Georgia Department of Veterans Service 2011 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 April 16, 2012 Governor Nathan Deal 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 under federal, 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 2011. 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 Year in Review................................................................................................22-31 State Veterans Organizations........................................................................32-33 Commendations...........................................................................................34-55 Directory.......................................................................................................56-63 VA Contacts.........................................................................................................63 SDVS Quick Reference Directory By County................................................64-65 VA Statistical Data.........................................................................................66-73 VA Medical System Information.........................................................................74 Department Organization State Board of Veterans Service Commissioner Department of Veterans Service Director Public Information Division Assistant Commissioner Administration, Health and Memorials Assistant Commissioner Field Operations and Claims Fiscal Services Director Operations Division Director Claims Division Accounting Human Resources Regional Manager North Georgia Budget Information Technology Regional Manager South Georgia Executive Director Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home Director Health and Memorials Division Records Management Director Veterans Education and Training Division Executive Director Georgia War Veterans Home Director Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery -- Glennville Director Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Milledgeville Veterans Service Board The Constitution of the State of Georgia specifies the State Board of Veterans Service be composed of seven members. By law each member must be a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States and must have served honorably during wartime. The Governor appoints 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. 2011 Board Members Rod Casey Fred T. Fincher, Sr. Ray Hendrix Shawn Hanley James K. Hussey, Jr. Pat Phillips Charles Edward "Eddie" Whitted Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Member Member Member Member Valdosta LaGrange Statesboro Atlanta Appling Blairsville Blackshear In Memoriam Kenneth W. Birdsong July 2, 1927 - February 19, 2011 Member, Board of Veterans Service, 2005-2011 Chairman, Board of Veterans Service, 2010-2011 "To Serve Those Who Have Served" The mission of the Department of Veterans Service is to serve the 773,337 veterans residing in Georgia, their phrase "duplication of effort" when referring to the functions of the Department of Veterans Service and the U.S. Department of Veterans dependents and survivors in all matters Affairs; nothing could be further from the truth. pertaining to veterans benefits. To a veteran seeking benefits from the This responsibility falls into two basic tasks: informing 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. Missions: To assist Georgia's 773,337 veterans with benefits claims to obtain compensation, pension and services from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). To provide nursing home care to veteran patients at the Augusta and Milledgeville state veterans homes. To provide memorial benefits to Georgia's veterans who served faithfully and honorably in the armed forces of our nation and to their families at the Glennville and Milledgeville state veterans cemeteries that are shrines to the memory of our state's heroes. Vision: We will provide the highest quality assistance to Georgia's veterans to aid them in obtaining all the benefits 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 To support these missions, the department maintains a claims division, field offices, two veterans nursing homes, two veterans cemeteries, and an information division. from the federal and state governments to which they are entitled. We will provide the highest quality nursing home services to Georgia's veteran patients, as judged by VA surveys, state inspections and other accrediting agencies. We will provide shrine standard services at Georgia's state veterans cemeteries to memorialize our state's fallen and deceased heroes who faithfully and honorably served in the armed forces. Values: We value the service Georgia's veterans have provided to our nation and our state in the armed forces of 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 The Claims Division's mission is to process claims and appeals of Georgia veterans. our nation and the freedoms we all enjoy because of that service. We value the ongoing partnership our state has with the VA to provide assistance and service to Georgia's veterans and their families. she applies for when they are entitled, and no more. The aim of the Department of Veterans Service is to The Field Offices, located throughout the obtain for a veteran or dependents the benefits to state, provide direct assistance to veterans at which they are entitled, to tell them when they the local level. The department representatives are entitled, and to assist them in gathering and provide counsel and assist veterans in gathering preparing evidence needed to justify a claim and the documents and information required to prove their entitlement. support their claims. The advancing age of Korean and Vietnam The veterans nursing homes provide skilled War veterans, and the frequent changes that nursing care to Georgia's war veterans who need occur in veterans benefits legislation, will those services. necessitate the continuance of a variety of The veterans cemeteries provide final veterans programs in the years ahead. resting places for Georgia's veterans and their As Congress continues to seek ways to spouses and serve as shrines to their memory and reduce the deficit, veterans benefits will continue their service to our nation. to be in a state of flux. The Information Division's mission is to This means veterans will continue to keep Georgia veterans informed about these need assistance in interpreting the changes and issues. determining how they impact their personal The uninformed may be prone to use the situation. Department Functions Effectuate and carry out the laws of the state available throughout the state to assist all pertaining to veterans. veterans, their dependents, and survivors in Inform veterans, their dependents, and preparing and filing claims for benefits and to survivors as to their rights and benefits under acquaint them with all legal rights and privileges. federal and state legislation, or local ordinances. Cooperate with all national, state, and local Assist veterans, their dependents, and their governmental and private agencies, securing or beneficiaries in the preparation, presentation, offering services or any benefits to veterans and proof, and establishment their dependents. of such claims, Assist and cooperate privileges, rights and other benefits accruing to them under federal, state, 48 Veteran Field Service Offices statewide Monday Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 2 state veterans homes and 2 state veterans cemeteries with all veterans' organizations in their work. and local laws. Report any evidence Claims and Appeals Division at the Atlanta VA Regional Office in Decatur As State Approving Authority, enter into of incompetence, dishonesty, or negligence Veterans Education and Training Division with Post 9/11 GI Bill oversight for statewide higher education, OJT and Apprenticeship Programs contracts with the federal government on the part of any employee dealing with Field Service Officers in VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics and State Veterans Nursing Homes for the qualifications, approval, certification, veterans' affairs. Do everything possible 502,585 veteran-related contacts in Calendar Year 2011 and supervision of educational to promote and protect institutions and training the rights of Georgia's veterans under federal establishments applying for or participating and state law. in federal programs for educating and training Apply for and accept gifts, grants, and other veterans. contributions