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Richard “Whopper” Belling, 75, West Fargo, ND, died on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo.

Visit https://www.freedomdayusa.org/ for more information and to find other participating businesses!

The ND Native Veterans Stand Down is an event dedicated to connecting Native Veterans, their families, and their caregivers to support services, benefits, education, and other essential services. 

All Native Veterans, Native Veteran family members, and Native Veteran caregivers are encouraged to attend.

New rule waives copayments for health care and all urgent care visits.

Join the Bob Woodruff Foundation on April 5 at 3 p.m. EST for an online panel discussion. Experts from VA and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) will discuss the historic expansion of benefits and health care provisions in the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. The new law is intended to help Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances during their time in service.

During the webinar, panelists will discuss the origins of the PACT Act, benefits for those impacted, and how to seek care from and apply for VA benefits. The Bob Woodruff Foundation’s Chief Program Officer Dr. Meg Harrell will moderate this impactful discussion.

The Disabled Veteran Deer Hunt will take place on Monday, November 13th and Monday, November 20th at Camp Grafton, ND.

Applications are available from your local County Veteran Service Office. 

Rescheduled to March 29 from 4-6 pm!

VA extending eligibility and benefits for Legacy Participants and Legacy Applicants

Unlike for most other medical benefits, veterans do not have to be enrolled in the VA system to be eligible for the free emergency mental health care.

Big Increase in VA Compensation Pay | Free 3-Day Bahamas Cruise | 15% Off Crafts, Arts Supplies (govdelivery.com)

#VetResources is a weekly newsletter for Veterans, their Families, Caregivers, and Survivors.

When: Monday, December 12, 2022 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: In person at the Fargo VA Health Care System, 3rd Floor Auditorium or via Teams

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA- Area businesses have come together to feed our active Military and Veterans on THURSDAY, November 10, 2022, at the Bismarck/Mandan Elks Lodge. Meal times start at 10:30am and end at 1:30pm. This complimentary turkey dinner includes all the delicious trimmings.

Lyle Schuchard of Bismarck ND passed away on September 6, 2022 at the age of 84.

In 2004 Lyle, an Army Veteran, was appointment by Governor John Hoeven to served on the Administrative Committee On Veteran’s Affairs (ACOVA).  Governor Hoeven later appointed Lyle as Chairman of the ACOVA for which he served from 2009-2011.

MANDAN, N.D. — The North Dakota Veterans Cemetery will host a ceremony in observance of its 30th anniversary on Aug. 31, 2022. The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. (Central Time) at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, 6.5 miles south of Mandan on North Dakota Highway 1806. The public and media are invited.

Diverse expert panel will examine factors driving veterans’ involvement in criminal justice system, produce recommendations for policy changes

A preliminary report found that many risk factors were linked — for example, symptoms of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress can lead to substance abuse.

Pfc. Robert L. Alexander of Tolley, North Dakota, received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart awards, according to the state Department of Veterans Affairs.

The ND National Guard and Retiree Advisory Board invite you to attend the weekend festivities from Sept 9 - Sept 11.

Senator Continues Pressing VA to Address Concerns of Local Veterans Groups; NCA to Consider Additional Enhancements

Join us for an afternoon of fun, fishing, and friendship. All Veterans welcome! This event is FREE and dinner is provided. 

WASHINGTON — Effective July 16, Veterans have the option to Dial 988 then Press 1 to connect with caring, qualified responders for 24/7 crisis support.

The National Cemetery Staff at Fargo National Cemetery and Fort Snelling National Cemetery Complex invite you to attend a Fargo National Cemetery Open House on Thursday, July 28, 2022 from 2:00PM to 4:00PM.

Veterans who are 50% disabled or greater are encouraged to apply. The Disabled Veteran Deer Hunt will take place on Monday, November 7th and Monday, November 14th at Camp Grafton, ND. Only 5 hunters allowed per day. Applications should be postmarked by September 30, 2022 to be considered.  Apply now or visit your local County Veteran Service Office.

*PLEASE NOTE: This is a shotgun with slug only hunt, no rifles will be allowed or provided this year.*

The Central Dakota Veterans Stand Down is scheduled for Thursday August 25th from 9:00 to 3:00 at the Bismarck AMVETS located at 2402 Railroad Ave. We would like to invite you to SAVE THE DATE and join us for the day as we reach out to the Veterans of Central Dakota North Dakota.

Fargo, ND— April 26, 2022 — The Fargo National Cemetery Volunteer Committee announces the third annual Memorial Day event on May 30, 2022, at 3 p.m. Silver Star Medal and Bronze Star Medal recipient Army Captain (retired) Chad A. Malmberg will give the keynote address. Regional Congressional delegations have been asked to make remarks as well as the governors of North Dakota and Minnesota.

BISMARCK, N.D. (PNS) – Low-income Veterans in North Dakota, at risk of being unhoused, have options to turn to if a legal issue stands in their way.

WASHINGTON — As part of President Biden’s Unity Agenda commitment to support the nation’s Veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs is adding nine rare respiratory cancers to the list of presumed service-connected disabilities due to military environmental exposures to fine particulate matter.

MANDAN, N.D. (KFYR) - The North Dakota Veterans Cemetery was recognized Wednesday for its commitment to the state’s military personnel and their families.

March 11, 2022
Sen. Cramer’s Burial Equity Bill to be Signed into Law

President Joe Biden says U.S. veterans are the “backbone, the spine, the sinew” of the nation, as he pushes for better help for members of the military who face health problems after exposure to burn pits and other hazards

READ MORE...

Veterans can use medical marijuana without losing their eligibility for care and services, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, reported KVIA.com

THE VETERANS HONOR FLIGHT OF ND/MN IS RAISING MONEY THIS GIVING HEARTS DAY

February 14 Application Deadline Approaches as FVC Expects to Distribute Highest Dollar Amount to Veterans in Program History.

Looking for a meaningful Volunteer opportunity? Do you want to give back to our Nation’s heroes? Do you enjoy visiting and sharing stories? Then the Fargo VA has the perfect opportunity for you!

Register and win a Fitbit!

Feb 10th, 2-3:30 pm!

D-Day is the day more than 77 years ago when U.S. soldiers stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, during World War II. Ed Zilli of Minot lived it. He’s among few living veterans of D-Day.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough tasked his agency’s new Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs with helping the VA take more innovative approaches to serving Native American veterans.

ND has lost another great Vietnam Veteran and Veteran Advocate - Ken Hasby of Newtown, ND.

Applications open now for awards that will empower 25 vets to earn private pilot certificates.

Exhibit at Pioneer Village showcases military history

The Fargo VA Health Care System will hold COVID-19 vaccine booster clinics across North Dakota and northwest Minnesota for certain eligible groups.

The Fargo VA Health Care System will hold several free flu shot clinics in September and October for Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare. For questions about eligibility, call 1-800-410-9723, extension 3428 or 3427. 

All Veterans, their spouses and caregivers, and CHAMPVA recipients can now get a COVID-19 vaccine at VA.

VA is hosting public virtual listening sessions to hear from Veterans on how to design a health care system of the future and grow services for Veterans in a way that reinforces VA’s role as a leader in the U.S. health care system. We look forward to hearing from you!  For more information please visit: Listening Sessions on the Future of VA Health Care - Central Time National Session | Veterans Affairs

VALLEY NEWS LIVE - Along with an exhibit, Bonanzaville is honoring veterans with a barbecue picnic prepared by veterans for veterans and a performance from the Red River Valley Veterans Concert Band. This event will go from 5:30pm to 7:00pm.  Read more...

NORTH DAKOTA – The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is warning the nation’s veterans that scammers are creating and implementing scams specifically designed for them. These scams include COVID Vaccination Scams: Scammers will offer veterans a “cut in the vaccination line,” cash payments, or other incentives around obtaining a COVID vaccination.  Read more...

Devils Lake Journal - 5/4/2021

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will hold two public virtual listening sessions to help inform VA’s development of the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP) and its implementing regulations. The virtual sessions will occur on May 25 and May 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern standard time. Virtual check-in will begin at 9 a.m. for registered speakers. Oral comments, testimonies, and/or technical remarks will be time limited based on the number of speakers (see notice for details).

The Fargo VA Health Care System will host a special Women Veterans Telephone Town Hall on June 1 from 4 to 5 p.m.

To participate, dial 1-872-701-0185, then enter code 644999623#.

All women Veterans, their family members, and any organization or individual who works with Veterans is encouraged to participate.

The Fargo VA will host its annual VA2K Walk & Roll on May 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Healing Garden at the Fargo VA Medical Center.

The free VA2K is a two-kilometer walk or wheelchair roll (approximately 1.2 miles), for Veterans, VA employees, and community members to help support homeless Veterans and active lifestyles.

Meet at the Fargo VA’s Healing Garden for the opening ceremony at 11 a.m., or come any time between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and take the course at your own pace. No pre-registration is required.

A new online application is now available for North Dakota Veterans interested in serving on the Administrative Committee on Veterans Affairs. 

The Fargo VA Health Care System and the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County in Moorhead, MN, in a joint effort, are partnering on a creative arts project with a series of public events featuring local Veterans’ journeys through trauma recovery in 2021. We’re looking for Veterans interested in becoming involved in one or more of the following projects:

Disabled American Veterans Chapter 4 of Minot has begun a DAV grave marker project to honor disabled veterans.

Read more.

By Ryan Thayer

FARGO, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Fargo Air Museum presents Vietnam Memorial Week April 24 through April 30, 2021, in partnership with the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Chapter 941.

Read more.

By Sasha Strong
Published: Apr. 19, 2021 at 6:39 PM CDT

BOTTINEAU, N.D. – A Bottineau woman is looking to collect the names of Purple Heart recipients from the state of North Dakota.

Read more.

On April 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended pausing use of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine while they investigate reports of rare and serious blood clots in patients. Out of an abundance of caution and in keeping with strong safety measures used by VHA to protect Veterans who have been vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines, VA has paused the use of this vaccine.

Fargo, ND, USA / 740 The FAN
Don Haney
Apr 7, 2021 3:20 AM

Bismarck, N.D. (KFGO) – Douglas, “Doug” Burtell, the last North Dakota National Guard World War II soldier known to be residing in North Dakota died in Bowman on April 3rd, just weeks shy of his 97th birthday.

Read more...

President Biden recently signed the SAVE LIVES Act, expanding eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations provided by VA to the following groups:

The Fargo VA Health Care System will host a COVID-19 Telephone Town Hall on March 29 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

 To participate, dial 1-872-701-0185, then enter code 404016858#.

All Veterans, their family members, and any organization or individual who works with, or on behalf of, Veterans is encouraged to participate.

VETERAN SMALL BUSINESS SURPLUS PROPERTY PROGRAM WEBINAR

Wednesday, March 17th

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Central Time

Presenter: SBA, State Agencies for Surplus Property, VBOCs, and PTACs of MN, ND, and SD.

It’s the Fargo VA Health Care System’s goal to provide a COVID-19 vaccination to every enrolled Veteran who wants one.

To help us achieve this goal, the Fargo VA Health Care System is expanding vaccine eligibility to ALL Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare regardless of age or health status. If you’re interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, please call the Fargo VA at (701) 239-3700, select option 2, to inquire about vaccine appointment locations – perhaps at a location near you – and options.

On Feb. 24, 25, and 26 and March 3, 4, and 5, all Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare, regardless of age, are eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccine at the Fargo VA Medical Center (2101 Elm St. N., Fargo).

This expanded COVID-19 vaccine eligibility is ONLY available on Feb. 24, 25, and 26 and March 3, 4, and 5. Call the Fargo VA Medical Center at (701) 239-3700, select option 2, to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

*UPDATE 2/12/2021*

Due to a recent large shipment of COVID-19 vaccine, the Fargo Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System (HCS) is expanding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare, regardless of age, on Feb. 12, 13, and 15.

The Fargo VA will host a Virtual New Veteran Orientation on Feb. 11, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Participants need to pre-register before Feb. 8. Call (701) 239-3700 extension 4420 to pre-register and to receive instructions for how to participate.

This virtual orientation is open to all Veterans – especially those who are newly enrolled in VA healthcare – interested in learning more about the Fargo VA HCS. Participants will learn all the ins and outs of the Fargo VA HCS to ensure they take full advantage of everything the Fargo VA HCS has to offer. 

The Fargo VA Health Care System continues to actively contact Veterans across North Dakota and northwest Minnesota directly to schedule appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. We’re contacting Veterans who meet high-risk criteria based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prioritization. Veterans should not travel to the Fargo VA Medical Center or our VA community based outpatient clinics to receive a COVID-19 vaccine without a scheduled appointment.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA) (H.R.6395) added three (3) more conditions to the

FARGO, N.D. (Jan. 4, 2020) – The Fargo Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System (HCS) is pleased to announce it has been approved as a priority for future VA Fisher House construction to provide temporary accommodations at no charge for the families and caregivers of veterans receiving care at the Fargo VA Medical Center.

Greetings Fargo VA Health Care System stakeholders and friends – As you are undoubtedly aware, VA is embarking on a new chapter in the fight against COVID-19. Vaccines are now being administered at VA facilities across the country. While we don’t have the exact date firmed up yet, we’re anticipating our first batch of vaccine to arrive at the Fargo VA soon. We’ll keep you posted on that front.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced a preliminary plan for distributing COVID-19 vaccinations it will implement once the Food and Drug Administration issues an emergency use authorization for a vaccine.

VA has worked in close coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Operation Warp Speed to plan for COVID-19 vaccination of VA staff and Veterans.

A brief note about current COVID-19 vaccinations.

As you may be aware, VA anticipates the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will authorize one or more COVID-19 vaccines for use in the next few months. Safety continues to be the top priority in VA’s vaccine distribution plan, which is based on scientific and historical vaccination data, as well as past pandemic vaccine plans.

Five Nationwide Tele Town Halls Scheduled for December 2020

• December 8, 2020 at 4pm CST/3pm MT- Housing & Homeless
• December 10, 2020at 4pm CST/3pm MT-Survivor & Spousal Benefits
• December 15, 2020  at 4pm CST/3pm MT-Veterans Healthcare & COVID Vaccine
• December 17, 2020 at 4pm CST/3pm MT-Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
• December 22, 2020 at 4pm CST/3pm MT-Veterans in Crisis Suicicde Prevention

Hosted by Under Secretary for Benefits, Dr. Paul R. Lawrence and Subject Matter Experts

833-380-0417 (call in)

VA is committed to providing high-quality health care to Veterans during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.

COVID-19 has affected the lives of all Americans. The challenges facing rural communities during the pandemic leave residents particularly vulnerable – including nearly five million of our nation’s Veterans.

VA has new options for Veterans to pay their VA Medical Care Copayments.

20-170

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       

Nov. 12, 2020

20-175 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nov. 17, 2020

VA, federal partners plan for COVID-19 vaccination distribution

WASHINGTON ―

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today it is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal partners to develop a comprehensive COVID-19 vaccine plan to ensure VA safely and equitably distributes vaccines once authorized.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nov. 16, 2020

VA recruiting volunteers for COVID-19 clinical trials

WASHINGTON —

As part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the department announced today its nationwide effort to recruit volunteers for COVID-19 clinical trials at select VA facilities across the country.

JOIN US FOR A FREE, VIRTUAL EVENT for Veterans, families, caregivers, survivors, communities, service providers, VSOs, and partners!

Moderated by Dr. Lynda Davis, VA's Chief Veterans Experience Officer

FACEBOOK

See Flyer

The Fargo VA is holding a COVID-19 Telephone Town Hall today, Nov. 13, at 1 p.m. The intended audience for this Telephone Town Hall is the general public: all Veterans, their family members, and any organization or individual who works with, or on behalf of, Veterans should feel free to dial in!

To participate, simply dial 1-872-701-0185, then enter the conference ID code 735791356#.

Veterans day parade planned for 3pm start at ND Veterans Home.

The Fargo VA Pharmacy window is temporarily closed as a COVID-19 safety precaution. Until further notice, all prescriptions will be mailed to patients unless deemed urgent by your provider. Prescription refills can be requested via telephone at 1-855-560-1718, on My HealtheVet, on the Rx Refill mobile app, or mailed to the Fargo VA Health Care System, Pharmacy (119), 2101 N Elm Street, Fargo, ND 58102. We appreciate your understanding during this time and thank you for helping us keep our Veterans safe!

The Fargo VA Medical Center will host a Virtual New Veteran Orientation on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Participants need to pre-register before Nov. 12 – call (701) 239-3700 extension 4420 to pre-register and to receive instructions for how to participate.

This Veterans Day holds special significance for Native Americans. The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) is slated to open the National Native American Veterans Memorial, Wednesday November 11, 2020. The opening will take place online and will “be marked with a short virtual message to honor the service and sacrifice of Native veterans and their families,” states the most recent NMAI press release.

