Georgia Department of Veterans Service vhdo 2004 Annual Report ^ Pete Wheeler, Commissioner In Honor of our Nation's "Greatest Generation" The National World War II Memorial Washington, D C Georgia's Tribute to a Generation "Greatest Generation Week" in Georgia May 24 -30, 2004 II Memorial on the State Capitol Building Complex. Several hundred people attended the ceremony held to raise public awareness about the WWII Registry of Remembrance and to encourage local government agencies, civic groups, and veterans organizations to work together in planning and hosting events to honor Georgia's WWII veterans in conjunction with the dedication of America's National WWII Memorial. PETER WHEELER COMMISSIONER (404) 656-2300 FAX (404) 656-7006 Department of Deterana tenure JUlayii 39etraus fHcmnrial ffiuiliimg Atlanta, (Seorgta 30334 January 31, 2005 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 behalf of veterans of this state, concerning veterans aided underfederal, state, or local legislation, and to otherwise report activities and accomplishments of the Department of Veterans Service. " In compliance with the above section, I have the honor to present herewith the Annual Report of the Department of Veterans Service for the year 2004. Respectfully submitted. PETE WHEELER Commissioner Veterans Service Board ........................................................................................................ 5 Mission..................................................................................................................................... 6 Department Functions............................................................................................................ 7 Education And Training Division ...................................................................................... 8-9 Information Division ............................................................................................................ 10 Statistical Report ................................................................................................................. 11 Monetary Benefits................................................................................................................ 13 Financial Report.................................................................................................................... 14 Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home, Augusta ............................................................ 15 Georgia War Veterans Home, Milledgeville.................................................................... 16 Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Milledgeville................................................... 17 Commissioner's Activities................................................................................................ 18-23 Supermarket of Veterans Benefits.................................................................................. 24-25 State Veterans Organizations.............................................................................................. 26 Veterans Leadership ........................................................................................................... 27 Field Offices............................................................................................................................ 52 Special Service Units............................................................................................................. 59 Distribution of VA Expenditures...........................................................................................60 INFORMATION DIVISION OPERATIONS STATE VETERANS SERVICE BOARD COMMISSIONER EDUCATION TRAINING DIVISION ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER CLAIMS ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER ADMINISTRATION Director Health, Contracting & Facilities AREA I AREA II CENTRAL GEORGIA NORTHERN GEORGIA GEORGIA VETERANS MEMORIAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION GEORGIA WAR VETERANS HOME AUGUSTA GEORGIA WAR VETERANS HOME MILLEDGEVILE 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 V 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 e 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 t Veterans Service. e 2004 Board Members Richard "Buddy" Harris Ray Hendrix Fred T. Fincher, Sr. Barbara J. Aaron James Blaylock Horace Borders Pat Phillips Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Member Member Member Member In Memoriam r Cochran a Statesboro LaGrange n Warner Robins Decatur s Rockmart Blairsville S e r v i c e B o C. C. Dudley of Royston December 19, 1925 - February 9, 2004 a Captain (Retired) U. S. Navy State Veterans Service Board, 1998 - 2003 Chairman, State Veterans Service Board, 2002 - 2003 r Life Member, Military Officers Association of America Past President, Georgia Federal/Military Retiree Coalition d 5 M i he mission of the Department of TVeterans Service is to serve the 760,323 veterans (VA's figures as of Sept. 30 2004) residing in Georgia, their dependents and survivors in s all matters pertaining to veterans benefits. This responsibility falls into two basic s tasks: informing the veterans and their families about veterans benefits; and directly assisting and advising veterans i and their families in securing the benefits to which they are entitled. that of an attorney representing a client in court. 0 To support these missions, the department maintains a claims staff, field The necessity for personal assistance in filing and pursuing claims and in maintaining a continuing offices, an information division, and a n central office. information program results from the legal principle that veterans benefits are not awarded The claims staff is located at the automatically--all must be applied for. Atlanta regional office of the U.S. The VA pays a veteran exactly what he or she Department of Veterans Affairs at 1700 asks for when they are entitled, and no more. Clairmont Road in Decatur. The aim of the Department of Veterans Service is The claims staff mission is to process to obtain for a veteran or dependents the benefits to claims and appeals of Georgia veterans. which they are entitled, to tell them when they are The field offices, located throughout entitled, and to assist them in gathering and the state, provide direct assistance to preparing evidence needed to justify a claim and veterans at the local level. The prove their entitlement. Department representatives provide The advancing age of World War II and Korean t counsel and assist veterans in gathering the documents and information required War veterans, and tire frequent changes that occur in veterans benefits legislation, will necessitate the to document tlieir claim. continuance of a variety of veterans programs in the o The information division's mission is to years ahead. keep Georgia veterans informed about As issues and how they impact on them. Congress S The central office is for the administration of these services. continues to seek ways to The uninformed may be prone to use e the phrase "duplication ofeffort" when referring to the functions of the reduce the deficit, veterans r Department of Veterans Service and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; benefits will nothing could be further from the truth. continue to be in a state of flux. v To a veteran seeking benefits from the This means veterans will continue to need VA, the role played by the Department of assistance in interpreting the changes and e Veterans Service might be compared to determining how they impact on their personal situation. Those Who Have Served 6 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, coiporations, organizations, and associations and from county and municipal coiporations 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, sendee 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 D claims for benefits and to acquaint them with all legal rights and privileges. Cooperate with all national, state, and e local governmental and private agencies, securing or offering services or any V benefits to veterans and their dependents. Assist and cooperate with all veterans' a organizations in their work. As State Approving Authority, enter into contracts with the federal r government for the qualifications, approval, certification, and supervision of t educational institutions and training establishments applying for or m participating in federal programs for educating and training veterans. Assist other states in securing evidence e for claims. Promote enlargement and improvement n of VA hospital facilities in the state. Sponsor observance of Veterans Day t in the state. Certify eligibility for veterans' drivers licenses and honorary drivers' license. Certify eligibility for disabled veterans' discount at Department of Natural F Resources facilities. Issue Certificates of Exemption from u payment of business license tax to qualified veterans. Assist qualified veterans in obtaining n honorary hunting and fishing licenses. Assist in obtaining special motor c vehicle license plates for certain veterans: Medal of Honor and Purple Heart t recipients, former prisoners-of-war, handicapped and disabled veterans. Furnish the Governor, members of the i General Assembly, State Board of Veterans Service, veterans' o organizations, and the general