State of Georgia Department of Veterans Service 2003 Annual Report Pete Wheeler, Commissioner To a Veteran, Who Has Given So Much To Our Country. Thank You For The SacrificesYou Have Made To Help America Remain STRONG! PROUD! an A Grateful Nation Holds You In Its Heart. PETER WHEELER COMMISSIONER (404) 656-2300 FAX (404) 656-7006 Bepartment nf Beterans Peruke iFlngii UEtermta Memorial IButlliutg Atlanta, (Sienrgta 30334 January 31, 2004 Governor Sonny Perdue 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 of the General Assembly, the Veterans Service Board, veterans ' organizations and the public generally an annual report with reference to claims presented on behalfof veterans ofthis state, concerning veterans aided underfederal, state, or local legislation, and to otherwise report activities and accomplishments of the Department of Veterans Service. " In compliance with the above section, I have the honor to present herewith the Annual Report of the Department of Veterans Service for the year 2003. Respectfully submitted, PETE WHEELER Commissioner Contents Veterans Service Board ....................................................................................................... 5 Mission ..................................................................................................................................... 6 Department Functions........................................................................................................... 7 Education And Training Division ........................................................................................ 8 Information Division ........................................................................................................... 9 Statistical Report ................................................................................................................ 10 Monetary Benefits................................................................................................................ 12 Financial Report.................................................................................................................... 13 Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home, Augusta ............................................................ 14 Georgia War Veterans Home, Milledgeville................................................................ 15-16 Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Milledgeville.....................................................17 Commissioner's Activities .............................................................................................. 18-21 Supermarket of Veterans Benefits................................................................................ 22-23 State Veterans Organizations...............................................................................................24 Veterans Leadership ............................................................................................................25 Directory................................................................................................................................... 50 Distribution of VA Expenditures.......................................................................................... 58 World War II Data.................................................................................................................. 61 World War II Registry Form.................................................................................................62 Organization DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS SERVICE STATE VETERANS SERVICE BOARD INFORMATION DIVISION COMMISSIONER EDUCATION TRAINING DIVISION ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FIELD OPERATIONS ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER CLAIMS ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER ADMINISTRATION Director Health, Contracting & Facilities AREA I SOUTHERN GEORGIA AREA II CENTRAL GEORGIA AREA III NORTHERN GEORGIA GEORGIA VETERANS MEMORIAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION GEORGIA WAR VETERANS HOME AUGUSTA GEORGIA WAR VETERANS HOME MILLEDGEVILE 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. 2003 Board Members Barbara J. Aaron Horace Borders Richard Harris James Blaylock Ray Hendrix Calvin C. Dudley Chairperson Vice Chairman Secretary Member Member Member Warner Robins Rockmart Cochran Decatur Statesboro Royston VSB members Mr. Borders (hidden), Mr Hendrix (thirdfrom left), Mr. Harris (secondfrom right), joined Commissioner Wheeler and State Representative Ken Birdsong, Chairman of the Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee for the plaque unveiling at the dedication of the Alzheimer's Wing ofthe Georgia WatVeteran s Home in Milledgeville in July. Photo at right: Mr. Hendrix (left), Mr. Borders (right) and Ms. Aaron (back right) review the several thousands of cards and letters Commissioner Wheeler received during the summer from veterans regarding the C.A.R.E.S study. 5 Mr Blaylock above led the Pledge ofAllegiance at the AARP sponsored Pearl Harbor Remembrance day Program held on Dec. 7, at the State s WWII Memorial. Mission... to serve those who have served he mission ofthe Department of TVeterans Service is to serve the 768,675 veterans (VA's figures taken from Census 2000) 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 ofthe U.S. Department of Veter ans Affairs at 1700 Clairmont Road in Decatur. The claims staffmission is to process claims and appeals of Georgia 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 ofeffort" when referring to the functions ofthe Department ofVeterans Service and the U.S. Department ofVeterans 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 ofa variety of veterans 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 Department Functions Effectuate and carry out the laws of the state pertaining to veterans. Inform veterans, their dependents, and survivors as to their rights and benefits under federal and state legislation, or local ordinances. Assist veterans, their dependents, and their beneficiaries in the preparation, presentation, proof, and establishment of such claims, privileges, rights and other benefits accruing to them under federal, state, and local laws. Report any evidence of incompetence, dishonesty, or negligence on the part of any employee dealing with veterans' affairs to the proper authority. To do and perform all things for the promotion of and in the interest and for the protection of the veterans of Georgia as to their rights under all federal and state laws. Apply for and accept gifts, grants, and other contributions from the federal government or from any other governmental units. Accept and use gifts, grants, donations, and contributions of real estate, both vacant and improved facilities, monies, services or other property from individuals, arms, corporations, organizations, and associations and from county and municipal corporations and their subdivisions, in addition to any funds appropriated by the state. Construct and operate hospitals, nursing homes, and personal care homes for the benefit of eligible war veterans. Advise the Governor, the Board of Veterans Service, and the General Assembly as to needed veterans' legislation. Maintain files on all veterans who have filed claims for veterans' benefit through the department. Conduct educational programs by personal appearances before veterans' organizations, service clubs, fraternal groups and other such organizations so as to acquaint the public generally with the work of the department. Make representatives of the department available in any regions, locations, and areas of the state to assist all veterans, their dependents, and survivors in preparing and filing claims for benefits and to acquaint them with all legal rights and