Georgia Department of Veterans Service 2012 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 15, 2013 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 2012. Table of Contents Ve t e r a n s Service Mission.................................................................................................................6 Department Functions.........................................................................................7 Veterans Education And Training Division..........................................................8 Public 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.......................................................................................................56-65 VA Contacts.........................................................................................................65 VA Statistical Data.........................................................................................66-73 VA Medical System Information.........................................................................74 Department Organization State Veterans Service Board Commissioner of Veterans Service Director Public Information Division Assistant Commissioner Administration, Health and Memorials Assistant Commissioner Field Operations and Claims Director Accounting and Finance Division Director Operations Division Director Claims & Appeals Division Accounting Human Resources and Purchasing Regional Director North Georgia Budget Information Technology Regional Director 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. 2012 Board Members Fred T. Fincher, Sr. Ray Hendrix Pat Phillips Shawn Hanley James K. Hussey, Jr. Charles Edward "Eddie" Whitted Philip G. Youngblood Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Member Member Member Member LaGrange Statesboro Blairsville Atlanta Appling Blackshear Quitman From left: Shawn Hanley; Philip G. Youngblood; Ray Hendrix; Commissioner Wheeler; Fred T. Fincher, Sr.; Pat Phillips; James K. Hussey, Jr. ; Charles Edward "Eddie" Whitted "Serving Those Who Served" The mission of the Department of Veterans Service is to serve the 776,000+ 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 776,000+ 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 available throughout the state to assist all state 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, Assist veterans, their dependents, and local governmental and private agencies, and their beneficiaries in the preparation, securing or offering services or any benefits to presentation, proof, and establishment of such veterans and their dependents. claims, privileges, rights and other benefits accruing to them under federal, state, and local laws. Report any evidence of incompetence, 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 Claims and Appeals Division at the Atlanta VA Regional Office in Decatur Veterans Education and Training Division with Post 9/11 GI Bill oversight for statewide higher education, OJT and Apprenticeship Programs Assist and cooperate with all veterans' organizations in their work. As State Approving Authority, enter into contracts with dishonesty, or negligence Field Service Officers in VA Medical Centers, the federal government on the part of any Outpatient Clinics and State Veterans Nursing Homes for the qualifications, employee dealing with ~400,000 veteran-related visits in Calendar Year 2012 approval, certification, veterans' affairs. and supervision of Do everything educational institutions possible to promote and protect the rights of and training establishments applying for or Georgia's veterans under federal and state law. participating in federal programs for educating Apply for and accept gifts, grants, and and training veterans. other contributions from the federal government Assist other states in securing evidence or from any other governmental units. for claims. Construct and operate nursing homes and Promote enlargement and improvement personal care homes for the benefit of eligible of VA hospital facilities in the state. war veterans. Sponsor observance of Veterans Day in Construct and operate state veterans the state. cemeteries for the benefit of eligible veterans Certify eligibility for veterans' drivers and their dependents. licenses and honorary drivers' license. Advise the Governor, the Board of Certify eligibility for disabled veterans' Veterans Service, and the General Assembly as discount at Department of Natural Resources to needed veterans' legislation. facilities. Maintain files on all veterans who have Issue Certificates of Exemption from filed claims for veterans' benefit through the payment of business license tax to qualified department. veterans. Conduct educational programs Assist qualified veterans in obtaining by personal appearances before veterans' honorary hunting and fishing licenses. organizations, service clubs, fraternal groups Assist in obtaining special motor vehicle and other such organizations so as to acquaint license plates for certain veterans: Medal of the public generally with the work of the Honor and Purple Heart recipients, former 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 2012. 