The Fargo VA Medical Center will host a Virtual New Veteran Orientation on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Participants need to pre-register before Nov. 12 – call (701) 239-3700 extension 4420 to pre-register and to receive instructions for how to participate.

Last updated Oct. 30, 2020 – NOTE: This page is updated regularly with new COVID-19 information and guidance for the Fargo VA Health Care System's medical center and community based outpatient clinics.

The Fargo VA HCS is currently offering expanded services beyond urgent, emergent, and telemedicine. The Fargo VA is currently not allowing visitation in any of the inpatient departments.

This event has been canceled effective 10/21/2020.

Secretary Wilkie Thanks President Trump for Making “988” America’s New National Suicide Prevention Number

Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie released the following statement after President Trump signed the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act:

“People in distress and in need of timely care should face the fewest obstacles possible to get help. The bill President Trump signed today will soon make it easier for those at risk to be quickly connected to a trained responder and will help save lives.”

Recovery Reinvented Online Event

Oct. 28, 2020

Free and Open to Everyone

The fourth annual Recovery Reinvented is right around the corner! Governor Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn invite you and your connections to participate in this special day-long online event on Oct. 28, 2020, at RecoveryReinvented.com.

Veterans, military spouses and others in business who want to learn more about starting or growing a business are invited to attend the fourth annual Veterans in Business seminar offered by the Small Business Development Center at Missouri University of Science and Technology.  Read more...

HOEVEN, CRAMER, ARMSTRONG: VA EXTENDS FARGO VA HBOT DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM, EXPANDS PROGRAM TO INCLUDE JAMESTOWN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER AND INCREASES TREATMENT REFERRALS FOR VETERANS

A new VA Community Resource and Referral Center recently opened in the former Dawson Insurance building in downtown Fargo. As one of just over 30 CRRCs in the nation, the Fargo site will focus on helping homeless vets and preventing homelessness in North Dakota and Northwest Minnesota.  Read more...

Changes Coming Soon for Some TRICARE Select Retired Beneficiaries

Starting on Jan. 1, 2021, TRICARE Select Group A retired beneficiaries must pay monthly enrollment fees in order to maintain their TRICARE health coverage. This is a change, and the first time this beneficiary group will pay enrollment fees.

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - A U.S. Army identification tag belonging to a North Dakota soldier who lost the tag when he was wounded in the Vietnam War was returned to the soldier’s widow Wednesday.  Read more...

Associated Press | SEPTEMBER 19, 2020 — 9:30AM

MANDAN, N.D. — The remains of Navy sailor who was killed during Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor have been buried at a military cemetery in his hometown of Mandan.  Read more...

The Fargo VA Health Care System will hold several free drive-through influenza immunization clinics in September and October for Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare.

For questions about eligibility, call 1-800-410-9723, extension 3428.

VA Under Secretary for Benefits Administration, Dr. Paul Lawrence, will host a Tele-Town Hall in North Dakota on September 15, 2020. The Tele-Town Hall will begin at 3:00 PM MT/4:00PM CST. The Tele-Town Hall will be open to all ND Veterans and is scheduled to last up to 1 hour.

Veterans and dependents can listen in on the VBA updates provided by the Under Secretary and will be allowed to ask questions. 

To Join the Tele-Town call Dial 833-380-0417 (suggested to call in 10 minutes before meeting begins.

ND Governor Doug Burgum signs proclamation establishing September 10, 2020 as Veteran and Military Suicide Prevention Awareness Day.

As part of President Trump's Executive Order 13861 calling for the development of a comprehensive plan to empower veterans and end suicide through coordinated suicide prevention efforts which is known as PREVENTS. 

See Proclamation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ND Department of Veterans Affairs (NDDVA) Announces the “Commissioners Challenge” on Suicide Prevention as part of National Suicide Prevention Month in September

Fargo, N.D. (September 2020) – The North Dakota Commissioner of Veterans Affairs is challenging all North Dakota Citizens to accept the Challenge of completing the S.A.V.E. training to help prevent Veteran suicides.

VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA ND STATE PICNIC July 29—Aug. 1, 2020
Four Bears Casino Park—New Town, ND
Hosted by VVA Chapter 487 (Western ND) and American Legion Post 290

Raffle Tickets Available for 12 Military Rifles!

• Drawing to be held on November 11, 2020 (Veterans Day)

Schedule:
July 29

• On your own

July 30

• 8-11am-Breakfast @ NT Civic Center
• 4-6pm Registration/Social ($20 Registration Fee)
• 6pm—Supper (Dickies BBQ)

Jul 31

July 10, 2020

Sanford Health is accepting applications for four $5,000 scholarships awarded annually to veterans, Guard/Reserve members or active duty military service members who have demonstrated leadership and commitment in their community.

The Sanford Health Military and Veteran Scholarship honors those who have furthered their own progress and enriched the lives of others, especially in service, academics and community involvement.

July 7, 2020, 07:23:00 AM

WASHINGTON – The White House and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today launched the REACH national public health campaign aimed at empowering all Americans to play a critical role in preventing suicide. 

The ND Planning Committee to End Veteran Homelessness lead by ND Veterans Commissioner Lonnie Wangen met for the first time at 2PM on Thursday May 21, 2020.  The meeting which was planned for March 2020 was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.  “We were really looking forward to an in-person meeting for a chance to visit with all the members. Instead a Zoom meeting was held which was very productive” said Commissioner Wangen.

NEWS RELEASE 20-011 May 22, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 13, 2020

VA national cemeteries to commemorate Memorial Day

They will be open for public visitation

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ (VA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) announced today it will commemorate Memorial Day this year with solemn wreath laying ceremonies.

FARGO, N.D. (May 9, 2020) – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Fargo National Cemetery will host its inaugural virtual Memorial Day event on May 25, 2020.

Visit www.facebook.com/fargonationalcemeterycommittee to view the event on May 25. 

VA recently launched the “Rx Refill” App! Veterans now have another option to easily use VA health care services on the go. With Rx Refill, Veterans can request VA-issued prescription refills, monitor the status of their request, track deliveries through VA Mail Order Pharmacies and view additional VA medication information available on My HealtheVet.

Virtual Panel Discussion planned for April 30, 2020. Register on Facebook @VeteranEntreporeneurshipTraining.

See flyer to learn more

Find the latest information from the Federal VA on COVID-19.

Update on COVID-19 confirmed Veteran inpatients or outpatients can be found at this link https://www.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/?utm_source=Homepage&utm_campaign=Coronavirus.  Approximately seventy-three percent of Veterans who are positive for COVID-19 are quarantined at home.

BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum today announced that monetary donations and donations of personal protective equipment are being accepted to aid in the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Donald Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDA) on December 20, 2019 which included the repeal of the "Widows Tax".  The Widows Tax, as it is called, is due to Concurrent Receipt laws which state that one individual cannot receive two forms of federal funds for the same thing.

AMVETS Post #9 will host veteran suicide awareness and prevention seminar on December 16, 2019 at 7PM.

There has been some great strides in access to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in North Dakota. “Healing with Hyperbarics of North Dakota” located in Fargo provides HBOT treatments and is part of these studies/pilots:

Federal VA to host Veteran and Family Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Information Fair in Jamestown.

The event will be held at the All Vets Club located at 116 1st Street East in Jamestown.

Presentations will include:

• PTSD Family Education
• Suicide Prevention Training
• Project New Hope

Resources on Hand:

The Federal VA Health Care Services has distributed a new Fact Sheet to provide Veterans information on acquiring "Urgent Care" in the Community.

See Fact Sheet

The Small Business Administration to host a "Boots 2 Business" Reboot workshop for starting or growing Veteran-Owned Business at the Stark County Veterans Pavilion on November 7, 2019. The Pavilion is located at 801 5th Ave W, Dickinson ND 58601.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fargo VA offers Fast Tracking to VA Cancer Care

FARGO, N.D. (Oct. 8, 2019) – The Fargo VA Health Care System (HCS) is proud to announce that they are taking part in an initiative that offers eligible Veterans with active cancer who have not yet enrolled in VA the ability to “fast track” to VA oncology services.

Veterans can now join the Million Veteran Program online (MVP) as part of the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) effort to improve the lives of Veterans through health care research and innovation.

More than 775,000 Veteran partners have already joined MVP, a national, voluntary, research initiative that helps VA study how genes affect the health of Veterans.

The Fargo National Cemetery, which was dedicated on September 7, 2019, is now accepting applications for interment. Interments are expected to begin mid-October. For more information on the Fargo National Cemetery or to establish a claim and begin the application process see our website. 

Governor Doug Burgum appointed Mark Wagemann to a three-year term on the Administrative Committee on Veterans Affairs (ACOVA). Mr. Wagemann resides in Fargo and is a member and past State Commander of the North Dakota AMVETS.

The public is invited to the formal dedication of the Fargo National Cemetery, the first national cemetery to open in the state of North Dakota, on Sept. 7 at 11 a.m.

The Fargo National Cemetery is located at 8709 40th Avenue N, County Road 20, Harwood, ND 58042.

The ceremony will include remarks by VA and elected officials, the unveiling of a dedication plaque, and military honors. The ceremony is open to the public. 

Speakers will include:

Governor Doug Burgum appointed Dan Brown, Dean Overby, Glenn Wahus and James Verwey each to a three-year term on the Administrative Committee on Veterans Affairs (ACOVA). Dan Brown, a resident of Williston ND, is an Army Veteran. Dean Overby, a resident of Wahpeton, is a veteran of the Marine Corps. Glenn Wahus, a resident of Watford City, is a Navy Veteran. James Verwey, a resident of Valley City, is a Vietnam War Veteran who retired as a Command Sergeant Major after serving over 36 years in the Army to include the ND National Guard.

May 2, 2019

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Sanford Health is accepting applications for four $5,000 scholarships awarded annually to veterans, Guard/Reserve members or active duty military service members who have demonstrated leadership and commitment in their community.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ND Department of Veterans Affairs (NDDVA) Announces the “Commissioners Challenge” on Suicide Prevention

The VA Home Loan Guarantee program does charge a fee which you can include in your home financing. However certain veterans do not have to pay. If you are a:

• Veteran receiving VA compensation for a service-connected disability, OR

June 5, 2019

Mission Act Final Rule Published today.

See PDF

PRESS RELEASE:

2019 Camp Grafton Disabled Veteran  Deer Hunt

Military Appreciation Day In Medora is an annual tradition at Medora! This year July 7th will be the a day for Veterans  and Active Duty Military Members to enjoy Medora be honored.

Veterans and active-duty service members get into the Medora Musical FREE, enjoy a Keg social in the afternoon and will be treated to something special to kick-off the night's show!

July 7th Events to be aware of:

4:30pm - FREE Keg Social at the Tjaden Terrace -- home of the Pitchfork Steak Fondue

5:30pm - Pitchfork Steak Fondue

President Trump signed the VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (MISSION) Act into legislation June 6, 2018, signaling an important change in how our nation’s Veterans will receive the health care they deserve.

May 13, 2019

Burgum to sign proclamation Monday during celebration to mark adoption of Patriots’ Day holiday in North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (April 11, 2019) – Sponsors and supporters of a recently signed bill that makes North Dakota the fifth state to observe Patriots’ Day as an official state holiday will hold a celebration Monday at the Capitol in Bismarck, with Gov. Doug Burgum signing a proclamation.

North Dakota veterans with a 50 percent or greater, service-related disability and former POWs are eligible for a free lifetime permit. All other North Dakota veterans with service related disabilities are eligible to receive an annual permit for $28. This program is available to North Dakota residents only, with Report of Benefit letter from the VA, or a North Dakota DAV/POW license plate.

June 22nd marks the 75th Anniversary of the GI Bill, and VA wants you – all Veterans, service members, and your families from all generations – to share your story of how the GI bill has made a difference in your lives.

Because the GI Bill has impacted the lives of millions of Veterans, we would like the states/counties to assist us in having Veterans share their GI Bill Story.

1. Here’s How: Record a Video using your cell phone and answer the following questions:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Minot VA Clinic opens at new location Dec. 14

FARGO, N.D. (Dec. 12, 2018) – The new Minot Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) is scheduled to be fully operational and open for appointments on Dec. 14, 2018.

The new Minot VA CBOC is located at Southside Plaza, 3400 South Broadway St., Minot, N.D. 58701.

NEWS: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mike Nowatzki, 701.328.2424; Aaron Weber, 701.328.2937

Burgum forms Task Force for Veterans Affairs to ensure governance, services are best positioned to support veterans

Veterans Resource Fair being planned for November 14th, 2018 at the Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College (NHSC). Fair will be from 11:00AM to 2:00PM with noon meal provided. The NHSC Veteran Resource Fair will provide direct connections and information about many different types of veteran specific programs and resources. 

Address: Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College Campus

301 College Drive

New Town ND 58763

If you have questions or want to set up a booth contact Nils Landin at  (701) 627-8034 or nlandin@nhsc.edu 

From KVRR:

FARGO, N.D. — The Cass County Veterans Service Office honored a private from World War I on the 100th anniversary of the end of the war.

Private Floyd Fuller was inducted into service in Fargo in September of 1918. He passed a month later.

He was part of the Student Army Training Corps at UND and was one of the victims of the influenza pandemic in Grand Forks.

The Army National Guard led a procession to the gravesite at the memorial.

McKenzie County Veteran Service officer Jerry Samuelson organized funeral honors and placed veteran medallions on the headstones of three World War Veterans who died 100 years ago while serving at the University of North Dakota Student Army Training Corps.

October 4, 2018                                                           For Additional Comments                                                                                                                         Darrell Dorgan 701-226-4431

                                         ----WWI Centennial Events-----

Mandan, N.D. – A 100th Anniversary memorial ceremony for Pvt. Everett Henry Gilbert who died from complications of pneumonia in 1918 while in training on the University of North Dakota (UND) campus for action in World War I was conducted Friday, October 19, 2018 at 10:00am.

Mandan, N.D. – A 100th Anniversary memorial ceremony for Pvt. Everett Henry Gilbert who died from complications of pneumonia in 1918 while in training on the University of North Dakota (UND) campus for action in World War I is set for Friday, October 19, 2018 starting at 10:00am.

No Cost workshop planned for Veteran Owned Businesses. Will be held at the Raymond J. Bohn Armory in Bismarck on October 27, 2018.

100th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony for World War I Veteran Pvt. Warren A. Parker
Grand Forks, North Dakota - 1:00 PM October 14, 2018 -

100th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony for Pvt. Warren Arthur Parker who died from complications of the Influenza Pandemic of 1918 while in training on the University of North Dakota campus for action in World War I set for Sunday, October 14, 2018 starting at 1:00 PM.

Cass County Veteran Service Office holds 2nd Annual "Got Your Six" Blanket and Coat Drive. October 1-31, 2018.

The Minot Vet Center will be CLOSED Sept. 24-28 due to moving to their new location in Southside Plaza at 3300 S. Broadway, Minot ND 58701. They will reopen at their new location on Oct. 1.

The Minot Vet Center will also have FREE FLU SHOTS for VA-enrolled Veterans available at their new location on Oct. 11 and 18, from 12 to 4 p.m.

The 3rd Annual Charity Car and Vendor Show benefiting Service Dogs for America and ND Veterans will be hosted in Hebron August 11, 2018. Vehicles can be registered between 10am and noon for $10. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies will be awarded in three categories. Vendors and crafters will be displaying and selling products and the Bismarck Vet Center will be onsite to answer questions. There will be door prizes, DJ entertainment will be providing great music and a 50/50 raffle will be benefiting the Service Dogs as well. 

The Cass County Veteran Service Officer Dan Thorstad announced that they are finally moved into their new office suite on the main level of the Cass County Court House. Office address remains 211 9th Stree S in Fargo. Open house will be August 6th from 1PM to 4PM. All are invited!

Learn more about the Cass County VSO Office

The North Dakota Administrative Committee on Veterans Affairs (ACOVA) approves the Policies and Procedures for the conferring of the North Dakota Commemorative Memorial Coin, also known as a Funeral Honor Coin, upon a family member during a Veterans funeral honors ceremony.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently launched VEText, a text messaging appointment-reminder system, which to date has helped VA reduce no-show medical visits by more than 100,000. 

VA introduced VEText in March and 138 VA facilities are currently using the automated interactive text-message system, which reminds Veterans of upcoming health-care appointments, allowing them easily to confirm or cancel the event.

IR-2018-148, July 11, 2018

July 10, 2018

Vanhook Resort in New Town ND will host the Warriors on the Water (ND) Armed Forces Day of Fishing August 11, 2018 starting at 9AM.

Food, Baiot, and Tackle will be Included. 

Boats will be provided by Experienced Walley Fisherman.

