Messages transmitted

From: VA Media Relations
Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 8:26 AM
Subject: VA Makes Filing Claims Easier, Faster for Vets
VA Makes Filing Claims Easier and Faster for Veterans
Simpler Forms and New Program Reduce Paperwork and Speed Process
WASHINGTON (June 15, 2010) – As part of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki’s effort to break the back of the backlog, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is reducing the paperwork and expediting the process for Veterans seeking compensation for disabilities related to their military service. “These reductions in paperwork, along with other improvements to simplify and speed the claims process, symbolize changes underway to make VA more responsive to Veterans and their families,” said Secretary Shinseki.
VA has shortened application forms to reduce paperwork for Veterans. The new forms, which are being made available on VA’s Web site at www.va.gov/vaforms, include:
A shortened VA Form 21-526 for Veterans applying for the first-time to VA for disability compensation or pension benefits. This form has been cut in half – from 23 to 10 pages. It is immediately available to Veterans via Web download, and will be available through VA’s online claim-filing process later this summer at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp
VA Form 21-526b for Veterans seeking increased benefits for conditions already determined by VA to be service-connected. This new form more clearly describes the information needed to support claims for increased benefits.
In order to make the claims process faster, VA has also introduced two new forms for Veterans participating in the Department’s new fully developed claim (FDC) program, which is one of the fastest means to receive a claims decision.
Gathering the information and evidence needed to support a Veteran’s disability claim often takes the largest portion of the processing time. If VA receives all of the available evidence when the claim is submitted, the remaining steps in the claims-decision process can be expedited without compromising quality.
To participate in the FDC program, Veterans should complete and submit an FDC Certification and VA Form 21-526EZ, “Fully Developed Claim (Compensation),” for a compensation claim, or a VA Form 21-527EZ, “Fully Developed Claim (Pension),” for a pension claim.
The forms were designed specifically for the FDC program. These six-page application forms include notification to applicants of all information and evidence necessary to “fully develop” and substantiate their claims. With this notification, Veterans and their representatives can “fully develop” their claims before submission to VA for processing.
Along with the application and certification, Veterans must also submit all relevant and pertinent evidence to “fully develop” their claims. A claim submitted as “fully developed” may still require some additional evidence to be obtained by VA, to include certain federal records and a VA medical examination.
VA provides compensation, pension, education, loan guaranty, vocational rehabilitation, employment, and insurance benefits to Veterans and their families through 57 VA regional offices.
Disability compensation is a tax-free benefit paid to a Veteran for disabilities that are a result of -- or made worse by -- injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty training. Pension is a benefit paid to wartime Veterans with limited income, and who are permanently and totally disabled or age 65 or older.
For additional information, go to www.va.gov or call VA’s toll free benefits number at 1-800-827-1000.

June 3, 2010
To: District 12 Posts
Subject: American Legion Food Handlers Class
Kathy Gideon has set up a food handlers class for Sat. June 12th at 1:00 at the VFW Post 5617. The class is 1 hour and cost $45.00 + $14.00 per person. Depending on how many posts show up we can split the $45.00 fee. Anyone that has involvement in the kitchen should have one and everyone is welcome.
POC is Kathy Gideon at 817-353-6918
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5617, 7501 Wyatt Dr, White Settlement, TX 76108-2537
(This is near the SPUR 341 intersection with Wyatt Dr. on the west side of NAS Fort Worth near the Lockheed entrance)
Post 5617 Phone: (817) 246-0891

Date: Tuesday, June 1, 2010, 10:23 AM
Please see email below and forward to your Posts.
Thanks
Bill West
State Adjutant, The American Legion Department of Texas
From: Bob Roberts
Good morning everyone - Hope all had a very good Memorial Day weekend and everyone made it home safe and sound.
After the Bluebonnel Memorial Day program, I was approached by a Ms Marlo Moore, United Way - Tarrant County.
She stated that the United Way in conjunction with the VA was making available approximately $1.2 million dollars for assisting veterans in Tarrant County. Her phone number is (817)258-8030. She stated the basis requirement was the veteran (s) had to be in the VA system.
Hope, we can get behind this program and help our veterans.
Thanking you in advance
Bob

From: West, William
Date: Friday, May 21, 2010, 3:04 PM
Please disseminate the following information to all Veterans.
The Texas VFW was awarded a $1M for Veterans Assistance from the Texas Veterans Commission Grant Program.
Go to the Texas VFW Web site: www.texasvfw.org to get information on how to apply for a grant.
Remember, this is available to all Texas veterans, not just VFW members.
Bill West
State Adjutant
The American Legion
Department of Texas

Please send to your Posts. Request everyone call your Senators and Representatives.
Bill West
State Adjutant
The American Legion, Department of Texas
From: Stoline, Dean F.
Sent: Thursday, May 20, 2010 2:57 PM
To: Department Commanders; Department Adjutants; National Executive Committee
Subject: Request for Legislative Assistance
Memorandum To: Council Members Date: May 20, 2010
From: Dean Stoline, Deputy Director
National Legislative Commission

Subject: ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Policy

Now is the time to be proactive.

National Commander Clarence E. Hill sent a letter yesterday to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (CA) in response to reports the Speaker might seek an amendment to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 national defense authorization bill that would end the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy (the letter is attached to this email). This bill was voted out of the House Armed Service Committee yesterday and House floor action on the bill is expected soon.
As the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, we feel strongly the current policy has served the U.S. military well for 17 years and it would not be wise to make a major cultural change in the middle of two wars. Moreover, the Department of Defense has directed a study on the policy and it would be premature to act before the commission conducting the study releases its findings.
Under current policy, men and women are already allowed to serve their country regardless of their sexual preference. Allowing homosexual servicemembers to announce their preference within the ranks could jeopardize unit cohesion which is so essential to military success.
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton, who sat on the committee when DADT was implemented, opposes its repeal. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Admiral Mike Mullen have asked Congress to hold off on voting to repeal the policy until the Defense Department completes the study about how such a change could be implemented. Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member Howard McKeon have agreed to support the call by Pentagon leaders for more time to study the issue. Additionally, Marine Corps Commandant General James Conway and Army Chief of Staff General George Casey have also voiced concerns about the impact such a change would have on the current force structure.
The military is a unique environment, in which DADT has worked well without diminishing our nation’s war-fighting capability. Indeed, the core purpose of our military is to fight and win our nation’s wars. Enacting any law that does not enhance the military’s ability to accomplish that mission would be detrimental to the security of our nation. We believe that the repeal of DADT would be such an action.
Please read Commander Hill’s letter to the Speaker and then make contact immediately with your congressional delegations to make them aware of The American Legion’s position on this matter. Thank you for your assistance.

