GA V400 A monument honoring Georgia's World War II veterans was dedicated on December 7. Participating in the unveiling are (from left) Georgia Supreme Court Justice Hugh Thompson, Georgia House of Representatives Speaker Tom Murphy, State Representative and Chairman of the House of Representatives Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee Kenneth Birdsong, Chairman of the Georgia Veterans Service Board Fred Fincher, Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Pete Wheeler, Department of the Army Deputy Under Secretary for International Affairs Claude Kicklighter, and Mr. Henry NeaL About The Cover: Georgia's World War // Monument is pictured with the State Capitol in the background. The monument consists ofthree sections. The center section contains a chronology of World War // events and quotes by President Franklin Roosevelt and World War // Generals George Marshall, Dwight Eisenhower and Douglas MacArthur. The monument's left and right sections list the names of the 6,781 Georgians who died outside the United States during the war. The monument is located at the main entrance to the Floyd Veterans Memorial Building. 2 /tmeiicd *)& 'Kunc&ti 1. . . to out octciAKb PETER WHEELER COMMISSIONER (404) 656-2300 FAX (404) 656-7006 M&gb MemQtx&l 'putl&utg (g^argta January 19, 1996 VETERANS SERVICE BOARD FRED T. FINCHER. SR.. Chairman. Lagrange HUGH MITCHELL. Vice Chairman. Hiawassee W. D. HARRELL. Secretary. Bainbridge BARBARA J. AARON. Member, Warner Robins A. V. "BUBBA" AKIN. Member. Ashburn HORACE BORDERS. Member. Rockmart R. D. SMITH. JR.. Member. Toccoa Governor Zell Miller Members of the General Assembly Members of the Veterans Service Board Citizens of the State of Georgia Greetings: Section 38-4-11 of the Code of Georgia reads: "The Commissioner of Veterans Service shallfurnish to the Governor, the members of the General Assembly, the Veterans Service Board, veterans ' organizations and the public generally an annual report with reference to claims presented on behalf of veterans of this state, concerning veterans aided underfederal, state, or local legislation, and to otherwise report activities and accomplishments of the Department of Veterans Service. " In compliance with the above Section, I have the honor to present herewith the Annual Report of the Department of Veterans Service for the year 1995. ectfiilly submitted, PETE WHEELER Commissioner *)& TfamSeft' 1... (Juut&d t* oun. 3 Table Of Contents Veterans Service Board ......................................................................5 The Mission........................................................................................... 6 Department Functions.........................................................................7 State Approving Agency.................................................................... 8 Information Program.......................................................................... 9 Financial Report.............................................................................. 10 Statistical Report.............................................................................. 12 Monetary Benefits........................................................................... 14 Supermarket 1995......................................................................... 15 Commissioner's Activities............................................................. 16 Service Officers School................................................................. 18 Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home, Augusta...................... 19 Georgia War Veterans Home, Miliedgeville................................20 Veterans Day Proclamation Signing..............................................22 Georgia Veterans Leadership......................................................... 23 Georgia Veterans Population......................................................... 38 Georgia Department of Veterans Service Directory................ 44 4 /tfKCicca, `TtufK^en. 1. . . t* eun- vetciAKt Veterans Service Board The constitution of the State of Georgia specifies that the State Board of Veterans Ser vice be composed of seven members. Each member must be a veteran of the armed forces of the United States and must have served honorably during wartime. The Governor nominates members who are subject to ap proval by the State Senate. Board member terms are staggered and are for seven years. From its membership, the Board elects a chair man, vice-chairman, and secretary. Every four years the Board elects a Commissioner, through whom the Board controls the overall policy of the Department of Veterans Service. Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Member Member Member Member Veterans Service Board Members Fred T. Fincher, Sr. Hugh Mitchell W.D. Harrell Barbara J. Aaron A.V "Bubba" Akin Horace Borders R.D. "Bulldog" Smith, Jr. LaGrange Hiawassee Bainbridge Warner Robins Ashburn Rockmart Toccoa Veterans Service Board Pete Wheeler Com issloner Charles Willey Director, Public Information Max Cotter Assistant Commissioner Field Service Wendell Zeigler Supervisor Max Cotter Supervisor Area 2 Pat Phillips Supervisor Area 3 Lawrence N. Brockway, Jr. Assistant Com issioner Robert C. Morris Assistant Commissioner Claims A.W. Tindall Director nistrative Division James C. Jackson Supervisor Education/Training Mike McCroskey Director GA War Veterans Home Miliedgeville Charles Esposito Administrator GA War Veterans Nursing Home Augusta rfiKeiitG, 1. . . to out vete'io.KO. 5 The Mission "....to serve those who have served" The mission of the Department of Veter erans Affairs; nothing could be further from ans Service is to serve the 684,600 veterans the truth. (as of July 1, 1995) residing in Georgia, their To a veteran seeking benefits from the dependents and survivors in all matters per VA, the role played by the Department of Vet taining to veterans' affairs. erans Service might well be This responsibility falls compared to that of an attor into two basic tasks: inform ing the veterans and their families about veterans ben efits; and directly assisting and advising veterans and their families in securing the benefits to which they are en titled. To support these mis Field Office Locations Albany-Americus-Oordclc Athens-Elberton-Winder .Atlanta VAMC Augusta-Waynesboro Blairsville Bainbridge Brunswick CaKtersville-Canton Clarkesville ney representing a client in court. The necessity for per sonal assistance in filing and pursuing claims and in main taining a continuing informa tion program results from the legal principle that veterans benefits are not awarded au sions, the department main tains a claims staff, field of fices, an information division, and a central office. The claims staff is lo cated at the Atlanta regional office of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to process claims and appeals of Geor gia veterans. The field offices, located Columbus Conyers Dalton Dublin VAMC-Eastman Gainesville Glennville G riffin-Thomaston-Newnan LaFayette LaGrange Macon-Warner Robins Miliedgeville Rome-Carrollt on-Cedartown tomatically--ALL MUST BE APPLIED FOR. The VA aims to pay a veteran exactly what he asks for when he is entitled, and no more. The aim of the De partment of Veterans Service is to obtain for a veteran or dependents the benefits to which they are entitled, to tell them when they are entitled, throughout the state, provide direct assistance to veterans at the local level. The information division's mission is to keep Georgia veterans informed about issues and how they impact on them. The central office is for Savannah Slalesboro-Swainsboro Thom asville-Moultrie Tifton Toccoa-Hartwell Valdosta Vidalia-McRae Washington-Grecnsboro Waycross and to assist them in gather ing and preparing evidence needed to justify a claim and prove their entitlement. Since 1990, the state's veteran population has been steadily increasing. This fact coupled with the advanc ing age of World War II and the administration of these Korean War veterans, and services. the frequent changes that occur in veterans The uninformed may be prone to use the benefits legislation, will necessitate the con phrase "duplication of effort" when referring tinuance of a variety of veterans' programs in to the functions of the Department of Veter the years ahead. ans Service and the U.S. Department of Vet 6 rfiKciita "Kttmiet 1... t&AK&i vctci&Kt Department Functions 1. Effectuate and carry out the laws of the state pertaining to veterans. 2. Inform veterans, their dependents, and survivors as to their rights and benefits under federal and state legislation or local ordinances. 3. 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. 4. Report any evidence of incompetence, dishonesty, or negligence on the part of any employee dealing with veterans' affairs to the proper authority. 5. 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. 6. Apply for and accept gifts, grants, and other contributions from the federal government or from any other governmental units. 7. 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. 8. Construct and operate hospitals, nursing homes, and personal care homes for the benefit of eligible war veterans. 9. Advise the Governor, the Board of Veterans Service, and the General Assembly as to needed veterans' legislation. 10. Maintain files on all veterans who have filed claims for veterans' benefits through the department. 11. 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. 12. 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. 13. Cooperate with all national, state, and local governmental and private agencies, securing or offering services or any benefits to veterans and their dependents. 14. Assist and cooperate with all veterans' organizations in their work. 15. As State Approving Authority, enter into contracts with the federal government for the qualifica tions, approval, certification, and supervision of educational institutions and training establishments applying for or participating in federal programs for educating and training veterans. 16. Operate a convalescent van for moving veterans who are patients if such service is not provided by the VA. 17. Assist other states in securing evidence for claims. 