public and annual report on the activities and n accomplishments of the department. s 7 E d y law, the Georgia Department of B Veterans Service is designated as the State Approving Agency, responsible for approving and supervising all DVA to pay for certain licensing and certification tests required for entry or advancement into a vocation or profession. In 2004, the approval of educational institutions u institutions and establishments in Georgia, which offer education and training under the and training establishments for the education of Georgia veterans resulted in the processing of nearly provisions of the Veterans Educational c Assistance Program. The State Approving Agency has the a function ofcnsuiing that institutions and establishments meet and maintain acceptable 9,317 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 t standards so that eligible persons who attend prescribed by law. may receive educational assistance from the During 2004, personnel assigned to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. l This includes all public and private Educational and Training Division conducted about 480 visits for the purposes of approval, reapproval, schools and all establishments offering inspection and compliance surveys. Currently, the 0 apprenticeship and other on-the-job training. department monitors more than 1,200 educational n The satisfactory performance of these duties institutions and training establishments. requires extensive knowledge in education Laws recently enacted require stringent administration and understanding the laws regulatory compliance in order to maintain controls A and regulations that govern and control the Veterans Educational Assistance Program. on all approved types of educational establishments. The responsibilities of administrative approval, n Georgia veterans enrolled in college annual inspections, and ensuring corrective action degree and professional programs, technical where necessary, constitute a vital function of the career programs, vocational programs, to d include flight training and on-the-job training programs exceeded 15,000 during 2004. Georgia Department of Veterans Service. T Increases in enrollments are expected to continue as more veterans participate in the Montgomery GI Bill education program. r Initiated in 1985. the Montgomery GI Bill program has proven to be a great success. a The veterans' response to this program was such that it subsequently was made a i permanent benefit for the military and now enjoys a huge participation, which continues n to grow. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) has expanded the veterans education i benefits program to include vocational, n technical, correspondence and apprenticeship training for reservists and flight training for both reservists and veterans. Christopher Draper, who is currently employed with Top Gear Motorsporls. located in Bogart. Georgia, performs minor and major engine maintenance procedures on water crafts and motorcycles. He has been employed with Top Gear Motorsporls since March 2004. Mr Draper enlisted for six years in the United Stales Air Force and served as a Security Policeman from November 1990 to June 1996. ,i U ! P.K. Courtney Director U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office Atlanta, CA ANNUAL ^cEomc% SCHOOL SpuuUtflh GEORGIA DEPARTMENT Of VETERiNS SERVICE f| f*ipuk* u usoewtetron'' ttuei/rue "k / .' % uuu, tp fmm - Dr. Elwood Deadly Acting Director VISN 8 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Lake City, FI Sandra M. Bleckley Director, VA National Cemetery Atlanta. GA 23 s u V e r m a r e t ith more than 2,850 veterans Wand their families taking pail, Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Pete Wheeler termed the 2004 "Supermarket of Veterans Benefits" held in Griffin on Tuesday, December 7th "one of the most successful we have had in recent years." The one-day program took place at the Georgia National Guard Armory near the Griffin Airport and provided a onestop shopping service for veterans and their families to gather information regarding federal and state benefits to which they might be entitled. Approximately 1,985 claims were processed. "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 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 indirectly involved with veterans' affairs. It marked the second time that it has been held in Griffin. "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 145,800 veterans have been helped through this event." Since the Georgia Department of Veterans Sendee 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. f Veterans Benefits 24 XJ City of Griffin Since 1840 Cmmli4ion Wembe* Com i Ftowm MoC4 Jiiiirx Toil W> C l\*in CominiMloncr Whodcr. On behalfof ibt Chv of Griffin. 1 would like to lluak son for>oui dfons incoondinamig Uw 'Siipcrnu'kd of Veteran* Benditv" program held nl Cut Hall on December 7, 2004 ai GnlTiii Georgia Vetcram m aad aremnd ilir GiifTln wen were able io mecr and uU. with necessary oflicia!; of lire Georgia Dqvinmsii of VeJeram Sercia: in order to apply for benefits or siinply roccise infomuttoa Hut wi> oecompltthcd with a pew deal of oatwetucrce since these cuential people were available m one loeatioa to ole ewe oftheir needs The nitenUw indicted the "Supermartet* was soettssful acd the comwswon ofthoc senixs would be \ cry bcncfcial We appeeewe the Veterans and their families and (bank dan for the ucTificct they made to serve ou? coocry. I*i>e do ox beMuec tocooua tin ofTnx tf I may ever be ol assssanoc Mnxray. Cyrakj RoJAVanl SUvor IK-CeyefGnmn Peat Crtcc 0o r * J3t Ca Sotaiw. &( * Grttln. Cwow 224 r r<< rnj-2245 r FM r?0-22SeO n rendering service to the veterans of Georgia, the Department of Veterans Service Iworks closely with the state's veterans organizations and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This Department sincerely appreciates the Commanders of the 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 of Georgia veterans organizations for their cooperation and assistance in our programs and activities. In October 1954, state commanders from five of Georgia's veterans' organizations gathered to witness Governor Herman Talmadge sign a proclamation marking the state's first official tribute to November 11th as Veteran's Day. Every Governor since has continued the tradition. Pictured with Governor Talmadge are L. to R. Dr. Marvin Goldstein, Jewish War Veterans; Commander Wm. P. Ryan, AMVETS; Commissioner Pete Wheeler; Commander Roland Richardson, VFW; Mr. M.C. Donald; Commander Jack Langford, American Legion. r a n Organizations 26 2004 Continuing the long-standing Georgia tradition, the Governor's Veterans Day Proclamation Signing, officially proclaiming November 11 as "Veterans Day in Georgia" was held October 21st inside the Rotunda of the State Capitol.Commissioner Wheeler, who also serves as the Governor's chairman of Veterans Day observances statewide, was the master ofceremonies. The event, attracted the area's top military leaders, key members ofthe Georgia legislature, and the leaders of the state veterans' organizations and auxiliaries. Also in attendance was Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, retired Army Colonel Robert 11. Nett of Columbus, GA (ninth from left). Georgia's Veterans American Ex-Prisoners of War Theron Powell, Commander 3236 Poplar Drive Lawrenceville, GA 30044 American Veterans (AMVETS) Harold Banks, Commander 648 Northshorc Road Lithonia, GA 30058 Carolyn Brown, Auxiliary President 611 Mack Drive Valdosta, GA 31601 Blinded Veterans Association John W. Brown, President 4252 Colony East Drive Stone Mountain, GA30083 Disabled American Veterans Tim Hammons, Commander 547 Frazier Street Marietta, GA 30060 Annie Krause, Auxiliary Commander 3714 Radium Springs Road Albany, GA 31705 Jewish War Veterans Milton Light, Commander 5308 Brooke Ridge Drive Dunwoody, GA 30338 Shirley Rich, Auxiliary President 1378 Biltmore Drive, NE Atlanta, GA 30329 Military Order of the Purple Heart Eddie Roberts, Commander 4804 Freeman Court Columbus, GA 31907 Zayne Cousins, Auxiliary President 205 Acadian Way Stockbridge, GA 30281 Reserve Officers Association MAJ Joseph Moscoto, Jr., USAFR 3122 Hudson Pond Lane e Marietta, GA 30062 The American Legion Leonard Hayes, Commander a 6390 Clermont Highway Clermont, GA 30527 Kay Kelly, Auxiliary President 4819 Moores Mill Court Columbus, GA 31909 e Military Officers Assoc, of America Gerald A. Johnson, President 290 Lakeside Drive r Milledgeville,GA 31061 GA. Federal/Military Retiree s Coalition Melvin Wilkerson, President 1880 Seneca Court Riverdale, GA 30296 Veterans of Foreign Wars of U.S. l 6182 Graceland Circle Morrow, GA 30260 Susan Simmons, Auxiliary President 592 Cameron Road Jessup, GA 31545 GA. Vietnam Vets. Alliance, Inc Marvin Myers, President 5879 New Peachtree Road Doraville, GA 30340 27 THE AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA December 16,2004 Commissioner Pete Wheeler Georgia Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-970 Atlanta, GA 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: Over these many years, I have had the pleasure of watching the great accomplishments you have made for our Georgia Veterans. On behalf of The American Legion, Ladies Auxiliary, and the Sons of The American Legion, we would like to thank you for your many years of