privileges. Cooperate with all national, state, and local governmental and private agencies, securing or offering services or any benefits to veterans and their dependents. Assist and cooperate with all veterans' organizations in their work. As State Approving Authority, enter into contracts with the federal government for the qualifications, approval, certification, and supervision of educational institutions and training establishments applying for or participating in federal programs for educating and training veterans. Assist other states in securing evidence for claims. Promote enlargement and improvement of VA hospital facilities in the state. Sponsor observance of Veterans Day in the state. Certify eligibility for veterans' drivers licenses and honorary drivers' license. Certify eligibility for disabled veterans' discount at Department of Natural Resources facilities. Issue Certificates of Exemption from payment of business license tax to qualified veterans. Assist qualified veterans in obtaining honorary hunting and fishing licenses. Assist in obtaining special motor vehicle license plates for certain veterans: Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners-of-war, handicapped and disabled veterans. Furnish the Governor, members of the General Assembly, State Board of Veterans Service, veterans' organizations, and the general public and annual report on the activities and accomplishments of the department. 7 Education And Training Division... State Approving Agency y law, the Georgia Department of BVeterans 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 on-the-job training programs exceeded 14,000 during 2003. Ms. Yuma Mallard, who is j utilizing her GI Bill benefits I under Chapter 30 in an OnJ The-Job Training (OJT) program. Ms. Mallard joined ! the U.S. Navy for a period of L 3 years. During her enlistment she was assigned to San Diego. California, as Disbursing Clerk. She was deployed at sea under the Navy's "Women at Sea" program on 3 different occasions. Ms. Mallard is currently working as a Cost Accountant for E.R. Mitchell Construction Company in the Atlanta area. Increases in enrollments are expected to continue as more veterans participate in the Montgomery GI Bill education program. Initiated in 1985, the Montgomery GI Bill program has proven to be a great success. The veterans' response to this program was such that 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 (DVA) has expanded the veterans education benefits program to include vocational, technical, correspondence and apprenticeship training for reservists and flight training for both reservists and veterans. One of the most recent innovations was Public Law 106-419 which would allow DVA to pay for certain licensing and certification tests required for entry or advancement into a vocation or profession. In 2003, the approval of educational institutions and training establishments for the education of Georgia veterans resulted in the processing of nearly 7,200 individual actions in the approval, reapproval, withdrawal and compliance survey process. The State Approving Agency also conducted regular inspection visits to ensure that approval criteria and schools' standards of progress are being followed as prescribed by law. During 2003, personnel assigned to the Educational and Training Division conducted about Mr. Reginald Burrell of 500 visits for the Riverdale, Georgia served 15 years in the puiposes of Armed Forces and is now currently working approval, as an exterminator for reapproval, Terminix Pest Control. He will be receiving inspection and Chapter 30 GI Bill benefits in the On-The- compliance surveys. Job (OJT) program for Currently, the a period of 24 months, while working in this department monitors entry level capacity and hopes to become an 1,100 educational area manager within the next 4 years. 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. 8 Information Division rTT'Ihe information division collects, evaluates, I and disseminates information to veterans 1. regarding benefits, changes in laws, and proper procedures to be followed in the filing of claims. When appropriate, the division mails news releases concerning veterans affairs to more than 400 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 provides by their frequent contacts with the news media in their respective 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, VAhospitals, public officials and other interested groups and individuals. Public speaking forums are an important ingredient ofthe Department's overall information program. All Department personnel 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 I local schools. The I Infonnation Division | maintains a department web site that is part of www.georgia.gov. 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. The site address is http://www.state.ga.us/dvs. The information division compiles, edits, and publishes a series ofpamphlets explaining in detail the various benefits available to veterans, their dependents, and survivors. These pamphlets are updated as changes occur in laws, regulations, or benefits. Through an aggressive internal communication program, the Division keeps the field offices informed about changes in the law and policy interpretations that impact veterans. Photos show Commissioner Wheeler being interviewed by Albany TV crews during the 2003 Supermarket of Veterans Benefits held December 2003 Statistical Report Listed below is a report of the number of cases and types of services rendered by the Georgia Department of Veterans Service during 2003. Contacts.......................................................................... 593,263 New Case Files................................................................ 11,177 Letters Written.................................................................. 38,600 Compensation and Pension............................................. 66,244 Education............................................................................. 3,856 Medical............................................................................. 32,207 Insurance...............................................................................1,832 Loans.................................................................................... 4,314 Power of Attorney........................................................... 14,476 Change of Address.............................................................. 3,636 Notices ofDisagreement and Appeals Filed..................... 5,876 Vocational Rehabilitation................................................... 1,289 VA Claims Folders Reviewed.......................................... 51,698 Claims Forms Field office Reviewed................................... 534 Drivers Licenses.................................................................. 6,272 Business Licenses................................................................... 290 Nursing Flome Applications............................................... 1,181 License Plates...................................................................... 1,750 Natural Resources............................................................... 2,323 Tax Exemption.....................................................................1,609 Prefernce Points.....................................................................703 Welfare Assistance/SS....................................................... 7,335 Miscellaneous Personal Affairs........................................ 22,535 Other Forms and Evidence.............................................. 