In January, VAntage Point editor Brandon Friedman marked the 20th anniversary of the transition of Operation Desert Shield to Operation Desert Storm with a piece offering his recollections of the event as a 12-year-old. Then, last week, VA Chief of …
During the Oscars last night, a news flash came across my Twitter feed. Frank Buckles, the last surviving Veteran of World War One, passed away at the age of 110. Mr. Buckles defined the term living history, and with his …
Iraq War Veteran and graduate student
Given all the lip-service that the civilian-military divide has received recently, it would be a shame to keep ROTC off campuses like Columbia. ROTC programs are one small venue for bridging the civilian-military divide.
Director, VA Center for Minority Veterans
It is safe to say that African American History is American History and the participation of African Americans fighting for America’s freedom is as old as America herself.
Chief of Staff for the Department of Veterans Affairs; Gulf War Veteran
It’s hard to believe that 20 years have passed since the ground assault of Operation Desert Storm began on February 23, 1991. On that day, I was commanding a field artillery battalion in the 1st Infantry Division positioned along Saudi Arabia’s border with Iraq.
Veterans are mission-oriented. It’s only natural after a stint in the military, where, whether it’s a patrol in a combat zone or a training exercise stateside, the next operation is planned to the smallest detail. But once a tour of …
VA Acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs; Vietnam Veteran
As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s worth considering the National Cemetery Administration’s unique role as caretakers of that history.
(Update: Columbia has released audio of the debate.) Just last week I wrote about ways to bridge the gap between civilians and Veterans. Though many fall prey to cynicism about the rift, I encouraged an optimistic effort on the part …
Director of the VA Innovation Initiative
We’ve been hard at work the past few months developing these topics, lining up reviewers, and building these new processes and tools. The next part is up to you. Bring us your best ideas to help VA serve our Nation’s Veterans better everyday.
It would be difficult to name a piece of legislation that has done more for the country than The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, otherwise known as the GI Bill of Rights. The law recognized that service was an inherently …
VA Decreasing GI Bill Processing Time with New Automation Tools
14 Feb 2013
Communications specialist with the Veterans Benefits Administration
Roger W. Baker, the Department of Veterans Affairs Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology testified today before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
Love Your Heart
14 Feb 2013
Registered Dietitian at the Dayton, OH VA Medical Center
Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? This February, in honor of American Heart Month, join the fight against heart disease and love your heart.
The Benefits of a Paperless Claim
13 Feb 2013
Supervisory Veterans Service Representative; Team Lead for VBMS Transformation at the Salt Lake City Regional Office
While standing outside the audiology clinic at the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, a Veteran explained to me that he was deaf in one ear, had significant hearing loss in his other ear, and that he was in need of hearing aids. He could not afford them and was hoping VA could help. Staff at VA’s audiology clinic recommended the Vet file a VA disability compensation claim for his hearing loss.
Valor Games coming to more cities in 2013
11 Feb 2013
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran; Public Affairs Officer, Office of National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events
This year, Veterans with physical disabilities will have more opportunities to get active and involved in sports. The Valor Games are coming to more cities across the country this year.
VBA Twitter Town Hall Series: Disability Compensation
8 Feb 2013
U.S. Army Veteran; Communications Specialist, Veterans Benefits Administration
Last Thursday, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) continued our monthly Twitter town hall series with an event focused on VA disability compensation exams.
Blue Button for America
5 Feb 2013
Presidential innovation fellows working on Blue Button for America at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
In August 2010, President Obama announced the Blue Button. Today, it has been downloaded 2.7 million times and the program has been adopted by both the Department of Defense and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
VA Disability Compensation Increases in 2013
4 Feb 2013
Communications specialist, Veterans Benefits Administration
Last month, the more than four million Veterans and survivors who receive compensation benefits from VA saw an increase of 1.7 percent in their total monthly payment.
Building Renovation to Help Homeless Veterans
1 Feb 2013
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Sixty-five homeless Veterans will have a chance to transition back into society when the renovation of a building is completed at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
