Veterans and Health Care Issues - Contents

I believe that it is necessary every now and then for Veterans to assert themselves.  This is especially important  when we talk of health care issues. You have the responsibility to inform the attending physician or physician assistant what is wrong with you or your complaint.  This is how appropriate treatment is dispensed. 

You are entitled to be treated with care and respect.  The people at the clinic

or  Hospital are there to care for you.  In cases where you feel that someone is not caring for you or acting in your best interest  you should report to the PATIENT REPRESENATIVE.  Then report any incident to your service officer.  Then we can work to resolve your problem with the clinic or Hospital.

How does it work if I go to the emergency room?  You have to inform the treating  physician or nurse that the V.A. is your primary care.  You have to make sure they call the V.A. within  48 hrs.  This only is for those who have no other insurance.  Medicare is another insurance

VETERANS HEALTH CARE BUDGET 

Our VISN 12 looks to collect  $55.7 Million from insurance and co pays or about 7.5% of the budget.

VHA is allocating an additional $162 million from it’s reserves. VISN 12 will get about $7.3 million

The out of pocket deductible for Veterans will be $1500. Annually.

For priority 7 Veterans.  This is not much of a change over previous years.

There seems to be some movement to look at other areas to trim the budget, WE have to watch these guys close.

KOREAN DEFENSE MEDAL - Contents

This is a point of contention with many.  The department of defense gives this only minor attention.  However, we should be aware that this is a hostile zone and has been for 47 years. Historically , our government has seen fit to award medals for other similar duty.

Korea is the longest duty point now that has a hostile enemy just across a line.  There have been  about 1500 causalities and hundreds of wounded and 87 POW’s since 1954. Our troops are in a country which has a cease fire in place and no peace was ever declared. Our government has labeled North Korea as a terrorist nation . 

Our current situation with global terrorism and the action to prevent and put down this type of activity seems to be the same as the Korean Defense force has been doing since the mid ‘50’s. Korea is technically still at a state of war and our Veterans are being stationed in harms way.  There have been 40,400 breaches of the cease fire agreement by North Korea. 

Two bills are currently in process:

Senate bill S.999/w45 cosponsors

House bill H.R. 1935/ w 191 cosponsors.

Tell them what you think

Historical Narratives

We are embarking on a historical narrative program.  This is to have Veterans tell their own story.  The importance of this effort is that the generations to come have and will have no idea of what it takes to maintain freedom.

Through the years many have sacrificed much to keep us safe and a free people.  To these we owe a debt of gratitude.

What we propose is to give each interested Veteran 1 hour of video time.  They will get an outline and be able to work from that to tell their story.

We intend to start this summer.  More to come...

PHILLIPPINE VETERANS HONORED - Contents

VA Secretary Anthony Principi recently took part in a ceremony to honor the Filipino Veterans. 

These brave Veterans fought a much superior and better equipped force in Dec. of 1941.

The allies were pushed back to Corregidor and that fell in May of 1942.

From May of 1942 to October of 1944 the Filipino

Guerillas fought in anticipation of the return of  the allied forces.

 “American and Filipino soldiers paid a heavy price  to restore liberty and democratic principals to their Homeland”

 CONCURRENT RECEIPT - Contents

This is a topic that won’t go away .  There is a wrong being done to Veterans and that’s the end of that tune.

Dave Obey, Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold have chosen not to support this current pending legislation. Supposedly because the bill does not show how it will be funded.  This sounds weak when one reads about hundreds of thousands of dollars being sent to South American countries to help overthrow an unfriendly dictator.  Like it’s not our money they are talking about. 

They never talk about the record budget surplus that could easily fund this program. 

The Washington games are afoot.  House Budget committee has made a motion for the Secretary of Defense to make a report on the subject— oh pleaaseee.  It's like this bill has not seen this exact same action to stop it before.  YOU are the Veteran and Voter YOU have to tell these guys to get off the dime —it is not their dime it is ours. 

WHAT,s the problem?  Is this not a  unpopular program but in fact it is the honorable thing to do. The money is there.  We have to demand that they take action.  They WORK for us. 

Herb Kohl/Russ Feingold,  United States Senate, Washington D.C. 20510

David Obey, U.S.House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20515

Korean Commemorative Activities - Contents

Price County Korean War Commemorative committee has a number of activities dedicated to the Korean War Veteran this summer.

Czech-Slovac Festival will feature a display dedicated to the Korean War.

The last two weekends in June 22&23 and 29 &30 will have displays at the Price County Historical Society in FIFIELD

August 10 the 2nd  Mash Ball will be held at the Concrete Park South of Phillips.

The Price County Fair will also have a display.  Buttons and other memorabilia will be given out while supplies last.

DOD Approves Medal for Active Service Members - Contents

National Defense Service Medal has been authorized by the DOD for all active members of the armed forces on active duty on Sept. 11, 2001.  This award is to include the Coast Guard and some National Guard and Reservists who were on Federal active duty.  Exceptions are those on active duty for training.  Eligible members will receive the medal and be able to wear it immediately.  Those who already have the National Service Defense Medal will have a Bronze star issued to them as established by President Eisenhower in April of 1953. National Defense Service Medal indicates service during a war period or conflict regardless of duty station.

LEGISLATIVE NUMBERS - Contents