Annual report, 1997

L1f-\
V4-0c .A\
19'17
I 997 Annual Report
Georgia Department of Veterans Service
Serving Georgia's Veterans

THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK

Pictured on the cover is the state's Vietnam Memorial with the three tablets containing the names of the 1,584 Georgians killed in the war. The tablets were added to the memorial during a dedication ceremony on October 30. Pictured above is the Vietnam Memorial flanked by the Korean War Memorial to the left and the Persian Gulf War Memorial to the right. The bottom photo shows the state's

World War II Memorial. Each memorial lists the names ofthe Georgians killed in that war. All ofthe monuments are located at the entrance to the Floyd Veterans Memorial Building acrossfrom the State Capitol between ButlerStreet and Piedmont Avenue. During 1998, a World War I monument will be added on a site directly across from the World War II memorial.

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

Page3

Table of Contents
Commissioner's Letter ....................................................... S Veterans Service Board .................................................. 6 Department Orga.nization ............................................... 6
Department Mission 7 Department Functions .. 8
State Approving Agency .............................................. 9 Information Division ............................................. I0
Monetary Benefits ........................ I I
Financial Report ....................................................... 12 Statistical Report ............................................................... 14 Commissioner's Activities ....................................... 16 Supermarket of Veterans Benefits ........................................ 20 Service Officers School ........................................... 21 War Veterans Nursing Home, Augusta .............................. 22 War Veterans Home, Milledgeville ....................................... 23 Georgia's Veterans Leadership ........................................ 26 Department Directory ........................................................... 43

Page4

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

PETER WHEELER
COMMISSIONER
(404) 656-2300 FAX (404) 656-7006

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VETERANS SERVICE BOARD
w. D. HARRELL. CHAIRMAN. BAINBRIDGE
FRED T. FINCHER. SR .. VocE CHAIRMAN, LAGRANGE BARBARA J. AARON. SECRETARY, WARNER ROBINS
A. v. "BUBBA" AKIN. MEMBER, ASHBURN
HORACE BORDERS. MEMBER. ROCKMART HUGH MITCHELL. MEMBER. HIAWASSEE R. D. SMITH. JR .. MEMBER. ToccoA

January 26, 1998

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 shall furnish to the Governor, the members ofthe General Assembly, the Veterans Service Board, veterans' organizations and the public generally an annual report with reference to claims presented on behalfofveterans ofthis state, concerning veterans aided under federal, state, or local legislation, and to otherwise report activities and accomplishments ofthe 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 1997.

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

PageS

Veterans Service Board

The constitution of the State ofGeorgia specifies that the State Board ofVeterans Service be composed of seven members. Each member must be a veteran ofthe armed forces of the United States and

must have served honorably during wartime.
The Governor nominates members who are subject to approval by the State Senate. Board member terms are staggered and are for seven years. From its mem-

bership, the Board elects a chairman, vice-chairman, and secretary. Every four years the Board elects a Commissioner, through whom it controls the overall policy ofthe Department ofVeterans Service.

Board Members

Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Member Member Member Member

W.D. Harrell Fred T. Fincher, Sr. Barbara J. Aaron A.V. "Bubba" Akin Horace Borders Hugh Mitchell R.D. "Bulldog" Smith, Jr.

Bainbridge LaGrange Warner Robins Ashburn Rockmart Hiawassee Toccoa

Department Organization
J Veterans Service Board

Pete Wheeler Commissioner

J

I

Charles WHiey

1-

Director, Public Information

I J Lawrence N. Brockway, Jr. Assistant Commissioner

Max Cotter Assistant Commissioner
Field Service

Robert Morris Assistant Commissioner
Claims

I
WendeM Z8ltJter
Supervisor A.... 1

Max Cotter Supervisor
Area 2

Pat Phillips Supervisor
Area 3

A.W. Ttndatl Director
Adminlstratlve0fv1sion

I
James C. Jackson Supervisor
Education/Training

Ray Masnerl Director
GA War Veterans Home M Hledgevllte

I
Charles Espoaito AclmtnistrAtor
GA war Veterans Nursing Horne Augusta

Page6

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

The Mission

"to serve those who have served"

T he mission ofthe Depart- The uninformed may be from the VA, the role played by ment of Veterans Ser- prone to use the phrase "duplica- the Department ofVeterans Ser-

vice is to serve the 672,400 vet- tion of effort" when referring to vice might be compared to that

erans (as of July 1, 1997) resid- the functions of the Department of an attorney representing a cli-

ing in Georgia, their depen-

ent in court.

dents and survivors in all matters pertaining to veterans

Field Office Locations

The necessity for personal assistance in filing and pursu-

benefits.

Albany-Americus-Cordele ing claims and in maintaining

This responsibility falls

Athens-Elberton

a continuing information pro-

into two basic tasks: inform-

Atlanta VAMC

gram results from the legal

ing the veterans and their fami-

Augusta-Waynesboro

principle that veterans benefits

lies about veterans' benefits;

Blairsville

are not awarded automati-

and directly assisting and ad-

Bainbridge

cally-all must be applied for.

vising veterans and their fami-

Brunswick

The VA pays a veteran ex-

lies in securing the benefits to

Canton

actly what he or she asks for

which they are entitled.

Clarkesville-Toccoa-Hartwell when they are entitled, and no

To support these missions,

Columbus

more. The aim of the Depart-

the department maintains a

Conyers

ment ofVeterans Service is to

claims staff, field offices, an

Dalton-Cartersville

obtain for a veteran or depen-

information division, and a

Dublin VAMC

dents the benefits to which

central office.

Dublin-Eastman

they are entitled, to tell them

The claims staff is located

Gainesville

when they are entitled, and to

at the Atlanta regional office

Glennville

assist them in gathering and

ofthe U.S. DepartmentofVet- Griffin-Newnan-Thomaston preparing evidence needed to

erans Affairs at 730 Peachtree

LaFayette

justify a claim and prove their

Street.

LaGrange

entitlement.

The claims staffmission is

Macon-Warner Robins

The advancing age of

to process claims and appeals

Milledgevillle

World War II and Korean War

of Georgia veterans.

Rome-Cedartown-Carrollton veterans, and the frequent

The field offices, located

Savannah

changes that occur in veterans

throughout the state, provide

Statesboro-Swainsboro

benefits legislation, will ne-

direct assistance to veterans at

Thomasville-Moultrie

cessitate the continuance of a

the local level. The Depart-

Tifton

variety ofveterans' programs

ment representatives provide

Valdosta

in the years ahead.

counsel and assist veterans in

Vidalia-McRae

As Congress continues to

gathering the documents and

Washington-Greensboro

seek ways to reduce the defi-

information required to docu-

Waycross

cit, veterans benefits will con-

ment their claim.

tinue to be in a state of flux.

The information division's

This means veterans will

mission is to keep Georgia vet- ofVeterans Service and the U.S. continue to need assistance in in-

erans informed about issues and Department ofVeterans Affairs; terpreting the changes and deter-

how they impact on them.

nothing could be further from the mining how they impact on their

The central office is for the truth.

personal situation.

administration ofthese services.

To a veteran seeking benefits

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

PageT

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 ofVeterans 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 with the work of the department. 12. Make representatives of the department available in any area ofthe state to assist all veterans, their dependents, and survivors in preparing and filing claims for benefits and to acquaint them with all their 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 qualifications, approval, certification, and supervision of educational institutions and training establishments applying for or participating in federal programs for educating and training veterans. 16. Assist other states in securing evidence for claims. 17. Promote enlargement and improvement of VA hospital facilities in the state. 18. Sponsor observance ofVeterans Day in the state. 19. Certify eligibility for veterans drivers licenses and honorary drivers licenses. 20. Certify eligibility for disabled veterans discount at Department ofNatural Resources facilities. 21. Issue Certificates ofExemption from payment ofbusiness license tax to qualified veterans. 22. Assist veterans in obtaining Honorary Hunting and Fishing Licenses. 23. 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. 24. Furnish the Governor, General Assembly members, Board ofVeterans Service, veterans' organizations, and the general public an annual report on the department's activities and accomplishments.

PageS

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

State Approving Agency

By law, the Georgia Department of Veterans Service is designated as the State Approving Agency, responsible for approving and supervising all institutions and establishments in Georgia, which offer education and training under the provisions of the Veterans Educational Assistance Program. The State Approving Agency has the function of ensuring that institutions and establishments meet and maintain acceptable standards so that eligible persons who attend may receive educational assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This includes all public and private schools and all establishments offering apprenticeship and other on-the-job training. The satisfactory performance of these duties requires extensive knowledge in education administration and understanding the laws and regulations that govern and control the Veterans Educational Assistance Program Georgia veterans enrolled in college degree and professional programs, technical career programs, vocational programs, to include flight training, and onthe-job training programs peaked at 11,312, during 1997. In the years ahead, substantial increases in enrollments are expected to continue as the veteran population is augmented by participants in the Montgomery GI Bill education program. Initiated as a trial venture in 1985, the Montgomery program proved to be such a success, it subse-

quently was made a permanent benefit for the military and now enjoys a huge participation.
The U.S. DepartmentofVeterans Affairs has expanded the

visits to ensure that approval criteria and schools' standards of progress are being followed as prescribed by law. During 1997, personnel assigned to the Educa-

Bryan Pelf, a former Navy fire/crash rescue team member, is using his Montgomery GI Bill Education benefits to study drafting at Gwinnett College ofBusiness in Lilburn.

veterans education benefits program to include vocational, technical, correspondence and apprenticeship training for reservists, and permanent reinstatement offlight training for both reservists and veterans.
In 1997, the approval ofeducational institutions and training establishments for the education of Georgia veterans resulted in the processing of 5,372 individual actions in the approval, reapproval, amendments or changes to existing approvals, withdrawal, and compliance survey process.
The State Approving Agency also conducted regular inspection

tional and Training Division conducted 399 visits for the purposes of approval, reapproval, inspection and compliance surveys. Currently, the department monitors 569 educational institutions and training establishments.
Laws recently enacted require stringent regulatory compliance in order to maintain controls on all approved types of educational establishments. The responsibilities of approval, annual inspections, and ensuring corrective action where necessary, constitute a vital function of the Georgia Department of Veterans Service.

