The Mid-Atlantic Regional Group

Blinded Veterans Association

Legislative News

April 16, 2008 

Please use this new program.  

Overcoming Obstacles is Key to Veterans’ Success Stories “The American Veteran” Highlights Helpful Programs     

WASHINGTON (April 16, 2008) – Military members are trained to overcome obstacles, as part of a team, to achieve their mission.  Returning to civilian life, especially after a combat tour, poses new challenges for many service members, requiring new tools and new forms of support.

Programs to help these veterans, available from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and partnering organizations, are the focus of the April edition of   “The American Veteran,” VA’s monthly half-hour news magazine.

“We are committed to outreaching to veterans and military personnel about the VA programs available to help these warriors recover from their physical and mental injuries,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “These stories showcase the courage and determination of the veterans, as well as the commitment of those willing to help – many of whom are veterans themselves.”

The lead story looks at veteran suicide, examining the programs VA has put in place to ensure that everyone from front line clerks to mental health providers are prepared to recognize the early warning signs of suicide and know how to respond.

A second feature looks at a unique rehabilitation program in Florida, “Shake A Leg,” designed to help disabled veterans cope with physical and mental difficulties by teaching them how to sail.

In another story, VA partners with city leaders in Fargo, N.D., to support Project HART, a program created to help homeless veterans get off the street and stay off the street with a unique four-step program.

The series is designed to inform active duty members, veterans, their families and their communities about the services and benefits they have earned and to recognize and honor them.  VA’s Office of Public Affairs and the VA Learning University/ Employee Education System (VALU/EES) produce the program and broadcast it to VA facilities around the world on The Pentagon Channel and to community cable outlets.

Aimed at veterans of all eras, VA also tells stories of heroism and sacrifice, and relives moments in history with those who were there, reminding veterans of the bond of service they all share.

The VA Office of Public Affairs offers the program to local broadcasters and cable outlets and makes it available for viewing on the VA Web site,  www.va.gov    Just click on “Public Affairs” and then “Featured Items.”

“The American Veteran” schedule on The Pentagon Channel is available at http://www.pentagonchannel.mil  The Pentagon Channel has more than 1 million military viewers and is delivered domestically via DISH, EchoStar, T-Warner and Cox cable systems.  (Check for service in your area.)

Additional stories on the April edition of “The American Veteran” include:

*     VA’s Newest Liver Transplant Center -- A look at VA’s third and newest Liver Transplant Center at the Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center in Houston where Michael Abshire became the first patient to go through their liver transplant program.

*     VA dedicates a new national cemetery in South Florida. 

*     A new Travel Nurse Corps is designed to address the nursing shortage. 

*     New GI Bill rules provide an increase in educational benefits.  

*     A VA research project searching for a vaccine against Salmonella bacterium is carried aboard a NASA space shuttle to the International space station.

*     James H. Parke Youth Volunteer Award Winner -- Meet Megan Smith a high school junior from Miami.  Megan is this year’s winner of VA’s James H. Parke $20,000.00 Youth Volunteer Award Scholarship.                 

For information about “The American Veteran” program and how to obtain it for local programming, contact VA at 202-461-7502.

Tom Zampieri

Director Government Relations

Blinded Veterans Association

Washington, DC 

BVA's Legislative Alerts Group

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