Sonny Perdue Governor
Veterans Bulletin Georgia Department of Veterans Service
Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty Spring 2007
We Can Bring the VA to You!
Pete Wheeler Commissioner
Serving Those Who Served
We're Ready to Assist!
Whether a veteran's condition is the result of recent or long past military duties, the door remains open for him or her to seek help and submit a claim to the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs for disability compensation.
Each claim submitted is processed and answered with an explanation as to why it was or was not approved. Policies governing how a veteran's claim is processed and rules of law affecting a decision may not be fully understood by the veteran.
About the cover
SDVS personnel have all completed the Training, Responsibilities, Involvement, and Preparation of Claims Training (TRIP) program that is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Outstanding support for this program has been provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and The American Legion.
The goal of the TRIP program is to enhance service to Georgia's veterans by combining resources and focusing on shared concerns. To achieve this objective, Veteran Service Officers who are TRIP trained are allowed expanded access to VA's computer systems, up to the point the claim is adjudicated. This training enables our department to bring the VA Regional Office to small towns throughout Georgia. From our field locations the veteran is able to obtain the same information available from the VA Regional office in Atlanta.
The Georgia Department of Veterans Service is the agency of state government that was established for the purpose of advising, counseling, and assisting Georgia's veterans and their families in receiving their rightful benefits under the vast, frequently changing, and complex framework of veterans' laws.
"We exist to serve those who have served," says Commissioner Wheeler. "Our job is to explain in detail federal and state benefits and, if entitled, assist veterans and their dependents in obtaining them," Commissioner Wheeler points out. "We have 47 field offices located throughout the state and a claims division whose mission is to do just that - assist and advise ALL veterans, their dependents, and survivors."
Veterans and their dependents can receive personal assistance in filing for VA benefits and other entitlements at any of the 47 field offices. The department's claims staff, located in the VA Regional Office Building in Decatur, monitors VA claims filed and, when needed, assist with the preparation and presentation of appeals.
Commissioner Wheeler further explains the necessity for personal assistance in pursuing, filing, and tracking claims results from the legal principle that veteran's benefits are not awarded automatically--all must be applied for.
"The VA pays a veteran exactly what he or she is
entitled to by the law, and no more," Commissioner Wheeler points out. "Our ultimate goal is to ensure that a Georgia veteran or his or her dependents receive any and all benefits to which they are entitled."
The field offices staff can also assist in certifying a veteran's eligibility for the many benefits provided by the state (for example drivers licenses, special motor vehicle license plates, honorary hunting and fishing licenses, discounts at Department of Natural Resources facilities, Certificates of Exemption from payment of certain fees and taxation).
Commissioner Wheeler encourages all Georgia veterans to visit the department's field office nearest to where they live for information concerning the possibility of being eligible for a federal or state benefit and on how to go about filing a claim for benefits.
Contact information of the nearest field office can be found in the local phone book in the state government section under Department of Veterans Service or through the department's website site at www.sdvs. georgia.gov . All offices are opened from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays; except on approved state recognized holidays.
Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty
Commissioner's Message
We are extremely proud of the Georgians who have honorably served our country over the centuries. It is now our honor to serve you.
The Georgia Department of Veterans Service is an agency of state government created for the purpose of advising, counseling, and assisting Georgia's veterans and their families in receiving their rightful benefits under the vast and complex framework of veterans' laws. No veterans' benefits are granted automatically you must apply for them! We exist to help you do exactly that.
Upon discharge from active military service, you may have been counseled and perhaps you received information pertaining to some of the benefits to which you may be entitled under the law. Our job is to explain in detail these benefits and, if entitled, assist you free of charge in obtaining them.
Service is in our name and service is our work. To insure that Georgia's veterans have access to our services, all 159 counties are served by one of our 47 field offices. This is your initial point of contact and we urge you to contact the Veterans Service Office nearest you. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Providing quality and effective service to Georgia veterans and their dependents is and always will be our number one mission. In doing so, we pledge to stay current and adjust quickly and carefully to new laws, be diligent in their application, and continually improve our efficiency in service to veterans and their families.
