Calvet News Letter

CALVET
EXECUTIVE
LEADERSHIP
TEAM GROWS
Recent appointments bring new
faces, fresh talent, and a burst of
energy to the CalVet Executive
Leadership Team.
Michael Wells, Undersecretary,
Operations
Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.
appointed Colonel Michael Wells as
Undersecretary for Operations at the
California Department of Veterans
Affairs on March 13, 2013. Wells, of
Sacramento, is a combat veteran
of the Iraq War and service in the
Balkans (NATO HQ, Sarajevo, Bosnia).
He has served in multiple positions
of authority at the California Military
Department since 1991, including
Deputy Commander of the Youth
and Community Programs Task
Force, Director of Manpower and
Personnel, Chief of Logistics, Director
of Governmental Affairs, Plans
Officer and Chief of Environmental
Programs. Wells is a Colonel in the
California Army National Guard
serving multiple positions of
increased responsibility, including
Commander of the 223rd Infantry
Regiment and Camp San Luis Obispo.
He served as the chief of Intelligence
STAFF, page 3 >>
Operations at NATO Headquarters
in Sarajevo from 2008 to 2009. He
served as Assistant Chief of Staff
for Intelligence at the 40th Infantry
Division at Joint Training Base Los
Alamitos from 2006 to 2008. He
also commanded the 250th Military
Intelligence Battalion at Camp
Victory, Baghdad, Iraq from 2004 to
2005.
Michael Wells, Undersecretay, Operations Deborah Harper, Deputy Secretary,
Administration Services
Theresa Gunn, Deputy Secretary,
Farm and Home Loans
NEWSLETTER
All veterans are reminded that the fastest way to inquire and secure the benefits they have earned is by visiting
their local County Veterans Service Office. A listing of these offices is available at www.cacvso.org. MAY 2013
CalVet Wins Top Honor
Airport Security Easier
Traumatic Brain Injury
“Veteran” Defined
p. 5
p. 5
p. 6
p. 9
INSIDE
Sincerely,
Peter J. Gravett, Major General (Ret)
Secretary, California Department of
Veterans Affairs
May is a month with much meaning
for the military and veteran
community. During May we observe
V.E. Day (Victory in Europe) on the
8th commemorating the day German
troops laid down their weapons,
thus marking the defeat of the Nazis;
Armed Forced Day on the third
Saturday of the month to pay honor
and tribute to the members of the
Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and
Coast Guard; and Memorial Day on
the last Monday of the month, when
we remember and pay homage to
the U.S. service members who died
while serving our country. While
our state’s residents are reminded
at various times to remember the
selfless contributions of the men and
women who serve in our country’s
military, the California Department
of Veterans Affairs honors and serves
veterans 365 days a year. As an
example of this I want to highlight
the wonderful work being done by
CalVet to assist with the unfortunate
issue of homelessness among
veterans.
Although the different divisions
within CalVet are involved in
addressing homelessness among
California veterans, in this column I
will be mentioning the work being
done in our Veterans Homes of
California. These are located in
Barstow, Chula Vista, Lancaster,
Ventura, West Los Angeles and
Yountville. Veterans homes in
Fresno and Redding are scheduled
to be open later this year. Nearly
two million veterans currently
make California their home, with
approximately 30,000 more coming
here every year. Many of these new
arrivals come with very distinct
Secretary’s Message
needs, which require specialized
services.
Although many veterans from
previous conflicts are dying and their
numbers greatly declining, we now
find that veterans from the Vietnam
War and more current conflicts are
the ones requesting our services.
Many of these veterans have severe
disabilities or have been battling
drug and alcohol addiction and
homelessness.
To that end, in keeping with
its strategic plan, CalVet has
implemented several initiatives to
help address the needs of homeless
veterans. Since homelessness
among veterans is a major problem,
CalVet has implemented a rapid
admissions process and several
other pilot programs to help
homeless veterans succeed in living
a more productive life. By working
together its community partners,
CalVet is providing the necessary
services to this most vulnerable
veteran population. This is a win-win
situation for the veteran, CalVet, and
it community partners.
Since September 2012, a total of 190
new residents have been admitted
into one of the Veterans Homes of
California, and of those, 63 had been
previously homeless. This means
that more than 33 percent of new
admissions have been homeless
veterans. Kudos goes to the Veterans
Home of California in Chula Vista,
which has had a homeless admission
rate of 67 percent with 25 of the 37
residents admitted being homeless.