service to our Georgia Veterans. The major accomplishments such as The Veterans Cemetery in Milledgeville, The Georgia War Veterans Homes, the Out Patient Clinics, and the locating of the V.A. Regional Office at the V.A Hospital are only a few of the benefits our Veterans can enjoy for years to come. We know that these programs we are enjoying today are here largely due to you and your staff efforts. We know very well that these programs will continue to grow under your leadership. Again, we thank you. You know The American Legion Family is always ready to help in the support of our Veterans, all 65,000 of us. We are confident the Veterans programs and services will continue to grow with great strides in the future as it has in the past. We certainly appreciate what you have done for our Veterans. For God and Country, Leonard Hayes Department Commander 28 American Legion Auxiliary DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA 3035 MOUNT ZION ROAD STOCKBRIDGE, GEORGIA 30281 (678) 289-8446 February 1, 2005 Commissioner Pete Wheeler Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler, We, The American Legion Auxiliary, the world's largest non-profit patriotic women's service organization, thank you and your staff for your outstanding service and support you give for the needs of our Veterans and their families. As State President for the year 2004-2005, on behalf of all of our members, we remain grateful for the leadership of the State's Veterans Programs. We feel that we are very fortunate in the state of Georgia to have you as the Commissioner of Veterans Services. Best Wishes to you and your staff and may God Bless you for your devotion given to our Veterans. Sincerely, Kay Kelly, President American Legion Auxiliary Department of Georgia 29 ^feterana of Jjjoragn ^fara of tin' llnitrh Stairs James R. (Randy) Coggins State Commander 2004-2005 jDepartmmt of Oieorgta Phone: (478) 474-3737 Fax: (478) 474-6853 Email: gahq@gavfw.org 6182 Graceland Circle Morrow, Georgia 30260 Phone: (770) 960-1952 Fax: (678) 422-9514 Email: randycoggins@aol.com December 2004 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 femilies. 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 femilies and survivors. We understand that this network of veteran's service that you have established throughout the years is second to none in the nation. We also thank you for the many years of hard work maintaining this system. We will continue to work proudly with you to keep Georgia's veterans in the forefront, ensuring many more years of service to our veterans. Should you ever need our assistance, please do not hesitate to call. Sincerely, James R. Coggins State Commander "UNITED WE STAND" December 2004 JlejKtrfatroti of dlcorgm ^uxtltarg To Th Pctermtg of foreign 'Btfare of t^e ^niicb States Founded 1914 Honorable Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler, The Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary, Department of Georgia, are proud to serve the Veterans in this great state. On behalf of the nearly 8,000 members of the Ladies Auxiliary, I would like to express my gratitude to you and your staff 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. We appreciate your superb effort to consistently ensure 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 Veterans Service. Please do not hesitate to call upon the Ladies Auxiliary if we can be of service to you or assist you in any way. With warm regards, Susan Simmons Department President 2004-2005 A Grateful Nation Remembers.. .Freedom is Not Free! 31 nzEiican ^EfiaitmE.nt of Gjiaiyia 4462 Houston Avenue, Macon, Georgia 31206 Phone: (478) 781-7336 FAX: (478) 788-2934 December 17, 2004 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 our disabled veterans from the State of Georgia, we again want to thank you for your continued cooperation and assistance you and your staff provide our veterans. You and your staff do an outstanding and superb job in providing the many services to our disabled veterans. We, at the Disabled American Veterans, Department of Georgia, have been the beneficiary of your continued efforts on behalf of the disabled veterans. We have had the opportunity to have purchased vans for transportation. The Veterans Cemetery and the VA Regional Office are of great benefit to our veterans. This year, we will be starting a Service Commission to be headed up by our National Service Officer in Decatur. Many good things are happening for the Department of Georgia. Thank you for your continued commitment to our veterans and their families. TEH/dr Timothy E. HWimons Commander 32 Separtmimt nf Mrgia itaabk^ Amtnran letmtia Auxiliary December 2004 The Honorable Peter Wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30333 Dear Commissioner Wheeler; As Commander of the Disabled American Veterans Auxil iary, Department of Georgia, I want to thank you again for your continual service to the veterans of Georgia. The Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary value the partnership between our organization and your Department. You and your staff have done a superb job caring for the needs of our veterans and their families. We are proud to have a Commissioner of your calibre. I thank you for keeping the Ladies Auxiliary informed and inviting me to the various functions in our State. The Ladies Auxiliary is ready to assist you and the Department of Veterans Services. Just call on us if we can help in any way. Sincerely Annie Krause Commander, DAV Auxiliary Department of Georgia 33 AMVETS DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA January 9,2005 Mr. Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Affairs Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: On behalf of AMVETS Department of Georgia, I would like to thank you for your continuous support of the programs and facilities for veterans in our state. Because you and your staff have an open line of communication, many veterans have been awarded the entitlements that they so rightly deserve. The year of 2004 has marked another year of accomplishments. The dedication of the wing for returning Iraqi veterans at the VA hospital in Augusta was a sobering event. Everyone present was made strongly aware of your support for veteran's affairs. Taking time out of your busy schedule to attend such program is deeply appreciated by all. It has been a pleasure working with you this past year and I look forward to our joint efforts to tackle issues in 2005. Thank you again for your support and please feel free to call on our organization for assistance. You have our total support. Sincerely, Harold W. Banks State Commander 34 I AMVETS LADIES AUXILIARY DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA February 10,2005 Mr. Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Affairs Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Honorable Pete Wheeler: The AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Department of Georgia would like to express our sincere appreciation for the many services that you and your staff has provided to our veterans and their families throughout Georgia. Mr. Wheeler, your knowledge and dedication to veterans has changed the life of many veterans. We thank you for including the Ladies Auxiliary to assist you and your staff to support AMVETS members and veterans throughout the State of Georgia. Again, with sincere appreciation, thanks for all you and your staff do for veterans and their dependents. Sincerely, Carolyn Brown, State President Ladies Auxiliary 35 MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART CHARTERED BY CONGRESS DONALD R. JOHNSTON CHAPTER 492 P.O. BOX 12232 1782 COLUMBUS, GEORGIA 31907 Honorable Pete Wheeler Commissioner, Department of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 December 13, 2004 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: On behalf of all of the Commanders, Patriots, and LAMOPH in the fine state of Georgia I would like to express my extreme gratitude to you and your staff for the services that you have rendered to our veterans for the present and all of the past years. You have done so much for so many, without receiving the proper recognition. Too many times our veterans are neglected and don't receive the adequate help to fulfill their needs. That's when the Veterans Services does what they do best, aid and assist. Please continue to provide us with all of the valuable information that us as veterans need to know. Your newsletters, magazines and minutes from important meetings are more than helpful. Mr. Wheeler we the Purple Heart recipients of the state of Georgia salute you and your staff for your untiring effort. We look forward to working with you and your staff in the coming year . Thanks again for being there. Yours in Patriotism Eddie L. Roberts Department Commander 36 JEWISH WAR VETERANS OF TOE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ATLANTA POST 112 AND LADIES AUXILIARY COMMANDER; MILTON (Mickey) L LIGHT 5308 Brooke Ridge Dr. Dunwoody, GA 30338 770-394-1077-H 770-844-8323-W 770-844-9802-0ffice Fax 07-11-0S 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 Post 112, Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America, for the current year. The Jewish War Veterans celebrated its 350th year, 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. 