174,932 Miscellaneous..................................................................761,932 10 CONTACTS: Requests for service or infonnation (in person, by telephone or by letter). NEW CASE FILES: Cases brought to the attention of the Veterans Service Department for assistance requiring representation. LETTERS WRITTEN: Outgoing correspondence originated in the Department on behalf of claimants in developing their claims. COMPENSATION AND PENSION: Claims for monetary benefits submitted by veterans, their dependents or survivors. 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. 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. Statistical Report Definitions 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. BUSINESS LICENSES: Certificates issued to certain disabled veterans exempting them from the payment of business 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, re-employment, 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; vocational rehabilitation; and nursing home applications. 11 Monetary Benefits Listed below is a report of the monetary benefits received by the veterans and the dependent survivors of deceased veterans in Georgia during fiscal year 2003 (October 1,2002-September 30, 2003). The figures were provided by the United States Department ofVeterans Affairs. Compensation and Pension Insurance and Indemnities Education and Vocational Rehabilitation Construction General Operating Expenses 931,207,682 41,860,000 112,619,651 5,467,715 661,349,231 Total 1,752,504,279 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. 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). 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. 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. 12 Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30,2003 FUNDS AVAILABLE BUDGET REVENUES State Appropriation Federal Revenues Governor's Emergency Funds 22,049,800 11,328,780 33,378,580 ACTUAL 21,721,682 11,284,011 4,750 33,104,443 EXPENDITURES Personal Services Regular Operating Expenses Travel Equipment Computer Charges Real Estate Rentals Telecommunications Per Diem and Fees Operating Expenses/Payments to Medical College of Georgia Regular Operating Expenses for Projects and Insurance Contracts 6,038,004 425,187 154,602 105,822 6,361 219,148 90,660 24,500 8,459,196 187,444 17,672,406 Total Expenditures 13 5,799,125 424,300 84,389 105,635 1,463 177,075 81,862 13,980 8,459,195 187,079 17,686,340 33,010,443 Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home, Augusta |he Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home is Ta 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 The average age of residents in the facility is 77 years of age. The GWVNH provided 3,951 physical therapy treatments and 5,770 occupational therapy procedures in 2003. To help provide care and treatment, the federal government provided financial assistance totaling $3,535,724 during 2003. During the year, renovations began to provide an improved reception and business services area for patients and visitors. This area will be available for service in spring 2004. 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. 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 of a select group of such institutions in the United States that has been accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. In 2003, the GWVNH provided 63,701 days of care to Georgia veterans. There were 269 admissions and 271 discharges, and the average length of stay was 241 days. 14 Georgia War Veterans Home Milledgeville he Georgia War Veterans Home, situated the entire home including the domiciliary and granted Ton approximately 17 acres in Milledgeville, is a 550-bed facility licensed full certification in June 2003. Veterans at the home received 116,580 days of to provided skilled nursing and domiciliary care tsokilled nursing care and 42,659 days ofdomiciliary aged and infirm Georgia war veterans. Priva-Trends, care in FY 2003. The home conducted 181 Inc., a subsidiary ofUHS-Pruitt Corporation of admissions and 205 discharges during the fiscal year. Toccoa, Georgia operates the home for the The average length of stay for current veteran Department ofVeterans Service under a contractual residents is 1,218 days. Federal assistance in agreement. The home operated three , skilled nursing care buildings in FY 2003 which include the RichardB. Russell Building with 120 budgeted beds; the Carl Vinson Building with 25 budgeted beds; the Joe T. Wood Building with 150 budgeted beds; and the Alzheimer's wing ofthe Pete financing the cost of l providing care j to veterans in ! the home amounted to $7,706,119. As in previous years, many veterans service Wheeler Building with 20 budgeted beds. The organizations like the American Legion, VFW, DAV remainder ofthe Pete Wheeler Building houses 117 and others, along with civic and church groups budgeted beds for veterans in need of domiciliary continued their sponsorship ofnumerous activities care. The Birdsong Recreation Center serves the such as movies, games, dance parties, bingo, entire campus. The home also maintains a website picnics, and other activities and programs for the at: www.alltel.net/- general well-being gwvhadmit. of the veterans at The Georgia the home. Over Department of 600 groups/ Veterans field office activities were serving Baldwin, performed and Hancock, Putnam, comprised ofthe Washington, and equivalent of 1,133 Wilkinson counties is individual volun housed on the first teers providing in floor of"D-Wing" of excess of 3,479 the Wheeler Building. The Georgia Department ofHuman Resources' Office of Regulatory Services conducted an unannounced licensure survey ofeach skilled nursing facility ofthe home in Febmary 2003 and found no deficiencies. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also conducted an annual survey of hours ofvolunteer time. In addition to the volunteer hours, the value of in-kind donations provided to the home was $66,482. These groups and individuals also provided direct monetary donations ofnearly $35,104 during calendar year 2003. 15 New Alzheimer's Wing Open at GWVH, Milledgeville eaders from Georgia's veteran service Lorganizationsjoined local officials in July to dedicate the new 20-bed Alzheimer's wing ofthe Georgia War Veterans Home. "The most serious unmet medical need among veterans and non-veterans alike is for the walking person who has Alzheimer's," Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Pete Wheeler told the several hundred people who attended the dedication. "Ifthey are in a wheelchair or bedridden, you can take care of them in most nursing homes. But the person who is walking, the i Pete Wheeler and the people who if* served with him on the board and in the legislature." Also speaking at the ceremony was Rep. Kenneth Birdsong ofGordon, Chairman ofHouse Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee. Chairman Birdsong attributed the funding to open the nursing homes are afraid to take them.. .and we wanted to make sure that we had a place for these people that didn't look like a prison." In addition to the 16 individual rooms, the wing has a common room for patients to eat, watch TV, play games or hold other activities. The furnishings ofthe wing are designed to provide a home atmosphere for the patients and their families and there is an outside garden where patients can walk in a controlled, yet comfortable environment. During the dedication ceremony, which took place outside ofa building named after Commissioner Wheeler, Milledgeville Mayor Floyd Griffin said the state should be grateful for the work done by Wheeler and the rest ofthe state Government on behalfofGeorgia's veterans. Alzheimer's Wing to politicians crossing party lines for a good cause. "I want to thank everyone that has had a part in it, from Governor Sonny Perdue, to Speaker Terry Coleman to Lieutenant Governor Mark Taylor," Birdsong pointed out. "This was not a partisan issue, there is no room in veterans rights for partisan politics. I know ofno person under the gold dome at the