gross

10 Jan 2016

In 2014, Clayton Kelly Gross was one of four veterans who represented all American fighter aces since the dawn of
aerial combat. Thats not just a figure of speech. The longtime Vancouver resident and three other former fighter
pilots were in the White House to watch President Barack Obama sign the American Fighter Aces Congressional
Gold Medal Act. A year later, Gross was among 35 or so aces at the gold medal presentation ceremony, which
honored all American fighter pilots who have shot down five or more enemy planes in aerial combat. About 1,450
American pilots have earned that distinction since World War I. At the 2015 medal ceremony, it was estimated that
73

fewer than 80 were still alive. Gross qualified for the title during World War II, with six confirmed kills in the skies
over Europe. Kills is not as fatal as it sounds, by the way. One German flier shot down by Gross later became a
friend of the P-51 pilot.

Clayton Kelly Gross (left), former president of the American Fighter Aces Association and (right) a 1944 photo of Gross in
the cockpit of a P-51 Mustang taken from his World War II memoir, "Live Bait."

Gross died on 10 JAN in Sparks, Nev., where he and his wife, Ramona, had moved in April. A church service
was held in Vancouver on 29 JAN. He leaves behind some great stories in his WWII memoir Live Bait, as well as
in several interviews with The Columbian. The story of his encounter with a Messerschmitt 262 the worlds first
operational jet would be near the top of the list. It was a story that played out over the span of 50 years. In 1995,
Gross visited a German fighter pilot convention and was introduced to Kurt Lobgesong, who became a high school
math teacher after WWII. Lobgesong was the wounded German pilot whod bailed out of that Me 262 in 1945.
Both he and his wife gave me a big hug, Gross said. When Lobgesong was shot down, there were 25 pilots in his
squadron. Two weeks later, only four pilots were left, he said. Through an interpreter, Lobgesong told Gross:
Because of my wounds, I did not fly any more in the war. You saved my life. [Source: Columbian Science | Tom
Vogt | February 8, 2016 ++]
********************************

Retiree Appreciation Days

As of 11 Feb 2016

Retiree Appreciation Days (RADs) are designed with you in mind. They're a great source of the latest information
for retirees and Family members in your area. RADs vary from installation to installation, but, in general, they
provide an opportunity to renew acquaintances, listen to guest speakers, renew ID Cards, get medical checkups, and
various other services. Some RADs include special events such as dinners or golf tournaments. Due to budget
constraints, some RADs may be cancelled or rescheduled. Also, scheduled appearances of DFAS representatives
may not be possible. If you plan to travel long distances to attend a RAD, before traveling, you should call the
sponsoring RSO to ensure the RAD will held as scheduled and, if applicable, whether or not DFAS reps will be
available. The current schedule is provided in the attachment to this Bulletin titled, Retiree Activity\Appreciation
Days (RAD) Schedule. Note that this schedule has been expanded to include dates for retiree\veterans related
events such as town hall meetings, resource fairs, stand downs, etc. For more information call the phone numbers of
the Retirement Services Officer (RSO) sponsoring the RAD as indicated in the attachment. An up-to-date list of
Retiree Appreciation Days can always be accessed online at:
HTML: http://www.hostmtb.org/RADs_and_Other_Retiree-Veterans_Events.html
PDF: http://www.hostmtb.org/RADs_and_Other_Retiree-Veterans_Events.pdf

Word: http://www.hostmtb.org/RADs_and_Other_Retiree-Veterans_Events.doc

74

[Source: RAD List Manager | Milton Bell | February 11, 2015 ++]
********************************

Vet Hiring Fairs

15 Feb thru 31 Mar 2016

The U.S. Chamber of Commerces (USCC) Hiring Our Heroes program employment workshops are available in
conjunction with hundreds of their hiring fairs. These workshops are designed to help veterans and military spouses
and include resume writing, interview skills, and one-on-one mentoring. For details of each you should click on the
city next to the date in the below list. To participate, sign up for the workshop in addition to registering (if indicated)
for the hiring fairs which are shown below for the six weeks. For more information about the USCC Hiring Our
Heroes Program, Military Spouse Program, Transition Assistance, GE Employment Workshops, Resume Engine,
etc. visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerces website at http://www.hiringourheroes.org/hiringourheroes/events .
Camp Pendleton, CA - Camp Pendleton Military Spouse 2-Day Event Details Register
February 17 - 7:00 pm to February 18 - 1:00 pm
Tampa, FL - Tampa Wounded Veteran & Caregiver Employment Conference Details Register
February 23 - 8:30 am to 2:30 pm
Carlisle, PA - Carlisle Military Spouse Workshop Details Register
February 24 - 11:00 am to 1:30 pm
Denver, CO - Denver Hiring Expo with Denver Nuggets Details Register
February 29 - 9:30 am to 2:00 pm
Houston, TX - Houston Hiring Expo with Houston Rockets Details Register
March 2 - 9:30 am to 2:00 pm
Detroit, MI - Detroit Hiring Fair Details Register
March 5 - 8:30 am to 1:30 pm
Germany, AE - Germany Transition Summits Details Register
March 7 - 2:00 pm to March 11 - 2:30 pm
Dayton, OH - Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Military Spouse 2-Day Event Details Register
March 9 - 7:00 pm to March 10 - 1:00 pm
Glendale, AZ - Phoenix Military Spouse Networking Reception Details Register
March 16 - 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Glendale, AZ - Phoenix Hiring Expo with Arizona Coyotes Details Register
March 17 - 8:30 am to 2:00 pm
Fort Bliss, TX - Fort Bliss Transition Summit Details Register
March 23 - 4:00 pm to March 24 - 4:00 pm
Fort Sam Houston, TX - Fort Sam Houston Wounded Veteran & Caregiver Employment Conference
Details Register
March 29 - 8:30 am to 2:30 pm
Employer Best Practices Webinar Details Register
March 31 - 3:00 pm to 3:45 pm
75

[Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Assn February 13, 2016 ++]

********************************

State Veteran's Benefits & Discounts

North Carolina | 2016

The state of North Carolina provides several benefits to veterans as indicated below. To obtain information on these
refer to the attachment to this Bulletin titled, Veteran State Benefits NC for an overview of the below those
benefits. Benefits are available to veterans who are residents of the state. For a more detailed explanation of each
refer to http://www.doa.state.nc.us/vets/default.aspx and/or http://militaryandveteransdiscounts.com/location/northcarolina.html
Housing Benefits
Financial Assistance Benefits
Employment Benefits
Education Benefits
Other State Veteran Benefits
Discounts
[Source: http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-state-benefits/north-carolina-state-veterans-benefits.html Feb
2016 ++]

* Vet Legislation *

Veterans Omnibus Bill

Lawmakers May be Headed Towards One

Lawmakers could be headed toward a veterans omnibus bill covering a host of health, education and employment
issues after House members passed a package of nine veterans-themed measures the evening of 9 FEB. The flurry of
legislation came after a day of debate and discussion about veterans issues on the House floor. All of the measures
were passed by voice vote without objection, but will need Senate action and the president's signature before they
can become law.
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said the moves were a needed push to help our retired
servicemen and women who have been neglected by a broken Department of Veterans Affairs. He promised more
focus on the issues in months to come. It has been several years since the corruption and dysfunction at the VA was
exposed, and quite frankly, it is appalling that we must continue to pass bills to fix the countless problems that have
been ignored, he said. We continue to hear that change at the VA is on the way, but as the bureaucracy remains
unchanged, our veterans continue to wait for care and benefits. House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff
76

Miller (R-FL) said the bills together help rein in the incompetence that permeates VAs construction efforts, end the
egregious taxpayer abuse some unscrupulous and greedy schools are committing on a daily basis, and most
importantly, honor our veterans while improving and expanding the benefits they have earned.
The most controversial item on the legislative slate was a measure that would halve the housing stipend for
children of troops attending college with transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Veterans advocacy groups opposed
that portion of the so-called Veterans Employment, Education, and Healthcare Improvement Act, which also
included provisions to restrict GI Bill payouts for flight schools and increased eligibility for children of some
veterans. Supporters of the measure did not address the issue on the House floor, but several Democrats said they
hope the housing stipend cut is reconsidered in the Senate. Among the other bills approved Tuesday:
The Construction Reform Act, which would require VA to hire an assistant inspector general for
construction projects. Lawmakers have criticized lax oversight of those projects, several of which have
faced multimillion-dollar cost overruns.
The American Heroes COLA Act, which would permanently tie veterans annual cost-of-living
adjustments to Social Security and make their annual adjustments automatic.
The Career-Ready Student Veterans Act, which would require educational programs eligible for GI Bill
payouts to meet state licensure and certification standards.
The Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act, which would boost focus and oversight on suicide
prevention programs targeted at women veterans.
The Failing VA Medical Center Recovery Act, which would require VA to assign special management
teams to underperforming VA medical facilities to provide faster solutions for patients using those services.
Lawmakers in the House and Senate have discussed the possibility of crafting a larger veterans omnibus bill later
this year, to include both the measures passed Tuesday and a host of other separate bills under consideration by both
chambers. But no further details have been finalized on when that plan might be introduced.
[Source: Military Times | Leo Shane | February 10, 2016 ++]
********************************

End of Service Physicals

H.R.4251

On Dec. 16, 2015, Representative Mike Coffman (R-CO) along with 29 House colleagues, introduced H.R.4251,
the Guard and Reserve Equal Access to Health Act. The American Legion-initiated bill was based upon the
legislative mandate in Resolution 182, which requires the Department of Defense to provide end-of-service physical
examinations to all retiring and separating servicemembers within 90 days of the end of their military service. If
passed, the bill will ensure servicemembers of the Guard and reserve obtain an end-of-service physical at completion
of military service. Today, both reservists and active-duty military are required to complete a physical examination
when they are processed into the military. But under current law, only active-duty servicemembers are required to
complete an end-of-service physical. Providing reserve component servicemembers with an end-of-service physical
will document those health conditions that may be service connected to determine eligibility for VA health care. The
end-of-service health records will also help expedite the disability compensation claims process for the veterans.
When he introduced the bill, Rep. Coffman, a Marine Corps combat veteran who was mobilized and deployed
twice to the Middle East, said, "These reservists are often deployed and endure many of the hardships of
war.citizen soldiers deserve the same consideration as their active-duty counterparts when they transition out of
the military and this legislation is a further step in that direction." Rep. Coffman serves on both the House Armed
Services and House Veterans Affairs committees, where he is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations. He is the only member of Congress to have served in both Iraq wars. Since the introduction of this

77

legislation, the American Legions Legislative Division staff have held a number of face-to-face meetings with
congressional staff, seeking additional cosponsors.
If your representative is a co-sponsor of this bill, you are requested to contact them and thank them for their
support and encourage them to pass this legislation. If your representative is not a co-sponsor, contact them and ask
them to become a co-sponsor by contacting the office of Rep. Coffman. Go to http://www.house.gov/legion
representatives/find and enter your zip code if you are not aware of the contact number go to.
[Source: American Legion | Brett Reistad | February 2, 2016 ++]
********************************

GI Bill Update 197

VA Provider Equity Act (H.R.3016) Impact

Military dependents using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits would see their housing stipends cut in half under
legislation passed 9 FEB by the House of Representatives. That stipend is one of the most valuable parts of the Post9/11 GI Bill, calculated in most cases based on the Basic Allowance for Housing, or BAH, that active-duty service
members would receive if stationed where the school is located. Depending on where and how GI Bill users attend
class, it can put as much money in their pockets for housing costs as it puts in university coffers for tuition costs.
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America has expressed strong opposition to the proposal, which is included in a
bill that also has other provisions on veterans education, health care, jobs and transition out of the military. In letters
to the leaders of veterans committees in both the House and Senate, dated 5 FEB, IAVA Chief Policy Officer Matt
Miller asked the lawmakers to stand with our members in opposing any cuts to, or reduction of benefits in, the Post9/11 GI Bill now or in the future. "These cuts will negatively impact our country's ability to attract and retain the
military personnel required to maintain our national security," the letter said. "Such cuts will also be counter to the
benefits communicated to the many who began their military service following the establishment of the Post-9/11 GI
Bill." The measure would not affect the stipends of veterans using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits they earned themselves,
only dependents using transferred benefits.
Also included in the bill is a provision restricting the use of the Post-9/11 GI Bill for flight training, which has
generated additional opposition. Chris Neiweem, a lobbyist who worked previously for IAVA and now represents an
aviation school, said the restriction would not be necessary with proper cost control measures from the Veterans
Affairs Department. "This would be a fairly significant rollback of the GI Bill benefit," said Neiweem, vice
president of the firm SRB Strategic. An eleventh-hour change to Department of Veterans Affairs legislation
scrapped a plan by lawmakers to increase the service obligation required for troops who wish to transfer their Post9/11 GI Bill benefits to their spouses or children. The bill originally included a provision requiring troops to serve 10
years on active duty plus a two-year service obligation to qualify for the transfer benefit. Instead, lawmakers opted
to keep the requirement at the current six years of service, plus a four-year service obligation. Other items in the
bill included:
Extend the recently enacted Gunnery Sgt. Fry Scholarships to surviving spouses who lost their military
spouse between 2001 and 2006. This group of survivors will have until 2021 to use GI Bill-equivalent
benefits to complete college or job training.
Make this same group eligible for matching additional funds by private colleges and the VA under the
Yellow Ribbon program
Raise Medal of Honor recipients to the first enrollment priority group and exempt them from all copayments for inpatient, outpatient, long-term care, and prescriptions.
Authorize newborn child care for women veterans receiving VA maternity care with post-delivery services
for 14 days if the veteran delivered the child in a VA facility or contracted VA facility.

78

Extend service credit for GI Bill eligibility purposes for time spent in medical hold by wounded, ill, and
injured members who now may spend as much as a year or two in this status without GI Bill service credit.

[Source: Military Times | Leo Shane & Amy Bushatz | February 8 & 10, 2016 ++]
********************************

Selective Service System Update 14

Draft Americans Daughters Act

Two House Republicans introduced a bill 4 FEB requiring eligible women in the United States to sign up for the
military draft, just days after it was recommended by the Marine Corps and Army. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA), a
Marine veteran, and Rep. Ryan Zinke R-MN), a retired Navy SEAL, filed the Draft Americans Daughters Act to
stoke debate over the militarys historic move to fully integrate female troops into all combat roles. If passed,
women from 18-26 years old would for the first time have to join men in registering with the Selective Service
program and potentially be forced to fight in future wars. If this administration wants to send 18, 20-year-old
women into combat, to serve and fight on the front lines, then the American people deserve to have this discussion
through their elected representatives, Hunter said in a released statement.

Female Marine recruits practice rear hand punches during training at Parris Island, S.C., in July 2011

On 2 FEB, Marine Commandant Gen. Robert Neller and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley testified to the
Senate that they believe there no longer should be an exemption in the draft for half of the countrys population now
that the military is all inclusive. The Marines and Army, along with the other service branches, were ordered by
Defense Secretary Ash Carter to open about 225,000 combat jobs to women candidates the last remaining
occupational specialties that had barred female troops. The decision was made despite research and reservations
from the Marine Corps and special operations community, and without adequate debate among lawmakers,
according to the two congressmen sponsoring the bill. My daughter is a damn good Navy diver. I know women
play an invaluable role in war. Many times women can gain access to strategic sites that men never could, Zinke
said in a released statement. However, this administrations plan to force all front-line combat and Special Forces to
integrate women into their units is reckless and dangerous. The Marines completed a study last summer that found
women get injured more often and perform below males in combat. During an oversight hearing in the Senate on
Tuesday, lawmakers repeatedly referenced the study and said they are worried the military could lower standards to
accommodate more women in combat occupational specialties.
Zinke said the decision now means the country must contemplate changes to the draft. His bill requires women to
register beginning 90 days after it is signed into law. This is a very important issue that touches the heart of every
family in America, and I believe we need to have an open and honest discussion about it, Zinke said. Men, who
historically filled combat roles, are required to register with Selective Service when they turn 18 years old in case a
draft is again needed. The Supreme Court had in the past backed the exemption for women, but only because they
79

were not expected to fill crucial combat ranks. Millions of women might now suddenly and unexpectedly be
required to register due to the Pentagon decision on combat roles. Neller, who initially requested exemptions for
women in some combat positions, said he thinks it is fair that women now face being called up to wartime service.
Every American that is physically qualified should register for the draft, said Neller, who had requested but was
denied the exclusion of women in some Marine combat jobs. [Source: Stars and Stripes | Travis J. Tritten |
February 4, 2016 ++]
********************************

Selective Service System Update 15

Eliminate SSS | H.R.4523

As Congress begins debate on whether to force women to register for the draft, a bipartisan group of House
lawmakers has a compromise solution: Get rid of it altogether. On 11 FEB, a group of four representatives Mike
Coffman (R-CO), Jared Polis (D-CO), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), and Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) introduced new
legislation to abolish the Selective Service System (SSS), calling it an outdated and unneeded program.
Maintaining the Selective Service simply makes no sense, Coffman, a Marine Corps veteran, said in a statement.
In 1973, the last draftee entered the Army and since then, despite the first Gulf War and subsequent wars in Iraq
and Afghanistan, the Pentagon has never considered reinstituting the draft. The idea comes amid dueling proposals
from other lawmakers either requiring or continuing to exempt women from registering for the draft for the first
time in U.S. history.
In December, Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced plans to open all infantry and combat-unit positions to
women, provided they meet gender-neutral job standards. The militarys past prohibition on women serving in those
roles also provided a legal backing for excluding women from registering for the draft. Coffman said re-opening of
that debate provides a timely opportunity to get rid of the Selective Service System. Agency activities cost taxpayers
roughly $23 million each year, and a 2012 Government Accountability Office report questioned whether the system
could even provide a viable list of draftees to the Defense Department if needed. Military officials have repeatedly
said that reverting to the draft from the current all-volunteer system would have significant negative impact on troop
training, readiness and quality.
DeFazio noted that young men who fail to register for the draft face penalties, including denial of federal student
loans and potential criminal punishment. Not only will abolishing the Selective Service save the U.S. taxpayers
money, it will remove an undue burden on our nations young people, he said in a statement. We need to get rid of
this mean-spirited and outdated system and trust that if the need should arise Americans both male and female
will answer the call to defend our nation. Defense Department officials have said they are reviewing draft rules and
regulations, and expect to issue recommendations in coming months. The issue is expected to be a key point of
controversy in the annual defense authorization bill debate. It has also become a talking point on the Republican
presidential campaign trail. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio have both offered support
for having women register, while Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has voiced strong opposition to the idea. [Source: Military
Times | Leo Shane | February 11, 2016 ++]
********************************

FACT Act

S.357 | Puts Vets at Risk of Identity Theft

Last month, 211 members of the House voted for a proposal that puts many of our fellow veterans who are ill and
likely dying from asbestos-triggered diseases at greater risk of becoming victims of identity theft. The legislation,
known as the FACT Act, is the brainchild of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and some of its biggest members of the
asbestos manufacturing and utilization industries. The bill is a cynical ploy by the asbestos industry to avoid

80

compensating its victims who are seeking justice in court many of whom are veterans who were doubly exposed:
first while in uniform and then when they worked for companies that knowingly exposed them to the deadly fiber.
Now that the House has passed its bill (H.R.1927), the Senate version, S.357, will be the focus of a hearing on 3
FEB before the Senate Judiciary Committee. In a nutshell, the measure would force the asbestos compensation trust
system to put large chunks of veterans personally identifiable information onto the Internet, making it available for
anyone, including identity thieves and other online trolls, to download. Vulnerable data would include the last four
digits of veterans Social Security numbers, full name, birth year and medical and work histories, along with other
sensitive information. All of this to give big asbestos corporations an advantage in litigation and shift the cost of
discovery to asbestos compensation trusts.
Attorneys for the asbestos compensation trusts estimate that compliance with the bill would require an additional
20,000 hours of staff time. In short, the production of the enormous database of victims private information would
only further deplete the trusts resources, which are meant to help offset mounting medical bills and other expenses
for Americans who are already ill. The FACT Act erects enormous administrative hurdles that will undoubtedly
delay vital compensation to veterans and other victims. The 211 House members who voted to put asbestos victims
at greater risk of online identity theft and delay compensation should remember that veterans never forget. We hope
every member of the Senate will take note of the growing opposition by their colleagues in the House and strongly
oppose this anti-veterans bill. Rhetorically showing support for our veterans in speeches, while voting against their
interests and well-being, is a slap in the face to these brave men and women. [Source: Stars & Stripes | Letters to
the Editor | January 31, 2016 ++]
********************************