The Veterans Home in Yountville
has also done an admirable job of
admitting homeless veterans, with
approximately 68 admitted last
year. But I also commend the rest
of the veterans homes and their
staff because all have been focused
on meeting the needs of homeless
veterans. To all staff who works in
CalVet’s Veterans Homes of California,
Great Job and thank you for taking
so serious our commitment to offer
and deliver the highest quality
health care to our aged and disabled
veteran residents.
Lastly, on Memorial Day, please take
a moment to remember our fallen
brothers and sisters who died while
serving in our nation’s military. While
I encourage you to enjoy a picnic or
parade with your family and friends,
please pause for a minute at 3:00
p.m. and silently remember that
the freedoms we enjoy today were
fought for and preserved by many
who answered our country’s call to
military service.
Please share stories of our country’s
military heroes with your young ones
this Memorial Day and teach them
to be grateful for everything they
enjoy, because someone who they
may never know fought to ensure
they live their life in freedom and
peace. We have a great nation. Let
us all make sure we preserve it for
countless generations to come. God
Bless America!
<< STAFF
Deborah Harper, Deputy Secretary,
Administrative Services
Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr.
appointed Deborah Harper as
Deputy Secretary for Administrative
Services at the California Department
of Veterans Affairs on March 19, 2013.
Harper, of Roseville, has been chief of
the Customer Service and Publishing
Division at the California State Board
of Equalization since 2005. She held
multiple positions at the California
Department of Justice from 1996
to 2005, including budget analyst,
manager of the administrative unit
for the Legal Support Branch and
manager of the California Bureau
of Criminal Identification and
Information. Harper was a staff
services analyst at the California
State Lottery from 1994 to 1996. She
was an executive secretary at the
California Department of Justice from
1993 to 1994 and legal secretary at
the State Compensation Insurance
Fund from 1986 to 1993.
Theresa Gunn, Deputy Secretary,
Farm & Home Loans
Theresa Gunn began serving as the
Deputy Secretary for the California
Department of Veterans Affairs
Farm and Home Loan Division in
April, 2013. She served as Director
of Finance for ITT Technical Institute
in Torrance from 1996 to 2001 and
then accepted a position with the
California Department of Finance. In
2004, Theresa became the Principal
Program Budget Analyst in Finance
responsible for the capital outlay
programs for the Department
of Veterans Affairs, Military
Department, California Highway
Patrol, Department of Motor Vehicles,
High Speed Rail, the Health and
Human Services Departments,
University of California, California
State University, and the Community
Colleges. Ms. Gunn was instrumental
in acquiring and constructing the
Greater Los Angeles and Ventura
County, Redding and Fresno Veterans
Homes; constructing the Northern
California Veteran Cemetery and a
variety of projects at the Yountville
Veterans Home. In December 2010,
the Military Department awarded
her its highest civilian honor, the
California Commendation Medal, for
championing projects that would
greatly improve the living and
working conditions for the National
Guard. Theresa was born and raised
in a military family and is married to a
veteran.
“I’m very excited about the
experience, energy and talent these
individuals bring to the Department,
said CalVet Secretary Peter J. Gravett.
“They are all deeply committed
to serving California veterans and
their families, and they’ve hit the
ground running. We are already
making some positive changes to the
Department.”
Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise
(DVBE) owners and those interested
in becoming DVBEs are invited
to attend Keeping the Promise, a
business opportunity expo hosted
by the California DVB Alliance, May
13-14, 2013 at the Orange County
Hyatt Regency. The annual event,
sponsored this year by Union Bank, is
held to assist veterans in their efforts
to successfully transition back to
civilian life through entrepreneurship
and to connect vendors to State and
corporate buyers.
This two-day expo includes an
elegant reception and dinner for
returning active duty military
(and their professional sports and
Hollywood celebrity supporters),
dynamic guest speakers, and
a day-long business expo and
matchmaking event that connects
business owners and vendors with
buyers for California State agencies
and some of America’s largest
corporations. Members of the
California Department of Veterans
Affairs DVBE Advisory Council will
have an information table at the
expo and will hold their quarterly
meeting in the same hotel the
following day. For more information
about the expo and to register, go to
www.ktpexpo.org.
CA DVB ALLIANCE
BUSINESS EXPO
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NEWSLETTER | APRIL 2013
AGENT ORANGE
LEGACY
The California Department of
Veterans Affairs (CalVet) is pleased
to announce a new resource on
its website. The Certified Business
Advocate Program was created
to help certified veteran business
owners and veteran business owners
interested in becoming certified to
provide the products and services
CalVet and other State agencies need
to do business.