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 2012. 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 2012, the approval of educational institutions and training establishments for the education of Georgia veterans resulted in the processing of 6,341 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 began conducting compliance survey inspections in FY 2012 using VA standards. During 2012, personnel assigned to the Veterans Educational and Training Division conducted about 235 visits for the purpose of approval, re-approval, inspection and compliance surveys. Currently, the department monitors more than 1,550 educational institutions and training establishments. In 2012, 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 facebook.com/nhgeawppaseonvfs.tehetdsavy acs it 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 transitioned to a new These pamphlets are updated as changes occur in design platform, which enabled several new laws, regulations, or benefits. features and improved the department's online Through an aggressive internal outreach efficiency. facebook.com/gavetsvc twitter.com/gavetsvc Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home The Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home in Augusta is a 192-bed skilled nursing care facility located adjacent to the campus of Georgia Regents University and the Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home is operated under an interagency agreement between the Georgia Department of Veterans Service and Georgia Regents University. Primarily, the facility provides medical and skilled nursing services to Georgia's aged and infirm veterans. Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home also serves as a teaching facility to acquaint medical, dental, 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. Also located at the facility is a GDVS Veterans Field Service 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 2012, the nursing home provided 59,698 days of care to Georgia's veterans with an average age of 82. During the year, there were 272 admissions and 263 discharges with an average length of stay of 206 days. Services to patients included 6,141 physical therapy treatments and 4,934 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 $5.2 million during fiscal year 2012. 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 Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home residents. 10 Georgia War Veterans Home The Georgia War Veterans Home, situated on approximately 17 acres in Milledgeville, is a 375-bed facility licensed and certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 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 2012, which included the Richard B. Russell Building with 86 budgeted beds; the Joe T Wood Building with 140 budgeted beds; and the Alzheimer's Wing of the Pete Wheeler Building with 24 budgeted beds. The GDVS field office serving Baldwin, Hancock, Putnam, Washington, and Wilkinson counties is located in the Wheeler Building Rotunda. Veteran-related contacts for this field office totaled 15,402 for 2012. 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 2012 consisted of renovations to the Wheeler Bldg "A" Wing for a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinic ($411,983). This clinic will serve 5,000 veterans within the local community along with the veteran patients residing at the Georgia War Veterans Home. The Office of Regulatory Services of the Georgia Department of Human Resources conducted an unannounced licensure survey of each skilled nursing unit in January 2013 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 2012, veteran patients at the home received 85,593 days of skilled nursing care. The nursing home admitted 97 patients during the year and had 59 discharges/deaths. The average length of stay for current skilled veteran patients is 1,337 days or 3.6 years. Federal assistance in funding a portion of the cost of providing care to veterans in the home amounted to $7,505,182. 