**ALL YOU NEED TO BRING IS YOURSELF!

This event provided by Outdorrs Men and Women. For more information visit their website at WWW.WARRIORSONTHEWATERND.COM

Registration is required.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 18, 2018

Analysis Part of VA’s Comprehensive Examination of More Than 55 Million Death Records

WASHINGTON — Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released findings from its most recent analysis of Veteran suicide data for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

This report yields several important insights:

Honor our nation's warriors in the most patriotic town in North Dakota!

The Fargo VA will be hosting a Mental Health Summit in Jamestown from 8am to 2:30pm on August 30, 2018 at the Quality Inn and Suites.

The purpose of this FREE summit is to bring together key stakeholders in the community with a goal of enhancing access to mental health services and address the mental healthcare needs of Veterans and their family members residing in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota.

During the summit, you can earn 3.5 hours of continuing education units and/or continuing medical education:

Valley City, ND- June 6, 2018 –The Barnes County Veteran Service Office in cooperation with North Dakota Department of Fish and Game would like to announce the 2018 Camp Grafton Disabled Veteran Hunt for Veterans who are 50% disabled or greater. The Disabled Veteran Hunt will take place on Monday, November 19th and Tuesday, November 20th  at Camp Grafton, ND. Applications are due by October 10th  and are available from any County Veteran Service Office.

April 24, 2018

Mark Johnson-Director of the North Dakota Veterans Home has received the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) "Eli Pick Facility Leadership Award. Only 11% of  facilities nationwide qualify for the award!

The Facility Leadership Award was introduced in 2008 by one of ACHCA’s most revered leaders, the late Eli Pick. A former executive director of the Ballard Rehabilitation Center, DesPlaines, IL for over 30 years, Eli embodied excellence as an Administrator that cared for his residents, their families, and his community.  

Fargo VA Women’s Health, VA Voluntary Service, the American Red Cross, and partner sponsors will host the Fargo VA Health Care System’s first Veteran Baby Shower on May 7, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the American Red Cross (2602 12th St. N, Fargo ND)!

Transitioning military members, veterans, and military spouses: Join us Tuesday, May 1, 2018, for an Employment Workshop presented by Hire Heroes USA and Sanford Health.

This event will take place in Fargo, ND, and will include an employer brief, career coaching, networking tips, and more. Location is the conference room next to the Veteran's Club at the medical center.

Please bring your laptop as well as your evaluation reports, FITREPS, NCOERs or OERs, Award Orders, and previous resumes.

Attire for this event is Business Casual

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 4, 2018

WASHINGTON — With a commitment to ensure Veterans receive quicker access to specialty rehabilitation services and equipment, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently implemented a rapid response team to expand staffing and training, increase communication directly with Veterans and improve processes to reduce and eliminate the backlog of pending requests for prosthetic items and services. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, March 26, 2018 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Partnerships & Public Engagement (OPPE) today announced up to $8.4 million in available funding for training and technical assistance for socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers. Funding is made through the USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (also known as the 2501 Program).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 23, 2018

WASHINGTON — Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the U.S Digital Service announced their launch of an improved Appeals Status tool to increase transparency and enable Veterans to track the progress of their benefits claims appeals.

Fox News: 

The North Dakota Brain Injury Network's annual "Mind Matters" conference to be held at the Fargo ND Holiday Inn on April 10-11, 2018. The Holiday Inn located at 3803 13th Ave South in Fargo will be the host of this important conference. 

The Cass County Veteran Service Office announced the opening of a Veteran Service Representative position. Work involves assisting veterans of Cass county, their dependents ans survivors in obtaining federal and state benefits to which they are entitled.  This professional level work includes researching and interpreting a complex set of laws, rules and regulations pertaining to benefits, Veteran programs, and claims.  Provides guidance and case management in the application for benefits, development of claims, and appeals to federal and state agencies.

WASHINGTON — With a focus on improving access to mental health care for Veterans living in rural areas, today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it has launched a pilot telehealth program that will give rural Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remote access to psychotherapy and related services.

The ND Veterans Home Foundation has announced  it's annual Golf Tournament will take place June 8, 2018 at the Maple River Golf Club in Mapleton ND.  All proceeds will go to the ND Veterans Home Foundation for projects at the Lisbon Veterans Home. The tournament is scheduled for a Noon Shotgun start with registration starting at 11:00am. Fee to enter will be $75 per person or $300 for a team. Fees include 18 hole green fees, golf cart entrance for prizes and a steak dinner following the tournament. 

Applications for the scholarship program are being accepted through February 28, 2018. Renewable scholarships for up to $7,000 per year will be granted to honorably discharged veterans or spouses of disabled veterans. Recipients must be high school or GED graduates. Scholarships are determined by financial need and consideration of academic performance, work experience, leadership, community service, and challenges with completing a post-secondary program. Each award renewal will increase by $1,000 over the previous year to encourage program completion for each recipient.

The Minot ND Vet Center is hosing the 7th Annual Vietnam Veterans Celebration. Event will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on March 29, 2018 at the Minot Grand Hotel. The hotel is located at 1505 N. Broadway in Minot. Food and Drinks will be provided. First Come First Serve!

For more information call 701-852-0177

FLYER

WASHINGTON — The Department of Defense (DOD), through a joint initiative with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), has launched a new web-based tool that will provide customized guidance to Veterans who desire to upgrade or change the conditions of their military discharge.

By answering a few short questions, Veterans will receive information on the specific armed services board to contact, the form/s to fill out, special guidance applicable to their case, where to send their application and helpful tips for appealing their discharge.

WASHINGTON — Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a major milestone, that 100 percent of its more than 1,000 medical facilities across the country now offer same-day services for urgent primary and mental health-care needs.

The Fargo VA offers "Advanced Care Planning every day Monday-Friday from 11:00 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m. at the Fargo VA Medical Center. Planning sessions are held in Room 1C-86. Those veterans located near Community Based Outreach Clinics (CBOC's) can visit their CBOC and attend via Video Conference (Call in V-TEL 9529100).

The Advanced Care Planning will offer Veterans, Spouses, Family and VA Employees an opportunity to:

WASHINGTON — Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it has, through a Federal Register notice, revised its regulations concerning payment or reimbursement for emergency treatment for non-service connected conditions at non-VA facilities.

VA will begin processing claims for reimbursement of reasonable costs that were only partially paid by the Veteran’s other health insurance (OHI). Those costs may include hospital charges, professional fees and emergency transportation, such as ambulances.

The ND Veterans Coordinating Council which is comprised of three members from each of the following five North Dakota Veterans organizations; the American Legion, VFW, DAV, AMVETS, and VVA has approved of a design for the new North Dakota Commemorative Memorial Coin. This coin is commonly known as a “Funeral Honor Coin” and will be conferred upon a family member of a deceased North Dakota Veteran during military funeral honors. 

WASHINGTON – Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order titled, “Supporting Our Veterans During Their Transition From Uniformed Service to Civilian Life.” This Executive Order directs the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security to develop a plan to ensure that all new Veterans receive mental health care for at least one year following their separation from service.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dec. 12, 2017

WASHINGTON — As part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) ongoing efforts to modernize and improve Veterans’ experience with the disability claims process, VA unveiled its latest enhancements to the Decision Ready Claims (DRC) program, which will expand the pool of Veterans, surviving spouses and service members eligible to participate in the program.

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as a treatment option for a small number of Veterans with persistent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms resistant to standard options.

WASHINGTON — Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that the application process for the national Veterans Identification Card (VIC) is now available for Veterans — yet another action honoring their service.

Your Benefits Now - Harry W. Colmery Educational Assistance Act of 2017, also known as the “Forever GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs·Monday, November 6, 2017

A Spaghetti and meat ball supper event was held October 23rd at the Bismarck AMVETS.  With proceeds going toward the development and procurement of a new “Commemorative Memorial Coin” which will be conferred to a family member of a deceased ND veteran during military funeral honors. This project originated with Senator Sorvaag of Fargo ND. With his help SB 2183 passed the 65th Legislative Assembly.

Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin appointed ND Veteran Affairs Commissioner Lonnie Wangen to the VA’s Veterans Rural Health Advisory Committee effective October 19, 2017.  

Al Wondrasek, Commander AMVETS Dept of ND attended the VA Hospital Ribbon Cutting for the new addition. His comments were: :WOW. BEAUTIFUL. What a great facility for Veterans in ND, MN and SD, let alone any veteran from anywhere."

Sept. 28, 2017

WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it has selected Delta Dental of California and MetLife to once again offer private dental insurance plans as part of the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP).

The cold and flu season is upon us and the Department of Veterans Affairs has once again teamed up with Walgreens Pharmacies nationwide to allow all veterans who are currently enrolled in the VA healthcare system to be able walk into any of the over 8000 Walgreens nationally (and the Duane Reade pharmacies in the New York metropolitan area) to receive a vaccination at no cost.  Vaccinations will be available through March 31, 2018.

Dear VA Beneficiary,

We want to provide you with some important information about your VA benefit payments.

VA education, compensation, pension, and survivor’s benefits are paid on a monthly basis. Normally, benefits for a particular month are paid the first business day of the following month. When the first business day of the month falls on a non-business day or a holiday, VA benefits will be paid on the last business day prior to the first of the month.

Provided below is the payment schedule for upcoming VA benefit payment disbursements:

Forever GI Bill - Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act

Summaries

Reserve Duty That Counts Toward Post-9/11 Eligibility

• Oct. 4 and 11 … 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Oct. 17, 24, and Nov. 1 … 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
•  

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration announced today that it has awarded the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe a grant in the amount of nearly $4.9M for the construction of the All Nations Veterans Cemetery near Fort Yates, North Dakota.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 7, 2017

VA Unveils Claims Submission Option That Promises to Complete Claims within 30 Days

FARGO, N.D. (Sept. 5, 2017) – Representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Fargo VA will team up with faith-based, nonprofit, and community organizations for a training event on Sept. 21, 2017, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Sharon Lutheran Church (1720 20th St. South) in Grand Forks, N.D.

The 2017-2018 ND AMVETS State Commander Alan Wondrasek has selected his "Commanders Project". The project is to assist Service Members with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by providing trained dogs to perform tasks that mitigate their partner's disability.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fargo VA to host veteran orientation class Aug. 30

FARGO, N.D. (Aug. 22, 2017) – The Fargo VA Medical Center, 2101 Elm St., will host a veteran orientation class from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30.

The free orientation is open to all veterans. Veterans are also encouraged to bring a guest to the orientation, such as a fellow veteran or family member.

BISMARCK, N.D. (Aug. 10, 2017) – Gov. Doug Burgum today directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, Aug. 13, in observance of the burial of Navy Fireman 1st Class Lawrence Fecho.

August 4, 2017

Fulfilling Our Nation’s Promise

USS Oklahoma Sailor From World War II Accounted For

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman from World War II have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

The North Central Veterans Annual Stand Down will be held October 26, 2017 10:00am – 3:00pm at the Armed Forces Reserve Center 3420 2nd St NE, Minot, ND (north of the Minot International Airport). All will enjoy Free: Veterans Benefits Counseling, Health Care and Legal Services, Hygiene Items, Food, Personal Care Services Clothing, Employment Assistance and Housing Assistance.

Please Bring DD214 or VA Card as Proof of Veteran Status, if possible

For More Info or to Volunteer Please Contact:

Kelli Weiand, Military Outreach Specialist

U.S. Bank will be hosting the 8th Annual Joes for GI's charity event Thursday, August 10th from 11am to 1pm. Joes for GI’s is the Signature Event for Operation Salute Our Service Members. It consists of a lunch including a Sloppy Joe, Chips, Cookie and Water for a $5.00 donation. This year for the first time, the event will be held at the Fargo Air Museum, located at 1609 19th Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102. The $5 donation includes lunch and admission to the Fargo Air Museum. All proceeds to benefit local military.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) has a new series of Patriotic Plates available for purchase for North Dakota citizens. The new plates are available to all North Dakota vehicle owners and can be purchased at any of the Motor Vehicle Branch Offices in the state or by filling out an application form available online through the NDDOT website.

Valley City, ND- JUNE 29, 2017 –The Barnes County Veteran Service Office in cooperation with North Dakota Department of Fish and Game would like to announce the 2017 Camp Grafton Disabled Veteran Hunt for Veterans who are 50% disabled or greater. The Disabled Veteran Hunt will take place on Monday, November 13th and Tuesday, November 14th at Camp Grafton, ND. Applications are due by August 31st and are available from any County Veteran Service Office.

September 1st – 4th, 2017 Holbrook Farms, Detroit Lakes, MN A weekend of ADVENTURE and FUN at no cost to the veteran.

Veterans will have a beautiful lake home all to their selves! They will enjoy guided pheasant hunts, other shooting sports, time on the lake, bonfires, kayaking, water sports, great food and more!

Friday evening through Monday morning.

Applications at www.bradyoberglegacyfoundation.org

Spots are filling up – get your application in soon!

Meet Michael Brien, artist, entrepreneur, veteran—and proud graduate of the Veterans Entrepreneurship Program (VEP).

He’s one of a couple of dozen graduates of last year’s week-long VEP, a boot camp-like training event that ran more than eight intense, information-packed hours daily at the University of North Dakota Center for Innovation.

Fulfilling Our Nation’s Promise

USS Oklahoma Sailor Killed In World War II Accounted For

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman from World War II have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

The Hazen ND American Legion post 189 made a donation toward the new Commemorative Memorial Coin Project. The American Legion post 189's donation of $100 will jump start the efforts to raise funds to establish the new program.

— Federal Health IT

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched a new online tool this week that will help Veterans compare various treatment options for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The PTSD Treatment Decision Aid is a free, interactive online tool that helps educate patients about effective treatment options for PTSD and encourages them to participate actively in decisions about their care.

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. David Shulkin delivered his first “State of the VA” address today, highlighting the activity and direction of the agency since his appointment in February.  In his address, Secretary Shulkin stated that he wanted to update Veterans on the progress the agency is making while also acknowledging the shortcomings that the VA has identified and will address in the upcoming months.

The Fargo Elks Lodge 260 made the first donation toward the new Commemorative Memorial Coin Project. The Fargo Elks donation of $300 will jump start the efforts to raise funds to establish the new program.

WASHINGTON — In his fiscal year (FY) 2018 budget, President Trump is proposing $186.5 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The budget request will ensure the nation’s Veterans receive high-quality health care and timely access to benefits and services. The budget also supports the continued transformation of VA to rebuild the full trust of Veterans as a premier provider of choice for their services and benefits.  

The Fargo VA Medical Center (2101 Elm Street N., Fargo) will host a New Veteran Patient Orientation on May 24, 2017, from 3 to 5 p.m. 

The orientation is open to all Veterans interested in learning more about the Fargo VA Health Care System. Veterans are also encouraged to bring a guest to the orientation, such as a fellow Veteran or family member. 

During the orientation, attendees will receive information regarding health benefits and the myriad of resources and care available within the Fargo VA Health Care System. 

Today (My 9, 2017), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it is adopting American Cancer Society (ACS) breast cancer screening guidelines that give women a choice to begin screening at age 40. The guidelines also recommend starting yearly mammograms by age 45 and then every other year from age 55. The guidelines apply to women at average risk for breast cancer and complement VA’s already-extensive program for breast care for Veterans.

North Dakota's 65th Legislative Assembly created and enacted through SB2183 an unfunded legislative mandate for the ND Department of Veterans Affairs (NDDVA) to "..create and confer a commemorative memorial coin upon a family member of a deceased North Dakota veteran during military funeral honors for ND veterans.

It has come to the attention of the Department of Veterans Affairs that a phone line has been set up by an unknown party to fraudulently "mimic" the Veterans Choice Program (VCP) phone line.  This imposter phone line may be intended to reach veterans who inadvertently dial the VCP number incorrectly. The VA takes this seriously and want to keep Veterans informed of hte steps VA is taking. Also, the VHA Office of Cummunity Care (VHA CC) has reported the "mimic" line to the VA Office of Inspector General for a possible civil or criminal investigation.

The Fargo Elks Lodge 260 is teaming up with the North Dakota Vietnam Veterans to have a public forum for Vietnam Veterans and their families to discuss the effects of Agent Orange toxin on those exposed and their children. Open to the public and food will be provided. The Vietnam Veterans, their children and grand children are suffering from many health problems which includes cancer, learning disabilities, and autism, plus birth defects and physical disabilities that may be traced to the use of Agent Orange Dioxin.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently started digitizing older, inactive paper records, which will save taxpayer dollars through reduced, leased office-space that currently houses these records.
“This is just one of the ways in which we are modernizing our capabilities, not only to be more responsive to Veterans and their families, but also to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said VA’s Acting Under Secretary for Benefits Thomas Murphy.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking unprecedented steps to increase transparency.  Today, VA launched a new Access and Quality Tool that provides Veterans with an easy-to-use, easy-to-understand way of accessing patient wait time and quality of care data. This tool not only provides Veterans with more information about VA services, it increases accountability and ensures VA is held to a higher standard.

