1998 annual report

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State of Georgia

Department Of Veterans Service

1998 Anl1.Ual Report

Pete Wheeler Commissioner

Georgia's Veterans.....guardians of liberty

On The Cover

Pictured on the cover is an artist's depiction ofthe new U.S. Department ofVeterans Affairs Regional Office that is under construction next to the VA Medical Center in Decatur. Groundbreaking took place on December 8, 1998. The building will be approximately 186,000 square feet and will house 541 VA employees and service organizations including the Department ofVeterans Service Claims Division. It is scheduled to open in early 2000. (Photo provided by HLM Design, Atlanta, GA)

PETER WHEELER
COMMISSIONER
(404) 6562300 FAX (404) 656-7006

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VETERANS SERVICE BOARD
FRED T. FINCHER. SR.. CHAIRMAN. LAGRANGE BARBARA J. AARON. VICE CHAIRMAN. WARNER Rc HORACE BORDERS. SECRETARV, ROCKM.....,. C. C. DUDLEY, MEMBER. ROVSTON W. D. HARRELL, MEMBER. BAINBRIDGE HUGH MITCHELL. MEMBER, H,AWASSEE BEN H. PURCELL, MEMBER, CLARKESVILLE

January 19, 1999

Governor Roy Barnes 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 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 1998.

Respectfully submitted,

i

I.I.......-~L~

ETEWHEELER Commissioner

Contents

Veterans Service Board/Organization

5

Mission

6

Education And Training Division

7

Information Division

8

Monetary Benefits

9

Statistical Data

10

Financial Report

12

Commissioner's Activities

13

Supermarket of Veterans Benefits

16

Service Officers School

17

War Veterans Nursing Horne, Augusta

18

War Veterans Horne, Milledgeville

19

Veterans Leadership

22

Directory

39

Georgia's World War I Monument was dedicated on April 6,1998. The monument contains the names ofthe 1,937 Georgians who were killed in the war, a map showing how the war unfolded and quotes ofPresident Woodrow Wilson and General John J. Pershing. There is now a monument

for each major war of this century located in front of the Floyd Veterans Memorial Building. Each monument features a listing ofthe Georgians killed in that war. The Floyd Veterans Memorial Building is located across the street from the state capitol.

4

Veterans Service Board
The Constitution of the State of Georgia specifies that the State Board of Veterans Service 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 approval by the State Senate. Board members terms are staggered and are for seven years. From its membership, the Board annually elects a chairman, vice-chairman, and secretary. Every four years the Board elects a Commissioner, through whom it controls the overall policy of the Department of Veterans Service.

1998 Board Members
Fred T. Fincher, Sr. Barbara J. Aaron Horace Borders Calvin C. Dudley W.D. Harrell Hugh Mitchell Ben Purcell

Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Member Member Member Member

LaGrange Warner Robins Rockmart Royston Bainbridge Hiawassee Clarksville

-Organization

II

Veterans Service Board

II

Pete Wheeler Commissioner

Charles Willey

Director, Public Information

I-

Lawrence N. Brockway, Jr. Assistant Commissioner

Ray Masneri Director
GA War Veterans Home Milledgeville

A.W. Tindall Director
Administration Division

I- -

James Jackson Director
Education/Training

Max Cotter Assistant Commissioner
Field Service

Robert Morris Assistant Commissioner
Claims

Phil Youngblood Supervisor Area 1

Mike Roby Supervisor
Area 2

Pat Phillips Supervisor
Area 3

Charles Esposito Administrator
GA War Veterans Nursing Home Augusta

5

Mission
.. to serve those who have served

T he mission ofthe Department ofVeterans Service is to serve the 667,100 veterans (as of July 1,1998) residing in Georgia, their dependents and survivors in all matters pertaining to veterans benefits. This responsibility falls into two basic tasks: informing the veterans and their families about veterans benefits; and directly assisting and advising veterans and their families in securing the benefits to which they are entitled. To support these missions, the department maintains a claims staff, field offices, an information division, and a central office. The claims staff is located at the Atlanta regional office of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at 730 Peachtree Street. The claims staffmission is to process claims and appeals ofGeorgia veterans. The field offices, located throughout the state, provide direct assistance to veterans at the local level. The Department representatives provide counsel and assist veterans in gathering the documents and information required to document their claim. The information division's mission is to keep Georgia veterans informed about issues and how they impact on them. The central office is for the administration of these services. The uninformed may be prone to use the phrase "duplication of effort" when referring to the functions ofthe Department ofVeterans Service and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; nothing could be further from the truth. To a veteran seeking benefits from the VA, the role played by the Department ofVeterans Service might be compared to that of an attorney representing a client in court. The necessity for personal assistance in filing and pursuing claims and in maintaining a continuing information program results from the legal principle that veterans benefits are not awarded automatically-all must be applied for. The VA pays a veteran exactly what he or she asks for when they are entitled, and no more. The aim ofthe Department ofVeterans Service is to obtain for a veteran or dependents the benefits to which they are entitled, to tell them when they are entitled, and to assist them in gathering and preparing evidence needed to justify a claim and prove their entitlement. The advancing age of World War II and Korean War veterans, and the frequent changes that occur in veterans benefits legislation, will necessitate the continuance of a variety ofveterans programs in the years ahead. As Congress continues to seek ways to reduce the deficit, veterans benefits will continue to be in a state of flux. This means veterans will continue to need assistance in interpreting the changes and determining how they impact on their personal situation.

6

Education And Training Division
.....State Approving Agency

B y 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-j ob 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 on-the-job training programs peaked at 11,456, during 1998. 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 atrialventure in 1985, the Montgomery program proved to be such a success, it subsequently was made a permanent benefit for the military and now enjoys a huge participation which continues to grow. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has expanded the veterans education benefits program to include vocational, technical, correspondence and apprenticeship training for reservists, and reinstated flight training for both reservists and veterans. In 1998, the approval of educational institutions and training establishments for the education of Georgia veterans resulted in the processing of 7,542 individual actions in the approval, reapprova,l, withdrawal, and compliance survey process. The State Approving Agency also conducted regular inspection visits to ensure that approval criteria and schools' standards ofprogress are being followed as prescribed by law. During 1998, personnel assigned to the Educational and Training Division conducted 427 visits for the purposes of approval, reapproval, inspection and compliance surveys. Currently, the department monitors 546 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 administrative approval, annual inspections, and ensuring corrective action where necessary, constitute a vital function of the Georgia Department of Veterans Service.

7

Information

The information division collects, evaluates, and disseminates information to veterans regarding benefits, changes in laws,

Division

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 television

stations throughout Georgia.

The releases are used to inform veterans about the latest changes

regarding veterans affairs and to provide information on the status

of proposed or pending legislation which may affect them.

Field personnel promote the Department and the services it pro-

vides by their frequent contacts with the news media in their respec-

tive areas.

The Department publishes the Veterans Bulletin which contains

information about veterans programs, VA actions and decisions, 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 interested groups and individuals.

Public speaking forums are an important ingredient of the

Department's overall information program. All Department person-

nel are encouraged to accept speaking engagements at meetings of

veterans organizations and civic clubs. These personal appearances

provide excellent opportunities for telling the veterans benefits story.

Department personnel also participate in local radio talk shows

and make presentations at local schools.

The Information Division maintains a De-

partment Web Site that is part of the Georgia

On Line Network.

The web site contains information about

Commissioner Wheeler, state veterans benefits,

the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home in

Augusta, and the Georgia War Veterans Home

in Milledgeville. Recent press releases, selected

articles from the Veterans Bulletin and other

items ofinterest to veterans can also be accessed

at the site.

