"Recovery Coordinators" for Wounded Warriors

DoD, VA Announce "Recovery Coordinators" for Wounded Warriors and Their Families Wed, 31 Oct 2007 11:09:00 -0500

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 1265-07 October 31, 2007 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------DoD, VA Announce "Recovery Coordinators" for Wounded Warriors and Their Families The Department of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) today signed an agreement to provide "federal recovery coordinators" who will ensure life-long medical and rehabilitative care services and other federal benefits are provided to seriously wounded, injured and ill active duty service members, veterans and their families. The agreement puts into place one of the top recommendations of the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors, co-chaired by former Sen. Robert Dole and former Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala. "This agreement will help ensure our nation's wounded warriors and their families receive the care they need and deserve at the right time, right place, and by the right person across the continuum from recovery through to their reintegration into their communities," said Michael L. Dominguez, principal deputy under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness. Under this agreement the first group of federal recovery coordinators will be provided by VA in coordination with DoD and will be assigned to select military treatment facilities throughout the nation. They will support existing military service and veteran programs and care providers by coordinating needed services between DoD and VA and state and private and voluntary organizations, while serving as the ultimate life-long resource for wounded, ill and injured and their families who may have concerns about federal services or benefits. Job announcements for the new positions have been posted, with the first 10 federal recovery coordinators scheduled to be hired by Dec. 1. Plans call for the new employees to be trained and in place at the military's major health care facilities during January 2008. The first 10 coordinators will work at military health care facilities and at any other locations where patients are later assigned. They will be located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.; the Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.; the Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas; and the Naval Medical Center Balboa in San Diego. Additional recovery coordinators will be added in the future as needs are determined. The coordinators will have a background in social services or nursing and will work closely with the clinical and non-clinical case management teams to develop and execute federal individual recovery plans. Those plans, developed for the severely wounded, injured or ill, specify what services are needed across the continuum of care, from recovery through rehabilitation to reintegration to civilian life. The coordinators also will work closely with family members to take care of their services and needs. The coordinators will have access to and support from the DoD's under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness and VA's under secretary for health, as well as the commanders of facilities where service members and veterans receive treatment. These federal recovery coordinators are in addition to other programs that have been established by the military services.

Veteran Benefit Fair

Veteran Benefit Fair
Attention Veterans
Mark this Date - Friday November 9 and make plans to attend the Veterans' Benefits and Jobs Fair at the South Towne Expo Center from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Meet with employers with job vacancies in many different occupations and careers. Bring a resume. Learn about benefits available to you. Learn about community resources available to you, and, it's all available at no cost to you - It's Free! Sponsored by the Utah Department of Veteran's Affairs, the Utah Department of Workforce Services and the U.S. Departmentof Labor.
You've earned it; now see what you're entitled to!

The Veterans' Benefits and Jobs Fair at the South Towne Expo Center from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. November 9th 2007
Dept. of Workforce Services Utah's Job Connection

Our Sister VA Angels in Colorado

10/22/2007 9:27:00 AM
Residents rally in support of troops
Jonathan Schwab - Mail Staff Writer

About 80 people gathered in Poncha Springs Sunday for a war rally supporting the U.S. military and to help propel them toward victory in Iraq. Sponsored by mayors of Buena Vista, Poncha Springs and Salida, the rally began about noon in Chipeta Park. Supporters moved inside to the second floor of the town hall at about 12:30 p.m. when snow flurries began.Rally participants, including about 12 war veterans, arrived from Chaffee, Fremont, and Saguache counties and Colorado Springs. Buena Vista Mayor Cara Russell spoke to the crowd before the rally moved inside.She recited a quote by 18th Century Irish philosopher Edmund Burke: "I believe the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing."

Members of the non-profit group, Soldiers' Angels, were present, requesting donations to sponsor a holiday gift bag for a deployed soldier. The group intends to get a care package or goodie bag into the hands of all the deployed area personnel. Many who showed up to the rally signed a dozen boxes of Christmas cards to send to troops by Soldiers' Angels of Pasadena, Calif. The organization has volunteers in Buena Vista, including Jennifer Page who was at the rally to collect donations and provide information about Soldiers' Angels.