Only by doing so, can we echo the words of one of our famous wartime presidents, Abraham Lincoln, who over a century ago, called upon the Nation "to care for him who have borne the battle and for his widow and orphan . . ."
Thank you for your personal sacrifice in military service to our country. We look forward to serving you.
State Veterans Service Board Elects New Leadership
Georgia's seven-member State Veterans Service Board recently elected new officers for 2007-08.
Vietnam veteran James Blaylock, a long time Decatur resident and Dekalb County veterans advocate, was voted in as the new board chairman. He has served on the State Veterans Service Board since 2002.
Blaylock, a native of Albany and Dougherty County, has been active in local veterans' issues since making Decatur home in 1978. He was a founding board member of the Georgia Veterans Leadership Program and the Dekalb County Veterans Affairs Task Force.
A past National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (1996-97), Blaylock is also a member of the National Memorial Day Association of Georgia and is vice-president of the Georgia Veterans Day Parade Association of Atlanta.
Blaylock, a United States Marine Corps veteran who served in
U. S. Department of Veterans
chairman. He has served on the
Affairs since 1972. He is currently State Veterans Service Board since
the Prosthetics Service Line
April 2004.
Manager for all Veteran Health
Phillips served 20 plus years
Administration medical facilities
in Army combat arms units with
in Georgia, Alabama, and South
three tours in Vietnam. He retired
Carolina.
in 1975 at the rank of Sergeant First
Pat Phillips, long time veteran advocate and resident of Blairsville, was selected vice
Class. After the military, Phillips worked for the Georgia Department of Veterans Service. He worked as a Claims Counselor, Office
Manager, and from 1985-99, an
Area Supervisor over 16 field
offices in North Georgia region.
Phillips, a life member of Post
112 in Dalton since 1976, is an
active member in The American
Legion. Since 1978, he has served
as a member of the American
In April, members of the State Veterans
Service Board gathered with Governor Sonny
Legion's National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission.
Perdue and Commissioner Wheeler for a swearing in ceremony at the State Capitol Building for two of its members. Members of the 2007-08 SVSB include (from left to right) James Blaylock of Decatur, newly appointed member
Phillips, past state commander of The American Legion Department of Georgia, has been the state chairman of the Legion's
Rodney Casey of Valdosta, recently reappointed member Ray Hendrix of Statesboro, Fred Fincher of LaGrange (between the Governor and the Commissioner), Kenneth Birdsong of Gordon, and Pat Phillips of Blairsville. Barbara Jean
Rehabilitation Committee since 1998. Besides serving as state vice commander on three different occasions, he has been twice elected
Vietnam, has worked for the Aaron of Warner Robins was unable to attend.
Continued pn Page 5
Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty
Attention Veterans!
Beware of Unauthorized Representation and
Unlawful Solicitation
USDVA Fast Letter 06-29 (216C) January 3, 2007
There have been reports about individuals employed by private companies who claim to help veterans and their dependents apply for VA benefits, targeting elderly claimants at assisted living facilities. They give claimants the impression that they are employed by the VA.
Among other things, representation may include counseling on veterans benefits gathering information necessary to file a claim for benefits, preparing claim forms submitting claim information to VA, and communicating with VA on claimant's behalf.
Organizations and individuals that represent claimants for VA
Background
benefits are subject to specific
Some regional offices have statutory and regulatory
received inquiries or complaints requirements. Section 5901 of title
about individuals that were paid 38, United States Code, provides,
by assisted living facilities to "no individual may act as an agent
"represent" veterans and other or attorney in the preparation,
claimants with their VA benefits. presentation, or prosecution of any
These individuals lead
claim under laws administered by
claimants and facilities to
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
believe they have special
unless such individual has been
knowledge of VA laws and can recognized for such purposes by the
maximize claimants'entitlement Secretary." While VA can authorize
to VA benefits. Although these an individual to prepare a benefit
individuals work for private
claim for a veteran on a one-time
companies, they may have job basis, this authorization cannot be
titles that suggest a government used a second time without the
connection, e.g. Veterans
approval of the VA's General
Benefits Analyst.
Counsel.
