Veterans bulletin [Fall 2005]

Sonny Perdue Governor

Veterans Bulletin Georgia Department of Veterans Service
Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty Fall 2005

Pete Wheeler Commissioner

"Your Military Service Will Never Be Forgotten"

Today's Heroes

Tomorrow's Veterans

D E PA RT M E

NT OF VETERAN
1930 - 2005
75 Commemorating Years of Service

A F FA I R S S

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

The following are excerpts of Commissioner Wheeler's keynote address: "I am honored to join with all of you today and share with you this opportunity to wave the flag and demonstrate our patriotism and pride in America. It is an opportunity to recognize the significant contributions of the millions of our citizens whose military service had a profound effect on history. It is an opportunity to remember all the freedoms we, the people of this great nation, are fortunate enough to enjoy."
" It is an opportunity to thank those who have answered the call of duty to protect those freedoms. It is an opportunity to honor them and show our gratitude for their sacrifices. We are also here this morning to observe the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs."
"In 1930, through an Act of Congress, the Veterans Administration was created that consolidated into one agency all government activities affecting America's war veterans."
"On March 15, 1989, White House ceremonies marked the official beginning of the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a cabinet level post. Then President of the United States, George Herbert Walker Bush, noted "There is only one place for the veterans of America, in the Cabinet Room, at the table with President."
"This Friday, November 11, as in years past, a wreath will be placed at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, in tribute to our nation's war dead."

"Although the soldiers in this tomb remain nameless, they do have faces. We can see them in every liberty that we enjoy today."
"On this occasion, we recall the valor, the bravery, and the sacrifice of those who protect and secure our freedoms."
"Many have been called, many suffered the shock and pain of battle, some of them being disabled for life, and many have made the supreme sacrifice. All have given some of the best years of their lives. Why did they do it?
"Simply because there was a job to be done and they were the ones called upon to do it."
"What was the result of their sacrifice? - Simply this: America remained a free country."
"Today, we honor every patriotic man and woman who has ever worn the uniform of our country. It could

be someone in your own family, a neighbor, a friend or even yourself. Today, we all join in a common cause, a salute to all who have served together; for freedom and for liberty."
"All have faced the greatest test that can be applied to American citizenship; being willing to risk your life to defend your citizenship. Every man and woman who put on the wartime military uniform of the United States and served with honor has passed this test of citizenship."
"-Today gives us the opportunity to once again pause and reflect the cost of this test and then say, "Thank You" to this nation's veterans for their service and sacrifice.
"We may be uncertain about many things in America today, but we should have no reason to be uncertain about the respect and honor we owe to those who have served this nation in times of war."
"We also want to remember and thank the many men and women who are now serving our country here and around the world. To those young Americans in uniform right now, all around the globe, we say "Godspeed" our prayers and our sincere wishes for your safe return go out to you."
"We must never forget that these heroes are tomorrow's veterans. We must remember that the way we treat today's veterans sends a powerful message to our active duty troops about how we will honor their sacrifice after they leave military service."
"If we value anything more than freedom, we will lose our freedom; if we value comfort or money more than freedom, we will lose that too."
"We must remember that America is number one, Thanks to Our Veterans!"

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Governor Sonny Perdue continued the long-standing Georgia tradition, of officially proclaiming November 11 as "Veterans Day in Georgia" during the annual Governor's Veterans Day Proclamation signing, held October 23 inside the Rotunda of the State capitol. Commissioner Wheeler, who has served as the Governor's Chairman of Veterans Day Observances statewide for the past 50 years, was the master of ceremonies. The event, attracted the area's top military leaders, key members of the Georgia Legislature, and the leaders of the states veterans' organizations and auxiliaries. Also in attendance was Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, retired Army Colonel Robert B. Nett of Columbus, GA ( above photo - third from left).

