Veterans Bulletin Georgia Department of Veterans Service Sonny Perdue Governor Pete Wheeler Commissioner Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty Fall 2006 Local, State and VA Officials Gather to "Break-Ground" at GVMC-Glennville Story on Page 2 Ready for Burials Fall 2007 State's Newest Veteran Cemetery Now Under Construction By Pam Waters, Editor in Chief, The Glennville Sentinel, 12/7/06 Drums rolled. Men saluted. As the familiar strains of "The Star Spangled Banner" echoed through the trees, a scattering of leaves, like nature's confetti, descended onto an already colorful scene. With warm, clear weather conditions welcoming dignitaries and guests, ground was officially broken members for their diligent perseverance in securing the cemetery in Glennville. He also thanked Georgia State Senate Majority Leader Tommie Williams (19th District) for "all you've done and will do in the future," in reference to Williams' leadership in state government. "We're excited that this Wednesday, November 29, to begin construction on the new 43- acre Georgia Veterans Cemetery off the old Dyess Farm Road in Glennville, several hundred yards from Hwy. 301 North. The soft breeze and the upper 60's temperature added to the peaceful serenity of the site that will serve as the final resting place for Georgia's deserving veterans. Ft. Stewart's 3rd Infantry Division U. S. Army Band provided pre-ceremony music as well as the national anthem. Pete Wheeler, Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, welcomed the crowd of area veterans and local, regional, and state officials, as well as dozens of townspeople to the groundbreaking ceremony. He lauded the many individuals who were persistent and dedicated in locating the cemetery in Glennville. Wheeler praised Brent Walker, Chairman of the Glennville Industrial Development Authority, and other authority Commissioner Pete Wheeler cemetery is in a rural part of the state, which we refer to as God's country, and is for our veterans who have already given so much for our nation," said Williams. In introducing State Senator Jack Hill, keynote speaker and key player in bringing the cemetery to fruition, Commissioner Wheeler related that he had known Jack's parents, remembering Wilton Hill's service in the Senate. "State Senator Jack Hill did so many things to make sure the funds were in place. As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, he led the way in making the changes needed that Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty brought our desired results," said Wheeler. "He is a good friend and benefactor." "This is cause for real celebration, after almost six years of the efforts of many individuals and with ideal timing shortly after Veterans' Day and before Pearl Harbor Day," said Senator Hill This veteran's cemetery is the second one for Georgia, the other being in Milledgeville. "With Ft. Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield nearby, and many military retirees locating in this area, these factors encouraged the placement of the next Georgia Veterans Cemetery in this big open space in Southeast Georgia," Hill noted. "This project is the result of extraordinary will by this community and by its leaders, personified by individuals who really care about Glennville and State Senator Jack Hill Reidsville, Tattnall County are truly patriotic. A key player was Brent Walker's boyhood scout leader, our own retired Lieutenant General Mickey Kicklighter. He gave us a `heads up' from his position in the VA on a process that was not widely known. The federal government builds a cemetery at no cost to the state, but the state must be responsible for its operation," said Senator Hill in his opening remarks. Bill Jayne, Cemetery Development Coordinator for Wilmington National Cemetery in Wilmington, North Carolina, spoke on behalf of Richard Wannamacher, Deputy Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs. "Veterans Affairs is providing 100 percent of the cost of the building and equipment in the cemetery while the state is providing the funds to operate it," said Jayne. At the Annual Veterans Day Proclamation Signing Ceremony on October 25th at the State Capitol the VA presented the Governor and the state a check for $6.4 million to establish the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery Glennville. He said that three goals are met in the building of VA Cemeteries: (1) To provide a very real and important service to the veterans and their families the service of an honorable and dignified burial; (2) To honor the memory of all citizens who have stepped forward to serve whether they use this particular facility or not; and (3) To do a service for all those who come after us young people particularly to provide a solemn reminder that freedom isn't free. "It (freedom) is bought with a great price, and others are reminded not to squander it. These cemeteries allow us to extend our deepest appreciation to those who served with such distinction and honor," said Jayne. In addition to Commissioner Wheeler, other State Veterans Service Board members in attendance included Chairman Fred T. Fincher of LaGrange, who served as a Marine and is a semi-retired businessman; Jim Blaylock, a Decatur resident and Marine Corps veteran of Vietnam, who delivered the invocation and benediction at Wednesday's ceremony; Ray Hendrix of Statesboro, who served 42 years in the U. S. Army; Pat Phillips of Blairsville, Board Secretary, who served three tours in Vietnam; and Ken Birdsong of Gordon, who served 28 years in the State House. VA BURIAL BENEFITS Burial in a VA National Cemetery: Members of the armed forces and veterans, their spouses and dependent children may