Veterans bulletin [May 2010]

Sonny Perdue Governor

Georgia Department of Veterans Service
Veterans Bulletin May 2010

Pete Wheeler Commissioner

Memorial Day
In Honor of Our Fallen

Georgia Department of Veterans Service
Veterans Bulletin May 2010

Cover Story: Honoring Our Fallen Commissioner's Message Pages 3 Flag Ceremony Pages 4-5 Memorial Day Facts: Taps and Half-Staff Page 6-7 2010 Memorial Day Observances Pages 8-12 Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemeteries Page 13

SDVS News Page 14

Headlines Of Interest To Georgia Veterans Pages 15

Georgia Veterans Bulletin
The Georgia Veterans Bulletin is published by the Georgia Department
of Veterans Service, Public Information Division, Floyd Veterans Memorial
Building, Room E-970, Atlanta, GA 30334-4800.

Kenneth W. Birdsong

Chairman, Veterans Service Board

Pete Wheeler

Commissioner

Tom Cook

Assistant Commissioner, Field Operations & Claims

Dan Holtz Assistant Commissioner, Administration, Health & Memorials

Heldon (Bill) Jung

Director, Veterans Education & Training

Brian Zeringue

Public Information Manager

Jon Suggs

Editor, Veterans Bulletin

Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty

Welcome to the digital edition of the Georgia Veterans Bulletin.
By bringing the Bulletin to you online, the Georgia Department of Veterans Service is saving valuable budget dollars, a necessary choice given our state's current fiscal status.
Remember, every hypertext link in this document is clickable. Wherever you see a website address, such as www.va.gov, you can click on the link and be taken to that site.
We would like to encourage you to subscribe to our news feed via RSS. You may do so here:
http://sdvs.georgia.gov/rss/sdvs_press_releases.xml
Whenever a new Bulletin is published, whenever the Department issues any news release, you will be among the first to know.
Please take a moment to complete a brief survey that measures your views about our quality of service. Your feedback is important and will help us continue to improve and provide the highest customer service standards our veterans deserve:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/287DY2S
As always, thank you for your service to our country and do not hesitate to call upon us.
Georgia Department of Veterans Service
Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-970
Atlanta, Georgia 30334-4800 (404) 656-2300
gavetsvc@vs.state.ga.us www.sdvs.georgia.gov


Commissioner's Message

Memorial Day stirs emotions that stand at opposite ends of the spectrum.
On the one hand, we celebrate the rewards earned by the sacrifices of our fallen Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen. Because of their selfless devotion to duty, we enjoy freedoms that are the envy of the world and we prosper in a homeland untouched by the devastation of war.
On the other hand, we mourn and honor those who paid the ultimate price for these rewards. These fallen heroes gave their lives in service to our nation, on the foreign soils of Europe; across the islands of the South Pacific; through the northern reaches of Korea; in the jungles of Vietnam; in places like Grenada, Panama, Somalia, Haiti, and Kuwait; and upon the scorching sands of Afghanistan and Iraq.
Celebration and remorse; victory and death; hope and helplessness; relief and sadness: These are the conflicting emotions associated with Memorial Day. For every headline written about the success of a battle or conflict overseas, there are loved ones here in America who must endure never-ending pain.
America has asked our men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces to pay a very high price indeed, but the causes have been just.
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!
Throughout our history, America has given up its sons and daughters for the sake of world peace and freedom. America's intent has never been to conquer and suppress, but rather to defend and assist.
Ours is a country willing to use its military power for the good of humankind. Our guiding purpose has been nothing less than the eradication of tyranny. Is it any wonder our military has been called to arms on a regular
Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty

basis? Evil takes no holiday!
These fallen military heroes to whom we pay special homage on Memorial Day are much more than names on gravestones. They are symbols of our march toward a time when the world order will stand for justice, democracy, and economic freedom.
As Americans, it is our solemn obligation to remember their sacrifice.
On May 31st, we encourage all Georgians, young and old, to participate in a local Memorial Day Observance to honor those who died in service to our nation. At the very least we urge all who live in the United States of America veterans, non-veterans, anyone who enjoys the comforts of America's freedom and liberties to participate in the National Moment of Rembrance. The moment occurs at 3 p.m. local time.
The goal of the National Moment of Remembrance is to reclaim Memorial Day as the solemn event it was intended to be by:
Bringing Americans together to simultaneously pause, remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our nation;
Recognizing the value of our freedom and liberties we enjoy and the ultimate sacrifice made by our fallen heroes to keep us free and to protect these liberties; and
Making Memorial Day relevant to younger Americans.
This year's National Moment of Remembrance will take place on Monday, May 31st for one minute, beginning at 3 p.m. At that time, we urge all Georgians to pause from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or to listen to "Taps" in tribute to those who died in service to our country.


A Tribute To Their Sacrifice ...

Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty



A Tribute To Their Sacrifice ...

The Georgia Department of Veterans Service would like to thank Detachment 2, Motor Transport Maintenance Company, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (Augusta) and the staff of the Milledgeville Veterans Memorial Cemetery for assistance with the photos that appear on this issue's cover, index, and pages 4-7. These individuals donated their time and graciously allowed SDVS staff access to take these photographs while the honor guard ran through a practice session of the honors offered at a military burial.

Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty



The Story of Taps

The 24-note melancholy bugle call known as "taps" is thought to be a revision of a French bugle signal, called "tattoo," that notified soldiers to cease an evening's drinking and return to their garrisons. It was sounded an hour before the final bugle call to end the day by extinguishing fires and lights. The last five measures of the tattoo resemble taps.

of each day thereafter, instead of the regulation call. The music was heard and appreciated by other brigades, who asked for copies and adopted this bugle call. It was even adopted by Confederate buglers.
This music was made the official Army bugle call after the war, but not given the name "taps" until 1874.

The word "taps" is an alteration of the obsolete word "taptoo," derived from the Dutch "taptoe." Taptoe was the command -- "Tap toe!" -- to shut ("toe to") the "tap" of a keg.
The revision that gave us present-day taps was made during America's Civil War by Union Gen. Daniel Adams Butterfield, heading a brigade camped at Harrison Landing, Va., near Richmond. Up to that time, the U.S. Army's infantry call to end the day was the French final call, "L'Extinction des feux." Gen. Butterfield decided the "lights out" music was too formal to signal the day's end. One day in July 1862 he recalled the tattoo music and hummed a version of it to an aide, who wrote it down in music. Butterfield then asked the brigade bugler, Oliver W. Norton, to play the notes and, after listening, lengthened and shortened them while keeping his original melody.
He ordered Norton to play this new call at the end

The first time taps was played at a military funeral may also have been in Virginia soon after Butterfield composed it. Union Capt. John Tidball, head of an artillery battery, ordered it played for the burial of a cannoneer killed in action. Not wanting to reveal the battery's position in the woods to the enemy nearby, Tidball substituted taps for the traditional three rifle volleys fired over the grave. Taps was played at the funeral of Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson 10 months after it was composed. Army infantry regulations by 1891 required taps to be played at military funeral ceremonies.
Taps now is played by the military at burial and memorial services, to accompany the lowering of the flag and to signal the "lights out" command at day's end.
(This information is part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' page on Memorial Day. See more at http://www1.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/)

Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty



Flying the American Flag at Half-Staff

An easy way to remember when to fly the United States flag at half-staff is to consider when the whole nation is in mourning. These periods of mourning are proclaimed either by the president of the United States, for national remembrance, or the governor of a state or territory, for local remembrance, in the event of a death of a member or former member of the federal, state or territorial government or judiciary. The heads of departments and agencies of the federal government may also order that the flag be flown at half-staff on buildings, grounds and naval vessels under their jurisdiction.
On Memorial Day the flag should be flown at halfstaff from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset, in honor of the nation's battle heroes.
In the early days of our country, no regulations existed for flying the flag at half-staff and, as a result, there were many conflicting policies. But on March 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower issued a proclamation on the proper times.
The flag should fly at half-staff for 30 days at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and its territories and possessions after the death of the president or a former president. It is to fly 10 days at half-staff after the death of the vice president, the chief justice or a retired chief justice of the United States Supreme Court, or the speaker of the House of Representatives. For an associate justice of the Supreme Court, a member of the Cabinet, a former vice president, the president pro tempore of the Senate, the majority leader of the Senate, the minority leader of the Senate, the majority leader of the House of Representatives, or the minority leader of the House of Representatives the flag is to be displayed at half-staff from the day of death until interment.

or foreign dignitaries. In addition to these occasions, the president may order half-staff display of the flag after other tragic events.
The flag should be briskly run up to the top of the staff before being lowered slowly to the half-staff position.
Memorial Day Flag Etiquette
The U.S. flag is displayed at half staff on Memorial Day, May 30. Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 7-M, calls for the flag to be displayed at half staff from dawn until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset. When displaying the U.S. flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered. This procedure is detailed in Title 4 of U.S. Code, Chapter 1, Section 7-M, "Position and Manner of Display".
A user-friendly version of the U.S. Code concerning flag etiquette can be found at the Web site for the Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School: http://www4. law.cornell.edu/uscode/4/7.html
(This information is part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' page on Memorial Day. See more at http://www1.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/)

The flag is to be flown at half-staff at all federal buildings, grounds and naval vessels in the Washington, D.C., area on the day and day after the death of a United States senator, representative, territorial delegate, or the resident commissioner from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It should also be flown at half-staff on all federal facilities in the state, congressional district, territory, or commonwealth of these officials.

Upon the death of the governor of a state, territory or possession, the flag should be flown at half-staff on all federal facilities in that governor's state, territory or possession from the day of death until interment.
The president may order the flag to be flown at halfstaff to mark the death of other officials, former officials,

Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty



The Honorable Sonny Perdue cordially invites you to attend the State of Georgia's
Memorial Day Ceremony
Thursday, May 27th, 2010 11:00 a.m.
North Wing, Georgia State Capitol
The ceremony will feature Lieutenant Colonel Randall Simmons The public is welcome and encouraged to attend
Please R.S.V.P. to Molly Stofko in Governor Perdue's Office: (404) 657-4861 or mstofko@gov.state.ga.us

Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty



Memorial Day Events Around Georgia
Atlanta

Memorial Day 2009, Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home, Augusta

SPONSOR: The Atlanta History Center

TIME: Noon, Sunday, May 30

LOCATION: 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30305-1366

DETAILS: Spend the day in the company of veterans and hear their personal stories of wartime with accounts and memorabilia. Living history interpreters also represent soldiers of various wars by displaying authentic clothing, equipment, and vehicles. Program highlight: At 2 p.m. John Lukacs will speak about his new book, Escape from Davao.

Blue Ridge
SPONSOR: Veterans Service Organizations of Fannin County

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Blairsville
SPONSORS: American Legion Post #121, Disabled American Veterans Chapter #11, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #7394 TIME: 10 a.m., Saturday, May 29
LOCATION: The parade route will be the usual, winding around the old courthouse and ending at the Union County War Memorial where ceremonies will begin at 11:15 a.m.

TIME: 11 a.m., Saturday, May 29
LOCATION: Fannin County Veterans Memorial Park on Veterans Memorial Highway (vicinity of 4584 Old Highway 76)
DETAILS: Keynote speaker will be Faron Barton, CSM (E-9) U.S. Army (retired) and Master of Ceremonies will be George D. Pletcher, Sr., Lt. Col. U.S. Army (retired)
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CANTON

DETAILS: Speaker: Maj. Gen. Jere H. Akin (retired)
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SPONSOR: Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration and the Georgia National Cemetery Advisory Council