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Progress Continues on Design of State

Veterans Cemetery for Glennville, Georgia

Design of the new state veterans cemetery in Glennville, Georgia

reached another milestone in early October with approval of the

design development plans by the

U. S. Department of Veterans

Affairs (VA) in

Washington, D. C. "The next step
is for our staff and

consultants to

complete

construction drawings for VA approval," said

Commissioner Pete

Wheeler of the

Georgia

Aerial View

Department of Veterans Service. "Based on the current schedule,

we hope to have the construction drawings to the VA by early December of this year."
The new Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery Glennville will be located about one mile north of the city on US 301 at the old Dyess Farm Road, near P. D. Odom Road. It will set on a beautiful 42 acre site that gently slopes from the northwest to the southeast toward the highway and will provide excellent burial locations for Georgia's veterans of

the uniformed services. The first phase of construction hopefully will begin in the late spring of 2006.
The first phase will include a flag-based main entrance from the highway, a visitors center/

opening this state veterans cemetery in the late spring of 2007," said Commissioner Wheeler.
Once it is opened, the cemetery will be staffed full time with a director and four staff

working on the

site. In

addition, the

veterans service

office presently

located in the

city annex on

Caswell Street

will be co-

located in the

cemetery's

administration building, an enclosed committal shelter, approximately 1,000 pre-placed

visitors center/ administration building.
State veterans cemeteries are part of the VA's national cemetery

system. The

burial of

veterans and

their spouses

in state

veteran

cemeteries is

governed by

the same

regulations as

the national
Artist Rendering of the Front Entrance

in ground crypts for remains of veterans and their spouses, an above ground columbarium for nearly 800 cremains of veterans and spouses, a flag decorated ceremonial area, a carillon and a maintenance building to support cemetery operations.
"We are looking forward to

cemeteries. "This will be more than a place
to lay love ones to rest with perpetual care; this will be a memorial, a place of honor, in recognition to all Georgia veterans who have served in our Armed Forces," commented Commissioner Wheeler.

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No Across-the Board

Review of PTSD Cases

November 2005
According to R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will not review the files of 72,000 veterans currently receiving disability compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder. On May 19, 2005, VA's Inspector General reported on an examination of the files of a sample of 2,100 randomly selected with disability rating for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The IG cited insufficient documentation in the files and a dramatic increase in veterans filing for disability compensation for PTSD since 1999. "We have now just completed our own careful review of those 2,100 files cited in the IG's report," said Nicholson. "The

problems with these files appear to be administrative in nature, such as missing documents, and not fraud." "In the absence of fraud, we're not going to put our veterans through the anxiety of a widespread review of their disability claims," Nicholson added. "Instead, we're going to improve our training for VA personnel who handle disability claims and toughen administrative oversight." "Not all combat wounds are caused by bullets and shrapnel," he concluded. "We have a commitment to ensure veterans with PTSD receive compassionate, world-class health care and appropriate disability compensation determinations."

VA Announces New
Survivor Benefits Web
Site
VA News Release September 2005
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has created a new Internet Web site for the surviving spouses and dependents of military personnel who died on active duty and for the survivors and dependents of veterans who died after leaving the military.
"One of VA's basic missions is to care for the survivors of veterans and military members," said the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "By harnessing the power of the Internet, we can provide them with the latest information about benefits in a clear, readable format."
The Web site is organized into two broad categories death in service and death after service. It provides visitors with information about a wide range of benefits for the surviving spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents of deceased veterans and activeduty personnel.
The site also has information from -- and links to -- other federal agencies and organizations that offer benefits and services to survivors and dependents.
The new website can be found at www.vba.va.gov/survivors or by clicking the "Survivors Benefits" button on the left panel of www.vba.va.gov.

POW/MIA Observance,

Atlanta VA Medical Center

The largest gathering of former Georgia POWs and family members, in recent history, according to The Georgia Commitee for POW/ MIA, attended a service in observance of National POW/MIA Day at the VAMC in Decatur. Georgia's First Lady Mary Perdue, (pictured above back row standing between Commissioner Wheeler and Thomas Cappello , Director VAMC) delivered the key note address.