Representation
Representation before VA consists of actions associated with the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for a VA claimant. A claimant is a person who has filed or has expressed an intention to file a written application for benefits.
Recognized Representatives
VA currently recognizes 87 veterans service organizations consisting of 37 national organizations and 50 state and regional organizations for purposes of representing veterans before the Department.
All these organizations provide representation at no cost to the
Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty
veteran, and by law may not charge any other person for representation before the Department.
You can verify the recognition of organization and accreditation of individuals on the General Counsel's web page. Go to www.va.gov . Click on Organizations at the top of the page. Under Staff Organizations, click on General Counsel, when that page opens, click on Recognized Veterans Service Organizations on the left side and click on Current Bulletin 23-S. This will give you the list of recognized organization who are accredited through each organization, click on Current Bulletin 2-151. The Office of General Counsel maintains these bulletins and updates them periodically.
Unauthorized representation of claimants and unlawful solicitation of fees is a serious matter. VA is interested in any individual or group that may be engaged in these activities. You should contact your local VA Office with information regarding anyone who may be violating the law by charging fees.
Fraudulent Claims May Be Costly
When submitting claims to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, honesty is always the best policy. This is a true account of a veteran who submitted a claim and falsely claimed to be a wounded Vietnam combat Veteran.
The veteran claimed he was wounded in combat in Vietnam, between 1968-1969, and that he suffered from post traumatic stress. Based on those claims, he collected monetary benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and also from the Social Security Administration.
According to his court indictment, his claims were not true. As a result of his fraudulent claim, the veteran and his spouse were sentenced to serve 37 months in federal prison and pay restitution of $304,772.00 for the money received through fraud.
Federal Task Force Launches Web Site
Secretary invites feedback on services
VA News Release, March 2007
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson, head of the new
others to comment directly to the task force on the accessibility, timeliness and
inter-agency task force
delivery of services. Comments
examining the processes for
will be studied by the task
combat veterans seeking
force, used in the panel's
services and benefits from the evaluation of gaps in service
Department of Veterans Affairs and form the basis of
(VA) and other federal
recommended solutions.
agencies, announced the
Called the "Task Force on
creation of a dedicated Web
Returning Global War on
page to solicit input on the ease Terror Heroes," other agencies
of accessing federal services. include Defense, Labor, Health
"As the task force moves
and Human Services, Housing
forward in studying how we
and Urban Development, and
can enhance services and cut Education, plus the
red tape, we believe it's
administrator of the Small
important to provide veterans, Business Administration and
their family members and
the director of the Office of
others with the opportunity to Management and Budget.
share their ideas and
Under the terms of the
experiences," said Nicholson. executive order creating the
People can email their
task force, the group must
comments to the task force at identify and examine existing
TFHeroes@va.gov or fax
federal services for returning
comments to 202-273-9599.
Global War on Terror service
Task Force information and
members; identify gaps in such
mailing address can be obtained services; seek recommendations
on the VA home page, www. from federal agencies on ways
va.gov/taskforce.
to fill those gaps and ensure that
The Web page allows active appropriate federal agencies are
duty service members,
communicating and cooperating
veterans, family members and effectively.
Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty
continued from Page 3
district commander over Legion's posts in the North Georgia area.
Ray Hendrix, a retired Army Sergeant Major and resident of Statesboro, was named board secretary. He was appointed to the Veterans Service Board in September 2001, served as board chairman during 2005-06, and was recently reappointed to the Board for another seven year term by Governor Sonny Perdue.
Hendrix, retired from the Army in 1992 after serving 42 years in uniform, is an active member in The American Legion at the local, state, and national levels. He currently serves as Georgia's National Executive Committeeman and as a member of The Legion's National Legislative Commission.
Over the years, Hendrix, a past state commander, also served on The Legion's National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, Military Affairs, and Americanism Commissions.
Hendrix is a retired Bulloch County Magistrate Court Constable and currently a member of the Statesboro's American Legion Post 90, Scottish Rite Temple, and Shriners Club.
