Georgia Department of Veterans Service 2009 Annual Report Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Georgia State Veterans Memorial Cemeteries The Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemeteries, established for the interment of faithful and honorable military veterans, are shrines recognizing all Georgia veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The cemeteries will be greatly revered, not only by the next of kin and family members of those interred therein, but also by patriotic, veteran, military, and civic organizations and the general public as well. The cemeteries will be administered, operated, and maintained under the highest standards standards that will require a high degree of vigilance and devotion. We in the Georgia Department of Veterans Service accept this challenge with honor. Commissioner Pete Wheeler, Georgia Department of Veterans Service REQUIREMENTS FOR BURIAL OTHER RULES 1. Anyone who is a veteran under the rules established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and was separated under other than dishonorable conditions, is eligible for burial in a GVMC. 2. Any member of the Reserves/National Guard who was eligible for retirement pay at the time of death, or would have been entitled to retired pay but for the fact that they were not at least 60 years of age, is eligible. 3. Anyone who, as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces, died in the line of duty while on active duty, or active duty for training is eligible. 4. An eligible veteran's spouse may be interred in the same plot as the veteran at a GVMC. 5. The veteran's dependent (unmarried, under age 21, or life-long dependency on the veteran) is eligible. Documentation of eligibility is required. 1. The non-veteran spouse/dependent will normally be buried with the veteran. 2. If the veteran has been buried in a plot for cremated remains, the non-veteran spouse/dependent MUST also choose a burial designated for cremated remains. 3. A standard upright, granite government provided marker will be used to mark the grave for casket burials and in-ground cremations. A small granite cover will be used for cremated remains in the columbarium. WHAT IS THE COST? There is no charge for the plot, vault, grave markers, or use of the committal chapel for interment service for an eligible veteran or spouse. WHAT IS PROVIDED? 1. Plot: Next available (no pre-selection) 2. Plot: Next available space for cremated remains that are to be buried 3. Niche: Next available for those that are cremated and placed in the columbarium wall 4. Vault: Concrete Lined (double depth for vet and spouse/dependent) 5. Marker: Standard U.S. Government upright granite markers 6. Care: Perpetual care provided by the State Table of Contents Veterans Service Board..................................................................................5 Mission.............................................................................................................6 Department Functions....................................................................................7 Veterans Education And Training Division..................................................8 Information Division......................................................................................9 Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home-Augusta.........................................10 Georgia War Veterans Home-Milledgeville................................................11 Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Milledgeville............................12 Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery-Glennville....................................13 Statistical Report.....................................................................................14-15 Financial Report...........................................................................................16 Monetary Benefits.........................................................................................17 VARO-Atlanta Report............................................................................18-21 SDVS Year in Review..............................................................................22-27 State Veterans Organizations.................................................................28-29 Commendations.......................................................................................30-49 SDVS Directory........................................................................................50-57 VA Statistical Data...................................................................................63-70 Department Organization State Board of Veterans Service Commissioner Department of Veterans Service Director Public Information Division Fiscal Services Assistant Commissioner Administration, Health and Memorials Assistant Commissioner Field Operations and Claims Director Veterans Education and Training Division Director Operations Division Director Claims Division Accounting Human Resources Regional Manager North Georgia Budget Information Technology Regional Manager South Georgia Director Health and Memorials Division Executive Director Georgia War Veterans Home Director Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery -- Glennville Director Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Milledgeville Records Management Executive Director Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home 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. 