from the federal government or Assist other states in securing evidence for from any other governmental units. claims. Construct and operate nursing homes and Promote enlargement and improvement of VA personal care homes for the benefit of eligible hospital facilities in the state. war veterans. Sponsor observance of Veterans Day in the Construct and operate state veterans cemeteries state. for the benefit of eligible veterans and their Certify eligibility for veterans' drivers licenses dependents. and honorary drivers' license. Advise the Governor, the Board of Veterans Certify eligibility for disabled veterans' Service, and the General Assembly as to needed discount at Department of Natural Resources veterans' legislation. facilities. Maintain files on all veterans who have Issue Certificates of Exemption from payment filed claims for veterans' benefit through the of business license tax to qualified veterans. department. Assist qualified veterans in obtaining honorary Conduct educational programs by personal hunting and fishing licenses. appearances before veterans' organizations, Assist in obtaining special motor vehicle service clubs, fraternal groups and other such license plates for certain veterans: Medal of organizations so as to acquaint the public Honor and Purple Heart recipients, former generally with the work of the department. prisoners-of-war, handicapped and disabled Make representatives of the department veterans, and retired military personnel. Veterans Education and Training Division (State Approving Agency) By law, the Georgia Department of Veterans Service is designated as the State Approving Agency, responsible for approving and supervising all institutions and establishments in Georgia, which offer education and training under the provisions of the Veterans Educational Assistance Program. The State Approving Agency has the function of ensuring that approved institutions and establishments meet and maintain acceptable standards so that eligible persons who attend may receive educational assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This includes all public and private schools and all establishments offering apprenticeship and other on-the-job training. The satisfactory performance of these duties requires extensive knowledge in education administration and understanding the laws and regulations that govern and control the Veterans Educational Assistance Program. Georgia veterans enrolled in college degree and professional programs, technical career programs, vocational programs, to include flight training and on-the-job training programs exceeded 24,000 during 2011. The Montgomery GI Bill education program, initiated in 1985, remains a great success. This program expanded the education benefits program to include vocational, technical, flight, correspondence, and apprenticeship training for reservists and veterans. "The Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008," the newest education benefit program expanded the benefits available to certain service members and veterans with active duty military service after September 11, 2001. This GI Bill program was implemented on August 1, 2009. More than 16,000 Georgia veterans used this GI Bill during 2011. Congress passed the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 and it was signed by the president. This bill makes significant improvements such as adding OJT/Apprenticeship and Non-College degree schools, Vocational schools and Flight schools to what is covered under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The changes were effective October 1, 2011. This new GI Bill has been described as "the most comprehensive education benefits package since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944." For veterans qualified at the 100% tier, the program pays tuition and fees, a housing allowance, and a book stipend. The Department of Defense has approved a "Transferability of Education Benefits" option for the Post 9/11 GI Bill. This is a DOD retention program requiring active duty veterans to commit to a four year extension to their six or more year active duty commitment. DOD eligibility requirements must be met. In 2011, the approval of educational institutions and training establishments for the education of Georgia veterans resulted in the processing of 7,000 individual actions in the approval, re-approval, withdrawal and compliance survey process. The State Approving Agency also conducted regular inspection visits to ensure that approval criteria and schools' standards of progress are being followed as prescribed by law. The SAA will begin conducting compliance survey inspections in FY 2012 using VA standards. During 2011, personnel assigned to the Veterans Educational and Training Division conducted about 400 visits for the purpose of approval, re-approval, inspection and compliance surveys. Currently, the department monitors more than 1,500 educational institutions and training establishments. In 2011, GDVS continued to expand opportunities for Georgia veterans to receive their Education Benefits while enrolled in approved On-The-Job Training (OJT) and Apprenticeship programs. For more information on all GI Bill programs go to: www.gibill.va.gov. Public Information Division The Public Information Division collects, evaluates, and disseminates information to veterans regarding benefits changes in communication program, the Division keeps the field offices informed about changes in the law and policy interpretations that impact veterans. laws, and proper procedures to be followed in The Public Information Division maintains the filing of claims. the department's online presence, including its When appropriate, the division mails news website and several social media channels. and information releases concerning veterans Veterans, their families, and all others affairs to newspapers, interested in veteran- radio and television related news are stations throughout encouraged to follow Georgia. @gavetsvc on Twitter, The releases where the department are used to inform is leveraging the veterans about social media service the latest changes to share the latest regarding veterans affairs and to provide news of the day as it facebook.com/hgappaenvs.etsvc information on the Those interested status of proposed or in more in-depth pending legislation news and a chance which may affect to interact with other them. veterans and veteran Field personnel promote the department and advocates are encouraged to "like" the Georgia the services it provides by their frequent contacts Department of Veterans Service's page on with the news media in their respective areas. Facebook, www.facebook.com/gavetsvc. Public speaking forums are an important Although the department is always seeking ingredient of the department's overall to keep abreast of the latest trends in media, information program. All department personnel www.veterans.georgia.gov remains the source of are encouraged to accept speaking engagements official Georgia Department of Veterans Service at meetings of veterans organizations and civic information. clubs. These personal appearances provide The website contains news releases, excellent opportunities for telling the veterans information about Commissioner Wheeler, state benefits story. Department personnel also veterans benefits, the Georgia War Veterans participate in local radio talk shows and make Nursing Home in Augusta, the Georgia War presentations at local schools. Veterans Home in Milledgeville, the Georgia The Public Information Division compiles, Veterans Memorial Cemeteries in Milledgeville edits, and publishes a series of pamphlets and Glennville, locations of the Field Offices, explaining in detail the various benefits available and approved OJT/Apprenticeships facilities. to veterans, their dependents, and survivors. In 2012, the site is set to undergo a These pamphlets are updated as changes occur in transition to a new design platform, which laws, regulations, or benefits. will improve the department's online outreach Through an aggressive internal efficiency. facebook.com/gavetsvc twitter.com/gavetsvc GWVNH-Augusta The Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home (GWVNH) in Augusta is a 192-bed skilled nursing care facility located adjacent to the campus of the Georgia Health Sciences University, formally known as the Medical College of Georgia. The facility is also adjacent to the Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center. It