18. Promote enlargement and improvement of VA hospital facilities in the state. 19. Sponsor observance of Veterans Day in the state. 20. Certify eligibility for veterans drivers licenses and honorary drivers licenses. 21. Certify eligibility for disabled veterans discount at Department of Natural Resources facilities. 22. Issue Certificates of Exemption from payment of business license tax to qualified veterans. 23. Assist veterans in obtaining Honorary Hunting and Fishing Licenses. 24. Assist in obtaining special motor vehicle license plates for certain veterans: Medal of Honor recipients, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners-of-war, handicapped veterans, and disabled veterans. 25. Furnish the Governor, members of the General Assembly, State Board of Veterans Service, veterans' organizations, and the general public an annual report on the activities and accomplish ments of the department. rfHceicctt Tturtctei 1, . . t* tun. 7 State Approving Agency By law, the Georgia Department of Vet In the years ahead, substantial increases erans Service is designated as the State Ap in enrollments are expected to continue as the proving Agency, responsible for approving and veteran population is augmented by partici supervising all institutions and establishments pants in the Montgomery Gl Bill education pro in Georgia, which offer education and train gram. Initiated as a trial venture in 1985, the ing under the provisions of the Veterans Edu Montgomery program proved to be such a cational Assistance Program. success, it subsequently was made a perma The State Approving Agency has the nent benefit for the military and now enjoys a function of ensuring that schools and institu huge participation. tions meet and maintain acceptable standards In 1990, the U.S. Department of Veter so that eligible persons who attend may re ans Affairs expanded the veterans education ceive educational assistance from the U.S. benefits program to include vocational, tech Department of Veterans Affairs. nical, correspondence and apprenticeship This includes all public and private training for reservists, and reinstated flight schools and all establishments offering ap training for both reservists and veterans. The prenticeship and other on-the-job training. flight training became a permanent program The satisfactory performance of these duties in October 1994. requires extensive knowledge and under In 1995, the approval of schools and train standing of the laws and regulations that gov ing establishments for the education of Geor ern and control the Veterans Educational As gia veterans resulted in the processing of sistance Program. 1,182 individual actions in the approval, re Georgia veterans enrolled in college de approved, withdrawal, and compliance pro gree and professional programs, technical ca cess. The State Approving Agency also con reer programs, vocational programs and on- ducted regular inspection visits to ensure that the-job training programs peaked at 10,534, approval criteria and schools' standards of during 1995. progress are being followed as prescribed by law. During 1995, personnel as signed to the Educational and Training Division conducted 364 visits for the purposes of ap proval, reinspection and compli ance. Currently, the department monitors 468 schools and train ing establishments. Laws recently enacted re quire stringent regulatory han dling in order to maintain con trols on all approved types of educational establishments. The responsibilities of adminis trative, inspection, and correc tion constitute a vital function of The Cobb County Fire Department is one of numerous institutions the Georgia Department of Vet throughout the state that offer education andtraining under theprovisions erans Service. of the Veterans Educational Assistance Program. 8 ftrticiccG. `it 7tu"t6ei t... tfattii it ttt* teiettutt Information Program The information division coNects, evalu ates, and disseminates information to veter ans regarding benefits, changes in laws, and proper procedures to be followed in the filing of claims. When appropriate, the division mails news releases concerning veterans affairs to more than 450 newspapers, radio and televi sion stations throughout Georgia. The releases are used to inform veter ans about the latest changes regarding vet erans affairs and to provide information on the status of proposed or pending legislation which may affect them. Field personnel also promote the use of informational material by their frequent contacts with the news media in their respective areas. VA hospitals, and other interested groups and individuals. Public addresses are another important ingredient of the Department's information pro gram. All Department personnel are encour aged to accept speaking engagements at meetings of veterans organizations and civic clubs. These personal appearances provide excellent opportunities for telling the veterans benefits story. The information division also compiles, edits, and publishes a series of pamphlets ex plaining in detail the various benefits avail able to veterans, their dependents, and sur vivors. These pamphlets are updated as changes occur in laws, regulations, or ben efits. The Department publishes the Veterans Bulletin which contains information about vet erans programs, VA actions and decisions, new rules and regulations, and news from various sources. A quarterly publication, the Veterans Bul letin is distributed to veterans' organizations, ffmciiccL 9/. . . Commissioner of VeteransAffairs Pete Wheeler (topphoto) is interviewed by Shelby G. Spires, a reporter with the Valdosta Daily Times, duringthe Supermarket of Veterans Benefits. The Supermarket was held at the Valdosta National Guard Armory on December 14, 1995. In the left photo, Jerry Gunn, a reporter with WALB-TV in Albany, Ga., interviews Commissioner Wheeler duringthe Supermarket. <*U1 vctettitiQ 9 Financial Report (From the State Auditor's report for the period July 1, 1994 - June 30, 1995) FUNDS AVAILABLE REVENUES STATE APPROPRIATION General Appropriation Amended Appropriation Governor's Emergency Fund Total State Appropriation $ 23,661,066.00 -125,000.00 46.500.00 $ 23,582,566.00 FEDERAL REVENUES OTHER REVENUES RETAINED (Donations) 6,688,276.63 0.00 Total Revenues $ 30,270,842.63 Carry-Over From Prior Year 54.586.45 Total Funds Available $ 30,325,429.08 EXPENDITURES PERSONAL SERVICES Salaries and Wages Employer's Contributions for: F.I.C.A. Retirement Health Insurance Personal Liability Insurance Unemployment Compensation Insurance Worker's Compensation Insurance Assessments by Merit System Total $ 3,415,160.99 244,346.13 517,615.54 420,638.33 20,096.00 1,118.00 93,350.00 18.695.35 $ 4,731,020.34 REGULAR OPERATING EXPENSES Motor Vehicle Expenses Supplies and Materials Repairs and Maintenance Utilities Rents (Other than Real Estate) Insurance and Bonding Grants to Counties, Cities and Civil Divisions $ 745.35 73,970.84 9,500.46 13,111.46 1,443.15 2,835.11 36,500.00 10 'Kurntei 1. . . tianbi vetCMtKi EXPENDITURES CONTINUED: Other Operating Expenses Duplicating and Rapid Copy Publications and Printing Total TRAVEL EQUIPMENT Equipment Purchases Rental of Equipment Total COMPUTER CHARGES Other Costs Supplies and Materials Other Operating Expenses Software Equipment Equipment Purchases Computer Billings, DOAS Total REAL ESTATE RENTALS TELECOMMUNICATIONS PER DIEM. FEES AND CONTRACTS OTHER Operating Expense/Payments to Central State Hospital Per Diem, Fees and Contracts Operating Expense/Payments to Medical College of Georgia Per Diem, Fees and Contracts Regular Operating Expenses for Projects and Insurance Repairs and Maintenance Insurance and Bonding Publications and Printing Total Other Total Expenditures Excess of Funds Available over Expenditures 6,890.37 1,136.56 24.153.37 $ 170,286.67 $ 83,809.35 $ 177,250.78 9.921.55 $ 187,172.33 $ 881.58 500.00 513.38 3,651.84 4,816.58 $ 10,363.38 $ 233,540.25 $ 58,464.96 $ 208,475.00 $ 17,336,143.60 $ 6,969,192.91 $ 316,495.06 9,035.03 276.21 $ 24,631,142.81 $ 30,314,275.09 11.153.99 $ 30.325.429.08 11 Statistical Report The following is a report of the number of cases and types of services rendered by the Georgia Department of Veterans Service during 1995. Contacts.............................................................................................608,257 Letters Written.....................................................................................28,441 Medical................................................................................................. 10,215 Insurance............................................................................................... 1,395 Home Loan Applications..................................................................... 4,241 Education Benefits............................................................................... 4,017 Other Forms and Evidence.............................................................126,540 Notices of Disagreement and Appeals Filed.....................................1,842 New Case Files.....................................................................................7,207 Business Licenses...................................................................................250 Power of Attorney................................................................................. 6,803 VA Claims Folders Reviewed..............................................................8,947 Drivers Licenses.................................................................................. 