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

Page9

Information Division

The information division ances provide excellent opportu- the Veterans Bulletin and other collects, evaluates, and nities for telling the veterans ben- items of interest to veterans can

disseminates information to vet- efits story.

be accessed at the site.

erans regarding benefits, changes

Department personnel also

The site address is http://

in laws, and proper procedures to participate in local radio talk www.state.ga.us/Departments/

be followed in the filing of shows and make presentations at Veterans.

claims.

local schools.

The information division

When appropriate, the divi-

In 1997, the Information Di- compiles, edits, and publishes a

sion mails news releases con- vision developed a Department series ofpamphlets explaining in

cerning veterans' affairs to more Web Site which is part of the detail the various benefits avail-

than 450 newspapers, radio and Georgia On Line Network. Links able to veterans, their depen-

television stations throughout to the Web Site are also available dents, and survivors. These pam-

Georgia.

through Georgia Net.

phlets are updated as changes

The releases are used to in-

The Department's web site occur in laws, regulations, or

form veterans about the latest contains information about Com- benefits.

changes regarding veterans af- missioner Wheeler, state veterans

Through an aggressive inter-

fairs and to provide information benefits, the Georgia War Veter- nal communication program, the

on the status ofproposed or pend- ans Nursing Home in Augusta, Division keeps the field offices

ing legislation which may affect the Georgia War Veterans Home informed about changes in the

them.

in Milledgeville. Recent press law and policy interpretations

Field personnel promote the releases, selected articles from that impact on veterans.

Department and the services it

provides by their frequent con-

tacts with the news media in their

respective areas.

The Department publishes

the Veterans Bulletin which con-

tains information about veterans'

programs, VA actions and deci-

sions, new rules and regulations,

and news from various sources.

A quarterly publication, the

Veterans Bulletin is distributed

throughout the state to veterans'

organizations, VA hospitals,

public officials and other inter-

ested groups and individuals.

Public speaking forums are

an important ingredient of the

Department's information pro-

gram. All Department personnel

are encouraged to accept speaking engagements at meetings of veterans organizations and civic clubs. These personal appear-

Gen. (Ret) Ray Davis speaks at the Memorial Day Remembrance ceremony at . the State CapitoL The local ceremony was part ofa nationwide effort to remind the public of "why we have a Memorial Day." Gen. Davis is a Medal ofHonor recipientfrom the Korean War.

Page 10

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

Monetary Benefits
The following is a report of the monetary benefits received by the veterans and the dependent survivors ofdeceased veterans in Georgia during federal fiscal year 1997 (October 1, 1996- September 30, 1997). The figures were provided by the U.S. Department ofVeterans Affairs.

COMPENSATION AND PENSION ............................................. $ 619,541,842

INSURANCE...............................................................................

45,763,675

READJUSTMENT AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION......

50,763,279

CONSTRUCTION.......................................................................

407,971,988

GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES ........................................

22,064,399

TOTAL ........................................................................................ $ 1,146,105,183

Monetary Report Definitions
COMPENSATION AND PENSION- Represents returns in dollars for veterans' compensation for service-connected disability, compensation for service-connected deaths for veterans' dependents, veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation for service-connected deaths, pension for nonserviceconnected disability for veterans, pension to veterans' surviving spouses and children, 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 Philadelphia, 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 ofthe 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.I. Bill for Selected Reserves (Chapter 106).

CONSTRUCTION- Represents returns in dollars concerning major and minor construction projects.

GENERAL OPERATING COSTS - Amount spent by the VA to operate the regional office, hospitals, nursing and domiciliary facilities and clinics in Georgia.

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

Page II

Financial Report
(From the State Auditor,s report lor the periodjuly I, 1996-june 30, 1997}

FUNDS AVAILABLE

REVENUES

STATE APPROPRIATION General Appropriation Amended Appropriation Governor's Emergency Fund
Less: Lapsed Funds Total State Appropriation

$ 21,567,780.00 -1,299,591.00 10,000.00 20,278,189.00 -15,937.00
$ 20,262,252.00

FEDERAL REVENUES Total Revenues
CARRY-OVER FROM PRIOR YEAR
Total Funds Available
EXPENDITURES
PERSONAL SERVICES
Salaries and Wages Employer's Contributions for:
F.I.C.A. Retirement Health Insurance Personal Liability Insurance Unemployment Compensation Insurance Workers' Compensation Insurance Assessments by Merit System Total
REGULAR OPERATING EXPENSES
Motor Vehicle Expenses Supplies and Materials Repairs and Maintenance Utilities Rents (Other than Real Estate) Insurance and Bonding Other Operating Expenses Extraordinary Expenditures Duplicating and Rapid Copy Publications and Printing Equipment Purchases
Total

8,220,558.03 $ 28,482,810.03
0.00
$ 28,482,810.03

3,667,206.93
264,770.60 563,952.62 450,945.82
13,261.00 1,161.00
62,565.00 21,535.65 $ 5,045,398.62

3,215.06

82,729.43

13,224.74

15,618.61

2,070.75

4,026.94

9,071.54

10,000.00

4,244.84

12,965.58

25,902.69

$

183,070.18

Page 12

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

Financial Report Continued

TRAVEL
MOTOR VEHICLE PURCHASES
EQUIPMENT
Equipment Purchases Rental ofEquipment
Total
COMPUTER CHARGES
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 Total Total Other
Total Expenditures
Excess of Funds Available over Expenditures

$

91,816.70

0.00

94,610.52

22,488.88

$

117,099.40

14,834.00

1,107.46

$

15,941.46

$

238,318.76

~

62,783.40

$ 14,027,248.48

0.00

7,693,334.78

754,412.45

18,306.83

$

772,719.28

$ 8,466,054.06

$ 28,247,731.06

$

235,078.97

$ 28,482,810.03

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

Page 13

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 1997.
Compensation and Pension ...................................................................... 15,714 Contacts ................................................................................................. 597,292 Letters Written ......................................................................................... 28,664 Medical .................................................................................................... 10,123 Insurance .................................................................................................... 1,167 Home Loan Applications .................................................................... ,...... 4,377 Education ................................................................................................... 5,198 Other Forms and Evidence .................................................................... 131 ,006 Notices of Disagreement and Appeals Filed ............................................. 3,379 New Case Files .......................................................................................... 7,503 Business Licenses ......................................................................................... 152 Powers of Attorney .................................................................................... 7,104 VA Claims Folders Reviewed ................................................................. 32,279 Drivers Licenses ...................................................................................... 10,048 Miscellaneous ........................................................................................ 744,700

Page 14

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

Statistical Report Definitions
COMPENSATION AND PENSION- Claims for monetary benefits submitted by veterans, their dependents or survivors.
CONTACTS- Requests for service or information (in person, by telephone or by letter).
LETTERS WRITTEN- Outgoing correspondence originated in the department on behalfofclaimants 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- 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 ofapplications filed for claims.
NOTICES OF DISAGREEMENT AND APPEALS FILED- Written briefs and statements prepared in support of a claim where there is disagreement with the VA decision rendered.
NEW CASE FILES - Cases brought to the attention ofthe Veterans Service Department for assistance requiring representation.
BUSINESS LICENSES- Certificates issued to certain disabled veterans exempting them from the payment of business license taxes.
POWERS OF ATTORNEY- The appointment ofa service organization as a claimant's representative.
VA CLAIMS FOLDERS REVIEWED- Claims obtained from the VA adjudication division and reviewed and rating boards conducted 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 cemeteries, 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 pertaining to HV and DV auto tags, hunting and fishing licenses, tax exemptions, state park discount cards and change of addresses.

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

Page 15

Commissioner's Activities

"The Commissioner of Veterans Affairs and the Members ofthe Board are directed to conduct education 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 ofthe department and the rights andprivileges of veterans,"- Georgia Laws 1945,p. 324.