CalVet has wants to encourage
an increase in the number of
veteran business contracts at its
Headquarters location in Sacramento
and at its Veterans Homes in Barstow,
Chula Vista, Ventura, Lancaster,
West Los Angeles, Fresno, Redding
and Yountville. CalVet also wants to
encourage veteran business owners
to become certified to contract with
the State so they can take advantage
of additional opportunities available
to them.
CalVet contracts for:
• medical and personal services for
residents of Veterans Homes;
• medical and laboratory supplies;
• plant operations, janitorial and
laundry services and supplies;
• information technology; and
• financial services.
CalVet is extremely supportive of
Small Business (SB) and Disabled
The Vietnam Veterans of America
Agent Orange/Dioxin Committee
is asking the children of Vietnam
veterans exposed to Agent Orange
to register with Birth Defect Research
for Children, Inc. National Birth
Defect Registry at www.birthdefects.
org/registry. It is recommended that
you register your children as well if
they are ill and/or have birth defects,
learning disabilities and/or mental
health issues.
The online registry includes a
questionnaire that will ask about your
(or your child’s) disabilities; health
and family history of both parents;
exposures during pregnancy and
occupational exposures. A special
section will ask about the veteran’s
service in Vietnam.
Collected data will be used for a
study of the pattern of birth defects
and disabilities that have been most
frequently reported in the children of
Vietnam veterans. All data provided
is confidential. Your permission
would be requested before any
researcher would get in touch with
you. For more information contact
Betty Mekdeci, at (407) 895-0802 or
betty@birthdefects.org.
NEW CALVET RESOURCE FOR
VETERAN BUSINESS OWNERS
Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE)
and actively seeks partnerships
with them. Being certified by the
State as an SB provides you with a
5 percent bid preference. The State
may also offer up to a 5 percent
incentive for DVBE participation in
the formal bid process. The friendly,
professional people in the CalVet’s
Certified Business Advocate Program
are ready to assist you in successfully
participating in the State’s
procurement process.
Visit www.calvet.ca.gov/
certifiedbusiness for detailed
information on How to do Business
with CalVet, How to do Business
with California State Government,
and How to Get Certified as a Small
Business and/or DVBE.
Questions regarding CalVet’s
Certified Business Advocate Program
can be directed to Advocate@CalVet.
ca.gov or you may call:
Gloria Anderson
SB/DVBE Business Advocate,
(916) 651-3045
John Anderson
DVBE Outreach and Education
Coordinator
(916) 657-9354
Robert Beamer
DVBE Outreach and Education
Coordinator
(916) 503-8375
4
CALVET ARTICLE WINS TOP HONOR IN STATEWIDE COMPETITION
AIRPORT SECURITY NOW EASIER FOR DISABLED VETS
CalVet’s efforts to educate Vietnam veterans about the health risks associated with their Agent Orange exposure have gone well—in fact, very well. An article, titled “Agent Orange: One Veteran’s Story,” written by Carolyn Ballou, which originally appeared in the CalVet Newsletter has, so far, been published in seven national, state, regional and local veterans magazines newspapers and newsletters.
When the article was published in the veteran’s hometown newspaper, his widow became so excited that she bought 30 copies and gave them to friends and family—many of whom were Vietnam veterans like her husband. She later told CalVet that a number of those veterans
A new policy recently announced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) makes it easier for wounded warriors to pass through airport security. The new policy is part of TSA’s Wounded Warrior Screening program, www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/wounded-warrior-accommodations, which was established to ease the screening process for wounded service members.
These individuals will be escorted through the security checkpoint and will be eligible for expedited screening through TSA Pre-Check. They also will not be required to remove their shoes, light outwear jackets or hats when passing through security checkpoints.
To be eligible for the service, a wounded warrior or traveling companion must contact the Military Severely Injured Joint Services Operations Center at MSIJSOC@dhs.gov, or (888) 262-2396, in advance of their travel to provide itinerary information. Those traveling with injured troops or veterans must receive standard screening. found the article so compelling, they made appointments to get their health examined. Two of them have since been diagnosed with Agent Orange-related diseases and are now undergoing treatment.
In recognition of the article’s quality, reach and impact, the California Association of Public Information Officers recently honored CalVet with an Award of Excellence, its highest honor.