2009 Board Members Ray Hendrix Kenneth Birdsong Rod Casey Barbara J. Aaron James Blaylock Fred T. Fincher Pat Phillips Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Member Member Member Member Statesboro Gordon/Gray Valdosta Warner Robins Decatur LaGrange Blairsville Mission ... "To Serve Those Who Have Served" The mission of the Department of Veterans Service is to serve the 772,832 veterans (USDVA's figures as of September 30, 2009) residing in Georgia, their dependents and survivors in all matters pertaining to veterans benefits. This responsibility falls into two basic tasks: informing the veterans and their families about veterans benefits; and directly assisting and advising veterans and their families in securing the benefits to which they are entitled. To support these missions, the department maintains a claims staff, field offices, an information division, and a central office. The Claims Staff is located at the Atlanta Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at 1700 Clairmont Road in Decatur. The Claims Staff's mission 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 of effort" when referring to the functions of the Department of Veterans Service and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; nothing could be further from the truth. To a veteran seeking benefits from the VA, the role played by the Department of Veterans 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 applies for when they are entitled, and no more. The aim of the Department of Veterans Service is to obtain for a veteran or dependents the benefits to which they are entitled, to tell them when they are entitled, and to assist them in gathering and preparing evidence needed to justify a claim and prove their entitlement. The advancing age of Korean and Vietnam War veterans, and the frequent changes that occur in veterans benefits legislation, will necessitate the continuance of a 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 their personal situation. 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 everything possible to promote and protect the rights of Georgia's veterans under federal and state law. Apply for and accept gifts, grants, and other contributions from the federal government or from any other governmental units. Construct and operate nursing homes and personal care homes for the benefit of eligible war veterans. Construct and operate state veterans cemeteries for the benefit of eligible veterans and their dependents. 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 throughout 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, and retired military personnel. Veterans Education and Training Division State Approving Agency By laws, the Georgia Department of Veterans Service is designated as the State Approving Agency, responsible for to certain service members and veterans with active duty military service after September 11, 2001. This GI Bill program was implemented on approving and supervising August 1, 2009. all institutions and This new GI Bill has establishments in Georgia, been described as "the most which offer education and comprehensive education training under the provisions benefits package since the of the Veterans Educational original GI Bill was signed into Assistance Program. law in 1944." For veterans The State Approving qualified at the 100% tier, the Agency has the function program pays tuition and fees to of ensuring that approved the school and pays a housing institutions and establishments allowance and book stipend to meet and maintain acceptable the student. standards so that eligible persons who attend may receive educational assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Officer Leroy Hartley of the Douglasville Police Department, a four-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, was a participant in the GI Bill On the Job Training Program. The Department of Defense has approved a "Transferability of Education Benefits" option for the Post 9/11 GI bill. DOD eligibility This includes all public requirements must be met. and private schools and all establishments In 2009, the approval of educational offering apprenticeship and other on-the-job institutions and training establishments for training. The satisfactory performance of these the education of Georgia veterans result in the duties requires extensive knowledge in education processing of 8,000 individual actions in the administration and understanding the laws and approval, reapproval, withdrawal and compliance regulations that govern and control the Veterans survey process. The State Approving Agency Educational Assistance Program. also conducted regular inspection visits to ensure Georgia veterans enrolled in college degree that approval criteria and schools' standards of and professional programs, technical career progress are being followed as prescribed by law. programs, vocational programs, to include During 2009, personnel assigned to the flight training and on-the-job training programs Veterans Educational and Training Division exceeded 14,000 during 2009. conducted about 613 visits for the purpose of The Montgomery GI Bill education approval, reapproval, inspection and