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 1,552 individual volunteers providing in excess of 5,593 hours of time valued at over $121,871.47 presented over 647 activities during the year. The value of in-kind donations made available to the home was $40,515.98. Groups and individuals also provided direct monetary donations of $31,367.80 during 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. In May 2011, construction was completed on Phase II of the cemetery. This phase encompassed about 10 acres and added approximately 1,300 casketed burial plots and 600 cremation plots in the cemetery. The cemetery will eventually be the final resting place for more than 100,000 eligible veterans, their spouses and eligible dependents. There were 195 burials in 2012, making the total-to-date 1,924 veterans, spouses, and dependents buried at the GVMC. The burials are composed of 1,351 casketed burials, 328 cremations in the columbarium, 226 in-ground cremations, and 19 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. Flags were placed on all burial sites and at the front entrance of the cemetery in recognition of Memorial Day. The Knights of Columbus, 12 Patriot Guard, and members of the 48th Infantry Brigade conducted a ceremony attended by approximately 200 people. In November, the GVMC was presented with a Blue Star Memorial Marker by the Milledgeville Garden Club Council. This marker is to honor our service men and women who have served, are serving, or will be serving in the armed services of the United States. The marker is placed near the front entrance of the cemetery. On December 15, 2012, the cemetery hosted its 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. The Worcester Wreath Company provided the seven wreaths for the ceremony. The cemetery received approximately 600 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. Cemetery staff members remain active in the local community by meeting frequently with business groups, veterans organizations, and church groups. 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 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 interment 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. GVMCGlennville 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, 2012, there were 491 veterans, spouses, and family members interred. A key feature of the cemetery is the colocation of the Glennville Veterans Field Service Office, which provides assistance to veterans and their families in Bryan, Liberty, Long, Tattnall, and Wayne counties. In 2012, GVMCGlennville 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. Col. Kimo C. Gallahue, Commander of Fort Stewart's 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, was the guest speaker for the ceremony. He took the opportunity to inform the crowd of the importance of Memorial Day as a time to honor today's soldiers as well as soldiers of the past who have all sacrificed. He spoke of today's soldiers growing up in the shadow of 9/11, to many of them serving multiple tours in Iraq and now Afghanistan, and to the ones who came home in flag-draped caskets. He urged the crowd to keep the barbecues going, enjoy the parades, and celebrate at the concerts while remembering on this day and every day the sacrifice and price paid for our freedom. Also, Cemetery Director Ernie Cowart spoke the beginnings of the holiday to its place in today's world. Over 100 people attended the ceremony during a rainy spring day. For Memorial Day and Veterans Day, Boy Scout Troop 929 placed U.S. flags at the grave sites of the veterans interred 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. Stephanie Lawless, director of the Toombs County High School Band, performed "Taps." Also involved in the ceremony were members of the Brunswick Civil Air Patrol and area Boy Scouts. A crowd of more than 150 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. GVMCGlennville'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 OVERVIEW Office Visits ........................................................................... 145,649 Other Visits ............................................................................ 228,697 Hearings ................................................................................... 4,423 SERVICES & TRANSACTIONS FEDERAL BENEFITS Compensation and Pension ...................................................... 33,830 DIC and Death Pension ............................................................... 4,839 Eligibility Verification Reports .................................................. 4,848 Education, Training, and Vocational Rehabilitation ..................... 3,325 Notices of Disagreement andAppeals Filed ................................. 2,780 Medical ................................................................................... 13,685 Insurance and Burials .................................................................... 358 Loans,PowersofAttorney,andChangesofAddress................. 