37 American Ex-Pns8mrs$f$fatp// DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA (n,,,-^, 3236 Poplar Dr. Lawrenceville .GA 30044-4131 Phone (000) 555-1234 Fax (000) 555-67X9 someone@microsoft.com December 23. 2004 Dear Commissioner Wheeler The Department ofGeorgia, American Ex-Prisoners of War Would like to sendyou our sincere Appreciations to you andyour Great staff for everything you have donefor all Veterans in our State. For the many years that you have been there for us and made life easierfor the veterans and their spouses. You were also therefor their widows. May the good Lord bless you andyourfine staffand continue to serve usfor many years to come. We are still getting new veterans every day that need this kind ofservice. Thank you Again Sincerely, Theron L. Powell Commander, Department ofGeorgia American Ex-Prisoners of War 3236 Poplar DR. Lawrenceville. GA 30044-4131 38 September 14, 2(M> www.dlic.mil/dpmo/ y [in Service to Americap~ Vietnam Veterans of America Inc., Georgia State Council P. 0. Box 2542 Gainesville, GA 30503 1-888-882-8387 Fax 912-368-6679 E-mail: jamesgilmervva@aol.com or dennis.fletcher@nghs.com December 23, 2004 Honorable Pete Wheeler Commissioner, Department of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-907 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Honorable Pete Wheeler, On behalf of the Georgia State Council of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to you and your staff for all you do for the veterans. Thank you Commissioner Wheeler for your continuous work of over fifty-eight years of serving the veterans in the State of Georgia. Also, thank you for the influence you've had in encouraging me to work for the veteran's rights and their Health Care for the last thirty-one years. It is always a pleasure to see you and Mrs. Wheeler. Sincerely, James E. Gilmer President, GA State Council of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. 40 President James Gilmer Vice President Carol Schetrompf Secretary Joyce Warren Treasurer Dennis Fletcher 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 2004 Honorable Pete Wheeler Commissioner Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Atlanta, GA 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: This year, the Georgia Military Officers Association of America celebrated its 50th anniversary. We can look back on a history of providing support to military retirees and their spouses in Georgia while organized and operated as The Georgia Retired Officers Association. Two years ago, the role of our national organization, our state organization and our 14 chapters throughout the state, expanded to include support of active duty, national guard and reserve forces. At that time, the name of our organization was changed to reflect this broader role. While we can take pride in the history of our state organization, we are looking to the needs of our military forces for the future and how we can best support these needs. We appreciate your continued leadership in veterans' matters - an increasingly demanding responsibility in light of the call-up of national guard and reserve units to respond to the war on terrorism. Stretching funding to provide for the continuance of programs has been difficult, but you and your staff have managed under the most demanding of circumstances. Thank you for all that you are doing. We stand ready to support and assist you in assuring that programs for Georgia veterans continue at the high level they have come to expect and deserve. Sincerely, ___ Gerald A. Jwinson, Colonel, USAF (Ret) President 41 OmCERS 2004 - 2005 PRESIDENT: ETC Mcl Wilkerson, USA(Rct) 1880 Seneca Court Riverdale, GA 30296 770-996-4505 wilk348@bel lsouth.net 1ST VICE-PRESIDENT/ MEMBERSHIP: Mr. Joseph V. Staiano 770-621-3608 atcol@aol.com 2ND VICE-PRESIDENT/ LEGISLATIVE LIAISON: Mr. M. C. Stowe (706) 779-2707 mcstowc@alltcl.nct SECRETARY: LTC Keith Troutman, USA(Rct) 404-730-6336 TREASURER: Mr. David Gunn 770-938-6281 gunndavid8@aol.com CHAPLAIN Capt Norvell Knight, USN(Ret) LEGAL COUNSEL: COL Robert Peckham, USA(Rct) CO-FOUNDERS: COL John Callaway, USA(Ret) Mr. Bill Hathaway TRUSTEES: TERM: 2002 - 2005 CWO She! Miller, USA(Ret) Mr. David K. Rowe Mr. M. C. Stowe LTC Keith Troutman. USA(Rct) TERM: 2003 - 2006 MG Gordon Duquemin, USA(Ret) Mr. David W. Gunn Mr. William McClain LTC Mcl Wilkerson. USA(Rct) TERM: 2004 - 2007 Mr. Robert S. Harrell Capt Norvell Knight, USN(Rct) Col Jim Penn, USAF(Rct) Mr. Joseph V. Staiano PRESIDENT. GMOAA: Col Jerry Johnson, USAF(Ret) PRESIDENT. NARFE: Mr. William L. DcLung PAST PRESIDENTS: LTC Joe Barto. USA(Rct) Mr. Bill Hathaway Mr. Paul McCurdy Mr. Robert A. McFccly Col Jim Penn, USAF(Ret) Mr. M. C. Stowe Georgia Federal/Military Retiree Coalition, Inc. P. O. Box 406 I\icker,GA 30085-0406 December 15, 2004 Horonable Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-970 Atlanta Georgia 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: On behalf of the Georgia Federal-Military Retiree Coalition, Inc. (GFMRC), I want to thank you and your staff for for the many years of outstanding service provided to Georgia veterans and their families. The State of Georgia is blessed to have a veterans service leader of your caliber, strength and willingness to support the uniformed men and women who have served this nation and are now veterans. As GFMRC President, I wish to express my gratitude to you for including GFMRC as a Georgia Veterans Leadership partner this year. GFMRC members well recognize the many accomplishments of your department over the years as many of them benefit directly or indirectly from services provided by your organization. You are to be commended for your superb leadership and devotion to duty. It has been an honor and previledge working with you in the past, and I look forward to continued partnership with you and your staff in the future. May God bless you with good health and even greater success in the future. Sincerely, Melvin Wilkerson, LTC, USA (Ret.) ^ President Georgia Federal-Military Retiree Coalition, Inc. Marvin Myers President t) 0 0 TM ft 'In Service To Veterans, Their Families, and Community'' December 15, 2004 Commissioner Pete Wheeler Department of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans Memorial Building-Suite-970 Atlanta, GA 30334 Dear Pete, Hard to believe that another year has gone. We continue to appreciate all you do for veterans in our state. Because of your efforts we have War Veterans Homes, a new Cemetery and a second one on the way. At times we forget to thank you and your staff. We have also watched you continue to appoint highly talented members to the Veterans Service Board. We do appreciate your ability to do so many things for our vets. In between you keep your service officers well trained to answer the increasing amount of veterans needing help. We hope we do not overburden them with the number of claims. You have some of the best. With all the pressure on the budget, I know you and your staff have to really maximize every dollar. How you do it, I don't know but all of us appreciate it. Thank you and we remain sincerely yours. Marvin Myers President 5879 New Peachtree Road, Doraville, GA 30340 (770) 458-1985 Fax (770) 936-0133 43 GEORGIA VETERANS DAY PARADE ASSOCIATION OF ATLANTA, INC. OFFICERS PRESIDENT Marvin Myers O: 770.458.7934 F: 770.936.0133 C: 678.361.7157 VICE PRESIDENT James Blaylock O: 678.924.5787 F: 678.924.5776 TREASURER Robert L. Hopkins H: 770.394.1329 0: 678.731.0007 x214 F: 678.731.0006 SECRETARY Maryann Wysor H: 770.925.0249 0:404.651.4199 F: 404.651.1073 DIRECTORS BANQUET Judy Humphries H: 770.993.8312 0:770.528.2611 F: 770.528.2606 FUND RAISING Melissa K. Smith H: 770.977.3283 0:404.715.5246 Kevin L. Miller C: 404.518.0911 M. Cecilia Miller 0:404.518.3551 Glen A. Weaver C: 404.918.4266 PARADE DAY/PROGRAM Rich Sale H: 770.786.7001 O: 770.696.2615 C: 404.805.1007 VETERAN GROUPS James Gray H: 404.284.1504 C: 404.579.0118 Andy Wysor H: 770.925.0249 0:678.442.8111 x103 Jack Moses H:770.889.4683 James Baxley H: 404.875.2352 Chuck Hyder H: 770.978.0724 PARADE ARCHIVE Senator Joe Burton H: 404.636.3500 44 December 18, 2005 Commissioner Pete Wheeler Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Atlanta, GA 30334 Dear Pete, As this year comes to a close, I wanted to drop you a note and tell you of our appreciation for your efforts on behalf of veterans. All of us sitting in the Capitol during the Veterans Day proclamation were amazed that 50 years have passed since you and several State Veteran Service organization commanders celebrated the first Veterans Day in Georgia. What a long way we have come. It is due largely to your efforts that the tradition has continued. Not only continued, but become more impressive with every year. When I looked over the distinguished crowd this year I had nothing but admiration for you and your staff. Veterans Day in Georgia has become a great event. We are all very proud to be a part of the festivities. I chuckle when I think of all of us trying to find a place to be in the annual picture. Seems to me it gets more difficult every year. Your efforts brought Governor Purdue to our event as the Grand Marshal last year and to visit with Grand Marshal General Hal Moore this year. That was a real highpoint for General Moore. The Veterans Day Association thanks you for your strong support of Veterans Day. It is the