In response to the recently released VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) report that reviewed processes from June 6 through December 15, 2016 of the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL), the Department of Veterans Affairs released the following statement:

The Department of Veterans Affairs is proud to announce that the challenges with the Veterans Crisis Line have been resolved.

Prior to the opening of our new Atlanta call center our call roll over rate often exceeded 30%. Our current call roll over rate is less than 1%, with over 99% of all calls being answered by the VCL.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations to establish presumptions for the service connection of eight diseases associated with exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune, N.C. are effective as of today.

“Establishing these presumptions is a demonstration of our commitment to care for those who have served our Nation and have been exposed to harm as a result of that service,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Dr. David J. Shulkin. “The Camp Lejeune presumptions will make it easier for those Veterans to receive the care and benefits they earned.”

Today, the Social Security Administration announces the launch of a new Health IT initiative with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that enables all Social Security disability case processing sites to receive medical records electronically from all VA facilities. Veterans will receive a faster decision on their Social Security disability claim, speeding them and their dependents through this new process. Both agencies will save time and money with an automatic request through the eHealth Exchange.

Governor Burgum signs proclamation making March of 2017 Women Veterans Month in North Dakota.

See Proclamation

Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin while testifying in a House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on March 7, 2017, announced his intention to expand provisions for urgent mental health care needs to former servicemembers with other-than-honorable (OTH) administrative discharges.  This move marks the first time a VA Secretary has implemented an initiative specifically focused on expanding access to assist former OTH servicemembers who are in mental health distress and may be at risk for suicide or other adverse behaviors.

Governor Burgum proclams' March 29, 2017 as North Dakotas Vietnam Veterans Day.

See signed Proclamation:  2017 Governors Proclamation Vietnam Veterans Day

The Fargo VA Medical Center (2101 Elm Street N., Fargo) will host a New Veteran Patient Orientation, March 8, 2017, from 2 to 4 p.m. 

The orientation is open to all Veterans who are enrolled in the Fargo VA Health Care System. Veterans are also encouraged to bring a guest to the orientation, such as a fellow Veteran or family member. 

During the orientation, attendees will receive information regarding health benefits and the myriad of resources and care available within the Fargo VA Health Care System. 

ND VETERANS HOME FOUNDATION

GOLF TOURNAMENT

FRIDAY, JUNE 9, 2017                                         REGISTRATION:  11:00 AM

GOLF: 12 NOON SHOTGUN START

4 MAN SCRAMBLE TOURNAMENT                 FEE:  $75/PERSON; $300/TEAM

ALL GOLFERS WELCOME

FEE INCLUDES, 18 HOLE GREEN FEES; GOLF CART; PRIZES;   STEAK DINNER FOLLOWING TOURNAMENT

VETERANS OUTDOORS ADVENTURES NORTH DAKOTA is seeking Veterans of the United States Armed Forces and any first responders (Peace officers, Firefighters or EMT's) to join them on a Deep Sea Adventure off the coast of the Outer Banks, North Carolina. This is an all-inclusive trip there are NO costs or fees-you need only to apply!

Names will be drawn July 9, 2017 to announce the Lucky winners of this trip.

Travel dates : September 9-16, 2017

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that it is amending its regulation regarding fertility counseling and treatment available to eligible Veterans and spouses.  VA currently provides certain infertility services other than in vitro fertilization (IVF) services to Veterans as part of the medical benefits package.  This interim final rule authorizes IVF for a Veteran with a service-connected disability that results in the inability of the Veteran to procreate without the use of fertility treatment.

Patient Access Progress Update
Release 61 – January 12, 2017
Summary
In keeping with the commitment to improve transparency in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) processes and in accordance with Section 206 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (VACAA), VA today released the latest update of facility-level patient access data and is highlighting notable access improvements. In this release, VA is providing one report:

1. Pending Appointments (Snapshot of Data on January 1, 2017)*

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2017

VA’s Rule Establishes a Presumption of Service Connection for Diseases Associated with Exposure to Contaminants in the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune
VA to provide disability benefits for related diseases

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has published regulations to establish presumptions for the service connection of eight diseases associated with exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending its regulation on copayments for Veterans’ outpatient medications for non-service connected conditions. VA currently charges non-exempt Veterans either $8 or $9 for each 30-day or less supply of outpatient medication, and under current regulations, a calculation based on the medication of the Medical Consumer Price Index (CPI-P) would be used to determine the copayment amount in future years. 

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that, with help from Veteran-run small business ID.me, Veterans will now be able to manage their own health care and benefits online more simply and safely. Vets.gov now meets the “Level of Assurance 3” (LOA3) information assurance standard, which will allow VA to offer Veterans more features on a single convenient site. This is the highest level of security used to protect user data and privacy, and VA is a leader in both the government and private sectors with an LOA3 logon account.

FARGO, N.D. – The Fargo VA Health Care System and Veterans Benefits Administration will host a Veterans Town Hall and Claims Clinic at the Fargo VA Medical Center in the 3rd floor auditorium, Dec. 8.

The Town Hall, open to both Veterans and the general public, will be hosted by the Fargo VA HCS Director, Lavonne Liversage, and the Director of the VBA’s Dakotas Regional Office, Shawn Bohn.

The Town Hall will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. CST. The purpose of the Town Hall is to share information, hear feedback, and answer questions about VA health care and benefits.

FARGO, N.D., Nov. 2 - Brides Across America is proud to kick off its annual Operation Wedding Gown giveaway events held in November in salons across the country. In an effort to support communities, Brides Across America this November will provide free wedding gowns at participating salons for active-duty personnel and first responders. 

The Fargo VA Medical Center (2101 Elm Street N., Fargo) will host a New Veteran Patient Orientation, Nov. 9, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

The orientation is open to all Veterans who are enrolled in the Fargo VA Health Care System. Veterans are also encouraged to bring a guest to the orientation, such as a fellow Veteran or family member.

During the orientation, attendees will receive information regarding health benefits and the myriad of resources and care available within the Fargo VA Health Care System.

Tours of the Medical Center will be available after the orientation.

The Marine Corps League (MCL) is expanding into the Fargo area and is searching for a few good Marines! Touted as the only Marine Corps specific veteran service organization, the MCL was chartered by Congress in 1937 and has proven to be the singular voice for Marines since its inception.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald today announced the awarding of up to $7.8 million in grants for adaptive sports programs for disabled Veterans and disabled Servicemembers of the Armed Forces. The grant recipients may use these funds for planning, developing, managing and implementing these adaptive sports programs.

Veterans receiving care at Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Medical Centers will now be able to schedule routine ear and eye appointments at local VA Audiology and Optometry clinics without a primary care referral – a move that eliminates multiple steps and gets Veterans into appointments quicker.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has published proposed regulations to establish presumptions for the service connection of eight diseases affecting military members exposed to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

The presumptive illnesses apply to active duty, reserve and National Guard members who served for no less than 30 days at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, and are diagnosed with the following conditions:

Fargo, N.D., Sept. 8 – Gov. Dalrymple appointed David Rice to serve a two-year term on the Administrative Committee on Veterans Affairs. He will replace former ACOVA member Emery Fisher, who passed away in July.

Rice, Fargo, was nominated by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. During his first term, he will serve on one of the ACOVA’s three subcommittees to oversee the Post War Trust Fund, the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs or veteran-related legislation.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today awarded approximately $300 million more in grants under the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program to help thousands of very low-income Veteran families around the nation who are permanently housed or transitioning to permanent housing. The SSVF grant program provides access to crucial services to prevent homelessness for Veterans and their families.

Fargo, N.D., July 22 – The North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs today announced the promotion of Bryan Watters, Fargo, to veterans service officer supervisor. Watters will be responsible for training veterans’ benefits specialists in the NDDVA’s Veterans Service Office.

“Bryan has a great deal of knowledge in this field. He is very enthusiastic and has the drive to keep our organization moving forward,” said Lonnie Wangen, commissioner of the NDDVA.

Fargo, N.D., July 22 – Gov. Dalrymple appointed one new member and re-appointed four members to the Administrative Committee on Veterans Affairs. Each member will serve a three-year term representing the veterans of North Dakota.

Dean Overby, Wahpeton, was re-appointed to his fifth term. James Verwey, Valley City, was re-appointed to his third term. Jim Haukedahl, Fargo, and Trish Hodny, Grand Forks, were both re-appointed to their second terms. Alan Wondrasek, Bottineau, was newly appointed to the board.

Emery was nominated by the ND VFW and Appointed to the Administrative Committee On Veterans Affairs (ACOVA) by North Dakota Governor Dalrymple in 2015.

Emery C. Fisher, 74 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.

On a cool May 2016 Madison, Minnesota day,  a very special gathering was taking place in the home of WWII veteran, Carlyle Larsen. He was meeting the brother of fellow 1943 Army Cadet, Andrew J. Leier from Kintyre, North Dakota,.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald has granted equitable relief to more than 24,000 Veterans following a national review of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) disability compensation examinations conducted between 2007 and 2015.

Equitable relief is a unique legal remedy that allows the Secretary to correct an injustice to a claimant, where VA is not otherwise authorized to do so within the scope of the law. 

The "Solid Brotherhood Motorcycle Club" is hosting its annual "Tour of Duty Motorcycle Run" on July 16, 2016. The run will begin and end at Hagge's Bar and Grill, Mapleton ND. Registration to begin at 10:00AM. many events such as a 50/50 raffle, Poker Run, and a Live band "The DeadBeats" to follow the run.

Aspen Dental is proud to provide their annual “Day of Service” On June 25th 2016 at 1650 45th Street S, Fargo ND for those who have served! Call 701-526-4652  (option 1) to schedule services.

*Please bring proof of military service. Nothing else required!*

Valley City, ND- May 31, 2016 –The Barnes County Veteran Service Office in cooperation with North Dakota Department of Fish and Game would like to announce the 2016 Camp Grafton Disabled Veteran Hunt for Veterans who are 50% disabled or greater. The Disabled Veteran Hunt will take place on Monday, November 7th and Tuesday, November 8th  at Camp Grafton, ND.  Applications are due by July 29th and are available from any County Veteran Service Office.

As the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) works to improve Veterans’ access to health care, its telehealth services play an integral role in that process, said Dr. David J. Shulkin, VA’s Under Secretary for Health.  Dr.

If you answered yes to this question, you now have the opportunity to have your disability rating reviewed by the Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR) to ensure fairness and accuracy.

RICHMOND, VA - National Volunteer Week, which runs April 10-16, 2016, is a time to inspire and encourage people to serve and engage in their communities. It’s also a time for Paralyzed Veterans of America to recognize the many volunteers who make a difference in the lives of our disabled veterans.

White House officials are pushing Congress to overhaul the appeals process for veterans benefits claims this year, noting the shrinking legislative window and calling the system a disaster.

“We’re failing veterans,” said Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson. “This process is failing veterans. Nobody can defend the status quo here.”

The Minishoshe-Mandan Chpter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will host a FREE LUNCH for all Vietnam Era Veterans and their families at the Bismarck AMVETS Club. The event will be from 11:30AM to 1:00PM at AVMETS Post #9 2402 Railroad Avenue Bismarck, ND. Governor Jack Dalrymple and First Lady Betsy Dalrymple will be presenting the Vietnam Veterans with Commemorative Pins at 12:15PM. 

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that an information technology system that it deployed in 2014 and enhanced in 2015, the Beneficiary Fiduciary Field System, allowed it to identify claim processing errors affecting approximately 14,000 Veterans and survivors.  These Veterans’ and survivors’ claims were initially filed over many years, with some going back as far as 2000.  The errors concern cases in which VA had proposed that due to disability or age the beneficiary was unable to manage his or her VA benefits without assistance, but did not complete the a

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced that it is now able to fund care for all Veterans with hepatitis C for Fiscal Year 2016 regardless of the stage of the patient’s liver disease. The move follows increased funding from Congress along with reduced drug prices.

There is hope for the many soldiers who deal with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), researchers examining how to effectively treat veterans reported.

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Telemedicine — also called telehealth — is the practice of utilizing technology to help patients keep in touch with their doctors. It is reducing wait times and preventing unnecessary office visits, according to some who are using it.

Federal Veteran News

Veterans can now work directly with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to resolve debt collection issues resulting from inappropriate or delayed Choice Program billing, the VA has announced.

WASHINGTON – Veterans can now work directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to resolve debt collection issues resulting from inappropriate or delayed Choice Program billing. In step with MyVA’s efforts to modernize VA’s customer-focused, Veteran-centered services capabilities, a Community Care Call Center has been set up for Veterans experiencing adverse credit reporting or debt collection resulting from inappropriately billed Choice Program claims. Veterans experiencing these problems can call 1-877-881-7618 for assistance.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced new steps it is taking to reduce Veteran suicide.

WASHINGTON –The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced the awarding of 21 contracts worth up to $22.3 billion for information technology infrastructure improvements, cyber security and operations and network management.

Modification Enhances Veterans Access to Receive Timely, High-Quality Care

WASHINGTON -- The Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced its ongoing effort to ease the transition for service members who require complex care management as they transition from the DoD system of health care to VA or within each system.  The effort is designed to ease the burden for service members and Veterans, who have suffered illnesses or injuries so severe as to require the expertise provided by multiple care specialties throughout both Departments.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today it will extend the healthcare enrollment application period for one year to approximately 545,000 living Veterans that have pending incomplete enrollment applications.

Canandaigua, NY – Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson today announced improvements to enhance and accelerate progress at the Veterans Crisis Line, which serves as a life-saving resource for Veterans who find themselves at risk of suicide.

On October 1, 2015, Veteran Affairs Commissioner Lonnie Wangen was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel the highest title of honor bestowed by the commonwealth of Kentucky honoring those who have dedicated their lives to civic service. Commissioner Wangen was nominated for this award as a result of his dedication to the service of veterans on a national level through his involvement in many organizations.

Congress made headlines last month by approving a funding measure to avert the looming government shutdown. But the measure doesn’t just keep federal agencies funded until next fall. Buried within the 2000-plus page bill is a truly historic development for veterans battling the nation’s deadliest blood-borne disease.

VA Plans to Propose Expanded Disability Benefits Eligibility for Veterans Exposed to

Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that it plans to propose expanded disability compensation eligibility for Veterans exposed to contaminated drinking water while assigned to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Application for Same-Sex Spousal Benefits

Background

On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court held in Obergefell v. Hodges that the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution requires a state to license a marriage between two people of the same sex and to recognize a marriage between two people of the same sex when their marriage was lawfully licensed and performed out-of-state.  Accordingly, VA now recognizes all same-sex marriages without regard to a Veteran’s state of residence. 

DALRYMPLE STATEMENT ON PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY

Flags Fly at Half-staff to Honor Those Who Lost Their Lives at Pearl Harbor

BISMARCK, ND – Gov. Jack Dalrymple today honored those who lost their lives serving this nation at Pearl Harbor with the following statement in observance of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Want to know more about YOUR VA benefits?

VA Makes Changes to Veterans Choice Program

Changes Remove Barriers and Expands Access to Care

North Dakota Vietnam Veterans of America

Our motto is: “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another ”We do not nor will not let any generation of veterans be treated the way we were when we returned home from our war. Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) is a congressionally chartered veterans organization with about 60,000 members. Our national headquarters is located in Silver Spring Md. We have 3 national meetings per year along with either a national leadership conference or our national convention making up the 4th meeting each year.

The official Medicare website, www.medicare.gov, now has 2016 Medicare premiums and deductibles information.

Medicare is administered by the Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The CMS press release announcing 2016 Medicare premiums and deductibles also contains this information. Here is part of that press release:

Q: Can I receive both Social Security and military retirement?

A: Yes. Active duty military service has been Social Security covered employment since 1957. Generally, there is no reduction of your Social Security benefits because of your military retirement. More about this is here within the SSA Retirement Planner section.

Patient Access Progress Update

Release 34 – November 19, 2015

Summary

VA-Walgreens Partnership Gives Vets 8,000 More Locations for Flu Shots

FARGO, N.D. – Flu season is here, and for eligible Veterans, getting a flu shot has never been easier as they can receive free flu shots through a VA-Walgreens partnership.

Eligible Veterans may opt to get a free flu shot at their local VA health care facility or they may choose to go to their neighborhood Walgreens. 

The 2016 annual retirement earnings test amounts will be the same as for 2015. They are not changing.

The annual retirement earnings test concerns how employment earnings in a year affects Social Security received in that year. The earnings test includes only the individuals personal gross wages or net self-employment for the full calendar year. Other income or income of a spouse is not applicable.

There will not be a 2016 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The following is from today’s Social Security press release.

With consumer prices down over the past year, monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for nearly 65 million Americans will not automatically increase in 2016.

The Fargo VA will be participating in the North Central Veterans Stand Down on Oct. 21 in Williston and Oct. 22 in Minot.