10,611 Miscellaneous...................................................................................719,182 12 rfmciit*, 'KumSt* 1. . . vctci&KS Statistical Report Definitions CONTACTS - Requests for service or information (in person, by telephone or by letter). LETTERS WRITTEN - Outgoing correspondence originated in the department on behalf of claimants in developing their claims. MEDICAL - Applications for treatment of a medical or dental condition; for admission to health care facilities; and vocational rehabilitation. INSURANCE - An application for insurance, conversion, reinstatement, waiver of premiums, total disability income and death proceeds. HOME LOAN APPLICATION - Applications for direct home loans from the VA and guaranteed loans from private lenders. EDUCATION BENEFITS - Applications for educational assistance for the veterans and/or wives, widows and children of veterans. OTHER FORMS AND EVIDENCE - Documents completed and transmitted in support of appli cations filed for claims. NOTICES OF DISAGREEMENT AND APPEALS FILED - Written briefs and statements pre pared in support of a claim where there is disagreement with the VA decision rendered. NEW CASE FILES - Cases brought to the attention of the Veterans Service Department for assistance requiring representation. BUSINESS LICENSES - Certificates issued to certain disabled veterans exempting them from the payment of business license taxes. POWER OF ATTORNEY - The appointment of a service organization as a claimant's represen tative. VA CLAIMS FOLDERS REVIEWED - Claims obtained from the VA adjudication division and reviewed by claims staff personnel. DRIVERS LICENSES - Certificates issued to veterans, their spouses, or to widows or widowers of veterans for obtaining a veteran's or honorary driver's license. MISCELLANEOUS - Assisting in arrangements for military funerals, burial in national cemeter ies, obtaining flags and grave markers, ambulance service guardianship for incompetent veterans and orphans; replacement of lost or destroyed discharges and military records; review and change of discharges and military records; employment, reemployment, civil service preference, social security, welfare and related benefits; claims from the field reviewed and released to the VA; actions pertain ing to HV and DV auto tags, hunting and fishing licenses, and tax exemptions. rfmt'Ciitti- *)& 'HutK^cn. t. . . t* wi 13 Monetary Benefits The following is a report of the monetary benefits received by the veterans and the dependent survivors of deceased veterans in the State of Georgia during federal fiscal year 1995 (October 1, 1994 - September 30, 1995). The figures were provided by the U.S. De partment of Veterans Affairs. COMPENSATION AND PENSION............................................................ $568,324,806 INSURANCE....................................................................................................... 44,099,702 READJUSTMENT AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION....................48,407,606 HOME LOANS................................................................................................. 963,936,894 CONSTRUCTION................................................................................................ 6,326,786 REGIONAL OFFICE AND HOSPITAL OPERATING COSTS............... 395,426,170 TOTAL..........................................................................................................$2,026,521,964 Monetary Report Definitions COMPENSATION AND PENSION - Represents returns in dollars for veterans' compensation for service-connected disability, compensation for service-connected deaths for veterans' depen dents, veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation for service-connected deaths, pension for nonservice-connected disability for veterans, pension to veterans' surviving spouses and chil dren, and burial expenses allowance for veterans. INSURANCE - Estimate of VA payment of death claims, matured endowments, dividends, cash surrender payments, total disability income provision payments, and total and permanent disability benefits payments. The data is provided by the VA Regional Office and Insurance Center in Phila delphia, Pennsylvania. The estimate is based on statistical allocations using the veteran population to disperse amounts to geographic locations. READJUSTMENT AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION - Represents returns in dollars for automobiles and adaptive equipment for certain disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces, specially adapted housing for disabled veterans, dependents' education assistance (Chapter 35), vocational rehabilitation for disabled veterans (Chapter 31), post-Vietnam Era veterans' educational assistance (Chapter 32), and the Montgomery G.l. Bill for Selected Reserves (Chapter 106). HOME LOANS - Represents the returns in dollars that private lenders have made to veterans for the purchase of a home or refinancing of an existing loan. The loan is guaranteed by the VA. CONSTRUCTION - Represents returns in dollars concerning major and minor construction projects. REGIONAL OFFICE AND HOSPITAL OPERATING COSTS - Amount spent by the VA to oper ate the regional office, hospitals, nursing and domiciliary facilities, and clinics in Georgia. 14 & 'HuiK&en' 1. . . tUn-K&Q- t* vut vetetArKi- Valdosta Hosts 1995 Supermarket The 1995 "Supermarket of Veterans Benefits" was held at the Valdosta National Guard Armory on December 14. More than 2,015 veter ans and their families from southwest Georgia and north Supermarket Sites Location Year Columbus Augusta Rome Savannah 1966 1966 1967 1968 Macon Albany 1969 1970 Atlanta Columbus 1971 1972 Macon 1973 Savannah 1974 Augusta Albany Rome 1975 1976 1977 Columbus Gainesville 1978 1979 Waycross 1980 Dalton 1981 Albany 1982 Savannah Valdosta Rome Gainesville 1983 1984 1985 1986 Augusta 1987 Macon Athens Waycross Columbus Savannah 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 Albany * Columbus 1993 1993 Dalton 1994 Valdosta 1995 *Special Supermarket ern Florida attended the event. Approximately 1,019 claims were processed. The event is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Veterans Service in coopera tion with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and state, federal, and local agencies di rectly or indirectly involved with veterans benefits. The one-day program provides a one-stop shopping service for veterans and their families to gather information regarding benefits to which they might be entitled. The program began in 1966 in Columbus. Since then, the Department of Vet erans Services has spon sored an annual "Supermar ket" in various cities through out Georgia. A portion of the large number of veterans who visited the Valdosta National Guard Army during the Supermarket is shown above. In the left photo, Ken Will iams (foreground), of the Department's Claim staff, assists a veteran while Clarence Adams (background), Manager of the Department ' s Glennville office, helps another veteran at the Supermarket. ^t Ttuicteii 1. . . ttlAKtli act* uetc*etKi 15 Commissioner's Activities "The Commissioner of Veterans Affairs and the Members of the Board are directed to conduct education programs by personal appearances before veterans7 organizations, service dubs, fraternal groups and other such organizations so as to acquaint the public generally with the work of the department and the rights and privileges of veterans," - Georgia Laws 1945, p. 324. During 1995 as in previous years, Com missioner of Veterans Affairs Pete Wheeler participated in numerous veterans activities throughout Georgia. In his appearances before veterans' groups, civic groups, and professional orga nizations, the Commissioner stressed the department's service to veterans, the recent changes and challenges to veterans benefits, and his recommendations on the future of vet erans benefits and health care. Commissioner Wheeler also spoke out against the planned move of the Atlanta VA Regional Office to the Federal Center being constructed in downtown Atlanta. He recom mended the Regional Office be located in Decatur on a 5.9 acre tract of land adjacent to the Atlanta VA Medical Center that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently pur chased. Throughout the year, the Department was involved in gathering and refining data regarding the possible privatization of the Georgia War Veterans Home in Miliedgeville. The data was gathered at the direction of the Governor and his Commission on Privatization of Government Services. During the year, the Commissioner presented the information gath ered to several legislative groups. In addition to the department's recurring annual events, the Commissioner took part in several special events in 1995. In May, Commissioner Wheeler partici pated in two events at the Georgia War Vet erans Home in Miliedgeville. During one cer emony, he presented certificates from Gover nor Zell Miller appointing three veterans as Georgia Colonels on the Governor's staff. The three veterans celebrated their 100th birth day during 1995. In the other event, Twin Drive was renamed Veterans Memorial Drive. In June, Commissioner Wheeler pre sented awards to medal winners in the Na tional Veterans Wheelchair Games which were held at Emory University. The five-day event was hosted by the Atlanta VA Medical Center. On Veterans Day, Commissioner Wheeler participated in the dedication cer emony in Washington, D.C. for the future site of the nation's World War II Memorial. The Commissioner is Chairman of the World War II Memorial Advisory Board. The board's mis sion is to assist in the building of a World War II monument in Washington, D.C. In December, Commissioner Wheeler presided at the dedication ceremony for Georgia's World War II Memorial. Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Affairs presents a medal to one of the winners in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games held at Emory University June 13-17. The Games, cosponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and The Paralyzed Veterans ofAmerica, were hosted by the Atlanta VA Medical Center. 16 SttKcric-tl *]& 7lunt6cr 1. . . aeteiaitA Commissioner Wheeler speaks at the site dedication ceremony for the nation's World War II monument in Washington, D.C. on November. 