You can read “Agent Orange: One Veterans Story” and the following companion article, “Agent Orange Exposure Symptoms” at www.calvet.ca.gov/Files/Newsletters/2012/Nov2012.pdf.
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NEWSLETTER | APRIL 2013
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), often called the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, occurs when a sudden trauma or head injury disrupts the function of the brain. Common causes of TBI include damage caused by explosive devices, falls and vehicle or motorcycle accidents. Most reported TBI among Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom servicemembers and veterans has been traced back to Improvised Explosive Devices, or IEDs, used extensively against Coalition Forces.
According to Marie Rowland, Ph.D., brain injury is confusing to people who don’t have one. It’s natural to want to say something, to voice an opinion or offer advice, even when we don’t understand. And when you care for a loved one with a brain injury, it’s easy to get burnt out and say things out of frustration. Here are a few things you might find yourself saying that are probably not helpful:
1. YOU SEEM FINE TO ME.
The invisible signs of a brain injury — memory and concentration problems, fatigue, insomnia, chronic pain, depression, or anxiety — these are sometimes more difficult to live with than visible disabilities. Research shows that having just a scar on the head can help a person with a brain injury feel validated and better understood. Your loved one may look normal, but shrugging off the invisible signs of brain injury is belittling. Consider this: a memory problem can be much more disabling than a limp.
2. MAYBE YOU’RE JUST NOT TRYING HARD ENOUGH
(YOU’RE LAZY).
Lazy is not the same as apathy (lack of interest, motivation, or emotion). Apathy is a disorder and common after a brain injury. Apathy can often get in the way of rehabilitation and recovery, so it’s important to recognize and treat it. Certain prescription drugs have been shown to reduce apathy. Setting very specific goals might also help. Do be aware of problems that mimic apathy. Depression, fatigue, and chronic pain are common after a brain injury, and can look like (or be
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY: AN INVISIBLE WOUND
INVISIBLE, page 7 >>
6
combined with) apathy. Side effects of some prescription drugs can also look like apathy. Try to discover the root of the problem, so that you can help advocate for proper treatment.
3. YOU’RE SUCH A GRUMP!
Irritability is one of the most common signs of a brain injury. Irritability could be the direct result of the brain injury, or a side effect of depression, anxiety, chronic pain, sleep disorders, or fatigue. Think of it as a biological grumpiness — it’s not as if your loved one can get some air and come back in a better mood. It can come and go without reason. It’s hard to live with someone who is grumpy, moody, or angry all the time. Certain prescription drugs, supplements, changes in diet, or therapy that focuses on adjustment and coping skills can all help to reduce irritability.
4. HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE
TO TELL YOU?
It’s frustrating to repeat yourself over and over, but almost everyone who has a brain injury will experience some memory problems. Instead of pointing out a deficit, try finding a solution. Make the task easier. Create a routine. Install a memo board in the kitchen. Also, remember that language isn’t always verbal. “I’ve already told you this” comes through loud and clear just by facial expression.
5. DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH I DO FOR YOU?
Your loved one probably knows how much you do, and feels incredibly guilty about it. It’s also possible that your loved one has no clue, and may never understand. This can be due to problems with awareness, memory, or apathy — all of which can be a direct result of a brain injury. You do need to unload your burden on someone, just let that someone be a good friend or a counselor.
6. YOUR PROBLEM IS ALL THE MEDICATIONS YOU TAKE. Prescription drugs can cause all kinds of side effects such as sluggishness, insomnia, memory problems, mania, sexual dysfunction, or weight gain — just to name a few. Someone with a brain injury is especially sensitive to these effects. But, if you blame everything on the effects of drugs, two things could happen. One, you might be encouraging your loved one to stop taking an important drug prematurely. Two, you might be overlooking a genuine sign of brain injury. It’s a good idea to regularly review prescription drugs with a doctor. Don’t be afraid to ask about alternatives that might reduce side effects. At some point in recovery, it might very well be the right time to taper off a drug. But, you won’t know this without regular follow-up.