177,698 Advice .................................................................................. 176,432 SERVICES & TRANSACTIONS STATE BENEFITS Driver's License ........................................................................ 8,693 Business License .......................................................................... 163 State Veterans Home Application .................................................. 587 License Plates ............................................................................ 1,525 Natural Resources ..................................................................... 1,509 Tax Exemptions ......................................................................... 1,536 Preference Points .......................................................................... 412 Welfare Assistance .................................................................... 2,913 14 Statistical Report Definitions OFFICE VISIT: A visit to a Veterans Field Service Office by a veteran, family member, or other interested individual to inquire about, or make application for, veterans benefits provided by the federal government or the State of Georgia. It includes the provision of advice and assistance to the individual(s), the completion of forms or other correspondence or documentation related to veterans benefits. OTHER VISIT: A telephone call, email, mail, or telefax made to or received from a veteran, family member, or other interested individual to inquire or advise about veterans benefits provided by the federal government or the State of Georgia. It includes the provision of advice and assistance to the individual(s). HEARING: A hearing is conducted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to review and adjudicate an appeal of a previous decision by the VA and is conducted by a hearing officer or judge of the VA. It includes the preparation by a claims and appeals officer (VCAO) and the actual presentation at the formal hearing in person or by electronic means by a VCAO. The following categories include the initiation and/or completion of an application for benefits as defined: Appeal related to a claim application for VA benefits. MEDICAL: Treatment of medical or dental conditions, admission to health care facilities, and vocational rehabilitation. INSURANCE and burials: Insurance claims and applications for burial benefits (grave markers and interment in veterans cemeteries). Loans, Powers of Attorney, and Changes of Address: Loan benefits, advice on eligibility requirements, normal processing methods, etc.; applications for designation of power of attorney for GDVS to act on behalf of the veteran with VA claims actions; advice on making a change of address using VA's processes. ADVICE: Advice provided to a veteran or family member about benefits. As a result of advice provided to a client, other services or transactions may be provided at the same time or at a later visit. DRIVER'S LICENSE: Georgia Veteran's Driver's License, Honorary Driver's License, or National Guard Driver's License. COMPENSATION AND PENSION: Claims for BUSINESS LICENSE: Certificates issued to certain monetary benefits submitted by veterans, dependents, disabled veterans exempting them from the payment or survivors. of business license taxes. DIC AND DEATH PENSION: Dependents Indemnity S TATE V E TE R A N S H O M E A P P L I C ATI O N : Compensation and Death Pension. Admission to a State Veterans Home. ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION REPORT: Required for pension benefits and/or the annual certification of income for medical benefits. Education, Training, and Vocational Rehabilitation: Includes educational benefits at an institution of higher learning, on-the-job training, or apprenticeship training, as provided in the current educational benefits of the "GI Bill." Referral to the GDVS Veterans Education & Training Division or the VA Regional Office Educational Benefits office is included as part of this service or transaction. License Plates: Commemorative service, disabled veteran, military award, etc. Natural Resources: A park pass provided to eligible veterans and the submission of the application to the GDVS Central Office for approval and issuance. Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions for which the veteran may be eligible. Preference Points: Provision of paperwork documenting service in the U.S. Armed Forces for use in employment application to State of Georgia. NOD AND APPEALS: Notice of Disagreement or Welfare Assistance: Advice regarding an application for welfare benefits. 