October 21
10 AM to 3 PM
Williston Armory
320 1st Ave SE, Williston ND

October 22
10 AM to 3 PM
Dakota Territory Air Museum
100 34th Ave N, Minot ND (North of Minot International Airport)

Please bring DD-214 or VA Card as proof of Veteran Status, if possible.

Free On-Site Resources:

At their September Conference in Florida the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) honored North Dakota Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Lonnie Wangen with their highest award the “Iron Mike”. Admiral Clyde W. Marsh (ret.) and Colonel John Scocos (ret.) presented the Iron Mike award to Commissioner Wangen during an awards banquet.

2nd Annual All About Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Event

Friday, October 9, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the West Acres Shopping Center in Fargo

20th Annual Edith Sanford Run/Walk for Breast Cancer

Friday, October 9, 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM in Fargo

FARGO, N.D. – The North Dakota American Legion Department Commander, Dave Rice, will present the Fargo VA Health Care System with a $16,000 donation, Oct. 6 at 9 a.m., at the Fargo VA Medical Center. The donation, to be used in the development of the Fargo VA HCS’s Healing Gardens, is one of the largest monetary donations the Fargo VA HCS has ever received from a service organization. The donation became a project of Rice’s upon his being named Department Commander. “I was trying to decide where to designate my project funds while preparing my bid for Department Commander,” Rice said.

Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) - Veterans at the Fargo VA Health Care System have lost nine tons in the 10 years since the clinic began using the national MOVE! program.

This afternoon, coordinators manned an information booth marking the anniversary.

MOVE! provides free services emphasizing healthy nutrition, exercise and behavior changes.

New this year, the VA is rolling out a mobile app. It helps participants set, track and achieve weight loss goals.

FARGO – The Fargo VA Health Care System has scheduled several free flu shot clinics for enrolled veterans at the Fargo VA Medical Center and other community-based outpatient clinics during September and October.

Some of the area locations, dates and times include:

Fargo VA Medical Center third-floor auditorium:

• Sept. 24, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• Oct. 1, 9 a.m. to noon.

• Oct. 7, 13, 21 and 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Vietnam War remains one of the most controversial military conflicts in U.S. history. Many who fought for this country were mistreated when they got back home.

Over seven decades ago, young North Dakotans left farms, schools, and the comfort of home to defend freedom in unheard of locations around the globe. They saved the world, then came home to rebuild their lives, their state, and the nation.

Issues with concrete work and the shipment of engraved tablets set back the Stark County Veterans Memorial in Memorial Park two years.

Now, after many obstacles, a complete assemblage of the monument is scheduled to begin in the coming days.

“We are all going to be there with smiles on our faces and we will all be saying, ‘We didn’t believe it was possible but we did it,'” said Art Wanner, vice president of the Stark County Veterans Association.

A Veteran of Desert storm,  who lives in Moorhead, says an added layer of Red Tape in the V-A System is creating headaches for her and fellow Veterans.

The "Veterans Choice Program" comes out of firestorm created when veterans had long wait lists and horrible customer service nationwide.

But with a private contractor running the program for the V-A there are kinks that are raising many people's blood pressure.

On Saturday, September 26th from 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM, a fundraiser for the WDAY Honor Flight will be held at Sunset Lanes Bowling Alley in Moorhead, MN.

Money raised goes toward the WDAY Honor Flight (http://wdayhonorflight.areavoices.com/). 

The Power of 1: Your actions could save a life

One small act can make a difference in the life of a Veteran in crisis.

The N.D. Veterans Affairs Commissioner Lonnie Wangen worked an agreement between ND Dept. of Veterans Affairs and the Bottineau County Veterans, Inc. on the disposition of a sub-receipt of the van under the transportation of Highly Rural Areas Grant Program.  The 2015 Dodge Handicap Van built by the Braun Corporation (Conversation).

Two female soldiers will graduate from the Army’s grueling Ranger School on Friday, becoming the first women to ever complete one of the U.S. military’s premier courses to develop elite fighters and leaders, Army officials said Monday night.

WASHINGTON – Today the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it has revised its regulation regarding the presence of animals on VA property. The updated regulation will ensure VA practices remain consistent with applicable federal law. It will also assist individuals entering VA facilities in developing a clear and consistent understanding of the criteria governing facility access for service animals.

School is right around the corner which means it's time to get school supplies. The Family Assistance Centers will hold FREE school supply distribution events beginning August 17th until the supplies run out or school starts. The supplies will be available during the open hours of operation at the various locations.

All current and former service members are eligible to receive supplies.

Please contact your local Family Assistance Center for directions and hours.

A bill to allow post-9/11 vets to use their G.I. Bill benefits as collateral for business startups passed an important milestone in the Senate Wednesday with growing bipartisan support in Congress and the backing of major veteran organizations.

Life's a lot easier when you have a reliable mode of transportation.

VA today launched two new no-cost training programs, Accelerated Learning Programs (ALPs) and VA Learning Hubs, to help transitioning Servicemembers and Veterans from all eras learn skills, earn credentials and advance in civilian careers following separation from service.

Most people have never heard of Purple Heart Day, which takes place annually on August 7th to commemorate the medals origins and the more than 1.7 million combat-wounded Purple Heart recipients.   

The Mott Gallery of History and Art, along with North Dakota National Guard 816th Engineering Co. will host a military salute at 9 a.m. Aug. 15 at the gallery in downtown Mott.

The program will include displays, a presentation of the flag, speakers and music, followed by a freewill offering lunch in the park.

WASHINGTON – As part of VA’s ongoing commitment to provide care to Veterans and their families, the Department of Veterans Affairs today announced that it will start the  process of amending its regulations to establish presumptions of service connection for certain conditions resulting from exposure to contaminated drinking water at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

Veterans are commended for their courage and service to their country, but all too often they are left by the wayside when they come back to civilian life.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), almost 50,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. 

Right here in Williston, there are people looking to make a difference. 

The House voted Wednesday to cut workplace protections for Department of Veterans Affairs employees and extend their probationary period, making it easier to fire new staffers.

The “VA Accountability Act of 2015” was approved with a 256 – 170 vote, largely, though not strictly, along party lines, despite a White House veto threat.

The remains of three-dozen U.S. Marines missing in action during World War II were brought back to U.S. territory on Sunday in the largest single recovery of U.S. MIAs.

The 36 Marines were listed as missing in action at the World War II Battle of Tarawa and repatriated during Sunday’s ceremony, held at Pearl Harbor. Among them was 1st Lt. Alexander Bonnyman Jr., a recipient of the Medal of Honor, reports Hawaii news channel KHON2.

WASHINGTON — Veterans who suffered sexual assault or other sexual abuse while in uniform would get help more easily from the Department of Veterans Affairs under a bill approved Monday by the House.

The bill would allow a statement by a survivor of military sexual trauma to be considered sufficient proof that an assault occurred. The House approved the bill by voice vote Monday night.

The North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (NDDVA) gave away six new vans to Highly Rural Counties in North Dakota. The vans come from a Federal grant which the ND DVA was awarded last year. Eight vans were purchased in June from Harlow' Bus Sales in Bismarck. The six passenger vans are Dodge Caravans which are converted to wheel chair accessible vans with a ramp and chair tie downs so up to two wheel chair bound veterans can ride at the same time. Dennis Kubistka the CVSO from Steele County received his van on July 17th at the NDDVA - Fargo office.

Jeff Frieson, the manager of the Bismarck Veterans of Foreign Wars Club, along with Mindy Frieson, a bartender there, are organizing a fundraiser to help veterans in need.

"The fact is that I couldn't serve (in the military)," Jeff Frieson said. "But I can do this to help those who did serve our country. We'll help any way we can, until all the money's gone."

Any veteran and their family, whether from WWII, Vietnam, Korea or Iraq and Afghanistan, is eligible to receive help, according to Frieson, who says the fundraiser is one way he can show his respect for soldiers.

What’s it like to be deployed at sea for six months? How does the Navy contribute to world peace and security? What new technologies is the Navy currently developing? These questions and many more will be answered in Fargo, N.D., one of 12 cities selected to host a 2015 Navy Week, a Navy signature outreach program.

Fargo Navy Week is scheduled for July 20-26, 2015, coincides with the Fargo AirSho, and is designed to provide area residents an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity.

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Veterans Affairs may have to shut down some hospitals next month if Congress does not address a $2.5 billion shortfall for the current budget year, VA officials warned Monday.

The VA told Congress that it needs to cover shortfalls caused by an increased demand by veterans for health care, including costly treatments for hepatitis C. The agency also is considering furloughs, hiring freezes and other steps to close a funding gap for the budget year that ends Sept. 30.

If you are a veteran and looking for a job or are interested in exploring new careers or educational opportunities, come to the largest veterans career fair in Minnesota with 125 of Minnesota's best employers with current job openings.

Wednesday, July 15th 
10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. 

Veterans Career Fair 
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
Earle Brown Heritage Center 
6155 Earle Brown Drive 
Brooklyn Center, MN 

Barnes County Veteran Service Officer Chad Clement (left) and Stutsman County Veteran Service officer David Bratton (right) complete the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs accreditation training.

U.S. Bank is sponsoring their JOES for GI's event at thier Downtown Fargo location (Corner of 2nd Ave and Broadway) and their U.S. Bank Service Center (Corner of 43rd St. SW and 15th Ave) in Fargo. Event is Wednesday July 22nd from 11AM to 1PM. There will be Sloppy Joes, Chips, Cookie and Beverage for $5.00

Unemployment for post-9/11 veterans in June held steady at the near-record low of the previous month, 5.4 percent, government data show.

As a whole, the nation added 223,000 jobs last month, with the overall unemployment rate dipping to 5.3 percent, down from the 5.5 percent recorded in May, according to the Bureau for Labor Statistics.

June marks only the third month in history with an unemployment rate for the latest generation of vets below 5.5 percent. May 2015, also with a 5.4 percent rate, was the second, and May 2014, with a record 5.3 percent rate, was the first.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today published a new regulation that expands eligibility for some benefits for a select group of Air Force Veterans and Air Force Reserve personnel who were exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange through regular and repeated contact with contaminated C-123 aircraft that had been used in Vietnam as part of Operation Ranch Hand (ORH).VA published this regulation as an interim final rule so that it could immediately begin providing benefits to eligible Air Force veterans and Air Force Reserve personnel who submit a disability compensation cl

Solid Brotherhood MC presents it's 9th Annual TOUR OF DUTY Bike run and street dance July 18th 2015 in Abercrombie ND. Registration for the bike run will be from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at he Fort Abercrombie Saloon. For more information about he bike run call: 701-553-8780. Proceeds will benefit area Veterans through the IMPACT-Support Our Veterans Fund. The fund is for North Dakota Veterans emergency needs which are not covered by other programs.

Just five months ago, VA launched the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry in response to concerns that Veterans were experiencing a range of respiratory illnesses possibly associated with exposure to burn pits. The registry is open to many Veterans and active-duty Servicemembers who deployed to various locations.

The 94th Annual North Dakota Veterans of Foreign Wars State Convention, and the 79th Annual Convention of the Ladies Auxiliary to the N.D. Veterans of Foreign Wars will be held June 4-7 at the Four Bears Casino in New Town, N.D.

The convention will be led VFW State Commander Neil Prochnow of Mantador, N.D. and Ladies Auxiliary President Rebecca Seehaver of Tuttle, N.D. Special guests include Past National Commander-in-Chief James Mueller and National Past President Leanne Lemley. All members are encouraged to attend.

For more information, visit vfwnd.org.

This Memorial Day thousands of Bismarck and Mandan residents attended the area's observances to remember the sacrifices of our heroes and loved ones in the armed services.

Marsha Leier of Bismarck was paying respects to her father's grave, Sgt. 1st Class Clifford Schnabel, at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery on Monday. Her father was born in Logan County and served his nation in the Korean War as a supply sergeant of the third division 39th Artillery Battery C.

Local veterans and VA employees are "walking and rolling."

More than 100 people taking part in this short walk at the Veterans Hospital in north Fargo.

Those who are in wheelchairs also took part.

All donations raised will support homeless veterans in the area.

Veteran's Associations around the country encourage healthy activity with a 2K walk.

VALLEY CITY, N.D. — Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., said benefits due to veterans should be provided by the government with as little red tape and politics as possible.

Heitkamp spoke at the North Dakota AMVETS convention in Valley City Saturday.

“You can’t cut corners on the backs of our veterans,” she said. “Do we do enough to not make our veterans beg for the services they were promised?”

Heitkamp also spoke about the important role of veterans’ organizations such as AMVETS in promoting the cause of veterans before Congress.

FARGO--Vietnam War veterans gathered Saturday in the Fargo Air Museum to be honored for their service by several North Dakota and Minnesota leaders at the opening ceremony of a Vietnam exhibit.

The veterans heard remarks from U.S. Sens. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney and Moorhead Mayor Del Rae Williams.

Veterans said the exhibit is important to help remind the public about their service during the war.

Military veterans who served since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks are more likely to be unemployed than their peers involved in earlier conflicts. The jobless rate for the most recent group of veterans was 7.2% in 2014, the Labor Department said this week. The figure is down from 9% in 2013—matching with steady improvement in the overall labor market—but remains elevated compared with other jobless measures. The jobless rate for all veterans was 5.3% last year.

Veterans can now track the status of most of their prescriptions online, thanks to an innovative idea by a Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) employee. The new 24/7 service allows online tracking for most prescriptions mailed from the VA Mail Order Pharmacy.

The Prescription Tracker was recommended by VA employee Kenneth Siehr, a winner of the President’s 2013 Securing Americans Value and Efficiency (SAVE) Award. Siehr’s idea focused on the use of technology as a way to save money and improve the services VA provides to its patients.

BISMARCK, N.D. — The State Board of Higher Education selected Mark Hagerott as the next chancellor of the North Dakota University System on Thursday.

The board unanimously tapped Hagerott to replace Interim Chancellor Larry Skogen, whose term ends in July.

The announcement concluded a monthslong process that saw more than 20 candidates vying for the position, including one of the system's former chancellors. Hagerott beat out finalists Paul Turman and Robert Donley for the top spot.

Sam's Club has a new offer for new and renewing military members. The promotion offers new Sam's Club members and current members eligible for renewal one FREE Rotisserie Chicken, one package of Reser's Main St. Bistro Gourmet Macaroni, one package of Daily Chef cookies, and a $15 gift card.

This offer is valid for active military, veterans, military personnel and military spouses. Must show proof of military service, and be 18 or older.

The offer is available May 1 - 31, 2015.

The other would let Veterans stay in nursing homes in the area.

BISMARCK - North Dakota’s Congressional delegation on Monday announced nearly $120,000 in federal funding to help homeless veterans and their families access affordable housing in the Dickinson and Williston areas.The funds will be used to distribute 25 vouchers, which can be used to purchase existing affordable housing. 

The Stark County Housing Authority received $41,591, or 10 vouchers. The Williston Housing Authority received $77,150, or 15 vouchers.

The funds are authorized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - House and Senate negotiators have reached an agreement on the amount of funding to help identify and provide services to Vietnam veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange.

Foreman Democratic Rep. Bill Amerman says the conference committee voted 6-0 on Monday to fund the program at $50,000 over the next two years. Both chambers still must approve the recommendation.

Democratic Sen. Richard Marcellais says there are about 15,000 Vietnam veterans living in North Dakota, and many of them may have been exposed to the jungle defoliant.

There are 8 Veteran Affairs clinics across North Dakota, but only one hospital, and it's all the way on the east side of the state.

Often times, it's too difficult for many of our vets to travel to Fargo, but now they're offering a more high-tech option.

Brittney Jacob is the Bismarck VA Clinic's TeleHealth technician, and helps around 3,800 patients meet with Fargo doctors through computers and cameras.

So rather than driving 3 hours every few months, they can make an appointment and connect with physicians in seconds.

We're still reminded to never forget those missing in action or any prisoners of war from the Vietnam conflict, but there's one other issue that still stands out.

Senator Richard Marcellais has been wearing orange to bring awareness to the need for more funding for Vietnam veterans exposed to agent orange during the war. He says there are approximately 15,000 veterans of that war in North Dakota, including himself, who served there from 1968 to 1969.

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter plans to push a series of proposals, including a 401(k)-style pension plan and incentives for cyber warriors, aimed at attracting and retaining troops with the skills needed to fight modern wars.

Carter, who took office last month, intends to move quickly to enact changes before the Obama administration leaves the White House in early 2017, according to a senior aide who was not authorized to speak publicly. Carter has identified building a new force capable of dealing with new threats and retaining top performers as a key priority.

The Senate passed two amendments to the Republican budget Tuesday aimed at helping veterans.

Senators passed by voice vote an amendment by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) that would create a deficit neutral fund to bolster the Veterans Affairs Department (VA), allow for the VA to hire additional mental health care workers and ensure veterans get timely access to care.