FACT Act Update 01

1st Hearing Triggers Strong Debate

A bill opposed by veterans groups that affects people poisoned by asbestos triggered strong debate 3 FEB during a
first hearing in the Senate. Republican senators, including sponsor Jeff Flake of Arizona, argued the bill will ferret
out fraudulent compensation claims by veterans with asbestos illnesses. But Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois and other
Democrats said it was a giveaway to companies fighting lawsuits over the dangerous building material, which
causes lung damage and cancer. The legislation, called the FACT Act, passed the House last month entirely on
Republican votes and is now opposed by 17 national veterans groups, including Military Officers Association of
America, AMVETS and Vietnam Veterans of America. It requires the confidential information of hundreds of
thousands of victims as many as 30 percent of them veterans be made publicly available for the first time.
The groups wrote a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee, stating the FACT Act is a cynical ploy by the
asbestos industry to avoid compensating its victims who are seeking justice in court. Flake said there is evidence of
widespread fraud among the asbestos claimants that has been compared to Enron, a $70-billion energy company that
collapsed in scandal in 2001, and that his bill is needed to shed light on the wrongdoing. The only way to be sure is
to bring transparency to the trust system, Flake said during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Dozens of trusts
holding about $18 billion have been set up throughout the country by manufacturers of asbestos to compensate
victims, who are coming forward in high numbers now because exposure to the substance causes disease decades
later. About 10,000-15,000 people die every year from asbestos-related illnesses. With this amount of money at
stake youd think there would be some level of oversight but there isnt, said Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA),
chairman of the committee.
At the same time, other companies who have not paid into the trusts are fighting new civil lawsuits from victims.
The bill would provide the companies a database of the trust claims and victims to use in their defense in court. The
U.S. Chamber of Commerce and companies that once produced asbestos have lobbied for years to pass the
legislation amid a wave of poisoning suits. The Government Accountability Office found the changes could give
industry defense attorneys a legal advantage. Veterans who received compensation from an asbestos trust could have
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their work histories, compensation amount and partial Social Security numbers posted in bulk on a courts public
docket, which Durbin said could be a boon to identity thieves. You want the victims to disclose all of their
information and waive their privacy. You think that is the answer? Durbin asked bill supporters.
Surbin said the bill also would enable companies to drag out civil lawsuits, a criticism also made by the veterans
groups. Sadly, we know what happens when these cases are dragged out, Durbin said. Victims are not alive to see
the result. The White House has said it will veto the bill if it passes the Senate. The committee hearing 3 FEB was
just the first step and a full chamber vote is required to send it to the presidents desk. [Source: Stars and Stripes |
Travis J. Tritten | February 3, 2016 ++]
********************************

VA Appeals Update 17

H.R.4116 | Express Appeal Option Bill

A bipartisan group of senators is offering legislation aimed at cutting down the amount of time it takes for the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to handle a disability claim. Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Bob Casey (D-PA),
Dean Heller (R-NV) and Jon Tester (D-MT) have introduced legislation to create a five-year pilot program that
would serve as a voluntary alternative to the VA's current appeals process for disability claims. Under their
proposal, veterans would be able to file an "express" appeal after the VA hands over a decision on a disability claim,
which the lawmakers suggested could cut hundreds of days of wait time out of the current appeals process. Veterans
can appeal the VA's original decision for a myriad of reasons, including disagreeing with the department about the
severity of their disability.
According to weekly VA data released 1 FEB, the VA's Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) currently has
more than 300,000 appeals pending. A fiscal year 2014 report found that on average it can take more than 1,000
days between the time an appeal is filed and when the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) makes a decision. Sullivan
said that he hopes the Senate legislation will "create a less-bureaucratic appeals express lane" for the VA to handle
appeals, adding that it is "astounding" that veterans can wait almost three years for a decision. Casey added that the
current timeline is unacceptable. "It is crucial that we work to ensure that veterans get timely and accurate decisions
on their appeals," he said.
As part of the legislation, if a veteran decided to opt for an "express" appeal but later changed their mind, they
would be able to go back to the current appeals process without being negatively impacted. To help save time, the
"express" process would skip over a current step in the appeals process when VA officials collect additional evidence
after a veteran files an appeal. The legislation comes after lawmakers have pushed the VA for years to reduce the
number of pending appeals from veterans. VA Secretary Bob McDonald called for a "simplified appeals process"
while testifying before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. [Source: The Hill | Jordain Carney | February 1,
2016 ++]
********************************

VA Appeals Update 18

VA Secretary on 2017 Budget Request

A few weeks ago during a hearing on VAs transformation strategy, I made clear that we would need the help of
Congress and our Veterans Service Organization partners in legislating a fair, streamlined and comprehensive
process for new appeals, as well as providing much-needed resources to address the current pending inventory of
appeals. We have also engaged with Veterans and their representatives, and have heard them loud and clear that the
experience they expect is a simple and understandable process with a personal touch that is capable of responding to
their changing needs.

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This weeks budget request represents a down payment toward that effort. Our budget proposes legislation to
simplify the appeals process that will enable VA to provide most Veterans with an appeals decision within one year
by 2021. The $156 million request, which is $46 million more than last year, and the 242 additional full-time
appeals employees we requested are a down payment on a long-term, sustainable plan to provide Veterans with
timely decisions. The appeals process we have in current law is failing Veteransand taxpayers. Over the years,
laws have been changed to add layers of process, which, at the time, was perceived as being necessary to protect the
interests of Veterans. Those perceived protections have crippled the system to the point where it is now broken. Most
importantly, it is now so antiquated that it no longer serves Veterans well. Many find it confusing and are frustrated
by the endless process and the length of time it can take to get an answer.
Veterans deserve an appeals process that is simple, timely, fair and transparent, and one that preserves their rights.
We look forward to working with the Congress, Veterans Service Organizations, our state and federal partners and
other key stakeholders to accomplish this important goal for Veterans and for American taxpayers. [Source: VA
Secretary message | February 11, 2016 ++]
********************************

Vet Suicide Update 09

Female Veterans Suicide Prevention Act

U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
today introduced the Female Veterans Suicide Prevention Act, in response to the alarming increases in suicide
among female veterans detailed in a recent Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) study. The bill requires the VA to
include specific metrics on female veterans in its annual evaluation of mental health and suicide prevention
programs and requires them to identify which programs are the most effective and have the highest satisfaction rates
among female veterans. Researchers tracked over 174,000 veteran and nonveteran suicides from 2000 to 2010 and
found that the rate of suicide among female veterans increased 40 percent during that time period. The data also
revealed that women veterans-who now account for ten percent of the veteran population-commit suicide at nearly
six times the rate of civilian women. The risk doubles for young female veterans between 18-29 years old.
Legislators made the following comments on the bill:

"It is shocking to learn that women veterans are committing suicide at nearly six times the rate of civilian
women," Senator Boxer said. "Our bill will focus attention on which VA mental health and suicide
prevention programs are working and which are not, so we can better serve the women who courageously
served our country."
"One veteran's life lost to suicide is too many," said Senator Ernst. "By narrowing in on the mental health
and suicide prevention programs available to our female veterans, we can ensure our returning veterans
have access to quality care that meets their unique needs to transition back into civilian life."
"The Clay Hunt SAV Act, which became law last year, was a critical down payment toward making sure
VA has the resources it needs to prevent veteran suicide." Senator Blumenthal said. "This new, bipartisan
measure is an important next step in ensuring VA provides the mental health and suicide prevention
programs that meet the gender-specific needs of women veterans. With suicide among women veterans
happening at an alarming rate, this bill will help save lives by ensuring VA is providing the care, counseling
and outreach these veterans need."
"Improving access to quality mental health care programs and professionals is a critical part of supporting
our veterans when they return home," Senator Brown said. "This bill will ensure that the VA tailors mental
health programs to more effectively serve female veterans."

There are more than two million women veterans in the United States, making them the fastest growing
subpopulation of veterans treated by the VA. While the VA has made strides to improve and expand mental health
83

and suicide prevention programs aimed at women, there is no gender-specific data available on the efficacy of these
programs. Similar legislation (H.R.2915) authored by Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) passed out of the
House Veterans Affairs Committee in September 2015. [Source: Journal Express | February 3, 2016++]
********************************

VA Home Loan Update 42

Proposed Removal of Loan Guarantee Caps

Lawmakers have taken a step toward removing the cap on the amount the Veterans Affairs Department can
guarantee under its VA home loan program, in legislation passed by the House this week. Its unknown whether the
Senate will take similar action. Witnesses told lawmakers that changes in the program, like higher loan guarantee
limits could help more veterans take advantage of the benefit. Higher loan guarantee limits are absolutely
necessary, said Sherri Meadows, vice president of the National Association of Realtors, testifying 10 FEB before
the House Veterans Affairs Committees panel on economic opportunity. Veterans should be able to purchase a
home wherever they choose to live.
Generally, the VA can guarantee a loan of up to $417,000. About 90 percent of VA loans are made without a
down payment from the borrower, said Mike Frueh, director of loan guaranty service for the Veterans Benefits
Administration. In an analysis conducted by the VA last year, about 15,000 veterans wanted to buy homes in areas
where homes were more expensive than the loan guarantee cap, Frueh told lawmakers. The VA cap is not a lending
cap. Its the amount that the VA guarantees. VA doesnt set a cap on how much a veteran can borrow to finance the
home, but there are limits on the amount of liability the VA will assume on that loan, which usually affects the
amount of money an institution will lend a veteran. That limits the risk to the lender if the borrower defaults. No
down payment is important, Frueh said. Setting an artificial cap on the amount we can guarantee is going to
eliminate people who want to buy a home above that cap, because that no down payment is an important part of the
benefit.
Meadows also said veterans need flexibility to negotiate all fees, so they arent at a disadvantage when
negotiating with a seller to buy a home. A variety of fees, from termite inspection, to document recording, to
postage and delivery fees, are a part of the closing, but veterans arent allowed to pay these fees. While the
association supports the VAs efforts to shield veterans from excessive fees, Meadows said, the inability to negotiate
these fees can put veterans on an uneven playing field with non-VA buyers, she said. [Source: NAUS Weekly
Update | February 12, 2016 ++]
********************************

Vet Bills Submitted to 114th Congress

160201 thru 160214

Refer to this Bulletins House & Senate Veteran Legislation attachment for a listing of Congressional bills of
interest to the veteran community introduced in the 114 th Congress. The list contains the bills number and name,
what it is intended to do, its sponsor, any related bills, and the committees it has been assigned to. Support of these
bills through cosponsorship by other legislators is critical if they are ever going to move through the legislative
process for a floor vote to become law. A good indication of that likelihood is the number of cosponsors who have
signed onto the bill. Any number of members may cosponsor a bill in the House or Senate. At
https://beta.congress.gov you can review a copy of each bills content, determine its current status, the committee it
has been assigned to, and if your legislator is a sponsor or cosponsor of it by entering the bill number in the sites
search engine. To determine what bills, amendments your representative/senator has sponsored, cosponsored, or
dropped sponsorship on go to:

84

https://beta.congress.gov/search?q=%7B%22source%22%3A%5B%22legislation%22%5D%7D,
Sponsor tab, and click on your congress persons name.
You can
http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.php.

Select
also go

the
to

Grassroots lobbying is the most effective way to let your Congressional representatives know your wants and
dislikes. If you are not sure who is your Congressman go to https://beta.congress.gov/members. Members of
Congress are receptive and open to suggestions from their constituents. The key to increasing cosponsorship support
on veteran related bills and subsequent passage into law is letting legislators know of veterans feelings on issues.
You can reach their Washington office via the Capital Operator direct at (866) 272-6622, (800) 828-0498, or (866)
340-9281 to express your views. Otherwise, you can locate their phone number, mailing address, or email/website to
communicate with a message or letter of your own making at either:
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
http://www.house.gov/representatives
FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF VETERAN RELATED LEGISLATION INTRODUCED IN THE
HOUSE SINCE THE LAST BULLETIN WAS PUBLISHED

H.R.4477 : Be Responsive to all Veterans Expeditiously Act of 2016. A bill to amend title 38, United
States Code, to require voice mail for certain telephone lines paid for by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs,
and for other purposes.
H.R.4513 : VA Mental Health Program State Grants. A bill to authorize the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs to make grants to State and local entities to carry out peer-to-peer mental health programs.
H.R.4519 : Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance 5-Year Extension. A bill to amend title 10, United
States Code, to provide a five-year extension of the special survivor indemnity allowance provided to
widows and widowers of deceased members of the uniformed services affected by required Survivor
Benefit Plan annuity offset for dependency and indemnity compensation received under section 1311(a) of
title 38, United States Code.
H.R.4523 : Eliminate Selective Service System. A bill to repeal the Military Selective Service Act, and
thereby terminate the registration requirements of such Act and eliminate civilian local boards, civilian
appeal boards, and similar local agencies of the Selective Service System.
H.R.4527 : Military Retiree Employment Act. A bill to temporarily authorize recently retired members
of the armed forces to be appointed to certain civil service positions, require the Secretary of Defense to
issue certain notifications, and for other purposes.

FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF VETERAN RELATED LEGISLATION INTRODUCED IN THE

SENATE SINCE THE LAST BULLETIN WAS PUBLISHED

S.2487 : Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to
identify mental health care and suicide prevention programs and metrics that are effective in treating
women veterans as part of the evaluation of such programs by the Secretary, and for other purposes.
S.2493 : Senior Vet (75+) Hospital Care and Medical Services. A bill to expand eligibility for hospital
care and medical services under section 101 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of
2014 to include veterans who are age 75 or older, and for other purposes.
Medal of Honor Surviving Spouses Recognition Act of 2016. A bill to amend title 38, United States
Code, to provide payment of Medal of Honor special pension under such title to the surviving spouse of a
deceased Medal of Honor recipient, and for other purposes.
85

S.2520 : Newborn Care Improvement Act. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the
care provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to newborn children.
S.2521 : Military SAVE Act. A bill to amend the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of
2014 to improve the treatment at non-Department of Veterans Affairs facilities of veterans who are victims
of military sexual assault, and for other purposes.
S.2527 : Sergeant Daniel Somers Classified Veterans Access to Care Act. A bill to amend title 38,
United States Code, to improve the mental health treatment provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to
veterans who served in classified missions.
S.2545 : VA Reimbursement Modification for Health Care Providers. A bill to modify the
requirements of the Department of Veterans Affairs for reimbursing health care providers under section 101
of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014, and for other purposes.
S.2554 : VA Employee Removal/Demotion. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for
the removal or demotion of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on performance or
misconduct, and for other purposes.

[Source: https://beta.congress.gov & http: //www.govtrack.us/congress/bills February 13, 2016 ++]

* Military *

Selective Service System Update 13

USA/USMC Want Female Draft

The Army and Marine Corps' top uniformed leaders both backed making women register for the draft as all combat
roles are opened to them in coming months, a sweeping social change that could complicate the militarys gender
integration plans. Both services, along with the Navy, have begun work to open all military jobs to any service
member after a decision by Defense Secretary Ash Carter in December to lift all gender-based restrictions on combat
and infantry roles. On 2 FEB, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley and Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert
Neller told senators during a Capitol Hill hearing that full integration of those jobs will likely take a few years, to
overcome logistical and cultural issues.

Army Chief of Staff Mark Milley speaks to the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill on 2 FEB, where he and
Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller endorsed the idea of requiring women to register for the draft.

One of those complications will be how to handle the Selective Service System, which requires all men ages 18
to 26 to register for possible involuntary military service. Women have always been exempt, and past legal
86

challenges have pointed to the battlefield restrictions placed on them. With that reasoning moot, lawmakers will
need to determine what becomes of the system. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus Jr. said there needs to be a national
debate over what the changes mean, balancing social concerns over the idea of drafting women with the reality of
national security and military readiness. But the uniform leaders were blunter in their assessment. It's my personal
view in light of integration that every American physically qualified should register for the draft, Neller said.
Milley echoed those remarks, saying all eligible men and women should be required to register.
The comments drew support from some Democratic lawmakers I agree with you, said Sen. Claire
McCaskill, (D-MO) but concerned looks from Republicans on the Senate Armed Services Committee, who spent
most of the hearing criticizing how abruptly the decision to drop gender restrictions was made. Several pressed
military leaders over whether job standards would be lowered to allow women into combat roles, a charge officials
repeatedly refuted. Milley and Neller said no quotas for positions have been set. Mabus said that watering down
physical standards is unacceptable under the law, and unacceptable to me and every other senior leader in the
Pentagon, because it would endanger not only the safety of Marines, but also the safety of our nation.
But committee chairman Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) said military officials still have not provided enough study or
implementation plans to justify the rapid changes laid out by military leaders. I am concerned that the department
has gone about things backward, he said. This consequential decision was made and mandated before the military
services could study its implications, and before any implementation plans were devised to address the serious
challenges raised in studies. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) the only female veteran on the Senate committee said she
fully supported the changes as long as standards are not lowered to boost the number of women in combat jobs or
force them to meet quotas. We need to ensure we dont set up men or women for failure, she said. Its clear we
need to ensure that were taking into account the impact this could have on womens health.
Marine Corps officials had requested to leave some of their infantry and combat jobs closed to women, citing a
service study showing concerns about unit effectiveness. Carter denied those requests. For many advocates, the
controversy over women in combat jobs is an outdated debate. Army leaders noted at the hearing that more than
9,000 women have already earned the Combat Action Badge for actions in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. More
than 1,000 women have been killed or wounded in that fighting. [Source: Military Times | Leo Shane | February 2,
2016 | ++]
********************************

Uniforms Update 05

Navys Will Accommodate Bigger Bulkier Sailors

Although the size of the force has gotten smaller over the past two decades, the size of individual sailors has grown.
Thats the conclusion of a year-and-a-half-long Navy study in which several thousand sailors were measured to see
if body dimensions had changed since the last studies were done two decades ago. A similar but larger Army study,
completed in 2012, found that soldiers were typically larger than in years past. The Navy uses body measurement
data to design everything from cockpits to coveralls.
Proper fit is critical to the effectiveness of protective gear, such as chemical suits, firefighting harnesses and
masks, and helmets. But it is also important in a uniform, both in terms of appearance and comfort. And the data the
Navy uses to set sizes has become obsolete. Its been more than 20 years since the Navy has measured its
personnel, and the men and women of the force have physically changed in that time, said Capt. Robert Gantt,
deputy commander for uniform programs at Navy Exchange Service Command. "U.S. Navy body dimensions were
last measured in 1997 for males and 1988 for females. The Navy Exchange uses the data to create the sizes and
patterns for all the uniforms in a sailors seabag. But with the Navys data 30-40 years out of date, in some cases,
they needed new data to create new patterns, Gantt said.
87