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Returning Military Personnel Can Those Called to

Avoid Foreclosure on Their Home

Many military personnel returning home from service have been greeted by the news that their residence is in the process of being foreclosed due to mortgage payment delinquencies. Action is being taken to address this problem.
Freddie Mac, one of the nation's leading buyers of existing home mortgages and a supplier of funds for news loans, recently announced a plan to help returning service personnel who are facing financial problems to avoid foreclosure.
Today, Freddie Mac requires its 2,300 mortgage servicers to automatically extend forbearance to borrowers recently discharged from active duty with the armed forces.
This goes above and beyond the

requirements of the services Members Civil Relief Act, which protects servicemen and women from creditors only when they are on active duty.
We're extending this forbearance, to make sure that lenders do not initiate or resume foreclosure for at least 90 days from a borrower's (discharge) date," Ingrid Beckles, Freddie Mac's vice president. "This change gives lenders more time to work with servicemen and women and explore all relief options available."
If service members need assistance under the Freddie Mac policy, they should contact their mortgage servicer. The servicer will then assess their individual circumstances to determine the most suitable relief options.

New Campaign Medals Recognize Iraq,
Afghanistan Service
Deployment Quarterly
Summer 2005
Two new campaign medals recognize service members for their contributions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Defense Department announced the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal for military members who directly support Operation Enduring Freedom between Oct.24, 2001 and a dated to be determined in the future or Operation Iraqi Freedom between March 19, 2003, and some future date.
The new campaign medals were established by presidential order for service members who have been assigned, attached or mobilized to units operating in these areas, officials.
Until now, service members deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq during the designated timeframes were awarded the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

Duty Have Job
Protection
SDVS News Release
October 2005 Georgia Commissioner of Veterans
Affairs Pete Wheeler wants to remind National Guardsmen and Reservists called to active duty that their jobs will be waiting for them after discharge or release from service.
"That's thanks to improvements in reemployment rights laws passed after the Persian Gulf War," Commissioner Wheeler recently commented. "These individuals will be able to perform their mission knowing they will not in any way be penalized for their military service to the country."
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 calls for the returning veteran to be reinstated as if the he or she had remained continuously employed.
"And rightfully so," notes Commissioner Wheeler. "The law requires the person to be placed back in, at the very least, the same position, with the same benefits and seniority he or she would have accrued had they not been on military leave."
The law applies to private sector employment, as well as state, local, and federal government jobs, including the Postal Service. Employees should contact their personnel/human resource office about their company or agency's procedures and requirements to restoring job rights.
Commissioner Wheeler points out that individuals with specific questions should address them to the Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Service listed in the government section of their local telephone directory. Additional information is also available from the U. S. Department of Labor on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov/dol/vets.

Service members with the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal remain qualified for it, but officials said they may apply for the appropriate new

campaign medal as well. No service member is entitled to wear all three medals for the same act,

achievement or period of service. The area of eligibility for the Afghanistan Campaign Medal includes all the

country's land and air spaces. The Iraq Campaign Medal applies for service in

Iraq, its waters out to 12 nautical miles, and the airspace over Iraq and its 12-mile

water area.

To qualify for the awards, service members must have serve in the

appropriate region for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days, officials

said. Each military department will serve as the awarding authority for the new

campaign medals and issue regulations for processing, awarding and wearing

them officials said.