Commissioner Wheeler addresses the audience at the groundbreaking ceremony on December 8, 1998, for the new VA Regional Office in Decatur.

The site address is http://www.state.ga.us/ Departments/Veterans.
The information division compiles, edits,

and publishes a series of pamphlets explaining in detail the various

benefits available to veterans, their dependents, and survivors. These

pamphlets are updated as changes occur in laws, regulations, or ben-

efits.

Through an aggressive internal communication program, the Di-

vision keeps the field offices informed about changes in the law and

policy interpretations that impact on veterans.

8

Monetary Benefits

T he following is a report of the monetary benefits received by the veterans and the dependent survivors of deceased

veterans in Georgia during fiscal year 1998 (October 1, 1997 - Sep-

tember 30, 1998). The figures were provided by the U.S. Depart-

ment of Veterans Affairs.

Compensation and Pension

$ 664,137,545

Insurance

45,543,670

Readjustment and

Vocational Rehabilitation

45,885,797

Construction

10,127,603

General Operating Expenses

452,143,500

Total

$1,171,597,972

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, pensions for nonservice connected disability for veterans, pensions to veterans surviving spouses and children, and burial expenses allowance for veterans.

Insurance: Estimate of VA payment of death claims, mature endowments, dividends, cash surrender payments, total disability income provision payments, and total permanent disability benefits payments. The data is provided by the VA Regional Office and Insurance Center in Philadelphia. The estimate is based on statistical allocations using the veteran population to disperse amounts to geographical 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.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.

9

Statistical Report

The following is a report ofthe number of cases and types of services rendered by the Georgia Department of Veterans Service during 1998.

Contacts

638,079

New Case Files

7,837

Letters Written

33,929

Compensation and Pension

23,996

Education

7,932

Medical

13,998

Insurance...................................................................... 1,083

Loans

4,644

Power of Attorney

6,873

Notices of Disagreement and Appeals Filed

5,769

VA Claims Folders Reviewed

21,768

Drivers Licenses

8,789

Business Licenses

226

Other Forms and Evidence

141,670

Miscellaneous

976,980

10

Statistical Report Definitions

CONTACTS: Requests for service or information (in person, by telephone or by letter).
NEW CASE FILES: Cases brought to the attention ofthe Veterans Service Department for assistance requiring representation.
LETTERS WRITTEN: Outgoing correspondence originated in the Department on behalfofclaimants in developing their claims.
COMPENSATION AND PENSION: Claims for monetary benefits submitted by veterans, their dependents or survivors.
EDUCATION: Applications for educational assistance for the veterans and/or wives, widows and children of veterans.
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.
POWERS OF ATTORNEY: The appointment of a service organization as a claimant's representative.
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.
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.
BUSINESS LICENSES: Certificates issued to certain disabled veterans exempting them from the payment ofbusiness license taxes.
OTHER FORMS AND EVIDENCE: Documents completed and transmitted in support of applications filed for claims.
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.

11

Financial Report
(From the State Auditor's report for the period July 1, 1997 - June 30, 1998)

FUND BALANCE - JULY 1, 1997 Surplus
ADDITIONS Adjustments to Prior Year's Accounts Payable Excess of Funds Available over Expenditures Page 13

DEDUCTIONS Unreserved Fund Balance (Surplus) Returned to Office of Treasury and Fiscal Services Year Ended June 30, 1997
FUND BALANCE - JUNE 30, 1997
SUMMARY OF FUND BALANCE Surplus

BUDGET

FUNDS AVAILABLE

REVENUES

State Appropriation Federal Revenues

$ 20,519,548.00 8,295,136.00

$ 28,814,684.00

EXPENDITURES

Personal Services Regular Operating Expenses Travel Equipment Computer Charges Real Estate Rentals Telecommunications Per Diem, Fees and Contracts Capital Outlay Operating Expenses/Payments To Medical College of Georgia Regular Operating Expenses for Projects and Insurance

$ 5,156,689.00 218,263.00 97,245.00 161,495.00 20,400.00 248,700.00 67,500.00
14,204,610.00 686,260.00
7,420,422.00
533,100.00

$ 28,814,684.00

Excess of Funds Available over Expenditures

$ 402,634.64
85,793.68 739,853.87 825,647.55

402,634.64 825,647.55

$ 825,647.55

ACTUAL

VARIANCE

$ 20,519,548.00 8,358,760.09
$ 28,878,308.09

$

0.00

63,624.09

$ 63,624.09

$ 5,119,106.44 221,427.44 95,414.82 165,167.11 20,797.44 243,679.48 69,191.88
13,564,089.09 686,260.00
7,420,422.00
532,898.52
$ 28,138,454.22
$ 739,853.87

$ 37,582.56 -3,164.44 1,830.18 -3,672.11 -397.44 5,020.52 -1,691.88
640,520.91 0.00
0.00
201.48
$ 676,229.78
$ 739,853.87

12

Commissioner's Activities
"The Commissioner of Veterans Affairs and the Members of the 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 of the department and the rights and privileges of veterans," -Georgia Laws 1945, p. 324.
Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Pete Wheeler was active throughout the state participating in numerous veterans activities and speaking in support of veterans issues during 1998.
He appeared before veterans organizations, civic groups and at professional meetings stressing the country's requirement to support its veterans. He spoke about the Department's service to veterans, the recent changes and challenges to veterans benefits and provided his recommendations regarding the future of veterans benefits and health care.
Commissioner Wheeler continued to be active in his role as Chairman of the World War II Memorial Advisory Board. The Board's mission is to advise the Battle Monuments Commission on building a national World War II Monument on the Mall in Washington, D.C.
He continued his work toward getting a new U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office built next to the Atlanta VA Medical Center in Decatur. In December, the ground-breaking ceremony was held for the new building. VA officials anticipate occupying the new facility in early 2000.
In April, Commissioner Wheeler presided over the World War I monument dedication. The monument is located at the front entrance to the Floyd Veterans Memorial Building in Atlanta. A monument for each ofthe major wars or conflicts of this century is now located at the entrance. Each monument has a listing of the Georgians killed in that particular conflict.
The Commissioner participated in the dedication ceremony of the Alzheimer wing at the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin and the opening ofVA's Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Macon. In addition to the Macon clinic, clinics were opened in Valdosta, Albany, Gainesville, Buford and Dawsonville, in the continuing effort to bring health care closer to veterans residences.
The Carl Vinson VA Medical Center also opened a clinic at Georgia's War Veterans Home in Milledgeville. The clinic services the veterans at the home and saves many ofthem from having to make a day-long trip to Dublin.
In September, Commissioner Wheeler served as the master of ceremony at an event in LaGrange honoring Lt. Col. (Ret) James "Mike" Sprayberry, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War.
13

Commissioner Wheeler met with Col. Robert Nett, U.S.A. (Ret) and his wife Frances at the Veterans Day Proclamation Ceremony at the State Capitol in October. Col. Nett received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in the Philippine Islands during World WarIL

A $3 million nursing care unit

:~

.. . .... ::: designed to carefor veterans suffering

from dementia was dedicated at the

Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in

Dublin on May 5. Participating in the

ribbon cutting ceremony are (from left)

Mrs. Bill Edgar; Dr. Ram B. Singh,

Manager, Geriatics and Extended

Service Care Line; Dr. Gordon King,

Chief of Staff; Bill Edgar, former

director at the facility; Georgia

Commissioner ofVeterans Affairs Pete

Wheeler; Larry Deal, Director of VA 's

Veterans Integrated Service Network

7; James Trusley, current Director of

the Medical Center; Representative

Ken Birdsong, Chairman of the

Georgia House of Representatives

Defense and Veterans Affairs

Committee; and Waymon Saxon,

Associate Director at the Medical

Center.