compliance program, initiated in 1985, remains a great surveys. Currently, the department monitors success. This program expanded the veterans more than 1,250 educational institutions and education benefits program to include training establishments. vocational, technical, flight, correspondence, In 2009, SDVS continued to expand and apprenticeship training for reservists and opportunities for Georgia veterans to receive veterans. their Education Benefits while enrolled in "The Post-9/11 Veterans Education approved On-The-Job Training (OJT) and Assistance Act of 2008," the newest education Apprenticeship programs. For more information benefit program expanded the benefits available on all GI Bill programs go to: www.gibill.va.gov. Information Division The Information Division collects, evaluates, and disseminates information to veterans regarding benefits changes in laws, and proper procedures to be followed in the filing of claims. When appropriate, the division mails news and information releases concerning veterans affairs to 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 online Veterans Bulletin, which contains information about veterans programs, VA actions and decisions, new rules and regulations, and news from various sources. Public speaking forums are an important ingredient of the 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 local schools. The Information Division maintains the Department website, which is part of www.georgia.gov. The site, http:// www.sdvs.georgia. gov, contains news releases, information about Commissioner Wheeler, state veterans benefits, the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home in Augusta, the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville, the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemeteries in Milledgeville and Glennville, locations of the Field Offices, and approved OJT/ Apprenticeships facilities. The website is also the distribution vehicle for the online Veterans Bulletin. The Information Division compiles, edits, and publishes a series of pamphlets explaining in detail the various benefits available to veterans, their dependents, and survivors. These pamphlets are updated as changes occur in laws, regulations, or 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. GWVNH-Augusta TheGeorgiaWarVeteransNursing Home (GWVNH) in Augusta is a 192 bed skilled nursing care facility located adjacent to the campus of the Medical College of Georgia medical center and the Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia. It is operated under an interagency agreement between the Georgia Department of Veterans Service and the Medical College of Georgia. Primarily a facility to provide medical services to Georgia's aged and infirm veterans, the GWVNH also serves as a teaching facility to acquaint medical and allied health students with medical conditions and diseases of the aged. This provides the students with practical experience and helps them gain expertise in treating the disabled and the elderly. In addition the facility houses a Georgia Department of Veterans Service field office that serves veterans of Columbia and Richmond counties. Dedicated in 1969, the facility was the first of its kind in the nation to be built with financial grant assistance from the federal government. It is one of a select group of such institutions in the nation that is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. In Fiscal Year 2009 the home provided 61,137 days of care to Georgia's veterans with an average age of 80. During the year, there were 196 admissions and 213 discharges with 10 an average length of stay of 310 days. Services to patients included 3,392 physical therapy treatments and 3,560 individual occupational therapy procedures. Veteran patients were treated by a medical director and family medicine residents providing daily medical coverage to each veteran patient. Medical services were also provided by a certified activities therapist and staff, two facility social workers and a staff of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants. To help provide care and treatment, the federal government provided financial assistance totaling in excess of $4.5 Million during 2009. During the year, major renovation was undertaken to the veteran patients' care areas on the second through fifth floors and to the food service preparation and dining room areas of the first floor. These upgrades and improvements also include the individual veteran patients' bathrooms and congregate showers. The nursing stations were redesigned to protect veteran patient privacy and improve communication. Upgrades to the facility's dining room and kitchen and improvements in the heating and air conditioning systems were completed for this project. Throughout the year, veterans service organizations, civic and fraternal organizations and religious groups demonstrated their concern for the well being of the ailing veteran patients through numerous donations and the continuing sponsorship of frequent veteran related activities. GWVH-Milledgeville TheGeorgiaWarVeteransHome, situated on approximately 17 acres in Milledgeville, is a 550-bed facility licensed and certified to provide skilled nursing care to aged and infirm Georgia war veterans. United Veteran Services of Georgia, Inc., a subsidiary of UHSPruitt Corporation