Poncha Springs Mayor Mark Thonhoff said, "My mission with this support rally was to either monetarily or materially give help in any way to the 150,000 men and women serving our country overseas." Thonhoff explained many of the military don't have the daily necessities most Americans do such as toothpaste, floss and other toiletries."If cards and all the small necessities we send brighten up their day, I feel we were successful," Thonhoff said. "Kudos to Cara Russell for spearheading this event."Russell contacted Thonhoff and Salida Mayor Danny Knight in late August about cosponsoring the rally, and both agreed. Russell said they chose Poncha Springs for the rally because it is the most convenient for the three cities. Rally volunteers collected donations for prepaid phone cards to send to troops. Thonhoff thanked Karin Adams of United Country Premier Brokers in Salida for behind-the-scenes work such as helping with Christmas cards. Knight couldn't attend because he was caught in traffic after flying to Colorado Springs from a funeral in Missouri, however, Thonhoff said he was "there in spirit." Thonhoff said. Thonhoff said Knight is "very proactive in supporting our military."Other members of the community who came, children and adults, have family members in Iraq. Heather and Alex Hobson of Salida were at the rally with their parents to support their foster siblings, Nikki and Albert Marle. Nikki is on her first tour in Iraq and Albert is on his third. Deb Wagner of Salida, whose husband, Norm, has been in the national guard in Iraq for eight months, showed up to support troops. When snow abated a bit, about 1:15 p.m., some rally participants lined each side of U.S. 50 holding signs with the image of an eagle and an American flag and messages such as "Freedom through victory, support our mission" and "These colors don't run."They were greeted by honking horns and occasional exclamations from drivers. Snow returned about 3 p.m., but more people arrived, many with nonperishable gifts such as toiletries, crackers, and small juice boxes to send to military personnel.

Soldiers Angels Tribute Music

1223 Music has a beautiful new song that pays tribute to Soldiers' Angels. The lyrics are below and you can listen to the song at www.myspace.com/1223music.

Lyrics for "Soldier's Angels Tribute" Intro (Written and Spoken by Frank Herring)
This song is dedicated to all the men and women of Soldier's Angels (we need you)
who stopped to take time out of their busy lives who may not understand the impact of their contributions prayers, letters, gifts, and long distance hugs.
We Soldiers could never say thank you enough (thank you)for giving us the one thing that really ever mattered to us... YOUR SUPPORT!

Hook (Written by Adrian Taylor AKA Mr. Sylk, Performed by Cornelius Whitaker AKA C-Whit)God sent me an Angel
And I got it in the mail today
It said I love you and I wanna wish you well today
So here's a package and it's showered with love
I sent it to you cause I know you miss the kisses and hugs
though this world can be so hateful
I'm here to tell you that I'm grateful
And let you know you've got an Angel
Cause you're a Soldier
And I know you need an Angel to watch over you

1st Verse (Written by Mr. Sylk. Performed by himself and C-Whit)
Hey, It seems like heaven's many miles away
but man i'm blessed Cause my Angel's just a smile away
I smile today, somebody had a frown today
But not me, ain't gone be no dark clouds today
I got a letter in the mail, It's my surrogate mom
I got a package in the mail, Oooh I bet it's the bomb yep,
I got a package of DVD's
Some new release CD's to go with my MP3
I got a pack of white socks and white T-ShirtsHanes,
it really ain't my style, but thats's gonnna work(man)
I'm so grateful to have an Angel
Because it's painful, to watch a man go
Unloved and to never get a thank you
When he should get his love committee of a rainbow(Hey)
It's the American Way
Thank you Angel, I'ma have a great American Day
Betsy Ross she made the flag,
I'ma raise the flag
I'm bout to head up out the gate so pray for me and wave ya flags
If you committed to a Soldier MOUNT UP!
Man we need support, so put your pound up
Help us get the count up
And don't be scared cause we're a nation at war
cause all of those that died before us makes the nation we are
My Angel will carry me, If they should go bury me
I'M COMING HOME TO LOVE...... PEOPLE THIS NATION WON"T WORRY ME ...NAW

Hook2nd Verse (Written and performed by John Kirk AKA John-John)
They say angels have wings
Yours are just hidden
But its more than a package
Its your heart that you're given
When you're living with a purpose
Always moving never stopping
So no soldier goes unloved
So no soldier is forgotten
Sometimes life is rotten
It can seem so tangled Soldiers need weapons
But they also need angels
Pattie Patton Bader
Sent a gift to her son
That one act of kindness
Has been multiplied by tons
You can hear it in my lungs
I'm singing this to ya'll To thank you for the support
And answering the call
Cause if all play a part
Ain't no way that we can stop
So many have been supported
So many have been adopted
Now I know I ain't know profit
Cause family can do it better
With an uncle named Sam
You know that we come together
Cause forever seems short
When you're living right
You make a dark day seem bright
My Angel