7. LET ME DO THAT FOR YOU. Independence and control are two of the most important things lost
<< INVISIBLE
INVISIBLE, page 8 >>
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NEWSLETTER | APRIL 2013
SAN DIEGO VETERANS HOMELESS SHELTER GETS REPRIEVE
The San Diego City Council has voted to keep the Victory Village San Diego—a veterans homeless shelter—open through the end of June. The Council funded about 80% of the shelter’s costs to keep 150 homeless veterans off the streets
after a brain injury. Yes, it may be easier to do things for your loved one. Yes, it may be less frustrating. But, encouraging your loved one to do things on their own will help promote self-esteem, confidence, and quality of living. It can also help the brain recover faster. Do make sure that the task isn’t one that might put your loved one at genuine risk — such as driving too soon or managing medication when there are significant memory problems.
8. TRY TO THINK POSITIVELY.
That’s easier said than done for many people, and even harder for someone with a brain injury. Repetitive negative thinking is called rumination, and it can be common after a brain injury. Rumination is usually related to depression or anxiety, and so treating those problems may help break the negative thinking cycle.
Furthermore, if you tell someone to stop thinking about a certain negative thought, that thought will just be pushed further towards the front of the mind (literally, to the prefrontal cortex). Instead, find a task that is especially enjoyable for your loved one. It will help to distract from negative thinking, and release chemicals that promote more positive thoughts.
9. YOU’RE LUCKY TO BE ALIVE.
This sounds like positive thinking, looking on the bright side of things. But be careful. A person with a brain
<< INVISIBLEinjury is six times more likely to have suicidal thoughts than someone without a brain injury. Some may not feel very lucky to be alive. Instead of calling it “luck,” talk about how strong, persistent, or heroic the person is for getting through their ordeal. Tell them that they’re awesome.
Marie Rowland PhD holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology at University of California, Berkeley and a doctorate degree in neuroscience at Bangor University, Wales. She started the website www.braininjuryrx.com in order to translate science and research into practical guides for people with a brain injury and their caregivers.and safe for 90 days beyond the previously scheduled closing date of March 30.
According to Victory Village San Diego President and CEO Phil Landis, this is not due to luck, but to the efforts of many people and groups—from the Mayor on down. “We owe thanks to Mayor Filner, the Housing Commission, the United Veterans Council, ‘Waterman’ Dave Ross, the Navy, which owns the land we sit on, and so many more, including the Council members for casting the critical vote that made it all fall into place.”
Navy veteran Doug Clarkson says there’s little doubt the shelter saved his life. “I’m homeless, but for me it’s even more dangerous because I’m diabetic. Too often out on the streets, I couldn’t get anything to eat. At the shelter, I get regular meals. They’ve also opened the way for me to get job training and classes I need to get off the streets for good.”
Because the shelter will be open an extra 90 days, they need men’s clothing and personal care products as well as financial donations to cover those items not included in the extension approved by the Council. To find out how you can help, go to www.vvsd.net.
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By Ted Puntillo
Over the years I’ve heard many ideas of what people think a veteran is and what they had to do to get this status. Some people who have been honorably discharged do not think they are veterans because they only served for two years, did not serve in combat or were not injured in the service. Women and people who served honorably in the National Guard and Reserves are often unsure of their status.
What does it take to earn veteran status? The answer is not easy, but I will do my best to offer clarity from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) perspective.
Under federal law, a veteran is any person who served honorably on active duty in the armed forces of the United States. Anyone whose discharge is marked “General and under honorable conditions” also qualifies for veteran status. Any person who served in the active military, naval, or air service of the United States and was discharged from the service due to a service-connected disability or filed a claim and was service-connected for a disability sustained while in the service is also considered a veteran. For example, a person who goes into the service, gets injured while in basic training and receives a service-connected disability rating from the USDVA (no matter how long they served) would be considered a veteran.
Certain veterans of the Philippine Commonwealth Army who were identified as scouts and served
“VETERAN” DEFINED
DEFINED, page 10 >>
9
NEWSLETTER | APRIL 2013
between December 7, 1941 and January 1, 1947 are considered veterans of the United States.
Members of the National Guard and Reserves may be considered veterans if they were deployed under Title 10 (Federal Orders), completed that deployment and were issued a DD-214 (discharge) under honorable conditions. Persons who serve in the Guard and Reserve without a federal deployment are usually not eligible for veterans benefits unless they were injured during their basic or advanced training or while on weekend drill or the two-week summer training. To qualify for benefits, they must have reported the injury, filed a claim with the USDVA, and received a disability rating for that injury.
Other persons who’ve earned veteran status are those who served as commissioned officers of the Public Health Service, the Environmental Science Services Administration or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or its predecessor the Coast and Geodetic Survey. Those individuals would have been issued a document similar to a DD-214 as proof of their service.