Joint Meeting June 7th at post 624 at 7:00 pm
Thank you
Brenda Straten
We need all of the posts and 2010 officers there.
Terry Bigley
Please mark your calendar and pass this on to the new district officers in your post (I do not have all their emails).
For directions to Mansfield Post 624 click on the hub page listed below.
Thanks, Ken

District 12 Officers Elect 2010-2012

Legionnaires:
Commander: Alan Robart, Post 624
Vice Commander: Debra Brooks, Post 356
Adjutant: Andre Hanekamp, Post 60
Chaplain:
Judge Advocate: Jesse Robinson, Post 838
Finance: John Straten, Post 379
Sgt at Arms: Larry Burk, Post 379

Auxiliary
President: Dolly Norton, Unit 624
Vice president: Glenda Patterson, Unit 297
Secretary: Shay Grannan, Unit 297
Treasurer: Becky Mathews, Unit 297
Chaplain:
Sergeant-at-Arms: Cheryl Estes, Unit 516

Sons of the American Legion (SAL)
Commander: John Bell, Squadron 838
Vice Commander:
Adjutant: Bill Kuener, Squadron 297
Finance Officer: Steve Slaughter, Squadron 297
Judge Advocate: Jim Kehler, Squadron 379
Chaplain:
Sergeant-at-Arms:
Advisor: Terry Bigley, Post 297

Desecration of Mojave Desert Cross Does Not Deter The American Legion in its Fight to Protect Memorials
INDIANAPOLIS (May 11, 2010) – The American Legion vowed to continue its fight to preserve a veterans’ war memorial in the Mojave desert, even after vandals have apparently removed the cross in the middle of the night.
“This was never about one cross,” said The American Legion National Commander Clarence E. Hill. “It’s about the right to honor our nation’s veterans in a manner in which the overwhelming majority supports. The American Legion strongly believes the public has a right to protect its memorials.”
The lawless act is just the latest chapter in a decade-long legal fight pitting The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Liberty Institute and several other organizations against the American Civil Liberties Union and other groups that find the cross offensive.
According to a statement issued by the Mojave National Preserve, the cross was reported missing on Monday morning by staff of the National Park Service who went to the site to replace the wooden cover that had been removed from the cross sometime earlier. The cross has stood for the last 76 years as a memorial to World War I soldiers. The American Legion and its allies won what was widely believed to be a Supreme Court victory on April 28, when the court ruled that the memorial was not an overtly religious symbol. Moreover, Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote that “the Constitution does not oblige government to avoid any public acknowledgment of religion’s role in society.” The Supreme Court ordered a lower court to reconsider the case.
The desecration of the memorial, did not sit well with Hill. “Reports that the Mojave Cross was illegally removed overnight are very disturbing,” he said. “The American Legion expects whoever is responsible for this vile act to be brought to justice. While the memorial has been attacked, the fight will continue to ensure that veterans memorials will remain sacrosanct.”
“This is an outrage, akin to desecrating people’s graves,” said Kelly Shackelford, president / CEO of Liberty Institute. “It’s a disgraceful act on the selfless act of our veterans. We will not rest until this memorial is re-installed.”
A $25,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of those responsible. Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call (760) 252-6120.
With a membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and patriotic youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund competing for $250K Pepsi Refresh Everything grant
Votes Needed!
INDIANAPOLIS (May 3, 2010) - The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund is competing for a $250,000 grant to be awarded by the Pepsi Beverage Company as part of its Refresh Everything Project this month. The winning charities are determined by the amount of votes received on the Refresh Everything Web site. The American Legion's Operation Comfort Warriors finished in first place during February's voting and has already been awarded the top grant of $250,000.
"I was very proud of those who supported us in February and enabled us to fund a program that directly supports our wounded heroes," said The American Legion National Commander Clarence E. Hill. "Now it's time to come to the aid of another group of deserving people, those whose parents paid the ultimate price and sacrificed their lives while serving in our military during the War on Terrorism. The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund ensures that the children of these fallen heroes will be able to attend college and not have to worry about the rising cost of higher education. We can support the children of these heroes simply by voting every day throughout the month of May. The process will cost you nothing, but the reward can truly make a difference."
Visitors can cast their votes at www.refresheverything.com/theamericanlegionlegacyscholarship.
Hill also recommended that Legionnaires, Legion family members, friends and supporters of The American Legion spread the message to vote for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund.
"Individual voting alone will not win this competition," Hill said. "We need people to post it on their web sites, Facebook and Twitter accounts. They should use all social media methods at their disposal. Operation Comfort Warriors was able to win because American Legion posts, Auxiliary units, Sons of the American Legion squadrons and American Legion Riders chapters all came together and worked toward a common goal. Spreading the word in newsletters and the mainstream media can also help us replicate our earlier success."
With a current membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.
Media contacts: Joe March or John Raughter (317) 630-1253, Cell (317) 748-1926 /(317) 441-8847.

Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in the ruling, “The goal of avoiding governmental endorsement does not require eradication of all religious symbols in the public realm."
Ken
From: West, William
Subject: FW: Press Release: Legion leader hails Supreme Court decision on Mojave Cross as victory for common sense
Date: Wednesday, April 28, 2010, 2:49 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Legion leader hails Supreme Court decision on Mojave Cross as victory for common sense
WASHINGTON (April 28, 2010) – The national commander of The American Legion today hailed the 5-4 decision of the Supreme court reversing a lower court decision that could have required the removal of a cross that has stood in the Mojave National Preserve for more than 75 years.
“I commend the court for its decision that finally restores common sense that will enable this symbol to stand proudly as intended – a tribute to honor American soldiers who died in World War I,” said National Commander Clarence E. Hill. “This is a landmark decision that not only preserves the Mojave Desert cross, but also helps protect all memorials to our fallen heroes.”
The American Legion joined as an amicus curiae (friend of the court) in action favoring preservation of the monument that resulted in the case being argued before the U.S. Supreme Court last year.
“The court reaffirmed the will of the people through Congress, which passed legislation to accommodate the cross,” Hill said. “The cross should remain because Congress transferred a small plot on which it stands to a private group and addressed constitutional concerns.”
Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in the ruling, “The goal of avoiding governmental endorsement does not require eradication of all religious symbols in the public realm. Here one Latin cross in the desert evokes far more than religion. It evokes thousands of small crosses in foreign fields marking the graves of Americans who fell in battles, battles whose tragedies are compounded if the fallen are forgotten.”
However, the battle may not be entirely over. The Court remanded the case to the U.S. District Court to give it a chance to see if any other legal alternatives exist. However, the High Court reminded the District Court that: “Respect for a coordinate branch of Government forbids striking down an Act of Congress except upon a clear showing of unconstitutionality.”
The cross will remain covered pending the District Court’s review.
“The American Legion will continue to fight for the values and freedoms veterans gave their lives for,” Hill said.
With a membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and patriotic youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

Date: Wednesday, April 28, 2010, 11:57 AM
Please pass on to your posts.
Bill West
State Adjutant, The American Legion Department of Texas
From: Buss, Michael D.
Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 10:14 AM
Subject: Half-staffing of the United States flag - Dorothy Height
Importance: High
As a mark of respect for the memory of Dorothy Height, a founding matriarch of the American civil rights movement, President Obama has ordered that the United States flag be displayed at half-staff on the day of her interment, April 29. The full text of the proclamation can be found @ http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-death-dorothy-height.

Legion fights for Post-9/11 GI Bill expansion
WASHINGTON (April 21, 2010) – Telling members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee that the Post-9/11 GI Bill needs to cover non-degree education programs, expert panelist Bob Madden of The American Legion said “vocational, apprenticeship, on-the-job training and flight training are not payable by the current bill. This disparity has caused much concern.
Madden, assistant director for the Legion’s Economic Division, told committee members that many returning veterans have a pressing need to get jobs and start earning money – they don’t have four years to spare in pursuit of a traditional degree from a college or university.
“Veterans should be free to choose their school and get the education they believe is best for them and their family,” Madden told the committee, chaired by Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii. “The American Legion believes that veterans should never be limited in the manner they use their educational benefits.”
Two bills, H.R. 3813 in the House and S. 3171 in the Senate, are currently being considered by Congress. They propose changes to the GI Bill that would allow veterans to use their own non-degree granting institutions.
Madden noted some problems VA has encountered in providing veterans with substantially improved education benefits that went into effect Aug. 1, 2009: increased processing time for certificates of eligibility and benefit claims, late payments to veterans enrolled in school (followed by emergency advance payments in some cases), accidental overpayments followed by unfair recouping of those costs, and a lack of consistency at VA call centers when responding to GI Bill questions.
Such miscues have led to unnecessary hardship for veterans and their families, Madden said. “The American Legion responded to a number of these veterans with Temporary Financial Assistance, one of our many programs to assist veterans and their families.
“Every time a mistake happens, it does not affect VA, but does manage to cause problems for the veteran,” Madden said. He said VA needs to provide more outreach to colleges and universities, “to ensure these student-veterans have a full range of knowledge concerning their education benefits.”
Despite difficulties in implementing new GI Bill benefits, Madden commended VA for taking necessary steps to provide an essentially smooth transition for veterans and their families into the academic environment.
“We have seen numerous bumps along the way, but VA has had to make some tough choices, such as the emergency payment, to correct those problems,” Madden said. But The American Legion “is a constant supporter of VA and is working with them to ensure that veterans and their families get the necessary assistance during this education transition.”
In his opening statement, Akaka said he plans to introduce legislation before Memorial Day to help improve veterans education benefits. “There is much to do to make this program as good as it can be…. Today, we begin that process.”
Other panelists who testified before the committee included Keith Wilson, director of VA’s Education Service, Robert Clark, assistant director for accession policy at DoD, and Faith DesLauriers, legislative director for the National Association of Veterans’ Program Administrators.
Media contacts: Marty Callaghan at 202-263-5758 or mcallaghan@legion.org; Craig Roberts at 202-263-2982 or croberts@legion.org
Joe March
Director of Public Relations
The American Legion National Hqs.

“Preacher” Mike accident update
April 20, 2010
Bad and good news.
For any that have not heard, Mike “Preacher” Hux with Post 516 went down in the rain Friday in Fort Worth. Don’t know how the bike faired, but here’s the word on Mike.
Jack Cox (Post 516 Riders), said the operation went well (per Peggy Hux), and they repaired the hip and leg. Not to make light of a serious situation (we have been worried and praying), it looks like they found enough pieces to bolt him back together, again.
He is in JPS Hospital (1500 S. Main St, Fort Worth) room T610.
Ken Cox
Post 516 Historian
Dist 12 Hubmaster

To District 12 Post Commanders from Terry Bigley:
The NAS Fort Worth Commander would like to have a meeting with all of our Post commanders at the VFW Post 8235 on White Settlement Rd. in River Oaks on Thursday 4/15/2010 at 5:30pm. He wants to put on a Memorial Day program and wants our input.
Thanks,
Terry
That’s this Thursday at 5:30pm. VFW Post 8235 is at 5333 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, TX 76114
Also:
Reminder to all Post Commanders: please have a list of your deceased members for the memorial service at the Division Convention. If you are not going you can E-Mail the names to me and I will turn them in.
Thanks,
Terry

From: West, William
Subject: ABC Extreme Home Makeover looking for military families in Texas
Date: Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 10:12 AM
ABC Extreme Home Makeover is looking for Military Families in Texas, we received this today.
The deadline to apply is April 24, 2010
Please pass this on to your Posts
Bill West
Department Adjutant, Department of Texas

Link to the general informationThe attachments have POC's, etc. for this event. Attachments can be obtained from your post POC.