Hook and Outro (performed by C-Whit)

Hug A Hero

Don't forget to get the word out about Hug A Hero project.
We are trying to collect 20,000 blankets for the VAs across the country. These blankets can be crocheted, knitted, loomed, quilted or the fleece tie blankets. The measurements are: 36 x 45 for afghans/lap blankets. And 45 x 60 for larger. The blankets should be individually wrapped in Christmas paper and a note should be attached stating who created the blanket and that they are a member of Soldiers' Angels. Once you are finished with the blanket you should email Terri Hansen at: shansenfamily @ embarqmail.com.In the email please include the size of the item and the quantities, if it is gender specific, and if you are here locally and want to donate your blankets to the Salt Lake City, UT VAMC. Once Terri receives your email she will send you an address of a VA facility. Or to confirm the mailing address of the VAMC of your choice. Mail out day will be Dec. 1st.

A big thanks to Wanderingvets

I want to personally thank Wanderingvets for donating over 10 hours of phone cards to the Salt Lake City, Utah VAMC. If any of you have not read his blogs, there is a link from this site, you should do so. He is a homeless veteran and offers many insights, experiences, and knowledge there. Thank you JT!

VetPacks are in demand

VETPacks are backpacks put together by Soldiers' Angels to be sent to the VA Hospitals and given out to homeless veterans. These backpacks contain basic necessities such as toiletries, clean socks, underwear, hat, blanket, etc. (for complete contents click the link to the right that says "Click here to donate a VETPack"). It is really important that we get donations for these backpacks. Most VA hospitals give them out at Standdowns. A Standdown is when homeless veterans are invited to a VA Hospital to talk with volunteers about the benefits, finding a job, finding a place to live, etc. Alot of these Standdowns are held during October and November. Here is how you can help.
--You can Donate by clicking the link to the left for Soldiers Angels, donating a VETPack.
--You can collect items and put some VETPacks together yourself
--You can write/make cards and letters to put in the VETPacks
Don't forget to get your schools, churches, co workers, friends, and family involved. The more people that help out the more Veterans we can help.
The Salt Lake City, Utah VAMC is having their standdown on November 2nd. We are expecting 250 homeless vets, who are all in need of a vetpack, any of the items in the vetpack, and the cards. Thank you all who can contribute!!

Statistics from the VA site

Number of Veterans Receiving VA Disability Compensation (as of 06/30/07): 2.8 Million
Number of Veterans Rated 100% Disabled (as of 06/30/07): 246,520
Number of Veterans Receiving VA Pension (as of 06/30/07): 323,771
Number of Spouses Receiving DIC (as of 06/30/07): 316,012
Number of Total Enrollees in VA Health Care System (FY 06): 7.9 M
Number of Total Unique Patients Treated (FY 06): 5.5 M
Number of Veterans Compensated for PTSD (as of 06/30/07): 292,260
Number of Veterans in Receipt of IU Benefits (as of 06/30/07): 235,316
Number of VA Education Beneficiaries (FY 06): 498,123
Number of VA Veteran Life Insurance Beneficiaries (as of 09/30/06): 1.777 M
Number of VA Voc Rehab (Chapter 31) Trainees (as of FY 06): 53,431
Number of Home Loans Guaranteed by VA (cumulative as of 06/30/07): 2.2 M
Number of Health Care Professionals Rotating Through VA (FY 06): 100,893
Number of OEF/OIF Amputees (as of 07/03/07): 6362


Veterans Demographics
Projected U.S. Veterans Population: 23,977,000 {Female 1,731,000 7.2%}
Projected Number of Living WW II Veterans (as of 9/30/2006): 3,151,000
Number of WW II Veterans Pass Away Per Day: 1,025
Percentage of Veteran Population 65 or Older: 38.4%
Veteran Population by Race: White Non-Hispanic 80.3%
Hispanic 5.5 %
Black Non-Hispanic 10.7%
Other 3.5%