A comprehensive study that would provide all new data on sailors' sizes and shapes would have cost many
millions of dollars a tough sell in such fiscally constrained times. Instead, Navy officials turned to the Army,
which between 2007 and 2012 measured more than 13,000 male and female soldiers, taking 94 different
measurements of each subject. That created a database of over 2 million data points, according to Gantt. We were
hoping that wed be able to use their data instead of having to do a full-size study of our own, Gantt said. But first
we needed to correlate their data and conclusions to the people in the Navy.
To validate the Armys data, we needed to measure a demographically valid and statistically balanced cross
section of the Navy," he said. Those measurements took place between October 2014 and June 2015. The
exchanges uniform experts, with the help of the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility in Natick,
Massachusetts, measured 3,371 sailors 2,360 men and 1,011 women at seven different commands around the
Norfolk fleet concentration area. That was actually way more than we needed for a statistically valid sample,
Gantt said. We also only took 25 different measurements of each subject; the Army did 94 different dimensions of
each. The bottom line is that sailors, like soldiers, have typically increased in size since the late '80s and '90s.
The Armys study, published in 2012, concluded that soldiers were no taller than before, but were wider and
heavier than in 1988, when the Army had last done a soldier-size study. On average, male soldiers were only .016
inch taller but 15.4 pounds heavier. Chest circumference increased by 2.65 inches, waist circumference by 3.09
inches and buttock circumference by 1.41 inches. Shoulder breadth was 0.73 inches wider. Female soldiers, on
average, are actually .035 inches shorter now than they were 25 years ago, but 12.6 pounds heavier. Female chest
circumference increased 1.56 inches, waist circumference by 2.7 inches larger and buttock circumference by 2.14
inches. Shoulder breadth for women increased by 0.69 inches. A comparative analysis of the Navy and Army's
anthropometric data and the Army data showed that a correlation does exist between the two populations. This
means Navy anthropometric data collected in 2014-15 can be used to supplement the more extensive Army database,
which in turn can be used to update the sizing of Navy uniforms.
But the data shows what Gantt suspected all along, Navy uniform dimensions need to change. That may mean the
Navy needs more uniforms in bigger sizes, but more importantly, in any given size, the relationships between waist,
hips, buttocks, shoulders and other uniform dimensions will likely need to change. That will take a few years. First,
all the master patterns for each of the Navys uniforms will be updated to reflect the new data, Gantt said, but thats
expected to happen gradually, not all at once. . This will eventually lead to updated sizing patterns for uniforms,
organizational clothing and personal protective equipment, he said. This will improve fit, appearance and comfort
for sailors. As these are updated, sample uniforms of all the new sizes will be produced, and sailors will again be
called for a fit test to see how these uniforms look and feel on actual sailors.
Whichever uniforms are selected to validate the new master patterns, they will likely be the first uniforms to
adopt the improved sizing and patterns this will likely take place within the next several years, Gantt said Other
uniforms would likely be modified with the new sizing data and patterns in a methodical and incremental fashion as
determined by Navy leadership. [Source: Navy Times | Mark D. Faram | February 6, 2016 ++]
********************************

Detect

DARPA Photon Detection Project

In an effort to improve sensors that rely on detecting light, DARPA has embarked on a photon hunt. The agency's
Fundamental Limits of Photon Detection, or Detect, project is focusing on better methods of detecting photons. The
goal of the Detect program is to determine how precisely we can spot individual photons and whether we can
maximize key characteristics of photon detectors simultaneously in a single system, said DARPA program manager
Prem Kumar in an agency news release. This is a fundamental research effort, but answers to these questions could
radically change light detection as we know it and vastly improve the many tools and avenues of discovery that
today rely on light detection.
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Light detection is used in many applications, including lidar, photography and communications. "But even the
most advanced detectors of photonsthe massless, ghostlike packets of energy that are the fundamental units of
lightare imperfect, limiting their effectiveness. Scientists suspect that the performance of light-based applications
could improve by orders of magnitude if they could get beyond conventional photon detector designsperhaps even
to the point of being able to identify each and every photon relevant to a given application. Current photon detectors,
such as semiconductor detectors, superconductor detectors, and biological detectors have various strengths and
weaknesses as measured against eight technical metrics, including what physicists refer to as timing jitter; dark
count; maximum rate; bandwidth; efficiency; photon-number resolution; operating temperature; and array size,"
DARPA said. "There is currently no single detector that simultaneously excels at all eight characteristics. The fully
quantum model developed and tested in Detect will help determine the potential for creating such a device."
This means developing quantum models of photon detection, but advances in quantum information sciences have
made this easier. Detect will also tap into quantum measurement theory and experimentation, quantum information
science and technology, semiconductor physics, superconductor physics, biological physics and quantum biology,
quantum-limited amplification, device and system design and engineering. [Source: C4ISR & Networks | Michael
Peck | January 21, 2016 ++]
********************************

F-35 Fighter Jet

500+ to be Built Before Combat Test Ready

Tests of how Lockheed Martin Corp.s F-35 will perform in combat wont begin until at least August 2018, a year
later than planned, and more than 500 of the fighter jets may be built before the assessment is complete, according to
the Pentagons test office. These aircraft will require a still-to-be-determined list of modifications to be fully
capable, Michael Gilmore, the U.S. Defense Departments top weapons tester, said in his annual report on major
programs. However, these modifications may be unaffordable for the services as they consider the cost of
upgrading these early lots of aircraft while the program continues to increase production rates in a fiscally
constrained environment.

The Defense Department plans a fleet of 2,443 F-35s for the U.S., plus hundreds more to be purchased by allies,
including the U.K., Italy, Australia and Japan. The costliest U.S. weapons program, at a projected $391 billion, the
F-35 is being produced even as its still being developed, a strategy a top Pentagon official once called acquisition
malpractice. Despite the planes many problems, F-35 production rates have been allowed to steadily increase to
large rates, Gilmore said in his annual report to congressional defense committees. The Pentagon wants to increase
the number of F-35s purchased for the U.S. to 92 annually by 2020 from 38 last year. The number jumps to 120 a
year when foreign sales are included. For this year, Congress added 11 aircraft to the 57 requested. Marillyn
Hewson, Lockheeds chairman and chief executive officer, told analysts on a 26 JAN earnings call that the company
expects to increase F-35 deliveries to about 100 in 2018 from 45 last year.
Gilmore, whose full weapons report will be posted on his offices website on 1 FEB, said the delay in testing
stems from flaws in the 3F software that gives the F-35 its full combat capability. Testing of the software isnt
89

likely to be completed until at least January 2018, or 15 months behind the October 2016 date set when the program
was reorganized in 2012, he said. The F-35 is a flying computer, with more than 8 million lines of software code.
Joe DellaVedova, spokesman for the Defense Departments F-35 office, said in an e-mail that the program
continues to aggressively execute development and testing of Block 3F capabilities with the objective of
delivering them about mid-September 2017. He said the program office doesnt intend to take any shortcuts.
The F-35s $55 billion development phase is evaluating how well aircraft and systems meet contract
specifications and military requirements. Combat testing, which takes at least a year, puts all the pieces together to
stress the aircraft in realistic war-fighting scenarios -- such as how well a four-jet formation detects and shares data
about sophisticated Russian or Chinese air defenses during realistic mock missions. [Source: Bloomberg.com |
Anthony Capaccio | January 29, 2015 ++]
********************************

Military Retirement System Update 22

Big Decision for Many Troops

Hundreds of thousands of service members face a critical decision during the next year that could have a huge
impact on their future financial security: Whether to opt into the new military retirement system or stick with the
traditional one. Signed into law in November, the new retirement benefit will mean smaller pension checks but
include cash contributions to the individual investment accounts of all troops. It's the biggest change in decades for
military compensation. For the first time, the military will offer some limited retirement benefit, similar to 401(k)
contributions, to troops who separate before reaching 20 years of service. Historically those non-career service
members more than 80 percent of the force received no retirement benefit.
Officially the new retirement system takes effect Jan. 1, 2018. After that, all troops coming out of boot camp will
be automatically enrolled in the new benefit as the traditional pension plan is phased out. Yet for todays troops, and
anyone who joins during the next two years, the new law includes a grandfather clause that will allow them to
choose to remain under the traditional all-or-nothing retirement system. The Defense Department plans to roll out a
forcewide education program later this year to give troops the details on the new benefits and also provide financial
literacy training to help them make key decisions like how much personal basic pay to allocate to retirement savings
accounts and where to invest it.
Despite years of skepticism, the new benefit looks like a potentially good deal for many of todays younger
troops and the Pentagon expects thousands of service members to voluntarily waive their right to stick with the
traditional system. Theres an immediate incentive: Troops who opt in will begin receiving matching contributions
ranging from 1 percent to 5 percent of monthly basic pay into their portable individual investment account that
they own outright after just two years of service. The new system caps years of heated debate over the future of
military retirement. And the final outcome is vastly different from the initial proposals that would have eliminated
the fixed-income pension entirely and gutted the real value of the benefit. Those proposals sparked outrage and were
ultimately rejected by the Pentagon as a major risk to retention and readiness.
In fact, the new system does not really save much money for the Defense Department. Most of the reduced
spending on smaller pensions will be offset by the cash contributions for the vast majority of the rank-and-file force.
Its an incredibly generous deal, said Mackenzie Eaglen, a military personnel expert at the American Enterprise
Institute. By and large this is the establishment of a generous new benefit for a wide swath of people who were
never going to get it in the past, she said. Offering a side-by-side comparison of the two retirement systems is
difficult because it hinges on big variables, such as future stock market returns and the extent to which individual
service members contribute their own pre-tax money to their retirement account and are in turn able to draw on the
matching government contributions. Troops who entered military service before 2006 are not eligible for opting into
the new system and, generally speaking, for those troops who have already clocked many years in uniform and are

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well on their way to reaching the 20-year retirement threshold, the new system is not very attractive because they
have far fewer years to accrue monthly cash contributions and let those grow over time.
Yet for troops who are early in their careers, especially the several hundred thousand who are first-term enlistees
or junior officers, the question is more complex, experts say. This decision likely will depend on service members
answers to several questions. First, and most importantly, what is the likelihood that the service member will make
the military a career and stay at least 20 years? said Jim Grefer, a military personnel expert at the Center for Naval
Analyses. Service members who are unlikely to stay to 20 years of service clearly would be better off under the
new system, he said. For individuals who strongly believe they will remain in uniform for 20-plus years, exercising
the grandfather clause and staying with the traditional benefit package might make more sense, he said. They should
focus on several key questions: Are they willing to sacrifice current spendable income by making contributions to
their TSPs from their own pockets? And, are they willing to accept the market risk inherent in TSP-type retirement
accounts? Grefer said. If the answers are no, then they likely should stay in the current retirement system, he
said. Here are the details:

Under the new retirement system, military pensions will shrink by 20 percent, but otherwise will function
the same as the current system, with the pension earned after 20 years of active-duty service and checks
payable immediately upon separation.
Troops will receive a continuation pay upon reaching 12 years of service if they agree to a new four-year
service agreement. Continuation pay will vary by career field but will be at minimum equal to 2.5 months
of basic pay. These funds will be paid as cash, so service members can spend it or invest it as they
wish.
The Defense Department will create an individual investment account, known as a Thrift Savings Plan, for
all recruits showing up at boot camp. Troops will automatically receive monthly deposits equal to 1 percent
of their basic pay. They can select an investment fund and hope to accumulate market gains and interest
over time as financial markets grow.
Ownership of the TSP accounts will be handed off to the individual troops after reaching two years of
service. Troops will be given incentives to contribute their own money to the retirement account.
Specifically, the Defense Department will offer a dollar-for-dollar match to individual contributions up to
an additional 3 percent of pre-tax basic pay.
For troops opting to contribute 3 percent of basic pay, the Pentagon will contribute 4 percent, which would
be the initial 1 percent automatic contribution plus a 3 percent match. That means troops contributing 3
percent would sock away monthly pre-tax contributions equal to 7 percent of basic pay.
Additionally he Defense Department will match at 50 cents on the dollar troop contributions beyond 3
percent, up to 5 percent. So to receive the maximum possible retirement benefit, troops should contribute 5
percent of their own basic pay and receive a 5 percent matching contribution from the government. Troops
are permitted to contribute more of their own money, but the government match is capped at 5 percent.
For those contributing to a TSP, there is the added benefit of reducing their taxable income. However,
because the TSP offers investment funds, not specific stocks, standard maintenance fees apply, and they
will vary from fund to fund.
Money deposited into a TSP is generally subject to a 10 percent penalty if withdrawn before the owner
reaches age 59. Taxes are deferred on contributions, payable upon withdrawal of funds.

Deadline. It all kicks off Jan. 1, 2018. That's when the Defense Department will begin distributing monthly
retirement account contributions to recruits arriving at boot camp as well as to troops already in the ranks who opt
into the new system. Opting in will require signing some basic paperwork. Those troops who joined the military
before January 2018 will automatically remain under the current system unless they seek the authorization forms for
opting in. Current plans call for giving current troops a 12-month window for opting in, so the last chance to sign up
to participate in the new benefit will be late December 2018.
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Old bonuses. The law that fundamentally changes the retirement benefit is intended to dovetail with the
longstanding system of special and incentive pays. Re-enlistment bonuses for specific career fields, combat pays and
special incentives for high-demand skills such as proficiency in foreign languages or medical specialties will
continue to be a key device for the services to retain talent and shape the force. The new system isnt meant to
dislodge the existing S & I pays, said James Hosek, a military personnel expert with the Rand Corp. whose
research contributed to the development of the new retirement system. Despite the pensions reduction, its total
value will continue to serve as an incentive for midcareer service members to stay in uniform. The retirement
benefit at 20 years of service is still substantial. Its still a major draw, Hosek said.
Lump sum. Among the biggest changes to the retirement benefit is a new option for troops leaving after 20 years
of service to receive part of their pension benefit in the form of a lump sum cash payout. Retiring service members
will have the option of receiving their retirement benefit in the traditional form of monthly pension checks. Or, they
can opt to receive 25 percent or 50 percent of that benefit in a cash payout upon separation in exchange for future
years of reduced pension payments. (The lump-sum option reduces monthly pension checks only through the
traditional retirement age, typically age 67, at which time all retirees will receive the full monthly pension benefit).
The lump-sum option in some ways will resemble todays Redux retirement option, in which troops can receive a
$30,000 cash payment in exchange for reduced lifetime pensions. In most cases, the lump-sum payout will, after
taxes, be worth less than $100,000. Yet the precise amount of the lump-sum payments remains unclear. They wont
be calculated by simply adding up the face value of pension payments. Rather, the calculations can rest upon a
"discount rate," a device that financial professionals use to measure the current value of future payments.
Discount rates assume money today is more valuable than money tomorrow akin to reverse interest rates,
shaving money from the current value of a future benefit. The higher the discount rate applied, the lower the value
of the lump sum payment today. The law Congress passed leaves the details up to the Pentagon, which will face a
big decision to make in setting that discount rate, one that will add or cut hundreds of thousands of dollars from
individual troops' lump-sum options. That is going to be the largest point of contention. Its rife with missteps,
said one defense official. A key question is whether different service members will be offered different rates. Studies
show enlisted troops are more eager to get money up front and therefore will accept a much bigger hit from the
discount rate. But does that mean the DoD will take advantage of that and offer a better discount rate to officers? If,
hypothetically, studies show that the grunts in the combat arms career fields are willing to take the lump sum with
a higher discount rate, will the Pentagon use that to craft the formal retirement benefits program and offer those
troops smaller lump-sum retirement payouts? Do you split it by age? By pay grade By MOS? the official said.
Critics of the lump-sum payout plan compare it to pay-day lenders and say it exploits individuals desire to
have cash now at the expense of long-term financial benefit. An independent panel on military compensation
initially floated the idea in a report to Congress in January 2015. The panel suggested it was a good option for
retiring troops who want to buy a home, start a business or help send a child to college. Last year the Defense
Department officially opposed the idea of a lump-sum cash payout, saying it was not a good deal for troops in most
scenarios. The idea was first floated by the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission in a
report to Congress last year. Defense Department officials can kick that can down the road for a few years because
its unlikely that anyone will be completing their career and actually retiring under the new system for at least
another 10 years. Some defense officials are quietly hoping that Congress will revisit the new retirement law and
eliminate that piece of the benefit package before any troops have an opportunity to exercise it. If we can get rid of
it at some point it would be ideal, the defense official said.
-o-o-O-o-oTroops who opt into the new retirement system will face an array of new variables and decisions. What are the
best investment fund options for a TSP account? How will financial markets impact the growth of retirement
accounts? How much will the 12-year continuation pay actually be? Is the lump-sum option worth considering? It
can be very complicated. But it can also come down to some very simple decisions, like contributions, said Beth
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Asch, a personnel expert with RAND. There are certain rules of thumb," she said. "Like if there is a match, do it."
[Source: Military Times | Andrew Tilghman | February 8, 2016++]
********************************

USMC Tuition Aid Update 02

College 101 Course Replaced by HEP

Marines applying for tuition assistance for the first time must now take a new introductory online course. Effective
immediately, completion of the Higher Education Preparation course is mandatory for approval to the program and
replaces the previous College 101 requirement at all installations, according to Marine administrative message
040/16. The online course is intended to streamline information across the force, said Daryl Patrick, education
program manager for Marine and Family Programs Division. It basically provides [Marines] information on
choosing and applying to an institution to help them meet their goals, and also provides them a basic understanding
of their tuition assistance usage and what other avenues they can take, he said.
Marines can access the new course on their own time with their common access card via the military's Joint
Knowledge Online website. The hour long course is broken into multiple modules, including education, available
scholarships, academic expectations and setting individual goals. After each topic, [Marines] have a test they
complete, so its not something you can skip through, Patrick said. Its something you have to go through,
complete each topic and complete the test before you get a certificate at the end. Marines present the course
completion certificate to their education service officer, who then enters it into the Navy College Management
Information System. This opens the door for Marines to potentially access thousands of dollars in tuition assistance
to begin their academic career. Were always looking for something thats good, thats not going to hinder Marines;
something to make it easier for them to start their careers, Patrick said. It gives them a taste of education before
they get out there to pursue their education.
Before the HEP course was introduced, Marines were required to take the College 101 course, which basically
explained what tuition assistance is and how to apply for it, Patrick said. The problem was [College 101] wasnt
consistent across the board, he said. Each base was doing their own classes. The new HEP course, however,
provides more information and specific guidance tailored to each Marines individual goals. Young Marines often
dont know how to take advantage of the tuition assistance program or what their goals are; the new course points
them in the right direction, Patrick said. Its not a different or additional requirement, he said. Its replacing a
prior requirement, so theres no additional work. [Source: Marine Corps Times | Matthew L. Schehl | February 9,
2016 ++]
********************************

Arsenal Planes

Solution to USAF Jet Fighter Gap

The U.S. Air Force is short hundreds of fighter jets. To make up the gap, the Pentagon has come up with a wild
concept: stuff hundreds of missiles into Cold War-era heavy bombers. The next time Americas high-tech jet fighters
fly into battle against a major foe, they might have some serious backupheavy bombers, newly modified to haul
potentially hundreds of missiles and fire them at the fighters command. The upgraded bombers have picked up a
cool new name: arsenal planes. Thats right, the next global air war could involve the U.S. military newest,
smallest warplanesits fifth-generation stealth fightersworking in teams with the militarys Cold War-era
heavy bombers, its oldest and largest warplanes.