11. Seated (left to right) are U.S. Department of VeteransAffairs Secretary Jesse Brown, Secretary of Defense William Perry, and Ohio Representative Marcy Kaptur. In the left photo, Commissioner Wheeler speaks at the road dedication ceremonyfor John R. McKinney (seated under the umbrella) on May 12 in Screven County. McKinney was awarded the Medal ofHonor during World War IIfor his actions against the Japanese Army in the Philippines. In the right photo, Commissioner Wheeler presents mementos to three World War I veterans who celebrated their 100th birthday during 1995 at the Miliedgeville War Veterans Home. They are (from left to right) James Dickson, Tommie Whitley and Olen Heath. Ann Pounds, the facility's public affairs director, assists with the presentation. rfmeiica 9* "HutKtei 1. .. to our oeteraui 17 Service Officers School More than 400 persons attended the 1995 Service Officers School held at the Clarion Buccaneer on Jekyll Island, May 8-11. The annual conference is sponsored by the Georgia De partment of Veterans Service in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Veterans Af fairs and the state's veterans organizations. The conference is the Department of Veterans Service's primary training de vice. The school is designed to provide attendees with upto-date information regarding federal and state veterans benefits. Emphasis is placed on discussing new laws and regulations and how they will impact on veterans. The event brings to gether the veterans benefits counselors from the department's field offices, the leadership of the state's vet erans organizations and na tional officials involved in vet erans issues. Participating in the 1995 conference were Deputy Sec retary of Veterans Affairs Hershel Gober; Frank Q. Nebeker, Chief Judge, Court of Veterans Appeals; and Mary Lou Keener, General Counsel for the U.S. Depart ment of Veterans Affairs. Also participating were Charles Cragin, Chairman of the Board of Veterans Ap peals; John Vogel, Deputy Undersecretary for Benefits, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and Tom Harvey, Staff Director, U.S. Senate Com mittee on Veterans Affairs. Representatives of na tional veterans organizations participating were Frederico Juarbe, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; Ronald W. Scholz, Paralyzed Veterans of America; and Noel Woos ley, American Vet erans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. In the top photo, Bud Tindall (right) Department of Veterans Service Director ofAdministrative Services, meets with three ofthe guest speakers at the Service Officers School. They are (from left) Mary Lou Keener, General Counsel, U.S. Department of VeteransAffairs, Frank Nebeker, ChiefJudge, U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals, and Charles Cragin, Chairman, Board of Veterans Appeals. In the bottom photo, Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Pete Wheeler addresses the more than 400 attendees during one ofthe school's sessions. 18 NfKcrictt *3A 'tluiK&ci 1... t* aur Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home The Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home is a 192-bed skilled nursing care facil ity located adjacent to the Medical College of Georgia Hospital and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Augusta. It is operated under a contractual agree ment with the Medical College of Georgia. Primarily a facility to provide care to aged and infirm Georgia veterans, the GWVNH also serves as a teaching facility to acquaint medi cal and allied health students with the prob lems, afflictions and diseases that confront the aged. This provides the students with practi cal experience and helps them gain exper tise in treating the elderly. The facility also houses the Georgia Department of Veterans Service field office which services Columbia and Richmond coun ties. Dedicated in 1969, the facility was the first of its kind in the nation to be built with financial assistance from the federal govern ment. It is one of a select group of such insti tutions in the United States to have been ac credited by the Joint Commission on Accredi tation of Healthcare. In 1995, the GWVNH provided 62,790 days of care to Georgia veterans. There were 191 admissions and 178 discharges, and the average length of stay for discharged veter ans was 246 days. The average age of resi dents in the facility is 75 years of age. The GWVNH provided 64,197 physical therapy treatments and 5,692 occupational therapy procedures. To help provide care and treatment in 1995, the federal government provided finan cial assistance totaling $2,153,356. Throughout the year, veterans organiza tions, civic and fraternal associations, and re ligious groups demonstrated their concern for the well-being of ailing veterans through nu merous donations and the continuing spon sorship of frequent veteran-related activities. stimeiic* 'Kuik&c* 1.. tfaKfo to vctti&KS 19 War Veterans Home, Miliedgeville The Georgia War Veterans Home (GWVH) in Miliedgeville operates three skilled nursing facilities and one domiciliary and has a well-equipped central recreation building, The Georgia War Veterans Home is operated under a contractual agreement with the Georgia Department of Human Resources. The Richard B. Russell Building, constructed in 1973, houses 119 skilled nursing beds. The Carl Vinson Building, originally built as a domiciliary in 1968, was renovated in 1979 and reopened in 1980 as a skilled nursing facility with 102 beds. The Vinson Building also houses the Georgia Department of Veterans Service field office which services Baldwin, Hancock, Putnam, Washington, and Wilkinson Counties. The newest structure is the Joe T. Wood Building. This 150-bed skilled nursing facility was formally dedicated in the summer of 1989. The oldest structure is the Pete Wheeler Building. Originally erected in 1902, it underwent a complete renovation during the mid1970s. Reopened in the spring of 1977, the facility serves up to 105 veterans in need of domiciliary care. The Georgia War Veterans Home is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, licensed by the Georgia Department of Human Resources' Office of Regulatory Services, and certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, With the exception of the United States Coast Guard, all branches of the Armed Forces, including the Merchant Marines, are represented in the Home's residents. U.S. Army veterans accounted for 67 percent of GWVH's population in 1995. The average age of veterans in the facility was 72 in the skilled nursing units and 65 in the domiciliary. The level of care of skilled nursing patients has increased significantly in recent years to where the Home is beginning to closely resemble a subacute care model. Subacute care is often referred to as a "step-down" from a general medical-surgical hospital. The subacute care patient is one who is not sick enough to stay in a hospital, but is too sick for the typical nursing home, and too sick to be cared for at home. During 1995, the staff escorted veterans 20 rfiK-ciico- & 'Kuttclt* J. . . t* tun. aetet&Kb GWVH amounted to $4,574,793, in 1995. The Home continued to benefit from the gener osity of various veterans service organizations, civic associations, and church groups who contin ued their sponsorship of movies, games, dances, parties, and other pro grams throughout the year. Monuments honoring Georgia's veterans ofthree wars stand at the entrance to the During the year, vet Floyd Veterans Memorial Building. The monuments (left to right) honor veterans erans and staff sponsored of the Korean War, Vietnam War and Persian Gulf War. The state's World War II little league baseball and Monument is located where the man is standing in the background. youth football teams. At to 2,537 clinic appointments at Central State seasons end, cookouts were held for recog Hospital, plus an additional 270 appointments nition of each player, coach, and cheerleader. with local, off-campus medical clinics or phy For the third consecutive year, a group of vet sicians, and 600 out-of-town appointments (in erans remembered Pearl Harbor Day, Decem cluding the VA Medical Centers in Atlanta, ber 7th. Augusta, and Dublin). For the second consecutive year, the On the patient floors, nurses administered Georgia War Veterans Home joined with Geor 5,604 medications and provided 1,685 treat gia Military College to sponsor a Veterans Day ments daily. Nurses also collected 4,697 program. blood and other laboratory specimens in 1995. For the convenience of Georgians, the To meet the increasing needs of veter Home maintains a toll free telephone num ans, a full-time Clinical Nurse Specialist was ber: 1 -800-WAR VETS (or 1 -800-927-8381). added to the staff. This is a master's level educated nurse who provides special ized services, such as patient education classes, family education and family support groups Rehabilitation services received by veterans in cluded 31,678 physical therapy treatments and 12,314 occupational therapy procedures. During the year, there were 104 admissions and 119 discharges. Federal assistance in fi nancing the cost of provid Residents of the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home in Augusta view the ing care to veterans in the Moving Wall at the Augusta Sports Complex. The Moving Wall, which tours the country, is a replica of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. ^mcetlcA *16- 'KcukCc* 1. . . tv eteiiKi. 21 Veterans Day Proclamation Signing Continuing a long-standing tradition, Governor ZetlMiller proclaimed Saturday, November 11, 1995, as "Veterans Day" in Georgia during a ceremony at the State Capitol on October 26. Leaders of the state's veterans organizations, members ofthe state legislature andmilitary officials were in attendance. Pictured are some of the representatives who attended the ceremony. Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Pete Wheeler served as master of ceremonies. State Veterans Organizations In rendering service to the veterans of Georgia, the Department of Veterans Service works closely with veterans organizations and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Commanders of the veterans organizations of Georgia, who have so generously given their time, energy, and expertise in conducting the Department Commander's Con ference, are due the sincere appreciation of this department. The group meets periodi cally and, when called upon, advises and assists this department in its programs and ilHilililllMllMBMIMjllMKIfBIlllllllllllMllllllllllMIllMMMIBMIttMlMlllMllllllllllllllllillllBlMIMBIlMl^^ Appreciation is also expressed to the auxiliary presidents of the Georgia veterans organizations for their cooperation and assistance in our programs and activities. 