OK folks,
On the schedule for 11 April (Sunday) the R2R riders and Legion Rider escorts will be stopping at Mansfield (Post 624) sometime mid morning. A reception bigger than last year at the Mansfield post and/or along the route in our district would be great.
Ken
2010 R2R Ride guide (link may go away after the event)
From: West, William
Subject: FW: Ride to Recovery Ride with Route Guide
Date: Wednesday, March 31, 2010, 8:08 AM
Here is information about the Road to Recovery (R2R) ride that starts next week Apr 6th – 11th. It will begin in San Antonio and ride all the way to the Arlington Rangers Ballpark where it will end.
If you have time please come on and help cheer on the riders.
Bill West
Department Adjutant
Department of Texas

From: Terry Bigley
Subject: FW: Dept Adj, Date: Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 3:28 PM
need answer asap

From: billw@txlegion.org
Subject: Dept Adj
Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:38:55 -0500
I got a call from the Legion Race Car team today and they will be racing in the upcoming ARCA race on April 16th. They will be coming to the DFW area on Wednesday and they are looking for a Post to host the car for the evening.
They ask for a donation of $500.00 or to pay for 3 hotel rooms that night in the area. They will bring out the show car and set it up so people can have their pictures.
Please ask around if any of your Post would like to host the car and let me know.

Thanks
Bill
Bill West
Department Adjutant, Department of Texas

From: West, William Date: Monday, March 22, 2010, 3:12 PM Please send out to your Posts. Bill West, Department Adjutant, Department of Texas
From: March, Joseph H. [mailto:jmarch@legion.org]
Sent: Monday, March 22, 2010 3:06 PM
To: Public Relations Division
Subject: News Release: The American Legion's Operation Comfort Warriors finishes first, wins $250K in Pepsi Cola's Refresh Everything Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The American Legion’s Operation Comfort Warriors finishes first, wins $250K in Pepsi Cola’s Refresh Everything Project

WASHINGTON (March 22, 2010) – The people voted and the troops won. PepsiCo has officially announced that The American Legion’s Operation Comfort Warriors will be awarded a $250,000 grant from the soft drink giant after finishing first in voting during February’s Refresh Everything Project.
Internet voters were able to choose which of 729 competing charities would receive grants of $5,000, $25,000, $50,000 or $250,000. The top three finishers in the $250,000 category are receiving the grants.

“There are so many people to thank, I don’t know where to begin,” said American Legion National Commander Clarence E. Hill. “First, I want to thank Pepsi and its charitable Global Giving Foundation. Then I want to thank The American Legion members, American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Riders who supported us by spreading the word and voting. In fact, I want to thank everybody who voted for Operation Comfort Warriors. This was truly a national grassroots effort. Most of all, I want to thank our troops, who go into harm’s way for us every day. It is their sacrifice that makes it possible for us to enjoy the freedoms we all share.”
Since December 2008, the American Legion family has raised funds for Operation Comfort Warriors, a program dedicated to meeting the needs of wounded military personnel, providing them with comfort items not usually supplied by the government. OCW ensures that patients at U.S. military hospitals and warrior transition units are given items like sweat suits, DVDs, puzzles, electronic devices, books, calling cards and more. The American Legion pays all administrative costs for the program, meaning 100 percent of the donations, including the grant money, will go directly to purchasing items for the troops.
The American Legion, a wartime veterans organization, was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation. For more on Operation Comfort Warriors, visit www.legion.org/ocw .
Media contact: Joe March or John Raughter, (317)63-1253; cell (317) 748-1926 or (317) 441-8847. A high resolution photo of Nat. Cmdr. Hill is available at www.legion.org.

From: District 12 Hub
Subject:News Release: The American Legion: "We are 100 percent committed to ensuring that veterans and their families are protected"
Date: 03/22/2010 02:51 PM
Bill West
Department Adjutant
Department of Texas

From: March, Joseph H. [mailto:jmarch@legion.org]; Sent: Monday, March 22, 2010 12:09 PM
To: Public Relations Division
Subject: News Release: The American Legion: "We are 100 percent committed to ensuring that veterans and their families are protected"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The American Legion: “We are 100 percent committed to ensuring that veterans and their families are protected”
WASHINGTON (March 22, 2010) -- “I have been assured personally by the President, Secretary of Defense, VA Secretary, Speaker of the House, Majority Leaders, and numerous other Senators and Representatives – as has National Commander David Rehbein before me – that nothing in the national health care reform legislation will change current DoD and VA health care eligibility or practices,” said The American Legion National Commander Clarence E. Hill concerning the outcome of the health care vote on Sunday.
“As late as 9 pm last evening, I was on the telephone with House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and we spoke candidly about The American Legion’s concerns. Based on that conversation, the transcripts of hearings, assurances from the President and Secretary themselves, I am 100 percent confident that Congress will act responsibly as regards the nation’s veterans and their families,” Hill said.
Hill also explained that the legislative process being employed to implement the current health care reform is unlike any he has seen in his lifetime. Indeed, there has been nothing similar in the past 100 years. However, said Hill, “this is not the end of the health care reform debate or legislative process. The legislation involved is so complex that it will take years to iron out and implement. The American Legion will be involved every step of the way to ensure that the health care options guaranteed to service members and veterans, and their families, will be protected.”
While the entire health care reform legislative package is extremely controversial and contentious, The American Legion has taken a position on one aspect only: maintaining the autonomy of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Defense’s health care delivery systems.
“It is going to be a long, drawn out legislative process, but America’s veterans can rest assured that their benefits will be protected. That I personally guarantee,” said Hill.
Media contact: Marty Callaghan, (202)263-5758, Cell (202)515-8644. A high resolution photo of Nat. Cmdr. Hill is available at www.legion.org.