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Its an unprecedented and seemingly unlikely combination born of budgetary and strategic desperation. But for
all its counter-intuitiveness, the fighter-bomber pairingwhich could bring to bear overwhelming firepowermight
be just the thing that the U.S. Air Force needs to stay ahead of the rapidly-modernizing Russian and Chinese air
arms. You see, the Pentagon is short hundreds of fighter planes. And in the most likely air-war scenarios over
Eastern Europe or the Western Pacific, Russian or Chinese fighters would outnumber American planes, placing the
U.S. pilots with their lightly-armed aircraft at a major disadvantage.
Enter the arsenal planes. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter revealed the bomber-fighter teaming concept in a 2
FEB speech in Washington, D.C. previewing the Pentagons budget proposal for 2017. The arsenal-plane concept,
Carter said, takes one of our oldest aircraft platform and turns it into a flying launchpad for all sorts of different
conventional payloads. In practice, Carter continued, the arsenal plane will function as a very large airborne
magazine, networked to fifth generation aircraft that act as forward sensor and targeting nodes, essentially
combining different systems already in our inventory to create whole new capabilities. Carter left vague the identity
of the arsenal-plane platform, but a Pentagon official confirmed to Aviation Week, a trade magazine, that it could
be the eight-engine B-52 bomber, built in the 1960s, or the 1980s-vintage, swing-wing B-1 bomberor both.
In the arsenal plane concept, fast stealth fighters including twin-engine F-22s and smaller, single-engine F-35s
would fly into battle in their hardest-to-detect configuration, keeping their weapons tucked inside internal weapons
bays in order to minimize reflectivity on radar. When they spot a target, they would dial up a munition from a muchslower bomber flying a safe distance from the aerial front line. Theres a logic to this proposed teamwork. Loading
weapons strictly internally limits how many the fighter can carry. The F-22s standard loadout is four air-to-air
missiles and two 1,000-pound bombs. The F-35 can haul just two air-to-air missiles and two 2,000-pound bombs
internally. By contrast, many Russian and Chinese fighters, while not stealthy, routinely carry 10 or more missiles
and bombs under their fuselages and wings. And owing to the Pentagons budget-driven decision to end F-22
production in 2012 after Lockheed Martin had built just 195 copieshalf what the Air Force said it neededplus
repeated delays and cost overruns on Lockheeds F-35 development, the Pentagon doesnt have nearly the number of
dogfighters it originally counted on.
Carters arsenal plane is a Band-Aid on this wound. But as far as Band-Aids go, it could be a pretty effective one.
Since the F-22s and F-35s would fly ahead, evading detection while spotting targets, the B-52s and B-1s wouldnt
need to be stealthy. All they would need to do is carry lots of weapons ... and launch them when the fighter pilots say
so. That scheme plays to the bombers strengths. A B-52 or B-1the Air Force possesses more than 130 of the
bomberscan carry no less than 35 tons of munitions, nearly 10 times the F-22 and F-35s internal payloads. But
theres a problem. The Pentagons Strategic Capabilities Office, which Carter established while serving as deputy
defense secretary in 2012 and which is developing the arsenal-plane concept, hasnt said exactly how the fighters
and bombers would combine their efforts.
Generally speaking, a warplane detects a target with its sensors and a router-like digital bus inside the plane
codes the targets location in the computer brain of the planes own munition. The pilot launches the weapon and it
streaks toward the target it just memorized. The process requires a hard-wired connection. But the arsenal plane
wouldnt have any such connection. Its communication with the stealth fighters would be strictly remotea subtle,
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coded radio signal that the military calls a datalink. The technology that is needed for one aircraft to feed another
aircraft the type of information required for an accurate firing solution is difficult, Brian Laslie, an Air Force
historian and author of The Air Force Way of War, told The Daily Beast via email.
However, Dave Deptulaa retired Air Force general who oversaw bomber operations during the 2001 U.S.
invasion of Afghanistanpraised the arsenal-plane idea in an email to The Daily Beast. What we previously
labeled as bombers can play dramatically broader roles than they ever did in the past, Deptula wrote. To capture
this potential, however, requires innovative thought, and shedding anachronistic concepts that aircraft can only
perform singular functions and missions. And Deptula insisted the technical hurdles are surmountable. Today we
can incorporate sensors, processing capacity and avionics in a single aircraft at an affordable cost to an
unprecedented degree. Laslie urged caution. This is a little unusual and something (almost) entirely new, he
wrote about the arsenal plane. But with too few fighters carrying too few weaponsand rapidly-arming foesthe
Pentagon seems willing to risk something unusual and new. Slow, decidedly non-stealthy heavy bombers backing up
speedy stealthy fighters a fraction their size. [Source: The Daily Beast | John Ash | February 9, 2016 ++]
********************************

Military Enlistment Standards 2015 Update 13

Miscellaneous Provisions

In general, the following additional conditions will render one ineligible for enlistment, and waivers will not
normally be granted:
1. Intoxicated or under influence of alcohol or drugs at time of application, or at any stage of processing for
enlistment.
2. Having history of psychotic disorders or state of insanity.
3. Questionable moral character.
4. Alcoholism.
5. Drug dependence.
6. Sexual perversion.
7. History of antisocial behavior.
8. History of frequent or chronic venereal disease.
9. Previously separated for unfitness, unsuitability, unsatisfactory performance, misconduct or bar to reenlistment,
with 18 or more years of active Federal service completed.
10. Military retirees (can be waived in some cases).
11. Persons unable to present written evidence (official documents) of prior service claimed, until such service has
been verified.
12. Persons whose enlistment are not clearly consistent with interests of national security.
13. Last discharged or separated from a component of a U.S. Armed Force, with an other than honorable or general
administrative discharge.
14. Criminal or juvenile court charges filed or pending against them by civil authorities.
15. Persons under civil restraint, such as confinement, parole, or probation.
16. Subject of initial civil court conviction or adverse disposition for more than one felony offense.
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17. Civil conviction of a felony with any one of the following:

Three or more offenses (convictions or other adverse dispositions) other than traffic.
Applicants with juvenile felony offenses who have had no offenses within five years of application for
enlistment may be considered for a waiver in meritorious cases.
18. Subject of initial civil court conviction or other adverse dispositions for sale, distribution, or trafficking
(including "Intent To:) of cannabis (marijuana), or any other controlled substance.
19. Prior Service with a RE-Code of "4." (Note: The Army will sometimes waive a re-enlistment eligibility code of
"4" when that code was issued by another service, and the individual's discharge characterization is
"uncharacterized," or "honorable."
20. Persons with a Bad Conduct or Dishonorable punitive (court-martial) discharge.
21. Persons with prior service last discharged from any component of the Armed Forces for drug or alcohol abuse,
or as rehab failure during their last period of service.
22. Three or more convictions or other adverse dispositions for driving while intoxicated, drugged, or impaired in
the 5 years preceding application for enlistment.
23. Confirmed positive drug test at MEPS. (Note: The Navy, Marine Corps, and Army may waive this, after a
waiting period. The Coast Guard and Air Force never waive this).
24. Persons with convictions or other adverse dispositions for five or more misdemeanors preceding application for
enlistment.
25. Alien without lawful admittance or legal residence in the United States.
26. Permanently retired by reason of physical disability.
27. Individuals receiving disability compensation from the VA (may be waived in some cases, as long as the
member agrees to give up the disability compensation).
28. Officers removed from active or inactive service by reason of having attained maximum age or service.
29. Discharged by reason of conscientious objection.
[Source: About.com Newsletter | Rod Powers | June 02, 2015 ++]
********************************

Medal of Honor Citations

Hooper~Joe R | VN

The President of the United States in the name of The Congress

takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
To

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Joe R. Hooper
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company D, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry, 101st
Airborne Division
Place and date: Near Hue, Republic of Vietnam, 21 February 1968
Entered service: May 1960
Born: Piedmont, South Carolina August 8, 1938

Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Staff
Sergeant (then Sgt.) Hooper, U.S. Army, distinguished himself while serving as squad leader with Company D.
Company D was assaulting a heavily defended enemy position along a river bank when it encountered a withering
hail of fire from rockets, machine guns and automatic weapons. S/Sgt. Hooper rallied several men and stormed
across the river, overrunning several bunkers on the opposite shore. Thus inspired, the rest of the company moved to
the attack. With utter disregard for his own safety, he moved out under the intense fire again and pulled back the
wounded, moving them to safety. During this act S/Sgt. Hooper was seriously wounded, but he refused medical aid
and returned to his men. With the relentless enemy fire disrupting the attack, he single-handedly stormed 3 enemy
bunkers, destroying them with hand grenade and rifle fire, and shot 2 enemy soldiers who had attacked and wounded
the Chaplain. Leading his men forward in a sweep of the area, S/Sgt. Hooper destroyed 3 buildings housing enemy
riflemen. At this point he was attacked by a North Vietnamese officer whom he fatally wounded with his bayonet.
Finding his men under heavy fire from a house to the front, he proceeded alone to the building, killing its occupants
with rifle fire and grenades. By now his initial body wound had been compounded by grenade fragments, yet despite
the multiple wounds and loss of blood, he continued to lead his men against the intense enemy fire. As his squad
reached the final line of enemy resistance, it received devastating fire from 4 bunkers in line on its left flank. S/Sgt.
Hooper gathered several hand grenades and raced down a small trench which ran the length of the bunker line,
tossing grenades into each bunker as he passed by, killing all but 2 of the occupants. With these positions destroyed,
he concentrated on the last bunkers facing his men, destroying the first with an incendiary grenade and neutralizing
2 more by rifle fire. He then raced across an open field, still under enemy fire, to rescue a wounded man who was
trapped in a trench. Upon reaching the man, he was faced by an armed enemy soldier whom he killed with a pistol.
Moving his comrade to safety and returning to his men, he neutralized the final pocket of enemy resistance by
fatally wounding 3 North Vietnamese officers with rifle fire. S/Sgt. Hooper then established a final line and
reorganized his men, not accepting treatment until this was accomplished and not consenting to evacuation until the
following morning. His supreme valor, inspiring leadership and heroic self-sacrifice were directly responsible for the
company's success and provided a lasting example in personal courage for every man on the field. S/Sgt. Hooper's
actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and
the U.S. Army.

Hooper enlisted in the United States Army in May 1960 as a private first class, and attended Basic Training at
Fort Ord, California. After graduation, he volunteered for Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia and then was
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assigned to Company C, 1st Airborne Battle Group, 325th Infantry, 82 nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North
Carolina and was promoted to corporal during his assignment. He then served a tour of duty in South Korea with the
20th Infantry in October 1961 and shortly after arriving he was promoted to sergeant and was made an infantry
company platoon squad leader. He left Korea in November 1963 and was assigned to the 2 nd Armored Division at
Fort Hood, Texas for a year as a squad leader and then became a squad leader with Company D, 2nd Battalion
(Airborne), 502nd Infantry, 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was promoted to staff sergeant
in September 1966 and volunteered for service in South Vietnam. Instead he was assigned as infantry company
platoon sergeant in Panama with the 3rd Battalion (Airborne), 508 th Infantry, first with HQ Company and later with
Company B.
Hooper couldnt stay out of trouble and suffered several Article 15 hearings, being reduced to the rank of
corporal in July 1967. He was promoted once again to sergeant in October 1967, and was assigned to Company D,
2nd Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell and deployed with the division to
Vietnam in December as a squad leader. During his tour of duty with Delta Company, 2 nd Battalion (Airborne), 501st
Airborne Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, he was recommended for the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on
February 21, 1968 outside of Hue.
He returned from Vietnam and was discharged in June 1968. He reenlisted in the Army the following September,
and served as a public relations specialist. On March 7, 1969, he was presented the Medal of Honor by President
Richard Nixon during a ceremony in the White House. From July 1969 to August 1970, he served as a platoon
sergeant with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Infantry in Panama. He managed to finagle a second tour in Vietnam; from April
to June 1970, he served as a pathfinder with the 101 st Aviation Group, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), and from
June to December 1970, he served as a platoon sergeant with Company A, 2 nd Battalion, 327thInfantry, 101st Airborne
Division (Airmobile). In December 1970, he received a direct commission to second lieutenant and served as a
platoon leader with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) until April 1971.
Upon his return to the United States, he attended the Infantry Officer Basic Course at Fort Benning and was then
assigned as an instructor at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Despite wanting to serve twenty years in the Army, Hooper was
made to retire in February 1974 as a first lieutenant, mainly because he had a GED, and took only a handful of
college courses. As soon as he was released from active duty, he joined a unit of the Army Reserve's 12 th Special
Forces Group (Airborne) in Washington state, as a Company Executive Officer. In February 1976, he transferred to
the 104th Division (Training), also based in Washington. He was promoted to captain in March 1977. He attended
drills only intermittently and was separated from the service in September 1978.
For his service in Vietnam, the U.S. Army also awarded him: two Silver Stars, six Bronze Stars, eight Purple
Hearts, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Vietnam Service Medal with six campaign stars, and the Combat
Infantryman Badge. He is credited with 115 enemy killed in ground combat, 22 of which occurred on February 21,
1968. He became one of the most decorated soldiers in the Vietnam War, and was one of three soldiers who were
wounded in action eight times in the war. Rumors persist that he became distressed by the anti-war politics of the
time and took to excessive drinking which contributed to his death. He died of a cerebral hemorrhage in Louisville,
Kentucky on May 6, 1979, at the age of 40. Hooper is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Section 46, adjacent
to the Memorial Amphitheater.

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Medal of Honor
Silver Star (2)
Bronze Star (6) w/ "V" Device
Purple Heart (8)
Air Medal
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ Palm

[Source:
http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/vietnam-a-l.html#Hooper
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Hooper_(Medal_of_Honor) Feb 2016 ++]

and

* Military History *

Aviation Art 102

Lone Survivor

Lone Survivor
by Jack Fellows
At about 0830 during the initial attack on the various Pearl Harbor facilities targeted by the attacking Japanese, a
lone survivor of the devastation at the Ford Island seaplane hangars escaped the carnage and went on the hunt for the
Japanese Fleet. Patrol Squadron 23 pilot Lt. James Ogden, with a quickly-picked crew which included VP-23
99

commanding officer LCDR Massie Hughes, quickly launched PBY-5 #3 and headed at minimum altitude across the
Waipio Peninsula towards Barber's Point and the open sea. Their hair-raising escape from Ford Island was
successful and culminated in a twelve hour-long patrol, returning at about 2030 and making an uneventful landing in
pitch-black conditions at Pearl Island. [Source: http://www.aviationarthangar.com/avarthalosub.html
********************************

Military History Sites

Airplanes, Ships, Weapons, Aces & Pioneers

Military History buffs should find the following list of http://acepilots.com sites of interest:
Aviation Pioneers
World War I Aces
Hall of Fame of the Air
WW2 European Theater (ETO)
WW2 Pacific Theater (PTO)
WW2 US Marine Corps
WW2 US Navy Aces
WW2 Mediterranean (MTO)
WW2 German Aces
Korean War Aces
Russian Aces
Vietnam Era Aces
Airplanes
World War I Planes
1930's Aircraft photos
WW2 Fighters
WW2 Bombers
WW2 German Planes
WW2 Airplane Pictures
History of Airplanes blog
Nose Art
Postwar Jets
World War Two
WW2 Facts and Firsts
WW2 Medals
WW2 Museums
WW2 Pictures
WW2 Ships
WW2 Weapons
[Source: VFW Post 06756 | Leo Miller | February 4, 2016 ++]
********************************

Military History Anniversaries

15 thru 29 Feb

Significant events in U.S. Military History over the next 15 days are listed in the attachment to this Bulletin titled,
Military History Anniversaries 15 thru 29 Feb.

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********************************

Military History

Make Do and Mend

In 1941, Britain introduced clothes rationing to conserve materials and valuable resources for World War II troops.
The U.S. would follow later that year. Nylon stockings were some of the first products to go. Wallace Carothers
produced the first nylon fiber in 1935, but it was the 1939 World's Fair that first introduced the nylon stocking to the
public. It was marketed as a fabric made from carbon, water and air." Cheap and durable, better in appearance than
silk, nylon soon became the material of choice for manufacturing women's stockings. Nearly 4 million pairs could
be bought in a single day in 1939. Then, due to the war, valuable resources and labor were redirected away from
civilian production to provide equipment for the armed forces. In the U.S., nylon manufacturer DuPont retooled
factories to produce nylon parachutes, cords and rope, instead of stockings. Soon, a stockings black market
flourished.
Wartime propaganda machine instructed women not abandon standards of dress (this might be bad for morale).
"Make Do and Mend" became the motto. When mending old stockings failed, women actually painted dark stripes
up the backs of their legs to mimic stocking seams. Gravy browning was a popular paint. This wartime look was
termed "Glamor Hose." After the war, DuPont resumed production, but could not keep up with demand. In PIttsburg
40,000 women queued for 13,000 pairs of stockings. A fight broke out. These disturbances, spanning August 1945
until March 1946, when Dupont was able to increase production, were termed the Nylon Riots.

May 1940

July 1941

1944

May 1940 - A Max Factor beautician paints a seam on a woman's leg to help create the illusion of stockings
during a WWII shortage.
July 1941 - Customers have their legs painted at a store in Croydon, London, so they can save their ration
coupons, which would otherwise be used for stockings.
1944 - A woman painting the appearance of silk stockings onto another woman's legs. Very little silk was
available during WWII in the U.S.

Ill be happy when the nylons bloom again

Cotton is monotonous to men
Only way to keep affection fresh
Get some mesh for your flesh
Ill be happy when the nylons bloom again
George Marion, Jr. and Fats Waller, "When the Nylons Bloom Again", 1943
[Source: http://mashable.com/2015/05/18/nylon-stocking-shortage Jun 2015 ++]
********************************
101

D-Day

Third Reich Atlantic Wall

The Third Reich built the Atlantic Wall. These fortifications extending from the Spanish-French border to northern
Norway.

********************************

WWII Advertising

Chrysler Build for the Needs of Today

102

********************************

WWII Prewar Events

1938 Hitlers Personal Bodyguard

103

Hitlers personal bodyguards undergoing a drill inspection in Berlin, 1938

********************************

WWII PostWar Events

1946 Empress of Japan Catholic Orphanage Visit

The Empress of Japan visits a Catholic Orphanage staffed by Japanese Nuns for children who have lost their parents in
the war and air raids over Tokyo. The Empress inspected the grounds and paid a visit to the chapel. Children wave
Japanese flags to greet the Empress during her visit in Fujisawa in Tokyo, on April 13, 1946.

********************************

Spanish American War Images 84

Spanish Cruiser Reina Cristina Crew

104

Crew of the Spanish cruiser Reina Cristina in prayer before battle on April 24, 1898

********************************

WWI in Photos 137

Aerial View of Western Front ca. 1919

An aerial view of the Hellish moonscape of the Western Front during World War I. Hill of Combres, St.
Mihiel Sector, north of Hattonchatel and Vigneulles. Note the criss-cross patterns of multiple generations of
trenches, and the thousands of craters left by mortars, artillery, and the detonation of underground mines ca.
1919.
********************************

105

Battle of Okinawa

Wana Ridge Near the Town of Shuri

A U.S. Marine of the 1st Division takes aim and fires with his machine gun at a Japanese sniper as his comrade ducks for
cover, during the divisions advance to take Wana Ridge near the town of Shuri, on Okinawa, in 1945

********************************

Ghosts of Time

Then & Now Photos of WWII SITES (10)

* Health Care *
106

TRICARE Enrollment Fee

FY 2017 Budget Proposal

All retired service members would pay an annual TRICARE enrollment fee under a new, simplified version of the
militarys main health care program outlined in President Obamas fiscal 2017 budget. TRICARE would consist of
two options under the proposal, instead of the several different choices available to beneficiaries now. Enrollees
could choose a lower-cost plan called TRICARE Select, similar to an HMO, and centered on military treatment
facilities, or TRICARE Choice, a more expensive plan that would operate like a PPO. Retired enrollees in both plans
would pay participation fees, which is not the case now for beneficiaries with TRICARE Standard coverage, or
those military retirees age 65 or older who have TRICARE-for-Life. Enrollees who choose not to pay an annual
participation fee would forfeit their TRICARE coverage for that year under the White House proposal. The changes
would not affect active-duty service members.
The proposed participation fees for TRICARE Select beneficiaries in 2018, based on Defense estimates, would
be $350 for individuals and $700 for families. Under the Choice option, the Pentagon budget estimated $450 for the
individual fee, and $900 for families. Right now, for example, TRICARE Prime retirees pay $282.60 annually for
individual coverage, and $565.20 per year for family coverage through Sept. 30, 2016. Under the new system, copays would depend on which plan beneficiaries enrolled in, and where they obtained their prescription drugs.
Military treatment facilities would not charge co-pays. The fiscal 2017 budget also recommends creating an
enrollment fee for TRICARE-for-Life beneficiaries, which would be tied to retired recipients income a proposal
that has cropped up in previous Obama Defense budgets. Fees and drug co-payments would be indexed at the
National Health Expenditures per capita.
The Select/Choice options under the fiscal 2017 proposal are reminiscent of the Pentagons previous attempts to
streamline TRICARE, and save money by requiring beneficiaries to pay more for their health care. When TRICARE
took effect in 1996, a working age retirees costs were approximately 27 percent of the total health care price tag,
according to Defense. Today, the beneficiarys share is less than 9 percent. While health care costs have doubled or
tripled over this time frame, a familys out-of-pocket expenses, including enrollment fees, deductible and cost
shares, have grown by only 30 to 40 percent, the Defense budget said. Military pay and benefits, including
TRICARE costs, amount to 34 percent of the overall Defense base budget in fiscal 2016.
The Pentagon framed the changes as part of a larger reform effort to improve TRICARE while also reining in
costs. Simply revising the cost-sharing structure of TRICARE will not meet beneficiaries concerns or resolve
access to care issues, said the fiscal 2017 Defense budget. Instead, the department must commit to institutional
health care reform and implement targeted solutions to solve the variety of issues facing its beneficiaries. Congress
has resisted the Obama administrations more aggressive TRICARE proposals so far, opting instead for more modest
increases in TRICARE enrollment fees and prescription drug co-payments. But Defense is hoping that lawmakers
willingness to overhaul the military retirement system in 2015 will translate into more significant reforms to
TRICARE this budget season. For a more detailed look at the Pentagons TRICARE reform proposals, go to the
following FY2017 Budget Request Overview Book website and scroll down to the section Take Care of Our
People.
http://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/Documents/defbudget/fy2017/FY2017_Budget_Request_Overview_Book.pdf