Thanks to a new bill veterans won’t have to worry about paying out-of-state tuition at any public university. Provisions in the Veterans’ Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014 will require all public universities to offer in-state tuition to veterans making use of their GI Bill.

By Dawnthea Price | The Free Lance-Star
© Tribune News Service

January 19, 2015

Wounded service members are learning new ways to protect the nation through the intricacies of cybersecurity training.

Representatives from the Federal IT Security Institute and its Wounded Warrior Cyber Combat Academy were in Stafford County Monday to mark the program’s progress.

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2014 – Contrary to some news reports, there are no plans to close military commissaries, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

WASHINGTON — President Obama will visit the Arizona veterans' hospital that prompted an overhaul of veterans' health care and led to the resignation of the VA secretary.

The White House says Obama will travel to Phoenix on Friday to discuss veterans' issues. He will be joined by VA Secretary Robert McDonald, who filled the post following the ouster of Eric Shinseki.

The VA came under scrutiny last year following reports that dozens of veterans died awaiting treatment at the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Medical Center and that records were manipulated to hide delays.

A Veterans benefit outreach was held at the Turtle Mountain Community College Auditorium in Belcourt on September 4th with representatives from the Minot Vet Center; Brenda Bergsrud, ND DVA; Grand Forks CBOC; Military Outreach, NDNG Family Assistance Coordinator, Lutheran Social Services, VA Home loan program and VA Voc Rehab.  Veterans were also educated on Agent Orange presumptive conditions and benefits. 

“You won’t be punished for your anger. You will be punished by your anger.”

A new online course developed for and by ‪#‎Veterans‬ to help Veterans to understand and combat their anger triggers is available at http://www.veterantraining.va.gov/AIMS. 

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is collaborating with Kaiser Permanente, a leading member of the health care industry, to pool resources and ideas to solve some of the largest and most complex challenges in VA health care. "VA is always on the lookout for opportunities for partnerships with the private sector and other federal agencies to enhance care for Veterans,"said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

January 27, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) published a consumer advisory to help consumers protect themselves in the wake of the recent breaches of payment card and other data. The advisory also contains information on where to get help if consumers suspect their information has been compromised.

Lowest level since Agent Orange cases added in 2011

WASHINGTON – One year after the backlog of pending disability compensation claims peaked at over 611,000 in March 2013, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has reduced that number by approximately 44 percent to 344,000 claims – a reduction of more than 267,000 – while at the same time improving the accuracy of the decisions being made on Veterans’ disability claims.  Additionally, on average, Veterans are waiting 119 days less for a decision than they were at this time last year.

By Tom Philpott
Special to Stars and Stripes
Published: July 31, 2014 

Note: In addition to the $15 billion, the Congressional Budget Office reported Thursday a measure in the bill calling for leases on 27 new medical centers in 15 states and Puerto Rico would cost about $1.27 billion.

Veterans reading only headlines, hearing only sound bites, might have a few misconceptions about how Congress and the VA plan to use non-VA healthcare providers to ensure more timely and convenient access to care.

By Leo Shane III
Military Times Staff writer
Nov. 5, 2014 - 07:35AM

Veterans Affairs Department “choice cards” will arrive in some veterans’ mailboxes this week, allowing them to seek out private medical care and have VA pick up the bill.

But individuals already seeing lengthy waits for VA medical appointments won’t be among the first recipients, and may have to hold off for several more weeks before they can take advantage of the new program.

VA Says Claims Backlog Down 36 Percent since March
WASHINGTON – At a hearing today before the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Under Secretary for Benefits, Allison A. Hickey, outlined progress made by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) in reducing the backlog of Veterans’ disability compensation and pension claims by 36 percent since March -- attributing the success to the combined impact of VBA's transformation initiatives and increased employee productivity.

Those who served in Iraq, Afghanistan gravitate toward modern organizations

By Jacqueline Klimas - The Washington Times - Sunday, October 19, 2014

Kate Hoit served eight years in the Army Reserves, including a tour in Iraq, but when she tried to join her local Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter, someone asked whether she needed an application for military spouses instead.

By ANDY MEDICI
Federal Times
Jun. 2, 2014 - 12:24PM

The Veterans Affairs Department secretary would be able to fire senior executives and the agency would receive new hiring authorities and emergency funding under legislation announced June 1.

By Leo Shane III
Staff writer
Jul. 31, 2014 - 09:08 PM

The Senate overwhelmingly gave final approval to a $16.3 billion Veterans Affairs reform bill on Thursday night, sending the measure to the White House and giving Congress a legislative victory before the start of its summer break.

U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command

QUANTICO, Va. (2/6/14) - The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, commonly referred to as CID, is warning the greater Army community about a new website scam where criminals are potentially attempting to take advantage of Soldiers and their families.

In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, the Caregiver Support Line will be hosting “live” brief meditation activities via telephone throughout the month of November. This is a great opportunity to take 10 minutes out of your busy schedules to focus on relaxing your mind and your body. Every Wednesday at 8am, 12pm and 8pm Eastern Time, Caregivers are invited to call toll free 1-800-767-1750. When prompted, enter access code 73687 then press the # key.

WASHINGTON (Dec. 4, 2013) – Veterans, their families and survivors receiving disability compensation and pension benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs will receive a 1.5 percent cost-of-living increase in their monthly payments beginning Jan. 1, 2014.

“We’re pleased there will be another cost-of-living increase for Veterans, their families and their survivors,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “The increase expresses in a tangible way our Nation’s gratitude for the sacrifices made by our service-disabled and wartime Veterans.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the U.S. Department of Justice announced an enforcement action against Sallie Mae (also known as Sallie Mae Bank and Navient Solutions), the largest servicer of federal and private student loans, which was found to be systematically violating the legal rights of U.S. servicemembers. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) also reached a settlement with the companies that addresses allegations of student loan servicing misconduct. Sallie Mae is ordered to pay $96.6 million in restitution and penalties.

By Kellie Lunney
November 6, 2014
Government Executive

VA Secretary Bob McDonald on Thursday defended his commitment to holding employees accountable and firing them when necessary and according to the law.

By Karen Jowers
Military Times Staff writer
Oct. 17, 2014 - 12:39PM

The tide may be turning in the effort to allow all honorably discharged veterans to shop at the online store operated by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service.

“It appears there are no insurmountable hurdles,” said a source familiar with a meeting held Oct. 8 between Russell Beland, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for military manpower and personnel, and officials with the Navy Exchange Service Command, Marine Corps Exchange and AAFES.

FRAUD ALERT: Veterans should be aware of a marketing scam targeting callers trying to reach the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Call Center or GI Bill Call Center. A marketing company has established two fraudulent numbers that differ from the two official VA call center numbers by one digit. If the fraudulent number is dialed by mistake, the answering party will offer a gift card and try to obtain personal and financial information, including credit card information, from the caller.

A fifth of all service members who served in Iraq and Afghanistan suffered concussions, mainly from being close to explosive blasts from roadside bombs. Doctors often refer to sports injuries to seek treatment options for the so-called signature wound of the long wars.

But new research signals that war-zone concussions are much different from concussions than happen playing football or hockey. Most athletes quickly recover brain function. Most soldiers and Marines do not, according to a study released Wednesday in Brain: A Journal of Neurology.

Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center Staff
January 30, 2014

WASHINGTON – The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center has released new clinical recommendations to help service members who have sustained a mild traumatic brain injury, otherwise known as concussion, to progressively return to their normal activities following their injury.

Friday, January 10, 2014
By CHABELLA GUZMAN Staff Reporter

Area Veterans may be looking at a longer trip for medical attention if the VA Black Hills Health Care System’s Environmental Impact Statement comes back against the VA hospital in Hot Springs, S.D.

“We take about 10 people a week to Hot Springs,” said John Brehm, director of Scotts Bluff County Veterans Service Office. “I know a lot of them drive up on their own, since they don’t want to wait on the van.”

By Kathleen Curthoys
Army Times
Published: February 27, 2015

WASHINGTON – Continuing the transformation of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) into a 21st century organization, the President has proposed a $163.9 billion budget, a 6.5 percent increase over Fiscal Year 2014, that will support VA’s goals to expand access to health care and other benefits, eliminate the disability claims backlog, and end homelessness among Veterans.  The budget includes $68.4 billion in discretionary spending, largely for healthcare, and $95.6 billion for mandatory programs – mostly disability compensation and pensions for Veterans.

By Grace Lyden on Nov 19, 2014 at 11:25 p.m.
Forum Reporter

MOORHEAD - After more than a year of living in motels, Melissa Rood has a home again.

It took that long because every time Rood, 53, applied for an apartment, landlords rejected her based on bad credit and a poor reference. A previous property owner claimed she owed rent and other fees, which she plans to dispute in court.

The U.S. Embassy to France has been advised that the French Government is offering local support to D-Day veterans who are planning to attend the 70th anniversary commemoration of Operation Overlord on June 6, 2014, in Normandy, France.  The French government will provide one veteran and a guest with roundtrip transportation from Paris to Normandy, and lodging, meals and transportation while in Normandy.  Travel to Paris is the responsibility of each veteran and guest.

Fargo, ND - Breton M. Weintraub, M.D. has been selected as Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs, Fargo VA Health Care System.

Dr. Weintraub received his undergraduate degree at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.  He completed his residency in the Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Gregg Zoroya, USA TODAY
12:28 a.m. EDT July 14, 2014

The federal department responsible for caring for America's veterans, already mired in scandal over delays in health care, continues struggling with another major responsibility: paying compensation to those wounded or injured or who grew ill from service in uniform.

While the VA managed last year to reduce a huge backlog in veteran claims for money, it was at the expense of appeals to those decision which are rapidly mounting, according to testimony slated for Monday by the VA Office of Inspector General.

VA launches new identity theft website and toll-free help line

August 5, 2014

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced that it has launched a new campaign to educate Veterans about identity theft prevention. The new campaign, titled More Than a Number, references the personally identifiable information that VA encourages Veterans to protect.

By Patricia Kime 
Military Times Staff writer
May. 14, 2014 - 06:08PM

The Veterans Affairs Department may not be overprescribing potentially addictive opioid painkillers, but a new report says VA is failing to screen adequately for potential abuse or protect some patients who are given such drugs.

Among those at risk, according to the VA Inspector General, are patients with known substance abuse problems and those taking other medications that can have fatal consequences when mixed with opiates.

Not all our casualties of war served overseas in combat. Some are children who never left our shores. Collateral damage, some might call it. Our Cover Story from Martha Teichner: 

How many of these homecomings have you seen on television since we went to war in Iraq and Afghanistan more than a decade ago? How many children, looking into a returning soldier's eyes for the parent who went away?

These are supposed to be happy endings, happily-ever-after moments. But often they are anything but.

WASHINGTON — Problems with a parts supplier and the need to modify certain design features led the US Navy to announce Wednesday that the commissioning of the new nuclear-powered attack submarine North Dakota won’t take place at the end of May as scheduled.

“This decision is based on the need for additional design and certification work required on the submarine's redesigned bow and material issues with vendor-assembled and delivered components,” the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) said in a statement.

September 12, 2014
Defense One

Years of study notwithstanding, the Veterans Affairs Department still knows too little about the readjustment difficulties faced by the increasingly younger and more female cohort of recently separated service members.

WASHINGTON -- First Lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden are scheduled to travel to New Orleans Monday April 20) to recognizes the city's efforts to combat veterans' homelessness, the White House announced Tuesday.

Obama and Biden, the wife of Vice President Joe Biden, are scheduled to appear with Mayor Mitch Landrieu to discuss the city's efforts to find housing for veterans and how other cities might learn from New Orleans progress, according to White House officials.

By Howard Schultz and Rajiv Chandrasekaran
October 31

WASHINGTON -- In the wake of numerous reports of misconduct and poor management practices by personnel charged with recovering and identifying the remains of missing servicemembers from past conflicts, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has ordered the Pentagon to come up with a plan to consolidate all Defense Department assets into a single, more accountable entity that will manage all personnel accounting resources, research and operations.

Location
Roosevelt Park
1215 E Burdick Expy
Minot ND 58701

By Jordain Carney
National Journal
July 16, 2014

Sloan Gibson says the agency can turn the corner in two years, but it will need a lot more money.

For anyone still under the impression that the embattled Veterans Affairs Department will be able to turn itself around quickly, think again.

Instead, acting VA Secretary Sloan Gibson told members of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee on Wednesday that it would take years for the department to right its wrongs.

By Leo Shane III
Military Times Staff writer
Sep. 10, 2014 - 04:00PM

A senior attorney at the Board of Veterans Appeals told lawmakers Wednesday that managers at the agency covered up delays in appeals processing and doctored records to protect their performance bonuses.

Lawmakers said they were dismayed not just at the allegations but how closely they echo earlier VA scandals of case manipulation and whistleblower retaliation that have been the source of months of oversight and criticism.

Want to make a WWII Veteran's 100th birthday extra special? Vern Hendricks will celebrate his big day Jan. 30th. Cards and greetings may be sent to him c/o Rose Lenz, 202 E. Sherman, Elk Point, SD 57025. A party in his honor will also be held at the United Parish Church in Elk Point on the 30th from 2-4 PM. Mr. Hendricks served three tours in the Army in Africa, Sicily, Italy, and Europe. Among several awards, he is distinguished with two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.

By Leo Shane III 
Military Times Staff writer
Jun. 11, 2014 - 06:00AM

The Senate overwhelmingly passed emergency legislation on Veterans Affairs Department health visits and administrator accountability Wednesday, paving the way for the reforms to become law in a matter of days.

January 14, 2015 | 3:18 AM ET
Steve Walsh, NPR

NPR — along with seven public radio stations around the country — is chronicling the lives of America's troops where they live. We're calling the project "Back at Base." This story is Part 2 of a three-part series about veteran benefits.

BY MARK FLATTEN | JUNE 11, 2014 | 6:20 PM
Washington Examiner

By Leo Shane III 
Military Times Staff writer
Jun. 5, 2014 - 05:32PM

Congress appears poised to adopt new legislation making it easier for veterans to get private medical care and harder for underperforming administrators to keep their jobs, under a deal announced by Senate leaders Thursday.

By Patricia Kime 
Military Times Staff writer
May. 14, 2014 - 10:20AM

Marine Cpl. Jacob Schick was an early casualty of the Iraq War, his body blown apart by an anti-tank mine in Anbar province in 2004.

The force of the explosion threw Schick through the soft top of his unarmored Humvee, blew off his right leg, shredded his left and ripped off portions of his arm and fingers.

The Toppers car club, established in 1953, is a non-profit club which hosts the West Fargo “Cruise Night” every third Thursday during the summer months and the annual “Rod and Custom Car show” every spring at the West Fargo Veterans Arena.

FARGO -- A 94-year-old Fargo man and World War II Army veteran will soon descend with extended family on a tiny town in the western Arizona desert for an overdue dedication.

In the early 1940s, Henry "Hank" Leintz trained with the 748th Tank Battalion at the remote Camp Bouse on a top-secret war weapon--a lighting device affixed to tanks that were designed to temporarily blind and confuse the enemy.

By: Anna Burleson, Forum News Service
Published June 20, 2014, 08:42 AM

GRAND FORKS, N.D. — Sam Solberg attended the University of North Dakota for about a year and a half right out of high school. He had plans to go to medical school, was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity and liked playing indoor soccer, but in the fall of 2013 he decided college life just wasn’t for him and dropped out to join the military.

By Cristina Marcos
The Hill
June 11, 2014, 06:14 pm

The House on Wednesday adopted an amendment from Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) to allow veterans to apply for food stamps while their disability claims are pending with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

It was a question a disabled veteran asked about the people and businesses in Custer, SD. Suffering from "depression, memory loss, cognitive issues, hearing loss, sleep apnea, anxiety and numerous other issues... 

Read more here.

BY HOLLY PETRAEUS

14,100. Sounds like a random number, doesn’t it? But to us, 14,100 represents the number of servicemembers, veterans and their family members whose stories have come to us through their consumer complaints.

By Leo Shane | 3:37 PM, Oct. 21, 2014

All veterans aren’t homeless washouts. But Got Your Six officials worry that many Americans see them that way.

In a new survey by the campaign, almost half of respondents shown a picture of a homeless man identified him as likely a veteran. Researchers say that stereotype is not only misleading, but also indicates a deep and disturbing stereotype of how service members adjust to post-military life.

By Steve B. Brooks - November 11, 2014

Standing just 4-foot-9 and a half, Judy Johnston knew she was too short to join the Army during the Vietnam War. So she wore her hair up, getting the necessary half of an inch to enlist.

She ended up becoming part of the first group of enlisted women to be deployed to a combat area of Vietnam and went to bed at night watching mortar fire go in and come out during the Tet Offensive.

Baillie, Norsby honored for 60, 50 years with Legion

April 18, 2014
Tim Chapman - Tribune Editor , Pierce County Tribune

The dedication of Fred Duane Baillie and Ray Norsby is laudable to say the least.