State Capitol that did not support this endeavor." Sen. Faye Smith ofMilledgeville expressed her pride in working for Georgia's veterans and encouraged others to pause and remember their sacrifices. "I want you to know how proud I am to have the honor and the opportunity to serve the veterans at this war home," Smith said. "It is j very important "This is just a continuation ofthe kinds ofthings that your state legislature, your commissioner and the board are doing for this great facility and for the veterans ofthe state ofGeorgia," said Mayor Griffin, a veteran ofthe Vietnam War. "I think Georgia... is doing more for its veterans than any other state in this Union and I hope I'm right. We owe it all to Mr. we continue to work together to make sure that we do not forget what our veterans here and in other parts of the state have done for you and I." Following the ceremony, officials cut the ribbon on the entrance to the walking garden and visitors were able to tour the wing. 16 Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery Milledgeville ie Georgia Veterans Memorial TCemetery is located some 5 miles south of downtown Milledgeville along Georgia Highway 112. This cemetery, established on 142 acres the department received from the Georgia Forestry Commission, includes an administration/visitor center with a state of the art information booth, a committal chapel, a carillon, and 12 columbarium shelters for ashes. Cemetery grounds also include a six-acre lake and a threeacre, multi-tier walled ceremonial/ memorial area available for use by veteran organizations on remembrance days such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The cemetery's initial construction phase was completed November 2001 and presently has a capacity for some 1,000 burial vaults. Presently occupying some 30 of the 142 acres, the cemetery will eventually be a final resting place for more than 100,000 Georgia veterans separated under other than dishonorable conditions, their dependents and their spouses. By the end of 2003, 265 veterans and spouses were buried at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery. One hundred and seventy-four (174) were casketed burials; fifty-four cremations in the columbarium; 31 in-ground cremations and six memorial markers. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates the number of veteran deaths in the United States will increase from 550,000 in 1998 to a staggering 620,000 in 2008. The state of Georgia has the fastest growing number of veterans, nearest site was out of state. Thanks to the efforts of those officials who represent Georgia's interests and federal funding, the veterans of our state now have this final place of rest with the honor they deserve. Interment services are held Monday through Friday excluding holidays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 17 presently close to 770,000. The lack of available space within the national veteran cemetery system in Georgia, caused concern among many local, state and national officials. Before this cemetery, if a veteran wished to be buried in a V. A cemetery, the 14 Commissioner's Activities We want to express our appreciation to the men and women n February 22, SDVS and the Georgia OForestry Commission co-hosted the state's official 2003 Arbor Day Ceremony at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Milledgeville honoring two of Georgia's greatest assets - its veterans and its trees. who are serving in our While thanking Forestry Commission Director Fred armed forces here and Allen for once again holding the state's official Arbor throughout the world for Day program at GVMC, Georgia Commissioner of the sacrifices they are Veterans Affairs Pete Wheeler's opening ceremony making to allow us all our freedoms. Many of our men and women have left their peaceful occupations to protect the freedom that many address honored the service, sacrifice, and dedication of all Georgia veterans and emphasized the need to support today's military men and women and national take for granted. We leaders. need to support the The event President and our nation's attracted area civic leaders in seeing that they have everything they need leaders, elected state to carry out this mission.We will survive and we will and local officials, win! and representatives of state veteran organizations. n February, Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Among the ceremony's honored guests were State IAffairs Pete Wheeler and Medical Center Director Thomas Cappello accompanied the Representative Kenneth Birdsong, State Senator Faye Smith, Milledgeville Mayor Floyd Griffin, Governor to the VAMC's Nursing Home Care Unit Baldwin County Commission Chairman Bernard where they distributed Valentines sent by people from "Ace" Parker, Forestry Commission Board Chair across Georgia through the "Annie's Mailbox" and man Jim L. Gillis, Jr., retired Navy Captain C. C. "Valentines for Vets" programs. Dudley of the State Veterans Service Board, VFW After a brief ceremony in the hospital's Pete State Commander Dick D. Dickens and AMVETS Wheeler Auditorium local State Ladies Auxiliary President Lori Williams. veterans, military officials, Also participating in the program was the Georgia TV/Radio celebrities, and National Guard Youth Challenge Academy Color beauty pageant queens Guard from the Fort Gordon campus in Augusta and visited the inpatient and Miss Georgia Forestry, Erin Smoak, who read outpatient areas of the VA Governor Sonny Perdue's 2003 Arbor Day hospital. Proclamation. Among the many state veterans organizations that The ceremony participated in the weeklong recognition of America's concluded with the hospitalized veterans were the American Legion, planting of four trees,} Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American two ginkou and two Veterans, Jewish War Veterans, and Marine Corps red maples, on the League. Members of the United States Army north side of the SSMT# Reserve and the Fort McPherson's Non- cemetery's in-ground ~JL Commissioned Officer's Association also took part in casket burial area in the program. memory and honor of Georgia's veterans. 18 n March, a joint meeting of the I American Battle Monuments Commission and the National World War II Memorial Advisory Board met to review on going construction progress and details of dedication ceremony events. Leading the two days of the briefings and discussions with Commissioner Wheeler (center), chairman of the Memorial 0*' Advisory Board, were retired Marine General P.X. Kelley (left), ABMC chairman and former Marine Corps commandant, and the Honorable Alan Simpson, former United States Senator for the state of Wyoming and now a member of the ABMC. une provided JCommissioner Wheeler the opportunity to address ommissioner CWheeler marked Memorial Day 2003 the several thousands of delivering the Georgia veterans who keynote address at attended the state 't services and conventions of the programs sponsored American Legion, by the Vietnam AMVETS, DAV, and Veterans ofAmerica VFW. Commissioner held in the State Capitol Building and Wheeler's remarks /T the Veterans Affairs Advisory Board of included an update about Bj DeKalb County held the opening of the new at Brook Run in Dunwoody. Alzheimer's wing at the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville, progress of the new VA National Cemetery near Atlanta, special recognition of the 50th anniversary of the end to the Korean War, and the many activities to take place in conjunction with the dedication of the National World War II Memorial scheduled in May 2004. Commissioner Wheeler also paid special tribute to the D-Day anniversary in remarks delivered at the monthly gathering of the Kiwanis Club of Northside Atlanta. 