TIME: 11 a.m., Saturday, May 29 LOCATION: Georgia National Cemetery -Ceremonial wall across the street from the flagpole area. Enter through the main entrance of the cemetery located on Hwy 20 at Knox Bridge.
DETAILS: The guest speaker will be Brig. Gen. Maria Britt, Commanding General of the Georgia Army National Guard.
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Carrollton
SPONSOR: The Carroll County Veterans Memorial Park
TIME: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 29
LOCATION: 1050 Newnan Road, Carrollton, GA 30116 (near the intersection of Hwy. 166 and Hwy. 16)

Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty



Memorial Day Events Around Georgia

GlEnnVILLE

Macon

Dawsonville
SPONSOR: The Veterans Affairs of Dawson County
TIME: 3 p.m., Monday, May 31
LOCATION: Veterans Memorial Park, Highway 19 North, Dawsonville
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Glynn County
SPONSOR: The Veterans Council of the Golden Isles
TIME: 10:30 a.m., Monday May 31

SPONSOR: Georgia Department of Veterans Service
TIME: 11 a.m., Monday, May 31
LOCATION: Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery -- Glennville, 8819 U.S. Highway 301 North, Glennville, GA 30427

TIME: 1 p.m., Monday, May 31
LOCATION: City Hall, Rosa Parks Square
DETAILS: Vietnam Veterans "Welcome Home" Memorial Bench Dedication
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DETAILS: Richard Dunlop director of the cemetery and Grand (State) Commander for the Military Order of the Cootie, the honor degree of the Veterans of Foreign Wars dedicated to supporting our hospitalized veterans, and VFW 7th District Senior Vice Commander will host and be the primary speaker for this event. Several State Senators, Representatives, and local dignitaries have been invited to attend and will have an opportunity to address those gathered to honor our fallen heroes and their families.

McDonough
SPONSORS: Henry County Parks and Recreation and several Veteran Groups
TIME: 10 a.m., Monday, May 31
LOCATION: Heritage Park Veteran's Wall of Honor
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MARIETTA

SPONSORS: The National Memorial Day Association of Georgia and The Avenue of Flags, Inc.
TIME: Noon, Monday, May 31
LOCATION: Marietta National Cemetery 500 Washington Avenue Marietta, GA 30060

LOCATION: Glynn Country War Memorial on the East Side of the Glynn County Historical Court House.
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Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty

DETAILS: Lt. Gen. Russell Honore, U.S. Army (retired) is the principal speaker
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Photos from Memorial Day 2009, Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home, Augusta
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Memorial Day Events Around Georgia

Milledgeville

Peachtree City

SPONSORS: Georgia Department of Veterans Service and the Georgia Forestry Commission

SPONSORS: Peachtree City Post 9949 and American Legion Post 50

the Army, comments by the mayor, laying of a wreath in honor of fallen comrades, and a rendering of Taps.
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TIME: 11 a.m., Monday May 31
LOCATION: Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Milledgeville, 2617 Vinson Highway, Milledgeville, GA 31061
DETAILS: The ceremony will include remarks by Dan Holtz, Assistant Commissioner for Administration, Health, and Memorials, Department of Veterans Service and Robert Farris, Director, Georgia Forestry Commission. Following the ceremony, a tree will be dedicated in the cemetery in honor of our fallen heroes. Crepe Myrtle seedlings will be given out to attendees to take home so they can plant them in honor of their loved ones.

TIME: 9 a.m., Monday, May 31
LOCATION: Peachtree City Hall
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Powder Springs

ROSWELL
SPONSORS: City of Roswell; Roswell Rotary Club ; and Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department
TIME: 10 a.m., Monday, May 31

SPONSOR: American Legion Post 294 TIME: Noon, Monday, May 31
LOCATION: Powder Springs Veterans Memorial on Atlanta Street in front of the Powder Springs Library
DETAILS: The program will feature patriotic music, a keynote speaker retired from

LOCATION: Faces of War Memorial Site at Roswell City Hall.
DETAILS: Music, "Lest We Forget" POW-MIA observance, wreath-laying; 21-Gun Salute, Taps, food, lawn concert Featured speaker: Col. Michael D. Steele
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ROME

SPONSOR: Rome Rotary Club

TIME: Noon, Thursday, May 27

LOCATION: Memorial Wall, Forum & Courthouse, Government Plaza, Rome

DETAILS: Three names are being added to the Memorial Wall. Commissioner Pete Wheeler will deliver the keynote address.

Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty

Photo from Memorial Day 2009, Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home, Augusta
11

Sandersville
SPONSORS: American Legion Post 94 and American Veterans Post 110
TIME: 11:45 a.m., Monday, May 31 LOCATION: Washington County Courthouse
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Smyrna
SPONSORS: City of Smyrna, the Veterans Memorial Association and American Legion Post #160

TIME: 9 a.m., Monday, May 31
LOCATION: Smyrna Veterans Memorial, 2800 King St.
DETAILS: Participating Houses of Worship will ring their bells for three minutes starting at 9 a.m. to usher in Memorial Day. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and end at noon and will include wreath-laying, Presentation of Colors, National Anthem, Invocation, Honors, rifle salute by the National Honor Guard, flyovers by C-130 Hercules out of the 94th Airlift Wing of

Dobbins Air Reserve, speeches from veterans, high school poetry readings, entertainment, climbing walls, music, and food.
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Winder
SPONSOR: Veterans Of Foreign Wars Post 1187
LOCATION: Rose Hill Cemetery
DETAILS: Patriotic music and dedication of a new flag pole donated by members of Post 1187 and local citizens.

Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty

Interment Area -- GVMC-Milledgeville
12

Georgia State Veterans Memorial Cemeteries
The Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemeteries, established for the interment of faithful and honorable military veterans, are shrines recognizing all Georgia veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
The cemeteries will be greatly revered, not only by the next of kin and family members of those interred therein, but also by patriotic, veteran, military, and civic organizations and the general public as well.
The cemeteries will be administered, operated, and maintained under the highest standards standards that will require a high degree of vigilance and devotion.
We in the Georgia Department of Veterans Service accept this challenge with honor.
Commissioner Pete Wheeler, Georgia Department of Veterans Service

REQUIREMENTS FOR BURIAL

OTHER RULES

1. Anyone who is a veteran under the rules established 1. The non-veteran spouse/dependent will normally be

by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and was

buried with the veteran.

separated under other than dishonorable conditions, is 2. If the veteran has been buried in a plot for cremated

eligible for burial in a GVMC.

remains, the non-veteran spouse/dependent MUST

2. Any member of the Reserves/National Guard who

also choose a burial designated for cremated remains.

was eligible for retirement pay at the time of death, or 3. A standard upright, granite government provided

would have been entitled to retired pay but for the fact

marker will be used to mark the grave for casket

that they were not at least 60 years of age, is eligible.

burials and in-ground cremations. A small granite

3. Anyone who, as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces

cover will be used for cremated remains in the

or a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces, died

columbarium.

in the line of duty while on active duty, or active duty

for training is eligible.

WHAT IS THE COST?

4. An eligible veteran's spouse may be interred in the

same plot as the veteran at a GVMC.

There is no charge for the plot, vault, grave markers,

5. The veteran's dependent (unmarried, under age 21,

or use of the committal chapel for interment service for an

or life-long dependency on the veteran) is eligible.

eligible veteran or spouse.

Documentation of eligibility is required.

WHAT IS PROVIDED?