be buried in any of the VA's national cemeteries with available space. There currently are 120 national cemeteries across the nation and 83 have available space. More information is available at www.cem.va.gov . Burial in a Non-VA Cemetery: Deaths of active duty members are not covered by VA's financial burial allowance benefits, since the military services assist survivors with funeral expenses and the cost of burial in private cemeteries. If a family wishes to arrange burial in a non-VA cemetery, VA will provide a headstone or marker for the grave. Burial in a State Veteran's Cemetery: Although not a benefit provided by VA, burial in a state veteran's cemetery is an option available in many states for those who die on active duty. Some states have residency requirements and may impose additional limitations. For the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery see www.sdvs.georgia.gov . Military Funeral Honors: Upon request, the Department of Defense will provide military funeral honors. This arrangement typically is made by the funeral director. At least two uniformed service members fold and present the flag and play "Taps" by a recording or a bugler. Additional information about funeral honors is available at www.militaryhonors.osd.mil . Military Burial Flags: In the case of in-service deaths, the Defense Department provides a U.S. flag to drape the casket or to be presented at a memorial service. After the service, the flag is given to the next of kin. Presidential Memorial Certificate Program: The service member's next of kin receives a Presidential Memorial Certificate. Additional certificates are available for other loved ones upon request to VA. The gold embossed parchment-style paper is inscribed with the service member's name and bears the President's signature. It expresses the nation's gratitude for the deceased person's military service. Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty VA Outpatient Clinic to Open in Rome VA clinic organizers hope for quick opening By Mike Gellatly, Staff Writer, Rome News-Tribune, 10/28/06 "Soon" seems to be the keyword surrounding the establishment of a Veterans Affairs Outreach Clinic in Rome. "We're hoping to do this over the next fiscal year; really we want to get this clinic going as soon as we can," said Tom Cappello, acting network director for VA hospitals. "The sooner the better." His comments came a day after it was announced that a parttime clinic will open in Rome with the potential to expand into a full-scale Community Based Outpatient Clinic. And those involved in the development want to see the outreach clinic up-andrunning rapidly. U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, RMarietta, announced the clinic's opening after receiving a letter from VA Secretary R. James Nicholson. Gingrey has high hopes of veterans getting the facility quickly. "Hopefully ... in about four months," he said, but Cappello thinks four months might be a stretch. "An optimistic time frame would be to have something up and running in 4 to 6 months, depending on whatever obstacles we may run into," Cappello said. "The good news is that the vets of Rome are very excited." While the planning is barely beyond the concept stage, some details have been released. The clinic should have three or four Central Office, US Dept. of Veterans Affairs primary care providers. In addition, Washington, D.C., 27 September 2006 Cappello said outreach programs Expanding the part-time commonly have mental health services, operation to a full CBOC will though those in need of specialized care depend entirely on demand will be referred to Smyrna or Atlanta. for facilities and numbers of Rome being a healthcare hub can only veterans in the surrounding have benefits to the rapid establishment area. According to Cappello, of the clinic, Cappello believes, because the Outreach program is used support services are already established in part to gauge demand. and personnel should be more readily "If the demographics and available. projections favor a Rome VA will now look into finding the correct CBOC, a business plan will be site for the clinic. A preliminary study finalized for a permanent, full- will determine whether to build or take time Rome clinic," Nicholson over an existing site. wrote. Commissioner Wheeler, VA Secretary R. James Nicholson, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson and U.S. Representative Phil Gingrey. Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty VA Clinic to Open in Rome By Diane Wagner, Staff Writer, Rome News-Tribune, 10/27/06 Years of struggle for area veterans came to an end Thursday when U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Marietta, announced the opening of a Veterans Affairs Outreach Clinic in Rome. Gingrey said details are still sketchy but a part-time clinic will be established within the next 12 months -- "hopefully we'll get it going in about four months" -- with the potential to expand into a full-scale outpatient clinic. While outreach clinics offer the services of visiting VA medical professionals, a Community Based Outpatient Clinic provides complete primary care and specialized programs such as cardiology and physical therapy. "I feel almost 100 percent sure we will have a CBOC here in three to four years," Gingrey said. "In the meantime, we'll have this facility up and running so our veterans don't have to make those long drives to Smyrna or Atlanta." Gingrey said an early October meeting with VA Secretary R. James Nicholson finally bore fruit with the support of Georgia VA Commissioner Pete Wheeler and Sens. Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss. He credited the victory to teamwork, including the more than 2,200 veterans who signed petitions calling for a clinic. "We were all just determined not to take `no' for an answer," Gingrey said. In a letter, Nicholson said that a new review shows VA healthcare enrollments have grown significantly in Floyd and the surrounding counties, and the growth is projected to continue. A full analysis of the VA's southeastern region priorities is scheduled for later in the fiscal year that runs through Sept. 30, 2007. "If the demographics and projections favor a Rome CBOC, a business plan will be finalized for a permanent, full-time Rome clinic," Nicholson wrote. Athens Community Based Outpatient Clinic Opens The Augusta VA Medical Center (VAMC) hosted an Open House at its new Athens Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) located at 9249 Highway 29 South, Suite A, on October 16, 2006. The clinic provides general patient care, preventive health and education services, various medical screenings and referral to specialized programs and inpatient services available at the Augusta VA Medical Center Commissioner Wheeler addressed area veterans in attendance. Looking on are Augusta VAMC Director, James F. Trusley III and Tom Capello, Director of the Veterans Health Administration's Southeast Network. Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty Attention Veterans! The Georgia Department of Veterans Service has a new e-mail address. We can now be reached at gavetsvc@vs.state. ga.us Our mailing address and telephone number remain the same. Annual Veterans Day Proclamation Signing Following a 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 25, inside the Rotunda of the State Capitol. Commissioner Wheeler, who has served as the Governor's Chairman of Veterans Day observances statewide for over 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. The highlight of this year's ceremony was a symbolic check presentation by VA Deputy Under Secreatary for Memorial Affairs, Richard Wannamacher (second photo above) for approximately $6,432, 900 to establish the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville, Georgia. Pictured here with the check are from left to right: State Senator John Douglas of Covington, Chairman of the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee; State Representative John Yates, Chairman of the House Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee; Commissioner Wheeler, Governor Perdue, Richard Wannamacher, VA Department Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, and Fred Fincher Sr., Chairman, State Veterans Service Board. Above, Atlanta Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Below, Atlanta's Historic Old Guard of the Gate City Guard Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty Veterans Day 2006, Brunswick, Georgia Commissioner Wheeler honored as "Veteran of the Century" "We may be uncertain about many things in America, but we should have no military uniform of our country," Commissioner reason to be uncertain about the respect Wheeler said. and honor we owe to those who have "God bless those served this nation," Georgia who love, guard Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Pete and defend our Wheeler told a large audience the day precious before Veterans Day gathered for an annual Veterans Day program held at Neptune Park on Saint Simons Island sponsored by the Veterans Council of the Golden Isles. Wheeler's remarks freedoms." Commissioner Wheeler acknowledged those young Americans presently in military uniform stationed around the world with "Godspeed . . . our prayers and our sincere wishes for your safe return go out to you." were part of his keynote address delivered after being recognized as "Veteran of the Century" by the Veterans Council and other local, state, and federal dignitaries. Proclamations were read and presented by: U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss; U.S. Representative Jack Kingston; Georgia Representative Jerry Keen; Glynn County Commissioner Chair, Don Hogan and City of Brunswick Mayor Bryan Thompson. "Today we honor every patriotic man and woman who has ever worn the Commissioner Wheeler emphasized that everyone should salute and thank all those veterans who have served to defend against the evils that threaten the freedoms and liberties we enjoy. Of the some 24.7 million veterans living today, over 760,000 reside in Georgia. Brunswick Mayor, Bryan Thompson presents Commissioner Wheeler the "Key to the City," and Proclamation from the City Council. Below, U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss presents the framed "Tribute to Pete Wheeler" read on the floor of the U.S. Senate and entered into the Commissioner and Mrs Wheeler, with Veterans Council Chairman, Mike Browning and wife, Bonnie, with the"centerpiece" of the many Congressional Record. "Veterans of the Century" awards and proclamations; this reading: The Veterans Council of the Golden Isles is proud to honor Commissioner Pete Wheeler Georgia Department of Veterans Service as the Veteran of the Century True American Patriot Member organizations of The Veterans Council of the Golden Isles are: Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2588; Vetyerans of Foreign Wars Post 4092; American Legion Post 9; American Legion Post 166; American Legion Post 317; Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 36; Marine Corps League, Glynco Detachment 716; Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 30; Military Officers Association of America, Golden Isles Chapter; Navy League of the United States, Golden Isle Council; Sons of the American Revolution, Marshes of Glynn Chapter and the Rotary Club of Saint Simons. Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty "Play it Again Pete!" Golf Tournament Another Success On October , 2006, 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 $49,500 to support the Homeless Veteran Programs at the Annual VAMC. 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. From left to right: Carlos Morgan, Director, Homeless Veterans Program at the Atlanta VAMC, Dr. Kenneth Heard, Tournament Director, Commissioner Wheeler and Jim Randles, Past National Commander (2005-2006 Military Order of the Purple Heart. Commissioner Wheeler attended a Blue Star Marker dedication ceremony at the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Decatur. The marker, placed on Clairmont Road in front of the VAMC, was sponsored by the Dekalb County Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. The Blue Star Memorial Program was started in 1944 by the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs, who planted 8,000 dogwoods as a living memorial to the veterans who served in World War II. The blue star was an icon of the war, displayed on houses that had a family member in service. The National Council of State Garden Clubs followed suit in 1945, creating the Blue Star Highway System. Memorial and By-Way markers were added in 1951. The program has since expanded to include all those who have served their country. About 700 markers have been placed in locations throughout the country over the years. Pictured from left to right; Lt. General David Poythress, Adjutant General of Georgia; State Senator David Adelman, District 42; James Clark, Acting Director, Atlanta, VA Medical Center; Jean Smith, President, The Dekalb County Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc.; Peg Glover, Blue Star Marker State Chairman; Joy Zaiden, Director, Redbud District, The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc.; Lt. General Russel L. Honore, Commanding General, First Army, Headquartered at Fort Gillem, Georgia; Tom Capello, Veterans Health Administration, SE Netwrok Director and Commissioner Wheeler Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty VA Services Available to Returning OIF/OEF Combat Veterans specially adaptive equipment grants, home VA Fact Sheet modification programs for the disabled, November 2006 life insurance and traumatic injury The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has developed special programs to serve the nation's newest veterans -- the men and women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan -- by assisting them with a smooth transition from active duty to civilian life. VA's goal is to ensure that every seriously injured or ill serviceman and woman returning from combat receives easy access to benefits and world-class service. Combat veterans have special health care eligibility. Their contact with VA often begins with priority scheduling for care and, for the most seriously wounded, VA counselors visiting their bedside in military wards before separation to ensure their VA disability payment coverage will be ready the moment they leave active duty. Through enhanced programs and new policies, VA is striving to ensure it holds open the doors to a seamless transition from soldier to citizen. protection, and survivor benefits. Information on these programs is available at http://www.vba.va.gov/ benefit_facts/index.htm. VA launched an ambitious outreach initiative to ensure separating combat veterans know about VA benefits. Programs available to them, including compensation for service-related disabilities, are described at http://www. seamlesstransition.va.gov/benefits.asp. Each veteran with service in Iraq or Afghanistan receives a letter from Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson introducing the veteran to VA and its benefits and providing phone numbers and Web sites for more information. As with all military members, transition briefings prior to discharge also acquaint them with benefits as do additional pamphlet mailings following separation. Brochures, wallet cards and videos have been produced, and briefings are being conducted at town hall meetings, family readiness groups and during unit drills Benefits and Services near the homes of returning Guard members and reservists. Because of the For two years after discharge, these large number of reservists and Guard veterans have special access to VA health members mobilized in this conflict, VA care, even those who have no service- has made a special effort to work with connected illness. Veterans can become their units to reach transitioning service "grandfathered" for future access by members at demobilization sites and has enrolling with VA during this period. trained recently returned veterans to serve This covers not only regular active-duty as National Guard Bureau liaisons in every personnel who served in Iraq or state to assist their fellow combat veterans. Afghanistan, but also Reserve or National Guard members serving in the combat theaters. Veterans with service-related injuries or illnesses always have access to VA care for the treatment of their disabilities without any time limit, as do lower-income veterans. Hospital care, outpatient treatment and nursing home services are offered at 1,400 locations. Additional information about VA medical eligibility is available at http://www. va.gov/healtheligibility. VA's broad range of benefits includes disability compensation and pension, vocational rehabilitation and employment, education and training, home loan guarantees, automobile and Seamless Transition Liaisons for the Severely Wounded In an effort to assist wounded military members and their families, VA has placed workers at key military hospitals where severely injured servicemembers from