one day when all veterans come together to celebrate our service. In large measure you bringing all of us together for the proclamation signing has built bridges that ensures all of us get out and join together on November 11. We appreciate all you do Pete. Sincerely, Marvin Myers President ft)I l "FREEDOM THROUGH SERVICE"0 1875 Withmere Way, Dunwoody, GA 30338 WEB: gavetsdayparade.org Georgia Forestry Commission P. O. Box 819 Macon, Georgia 31202-0819 (478) 751-3500 FAX (478) 751-3465 Sonny Perdue Governor William R. "Bob" La/enby Interim Director March 4, 2004 Commissioner Pete Wheeler State of Georgia Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-970 Atlanta, GA 30334-4800 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: I would like to express my sincere appreciation to you for your leadership and participation in our 2004 Georgia Arbor Day Ceremony. It was a most enjoyable day for celebrating two of Georgia's greatest assets - our veterans and our trees. We are particularly grateful to Ernie Simons and his staff for their excellent work in preparing the site and coordinating the event. The appearance and maintenance of this great facility is impeccable. The good food and hospitality that Ernie and Russell provided added a festive atmosphere to the celebration that the participants clearly enjoyed. We also appreciate Brian Zeringue's expertise in public relations and willingness to help us publicize the event. His support in getting the word out certainly paid off with representation from Savannah, Columbus and Augusta and all of Georgia's veterans organizations. Thank you again for your support of this event and we look forward to working with you next year. Sincerely, William R. Lazi Interim Director Jim L. Gillis, Jr., Chairman H. G. Thomas New P.W. Bryan, Jr. Larry S. Walker Victor Beadles H. G. Yeomans Wesley Langdalc Soperton Louisville Thomasville Oglethorpe Moultrie Swainsboro Valdosta /l/i Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider 45 GEORGIA VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK 3^1 * i i j ^ uf Heroes GEORGIA VETERANS MEMORIAL 46 November 5, 2004 Commissioner Pete Wheeler Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: I would like to personally thank you for participating in the Phase 1 Dedication Ceremony of the Georgia Veterans Memorial Park, held on October 22. As you know, tire Park is something very near and dear to my heart, and I feel that, with the support of those like yourself, this will become one of the best veterans memorial parks in the country. 1 have enclosed a photo from the event. Again, thank you for participating and for everything you do for us. Sincerely, C.M. Bud Sosebee, Chairman Georgia Veterans Memorial Park Foundation /hla GEORGIA VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK FOUNDATION, INC. Post Office Box 8 2 2 0 9, Conyers, Georgia 3 0 0 1 3 -9 4 3 2 www.walkofheroes.com COLUMBUS CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT ROBERT S. POYDASHEFF Mayor Georgia's First Consolidated Government Post Office Box 1340 Columbus; Georgia 51902-1340 Telephone (706) 653-4712 PAX (706) 653-4970 TDD (706) 653-4494 December 29, 2004 Pete Wheeler GA Dept, of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334-4800' Dear Pete: I would like to take this opportunity to advise you of the exceptional work that the local Veterans Service Office is accomplishing in the Columbus area. Under the management of A1 Rivera, the professionalism, dedication to duty, commitment to veterans, and extensive knowledge of veteran related issues has surpassed those of the past and has increased the reputation of the Georgia Department of Veterans Service. Under his guidance and unparalleled leadership he has made the local veteran community one of the best serviced in our state. I constantly receive positive comments about the great job they are doing for our veterans. The several millions of dollars that our veterans are receiving is just an example of the level of commitment your staff is showing in making sure our veterans receive all possible entitlements. On behalf of our veterans community, our elected officials and myself, I would like to extend our appreciation to the team of our local veterans office for their outstanding job, their thoughtfulness and their resolve in ensuring our veterans get all to which they are entitled. Sincerely, RobefTS. Pbydasheff RSP/jmc "An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Organisation VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL FUND August 10, 2004 Mr. Pete Wheeler Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-970 Atlanta, GA 30334 Dear Mr. Wheeler: Enclosed please find the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund's 2003 Annual Report highlighting our progress and programs designed to continue The Wall's legacy of healing, education and honor. The support and encouragement of many individuals, like you, is one of the reasons why I am so proud of our accomplishments to date. You are an integral part of the Memorial Fund's ongoing mission to preserve the legacy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, to promote healing and to educate about the impact of the Vietnam War. Thank you for your continued support and guidance. Sincerely, Jan C. Scruggs Founder and President 48 1023 Fifteenth Street, NW, Second Floor, Washington, D.C. 20005-2602 (202) 393-0090 Fax (202) 393-0029 http://www.vvmf.org DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Regional Office 1700 Ciairmont Road Decatur, GA 30033 December 9, 2004 Peter Wheeler Commissioner of Veterans Affairs State Department of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 In Reply Refer To: 316/00 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: As 2004 draws to a close, I would like to share with you events and accomplishments of the Atlanta VA Regional Office (RO). VETERAN SERVICE CENTER Our rating inventory increased during the fiscal year. The primary factors that influenced this change were the legislative impact of the Veterans Claims Assistance Act (VCAA) compliance and a 13% increase in receipts. 25,921 rating claims were received and we completed 23,543 rating decisions while reducing the average days pending. Last December our days pending were 130.9 and by the end of the fiscal year we had reduced the time to 107.6. One of our goals is to continue to work aggressively to reduce the number of ratings and average days pending. The Atlanta RO is working with Department of Defense for seamless transitions for all service members with serious injuries incurred in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF). Our office has coordinated these efforts locally with the three Benefits Delivery Discharge (BDD) sites (Eisenhower at Fort Gordon, Winn at Fort Stewart and Martin at Fort Benning). Our Benefits Delivery Discharge staff has taken on this added responsibility and visits with these service members to determine their needs and ensure VA support. We have been very active in numerous outreach activities. We have designated coordinators to meet the special needs of women veterans, homeless veterans, and Former Prisoners of War (FPOW). We participated in three Veteran Service Days for Homeless veterans sponsored by the VA Medical Center (VAMC) Decatur and in the planning of Standdowns for Fiscal Year 05 with the Interagency Council of the Homeless. Our Homeless Veterans Coordinator attended monthly meetings with shelter directors and service providers. We partnered with Outreach work group with Mercy Mobile Health Services and have a collaborative partnership with Atlanta City Court to provide benefit services to individuals transitioning from incarceration to civilian life. Our Women's Veterans Coordinator provided assistance as needed to women veterans on sensitive claims processing, attended monthly Women's Advisory Committee meetings at the VAMC Decatur and participated in the Women's Vet Fest in Decatur. The Atlanta Regional Office is very involved with Former Prisoners of War and looks forward to opportunities to inform these deserving veterans of benefits available to them. As such, the Former Prisoners of War coordinator participated in numerous activities such as the 49 Military Order of Purple Heart National Convention to provide benefit information. We also participated in a Former Prisoners of War/Missing in Action ceremony at the VAMC Decatur as well as a tree planting ceremony at Dobbins Air Reserve Base. EDUCATION Education Division experienced many challenges in 2004. There was an 18.6% increase in incoming education claims over the previous year. This trend will likely continue with the passage of Public Law 10375, Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 on October 28, 2004 which created a new Department of Defense funded education program (Chapter 1607). This program provides benefits to certain National Guard and reserve members who are called or ordered to active service in response to a war or national emergency declared by the President or Congress. Eligibility under this program will be determined by Department of Defense and allowances will be a percentage of the Chapter 30 three year rate based on the number of continuous days served on active duty. The benefit is retroactive and potentially payable to persons that were serving in a contingency operation