For more information about the new medals, go to http://www.defenselink.mil/

news/Apr2005/20050407-517.html

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New GI Bill Benefit:Chapter 1607

Under the provisions of the FY2005 Ronald Reagan National Defense Authorization Act, a new MGIB benefit program has been established. Chapter 1607 provides educational assistance to members of the reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operations) as declared by the President or Congress. A member of a reserve component who serves on active duty on or after September 11, 2001 under title 10 U.S.C. for a contingency operation and who serves at least 90 consecutive

days or more is eligible for Chapter 1607. Soldiers do not "pay" into this program.
The educational assistance allowance payable under Chapter 1607 is a percentage of the Chapter 30 MGIB-AD threeyear rate based on the number of continuous days served on active duty. The number of months of entitlement under Chapter 1607 is 36 months. The 48 month limitation when combining two or more education programs applies to Chapter 1607. For TPU/IMA Soldiers to remain entitled to this benefit program, they must continue to serve satisfactorily as a member of the Selected

Reserve. For IRR Soldiers called to active duty, in order to continue to qualify for benefits under Chapter 1607, they must remain members of the Ready Reserve.
Implementation guidance is still pending. The VA cannot take action on your claim at this time, however, soldiers may file a claim with the Department of Veteran's Affairs that will be stored.
You will be notified when implementation has been approved. For additional information, Soldiers are encouraged to check the VA website at: http://www.va.gov/.

College Credit For Military Experience

The American Council on Education (ACE) was created in 1942 to recognize the educational value of military training and experience. Since that time ACE has continuously evaluated military schools, correspondence courses and occupations to determine and level of academic credit each should be awarded. Through ACE veterans can obtain academic credit for most of the training they have received, including Basic Training. At the ACE Military Programs website, vets can determine how much credit they may have already earned. Applying ACE credits can save up to $600 and 5 months on typical 3-credit college course. The first step to claiming the credits earned is to request a transcript from your military service. Each service will provide unofficial personal copies and send schools an official copy of your transcript at no charge. Each service branch has their own system for recording your military education and experience credits:
The Army uses the AARTS system which automatically captures your academic credits from military training and Standardized tests. The AARTS system is available to enlisted soldiers only (https://aarts.leavenworth.army.mil/Order.htm). Army Officers must use the form DD295 (Application for Evaluation of Learning) to report their military training and experience.
The Navy and Marine Corps use the SMART system. This system automatically captures your training, experience and standardized test scores. (https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/ transcript.html)
The Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) automatically captures your training, experience and standardized test scores. (http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/active_transc.htm)
The Coast Guard Institute (CGI) requires each service member to submit documentation of all training (except correspondence course records), along with an enrollment form, to receive a transcript. Unlike the other services you will be unable to get into this transcript system after you leave the service. (http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cgi/forms.html)

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VA Awards $1.3 Million for Two State

Veterans Homes

VA News Release September 2005
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded grants worth $1,325,142 to the state of Georgia for improvements to the state veterans homes in Augusta and Milledgeville.
"These grants honor our commitment to care for the men and women of Georgia who have served in uniform," said the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "Our federal-state partnership helps to provide comfortable housing for some Georgia veterans."
"We have been working for over two years to secure these vital grants from the federal government. The first will allow us to make major upgrades to the 10 elevators at both of our veterans homes in Augusta and

Milledgeville," said Pete Wheeler, Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Affairs. "The second grant that replaces 28 heating, ventilation and air conditioning units in the Wheeler Building in Milledgeville will allow us to remove very old equipment that has far exceeded its life expectancy and our ability to obtain replacement parts."
An $804,563 grant will pay up to 65 percent of the cost of replacing the elevator controls at the state veterans homes in Augusta and Milledgeville. Overall cost of the project is estimated at $1.2 million.
Another $520,579 grant will pay up to 65 percent of the cost to replace the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system in the Milledgeville facility. Overall cost of that project is estimated at $800,000.

Mr. Wheeler pointed out, "Over 600 Georgia veterans who served in the military served during our nation's wars presently reside in our two state operated veterans homes, where they received skilled nursing care and domiciliary (assisted living) care. As evidenced by the regular surveys from the state, VA and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, these homes provide high quality medical services to our veterans who have long term care needs. Replacement of the elevator controls and the air handling units is part of our efforts to continue to provide high quality services to our veterans."
Further information about the state veterans homes is available on the Internet at http:// sdvs.georgia.gov.