From: District 12 Hub
Subject:Fw: Beware
Date: 03/17/2010 12:38 PM
Please forward to your Posts.
Bill West
Department Adjutant
Department of Texas
Military Times
Vets fundraiser who vanished re-emerges
By Rick Maze
A Maryland man who vanished in January 2009 with thousands of dollars that he raised for a presidential inaugural ball for veterans that never happened — leaving sponsors, entertainers and ticketholders in the lurch — is back.
Using a slightly different variation of his name, D. Dante Anthony Hayes is trying to raise money for a “Maryland Armed Forces” event, seeking to sign up military organizations to sponsor a combination benefit concert and fashion show that he claims will be held May 22 in a Baltimore park.
Hayes, who uses multiple addresses in Maryland and the District of Columbia, is the director of a nonprofit group that he formed called the Congressional Education Foundation for Public Policy. His pitch this time is about the same as last time, asking military organizations to lend their names to his event in return for a promised 10 percent of the proceeds.
He called himself simply Dante Hayes in late 2008 and early 2009 when he lined up several military and veterans groups, 34 beauty queens and some entertainers for an armed forces inaugural ball that never took place. He appears to do most of his business out of a residential home in Baltimore.
This time, he is promising a star-studded benefit concert featuring performers Patti LaBelle, R Kelly, Morris Day and the Time and Cameo, although the list appears to vary depending on who is being pitched. The list he provided to veterans groups that he has tried to sign up is different than the list posted on the Web site through which he is selling tickets.
Booking agents and tour schedules for the listed organizations do not show that any of the promised performers have agreed to appear. For example, Elyse Murray of Elyse Group 7, who represents the 70’s R&B group Cameo, said the group has no May 22 performance scheduled and she does not recall ever speaking to Hayes or anyone from his foundation.
“We are not scheduled to play May 22 at all,” she said.
The day-long event touted by Hayes also is supposed to feature a panel discussion about veterans issues, involving politicians, academics and veterans groups, and a fashion show with 50 models displaying casual and business clothing, “hats, purses and women’s shoes” for women of all sizes, according to ticketing information. Additionally, he promises a mechanical bull, water slide, climbing walls, obstacle course and outdoor children’s movie.
The event, to begin at 9 a.m. and end at 9 p.m., would be free to service members, students and seniors but cost $10 to $55 for individuals and from $135 to $10,000 for corporate sponsors.
In addition to receiving part of the proceeds, the groups signing on to the event supposedly would get the opportunity during the benefit concert to place their flags on the stage, said Grant Goods, treasurer of the Chesapeake Chapter of The Retired Officers Association, who met with Hayes. “He was very clear that he wanted a letter from us saying we were part of the benefit,” Goods said.
The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Maryland’s state department of veterans’ affairs and unspecified funds for helping homeless veterans and the purchase of calling cards for deployed service members are also causes that Hayes said would get 10 percent of the proceeds.
Hayes promised during the meeting and in a letter to veterans groups that 75,000 to 100,000 people would attend the event at Carroll Park in Baltimore, raising $1.5 million to $2 million for veterans causes.
Hayes did not return multiple telephone calls and e-mails seeking more information about his event. The company he said would provide the fashion models could not be located. Booking agents for several of the entertainers listed on promotion material said they had never heard of Hayes. Some stars, like Patti LaBelle, specifically decline to appear at fundraising events, according to her agency.
Carroll Park is a city-owned property that features a skateboard park, and is not suited to an event for 100,000 people, said Michele Speaks-March, a spokeswoman for the Baltimore Recreation and Parks Department. “We don’t have any request for a permit from that man or from anyone for that day,” she said.
Hayes lists Carroll Park as the site of another event on May 29, for a gospel choir-related all-day event. Speaks-March said no permit has been requested for that event, either.
The Congressional Education Foundation for Public Policy does exist, according to the Internal Revenue Service. But the IRS lists the nonprofit as a private foundation for which full tax deductions are not permitted for making charitable contributions. Instead, deductions are limited to 30 percent, a sign that most of the money raised may not go to charities.
The foundation Web site lists two other veterans-related fundraisers that Hayes is working on. He has tickets available for a June 4 gala for Maryland service members that he says will be held in the historic Fifth Regiment Armory and is also collecting donations to send veterans on a four-day Carribean cruise for New Years. For the cruise, he is seeking donations, in $35 increments, to sponsor veterans.
Goods said Hayes “identified himself as a doctor, although a doctor of what wasn’t clear,” and that he was very interested in setting up accounts so that contributions from sponsors could be deposited in New York or Baltimore accounts. TREA did not sign up to sponsor the event, Goods said.
“We are getting the word out to other veterans groups to be wary,” he said.
Hayes came to the attention of the U.S. Secret Service after he raised money for a Veterans Inaugural Ball that was to be held in January 2009 but then disappeared, leaving a trail of disappointed charities, sponsors and performers. Beth Jannery, a Virginia-based public relations consultant and author who worked with Hayes on that event, was among those who said they were shocked when he vanished.
“As far as I know, nothing has been resolved,” Jannery said. “Unfortunately, justice has not been served and no money has been returned, no apology has been made.”

From: District 12 Hub
Subject: FW: veterans handbooks
Date: 03/11/2010 10:33 AM
Please pass on to your Posts. Bill West Department Adjutant Department of Texas
2010 Handbooks Have Been Released!
The 2010 Military Handbooks were just released and have been made available on our site. There are a total of eight (8) handbooks, all of which contain helpful information for the military community.
About MilitaryHandbooks.com
MilitaryHandbooks.com is the ulitmate resource for the military community. All of the handbooks are free to view and download and contain the very best information about pay, retirement planning, education benefits and more!
For more information, visit www.militaryhandbooks.com.