107

NAUS Note: NAUS does not see the Presidents recommendations as the best way forward and will press Congress
to improve, protect and preserve access to world-class health care for those who wear and have worn the uniform
and who earned these benefits through service to country. NAUS is especially concerned with fees for TRICARE
Standard and TRICARE for Life, which are unprecedented. It appears that all these initial proposals are only a way
for DoD to get more money from those the benefits are supposed to help. Nowhere is there any mention of
improving the benefits as House and Senate Armed Services Committee Chairmen, Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX)
and Sen. John McCain, have said are part of their agenda.
[Source: GovExec.com | Kellie Lunney | February 9, 2016 ++]

********************************

TRICARE Autism Care Update 16

ABA Rate Change

Many TRICARE beneficiaries diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) receive Applied Behavior Analysis
(ABA) care under the Autism Care Demonstration. Beginning spring 2016, TRICARE reimbursement rates for ABA
providers under the Demonstration will change to become more consistent with national prevailing rates. The
current ABA reimbursement rates will be replaced with rates for each geographic location, similar to how all other
TRICARE rates are established.
TRICARE currently pays a single reimbursement rate to all ABA providers, adjusted to their level of education,
in the U.S., regardless of location. TRICARE established these rates more than eight years ago when there was no
data to determine what actual rates should be. Adjusting reimbursement rates by location and educational level is
standard practice for TRICARE and other health plans, said Mary Kaye Justis, director, TRICARE Health Plan at
the Defense Health Agency. Our highest priority was to establish rates that ensure our beneficiaries have access to
ABA therapy while being conscious of prevailing market indexes across the nation. TRICARE took several steps
to ensure access to care with new reimbursement rates. Efforts to monitor the existing ABA provider networks and
add additional providers where needed are ongoing. TRICARE commissioned two external studies to examine ABA
costs on a national level. This information allowed TRICARE to establish rates based on how other health plans,
including state Medicaid plans, pay ABA providers.
TRICARE continues to offer one of the most generous ABA benefits in the nation, said Justis. Families have
been passionate in their advocacy for children diagnosed with ASD and we want you to know that weve heard your
voices. TRICARE also recently changed ABA cost shares to be consistent with other cost shares under TRICARE
Prime and Standard. These changes resulted in a significant benefit improvement by applying the beneficiarys costshare for ABA services towards the annual TRICARE catastrophic cap, which limits the maximum out-of-pocket
expenses a family will pay per year for their medical care. [Source: Shift Colors | Navy Casualty Office | Winter-

Spring 2016 ++]

********************************
108

TRICARE Standard Claims Update 02

Submitting Your Own Claim

As a TRICARE Standard beneficiary, you may have to submit your own claims. When doing so, keep the following
in mind to help avoid late or denied payments. If you get care in the U.S., submit claims to the claims processor in
the region where you live, not where you got care. For care you get overseas or in the U.S. territories (American
Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), submit claims to the
TRICARE Overseas Program claims processor, regardless of your home region. In the United States and U.S.
territories, claims must be filed within one year from the date of service or date of inpatient discharge. Overseas,
claims must be filed within three years, and you must submit proof of payment. For more information, visit
www.tricare.mil/proofofpayment .
To file a claim, fill out a TRICARE DoD/CHAMPUS Medical ClaimPatients Request for Medical Payment
form (DD Form 2642). You can download DD Form 2642 at www.tricare.mil/claims or from your regional
contractors website. Beneficiaries age 18 or older, spouses, parents or guardians may sign the initial claim form.
Forms needed later to process a claim must be signed by the patient, or parent or guardian if the patient has not yet
reached age 18.
Items To Include. When filing a claim, attach a readable copy of the providers bill to the claim form, making
sure it contains the following:
Patients name
Sponsors Social Security number (SSN) or Department of Defense Benefits Number (DBN); eligible
former spouses should use their own SSN or DBN and not the sponsors
Providers name and address; if more than one providers name is on the bill, circle the name of the person
who provided the service for which the claim is filed
Date and place of each service
Description of each service or supply furnished
Charge for each service
Diagnosis; if the diagnosis is not on the bill, complete block 8a on the form
You may have to pay up front for services if you see a TRICARE-authorized non-network provider who chooses
not to accept TRICAREs payment as payment in full on the claim. In this case, TRICARE reimburses you for the
TRICARE-allowable charge, minus any amount toward your annual deductible and cost-shares. A deductible is the
amount you pay out of pocket before your health care benefit begins cost-sharing. A cost-share is the percentage of
the cost of care that you are responsible for paying when you visit a health care provider. You are responsible for the
annual deductible and cost-shares under TRICARE Standard.
Nonparticipating non-network providers may charge up to 15 percent above the TRICARE-allowable
charge in addition to your deductible and cost-shares. You are responsible for this cost. Visit
www.tricare.mil/costs for more information.
Outside the U.S. and U.S. territories, there may be no limit to the amount that nonparticipating non-network
providers may bill, and you are responsible for paying any amount that exceeds the TRICARE-allowable
charge. Visit www.tricare.mil/overseas for more information.
Remember, when you visit a TRICARE network provider, you are using TRICARE Extra (not available
overseas), and your provider files the claim for you. With TRICARE Extra, you also have lower out-of-pocket costs.
For additional claims information, visit www.tricare.mil/claims.
Regional Claims-Processing Information

109

TRICARE North Region - Send claims to: Health Net Federal Services, LLC, c/o PGBA, LLC/TRICARE, P.O.
Box 870140 Surfside Beach, SC 29587. Check the status of your claim at www.myTRICARE.com or
www.hnfs.com.
TRICARE South Region - Send claims to: TRICARE South Region, Claims Department, P.O. Box 7031, Camden,
SC 29021. Check the status of your claim at www.myTRICARE.com or http://humanamilitary.com.
TRICARE West Region - Send claims to: TRICARE West Region, Claims Department, Health Net Federal
Services, LLC, c/o PGBA, LLC/TRICARE, P.O. Box 870140 Surfside Beach, SC 29587.
TRICARE Overseas Region
Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) (all overseas areas) - Send claims to: TRICARE Active Duty Claims,
P.O. Box 7968, Madison, WI 53707 USA
Non-ADSMs Eurasia-Africa - Send claims to: TRICARE Overseas Program, P.O. Box 8976, Madison, WI 53708
USA
Non-ADSMs Latin America, Canada, and Pacific - Send claims to: TRICARE Overseas Program, P.O. Box 7985,
Madison, WI 53707 USA
[Source: TRICARE Standard Health Matters | Annual 2016 Pub ++]
********************************

TRICARE Cost Share 2016

Standard & Extra

You can use both TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra to get care. The option you use determines your out-ofpocket costs. The costs that follow are for care you get from civilian providers. These costs are for fiscal year (FY)
2016 (Oct. 1, 2015 thru Sept. 30, 2016), and may change each year on 1 OCT. You are required to meet an annual
deductible each FY for outpatient services before cost-sharing begins. For more information on costs, visit
www.tricare.mil/costs.
Active Duty Family Members (Costs for families of National Guard and Reserve members called or ordered to
active service for more than 30 consecutive days are the same as for active duty family members)
TRICARE Standard (Non-Network Provider) Outpatient: 20% of the allowable charge. Inpatient: $18
per day ($25 minimum charge)
TRICARE Extra (Network Provider) Outpatient: . 15% of the negotiated rate. Inpatient: $18 per day ($25
minimum charge)
Retired Service Members, Their Families and All Others
TRICARE Standard (Non-Network Provider) Outpatient: 25% of the allowable charge. Inpatient: $810
per day or 25% for institutional services, whichever is less, plus 25% for separately billed professional
charges.
TRICARE Extra (Network Provider) Outpatient: 20% of the negotiated rate. Inpatient: $250 per day or
25% for institutional services, whichever is less, plus 20% for separately billed professional
[Source: TRICARE Standard Health Matters | Annual 2016 Pub ++]
********************************

Infertility | Combat-Related

Testicle Replacement

When Marine Lance Cpl. Mark Fidler stepped on an IED in Afghanistan in 2011, his mother, Stacy, was vaulted into
the world of combat trauma recovery of amputations, soft tissue injury and countless surgeries as she
110

supported her son during recuperation at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.
During that time, Stacy Fidler also became an advocate for several causes: for blood donations, since Mark required
188 units in the first 48 hours after his injury; and for an unconsidered need among troops with severe pelvic injuries
fertility preservation. During a conference on combat-related infertility in late 2014, Stacy Fidler urged the U.S.
military to publicize sperm banking during pre-deployment briefs and adopt medical policies to harvest sperm
following a genitourinary injury, just as the United Kingdom does for its service members. This is difficult for a
mother to speak about, Stacy Fidler said. But these are young men who are not thinking about possibly losing the
ability to have children.
Nearly 1,400 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan experienced injuries to their pelvises and groins that make it
difficult or nearly impossible to have children without medical assistance. For some troops, existing fertility
treatments, such as sperm harvesting and in-vitro fertilization, can help. But for others who have lost function
completely or no longer have their reproductive organs, academic institutions, including Wake Forest Baptist
Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Johns Hopkins Military and Veterans Health Institute in
Baltimore, are stepping in to help. Their goal is to advance research that could restore sex, fertility and quality of life
to young men in the prime of their lives.

This is penile erectile tissue that has been removed of all cells. This is not the entire penis, but is a piece of tissue in the
penis that becomes erect when blood flows to it. This erectile tissue is the size that would be required for reconstructive
surgery in a child.

At Wake Forest, scientists are growing testicular tissue and penises in their laboratories and preparing to conduct
penis transplants. Injuries in our young, wounded warriors have definitely made additional investments possible in
the field of regenerative medicine and accelerated development of these technologies, said Dr. Anthony Atala,
director at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Among the projects gaining traction at Wake Forest
is an initiative to grow testicles from testicular stem cells taken from injured patients. Atala and colleagues have
grown microscopic testicles capable of producing testosterone and are working toward the next milestone: creating a
working testicle that can produce sperm. The idea, Atala said, is to be able to take a small piece of testicular tissue
from a patient immediately after an injury, or even before a person is placed in harm's way, and use the tissue as a
base to grow a new testicle if needed.
Atala said a sperm-producing testicle may still be a decade off, but it is a possibility, given that the Wake Forest
facility has grown bladders, urethras, livers, kidneys and vaginas in its lab. The one nice thing about testicles is you
need just one sperm. It only takes one sperm for the functionality to be realized, Atala said. Wake Forest already
has proved that growing a functional penis in a lab is possible, at least for animal models. In 2008, the team
engineered 12 rabbit penises, which they then grafted onto male rabbits with an aim to breed them with a female.
According to medical literature, all rabbits mated with the female, eight ejaculated and four produced offspring.
Atala admits that growing human penises is more of a challenge because they are larger and must last a human
lifetime. Atala has engineered at least a half dozen in the lab and continues to test their viability. But the institute has
received approval to conduct transplants on humans and is assessing potential patients, Atala added. We have the
approvals in place and are ready to go, Atala said.

111

The Wake Forest program is part of a team supporting the Armed Forces Institute for Regenerative Medicine and
has received more than $300 million since 2013 from the Defense Department to conduct research on tissue
regeneration and injury reconstruction. Most recently, it and other facilities involved in the Armed Forces Institute
for Regenerative Medicine were awarded a $75 million contract to continue their work in the field of skin
regeneration, limb function restoration, skull and facial reconstruction and transplants. [Source: Military Times |
Patricia Kime | January 31, 2016 ++]

* Finances *

VFW UnMet Needs Program

Vet Emergency Financial Assistance

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is accepting applications from active and discharged military service members
who have been deployed in the last six years and have run into unexpected financial difficulties as a result of
deployment or other military-related activity. Since the program's inception, Unmet Needs has distributed more than
$5 million in assistance to qualified military families, with nearly half of those funds going directly toward basic
housing needs. The Unmet Needs Program provides financial assistance of up to $5,000 to assist with basic life
needs in the form of a grant not a loan so no repayment is required. Eligible expenses include housing and
vehicle payments; utility and phone bills; food and incidentals; children's clothing, food, diapers, school, and
childcare; and medical bills, prescriptions, and eyeglasses. Each expense will be considered on a case-by-case basis,
and payments will be made directly to the recipients creditors.
The hardship must be the result of deployment, a military pay issue, or military-related illness or injury. It cannot
be due to civil legal or domestic issues, misconduct, or any issues that are a result of spousal separation or divorce,
financial mismanagement, or bankruptcy. The Unmet Needs Disaster Assistance program provides grants of up to
$500 to active service members and veterans who have been forced to vacate their primary residence due to a statedeclared natural disaster. The assistance does not apply to vehicle damage or vehicle insurance deductibles, and
applications must be received within thirty days of the disaster. To be eligible, the service member or veteran must
have been honorably discharged from the military within the past seventy-two months prior to applying. In addition,
the applicant must be the service member or eligible dependent listed under DEERS.
For more information, visit the VFW website @ http://www.vfw.org/UnmetNeeds . Questions? Contact Unmet
Needs at 1-866-789-6333/F 816-968-2779, by email at unmetneeds@vfw.org or check out the Frequently Asked
Question site http://www.vfw.org/uploadedFiles/VFWorg/MY_VFW/UnmetNeedsFAQ.pdf. [Source: VFW Whats
Happening | February 2, 2016 ++]
********************************

GI Bill Myths

Dont Miss Out Because of These Four

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Part of the original GI Bill of 1944, VA home loans mortgage loans guaranteed by the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) have soared since the housing crash. During a time of tight credit and tough lending, this
long-cherished program backed a record 631,151 loans in fiscal year 2015. VA loans arent just grabbing market
share theyre snagging headlines, too, from talk of their industry-low interest rates to their surprising safety. But
countless veterans and military families are still missing out, in part because of longstanding myths and
misconceptions. A perception of red tape and bureaucracy is something Department of Veterans Affairs officials
continue to combat. Mike Frueh, the head of the loan program, calls it the myth of my fathers VA. Its the myth
that the loan takes too long to get, its too cumbersome, its difficult, Frueh said. We can counter that through
education, and through constantly addressing our program to make it better. To that end, lets take a look at four
pervasive VA loan myths that can keep veterans from exploring their hard-earned home loan benefits.
Myth 1: You need perfect credit - This one is almost laughably wrong. VA loans were created to help level the
playing field for veterans and military members whove sacrificed for our country. More flexible and forgiving
credit guidelines are a key part of the benefit. While the VA doesnt require a certain credit score, the private lenders
ultimately making these loans certainly will. The good news is, many are looking for a minimum 620 FICO score to
qualify. Thats considered just Fair credit, a step below Good and two beneath Excellent. VA loans also
typically feature shorter waiting periods than conventional loans following negative credit events like a bankruptcy
or foreclosure.
Myth 2: VA loans cost more - These $0 down loans come with a host of big-time benefits that have made
homeownership possible for millions of veterans and service members who might otherwise be left on the sidelines.
They also dont inherently cost more than other loan types. The VA limits what lenders can charge in closing costs,
and these no-down-payment loans also come with no mortgage insurance. The latter can prove especially costly and
eat into a veterans buying power. Conventional buyers without a 20-percent down payment usually need to pay for
private mortgage insurance. FHA buyers face both upfront and annual mortgage insurance charges. Compared to
FHA, the VA estimates its 2015 buyers will save $44 billion in mortgage insurance costs over the life of their loans.
VA buyers do have to contend with an upfront funding fee, which can be paid in cash at closing or rolled on top
of the loan. The VA Funding Fee varies depending on your down payment, your service history and whether its
your first use of the benefit. For most first-time buyers, its 2.15 percent of the loan amount. Veterans who receive
compensation for a service-connected disability dont have to pay this fee.
Myth 3: VA loans take forever to close - VA loans have long fought a reputation for being slow and choked with
red tape. Some of that reflects old truths, but the program has become considerably more efficient over the past 15
years. Long a sore spot for buyers and real estate agents, VA appraisals now come back in under 10 business days on
average, which is on par with the other loan types, Frueh said. Wait times can be longer in more remote parts of the
country. Theres also little difference between VA and conventional loans in terms of getting to the finish line. The
average VA purchase in December closed in 51 days, which was a day longer than the typical conventional loan,
according to mortgage software provider Ellie Mae. VA loans also had a higher closing success rate than
conventional loans throughout all of 2015.
Myth 4: No down payment makes VA loans risky - This is one of the surprising and surprisingly neglected
stories of the housing recovery. These $0 down loans have had the lowest foreclosure rate of any mortgage on the
market for most of the past eight years, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association. That success is
partly due to the VAs common-sense guideline for discretionary income, which helps ensure buyers can weather
financial hiccups and stay current on their mortgage. But the VAs foreclosure prevention team deserves a lot of
credit, too. Foreclosure specialists get regular updates on each of the 2.5 million active VA loans, and they can reach
out to homeowners at the first sign of danger. The foreclosure team also encourages lenders and mortgage servicers
to offer foreclosure alternatives to borrowers in jeopardy. Those efforts helped more than 90,000 veterans avoid
foreclosure last year alone.
-o-o-O-o-o-

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Theres not many times that a government agency is leading the industry in something, and in something as
important as housing, Frueh said. I want our childrens VA to be better than it is today, and were doing everything
we can in our power to get there. [Source: Fox Business | Chris Birk | February 04, 201 ++]
********************************

IRS Data Breach Update 04

101,000 e-file PINs Disclosed

Identity thieves tricked an Internal Revenue Service system into issuing them PINs under the names of other
taxpayers so they could file for their victims' refunds, according to the tax agency. The so-called e-file PINs are
required to file federal returns electronically, if you are missing other acceptable types of identification such as your
adjusted gross income. The incident shows hackers are undeterred by stronger ID verification controls that
organizations from Twitter to the Justice Department have activated. On 9 FEB, the IRS disclosed that a "bot,"
essentially an automatic malicious program, entered Social Security numbers (stolen elsewhere) into the IRS system
that generates e-file PINs. The malware successfully obtained 101,000 PINs last month using this maneuver.
Whoever was behind the manipulation possessed a total of 464,000 stolen Social Security numbers but not all of
them worked in the system, according to the IRS.

Internal Revenue Service Commissioner John Koskinen

Agency officials said they have stopped the malicious usage of the system. But at a 10 FEB congressional
hearing, the Senate Finance Committee chairman questioned IRS Commissioner John Koskinen about whether the
hackers might still have access to the affected system. "How can the IRS be sure it has fully identified and
contained this attack and other attacks that may come?" asked Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah, at a session on the
agency's 2017 funding request. "Attacks of this nature can often result in malware or a virus being embedded in a
compromised system even after an event is known." Koskinen called the possibility of malware that can evade
detection a serious question. "The caliber of the enemy we are facing is increasingly more sophisticated and more
global," he said. "We're dealing with organized crime syndicates all around the world."
No networks or systems were compromised in this instance or a similar gambit ID thieves perpetrated last filing
season, however. "None of those attacks breached our system itself -- in the sense that our database was accessed,
Koskinen said. The most recent case "was simply an attempt by criminals to get a filing PIN to allow them to in fact
use information that they have stolen already to try to file a false return." About a year ago, criminals gamed an
online service called "Get Transcript" to view 334,000 taxpayers' records for similar ends. The latest episode is not
connected or related to last weeks outage of IRS tax processing systems," IRS officials said in a statement, referring
to a suspected hardware failure Feb. 4 that knocked agency computers offline, bringing e-filing to a halt.
The agency is notifying the affected taxpayers to inform them that someone else used their Social Security
numbers. In addition, the IRS says it is flagging their accounts to counter tax-related ID theft. The stolen E-file
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PINs are valid for a year. Koskinen on 11 FEB thanked the lawmakers for allocating $290 million this year to reduce
phone wait times for customer service, bolster network security and combat ID theft. In the 2017 budget proposal,
the IRS is asking for $90 million in additional funding to further deter fraud and reduce improper payments. The
money would cover extra staffing and technology to, among other things, move away from relying on SSNs as an
identifier and more quickly obtain W-2 employment tax forms from the Social Security Administration. [Source:
NextGov | Aliya Sternstein | February 11, 2016 ++]
********************************

Supermarket Self-Checkout

Beware Scammers with Skimmers

Scammers with skimmers who have traditionally targeted ATMs and gas station payment terminals are shifting their
focus. Theyre now targeting the payment terminals at supermarket self-checkout lines, CBS MoneyWatch reports.
The publication explains how skimmers enable thieves to steal financial data that is then used to replicate debit and
credit cards: The devices are hidden electronics that sit inside or over a card slot. When consumers swipe their
cards, the skimmers scan the information and steal the data. Fake keypads or small cameras then record the
customers punching in their PIN. Terminals at self-checkout lines share remoteness in common with ATMs and gas
station terminals, as they are generally unattended by a cashier or other employee. That remoteness provides
criminals the opportunity to install their devices with less chance of being noticed.