Serving as members of the State Veterans Service Board for 2007-08 with Blaylock, Phillips, and Hendrix are Barbara Jean Aaron of Warner Robins, Kenneth Birdsong of Gordon, Rodney Casey of Valdosta, and Fred T. Fincher, Sr. of LaGrange.
The seven-member, Governor appointed, constitutional Board of Veterans Service recommends policy, procedure and work projects and through the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Veterans Service controls overall veteran's policy for the state.
Memorial Day 2007 . . .
A Day for Remembering Their Ultimate Sacrifice
Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty
The Symbol of Our Freedom and Liberties . . .
For This We Served and Defended . . . For This We are Thankful!
Flag Day 2007
Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty
During "National Guard Day in Georgia" ceremonies at the State
Capitol Building in March, Commissioner Wheeler was presented the
National Guard Association of the United States' Patrick Henry Award
for his "lifetime of service to, and continuing support of, veterans,
the Armed Forces of the United States (active and reserves), and the
National Guard." Making the presentation on behalf of NGAUS was
In February during their annual winter conference held in Washington, D.C., the National Association of State Directors for Veterans Affairs honored Commissioner Wheeler as one of the first recipients of NASDVA's Iron Mike Award. The "Iron Mike" award (see insert) is a replica of the famous "Airborne Trooper" statue located at the traffic circle between the Fort Bragg Officers Club and the Post Headquarters just outside of Fayetteville, NC. The term "Iron Mike" is a unique American slang used to refer to men and women who are especially tough, brave and inspiring leaders. At the special luncheon that recognized the Commissioner, current NASDVA President John Garcia of New
Georgia's Adjutant General, LTG David Poythress, who nominated the Commissioner for the award. Created in 1989, NGAUS's Patrick Henry award is designed to recognize "the support of an individual such that the readiness and the future of the Guard have been positively affected and the results of the support remain beyond the individual's affiliation with the National Guard." Cited by the NGAUS as "exemplifying the qualities of a true Patriot," the Commissioner was credited for holding the most recent "Supermarket of Veterans Benefits" at the local Guard Armories; providing department veteran benefits counselors locally on-site to support the 48th Infantry Brigade's return from Operation Iraqi Freedom; leading legislative efforts for vehicle tags that financially benefit the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation; and advocating for the passage of Georgia's H.E.R.O. (Helping Educate Reservist Offspring) bill which provides educational benefits for the children of Guardsmen
Mexico pointed out, "Without the professionalism
and reservists who are called
and initiative of Commissioner Pete Wheeler, there
to active duty. Commissioner
would be no National Association of State Directors
Wheeler, who served in the
of Veterans Affairs. No one person has contributed
Army Infantry between 1942
more to the success and continuity of the NASDVA, to
and 1946, continued his service
include being a mentor to members past and present,
in the Georgia Army National
than our senior member and past president, Pete
Guard until July 1978 when he
Wheeler." VA Secretary John Nicholson was also
retired with the rank of Brigadier
a recipient of the association's first annual "Iron
General.
Mike." Among others honored by the NASDVA's
annual recognition, formerly called the "Veterans
Advocate of the Year", have been former U. S.
Congressman, the late Sonny Montgomery, former
Presidential Cabinet member for Health Services
Tommy Thompson, former VA Deputy Secretary
Hershel Gober and the VA Secretary from 2001 to
2005, Anthony Principi.
The "Airborne Trooper" for which the "Iron
Mike" depicts, was sculptured during the summer
of 1960 to honor "the courage, dedication, and
traditions of the world's finest fighting man, the Army Paratrooper." The life-size monument was designed to represent the airborne soldier's call to action, strength, virility, power, and reverence. Sergeant Major Mike Runyon modeled for the statue.
In April, Commissioner Wheeler was the featured speaker at a flag and flag pole dedication ceremony on the grounds of Northview Cemetery in Dublin. Both were donated to the city cemetery in memory of all veterans, police officers, and fire fighters buried there by Adams Funeral Home and American Legion Post 17.
Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty
VA Searching for Last Doughboys of World War I
Only Four Believed Still Alive
VA News Release, April 4, 2007
With the number of known living American veterans of World War I now
The Secretary asks members of the general public who know of a surviving World War I veteran to
About 4.7 million men and women served in the U.S. armed forces during World War I. About 53,000
standing at four, the Department of
contact VA. To qualify as a World
died in combat, with another 204,000
Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking
War I veteran, someone must have
wounded.
public assistance in determining
been on active duty between April 6,
The four known surviving World
whether others are still alive.
1917 and Nov. 11, 1918. VA is also War I veterans are John Babcock,
"These veterans have earned the
looking for surviving Americans who 102, from Puget Sound, Wash.; Frank
gratitude and respect of the nation," served in the armed forces of allied
Buckles, 106, Charles Town, W.Va.;
said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim nations.
Russell Coffey, 108, North Baltimore,
Nicholson. "We are coming to the
Information about survivors can be Ohio; and Harry Landis, 107, Sun
end of a generation that helped bring e-mailed to ww1@va.gov; faxed to
City Center, Fla.
the United States to the center of the 202-273-6702, or mailed to the Office
Babcock is an American who
international arena."
of Public Affairs, Department of
served in the Canadian Army. The
Nicholson noted that VA
Veterans Affairs (80), 810 Vermont
other three survivors were in the U.S.
usually knows about the identity and Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20420.
Army.
location of veterans only after they
come to the Department for benefits.
VA WEB SITES
None of the four known surviving World War I veterans has been on the VA benefits rolls.
Burial and Memorial Benefits ..............www.cem.va.gov/ Department of Defense ........................www.defenselink.mil/ Education Benefits ...............................www.gibill.va.gov/ Federal Jobs ......................................... www.usajobs.opm.gov/
Health Care Eligibility .........................www.va.gov/healtheligibility/
Attention Golfers! The "Play It Again Pete" Charity Golf Tournament Benefiting Atlanta VA Homeless Veterans Program
Monday, October 22, 2007, at the Fort McPherson Golf Club Interested?
Contact Jim Randles at (404) 656-2308
Home Loan Guaranty ...........................www.homeloans.va.gov/ Life Insurance .......................................www.insurance.va.gov/ Records .................................................www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/ Returning Veterans ...............................www.seamlesstransition.va.gov/ Veterans Employment and Training .....www.dol.gov/vets/ Veterans Preference ..............................www.opm.gov/veterans/index.asp Vocational Rehabilitation .....................www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/index.htm VA Benefits Brochure...........................www.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf
VA Benefit Payment Rates ...................www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/
VA Facilities .........................................www.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp
VA Forms .............................................www.va.gov/vaforms/
2007 Veterans Services Organizations Convention Schedule
Commissioner Wheeler and Morris Graybeal (far left), Director of the Georgia War Veterans Home Milledgeville, accept a $1,600 check for GWVH's Patient Benefit Fund from Dr. Ted Ridgeway of Lexington and Eddie Mims (far right) of Athens representing "Thank You for Our Freedom" (an annual veteran appreciation project held in Winterville involving veteran organizations from Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Madison, Oconee, Olgethrope, and Wilkes counties). PBF monies are donations from veteran organizations, civic groups, and businesses used to support GWVH's extracurricular activities and quality of life items.
Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty
AMVETS State National
June 1st - 3rd August 3rd- 11th
DAV State National
May 31st June 3rd August 3rd 14th
AMERICAN LEGION
State
June 22nd 24th
National
August 24th 30th
VFW State National
June 21st 24th August 18th - 23rd
MOPH State National
June 1st - 2nd August 7th 11th
Augusta Greensboro, NC
Macon New Orleans, LA
Dalton Reno, NV
Norcross Kansas City, KS
Savannah Ellenville, NY
April 27, 2007 @ GVMC, Milledgeville
Georgia Celebrates National Arbor Day
Russell Feagin Asst. Cemetery Director Provided the Invocation
NG Youth Challenge Academy Posted Colors for Pledge, Anthem and Taps
Ernie Simons Cemetery Director Master of Ceremonies
Robert Farris, Interim Director Georgia Forestry Commission Provided Welcoming Remarks
Commissioner Wheeler spoke about our veterans' service and sacrifice to country.