15 GDVS Financial Report For the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2012 FUNDS AVAILABLE BUDGET State Appropriation Federal Revenues Other Funds 20,340,315 14,991,882 1,454,938 36,787,135 ACTUAL 20,004,988 14,929,196 1,452,338 36,386,522 EXPENDITURES BUDGET ACTUAL Personal Services 6,986,101 Regular Operating Expenses 824,020 Motor Vehicle Purchases 27,374 Computer Charges 44,109 Real Estate Rentals 285,585 Telecommunications 168,789 Capital Outlay 2,892,697 Contracts 14,759,568 Other 735 Medical College of Georgia 10,179,283 ROE for Projects and Insurance 618,874 6,937,453 776,448 27,374 44,043 284,046 164,900 2,892,696 14,759,325 735 10,179,282 320,220 36,787,135 36,386,522 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 federal fiscal year 2012 (October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012). The figures were provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (See pages 66-73 for more detailed breakdown of these figures.) Compensation and Pension $2,090,187,000 Medical Care $1,260,142,000 Construction $31,441,000 Insurance and Indemnities $48,953,000 Education and Vocational Rehabilitation $388,892,000 General Operating Expenses $109,235,000 Total $3,928,851,000 Compensation and Pension: Benefits expenditures for the following categories: compensation payments, pension payments, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, and burial allowances. Medical Care: Operating expenses incurred through the provision of health care services to veterans. The specific programs reported for this category are: medical care, General Post Fund, medical and prosthetic research, and miscellaneous accounts. Construction: Funding for Major Projects, Minor Projects, Grants for Construction of State Extended Care Facilities, and Grants for Construction of State Veterans Cemeteries. Insurance and Indemnities: Expenditures for death claims, matured endowments, dividends, cash surrender payments, total disability income provision payments, and total and permanent disability benefits payments. Education and Vocational Rehabilitation: Expenditures in this category include: automobile and adaptive equipment, specially adapted housing, Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35), Vocational Rehabilitation for Disabled Veterans (Chapter 31), Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance (Chapter 32), Montgomery G.I. Bill for Selected Reserves (Chapter 1606), Reserve Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1607), Montgomery G.I. Bill (Chapter 30), Post9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance (Chapter 33). General Operating Costs: General Operating Expenses represent the costs necessary to provide administration and oversight for the benefits provided by VA. This includes costs for overhead and human resources [to operate VA's regional office, hospitals, health clinics, nursing homes, and domiciliary facilities in Georgia]. This category does not include payments made directly to beneficiaries. 17 18 19 20 21 Since 1954 ... The Veterans Day Ceremony at the Capitol Governor Deal signs Veterans Day Proclamation with Commissioner Wheeler, State Rep. John Yates, State Sen. Ed Harbison, Veterans Service Organizations and members of the Georgia National Guard in attendance 22 Wreaths Across America CWeamrteeaVtteehtreysrAaacntrsMoMssilAelmemdogereriiavclialle WCreeVmaetethteesrraAync-sr-oMsGselAmenmonreivraiilclaleat 23 Commissioner's Activities 2012 Cost of Freedom Classic Golf Tournament, honoring Commissioner Wheeler, raises funds for Atlanta's homeless veterans program MPSSSSiOoocbWAEchsieRa)a,r,evVlClUaSioGeSnmetrcAcnomuecaF:hrimCisCotswaiyoW olrsn.Alkoea(idsrRr)m(M)e,S,tioCnER.r)ogioRmsaW dtennrmgaaei(iytoysAinsnToiTanoaenLlyW MeCVlreooaAW mrmd(MdomhDreCielieaelspsrll(ieueoDEprtn)xaye,-yr, "Marvin Myers Leadership Award" in recognition and thanks for his (Commissioner's) work on behalf of GA veterans. From the Georgia Veterans Day Parade Association of Atlanta, Inc. at the 2012 "Freedom Ball" 2012 Georgia Veterans Day Parade 24 Commissioner's Activities Commissioner Wheeler speaks at Iraq Veterans Welcome Home event in Rome Warner Robins Air Logistics Center commander Maj. Gen. Robert McMahon, Commissioner Wheeler, retired Sen. Sam Nunn at OIF/OEF Veterans Awareness Luncheon at Museum of Aviation, Warner Robins World War II veterans honored in Barnesville Commissioner Wheeler reviews new Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Carrollton Commissioner Wheeler participates in dedication of new Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Milledgeville 25 GDVS Activities eFvaNaeDmnatattitleliheynonoBdRnaseeotllaprhlGih,dneuimagGnasaeeevrossndosrolagCcfuiogodanmenertNpmfeoleeafourryetAsnnimwoticnhteehyane,onaltdss.nuuGVurpaiFpannSorgnrdOtau',stlahlle aaCnStodylCusLtemineomtbnrueaElslaHVAsFtalSCyaOnabaememsmpapautltsoVey(enVetdeeAsraaCMVnyCAsn-HtTSheutaisaalkntGehdgielCDyea)oaw.rredn