Legislative Division staff are attending a hearing by the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs' Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations examining several pieces of legislation, including the Foreign Travel Accountability Act, which would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to report semi-annually to the congressional veterans committees on foreign travel made by VA employees while on official business. A report would include an employee’s name, destination, purpose, duration, and total travel cost.
The American Legion’s Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Division is attending and submitting a statement for the record at a hearing by the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs: “Why Are Veterans Waiting Years on Appeal? A Review of the Post-Decision Process for Appealed Veterans’ Disability Benefits Claims.”
Edward Lilley, field service representative in the Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Division, is attending “After the Uniform 2013: Facing the Invisible Wounds of War” at the National Press Club in Washington. A panel will discuss mental health challenges faced by many of America’s returning veterans, including PTSD, military sexual trauma and substance addiction); a Q & A period will follow.
The Legion’s health care policy staff is meeting with Dr. Patricia Hayes, the Department of Veterans Affairs’ chief consultant for women veterans’ health, to discuss The American Legion’s System Worth Saving report on health care for women veterans. The staff is also meeting with representatives from J.D. Power and Associates to discuss a short-term patient-satisfaction tool for VA patients.
The American Legion and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are conducting a hiring fair today for veteran job seekers, active-duty military members, Guard and reserve members, and military spouses. The event is from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Meadows Banquet and Conference Center, 850 Kepler Drive. http://www.uschamber.com/hiringourheroes/green-bay-wi-0
Jacob Gadd, deputy director of the Legion’s Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Division, and Roscoe Butler, national field representative for the Legion’s Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Division, are meeting with the Office of Interagency Health Affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the office’s 2013 goals and priorities, provide feedback, and explore opportunities for collaboration on projects and initiatives.
Legion staff are attending hearing by the House Small Business Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce: “Putting the Strategy in Sourcing: Challenge and Opportunities for Small Business Contractors.”
The American Legion’s claims appeals representatives in Washington are getting a demonstration of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Benefits Management System, which will be installed at the Board of Veterans Appeals.
Americanism/Children & Youth Deputy Director Richard Smith is delivering LEAD training to the Department of Connecticut titled “Getting Americanism and Children & Youth Programs Active in Your Communities.”