Lt. Governor Casey Cagle Delivered Keynote Address
Jonna Wilson Miss Georgia Forestry read the
Governor's Proclamation
The ceremonial planting of a Serviceberry Tree in honor
of Georgia's veterans
Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty
10
How We Assist You!
Effectuate and carry out the laws of the state pertaining to veterans. Inform veterans, their dependents, and survivors as to their rights and benefits under federal and state legislation, or local ordinances. Assist veterans, their dependents, and their beneficiaries in the preparation, presentation, proof, and establishment of such claims, privileges, rights and other benefits accruing to them under federal, state, and local laws. Report any evidence of incompetence, dishonesty, or negligence on the part of any employee dealing with veterans' affairs to the proper authority. To do and perform all things for the promotion of and in the interest and for the protection of the veterans of Georgia as to their rights under all federal and state laws. Apply for and accept gifts, grants, and other contributions from the federal government or from any other governmental units. Accept and use gifts, grants, donations, and contributions of real estate, both vacant and improved facilities, monies, services or other property from individuals, arms, corporations, organizations, and associations and from county and municipal corporations and their subdivisions, in addition to any funds appropriated by the state. Construct and operate hospitals, nursing homes, and personal care homes for the benefit of eligible war veterans. Advise the Governor, the Board of Veterans Service, and the General Assembly as to needed veterans' legislation. Maintain files on all veterans who have filed claims for veterans' benefit through the department. Conduct educational programs by personal appearances before veterans' organizations, service clubs, fraternal groups and other such organizations so as to acquaint the public generally with the work of the department. Make representatives of the department available in any regions, locations, and areas of the state to assist all veterans, their dependents, and survivors in preparing and filing claims for benefits and to acquaint them with all legal rights and privileges. Cooperate with all national, state, and local governmental and private agencies, securing or offering services or any benefits to veterans and their dependents. Assist and cooperate with all veterans' organizations in their work. As State Approving Authority, enter into contracts with the federal government for the qualifications, approval, certification, and supervision of educational institutions and training establishments applying for or participating in federal programs for educating and training veterans. Assist other states in securing evidence for claims. Promote enlargement and improvement of VA hospital facilities in the state. Sponsor observance of Veterans Day in the state. Certify eligibility for veterans' drivers licenses and honorary drivers' license. Certify eligibility for disabled veterans' discount at Department of Natural Resources facilities. Issue Certificates of Exemption from payment of business license tax to qualified veterans. Assist qualified veterans in obtaining honorary hunting and fishing licenses. Assist in obtaining special motor vehicle license plates for certain veterans: Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners-of-war, handicapped and disabled veterans. Furnish the Governor, members of the General Assembly, State Board of Veterans Service, veterans' organizations, and the general public and annual report on the activities and accomplishments of the department.
Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty
11
2007 Service Officers School October 9-12
Sea Palms Golf &Tennis Resort 5445 Frederica Road
St. Simons Island, GA 31522 1-800-841-6268
www.seapalms.com
THE AGENDA
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Wednesday, October 10,2007
1:30 p.m.
Registration
9:00 a.m.
Compensation-Pension-Education Benefits Panel
1:30 p.m.
Employment-Reemployment-Civil Service Preference Panel
3:00 p.m.
Military Retirements Benefits-National Cemetery System-
Social Security TRICARE Benefits Panel
Thursday, October 11, 2007
9:00 p.m
Hospital-Medical Panel
9:00 a.m.
1:30 p.m.
Loans Benefits Panel
12:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
Insurance Panel
Friday, October 12, 2007 Legal-Appeals Panel Adjourn
***Guestroom $89 (Please make reservations early, rooms may not be available after September 15, 2007.***
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
James Blaylock
Chairman, Veterans Service Board
Pete Wheeler
Commissioner
Jim Frederick Assistant Commissioner, Claims and Field Operations
Len Glass
Assistant Commissioner Administrative Service
Heldon Jung
Director, Education & Training
Brian Zeringue
Public Information Manager
Shelly-Ann Simpson
Editor, Veterans Bulletin
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 2258
Atlanta, Georgia 30334