14

Bottom Photo Preceding Page:
Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Pete Wheeler met with representatives ofthe Commission on Servicemembers and Veterans Transition Assistance on June 30. The 12-mem ber commission was established by Congress to review the adequacy and effectiveness offederal programs providing assistance to service personnel making the transition and adjustment to civilian life. Commission members meeting with Commissioner Wheeler are (from left) former Staff Director and Chief Counsel U.S. House ofRepresentatives Mack Fleming; Commission Chairman and former Acting Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Anthony Principi; Commissioner' Wheeler; and U. S. Army Brigadier General (Retired) Robert Stevens, Jr.

BY TIlE GOVERNOR OF TIfE STATE OF GEORGIA

A PROCLAMATION

COMMISSIONER PETE WHEElER

WHEREAS.. WHEREAS: WHEREAS: WHEREAS: THEREFORE:

CommIssioner Pete Wheeler has diligently served under nine Governors of Georgi, IS Commissioner of Veterans Service and continues to gtve selftessly of his time to this position and to the State of Georgia. and
Appointed by President Johnson. Commissioner Wheeler served as II member of the UnIted States Vetorin, Advisory Commission and was ,ppofnted by President Clinton IS Chairman of the World War II MemO'II' Advisory Board, whIch Mr. Wheeler contmue, to ,etlvet)' serve; .nd
For more than 50 yelrs. Commissioner Wheeler has made significant contributions to the wellbeing of veterans and their families; ,nd
On August 27, 1998, The Okt Guard B.ttaHon of The G.te City Guard of Atl,nta will p.y specl.l tribute to Pete Wheeler for hfs years of ser\lfce 's Commissioner of Veterans Service and his lifelong dedtc.tlon to veter.ns throughout our state .nd nltlon: now
I, ZeH MIRer, Governor of the Stlte of Georgll, do hereby commend COMMISSIONER PETE WHEELER for I Job well done and extend best wishes for continued success.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF. I hive hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the executive Department to be .fAxed. This 12th day of August 1998.



15

Supermarket
OfVeterans
Benefits

The 1998 Supennarket of Veterans Benefits was held at the Macon National Guard Armory on December 8. Commissioner Wheeler estimated that more than 1,150 veterans and their families attended and approximately 750 claims were processed. The annual event is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Veterans Service in cooperation with the U.S. Department ofVeterans Affairs and 20 federal, state and local agencies that are directly or indirectly involved with veterans benefits. The one-day program provides attendees the opportunity to gather infonnation about a multitude of veterans benefits at one location. Since its inception in 1966 in Columbus, more than 131,259 veterans have been helped at the Supennarkets. The Supennarket's location rotates among Georgia cities.

Macon Mayor Jim Marshall presents Commissioner Wheeler with a proclamation declaring December 8, 1998, "Supermarket of Veterans Benefits" day in Macon.
James Jackson (top photo), the Department of Veterans Service's Director of Education and Training, talks with a veteran during the Supermarket. In the right photo, Sonny Pinyon, office manager of the Department's Canton office, helps a veteran complete a form during the Supermarket.
16

Service

More than 400 individuals involved or interested in veterans issues attended the 1998 Service Officers School held

Officers

at the Holiday Inn on Jekyll Island, May 12-15. The Georgia Department ofVeterans Service in cooperation with

School

the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the state's veterans groups sponsor the annual conference.

The Service Officers School is the Department's primary train-

ing tool. It is designed to provide attendees with up-to-date infor-

mation regarding federal and state veterans benefits.

The event brings

together the veterans

benefits counselors

from the Depamnent' s

field offices, the lead-

ership of the state's

veterans groups and

national officials in-

volved in veterans is-

sues.

"Our most basic

tool is our knowledge

of veterans benefits,"

is how Commissioner

Wheeler explains the

event's mission. "Our

people must keep cur-

rent on the issues af-

Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department ofVeterans Affairs Hershel Gober registers at the Service Officers School on Jekyll Island. Looking on (from left) are JoAnn Collins, Mary Hancock and Sandra Wood.

fecting veterans, ifwe are going to provide quality servife."

Participating in the 1998 conference were Deputy Secretary of

Veterans Affairs Hershel Gober; Carroll Williams, national service

officer for The American Legion; David Gorman, executive direc-

tor ofthe Disabled Veterans of America; Frederico Juarbe, director,

national veterans service for the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the

United States; and Gary Hickman, director of the Atlanta VA Re-

gional Office.

17

Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home, Augusta

The Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home is a 192-bed skilled nursing care facility 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 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 medical conditions 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 of Veterans 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 ofa select group of such institutions in the United States that has been accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare.
In 1998, the GWVNH provided 64,758 days of care to Georgia .veterans. There were 238 admissions and 240 discharges, and the average length of stay was 249 days.
The average age of residents in the facility is 76 years of age. The GWVNH provided 46,790 physical therapy treatments and 6,289 occupational therapy procedures in 1998.
To help provide care and treatment, the federal government provided financial assistance totaling $2,586,033 during 1998.
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.

18

Georgia War Veterans Home, Milledgeville

A n eight-minute video "Serving Those Who Served," telling the story of the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville, was the grand finale of a year filled with innovative and exciting new programs and services for veterans. When Priva-Trends, Inc., a private Georgia-based company, assumed the management for the campus in 1996, they made a commitment to: 1) improving the quality of care and services, 2) adding innovative new programs, and 3)
reaching throughout the state to provide information about the Georgia War Veterans Home to veterans needing domiciliary or skilled nursing care. Those promises continue to be fulfilled.
Quality Care First Quality of care and services continues to be a high priority for the medical and nursing staff. Again in 1998, the Georgia War Veterans Home received excellent state and federal 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. Perhaps one ofthegreatest achievements for the staff was to be selected for a national award by the American Health Care Association, the nation's largest nursing home organization. Approximately 50 nursing homes from across the nation received this coveted award. While quality can be measured in many ways, some quality indicators used by the Georgia War Veterans Home include: The opening of a new medical clinic on the GWVM campus has reduced the number of trips veterans must make to medical specialists at VA hospitals. Now the specialists come to the veterans. There were more than 1,200 dental appointments in 1998 requiring dental fillings, extractions, cleanings, and denture services. Rehabilitation remains a priority with a complete therapy staff consisting of physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and respiratory therapists. In addition, restorative aides provide thousands of treatments to veterans throughout the year. Stafftraining and education remain a high priority. Four nursing assistant classes were conducted in 1998 with 45 new nursing assistants certified. Also, a total of 498 in-service hours, 19 general orientation classes, and 30 CPR certified classes were offered. One of the reasons for the high quality of care and services can be attributed to the quality of employees and the stability of the staff.
19