is operated under an interagency agreement between the Georgia Department of Veterans Service and the Georgia Health Sciences University. Primarily, the facility provides medical and nursing services to Georgia's aged and infirm veterans. GWVNH also serves as a teaching facility to acquaint medical, pharmacy and allied health students with the medical conditions and diseases of the aged. This provides students with practical experience and helps them gain expertise in treating the disabled and the elderly. In addition, the facility also houses a Georgia Department of Veterans Service field office that serves veterans of Richmond and Columbia 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 that is accredited by the Joint Commission. In fiscal year 2010, the nursing home provided 57,885 days of care to Georgia's veterans with an average age of 81. During the year, there were 214 admissions and 225 discharges with an average length of stay of 312 days. Services to patients included 4,990 physical therapy treatments and 3,839 individual occupational therapy procedures. Veteran patients were treated by a medical director and family medicine residents providing daily physician coverage. Other services were provided by a certified activities therapist and staff, two facility social workers and a staff of registered, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants. To help provide care and treatment, the federal government through the Department of Veterans Affairs provided financial assistance totaling in excess of $4.9 million during 2010. Due to budget reductions, there was a five-month moratorium placed on admissions, resulting in a reduced patient census. In January 2011 the moratorium was lifted and admissions resumed, and continue currently. Throughout the year, veteran service organizations, civic and fraternal organizations and religious groups demonstrated their concern for the well being of veteran patients through numerous donations, visits, and sponsorship of frequent activities for GWVNH residents. 10 GWVH-Milledgeville The Georgia War Veterans Home, 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, operates the home for the Department of Veterans Service under a contractual agreement. The home operated three skilled nursing care facilities in 2011, which included the Richard B. Russell Building with 126 budgeted beds; the Joe T Wood Building with 150 budgeted beds; and the Alzheimer's Wing of the Pete Wheeler Building with 20 budgeted beds. The GDVS field office serving Baldwin, Hancock, Putnam, Washington, and Wilkinson counties is housed on the first floor of the Vinson Building. Veteran-related contacts for this field office totaled 15,744 for 2011. This office also serves the 250 veterans of the Georgia War Veterans Home by assisting with compensation and pension claims, counseling services, and family-related issues. Construction projects at the Georgia War Veterans Home for 2011 consisted of the Alzheimer's Unit 24-bed addition and "C" Wing renovation to the Wheeler Building ($3,222,183), renovation to the Wheeler Building for a VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, Russell Building heat exchange repairs ($393,495), and HVAC and facility upgrades to the Wood Building ($264,340). The Office of Regulatory Services of the Georgia Department of Human Resources conducted an unannounced licensure survey of each skilled nursing unit of the home in October and found no deficiencies. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs conducted its annual survey in July; the home was determined to be in compliance with VA standards and was certified for continued operation as a state veterans home. In 2011, veteran patients at the home received 79,271 days of skilled nursing care. The nursing home admitted 99 patients during the year and had 13 discharges. The average length of stay for current skilled veteran patients is 1,230 days. Federal assistance in funding a portion of the cost of providing care to veterans in the home amounted to $7,055,432.12. As in previous years, many veterans service organizations, civic groups, 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 that comprised the equivalent of 1,576 individual volunteers providing in excess of 3,656 hours of time valued at over $78,092.00 presented over 710 activities during the year. The value of in-kind donations made available to the home was $35,195.34. Groups and individuals also provided direct monetary donations of $29,497.33 in the year. 11 GVMC-Milledgeville Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Milledgeville is located approximately 5 miles south of downtown Milledgeville along Georgia Highway 112. This cemetery, established on 142 acres the Georgia Department of Veterans Service 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 50 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 197 burials in 2011, making the total-to-date 1,730 veterans, spouses, and dependents buried at the GVMC. The burials are composed of 1,217 casketed burials, 290 cremations in the columbarium, 205 in-ground cremations, and 18 memorial markers. The avenue of flags is displayed when ceremonies are held at the cemetery, such as Memorial Day and Wreaths Across America. In addition, it is displayed on Flag Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day. On May 10, 2011, the cemetery hosted a rededication ceremony formally completing the Phase II expansion of the cemetery. This expansion included an additional 1,965 spaces for casket and cremation burials. Approximately 150 people attended the ceremony. Flags were placed on all burial sites and at 12 the front entrance of the cemetery in recognition of Memorial Day. The Knights of Columbus, Patriot Guard, and members of the 48th Infantry Brigade conducted a ceremony attended by approximately 200 people. On December 10, 2011, the cemetery hosted its seventh annual Wreaths Across America ceremony honoring our past and present military. Seven wreaths were presented honoring each branch of our Armed Forces, Merchant Marines and POWs/MIAs. The ceremony included members of the Patriot Guard Riders, cadets from the Augusta Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol, and representatives from each branch of service. Approximately 200 people attended the ceremony. The Worcester Wreath Company provided the seven wreaths for the ceremony. The cemetery received approximately 400 donated wreaths, which were placed on graves following the ceremony. The cemetery has many visitors each year. Some are visiting grave sites, some are seeking information about the cemetery and burial requirements, and many have just heard about the cemetery and want to see the grounds. Notable visitors this year included Governor Nathan Deal and First Lady Sandra Deal. Cemetery staff members remain active in the local community by meeting frequently with business groups, veterans organizations, and church groups. The cemetery staff also provided an information display at the department's annual Supermarket of Benefits, which was held in Dalton in December 2011. The GVMC's hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 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 a.m. to dusk. 