A skimming device (right) made for self-checkout lanes that was removed from a Safeway Store in Germantown,
Maryland

The cyber-security blog Krebs on Security which recently published the above photo of a skimming device
that was removed from a Safeway supermarket in Maryland notes: The device could be attached in the blink of
an eye (and removed quickly as well). One way to avoid being defrauded by a scammers skimmer is to pay with a
so-called chipped debit or credit card. These cards have a small computer chip (sometimes called an EMV chip
for Eurocard, MasterCard, Visa) embedded in the front. Instead of horizontally or vertically swiping the magnetic
strip thats on the back, you dip the side of the card by inserting it face-up into a slot, then leaving it there for a
while. Dipping is safer because each time you use a chipped card, it creates a unique, single-use code. So even if
thieves figure out how to copy the code, it wont do them any good, because the code cant be re-used. But not all
retailers have switched over to terminals that accept chipped cards. If you have a chipped card but find yourself at a
terminal that is not enabled for dipping, try tugging at the face of the terminal. While this tip is not fail-safe, a
loose terminal is considered a possible sign of a skimmer. [Source: MoneyTalksNews | Karla Bowsher | February 8,
2016 ++]
********************************

Retirement Plan Contribution Limits

2016 Changes

The IRS has different contribution limits for different types of retirement accounts, and keeping up with them can be
challenging. If you are 50 or older, you are eligible to make additional catch-up contributions, adding to the
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confusion. Below are the limits on 2015 retirement plan contributions for various plan types. You can make
contributions for individual retirement accounts, or IRAs, all the way up to the tax-filing deadline (for most
taxpayers) of April 18, 2016. We provide the 2016 amounts to help in your retirement planning.

Limit on contributions
Plan type

2015 limits

2016 limits

$5,500
$6,500

$5,500
$6,500

Deferred contribution plans, e.g., 401(k), 403(b) and 457 plans

Under age 50
Age 50 and older 50

$18,000
$24,000

$18,000
$24,000

SIMPLE plans
Under age 50
Age 50 and older

$12,500
$12,500

$15,500
$15,500

IRA, traditional and Roth

Under age 50
Age 50 and older

Retirement plan saver's tax credit (subject to income limits)

Social Security wage base

$1,000
$118,500

$1,000
$118,500

Traditional IRA deduction limits. Deductions for traditional IRAs are phased out based on your income and
whether you or your spouse -- if you file jointly -- are covered by a workplace retirement plan.
In 2015, the IRA deduction phase out income range for single and head-of-household taxpayers who are
covered by a workplace retirement plan is $61,000 to $71,000.
In 2016, low inflation means the phase out range remains at $61,000 to $71,000 for single and head-ofhousehold filers.
For married couples filing jointly in 2015 and where the spouse making the traditional IRA contribution is
covered by a workplace retirement plan, the income phaseout range is $98,000 to $118,000. For an IRA
contributor who is not covered by a workplace retirement plan and is married to someone who is covered,
the 2015 deduction is phased out if the couple's combined income is between $183,000 and $193,000.
For the 2016 tax year, jointly filing married couples where the spouse making the traditional IRA
contribution is covered by a workplace retirement plan again will see the IRA deduction phased out if their
income is between $98,000 and $118,000. In 2016, for an IRA contributor who is not covered by a
workplace retirement plan and is married to someone who is covered, the deduction is phased out when the
couple's joint income is between $184,000 and $194,000.

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Roth IRA contribution earning limits.

In 2015, the phaseout range of income limits for making a Roth IRA contribution is between $183,000 and
$193,000 for jointly filing married couples; and $116,000 to $131,000 for single taxpayers.
If your income falls in those ranges for your filing status, the amount you can contribute to a Roth IRA is
reduced. Make more than the top income amount in each range and you cannot put any money into a Roth
IRA.
For the 2016 tax year, the Roth IRA income contribution ranges are increased a bit. Married couples filing
jointly face the phaseouts when their income is between $184,000 and $194,000. The earning range for
single taxpayers is $117,000 to $132,000.
No Roth conversion limits. Individuals who want to convert a traditional IRA to a Roth account no longer face the
$100,000 income limit. This law change means that even if you earn too much to contribute to a Roth IRA, you can
contribute to a nondeductible traditional IRA and then roll that IRA money into a Roth.
Saver's credit income limits. Some filers may be able to claim the saver's credit, also known as the retirement
savings contributions credit, but only if they don't make too much money. This tax break for low- and moderateincome workers can be claimed on 2015 tax returns as long as a single filer's income is no more than $30,500; no
more than $45,750 for a head of household; or no more than $61,000 for married couples filing jointly. For the 2016
tax year, the saver's credit is available to single taxpayers with income up to $30,750; head-of-household filers
making up to $46,125; or jointly filing married taxpayers with income up to $61,500.
[Source: Bankrate.com | Kay Bell | November 12, 20165 ++]
********************************

IRS Gambling Tax

What You Have to Report

Lady Luck must be Uncle Sam's cousin, because taxes must be paid on all gambling winnings. Here's a look at the
federal tax forms you'll need in order to share your wagering good fortune with the IRS. And if you lost a few
rounds before your numbers came up, there's a way you can turn those losses to your tax advantage.

Winning amounts matter. For recreational gamblers, requirements for reporting and withholding from a winning
bet depend on the type of gambling, the amount won and the ratio of the winnings to the wager. When you pocket
$600 or more (and that amount is 300 times your bet) at a horse track, win $1,200 at a slot machine or bingo game,
or take $1,500-plus in keno winnings, the payer must get your Social Security number and let the IRS know you
came into the extra income. And while poker aficionados argue that playing a card game isn't gambling, but a game
of skill, the IRS still wants details on how well you played Texas Hold 'em. The IRS now requires all poker
tournament sponsors to report competitors' winnings of more than $5,000.
The bottom line is if you are lucky enough to rake in a decent jackpot on a gambling transaction, you'll have to
give the IRS your tax information and, in many cases, you're not going to walk away with all the cash you won. In
addition to telling Uncle Sam you were a winner and how much you won, the payer in these situations generally will
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reduce your payout by withholding federal taxes at the 25% rate. If you try to shortchange the IRS by refusing to
furnish your Social Security number, the payer could take as much as 28% of your winnings right off the top to send
to the tax collector. In either instance, you'll get a Form W-2G showing the amount you won and, if applicable, how
much in taxes you paid on it upfront.
When you have to report it. Even if you didn't win enough to trigger W-2G filing, you do want to be a diligent
taxpayer and report those gambling winnings, right? The casino, track or lottery agent might not have reported that
$25 you won, but it's still taxable income. It's ultimately the taxpayer's responsibility to tell Uncle Sam about his
good fortune. You report your winnings -- from the W-2G or those smaller jackpots -- on line 21, Other Income, of
Form 1040. In addition to gambling proceeds, this is where you'd report any prizes or awards (cash or the cash value
of merchandise) you won. All this money goes toward your total income amount.
However, you don't have to pay taxes on all your earnings, regardless of how you got them. You can reduce the
amount of money the IRS will tax by reporting your losses as part of your overall itemized deductions. Check out
line 28, Other Miscellaneous Deductions, on Schedule A. That's where you report any gambling losses. You can
claim up to the total amount of winnings you entered on your 1040, effectively wiping out any taxable gambling
income. But make sure this deduction, along with your other itemizations, is more than the standard amount. You
always want to use the method that will provide you a bigger deduction. Even though technically you might be able
to avoid taxes on $3,000 you won by claiming $3,000 in bad bets, that's still less than the standard deduction of
$6,300 allowed a single taxpayer on 2015 returns and 2016 income. If you have no other deductions to itemize, it
doesn't make sense to forfeit the standard deduction's other $3,300 just because you can claim gambling losses. If,
however, your wagering losses are large enough to help boost your already substantial itemized deductions, then fill
out the Schedule A.
Keep track of your gaming losses. When you do claim your gambling losses on your tax return, it's a good idea to
keep a record of them. While you don't have to send your loss data in with your return, documentation could come in
handy if the IRS ever questions the claim. Acceptable gambling-loss record keeping includes a written log detailing
the date of your wagers, the location, amount of the bet, type of gaming, and wins and losses. You should also hang
on to losing lottery tickets or bingo cards. The good thing about deducting gambling losses is that, unlike some other
deductions, you don't have to meet a certain level before you can claim them. But then again, they aren't completely
unlimited. You can count in losses only as much as you won. So if you spent $100 on lottery tickets and won $75,
you can deduct only $75. The other $25 is just part of the price of playing the game. [Source: Bankrate.com | Kay
Bell | February 8, 2016 ++]
********************************

SBP | Former Spouse Update 01

Death Amendment

The National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2016 amended the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) statute to
allow members to elect to cover their current spouse coverage following the death of their former spouse. The
legislation also permits members who before Nov. 25, 2015 (the date the law was enacted), had a former spouse
beneficiary under the SBP/Reserve Component SBP (RCSBP) program who died before that date; and who on Nov.
25, 2015, are married, to provide spouse coverage for their eligible spouse. A member who married after the date of
death of their former spouse (or in the one year period preceding the date of the death of the former spouse) the
effective date is the first day of the first month after the first anniversary of the marriage. Any such election may
only be made during the one-year timeframe which began on Nov. 25, 2015. The new law does not permit members
to reduce their current base amounts when electing spouse coverage. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service
is currently creating a template that retired members can use to enroll their spouses during this open season.
Substantiating documentation will include a copy of the former spouses death certificate and a copy of the
members marriage certificate. [Source: Shift Colors | Navy Casualty Office | Winter-Spring 2016 ++]
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********************************

Saving Money

Useful Sayings about Doing It

Don't downplay the importance of frugality: Saving money is the single best thing you can do to secure your future.
If you're having a tough time tightening the purse strings, taking a look at 10 of the coolest sayings about saving
money can put things in perspective.

1. "Money looks better in the bank than on your feet." Sophia Amoruso. Spending your money on clothes,
shoes, and accessories might make you the fashion queen or king among your friends, but a fabulous wardrobe isn't
going to cover the cost of an unexpected expense. Fashion trends come and go, but financial stability never goes out
of style. You can look good without compromising your savings account if you learn how to be a savvy, budgetminded shopper.
2. "Don't tell me what you value, show me your budget, and I'll tell you what you value." Joe Biden. Biden
isn't one to bite his tongue and with regards to why some people can't get ahead, this quote hits the nail on the
head. You might say saving for the future and building an emergency fund are important, but if your budget shows
you're spending more on entertainment than growing your 401(k) or savings account, you need to adjust your
priorities.
3. "A bargain ain't a bargain unless it's something you need." Anonymous. We've all been guilty of buying
something we didn't need just because it was on sale. It's easy to justify this bad habit. But in actuality, we're wasting
money that could otherwise be put toward a financial goal like growing our savings or paying off debt. Before every
impulse buy, ask yourself: Do I need this item? If not, leave it in the store and deposit the money you would have
spent into your savings account.
4. "Saving requires us to not get things now so that we can get bigger ones later." Jean Chatzky. The need
for instant gratification is real and it gets a lot of people in hot water. People with spending problems unknowingly
rob themselves of the opportunity to acquire better things in the future. Think about it. You can't buy a home without
a down payment, and you can't save a down payment unless you're willing to curb your spending and make
sacrifices. So whenever you feel the urge to spend, think about your future plans and decide whether the purchase is
worth delaying your goal.
5. "Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship." Benjamin Franklin. This saying perfectly
explains the effect seemingly little expenses can have on our personal finances. Tracking your spending might reveal
you're wasting money every week on things you don't really need. Spending $2 a day for coffee and $3 for lunch
adds up quickly. That's $100 a month or $1,200 a year that could go toward growing your savings.
6. "Stop buying things you don't need, to impress people you don't even like." Suze Orman, Many people
won't admit to this behavior, but given how some people go into debt and sacrifice their savings accounts in order to
impress others with their bigger homes, nicer cars, and the latest fashions, it's a quote everyone needs to hear. If you
feel you have to maintain an elaborate lifestyle to impress a specific group of people, you need new friends. So what

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if you don't own the best of everything. Learn how to live on less and you'll acquire something a lot of people don't
have a bigger bank account.
7. "You can be young without money, but you can't be old without it." Tennessee Williams. This quote
reminds us that the time to plan for retirement is when we're young and have energy to work. Saving when we're
younger might mean fewer vacations, cheaper housing, and discount shopping. But it also ensures enough income to
live comfortably in our later years when we can't work as much. If you haven't already, explore retirement options.
Enroll in your employer's 401(k) plan or open an individual retirement account.
8. "Save one-third, live on one-third, and give away one-third." Angelina Jolie. Some people don't grasp the
benefit of living beneath their means. But if you're able to live on just a fraction of what you earn, you'll have an
opportunity to save a greater percentage every month, plus have money available to give back to your community or
donate to your favorite charity. Of course, it's easier for rich people to live off a third of their income, but even if you
have to adjust the percentage to fit your unique circumstances, this quote is a simple reminder to spend less than you
earn.
9. "Get rich slow, or get poor fast." Anonymous. You have probably heard someone say, "I'm always going to
be broke, so what's the point in trying to save." Coincidentally, this person is also the first to buy the newest
electronic gadgets no matter the cost, and his wardrobe takes up three closets. Just from my observation, if he would
put as much energy into saving as he does shopping, he wouldn't be broke. Similarly, you have a choice. You can
either commit to saving and allow your money to grow slowly over time, or you can spend everything you earn and
have nothing meaningful to show for it.
10. "If saving money is wrong, I don't want to be right." William Shatner. Saving money is cool, and don't let
anyone tell you differently. Some people might try and derail your savings plan by tempting you to spend outside
your budget, or they might snicker because you never shop without a coupon or discount code. This money saying is
one of the best because no matter how much we earn, we should never stop looking for bargains.
[Source: Wise Bread | Mikey Rox | July 13, 2015 ++]
********************************

Puppy Scam

How it Works

Planning to get a puppy this year? Watch out for fake websites preying on would-be pet owners.
How the Scam Works:
You want to buy a puppy, so you look online for breeders. You come across a website that appears to be run
by dog breeder who has puppies for sale. There are photos of the puppies and guarantees of their health and
vaccinations. There's even a section about the breeders with glowing testimonials. The prices of these
puppies are lower than those of other breeders (or perhaps even free).
You email the breeder. The puppy is still available, the breeder is happy to ship him or her to you. All you
need to do is use a wire transfer (or other untraceable method) to send money to the "breeder." Then, he or
she will ship you your new dog.
Don't do it! The scammer won't send the puppy, because the dog doesn't exist. The scammer simply stole
the pictures and other information from a legitimate breeders' website.
Tips to avoid a puppy scam:
Always visit the breeder. Responsible breeders and rescue groups will be more than happy to offer you a
tour.

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Search for website warning signs. The reason fake breeder websites look real is because the content is
typically stolen from another site. Look for duplicate sites by copying a line from the website into a search
engine and looking for identical wording elsewhere on the Internet. Also, search for the domain name on
"WHOIS Lookup." Make sure the site is hosted in the country where the breeders claim to be located.
Pick your puppy up at the kennel. Don't rely on the breeder to ship the puppy.
Check references. Talk to others who have purchased pets from this breeder and the veterinarian the
breeder works with.
Pay with check or credit card. If a breeder pressures you to pay by wire transfer or prepaid debit card, it is
probably a scam.

To find out more about other scams, check out BBB Scam Stopper www.bbb.org/scam. To report a scam, go to
BBB Scam Tracker at https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/us. [Source: BBB Scam Alert | January 8, 2015 ++]

********************************

Online Sales Scam

How it Works

If you sell items online, watch out for this con. Scammers are fooling sellers with fake emails that appear to be
payment confirmation messages from PayPal.
How the Scam Works
You post a big-ticket item (vehicle, computer, furniture) for sale on Craigslist, eBay or another online sales
site. An interested buyer contacts you and says that he or she wants to buy the item right away and arranges
to meet for the exchange.
When you arrive, however, the buyer doesn't have cash. Instead, they claim to have sent the money through
PayPal. You check your email and, sure enough, you have what appears to be a message from PayPal
confirming the transfer. The scammer may even claim that the transfer is "invisible," and that's why you
can't see it in your PayPal account.
Of course, there is no such thing as an "invisible" transfer. The scammer didn't send any money, and is just
trying to take your item without paying.
Some versions of this scam also have an overpayment twist. In these, the scammer "accidentally" overpays
you for the item. For example, he or she "sends" you $2,000 payment for the item you are selling for $200.
Then, he or she requests that you wire back the difference. By the time you figure out the PayPal transfer
was a fake, the scammer is long gone.
Tips to avoid online sales scams:
Don't accept checks or money orders: When selling to someone you don't know, it is safer to accept cash or
credit card payments.
Do not accept overpayments: When selling on Craigslist, eBay or similar sites, don't take payments for
more than the sales price, no matter what convincing story the buyer tells you.
Always confirm the buyer has paid before handing over the item. Don't take the buyer's word for it.
Be wary of individuals claiming to be overseas. In many different types of scams, con artists claim to be
living abroad to avoid in person contact. Consider this a red flag.
Meet sellers/potential buyers in person and in a safe place: Meet in a public area and never invite
buyers/sellers into your home. Ask your local police department if they have a "safe lot" program
(www.npr.org/2015/03/27/395586863/police-departments-open-up-safe-lots-for-craigslist-transactions).
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Even if they don't, suggesting the parking lot or lobby of a police station as a meeting place might be
enough to scare off a scammer.
Read more at http://pages.ebay.com/help/sell/selling-basics.html about selling on eBay, including what to do
when sellers don't pay. Also, check out Craigslist's resources at https://www.craigslist.org/about/scams about
avoiding scams when selling on the site. Note: eBay is a BBB Accredited Businesses. Craigslist is not currently
responding to BBB complaints and its rating reflects that.
To find out more about other scams, check out BBB Scam Stopper www.bbb.org/scam. To report a scam, go to
BBB Scam Tracker at https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/us. [Source: BBB Scam Alert | January 22, 2015 ++]

********************************

Tax Burden for Minnesota Residents

As Feb 2016

Personal income tax

Minnesota collects income taxes from its residents utilizing four tax brackets.
1. For single taxpayers:
5.35 percent on the first $25,070 of taxable income.
7.05 percent on taxable income between $25,071 and $82,360.
7.85 percent on taxable income between $82,361 and $154,950.
9.85 percent on taxable income of $154,951 and above.
2. For married couples filing jointly:
5.35 percent on the first $36,650 of taxable income.
7.05 percent on taxable income between $36,651 and $145,620.
7.85 percent on taxable income of between $145,621 and $258,260.
9.85 percent on taxable income of $258,261 and above.
Residents of Minnesota must file state returns by April 15, or the next business day if that date falls on a weekend or
holiday. At Minnesota's Revenue website http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/Pages/default.aspx can be found complete
list of all Minnesota taxes.
Sales taxes
The sales tax in Minnesota is 6.875 percent.
Minnesota's state tax department also administers sales tax for several local governments. The Minnesota
Department of Revenue at http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/businesses/sut/Pages/SalesTaxCalculator.aspx
provides an online sales tax rate calculator to determine these rates. The department also issues a fact sheet
on special local taxes available at www.revenue.state.mn.us/businesses/sut/factsheets/FS164S.pdf.
The state imposes a use tax on items purchased elsewhere but used within Minnesota.
Personal and real property taxes
Each spring, Minnesota property owners get a property tax bill from their county. Three factors that affect
the tax bill are the amount the local governments (town, city, county, etc.) spend to provide services to the
community, the estimated market value of the property and the classification of the property (how it is
used).
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Each county property assessor (http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/propertytax/Pages/who-does-what.aspx)

determines the classification (home, apartment, cabin, farm, business) of all property according to its use.
Each class of property is then taxed at a different percentage of its value. This percentage, or class rate, is
determined by the state legislature
Minnesota has two property tax refund programs for homeowners: the regular property tax refund and the
special property tax refund. Taxpayers may be eligible for one or both, depending on income and the size of
the property tax bill.
(www.revenue.state.mn.us/individuals/prop_tax_refund/Pages/Homeowners_Property_Tax_Refund.aspx)