Turnover of nursing home employees is traditionally very high throughout the state and nation with most nursing centers averaging more than 100 percent annualized employee turnover, says Ray Masneri, executive director of the Georgia War Veterans Home.
"Our employee turnover is less than half the national average," he, said.
Masneri attributes the low turnover to the "team" effort ofthe employees. In 1997, the Georgia War Veterans Home began participating in the "Go for the Gold" quality recognition program sponsored by UHS-Pruitt Corporation, the parent company for Priva-Trends, Inc.
Because of their efforts, each of the four GWVH buildings received either a gold or silver award in the "Go for the Gold" quality recognition program and was nominated for the American Health Care Association's quality award.
"I can't say enough good things about our staff," said Masneri. "They have gone above and beyond when it comes to providing care and services for our veterans. They treat the veterans as if they were their own family members."
Innovative Services Expanded With the aging of America including an increasing number ofolder veterans, the Georgia War Veterans Home renovated more rooms in the domiciliary to provide additional accommodations to meet the increasing demands for services. In 1998, the third floor of the Wheeler Building was renovated to provide modest two-room suites. The large lobby area for the third floor was refurbished as well. For the safety and security of the veterans, security cameras were installed and are constantly being monitored by the staff. To provide a change of scenery, the Liberty Diner on Highway 441 that provides food service to the Georgia War Veterans Home, opened to veterans and their families for lunches. Other buildings received renovations and refurbishing throughout the year as well. From duct cleaning to landscaping maintenance, the buildings and grounds receive regular attention.
Volunteers Are Special Veterans continue to benefit from the generosity ofvarious veteran service organizations, civic

associations, and church groups through their sponsorship ofmovies, 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 1,350 volunteers who worked with the veterans in 1998. They collectively volunteered 3,100 hours.
Add to that some $32,651 in cash or gifts for bingo. Also, volunteers donated another $75,834 value of donated items for the veterans use.
Volunteers have organized a fund-raising committee for the purchase of a new activities bus, reports Nona D, "Jenny" Roach, CRTS and volunteer coordinator for the Georgia War Veterans Home. One volunteer from Gordon (Wilkinson County) has already raised $12,600 from the local VFW Post 7509. "All contributions are welcome," says Ms. Roach.
Community Relations During the year, veterans and staff sponsored a number of community programs. One key partner was Georgia Military College. Veterans and students participated in a "buddy program," community blood drives, and Veterans Day to mention a few. Participation with public and private schools in Baldwin, Hancock, Putnam and Wilkinson counties increased dramatically again in 1998. Children made many special visits to the GWVH bringing songs and handmade cards to veterans. As a grand finale for the year, a film crew arrived to document the story of The Georgia War Veterans Home. An eight-minute video called "Serving Those Who Served" is now available for veterans groups, service clubs, churches, civic organizations, and other groups. Completed at the end of 1998, the video provides a brief look at the Georgia War Veterans Home, some of its residents, volunteers, and staff. Groups desiring to use the video should contact Ray Masneri or Jenny Roach at the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville (888-453-6936) or their local veterans service office.

20

State Veterans Organizations

In rendering service to the veterans of Georgia, the Department of Veterans Service works closely with the state's veterans organizations and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Commanders of the veterans organizations in Georgia, who so generously give 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.

Desmond Doss (top photo), a medal of honor recipient in World War II, and his wife Frances attended the dedication ceremony of the state's World War I Monument on April 6. In the left photo, individuals view the "moving wall" exhibit that visited Atlanta in May. The exhibit is a scaled replica ofthe Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.
- Commissioner Wheeler addresses the audience at the Veterans Day Proclamation signing ceremony in October. Seated behind the Commissioner are (from left) Lt. Gen. Tommy Franks, Deputy Commanding General U.S. Army Forces Command, U.S. Senator Paul Coverdell, Gen. Ray Davis, USMC (Ret) (partially hidden), and Georgia Representative Ken Birdsong, chairman ofthe House Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee.
21

Veterans Leadership
American Ex-Prisoners of War Commander Ray Reierson
414 San Anton Drive Savannah, GA 31419
American Veterans ofWorld War II-KoreaVietnam (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 John W. Brown
4252 Colony East Drive Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Disabled American Veterans Commander Jimmie Frazier
703 E. Palm Street Fitzgerald, GA 31750-3345
Auxiliary Commander Barbara Williams
3725 Fairington Drive Hephzibah,GA 30815
Jewish War Veterans Southeast Commander Herbert Katzenstein Department Commander Joseph Kraut
P.O. Box 207 Fairmount, GA 30139
Auxiliary President Betty Simcox
4692 Cedar Parkway Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Military Order of the Purple Heart Commander James Blaylock
4077 Ballina Drive Decatur, GA 30034-5302
Auxiliary President Faye Harris
506 Milledge Road Augusta, GA 30904
:Military Order of the World Wars Commander LTC David R. Titus
4850 Wrightsboro Road Grovetown, GA 30813
22

Reserve Officers Association Commander Col. David Richards
232 Falcon Crest Warner Robins, GA 31088-7547
The American Legion Commander Robert Woodruff
242 Miller Road Covington, GA 30014
Auxiliary President Linda Brock
6230 North Helton Road Villa Rica, GA 30180
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 J. Wilson
4323 Columbine Drive Austell, GA 30106
Auxiliary President Gailya Stephenson
2721 Burtz Drive Marietta, GA 30068
Veterans of World War I Auxiliary President Mary Smith
2324 Parkview Circle College Park, GA 30337
Vietnam Veterans Alliance, Inc. President Marvin Myers
3350 Sweetwater Rd. #1303 Lawrenceville, GA 30044
Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. President Wayne Watkins
396 Gray Fox Road Hinesville, GA 31313

THE AMERICAN LEGION

DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA

OFFICE OF:

STATE COMMANDER
Department of Veterans Service



Honorable Pete Wheeler, Commissioner

Floyd Veterans Memorial Building

Atlanta, Georgia 30334

3282 East Main Street College Park, Georgia 30337

Dear Commissioner Wheeler:

Speaking for over 57,000 members of The American Legion, Auxiliary and The Sons of The American Legion, I extend our sincere thanks and ~ppreciation to you and employees of your department for your outstanding service and dedication to Georgia's veterans and their families.

We salute your untiring efforts for over 50 years or improving service and benefits for those "who were there when they were needed." The future of Georgia's veterans has been and will continue to be brighter, thanks to your vision and foresight, in providing for their needs.

We particularly salute your efforts and continued support for the completion of The Veterans Cemetery in Milledgeville. This will provide a much needed, final resting place in "The Great State of Georgia" for those who have answered the final call. Weare also very appreciative for the VA health care clinics opened in Milledgeville, Albany, Macon and Gainesville. These facilities will greatly increase the availability of health care to our veterans.

I look forward to working with you and your staff in 1999, knowing you and your staff will be there when needed.

Please call upon The American Legion, if we can be of assistance to your department.

For God and Country,

R. F. "Butch" Woodruff Department Commander

23

Department of Georgia P. O. Box 47751 Atlanta, Georgia 30360
December 29, 1998
Mr. Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite 970-E Atlanta, GA 30334
Dear Pete: On behalf of AMVETS Department of Georgia, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your Department fot all that you do to help the veterans of Georgia. Your many years of service to veterans and their families is an inspiration to all of us, who work to improve the lives ofveterans, to give all that we can. I once saw a plaque which read as follows: "The summit of noble service is to have served those who served." I know of no one to whom that phrase fits better than to you. Please pass along our appreciation to all of your people around the state who work daily in service to Georgia's veterans. Our organization has enjoyed a harmonious relationship with your employees for many years. Long may that harmonious relationship last. Pete, please feel free to call upon AMVETS at anytime that we may be of assistance to you and your Oepartment. Sincerely,
~~
Cfohnnie Blackmon State Commander
24

INC.
Department ofGeorgia, P.o. Box 3567, Macon, GA 31205 (912) 781-7336

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25

ilBepartment of Georgia
1.Bizableb ~merican Vderanz ~ux[iarp
2 NOVEMBER 1998
COMMISSIONER PETE WHEELER GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS SERVICE SUITE E-970 FLOYD VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30334
Dear Pete Wheeler;
The Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, State Of Georgia wants to con~ratulate you for being deemed worthy for the George Washington Honor Medal Award for outstanding citizenship and long term commitment to the American way of life, within respective fields, from the Freedoms Foundatio at Valley Forge.
Our Auxiliary knows you have been taking care of our Veterans for (50) year and that you are the Dean of all State Commissioners. Without your commitment "to care for him, who shall have bourne the battle, his widow an his children," the Georgia SDVS and the DVA in Georgia would be a lost cause/entity. You are "MR VETERAN" inGeorgia and we know you are playing a major role in the soon to be WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL, in Washington, D.C ..
We Want to thank you for all your hard work and dedication for the needs of our Veterans and their Families. Our organization is prOUd of you and if there is any thing you need us to do or help in any way please do not hesitate to call upon us, we will always be there to help.
Congratulations again to a man who has worked very hard for all the Veteran and their families. Our Organization is proud to know you.