on September 11, 2001. Currently any claims that are received for this benefit are being held until further instructions are issued regarding payment procedures. The VA On-line Certification of enrollment (VA-ONCE) system has been in place for over a year now, and the rate of usage by schools within our jurisdiction surpasses that of schools in other jurisdictions. At the present time, 70% of the schools within our jurisdiction are certifying enrollments and changes electronically to us through the VA-ONCE system. Electronic submissions can be processed more expeditiously than those received via mail as they go directly into our system without human intervention and are ready for processing immediately. LOAN GUARANTY With the successful transition in January 2004 of the VA acquired property sales responsibility to Ocwen Federal Bank, Loan Guaranty management was able to redirect human resources to provide enhanced services to the administration of the GI Home Loan benefits and to assist veterans experiencing financial difficulties. With interest rates continuing to remain at historical lows, demand for veteran home loans remains high while we have experienced a drop in veteran refinancing of existing homes. During Fiscal Year 2004, the Atlanta Regional Loan Center (RLC) guaranteed over 50,000 GI home loans, had appraised approximately 25,000 properties, and provided thousands of supplemental servicing contacts and actions on defaulted VA Guaranteed Loans. During the year, 2,256 veteran families were assisted by RLC employees in battling financial difficulties and potential loss of their homes. Throughout FY 04, we have continued to modernize the delivery of the VA Home Loan benefit through the use of easily accessible computer systems used by both our veterans and program participants. We will continue these improvements to better serve veterans of Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina. VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND EMPLOYMENT(VR&E) Our Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment business line saw continued growth in our workload, while still experiencing a shortage of staff. Currently there are 17 counselors assigned to the Atlanta Office with average caseloads of 246 veterans. While the workload is heavy, the VR&E staff experienced a successful year in rehabilitating 302 veterans. We are actively working with Operation Iraq Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom service members. In addition to these service members' needs, we are finding many Chapter 31 veterans have been recalled to 50 active duty in Iraq resulting in their vocational rehabilitation programs being discontinued. We hope these veterans will return to active status with the program, and we anticipate receiving an additional increase in our workload as the returned injured service members apply for Chapter 31 services. Considering relevant articles about the types of disabilities sustained by the OIF/OEF veterans, we expect that these individuals will need a higher level of services in order to become re-employed or assisted with Independent Living services. In closing, we will continue to strive to provide timely first class service to Georgia's veterans and their dependents. Our best wishes to you for a happy holiday season. Sincerely, Director 51 `^ H ^ v O l OFFICE ADDRESS - PHONE- FAX COUNTIES SERVED ALBANY - AMERLCUS- CORDELE DIVISION e Ed Irby. Manager Melissa Ingle. VBC Brenda Rachel, VBC l Vickie King. VBC d Carol Phagan, VBC 102 N. Washington Street, Suite 402 Albany 31701-4814 Phone: 229-430-1797, 1798 FAX: 229-430-1796 500 W. Lamar Street, Room 28 Americus 31709 Phone: 229-931-2546 FAX: 229-931-5151 Courthouse, Room 107 Cordeie 31015-4216 Phone: 229-276-2366 FAX: 229-276-2734 Dooly Dougherty Lee Macon Sumter Marion Schley Terrell Webster Worth Crisp Wilcox AMERICUS See Albany-Amcricus-Cordclc Division ATHENS - ELBERTON DIVISION Gary W. Locke. Jr., Manager Dale Bell. VBC Jefferson Professional Park, Suite 19 855 Sunset Drive Athens 30606-2285 Phone: 706-369-5630.5631 FAX: 706-369-5998 Barrow Clarke Jackson Madison Oconee Oglethorpe Timothy Coleman, VBC 203 Elbert Street Elberton 30635 Phone: 706-213-2040 FAX: 706-213-2094 Elbert i ATLANTA - FIELD SERVICE AND CLAIMS DIVISIONS Max Cotter, Asst. Commissioner - Floyd Veterans Memorial Bldg., E-367 c Field Service Rick Roby, Sr. Claims Counselor Lcnora Evans, VBC Atlanta 30334-4800 Phone: 404-656-5940 FAX: 404-657-1288 Fulton e Jim Frederick, Asst. CommissionerClaims 1700 Clairmont Road Decatur 30033 Phone: 404-929-5345 [For a complete listing of Claims Staff FAX: 404-929-5347 Personnel, see Special Sen ices Units s following this directory.] Clayton Fulton [Atlanta VAMC (Decatur) - See Special Services Unitsfollowing this directory] Note: VBC is abbreviation for Veterans Benefits Counselor 52 OFFICE ADDRESS - PHONE- FAX COUNTIES SERVED AUGUSTA - WAYNESBORO DIVISION Lamar Faircloth, Manager Beverly Lloyd, VBC Angela Old, VBC 1101 Fifteenth Street Augusta 30901-3196 Phone: 706-721-4301,4302 FAX: 706-721-6015 [Augusta VA Medical Center - See Special Services Unitsfollowing this directory/ Gerald Clayton, VBC Burke County Office Park, Room 107 715 West 6th Street, PO Box 93 Waynesboro 30830-0093 Phone: 706-554-3874 FAX: 706-554-4496 Columbia Burke Richmond BAINBRIDGE Craig Couturier, Manager Terri Hurst, VBC BLAIRSVILLE Roy E. Hamby, Manager Robert Spaulding, VBC 307 E. Broughton Street Bainbridge 39817-4003 Phone: 229-248-2599, 2663 FAX: 229-243-5362 Courthouse Annex, 301 School Circle PO Box 782 Blairsville 30514-0782 Phone/FAX: 706-745-6341 Baker Calhoun Clay Decatur Early Miller Mitchell Quitman Randolph Seminole Fannin Rabun Towns Union BRUNSWICK Ed Chancey, Manager Tina Herring, VBC Office Park Bldg., Suite 120 1803 Gloucester Street Brunswick 31520-6904 Phone: 912-262-2345,912-264-7360 FAX: 912-261-3937 Camden Glynn McIntosh CANTON Jay Johnson, Manager Rita Barnhart, VBC 400 E. Main Street, Suite B Canton 30114-2802 Phone: 770-720-3538 FAX: 770-704-2317 CARROLLTON See Newnan - Thomaston - Carrollton Divison Cherokee Cobb Gilmer Pickens 53 OFFICE CARTERSVTLLE Jack Goodwin, Manager CEDARTOWN See Rome - Cedartown Division ADDRESS - PHONE- FAX COUNTIES SERVED 320 W. Cherokee Ave., Rm. 105 Cartersville 30120 Phone: 770-387-3746 FAX: 770-387-4077 Bartow Paulding CLARKESVILLE - TOCCOA - HARTWELL DIVISION B.C. Fowler, Manager William Tucker, VBC (Tuesdays & Thursdays only) 120 E. Louise Street POBox 1135 Clarkesville 30523 Phone: 706-754-4316 FAX: 706-754-9185 Courthouse Annex, Room 104 102 West Tugalo Street Toccoa 30577 Phone: 706-282-4525 FAX: 706-282-4800 Michael Partlow, VBC 185 W. Franklin Street Courthouse Annex Hartwell 30643-1594 Phone: 706-376-4461 FAX: 706-856-2737 COLUMBUS A1 Rivera, Manager Lionel Haynes, Sr., VBC Cynthia Hymon, VBC CONYERS 1520 Third Ave Suite 5 Columbus 31901 Phone: 706-649-1264 FAX: 706-649-1726 Tommy Clack, Manager Mylene Brett, VBC CORDELE 1329 Portman Drive, Suite A Conyers 30094-6619 Phone: 770-388-5075 FAX: 770-785-6868 See Albany-Americus-Cordele Division DAL TON - LAFAYETTE DIVISION Bob Turner, Supervisor, Area 3 Judy Johnson, VBC 305 Point North Place, Suite 6 PO Box 1104 Dalton 30722-1104 Phone: 706-272-2355 FAX: 706-272-2335 Banks Habersham White Franklin Stephens Hart Chattahoochee Muscogee Stewart Rockdale Newton Walton Catoosa Murray Whitfield OFFICE ADDRKvSS - PHONE- FAX DALTON - LAFAYETTE DIVISION (cont'd) Anita Boxall. VBC Judiciary Annex, 108-E Villanow Street LaFayette 30728-2519 Phone: 706-638-5544 FAX: 706-639-2046 COUNTIES SERVED Chattooga Dade Walker DUBLIN - EASTMAN DIVISION Ben Hitson, Manager Ben Harrell, VBC Clay Harrell, VBC ELBERTON Carl Vinson VAMC, Room 124-6, Ward 6A 1826 Veterans Blvd. Dublin 31021-3699 Phone: 478-272-4266 FAX: 478-274-7802 636 Oak Street, SE Eastman 31023 Phone: 478-374-6977 FAX: 478-374-6551 Johnson Laurens Bleckley Dodge Treutlen Pulaski See Athens-Elberton Division GAINESVILLE Harry Evans, Manager Cynthia Hayes, VBC GLENNVILLE Richard Dunlop, Manager Tonya Malpass, VBC GREENSBORO Sec Washington-Greensboro Division GRIFFIN 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 Phone: 912-654-5159 FAX: 912-654-5179 Mike Roby, Supervisor, Area 2 Artis Robinson, VBC 235-A E. Slaton Avenue Griffin 30223 Phone: 770-412-4023 FAX: 770-467-6099 HARTWELL See Clarkesville - Toccoa - Hartwell Division LAFAYETTE Sec Dalton - LaFayette Division Dawson Forsyth Gwinnett Bryan Liberty Long Butts Fayette Henry Hall Lumpkin Tattnall Wayne Pike Spalding Talbot OFFICE LAGRANGE ADDRESS - PHONE- FAX Silas Vance, Manager Toni Fox, VBC LYONS-MCRAE division Jay Howell, Manager Loran Bryant, VBC MACON George Canavaggio, Manager Joshua Dixon, VBC Vincent Pritchett, VBC MCRAE See Lyons-McRae Division 189 S. Davis Road LaGrange 30241-2819 Phone: 706-845-4095 FAX: 706-845-4485 126 West Grady Avenue, PO Box 833 Lyons 30436 Phone: 912-526-8860 FAX: 912-526-4285 411 W. Oak Street McRae 31055 Phone: 229-868-6391 FAX: 229-868-4972 653 Second Street, Room 203 Macon 31201-2817 Phone: 478-751-3186,3187 FAX: 478-751-6594 MILLEDGEV1LLE Ernie Simons, Manager Vivian Howard, VBC Melanie Kay, VBC MOULTRIE See Thomasville-Moultrie Division Georgia State War Veterans Home Wheeler Bldg., PO Box 741 Milledgeville 31059-0741 Phone: 478-445-4751,478-445-6900 FAX: 478-445-3139 NEWNAN - THOMASTON - CARROLLTON DIVISION Kenneth