The 86-year-old Baillie, a World War II and Korean War veteran, still makes a point of sending his regrets to the families of fellow veterans when they die.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                    
February 20, 2014

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced  the phased roll out of newly designed, more secure Veteran Health Identification Cards. The new cards are distinguished by additional security features and will have a different look and feel. 

Military Times Staff Report
6:46 p.m. EST December 4, 2014

Two congressmen are sponsoring legislation to give students additional GI Bill benefits if they are working toward degrees in the science, technology, engineering and math fields.

Students who use the Post-9/11 GI Bill would receive an extra nine months of benefits if they pursue a degree in one of the STEM fields, according to congressional documents and a news release.

Reps. David McKinley, R-W.Va., and Dina Titus, D-Nev., introduced the legislation Wednesday.

January 27, 2014 by Yvonne Levardi

Start your engines, folks: The 2014 tax filing season’s green flag waves for taxpayers on Jan. 31. Gather your W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, 1098s and any cancelled checks or receipts you might need, take a deep breath, and dive into tax filing fun!

OK, maybe it’s not always fun, but it can be made easier if you’re able to get assistance when you need it. Being a Veteran or an active-duty Servicemember means you have options for assistance, too.

Gregg Zoroya
USA TODAY
12:47 p.m. EDT June 18, 2014

Actors have Oscars. Live theater, the Tony Awards. Journalists receive Pulitzers and scientists Nobel Prizes.

Now there is the Lincoln — for veterans.

The idea is to recognize exemplary service by and for veterans. The award is the brain child of an ex-Green Beret and former assistant secretary with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Tommy Sowers, in cooperation with the Friars Club and Friars Foundation.

Date:  October 15, 2014
Place:  FargoDome
Time:  9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Services for All Veterans:

• Wellness Exams/Flu Shots
• Employment Resources
• Haircuts
• Resource and Referral for Homelessness Prevention
• Health Care Referrals
• Lunch
• Veterans Benefits

Additional Resources for Homeless Veterans:

Move America Forward has collected millions to send care packages to U.S. troops. But its appeals often rely on images and stories borrowed without permission, and its assets have been used to benefit political consulting firms and PACs.

by Kim Barker
ProPublica, Aug. 5, 2014, 5:45 a.m.

Fargo, ND September 10, 2014 –HeartSprings Community Healing Center of Fargo has completed a study/interview with ten veterans, spanning the Vietnam, Gulf, and Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom Wars.  These veterans are living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and have difficulty sleeping. 

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2014 - The Defense Department must slow the rate of growth in military pay and compensation or the organization will not be able to fight and win the nation's wars, Acting Deputy Defense Secretary Christine H. Fox said here today.

February 25, 2014 | by Bryant Jordan

A new study found that airmen who flew and maintained the C-123 Provider long after the planes were used to spray Agent Orange over Vietnam were exposed to dangerous levels of the dioxin that remained in the aircraft.

A report in Scientific Research titled "Post-Vietnam Military Herbicide Exposures in UC-123 Agent Orange Spray Aircraft" found that environmental testing of the planes revealed traces of dioxin levels above the Defense Department's own standards for maximum permissible exposure to poisonous chemicals.

By Matthew M. Burke
Stars and Stripes
Published: April 3, 2014

Joseph Petit went to the VA hospital for knee pain and depression and came out on a litany of powerful drugs that he said made him hallucinate.

He repeatedly asked doctors for help with the side effects, but he said they gave him more antipsychotics, antidepressants and anxiety drugs that made him feel worse.

Some employees have lost faith in inspector general to root out problems at troubled Atlanta office.

By Brad Schrade- The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
5:38 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014

Federal investigators with the VA inspector general’s office appear to be in the final stages of an inquiry into alleged mismanagement and mishandling of hundreds of thousands of health applications at the Veterans Affairs national enrollment office in Atlanta.

By Emily Wax-Thibodeaux
The Washington Post
Published: November 25, 2014

WASHINGTON — Arguing that medical marijuana may help wounded warriors with anxiety and stress disorders to "survive and thrive," Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., and Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Calif., have introduced legislation that would allow Department of Veterans Affairs’ doctors to recommend the drug for some patients.

Older troops largely reject changes; younger troops more receptive

Mar. 13, 2014 | By Andrew Tilghman, Staff writer

The Pentagon’s new proposal for reforming military retirement is drawing sharply negative reactions from today’s career-minded service members, according to a recent survey of Military Times active-duty readers.

By Steve Maieli
2:37 p.m. EST December 22, 2014

Nothing is more frustrating than applying for a job and not getting a response. All anyone would ask is a simple reply by phone or email stating why you were not chosen for the position. Unfortunately, there's no guarantee you will hear from a company either after you apply for a position or gone through an interview.

FARGO, N.D. — A group of about 15 North Dakota National Guard Soldiers who have been serving overseas since September are scheduled to return home to North Dakota tomorrow. The Soldiers are assigned to the Fargo-based 231st Brigade Support Battalion Logistical Support Element (BSB LSE).

BY MARK BERMAN, Washington Post
April 7, 2014

By HENRY C. JACKSON  Associated Press
January 08, 2014 - 5:47 pm EST

WASHINGTON — Sen. John Hoeven on Wednesday joined a push to restore cuts to the pensions of working-age U.S. military retirees that were included in last month's budget agreement.

Hoeven joined several other Republicans in seeking the payments be restored in a bill extending long-term unemployment benefits that the Senate is considering.

"Whether you talk to Republicans or Democrats ... there was a commitment to fix this," Hoeven said. "We should do it."

By Drew Griffin, Curt Devine and Nelli Black, CNN Investigations updated 7:53 AM EST, Tue December 16, 2014

Washington (CNN) -- The Department of Veterans Affairs misled Congress and members of the media about how many veterans died or suffered serious harm as a result of extreme treatment delays, according to a new report by the department's top watchdog.

The VA is warning everyone of potential pension poaching scams. Be cautious if someone offers to move your assets around in order for you to qualify for VA pension. This type of scam is often directed toward veterans and family members who “do not” actually qualify for VA pensions. Other examples:

Fellow Veterans and Family Members,

After 38 years in The Army, I am now honored and privileged to serve as your Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA).  VA remains committed to providing the high quality benefits you have earned and deserve.

Lending scheme offers up-front money to those needing cash

Federal auditors and local veterans are concerned about a novel lending practice that gives military pensioners money up front in exchange for signing over monthly benefits for a period of time.

Of 38 companies that offer pension advances to veterans and other federal retirees, 18 are incorporated in California, according to a recent federal audit.

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Sept. 3, 2014 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced supplemental guidance to military records boards to ensure consistency in considering veterans’ discharge upgrade requests related to post-traumatic stress disorder, Defense Department spokesman Army Col. Steven Warren told Pentagon reporters today.

By Amy Jeter
The Virginian-Pilot

May 2, 2014

Starting this spring, more than 400,000 military retirees and senior dependents in the Tricare for Life program will owe the full amount for certain prescription refills if they use a retail pharmacy rather than a military pharmacy or a mail service.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2014                              

WASHINGTON –Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Sloan Gibson met with the leadership of 27 Military and Veterans Service Organizations (MSOs and VSOs) following the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) release of results from its Nationwide Access Audit, and other facility level access data.

By Leo Shane III
Military Times Staff writer
Oct. 9, 2014 - 12:37PM

Four Veterans Affairs senior executives being dismissed this month are the first to face the department’s controversial new firing authorities, approved by Congress in July.

VA leaders are also promising they won’t be the last.

The four — VA’s deputy chief procurement officer and facility directors from Pittsburgh, Alabama and Georgia — have all been the subject of investigations into mismanagement and records manipulation.

WASHINGTON -- For the fourth consecutive year, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy receives the highest customer satisfaction score among the nation’s public and private mail-order pharmacies, according to a respected, independent study. “Our Nation’s Veterans deserve a first-class pharmacy as a part of the exceptional health care available,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “It is an honor to hear from Veterans that we are delivering on that commitment.”

By Patricia Kime, Staff writer
April 11, 2014 - 04:23PM

The White House continued its focus on veterans and military families by announcing new programs Friday to expand support and services available to those who care for injured or ill troops.

Read the Bismarck Tribune's online article and then donate to the cause!

The New York Times
December 23, 2013
By JESSICA SILVER-GREENBERG

With every slip and fall, every bruise and ache, the reality set in: Henry Schaffer, 86, could no longer live on his own. So his daughter, Kristi, began searching for a retirement home — and the money to pay for it.

By Heath Druzin
Stars and Stripes
Published: January 22, 2015

The effort to clear a massive backlog of veteran disability claims is hurting efforts to address a similar backlog in appeals of denied claims, say advocates demanding reforms to an onerous “hamster wheel” system that leaves veterans languishing for years.

May 30, 2014 | by Bryant Jordan, Military.com

Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki on Friday said he is firing the top administrators of the VA Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona -- ground zero for what Shinseki called a systemwide problem of officials manipulating patient appointment schedules.

Shinseki also said he will ask the Senate to vote on legislation granting him greater authority to fire managers across the VA responsible for what he called a breakdown in trust and integrity.

By Leo Shane III 
Military Times Staff writer
Jun. 3, 2014 - 04:01PM

Lawmakers from both parties want major changes in how the Veterans Affairs Department operates — and that will make it difficult to enact any changes at all.

Senate Democrats and Republicans this week are offering competing plans for VA reform, including making it easier to fire top department officials and cutting wait times for veterans in need of health care.

JUNE 3, 2014

Students see improvement in turn-around time for education claims

WASHINGTON (January 29, 2014) – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) decreased the time it takes to process requests for GI Bill and other education benefits for returning students by nearly 50 percent compared to fiscal year 2012.  VA attributes the faster process in large part to improved claims automation that uses rules-based, industry-standard technologies to deliver Veterans’ benefits. 

As veterans complain of health impacts from toxic fumes, advocates warn that burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan might come back to haunt the administration.

By Jordain Carney
July 10, 2014

The Obama administration prides itself on righting the sins of past regimes, including expanding access to health care for Vietnam veterans who suffered from exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange.

By Patricia Kime
Staff writer

Patients at Veterans Affairs medical centers remain satisfied with the care they receive and complaints are down, a new survey released Wednesday by the American Customer Satisfaction Index found.

The VA’s satisfaction index for inpatient care, 84, and its index for outpatient care, 82, remained consistent for the second straight year and have held steady for the past decade — a sign that, generally, VA patients are content with their health care.

Article by: PAUL LEVY , Star Tribune Updated: April 17, 2014 - 11:38 PM

Minnesota veterans who were deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan have returned to their families, friends, jobs or school. But rarely do they visit county veterans services offices — not even those vets with post-traumatic stress disorder.

By Leo Shane III
Military Times Staff writer
Oct. 23, 2014 - 12:03PM

Only about one in 25 veterans offered free credit monitoring in the wake of Veterans Affairs Department security breaches has signed up for the service, a figure that VA officials call disappointingly low.

Nearly 1 million veterans have had their personal information potentially compromised over the last seven years, a total that officials call upsetting but insist sits well below comparable private-sector security breaches.

WASHINGTON-Dozens of South Dakotans visited the nation’s capitol to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial for themselves on Wednesday.

The Vietnam Memorial wall has more than 58-thousand names of men and women who died in the war.

“There’s 7 coasties on the wall that i make a point looking up i didn’t know them, i didn’t serve with them but being in that small branch of service it’s an obligation to pay my respects,” said veteran Edward Timm.

Prairie Public Television is airing a three-part television series in May that addresses the concerns of many Veterans.  

By Martin Matishak - 07/19/14 11:14 AM EDT

The unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans dropped to 6.7 percent in February, government data show, mirroring a drop in the nation's unemployment rate.

The country added 295,000 jobs overall, as unemployment fell from 5.7 percent in January to 5.5 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For the newest generation of veterans, the unemployment rate was down more than 1 point from January's 7.9 percent mark. Large month-to-month changes are common in this measure, which has a small sample size that is prone to fluctuation.

By Jeff Schogol
Staff Writer

Veterans advocates are denouncing an opinion piece in the New York Times that draws links between veterans and white supremacist groups in attempting to explain the actions of the suspected gunman in a recent and deadly shooting outside a Kansas Jewish center.

North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs announces the successful completion of National Association of County Veterans Service Officer (NACVSO) training for three ND County Veterans Service Officers and two State Veterans Service Officers.

Yesterday, President Obama signed an Executive Order that will automatically apply a 6% interest rate cap to eligible federal student loan borrowers under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act without the need for additional paperwork.

By Leo Shane III
Staff writer, Military Times
May. 7, 2014 - 08:57PM

One in four recently separated U.S. veterans may not be able to consistently put food on their tables, according to a new report released Wednesday.

The Public Health Nutrition journal study, titled “Food Insecurity & Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans,” surveyed more than 900 young veterans and found 27 percent reported problems with getting enough food for three meals a day. That’s about twice as high as the overall national rate.

June 25, 2014 by Chris Porter

I’ve worked at a few VA medical centers, including four years at the Phoenix VA. I’d like to report something missed in the media storm. Before spilling secrets, though, I’ll dispense with the non-secrets. Everyone who has entered a VA hospital knows:

By Leo Shane III, Military Times Staff Writer | 12:10 p.m. EST December 31, 2014

The Veterans Affairs Department boasted another dramatic drop in its backlog of benefits claims in 2014, but will need an extra boost in coming months to meet its goal of zeroing out the payout delays by the end of 2015.

The backlog — the number of first-time VA benefits claims unresolved for more than four months — sits at around 245,000 cases, according to departmental data. That's down more than 160,000 cases in 2014 and more than 250,000 cases since the start of 2013.

By Daily News Staff - Localdesk@JDNews.com
Published: Friday, December 19, 2014 at 04:58 PM.

A law signed this week expanded the eligibility for family members affected by the historic water contamination on Camp Lejeune, according to the VA.

Under the amendment, family members who lived on Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between Aug. 1, 1953, and Dec. 31, 1987, could be eligible for VA health benefits. The initial dates before the change were between Jan. 1, 1957, and Dec. 31, 1987.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is updating the way it determines eligibility for VA health care, a change that will result in more Veterans having access to the health care benefits they’ve earned and deserve.

Feb 12, 2014 | by Amy Bushatz

About 90 percent of working female military spouses said they are underemployed at jobs below their experience level, education or both, according to a new report by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).

The survey, conducted last fall, queried over 2,000 female military spouses. Researchers with Syracuse University's Institute for Veterans and Military Families combined that data with information from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2012 American Community Survey (ACS) to create a snapshot of military spouse employment challenges.

Adds Five Illnesses Related to Service-Connected TBI

WASHINGTON – Some Veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who are diagnosed with any of five other ailments will have an easier path to receive additional disability pay under new regulations developed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The new regulation, which takes effect 30 days from today, impacts some Veterans living with TBI who also have Parkinson’s disease, certain types of dementia, depression, unprovoked seizures or certain diseases of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. 

By Patricia Kime
Military Times Staff writer
Aug. 13, 2014 - 05:51PM

Veterans waiting for a primary care appointment at a VA medical facility may now be able to get one at a private physician under a program that allows veterans to seek medical treatment outside the Veterans Affairs Department.

VA announced Wednesday that primary care has been added to its Patient-Centered Community Care, or PC3, program.

An Online Event Series About Benefits for Veterans

Millions of Veterans and their family members are successfully using VA benefits to buy homes, earn degrees, start careers, stay healthy, and do so much more in life after the military. At these events, learn how Veterans have gone from service to success. 

ByTravis J. Tritten
Stars and Stripes
Published: October 21, 2014

WASHINGTON — An overhaul of the troubled Department of Veterans Affairs means new education benefits will kick in next month for the spouses of servicemembers who died since 9/11 in the line of duty, according to the department.

By Patricia Murphy, KUOW Radio, Seattle
December 4, 2014

A federal audit of a 24-hour national hotline for homeless veterans found that callers didn’t always receive assistance or access to needed services.

The Office of the Inspector General said lapses in management and oversight at the call center led to more than 40,000 missed opportunities to help.

(Updated November 10, 2014)

VA celebrates Women’s History Month with a look at some fascinating women Veterans and their remarkable achievements.

Sarah Emma Edmonds joined the United States Army to “fight for her country” in the Civil War. She disguised her sex and used the name Frank Thompson. A nurse in the Second Volunteers of the United States Army, she was unique because she able to remain in the army for several years and was successful as a Union spy, while impersonating a man.

By Jordain Carney

January 21, 2014

Congress undid some of its planned cuts to veterans' benefits in the latest spending bill, but it also left the vast majority of the reductions in place. And in so doing, it ensured that the white-hot controversy over benefits will not go away any time soon.