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 city limits on 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 in-ground 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 colocation 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, their spouses, and eligible dependents. As of December 31, 2011, there were 392 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 2011, 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 American Legion post and the Glennville Veterans of Foreign Wars post. Lt. Col. David W. White, a member of the 165th Airlift Wing of the Georgia Air National Guard, was the guest speaker for the ceremony. He took the opportunity to inform the crowd of the Air National Guard's role in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as their mission in today's military. Also, Cemetery Director Ernie Cowart gave a short speech about Memorial Day and covered the beginnings of the holiday to its place in today's world. Over 150 people attended. For Memorial Day and Veterans Day, Boy Scout Troop 929 placed American flags at the grave sites 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. The Air Force JROTC of Effingham County High School took part in the ceremony and provided the color guard. A bugler from Bugles Across America provided a live version of "Taps." Also involved in the ceremony were members of the Brunswick Civil Air Patrol and area Boy Scouts. A crowd of more than 125 people attended the ceremony and then helped place wreaths at the graves. Cemetery staff members remain active in the local community by meeting frequently with business groups, veterans organizations, and other various groups. GVMC Glennville's hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 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 a.m. to dusk. 13 Statistical Report Contacts...........................................................541,679 New Case Files.........................................................28,953 Hearings..................................................................248 Letters Written..........................................................18,796 Compensation and Pension............................................30,131 DIC and Death Pension.....................................................6,676 Education...............................................................2,147 Medical................................................................15,353 Burial................................................................3,244 Insurance................................................................1,558 Loans....................................................................7,349 Powers of Attorney....................................................16,573 Changes of Address.....................................................1,790 Notices of Disagreement andAppeals Filed.............................3,513 Vocational Rehabilitation..............................................1,098 VA Claims Folders Reviewed.........................................28,452 Driver Licenses.........................................................................8,469 Business Licenses..........................................................245 Nursing Home Applications................................................702 License Plates............................................................1,486 Natural Resources.......................................................1,875 Tax Exemptions..........................................................1,250 Preference Points.............................................................694 Welfare Assistance/Social Security.....................................3,770 Miscellaneous Personal Affairs........................................20,404 Other Forms and Evidence.............................................225,842 14 Statistical Report Definitions Below is an explanation of terms described in the report (opposite) of the number of cases and types of services rendered by the Georgia Department of Veterans Service during 2011. 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 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, 2011 FUNDS AVAILABLE BUDGET ACTUAL State Appropriation Federal Revenues Other Funds 20,320,198 15,046,447 1,607,520 36,974,165 20,309,618 14,962,313 1,607,520 36,879,451 EXPENDITURES BUDGET ACTUAL Personal Services 6,476,074 Regular Operating Expenses 511,894 Motor Vehicle Purchases 90,000 Computer Charges 27,500 Real Estate Rentals 248,284 Telecommunications 182,945 Capital Outlay 3,885,093 Contracts 14,783,140 Other 20,000 Op Exp/Payments to Medical College of Georgia 10,281,651 ROE for Projects and Insurance 467,584 6,473,503 492,373 83,166 27,277 247,936 181,114 3,885,092 14,782,743 1,300 10,281,651 423,296 36,974,165 36,879,451 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 2011 (October 1, 2010 through September 30, 2011). The figures were provided by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Compensation and Pension $2,135,191,000 Medical Care $1,212,137,000 Construction 21,894,000 Insurance and Indemnities $47,892,000 Education and Vocational Rehabilitation $455,222,000 General Operating Expenses $127,832,000 Total $4,000,167,000 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). 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 Year in Review Governor Deal signs Veterans Day Proclamation with Commissioner Wheeler, State Rep. John Yates, Veterans Service Organizations and members of the Georgia National Guard in attendance Since 1954 ... Veterans Day Ceremony at the Capitol 22 Year in Review WXCIAomPJmroehissinsdieoCnn.teD/r GW euenhsheeraealnleerMwainthager WXIA's Veterans Day "Celebration of Service" at GA Dome 23 Year in Review "Band of Brothers" actors Ross McCall (Cpl. Joe Liebgott) and James Madio (Sgt. Frank Perconte) served as Grand Marshals that honored World War II veterans 30th Annual Georgia Veterans Day Parade in Atlanta 24 Year in Review beentmhepfeliNltoaysoatrlentaeehsdswtgnasca,hentDwadheneSsporgoafefutrsowttrtmhoatrevrRaeneeittgneipironoanlgnicosyn Employees from all areas of the Department gather for brainstorming session Department Regional Training 25 Year in Review CWeamrteeaVtteehtreysrAaacntrsMoMssilAelmemdogereriiavclialle WCreeVmaetethteesrraAync-sr-oMsGselAmenmonreivraiilclaleat ForMmeamloDrieadlicCaetmioenteorfyPahtaMseiIlIleadtgVeveitlelreans Honoring our Veterans 26 Year in Review MOPH ServCiocme mFoiussniodnaetrioWnhleeaeldeerrship with Charity Tournament for Homeless Veterans 27 Year in Review Georgia First Family Visits Facilities 28 Year in Review CrteohcmeeimYvUieesSsasitOroh(nAeaewPrbaoW avrtderh)ifeoretolmoefr fAropamPpnGrrtdueohcgtaierharaGedtmAiFSoan(NpmreAaicgitiwlhaiyotaln)radl duMjovrsiaieeinnSmesnPiegeTtdodnhtrhddCaohioeoattewozoW lomeVsnrFniimaJtnuesooltiinohwlnstfsdniTnaiva'onhsmentACaytievettVarIrleseHlaW aaltnneekfharstosaraeltosenonlser The Georgia Department of Veterans Service hosted a meeting of the Southeast District of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs, including a tour of the Pete Wheeler Veterans Memorial Plaza Working for our Veterans 29 Year in Review Veterans Benefits "Supermarket" A Huge Success DALTON (Wednesday, 12/7/11) With more than 2,700 veterans and their families taking part, Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Pete Wheeler termed the 2011 "Supermarket of Veterans Benefits" held here today, "a huge success, one of the better events of this type for veterans we have had in recent years." The 46th annual one-day program took place here at the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center and provided a one-stop shopping service for veterans and their families to gather information regarding federal and state benefits to which they might be entitled. Supermarket of Veterans Benefits in Dalton 30 Year in Review Supermarket of Veterans Benefits in Dalton 31 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. GVoevoteferrtnahonersVDDGieeeaatoynlrgpaPiramreosSceVlnteaattmsteertaahCtneoisou2non0f1tc1AoiVlmmieeetrmnicbaaemrs NmaetmiloebnaeardlseroCsfhoGmiepmovrgaiisnaitd'seGrAoJvmiemrenrmiocyraDnFeoLastelegrioannd recognGiozvienrgnHoroDloecaaluisstsuDeas pyroofclRaemmaetmiobnrance Georgia hosts Korean War Remembrance Ceremony 32 Georgia's VSO Leadership American Ex-Prisoners of War Ray Reierson of Savannah State Commander www.axpow.org The American Legion Phil Youngblood of Valdosta State Commander Hilde Martin of Valdosta Auxiliary President www.galegion.org AMVETS Ron Dillon of Bogart State Commander Mary Duncan of Bogart Auxiliary President www.amvets.org/georgia.html Blinded Veterans Association Joesph McNeil of Columbus State President www.grgbva.org Disabled American Veterans Emanuwel J. Dixon of Decatur State Commander Shirley Mauldin of Guyton Auxiliary President www.georgia-dav.org GA Federal/Military Retiree Coalition Bill Douglas of Warner Robins State President www.georgiamoaa.org/GFMRC Georgia Vietnam Veterans Alliance Marvin Myers of Doraville President www.gvva.org Jewish War Veterans of America Joseph Kraut of Fairmount State Commander Shirley Rich of Atlanta Auxiliary President www.jwv.org Marine Corps League Mike Clark of Byron Commandant, Dept. of Georgia www.mcldeptofga.org Military Officers Association of America Buddy Johnson of Valdosta State President www.georgiamoaa.org Military Order of the Purple Heart John W. Wilder of Columbus State Commander Molly Ware of Augusta Auxiliary President www.purpleheart.org Reserve Officers Association Gerald Mekosh of Warner Robins State President www.roa.org Veterans of Foreign Wars Pledge Cannon of Centerville State Commander Carol A. Coggins of Morrow Auxiliary President www.gavfw.org Vietnam Veterans of America Lionel Marmolejo