Y8URS IN SERV!CE "

(Y:~~'Cu- HI. P'-",--

1':
c,{

II-.("J/;~'1~(,~/'---

BARBARA A. WILLIAMS STATE COMMANDER DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA 3725 FAIRINGTON DRIVE HEPHZIBAH, GEORGIA 30815

26

American Ex-Prisoners of War
DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA

December 15,1998
Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-970
Atlanta, Ga. 30334
Dear Commissioner Wheeler:
The Department of Georgia, American Ex-Prisoner ofWar, Inc., extend our heartfelt thanks for what you and your staff have done for the Veterans of our state.
In the past you have worked hard to obtain National Cemetery's for our Veterans. You have been successful in getting the one in Milledgeville and I am sure we will have one in the Atlanta Area one day.
Your Staff ofRepresentatives throughout the state do a wonderful job. They are very helpful to the widows as well as our veterans. They are always there to assist us.
Mr. Wheeler, our organization thank you and your staff for your inspiration and guidance for all the veterans throughout the great State of Georgia.

Sm=clYW

Rp Reierson
t;< mmander, Dept. ofGA

'\)(-PO\N

, ,A Sex: Anton Drive

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:/)epa,.tment 0/ the ~outheaJt Jewish War Veterans of the United States of Americc
COMMANDER
Herbert Katzenstein
Honorable Pete Wheeler Commissioner, Georgia Department of Veteran Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: It is a great honor to serve as Commander of the Department of the Southeast, Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America, for the current year. The Jewish War Veterans celebrated its 100 year birthday in 1996 making it the oldest veterans organization in the United States of America and we hope to continue for many years to come.. It is also a very great honor to work with the Georgia Department of Veteran Service in our efforts to help veterans and their families and we thank you for your aid. Because of the untiring effort of you and your loyal staff, Georgia Veterans are assured that all avenues available to help them will be utilized to the maximum. I look forward to the coming year with the knowledge you and your staff will devote the same tireless and effective efforts as in the past.. Please accept our best wishes for continued success.
Herbert Katzenstein, Commander

The Patriotic .. e of American Jewry

The Patriotic Voice

of American Jewry

28

XUly ~ilihtry rbr of tly JIurpl ~nrt
COMBAT WOUNDED

Honorable Pete Wheeler COlnInissioner, DepartInent of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans MeInorial Building, Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334

March 1, 1999

Dear COInInissioner Wheeler:

As Georgia's DepartInent COInInander for the IneInbers of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, I w-ould like to express Iny sincere and heartfelt
appreciation to you and your staff for the treInendous service that you render to the veterans of this State and Nation on a daily basis. Thus, it is
-with Inuch joy that I can proudly reflect upon the ever-present evidence of
thecoInInitInent of your office to veterans.

Less it be Inisunderstood, I -will add that it is -with personal know-ledge that
your untiring efforts on behalf of the veterans of Georgia are legendary, long standing, and persevering. Your dedication serves as a beacon of hope for Inany in despair and your exaInple as the IIDean of COInInissioners of Veterans Service" is iInitated everywhere. The representation that our veterans receive froIn you are unparalleled and have iInproved the quality of life for countless throughout the State. Thank you for 'being there', and the difference you Inake.
1(/
I

~--1-'\~

~

IneS M. Blaylock

29

William J. Wilson State Commander
1998-99

~eteraus of JJforeigu ~ars

of t4c ~uiteb 'tates
~eparlmettt of eorgia
Fax: (912) 474-6853 Pager 1-800-612-3132

4323 Columbine Dr. Austell, GA 30106-1715 Home: (770) 941-1648
Fax: (770) 745-7393

December 28, 1998

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

Commissioner Wheeler:
On behalf of the more than 35,000 members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary in the state of Georgia, I thank you for the dedication of you and your staff for the services provided to our veterans and their families.
We were certainly pleased to learn that all of the Georgia Department of Veterans Service field offices received new communication and computer equipment. We believe that this equipment will enhance service provided.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars is out in the forefront fighting to protect veterans earned entitlements. We are happy that you are always shoulder to shoulder with us in this battle.
Commissioner Wheeler, I have heard many times that you are the "pioneer" for veterans advocacy throughout State Veterans Affairs Agencies. We are just glad that you are in Georgia and it has been a pleasure working with you this past year. I look forward to our partnership in the future.

With warm personal regards,
w~rbJ~
William 1. Wilson
State Commander

30

Marvin Myers President
Feb. 14,1999

"In Service To Veterans, 11leir Families, and Community"

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

Dear Pete,

The past few years have been good years for veterans in Georgia. There is a feeling of unity among the veterans and military community.

We are excited that the cemetery for the veterans of Georgia is on track and will become a reality in the not so distant future. It is also important the we continue to press for the Alzheimer's Wing at the Georgia War Veteran's Home. We appreciate all you are doing to make that happen. You have selected a great staff and we like what they are doing on these projects.

The coming together of all of the veterans service organizations to work with your office on the request for funds to develop a War Veteran's Cemetery, was a significant event in Georgia. It is an example of what 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.

5879 New Peachtree Road, Doraville, GA 30340 (404) 458-1985 31

D'lnservicetoAmericaU

Vietnam Veterans ofAmerica
Georgia State Council 504 Eisenhower Dr. Hinesville, GA 31313 1-888-VVA-VETS Fax: 912-368-7016
A Not-For-Profit Veterans Service Organization Chartered by the United States Congress

December 29, 1998

Pete Wheeler Department of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans Memorial Bldg., Suite E-970 Atlanta, GA 30334
Dear Mr. Wheeler,
The efforts of the Department of Veterans Services is greatly appreciated here in the great state of Georgia, and on behalf of Vietnam Veterans of America Inc. I thank you.
The continued caring that your staff has shown is commendable. We look forward to working with you in the future. The upcoming millennium will offer you new challenges, and all veterans organizations within Georgia will be counting on your continued support.
Sincerely,
~~ Wayne Watkins President Georgia State Council

32

Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities Management Office 810 Vermont Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20420
December 31, 1998
Mr. Pete Wheeler Commissioner Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-970. Atlanta, GA 30334
Dear Commissioner Wheeler: In keeping with the season, it is customary to reflect upon the events of the passing year. This year has truly been an eventful (and challenging) one for this office and the enhanced-use leasing program. While we are currently involved with a host of exciting initiatives nation-wide ranging from cogeneration plants to assisted living centers, needless to say, the Atlanta VBA Regional Office collocation project has played a significant part in this office's activities over the past year. Your leadership through-out the entire process and especially during this past year has made the project an unqualified success to date. On behalf of this office, please accept my sincere appreciation for all of your assistance and your office's dedicated support for the project. Have a happy and prosperous New Year. Sincerely,
l Ton~nl ir ~
Director, Asset & Enterprise Development
33