D uring 1997, Commis- the county a 35-year lease on the several special events in 1997. sioner of Veterans Af- property. This was the last pre- On May 9, the Atlanta VA

fairs Pete Wheeler was active liminary step before issuing a Medical Center held its second

throughout the state participat- request for bids.

annual "Play It Again Pete" golf

ing in numerous veterans events The new facility will be con- tournament at the Southerness

and speaking out in support of structed using the VA's "en- Golf Club. The one-day event

veterans.

hanced use" program. Under this named in honor ofCommissioner

In his appearances before program, a private developer Wheeler raised $9,500 for the

veterans organizations, civic constructs the facility and rents VA's Homeless Programs.

groups and professional organi- it back to the VA for an extended Later in May, Commissioner

zations, the Commissioner period oftime. At the end ofthe Wheeler participated in a Memo-

stressed the department's service lease, the facility reverts to VA rial Day Remembrance cer-

to veterans, the recent changes ownership. No public money is emony at the State Capitol. The

and challenges to veterans ben- used in the facility's construc- ceremony was part of a nation-

efits, and his recommendations tion.

wide effort coordinated by the

regarding the future of veterans Commissioner Wheeler was Washington, D.C. based "No

benefits and health care.

instrumental in reversing plans at Greater Love" organization to re-

In August, Commissioner the Augusta VA Medical Center mind the public of"why we have

Wheeler was sworn in by Gov- to close its Alzheimer's unit. He a Memorial Day holiday."

ernor Miller to his 12th term as initiated a letter writing cam- In November, the Commis-

GeorgiaCommissionerofVeter- paign in cooperation with the sioner presided over the cer-

ans Service.

state's veterans organizations to emony adding the names of the

He continued to be active in infrom Georgia's Congressional 1,584 Georgian's killed in Viet-

his role as Chairman ofthe World delegation in Washington how nam to the state's Vietnam Me-

War II Memorial Advisory concerned veterans were with the morial. (See cover photograph.)

Board. The Board's mission is planned closure.

In addition to representing

to advise the Battle Monuments When VA officials in Wash- the Department at the major vet-

Commission on building a na- ington were apprised ofthe situ- erans organizations state conven-

tional World War II Monument ation and the local veterans tions, Commissioner Wheeler

in Washington, D.C.

united stand against the Medical participated in the dedication of

Commissioner Wheeler's ef- Center's planned action, they the Medical Clinic at the VA Vet

forts to get a new U.S. Depart- quickly notified Augusta offi- Center located in Midtown At-

ment of Veterans Affairs Re- cials to cancel their plan to close lanta.

gional office constructed next to the unit.

In September, he participated

the VA Medical Center in In addition to the in a ceremony honoring the U.S.

Decatur continued to move Department's recurring annual and Korean Marine veterans who

ahead.

events such as the Service Offic- participated in the 1950 Inchon

In September, representa- ers School and the Supermarket Landing and recapture of Seoul,

tives of DeKalb county and the of Veterans Benefits, Commis- Korea, during the Korean War.

VA signed an agreement giving sioner Wheeler participated in

Page 16

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

Governor Zell Miller administered the oath of office to Commissioner Wheeler during a ceremony in the governor's office on August 7. Looking on is Commissioner Wheeler's wife Gerry. Commissioner Wheeler is in his 12th term as Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Affairs.

Commissioner Wheeler thanksformer Senator Bob Dolefor agreeing to lead the fund-raising effort to support construction ofa national World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Commissioner is chairman of the World War II Advisory Board which was created by Congress to provide counsel to the American Battle Monuments Commission regarding establishment ofthe memoriaL
Serving Georgia,s Veterans

Commissioner Wheeler participated in the ribbon cutting ceremonyfor the Atlanta VA Midtown Medical Clinic in September. Cutting the ribbon is Atlanta Mayor Bill CampbelL Looking on (from left) are Dr. Carter Mecher, Veterans Integrated Service Network 7 Clinical Director, Robert Perreault, Atlanta VA Medical Center Director, and Joseph Gelsomino, VA 's Region 3 Manager, Readjustment Counseling service.
Page IT

Opinion
4A/Monday, November 10, 1997

W&e Augusta (!tbronide The So.th's Oldest N~er- Est. 1785 An lndeperulent Newspaper

WILLIAMS. MORRIS.IU Publisher
~~ DC..~

PHiliP A. KENT Edilolial Page Editor
I I s. WPu\WbliAshMer 11M37O-R19R6I6S

uTo be eoasdous that yoa are
Ignorant Is a great step to Jmowledge."
-Benjamin Dlsraeli

A verse Cor today
In your patience possess ye your souls.

Luketl:19

Local protest heard
Government officials are of- Department of Veterans Aften rigbUy criticized for not fairs "is totally unacceptable being responsive to the needs ... We don''t have enough beds of the people they serve. But now and it's ridiculous to talk
dont count Georgia Commis- about closing a ward."
sioner of Veterans Services They got the message. Pete Wheeler in that number. First, Augusta VA officials de-
When he learned from dis- layed the move, then Washing-
traught area families that the ton notified the local VA to
Augusta. Department of Veter- keep the 37-bed unit open. ans Affairs Medical Center 1be affected families are was being ordered to shut relieved and grateful to Wheeldown a long-term care ward, er and the thousands of veterhe didn't just wring his hands. ans who backed them. The in-
Wheeler rallied veterans cident shows when state and groups across the state, then local officials work with con-
shot off a letter to Washington, stituents, Washington can be saying the action by the U.S. made to listen.

Page 18

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

AO Monday, Aug. 11, 1997 Covers Dixie Like the Dew

ROGER S. KINTZEL, Publislter
JOHN C. MELLOTT General Manager

RON MARTIN, Editor

JIM WOOTEN Editorial Page Editor

JOHN WALTER Managing Editor

JAMES M. COX, Cltairmarr, 1950-57 JAMES M. COX, JR. Chairmnn. 1957-74
Success at veterans home shows privatization works

A YEAR AND A half ago, when the state proposed privatizing the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville, detractors warned that the state was sending old folks in the nursing home down the river. There'd be no concern for the basic care of the residents, union activists and others told legislators, because with a private company the only thing that would improve would be the bottom line. The oldsters, our state's veterans, could even die under the coldhearted care of the private sector. Privatization, detractors forecasted, would be a disaster.
A year later the results are in- and those critics are silent. In a report to the privatization commission last week, the Department of Veterans Affairs revealed that patients are in far better shape than they were under the care of state workers.
The number of patients suffering from pressure sores, for instance, dwindled from 89, when Priva-Trends Inc. took over July 1 of last year, to 12 in May. The number of totally bedridden patients dwindled from 31 to eight over the year. The number requiring physical restraint dropped from 62 to five. And the number suffering a weight loss of 5 percent or more went from 40 to five. During the same time period, the overall number of patients increased.
The Department of Veteran Affairs requires the private contractor to give each patient 2.45 hours of daily nursing care. The company has far surpassed that mark. Wrote nursing home resident Robert L. Bass, "I am pleased to say that since privatization took over, everything in my opinion is just fine."
While the care is better, the savings to taxpayers are greater: $8.9 million this year alone; a projected $106.6 million over 10 years.
Privatization works. The private sector can deliver government services more efficiently, and over a wide range of functions, at far less cost than government. The state is busily privatizing prisons, lodges, tax collections, even a dormitory at Southern Tech. State government has demonstrated the huge savings to be gained from privatizing state services. Cities and counties, Atlanta in particular, should follow suit.
Editorials represent the position ofThe Atlanta Journal and are written by its editorial board, whose members are Jim Wooten, Jeff Dickerson, Martha Ezzard, Susan Laccetti Meyers and Richard Matthews.

The 1997 "Supermarket of Veterans Benefits" was held at the Gainesville Civic Center on December 10 An estimated 1,050 veterans and their families attended the event. During the day, approximately 510 claims were processed. The annual event is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Veterans Service in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and state, federal, and local agencies directly 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 ofVeterans Services has sponsored an annual "Supermarket" in various cities throughout Georgia.

In the top photo, Ken Mills, Manager ofthe Department's Newnan office, talks with a veteran during the Supermarket of Veterans Benefits held at the Gainesville Civic Center on December 10. In the bottom left photo, Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Pete Wheeler talks with Candi Brancato, a reporter with the Gainesville Times. In the bottomphoto, George McCoy, Senior Claims Counselor on the Department's Claims stafflistens as a veteran asks a question regarding his veterans benefits.

Page20

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

Service Officer's School

M ore than 400 persons from the Department's field of- U.S. Senate Committee on Vetattended the 1997 Ser- fices, the leadership ofthe state's erans Affairs William F. Tuerk.

vice Officers School held at the veterans groups and national of- Representatives of the na-

Holiday Inn on

Jekyll Island, May

27-30.

The annual

conference is

sponsored by the

Georgia Depart-

ment of Veterans

Service in coop-

eration with the

U.S. Department

of Veterans Af-

fairs and the

state's veterans organizations.
The Service Officers School is the Department's

AT THE SERVICE OFFICERS SCHOOL: Pictured above are (from left) Bill Edgar, Director ofthe Dublin VA Medical Center; Robert Perreault, Director ofthe Atlanta VA Medical Center; and John Vogel, Director ofthe Charleston, S.C., VA Medical Center. In the bottom photo are Charles Esposito (left), Administrator ofthe Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home in Augusta and Ray Masneri, Executive Director ofthe Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville.

primary training

device. It is designed to provide ficials involved in veterans is- tional veterans organizations at-

attendees with up-to-date infor- sues.

tending were Frederico Juarbe,

mation regarding federal and "Our most basic and vital Veterans ofForeign Wars ofthe

state veterans benefits.

tool is our knowledge and under- United States; Carroll Williams,

Emphasis is placed on discuss- standing ofveterans benefits," is The American Legion; Kenneth

ing new laws and how they will how Commissioner Wheeler ex- Wolfe, Disabled American Vet-

impact on veterans.

plains the school's mission.

erans; and Jim Lunsford, Ameri-

The event brings together the Participating in the 1997 con- can Veterans of World War II,

veterans benefits counselors ference were Deputy Secretary of Korea and Vietnam.