Unused Books Wanted for Hospitalized Military Personnel and Vets
Anyone who has been hospitalized knows that between visits from family and friends, there is little to do to keep up one's spirits. Books fill that void by only filling time but providing education. A wise man once said, "A man confined to a bed can travel the world through books."
If you have an old (or new) book you've read that is now only taking up space you can make a very appreciative hospitalized veteran in a VA hospital very happy. To make a book contribution (PLEASE, DO NOT SEND MONEY TO BUY BOOKS), mail a used (or new) book (or two, or three) to The American War Library. The war library will send your book(s) to veterans in VA hospitals.

How to inscribe the inside cover of your book donation: "Donated By (your name)" Or, "Donated By The (family name) Family" Or, "Donated From The Heart By (your name or family name)" Or, "Donated By The (name of your company or corporation)" Or, Choose your own inscription..

Address to mail your books: Books For Vets The American War Library 16907 Brighton Avenue , Rear Building Gardena, CA 90247-5420

Please use the United States Post Office's low cost "Media Mail" shipping rate to mail your book(s) to the War Library.
Contact person is Roger Simpson, Public Information Officer 1-310-532-0634

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"Play it Again Pete!"
Golf Tournament Another Success

On October 3, 2005, the Atlanta VA Medical Center hosted the tenth annual "Play it Again, Pete!" Golf Tournament at the Golfer's Club on Fort McPherson.
The tournament raised over $32,000 to support the Homeless Veteran Programs at the Annual VAMC.
Also, for the first time in tournament history, there was a hole-in-one which added an additional $10,000 to the distribution of funds for the program.
The proceeds from the event go directly to educational and occupational training to help veterans go from the streets into productive society.
Commissioner Wheeler, for whom the tournament is named hit the first ball signaling the beginning of the tournament.
Readily endorsing the event,

the Commissioner said, " I often see the devasting effect of the homelessness in our nation's veterans. It is always gratifying to be part of this tournament whose proceeds will be utilized to assist those veterans."
He commended the VA on its success rates. "In an area where success rates are not that high, VA has had amazing results at bringing the homeless back into the mainstream of society."
The VA's comprehensive programs provide work skills, housing, food, transportation, and most importantly
moral support. Homeless
veterans constitute one-third of our nation's homeless adult population. Over 250,000 military veterans are homeless every night in this country.

Holding a check for approximately $32,000, that represents donation raised from this year's tournament is Commissioner Wheeler with from L to R: Dr. Kenneth Heard, Tournament Chairman, Carlos Morgan, Program Specialist, Homeless Veterans Program at the Atlanta VAMC, and Jeff Sage, VA Employees Association Tournament Coordinator.
Georgia veterans...guardians of liberty

VA, GSA Sign
Agreement for
Veterans'
Businesses
VA News Release November 2005
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the General Services Administration (GSA) have signed a formal agreement expanding GSA's efforts for businesses that are owned by veterans, especially servicedisabled veterans.
"America's veterans are a national treasure, a pool of trained, motivated, reliable entrepreneurs," said the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "They're looking for a helping hand, not a hand-out."
The agreement signed between the two federal agencies commits GSA to place additional emphasis upon programs for veteran-owned businesses and businesses owned by servicedisabled veterans.
In 1999, Congress passed legislation urging all federal agencies to strive toward awarding 3 percent of their contracts by value to servicedisabled, veteran-owned small businesses.
Among other features, the agreement commits VA and GSA to co-sponsor eight regional conferences for veteran businesses in the coming year, with participation by the Small Business Administration and other federal agencies.
The first were held Nov. 7-8 in Kansas City, Mo.
VA's efforts on behalf of veteran-owned businesses are overseen by the Department's Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE).
Further information about VA's programs for veteranowned businesses is available on CVE's Internet Web site at http:/ /www.vetbiz.gov. GSA's activities on behalf of servicedisabled veteran-owned small businesses are located at www.gsa.gov.
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VA Warns of Lost or Stolen Wallet?