of Savannah State President www.vvageorgia.com 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 Directory Dalton LaFayette Blairsville Clarkesville Toccoa Rome Canton Cartersville Cedertown Hartwell Gainesville 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 VFSO/Veterans Nursing Home VFSO/Veterans Cemetery VFSO/Home/Cemetery 54 Directory GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS SERVICE CENTRAL OFFICE Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-966, 2 Martin Luther King, Jr., Atlanta, GA 30334-4800 veterans.georgia.gov facebook.com/gavetsvc twitter.com/gavetsvc COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE Pete Wheeler Commissioner Mary Aukerman Confidential Secretary aukerman@vs.state.ga.us 404-656-2300 404-656-2312 404-657-9738 PUBLIC INFORMATION DIVISION Brian Zeringue Director Jon Suggs Comm & Outreach Spec gavetsvc@vs.state.ga.us jsuggs@vs.state.ga.us 404-656-5933 404-656-5933 404-656-7006 404-656-7006 ADMINISTRATION, HEALTH & MEMORIALS Dan Holtz Assistant Commissioner dholtz@vs.state.ga.us April Dodgen Budget Specialist adodgen@vs.state.ga.us Shelly-Ann Simpson Secretary ssimpson@vs.state.ga.us 404-656-2307 404-463-0324 404-656-2300 404-656-7006 404-656-7006 404-656-7006 ACCOUNTING Chris Hambright Executive Accountant clhambri@vs.state.ga.us 404-656-5896 404-656-7006 OPERATIONS DIVISION Rick Graham Director rgraham@vs.state.ga.us 404-463-3076 404-656-7006 HUMAN RESOURCES Wonda Jones HR Generalist wfjones@vs.state.ga.us 404-463-3076 404-656-7006 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY William Wilson Sys Administrator wcwilson@vs.state.ga.us 404-657-4110 404-656-7006 LOGISTICS Brian Smith Proc & Supply Spec bosmith@vs.state.ga.us 404-656-5893 404-656-7006 RECORDS MANAGEMENT Barbara Beedles Senior Clerk Renee Byrd Senior Clerk bcausey@vs.state.ga.us rbyrd@vs.state.ga.us 404-463-3079 404-463-3077 404-651-6947 404-651-6947 55 Directory HEALTH & MEMORIALS DIVISION Georgia War Veterans Home, D-135, Wheeler Building, 2249 Vinson Highway, Milledgeville, 31059-0741 Ernie Simons Jenelle Moore Director Administrative Assistant esimons@vs.state.ga.us jmoore@vs.state.ga.us 478-445-2544 478-445-2544 478-445-0828 478-445-0828 GEORGIA VETERANS MEMORIAL CEMETERY GLENNVILLE 8819 US Hwy 301, Glennville, 30427 Ernie Cowart Director Stacy Howard Asst. Director Tommy Waters Maint Supervisor Wallace Brannen Maint / Hvy Equip Op William C. Tackett Maint / Hvy Equip Op ecowart@vs.state.ga.us 912-654-5398 showard@vs.state.ga.us 912-654-5398 twaters@vs.state.ga.us 912-654-5398 wbrannen@vs.state.ga.us 912-654-5398 wtackett@vs.state.ga.us 912654-2963 912654-2963 912654-2963 912654-2963 GEORGIA VETERANS MEMORIAL CEMETERY at MILLEDGEVILLE 2617 Vinson Highway, Milledgeville, 31061 Russ Feagin Director rfeagin@vs.state.ga.us 478-445-3363 Wade Forehand Asst. Director wforehand@vs.state.ga.us 478-445-3363 William Lester Maint Supervisor wlester@vs.state.ga.us 478-445-3363 Valynsky Calhoun Maint / Hvy Equip Op vcalhoun@vs.state.ga.us 478-445-3363 Joel Lowery Maint / Hvy Equip Op jlowery@vs.state.ga.us 478-445-3363 478-445-3360 478-445-3360 478-445-3360 478-445-3360 478-445-3360 GEORGIA WAR VETERANS HOME MILLEDGEVILLE 2249 Vinson Highway, Milledgeville, 31062 Wylene Bloodworth Executive Director Hudie Langston Associate Director Charolet Medlin Office Manager Verdine Young Admissions Coord wbloodworth@uhs-pruitt.com 478-445-6821 hlangston@uhs-pruitt.com 478-445-4386 cmedlin@uhs-pruitt.com 888-453-6836 vyoung@uhs-pruitt.com 478-445-4295 478-445-1701 478-445-5113 478-445-5190 478-445-5583 GEORGIA WAR VETERANS NURSING HOME 1101 15th Street, Augusta, 30901-3196 georgiawarveteranshome.org Charles Esposito Carla Wooten Karen Yonce Ramona Little Julia Eveker Executive Director Associate Director Admin Associate Business Svc Director Director Admissions cesposit@georgiahealth.edu cwooten@georgiahealth.edu kyonce@georgiahealth.edu rlittle@georgiahealth.edu jeveker@georgiahealth.edu 706-721-2531 706-721-2531 706-721-2531 706-721-2637 706-721-2405 706-721-3892 706-721-3892 706-721-3892 706-721-4252 706-721-7530 VETERANS EDUCATION & TRAINING DIVISION (STATE APPROVING AGENCY) Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-960, 2 Martin Luther King, Jr., Atlanta, GA 30334-4800 Main Office Larry Edwards Director Mary Griffin Secretary Bobby Davis Senior Coordinator Harry Stumpf Senior Coordinator Mark Bannister Senior Coordinator Lily Snyder Coordinator Dairelle Shropshire Secretary saaga@vs.state.ga.us saale@vs.state.ga.us saamag@vs.state.ga.us saabjd@vs.state.ga.us saahds@vs.state.ga.us saasmb@vs.state.ga.us saals@vs.state.ga.us dshropshire@vs.state.ga.us 404-656-2306/2322 404-657-6276 404-463-3073 404-657-6276 404-656-2306 404-657-6276 404-657-7992 404-657-6276 404-463-4267 404-657-6276 404-463-3075 404-657-6276 404-656-2322 404-657-6276 404-656-2322 404-657-6276 56 Directory FIELD OPERATIONS & CLAIMS Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-966, 2 Martin Luther King, Jr., Atlanta, GA 30334-4800 Mike Roby Assistant Commissioner mroby@vs.state.ga.us 404-656-2305 404-656-7006 Ava Gay-Ingram Administrative Assistant aingram@vs.state.ga.us 404-656-2305 404-656-7006 NORTH GEORGIA REGION Gainesville Field Service Office Harry Evans Regional Manager 311 Green Street NW, Room 405, Gainesville, 30501-6060 hevans@vs.state.ga.us 770-531-6060 770-531-6061 SOUTH GEORGIA REGION Bainbridge Field Service Office Craig Couturier Regional Manager 307 East Broughton Street, Bainbridge, 39817-4003 ccouturier@vs.state.ga.us 229-251-4849 CLAIMS DIVISION 1700 Clairmont Road, Decatur, 30033 Main Office 404-929-5345 Dan Cravey Director daniel.cravey@va.gov 404-929-5349 Debra Coleman Administrative Assistant debra.l.coleman@va.gov 404-929-5360 George Canavaggio Sr VCAO george.canavaggio@va.gov 404-929-5362 Mike Noles Sr VCAO mike.noles@va.gov 404-929-5356 James Reeves Sr VCAO james.reeves2@va.gov 404-929-5353 Herb Ward Sr VCAO herbert.ward1@va.gov 404-929-5350 Joel Willis Sr VCAO joel.willis@va.gov 404-929-5355 Deborah Jones VCAO 1 deborah.jones11@va.gov 404-929-5354 Robert Scott VCAO 1 robert.scott5@va.gov 404-929-5370 Belinda Wise VCAO 1 belinda.wise@va.gov 404-929-5351 Deborah Clayton Secretary 2 deborah.clayton@va.gov 404-929-5361 Rose Tharpe Secretary 2 rose.tharpe@va.gov 404-929-5359 Sharod Woods Secretary 2 sharod.woods@va.gov 404-929-5358 404-929-5347 404-929-5347 404-929-5347 404-929-5347 404-929-5347 404-929-5347 404-929-5347 404-929-5347 404-929-5347 404-929-5347 404-929-5347 404-929-5347 404-929-5347 404-929-5347 ALBANY (South Region) 1303 West Broad Avenue, Albany, 31707 Sherri Whitfield Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) Milton Hayes VFSO 1 Latoya Watson VFSO 1 Counties served: Dougherty, Lee, Terrell, Worth swhitfield@vs.state.ga.us mhayes@vs.state.ga.us lwatson1@vs.state.ga.us 229-430-1797 229-430-1798 229-430-1798 229-430-1796 229-430-1796 229-430-1796 AMERICUS (South Region) Counties served: Macon, Marion, Schley, Sumter, Webster 1601 North Martin Luther King Blvd., Suite 220, Americus, GA 31719 Melissa Ingle VFSO 2 (Office Mgr) mingle@vs.state.ga.us 229-931-2546 229-931-5151 ATHENS (North Region) 9249 Hwy 29, Suite D, Athens, 30601 Dale Bell Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) Ramona Roper VFSO 1 Counties served: Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison, Oconee, Oglethorpe dbell@vs.state.ga.us rroper@vs.state.ga.us 706-369-5630 706-369-5631 706-369-5998 706-369-5998 57 Directory ATLANTA (Asst. Commissioner, FO&C) Counties served: Fulton, Clayton 2 MLK Jr. Drive, Plaza Level, Suite E-367, Atlanta, 30334 Lenora Evans Fred Daniels Booker Wallace VFSO 2 (Office Mgr) VFSO 1 VFSO 1 levans@vs.state.ga.us fdaniels@vs.state.ga.us bwallace@vs.state.ga.us 404-656-5940 404-656-5940 404-623-1514 404-657-1288 404-657-1288 404-657-1288 ATLANTA VA MEDICAL CENTER (Claims) County served: DeKalb VA Medical Center, Room 1C204, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, 30033-4004 VA Hospital 404-321-6111 x6357, x6359 Dennis Whitman Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) Roderica Stewart VFSO 1 Garner Bracey VFSO 1 dennis.whitman@va.gov roderica.stewart@va.gov garner.bracey@va.gov 404-728-7611 404-728-7611 404-728-7611 404-417-2918 404-417-2918 404-417-2918 AUGUSTA (North Region) 1101 15th Street, Augusta, 30901-3196 Beverly Lloyd John McKenzie Robert Pollard Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) VFSO 1 VFSO 1 Counties served: Columbia, Richmond blloyd@vs.state.ga.us jmckenzie@vs.state.ga.us