19 ommissioner Wheeler (left) joined Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Principi (right) and Governor Sonny Perdue (center) to help launch Georgia's official participation in the Library of Congress' Veterans History Project at ceremonies held June 6 at the Atlanta History Center. The nearly 300 people attending listened to tributes from Secretary Principi and Governor Perdue and heard first-hand wartime stories from a panel that included former Tuskegee Airman Charles Dryden, retired Army General Harold Dye of the Atlanta WWII Round Table, and former Women's Army Corps member Helen Denton, who typed the battle plans for the Normandy invasion. The program, titled "In Their Own W the 59"' anniversary of D-Day. : Georgia Veterans Share Their Wartime Stories," marked n August. Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Affairs General Accounting Office report. IPete Wheeler's 10-page testimony outlining his concerns about proposals that could affect the VA "VA must not take action that will eliminate, reduce, or even move established health care programs in a state that Medical Centers that treat Georgia veterans was officially sees its veteran population increase year-to-year," submitted into record during a hearing conducted at the cautioned Commissioner Wheeler. Atlanta VA Hospital by a cabinet level commission. USDVA figures show about 25 percent of veterans living Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services, in Georgia today receive medical care through VA hospitals. CARES, is a nationwide "Georgia veterans are concerned with study being conducted by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs of its health the possibility of longer wait times and unnecessary frustration to an already burgeoning system," Commissioner care programs and facilities Wheeler noted. "Bottom line, careful focusing on where services are offered versus where the demand for them is the greatest. consideration must be given to any VA proposal that is not supportive of the overall CARES goal of `more health care for more veterans, closer to where they The study comes in response to the findings of a 1999 live'." n October 20,2003, OCommissioner Wheeler participated 37 in the eighth annual "Play it Again, Pete!" Golf Tournament hosted by the Atlanta VA Medical Center and held at the Golfer's Club on Fort McPherson. The tournament raised over $31,000 to support the Homeless Veteran Programs at the Atlanta VAMC. The proceeds from this event go directly to educational and occupational training to help veterans go from the streets into productive society. Commissioner Wheeler, for whom the tournament is named, hit the first ball signaling the beginning of the tournament. Readily endorsing the event, the Commissioner says, "In an area where success rates are not that high, VA has had amazing success at bringing the homeless back into the mainstream of society." he Commissioner Tpresided over the annual Governor's Veterans Day Proclamation Signing Ceremony which took place in late October in the Rotunda of the State Capital and attracted several hundred of the area's top military leaders of the state's veterans organizations and their auxilaries.Before heading to Washington, D.C. to represent Georgia in Veterans Day ceremonies at the White House and Arlington National Cemetery, Commissioner Wheeler delivered the keynote address at Jonesboro's American Legion Post 25 8's Veterans Day program on November 7. 20 "The Most Defining Day in America's History," Commissioner Wheeler Tells a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Audience uch of what our Mcountry and our lives are like today was shaped by that most famous tragedy of December 7,1941," Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Pete Wheeler told an audience gathered for a candlelight ceremony at the state's World War II Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol Building Complex, Sunday, December 7. Commissioner Wheeler's remarks were part of his keynote address delivered at an AARP sponsored Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day program. His remarks chronicled the assault, the destruction, and the imagine at that time in 20th Century America," Wheeler noted. "It changed not only the course of American history, but in a larger sense, changed the world." Commissioner Wheeler emphasized how "America united like no time before or since - 16 million went into military uniform and of the 130 million supporting from home, very few challenged the rightness of our nation's cause to free the world from tyranny and oppression." "This was a generation very different from those that came before or after," Wheeler pointed out. "Hardened by the Depression, Americans understood the price of freedom and took to heart American values." "Many today take for granted the freedoms which we enjoy in this great country," Commissioner commented. "They do so because most Americans have never been forced to live without freedom." In acknowledging those presently in the United States Armed Forces stationed around the world. Commissioner Wheeler reminded the audience, "Today our country is again at war because of evil, and evil is much like bacteria, if left alone, it grows." Wheeler pointed out, "To stop it, many young men and women have to sacrifice and leave their peaceful occupations." In closing, the Commissioner told the audience, "We should never forget the sacrifices that have been and are now being made to preserve our freedom by those who are called to battle." ultimate sacrifice of some 2,400 America lives that day. Seventeen Georgians lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor. "The attack on Pearl Harbor left behind individual stories of loss greater than anyone could 21 "Supermarket" of Veterans Benefits ith more than 3,400 veterans and their Wfamilies taking part, Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Pete Wheeler termed the 2003 "Supermarket of Veterans Benefits" held in Albany on Thursday, December 11 th "the most successful we have had in recent years." The one-day program took place at the Civic Center and provided a one-stop shopping service for veterans and their families to gather information regarding federal and state benefits to which they might be entitled. "We are extremely happy that we were able to assist so many veterans and their dependents," said Commissioner Wheeler. "This program is extremely helpful for the veterans because so many ditferent government agencies are assembled at a single location and claims are filed on the spot." "Many of these claimants will be receiving benefits for the first time, and some of them had no idea that they were eligible for anything," Wheeler pointed out. The event, the 39th W since its inception in 1966, is sponsored annually by the Georgia Department of Veterans Service in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and some 25 state, federal, and local agencies directly or indi rectly involved with veterans' affairs. It marked the fifth time that it has been held in Albany. "This is an excellent example of team effort and cooperation when so many different government agencies can be assembled at the same time in one location to allow a veteran to file a claim right on the spot," commented Commissioner Wheeler. "Over the years more than 143,000 veterans have been helped through this event." Since the Georgia Department of Veterans Service originated this program in Columbus, GA, in 1966, veteran benefits' "Supermarkets" have also been conducted in other cities (Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Brunswick, Dalton, Gainesville, Griffin, Macon, Rome, Savannah, Valdosta, and Waycross) across the state. BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ALBANY fo, Che United SCaCeo are returning home to Georgia at the rate of approximately 900 each month; and It is very important for these returning veterans