All, The January-February 2009 edition of VETS NEWS is not available online from the Oregon Dept. of Veterans' Affairs. A Special Thanks to Contributors of the Governor’s Task Force Report, Director Jim Willis As we close out the Holiday Season and begin the new year, it seems a fitting time to say thank you to all the veterans and public officials who took time to offer their contributions to the Governor’s Task Force on Veterans’ Services. The completed report was submitted to Governor Kulongoski in mid-December and contains recommendations to both the State Legislature and the U.S. Congress. Gulf War Illness Is Real Federal Report Concludes, by Tom Mann A federal report released November 17 concludes that Gulf War illness is real and that roughly one in four of the 697,000 U.S. Veterans who served in the Persian Gulf War suffer from the illness. ODVA Offers Small Business Repair Loan to Guard and Reserve With the goal of helping veterans whose businesses suffered setbacks during their deployment, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is offering the Small Business Repair Loan, a zero-interest loan to help veterans get their businesses back on track. Shinseki Nominated as New VA Secretary Washington, DC – President-elect Barack H. Obama chose retired General Eric K. Shinseki to be his Secretary of Veterans Affairs. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Shinseki will face significant issues at the VA, including enormous backlogs of disability claims, new evidence of Gulf War Illness, and continuing court challenges regarding Agent Orange and “Blue Water” Vietnam Navy veterans. Heroes in Sisters slated for February, by Christopher Dauterman BEND - Oregon is home to world-class ski and snowboarding experiences, with 11 resorts that offer acres of mountainous terrain. For wounded veterans who thought they never would ski again, the “Heroes in Sisters” program is providing them a life-changing opportunity. Wounded warriors wanting to get back on the slopes have the opportunity to partner with Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS) for a day at Hoodoo Ski Resort in the Santiam Pass on February 7. North Bend Soldier Earns Silver Star ITALY – August 27, 2007 is a day 24-year-old Army Spc. Dillon Bergstad of North Bend will never forget. Driving in the second vehicle of a seven-vehicle convoy in the Patika Province of Afghanistan near the Pakistan border, Bergstad and his unit were on their way to establish a security over-watch position for a unit coming up behind them. That’s when the ambush hit. Not All Wounds Are Visible 1-800-273-8255 (Suicide Hotline) Courage Is Calling When You Need Help Providers Offer Free Counseling to Veterans and Their Families, by Tom Mann Like many Oregonians, Carol Levine watched the news reports about Iraq and Afghanistan and thought about what it would be like to be in combat. She also wondered how anyone could experience such traumatic events and then come home to their families, jobs and society as if nothing happened. VA clinic groundbreaking at the Oregon Veterans’ Home THE DALLES – The Portland VA Medical Center held a groundbreaking ceremony in November for a new VA Clinic to be located at the Oregon Veterans’ Home. VA Announces Travel Reimbursement Increases WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that eligible veterans will see an increase in the mileage reimbursement they receive for travel to VA facilities for medical care. VA Opens Outpatient Clinic in Hillsboro HILLSBORO – The Veterans Administration has opened a Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Hillsboro. The 23,000 square foot building is the latest of 11 CBOCs in Oregon. VA Healthcare Outreach Clinic To Open In Grants Pass Beginning December 3, the VA will bring healthcare closer to VA enrolled veterans living in rural Josephine County. The VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics (VA SORCC) in White City is opening a healthcare outreach clinic in Grants Pass as part of their Rural Healthcare Initiative. 2009 COLA Announced The 2009 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for military retired pay, SBP Annuities, Social Security checks, and VA disability and survivor benefits are 5.8 percent effective Dec. 1, 2008. It will appear in January checks. Women Veterans Conference Planned for 2010 SALEM – The 2010 Oregon Women Veterans’ Conference has been scheduled for March 19 and 20 at Seven Feathers Casino in Canyonville. All women veterans are invited to participate. This free event honors women for their service and helps educate these veterans as to the benefits they have earned and issues unique to women veterans. Personality Disorder Discharges Scrutinized WASHINGTON, DC – Under pressure from Congress and following the Army’s lead, the Department of Defense has imposed a more rigorous screening process on the services for separating troubled members due to “personality disorder.” The intent is to ensure that, in the future, no members who suffer from wartime stress get tagged with having a pre-existing personality disorder, which leaves them ineligible for service disability compensation. ODVA Wants Your Military Service Stories SALEM – As part of Oregon’s 150th birthday celebration next year, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) will be producing a book containing the history of Oregon veterans and we need your help. Leave benefits expand for military families The Labor Department has written new rules to expand Family and Medical Leave Act benefits that represent a dramatic change in how National Guard and reserve members and caregivers responsible for seriously injured troops will be treated by employers. Coping with The Stress of Deployment, by Christopher Dauterman WASHINGTON , DC – Since the 1800’s the American Red Cross has supported families during periods of war. Continuing that tradition, the Red Cross is offering a new training course entitled, “Coping With Deployments: Psychological First Aid for Military Families” with the goal of helping these families cope with the stress of war. Wii Gaming System Engages Veterans’ Home Residents THE DALLES – A resident at the Oregon Veterans’ Home, who had not golfed in 15 years, recently played three holes. Other veterans have begun a bowling league. Still another veteran is fishing, skeet shooting and boxing. Military Reunions Military Veteran Recognition License Plates The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs has worked with the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles and the Oregon Legislature to bring you new graphic designed veteran license plates for your vehicle. Now you can show your loyalty to your branch of service or show that special medal you earned. Camp Lejeune Water System Contaminated CAMP LEJEUNE, NC – The Marine Corps is searching for at least 500,000 people who have visited Camp Lejeune, N.C., and could be at risk for health problems due to the drinking water on base. Chemicals from a building used to wash clothes for dry cleaning and degreasing were found in the water system. Oregon Veterans' Home Gift Form "Give to those who have already given of themselves." Oregon Military Museum Scheduled for Temporary Closure CLACKAMAS – The Oregon Military Museum is temporarily closed and has begun its transition to a new facility at the Oregon National Guard’s Camp Withycombe, near Clackamas. http://www.oregon.gov/ODVA/INFO/docs/VETSNEWS/2009/January-February-2009.pdf V/r Christopher M. Dauterman Oregon Dept. of Veterans Affairs www.oregon.gov/ODVA 1-800-828-8801 x2284