JIM MARSHALL MAYOR

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
QIit1l nf~arnn
February 2, 1999

700 POPLAR STREET P.O. BOX 247
MACON, GEORGIA 312020247 (912) 751-7170
FAX (912) 751-7931

Hon. Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Dept. of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334-4800
Dear Commissioner Wheeler:
Thank you for all your efforts in arranging the Supermarket of Veterans Benefits program at the National Guard Armory on December 8, 1998. Veterans residing in or near Macon were able to meet and talk with the necessary officials of the Georgia Department of Veterans Service in order to apply for benefits or to receive information. This was accomplished with a great deal of convenience, since these key people were available in one location.
The interest was evident by the number attending. I believe this Supermarket event certainly proved worthy of continuing.
Service of this kind extended to veterans is of the utmost importance, in light of their valuable service to our country.
Please do not hesitate to contact my office if I may be of assistance in this or other matters.
Very truly yours,

JM:acm
h: \corres\wheeler, veteranssupermarket
34

VHA Core Values: Trust - Respect - Commitment - Compassion - Excellence
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Veterans Health Administration
Veterans Jntegrated Service Network #7 2200 Century Parkway, N.E. Suite 260 Atlanta, GA 30345-3203
In Reply Refer To: 10N7
December 31, 1998

The Honorable Pete Wheeler

Department of Veterans Services

Floyd Veterans Memorial Building

Suite E-970

Atlanta, Georgia 30334 [ )

Dear Mr. Wheeler:

~~

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the work you have done for the veterans in the Atlanta Network during 1998. Without your support and encouragement, it would have been very difficult to achieve the successes we have enjoyed in improved quality of care for veterans this year.

As a key stakeholder in the Atlanta Network, your contributions and strong commitment to change have helped us reshape our organization into a much more efficient and customer friendly system. In Georgia, we are proud of the two new Community Based Outpatient Clinics that were opened in Albany and Macon and the one soon to be opened in North East Georgia. The clinic we now share at your Milledgeville Veterans Home, which brings easier access of care to veterans in that part of the state, is also a highlight of the year. And certainly the ground breaking for our new Regional Office ranks as a premier event for this year. I also appreciate your feedback on Georgia veterans' issues.

Your direct support and involvement have directly contributed to these and other successes we enjoyed during 1998. Thank you for your support and I look forward to working with you again next year as we work together to provide better service for veterans.

35

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

December 23, 1998
Mr. Pete Wheeler Commissioner of Veterans Affairs State Department of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-970 Atlanta, GA 30334

In Reply Refer To: 316/00

Dear Mr. Wheeler: As this year draws to a close I would like to share with you events and accomplishments of the Atlanta VA Regional
Office. The Veterans Benefits Administration has realigned its field station organizational structure. Instead of being assigned
to one of four regional areas, the field stations have been grouped into nine Service Delivery Networks. SDN #4 is comprised of the Atlanta, Columbia, Nashville and Winston-Salem Regional Offices. October 1,1998 was the implementation date for this SDN concept.
The establishment of the SDN concept will enable us to: Be more accessible to our customers. More efficient in cost and claims processing. Reduce/eliminate redundancy. Promote cooperation/teamwork as the way of doing business. Invest decision making at lowest levels. Be more flexible/agile in order to respond to every changing need.
On December 8, 1998, the VA Regional Office in cooperation with the Development Authority of DeKalb County broke ground on the new VARO Office Building and Parking Deck. The Regional Office, which as been located in Midtown Atlanta for 30 years, is planning to relocate to the parcel ofland adjacent to the Decatur VA Medical Center in early 2000. The building will be approximately 186,000 square feet and house 541 VA employees and service organizations. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by VA Regional Office employees, veterans service organizations and VA Central Office staff, including Deputy Secretary Hershel Gober providing the keynote address and Under Secretary for Benefits Joe Thompson. WeIcoming remarks were made by Regional Office Director Gary Hickman. Other speakers were Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Service Pete Wheeler and Joe Thompson. Compensation and Pension
The PARDS-Georgia Program was initiated in January. The Program is designed to provide a vehicle for Service Officers and others, who assist veterans, their dependents and survivors in filing claims, which will expedite the processing ifthey submit completely developed claims. VA provides training for the service officers in developing these claims which helps them work with the claimant in determining what is necessary to complete each claim.
The Service Officers from various Service Organizations working in Georgia have responded to the training and the Program with such great enthusiasm. Weare considering not only providing refresher PARDS training but expanding the training into other important areas which affect their constituents, such as the appeals process.
One of our goals for 1999 is increasing the total number of cases submitted under the PARDS banner from the present average of 90 per month to 125 to 150 per month. Additionally, we want to work with the Service Officers to reduce the percentage of cases which "fall out" of the Program. We intend to accomplish these goals through providing more specific training and support to the Service Officers and reviewing the Program to determine if the types of PARDS-approved claims can be expanded.
The Atlanta VA Regional Office also became involved in a Contract Examination Pilot Project in May 1998. This trial project handles examinations needed by the RO covering the North Georgia area, presently served by the Atlanta VAMC. Three of Georgia's primary military installations, Forts Benning, Gordon and Stewart are also involved. These exams will be requested from and performed by a private contractor. The location ofthe exam for the veteran will be determined by the veteran's zip code. The program at the military installation is designed, with the cooperation of DoD to accommodate the service member who is being discharged or is retiring and plans to file a claim for benefits with VA. The veteran will be
36