22 'Kum&CI 1. . . tfaK&t t* GUI vctctAtcS Georgia s Veterans Leadership American Ex-Prisoners of War Commander Wilbur Keck 3463 Greystone Circle Chamblec, GA 30341 American Veterans of World War II-KorcaVietnam (AMVETS) Commander Paul Q. Haynes 610 Hightower Street Valdosta, GA 31601 Auxiliary President Margie Williams 1100 Old Statenville Rd., M-l Valdosta, GA 31601 Disabled American Veterans Commander Richard Fleming Route 5, Box 1434 Hayesville, NC 28904 Auxiliary Commander Estella Watts 909 Rosewood Drive Columbus, GA 31907 Gulf War Veterans of Georgia President Paul Sullivan Post Office Box 823 Decatur, GA 30031 Jewish War Veterans Commander Louis Silver 1225 Lenox Circle, NE Atlanta, GA 30306 Auxiliary President Betty Simcox 4692 Cedar Parkway Stone Mountain, GA 30083 Military Order of the Purple Heart Commander John E. Pierson, Jr. 205 Casa Linda Drive Martinez, GA 30907-2303 Auxiliary President Irene Chastain 2607 Polo Court Augusta, GA 30904 Military Order of the World Wars Commander James D. Odom 112 Monford Road Savannah, GA 31410 Reserve Officers Association Commander Donald C. Siegel, M.D. 2801 N. Decatur Road Decatur, GA 30033 The American Legion Commanadcr Willie Pitts 2311 Gleneagle Drive Albany, GA 31707 Auxiliary President Mary Jo Childers P.O. Box 809 Oxford, GA 30167-0809 The Retired Officers Association President Billy Holland Post Office Box 1186 St. Simons, GA 31522 United Spanish War Veterans Auxiliary President Annie Martin 119 Cedar Road Anderson, SC 29624 Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Commander James T. Wood 4530 Henderson Drive Tucker, GA 30084 Auxiliary President Mary Pickens 2218 Young Road Stone Mountain, GA 30088 Veterans of World War I Commander Frank Pease 350 Carpenter Drive, NF. #217 Atlanta, GA 30328 Auxiliary President Evelyn Collins 3339 North College Street College Park, GA 30337 Vietnam Veterans Alliance, Inc. President Marvin Myers 5879 New Peachtree Road Doravile, GA 30340 Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. President Steve Bramham 1795 Donna Lynn Drive Smyrna, Georgia 30080 /4*t'CliC'L *)& 1. . . to 04% VCte%EXHt_X_ Am> Hcu /=0. THE Eaj42^0jE fc^esiZL-C/^L. Cooajc^ 3o uoEtL . TH<^o.i<- `-ico f&rz. Acl ^00 Ra-oeT^>-iE H3>u_ Sdi UTfe44 THamK-- 'iOKj fcnL. fvu. 'icu Ha-cJac. T^okjE Tb VkiJCi2_ uiHo 3fei24jei> Xm LOoj H . nt> u Rrn- 44^,^ "XPcxoE Tci P>e-r^feLr-^. 13fcJi_ 'TW-e.AC Lxl4-_ rw-'n uoh^TDx, *oor TA^ro^ APTe^- 00^TT, T>Witc3 "TfeJL. --- "H4AMtos f&*~ jJuCuji>E0 LUJ TH_ Ce^e^oM'f --- XT A^e#viS A LoX Sxaclc^ue,^ ; Supreme Court Justice Hugh P. Thompson participated in the dedication ceremony for Georgia's World War II Monument on December 7. He represented the children of World War II veterans who lost a parent in the war. Justice Thompson was 17 months old when his father was shot down over Austria on December 16, 1944. 24 j4*KeH.itL *}& 'JtctfK&C'l 1. . , to- OUV OttCI&Kb Office of the State Commander Paul Q. Haynes December 27,1995 610 Hightower Street Valdosta, Georgia 31601 (912) 244-2846 Mr. Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite 970-E Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Pete: In these waning days of 1995, we reflect upon another year of successful service to the veterans of the great state of Georgia. On behalf of AMVETS Department of Georgia and its Ladies Auxiliary, I would like to express our appreciation to you and your staff for the cooperation extended to our organization. I would also like to express to you our appreciation for the fine leadership that you provide in administering the state benefits that the grateful citizens of Georgia have bestowed upon our state's veterans. Because of your leadership, Georgia's veterans can rest assured that their benefits are safe and secure. Thank you for all that you do for Georgia's veterans. Please call upon AMVETS at anytime that we may be of assistance to you. Sincerely, Paul Q. Haynes State Commander ^nccn-icA 9& 'Kufic&et J. . . to vetemKO- 25 OFFICE OF: STATE COMMANDER Willie Pitts, Jr. THE AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA 3282 East Main Street College Park, Georgia 30337 February 22,1996 Honorable Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: I want to take this opportunity on behalf of The American Legion, Department of Georgia and Auxiliary to offer our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for your continuing dedication toward the betterment of our Georgia Veterans and their dependents in all matters pertaining to Veterans Affairs. The untiring work ethics of yourself and the Department of Veterans Service staff continue to provide our veterans with the highest quality of care. Your professionalism and vision of the future needs of our veterans and their entitlements is to be commended. Our Veterans organization realizes just how fortunate we are to have such an outstanding Commissioner to oversee the daily activities of our benefits and feel assured that you will continue to fight for our welfare. In closing, we offer best wishes and highest regard to you and your staff and thank each for your continued service to our veterans and their dependents. Sincerely; Willie Pitts, Jr. Department Commander 26 oo Motto: "yfi y cannot ifiooti pood nuf conatada, 3 anil not ipaa/t ill ofc hint." INC. Department of Georgia, P.O. Box 3567, Macon, GA 31205 (912) 781-7336 December 15, 1995 Mr, Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Department of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-970 Atlanta, GA 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: We veterans in the Great State of Georgia have much to be thankful for in the dedicated services provided to us by you and your professional staff. My thoughts go back to your most recent accomplishments for veterans in Georgia. I would like to convey to you the humble thanks of the membership of Disabled American Veterans organization. I remember your concern regarding the planned exhibit of the Enola Gay. Your leadership and determination in making the Korean War Memorial a reality. Your support of our National Cemetery System and one of the greatest services provided to all veterans of all wars, the annual Supermarket of Veterans Benefits. Now, there is talk of privatizing and reductions of benefits due veterans. We all rely on your leadership and good judgement to do what is best for all veterans. You have our sincere appreciation for your many accomplishments that has had a positive impact upon our lives. We look forward to the continued relationship of you and your staff as we strive to aid and assist worthy veterans throughout Georgia. Sincerely, RF/dg Richard Fleming Commander & 'KecrKtet 1. . . t&tLK&b t<\ tut uctcn-A-KA 27 James T. Wood State Commander 1995-96 of foreign pfara of % Pnitetr ^tatea department of (ieorgta Fax # (912) 474-6853 Pager 1-800-612-3132 December 27, 1995 4530 Henderson Drive Tucker, GA 30084 Home (770) 493-7438 Fax # (770) 493-1850 Honorable Pete Wheeler Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Floyd Veteran Memorial Building Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: I have been privileged to serve as the Commander of Georgia, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and it has been a unique and satisfying experience to have had the opportunity to work with you and your most capable staff. Commissioner, it is very assuring to have your outstanding support and assistance as we continue to maintain and I hope, retain the entitlements of Georgia Veterans. Georgia's veterans and their families can be assured that their welfare and interest will always have upmost attention when you are involved. The sacrifices made by our nations veterans can not be measured by "how much is in the budget", your commitment to care for those that need it, and to carry out that commitment by the most economical means is appreciated. On behalf of the Department of Georgia, Veterans of Foreign Wars and it's Ladies Auxiliary, we cherish the opportunity to work with you and your staff, and thanks for the leadership and dedicated service that you continue to render. mest personal regards, ^ James T. Wooc State Commander 28 eriis Reserve Officers Association of the United States Department of Georgia December 15, 1995 DEPARTMENT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT LTC Robert D. Gotsch, USAR 4906 Laurel Spring Drive Roswell. Georgia 30075 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Co' Donald R. Martin. USAFR (Rel ) 880 Trailskje Lane Marietta, Georgia 30064 SECRETARY LTC George T. Norton, Jr. 3263 Turtle Lake Drive Mc'^Atta. Georoia 30067 TREASURER Lt. Cot. Thomas Brazil, USAFR 1873 Peeler Road Atlanta. Georgia 30338 ARMY VICE PRESIDENT MAJ Johnny C. Mitchell, USAR P.O. Box 71462 Albany. Georgia 31707 JR. VICE PRESIDENT CPT Richard Unda, USAR 972 Georgetown Drive Augusta. S.C. 29841 AIR FORCE VICE PRESIDENT Maj. AJ Fiertner, USAF 106 Van Doin Court Warner Robins. Georgia 31093 JR. VICE PRESIDENT Capt. Ted A. Dirnitt, USAFR 119 Shaltowford Road Warner Robins. Georgia 31088 SEA VICE PRESIDENT LCDR Randy Ryan. USCGR 2658 Forest Glenn Drive Marietta. Georgia 30066 JR. VICE PRESIDENT ENS BW Travis. USCGR P.O. Box 550471 Atlanta, Georgia 30355 COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN DENTAL SURGEON LL Col. Marcus Dekle, Macon, USAFR (Ret.) MEMBERSHIP CCl. Johnny Wingers. Macon, USAR LEGISLATIVE ACTION NETWORK Col. Jim Germany, Stockbridge, USAF (Ret.) PUBLIC AFFAIRS LTC Sam Nelson, Columbus. USAR RETIREE AFFAIRS Lt. Col. Ken Brunner, Tucker, USAF (Ret.) ROTC COORDINATOR CDR Ron White, Alpharetta, USCGR AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIP COL Roger Koba. Marietta, USAR NATIONAL OFFICERS NATIONAL PRESIDENT Brig. Gen. William W. Basnett, Kennesaw. USAFR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEMEN COL Joe Drewry, Atlanta. AUS (Ret.) COR Ken Palmer. Norcross, USCGR NATIONAL COUNCILMAN LTC Thomas Waller. Riverdale USAR AIR FORCE JR. VICE PRESIDENT Capt. Michael Jackson, Powder Springs, USAFR ROAL PRESIDENT Pat Gotsch 4906 Laurel Spring Drive Roswell. Georgia 30075 Hon or so i e Pete Vinee i e r Commissioner Department of Veterans Service Fiova Veterans Memoriai Buiiainq Atlanta. Georgia 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: Tne Reserve Officers Association of Georgia t/isnes to than* you ana your start for your assistance ana support to tne veterans of our state. Aii too often, tne veteran of service OCONUS ana in armea ccnf i ict. is otter, forgot: ten ana unappreciatea oy the general puoiic. The family sacrifices ana personal haraship enaurea oy the veteran during mil itarv duty goes unappreciatea. The Department of Veterans Affairs is an active committment oy the State of Georgia, to shot; ail veterans in our state, that they are rememnerea. The Veterans Bulletin newsletter informs us aoout happenings in the veterans community for our participation ana support. tour programs ana services are appreciated by ; e t e r a n s^r Va t r/i ism forfe USAR executive Director Past Presiaent Georgia PGA Army Navy Air Force Marine Corps Coast Guard Public Health. Service NOAA tHJje jiUHilitaxg O^rber af life purple ^eavi COMBAT WOUNDED John E. Pierson State Commander 1995-1996 205 Casa Linda Drive Martinez, Ga. 30907-2303 Home 706-863-6890 Fax# 706-731-7210 Department of Georgia December 27, 1995 Mr. Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Department of Veterans Service Suite E-970 Floyd Veterans MemorialBuilding Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Pete: It is that time when we all reflect back on the year and hope we have done our very best. It is most gratifying to be able to work with such a person as yourself. You have been there for the veterans of our state. You have kept us aware of anything you felt might help or hurt us as a veterans organization. We feel as long as we have a representative such as yourself we will be able to deal with any issue that comes our way. The people you have as a team must be special. Again, I wish to thank you and your staff for an excellent job on behalf of Georgia Veterans. I realize that you take a lot of slake but you certainly handle this as a professional Yours in Patriotism JEP/j ao 30 Veterans of World War I OF THE U.S.A., INC. 350 Carpenter Drive,9 N.LE-- ., #217 Atlanta, Georgia 30028 December 19, 1995 Mr. Pete Wheeler Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Service 970-East Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: I have enjoyed living here in Georgia for several years now, and it has meant so much to me to work in any way I can for theVeterans of World War I of the U.S.A., Inc. I am honored, indeed, to be serving as State and National Commander of this marvelous organization. Many wonderful things have happened to me this past year. One of the highlights was my trip to Washington, D.C. for a visit to the White House and Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans (Armistice) Day November 11. We had photos taken with President Clinton and over 5,000 people attended the ceremony at Arlington. The Georgia Department of Veterans Service has been very helpful to me at every turn. I thank you, Commissioner Wheeler, and all of your staff for the many courtesies extended to me. Have a happy holiday season and a productive and prosperous new year! Frank Pease, Sr. State/National Commander Veterans of World War I 31 AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA Honorable Pete Wheeler Commissioner Georgia Department of Veteran Affairs Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Atlanta, Georgia 30334 15 December 1995 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: We, the members of Department of Georgia America Ex-Prisoners , thank you and your staff for the outstanding services you provide to the Veterans of Georgia. The many excellent benefit we all enjoy are attributed to the effectiveness and compassion of your offices. Your offices throughout Georgia provide our Veteran the assistance in filing claims and obtaining the disability rating and compensation they deserve. We especially appreciate your support in our efforts to construct the National Prisoner of War Museum at Andersonville National Historical Site. Of course , progress has been curtailed due to the Budget problems in Washington, D.C., but once the funds are approved we will look forward to your continuing support. We are looking forward to a great 1996 and wish you great success in the administration of your programs to assist our Veterans. Also, we are looking forward to great progress in the realization of our dream- The POW Museum at Andersonville Sincerely, to Wilbur H Keck, Gor Department of Georgia American Ex-Prisoners of War 3463 Greystone Circle Chamblee, Georgia, 30341 32 Department of the Southeast Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America Louis Silver, Commander 1225 Lenox Circle, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30306 December 15, 1995 Mr. Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: This year has certainly been a rewarding experience for me. I consider it a privilege to serve as Commander of the Jewish War Veterans of the Southeastern United States, and I consider it a privilege to work with you and your fine staff at the Georgia Department of Veterans Service. As we end 1995, allow me to thank you once again for your untiring efforts on behalf of the veterans of Georgia. You are much appreciated. Sincerely, / ( Louis Silver Commander 33 Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office 730 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta GA 30365 DEC 1 5 1996 Mr. Pete Wheeler Commissioner of Veterans Affairs State Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-970 Atlanta, GA 30334 In Reply Refer To: 316/00 Dear Mr. Wheeler: I would like to share with you the events and accomplishments during the past year of the Atlanta Regional Office. Due to the unprecedented workload the Compensation and Pension section was provided on site assistance by a team sent to our station to analyze our pending workload and a separate team to help with our rating backlog. We also shipped rating cases to other stations which did not have significant workload problems. This assistance had a significant impact on our operations. Since June of 1995 our pending compensation and pension workload has been reduced by over 7,000 cases and the number of claims pending for over 6 months has decreased from over 3,800 to 1,477. During this time we restructured our Compensation and Pension operations and increased our Rating Board staff. Although we have not received outside assistance during this fiscal year (FY96) we have continued to reduce our backlogs and improve our claims processing timeliness. In Novem ber, our average processing time for original compensation claims reflected a 40 day improvement when compared to timeliness for FY95. Similar improvement is reflected in virtually all of our claims processing timeliness indicators. We definitely expect this improvement to continue. The Education Section processed 287,380 education end products. This was an increase by 9,589 in the number of end products completed when compared to FY94. In comparison, the number of education end products completed nationwide declined in FY95 when compared with previous FY. Through a consolidation effort, our regional office now has responsibility for the non-chapter 30 program from the Baltimore, Columbia, Jackson, Little Rock, Nashville, Roanoke, San Juan and Winston-Salem regional offices. VSD/Adjudication/Finance have continued actions to blend divisional lines by cross-training VSD personnel on Adjudication and Finance tasks. This allows VSD personnel to take immediate action when dealing with the public rather than creating a piece of paper to hand off to another division to take action. We are reducing the paperwork, controls, and the chance for errors. But most of all, we will be providing better and more efficient service to veterans. An education focus group was initiated ("Education Working Committee") chaired by the VSO with school official representatives from each state in our RPO region. The Committee meets periodically during the year and stays in regular contact with each other about issues of concern. The purposes of Committee are to maintain good communications between the RPO and school officials, disseminate information to other school officials within their state, and to identify mutual problems and find acceptable solutions. We are working with District Counsel, a group of Georgia county guardians, and the State Legisla ture to amend State Law to make is easier for guardians to assist their veteran clients. In this work ing cooperative method we were able to include in the Bill actions beneficial to VA clients but restrict other actions, such as increases in commission and fees by guardians, that are not in our clients best interest. A new auto-attendant feature to the automatic call distributor of our phone system has al lowed us in the past year to answer an average of 9,481 calls a month without a counselor involved, which is service provided that would not have been provided prior to the purchase of the auto attendant. In addition, a provision of the auto-attendant that has allowed callers to request forms and printed information is being used by an average of 628 callers a month, again without involving a counselor. VSD clerical staff send out the material to the caller the next day. The auto-attendant is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week providing information on VA benefits. During business hours a caller may speak with a counselor at any time if additional information is needed. Our Loan Guaranty Division assisted veterans this year in obtaining over 11,000 home loans totaling more than $900,000,000. Confidence in our home loan program continued to be strong as evidenced by the fact that over 19,000 veterans received Certificates of Eligibility for the benefit. One of the highest priorities of the home loan program is to work with veterans who have suffered temporary economic setbacks and are in danger of losing their homes. Veteran homeowners and those with conventional loans face the same set of economic circumstances - downsizing, outsourcing, unemployment, illness, relocation, etc. We work closely with veterans and lenders to provide alternatives to foreclosure. Every success story benefits VA, the community and, most importantly, the veteran and his or her family. In closing, I want to let you know that it has been rewarding to work with you and your staff in serving Georgia veterans and their dependents. As we move into the new year I look forward to continuing our spirit of cooperation and service. Sincerely, CARLOS L. RAINWATER *)& TttitK&ei 1. . . t* 35 Marvin Myers President Dec 27,1995 0 'In Service To Veterans, Their Families, and Community Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Department of Veterans Service Floyd Memorial Building Atlanta, GA 30334 Dear Pete, On behalf of the Georgia Vietnam veterans Alliance I want to thank you for another great year of your support of Veterans issues. As I reflect upon this year, I am even more impressed with your grasp of all veterans issues and needs and the thoroughness and care you and your staff approach each issue and your untiring efforts to find the best possible solution to every issue. That was very apparent during the effort to privatize the nursing homes, and later in your efforts to relocate the VA Headquarters for the SE so it would be accessible to all. My feelings are shared by most of our organization and as a small token of our esteem for the Department of Veterans Service, we are devoting much of the State Newsletter this quarter to your department. Veterans in Georgia and all Georgians are fortunate to have you as our Commissioner and we cannot thank you or your staff enough for all that you do. Please keep up the fine work and may God Bless you. Your friends from the Vietnam and the Gulf War. Sincerely, Marvin Myers President 5879 New Peachtree Road, Doraville, GA 30340 (404) 458-1985 36 NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA AND THE AVENUE OF FLAGS, INC. 3333 Corral Drive, NE, Suite 4503 Marietta, Georgia 30066-4503 (770) 977-6794 Phone or FAX PRESIDENT LTC Vern Staum USA (Ret) First VP ATROA 770-977-6794 PRESIDENT-ELECT T. Fisher Craft 404-378-9590 SR. VICE PRESIDENT CAPT Bill Tewelow USNR (Ret) 770-948-0583 JR. VICE PRESIDENT SGM George Vaughn USAF (Ret) 770-128-5631 PUBLIC AFFAIRS LTC Charles Willey USA (Ret) 404-656-5933/FAX 656-7006 TREASURER Alfred Schwartz Pres. Emeritus NMDA PNC, JWV 440-636-9753 SECRETARY LTC Vern Staum USA (Ret) 770-636-9753 CHAPLAIN CAPT Norvell Knight USN (Ret) Past Pres. ATROA 770-975-4726 MEMBERS AT LARGE Ben Clay Pres. Emeritus NMDA 770-992-1979 Eveiyn Duncan 770-436-2294 J. Elliott Goldberg Pres. Emeritus NMDA 404-892-3005 Catherine Powell PR ATROA 404-755-1543 COL Jim Reeves USAF (Ret) Past Pres. ATROA 770-992-7711 21 Dec 95 Commissioner Pete Wheeler Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 We commend you for your exemplary performance of duty on behalf of all veterans, auxiliaries, and their families. Your leadership in making sure that veterans are not forgotten has made you and your staff an essential part of all services for Georgia veterans. You continually enhance and promote public awareness and concern for all veterans. Your selection as head of the WWII Service Monument in Washington, DC, is an example of what this nation thinks of your abilities. The ceremony for the Georgia Monument to WWII Veterans on 7 Dec 95 was a most moving and memorable experience. This has been a truly remarkable year. Your 31 Supermarket of Veterans Benefits throughout Georgia was a most ambitious and rewarding action for many Georgia Veterans. The Income Tax Relief for retired veterans was the very best program in the United States. We continue to receive complimentary remarks from the 37 Veterans groups and their auxiliaries that we are affiliated and work with in the conduct of the Memorial Day Service at the Marietta National Cemetery each Memorial Day. We understand that in the course of events, your efforts and that of your staff have been overlooked by individuals or events. Veterans know and respect you for all you have accomplished. God bless you, your staff, and this great country we have been honored to serve. RN STAUM, USA (Ret) President j4lK-CliC& l. . . t&AK&i (9 oui uctcimtl 37 CJ 00 County Total Appling Atkinson Bacon Baker Baldwin Banks Barrow Bartow Ben Hill Berrien Bibb Bleckley Brantley Brooks Bryan Bulloch Burke Butts Calhoun Camden Candler Carroll Catoosa Georgia's Veterans Population As OfJuly /, 1995 Wartime Veterans Peacetime Veterans Persian Gulf Vietnam Era Korean Conflict Total Veterans 684,600 Total 507,100 Total 48,500 No Prior Wartime Service 40,600 Total 247,000 No Prior Wartime Service 227,700 Total 108,500 No Prior Wartime Service 88,700 World War II 150,000 World War I 200 Total 177,400 Post Vietnam Era 104,100 Other Periods 73,300 1,270 580 760 240 4,220 1,010 2,700 6,020 1,430 1,340 15,920 1,120 1,160 1,380 1,730 2,990 1,610 1,640 360 3,340 540 6,790 5,200 970 420 580 180 3,010 780 1,930 4,360 1,110 1,020 12,040 840 850 1,050 1,190 2,200 1,240 1,230 280 2,180 420 4,900 3,930 70 50 40 20 330 60 200 390 70 70 1,170 60 80 90 150 190 100 120 20 530 30 510 260 60 50 30 20 280 40 170 320 60 60 1,000 50 70 70 120 170 80 100 20 480 20 430 200 440 200 310 100 1,410 390 940 2,130 500 460 5,110 370 410 390 700 830 560 650 120 1,260 230 2,510 1,880 400 180 290 90 1,290 360 860 1,960 450 410 4,630 340 370 340 660 730 510 600 110 1,220 210 2,330 1,710 240 90 130 40 690 170 430 930 270 260 2,660 210 230 290 220 550 300 270 60 230 80 990 960 190 70 110 40 570 130 350 760 220 220 2,110 170 200 230 190 440 250 220 50 200 70 800 790 310 120 150 40 870 250 550 1,320 380 340 4,300 280 210 400 220 870 400 310 110 280 120 1,340 1,230 * 300 0 160 0 170 0 60 * 1,210 0 230 * 780 * 1,650 * 320 0 320 10 3,890 0 280 0 310 * 340 0 540 * 780 * 370 0 410 0 80 * 1,160 0 120 0 1,890 0 1,260 150 110 80 30 760 130 450 960 170 140 2,350 120 180 200 380 410 200 230 40 920 50 1,140 640 150 50 100 30 450 100 330 690 150 180 1,540 150 130 140 160 380 170 180 40 240 70 750 620 County Charlton Chatham Chattahoochee Chattooga Cherokee Clarke Clay Clayton Clinch Cobb Coffee Colquitt Columbia Cook Coweta Crawford Crisp Dade Dawson Decatur DeKalb Dodge Dooly Dougherty Douglas Early Echols Effingham C1O0 Total Veterans 790 24,830 770 2,220 9,990 6,480 250 23,800 410 54,330 2,460 3,200 8,280 1,260 6,270 820 1,830 1,240 930 2,210 57,590 1,470 820 9,900 8,080 890 220 2,400 Total 560 18,460 400 1,740 7,080 4,860 200 16,690 320 40,000 1,820 2,450 5,870 950 4,630 590 1,360 940 680 1,730 42,450 1,070 630 7,450 5,800 660 160 1,740 Persian Gulf Wartime Veterans Vietnam Era Korean Conflict Total 60 1,930 160 120 740 540 10 2,400 30 3,870 180 200 590 70 420 70 100 70 50 120 4,210 120 50 660 660 80 20 180 No Prior Wartime Service 50 1,680 150 100 590 480 10 2,080 20 3,110 160 170 470 60 340 60 80 60 40 90 3,550 110 40 560 550 70 20 150 Total 270 7,890 160 740 4,190 1,860 60 9,270 140 23,020 750 1,040 3,530 430 2,350 310 590 400 310 700 20,450 470 280 3,300 3,350 210 80 960 No Prior Wartime Service 240 7,130 160 660 3,970 1,650 50 8,750 120 21,730 660 940 3,350 390 2,180 280 530 360 280 630 18,840 430 260 2,990 3,160 180 70 890 Total 130 4,190 40 470 1,280 1,180 70 3,040 80 7,260 480 550 1,070 250 950 150 360 250 170 430 9,060 270 150 1,690 1,130 150 40 400 No Prior Wartime Service 110 3,360 30 390 1,080 950 50 2,590 70 6,040 400 430 910 210 770 120 290 210 140 350 7,410 220 120 1,350 980 120 30 350 World Warll 150 6,280 60 590 1,440 1,780 90 3,260 100 9,110 600 910 1,150 280 1,340 120 480 320 230 660 12,640 310 220 2,550 1,110 300 40 350 Peacetime Veterans World War I 0 10 0 0 * * 0 10 0 10 * * * 0 0 0 * 0 0 * 20 0 * * * * 0 0 Total 230 6,370 380 480 2,910 1,620 50 7,130 100 14,330 650 750 2,410 310 1,640 240 440 310 250 480 15,140 410 180 2,440 2,290 230 60 660 Post Vietnam Era 140 3,930 340 210 1,910 970 30 4,700 50 8,340 360 390 1,490 140 900 130 220 180 130 280 9,290 260 80 1,390 1,420 140 40 380 Other Periods 90 2,440 40 270 1,010 660 20 2,430 40 5,990 280 370 930 170 740 100 220 120 120 200 5,850 150 100 1,060 870 90 20 280 1. . . ttaM&i- t 04PI % -opfc County Elbert Emanuel Evans Fannin Fayette Floyd Forsyth Franklin Fulton Gilmer Glascock Glynn Gordon Grady Greene Gwinnett Habersham Hall Hancock Haralson Harris Hart Heard Henry Houston Irwin Jackson Total Veterans 1,710 1,510 740 2,050 9,610 9,030 4,990 1,680 61,560 1,580 180 8,140 3,800 1,900 990 39,270 3,030 9,750 510 2,110 2,240 2,050 840 6,830 13,040 630 2,930 Total 1,330 1,170 550 1,720 7,330 7,080 3,850 1,310 45,910 1,210 140 6,410 2,900 1,430 790 27,980 2,340 7,400 380 1,600 1,700 1,640 640 5,030 9,170 480 2,240 Wartime Veterans Persian Gulf Vietnam Era Korean Conflict Total 80 80 40 60 500 480 230 70 4,120 60 * 430 250 90 40 3,460 130 600 40 100 120 70 40 470 1,060 40 160 No Prior Wartime Service 70 60 30 40 360 400 170 60 3,410 50 * 350 210 80 40 2,840 100 480 30 80 90 50 30 380 910 30 130 Total 470 450 270 550 4,410 2,830 2,010 530 22,450 520 50 2,810 1,270 600 320 17,480 980 3,650 110 720 790 630 330 2,800 4,830 210 960 No Prior Wartime Service 410 400 240 460 4,180 2,510 1,860 460 20,770 460 40 2,530 1,140 540 290 15,710 870 3,350 90 650 720 550 310 2,630 4,520 190 860 Total 340 310 110 520 1,340 1,770 890 370 9,250 380 50 1,490 750 370 190 4,570 600 1,650 110 410 350 460 130 990 1,760 120 530 No Prior Wartime Service 270 250 90 410 1,120 1,420 740 300 7,410 320 40 1,190 630 300 150 3,950 490 1,340 90 340 280 380 100 840 1,460 100 430 World Warll 580 460 180 800 1,680 2,750 1,070 490 14,290 390 60 2,340 920 510 320 4,480 880 2,220 170 540 610 660 200 1,180 2,280 160 820 Peacetime Veterans World War I * * 0 * A * 0 30 0 0 10 0 * * * 0 * 0 0 * * 0 * * 0 0 Total 380 340 190 340 2,270 1,940 1,140 370 15,640 370 40 1,730 900 460 210 11,340 680 2,340 130 510 540 410 200 1,800 3,860 150 690 Post Vietnam Era 180 150 90 120 1,200 980 560 140 9,110 150 10 840 470 250 100 7,440 310 1,230 70 230 290 180 110 1,000 2,400 70 360 Other Periods 200 190 100 220 1,070 960 580 230 6,530 210 30 890 430 210 110 3,900 380 1,110 50 270 260 230 90 800 1,460 80 330 County Jasper Jeff Davis Jefferson Jenkins Johnson Jones Lamar Lanier Laurens Lee Liberty Lincoln Long