Public Affairs Officer
VA realigns police operations to promote oversight and standardization
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 25, 2019
VA realigns police operations to promote oversight and standardization
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approved plans recently to realign the structure of its police force.
The move follows several months of comprehensive analysis of the department’s law enforcement procedures and serves as a critical step forward in implementing the recommendations made by the Office of Inspector General and Government Accountability Office.
“The realignment will be the most extensive since the creation of the police force and will fundamentally change standardization and oversight across the enterprise,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “This highlights my commitment to the high standards of professionalism and transparency across the department.”
The changes will include:
- Implementing a police national governance body that will incorporate all department stakeholders to effectively manage and oversee policy issues.
- Creating a police modernization office specifically charted to develop and implement uniformed standards and address staffing challenges.
- Dividing the VA police force into four multi-state regions under the head of a regional law enforcement director. The regional director will serve as the gateway official providing strategic direction from the VA Office of Operations, Security and Preparedness to the field operating offices.
- Placing a police chief in each of the 18 Veteran Integrated Service Networks who will be under the oversight of the Office of Operations, Security and Preparedness and will provide direct guidance of law enforcement operations and compliance.
The district and regional law enforcement directors will be department assets placed in the field for greater accountability and oversight of the police program. These changes reaffirm that safety and security are paramount to the Department. VA will continually implement solutions that assure a safe environment for Veterans, staff, and visitors.
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VA Stories of Note: Oct. 19 – Oct. 25, 2019
Nextgov, Oct. 23: How VA Gets Innovators to Focus on Veterans’ Challenges
Hackathons—and the meaningful strategic partnerships they can spark—help the Veterans Affairs Department turn innovation that only seems imaginable into reality, a VA official said Tuesday. At the Veteran Health Administration’s second annual Innovation Experience event in Washington, Suzanne Shirley, an entrepreneur-in-residence through the VHA’s Innovation Ecosystem, highlighted some of the impacts the solution-centered hacks have inspired over the last year.
KRGV (ABC-5, Video) (Weslaco, Texas), Oct. 23: VA Now Using Video Games to Help Rehabilitate Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs is now using video games to help rehabilitate veterans. The VA partnered with Microsoft back in May. Microsoft donated more than 170 controllers specifically designed for people with limited mobility, giving disabled veterans a way to play again and help them cope with life after service.
Muskogee Phoenix (Muskogee, Okla.), Oct. 23: Veterans can enroll in VA’s Million Veteran Program online
Veterans can now join the Million Veteran Program online (MVP) as part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) effort to improve the lives of veterans through health care research and innovation. More than 775,000 veterans have already joined MVP, a national, voluntary, research initiative that helps VA study how genes affect the health of Veterans.
KPAC (NPR-90.1, Audio) (San Antonio, Texas), Oct. 22: As Veterans' Cemeteries Run Out Of Space, The VA Is Providing An Alternative To Burials
For the first time in decades, veterans and local military families have access to a final resting place alongside fellow servicemembers in the city of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles National Cemetery, closed to new burials since 1978, is once again accepting applications for interment, as the Department of Veterans Affairs pursues new options for veterans cemeteries that have run out of real estate for gravesites.
FOX News, Oct. 20: Vietnam Marine veteran in New Mexico hospice care reunites with beloved dog one last time
A New Mexico veteran who served with the Marines in Vietnam said a final goodbye last week to the beloved dog he had to put up for adoption when he entered hospice care. John Vincent was reunited with Patch, a 5-year-old Yorkie, for one last time Thursday at the Hospice Center at the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque, according to reports.
Military Times, Oct. 21: More questions answered as installations get ready for the potential 3 million extra shoppers
A little more than two months before a new shopping benefit takes effect for about 3 million newly eligible shoppers, defense officials have tested and rolled out the system that will allow these shoppers through the gates.
Patient Engagement HIT (Danvers, Mass.), Oct. 21: VA Expands Care Access, Suicide Prevention to National Guard
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) have partnered to expand patient access to mental healthcare and suicide prevention education materials, according to an agency press release.
Chicago Crusader (Chicago, Ill.), Oct. 21: The VA’s radical redesigning of its healthcare delivery system
The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, is leading the mission to reform healthcare by moving from traditional, disease-focused care to the Whole Health Systems (WHS) model. The WHS model asks veterans to place their visions of well-being at the center of their care.
Military Times, Oct. 18: Community partners and support key to veteran suicide prevention
As the leaders of the Veterans Health Administration and the President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS) Task Force, we fear the oft-repeated, “one suicide is too many” will one day lose its impact.