able to complete the paperwork and undergo a predischarge physical and VA exam with the intent that his claim can be resolved as soon as he receives his separation papers or shortly thereafter.
Our pending workload for C&P claims went down from FY97 to FY98. Claims pending over 180 days and appeals pending unfortunately have increased. However, we are anticipating an increase in the number of Rating Board Members through a central office initiative to reduce this number. Education:
The Education Section of the Atlanta Regional Office processes 23% of national workload for education end product. Currently, our average claims processing timeliness is 30 days for original claims and 13 days for supplemental days. Our average speed to answer a telephone call based on current data is 2 minutes and 32 seconds.
In April 1998, 17 additional incoming phone lines were installed at the Atlanta Regional Processing Office. At that time the education phone calls for Veterans in the State of Florida were received by education personnel in the Atlanta Regional Processing Office. This allowed veterans in the State ofFlorida to talk with an Education Benefits Specialist in the office that is actually processing his or her claim. The EBS has access to TIMS and can better respond to status of claims issues than the local regional office of Veterans and claimants who are receiving VA Education benefits and reside in the states of Georgia and Florida can now call the VA Regional Processing Office in Atlanta, Georgia. The toll free number to reach the Atlanta office is 1-888-GI-BILL-l or 1-888-442-4551.
In May 1998, Emollment Certification Automated Processing was installed. ECAP is designed to automate the processing of Chapter 30 re-emollment certifications received from schools using VACERT. At present, the program only processes Chapter 30 emollments. However, it is designed to identify and annotate on ECAP emollment certifications the existence of Chapter 32,35, or 1606 master records. The project was spearheaded by the Buffalo RPO, with subject matter experts from the four RPO's (Atlanta, Buffalo, Muskogee, and St. Louis) and an Education Representative. The programming was done by Atlanta and St. Louis. Eventually, ECAP will be upgraded to process emollment certifications for all education programs (except Chapter 3 1) and notices of change in student status. ECAP works essentially the same as an adjudicator would in processing enrollment certifications but with the speed of a modem microprocessor.
In August 1998 the toll-free phone system was enhanced with the National Automatic Response System. By calling 1-888-GI-BILL-l the claimant or school official will be immediately connected to the Education portion of the VA telephone system. Prerecorded messages will provide general information and eligibility criteria for all VA education benefits. Currently, specific benefit information is available only for the Montgomery GI Bill for Active Duty and Selected Reserve programs. This information is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Loan Guaranty:
Over 26,000 mortgage loans were guaranteed by the Atlanta Regional Loan Center in 1998. While the majority of these loans were made in conjunction with the purchase of a home purchase many others were made to refmance existing loans as veterans took advantage of the lower interest rates that are currently available. We immediately recognize that home buying benefits not only veterans but their communities and the economy as well.
As our economy expands and more and more people relocate to this area we expect a continued high volurnn of new loans. Somewhat overshadowed in this expanding economy is the change in the workplace that sometimes brings about individual economic setbacks. Since veterans are a part of these ongoing changes, some of them suffer loss or curtailment of income and VA is there to help. We attempt to contact veterans as soon as possible after we learn of their difficulties so that we can assist them by providing alternatives to foreclosure. This year we averaged three personal contacts with veterans whose loans became delinquent. Many times veterans are able to work out their problems without our assistance but when they need our help, we are there. Our outreach program to the housing industry is very important since by educating them as to the alternatives to foreclosure they also assist veterans in times of need since they are, on many occasions, the first persons that veterans contact. We feel this is just another example of working together with the private sector to provide service to our nation's veterans. Vocational Rehabilitation and Counselin~:
Rehabilitating veterans remains the ultimate measure of the Chapter 31 program. In 1998, we rehabilitated 204 veterans who were able to secure suitable jobs. Meanwhile we continue to reduce the number of days for claims processing timeliness and have established goals to further improve our services to our customer, the veteran.
It has been rewarding to work with you and your staff in serving veterans and their dependents. As we move into the new year, I look forward to continuing our spirit of cooperation and service.
37

JAN -8 1999

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Medical Center (Atlanta)
1670 Oairmont Road DecaturCA 30033

The Honorable Pete Wheeler Conunissioner GeorgjaDepartment ofVeterans Services FloytfYeterans Memorial Building SuiteE-970 Atlanta, GA 30334

In Reply Refer To: 508l00PA

Dear Commissioner Wheeler:
On behalf of the veterans served by the Atlanta VA Medical Center, I would like to extend my appreciation to you and your staff for the exceptional work you have done to help Georgia's veterans and their families.

The professionalism and dedication shown by you and your staff have positively affected the benefits and services received by Georgia's veterans. As a result of the selfless perseverance demonstrated by you and your staff, Georgia veterans and their families will continue to benefit now and for many years in the future.

At the Atlanta VA Medical Center, we have seen an increased demand for VA services. In FY 1998, the facility's staff served over 37,000 unique veterans; with almost 7,000 inpatients being treated and over 352,000 outpatient visits being provided to this nation's veterans. These numbers are expected to grow as veterans continue to move to this great State.

I look forward to continuing our work together in 1999. Sincerely,

(If;;~
Medical Center Director

OFFICE
Johnny Langham, Manager Angela Old, VEC Diane Shirey, VEC Gerald Clayton, VEC
Craig Couturier, A1anager Terri Hudgens, VEC

ADDRESS - PHONE- FAX
1101 Fifteenth Street Augusta 30901-3196 Phone 706-721-4301,4302 FAX 706-721-6015
Burke County Office Park, Room 107 713 West 6th Street, PO Box 93 Waynesboro 30830-0093 PhonelFAX: 706-554-3874
121 North West Street Bainbridge 3 1717 Phone: 912-248-2599,2663 FAX: 912-248-2599

Roy E. Hamby, Manager Barbara Collins, Secretary
Terry Smith, Manager Christine Herring, VEC

Courthouse Annex, 301 School Road PO Box 782 Blairsville 30514-0782 Phone/FAX 706-745-6341
Office Park Bldg., Suite 109 1803 Gloucester Street Brunswick 31520-6904 Phone: 912-262-2345 FAX 912-261-3937

Walter Pinyan, l'vfanager Rita Barnhart, VEC

130 E. Main Street, Suite 108 Canton 30114-2729 PhonelFAX: 770-720-3538

See Rome - Cedartown - Carrollton Divison

See Dalton - Cartersville Division

See Rome - Cedartown - Carrollton Division 40

COUNTIES SERVED

Columbia

Richmond

Burke

Baker Cillhoun
Clay Decatur
Early

Miller Mitchell Quitman Randolph Seminole

Fannin Rabun Towns

Union White

Camden Glynn

Mcintosh

Cherokee Cobb

Gilmer Pickens

OFFICE
Johnny Langham, Manager Angela Old, VEC Diane Shirey, VEC Gerald Clayton, VEC
Craig Couturier, jvfanager Terri Hudgens, VEC

ADDRESS-PRONE-FAX
1101 Fifteenth Street Augusta 30901-3196 Phone 706-721-4301,4302 FAX: 706-721-6015
Burke County Office Park, Room 107 713 West 6th Street, PO Box 93 Waynesboro 30830-0093 Phone/FAX: 706-554-3874
121 North West Street Bainbridge 3 1717 Phone: 912-248-2599,2663 FAX: 912-248-2599

Roy E. Hamby, Manager Barbara Collins, Secretary
Terry Smith, lvJanager Christine Herring, VEC

Courthouse Annex, 301 School Road PO Box 782 Blairsville 30514-0782 Phone/FAX: 706-745-6341
Office Park Bldg., Suite 109 1803 Gloucester Street Brunswick 31520-6904 Phone 912-262-2345 FAX 912-261-3937

Walter Pinyan, /vJanager Rita Barnhart, VEC

130 E. Main Street, Suite 108 Canton 30114-2729 PhonelFAX: 770-720-3538

See Rome - Cedartown - Carrollton Divison See Dalton - Cartersville Division See Rome - Cedartown - Carrollton Division 40

COUNTIES SERVED

Columbia

Richmond

Burke

Baker Calhoun
Clay Decatur
Early

Miller Mitchell Quitman Randolph Seminole

Fannin Rabun Towns

Union White

Camden Glynn

Mclntosh

Cherokee Cobb

Gilmer Pickens

OFFICE

ADDRESS-PRONE-FAX

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

120 E. Louise Street PO Box 1135 Clarkesville 30523 PhonelFAX: 706-754-4316
Courthouse Annex, Room 100 101 West Tugal0 Street Toccoa 30577 Phone/FAX: 706-282-4525
185 W. Franklin Street Courthouse Annex Hartwell 30643-1594 Phone/FAX: 706-376-4461
Jackson Square, 15th Street Bldg A, Room 2-B Columbus 31901 Phone: 706-649-1264 FAX: 706-649-1265

Tommy Clack, Afanager Mylene Brett, VEe

1329 Portman Drive, Suite A Conyers 30094-6619 Phone: 770-388-5075 FAX 770-785-6868

See Albany-Americus-Cordele Division

Robert S. Turner, Supervisor, Area 3 Judy Johnson, VEe
Bobby Gayton, VEe

City Park Annex, 210 Thornton PO Box 1104 Dalton 30722-1104 Phone: 706-272-2355 FAX 706-272-2335
156 McEver Street, Suite 1 Cartersville 30120-3324 Phone/FAX: 770-387-3746