1. Plot: Next available (no pre-selection) 2. Plot: Next available space for cremated remains that
are to be buried 3. Niche: Next available for those that are cremated and
placed in the columbarium wall 4. Vault: Concrete Lined (double depth for vet and
spouse/dependent) 5. Marker: Standard U.S. Government upright granite
markers 6. Care: Perpetual care provided by the State

Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty

13

Highlights of ...
SDVS At Work For Georgia Veterans

In February:
New SDVS veteran benefit counselors participated in TRIP training at the Atlanta VA Regional Office and Atlanta VA Medical Center, February 10-12. Training was sponsored by the state departments of the American Legion and VFW.
Veterans Benefits Briefings: Rita Barnhart (Manager, Canton) and Mr. Christopher Modly (VFSO, Canton) to the 178th MP Co, 140 PAX, GAARNG (Kennesaw) on Saturday, February 6. Judy Johnson (Manager, Dalton) to the American Legion Post in Chickamauga, on Sunday, February 7. Billy Robbins (Manager, Carrollton) at the Mount Zion Community/Senior Center in Mount Zion, on February 10. Terry Roberson (Manager, LaFayette) to the Optimist Club of Lafayette, on February 12. Joel Willis (VFW DSO, Claims Division) to employees of the Georgia Department of Labor (DOL) in DeKalb County on February 21. Dale Bell (Manager, Athens) participated in a "Welcome Home Veteran" event sponsored by the Athens Community Based Outpatient Clinic, Athens on February 16. Mike Roby, Manager, North Georgia Region, attended a Resource Fair sponsored by the Georgia Department of Labor's Griffin Field Office on February 24.
In March:
On Saturday, March 20, SDVS Assistant Commissioner Mr. Tom Cook spoke at the 75th Anniversary Celebration of American Legion Post 143 at the Veteran's Memorial Park in Carrollton.
Mr. Tommy Clack (Manager, Conyers) participated in Kennesaw State University's Military Appreciation Week on April 16.

THANK YOU! As "National Military Appreciation Month," May has been set apart as a time to recognize and honor those patriotic men and women who have worn the military uniform of our great nation, including the over 772,000 living here in Georgia. During this month, every American citizen should pause, reflect, and remember the more than 50 million people since 1775 who have put their tomorrows on hold for military service; to defend against the evils that threaten the freedoms and liberties we enjoy today. We must never forget those, who in the line of duty, paid for our freedoms and liberties with their lives, the ultimate sacrifice in military service. We must always remember and pray for the recovery of all our MIAs, those whose whereabouts are still unknown. America is still at war and the men and women of our Armed Forces today, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, are now defending all of us throughout the world. To those serving on active duty we will never waver in our gratitude and support of you and your families' sacrifice now and after your time of service is over. We at the Georgia Department of Veterans Service are extremely proud of, and thank you and your families for, the loyalty, dedication and personal sacrifice in military service to our country. It is our honor to now serve you.

Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty

Veterans Benefits Briefings: Robert Turner (Manager, Cartersville) to the local Retired Men's Club of Cartersville, on March 17. Rita Barnhart (Manager, Canton) to Bravo Troop, 1-108th RSTA, Georgia Army National Guard (Canton) on March 9. Mike Roby (Manager, North Georgia Region) to Detachment 1, Ammunition Company, 4th Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistic Group (Dobbins ARB, Marietta) on March 25.
In April:
SDVS Assistant Commissioner Tom Cook spoke at the Georgia and South Carolina Departments of Labor "Joint Veterans' Appreciation Conference" in Savannah on April 7.
Mr. Harry Evans (Manager, Gainesville) participated in the 2nd Annual "Fallen Heroes of Georgia" Road Race on Saturday, April 10, at Lake Lanier Islands near Buford.
Mr. Raymond Rollins (Manager, Rome) participated in "Military Children's Appreciation Day", held at the Canton American Legion Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 24.
SDVS veteran benefit counselors lead by Tonya Malpass (Manager, Glennville) participated in "Welcome Home" ceremonies for returning 48th Brigade Georgia National Guard soldiers. During the month, about 2,500 soldiers were greeted and welcomed home from 7 different units and representing 9 different Georgia cities.
The Valdosta and Glennville offices continue to support the Transitional Assistance Program (TAP). Mr. Ed Kent (Manager, Valdosta) conducts TAP Briefings at Moody AFB once a month. Ms. Tonya Malpass (Manager, Glennville) conducts TAP Briefings at Fort Stewart each week.
14