Mills, Manager (Wednesdays only) Hope R. Mincer, Manager (Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays only) 22 E. Broad Street Newnan 30264 Phone: 770-254-7260 FAX: 770-254-7339 250 E. Lee Street Government Administrative Complex Thomaston 30286-0461 Phone: 706-646-6035 408 N. White Street, Room 601 Carrollton 30117 Phone: 770-836-6760 FAX: nO-S36-6M4 COUNTIES SERVED Harris Heard Meriwether Troup Appling Jeff Davis Montgomery Coffee Toombs Wheeler Telfair Bibb Crawford Jasper Jones Lamar Monroe Twiggs Baldwin Hancock Putnam Washington Wilkinson Coweta Taylor Upson Carroll OFFICE ADDRESS - PHONE- FAX ROME - CEDARTOWN DIVISION Raymond Rollins. Manager Denise Frix, VBC Robert Turner, Manager SAVANNAH George Foley, Manager Carl Wilson, Assistant Manager Jewel Middleton-James, VBC 201 Calhoun Ave. Rome 30162 Phone: 706-295-6026,6280 FAX: 706-802-5520 142 West Ave. Cedartown 30125 Phone: 770-749-2209 FAX: 770-749-2266 440 Mall Blvd., Suite E Savannah 31406-4823 Phone: 912-356-2537 FAX: 912-356-2539 STATESBORO - SWAINSBORO DIVISION Jo Ann M. Dixon, Manager Elizabeth Hunnicutt, VBC 3A West Altman Street Statesboro 30458 Phone: 912-871-1104, 1270 FAX: 912-871-1270 (Tuesdays A Wednesdays only) Emanuel County Office Bldg. 101 N. Main Street, Room 3 Swainsboro 30401 Phone: 478-289-2617 FAX: 478-289-2704 SWAINSBORO See Statesboro - Swainsboro Division THOMASTON Sec Newnan - Thomaston - Carrollton Division THOMASVILEE- MOULTRIE DIVISION Larry Price, Manager (Mondays, Wednesdays A Fridays only) (Tuesdays A Thursdays only) 101 S. Broad Street Thomasville 31792 Phone: 229-225-4050 FAX: 229-227-2418 101 E. Central Ave., Room 127 PO Box 386 Moultrie 31776-0386 Phone: 229-891-7135 FAX 229-891-7098 COUNTIES SERVED Douglas Floyd Gordon Haralson Polk Chatham Bulloch Candler Effingham Emanuel Evans Jenkins Screven Grady Thomas Colquitt OFFICE ADDRESS - PHONE- FAX TIFTON Sandra Wood, Manager Tift County Admin. Bldg. 225 Tift Avenue, PO Box 534 Tifton 31793-0534 Phone: 229-386-3856 FAX: 229-386-7386 TOCCOA See Clarkesville-Toccoa-Hartwell Division VALDOSTA Ed Kent, Manager Joyce Boyd, VBC Phil Youngblood, Supervisor, Area 1 2841 N. Patterson Street Valdosta 31602-1938 Phone: 229-333-2178,2179 FAX: 229-259-5583 Phone: 229-293-0152 WARNER ROBINS Mike Bates, Manager City Hall, Room 206 700 Watson Blvd. Warner Robins 31093-3414 Phone: 478-929-1126 FAX: 478-929-1124 WASHINGTON - GREENSBORO DIVISION Perry Morgan, Manager Jan Callaway, VBC (Tuesdays <6 Fridays only) Edward B. Pope Community Center 48 Lexington Ave. Washington 30673-0891 Phone: 706-678-2821 FAX: 706-678-3144 Green Co. Admin. Services Bldg. 201 N. Main Street Greensboro 30642 Phone/FAX: 706-453-7455 VVAYCROSS Roger Freeman, Manager Glenda Lee, VBC 378 State Street Waycross 31502 Phone: 912-285-6340 FAX: 912-285-6341 WAYNESBORO See Augusta - Waynesboro Division COUNTIES SERVED Ben Hill Irwin Tift Turner Berrien Brooks Cook Echols Lanier Lowndes Houston Peach Glascock Jefferson Lincoln McDuffie Morgan Taliaferro Warren Wilkes Greene Atkinson Bacon Brantley Charlton Clinch Pierce Ware Special Services Units NAME/TITLE Jim Frederick, Assistant Commissioner Lance Williams, Sr. Claims Counselor Bruce Chillion, Sr., Claims Counselor Tom Cook. Sr. Claims Counselor Buddy Craven, Sr. Claims Counselor Dan Cravey, Sr. Claims Counselor Charla Jones, Sr. Claims Counselor George 1 .anyford. Sr. Claims Counselor Mike Noles, Sr.. Claims Counselor Herb Ward, Sr. Claims Counselor Linda Worthy, Secretary III Debra Coleman, Secretary II Linda Williams, Secretary U ADDRESS/PHONE Claims Division 1700 Clairmont Road Decatur, Georgia 300033 VSO: 404-929-5345 FAX: 404-939-5347 Special S e r v Marilyn Ferguson. Manager Wayne Sink, VBC Joel Willis, VBC Barbara Johnson, Manager Ben Hitson, Manager Ben Harrell, VBC Ernie Simons, Director Russell Feagin, Assistant Director NAME/TITLE James Jackson, Director Larry Edwards, Sr. Coordinator Heldon (Bill) Jung, Sr. Coordinator Harry Stumpf, Sr. Coordinator Rich Brown, Coordinator Rick Graham, Coordinator Mary Griffin, Secretary III VA Hospital - Atlanta 1670 Clairmont Road Room IC208 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 2D-I05C Augusta, Georgia 30914 VSO: 706-823-2218. 706-823-3916 FAX: 706-823-1768 Carl Vinson VA Medical Center Room 124-6, Ward 6A 1826 Veterans Blvd. Dublin, Georgia 31021 VSO: 478-272-4266 FAX: 478-274-7802 VA Hospital: 478-272-1210 Ext. 2562 Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery 2617 Vinson Highway Milledgeville, Georgia 31061 Phone: 478-445-3363 FAX: 478-445-3360 ADDRESS/PHONE State Approving Agency Education & Training Division Floyd Veterans Memorial Bldg., E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Phone: 404-656-2306,2322 FAX: 404-657-6276 l c e U n i lL S 59 G e o g r a P h z c D l s t r i b u t i o n COUNTY APPLING ATKINSON BACON BAKER BALDWIN BANKS BARROW BARTOW BEN HILL BERRIEN BIBB BLECKLEY BRANTLEY BROOKS BRYAN BULLOCH BURKE BUTTS CALHOUN CAMDEN CANDLER CARROLL CATOOSA CHARLTON CHATHAM CHATTAHOOCHEE CHATTOOGA CHEROKEE CLARKE CLAY CLAYTON CUNCH COBB COFFEE COLQUITT COLUMBIA COOK COUNTY COWETA CRAWFORD CRISP DADE DAWSON DECATUR DE KALB DODGE DOOLY DOUGHERTY DOUGLAS EARLY ECHOLS EFFINGHAM ELBERT EMANUEL EVANS FANNIN FAYETTE FLOYD FORSYTH FRANKLIN FULTON GILMER GLASCOCK GLYNN GORDON GRADY GREENE GWINNETT HABERSHAM HALL HANCOCK HARALSON HARRIS HART GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF VA EXPENDITURES FOR FY 2004 GEORGIA Expenditures In $000 Veteran Population* Total Expenditures Compensation & Pension Education & Voc Rehab Insurance & Indemnities 1.316 451 765 321 4,363 1.099 4,199 7.428 1.344 1.560 13,865 1,107 1.539 1,484 2,582 4.640 1,860 2.023 431 5,375 825 7,493 5.335 1,007 25,444 901 2,312 13,906 6,569 297 24.005 546 58,577 2,651 3,263 12,102 1,337 5,015 1,439 2,946 699 14,316 2.260 6,336 15,349 6,695 7,096 35,609 4,041 4.609 4,931 5,681 10,356 9,346 4.998 881 12,652 1,889 13,974 9.268 2,538 62,199 2.919 4,722 21,724 11,192 641 57,809 1,687 61,773 8,620 11,817 43,326 4,561 1,948 842 1,460 443 7,437 1,346 3,133 9,617 2,991 4,177 17,299 1,645 2,780 2,576 3,435 4.313 4,292 3,130 450 7,382 915 7,510 5,414 1,520 30,336 1,795 3,318 13,795 6,528 436 33,546 924 31,518 4,264 7,019 23,590 2.743 67 134 69 39 559 93 278 1,121 222 264 2,392 127 124 212 794 1,544 385 207 59 1,546 70 1,116 275 112 15,603 554 139 1,923 1,500 18 5,846 50 5,764 297 640 2,900 251 74 28 48 19 250 63 222 400 79 88 823 63 82 82 137 244 106 110 27 285 49 407 284 55 1,476 46 130 697 352 17 1,308 32 3,044 151 192 616 79 Pago 1 of 5 CNSTR 180 13 VA MEDICAL CARE - FY 2004 Total Unique Medical GOE Patients ~ Expenditures 324 115 197 46 861 175 501 795 439 484 3,249 241 262 451 370 758 508 265 120 857 174 967 767 197 4,092 127 280 317 1,102 620 59 3,195 129 118 4,801 744 947 2,383 387 2,926 435 1,370 199 6,070 759 2,703 4,211 3,303 2,567 15,095 2.205 1,623 2,061 1,315 4.255 4,562 1,551 345 3,439 855 4.941 3,294 851 14,783 524 1,133 4,814 2,812 170 17,109 681 21,315 3,908 3,965 16,220 1,489 GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF VA EXPENDITURES FOR FY 2004 GEORGIA Expenditures In $000 Veteran Population* Total Expenditures Compensation & Pension Education & Voc Rehab Insurance A Indemnities 9,516 1,033 1,634 1,588 1,643 2,208 50,277 1,555 926 8,826 9,902 818 235 4,588 1,649 1,440 810 2,167 12,564 8,059 9,671 1,885 57,976 2,793 161 8,024 3,794 1,892 1,450 48,978 3,521 11,441 692 2,161 3,243 2,248 14,584 4,000 4.110 2,030 2,307 5,079 185.075 6,271 2,890 26,334 15,000 2,360 1,199 7,667 4,779 7,241 2,936 6,930 20,482 12,255 4,741 4,235 159,835 5,519 678 15,998 7,059 4,785 3,309 47,291 6,894 19,974 13,217 5,312 8,941 4,917 8,640 1,840 2,156 1,163 1,332 2,609 89,625 2,465 1,139 16,859 7,907 1,263 658 4.628 2,361 3,024 1,313 4,591 14,241 7,579 1,462 2,420 54,947 3,508 276 10,057 4,406 2,372 1,727 19,373 4,124 11,533 10,067 3,537 5,865 2,818 999 955 142 47 149 252 13,980 261 122 1,766 1,079 81 29 705 73 446 100 191 2,054 756 27 91 8,162 114 31 556 179 169 73 3,108 320 986 2,069 129 560 69 496 62 97 82 87 127 2.879 94 54 516 523 50 14 236 100 82 46 119 624 469 468 109 3,350 146 10 451 209 108 80 2,499 195 629 41 125 174 124 CNSTR 458 28 VA MEDICAL CARE FY 2004 Total Unique Medical GOE Patients - Expenditures 1,083 39,452 902 185 427 220 164 564 10,771 442 206 2,079 1,015 235 103 511 372 465 207 492 751 775 662 314 8,540 402 65 1,212 457 617 236 4,506 544 1,630 174 311 431 395 4,448 1,143 1,715 738 739 2,091 77.050 3,451 1,576 7,193 5.491 966 499 2,098 2,245 3,689 1,477 2,029 3,563 3,451 2,784 1,615 53,896 1,751 361 4,933 2,264 2,136 1,430 22,312 2,255 6,826 1,040 1,522 2,342 1,905 Page 2 of 5 ofVA Expenditures for FY 2003 60 COUNTY HEARD HENRY HOUSTON IRWIN JACKSON JASPER JEFF DAVIS JEFFERSON JENKINS JOHNSON JONES LAMAR LANIER LAURENS LEE UBERTY UNCOLN LONG LOWNDES LUMPKIN MCDUFFIE MCINTOSH MACON MADISON MARION MERIWETHER MILLER MITCHELL MONROE MONTGOMERY MORGAN MURRAY MUSCOGEE NEWTON OCONEE OGLETHORPE COUNTY PAULDING PEACH PICKENS PIERCE PIKE POLK PULASKI PUTNAM QUITMAN RABUN RANDOLPH RICHMOND ROCKDALE SCHLEY SCREVEN SEMINOLE SPALDING STEPHENS STEWART SUMTER TALBOT TALIAFERRO TATTNALL TAYLOR TELFAIR TERRELL THOMAS TIFT TOOMBS TOWNS TREUTLEN TROUP TURNER TWIGGS UNION UPSON GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF VA EXPENDITURES FOR FY 2004 GEORGIA Expenditures In $000 Veteran Population Total Expenditures Compensation A