Dedication of flagpole at Dalton VFSO 26 Local veterans honor Rita Barnhart, manager of Canton VFSO, for her years of work GDVS Hosts L'Association des Anciens Combattants Franco-Americans 27 Supermarket of Veterans Benefits Veterans Benefits "Supermarket" A Very Huge Success ALBANY (Wednesday, 12/5/12) With about 4,450 veterans and their families taking part, Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Pete Wheeler termed the 2012 "Supermarket of Veterans Benefits" held here today, "a very huge success, one of the best events of this type for veterans we have had in the past 10 years." The 47th annual one-day program took place here at the Albany Civic Center and provided a one-stop shopping service for veterans and their families to gather information regarding federal and state benefits to which they might be entitled. 28 Supermarket of Veterans Benefits 29 Supermarket of Veterans Benefits 30 Honoring Our Veterans Proclamation for Vietnam Veterans Day Memorial Day at Capitol Marietta NMatemionoraial lMDilaiytaaryt Cemetery 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. Governor Deal presents the 2012 Veterans Day Proclamation on behalf of all Georgia veterans 32 Georgia's VSO Leadership American Ex-Prisoners of War Ray Reierson State Commander www.axpow.org The American Legion Bill Lienhop State Commander Susie Mash Auxiliary President www.galegion.org AMVETS Ron Dillon State Commander Mary Duncan Auxiliary President www.amvets.org Atlanta World War II Roundtable John Kovach Adjutant www.atlantawwiiroundtable.org Blinded Veterans Association Joesph McNeil State President Gwendolyn McNeil Auxiliary President www.grgbva.org Disabled American Veterans Glenn Martin State Commander Cheryl Faglier Auxiliary President www.davmembersportal.org/ga Georgia Federal/Military Retiree Coalition Cal Posner State President www.georgiamoaa.org/GFMRC Georgia Military Officers Association of America Buddy Johnson State President www.georgiamoaa.org Georgia Vietnam Veterans Alliance Marvin Myers President www.gvva.org Jewish War Veterans of America Joseph Kraut State Commander www.jwv.org Marine Corps League Mike Clark Commandant, Dept. of Georgia www.mcldeptofga.org Military Order of the Purple Heart John W. Wilder State Commander Molly Ware Auxiliary President www.gapurpleheart.org Reserve Officers Association Tim Hoon State President www.roa.org Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States James R. Rogers State Commander Mickie Rogers Auxiliary President www.gavfw.org Vietnam Veterans of America J. Spence Davis State Council President www.vvageorgia.com 33 34 35 36 37 Ron Dillon Commander Department of Georgia 1100 Garnet Trail, Bogart, Georgia 30622 770-868-9736 - FAX 770-725-5787 georgia.commander@yahoo.com msgt1969@bellsouth.net Honorable Pete Wheeler Commissioner, Dept. of Veteran Services Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Ste. E-907 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler, Once again I personally want to thank you for all the work that you and your staff have performed on behalf of the veterans of Georgia and the United States as well. Your continued work for us veterans does not go un-noticed. We here in Georgia know who our friend is, and you sir, have several thousand friends in this state. The impact that you and your office has had on all of our lives throughout the years is a testimony of your dedication to all veterans and their families. We AMVETS were so pleased and honored that you once again attended our State Convention this past June in Athens. I pledge, as past department commanders have pledged to you and your staff our total and complete support to all your efforts. If at any time you need us please don't hesitate to contact me. Semper fi, Ron Dillon MSgt USMC Retired Commander, Dept of Georgia AMVETS 38 39 40 41 28 December 2012 Honorable Pete Wheeler Commissioner, Department of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suit E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler: As the Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart for the State of Georgia, I personally want to thank you for the outstanding support and services extended to the veterans and their families throughout this state. Our organization consists entirely of combat wounded warriors whose mission is to support all veterans and their families. This past year has been challenging and the task is crucial, but with the support of you and your staff has certainly made the difference. We especially thank you for the assistance to the veterans returning from the war zone with serious issues and those leaving the military to reside in our state of Georgia. When we have needed legislative assistance you are