ICYMI: #BeThere Facebook Live on VA Mental Health Care and Suicide Prevention
In support of Suicide Prevention Month, VA and AMVETS teamed up for a #BeThere Facebook Live event to discuss how to recognize the need for mental health care and where to go to find help.
Dr. Matthew Miller, Acting Director of VA’s Suicide Prevention Program, joined Jan Brown, AMVETS National Commander, and Cherissa Jackson, Chief Medical Executive of AMVETS. Each provided information on a range of resources and services available to service members, Veterans and their family members.
Dr. Miller, an Air Force Veteran himself, began by emphasized the strength of America’s Veterans. “Part of being strong, part of being resilient is knowing when to bring in assistance or help,” he said. “We all learned that in the military and it’s applying those same principals to this.”
VA resources range from online information to inpatient and outpatient counseling programs. Go to the Resource Locator to find local resources such as Suicide Prevention Coordinators, Crisis Centers and Vet Centers. All three panelists stressed the importance of community Vet Centers, which offer counseling to combat Veterans–both honorably and dishonorably discharged. It also offers counseling to service members and their family members.
Share your story! 
Ms. Brown encouraged Veterans to connect with other Veterans whether at a Veteran Service Organization or VA location.
“I love the peer to peer groups that VA has started,” she said. “I think they are probably one of the best things that VA has done in years in the mental health area.”
The panelists shared their personal experiences. Ms. Jackson raised the concern that there is a stigma surrounding mental health care particularly where Veterans don’t want to be perceived as being weak.
“You sharing your story is a significant step for others who may be watching and saying – I can relate.” Dr. Miller replied. “The first thing we can do I think as Veterans is open the door for conversation.
“So reach out, connect, create an invitation to talk,” he said. “It’s okay to mention the word suicide. A lot of people think, well am I going to give them the idea if I ask directly, or if I open the conversation? What we find especially with Veterans is they find it helpful. They feel a sense of relief that someone is bringing it up and there’s an opportunity to talk about it.”
Reach out!
Ms. Jackson agreed that simply reaching out and showing you care is important, saying, “All we have to do is just be there for our Veterans, and we don’t need to have all the answers.”
Showing your support can be as simple as sending a message by email, text or calling someone. Your words could be exactly what a service member or Veteran in crisis needs to hear.
For service members, Veterans and their families who are in crisis, they are encouraged to call the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or text 838255).
S.A.V.E., which stands for Signs, Ask, Validate, Encourage and Expedite, offers simple steps anyone – whether a treatment provider, clinician, friend or family member – can take when talking with Veterans at risk for suicide. The training, provided in collaboration with PsychArmor Institute, is a free online training course that teaches you how to identify Veterans at risk for suicide and how to help them. The free training video can be viewed at: https://psycharmor.org/courses/s-a-v-e/.
VA representatives responded to questions following the conversation and directed Veterans to www.va.gov to learn more about VA benefits, and how to apply.
VAAC Town Hall Meeting
Connecting veterans and their families to benefits they have earned. If you know any Veteran Service Organizations or veterans and their families in SW Washington that have questions about claiming benefits they have earned? Share this event, and connect with local resources.
Call for 2020 Officers Nominations
THE PURPOSE OF THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
To preserve the traditions, promote the interest and perpetuate the history of the United States Marine Corps; to band together those who are now serving in the United States Marine Corps, eligible FMF Corpsmen and those who have been honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps, together in fellowship, that they may effectively promote the ideals of American freedom and democracy; to help fit its members for the duties of citizenship and to encourage them to serve ably as citizens as they have served our nation under arms; to hold sacred the memory and history of the men and women who have given their lives to the Nation; to foster love for the principles which they have supported by blood and valor since the founding of the Republic; to aid voluntarily and to render assistance to all Marines, FMF Corpsmen and FMF Navy Chaplains, uniformed and civilian, as well as their widows and orphans; to create a bond of comradeship between those in the service and those who have returned to civilian life; to perpetuate the history of the United States Marine Corps and by fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of peculiar interest to Marines.
Detachment Commandant:
Directs MCL activities within the community, presides at all Detachment meetings, serves as adviser to all committees of the Detachment, and is in direct charge of all functions of the Detachment. After being sworn into office by the Department Commandant (or any authorized Officer) may administer the oath of membership to new members.
Nominations to date: Rick Flath
Detachment Senior Vice Commandant:
Renders assistance to the Detachment Commandant, and during the absence or illness of the Commandant, perform the duties of that office; assist all committees, and, with their assistance, initiate and implement such dynamic programs as will increase the effectiveness of the League and their Detachment.