Inheritance and estate taxes

Minnesota did not adopt the federal tax-law changes related to estate taxation. If the decedent was a
Minnesota resident at the time of death, the estate is required to file Form M706 if the federal gross estate
exceeds $1.4 million on the date of death in 2014 or if the estate is required to file a federal estate tax
return. (http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/Forms_and_Instructions/m706_14.pdf ). Estate tax applies for
estates larger than $1.6 million for deaths occurring in 2016; $1.8 million in 2017; and $2 million for deaths
in 2018 and beyond.
The Form M706 instructions (http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/Forms_and_Instructions/m706_inst_13.pdf)
have details on how to determine the federal gross estate and how to calculate the Minnesota estate tax. The
Department of Revenue provides online calculators to help taxpayers verify Minnesota estate obligations.
Minnesota does not have an inheritance tax.
Other Minnesota Tax Facts
Minnesota has income tax reciprocity agreements with Michigan and North Dakota. Workers who live in
one of those states are not required to have Minnesota income taxes withheld from their wages
(http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/businesses/withholding/Pages/WagesnotsubjecttowithholdingReciprocity.a
spx).
Individual income tax reciprocity between Minnesota and Wisconsin ended effective Jan. 1, 2010. As a
result, Minnesota and Wisconsin residents who work across the border must file returns in both states if
they meet minimum filing requirements.
Taxpayers who have trouble resolving a tax issue with the Minnesota Department of Revenue and have
exhausted all other administrative remedies should contact the state's Taxpayer Rights Advocate for help
(http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/taxpayer_rights/Pages/Taxpayer_Rights.aspx).
[Source: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/taxes/state-taxes-minnesota.aspx February 2016 ++]
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Tax Burden for Colorado Retired Vets

As of Feb 2016

Many people planning to retire use the presence or absence of a state income tax as a litmus test for a retirement
destination. This is a serious miscalculation since higher sales and property taxes can more than offset the lack of a
state income tax. The lack of a state income tax doesnt necessarily ensure a low total tax burden. States raise
revenue in many ways including sales taxes, excise taxes, license taxes, income taxes, intangible taxes, property
taxes, estate taxes and inheritance taxes. Depending on where you live, you may end up paying all of them or just a
few. Following are the taxes you can expect to pay if you retire in Colorado
Sales Tax
State Sales Tax: 2.9% (food and prescription drugs exempt); many cities and counties have their own rates which
are added to the state rate. Total could be as high as 9.9%.
Gasoline Tax: 40.4 cents/gallon (Includes all taxes)
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Diesel Fuel Tax: 44.9 cents/gallon (Includes all taxes)

Cigarette Tax: 84 cents/pack of 20
Marijuana Tax: 2.9% medical and retail marijuana sales tax, as well as 85% of the 10% retail marijuana special
sales tax generated at the county level.
For more specific sales tax rates refer to https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/tax/sales-tax-rates
Personal Income Taxes
All taxpayers: 4.63% of Federal taxable income
Personal Exemptions/Credits: Federal amounts are automatically adopted.
Standard Deduction: None
Medical/Dental Deduction: Federal amount
Federal Income Tax Deduction: None
Retirement Income Taxes: Colorado has a pension/annuity subtraction where, depending on the age of the
recipient, the first $20,000/$24,000 is not taxed. As a result, taxpayers 55-64 years old can exclude a total of
$20,000 for Social Security and qualified retirement income. Those 65 and over can exclude up to $24,000. All
out-of-state government pensions qualify for the pension exemption. The total exclusion may not be more than
indicated from all exempt sources. However, Social Security/Railroad Retirement income not taxed by the federal
government is not added back to adjusted gross income for state income tax purposes.
Retired Military Pay: Same as above.
Military Disability Retired Pay: Retirees who entered the military before Sept. 24, 1975, and members receiving
disability retirements based on combat injuries or who could receive disability payments from the VA are covered by
laws giving disability broad exemption from federal income tax. Most military retired pay based on service-related
disabilities also is free from federal income tax, but there is no guarantee of total protection.
VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: VA benefits are not taxable because they generally are
for disabilities and are not subject to federal or state taxes.
Military SBP/SSBP/RCSBP/RSFPP: Generally subject to state taxes for those states with income tax. Check with
state department of revenue office. For information on the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act refer to
https://www.colorado.gov/tax
Property Taxes
The county assessor determines the value of property using a market, cost or income approach. For 2013 property
taxes on real estate are assessed at 7.96% of the propertys actual value. You can determine your property tax bill by
multiplying the assessed value by the local tax rate. Other property, including personal property is assessed at 29%
of actual value.
A homestead exemption is available for qualifying seniors and the surviving spouse of a senior who previously
qualified. Seniors must be at least age 65. It allows 50% (up to a maximum reduction of $200,000) in actual value
of a primary residence to be exempt. The state pays the tax on the exempted value. The person must have owned
and lived in the home for at least 10 years. This exemption has now been extended to qualifying disabled veterans.
Full-year Colorado residents age 65 or older, disabled, or a surviving spouse age 58 or older, may qualify for the
Property Tax/Rent/Heat Rebate and/or the Property Tax Deferral. Qualified applicants can receive a rebate of up to
$600 of the property tax and $192 of their heating expenses paid during the year, either directly or as part of their
rent payments.
For more property tax information refer to https://www.colorado.gov/dola/property-taxation. For senior and veteran
property tax programs go to https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/treasury/senior-and-veteran-property-tax-programs
Inheritance and Estate Taxes
There is no inheritance tax and the Colorado estate tax does not apply to decedents whose date of death is on or after
January 1, 2005.
For further information, visit the Colorado Department of Revenue site https://colorado.gov/revenue or call 303-866
2371.
[Source: www.retirementliving.com Feb 2016 ++]
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Retiree State Taxes

What to Expect in South Dakota

The Bottom Line Most Tax-Friendly. One of Kiplinger's top ten most tax-friendly states for retirees, the Mount
Rushmore State offers a friendly tax environment for retirees. There is no state income tax, so Social Security
benefits and other forms of retirement income get a free ride. Sales taxes are relatively low, although they cover a
broad scope of services. The state has several property tax relief programs.
State Sales Tax - 4% (prescription drugs are exempt, and many services are included). Municipalities add an
average 1.83%, according to the tax foundation. Residents who are 65 or older and have an annual income of less
than $11,670 (single) or $15,730 (household) are eligible for a sales-tax refund.
Income Tax Range - There's no state income tax
Social Security - Benefits are not taxed.
Exemptions for Other Retirement Income - Retirement income is not taxed.
IRAS - Retirement income is not taxed.
401(K)S AND OTHER DEFINED-CONTRIBUTION EMPLOYER RETIREMENT PLANS - Retirement
income is not taxed.
PRIVATE PENSIONS - Retirement income is not taxed.

PUBLIC PENSIONS - Retirement income is not taxed.

Property Taxes - Median property tax on South Dakota's median home value of $138,400 is $1,828, according to
the Tax Foundation.
Tax breaks for seniors: A tax freeze and/or municipal property tax reduction is available for seniors 65 and older. To
qualify for the assessment freeze, you must meet income requirements and have resided in a single-family dwelling
for at least 200 days of the previous calendar year. Unmarried surviving spouses may also qualify for a freeze or
reduction. Income is limited to $26,965.13 for individuals and $33,706.41 for multimember households, and the
value of the home must be less than $183,095.75.
Single homeowners 66 and older who earn $10,500 or less can get a property tax refund based on income. Multiperson households headed by someone 66 or older, where the combined income is $13,750 or less, are also eligible.
Refunds are only available for single-household dwellings, and you must have been a South Dakota resident for the
entire previous year. People who do not receive a property tax refund and who do not own a home may apply for a
refund of sales tax.
South Dakota also has a property tax homestead exemption for homeowners 70 or older (or surviving spouses),
which delays payment of property taxes until the property is sold. Taxes are a lien on the property, which includes up
to one acre, and must be paid along with 4% interest before the property can be transferred. For a single person,
annual income must be less than $16,000. For a multimember household, the limit is $20,000.
Read more at http://www.kiplinger.com/tool/retirement/T055-S001-state-by-state-guide-to-taxes-onretirees/index.php#xOJUSjKO1r56fxgg.99.
Inheritance and Estate Taxes - There is no inheritance tax or estate tax.
[Source: http://www.kiplinger.com/tool/retirement/T055-S001-state-by-state-guide-to-taxes-on-retirees/index.php?
map=&state_id=42&state=South%20Dakota Feb 2016 ++]
********************************

125

Thrift Savings Plan 2016

Returns as of 12 Feb 2016

There are currently 10 investment funds in the Thrift Savings Plan. Five are individual stock and bond funds, and the
other five are target retirement date funds. The table below summarizes the historical performance and risk
characteristics of the five primary TSP Investment Funds. Click on any link in the table header to see performance
charts and other details for that fund.
TSP Investment Funds
8/31/1990 - 2/12/2016

TSP
TSP
TSP
G Fund F Fund C Fund

TSP
S Fund

TSP
I Fund

Last Price (2/12/2016)

14.9530 17.2698 25.2199

30.2349

21.3697

Change (1-Day)
YTD Return
1-Year Return
3-Year Return
5-Year Return
10-Year Return
Annual Return Since
8/31/1990
Annualized Standard
Deviation [2]
Maximum Drawdown [3]
Sharpe Ratio [4]
Value of $1,000 invested on
8/31/1990

0.00%
0.25%
2.06%
2.10%
2.02%
2.92%

-0.45%
1.86%
1.78%
2.76%
4.13%
4.95%

1.96%
-8.50%
-8.72%
9.43%
9.38%
6.23%

2.01%
-14.19%
-18.86%
4.52%
6.07%
5.96%

1.50%
-11.31%
-14.76%
-0.63%
0.50%
1.57%

4.8%

6.4%

9.4%

10.0%

5.0%

0.3%

3.9%

18.1%

20.0%

18.0%

-6.6%
0.41

-55.2%
0.33

-57.4%
0.34

-60.9%
0.10

$3,325

$4,902

$9,903

$11,302

$3,449

Notes
1.

The first TSP fund became available to investors in April 1987, and others followed in 1988 and 2001. TSP.gov has published monthly
fund returns since inception, and daily fund price history since 2003. To allow for a longer performance comparison, we extended the
available TSP fund price history for the C, G, F, I, and S funds with their underlying index data. For example, we extended the TSP C Fund
with the S&P 500 Total Return index. The same was done for the other TSP funds and their underlying index. The indexes we use do not
account for fund expenses, so earlier returns are slightly higher. However, in practice the difference is not significant: the TSP funds have
extremely low expense ratios (0.027% per year as of this writing).

2.

Standard deviation, also known as historical volatility, is used by investors as a gauge for the amount of expected volatility. Volatile
TSP funds like the C, S, and I fund have a high standard deviation, while the deviation of the G and F funds is lower. When comparing
investments, a low standard deviation is preferable.

3.

Drawdown: the peak-to-trough decline in the TSP fund value, measured as a percentage between the peak and the trough. Perhaps best
expressed in the historical drawdown charts for each fund, which show the magnitude and duration of each periodic decline. A good
investment strategy aims to minimize drawdowns.

4.

The Sharpe Ratio measures risk-adjusted performance. It's calculated by subtracting the risk-free interest rate from the rate of return
for a specific fund, and dividing the result by the standard deviation of the fund returns. Since we only track TSP funds on this website, we
use the G fund returns as our risk-free investment. When comparing investments, a high Sharpe Ratio is preferable.

5.

There are 5 active TSP Lifecycle Funds, and one retired fund. The L Income, L 2010, L 2020, L 2030, and L 2040 funds were
introduced on 8/1/2005. The new L 2050 fund opened up to investors on 1/31/2011. The L 2010 fund was retired on December 31, 2010, its
assets folded into the L Income Fund.

TSP
L Income
Fund
17.4557
0.34%
-1.79%
-0.68%
3.09%
3.27%
3.9%

TSP Lifecycle Funds

8/1/2005 - 2/12/2016
Last Price (2/12/2016)
Change (1-Day)
YTD Return
1-Year Return
3-Year Return
5-Year Return
Annual Return Since 8/1/2005

126

TSP
L 2020
Fund
22.1198
0.83%
-4.69%
-4.74%
4.43%
4.83%
5.0%

TSP
L 2030
Fund
23.4336
1.15%
-6.50%
-7.15%
4.80%
5.36%
5.3%

TSP
L 2040
Fund
24.5497
1.34%
-7.61%
-8.72%
5.10%
5.75%
5.5%

TSP
L 2050
Fund
13.7162
1.53%
-8.72%
-10.26%
5.26%
5.94%
6.5%

TSP
L Income
Fund
4.1%
-11.0%
0.25
$1,504

TSP Lifecycle Funds

8/1/2005 - 2/12/2016
Annualized Standard Deviation
Maximum Drawdown
Sharpe Ratio
Value of $1,000 invested on 8/1/2005

TSP
L 2020
Fund
12.0%
-36.9%
0.22
$1,669

TSP
L 2030
Fund
14.6%
-43.3%
0.22
$1,718

TSP
L 2040
Fund
16.7%
-48.4%
0.23
$1,750

TSP
L 2050
Fund
14.2%
-19.8%
0.38
$1,372

TSP Lifecycle Funds

The five TSP Lifecycle Funds are target retirement date funds, invested in a professionally designed mix of domestic and international stocks,
bonds and government securities. Each L Fund is invested in the five individual TSP funds (G, F, C, S, and I Fund). TSP investors choose a fund
based on when they expect to retire and start making withdrawals:
The TSP L 2050 Fund is for participants who will need their money in the year 2045 or later.
The TSP L 2040 Fund is for participants who will need their money between 2035 and 2044.
The TSP L 2030 Fund is for participants who will need their money between 2025 and 2034.
The TSP L 2020 Fund is for participants who will need their money between 2015 and 2024.
The TSP L Income Fund is for participants who are already withdrawing their accounts in monthly payments, or who plan to need their money
between now and 2014.

[Source: http://www.tspfolio.com/tspfunds February 14, 2016 ++]

* General Interest *

Notes of Interest

1 thru 14 Feb 2016

Blue Angels Schedule. Visit the Blue Angels website at www.blueangels.navy.mil to view the 2016 air
show season schedule, or for more information, contact the Blue Angels public affairs office at
bapao@navy.mil.feferal
Beware of Fake SSA Emails. The Social Security Administration (SSA) and Federal Trade Commission
are warning Americans about a scam email with Get Protected" in the subject line. The email
describes new features from SSA that monitor unauthorized use of your Social Security number. If you get
an email like that, dont click on any of the links or open attachments. Report it by forwarding the email to
spam@uce.gov. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov to learn about common online scams and how to avoid them..
Chris Kyle Memorial. Members of a foundation building a memorial statue of slain Navy sniper Chris
Kyle say they expect to finish the project in time for a May unveiling at the Veteran Affairs clinic off
Highway 191 in Odessa Texas.
Brandon Garrison Service Dog. The Kansas City military charity group Food Industry Serving Heroes
has taken back the Boykin Spaniel from alleged hero Garrison earlier this month after threatening legal
action. A Stars and Stripes investigation revealed he lied to the mother about being at her son's side when
he died on the battlefield. A Marine in California is now in line to become the dogs new owner. Service
dogs are costly, and the charity pays about $7,000 to $8,000 for each one.

127

USMC Female Ratio. Commandant Gen. Robert Neller said he's working to change the Marine Corps
female demographics from its current 8% to 10% versus the Navys 18% and the Armys 14%.
Coast Guard. The level of cocaine intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard in 2015 rose by more than 50
percent due to an extreme increase in total cocaine flow into the United States, according to a new
Department of Homeland Security report.
Costco. Check out https://www.livingsocial.com/deals/1462564-costco-membership-bonus-20-cash-cardcoupons?
cvosrc=affiliate.cj.6146840&utm_campaign=6146840&utm_content=3724478&utm_medium=affiliates&u
tm_source=cj if you are not a current member.
Home Depot Jobs. Home Depot is hiring more than 80,000 associates nationwide to ensure its nearly
2,000 stores are staffed and ready for their busiest selling season If youre interested in applying, go to
http://careers.homedepot.com. Go to http://builtfromscratch.homedepot.com/spring-hiring-map-2016 to
see where they are hiring.
Leap Year [2016]. This year February is a Leap Year. It has 4 Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays,
Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays. This Happens once every 823 years.
North Korea Satellites. NOKs newest satellite passed over the Super Bowl an hour after the game. For
space buffs the orbits of both their satellites can be tracked in real time on the website
http://www.n2yo.com under the names KMS In 2014, 89 Guardsmen took their own lives, compared to
133 in 2013.
Military Suicides. In 2014, 89 Guardsmen took their own lives, compared to 133 in 2013. For the active
component, the suicide rate went up slightly, from 259 in 2013 to 269 in 2014. For the Reserves, the figure
fell from 87 to 80. The full report is available at http://www.dspo.mil.
Shift Colors. The Winter/Spring 2016 Edition can be downloaded at http://www.public.navy.mil/bupersnpc/reference/publications/shiftcolors/Documents/Shift%20Colors%20Winter-Spring%202016.pdf.
Car Loans. Americans racked up a record amount of auto loan debt in 2015. The total outstanding car loan
balance in the United States climbed to $987 billion last year. Thats up 11.5 percent from 2014. The
percentage of motorists in serious delinquency (60 days or more behind) on their loans rose to 0.77 percent,
compared to 0.72 percent in 2014.
MOAA Survey. An informal survey by MOAA indicated many currently serving respondents (especially
males) have doubts about the recent decision to open all combat positions to women. But most agreed
(especially males) the next logical move, once that's done, would be to require both men and women to
register for the draft. Also, women were more likely to support opening all positions to women than their
male counterparts were. Despite their support, women were somewhat less likely than men to think women
should now register for the draft.

[Source: Various | February 14, 2016 ++]

********************************

Presidents Day

February 15

128

February 15 is Presidents Day. The Army and Army Reserve can claim the most US
presidents 15. And then way back to State Militias for nine presidents. Six Navy and Navy
Reserve Veterans have served as president and then way back again for two from the
Continental Army. There were eight future presidents in uniform in World War II and seven in
the Civil War. Heres short a tougher-than-usual quiz about some of our presidents who were
Veterans. The answers are below along with a link to a White House web site with a lot of
history about all the presidents.
1. In the Civil War, he commanded a Brigade during Shermans March to the Sea
2. He was an Army Major General in the War of 1812
3. Served as a Captain in the Army Air Corp in WW II.
4. Final rank: Army Major General Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Creek War, First
Seminole War
5. Army Major General Civil War Commanded Ohio Brigade at the Battle of Shiloh
6. He served stateside as a Navy Lieutenant during Korean War
7. Did not see action but he was a Colonel in the Virginia Militia during the Revolutionary
War
8. Same as #7 but was also Commander of the Albermarle County Militia
9. Pilot Lieutenant during Vietnam War Texas National Guard
10. Army Colonel in WW I
11. Only President to receive the Medal of Honor Army Colonel in Spanish-American War
12. Military Governor of Tennessee and Army Brigadier General in the Civil War
13. Navy Lieutenant Commander in WW II Served on the USS Monterey

129

14. Army Brevet Major in the Civil War 23 rd Ohio Infantry Fought at the Battle of
Antietam
15. Army General Career spanned from 1915 to 1969 with a couple of very significant
break

Answers
1. Benjamin Harrison. 2. William Henry Harrison 3. Ronald Reagan 4. Andrew Jackson 5.
James Garfield 6. Jimmy Carter 7. James Madison 8. Thomas Jefferson 9. George W. Bush 10.
Harry Truman 11. Theodore Roosevelt 12. Andrew Johnson 13. Gerald Ford 14. William
McKinley 15. Dwight Eisenhower
You can read about all the Presidents on the White House website
https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600/presidents.
[Source: VAntage Point Blog | February 10, 2016 ++]
********************************

Overseas Voters Update 02:

Easy Steps to Voting in 2016

Easy Steps to Voting Overseas - Go to www.FVAP.gov to complete your Federal Post Card Application (FPCA).
1.
2.
3.