COUNTIES SERVED

Banks

Habersham

Franklin

Stephens

Hart

Chattahoochee Muscogee

Stewart

Rockdale Newton

Walton

Catoosa Murray

Whitfield

Bartow

Paulding

41

OFFICE
Ben Hitson, Manager Bob Moye, VBC
Mike Martin, VEC

ADDRESS-PHONE-FAX

COUNTIES SERVED

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

Bleckley Johnson Laurens

Pulaski Treutlen

Dodge

See Athens-Elberton Division

Stephen R. Deitz, Manager Jean Waller, VEC
Clarence R. Adams, Manager Teresa Bigelow, VBC

311 Green Street, NW, Room 307 Gainesville 30501-3764 Phone: 770-531-6060 FAX: 770-531-6061
Glennville Multi Office Complex 705 N. Caswell Street, PO Box 444 Glennville 30427-0444 PhonelFAX: 912-654-5179

Dawson Forsy1h Gwinnett

Hall Lumpkin

Appling Bryan Long

Tattnall Wayne

See Washington-Greensboro Division

Mike Roby, Supervisor, Area 2 Ron Pierce, VBC

235-A E. Slaton Avenue Griffin 30223 Phone: 770-412-4023,770-467-6099 FAX: 770-412-4023

See Clarkesville - Toccoa - Hartwell Division

Anita Boxall, VBC

Judiciary Annex, 108-E Villanow Street Lafayette 30728-2519 Phone: 706-638-5544 FAX: 706-639-2046

Butts Fayette Henry
Pike

Spalding Talbot Taylor

Chattooga Dade

Walker

42

OFFICE

ADDRESS-PRONE-FAX

Al Rivera, Manager Silas Vance, VEe

189 S. Davis Road LaGrange 30241-2819 PhonelFAX: 706-845-4095

Robert A. Lindsay, Manager George Canavaggio, VEe Clay Harrell, VEe
See Vidalia-McRae Division

653 Second Street, Room 203 Macon 31201-2817 Phone: 912-751-3186 FAX: 912-751-3187

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

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

See Thomasville-Moultrie Division

Ken Mills, Manager
Steve Rood, lvfanager Denise Frix, VEe Ray Rollins, VEe

22 E. Broad Street Newnan 30264 PhonelFAX: 770-254-7260
250 E. Lee Street Government Administrative Complex Thomaston 30286-0461 PhonelFAX 706-646-6035
201 Calhoun Ave. Rome 30162 Phone: 706-295-6026,6280 FAX: 706-295-6280
Courthouse #2, Room 108 100 Prior Street Cedartown 30125 PhonelFAX: 770-749-2209

COUNTIES SERVED

Harris Heard

Meriwether Troup

Bibb Crawford
Jasper Jones

Lamar Monroe Twiggs

Baldwin Hancock Washington

Putnam Wilkinson

Coweta Upson

Douglas Floyd

Gordon Haralson

Polk

43

OFFICE

ADDRESS-PHONE-FAX

COUNTIES SERVED

Hope R. Mincer, Manager

408 N. White Street, Room 202 Carrollton 30117 PhonelFAX: 770-836-6760

Carroll

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

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

!1:rlllll.IIIf lllllill~lliJ.~I!:I!:!:!fi,I[:[:111111111llilil:l:[:II~:i:i!i,i,i,II:l~[:[[IIII~'lllli,III:~~~::~:1

H. Lamar Faircloth, Manager Elizabeth Hunnicutt, VBe

39 N. Walnut Street Statesboro 30458 Phone: 912-871-1104,1270 FAX: 912-764-3142

Jo Ann M. Collins, VBe

Emanuel County Office Bldg. 101 N. Main Street, Room 3 Swainsboro 30401 PhonelFAX: 912-289-2617

Chatham Effingham
Bulloch Candler Evans
Emanuel

Liberty
Jenkins Screven

See Statesboro - Swainsboro Division

See Newnan - Thomaston Division

Jerry Poole, Manager Irma Henderson, VBe
Larue Calhoun, VEe
Edmondson Irby, Manager Sandra Wood, VBe
44

101 S. Broad Street Thomasville 31792 Phone: 912-225-4050 FAX: 912-225-3998
County Gov't. Bldg., Room 210 1220 S. Main Street, PO Box 386 Moultrie 31776-0386 PhonelFAX: 912-891-7135
Tift County Admin. Bldg., Suite III 225 Tift Avenue, PO Box 534 Tifton 31793-0534 Phone: 912-386-3856 FAX: 912-386-7386

Grady

Thomas

Colquitt

Ben Hill Irwin

Tift Turner

OFFICE

ADDRESS-PRONE-FAX

See C1arkesville-Toccoa-Hartwell Division

Phil Youngblood, Area 1 Supervisor Joyce Boyd, VEe

2517-C1 Bemiss Road Valdosta 31602-1938 Phone: 912-333-2178,2179 FAX: 912-259-5583

Jay Howell, Manager Loran Bryant, VEe

109 Morris Street Vidalia 30474-3419 PhonelFAX 912-538-3226
411 W. Oak Street McRae 31055 PhonelFAX 912-868-6391

Mike Bates, ;\;Janager

City Hall, Room 206 700 Watson Blvd. Warner Robins 31093-3414 Phone: 912-929-1126 FAX: 912-929-1124

George Morgan, A1anager Jan Callaway, f73e

Edward B. Pope Community Center 48 Lexington Ave. PO Box 891 Washington 30673-0891 PhonelFAX 706-678-2821
Green Co. Admin. Services Bldg. 201 N. Main Street Greensboro 30642 Phone/FAX 706-453-7455

Ed Chancey, ;\;fanager Glenda Lee, VBe

378 State Street PO Box 172 Waycross 31502-0172 Phone 912-285-6340 FAX 912-285-6341

See Augusta - Waynesboro Division

COUNTIES SERVED

Berrien Brooks Cook

Echols Lanier Lowndes

Coffee Jeff Davis Montgomery
Telfair

Toombs Wheeler

Houston

Peach

Glascock Jefferson Lincoln McDuffie

Morgan Taliaferro
Waren Wilkes

Greene

Atkinson Bacon Brantley Charlton

Clinch Pierce Ware

45

NAME / TITLE Robert C. Morris, Assistant Commissioner Howard Perdue, Asst. Supervisor Frank Boykin, Sr., Claims Counselor Jim Frederick, Sr. Claims Counselor Jack Goodwin, Sr. Claims Counselor Lance Williams, Sr. Claims Counselor Tom Cook, Clainls Counselor Dave Glass, Claims Counselor George Langford, Claims Counselor Jim Randles, Claims Counselor Patricia Jackson, VEC Juanita Sharp, VEC Tina Tebo, VEC Linda Worthy, Secretary
James A. McMillen, Manager Marilyn Ferguson, VEC Charla Jones. VEC
Larry SamueL VEC
Ben Hitson, lvfanager Bob Moye, VEC

ADDRESS / PHONE Claims Division 730 Peachtree Street, NE Room 215 Atlanta, Georgia 30365-6701
vso: 404-894-5213
FAX: 404-206-5165 VA Phone 404I-,.347-3484
VA Hospital - Atlanta 1670 Clainnont Road Room lC210 Decatur, Georgia 30033
vso: 404-728-7611
FAX: 404-327-4995 VA Hospital: 404-321-6111
Ext. 6357.6358, 6359
VA Medical Center - Augusta 950 15th Street Room 20-149 Augusta, Georgia 30914
VA Hospital: 706-733-0188 Ext. 2218,3916 1-800-836-5561
FAX: 706-733-0188, Ext. 3843
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

46

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