Veterans Affairs The principal topics at this

Hershel Gober; year's meeting were the balanced

VA General federal budget and the planned

Counsel Mary collocation of the Atlanta VA

Lou Keener, U.S. Regional Office with the VA

Court ofVeterans Medical Center in Decatur.

Appeals Chief Following the formal ses-

Judge Frank Q. sions, 20 Department employees

Nebeker, Acting were recognized for their dedi-

Chairman of the cated and professional service

Board of Veter- during an awards ceremony.

ans Appeals As is the policy each year,

Roger Bauer and conference sessions are free and

Chief Counsel, open to the public.

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

Page21

The Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home is a 192-bed skilled nursing care facility located adjacent to the Medical College ofGeorgia Hospital and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Augusta. It is operated under a contractual agreement 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 medical and allied health students with the problems, afflictions and diseases that confront the aged. This provides the students with practical experience and helps them gain expertise in treating the elderly. The facility also houses the

Georgia Department ofVeterans Service field office which services Columbia and Richmond counties.
Dedicated in 1969, the facility was the first of its kind in the nation to be built with financial assistance from the federal government.
It is one of a select group of such institutions in the United States to have been accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare.
During the year, a cost reduction plan was implemented in conjunction with the Governor's Privatization Commission. By reorganizing staffand operations, over $450,000 was saved with this plan, while maintaining the same level ofquality patient care.
In 1997, the GWVNH provided 64,912 days of care to

Georgia veterans. There were 242 admissions and 235 discharges, and the average length ofstay for veterans was 335 days.
The average age of residents in the facility is 76 years of age. The GWVNH also provided 50,824 physical therapy treatments and 6,643 occupational therapy procedures in 1997.
To help provide care and treatment, the federal government provided financial assistance totaling $2,557,446 during 1997.
Throughout the year, veterans organizations, civic and fraternal associations, and religious groups demonstrated their concern for the well-being of ailing veterans through numerous donations and the continuing sponsorship of frequent veteran-related activities.

Page22

Serving Georgia"s Veterans

While 1996 was a year of transition, 1997 was a year of progress for the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville. Since PrivaTrends, Inc., a private Georgiabased company, assumed the management for this campus on July 1, 1996, the management and staffhave developed innovative and exciting new programs and services for the veterans. There were 140 new veterans who moved to the home in 1997. Highlights of 1997 include having deficiency-free federal and state, surveys, and deficiency-free VA clinical surveys in the Russell, Vinson, and Wood Buildings. The Wheeler Building, which houses domiciliary care patients, is not subject to the same surveys as are the nursing facilities. The new medical wing renovated in the Wheeler Building

now houses a complete dental clinic with a full time dentist, a dental hygienist and dental laboratory. During the first full year of operation, the dental clinic scheduled more than 1,400 appointments, had 1,072 patient visits, and provided 2,656 dental procedures to veterans.
Overall, nearly a million dollars has been spent on the development of new food services. Now, veterans have input into menus, and enjoy hot, tasty food served in their center's dinning rooms. Also, they may travel a short distance to the "Liberty Diner" restaurant for a change of scenery and enjoy the same tasty food.
A new wing was opened on the third floor in the Wheeler Building which offers modest two-room suites for Veterans living in the domiciliary. Television cameras monitor the area to

assure safety and security. Quality Care First
Quality care is a top priority! Dramatic improvements have been made. For example, since Priva-Trends took over management on July 1, 1996:
the number of decubiti (pressure sores) has been reduced by 98 percent. There are presently no facility acquired pressure sores;
an aggressive restraint reduction program was implemented resulting in the reduction ofphysical restraints by 100 percent;
the number of veterans with a weight loss of more than five percent has been reduced by 88 percent;
the number ofbedfast residents has been reduced 80 percent;
and the use of indwelling foley catheters has been reduced

Serving Georgia"s Veterans

Page23

77 percent. Staff escorted veterans to
1,202 clinic appointments at local hospitals and physicians offices and to 1,037 out-of-town appointments (including the VA Medical Centers in Atlanta, Augusta, and Dublin).
During the year nurses administered 2,012,610 doses of medications. Also, they provided an additional 30,660 treatments.
Rehabilitation A Priority Helping Veterans to enjoy the highest quality oflife possible is the goal of the therapy staff. Some 8,468 speech therapy procedures were performed and veterans used 6,006 pieces of respiratory equipment such as oxygen

rate of approximately $94 per day. Under past management, average daily cost per veteran was approaching $160 per day. Costs would be even higher now considering inflation. The results? Higher quality care for the veterans and significant savings to the government and to taxpayers.
At the same time, PrivaTrends is making a significant financial impact on the local medical community. It is estimated that the Georgia War Veterans Home will bring between $4 to $5 million to the Milledgeville medical community. This figure includes Medicare dollars paid to Oconee Regional Medi-

grams are continuing. There are weekly staff training programs, selfstudy units, written and video make up classes, and night sessions. The Georgia War Veterans Home was approved this year for the certification ofnursing assistants. During the year, 62 employees who were not certified have now completed their certification training.
Truly A Team Effort Not enough good things can be said about the staff. It's truly a "team" effort with employees participating in campus-wide programs such as the "Gofor the Gold" quality recognition program sponsored by UHS-Pruitt Corp., the parent company for

A veteran resident at the Milledgeville War Veterans Home talks with a group ofJunior ROTC Cadets during Veterans Day activities. During 1997, more young people from middle Georgia were actively involved with the Home than ever before.

tanks, etc. Physical therapist provided
5,794 procedures during the year and 8,970 occupational therapy treatments were provided. In addition, restorative aides provided some 15,470 treatments to veterans.
More Services For Fewer Dollars Priva-Trends has contracted to provide all services, including the new expanded services, at a

cal Center for inpatient and outpatient services, for hospital and office visits to local physicians for lab services contracted with Oconee Regional Medical Center and for emergency medical services.
Federal assistance in financing the cost of providing care to veterans in the GWVH amounted to $5,416,627 in 1997.
Ongoing Training Training and education pro-

Priva-Trends. Employee participation in the
United Way Campaign was a first and resulted in employee contributions exceeding goals and expectations! The committee set up to head the United Way did such an outstanding job that it has become a permanent "Spirited" committee.
Volunteers Are Special Veterans continue to benefit from the generosity of various

Page24

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

veterans service organizations, civic associations and church groups through sponsorship of movies, games, dances, parties, and other programs throughout the year. A special Volunteer Recognition program was held in April in which all GWVH volunteers were recognized. Overall, there were 1,344 volunteers who worked with the veterans in 1997. They collectively volunteered 3,657.5 hours.
Add to that some $45,416.87 value of donated items for the veterans use. Also, volunteer organizations donated another $21,169.56 in cash or gifts for bingo. Our volunteers are very important and they are greatly appreciated!
Activities Abound There were many activities for veterans throughout the year. But perhaps the highlight was Veterans Day. The U. S. Air Force Presidential Drill team performed. Major General Rondal Smith commanderofthe Warner Robins Air Logistics Center was the guest speaker. Georgia Military Cadets paraded, a platoon of GWVH veterans marched and there was musical entertainment.

An Air Force F-15 flew over at the closing of the ceremony. It was a truly memorable program!
This was followed by lunch at the pavilion for all veterans, guests and staff. A traveling military museum exhibit was set up in the Recreation Hall by The War House museum. The display included artifacts from the Revolutionary War through the Gulf War. And more than 2,000 entries in the Veterans Day Coloring Contest were on exhibit in the Wheeler Building.
Community Relations During the year, veterans and staffsponsored a number ofcommunity programs with folks ofall ages. Joint programs with Georgia Military College (GMC) were expanded to including having GMC representatives on the Veterans Day committee establishing a "Buddy Program" between students and veterans, and participation on a "Make A Difference Day" community blood drive with 180 pints ofblood collected. GWVH joined with the Georgia Department of Human Resources on a special "Summer Work Adjustment Training Pro-

gram," a project which involved 30 students from local high schools.
Georgia College and State University (GCSU) used the Veterans Home as a clinical site for their Nurse Practitioner program.
Participation with public and private schools in Baldwin, Hancock, Putnam and Wilkinson counties increased dramatically in 1997.
Children made many special visits to the GWVH during the year bringing songs and handmade cards to veterans. Also, more than 2,000 children submitted entries in the Veterans Day coloring contest.
Media Coverage The media was very kind in 1998. Local and regional newspaper, radio and television stations reported on many special events, ran special features, and attended numerous veteran programs throughout the year. Veterans and staff alike take great pride in being recognized for their past and present efforts. Throughout the community, good things are being said about the improved quality of life and services at the Georgia War Veterans Home.

State Veterans Organizations
In rendering service to the veterans of Georgia, the Department ofVeterans 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 Commanders Conference, are due the sincere appreciation ofthis department. The group meets periodically and when called upon, advises and assists this department in its programs and activities.
Appreciation is also expressed to the auxiliary presidents of the Georgia veterans organizations for their cooperation and assistance in our programs and activities.