Headlines Of Interest To GA Veterans
Bill To Allow PTSD Designation On Driver's License Awaits Governor's Signature
As passed by the Georgia General Assembly, SB 419 provides "Members of the armed services and veterans who have been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder may request to have a notation of such diagnosis placed on his or her driver's license." Commissioner Wheeler states, "The Georgia Department of Veterans Service has no objection to SB 419 as long as the decision to include personal medical information on a driver's license is left entirely up to the veteran." (5/13/10)
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/fulltext/sb419.htm

Governor Signs Senior Income Tax Cut, Eliminates State Portion of Property Tax
Governor Sonny Perdue signed House Bill 1055, a bill that eliminates taxes on retirement income for senior citizens and eliminates the state portion of homeowner's property taxes. (5/12/10)
http://gov.georgia.gov/00/press/detail/0,2668,78006749_78013037_159410187,00.html

VA Updates Online Application for Health Benefits
Veterans will find it easier and faster to apply for their health care benefits now that the Department of Veterans Affairs has updated its online Form 10-10EZ, "Application for Health Benefits." (5/5/10)
http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1893

New Scholarship for the Children of Fallen Service Members
The children of military personnel who died in the line of duty since Sept. 11, 2001 can apply for an educational scholarship similar to the new Post-9/11 GI Bill. Benefits are retroactive to Aug. 1, 2009. (4/30/10)
http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1892

Shinseki Announces VA Cutting Insurance Premiums for Families
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced today that military personnel insuring their families under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program, which is administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, will have reduced out-of-pocket expenses beginning July 1. (4/29/10)
http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1891

Secretary Shinseki Releases Draft Gulf War Task Force Report
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced that the Department's Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses Task Force has completed the final draft of a comprehensive report that will redefine how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) addresses the concerns of veterans who deployed during the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991. (3/31/10)
http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1878

"Women Veterans: An Education and Empowerment Forum" to Focus on Women Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will invite women veterans and their advocates to a forum in July to discuss the quality of VA health care, the provision of benefits for women, and ways to improve access to the care and benefits for women veterans. (3/29/10)
http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1877

VA Proposes Change to Aid Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange
Well over 100,000 veterans exposed to herbicides while serving in Vietnam and other areas will have an easier path to qualify for disability pay under a proposed regulation published by the VA that adds three new illnesses to the list of health problems found to be related to Agent Orange and other herbicide exposures. (3/25/10)
http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1876

VA Recognizes "Presumptive" Illnesses in Iraq, Afghanistan
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the Department of Veterans Affairs is taking steps to make it easier for veterans to obtain disability compensation for certain diseases associated with service in the Persian Gulf War or Afghanistan. (3/18/10)
http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1869

Georgia Veterans...guardians of liberty

15

RENOWNED ACTORS GARY SINISE AND JOE MANTEGNA TO CO-HOST 2010 NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT ON PBS
For more than 20 years, PBS has been proud to honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, their families at home and
all those who have given their lives for our country with the annual broadcast of the NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT. The television event, that has become an American tradition, will air live in HD on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. This year, the
concert will:
Honor the sacrifices of a new generation of young military widows whose fallen spouses served in Iraq and Afghanistan;
Mark the 60th anniversary of the Korea War as we pay tribute to the heroic service of the soldiers who fought and perished in this
"forgotten war;"
Pay homage to the WWI and WWII service members who did not come home but rest in 24 military cemeteries in the foreign lands
where they fought for liberty:
Featuring GARY SINISE, JOE MANTEGNA, GENERAL COLIN POWELL, BRAD PAISLEY, KATHERINE JENKINS AND KELLI O'HARA WITH THE
NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (more talent to be announced).
JOIN US SUNDAY, MAY 30, 2010 on PBS 8:009:30 pm ET (check local listings)
A TIME TO REMEMBER, TO HEAL AND BRING OUR NATION TOGETHER