rpollard@vs.state.ga.us 706-721-4301 706-721-4302 706-721-4302 706-721-6015 706-721-6015 706-721-6015 AUGUSTA VA MEDICAL CENTER (North Region) 950 15th Street, Room 2D-105C, PO Box 3692, Augusta, 30914 Barbara J. Johnson VFSO 2 (Office Mgr) bjjohnson@vs.state.ga.us 706-823-2218/3916706-823-1768 BAINBRIDGE (South Region) Counties served: Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Decatur, Early, Miller, 307 East Broughton Street, Bainbridge, 39817-4003 Quitman, Randolph, Seminole Terri Hurst Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) VFSO 1 @vs.state.ga.us thurst@vs.state.ga.us 229-248-2599 229-248-2663 229-243-5362 229-243-5362 BLAIRSVILLE (North Region) 1294 Hwy 515 East , Blairsville 30512 Robert Spaulding Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) Jonathan Ledford VFSO 1 Counties served: Fannin, Rabun, Towns, Union rspaulding@vs.state.ga.us 706-745-6341 jledford@vs.state.ga.us 706-745-6341 BRUNSWICK (South Region) Counties served: Camden, Columbus, Glynn, McIntosh 11 Judicial Lane, Suite 203, Brunswick, 31520 Christine Herring VFSO 2 (Office Mgr) therring@vs.state.ga.us 912-262-2345 912-261-3937 Mac Bollinger VFSO 1 mbollinger@vs.state.ga.us 912-264-7360 912-261-3937 CANTON (North Region) Counties served: Cherokee, Cobb, Gilmer, Pickens 100 North Street, Suite G-20, Canton, 30114-2779 Rita Barnhart Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) rbarnhart@cherokeega.com 770-720-3538 770-704-2317 Justin L. Stockton VFSO 1 jstockton@cherokeega.com 770-720-6622 770-704-2317 Daphne Nicholls Secretary (P/T) 58 Directory CARROLLTON (North Region) Counties served: Carroll, Douglas 408 N. White St., Room 601, Carrollton, 30117 OPEN ONLY Wednesday and Thursday 8 to 4:30 Billy Robbins VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) brobbins@vs.state.ga.us 770-836-6760 770-836-6844 CARTERSVILLE (North Region) Counties served: Bartow, Paulding 320 West Cherokee Avenue, Room 105, Cartersville, 30120 Robert Turner Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) rmturner@vs.state.ga.us 770-387-3746 Jeffery Baker VFSO 1 jbaker@vs.state.ga.us 770-387-3746 770-387-4077 770-387-4077 CEDARTOWN (North Region) County served: Polk 142 West Avenue, Cedartown, 30125 OPEN ONLY Monday & Friday 8 to 4:30; Wednesday 8 to 12 Stephen Rood (P/T) VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) vdubl943@aol.com 770-749-2209 770-749-2266 CLARKESVILLE (North Region) 451 Roper Drive, Unit C, Clarksville, 30523 William Tucker Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) Randy Woodie VFSO 1 Counties served: Banks, Habersham, White wtucker@vs.state.ga.us awoodie@vs.state.ga.us 706-754-4316 706-754-9185 COLUMBUS (South Region) 1520 3rd Avenue, Suite 5, Columbus, 31901 Lionel Haynes David Floyd Cynthia Gilyard Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) VFSO 1 VSFO 1 Counties served: Chattahoochee, Muscogee, Stewart lhaynes@vs.state.ga.us dfloyd@vs.state.ga.us cgilyard@vs.state.ga.us 706-649-1264 706-649-1264 706-649-1264 706-649-1726 706-649-1726 706-649-1726 CONYERS (North Region) 983 Taylor Street, Conyers, 30012 Janice Mohr Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) Bernard Nelson VFSO 1 Counties served: Newton, Rockdale, Walton jeller@vs.state.ga.us bnelson@vs.state.ga.us 770-388-5075 770-388-5075 770-785-6868 770-785-6868 CORDELE (South Region) Counties served: Crisp, Dooly, Wilcox 210 7th Street South, Room 204, Cordele 31015 David Foster VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) david.foster@crispcounty.com 229-276-2366 229-276-2734 DALTON (North Region) Counties served: Catoosa, Murray, Whitfield 305 Point North Place, Suite 7, Dalton, 30722-1104 Judy Johnson Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) jjohnson@vs.state.ga.us 706-272-2355 706-272-2335 Kelly Johnson VFSO 1 kjohnson@vs.state.ga.us 706-272-2355 706-272-2335 Hugh Downey VFSO 1 hdowney@vs.state.ga.us 706-272-2355 706-272-2335 59 Directory DUBLIN (South Region) Counties served: Johnson, Laurens, Treutlen Carl Vinson VAMC, Room 124-6, Ward 6A, 1826 Veterans Blvd., Dublin, 31021-3699 Shaun Evans VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) shaun.evans@va.gov 478-272-4266 Michael Hunnicutt VFSO 1 michael.hunnicutt@va.gov 478-272-4266 478-274-7802 478-274-7802 EASTMAN (South Region) 636 Oak Street SE, Eastman, 31023 Counties served: Bleckley, Dodge, Pulaski (open) VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) 478-374-6977 478-374-6551 ELBERTON (North Region) County served: Elbert Elbert County Office Complex, 45 Forest Avenue, Elberton, 30635 Charles Hopkins VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) chopkins@vs.state.ga.us 706-213-2040 706-213-2094 GAINESVILLE (North Region) Counties served: Dawson, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Hall, Lumpkin 311 Green Street NW, Room 405, Gainesville, 30501-6060 Cynthia Hayes Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) chayes@vs.state.ga.us 770-531-6060 770-531-6061 GLENNVILLE (South Region) 8819 US Hwy 301, Glennville, 30427 Counties served: Bryan, Liberty, Long, Tattnall, Wayne Tonya Malpass Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) Lindsey Dale VFSO 1 tmalpass@vs.state.ga.us ldale@vs.state.ga.us 912-654-5159 x227 912-654-2963 912-654-5179 x2 912-654-2963 GREENSBORO (North Region) County served: Greene 113 N. Main St., Suite 117, Greensboro, 30642 OPEN ONLY Tuesday and Friday 8 to 4:30 Sandra Mauldin VFSO 1 (P/T) smauldin@vs.state.ga.us 706-453-7455 706-453-9816 GRIFFIN (North Region) 883 Memorial Drive, Griffin, 30223 Artis Robinson Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) Willie Miles VFSO 1 Counties served: Butts, Fayette, Henry, Pike, Spalding, Talbot arobinson@vs.state.ga.us 770-412-4074 wmiles@vs.state.ga.us 770-412-4023 770-467-6099 770-467-6099 HARTWELL (North Region) County served: Hart 185 West Franklin Street, Courthouse Annex, Room 5, Hartwell, 30643-1594 Mike Partlow VFSO 2 (Office Mgr) mpartlow@vs.state.ga.us 706-376-4461 706-856-2737 LAFAYETTE (North Region) Counties served: Chattooga, Dade, Walker Judiciary Annex, 108-E Villanow Street, LaFayette, 30728-2519 Terry Roberson VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) troberson@vs.state.ga.us 706-638-5544 706-639-2046 60 Directory LAGRANGE (North Region) Counties served: Harris, Heard, Meriwether, Troup 2170 West Point Road, Suite 35, LaGrange, 30240 Mike Hudson Steve Horton Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) VFSO 1 mhudson@vs.state.ga.us shorton@vs.state.ga.us 706-845-4095 706-845-4095 706-845-4485 706-845-4485 LYONS (South Region) 126 West Grady Avenue, Lyons, 30436 Debra O'Neal VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) Counties served: Montgomery, Toombs doneal@vs.state.ga.us 912-526-8860 912-526-4285 MACON (North Region) Counties served: Bibb, Crawford, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, Monroe, Twiggs 653 Second Street, Room 203, Macon, 31201-2817 Debra Marshall VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) Leila DiSola VFSO 1 dmarshall@vs.state.ga.us 478-751-3186 ldisola@vs.state.ga.us 478-751-3187 478-751-6594 478-751-6594 MCRAE (South Region) 63 West Oak Street, McRae, 31055 Jennifer Conley VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) Counties served: Appling, Coffee, Jeff Davis, Telfair, Wheeler OPEN ONLY Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 8 to 4:30 jconley@vs.state.ga.us 229-868-6391 229-868-4972 MILLEDGEVILLE (North Region) Counties served: Baldwin, Hancock, Putnam, Washington, Wilkinson Georgia State War Veterans Home, Vinson Building, Milledgeville, 31059-0741 Melanie Goss Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) Mkay@vs.state.ga.us 478-445-4751 478-445-3139 Linda Lavender VFSO 1 llavender@vs.state.ga.us 478-445-6900 478-445-3139 MOULTRIE (South Region) Counties served: Colquitt, Mitchell 101 East Central Avenue, Room 127, Moultrie, 31768 Jim Bolduc VFSO 2 (Office Mgr) jbolduc@vs.state.ga.us 229-891-7135 229-891-7098 NEWNAN (North Region) Counties served: Coweta, Taylor 22 East Broad Street, Room 119, Newnan, 30264 Billy Robbins Rob Johnson VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) VFSO 1 brobbins@vs.state.ga.us rjohnson@vs.state.ga.us 770-254-7260 770-836-6844 770-254-7339 770-254-7339 ROME (North Region) 201 Calhoun Avenue, Rome, 30161 Stan McCord Barry Hunter VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) VFSO 1 Counties served: Floyd, Gordon, Haralson smccord@vs.state.ga.us bhunter@vs.state.ga.us 706-295-6026 