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American Legion Commander Praises Obama’s Change in Plan
Open Letter from VA Secretary
Congress to Agencies: Don’t Shortchange Vets on Contracting

Week of 23 March 2009

American Legion Commander Praises Obama’s Change in Plan

WASHINGTON – The leader of the nation’s largest veterans organization applauded President Obama for dropping his plan to bill private insurance companies for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries.

"We are glad that President Obama listened to the strong objections raised by The American Legion and veterans everywhere about this unfair plan," said National Commander David K Rehbein of The American Legion. "We thank the administration for its proposed increase in the VA budget and we are always available to assist by providing guidance to ensure a veterans health care system that is worthy of the heroes that use it."

Following a meeting last week with The American Legion and other veterans service organizations, the White House announced that it will no longer consider billing insurance companies or veterans for their service-connected disabilities.

"Although we disagreed with the proposal, additional revenue streams are needed by VA," Rehbein said. "I strongly encourage Congress and the administration to allow VA to begin billing Medicare for the treatment of Medicare-eligible nonservice-connected veterans. They paid into Medicare for their entire working careers and should be able to use it in the medical system that was built specifically for them."

With a current membership of 2.6 million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and the mentoring of youth. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

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Open Letter from VA Secretary

[Source: VA Press Release 13 Mar 09 ++]

(Editor’s Note: Following is an open letter to Veterans from Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki)

"My name is Ric Shinseki, and I am a Veteran. For me, serving as Secretary of Veterans Affairs is a noble calling. It provides me the opportunity to give back to those who served with and for me during my 38 years in uniform and those on whose shoulders we all stood as we grew up in the profession of arms.

"The Department of Veterans Affairs has a solemn responsibility to all of you, today and in the future, as more Veterans join our ranks and enroll to secure the benefits and services they have earned. I am fully committed to fulfilling President Obama’s vision for transforming our department so that it will be well-positioned to perform this duty even better during the 21st Century. We welcome the assistance and advice of our Veterans Service Organizations, other government departments and agencies, Congress, and all VA stakeholders as we move forward, ethically and transparently, so that Veterans and citizens can understand our efforts.

"Creating that vision for transforming the VA into a 21st Century organization requires a comprehensive review of our department. We approach that review understanding that Veterans are central to everything VA does. We know that results count, that the department will be measured by what we do, not what we promise, and that our best days as an organization supporting Veterans are ahead of us. We will fulfill President Lincoln’s charge to care for “. . . him, who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan . . .” by redesigning and reengineering ourselves for the future.

"Transforming any institution is supremely challenging; I know this from my own experience in leading large, proud, complex, and high-performing organizations through change. But the best organizations must be prepared to meet the challenging times, evolving technology and, most importantly, evolving needs of clients. Historically, organizations that are unwilling or unable to change soon find themselves irrelevant. You and your needs are not irrelevant.

"Veterans are our clients, and delivering the highest quality care and services in a timely, consistent and fair manner is a VA responsibility. I take that responsibility seriously and have charged all of the department’s employees for their best efforts and support every day to meet our obligations to you. Our path forward is challenging, but the President and Congress support us. They have asked us to do this well—for you. Veterans are our sole reason for existence and our number one priority—bar none. I look forward to working together with all VA employees to transform our department into an organization that reflects the change and commitment our country expects and our Veterans deserve.

"Thank you, and God bless our military, our Veterans, and our Nation."

Signed: Eric K. Shinseki

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Congress to Agencies: Don’t Shortchange Vets on Contracting

News From the Committee on Small Business: Nydia M. Velázquez, Chairwoman

WASHINGTON, D.C. —As government agencies begin administering billions of dollars in infrastructure work from the recently passed economic recovery package, key lawmakers today pressed Administration officials to ensure veteran-owned small businesses and service disabled veteran small business owners are able to compete for their fair share of federal contracts. During a hearing before the House Committee on Small Business’ Contracting and Technology Subcommittee, Members of Congress called on the Departments of Transportation, Defense, Energy and Veterans Affairs, as well as the Small Business Administration, to take steps to help veteran entrepreneurs compete in the federal marketplace.

"When veterans perform federal contracting work it is a ‘win-win,’" said Rep. Glenn Nye (D-VA), Chairman of the Contracting and Technology Subcommittee. "We create opportunities for those who have served our nation and, ultimately, the government receives high quality products and services at more competitive prices."

Lawmakers said veteran entrepreneurs often have skills that make them well suited for the federal marketplace. Given their knowledge of the federal government, they frequently have a unique understanding of what procurement offices’ needs. In addition, a large percentage of the $111 billion in public works contracts generated under the Economic Recovery Act is expected to go to industries where veteran entrepreneurs have traditionally had a strong presence such as engineering, telecommunications, project management, and construction.

"From their time in the service, veterans often have specialized skills sets that make them a natural fit for federal contracting work," said Nye. "However, even with this unique experience and background, they are often shut out of the contracting process. That’s not good for veterans and it is not good for the taxpayer."

Members of the Committee said that if veteran owned small businesses are going to compete for contracts, then the agencies administering programs under the economic recovery act will need to proactively reach out to the veterans community. Specifically, lawmakers quizzed agency representatives on what plans the agencies had in place for outreach to the veterans’ community; how they would inform veterans of available contracts; and what resources the agencies intend to make available to help veterans navigate the procurement process.

"If veteran entrepreneurs are going to get a fair shake, then the agencies before us need to be engaged," said Nye. "This Committee is putting government agencies on notice that we will not accept the tired excuse that the need to move hastily and the sheer volume of contracts resulted in an ‘inadvertent oversight’ of veteran-owned businesses."

Nye represents Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes the Hampton Roads area. The district is home to the second highest concentration of veterans in the nation. During Thursday’s hearing, three veteran entrepreneurs from Virginia’s 2nd District testified: Mr. Mark Klett of Klett Consulting Group in Virginia Beach; Jim Hart of ARRIBA Corporation in Norfolk; and Ms. Janice Cavolt of JBC Corporation in Virginia Beach.

CLICK HERE to view hearing

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