About VA
Number of VA Employees: 247,585
Number of VA Medical Centers: 153
Number of VA Outpatient Clinics: 718
Number of VA Vet Centers: 207
Number of VBA Regional Offices: 57
Number of VA National Cemeteries: 125


For Year2006 Appropriations (actual)
VA: $73.6B
VHA: $31.0B
VBA-GOE: $1.08B
NCA: $150M


For Year 2007 Appropriations (enacted)
VA: $80.2B
VHA: $34.5B
VBA-GOE: $1.17B
NCA: $161M


For Year 2008 Appropriations (request)
VA: $86.4B
VHA: $36.6B
VBA-GOE: $1.20B
NCA: $167M

Golden Corral

Military Appreciation Monday 12, 2007
Golden Corral and the DAV are partnering for another greatMilitary Appreciation Monday, November 12, 2007, between 5 and9 p.m. That’s the day Golden Corral restaurants nationwide welcome our nation’s veterans and active duty military men and women to a free buffet dinner and drink. Military Appreciation Monday is Golden Corral’s way to saying “Thank You!” to our nation’s veterans and active duty military. Be sure to visit the DAV information table to meet members of Chapters in your area and check out the free DAV information.
Mark your calendar now for Monday, Nov. 12, 2007

End of Life Rooms

A few months ago we sent an email out in regards to a very special project that is happening at the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin, GA. We are still in need in helping them meet their objective. Patti has requested that we send this information for you to consider.
There is an old ward at the hospital with a new name, it is called Cultural Transformation. The project takes regular rooms and makes them "like home" as much as possible. While all of these rooms are special, some of these rooms are extra special. The extra special rooms are called "End of Life" rooms. These rooms are where our most special heroes spend their last days. The rooms are being remodeled so family members can stay with their loved ones until the end. They are trying to make the rooms as comfortable as possible for all involved. If you have ever sat in a hospital chair while a loved one was being treated, you can understand how special these rooms are for those who don't have much time left.
The project total is $14,800. The VA is short $3,000 for the completion of these rooms. We are in need of some MUCH needed monetary donations to help them meet their goal. These rooms are so special and will provide comfort for countless years to many families. It isn't often that we can be involved in a project like this. What an honor to be able to help make our heroes and their families as comfortable as possible while they stand guard over their loved ones before they pass away. This project is truly an Angels mission!
If you would like to help with this project please visit www.soldiersangels.org and click on the Make a Donation button to make a contribution. PLEASE be sure to leave a message in the comment section indicating that this will be for the Carl Vinson VA End of Life Rooms Project. You can also mail a check or money order to: Soldiers' Angels1792 East Washington Blvd.Pasadena, CA 91104PLEASE be sure to indicate that it is for the Carl Vinson VA End of Life Rooms Project!
If you have any questions about this project please contact Sonya, the GA VA State Leader at: georgiaveteransteam @ yahoo.com or you can email Lori, the Eastern US VA Regional Leader at LoriT129 @ aol.comIn advance, we would like to thank you for your support of this most special project.

Welcome to "Your" VA

The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System invites all Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom Active Duty Military, Veterans, Families and Significant Others on Saturday October 27th, 2007 10 am to 4 pm
Representatives from a variety of Federal, State Government, and community organizations will provide information on services, education, job opportunities, benefits, family assistance and veteran health care enrollment during this community-wide outreach event.
They have a childrens corner, games and entertainment from 10-4. And at 11 am, Noon, 1 pm, and 2 pm, they have a Battlemind Presentation on Continuing the Transistion Home.

For more information, contact the Public Affairs Office at 801-584-1252

Writing Project for Vets Starts Today!!!

The Weber State University department of English and the Wasatch Range Writing Project are sponsoring an eight week writing workshop to help military veterans tell their stories.
The first session is today at 5 pm at the Weber County Library Southwest Branch, 1950 W. 4800 S, in Roy. Sessions will continue every Tuesday.
"In talking with veterans, many say these workshops give them the incentive they need to write down what they experienced while in the military." said Gary Dohrer, a WSU English professor. " A lot of them wanted to do this for a long time."
For more information, call 801-626-7318.

Welcome to the Utah State VA Blog

Welcome to the Utah State VA Blog!!

We are here to assist the VAMC's here in the state of Utah. If you have any information, events, or fundraisers, please let me know. Stay tuned for more info.