Pension Education & Voc Renab Insurance A Indemnities 765 14.138 16.708 693 3.557 1.093 855 1,194 739 570 2.020 1.695 788 4.041 2.784 7.445 857 1,147 11.641 1.822 1,930 1,248 1.160 2,489 881 1.744 495 1.689 1.951 651 1.149 2.644 23.300 5.741 2.446 1.073 1.798 25,573 32,120 2,778 7.585 3.071 3.526 5.458 2.401 4.545 7.550 4.046 2,602 29,519 4.070 26.546 3.136 2.578 31,645 4,356 7,260 2,996 2.742 4,845 2,173 5,131 937 3,583 3,982 2,870 2,669 5,226 112.001 6,974 3,200 2.410 1.045 13.433 18.325 1,679 4.369 1,306 1.628 2.378 1.013 1.618 4.635 2,440 1.461 6.850 2.547 16,085 1,491 1,460 17,857 2,359 3,264 1,787 1,093 3,360 1,319 3,558 544 2,159 1,922 1,121 1,452 3,218 76,603 1,646 2,019 1,368 93 2,383 2,730 90 356 72 47 231 64 88 518 177 115 424 288 5,356 43 343 3,276 408 241 140 123 170 90 233 23 186 180 37 103 433 11.390 23 133 82 44 678 894 42 190 60 50 70 42 32 116 96 45 235 136 414 50 64 646 100 110 69 68 136 46 105 28 99 110 35 67 149 1,358 307 126 62 CNSTR 18 PageScfS GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF VA EXPENDITURES FOR FY 2004 GEORGIA Expenditures In $000 Veteran Total Expenditures Compensation A Pension Education A Voc Rehab Insurance A indemnities 8.259 2,330 2,574 1.351 1.400 3,073 890 2.476 277 1,708 494 23.027 8.137 346 1,267 878 5.024 2,259 320 2.438 557 146 2.173 670 903 885 3,830 2.929 1.986 1.393 493 5,203 712 694 2.716 2.513 9.826 6,082 5.125 5,588 2.283 20,244 3,173 4.561 912 3,672 2.431 145.302 8,586 1,038 3,568 2.240 12.522 5.608 972 5,828 1,942 717 5,933 2,751 3,655 1.052 10.602 8.552 9,509 3.990 2.284 15.267 2.016 3,175 5,789 7.275 4.602 3,425 3,685 3,043 1.372 16,349 1.400 2.163 435 2,194 1,758 66,283 2,439 357 1,445 1,248 7,194 3,311 614 3,238 1,325 277 3,217 2,006 1,780 558 5,690 4,309 3,281 2,531 920 8,836 1.350 1.106 3.661 4,271 716 366 311 108 65 2.364 108 98 15 67 305 8,204 598 39 145 44 627 118 40 375 114 1 276 125 70 76 531 419 240 168 41 648 62 67 193 305 396 127 132 73 75 179 49 135 16 97 30 1.345 439 18 73 50 290 131 20 138 33 8 120 38 53 50 223 170 112 74 28 296 41 40 139 149 CNSTR 2.484 Pago 4 o(5 VA MEDICAL CARE FY2004 Total Unique Medical GOE Expenditures 154 1.613 2,310 176 553 229 280 351 160 215 483 254 195 2.372 411 1.334 224 132 2,623 269 478 236 195 300 149 303 127 390 378 167 181 354 4,603 880 161 175 617 9,078 10,170 967 2,670 1.633 1.801 2.779 1.282 2,808 2.280 1.334 981 21.993 1,100 4,691 1.552 711 9,866 1,489 3.645 1,001 1,458 1,179 717 1,236 342 1.139 1,770 1.678 1.047 1,426 22.651 4,998 922 898 VA MEDICAL CARE - FY 2004 Tout Unique Medical GOE Patients- Expenditures 716 476 241 472 159 343 168 431 82 333 116 9,007 909 36 292 243 783 420 54 450 72 39 407 102 236 190 1,122 789 682 289 149 1.021 170 249 534 539 4.113 2.164 997 2.363 771 1,353 1,615 2,164 445 1,214 338 66,986 6.109 625 1.905 898 4.411 2,049 297 2.077 470 430 2.320 582 1.752 388 4.158 3.854 5.875 1.217 1.295 5.487 564 1.961 1.796 2.552 COUNTY Veteran Population GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF VA EXPENDITURES FOR FY 2004 GEORGIA Expenditures In $000 Total Expenditures Compensation & Pension Education & Voc Rehab Insurance & Indemnities CNSTR VA MEDICAL CARE - FY 2004 Total Unique Medical GOE Patients ** Expenditures WALKER WALTON WARE WARREN WASHINGTON WAYNE WEBSTER WHEELER WHITE WHITFIELD WILCOX WILKES WILKINSON WORTH 5,581 5,238 3,803 405 1,487 2,793 178 514 2,519 6,075 800 959 760 2.045 TOTALS 760,323 GEORGIA Congressional Districts TOTAL CONG. DIST(01) TOTAL CONG. DIST (02) TOTAL CONG. DIST (03) TOTAL CONG. DIST (04) TOTAL CONG. DIST (05) TOTAL CONG. DIST (06) TOTAL CONG. DIST (07) TOTAL CONG. DIST (08) TOTAL CONG. DIST (09) TOTAL CONG. DIST (10) TOTAL CONG. DIST (11) TOTAL CONG. DIST (12) TOTAL CONG. DIST (13) GEORGIA (Totals) 69,846 54,934 58,186 48,196 44,737 55,626 58,198 71,850 65,167 56,966 58,936 60,989 56,692 760,323 12,925 7,897 12,900 1,645 6,625 6,779 368 2,050 5,246 9,901 1,840 3,663 2,542 4,831 1,909,128 195,538 171,295 203,907 172,259 140,456 64,711 64,804 152,937 168,783 96,297 139,040 229,239 109,862 1,909,128 7,310 3,486 7,405 789 2,909 3,840 296 884 3,048 6,152 1,168 1,738 1,271 2,468 994,604 111,490 100,701 92,762 83,378 43,037 38,982 32,390 96,228 93,302 55,800 86,230 105,242 55,062 994,604 1,661 207 445 62 238 299 9 46 99 315 31 94 55 194 140,613 18,517 12,170 11,052 13,009 6,558 6,388 4,668 12,253 7,800 5,018 10,898 23,357 8,926 140,613 327 279 221 24 87 158 11 30 129 347 47 58 45 115 41,776 3,916 3,144 3,222 2,749 2,547 2,992 2,933 3,921 3,538 3,077 3,244 3,450 3,043 41,776 3,182 18 458 28 180 13 2,484 3,182 40,970 944 659 1,032 117 437 599 22 74 454 872 123 242 189 453 125,324 1,083 39,452 317 118 40,970 13,567 13,531 14,037 9,862 7,621 3,962 4,937 8,337 11,624 7,622 7,784 14,741 7.699 125,324 3,628 3,925 4,829 770 3,391 2,482 52 1,090 1,970 3,087 595 1,773 1,171 2,054 687,984 61,615 55,280 96,853 71,582 48,834 16,349 24,316 40,535 64,143 32,402 38,537 94,706 42,832 687,984 Notes: Veteran population estimated as of September 30,2004. Data from Office of the Actuary, Department of Veterans Affairs. Data is unrounded. ** The count of unique patients Includes non-veterans who received medical care at the VA. Data Is unrounded. Medical expenditures represent cost assigned to each patient based on services provided and overhead distribution. Congressional Districts are for the 108th Congress. CNSTR - Construction; GOE - General Operating Expenses Page 5 of 5 62 "Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Glennville" Planned for Southeast Georgia The second state veterans cemetery in Georgia is now in the early planning stages with groundbreaking projected for January - March of 2006. The site for this proposed state veterans cemetery is a 42.6 - acre property just north of the City of Glennville, Georgia, along U. S. Highway 301. Glennville is located in the southeast ern part of Tattnall County, just west of Ft. Stewart, Georgia. The new state veterans cemetery will serve veterans of Georgia residing in the southeast ern part of the state. "Through the efforts of State Senator Jack Hill (Reidsviile) and the General Assembly, the State of Georgia was able to acquire this property from the Glennville Industrial Development Authority in 2003," said Pete Wheeler, Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Service. "We were so very pleased with the concepts and layout of our first state veterans cemetery in Milledgeville, Georgia we are planning to use them for this new site," said Commissioner Wheeler. Other major locations nearby are the Golden Isles, Savannah and Statesboro. Several miles south are Waycross and the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuse and Wilder- 1 ness Area. State veterans cemeteries are part of the national cemetery system of the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), along with the national cemeter ies, such as the one in Atlanta and the new national veterans cemetery under construction in Cherokee County, north of Atlanta. Veterans and their spouses may be buried in them, as well as in special circumstances, other family members, such as minor and dependent chil dren. Present plans call for the new state veterans cemetery at Glennville to have a visitors' center and administra tion facility for counseling veterans and their loved - ones on burial benefits available to them. Presently, the plans call for the Glennville Veterans Sendee Office, now located in downtown Glennville, to be moved to the cemetery site to provide better and more complete services to veterans in the southeast ern part of the state. In addition the new cemetery will provide a permanent committal shelter for interments, a carillon providing bells and music for ceremonies, an avenue of flags and a ceremonial area for use of veterans groups, veterans and family members remembering their service to the nation and that of the departed on national holidays, like Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Interments will be in --ground and in an above - ground columbarium for eremains. Also, memorial sites and places for in - ground eremains will be available. The markers will be standing in the same manner as those found at other national cemeteries, such as Arlington in Virginia. "National and state veterans cemeter ies provide perpetual care and maintenance of the cemetery grounds," said Commissioner Wheeler. "The grounds are maintained in a constant state of honor and respect for our nation's veterans who arc placed there for their final resting places." Phase - 1 construction on the project will cost approximately $5,000,000, all of which will be funded by a federal grant from the VA. The first phase plans call for construction of 600 casket burial sites and 896 cremation columbarium sites (niches). "Because of the on-going efforts and support of State Senator Hill and others we hope to have the new Glennville state veterans cemetery dedicated and ready for use in late 2007 or early 2008," said Commis sioner Wheeler. "Just like our first state veterans cemetery in Milledgeville, we intend for the new Glennville cemetery to be afirst class memorial to the many Georgia veterans who served their nation in times of war and peace. I assure all veterans this veterans cemetery will be a most fitting tribute to you and to your sacrifice and service to our nation." 63 Georgia Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334-4800