Feb 24, 2014 | by Michael Hoffman

An internal investigation found the Department of Veterans Affairs' data security is so poor a data breach is "practically unavoidable" within 18 months, according to a draft of the VA's report.

"It's practically unavoidable that a data breach to financial, medical, and personal Veteran and employee protected information may occur within the next 12 to 18 months, with no way of tracking the source of the breach," according to a report obtained by Military.com and first reported by CNBC.

Veterans to Have Easier Access to Health Care (to include North Dakota)

ITT Pushed Consumers into High-Cost Student Loans Likely to Fail

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a lawsuit against ITT Educational Services, Inc., accusing the for-profit college chain of predatory student lending. The CFPB alleges that ITT exploited its students and pushed them into high-cost private student loans that were very likely to end in default. The CFPB is seeking restitution for victims, a civil fine, and an injunction against the company.

Angela Hunt, the new Stark County Deputy CVSO receives certificate from Tom Sumers the North Dakota Veterans Affairs Training Officer for completion of week long new VSO training.

Are you a service member who has been recently assigned to the Individual Ready Reserves (IRR)? Then there’s important insurance information you need to know. Your Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage will end 120 days after the date you were assigned to the IRR.

Young veterans want the public to listen to their needs, not worship them as 'heroes.'

By Chris Marvin Nov. 11, 2014 | 11:00 a.m. EST | U.S. News and World Report

By the end of this year, the Pentagon will have only about 9,500 troops in Afghanistan. As 13 years of combat operations come to a close, it’s time to pivot. We need to turn our attention toward service members and veterans here at home, and we need to engage with them.

William R. Levesque, Tampa Bay Times Staff Writer
Friday, December 26, 2014 7:34pm

LITHIA — The illness hit Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. William A. Hines in 2010 like no enemy he had ever experienced.

Governor to Sign Executive Order Officially Establishing ND Cares Coalition

A year after the Veterans Affairs Department was rocked by findings of hidden patient wait lists and manipulated records, House Republicans are accusing the department's new leadership of doing little to fix the transparency problems.

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has initiated a multi-faceted approach to reduce the use of opioids among America’s Veterans using VA health care.   The Opioid Safety Initiative (OSI) is a comprehensive effort to improve the quality of life for the hundreds of thousands of Veterans suffering from chronic pain. 

The Red River Valley Writing Project is offering a six-week workshop called "Warrior Words" for veterans of any U.S. war. The workshop is funded by a North Dakota Humanities Council grant, received by the Greater Grand Forks Community Theater. The goal of the workshop is to provide support for veterans to write a monologue about their experiences and share that monologue with the public. RRVWP teacher Lori Koenig, will lead the workshop. Meetings will take place in the Dawson Conference Room of the Fargo Public Library, Main branch, from 10-11:30am.

By Patricia Kime
Military Times Staff writer
Jul. 30, 2014 - 02:19 PM

Two advocacy groups are suing the Veterans Affairs Department for what they say are the department’s discriminatory practices regarding compensation claims related to service-connected sexual assault.

From the desk of Kathy Benson, Towner County Veterans Service Officer

September 12, 2014 a group of Towner County Veterans traveled to Devils Lake to tour the new US Veterans Affairs community based outpatient clinic (CBOC) located on 3rd floor of Mercy hospital

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                

June 18, 2014          

WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Sloan D. Gibson today directed all Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Medical Center and Health Care System Directors to conduct monthly in-person reviews of scheduling practices in every clinic within their jurisdiction.  Site inspections will include observing daily scheduling processes and interacting with scheduling staff to ensure all policies are being followed to deliver Veterans the timely care they have earned.

Posted 5:11 pm, January 20, 2015, by Tak Landrock, Updated at 10:31am, January 21, 2015

DENVER — Veterans Affairs executives in charge of four hospital projects currently over budget and years behind schedule were given bonuses, despite the administration admitting failures in their jobs.

Veterans are using Whisper to share the most intimate details of their struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder.

posted on April 24, 2014 at 4:02pm EDT
Neetzan Zimmerman
BuzzFeed Contributor

Senator Delivered Speech on Senate Floor Last Week Kicking-Off Series to Recognize & Honor the Lives of 198 KIA/MIA Vietnam Servicemembers from ND

BISMARCK, N.D. – As part of her push to recognize North Dakota servicemembers who gave their lives in the Vietnam War, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today met with Bismarck High School students to discuss their new collaborative effort to gather information and stories of these fallen men in efforts to honor their sacrifice and service to our nation.

By Tom Philpott
Stars and Stripes
Published: October 16, 2014

Editor's note: This story has been corrected.

Congress last August gave the Department of Veteran Affairs 90 days to issue medical “Choice Cards” to 9.1 million veterans enrolled in VA care.

BY CHRIS ADAMS
McClatchy Washington Bureau | February 27, 2014

WASHINGTON — The average time for a denied claim to work its way through the cumbersome Department of Veterans Affairs appeals process shot up to more than 900 days last year, double the department’s long-term target.

After hovering between 500 and 750 days for the past decade, what the VA refers to as its “appeals resolution time” hit 923 days in fiscal 2013. That was a 37 percent jump in one year, from 675 in fiscal 2012, according to a review of the department’s annual performance report.

The debut novel by Silver Star recipient Elliot Ackerman might be one of the first works of fiction about the Afghan war to be published by a veteran who fought in it — but he expects more will follow.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 19, 2014

WASHINGTON- Veterans and active-duty military personnel with service-connected amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, are now presumed medically eligible for grants up to almost $68,000 to adapt their homes, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today.

On August 7, 2014, President Obama signed into law the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146) ("Choice Act"). Technical revisions to the Choice Act were made on September 26, 2014, when the President signed into law the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-175).

The number of Vietnam veterans affected by the chemical Agent Orange is astonishing. Roughly 300-thousand veterans have died from Agent Orange exposure -- that's almost five times as many as the 58-thousand who died in combat.

“Did it save lives? No doubt. Over there it did, but nobody knew it was going to be taking them later,” said Dan Stenvold, President of the North Dakota branch of the VVA.

The Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) define Agent Orange as a highly toxic herbicide used by the U.S. military to kill vegetation during the Vietnam War.

March 14, 2014

CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen has introduced two bills to help veterans look for jobs and start small businesses.

The Veterans Hiring Act would cut payroll taxes for businesses that hire veterans.

By Leo Shane III
Military Times Staff writer
Oct. 10, 2014 - 10:59AM

The American Legion has a message for federal workers upset over veterans preference rules: Get over it.

“Those who have served in uniform have earned such preference,” American Legion National Commander Michael Helm said in a statement late Thursday. “Helping those who have served in uniform, especially disabled veterans, get jobs is a policy that must remain in place.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2014

Grant Program One of Many VA Initiatives to End Veterans’ Homelessness

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the availability of up to approximately $600 million in grants for non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives that serve very low-income Veteran families occupying permanent housing through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. 

Staff Report | ArmyTimes
6:39 p.m. EST December 17, 2014

A special web page has been launched to assist veterans seeking to upgrade punitive discharges related to behavior problems caused by post-traumatic stress.

The web page provides information and applications to seek an upgrade to discharge from service. The page can be found at http://arba.army.pentagon.mil/adrb-ptsd.cfm.

By Mike Francis | mfrancis@oregonian.com
Follow on Twitter
The Oregonian on June 30, 2014 at 11:05 AM

At least 10 veterans exposed to Agent Orange while serving aboard aircraft contaminated by the Vietnam-era defoliant have died after being denied care by the Department of Veterans Affairs, two veterans groups charged Sunday.

New Online Complaint System Empowers Students, Strengthens Enforcement

From a Social Security Administration News Release

WASHINGTON, March 18, 2014 – Social Security claims from veterans with a Veterans Affairs Department disability compensation rating of 100 percent permanent and total have a new process that will treat their applications as high priority and issue expedited decisions.

Carolyn W. Colvin, acting Social Security commissioner, said the new process is similar to the way the agency currently handles disability claims from wounded warriors.

By Terri Moon Cronk | American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2014

The Defense Department has made troops' health records electronically available to the Veterans Affairs Department to speed up the adjudication of disability claims, a DOD health information technology official said.

Some troubled Los Angeles veterans are getting help through an unlikely source: orphaned parrots.

The West L.A. campus of the Department of Veterans Affairs has an exotic-bird rescue facility on its sprawling 387-acre campus. It houses 21 aviaries with nearly 40 parrots that are part of a unique animal-assisted therapy program for veterans coping with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, alcoholism and other ailments.

The Feathered Friends program at the VA Medical Center gives veterans a chance to work through their issues by caring for orphaned exotic birds.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

The Fargo VA Health Care System is pleased to announce the opening of a new VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Devils Lake, North Dakota on Tuesday, August 19, 2014. The location of the new VA clinic is at the Devils Lake Mercy Hospital, 1031 7th St NE, Devils Lake, North Dakota.

A ribbon cutting ceremony and open house will be held on Monday, August 18, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. at the clinic. The public is invited.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Trista Matascastillo remembers arriving at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center in 2010 for an exam and thinking the hospital didn't quite get the needs of female veterans.

The exam room, for instance, opened onto the patient waiting area, she said. She had to ask that the door be closed. It was a tiny detail, one Matascastillo said staff fixed quickly. But the 16-year veteran keeps the story close by now that she is part of an effort to help the center improve care for women.

By Patricia Kime
Staff writer, Military Times
Apr. 9, 2014 - 01:07PM

George Siders remembers his first enemy kill like it happened yesterday.

While rounding a curve on patrol in Vietnam, the 18-year-old Marine came upon a North Vietnamese soldier on the trail. Siders instinctively raised his rifle and fired, hitting his target in the forehead.

The blast, Siders said, blew the soldier’s “brain and about 2 or 3 feet of spinal cord” out his backside.

The flags along the Liberty Memorial Bridge in Bismarck only go up on certain days.
We'll show you a group making sure they are up and flying at half-staff.
Averi Haugesag reports.

By Cheryl Pellerin

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (2/12/14) - First Lady Michelle Obama announced Monday that more than 100 construction industry companies have committed to hiring more than 100,000 military veterans over the next five years.

Obama and Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez delivered remarks at the National Symposium on Veterans" Employment in Construction, hosted at the Labor Department.

By George Altman
Military Times Staff writer
May. 4, 2014 - 06:00AM

The military teaches service members leadership skills and responsibility that many civilians can’t match. Yet the unemployment rate for the latest generation of veterans has long been higher than that of civilians.

Some vets have found a quick way around the problem: going into business for themselves.

May 1, 2014
By  C. Todd Lopez 

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, May 1, 2014) -- The Army's "Soldier for Life" website, launched today, is designed to be a new online home for retired Soldiers.

The Army's web portal "Army Knowledge Online" -- better known as "AKO" -- has been available to retirees and family members for many years now. However, the Army is transitioning to a more secure enterprise network for business users -- Soldiers, Army civilians and contractors.

By DAVE PHILIPPS | JAN. 7, 2015
New York Times

COLORADO SPRINGS — Nearly 200 sick and wounded soldiers in a gym at Fort Carson last month listened silently as Lt. Col. Daniel Gade offered a surprising warning: The disability checks designed to help troops like them after they leave the service might actually be harmful.

By Jennifer Hlad
Stars and Stripes
Published: September 15, 2014

SAN DIEGO — As part of the effort to eliminate the VA appointment backlog by the end of next year, Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob McDonald said Monday that he plans to increase the range of pay for VA doctors and nurses, among other changes.

The 2012-13 Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses Task Force Report (PDF) details VA’s improvements in health care and services for 1990-91 Gulf War Veterans.

Emergency room visits can take twice as long

By Kellan Howell
The Washington Times
Wednesday, May 7, 2014

By the government's own estimate just last month, the average American waits about 26 minutes in a hospital emergency room before being treated. But on average, war veterans must wait twice that long for the same care at Veterans Affairs hospital centers, and a string of internal investigations suggests the ER wait times for retired troops frequently can last hours.

April 4, 2014 by Reynaldo Leal

The headlines circulating the Internet hours after the tragic Fort Hood shooting were vague, but the implications for Veterans who have been diagnosed, or are seeking treatment, for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are not.

Vietnam Veterans of America November 7, 2013

Legislative Alert

Senator Richard Blumenthal, (CT) has introduced S.1602, the Toxic Exposure Research and Military Family Support of 2013, VVA strongly supports this bill, which reflects positively on one of our foremost legislative goals. Not only would it help achieve a measure of justice for the innocent victims of the use of toxic substances in times of war, but it offers unlimited possibilities for scientific research into the effects of these toxic chemicals.

By Carolyn Freundlich
Medill News Service
Aug. 12, 2014 - 01:42PM

It was in 1990 that 22-year-old Melissa Davis went to the Veterans Affairs Department office in Houston to seek treatment for depression.

Davis, a former Army specialist, joined the military at age 17. She says she was raped more than once by a superior officer at her first base. She didn’t report the assaults but told her husband, who urged her to keep quiet to avoid retaliation.

Associated Press | Feb 04, 2014 | by Kevin Freking

WASHINGTON - The House overwhelmingly passed legislation Monday that would require public universities around the country to charge veterans in-state tuition rates or face financial penalty.

Congress intended for veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan era to go to college for free at the public school of their choice. And for most, that's the case.

By Leo Shane III and Patricia Kime
Military Times Staff writers
Sep. 10, 2014 - 10:25AM

As a peer mentor for Wounded Warrior Project, Josh Renschler regularly helps severely injured veterans navigate the Veterans Affairs Department health care system.

So he’s no longer surprised by stories about delays and headaches in accessing medical care.

“We just keep seeing the same problems over and over again,” Renschler said. “It’s always a battle to get seen.”

Local News by Kirsten Swanson last edited on Tuesday, January 07, 2014

The Department of Veteran Affairs announced Tuesday night that the VA Black Hills Health Care System will initiate an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to look at proposed reconfiguration of services at the Hot Springs VA Facility.

Secretary Eric Shinseki met with South Dakota representatives Tuesday to announce that the VA would move forward with plans that could potentially close the Hot Springs VA.

Decades after the end of the U.S. war in Vietnam, more than one in 10 American veterans from the conflict still experience at least some symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder, according to a new study.

One third of veterans with PTSD also suffer from major depressive disorder, the research team reports in JAMA Psychiatry.

It's all legal.

By Leo Shane III
Military Times Staff writer
Aug. 19, 2014 - 03:04PM

Federal regulators on Tuesday outlined interim rules for streamlined firing of Veterans Affairs Department senior executives, a new authority backed by Congress in an effort to clean up cultural problems at the embattled department.

Tens of thousands of soldiers who are discharged from the military each year are locked out of VA services.

By Bethany Wesley on Jan 18, 2014 at 12:23 a.m.

VA has updated the list of ships that operated in Vietnam, adding more and expanding information for others. The list can help Vietnam-era Veterans find out if they qualify for presumption of Agent Orange exposure when seeking disability compensation for related diseases.

Stacy Kaper
National Journal
June 12, 2014

The Senate’s passage Wednesday of legislation intended to stop veterans from dying waiting for health care is likely to be Congress’s last major reform bill for the year to address failings in veterans’ services or clean up the embattled Veterans Affairs Department.

Undersecretary for benefits said name change would be 'limiting'

March 20, 2014

By Leo Shane III
Military Times Staff writer

After being jilted again and again by the Pentagon in pursuit of a common digital health records system, the Veterans Affairs Department is hoping a new makeover will finally get its own system noticed — and perhaps get defense officials to commit to a long-term relationship after all.

By George Altman
Army Times Staff writer

Lawmakers in a deeply divided House of Representatives can’t agree on much anymore, but they’re unanimous on at least one thing: Veterans shouldn’t be stuck with out-of-state tuition costs at public universities.

A bill that would force schools to ease such residency rules for vets — or lose GI Bill eligibility entirely — passed the House Feb. 3 without a single dissenting vote, 390-0.

By SYDNEY J. FREEDBERG JR.
Breaking Defense
June 11, 2014 at 11:48 AM

The Fort Hood shooting shines a spotlight on an overall epidemic, but suicide rates are higher for older generations.

By Jordain Carney
April 13, 2014

The Fort Hood shooting reignited the national debate over the surge of suicides among those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. But older veterans have been largely overlooked in the conversation.

Nearly 70 percent of all veterans who commit suicide are age 50 or older, according to the Veterans Affairs Department. This is double the suicide rate for the same age group in the nonveteran community.

Dennis Wagner, The Republic | azcentral.com 
3:22 p.m. MST September 10, 2014

A Department of Veterans Affairs inspector general's report on delayed health care at the Phoenix VA medical center used a standard to evaluate patient deaths that would be virtually impossible to meet, according to medical experts.

WASHINGTON – In response to the Office of Special Counsel’s recent recommendations for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Sloan Gibson today announced that Gerard R. Cox, MD, MHA will serve as Interim Director of the Office of Medical Inspector (OMI).