of Norcross, Georgia, operates the home for the Department of Veterans Service under a contractual agreement. The home operated four skilled nursing care facilities in 2009, which included the Richard B. Russell Building with 120 budgeted beds; the Carl Vinson Building with 45 budgeted beds; the Joe T Wood Building with 100 budgeted beds; and the Alzheimer's Wing of the Pete Wheeler Building with 20 budgeted beds. The Georgia Department of Veterans Service field office serving Baldwin, Hancock, Putnam, Washington, and Wilkinson counties is housed on the first floor of the Vinson Building. This office also serves the 300 veteran patients of the home by assisting with compensation and pension claims, counseling services and family related issues. Construction projects at the Georgia War Veterans Home for 2009 consisted of replacing the chiller/cooling tower in the Pete Wheeler Bldg. ($815,289), electrical upgrades in the Pete Wheeler Bldg. ($501,798) and roof replacement on Joe T. Wood Bldg. ($941,000). The Office of Regulatory Services of the Georgia Department of Community Health conducted an unannounced licensure survey of each skilled nursing unit of the home in February and found no deficiencies. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs annual survey of the home was conducted in March and the home was determined to be in compliance with VA standards. They certified the home for continued operation as a state veterans home. The veteran patients at the home received 109,511 days of skilled nursing care. The nursing home admitted 34 patients during the year and had 45 discharges in 2009. The average length of stay for current veteran patients is 1,132 days. Federal assistance in funding a portion of the cost of providing care to veteran patients in the home amounted to $8,532,434. As in previous years, many veterans service organizations, civic and church groups, continued their sponsorship of numerous activities, such as movies, games, dance parties, bingo, picnics, and other activities and programs for the general well-being of the veteran patients at the home. Groups and individuals provided the equivalent of 1,403 individual volunteers with an excess of 4,117 hours of time valued at over $53,521.00. They presented over 396 activities during the year. The value of in-kind donations made to the home was $69,113.04. Groups and individuals also provided direct monetary donations of $32,786.76 in the year. The Georgia Department of Veterans Service is dedicated to serving the veterans of the Georgia War Veterans Home along with all veterans throughout the state. 11 GVMC-Milledgeville The GeorgiaVeteransMemorial Cemetery at Milledgeville is located approximately 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 cremations. Cemetery grounds also include a six acre lake and a three acre, multi tier walled ceremonial area available for use by veterans' organizations on remembrance days, such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Presently occupying 30 of the 142 acres, the cemetery will eventually be the final resting place for more than 100,000 eligible veterans, their spouses and eligible dependents. There were 103 burials in 2009, making the total-to-date 1,330 veterans, spouses and dependent buried at the GVMC. The burials are composed of 807 casketed burials, 224 cremations in the columbarium, 162 in-ground cremations and 15 memorial markers. The eighth annual Arbor Day Ceremony cohosted by the Georgia Forestry Commission was held on April 24, 2009. Director Robert Farris of the Georgia Forestry Commission and Assistant Commissioner Len Glass of the Georgia Department of Veterans Service dedicated a tree to the memory of Georgia Veterans. Mr. Ryan Klesko, former Atlanta Braves baseball player and a Georgia tree farmer was the guest speaker. Oak seedlings were given out to attendees. Approximately 150 people attended. Flags were placed on all burial sites and at the Front Entrance in recognition of Memorial Day, May 25, 2009. We were supported in this activity by the Sons of the American Revolution and scouts from the troop based at the Milledgeville First United Methodist Church. The cemetery hosted the Memorial Day ceremony conducted by the Knights of Columbus and supported by the Sons of the American Revolution. Approximately 200 people attended. The cemetery placed flags at front entrance in recognition of Flag Day on June 14, 2009, for of Independence Day on July 4, 2009 and on each gravesite in recognition of Veterans Day on November 11, 2009. The cemetery hosted the third Wreath Laying Ceremony on December 12, 2009 honoring our military (past and present). Seven wreaths were presented honoring each branch of the Armed Forces, Merchant Marines and our POW/MIAs. The ceremony included members of the Patriot Guard Riders, an Honor Detail from Georgia Army National Guard, representatives of each branch of service, and members of the Baldwin County High School Navy JROTC program. The ceremony was conducted inside the committal chapel due to inclement weather. Approximately 125 people attended the ceremony. The Worcester Wreath Company provided the seven wreaths for the ceremony. We received approximately 500 wreaths from donations to the cemetery. These wreaths were placed on the gravesites by attendees following the ceremony. The GVMC at Milledgeville's hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., excluding official state holidays. The cemetery is open to families, visitors and the general public seven days each week from 8:00 A.M. to dusk. 12 GVMC-Glennville The Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery Glennville is situated on the 42.6- acre site of the former Dyess Farm, just north of the Glennville, Georgia city limits. It is located along U.S. Highway 301, 25 miles west of the main post of Fort Stewart. The initial 26-acre phase of the cemetery contains 1,400 pre-placed inground double vaults, for eligible veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents; 766 conventional single depth sites; 1,384 cremation internment sites which include a columbarium and in-ground sites; and 429 spaces for memorial markers. These memorial markers are placed in memory of those veterans whose remains are unavailable for burial. A key feature of the cemetery is the co-location of the Glennville Veterans Service Office in the Administration Building and Visitor Center. This office provides assistance to veterans and their families with applications for veterans' benefits and claims. The office provides service to veterans and their families in Bryan, Liberty, Long, Tattnall, and Wayne counties. GVMC Glennville was dedicated on November 28, 2007 and will eventually be the final resting place for more than 21,000 veterans and their spouses and eligible dependents. As of December 31, 2009 there were 176 veterans, spouses, and family members interned in the cemetery. State veterans cemeteries, such as the GVMC- Glennville, are an integral part of the VA's National Cemetery System. The requirements for burial are the same for all National Cemetery System cemeteries in Georgia. During the past year, the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery - Glennville hosted its annual Memorial Day ceremony to honor veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the Glennville Industrial Development Authority, the Glennville American Legion post, and the Glennville Veterans of Foreign Wars post. Georgia State Senator Jack Hill was the guest speaker for the ceremony. In June, Brent Walker, of the Glennville Industrial Development Authority, hosted a ceremony to rename a portion of U.S. Highway 301. The portion of highway that runs through the Glennville city limits and in front of the cemetery entrance was renamed Veterans Boulevard. This was done to honor all veterans and in recognition of the cemetery's location. The Georgia Department of Veterans Service Commissioner Pete Wheeler was the guest speaker for the dedication ceremony. For Veterans Day, The Glennville Rotary Club and the Glennville Chamber of Commerce placed American Flags at the grave markers of the veterans interned in the cemetery. In December, the Bonaventure Children of the American Revolution Society sponsored a Wreaths Across America ceremony to place wreaths at all the interment sites in the cemetery. This year the Air Force JROTC of Effingham County High School took part in the ceremony and provided the color guard. Cemetery staff members remain active in the local community by meeting frequently with business groups, veterans' organizations, and various groups. The GVMC Glennville's hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., excluding official state holidays. The cemetery is open to families, visitors and the general public seven days each week from 8:00 A.M. to dusk. 13 SDVS Statistical Report Contacts.........................................................686,563 New Case Files...................................................12,262 Hearings...............................................................434 Letters Written....................................................324,549 Compensation and Pension.......................................50,265 Education............................................................2,011 Medical............................................................15,728 Insurance.............................................................1,450 Loans................................................................2,938 Powers of Attorney...............................................16,188 Changes of Address................................................1,945 Notices of Disagreement and Appeals Filed....................5,033 Vocational Rehabilitation............................................904 VA Claims Folders Reviewed...................................31,580 Driver Licenses.....................................................................7,408 Business Licenses.....................................................199 Nursing Home Applications.........................................444 License Plates.......................................................1,260 Natural Resources..................................................2,465 Tax Exemptions....................................................1,107 Preference Points.....................................................623 Welfare Assistance/Social Security..............................9,497 Miscellaneous Personal Affairs...............................215,849 Other Forms and Evidence.....................................216,059 14 Statistical Report Definitions Below is an explanation of the terms described in the report (opposite) of the number of cases and types of services rendered by the Georgia Department of Veterans Service during 2008. CONTACTS: Requests for service or information (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. EDUCATION: Applications for educational assistance for the veterans and/or wives, widows and children of veterans. MEDICAL: Applications for treatment of a medical or dental condition; for admission to health care facilities; and vocational rehabilitation. INSURANCE: An application for insurance, conversion, reinstatement, waiver of premiums, total disability income and death proceeds. HOME LOAN APPLICATION: Applications for direct home loans from the VA and guaranteed loans from private lenders. POWERS OF ATTORNEY: The appointment of a service organization as a claimant's representative. NOTICES OF DISAGREEMENT AND APPEALS FILED: Written briefs and statements prepared in support of a claim where there is disagreement with the VA decision rendered. VA CLAIMS FOLDERS REVIEWED: Claims obtained from the VA adjudication division and reviewed and rating boards conducted by claims staff personnel. DRIVERS LICENSES: Certificates issued to veterans, their spouses, or to widows or widowers of veterans for obtaining a veteran's or honorary driver's license. BUSINESS LICENSES: Certificates issued to certain disabled veterans exempting them from the payment 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, reemployment, civil service preference, social security, welfare and related benefits; claims from the field reviewed and released to the VA; actions pertaining to HV and DV auto tags, hunting and fishing licenses, tax exemptions, state park discount cards and change of addresses; vocational rehabilitation; and nursing home applications. 15 SDVS Financial Report For the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2009 FUNDS AVAILABLE BUDGET ACTUAL State Appropriation Federal Revenues Other Funds 22,807,280 13,932,321 3,449,494 40,189,095 22,807,280 13,932,321 3,449,494 40,189,095 EXPENDITURES BUDGET ACTUAL Personal Services 6,474,503 Regular Operating Expenses 501,864 Real Estate Rentals 240,283 Telecommunications 112,248 Per Diem and Fees 18,822 Operating Expenses/Payments to Medical College of Georgia 10,258,401 Regular Operating Expenses for Projects and Insurance 161,366 Contracts 18,932,971 Capital Outlay 3,468,637 Outreach 20,000 6,328,715 434,656 225,522 116,735 18,822 10,096,834 151,055 18,643,147 2,525,667 2,048 40,189,095 38,543,201 16 VA Monetary Benefits & Definitions 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 2009 (October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009). The figures were provided by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Compensation and Pension 1,638,347,000 Medical 1,043,299,000 Insurance and Indemnities 49,905,000 Education and Vocational Rehabilitation 233,493,000 General Operating Expenses 104,714,000 Construction 7,305,000 Total 3,077,062,000 Compensation and Pension: Represents returns in dollars for veterans compensation for service-connected disability, compensation for service-connected deaths for veterans dependents, veterans dependency and indemnity compensation for service-connected deaths, pensions for nonservice connected disability for veterans, pensions to veterans surviving spouses and children, and burial expenses allowance for veterans. Insurance: Estimate of VA payment of death claims, mature endowments, dividends, cash surrender payments, total disability income provision payments, and total permanent disability benefits payments. The data is provided by the VA Regional Office and Insurance Center in Philadelphia. The estimate is based on statistical allocations using the veteran population to disperse amounts to geographical locations. Readjustment and Vocational Rehabilitation: Represents returns in dollars for automobiles and adaptive equipment for certain disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces, specially adapted housing for disabled veterans, dependents education assistance (Chapter 35), vocational rehabilitation for disabled veterans (Chapter 31), post-Vietnam Era veterans educational assistance (Chapter 32), and the Montgomery G.I. Bill for Selected Reserves (Chapter 106). Construction: Represents returns in dollars concerning major and minor construction projects. General Operating Costs: Amount spent by the VA to operate the regional office, hospitals, nursing and domiciliary facilities and clinics in Georgia. 17 18 19 20 21 SDVS Year in Review Sand from Normandy, France, in bridge foundation Atlanta VARO-VAMC Bridge Ground Breaking OIF Banner Ceremony, Twin Towers, ATL Arbor Day at GVMCMilledgeville WSaethcCreVoeemAtlaeRmrrOyvi-sisSAsiiohttnlsianewrnsiettkahi Keynote address at State Memorial Day Observance Highlights Official opening of Newnan CBOC Governor recognizes SDVS Customer Service Excellence 22 SDVS Year in Review Governor Perdue's Veterans Day Proclamation Signing 23 SDVS Year in Review December 6 Supermarket of Veterans Benefits in Griffin 24 SDVS Year in Review December 6 Supermarket of Veterans Benefits in Griffin 25 SDVS Year in Review The Flag Over Camp Phoenix 26 SDVS Year in Review "Play it Again Pete" Golf Tournament 27 Georgia's Veterans Service Organizations In rendering service to the veterans of Georgia, the Department of Veterans Service works closely with the state's veterans organizations and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This Department sincerely appreciates the leaders 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, and advises and assists this Department in its group activities. The Department also appreciates the auxiliary presidents of Georgia veterans organizations for their cooperation and assistance in programs and activities. As in years past, Commissioner Wheeler or key staff members participated in their annual state conventions presenting information to delegates about ongoing SDVS activities and issues that impact Georgia veterans. 