always ready to serve and assist. Year 2013 starts a new year to serve Georgia veterans. We will continue to look to you for leadership. With you and your staff in the lead, we stand by eagerly, ready to serve and assist. Please be assured that the Department of Georgia Military Order of Purple Heart will be with you and together we can better serve veterans. Commissioner Wheeler, the Purple Heart recipients of the great State of Georgia, salutes you and your staff for what you have done and what you will do for our Veterans. You have done a remarkable job as our Commissioner of Veterans Affairs. We pray that you continue to be the voice for us for many years to come. Again, thank you for being there for us. Respectfully, John W. Wilder John W. Wilder Department Commander MOPH, Georgia 42 43 Commandant Department of Georgia, Marine Corps League P.O. Box 74 Byron, Ga. 31008 February 25, 2013 The Honorable Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334-4800 Dear Commissioner, It has been an honor for the Department of Georgia Marine Corps League, to have worked with your office and superb staff again this past year. Even with our country's continuing financial issues the Georgia Department of Veterans Affairs still provides some of the best care and assistance for our Georgia Veterans This marks my final term as the Department Commandant for the great state of Georgia. I'm sure that my successor will enjoy the same relationship with the Georgia Department of Veterans Services that I have. The Marine Corp League will be proud to work with you and your staff in the coming year. Your steadfast dedication to our Veterans and their families should be an inspiration for all Georgia Veterans. Sincerely Michael P. Clark Commandant Department of Georgia Marine Corps League ONCE A MARINE~ ALAWAYS A MARINE 44 Blinded Veterans Association Georgia Regional Group 6245 Seminary Road Columbus, Georgia 31904 Joseph McNeil Sr. President Clifford C. Jones Jr. Vice President Clinton Jones 2nd Vice President Yvonne Williams Secretary Dr. Norman Jones Jr. Chaplain Date: December 30, 2012 To: Commissioner Pete Wheeler From: President, Georgia Regional Group Joseph D. McNeil Sr. Subject: Letter of Support Dear Commissioner Wheeler, As President of the Blinded Veterans Association, Georgia Regional Group, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for your outstanding efforts to help improve the lives of Veterans of this Great State of Georgia. As your aware the Blinded Veterans Association is the only Congressionally Chartered Veterans Organization dedicated to representing the issues and concerns of Visually Impaired Veterans and their families, your duties assist us greatly in accomplishing our mission. On behalf of all the Members of the Blinded Veterans Association, Georgia Regional Group (BVA GRG), We would like to wish you good fortune, health and prosperity in the year to come. Sincerely, Joseph D. McNeil Sr. 45 46 47 48 Georgia Federal/Military Retiree Coalition, Inc P. O. Box 360302 Decatur Georgia 30036 December 7, 2012 The Honorable Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Department of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334-4800 Dear Commissioner Wheeler, On this solemn day of remembrance, it is most appropriate to thank you for the support and services that you and your department have provided for Georgia's military veterans. Your many years of service in support of us deserve our eternal gratitude. In particular, I thank you and your staff for the support of the Georgia Federal/Military Retiree Coalition (GFMRC). Your willingness to provide us vital services and accommodations has been outstanding. Please pass on our gratitude to your staff for their help and support. They have always been ready to step up in every way to help us. We look forward to your continuing leadership and service to Georgia's military veterans. If there is any way we can be of service to you or your department, please do not hesitate to call on us. Sincerely, Calvin S. Posner Calvin S. Posner, Ed.D. President, GFMRC 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 Directory Dalton LaFayette Blairsville Clarkesville Toccoa Hartwell Rome Canton Gainesville Cartersville Cedertown Lawrenceville Elberton Athens Atlanta Carrollton Newnan Decatur Conyers Griffin LaGrange 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 56 An interactive version of this map is available at veterans.georgia.gov/field-offices Directory GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS SERVICE CENTRAL OFFICE Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-966, 2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive SE, 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 