to know about the various benefits available to them, particularly in the areas of education, job training, employment, insurance, and hospitalization; and WHEREAS: These benefits due our nation's veterans of all wars, their dependents and survivors, often are administered by various agencies in widely separated locations, making determination of eligibility and the filing of claims sometimes difficult, inconvenient and time-consuming; and WHEREAS: Leaders of federal, state and local agencies, out of concern for the well-being of veterans and their families, will bring representatives of their various organizations Co the Albany James H. Gray, Sr. Civic Center, at 100 West Oglethorpe Boulevard, Albany, Georgia. from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., Thursday, December 11, 2003, to counsel and meet with veterans and their families about the various benefits which may be due them and in many instances, actually file claims; Now THEREFORE: I, Tommy Coleman, Mayor of the City of Albany, Georgia, do hereby proclaim Thursday, December 11, 2003. as "SUPERMARKET OF VETERANS BENEFITS DAY" in Albany, Georgia, and urge all citizens to recognize the efforts being made by officials of the Georgia Department of Veterans Service, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and other agencies on behalf of our veterans and their families. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of Che City of Albany to be affixed this the 24ch day of November, two thousand and three. State Veterans Organizations n rendering service to the veterans ofGeorgia, the Department ofVeterans Service works closely with Ithe state's veterans organizations and the U.S. Department ofVeterans Affairs. This Department incerely appreciates the Commanders ofthe veterans organizations in Georgia, who so generously give their time, energy and expertise in conducting the Department Commanders Conference. The group meets periodically and when called upon, advises and assists this Department in it's group activities. Appreciation is also expressed to the auxiliary presidents ofGeorgia veterans organizations for their cooperation and assistance in our programs and activities. Veterans Service organizations across the state continued a long-standing tradition by hosting or participating in events observing Veterans Day 2003. Activities ranging from monument dedications, memorial services and wreath-laying ceremonies to parades, displays and dinner dances took place in nearly everyone ofGeorgia's 159 counties. The Governor's Veterans Day Proclamation Signing ceremony, officially proclaiming November 11 as "Veterans Day in Georgia'' was held October 23rd inside the Rotunda ofthe State Capitol. Commissioner Wheeler, who also serves as the Governor's chairman for Veterans Day observances statewide, was the master ofceremonies. The event, which has been held every year since 1954, attracted the area's top military leaders, key members ofthe Georgia legislature, and the leaders ofthe state's veterans' organizations and their auxiliaries. 24 Georgia's Veterans Leadership American Ex-Prisoners of War William Price, Commander 3215 Custer Lake Drive Marietta, GA 30064 American Veterans (AMVETS) William Gilmer, Commander 1720 Union Church Road Watkinsville, GA 30277 Carolyn Brown, Auxiliary President 611 Mack Drive Valdosta, GA 31602 Blinded Veterans Association John W. Brown, President 4252 Colony East Drive Stone Mountain, GA30083 Disabled American Veterans Richard Williams, Commander 3725 Fairington Drive Hephzibah, GA 30815 Annie Krause, Auxiliary Commander 3714 Radium Springs Road Albany, GA 31705 Jewish War Veterans Myra Medintz, Commander 1897 Chrysler Drive NE Atlanta, Georgia 30345 Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. Albert Lewis, President 403 Noman Lane Warner Robins, GA 31093 Military Order of the Purple Heart W.C. Stockell, Commander 5372 Gauley River Road Stone Mountain, GA 30087 Rose Cook, Auxiliary President 101 Cantyre Street Port Wentworth, GA 31407 Reserve Officers Association MAJ Joseph Moscoto, Jr., USAFR 3122 Hudson Pond Lane Marietta, GA 30062 The American Legion Charles Barrett, Commander 3770 Dora Drive Symrna, GA 31404 Juanita Todd, Auxiliary President 852 Lake Terrace Drive Augusta, GA 30904 Retired Officers Association A1 Mitchell, President 695 Riverhill Drive Athens, GA 30606 United Spanish War Veterans Marie Cruise, Auxiliary President 2122 Gumming Road, #B314 Augusta, GA 30904 Veterans of Foreign Wars of U.S. Edward Grealish, Commander P.O. Box 732 Winder, GA 30680 Beth Rice, Auxiliary President 1746 Bethany Road Canon, GA 30520 Veterans of World War I Dorothy Robinson, Auxiliary President 5261 Vivid Dr. Stone Mountain, GA 30087 Vietnam Veterans Alliance, Inc. Marvin Myers, President 5879 New Peachtree Road Doraville, GA 30340 25 THE AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA 12 February 2004 Commissioner Pete Wheeler Georgia Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: On behalf of the 65,000 Legionnaires, Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion members, 1 would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation for your untiring dedication and commitment to improving the quality of life of our Georgia Veterans and their dependents. We salute your accomplishments over the many years that you have provided the men and women who wore and are wearing the uniform of The United States Armed Forces with the very best in benefits and care. We realize just how fortunate our Veterans are to have such an outstanding professional as you with vision and foresight to oversee the daily matters of our Veterans' affairs. It is equally gratifying to see your genuine concern displayed in the daily work of your staff which care enough to "go the extra mile" to help any Veteran get the benefits and care he or she is entitled. Georgia's Veterans can rest assured their welfare and concerns have been and always will be your number one priority. We have the highest respect for you and your accomplishments. Our best wishes to you and your staff for continued success. For God and Country, Charles W. Barrett Department Commander 26 AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY Department of Georgia 3035 Mount Zion Rd Stockbridge, Georgia 30281 (612)-289-8446 December 15,2003 Commissioner Pete Wheeler Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler, We, the world's largest non-profit patriotic women's service organization, thank you and your staff for the support and service for the needs of our Veterans. As President for the year 2003-2004, it has been my honor to be with you and your staff at The Dedication of the Alzheimer's Wing of the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville, the Governor's Annual Veterans Day Proclamation Ceremony inside the State Capitol Building and our conventions. We are fortunate in the state of Georgia to have you as Commissioner of Veterans Services. You not only lobby for Georgia veterans rights, you also keep them informed on services they are entitled by having the Veterans benefits "Supermarket". Thanks to you, we now have two Memorial Cemeteries in our state. Our best wishes to you and your staff and may God bless you for the devotion given to our Veterans. Juanita Todd, President American Legion Auxiliary 27 Edward P. Grealish, Jr. State Commander 2003-2004 llt'tmms of Jljoretci.n 3IlHars nf tip llntti'c' States JBepartttmtt nf CSeorgm Phone: (478) 474-3737 Fax: (478) 474-6853 Email: gahq@gavfw.org P.O. Box 732 Winder, Georgia 30680-0732 Phone: (770) 867-5983 Fax: (770) 586-5871 Email: gunnyg55@aol.com December 2003 Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building - Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334-4800 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: On behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Georgia and its Ladies Auxiliary, we want to thank you and your staff for the outstanding service provided to Georgia veterans and their families. It is indeed a pleasure to work with your Field Offices throughout the state. They provide valuable and expert services geographically convenient for our veterans and their families and or survivors. We understand that this network of veterans service that you have established throughout the years and fought hard to maintain is second to none in the nation. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for continuing to provide our Department a fully qualified and capable VFW State Service Officer. Your sincere understanding and cooperation afforded us the opportunity this year to appoint the man with the "right stuff' for this very important and visible position. Commissioner Wheeler, we enjoy our partemership with you and your staff to ensure that our heroes receive all federal and state benefits to which entitled. We look forward to another superb year of serving our veterans. Please do not hesitate to call on us if we can assist the Georgia Department of Veterans Service in anyway. Sincerely, "PRIDE" Edward P. Grealish, Jr. State Commander 28 (peparhtmti of dborgia plates ^uxtltarg To The Jcfoimms of foreign JHars of tt]8 ifniteb ^tafes Founded 1914 December 2003 Instituted June 21, 1948 Honorable Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler, The Department of Georgia Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars is very proud to serve our Veterans and their families. On behalf of the nearly 8,000 members of this organization, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you and your Department for the exceptional service you provide to our Veterans and their families throughout Georgia. The Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary value the partnership that has existed between our organization and your Department. You and your staff provide us with key information on legislative issues and updated material in Veterans Services. We appreciate your superb effort in consistently ensuring that all Veterans, their Widows and Orphans receive all Federal, State and Local government benefits to which they are entitled. We look forward to continuing our association with you and the Department of Veteran Services. Please do not hesitate to call upon the Ladies Auxiliary if we can be of any service to you or your Department. Yours in Service, Beth Rice Department President of Georgia 2003-2004 29 DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA 4462 HOUSTON AVENUE MACON, GEORGIA 31206 OFFICE: 478-781-7336 FAX: 478-788-2934 December 2003 Honorable Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler, On behalf of the 26,500-Disabled American Veterans, Department of Georgia, it is my pleasure to express our appreciation to you and your staff for their efforts on our behalf. You are to be commended for all that you have done and are continuing to do for the veterans of Georgia. Your forethought, planning and expertise have resulted in many benefits, which Georgia Veterans now enjoy. It is my hope that you will continue for many years to work for the advancement of benefits for veterans in Georgia. The Disabled American Veterans Motto: "Building Better Lives for American's Disabled Veterans" is certainly what you and the Georgia Department of Veterans Services has and continues to accomplish. Thank You, God Bless America. Sincerely, Richard Williams Sr. Commander Disabled American Veterans Department of Georgia 30 r4 iejmrtnmtt of Okorgta iifiabkb Ameriran leimms Auxtltani December 29,2003 The Honorable Peter Wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30333 Dear Pete, As State Commander for the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, Department of Georgia, Iv,want to thank you for giving so many years of service for Veterans and their families. The people of Georgia are very fortunate to have such a dedicated Commissioner as you. I compliment you for your loyal service, it is recogmized by all Veteran Organizations throughout Georgia. We know you are one we can count on for Veterans Benefits. It was a pleasure to serve with you and your Staff at the recent Warehouse of Benefits for Veterans in Albany and other events concerning veterans this year I wish you a continued successful year. Sincerely, Annie Krause, Commander State Department of Georgia 31 Mr. Bill Gilmer State Commander Phone: 229-241-9357 AMVETS DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA P.O. Box 1822 Valdosta, GA. 31603 scott62158@earthlink.net Honorable Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Affairs Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-70 Atlanta Georgia 30334-4800 Dear Commissioner Wheeler, It has been an honor to know that someone loves and care for the veterans of Georgia and the United States. Whenever I hear "for the betterment of veterans", I know you are there to represent and give it your blessing. This past year, your accomplishments are outstanding. The opening of the Alzheimer's Ward in Milledgeville was very important to the members of AMVETS. In spite of your hard work, I would like to thank you for always attending our State Convention. I hope at our convention that is a time of relaxation for you and your wife. I know the members long forward to hear some wonderful story that brings a smile back to some veterans. Commissioner Wheeler, you have my eternal gratitude for who you are and what you have done for the veterans and this country. If there is anything the AMVETS or I can do for you, please let me know. Respectfully Yours, Bill Gilmer, State Commander 32 AMVETS LADIES AUXILIARY DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA Honorable Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Affairs Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-70 Atlanta Georgia 30334-4800 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: , In recognition of your many years of dedicated service to our veterans, I would like to take this time opportunity to extend my personal gratitude to you and your staff at the Veteran's Service. As a mother and sister of veterans, I see firsthand the rewards of your continuous efforts on behalf of the many men and women who have served their country with pride and dedication. Thank you for including auxiliaries in your communications relating to legislative issues. We appreciate the information concerning our veterans in Georgia as well as the things going on in Washington that could possibly affect the veterans I the future. The Ladies Auxiliary thank you for all that you do for the veterans and their families. Please feel free to call on us anytime you think that we may be of assistance to you or your staff. Sincerely, Carolyn Brown State President 33 Military Order of the Purple Heart Honorable Pete Wheeler Commissioner, Department of Veterans Affairs Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30034 February 11, 2004 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: It is with pleasure that I express my sincere appreciation for the service that you and your staff provide the veterans, their widows and dependents in Georgia Your leadership and experience is a comfort to those men and women who served in "Harms Way" to know that they can count on a State agency that truly cares for their needs. On behalf of our members I would like to extend our grateful appreciation for a job well done. We are looking at a continue need for the benefits and services you provide and we look forward to working with you and your staff in the coming year. Sincerely, William J. Stockell Department Commander 34 MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART LADIES AUXILIARY DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA 101 