Nominations to date: none
Detachment Junior Vice Commandant:
Creates and distributes such membership incentives and programs as will engender enthusiastic response resulting in membership growth. In the absence or illness of the Detachment Commandant and the Senior Vice Commandant, will be responsible for performing the duties of the Detachment Commandant.
Nominations to date: none
Detachment Judge Advocate:
Interpret the Detachment bylaws, advise, construe, counsel and render opinions on questions of law and procedure to the Detachment Commandant during meetings. In the event there are no Detachment Bylaws the Department and National Bylaws will be used in lieu of Detachment Bylaws. Make decisions on the local level in disputes or if unable to do so, refer the problem to the next higher echelon of the League, i.e. Department or National. NOTE: There is no investigative or punitive authority at the Detachment level.
Nominations to date: Paul Burton
WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS NEWSLETTER
A Message from the Director
Washington State Celebrates 1,000 employers and 4,300 Veterans Hired through the YesVets Initiative
By WDVA Director, Alfie Alvarado-Ramos
We are truly honored to announce that 1,000 employers have hired more than 4,300 veterans as of this September through the YesVets Initiative. We know that hiring veterans is a great way to tap an already skilled talent pool and to retain a diverse labor force in our state.
The YesVets Hiring Initiative is a partnership between the Employment Security Department, chambers of commerce, Washington Department of Veterans Affairs and Washington State Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). This veteran hiring campaign was created to recognize and thank employers who choose to say, “YES” to hiring veterans in Washington State.
After an employer hires a veteran, they are presented with a YesVets window decal and vehicle bumper sticker to display at their business to demonstrate support for America’s veterans. The window decal includes a year sticker to let their customers know how many years they have participated by hiring veterans. Businesses may receive a new decal each year as long as they have hired a veteran in that current year.
Typically, employers receive their decals at a local chamber of commerce meeting or at their place of business. They are then featured on social media with the #YesVets hashtag and are invited to an annual YesVets Employer Recognition Event.
To our Veteran Service Organizations and other non-profit partners, you are eligible to participate in YesVets too! Any employer can sign up and once you hire a veteran, you’ll receive the same recognition as any other business.
I commend the work of our partners in the YesVets Initiative, Employment Security Department, Chambers of Commerce and Washington State Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), for all of their hard work in growing this important campaign that is helping to employ thousands of veterans. Washington State continues to urge businesses to say “yes” to the state’s veterans when filling open positions.
Interested employers can learn more and sign up before or after hiring a veteran at www.YesVets.org.
Read more https://orange.hosting.lsoft.com/list/ov8ia944/190926AZ/h8emmd.vib?a0=3861
Federal agencies partner to expand employment reintegration grants for homeless Veterans or those at risk of homelessness
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 4, 2019
Federal agencies partner to expand employment reintegration grants for homeless Veterans or those at risk of homelessness
WASHINGTON —The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) collaborated in August to successfully roll out the recently expanded Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP), which will help more than 18,000 homeless and at-risk Veterans secure meaningful employment and stable housing.
HVRP grants in excess of $48 million were awarded to 149 community organizations, serving more Veterans than ever before.
“In order to stay securely housed, most Americans, including Veterans, need employment to support themselves and their families,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “VA, DOL, USICH and our community partners are dedicated to helping homeless and at-risk Veterans access job opportunities that aid them in exiting or avoiding homelessness.”
The recent legislation expands program eligibility to include:
- Veterans who, upon enrollment in HVRP, were homeless at any point during the preceding 60 days but have found housing.
- Veterans participating in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program, Tribal HUD-VASH or VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families programs.
- Veterans who are receiving assistance under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act of 1996.
- Veterans who are incarcerated or who are transitioning from incarceration.
Through HRVP, eligible Veterans receive employment training, transportation, professional clothing, apprenticeship opportunities, on-the-job training as well as job search and placement assistance. VA can also help these Veterans access medical care and permanent housing through a partnership with HUD.
The collaborative effort between VA, DOL and USICH includes informational sessions and webinars for grant awardees, VA staff and community partners to learn how to improve employment outcomes for eligible Veterans using these programs. The grants were awarded to non-profit organizations nationwide, such as state and local workforce investment boards, tribal governments and faith-based organizations.
“This interagency collaboration will help ensure that Veterans who are at risk, or who are currently or recently homeless, find employment success,” said USICH Executive Director Matthew Doherty. “The expanded eligibility for the HVRP program supports nationwide efforts to help Veterans move quickly into housing that becomes their springboard for achieving their goals for themselves and their families.”
HVRP is the only federal program that focuses exclusively on the employment of Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Initially authorized under Section 738 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, HVRP and its companion programs are currently authorized under Title 38 U.S.C. Sections 2021, 2021A, and 2023.