Serving Georgia-'s Veterans

Page25

Veterans Leadership In Georgia

American Ex-Prisoners ofWar
Commander Ray Reierson 414 San Anton Drive Savannah, GA 31419
American Veterans ofWorld War 11Korea-Vietnam (AMVETS)
Commander Johnnie Blackmon 207 Campbell Circle Hephzibah, GA 30815 Auxiliary President Beth Michael P.O. Box 616 Watkinsville, GA 30677-0616
Blinded Veterans Association
President Eddie Hendon 3419 Shawnee Trail, SE Smyrna, GA 30080
Disabled American Veterans
Commander Jimmie Frazier 703 E. Palm Street Fitzgerald, GA 31750-3345 Auxiliary Commander Aliene Warchak 2341 Upper River Road Macon,GA31211
Jewish War Veterans
Commander Arthur Stoltz 1347 Berwick Avenue, NE Atlanta, GA 30306 Auxiliary President Betty Simcox 4692 Cedar Parkway Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Military Order of the Purple Heart
Commander Franklin McEarchern 608 Old Summerville Road Rome, GA 30165 Auxiliary President Faye Harris 506 Milledge Road Augusta, GA 30904
Military Order of the World Wars
Commander LTC Wayman Johnson 1422 Sparkleberry West Akin, SC 29803

Reserve Officers Association
Commander Col. David Richards 232 Falcon Crest Warner Robins, GA 31088-7547
The American Legion
Commander Robert Campbell 7000 Yachting Way Acworth, GA 30102 Auxiliary President Nini Lynch 504 Tara Court Woodstock, GA 30188
The Retired Officers Association
President Hugh Bowles 120 Middleton Place Athens, Georgia 30606
United Spanish War Veterans
Auxiliary President Marie Cruise 414 East Avenue North Augusta, SC 29841-3837
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.
Commander William Satchell 711 S. Williamsburg Road Savannah, GA 31419 Auxiliary President Gailya Stephenson 2721 Burtz Drive Marietta, GA 30068
Veterans of World War I
Commander Charles R. Cosby 2874 Green Trail Drive College Park, GA 30349 Auxiliary President Mary Smith 2324 Parkview Circle College Park, GA 30337
Vietnam Veterans Alliance, Inc.
President Marvin Myers 5879 New Peachtree Road Doraville, GA 30340
Vietnam Veterans ofAmerica, Inc.
President Robert Burchard 12513 Golf Club Drive Savannah, GA 31419

Page26

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

THE AMERICAN LEGION
DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA

December 7, 1997
Honorable Peter Wheeler, Commissioner Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Dear Commissioner Wheeler:
Speaking for over 55,000 members of The American Legion, Auxiliaty and Sons of the American Legion, I extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to you and members of your department for your dedication and outstanding seiVice to our veterans and their families.
Our veterans appreciate and salute your untiring efforts for over half a century in improving benefits for those who were there when they were needed. The future for Georgia's veterans is much brighter because of the vision and foresight for their needs that you have provided.
We particularly appreciate your assistance to the veterans on helping us in successfully halting the closure ofthe Augusta VAMC Alzheimer's unit, and for working with us with the Georgia State LegislatW"e in requesting fimds from this years Supplemental Appropriations Budget to get the long overdue veteran's cemetery in Milledgeville under construction. The American Legion and our fellow veterans' organization will continue to press forward to assure that Phase 1 of this project is completed next year.
I look fOIWard to continuing working with you and your staffin 1998, knowing that you will be there to lead the way.
Please call us anytime we may be of assistance to you.
For God and Countzy,
(~L.~
Robert L. Campbell
Commander

STILL SERVING AMERICA Serving Georgia,s Veterans

Page27

Department of Georgia P. 0. Box 47751 Atlanta, Georgia 30360

December 30, 1997

Mr. Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Room 970 - Suite E Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Dear Pete:
As Commander of AMVETS Department of Georgia, I would like to express to you our sincere appreciation for the many services that your Department provides to Georgia's veterans.
As this year draws to a close, we can look back together with satisfaction on this year's accomplishments. It has been a pleasure to work with you in a joint effort to maintain the benefits that a grateful Nation and a grateful State have bestowed upon our veterans.
We appreciate your calling our attention to the Veterans Administration's attempt to close the Alzheimers Unit at the Augusta Veterans Administration Medical Center. When you called this to our attention, we notified our National Headquarters and they, along with the other national veterans organizations, objected to the VA Central Office and the closing of that critically needed service was prevented.
It has been very rewarding this past year, to have had the opportunity to work with you in making sure that the construction of a VA Regional Office on the grounds of the Decatur VA Medical Center has stayed on course. Also this year, we have worked together to try to get state funding to construct a state veterans cemetery.
We look forward to working with you in 1998. Thank you for all that you do for veterans and their families. Please feel free to call upon AMVETS at anytime that we may be of assistance to you or your agency.

Sincerely,
~~
Johnnie Blackmon State Commander

Page28

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

William S. Satchell State Commander
1997-98

~tttrnns nf Jlfnrtign ~nrs
nf tqt ~nittb 'rntts
~eparlment of @eorgia
Fax# (912) 474-6853 Pager 1-800-612-3132

711 S. Williamsburg Road Savannah, GA 31419 Home (912) 925-5270 Fax # (912) 925-6985

December 27, 1997

Honorable Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Dear Commissioner Wheeler:
On behalf of the more than 37,000 members of the Veterans of Foreign wars and its Ladies Auxiliary in the State of Georgia, I extend my thanks to you and your entire staff for the outstanding job that you do to protect the entitlements of Georgia's veterans and their families.
Serving such a great number of people is a very difficult task. You and your entire staff has always accepted the challenge and I salute you and each of them for the courage and willingness to address unpopular issues that face our veterans.
The foundation of the Veterans of Foreign Wars ofthe United States "to assist worthy comrades; to perpetuate the memory and history ofour dead, and to assist their widows and orphans... " is also what the Georgia Department ofVeterans Service is all about. This united commitment will protect our veterans rights.
Commissioner Wheeler, your many years of experience and dedicated service is appreciated, and as always, it has been rewarding to work with you serving Georgia's veterans and their families. As we move into the new year, I look forward to continuing our spirit of cooperation and service.
With warm personal regards,
ut.t-- --/.~
WilliamS. Satchell State Commander

INC. Department of Georgia, P.O. Box 3567, Macon, GA 31205 (912) 781-7336

Pete Wheeler, Commissioner
Deartment of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite 970-E Atlanta, CA 30034

December 29, 1997

Dear Commissioner Wheeler:
As this year comes to its end, I have the opportunity to look back and count my many blessings. One of those blessings is your friendship and all that you have accomplished for Georgia Veterans.
Your accomplishments this year, is far to long to list here. My foremost concern was the Alzhiemier patients issue that you were successful in getting resolved. The new V.A. Regional Office will soon be a reality, thanks to your efforts. You have my grateful appreciation for your support in helping to obtain sufficient funding for a State Veterans Cemetery in Milledgeville, Ga.
Your Veterans Supermarket Program has assisted numerious veterans and dependents in Georgia and is well known to be the best in the nation.
It has been a pleasure to work with you and your dedicated staff this year. I look forward to many more years of cooperation with you and your staff as we continue to serve the veterans of Georgia.
On behalf of more than 31,000 members of the Disabled American Veterans and the Ladies Auxiliary, I thank you and your staff for all that you do for the Veterans in the great State of Georgia.

Sincerely,

-

Jimmie Frazier Department Commander DAV Department of GA

JF/lsb
Page30

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

THE COMBAT VETERANS GROUP INC. CARL VINSON VAMC WARD 15-A DUBLIN, GEORGIA 31021 1-800-595-5229 EXT 2637/2638
===============================================================
January 30, 1998
The Honorable Pete Wheeler, Commissioner State Department of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Dear Pete,
Well it has been a banner year for all of Georgia's Veterans and on behalf ofthe entire membership of The Combat Veterans Group, we would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for your leadership, dedication and professionalism in helping to preserve the future and protecting the rights ofveterans.
Your entire staff has demonstrated what caring is all about and the wonderful accomplishments that has been achieved with their reliable service and many hard long hours of labor.
We assure you that it has been and will continue to be a privilege working with you and your staff in the most sacred and honored area of public service.
Sincerely,
~Allbritton
P esident
~#/;. ~-~2~ _/
Scotty Aycock President

Serving Georgia"s Veterans

Page3/

:!Jepartment o/ the $oulheaJt
Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
COMMANDER
December 19, 1997
Honorable Pete Wheeler Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: It has been a great honor to serve as Commander of the Department of the Southeast, Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America during this past year. Our organization has been serving veterans for over 100 years and we hope to continue many years into the future. Thank you so much, Commissioner Wheeler, for the assistance your Department has extended us. Your help is always welcome and appreciated. We look forward to working with you and your fine staff during the coming year as we all cooperate in our efforts to aid veterans and their families.
~APf
Arthur Stoltz Commander

Page32

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

Marvin Myers President
Feb. 14, 1998

"In Service To Veterans, Their Families, and CommunitY'

Honorable Pete Wheeler Commissioner ofVeterans Services Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Atlanta, GA 30334

Dear Pete,

The past year has been a good year for veterans in Georgia. The dedication ceremony of the Vietnam Veterans memorial at the Floyd Veteran Memorial building drew praise from all who attended the event. There was a feeling of unity among the veterans and military community.