Iraq and Afghanistan are frequently sent. These include benefit counselors who help the servicemember obtain VA services as well as social workers who facilitate health care coordination and discharge planning as servicemembers transition from military to VA care. Under this program, VA staff members serve at Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.; National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.; Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Ft. Gordon, Ga.; Brooke Army Medical Center at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas; Madigan Army Medical Center at Tacoma, Wash.; Darnall Army Medical Center at Ft. Hood, Texas; Evans Army Hospital at Ft. Carson, Colo.; and Camp Pendleton Naval Medical Center in San Diego. VA and the Department of Defense have improved collaboration and communication. VA employees based at military treatment facilities brief service members about VA health benefits, disability compensation, vocational rehabilitation and employment. Coordinators at each VA benefits regional office and VA medical center work both with the outbased VA counselors and with military discharge staff to ensure a smooth transition to VA services at locations nearest to the veteran's residence after discharge. At the VA facilities serving the veteran's home town, the hospital is alerted when the seriously wounded servicemember is being discharged so that the continuity of his or her medications and therapy is ensured when they arrive home. Medical Conditions of Combat Veterans Patterns of disease shown in diagnoses of recent combat veterans who have come to VA for care have not suggested significant differences from the types of primary care, chronic conditions or mental health issues seen in earlier combat veterans. However, careful studies will be required to draw appropriate comparisons using control groups of similar veterans, representative samplings, and other scientific methods. An early neurological study tested 654 Army veterans before deployment to Iraq in 2003 and again after returning in 2005, finding mild impairments in memory and attention lapses, but significantly faster reaction times when compared to other veterans not deployed to the theater. These warrant further investigation. VA also will analyze combat veterans' deaths HERO Scholarships Helps Returning National Guardsmen and Reservists Since the first HERO (Helping Educate Reservists and their Offspring) Scholarships were issued in March 2006, a total of $395,700 has been awarded, helping 200 HERO recipients attend college in Georgia. The HERO Scholarship is available to Georgia residents currently serving in the Georgia National Guard or U.S. Reserves who were deployed to a combat zone on or after May 3, 2005, and who then served at least 181 consecutive days in the combat zone. These soldiers can receive up to $8,000 for four years of undergraduate study ($2,000 per academic year). Their eligible dependents can receive up to $2,000 per academic year for each qualifying 181 day period that their parent has served. "Every day Georgia's men and women in uniform place themselves in harm's way in locations like Iraq and Afghanistan, fighting our enemies and protecting our nation," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "All Georgians are proud of our soldiers and grateful for their service and sacrifice, and the HERO Scholarship is one expression of our thanks. I am delighted so many of our returning heroes are taking advantage of this opportunity to continue their education." The eligible dependents of soldiers killed in action prior to the completion of 181 days are eligible for the HERO award. Soldiers evacuated from the combat zone due to injuries before the completion of 181 days are also eligible for the HERO award. Recipients must attend an institution within the University System of Georgia or the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education, or an eligible private college in Georgia. Eligible children must have been born before or within nine months of the beginning of their parent's combat tour and be 25 years old or younger. The Georgia General Assembly enacted legislation during the 2005 session establishing the HERO Scholarship Program. In March 2006 the scholarship was awarded to its first nine recipients, all children of qualifying service personnel. More information about the HERO Scholarship, including full program regulations and an online application, is available at www.GAcollege411.org by clicking on the HERO link in the "For Students" section near the center of the homepage. Veterans Benefit Counselors were on hand when members of the Georgia's Army National Guard 48th Brigade returned home to various parts of the state. Counselors answered questions, and provided guidance concerning, employment, benefits and other areas. Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty 10 Continued from Page 9 better understanding of patients from diseases in hopes of publishing who experience this condition. VA mortality studies in the future. has made training mandatory for Nationally automated data from VA's physicians and other key staff in payment system for service-connected primary care, mental health and diseases and disabilities does not rehabilitation programs. distinguish between combat-related injuries and those incurred or worsened while the service member was in nonhostile locations. Some of the most common service-connected conditions among those who served at some point in the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters include musculoskeletal conditions and hearing disorders. Mental Health Care and PostTraumatic Stress Disorder About one-third of