Visit www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/
Marine for Life Professional Meetup; Sept. 16th, 6:30PM Pyramid Alehouse, Seattle
Register here (FREE): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marine-for-life-professional-meetup-sept-16th-630pm-pyramid-alehouse-seattle-registration-70728523919
Friends,
We are holding our Marine for Life event in Seattle, our "normal" place (Pyramid Alehouse by the staduims), at 6:30 PM on September 16th. We're expecting a great turnout, but can always use a hand letting people know about the event, so we could definitely use help in getting the word out to veteran job-seekers, recruiters, and veterans who can help our fellow veterans/partners in their transition out of the military, or as they work for new opportunities.
We've had dozens of people walk out with interviews or leads to interviews from these events.
We will also have people on hand to help with resumes, walk through interview processes, and even help explain what different roles actually mean in a civilian job (e.g. “What’s a program vs product vs product manager, anyway…”)
As always, this is free of charge, thanks this month to Chris Dantzscher. Chris is a Marine and a great supporter. He has in depth knowledge about the Seattle real estate market, and supports buyers and sellers including market education (especially important in this market).
We’ll have light refreshments, and you might even be able to find a place to grab an adult beverage and talk about transition, or just the world outside the military.
I get this question a lot: Is Marine for Life just for Marines? The answer is simple: No. We are open to ALL services, veteran friendly organizations, and veteran spouses/partners.
The event starts at 6:30, and we will kick off intros at 6:55PM. Job seekers, be ready to give us 30 seconds on what you think you may be interested in (and your timeline). Recruiters/veteran facing organizations, be ready to summarize what you are looking for or how you can help in about 45 seconds. No need to handouts/tables/etc. We like to keep this conversational and low key.
Hope to see you there!
Major “Ace” Nelson
Marine for Life Seattle
Times:
6:30pm - 6:45pm - Participants arrive and check-in
6:55pm - 7:10pm - Introductions followed by food & great conversation
The event is upstairs at Pyramid. Yes, there is an upstairs!
Parking behind Pyramid is free for this event. (Seriously! Just park and come in. The "pay" to the west of the building lot is Pyramid's.)
Job seekers: Business casual. Bring a resume and be ready to talk about what kind of work you are looking for and your timeline for employment (if known).
Employers: Be ready to give us 30-60 seconds on what your company does and what you are looking for (no prep, table, or handouts required).
Mentors/VSOs: Be ready to tell us how you can help in 30 seconds during intros.
Cost: FREE – Thanks to Christopher Dantzscher of Coldwell Banker Bain
If you are a business or individual and want to support this event it is appreciated. Please contact Major Nelson at seattle.marineforlife at gmail.com and he will put you in touch with a Marine Corps Support Group coordinator.
Contact:
Major Garrett “Ace” Nelson is the M4L rep in Seattle. Please contact him directly at
seattle.marineforlife at gmail.com
if he can help in any way.
Join the national-level LinkedIn group named "Marine For Life Network"
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/Marine-Life-Network-5145640/about
or the West Region (specific to West Coast job opportunities)
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/6777653
Have questions about Marine for Life Professional Meetup; Sept. 16th, 6:30PM Pyramid Alehouse, Seattle? Contact Marine For Life - Seattle
Trump signs student debt forgiveness for disabled veterans
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Student loan debt held by disabled veterans will be forgiven under an order signed Wednesday by President Donald Trump.
Trump said the order would direct the Department of Education to "eliminate every penny of federal student loan debt" owed by American veterans who are completely and permanently disabled.
"There will be no federal income tax on the forgiven debts," Trump said, saying he'll also ask states to waive their taxes on the loans. America, he said, owes its heroes "a supreme debt of gratitude."
The administration says just half of the roughly 50,000 disabled veterans who are qualified to have their federal student loan debt forgiven have received the benefit because of a burdensome application process. Trump issued the order during his address at the AMVETS convention in Louisville and signed it afterward.
The document directs the government to develop an "expedited" process so veterans can have their federal student loan debt discharged "with minimal burdens."
Trump was visiting Kentucky to speak to more than 2,500 veterans at the nonpartisan service organization, also known as American Veterans.
Trump also was expected to headline a Louisville fundraiser for Republican Gov. Matt Bevin's reelection effort.
Bevin is running against Democratic state Attorney General Andy Beshear in what's shaping up to be a close November election.
Bevin plays up his Trump ties in pitching for a second term. Trump recently promised to hold a campaign rally for Bevin.
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Associated Press writer Laurie Kellman contributed to this report from Washington.
Read more https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/trump-signs-student-debt-forgiveness-for-disabled-veterans/ar-AAG7Vsn?ocid=spartandhp