Telephone
Prescription
Scam
VA News Release October 2005
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is warning veterans not to give credit card numbers over the phone to callers claiming to update VA prescription information. "Some unscrupulous scammers have targeted America's veterans, especially our older veterans," said the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "VA does not call veterans and ask them to disclose personal financial information over the phone." The latest scam, currently centered in the Midwest, comes from callers who identify themselves as working for the "Patient Care Group." They say VA recently changed procedures for dispensing prescriptions and ask for the veteran's credit card number. "VA has not changed its processes for dispensing prescription medicines," Nicholson said. "And we've definitely not changed our longstanding commitment to protect the personal information of our veterans." Veterans with questions about VA services should contact the nearest VA medical center or call, toll-free, 1-877-222-8387.

Here's a five step drill: 1. Call the Credit Card Companies: You should keep a list of credit card account numbers and phone numbers to the issuing banks' customer service departments somewhere in your home. If not, credit card companies established easy to recall numbers like 1-800-VISA911 or 1-800-MASTERCARD with this mind. Although it's up to you to update merchants with recurring charges, such as your cable bill or health club dues. The Federal Trade Commission reminds you to pick different Personal Identification Numbers and password for these new accounts. Don't forget to contact Home Depot and Target to cancel those cards. 2. Notify the DMV: Canceling credit cards take approximately five minutes each; replacing your driver license requires more tenacity. Some areas may take the report over the telephone to put an alert on your license in case someone is stopped for a traffic violation. You still need to go in person for the replacement. Arrive armed with back-up documentation to prove your existence: a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, marriage license. If your state still prints your Social Security on your driver's license it is even harder. The FTC recommends you first call its hotline (877-IDTHEFT or 438-4338), followed by a call to the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213. 3. File a Police Report: This step requires a trip to your local precinct. But filing an official report adds validity to your claim. Save a copy of the report as proof should odd purchases begin cropping up in your account. 4. Dial Credit Bureaus: Pick any of the three credit reporting agencies and it will share the information with the other two and add a "security alert" to your file. This will advise any company accessing your report to please verify your identification before granting credit. After you receive your reports you can determine if there has been fraudulent activity and decide if you need to add a "permanent" alert.
The contacts are: Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 Experian: 1-888-Experian (397-3742)
P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O Box 6790,
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790 5. Tell Your Local Bank: According to the FTC, no federal law limits your losses should someone obtain your checks and forge your signature. Take responsible care of your account by closing your checking account and reopening a new one. Check Verification services can be contacted at:
TeleCheck: 1-800-710-9898 or 927-0189 Certegy, Inc.: 1-800-437-5120 International Check Services: 1-800-631-9656

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Links to Support Our Troops

YNCS Don Harribine, USN (Ret)

AAFES Gift Certificates
http://www.aafes.com/doc/homefront.htn The Army and Air Force Exchange Services is where most servicemen and women do their shopping. You can purchase for those
in Iraq and those hospitalized.

Cell Phones for Soldiers
http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/ pages/1/index.htm Donated cell phones are recycled and turned into cash. The cash is used to purchase calling cards for soldiers in Iraq.

Adopt a Platoon
http://www.adoptaplatoon.org/ Adopt a Platoon has several ongoing projects to ensure that every soldier overseas does not walk away from mail call empty-handed.
Angels `n Camouflage
http://www.angelsncamouflage.org Agroup of individuals who"adopts" veterans - past, present and future. Angels `n Camouflage was founded on the belief that "No Veteran will be left standing at "Mail Call" with empty hands or hearts."

Defend America
http://www.defendamerica.mil/nmam.html Thank any service member stationed throughout the U.S. and the world with email.
Fisher House
http://www.fisherhouse.org/ The Fisher House Foundation donates comfort homes, built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one during hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.