From: District 12 Hub
Subject: Arrangements for Dona Bigley's services Date: 03/06/2010 01:20 PM
Arrangements for Dona's services have been finalized and are as follows:
Wednesday, March 10, 6-8pm, Visitation (Greenwood Funeral Home)
Thursday, March 11, 11:30am, Funeral Services (Greenwood);
2:00pm, laid to rest at DFW National Cemetery;
A Celebration of her Life will follow at Post 297 Benbrook

The Riders will have the privilege of escorting the procession. Meeting place, time, etc. have not been determined but we will pass that on as soon as Jersey & Padre have it worked out. All riders are welcome to participate.
The ladies of Auxiliary Unit 297 are asked to bring a side dish (call Hope Nay at 817-367-0053 to find out what is needed) and to consider helping in the kitchen. We anticipate a big turnout and would appreciate your help.
Terry has asked that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the American Cancer Society or Breast Cancer awareness/research, and he expresses his sincere gratitude to everyone for their thoughts and prayers.

Shay Grannan, Secretary
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 297, Auxiliary 12th District, Riders Post 297

From: District 12 Hub
Subject: Pepsi Challenge & stuff
Date: 03/04/2010 10:59 AM
Howdy,
Just an unofficial list of info, links and reminders I thought might be of interest.
Results from the Pepsi Challenge www.twitter.com/post516
Temporary new meeting place for Azle Post 356 due to roof cave-in www.americanlegionpost356.org
Ride-2-Recovery schedule www.ride2recovery.com/component/content/article/7.html

scheduled district activities: (check district webpage for info) www.txlegiondist12.org
March 13 Taste of the Legion cook-off at Post 516 benefitting R2R
March 27 District 12 Fall Convention at Post 838.
April 9-11 R2R in our district (see link above)
April 24 Veterans Benefit Fair in Fort Worth
April 24-25 Division 1 Convention in Tyler

Coming events: May 23: Run for the Wall Bridge Party being finalized by Rick Norman at Post 60 (more to come) http://rftw.org/
Ken

Date: 02/2/2010 10:59 AM Please pass on to your Posts. Bill West Department Adjutant Department of Texas
From: Druskis, Jill K. [mailto:jdruskis@legion.org] Sent: Friday, February 26, 2010 7:54 AM
Cc: Department Commanders; Department Adjutants; Pease, William A.; Huttelmayer, Terry A.; Graham, Erika Y.
Subject: A message from the National Americanism Commission Chairman
Greetings,
Electronically attached please find a message from Joseph Caouette, Chairman, National Americanism Commission, regarding the Commission’s “Get Out The Vote 2010” promotion.
Sincerely,
Jill Druskis, Deputy Director
Americanism and Children & Youth Division American Legion National Headquarters (317) 630-1207

DATE: February 26, 2010
TO: National Americanism Commission, National Americanism Council, Department Commanders and Adjutants, Department Americanism Chairmen
SUBJECT: “GET OUT THE VOTE 2010” PROMOTION
As Legionnaires we subscribe “to foster and perpetuate a 100 percent Americanism.” These words within our Preamble represent a continuing contract of service to benefit America. One important way we can promote Americanism is by encouraging citizens of this nation to participate in our democratic process. It is not just a privilege of every citizen of legal voting age to cast his or her ballot in their local, state and federal elections – it’s a solemn responsibility. The National Americanism Commission has produced the enclosed “Get Out The Vote 2010” brochure as a guide to promoting the Get Out The Vote program during this midterm election year. Please use it and share it with members in your posts, districts and departments. The publication may be downloaded from the “Publications” page of The American Legion website at http://www.legion.org/publications. Additional quantities may be requested from the AC&Y Division at acy@legion.org or by calling (317) 630-1207. Voting is a powerful way for citizens to participate in their government. With your help the goal of encouraging more Americans to “get out the vote” can be achieved.
JOSEPH E. CAOUETTE, Chairman
National Americanism Commission

Date: Friday, February 26, 2010, 8:33 AM Please pass on to your Posts. Bill West Department Adjutant Department of Texas
From: Druskis, Jill K. [mailto:jdruskis@legion.org] Sent: Friday, February 26, 2010 7:54 AM Subject: A message from the National Americanism Commission Chairman
Greetings,
Electronically attached please find a message from Joseph Caouette, Chairman, National Americanism Commission, regarding the Commission’s “Get Out The Vote 2010” promotion. SUBJECT: “GET OUT THE VOTE 2010” PROMOTION As Legionnaires we subscribe “to foster and perpetuate a 100 percent Americanism.” These words within our Preamble represent a continuing contract of service to benefit America. One important way we can promote Americanism is by encouraging citizens of this nation to participate in our democratic process. It is not just a privilege of every citizen of legal voting age to cast his or her ballot in their local, state and federal elections – it’s a solemn responsibility. The National Americanism Commission has produced the enclosed “Get Out The Vote 2010” brochure as a guide to promoting the Get Out The Vote program during this midterm election year. Please use it and share it with members in your posts, districts and departments. The publication may be downloaded from the “Publications” page of The American Legion website at http://www.legion.org/publications. Additional quantities may be requested from the AC&Y Division at acy@legion.org or by calling (317) 630-1207. Voting is a powerful way for citizens to participate in their government. With your help the goal of encouraging more Americans to “get out the vote” can be achieved.
Sincerely, Jill Druskis, Deputy Director Americanism and Children & Youth Division American Legion National Headquarters (317) 630-1207