28 Georgia's VSO Leadership American Ex-Prisoners of War Ray Reierson State Commander www.axpow.org The American Legion Henry Adams of Douglasville State Commander Bettye Williams of Albany Auxiliary President www.galegion.org AMVETS Chester Wright of Valdosta State Commander Eve Wright of Dublin Auxiliary President www.amvets.org/georgia.html Blinded Veterans Association Joesph McNeil of Columbus State President www.grgbva.org Disabled American Veterans Freddie Swint of Hephzibah State Commander Ann Wilner of North Augusta, SC Auxiliary President www.georgia-dav.org GA Federal/Military Retiree Coalition Gerald Johnson of Milledgeville State President www.georgiamoaa.org/GFMRC Georgia Vietnam Veterans Alliance Marvin Myers of Doraville President www.gvva.org Marine Corps League Robert Mullins of College Park Commandant, Dept. of Georgia www.mcldeptofga.org Military Officers Association of America Dan Holtz of Sparta State President www.georgiamoaa.org Military Order of the Purple Heart Jeffrey Lear of Woodstock State Commander Diane G. Jenkins of Augusta Auxiliary President www.purpleheart.org Jewish War Veterans of America Joseph Kraut of Fairmount State Commander Shirley Rich of Atlanta Auxiliary President www.jwv.org Reserve Officers Association Geoffrey Wooten of Eatonton State President www.roa.org Veterans of Foreign Wars David Pipes of Kingsland State Commander Sandy LaMarsh of Kennesaw Auxiliary President www.gavfw.org Vietnam Veterans of America Wayne Watkins of Dawsonville State President www.vva.org 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 SDVS Directory Dalton LaFayette Blairsville Clarkesville Toccoa Rome Canton Cartersville Cedertown Gainesville Hartwell Elberton Athens Atlanta Carrollton Newnan LaGrange Thomaston Atlanta VAMC Conyers Griffin Washington Greensboro Augusta Waynesboro Milledgeville Macon Columbus Warner Robins Dublin Swainsboro Statesboro Americus Cordele Eastman McRae Lyons Glennville Savannah Albany Tifton Bainbridge Moultrie Thomasville Waycross Valdosta Brunswick St. Marys Veterans Service Field Office VSO/Veterans Nursing Home VSO/Veterans Cemetery VSO/Home/Cemetery 50 SDVS Directory 51 SDVS Directory 52 SDVS Directory 53 SDVS Directory 54 SDVS Directory 55 SDVS Directory 56 SDVS Directory 57 VA Statistical Data 58 59 60 61 62 Blairsville Rome Oakwood Smyrna Marietta Athens Lawrenceville Atlanta Decatur East Point Carrollton Stockbridge Newnan VA Medical System Medical Center Medical Center/Vet Center Clinic Clinic/Vet Center Proposed Clinic Augusta Columbus Milledgeville Macon Perry Dublin Statesboro Albany Savannah Hinesville Waycross Brunswick Medical Centers Atlanta VA Medical Center 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033 404-321-6111 or 800-944-9726 SDVS Field Office: 404-728-7611 Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center 1 Freedom Way, Augusta, GA 30904 706-733-0188 or 800-836-5561 SDVS Field Office: 706-823-2218 Carl Vinson VA Medical Center 1826 Veterans Blvd., Dublin, GA 31021 478-272-1210 or 800-595-5229 SDVS Field Office: 478-272-4266 Valdosta St. Marys Vet Centers 1440 Dutch Valley Place, Suite 1100, Box 55, Atlanta, GA 30324 Phone: 404-347-7264 930 River Centre Place, Lawrenceville, GA 30043 Phone: 770-963-1809 750 Riverside Drive, Macon, GA 31201 Phone: 478-477-3813 40 Dodd St., Suite 700, Marietta, GA 30060 Phone: 678-290-0772 308-A Commercial Drive, Savannah, GA 31406 Phone: 912-652-4097 Health Clinics 526 W. Broad Ave., Albany, GA 31701 Phone: 229-446-9000 9249 Highway 29 South, Suite A, Athens, GA 30601 Phone: 706-227-4534 1310 13th Ave., Columbus, GA 31906 Phone: 706-257-7200 755 Commerce Drive, 2nd Floor, Decatur, GA 30030 Phone: 404-417-5200 1513 Cleveland Ave., East Point, GA 30344 Phone: 404-321-6111, x2600 Health Clinics 1970 Riverside Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA 30043 Phone: 404-417-1750 5398 Thomaston Road, Suite B, Macon, GA 31220 Phone: 478-476-8868 39-A Oak Hill Ct., Newnan, GA 30265 Phone: 404-329-2222 3931 Munday Mill Road, Oakwood, GA 30566 Phone: 404-728-8210 2370 S. Houston Lake Road, Perry, GA 31047 Phone: 478-224-1309 30 Chateau Drive SE, Rome, GA 30161 Phone: 706-235-6581 325 W. Montgomery Crossroads, Savannah, GA 31406 Phone: (912) 920-0214; SDVS Field Office: 912-921-3744 582-A Concord Road, Smyrna, GA 30082 Phone: 404-417-1760 205 Lakeshore Point, St. Marys, GA 31558 Phone: 912-510-3420; SDVS Field Office: 912-510-3440 175 Medical Blvd., Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: 404-329-2222 2841 N. Patterson Street, Valdosta, GA 31602 Phone: 229-293-0132; SDVS Field Office: 229-333-2178 Georgia Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334-4800 www.sdvs.georgia.gov