these combat veterans who seek care from VA have a possible diagnosis of a mental disorder, and VA has significantly expanded its counseling and mental Polytrauma Centers Provide Specialized Care health services. VA has launched new programs, including dozens of new mental health teams based in VA Improvised explosive devices and medical centers focused on early rocket-propelled grenades often result in identification and management of devastating injuries, including stress-related disorders, as well as the amputations, sensory loss and brain injury. recruitment of about 100 Modern body armor and advances in combat veterans in its Readjustment front-line trauma care have enabled Counseling Service to provide combat veterans to survive severe briefings to transitioning servicemen attacks that in prior wars were fatal. In and women regarding military- response to the demand for specialized related readjustment needs. services, VA expanded its four traumatic Many of the challenges facing the brain injury centers in Minneapolis, Palo soldiers returning from Afghanistan Alto, Richmond and Tampa to become and Iraq are stressors that have been polytrauma centers encompassing additional identified and studied in veterans of specialties to treat patients for multiple previous wars. VA has developed complex injuries. This is being expanded world class expertise in treating into a network of 21 polytrauma network chronic mental health problems, sites and polytrauma clinic including post-traumatic stress support teams around the country disorder (PTSD). providing state-of-the-art treatment closer to Post-traumatic stress involves a injured veterans' homes. normal set of reactions to a trauma These centers treat traumatic brain such as war. Sometimes it becomes a injury alone or in combination with disorder with the passage of time when amputation, blindness, or other visual im- feelings or issues related to the trauma pairment, complex orthopedic are not dealt with and are suppressed injuries, auditory and vestibular by the individual. This can result in disorders, and mental health concerns. VA problems readjusting to community has added clinical expertise to address the life following the trauma. Since the special problems that the multi-trauma war began, VA has activated dozens combat injured patient may face. This can of new PTSD programs around the include intensive psychological support country to assist veterans in dealing treatment for both patient and family, with the emotional toll of combat. In intensive case management, improvements addition, 207 readjustment counseling in the treatment of vision problems, and "vet centers" provide easy access in rehabilitation using the latest high-tech consumer-friendly facilities apart from specialty prostheses. Polytrauma teams traditional VA medical centers. bring together experts to provide innovative, One early scientific study indicated personalized treatment to help the injured the estimated risk for PTSD from service member or veteran achieve optimal service in the Iraq war was 18 percent, function and independence. while the estimated risk for PTSD Because brain injury is being recognized from the Afghanistan mission was 11 as the signature injury of the current percent. Data from multiple sources conflict, VA launched an educational now indicate that approximately 10 to initiative to provide its clinicians a broad 15 percent of soldiers develop PTSD base of knowledge with which to identify after deployment to Iraq and another potential traumatic brain injury patients, 10 percent have significant symptoms mechanisms for effective care, and a of PTSD, depression or anxiety and Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty may benefit from care. Alcohol misuse and relationship problems add to these rates. Combat veterans are at higher risk for psychiatric problems than military personnel serving in noncombat locations, and more frequent and more intensive combat is associated with higher risk. With military pre- and postdeployment health assessment programs seeking to destigmatize mental health treatment, coupled with simplified access to VA care for combat veterans after discharge, experts believe initial high rates likely will decrease. Studies of PTSD patients in general have suggested as many as half may enjoy complete remission and the majority of the remainder will improve. Research has led to scientifically developed treatment guidelines covering a variety of modern therapies with which clinicians have had success. Treatments range from psychological first aid to cognitive behavioral therapy. Psychopharmacology may include drugs such as Zoloft or Paxil -- with newer drugs under studies now in progress. More information about VA's PTSD programs is available at http://www. va.gov/opa/fact/docs/ptsd.doc and http:// www.ncptsd.va.gov. Additional Resources Combat Veterans Information http://www.va.gov/Environagents/page. cfm?pg=16 Transition Assistance Program http://www.va.gov/opa/fact/tranasst.asp PTSD and Combat Veterans http://www.ncptsd.org/topics/war.html Survivors Benefits http://www.vba.va.gov/survivors/index.htm Women Veterans Information http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Topics/ Women/ 11 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) 656-5933 or by writing to the Department of Veterans Service, Public Information Division, Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Room E-970, Atlanta, GA 30334-4800, or e-mail us at gavetsvc@vs.state.ga.us Fred Fincher Chairman, Veterans Service Board Pete Wheeler Commissioner Jim Frederick Assistant Commissioner, Claims and Field Operations 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 30334