Thursday, February 25, 2010 6:36 PM Note from Hubmaster, The attachment is the news release from the VA (same wording as below) and can be printed for posting. Ken ---------------------------- Please pass on to your Posts Bill West Department Adjutant Department of Texas -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: VA Media Relations [mailto:va.media.relations@va.gov] Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 10:23 AM Subject: Federal Online Help for Wounded Warriors <> Web Site Offers Single Access Point for Wounded Warriors Three Federal Departments Collaborate on National Resource Directory WASHINGTON (Feb. 25, 2010) — The federal departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor and Defense unveiled today an improved Web site for wounded warriors. “VA is committed to tapping into the full powers of the Internet to provide accurate, timely, easy to find and easy to understand information that improves the lives of Veterans, service members, their families and all who care for them,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. The National Resource Directory is a comprehensive, free, online tool for wounded, ill and injured service members, Veterans and their families. Visitors to the site can find an extensive range of information about Veterans’ benefits, including disability and pension benefits, VA health care and educational opportunities. The site also provides information for those who care for Veterans, such as access to emotional, financial and community assistance. The Web site has been enhanced to provide a single point of access to a wealth of information from more than 10,000 sites by federal, state and local governments and organizations offering services for wounded warriors. “This online directory is an invaluable resource for those involved in helping service members and Veterans,” Shinseki said. “Reliable information about government and private-sector programs can be a priceless tool.” A recent addition to the Web site is a specialized section where users can find help for homeless Veterans. These resources will help end Veteran homelessness over the next five years. The new design will help visitors find needed resources easily. Other enhancements include a fast, accurate search engine; a “bookmark and share” capability that allows users to share valuable resources on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites; and a news feature with updates on relevant information and events. Resources are added daily. Visit the site at www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 12:05 PM Please pass this information on to your Posts. Bill West Department Adjutant Department of Texas -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: VA RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS FOR 2010 NATIONAL VETERANS SUMMER SPORTS CLINIC Date: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:02:33 -0600 From: Bobbi.Gruner@va.gov
VA RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS FOR 2010 NATIONAL VETERANS SUMMER SPORTS CLINIC Setting your course for the future is the theme for the 3rd National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic to be held in beautiful San Diego from September 18 – 25, 2010. We’re seeking recently injured Veterans to participate in this rehabilitative event. Help us get the word out to potential Veterans and volunteers. Applications for Veteran participants and volunteers will be available upon request starting March 1. For more information about the Summer Sports Clinic, please see the Web site at http://vaww.sandiego.va.gov/home/ssc_home.asp, email Tristan.heaton2@va.gov or call 858-642-6426.

Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:28:40 -0600 See message below and pass on to your Posts. Thanks Bill Bill West Department Adjutant Department of Texas
Commander Hill wants you to go to www.legion.org and click on the Pepsi Challenge box to the right. We need people to vote every day in order to win $250,000, every penny of which will be spent on comfort items for wounded warriors. No one is more deserving of this grant than those who risked their lives in the line of duty. Encourage everyone to join in. If you are near an armory or a military installation, encourage them to vote, too. They probably don’t even know about the Pepsi challenge. Chuck Yunker, Adjutant of KS, has got half of Ft. Riley voting each day. Operation Comfort Warriors is currently ranked #2. I know you can boost it to #1 for our comrades who have given so much already. Contest ends on February 28. You can still vote 12 more times!!! Please, click on www.legion.org and vote right now. Thanks.

Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:09:24 -0600 Their are two Veterans Fairs going on the DFW Area. Please pass to all the Posts. Bill West Department Adjutant Department of Texas fliers in pdf attached, should be printable if desired. IRVING BENEFIT FAIR MARCH 27. FT WORTH BENEFIT FAIR APRIL 24.

Thursday, February 11, 2010 10:11 AM The 2009 – 2010 Consolidated Post Report forms will be mailed to the Department Headquarters next week by National. We will send them to the Posts as soon as we get them. Attached is two PDF versions of the reports, one is a fill in and print version of the form. Posts may use either form. It is extremely important that every Post complete this form and return it. We will complied them and submit the results to the State of Texas to show why we need to continue to be a non-profit organization and what do for our Veterans and their families across the State of Texas. National will compile every Post across the nation and submit to the results to the U. S. Congress. The form must be signed and returned to the Department Headquarters by June 1, 2010. Bill West Department Adjutant Department of Texas

Date: Friday, February 5, 2010, 8:34 AM Please pass this on to your Posts Bill West Department Adjutant Department of Texas Subject: PRESIDENT SIGNS VETERANS' EMERGENCY CARE FAIRNESS ACT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kawika Riley (Veterans’ Affairs) February 2, 2010 (202) 224-9126 PRESIDENT SIGNS VETERANS’ EMERGENCY CARE FAIRNESS ACT WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) today praised President Barack Obama’s signing of the Veterans’ Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2009. “For veterans with limited insurance, a trip to the emergency room should not result in financial ruin,” said Chairman Akaka, who introduced the bill in the Senate last year. “With this new law, VA will be positioned to help veterans who are enrolled in VA care whose insurance does not cover the full cost of emergency treatment.” The Veterans’ Emergency Care Fairness Act, signed into law by President Obama last night, will enable the Department of Veterans Affairs to reimburse veterans enrolled in VA health care for the remaining cost of emergency treatment if the veteran has outside insurance that only covers part of the cost. Previously, VA could reimburse veterans or pay outside hospitals directly only if a veteran has no outside health insurance. In addition to reimbursing veterans for emergency care in the future, the bill allows the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide retroactive reimbursements for care received prior to the passage of this bill. Akaka has received correspondence from veterans who were unable to receive financial assistance under the previous rules, and plans to share their information with Secretary Shinseki. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that this legislation will cover approximately 700 future claims per year and as many as 2,000 veterans retroactively. -END-