Cantyre Street Port Wentworth, Ga 31407 February 17, 2004 Commissioner Wheeler, It has been an honor to be a part of the Georgia community of Veteran's Services during the past few years. Under your leadership our veteran's have achieved a much higher status in government affairs than ever before. It is the desire of every veteran to be involved in all activities concerning themselves and the active military and the opportunities of the present and the future have improved immensely during your tenure. The ladies of our auxiliary and I thank you for your leadership and concern for our Purple Heart veterans. May God bless you and America, Rose Cook, President, Department of Georgia Ladies Auxiliary Military Order of The Purple Heart 35 American Ex-Prisoners of War / DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA December 26,2003 Honorable 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-Prisoners of War would like to send our sincere appreciation to you and your great Staff for everything you have done for all veterans in our State. For many years you have been ther for us and made life easier for the veterans and their spouses. You were also there for their widows. Made the Good Lord bless you and your fine Staff and continue to serve us for many more years to come. Thank you again. Sincerely, William E. Price Commander, Department of Georgia American Ex- Prisoners of War 3215 Custer Lake Dr. N.W. Marietta, GA. 30064 36 JEWISH WAR VETERANS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ATLANTA POST 112 AND LADIES AUXILIARY COMMANDER: MYRA F. MEDINTZ 1560 Anita Place, NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-872-7601 January 13, 2004 The Honorable Pete Wheeler Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E970 Atlanta, GA 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: On behalf of the Southeast Dept, of the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A., and the Ladies Auxiliary, we send to you our deepest appreciation of your tireless efforts to nurture and improve the status of all veterans in Georgia, and extending to the entire Nation. My personal relationship with you goes back fifty years plus, over which time your dedication has not faltered. My late husband, Coleman, never spoke of you without a smile on his face and a warm affection for you. We wish you many more years of good health and the ability to continue the good work to which you have devoted your many years. It has been our honor and privilege to have you as our advocate. We stand ready and willing to assist you in whatever endeavors you may need our help. The world is a better place because of you. God bless you. rs in comr IF. MEDINTZ, Comms 'Atlanta Post 112 For WILLIAM GOLDBERG Commander, S.E.Department The Patriotic Voice of American Jewry GEORGIA The Georgia Military Officers Association of America, Inc Affiliated With the Military Officers Association of America. Inc. Incorporated March 14. 1955 Post Office Box 21186 St Simons Island, GA 31522 December 21, 2003 Captain A. H. Mitchell USN (Ret.) 695 Riverhill Drive Athens, GA 30606 Honorable Pete Wheeler Commissioner Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-970 Atlanta, GA 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: The Georgia Military Officers Association of America, Inc. appreciates the efforts of the Department of Veterans Services in providing superb service to Georgia's veterans and their families. 1 personally was appreciative of the Pearl Harbor Day Memorial Service that was held in Atlanta in cooperation with the American Association of Retired Persons. Additionally, your department has been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Cemetery in Milledgeville; the Federal Cemetery in Cherokee County; and the expansion of VA Health Care. The Georgia Military Officers Association of America, Inc. also appreciates the continued dedication, professionalism, and genuine concern exhibited by you and the Department of Veterans Service employees toward Georgia veterans. The Georgia Military Officers Association of America, Inc. appreciates your Department's concern and follow-through as concerns Georgia state legislation that affects Georgia veterans. A mark of a good leader is one that always has the interest of his men and women at heart. Under your guidance, The Georgia Department of Veterans Service has been a good steward and a good leader. We appreciate your efforts. Sincerely, . H.lMitchell, Captain USN (Ret.) President The Georgia Military Officers Association of America, Inc. 38 ^ f In Service to America^^ Vietnam Veterans ofAmerica Georgia State Council 504 Eisenhower Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 1-888-882-8387 Monday, December 29, 2003 Honorable Pete Wheeler Commissioner, Department of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-907 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Commissioner Wheeler, On behalf of the Georgia State Council of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., I would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thank to you and your staff for all you do for Veterans. The State of Georgia can be proud of the many accomplishments the Georgia Department of Veterans Services has achieved. I have had the pleasure of serving my organization for the past four years and throughout that period I have been extremely proud to have the opportunity to work with you on many occasions. I will always cherish the dedication of the Veterans Cemetery in Milledgeville. The Governor's Veteran Day Proclamation Signing has become a special highlight in my yearly events. You are a class act and I have been fortunate to be associated with you. As we watch the emergence of a new generation of Veterans, we need to stand ready to assist them as they take their place along side other Veterans. A new generation of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Handicapped Veterans and yes, Homeless Veterans. Vietnam Veterans of America whose motto is "Never again will one generation of Veteran abandon another," is willing to help in any way we can to assist this new generation of Veterans. Commissioner Wheeler and the Georgia Department of Veterans Services have been a driving force in helping returning Veterans from our latest Wars. The situation at Fort Stewart has not gone unnoticed by the Veterans communities. We applaud your rapid response to this problem. For all you do, we salute you. Respectfully, Albert Q. Lewis President, Georgia State Council of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc 39 Marvin Myers President "In Service To Veterans, Their Families, and Community" February 21, 2004 Honorable Peter Wheeler Commissioner of Veterans Services State of Georgia Floyd Memorial Building Atlanta, GA 30334 Dear Pete, During the last few weeks I have had numerous occasions to think of you and your department. I have the opportunity to talk to you about the needs of our community and the status of veterans. I have been able to pass along information about the Veteran's Cemetery in Milledgeville and the pending new Federal Cemetery in Cherokee county. I know you had a large hand in bringing that on line. I have told all of our members we are very fortunate to live in a state where the veteran is honored. Much of that credit goes to you and your department. Your news letters and the Bulletin keep us informed. In addition I would also like to pass along supreme praise for your veteran's service officers. In every case where I have sent a veteran to them for help, they have responded in a positive and helpful manner. I have never had a complaint. We have a war veteran's home for our retired veterans and special tags for our autos. For a veteran this is a great state. Thank you for your leadership over the years Pete and we thank your wonderful staff.