4.
5.
6.

Select your State from the drop-down menu on the home page.
Click the box at the bottom of the page to Register to Vote.
The FVAP online tool will walk you through the form and provide you with a PDF packet to print, sign and
send directly to your local election official (LEO). Links are also provided here for States that offer online
voter registration.
Your LEO will review the submitted FPCA. After verifying eligibility, the LEO will send you an absentee
ballot.
Once you receive an absentee ballot and vote, return it to your local elec-tion official to be counted.
You can check the status of your registration and/or ballot request by contacting your LEO at any time. You
may find your LEO at the following link https://www.fvap.gov/search-offices .

The fastest way to get your absentee ballot is to request electronic delivery. Depending on the specific rules of
your home state, electronic delivery may be made via fax, email, or online download. Remember to include your
email address or fax number on your FPCA. Otherwise your ballot will be mailed to you. After you send in your
completed ballot, you can confirm receipt by your local elections officials online by visiting your states election
website. If it is already within 30 days before Election Day and you have not yet received your ballot, fill out and
mail in an emergency write-in ballot Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB). If you have any questions about
registering to vote overseas, please contact U.S. Embassy Voting Assistance Officer of the country you are Voong in.
For the Philippines that would be at Votemanila@state.gov.
130

Eligibility. Generally, all U.S. citizens 18 years or older who are or will be residing outside the United States at
the time of an election are eligible to vote absentee in any election for federal office. Some states even allow
overseas voters to vote in state elections. To confirm eligibility and residency requirements, contact your state or
territorys chief election administrative office or visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website at
www.fvap.gov .
********************************

Portsmouth Confederate Monument

Removal Issue

The Rev. Joe B. Fleming has experienced his share of racism over the years. Like the time in 1955 his high school
debate team tried to celebrate at a restaurant. He was the only black student in the group and the restaurant staff told
him he had to leave. His teacher said they would all leave, and they ended up eating store-bought food in a park. Or
the time he participated in a 1960 bus station sit-in while attending Bishop College in Marshall, Texas. Police
arrested him and others, and they were held in jail for a weekend. With a life filled with such moments, Fleming
says the Confederate monument at Court and High streets in Portsmouth is just another reminder of the hatred he has
experienced. When I look at the monument, it just helps me to further believe that there is an element a major
element in the city that wants to go back to the days of the Confederacy, Fleming said.

Several Virginia professors challenge the notion that monuments like the one in Portsmouth simply memorialize
Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. That myth is not only a misreading of history, they say, but a denial
of the Confederacys shameful past in defending slavery. And, they say, denying that past allows many of the ills the
black community faces such as violence, segregated housing, education inequities and poverty to live on. Every
issue is a direct result of slavery and segregation, said Edward Ayers, a history professor at the University of
Richmond. There is very little of concern in Virginia that is not attached to those century-old struggles. Look at
how our communities are structured, where do poor people live, why do they live there, its a direct result of
segregation and slavery.
Amii Creekmur can see the monument from the Olde Towne hair salon she owns, Star Struck Styles. She would
like the monument moved, but she doesnt want the city to pay the more than $100,000 it was estimated to cost. She
said she has seen at least three Confederate-themed parades around the monument. On one occasion, a parade of
eight to 10 cars started honking their horns at an elderly black man who was walking into a store. They smiled and
waved to him, Creekmur said. It was almost like mockery, or ridicule, she said.
After the Civil War ended in 1865, Reconstruction when the federal government set conditions on Southern
states to join the Union and gave black men the right to vote lasted until 1877. Once federal troops withdrew from
Southern states, the so-called redemption period followed: White Southerners took control of state governments
131

and began passing so-called Jim Crow laws, allowing for racial segregation and discrimination. Most of those laws
remained in place until the mid-1960s. Portsmouths Confederate monument was dedicated in June 1893, nearly
three decades after the Civil War ended. According to Virginian-Pilot archives, a group called the Portsmouth and
Norfolk County Monument Association formed in 1875 to fund the monument. The research shows that these
monuments that were built 10 to 15 years later were built after Reconstruction as a rally cry for the rise of the
South, Councilman Mark Whitaker said at a community meeting in January. We saw federal troops move out of
the South and we saw the rise of the KKK and the terrorism that came after that.
Old Dominion University political science and geography professor Jonathan Leib said many Confederate
monuments were built as veterans were dying in greater numbers and when post-Reconstruction whites were
reasserting control throughout the South. Part of it is a memorialization of the Confederate soldiers, but part of it
also is literally concretizing power on the landscape, Leib said. This is how we are going to remember history, and
this is whose history is going to be remembered. So you have both things going on. Ayers said that what might have
spoken to the community in power in the 1890s might not speak for a unified community in 2016 where voices are
broader. Norfolk State University Sociology Chairman Robert Perkins said the battle over the monument is really
about power. The monument to me represents an institution and an institution that is grounded and founded in
racism, Perkins said. It strengthens the idea that there are different groups: those who can have power and those
who dont deserve it. Those who can have a good education and those who cant.
The conflict over Portsmouths Confederate monument began shortly after the slaying of nine black people in
June at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C. Police said the gunman said he hated black people as he opened
fire. The man later arrested, Dylann Roof, had posed for pictures with the Confederate battle flag. Weeks later, South
Carolinas legislature voted to remove the Confederate battle flag from its State House grounds. Whitaker soon
proposed moving the monument in Olde Towne, which he called a vestige of racism. As a Black elected official,
I do not have the convenience of ignoring issues of race and conforming to the status quo while social and economic
injustice exist, Whitaker said in an email. State law prohibits damaging or removing a war monument or memorial.
In the past, city officials have said that Portsmouth would have to petition to change state law before removing the
monument. The City Council has explored other legal avenues, but either way, if the city tries to move the
monument, it will likely end up in court.
Corey Jones of Portsmouth, who is a groundskeeper for a utilities contractor in Chesapeake, and Leon Harris of
Portsmouth, who said he is retired from the U.S. Army, said they ultimately feared violence would result from
removing the monument. I dont want to see any bloodshed over it from a white or a black man, Jones said. It
might ignite something that the Portsmouth Police Department is not ready for. Harris said you have to pick your
battles. If one monument came down, then all of them would come down; you would have one of the biggest
backlashes that you have ever seen. They said there were other issues they would prefer the city focus on, from
mental illnesses to crime to jobs.
Creekmur acknowledges removing the monument wouldnt reduce racism, but it would definitely make a
statement to the community that Portsmouth is not for inequality and Virginia is not for inequality. That symbolic
act could prove to be powerful, said the Rev. Kelvin Turner of Zion Baptist Church. Like Creekmur, he knows there
is no easy solution to racial disparities in Portsmouth, but a good first step would be to acknowledge that the
Confederate monument represents slavery and remove it. What the monument says to me is that they still think it
was OK to enslave a whole generation of folks, Turner said. And we celebrate that and we celebrate the
individuals that pioneered that cause. How can the city come together and work on changing things if we cant
even agree that was a terrible time in our history, Turner said.
John Sharrett, commander of Stonewall Camp 380 Sons of Confederate Veterans, and a former Portsmouth
resident, said the monument is not about slavery at all. Its about honoring soldiers who died in battle. In a way,
its reverse racism because they dont understand what it is all about, Sharrett said. Sharrett said there is a spot in

132

the Oak Grove Cemetery of Portsmouth near London Boulevard where the monument could go, but he said he was
skeptical about whether the city would move it there.
Leib said history is normally written by the winners, but the white South got to write its own history. African
Americans were never given that opportunity. As blacks have gained more political power since the 1990s, there has
been an effort to allow them to tell their history through monuments and museums, he said. As part of that, there
has been a challenge to the white Southern vision of the Confederacy, Leib said. To argue that it wasnt heroic,
that it wasnt valued, that it wasnt gallant, that instead, the Civil War was not how it had been portrayed as a gallant
effort to protect home and country from Northern aggression but really to protect the slave system, the plantation
agricultural economy and also to maintain or continue the subjugation and the oppression of African Americans.
Fleming said hearing the City Council talk about whether to remove the monument is therapeutic. I would be
upset if we had a majority of black people on City Council who thought and had the same opinion of members of
council 30 years ago when I came to Portsmouth, Fleming said. They come from a different cultural situation..
[Source: The Virginian-Pilot | Johanna Somers | February 7, 2016 ++]
********************************

Elected Officials Contact Data

Where to Go

Federal Elected Officials

President, Vice President, and White House https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact. Contact the white House
by submitting your comments or questions online or by phone/Fax.
Members of the U.S. Congress
~ Senators http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
~ Representatives http://www.house.gov/representatives. Find the website and contact information for your
representative in the U.S. House of Representatives.
State Elected Officials
State Governors - https://www.usa.gov/state-governor
State Legislators - http://thomas.loc.gov/home/state-legislatures.html. Find the names and current activities
of your state legislators.
Local Elected Officials
U.S. Mayors: http://www.usmayors.org/meetmayors/mayorsatglance.asp. Locate mayors by name, city, or
population size. Also provides Mayors photo.
County Executives: http://www.naco.org/counties. A county executive is the head of the executive branch
of government in a county. The county executive may be an elected or an appointed position.
Other Local Government Officials: https://www.usa.gov/local-governments. This directory can help you
find contact information for your city, county, and town officials in your state.
Other Ways to Contact Government
By topic https://www.usa.gov/contact-by-topic. If you need assistance with a particular issue, anything
from food stamps to vaccines.
By agency https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/a. A-Z index of U.S. Government Departments and
Agencies
Bottom line? The reason theyre called representatives is because they represent us. They cant do that if they
dont know what we think. So tell them. But as with all communication, the more effectively you do it, the more
likely you are to get the result you want. [Source: MoneyTalksNews | Stacy Johnson | February 5, 2016 ++]
133

********************************

Navy Digital Library Program

Access Procedure

For Sailors, families, retirees, dependents and civilians wanting 24/7 access to electronic books, audio books,
reference materials, and newspapers, all free of charge, the Navy has a solution for you. The Navy General Library
Program (NGLP) is a service of the Navy Installations Command and provides library resources for Navy, Marine
Corps and Coast Guard personnel, their family members, retired and Reserve military personnel, Naval Academy
midshipmen, Department of the Navy (DoN) Delayed Entry Program personnel, DoN and Navy Appropriated Fund
civilian employees and DoN contractors. A Common Access Card (CAC) is not required to log in to the Digital
Library. The Department of Defense Self-Service (DS) Logon is the new authentication method for those without
CACs. To get started, authorized users can go to the website at http://www.NavyMWRDigitalLibrary.org, click on
login in the upper right corner of the screen, then click login under the DS logon logo, and enter their DS Logon
username and password. Those who dont already have a DS logon can register on the same page. B For more
information about the Navy MWR Digital Library, email mailto:nglp@ navy.mil. [Source: Shift Colors | Navy
Casualty Office | Winter-Spring 2016 ++]
********************************

Doomsday Clock

Remains at Three Minutes to Midnight

The Doomsday Clock remains at three minutes to midnight, the closest to the brink of global destruction since the
height of the Cold War, representatives of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists announced 26 JAN. Constructed in
1947 as an indicator of an oncoming nuclear catastrophe, the Doomsday Clock now factors in climate change and
other threats to humanity as well in its projections of global safety. The clock, which counts down to an apocalypse
at midnight, has moved some 21 times since it was put in place.
Last year, the clock was moved forward to just three minutes to midnight, largely because of climate change and
what was seen as unchecked nuclear proliferation. Scientists from the Bulletin cited many of the same reasons this
year, but noted that there were bright spots such as the Iran deal and the climate talks in Paris. That decision is not
good news, but an expression of dismay that world leaders continue to fail to focus their efforts and the worlds
attention on reducing the extreme danger posed by nuclear weapons and climate change, The Bulletin of the
Atomic Scientists Science and Security Board wrote in a statement. When we call these dangers existential, that is
exactly what we mean: They threaten the very existence of civilization and therefore should be the first order of
business for leaders who care about their constituents and their countries.
The last time the clock remained at 3 minutes to midnight was in 1984, a moment in the Cold War where
communications had gone dark between the United States and the Soviet Union. Several years later the clock
134

reached its safest point in history, 17 minutes to midnight, after an agreement between America and the Soviets to
reduce their numbers of nuclear weapons. [Source: Time | Daniel White | January 26, 2016 ++]
********************************

Passwords

Common and Easily Guessable

It should really come as no surprise that using password or 123456 for your online password is not a good idea.
Unfortunately, many people still do it. But according to password management company SplashData, theres a
whole host of password choices that are nearly as risky to use because theyre so common and easily guessable.
Nine newcomers joined veterans 123456 and password on SplashDatas annual list of the 25 worst passwords
for 2015, including three passwords inspired by a galaxy far, far away starwars, solo and princess.
(Apparently the force is not enough to protect your data from hackers). A few longer password combinations also
made their debut on SplashDatas latest worst passwords list, including qwertyuiop and 1234567890. We have
seen an effort by many people to be more secure by adding characters to passwords, but if these longer passwords
are based on simple patterns they will put you in just as much risk of having your identity stolen by hackers,
SplashData chief executive Morgan Slain said in a statement. Here are SplashData biggest losers of 2015:

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

123456
Password
12345678
qwerty
12345
123456789
Football
1234
1234567
Baseball
Welcome
1234567890
abc123
111111
1qaz2wsx
.dragon
Master
Monkey
Letmein
Login
Princess
Qwertyuiop
Solo
passw0rd
starwars

If your password is on this list, do yourself a favor and change it now. SplashDatas worst passwords for last year
are based on leaks of more than 2 million passwords in 2015. If youre driving yourself crazy trying to remember all
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your online passwords, you may want to use one of these five password managers to help keep your secret
passwords organized and always at your fingertips.
1. LastPass https://lastpass.com

Price: Free for your computer, $12 a year for mobile access
Supported operating systems: Windows, Apple, Linux
Supported browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari, Internet Explorer
Supported mobile devices: Apple, Android, Windows, BlackBerry

2. RoboForm http://www.roboform.com

Price: Free for up to 10 logins, $29.95 for the desktop version, $39.95 for USB access or a $9.95 yearly subscription for
unlimited use across all devices and platforms.
Supported operating systems: Windows, Apple, Linux.
Supported browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari, Internet Explorer.
Supported mobile devices: Apple, Android, Windows

3. Dashlane https://www.dashlane.com

Price: Free for one device or $39.95 per year to sync across all devices.
Supported operating systems: Windows, Apple.
Supported browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer.
Supported mobile devices: Apple, Android, Nook

4. Keeper https://keepersecurity.com

Price: Free for one device, but backup service cost $9.95 per year for a single device or $29.99 per year for unlimited
devices.
Supported operating systems: Windows, Apple, Linux, Unix.
Supported browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer.
Supported mobile devices: Apple, Android, Windows, BlackBerry

5. PasswordBox https://www.passwordbox.com

Price: Currently offering free premium access to new and existing customers.
Supported operating systems: Windows, Apple.
Supported browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer and Opera.
Supported mobile devices: Apple, Android, Kindle

Go to http://www.moneytalksnews.com/5-password-managers-keep-all-your-secrets-safe/?all=1 for comparison

information on the above . For more ideas, check out http://www.moneytalksnews.com/are-emoji-based-passwordsthe-key-hampering-hackers. [Source: MoneyTalksNews | Krystal Steinmetz & Stacy Johnson | January 23, 2016 +
+]
********************************

Photos That Say it All

Golden Gate Bridge

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1935 - A man standing on the first cables during the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, with the Presidio and San
Francisco in the background.

********************************

Most Creative Statues

Melbourne, Australia | Sinking Building

Sinking Building Outside State Library

********************************

Interesting Inventions

Wearable Translator

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This one is great for travelers, or at least has the potential to be. The Ili translator is a small white box you wear on a cord
around your neck. Its about the size of a small remote control with built-in microphone and speakers. You say whatever
you like, and the device will repeat it back in another language. It also works the other way, allowing you to understand
what others are saying. It has an internal memory of about 50,000 words, so it doesnt require Wi-Fi or a phone
connection of any sort. The first models will only work for English, Chinese and Japanese, though there are plans to
release versions that support French, Thai, Korean, Spanish, Italian and Arabic. Initial projections say it should cost
around $200 and be available spring of 2016. [http://www.iamili.com]

********************************

Moments of US History

The Flatiron 1902

The Flatiron skyscraper designed by Architect Daniel Burnham in Manhattan on 23rd Street Aug. 24, 1902. During its
construction, many thought the wind would blow the building down, due to its odd height and shape. Thus, it was
nicknamed Burnham's Folly.

********************************

Parking

Revenge Tactic #13 Against Inconsiderate Parkers

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Concrete Revenge: The irate driver (left) taking a baseball bat to the window of the car in Russia, then
summoning a cement truck to fill up the offending vehicle with concrete. The entire interior (right) of the car
was filled with a pool of wet concrete
********************************

Brain Teaser

Mr. Ollie

Mr. Ollie Lee wanted the license plate number 337 31770 bad enough to pay a thousand dollars for it. Why?
********************************

Have You Heard?

Persimmons Politics

A small village church had a very attractive big-busted organist; Linda, whose breasts were so large that they
bounced and jiggled while she played the organ.
Unfortunately; she distracted the congregation considerably, appalling very proper church ladies, who said that
something had to be done about this or they would get another organist.
One of the ladies approached Linda very discreetly about the problem; telling her to mash up some green
persimmons and rub them on her nipples and over her breasts, causing them to shrink in size, but warned her not to
taste any of the green persimmons because they are sour and make your mouth pucker up and you can't talk properly
for a while afterwards
The voluptuous organist reluctantly agreed to try it.
The following Sunday morning, the minister walked up to the pulpit and said, "Dew to thircumsthanthis bewond my
contwol, we will not hab a thermon tewday."

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********************************

Have you Heard?

Politics

If God wanted us to vote, he would have given us candidates.

~Jay Leno~
The problem with political jokes is they get elected.
~Henry Cate, VII~
We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.
~Aesop~
If we got one-tenth of what was promised to us in these State of the Union speeches, there wouldn't be any
inducement to go to heaven.
~Will Rogers~
Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where there is no river.
~Nikita Khrushchev~
When I was a boy I was told that anybody could become President; Im beginning to believe it.
~Clarence Darrow~
Why pay money to have your family tree traced; go into politics and your opponents will do it for you.
~Author unknown~
Politicians are people who, when they see light at the end of the tunnel, go out and buy some more tunnel.
~John Quinton~
Politics is the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from the rich, by promising to protect
each from the other.
~Oscar Ameringer~
I offer my opponents a bargain: if they will stop telling lies about us, I will stop telling the truth about them.
~Adlai Stevenson, campaign speech, 1952~
A politician is a fellow who will lay down your life for his country.
~ Tex Guinan~
I have come to the conclusion that politics is too serious a matter to be left to the politicians.
~Charles de Gaulle~
Instead of giving a politician the keys to the city, it might be better to change the locks.
~Doug Larson~
There ought to be one day just one -- when there is open season on Congressmen.
~Will Rogers~
********************************

Brain Teaser Answer

Mr. Ollie

Because if you turn the numbers upside down it spells Ollie Lee.
********************************

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Help!!!

Things that might make you say it (06)

********************************

His teen age daughter got a text

from a boy saying, "Send me a bra
pic". This was her dad's response:

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