Date: Monday, February 1, 2010, 8:32 PM --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dist/Div Cdr’s, Please pass this on to your Posts, and let’s try to help Operation Comfort Warriors. Bill West Department Adjutant Department of Texas --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Rooney, Mary A. [mailto:mrooney@legion.org] Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 1:40 PM To: Past National Commanders; National Vice Commanders; Commission Chairmen; National Executive Committee; Department Commanders; Department Adjutants; Building 1 Staff; Building 2 Staff; DC Office Cc: Wheeler, Daniel S.; Hill, Clarence E. Subject: FW: Pepsi Refresh Project - Good Luck! Legion Family, The American Legion family has raised more than $300,000 to purchase comfort items for U.S. troops recovering in hospitals and warrior transition units around the globe. Now we have the opportunity to nearly double what was raised. Pepsi Cola is offering a $250,000 grant to the top two charities (based on votes) as part of its Pepsi Refresh project. There are 729 charities competing and as of Feb. 1, Operation Comfort Warriors is 21st in votes. All overhead and administrative costs for Operation Comfort Warriors is paid for by The American Legion, meaning 100 percent of donations go toward helping the troops. If OCW were to receive the Pepsi grant, that money would also go entirely to the troops. Please go to http://refresheverything.com/operationcomfortwarriors and vote. Just as importantly, use your post and department newspapers, facebook pages, web sites, twitter and all other tools at your disposal to encourage others to vote for this great cause. The refresheverything grant can make a difference in the lives of hundreds of our disabled troops. If you have any questions about OCW, please feel free to call Communications Director John Raughter at (317)630-1350 of visit http://legion.org/troops/operationcomfort.
Thank you for your support, Dan Wheeler National Adjutant

District Commander, Please have your Hubmaster pass this on to as many posts as possible. Thanks Bill Bill West Department Adjutant Department of Texas -----Original Message----- From: Walter Ivie [mailto:wwiviecpa@sbcglobal.net] Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2010 9:45 AM To: William West Cc: Ken Mueller Subject: 990N Filing Deadline Bill, I checked the due date online and it is 5 and 1/2 months after the year end. Thus the due date for August 31,2009 Fiscal year end is February 15, 2010 and the due date for calendar year end is June 15, 2010. I revised the information below. I also added the direct link to the Urban Institute where the 990N can be completed. Walter ***************************************************************************************************************************** Posts may file Form 990N by going to the web site of the IRS at: www.irs.gov Click on the tab for Non-Profits and Charities. There is an article that says: Annual Electronic Filing Requirement for Small Exempt Organizations — Form 990-N (e-Postcard) e-Postcard filing requirements and links to the filing system and public disclosure site. When you go to this page, there is a 990N link, which redirects you to a private company web-site. The IRS apparently contracts with them. The site only requires the Tax ID # and then it provides the Legal Name and the Tax Year of the organization. If a Post needs to find the Tax ID #, they might check with their bank. They usually have it on file. Otherwise call the IRS. When I completed the form for our Auxiliary unit, it only took a few minutes and I received an e-mail confirming the acceptance by the IRS. The Tax year on file was for Calendar Year 2009 instead of a fiscal year. Since the Auxiliary will never need to file anything except the 990N and you can't change the Tax Year online, I left it as a calendar year. If they ever need to file on a fiscal year, they will have to request a change from the IRS, which is what they would be required to do now, so why not wait. A calendar year means Posts have until June 15, 2010 to submit the 990N. I suspect that this is what most Posts will find when they try to file the 990N. After May 31, 2010 they may lose their exempt status and have to pay to reclaim it. ********** If the year end is fiscal year August 31, 2009, they must file by February 15, 2010. ********** The limit for calendar year 2010 Tax years is: Income < $ 50,000 and no limit on assets. Thus, even more Posts will only need to file the 990N in 2011 and future years. ********** Posts may file form 990EZ if their 2009 income is greater than $ 25,000. ********** The direct link to the Urban Institute is http://epostcard.form990.org where the form 990N can be completed.

Friday, December 18, 2009 7:28 AM Guy and Ken, We have raised the money needed to help Sgt Hunt and his family. Thanks Bill Bill West Department Adjutant Department of Texas
From: KEN COX [mailto:kencox@flash.net] Sent: Friday, December 18, 2009 4:40 AM To: William West Cc: Guy W. Thomas; Terry Bigley Subject: Fw: Dept Adj Bill - please reply to me or Guy Thomas and cc me with reply so I can pass on. Guy - thanks, Ken
----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Guy W. Thomas To: KEN COX Sent: Thu, December 17, 2009 6:09:10 PM Subject: RE: Dept Adj Hi Ken, I assume Sgt Hunt is active duty? Who is our POC to get the funds to once we raise the money from each Post? Thanks, Guy

Date: Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:24:28 -0600 District Commanders, I received a call today from Charlene Ashworth, she is currently in Florida on the R2R ride. Sgt Nat Hunt, one of the riders and his wife, who are from San Antonio are in need of financial help. Their car was reprocessed last night and they need $1000.00 to get it back. Please have your District Hubmaster pass this on to your Posts to see if we can raise the money to assist this family. They do not qualify for the TFA program. Bill Bill West Department Adjutant Department of Texas

From: VA Media Relations [mailto:va.media.relations@va.gov] Sent: Thursday, December 03, 2009 1:03 PM Subject: VA to Survey Veteran Households VA To Survey Veteran Households WASHINGTON (Dec. 3, 2009) – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched a national survey of Veterans, active duty service members, activated National Guard and reserve members, and family members and survivors to learn if they are aware of VA services. “By hearing directly from Veterans and their family members, we gain valuable information to help us serve them better. We hope those who receive the survey will respond to it,” Secretary Shinseki said. In addition to assessing awareness levels, the National Survey of Veterans will collect important health care, benefits, employment, and demographic information that VA will use to inform policy decisions and improve benefits. Recognizing a broader client base than just Veterans, this is the first time VA has included others, such as Veteran family members, in its survey population. VA is mailing out survey “screeners” to more than 130,000 households to identify potential survey participants. The screener asks if anyone in the household is a member of one of the identified survey groups – Veterans, family members and survivors, active duty, Guard or Reserve members. Eligible survey participants then may be requested to participate in a full-length survey. Participants will be able to select a preferred survey method: through U.S. mail, telephone or a password-protected Internet address. VA expects approximately 10,000 Veterans to complete the full-length survey. This is the sixth VA National Survey of Veterans since 1978. The information collected will help VA in its efforts to design and conduct outreach to Veterans. In addition, it will provide a clearer picture of the Veteran population’s characteristics to help evaluate existing programs and policies and measure their impact. The data collection is expected to be finished by the end of February and the final report released by December 2010.