Your office under the leadership ofTommy Clack is to be commended for a beautiful reminder ofthose we lost in Vietnam now having a permanent place ofhonor near our state capitol. As I reflect on the walk ofhonor from the street to the Floyd Veterans building, Georgia is fortunate to have a Veterans Service Department that truly cares about the service ofour veterans to our country.

The coming together of all ofthe veterans service organizations to work with your office on the request for funds to develop a War Veterans Cemetery, is a significant event in Georgia. It is an example ofwhat we can do when we all work together in harmony. We thank you for your personal effort in this matter and the help from your staff. It is only fitting that the veterans in Georgia who stood up to serve their county have a final resting place among their brothers and sisters.

Pete, we thank you for all you do for Georgia veterans.

Sincerely,

Marvin Myers President

5879 New Peachtree Road, Doraville, GA 30340 (770) 458-1985 FAX: (J70) 93&0133

HALL COUNTY GOVERNMENT
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Mr. Pete Weeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334-4800
Dear Commissioner Wheeler:
As Chairman of the Hall County Board of Commissioners, I would like to express my sincere appreciation on behalf of the Hall County Government and citizens for the "Supermarket ofVeterans Benefits" seminar conducted at the Gainesville Civic Center on December 10, 1997.
The professionalism and dedication shown by you and your staff was clearly refelected by the number of people who visited. The event was a success and proves there is a need for a continuation of these services. It is important that our Veterans be reminded that we care about them for the sacrifices they made to serve our country.
The Hall County Board of Commissioners would galdly assist you and your staff again when the "Supermarket ofVeterans Benefits" seminar returns to our community. If I may ever be of assistance to you please contact me.
Sincerely,

POST OFFICE Box 1435 GAINESVILLE, GEORGIA 30503
(770) 535-8260 FAX (770) 531-3972
W. AL GAINEY, JR.
CHAIRMAN
DENNIS PITTs, DISTRICT 1 JERRY CARPENTER, DISTRICT 2
JIMMY ECHOLS, DISTRICT 3 FRANCES MEADOWS, DISTRICT 4
REGGIE FORRESTER COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
JiM SHULER ASSISTANT COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

Page34

Serving Georgia's Veterans

City of Gainesville Office of the Mayor

.

..

......... .. ~

~....-

- . . ~-...~

~

February 24, 1998

Gainesville Mayor Jim West

Mr. Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-970 Atlanta, GA 30334-4800
Dear Commissioner Wheeler:
As Mayor of Gainesville, I would like to express appreciation on behalf of the City Council and citizens for the "Supermarket of Veterans Benefits" seminar conducted at the Gainesville Civic Center.
The attendance indicated the "Supermarket" was successful, and the continuation of these services would be beneficial.
We appreciate the Veterans and their families, and thank them for the sacrifices they made to serve our country.
If I may ever be of assistance to you please contact me.

JW/bw cc: City Council
File
Post Office Box 2496, Gainesville, Georgia 30503-2496 (770) 535-6865 (770) 535-6896 Fax

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Regional Office
730 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA 30365

December 24, 1997

Commissioner Pete Wheeler Commissioner of Veterans Affairs State Department of Veterans Affairs Floyd Veterans Memorial Bldg. Suite E-970 Atlanta, GA 30334

In Reply Refer To:

Dear Mr. Wheeler:

As the end of 1997 approaches, I would like to share with you our major accomplishments and address the many changes occurring within the Atlanta Regional Office over the past twelve months.
It seems that change was the only constant for Adjudication during 1997. Implementation of the Veterans Benefits Administration's Business Process Reengineering began in earnest this year as the Regional Office reorganized along the four business lines, i.e., Compensation & Pension, Education, Loan Guaranty, and Vocational Rehabilitation Service. Veterans Service Division and Finance activities merged in with Compensation & Pension, Education and Loan Guaranty.
A prototype team was formed in Adjudication Division which contained rating specialists, veterans claims examiners, veterans benefits counselors, and accounts receivable analyst, as well as clerical support. The team is located on the second floor. The purpose is to streamline the claims process by combining all of the elements necessary to process Compensation & Pension claims into one cohesive unit. Initially, this team was assigned approximately 25% of the Compensation & Pension workload. Initial results have been very favorable, and the unit is being expanded to include one-third of the workload. The team's staffing is being increased accordingly.
In the meantime, cross-training of veterans benefits counselors and adjudicators is continuing and we plan to form additional merged claims processing teams as we obtain additional telephone equipment for the fourth floor.
The Compensation & Pension Division is also participating in Board of Veterans Appeals teleconferencing initiative. The purpose of the initiative is to enable claimants to appear before the Board of Veterans Appeals for a personal hearing without having to travel to Washington, D.C. or wait for up to two years for a hearing before the Travel Board. Three sessions have been held so far, and the response from claimants and service representatives has been excellent. In fact, our experience with Travel Boards has been that only about 50% of the claimants who request hearings before the Travel Board actually appear for their hearing. However, 100% of the claimants electing a hearing by video-conference have appeared for their hearings. This has reduced the number of claimants awaiting Travel Board hearings, and has greatly speeded up the decision process in these cases.
Education Division of the Atlanta Regional Office processed 287,670 education claims during Fiscal Year 1997. This represents 26% of national workload for education. In July 1997, the Image Management System (TIMS) was installed at the Atlanta RPO. This allows Montgomery G.l. Bill documents to be viewed on a computer monitor. This eliminated the routing of the paper documents to the clerks and adjudicator. The image is also available to multiple users and allows benefits counselors to answer inquiries without an extensive folder search.
In September 1997, the Education Division also began reorganizing along business lines. Several functions such as Committee on Waivers, Congressional inquiries, and veteran assistance inquiries were transferred from the Finance and Veteran Services Division to the Education Division. This consolidated environment should increase efficiency by reducing the number of hand-offs associated with various work products as well as gains enjoyed by having more specialists perform the work.
We had another banner year for our home loan program. We guaranteed over 15,000 loans with the majority of them for home purchases.
As a part of the Loan Guaranty consolidation effort, we have this year taken over the loan servicing and the Joan processing workloads of the Regional Offices in Nashville and Montgomery. As a Regional Loan Center we are able to offer improved service to veterans in all aspects of home buying/ownership. A good example of enhanced customer

Page36

Serving Georgia-'s Veterans

service is our toll free telephone lines going directly to the home work area. Our year end assessment of achievement coincides with a period of acts of kindness and good deeds to humankind.
Our review points up the fact that veterans have needs year around and we have been able to help in many instances. We have been instrumental in helping many of over 7, 000 veterans save their homes from foreclosure this year. We can think of no better success story for our home loan program.
Our benefit counselors made 387,477 contacts with veterans and their dependents who called. wrote or visited our office for benefit counseling and assistance.
One of our top priorities continued to be providing assistance and benefit information to service members as they leave the military. The Atlanta Regional Office conducts the largest military outreach program in the country. Full-time benefits counselors are outbased at Fort Gordon, Fort Benning and Fort Stewart. Counselors also regularly visit Hunter Army Air Field, Moody Air Force Base, Robins Air Force Base, Fort McPherson the Marine Supply Depot in Albany, and the Naval Submarine Base at Kings Bay. During the year counselors conducted 778 briefings for 19,992 service members and provided claims assistance and benefits counseling to 13,099 individuals. We also initiated discussions with military installation officials to explore the feasibility of having military doctors use VA protocol exam criteria when conducting ETS exams on separating servicemembers. Fort Gordon has expressed interest in testing this concept.
Outreach to homeless veterans also remained a high priority. In addition to our regular work with shelters and service providers, we participated in the three day Atlanta Standdown for homeless veterans at Fort Gillem. Registration and veterans benefits counseling were provided by a team of twenty-two Regional Office employees. Veterans Benefits Counselors registered 341 homeless veterans, several brought their spouses and children.
Each veteran received an identification badge with his or her picture on it. Claims assistance was provided to I 0I veterans resulting in 44 claims. The VA Medical Center provided medical care, evaluations and a variety of other services were provided by community organizations and other Federal agencies.
In May we conducted a Congressional Seminar for the staffs of elected Georgia Congressional officials. The seminar included a tour of the Regional Office and presentations on VA benefits and procedures.
Beginning in July Veterans Service Division personnel to business line divisions as part of our station's reengineering, under BPR. As ofNovember all Veteran Services Division employees had been reassigned, with a majority of them going to either Education or Compensation and Pension.
The Regional Office conducted a conference in December for school certifying official's from our RPO region. Approximately 250 officials attended the three day affair. Presentations were made on program eligibility, claims processing new electronic processing procedures, VACO initiatives and legislative issues.
During I997 there have been many changes within the VR&C Division, we saw the advent of WINRS. This is the long projected data management system that is to "revolutionize" the way we keep up with our veterans. This was finally initiated in July I997 and our outbased offices, except for the one in Tifton, are operational. Tifton will go on line this month. The staffhave expressed their satisfaction with the new system and we are better able to track timeliness and productivity, especially in light of our new initiatives.
We have now been adjudicating Form 28-I900 applications for vocational services for more than one year and continue to experience a decrease in the days it takes to close a veteran from applicant status. Last year, after being given the adjudication responsibility for processing VR&C Rehabilitation applications, we went from 85 days to 55. This year our average to close applicant status is 47 days. We are continuing to reduce this and anticipate going below 30 days as part of our overall goal of completing the Claims Processing Timeliness goal within 90 days.
Our successes continue as the ultimate measure of the Chapter 3I program is the placement of veterans into suitable employment. In I995 we rehabilitated I27 veterans, then in I996, we rehabilitated I70. In I997 we increased our rehabilitated numbers (from I996) approximately 35% with 2I9 veterans being placed into suitable jobs.
It is our goal that I998 will continue to be productive with greater improvement in our contractors performance as well as the changes we have initiated to improve our overall performance. It is recognized that change is necessary since the actual workload for the Atlanta Vocational Rehabilitation & Counseling office has gone from I ,595 veterans this time last year to I ,962 this year.
As always this Regional office looks forward to working with you and your staff in providing the best possible service to the veteran.
May you enjoy a holiday season with peace and happiness in I998.