706-295-6280 706-802-5520 706-802-5520 61 Directory SAVANNAH (South Region) County served: Chatham Savannah VA Outpatient Clinic, 325 W. Montgomery Cross Roads, Savannah, 31406-3309 Jewel Middleton Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) Tisa Davis VFSO 1 Jacqueline Johnson VFSO 1 jewel.middleton-james@va.gov philippa.davis@va.gov jacqueline.johnson@va.gov 912-920-0214 x2194 912-921-2016 912-920-0214 x2191 912-921-2016 912-920-0214 x2193 912-921-2016 STATESBORO (South Region) Counties served: Bulloch, Candler, Effingham, Evans, Jenkins, Screven 3A West Altman Street, Statesboro, 30458 Liz Hunnicutt Kevin Gibbs VFSO 2 (Office Mgr) VFSO 1 lhunnicutt@vs.state.ga.us 912-871-1104 jkgibbs@vs.state.ga.us 912-871-1270 ST. MARYS COMMUNITY BASED OUTPATIENT CLINIC (South Region) 205 Lakeshore Point, St. Marys, 31558 OPEN ONLY Thursday 9 to 3:30 Christine Herring VFSO 2 (Office Mgr) therring@vs.state.ga.us 912-510-3440 912-510-3426 SWAINSBORO (Asst. Commissioner, FO&C) County served: Emanuel Emanuel County Office Building, 101 North Main Street, Room 3, Swainsboro, 30401 Tessa Gilmore VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) tgilmore@vs.state.ga.us 478-289-2617 478-289-2704 THOMASTON (North Region) County served: Upson 250 E. Lee St., Govt Admin Annex, Thomaston OPEN ONLY Third Wednesday each month 8 to 4:30 Artis Robinson Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) arobinson@vs.state.ga.us 706-646-6035 THOMASVILLE (South Region) 101 South Broad Street, Thomasville, 31792 Larry Price Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) Counties served: Grady, Thomas jprice@vs.state.ga.us 229-225-4050 229-227-2418 TIFTON (South Region) 222 Chesnutt Avenue, Tifton, 31793-0534 Elijah Collins VFSO 2 (Office Mgr) Counties served: Ben Hill, Irwin, Tift, Turner ecollins@vs.state.ga.us 229-386-3856 229-391-6956 TOCCOA (North Region) Counties served: Franklin, Stephens Courthouse Annex, Room 104, 12 W. Tugalo St. OPEN ONLY Tuesday and Thursday 8 to 4:30 William Tucker Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) wtucker@vs.state.ga.us 706-282-4525 706-282-4800 VALDOSTA (South Region) Counties served: Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes 2841 North Patterson Street, Valdosta, 31602-1938 Janet S. Pajerowski Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) janet.pajerowski2@va.gov 229-333-2178 229-259-5583 John Jeffrey VFSO 1 229-333-2178 229-259-5583 62 Directory WARNER ROBINS (South Region) Counties served: Houston, Peach City Hall, Room 20, 700 Watson Boulevard, Warner Robins, 31093-3414 Vincent Pritchett Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) vpritchett@vs.state.ga.us 478-929-1126 478-929-1124 WASHINGTON (North Region) Counties served: Glascock, Jefferson, Lincoln, McDuffie, Morgan, Taliaferro, 104 East Liberty Street, Washington, 30673-1422 Waren, Wilkes Perry Morgan Jan Callaway Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) VFSO 2 gmorgan@vs.state.ga.us jcallaway@vs.state.ga.us 706-678-2821 706-678-2821 706-678-3144 706-678-3144 WAYCROSS (South Region) Counties served: Atkinson, Bacon, Brantley, Charlton, Clinch, Pierce, Ware 415 Lott Street, Waycross Pamela Naylor VFSO 2 (Office Mgr) pnaylor@vs.state.ga.us John Lewis VFSO 1 jlewis@vs.state.ga.us WAYNESBORO (North Region) County served: Burke Burke County Office Park, Room 107, 715 West 6th Street, Waynesboro, 30830-0093 912-285-6340 912-285-6340 Carol Crawford VFSO 2 (Office Mgr) ccrawford@vs.state.ga.us 706-554-3874 912-285-6341 912-285-6341 706-554-4496 VA Contacts U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS va.gov facebook.com/veteransaffairs twitter.com/deptvetaffairs VA Regional Office Atlanta VA Medical Center Atlanta 1700 Clairmont Road, Decatur, 30033 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, 30033 800-827-1000 404-321-6111 Beneficiaries in Receipt of Pension Benefits 877-294-6380 Children of Women Vietnam Veterans (CWVV) 877-345-8179 Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) 800-733-8387 Debt Management Center (Collection of Non-Medical Debts) 800-827-0648 Direct Deposit 877-838-2778 Education 888-442-4551 Foreign Medical Program (FMP) 888-820-1756 Headstones and Markers (Status Check Only) 800-697-6947 Health Care 877-222-8387 Health Billing 866-393-9132 Home Loans 888-768-2132 Income Verification and Means Testing 800-929-8387 Life Insurance: Service Members and Veterans Group Life Insurance Program 800-419-1473 Life Insurance: All Other VA Life Insurance Programs 800-669-8477 Meds by Mail 866-229-7389 Special Issues: Gulf War/Agent Orange/Project Shad/Mustard Agents/Lewisite/Ionizing Radiation 800-749-8387 Spina Bifida Health Care Program 888-820-1756 Telecommunication Device for Deaf (TDD) 800-829-4833 Veterans Crisis Hotline 800-273-TALK NOTE: Listings for VA medical facilities in Georgia are listed inside the back cover of this publication. 63 Directory QUICK REFERNCE GUIDE BY COUNTY 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 Clinch Cobb Coffee Colquitt Columbia Columbus Cook Coweta Crawford Crisp Dade LOCATION McRae Waycross Waycross Bainbridge Milledgeville Clarkesville Athens Cartersville Tifton Valdosta Macon Eastman Waycross Valdosta Glennville Statesboro Waynesboro Griffin Bainbridge Brunswick Statesboro Carrollton Dalton Waycross Savannah Columbus LaFayette Canton Athens Bainbridge Atlanta Waycross Canton McRae Moultrie Augusta Brunswick Valdosta Newnan Macon Cordele LaFayette PHONE 229-868-6391 912-285-6340 912-285-6340 229-248-2599 478-445-4751 706-754-4316 706-369-5630 770-387-3746 229-386-3856 229-333-2179 478-751-3186 229-251-4849 912-285-6340 229-333-2179 912-654-5159 912-871-1104 706-554-3874 770-412-4074 229-248-2599 912-262-2345 912-871-1104 770-836-6760 706-272-2355 912-285-6340 912-920-0214x12194 706-649-1264 706-638-5544 770-720-3538 706-369-5630 229-248-2599 404-656-5940 912-285-6340 770-720-3538 229-868-6391 229-891-7135 706-721-4301 912-262-2345 229-333-2179 770-254-7260 478-751-3186 229-276-2366 706-638-5544 COUNTY Dawson Decatur DeKalb 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 Heard Henry Houston Irwin Jackson Jasper Jeff Davis Jefferson Jenkins Johnson LOCATION Gainesville Bainbridge Atlanta VAMC Eastman Cordele Albany Carrollton Bainbridge Valdosta Statesboro Elberton Swainsboro Statesboro Blairsville Griffin Rome Gainesville Toccoa Atlanta Canton Washington Brunswick Rome Thomasville Greensboro Gainesville Clarkesville Gainesville Milledgeville Rome LaGrange Hartwell LaGrange Griffin Warner Robins Tifton Athens Macon McRae Washington Statesboro Dublin PHONE 770-531-6060 229-248-2599 404-728-7611 229-251-4849 229-276-2366 229-430-1797 770-836-6760 229-248-2599 229-333-2179 912-871-1104 706-213-2040 478-289-2617 912-871-1104 706-745-6341 770-412-4074 706-295-6026 770-531-6060 706-282-4525 404-656-5940 770-720-3538 706-678-2821 912-262-2345 706-295-6026 229-225-4050 706-453-7455 770-531-6060 706-754-4316 770-531-6060 478-445-4751 706-295-6026 706-845-4095 706-376-4461 706-845-4095 770-412-4074 478-929-1126 229-386-3856 706-369-5630 478-751-3186 229-868-6391 706-678-2821 912-871-1104 478-272-4266 64 Directory QUICK REFERNCE GUIDE BY COUNTY COUNTY Jones Lamar Lanier Johnson Jones Lamar Lanier Laurens Lee Liberty Lincoln Long Lowndes Lumpkin Macon Madison Marion McDuffi e McIntosh Meriwether Miller Mitchell Monroe Montgomery Morgan Murray Muscogee Newton Oconee Oglethorpe Paulding Peach Pickens Pierce Pike Polk Pulaski Putnam Quitman Rabun Randolph Richmond LOCATION Macon Macon Valdosta Dublin Macon Macon Valdosta Dublin s Albany Glennville Washington Glennville Valdosta Gainesville Americus Athens Americus Washington Brunswick LaGrange Bainbridge Moultrie Macon Lyons Washington Dalton Columbus Conyers Athens Athens Cartersville Warner Robins Canton Waycross Griffin Cedartown Eastman Milledgeville Bainbridge Blairsville Bainbridge Augusta PHONE 478-751-3186 478-751-3186 229-333-2179 478-272-4266 478-751-3186 478-751-3186 229-333-2179 478-272-4266 229-430-1797 912-654-5159 706-678-2821 912-654-5159 229-333-2179 770-531-6060 229-931-2546 706-369-5630 229-931-2546 706-678-2821 912-262-2345 706-845-4095 229-248-2599 229-891-7135 478-751-3186 912-526-8860 706-678-2821 706-272-2355 706-649-1264 770-388-5075 706-369-5630 706-369-5630 770-387-3746 478-929-1126 770-720-3538 912-285-6340 770-412-4074 770-749-2209 229-251-4849 478-445-4751 229-248-2599 706-745-6341 229-248-2599 706-721-4301 COUNTY Rockdale Schley 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 Walker Walton