Lowndes Lumpkin McDuffie McIntosh Macon Madison Marion Meriwether Miller Mitchell Monroe Montgomery Morgan Murray Muscogee Total Veterans 870 960 1,100 730 570 2,400 1,290 570 4,270 1,520 4,550 810 690 7,410 1,320 1,760 960 880 2,190 510 1,990 460 1,420 1,790 510 1,260 2,300 22,810 Total 670 700 880 580 450 1,740 1,010 410 3,300 1,060 2,820 610 500 5,540 980 1,330 720 630 1,630 360 1,540 390 1,070 1,340 370 980 1,640 16,650 Wartime Veterans Persian Gulf Total 50 60 70 40 30 170 80 30 220 120 860 50 90 650 110 120 60 100 120 50 100 10 100 90 30 70 170 2,000 No Prior Wartime Service 40 50 60 40 20 140 70 30 180 100 800 50 90 570 100 100 50 90 90 40 80 10 90 70 30 50 140 1,770 Vietnam Era Korean Conflict Total 250 370 310 240 180 960 410 210 1,320 630 1,330 250 220 2,600 480 560 330 270 850 180 530 140 470 670 160 400 750 7,150 No Prior Wartime Service 220 340 270 210 160 900 370 190 '1,180 600 1,270 220 210 2,390 440 500 300 250 790 170 460 120 420 620 140 360 690 6,520 Total 170 170 210 130 120 340 250 80 780 190 340 140 70 190 190 290 190 120 330 70 400 100 240 270 110 230 370 3,470 No Prior Wartime Service 130 140 160 100 100 290 200 60 610 160 280 100 60 970 150 220 160 90 270 60 310 70 190 210 90 170 290 2,760 World Warll 280 170 390 230 170 410 370 120 1,330 200 460 240 150 1,600 290 500 220 200 480 90 690 190 360 430 110 400 520 5,590 Peacetime Veterans World War I * 0 * 0 0 * 0 0 * 0 0 0 0 * it it 0 0 * * * * it * 0 0 0 10 Post Vietnam Total Era Other Periods 200 100 100 260 150 110 220 110 110 150 70 80 120 60 60 660 410 250 280 150 140 160 110 60 970 510 450 470 320 150 1,760 1,480 290 200 120 80 200 140 60 1,880 1,120 760 350 190 160 430 240 190 240 130 110 260 160 100 550 260 300 150 100 50 440 260 180 70 20 50 350 210 150 450 250 200 150 80 70 280 160 120 660 390 270 6,190 4,090 2,100 **o O) p y n H ft 7 % County Newton Oconee Oglethorpe Paulding Peach Pickens Pierce Pike Polk Pulaski Putnam Quitman Rabun Randolph Richmond Rockdale Schley Screven Seminole Spalding Stephens Stewart Sumter Talbot Taliaferro Tattnall Taylor Telfair Total Veterans 4,480 1,720 930 3,880 2,100 1,500 1,380 1,230 3,000 790 1,780 230 1,850 560 23,400 6,800 320 970 810 6,100 2,320 400 2,330 570 130 1,680 600 760 Total 3,330 1,300 710 2,780 1,490 1,160 1,060 950 2,240 610 1,390 180 1,500 430 17,070 5,040 260 750 610 4,650 1,840 310 1,720 410 100 1,190 470 580 W a r t i me Veterans Persian Gulf Vietnam Era Korean Conflict Total 300 90 50 310 150 70 60 60 160 40 80 10 70 20 1,820 420 20 40 30 380 100 30 140 40 10 140 30 40 No Prior Wartime Service 250 70 40 260 130 60 50 40 130 30 70 * 50 20 1,570 330 20 30 30 310 80 30 120 30 10 120 30 30 Total 1,630 710 340 1,450 700 490 500 460 1,050 250 540 60 550 150 7,980 2,630 120 330 230 2,190 820 100 740 170 30 480 170 180 No Prior Wartime Service 1,500 660 300 1,350 640 440 450 420 950 220 470 50 480 130 7,350 2,440 110 290 190 2,000 730 90 660 150 20 430 140 150 Total 770 300 190 610 370 280 280 210 580 190 390 60 370 110 3,480 1,130 60 210 200 1,060 470 70 410 90 30 290 130 180 No Prior Wartime Service 640 250 160 510 310 220 230 170 490 160 310 50 280 80 2,800 950 50 170 170 870 380 50 330 70 20 230 110 140 World Warll 940 320 210 660 420 450 330 320 660 210 540 80 690 200 5,330 1,310 80 260 220 1,470 640 150 610 150 50 390 190 260 Peacetime Veterans World War I * * 0 0 0 * 0 0 * 0 * 0 0 0 10 * 0 0 0 * 0 0 * 0 0 0 0 * Total 1,150 430 210 1,100 610 330 320 280 760 170 380 50 340 120 6,350 1,760 60 220 200 1,450 480 100 600 170 20 500 130 190 Post Vietnam Era 590 230 90 690 390 170 150 130 380 80 170 10 130 60 4,020 910 30 100 110 800 190 60 320 110 10 330 60 90 Other Periods 560 190 120 410 230 160 170 150 380 90 210 30 210 60 2,320 850 30 120 90 650 290 40 290 60 10 170 70 90 Wartime Veterans Peacetime Veterans '7U<*h6&i 1,,, tfanfo fo Persian Gulf Vietnam Era Korean Conflict County Terrell Thomas Tift Toombs Towns Treutlen Troup T urner Twiggs Union Upson Walker Walton Ware Warren Washington Wayne Webster Wheeler White Whitfield Wilcox Wilkes Wilkinson Worth Total Veterans 860 3,860 3,030 2,040 950 420 5,600 700 710 1,800 2,610 6,610 3,400 3,860 470 1,380 2,390 160 430 1,640 7,300 470 1,020 880 1,710 Total 670 2,990 2,230 1,500 810 300 4,340 540 510 1,450 2,030 5,140 2,490 2,950 360 1,040 1,870 120 330 1,270 5,410 360 820 680 1,210 Total 50 200 210 150 20 20 340 20 60 60 150 330 220 200 30 80 130 10 30 70 420 20 50 60 110 No Prior Wartime Service 40 160 180 130 10 20 280 20 60 40 130 270 180 160 30 70 100 10 20 60 340 10 40 60 90 Total 250 1,330 930 640 210 110 1,840 230 220 540 850 2,150 1,140 1,280 140 500 840 50 140 500 2,580 140 280 270 640 No Prior Wartime Service 220 1,210 820 580 160 90 1,670 200 200 460 770 1,920 1,040 1,150 130 450 760 40 130 430 2,340 120 240 240 590 * Indicates less than 5 Detail may not add to totals due to rounding. Total 170 670 610 360 250 80 910 130 130 440 450 1,290 590 730 70 230 440 30 70 380 1,360 110 210 190 270 No Prior Wartime Service 140 540 510 300 190 70 700 100 100 360 350 1,040 480 580 50 190 360 30 50 310 1,140 90 160 160 230 World Warll 270 1,090 710 490 440 130 1,700 230 160 590 790 1,900 800 1,060 150 330 650 50 130 460 1,590 130 380 230 300 World War I 0 * * 0 * 0 * 0 0 0 * * * * 0 0 0 0 0 * * 0 0 0 0 Total 190 860 800 540 130 120 1,260 160 200 350 590 1,470 900 910 110 330 520 40 90 370 1,880 110 200 200 500 Post Vietnam Era 100 470 440 290 40 80 690 60 130 130 300 680 510 520 70 180 250 20 50 150 970 40 100 100 280 Other Periods 100 390 360 250 100 50 570 100 70 220 280 790 390 390 50 150 280 20 40 220 920 70 100 100 220 Field Office Directory OFFICE ADDRESS - PHONE ALBANY-AMERICUS-CORDELE DIVISION Wayne Miller, Manager Mike Morrell, VBC 225 Pine Ave. Courthouse, Room 206 Albany 31701-2561 912-431-3253 Vicki King, VBC Carol Phagan, VBC Courthouse, Room 28 Lamar Street Americus 31709 912-931-2546 Courthouse, Room 107 Cordele 31015-4216 912-276-2366 COUNTIES SERVED Dooly Dougherty Lee Macon Marion Sumter Schley Terrell Webster Wilcox Worth Crisp AMERICUS See Albany-Americus-Cordele Division ATHENS-ELBERTON DIVISION Gary W. Locke, Jr., Manager Frank Crowell, VBC Harry Evans, VBC Jackie Terlaje, VBC Jefferson Professional Park, Suite D-1 Barrow 855 Sunset Drive Clarke Athens 30606-2285 Jackson 706-369-5630,5631 Madison Courthouse Elberton 30635-1800 706-213-2040 Elbert ATLANTA-CLAIMS DIVISION Max Cotter, Asst. Commissioner Field Service Rick Roby, Claims Counselor Lenora Evans, VBC Floyd Veterans Memorial Bldg., E-367 Fulton Atlanta 30334-4800 404-656-5940 FAX: 404-657-1288 Robert Morris, Asst. Commissioner Claims Howard Perdue, Assistant Supervisor 730 Peachtree Street, NE, Room 215 Clayton Atlanta 30365-6701 Fulton 404-894-5213 FAX: 404-853-3098 VA Phone: 404-347-3484, 3227, 3129 Note: VBC is abbreviation for Veterans Benefits Counselor 44 /tiKClica, `li 'Kuntiet 1. . . Newton Oconee Oglethorpe t VCttlAK* OFFICE AUGUSTA-WAYNESBORO DIVISION ADDRESS - PHONE COUNTIES SERVED Johnny Langham, Manager Angela Old, VBC Diane Shirey, VBC Gerald Clayton, VBC 1101 Fifteenth St. Augusta 30901-3196 706-721-4301, 4302 Columbia Burke County Office Park, Room 107 713 West 6th Street, PO Box 93 Waynesboro 30830-0093 706-554-3874 Burke BAINBRIDGE-BLAKELY DIVISION Richmond Craig Couturier, Manager Brenda Rachel, VBC BLAIRSVILLE 123 North West St. Bainbridge 31717 912-248-2599, 2663 Baker Calhoun Clay Decatur Early Roy E. Hamby, Manager Barbara Sue Collins, Sr. Secretary BRUNSWICK Courthouse Annex, 301 School Rd. PO Box 782 Blairsville 30514-0782 706-745-6341 Fannin Towns Terry Smith, Manager Christine Herring, VBC Office Park Bldg., Suite 203 1803 Glouchester St. Brunswick 31520-6904 912-262-2345 CANTON-CARTERSVILLE DIVISION Walter A. Pinyan, Manager Rita Chastain, VBC 130 E. Main St., Suite 205 Canton 30114-2729 770-720-3538 Joyce Horton, VBC 156 McEver St., Suite 1 Cartersville 30120-3324 770-387-3746 CARROLLTON See Rome-Cedartown-Carrollton Division Camden Glynn Cherokee Cobb Gilmer Bartow CARTERSVILLE See Canton-Cartersville Division Miller Mitchell Quitman Randolph Seminole Union McIntosh Paulding Pickens `It 'Kumivi 1. . . tHantt t* veteia-Kt 45 OFFICE ADDRESS - PHONE CEDARTOWN See Rome-Cedartown-Carrollton Division CLARKESVILLE Leonard O. Waldron, Manager June Mercer, VBC Comer of Hwys. 17 & 197 (E. Louise St.) PO Box 435 Clarkesville 30523-0435 706-754-4316 COLUMBUS Quincey Horton, Manager Toni Fox, VBC Mary Poole, VBC Jackson Square, 15th Street Bldg. A, Room 2-B Columbus 31901 706-649-1264 CONYERS Tommy Clack, Manager Mylene Brett, VBC 1329 Portman Drive, Suite A Conyers 30207-6619 770-388-5075 CORDELE See Albany-Americus-Cordele Division DALTON Pat Phillips, Supervisor, Area 3 Judy Johnson, VBC City Park Annex, 210 Thornton PO Box 1104 Dalton 30722-1104 706-272-2355 FAX: 706-272-2335 DUBLIN-EASTMAN DIVISION Wendell Zeigler, Supervisor, Area 1 Frank Jones, Assistant Manager Jo Ann Collins, VBC Carl Vinson VAMC Room 124-6, Ward 6A 1826 Veterans Blvd. Dublin 31021-3699 912-272-4266 FAX: 912-274-7802 Jewell Jones, VBC 506A Oak Street, SE Eastman 31023 912-374-6977 COUNTIES SERVED Banks Habersham Rabun White Chattahoochee Stewart Muscogee Rockdale Walton Catoosa Murray Whitfield Bleckley Johnson Laurens Pulaski Treutlen Dodge 46 ffmciceA "7& 'Ttumic'i 1. . . VCtCIAK* OFFICE ELBERTON ADDRESS - PHONE See Athens-Elberton Division GAINESVILLE Jerry Burt, Manager Jean Waller, VBC GLENNVILLE Clarence R. Adams, Manager Teresa Bigelow, VBC 311 Green St., NW, Room 307 Gainesville 30503-3764 770-531-6060 Glennville Multi Office Complex 705 N. Caswell St., PO Box 444 Glennville 30427-0444 912-654-5159 GREENSBORO See Washington-Greensboro Division GRIFFIN-THOMASTON-NEWNAN DIVISION Mike Roby, Manager 235-A E. Slaton Ave. Griffin 30223 770-412-4023 William R. West, Manager 205 E. Lee St., PO Box 461 Thomaston 30286-0461 706-646-6035 22 E. Broad St. PO Box 517 Newnan 30264-0517 770-254-7260 COUNTIES SERVED Dawson Forsyth Gwinnett Hall Lumpkin Appling Bryan Long Tattnall Wayne Butts Fayette Henry Pike Upson Spalding Talbot Taylor Coweta HARTWELL See Toccoa-Hartwell Division LAFAYETTE J. B. Smith, Manager Anita Boxall, VBC Judiciary Annex, 108-E VillanowSt. LaFayette 30728-2519 706-638-5544 Chattooga Dade Walker rfmvUca 'K