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

Page37

VETERANS oF WoRLD WAR I
OF THE U.S.A., INC.

January 9, 1998
Mr. Pete Wheeler Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Service 970-E Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Dear Mr. Wheeler:
As incoming State Department Commander of the Veterans of World War I of the U.S.A., Inc., I am sorry to inform you that our immediate past Department Commander, Mr. Frank A. Pease, Sr., answered the final call the day after Christmas, December 26th, 1997. Mr. Pease passed away at the VA Medical Center in Decatur, Georgia following a lengthy illness.
Mr. Wheeler, we look forward to the dedication of the World War I monument dedication at the Floyd Veterans Memorial Building on April 6, 1998. I will be happy to be on the program at the dedication, and I thank you and your Department for all you've done on that project.
I wish you the very best as you continue your good work for the veterans of this State.
Sincerely,
Charles R. Cosby Commander

Page38

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

Georgia State Council
Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. 504 Eisenhower Drive Hinesville, Ga. 313 13

January 3, 1998

Pete Wheeler Department of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans Memorial Bldg., Suite E-970 Atlanta, Ga. 30334
Dear Commissioner Wheeler,
On behalf of all veterans in Georgia and as the State Council President of Vietnam Veterans of America, I would like to extend our appreciation for all of the services that you and your staff have provided for veterans. Many of the programs here in Georgia would not be in place if it were not for your tireless efforts on our behalf. We congratulate you on your accomplishments and as always, please do not hesitate to call on Vietnam Veterans of America, Georgia State Council, or me personally for any assistance you may need in making the programs of your department more available and user-friendly to the veterans of our great state.
One other thing. In 1998, Vietnam Veterans of America will be celebrating it's 20th anniversary of serving not only those brave men and women who fought and died in Southeast Asia, but veterans of all generations and conflicts. We will also be remembering the 30th anniversary ofTet '68. Thank you in advance for all the assistance I am sure your department will be giving us in helping get out the word.

Sincerely,
~w~ President Georgia State Council

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

Page39

1997 OFFICERS
and
DIRECTORS
Marvin Myers, President 0H:: ~77700t741578--71996895 or
70 452-8387 FAX: (7 0) 936-0133
James Blaylock, Vice President H: 981-2294 0:728-7626
Andy Wysor, Treasurer H: (770~925-0249 0: (770 448-9331 FAX: (7 0) 446-1574
Judy Humphries, Secretary H: (770~993-8312 0: (770 528-1503 FAX: (7 0) 528-1501
DIRECTORS
FUND RAISING Tommy Clack 0: (770) 388-5075
PUBLIC RELATIONS Paul Sullivan 0: (404) 377-8789
PRINTED PROGRAM David C. Luttrell H: (770)979-8811 FAX {nO) 979-0590
PARADE DAY Bob Ritter H: (770) 664-5712
BANQUET Huette McFarlin H: (770) 973-8930
MILITARY UNITS Capt. Ike Puzon, USN 0: (770) 919-6413
PSUusBieLI~CaHnOOLS H: (770) 73-8773
MILITARY VEHICLES Dave Scheaffer H: (770) 992-5118
VETERAN GROUPS & AUXILIARIES Jim Wood - VFW H: (770~493-7438 0: (404 657-0316 W<xxJv McFm - LEGION H: (710) 973-8930
Jack Moses - OTHERS H: (770) 973-6901
~~ie'w. ~~~~~~L
0: (770) 886-0304

Feb. 12,1998

GEORGIA VETERANS DAY PARADE ASSOCIATION OF ATLANTA, INC.

Honorable Peter Wheeler Commissioner ofVeterans services Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Atlanta GA 30334

Dear Pete,

On behalfof Georgia's veterans I would like to report to you that our parade in 1997 was deemed to be the second largest in the nation. As in the past, we were selected as a regional site from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

We were fortunate to have representatives on the committee and in the parade from the Veterans ofForeign Wars, American Legion, Georgia Vietnam Veterans Alliance, the Gulf War Veterans, active duty military, military Order ofthe Purple Heart, and Disabled American Veterans among others.

I mention this as you and your office were greatly responsible for stimulating interest in the parade this year as you have in the past. The proclamation signing with Governor Miller, Speaker Murphy and other dignitaries could not have been arranged by anyone other than you. We thank you.

It is perhaps not well known that your office had long been the focal point for the gathering of veterans from all organizations and for those special ceremonies that make this state such a wonderful place for veterans. We thank you and our state for the honor you accord us.

Again thanks for your help in making Veteran's Day a great success in Georgia.

Sincerely,
/Jl~,AJ
Marvin Myers President
"FREEDOM THROUGH SERVICE" 5879 New Peachtree Road, Doraville, GA 30340 (770) 458-1985 FAX: (770) 963-0133

MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART

CHARTERED BY CONGRESS
FRANKLIN E. K:EARCHERN

30 December 1997

Coomander Dept. of Georgia 608 Old Sunmerville Rd

Mr. Pete Wheeler, Camrissioner Department of Veterans Services
Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-970 Atlanta, Ga. 30334

Rane, Ga 30165-4489

Dear COOIIlissioner Wheeler, The Department of Georgia, Military Order of the Purple Heart would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the outstanding service you have shown us this year. Y<>ur office has a never-ending task before it, yet the respect and assistance that is given to all the veterans in our great state, has and will continue forthcaning under your guidance. As we end 1997, let me thank you once again for your untiring efforts on be-
half of the veterans of Georgia. To -,ou. and our fellow veterans. have a happy
ooliday Se.!l.SOD and a productive New Year.
~;m~
Coomander
FFM/cmg

Serving Georgia"s Veterans

Page41

American Ex-Prisoners of War
DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA

December 27,1997

Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E~970 Atlanta, Ga. 30334

Dear Commissioner Wheeler:
The American Ex~Prisoner ofWar, Department of Georgia, extend our heartfelt thanks for what you and your staffhave done for the veterans in our state.
We thank you for your work in obtaining a National Cemetary in Milledgeville. I am sure it will come to pass next year since the state has only one in Andersonville NHS and it is filling up fast.
I also thank you for getting the best people to represent your office in the various cities throughout the state. They are always there to assist us and we thank them also.
Mr. Wheeler, thank you for your inspiration and guidance for all the veterans in our great State ofGeorgia.

Sincerely,

r?tR~
Commander, Dept of GA
AX-POW 414 San Anton Drive Savannah, GA 31419

Js;r s',c na w~ ll :t . . na

LD

Field Offices

Steve Shaddix, Manager Brenda Rachel, VBC
Vicki King, VBC
Carol Phagan, VBC

102 N. Washington St. Suite 402 Albany 31701 912-430-1797, 1798
500 W. Lamar Street Room28 Americus 31709 912-931-2546
Courthouse, Room 107 Cordele 31015-4216 912-276-2366

COUNTIES SERVED

Doo1y Dougherty Lee Macon Marion
Sumter

Schley Terrell Webster Wilcox Worth

Crisp

See Albany-Americus-Cordele Division

Gary W. Locke, Jr., Manager Harry Evans, VBC
VBC
Jackie Terlaje, VBC

Jefferson Professional Park, Suite D-1 855 Sunset Drive Athens 30606-2285 706-369-5630, 5631
Courthouse Elberton 30635-1800 706-213-2040

Barrow Clarke Jackson
Elbert

Madison Oconee Oglethorpe

Max Cotter, Asst. CommissionerField Service
Rick Roby, Sr. Claims Counselor Lenora Evans, VBC

Floyd Veterans Memorial Bldg., E-367 Atlanta 30334-4800 404-65 6-5 940 FAX: 404-657-1288

Fulton

Robert Morris, Asst. Commissioner Claims
Howard Perdue, Assistant Supervisor
[For a complete listing of Claims Staff Personnel, see Special Services Units following this directory.]