Eligibility for veterans’ benefits also depends on the character of the discharge: honorable, general under honorable conditions, other than honorable, bad conduct and dishonorable. Normally, only honorable and general under honorable conditions will qualify the veteran for benefits. An uncharacterized discharge may also qualify the veteran, but that is up to the USDVA and is handled on a case-by-case basis.
An officer cannot receive a dishonorable discharge. If they are demoted in rank at a court martial, they are given an officer’s discharge that is equal to a dishonorable discharge. Most times, an individual with entry level separation given (usually) within the first 180 days for medical or other reasons is not considered a veteran.
Veterans should never take for granted that their discharge, if not honorable, precludes them from USDVA benefits. Unless the character of the discharge is bad conduct or
<< DEFINEDdishonorable, the wise thing to do is apply for benefits
There is a process through which an individual may seek a discharge upgrade. Application for an upgraded discharge should be made within three years of discharge, but the veteran needs to have a rationale for claiming that the discharge should have been honorable.
In the past, the services have rated people with personality disorders later found to be Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This usually occurred after the service member returned from a combat tour and had trouble dealing with the authority back in the home unit. Service members who have had that experience or who are unclear whether they have earned veteran status should contact their County Veterans Service Office for assistance. To find the office nearest you, go to www.cacvso.org, Click on Contact Us, and then click on your county of residence.
Ted Puntillo is director of Veteran Services for Solano County.
Aside from the hundreds of veterans that receive premier care at the CalVet Veterans Homes, California participates in a work study program that employs veterans as well. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) Work-Study Program is a federally funded benefit available to any eligible veteran or veteran dependent who is receiving USDVA education benefits and attending school three-quarter time or more.
In San Diego County, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans use this program extensively to supplement their USDVA educational benefits. Sixty-
VETERANS CARING FOR VETERANS IN CALVET HOMES
CARING, page 10 >>
10
USDVA BRIEFS
VA ANNOUNCES MOBILE APP COMPETITION WINNER
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the winner of a mobile application competition designed to make local assistance resources accessible to people helping homeless Veterans and others in need.
http://1.usa.gov/11pyWum
VA EXPEDITING OLD COMP CLAIMS
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is implementing an initiative to expedite compensation claims decisions for Veterans who have waited one year or longer.
http://1.usa.gov/104zLEK
VETERANS PREPARING FOR NATIONAL WHEELCHAIR GAMES
Across the nation, Veterans are preparing for the 33rd National
<< CARING
five of these returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans working at the Veterans Home of California, Chula Vista as part of the work study. For the most part, these student veterans attend Southwestern College in Chula Vista and San Diego State University. On the Veterans Home campus, they work to improve/enhance the quality of life of the elderly and disabled veterans living here. The Veterans Home has a 180-bed skilled nursing facility, a 55 bed assisted living unit and a 165 bed residential unit.
Students augment facility needs by assisting in various departments such as, volunteer services, main dining room, canteen store, pharmacy, accounting, front desk reception, activities, administration, housing units, warehouse, IT and in the assisted and skilled nursing units. They provide, on average, over 3,500 hours per month of service. Aside from the services they provide, they build friendships with the residents who have a common bond of serving the Nation. This is a perfect example of a program through which veterans are taking care of veterans. The program enables CalVet to support and honor our Nation’s warriors through the generations.
An individual working under this program may work at a school’s veterans office, VA Regional Office, VA Medical Facility, and CalVet or other approved State employment offices. In 2001, the USDVA Work-study program was extended to America’s State Veteran for a period of five years. Since that time, several of the Veterans Homes have reaped the benefits of this wonderful program as have the veteran students who participate in it. The program has been extended twice by the U.S. Congress and is due to be extended again this summer.
Veterans Wheelchair Games. The Games, representing the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world, are presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
http://1.usa.gov/117Z9fr
VA LAUNCHES HEALTHCARE
AND WOMEN VETERAN
BENEFITS HOTLINE
The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a new hotline — 1-855-VA-WOMEN — to receive and respond to questions from veterans, their families and caregivers about the many VA services and resources available to women veterans.
http://1.usa.gov/15GvVtD
VA DOCS DISCOVERING LIFE ON THE STREET
You’ve heard of street smarts? Street magic? Sesame Street? Now add ‘street medicine’ to the list, thanks to a new VA program that is sending teams of health care providers into the streets — literally — to find and help an invisible army of sick, discouraged Veterans who spend their nights under bridges, on park benches, or on the sidewalk.