Any Soldier
http://anysoldier.com/index.cfm Any soldier is a non-profit organization that helps people send care packages to
members of the armed services in Iraq.

Homes for Our Troop
http://www.homesforourtroops.org/ Homes for Our Troops assists injured veterans and their immediate families by building new or adapting existing homes with handicapped accessibility.

AOLbyPhone
http://www.aol.com AOL users can record up to a 3-minute voice mail and send it to military personnel who are in their address book. The recipient will receive the message as an e-mail attachment and can listen from their computer.
Blue Star Mothers
http://www.bluestarmothers.org The Blue Star Mothers was founded by mothers of service members' during World War II. Any mother with a son or daughter in the military can join.
Book for Soldiers
http://www.booksforsoldiers.com Help the troops escape boredom by donating books. You can also donate DVDs and CDs requested by soldiers.

Military Moms
http://www.militarymoms.net/index.html This site provides support to all of the moms out there who has a son or daughter in the military.
Operation: A Bit of Home
http://www.operationabitofhome.com/ Operation: A Bit of Home supports over 150 different soldiers per day by providing necessary and hard to get toiletries.
Operation Air Conditioner
http://www.operationac.com/ Operation Air Conditioner provides not only AC but space heaters (the desert gets cold in the winter) for soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Camp Doha
http://www.campdoha.org/ Camp Doha provides valuable information for those about to deploy, their friends and families and anyone who wants to support
the troops.

Operation Call Home
http://www.platoonphone.com Operation Call Home's mission is to provide each platoon with their satellite phone.

Georgia veterans...guardians of liberty

Operation Dear Abby
http://anyservicemember.navy.mil/ The U.S. Navy and Dear Abby have teamed up. Their site allows you to send e-mail messages of support to service members.
Operation Give
http://www.operationgive.org/ Operation Give provides toys, clothing and school supplies primarily to the children of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Operation Hero Miles
http://www.heromiles.org/ You can donate your unused frequent flier miles to help soldiers travel on emergency leave. They are also used to families fly to hospitalized soldiers.
Operation Iraqi Children
http://www.operationiraqichildren.org/ Many soldiers are rebuilding schools in Iraq and scrounging around for school supplies. Help by donating a school supplies kit.
Operation Military Pride
http://operationmilitarypride.org Operation Military Pride is a volunteer organization that sends cards letters and care packages to troops.
Soldiers' Angels
http://www.soldiersangels.org/heroes/ index.php Become a soldier's angel by adopting a service member.
Treats for Troops
http://www.treatsfortroops.com/ Treats for Troops helps you provide packages to your loved ones overseas. If you don't know anyone, the Foster-A-Soldier Program matches you with a registered soldier by branch of service, home state, gender, or birthday or you can choose to sponsor a group of soldiers.
Voice from Home
http://voicesfromhome.org/home.html Voices From Home allows military members and their families and friends to send and receive immediate voice e-mail messages in remote locations around the world.
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....We are citizens of a nation made great by the sacrifices and dedication of all who served, both at home and abroad....

"America is #1, Thanks to Her Veterans!"

Georgia Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334-4800

Georgia Veterans Bulletin
The "Georgia Veterans Bulletin" is published quarterly by the Georgia Department of Veterans Service. Individuals or organizations can be placed on the mailing list by calling (404) 6565933 or by writing to the Department of Veterans Service, Public Information Division, Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Room E970, Atlanta, GA 30334-4800, or e-mail us at ga.vet.svc@mindspring.com

Ray Hendrix

Chairman, Veterans Service Board

Pete Wheeler

Commissioner

Jim Frederick

Assistant Commissioner, Claims

Max Cotter

Assistant Commissioner, Field Service

Len Glass

Assistant Commissioner Administrative Service

James Jackson

Director, Education & Training

Brian Zeringue

Public Information Manager

Shelly-Ann Simpson

Editor, Veterans Bulletin

PESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 2258
Atlanta, Georgia 30034

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