730 Peachtree Street, NE, Room 215 Atlanta 30365-6701 404-894-5213 FAX: 404-853-3098 VA Phone: 404-347-3484,3227,3129

Note: VBC is abbreviation for Veterans Benefits Counselor

Clayton Fulton

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

Page43

Johnny Langham, Manager Angela Old, VBC Diane Shirey, VBC Gerald Clayton, VBC
Craig Couturier, Manager Terri Hudgens, VBC
Roy E. Hamby, Manager Barbara Collins, Secretary
Terry Smith, Manager Christine Herring, VBC

COUNTIES SERVED

1101 Fifteenth St. Augusta 30901-3196 706-721-4301,4302
Burke County Office Park, Room 107 713 West 6th Street, PO Box 93 Waynesboro 30830-0093 706-554-3874

Columbia Burke

Richmond

121 North West St. Bainbridge 31717 912-248-2599, 2663

Baker Calhoun Clay Decatur Early

Miller Mitchell Quitman Randolph Seminole

Courthouse Annex, 301 School Rd. POBox 782 Blairsville 30514-0782 706-745-6341

Fannin Towns

Union

Office Park Bldg., Suite 100 1803 Gloucester St. Brunswick 31520-6904 912-262-2345

Camden Glynn

Mcintosh

Walter A Pinyan, Manager Rita Chastain, VBC

130 E. Main St., Suite 205 Canton 30114-2729 770-720-3538

See Rome-Cedartown-Carrollton Division

See Dalton-Cartersville Division

Cherokee Cobb

Gilmer Pickens

See Rome-Cedartown-Carrollton Division
Page44

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

B. C. Fowler, Manager June Mercer, VBC
Manager
Hazel Walters, VBC
Quincey Horton, Manager Toni Fox, VBC Mary Poole, VBC

COUNTIES SERVED

120 E. Louise St. PO Box 1135 Clarkesville 30523 706-754-4316
Courthouse Annex Toccoa 30577 706-282-4525
185 W. Franklin Street, Room 5 Courthouse Annex Hartwell 30643-1594 706-376-4461

Banks Habersham

Rabun White

Franklin

Stephens

Hart

Jackson Square, 15th Street Bldg. A, Room 2-B Columbus 31901 706-649-1264

Chattahoochee Stewart Muscogee

Tommy Clack, Manager Mylene Brett, VBC

1329 Portman Drive, Suite A Conyers 30207-6619 770-388-5075

Newton Rockdale

Walton

See Albany-Americus-Cordele Division

Pat Phillips, Supervisor, Area 3 Judy Johnson, VBC
Bobby Gayton, VBC

City Park Annex, 210 Thornton POBox 1104 Dalton 30722-1104 706-272-2355 FAX: 706-272-2335
156 McEver St., Suite 1 Cartersville 30120-3324 770-387-3746

Catoosa Murray

Whitfield

Bartow

Paulding

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

Page4S

Wendell Zeigler, Supervisor, Area 1 Ben Hitson, Assistant Manager Mike Bates, VBC
Mike Martin, VBC

Carl Vinson VAMC Room 124-6, Ward 6A 1826 Veterans Blvd. Dublin 31021-3699 912-272-4266 FAX: 912-274-7802
506A Oak Street, SE Eastman 31023 912-374-6977

COUNTIES SERVED

Bleckley Johnson Laurens

Pulaski Treutlen

Dodge

See Athens-Elberton-Winder Division

Steve Dietz, Manager Jean Waller, VBC

311 Green St., NW, Room 307 Gainesville 30501-3764 770-531-6060

Dawson Forsyth Gwinnett

Hall Lumpkin

Clarence R. Adams, Manager Teresa Bigelow, VBC

Glennville Multi Office Complex 705 N. Caswell St., PO Box 444 Glennville 30427-0444 912-654-5159

Appling Bryan Long

Tattnall Wayne

See Washington-Greensboro Division

Mike Roby, Manager Steve Smith, VBC
Ken Mills, Manager

235-AE. Slaton Ave. Griffin 30223 770-412-4023
22 E. Broad St. Newnan 30264 770-254-7260
205 E. Lee St., PO Box 461 Thomaston 30286-0461 706-646-6035

Butts Fayette Henry Pike
Coweta

Spalding Talbot Taylor

Upson

See Clarkesville-Toccoa-Hartwell Division
Page46

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

RobertS. Turner, Manager Anita Boxall, VBC

COUNTIES SERVED

Judiciary Annex, 108-E Villanow St. LaFayette 30728-2519 706-638-5544

Chattooga Dade

Walker

A1 Rivera, Manager Silas Vance, VBC

189 S. Davis Rd. LaGrange 30241-2819 706-845-4095

Harris Heard

Meriwether Troup

Robert A. Lindsay, Manager John Andrews, VBC Clay Harrell, VBC William Malcott, Jr., Manager
See Vidalia-McRae Division

653 Second Street Room203 Macon 31201-2817 912-751-3186
City Hall, Room 206 700 Watson Blvd. Warner Robins 31093-3414 912-929-1126

Bibb Crawford Jasper Jones
Houston

Lamar Monroe Twiggs
Peach

Ernie Simons, Manager Vivian Howard, VBC Coy Tisdale, VBC

Georgia State War Veterans Home Carl Vinson Bldg., PO Box 741 Milledgeville 31061-0741 912-445-4751, 1709 FAX: 912-445-3139

Baldwin Hancock Putnam

Washington Wilkinson

See Thomasville-Moultrie Division

See Griffin-Newnan-Thomaston Division

Steve Rood, Manager Denise Frix, VBC

201 Calhoun Ave. Rome 30162 706-295-6026,6280

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

Douglas Floyd

Gordon Haralson

Page47

Veterans Benefits Counselor Hope R. Mincer, Manager

Courthouse #2, Room 108 100 Prior Street Cedartown 30125 770-749-2209
408 N. White Street, Room 202 Carrollton 30117 770-836-6760

George Foley, Manager Richard Dunlop, Assistant Manager Jewel Middleton, VBC

440 Mall Blvd., Suite E Savannah 31406-4823 912-356-2537 FAX: 912-356-2539

Lamar Faircloth, Manager Elizabeth Hunnicutt, VBC
Jo Ann Collins, VBC

39 N. Walnut St. Statesboro 30458 912-871-1104, 1270
Emanuel County Office Bldg. 101 N. Main Street, Room 3 Swainsboro 30401 912-237-4451

See Statesboro-Swainsboro Divsion

See Griffin-Newnan-Thomaston Divsion

COUNTIES SERVED Polk Carroll

Chatham Effingham

Liberty

Bulloch Candler Evans
Emanuel

Jenkins Screven

Jerry Poole, Manager Irma Henderson, VBC Larue Calhoun, VBC
Edmondson Irby, Manager Sandra Wood, VBC
Page48

101 S. Broad St. Thomasville 31792 912-225-4050
County Gov't. Bldg, Rm. 210 1220 S. Main St., PO Box 386 Moultrie 31776-0386 912-891-7135

Grady

Thomas

Colquitt

Tift County Admin. Bldg., Suite Ill 225 Tift Ave., PO Box 534 Tifton 31793-0534 912-386-3856

Ben Hill Irwin

Tift Turner

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

See Clarkesville-Toccoa-Hartwell Division

COUNTIES SERVED

Phil Youngblood, Manager Joyce Boyd, VBC

2517-C1 Bemiss Road Valdosta 31602-1938 912-333-2178, 2179

Berrien Brooks Cook

Echols Lanier Lowndes

Jay Howell, Manager Loran Bryant, VBC

109 Morris St. Vidalia 30474-3419 912-538-3226
411 W. Oak St. McRae31055 912-868-6391

Coffee Jeff Davis Montgomery

Toombs Wheeler

Telfair

See Macon-Warner Robins Division

Luke A. Martin, Manager Jan Callaway, VBC
VBC

Edward B. Pope Community Center 48 Lexington Ave. POBox 891 Washington 30673-0891 706-678-2821
Community Service Bldg. 502 S. Walnut St., Room 106 Greensboro 30642-1443 706-453-7455

Glascock Jefferson Lincoln McDuffie
Greene

Morgan Taliaferro Warren Wilkes

Edward L. Chancey, Manager Glenda Lee, VBC

378 State St. POBox 172 Waycross 31502-0172 912-285-6340

Atkinson Bacon Brantley Charlton

Clinch Pierce Ware

See Augusta - Waynesboro Division

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

Page49

Special Services Units

NAME/TITLE
Robert C. Morris, Assistant Commissioner Howard Perdue, Asst. Supervisor Frank Boykin, Sr. Claims Counselor Richard Branson, Sr. Claims Counselor Jim Frederick, Sr. Claims Counselor George McCoy, Sr. Claims Counselor O'Neal Sexton, Sr. Claims Counselor Lance Williams, Sr. Claims Counselor Tom Cook, Claims Counselor Jack Goodwin, Claims Counselor Patricia Jackson, VBC Juanita Sharp, VBC Tina Green, Secretary Linda Worthy, Secretary
James A. McMillen, Manager Marilyn Ferguson, VBC Charla Jones, VBC
Walter Taylor, Manager Larry Samuel, VBC
Wendell Zeigler, Area Supervisor Ben Hitson, Manager Mike Bates, VBC

ADDRESS I PHONE

Claims Division 730 Peachtree Street, NE Room215 Atlanta, Georgia 30365-6701

VSO: FAX: VA Phone:

404-894-5213 404-206-5165 404-347-3484

VA Hospital - Atlanta 1670 Clairmont Road Room 11C129 Decatur, Georgia 30033

VSO:

404-728-7611

FAX:

404-327-4995

VAHospital: 404-321-6111

Ext. 6357,6358,6359

VA Medical Center - Augusta 950 15th Street Room2D-149 Augusta, Georgia 30914

VAHospital: 706-733-0188 Ext. 2218, 3916 1-800-836-5561

Carl Vinson VA Medical Center Room 124-6, Ward 6A 1826 Veterans Blvd. Dublin, Georgia 31021

vso:

912-272-4266

FAX:

912-274-7802

VA Hospital: 912-272-1210

Ext. 2562

Page SO

Serving Georgia,s Veterans

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