Ware Warren Washington Wayne Webster Wheeler White Whitfield Wilcox Wilkes Wilkinson Worth LOCATION Conyers Americus Bainbridge Augusta Conyers Americus Statesboro Bainbridge Griffin Toccoa Columbus Americus Griffin Washington Glennville Newnan McRae Albany Thomasville Tifton Lyons Blairsville Dublin LaGrange Tifton Macon Blairsville Thomaston LaFayette Conyers Waycross Washington Milledgeville Glennville Americus McRae Clarkesville Dalton Cordele Washington Milledgeville Albany PHONE 770-388-5075 229-931-2546 229-248-2599 706-721-4301 770-388-5075 229-931-2546 912-871-1104 229-248-2599 770-412-4074 706-282-4525 706-649-1264 229-931-2546 770-412-4074 706-678-2821 912-654-5159 770-254-7260 229-868-6391 229-430-1797 229-225-4050 229-386-3856 912-526-8860 706-745-6341 478-272-4266 706-845-4095 229-386-3856 478-751-3186 706-745-6341 706-646-6035 706-638-5544 770-388-5075 912-285-6340 706-678-2821 478-445-4751 912-654-5159 229-931-2546 229-868-6391 706-754-4316 706-272-2355 229-276-2366 706-678-2821 478-445-4751 229-430-1797 65 VA Statistical Data 66 VA Statistical Data 67 VA Statistical Data 68 VA Statistical Data 69 VA Statistical Data 70 VA Statistical Data 71 Department of Veterans Affairs Statistics at a Glance (Updated 11/09/2011) Number of VA Facilities VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinics 807 VA Vet Centers 288 VA Hospitals VA National Cemeteries Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Offices 152 131 56 (as of 9/30/2011) Projected Veteran Population Female Veterans Male Veterans 8.3 % VA Benefits and Health Care Utilization Total Enrollees in VA Health Care System Life Insurance Policies Supervised and Administered by VA Veterans Receiving VA Disability Compensation Active VA Home Loan Participants VA Education Beneficiaries Veterans Receiving VA Pension VA Vocational Rehabilitation Trainees 8.34 * 7.19 3.35 1.57 0.92 0.31 Numbers shown in millions (as of 9/30/2011) 0.06 * Number of enrollees as of FY2010 Numbers shown in millions (as of 9/30/2011) 7.4 5.7 5.9 22,234,000 2.3 1.7 (as of 9/30/2011) World War II Korean Conflict Peacetime only Gulf War Vietnam Era NOTE: Categories are not mutually exclusive. Veterans may serve in multiple periods. Source: Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Actuary, Veteran Population Projection Model (VetPop) 2007; Veterans Benefits Administration; Veterans Health Administration, Office of the Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Policy and Planning. Prepared November 2011 NCVAS National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics VA Statistical Data 72 VA Statistical Data 73 VA Priority Groups The number of veterans who can be enrolled in the health care program is determined by the amount of money Congress gives VA each year. Since funds are limited, VA set up Priority Groups to make sure that certain groups of veterans are able to be enrolled before others. Once you apply for enrollment, your eligibility will be verified. Based on your specific eligibility status, you will be assigned a Priority Group. The Priority Groups range from 1-8 with 1 being the highest priority for enrollment. Some veterans may have to agree to pay copay to be placed in certain Priority Groups. You may be eligible for more than one Enrollment Priority Group. In that case, VA will always place you in the highest Priority Group that you are eligible for. Under the Medical Benefits Package, the same services are generally available to all enrolled veterans.VA determines your eligibility for VA's comprehensive medical benefits package through its patient enrollment system, which is based on Priority Groups from 1 through 8. Veterans receiving VA Pension benefits. Veterans eligible for Medicaid benefits. Priority Group 6 Compensable 0% Service-connected Veterans. Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during atmospheric testing or during the occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Project 112/SHAD participants. Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975. Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations from August 2, 1990, through November 11, 1998. Veterans who served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998, as follows:Veterans discharged from active duty on or after January 28, 2003, for five years post discharge. Priority Group 1 Veterans with VA Service-connected disabilities rated 50% or more. Veterans assigned a total disability rating for compensation based on unemployability. Priority Group 2 Veterans with VA Service-connected disabilities rated 30% or 40%. Priority Group 3 Veterans who are former POWs. Veterans awarded the Purple Heart Medal. Veterans awarded the Medal of Honor. Veterans whose discharge was for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty. Veterans with VA Service-connected disabilities rated 10% or 20%. Veterans awarded special eligibility classification under Title 38, U.S.C., 1151, "benefits for individuals disabled by treatment or vocational rehabilitation." Priority Group 4 Veterans receiving increased compensation or pension based on their need for regular Aid and Attendance or by reason of being permanently Housebound. Veterans determined by VA to be catastrophically disabled. Priority Group 5 Nonservice-connected Veterans and noncompensable Service-connected Veterans rated 0%, whose annual income and/or net worth are not greater than the VA financial thresholds. 74 Priority Group 7 Veterans with incomes below the geographic means test (GMT) income thresholds and who agree to pay the applicable copayment. Priority Group 8 Veterans with gross household incomes above the VA national income threshold and the geographicallyadjusted income threshold for their resident location and who agree to pay copays Veterans eligibility for enrollment: Noncompensable 0% service-connected and: Subpriority a: Enrolled as of January 16, 2003, and who have remained enrolled since that date and/ or placed in this subpriority due to changed eligibility status. Subpriority b: Enrolled on or after June 15, 2009 whose income exceeds the current VA National Income Thresholds or VA National Geographic Income Thresholds by 10% or less Veterans eligible for enrollment: Nonserviceconnected and: Subpriority c: Enrolled as January 16, 2003, and who remained enrolled since that date and/ or placed in this subpriority due to changed eligibility status Subpriority d: Enrolled on or after June 15, 2009 whose income exceeds the current VA National Income Thresholds or VA National Geographic Income Thresholds by 10% or less Veterans not eligible for enrollment: Veterans not meeting the criteria above: Subpriority e: Noncompensable 0% serviceconnected Subpriority g: Nonservice-connected Blairsville VA Medical System Rome Oakwood Smyrna Marietta Athens Lawrenceville Atlanta Decatur East Point Carrollton Stockbridge Newnan Augusta Milledgeville Macon Columbus Perry Dublin Statesboro Savannah Medical Center Medical Center/Vet Center Clinic Clinic/Vet Center Clinic Under Construction 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 Albany Hinesville Waycross Valdosta Brunswick St. Marys Veterans Crisis Hotline: 800-273-TALK Health Clinics Vet Centers Atlanta 1440 Dutch Valley Place, Suite 1100 Phone: 404-347-7264 Augusta West Parkway Phone: 706-729-5762 Lawrenceville 930 River Centre Place Phone: 404-728-4195 Macon 750 Riverside Drive Phone: 478-477-3813 Marietta 40 Dodd St., Suite 700, Phone: 678-290-0772 Savannah 308-A Commercial Drive Phone: 912-652-4097 526 W. Broad Ave., Albany, GA 31701 Phone: 229-446-9000 9249 Highway 29 South, Suite A, Athens, GA 30601 Phone: 706-227-4534 2041 Mesa Valley Way, Austell, GA 30082 Phone: 404-417-1760 1294 Highway 515 East, Suite 100, Blairsville, GA 30511 Phone: 404-329-2222; SDVS Field Office: 706-745-6341 1111 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA 31525-7921 Phone: 912-261-2355; SDVS Field Office: 912-262-2345 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 740 East General Stewart Way,Suite 103, Hinesville, GA 31313 Phone: 912-920-0214; x5833 or x5847 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 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 515B City Blvd., Waycross, GA 31501 Phone: 912-279-4400; SDVS Field Office: 912-285-6340 Georgia Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334-4800 veterans.georgia.gov facebook.com/gavetsvc twitter.com/gavetsvc A digital copy of this report is available at veterans.georgia.gov --> About GDVS --> Annual Report.