http://1.usa.gov/XjIJTf
11
NEWSLETTER | APRIL 2013
The Veterans Home of California—Barstow is a 400-bed, long-term care facility located on 22 acres with a panoramic view of the Mojave River Valley.The Home offers three levels of care that provide continuity in the lives of Veteran residents in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.1. Domiciliary Care (Independent living) for Veterans who are self-sufficient and do not require assistance with activities of daily living.2. Intermediate Nursing Care for Veterans requiring some nursing assistance to perform activities of daily living. 3. Skilled Nursing Care for Veterans who require a higher level of nursing care and require assistance with many activities of daily living. Amenities include: room and board – three meals plus snacks; medical care and medications; optical care, dental care and podiatry services; transportation services to all medical appointments and off-campus activities; and much more.Spouses are also eligible to apply with the Veteran.For admission information, contact:Veterans Home of California—Barstow100 E. Veterans ParkwayBarstow, CA 92311(800) 746-0606, ext. 1www.calvet.ca.gov
Note: To view full calendar, visit www.calvet.ca.gov/Files/Events_Calendar.pdf
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
CalVet News
1227 O Street, Room 300
Sacramento, CA 95814
P (916) 653-2192
F (916) 653-2611
pao@calvet.ca.gov
JP Tremblay
Deputy Secretary, Communications
Carolyn Ballou
Public Information Officer
Jaime Arteaga
Public Information Officer
Ron Brand
Public Information Officer
Thomas Moralez
Graphic Designer
Greg Nannini
Office Technician
MAY 11
Firefighter Career Expo
10:00 a.m. – 1 p.m.
CPAT Center
626 North Eckhoff Street, Orange
Contact: (916) 648-1717
MAY 18
Habitat for Humanity
Women’s Empowerment Build Construction Event
9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
COC Campus, Lot 8
26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita
Register at: www.firstgiving.com/HabitatSFSCV/2013-we-build
MAY 18-19
San Luis Obispo Stand Down
5/18 6:00 p.m. – 5/19 4:00p.m.
San Luis Obivpo Veterans Hall
801 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo
Contact: Travis Rochelle
(805) 781-5766
MAY 23-27
Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall Replica
Free and open to the public 24 hours a day
8201 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks
Contact: Vivienne Yamamoto
(916) 316-8602
MAY 27 - MEMORIAL DAY
Memorial Day Service
Vietnam Veterans of Diablo Valley
10:30a.m.
Oak Hill Park, Danville
Contact: Michael Slattengren
(925) 837-6238
Memorial Day Event
10:30 a.m.
Los Angeles National Cemetery
950 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles
Salute to Fallen Heroes
11:00 a.m.
Riverside National Cemetery
22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside
Contact: Jim Ruester (951) 214-4353
Memorial Day Ceremony
Yolo County Veterans Coalition
2:00 p.m.
Monument Hill Memorial Park, Woodland
Contact: Billy Wagner (530) 329-6457
Memorial Day Service & Elks BBQ
1:00 p.m.
Veterans Park
309 The Esplanade, Redondo Beach
Contact: Herb Masi (310) 993-4637
Memorial Day Remembrance
11:00a.m.
Roseville Community Cemetery
421 Berry Street, Roseville, CA
Wounded Veterans Run
9:00 a.m.
Folsom Parkway Trails
Blue Raving Road & N Parkway Drive, Folsom
Register: www.woundedveteranrun.org
5K Run/Walk for Warriors
8:00a.m.
West LA Veterans Affairs Campus
11303 Wilshire Blvd. Bldg. 116, Los Angeles
Pre-registration required
Contact: (310) 914-4045 Ext. 165
Memorial Day Program
City of Rancho Cordova
9:30 a.m.
Sacramento VA Medical Center
Mather
Contact: Kim Walker (916) 851-8804
Memorial Day Event
5:55 p.m.
Northern California Veterans Cemetery
11800 Gas Point Road, Igo
Contact: Stephen Jorgensen
(866) 777-4533
MAY 30
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Shasta County Veterans Affiliated Council
Veterans Grove, Redding Civic Auditorium, Redding
Contact: Bob Dunlap (530) 225-5616
MAY 31
Wounded Warrior Workforce
Conference & Career Fair
San Jose City Hall Rotunda
200 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose
Contact: (408) 557-4304
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NEWSLETTER | APRIL 2013