April Dodgen Debbie Gregory Assistant Commissioner Budget Specialist Administrative Assistant dholtz@vs.state.ga.us adodgen@vs.state.ga.us dgregory@vs.state.ga.us 404-656-2307 404-656-7439 404-656-2300 404-656-7006 404-656-7006 404-656-7006 ACCOUNTING & FINANCE DIVISION Chris Hambright Director 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 Bryan Farr Sys Administrator wcwilson@vs.state.ga.us 404-657-4110 bfarr@vs.state.ga.us 404-656-5893 404-656-7006 404-656-7006 LOGISTICS Bradley Johnson Proc & Supply Spec bjohnson@vs.state.ga.us 404-656-5893 404-656-7006 RECORDS MANAGEMENT Barbara Beedles Senior Clerk 2 DeMario Rucker Senior Clerk 2 bcausey@vs.state.ga.us drucker@vs.state.ga.us 404-463-3079 404-463-3077 404-651-6947 404-651-6947 57 Directory HEALTH & MEMORIALS DIVISION Georgia War Veterans Home, D-135, Wheeler Building, 2249 Vinson Highway, Milledgeville, GA 31059-0741 Ernie Simons Jenelle Moore Director Administrative Assistant gdvssc@windstream.net 478-445-2544 gdvssc2@windstream.net 478-445-2544 478-445-0828 478-445-0828 GEORGIA VETERANS MEMORIAL CEMETERY GLENNVILLE 8819 US Hwy 301, Glennville, GA 30427 Ernie Cowart Stacy Howard Tommy Waters Wallace Brannen William C. Tackett Director Asst. Director Maint Supervisor Maint / Hvy Equip Op Maint / Hvy Equip Op ecowart@vs.state.ga.us showard@vs.state.ga.us twaters@vs.state.ga.us wbrannen@vs.state.ga.us wtackett@vs.state.ga.us 912-654-5398 912-654-5398 912-654-5398 912-654-5398 912-654-5398 912-654-2963 912-654-2963 912-654-2963 912-654-2963 912-654-2963 GEORGIA VETERANS MEMORIAL CEMETERY at MILLEDGEVILLE 2617 Vinson Highway, Milledgeville, GA 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 Madison Smith Maint / Hvy Equip Op msmith@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, GA 31062 Wylene Bloodworth Executive Director Janice Scott Associate Director Charolet Medlin Office Manager Verdine Young Admissions Coord wbloodworth@uhs-pruitt.com 478-445-6821 jscott@uhs-pruitt.com 478-445-4516 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 AUGUSTA 1101 15th Street, Augusta, GA 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 cesposito@gru.edu cwooten@gru.edu kyonce@gru.edu rlittle@gru.edu jeveker@gru.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 Administrative Assistant Bobby Davis Senior Coordinator Mark Bannister Senior Coordinator Lily Snyder Senior Coordinator Frank Kollig Coordinator Dairelle Shropshire Secretary 2 saaga@vs.state.ga.us saale@vs.state.ga.us saamag@vs.state.ga.us saabjd@vs.state.ga.us saasmb@vs.state.ga.us saals@vs.state.ga.us fkollig@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 404-463-3075 404-657-6276 404-656-2322 404-657-6276 404-463-4267 404-657-6276 404-656-2322 404-657-6276 58 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 Veterans Field Service Office 311 Green Street NW, Room 405, Gainesville, GA 30501-6060 Harry Evans Linda Lavender Bob Pollard Regional Director Economic Support Specialist, GWVHMilledgeville Economic Support Specialist, GWVNHAugusta hevans@vs.state.ga.us llavender@vs.state.ga.us rpollard@vs.state.ga.us 404-213-1020 478-445-4449 706-721-4301 SOUTH GEORGIA REGION Bainbridge Veterasns Field Service Office 307 East Broughton Street, Bainbridge, GA 39817-4003 Craig Couturier Regional Director gavaman7@hotmail.com 229-248-2599 229-243-5362 CLAIMS & APPEALS DIVISION 1700 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033 Main Office Dan Cravey Director daniel.cravey@va.gov Debra Coleman Administrative Assistant debra.l.coleman@va.gov George Canavaggio Sr VCAO george.canavaggio@va.gov Mike Noles Sr VCAO mike.noles@va.gov James Reeves Sr VCAO james.reeves2@va.gov Herb Ward Sr VCAO herbert.ward1@va.gov Joel Willis Sr VCAO joel.willis@va.gov Deborah Jones VCAO 1 deborah.jones11@va.gov Shelly Simpson VCAO 1 shellyann.simpson@va.gov Rhonda Wilson VCAO 1 rhonda.wilson2@va.gov Antionette Thompson VCAO 1 Mike Dennard VCAO 1 Enrique Torres VCAO 1 Deborah Clayton Secretary 2 deborah.clayton@va.gov Telethia Penn Secretary 2 Linda Williams Secretary 2 linda.j.williams@va.gov 404-929-5345 404-929-5349 404-929-5360 404-929-5362 404-929-5352 404-929-5353 404-929-5350 404-929-5355 404-929-5354 404-929-5370 404-929-5357 404-929-5351 404-929-5343 404-929-5342 404-929-5361 404-929-5358 404-929-5359 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 404-929-5347 404-929-5347 404-929-5347 ALBANY (South Region) 1303 W. Broad Ave., Albany, GA 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 N. 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 59 Directory ATHENS (North Region) Counties served: Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison, Oconee, 9249 U.S. Highway 29, Suite D, Athens, GA 30601 Oglethorpe Dale Bell Ramona Roper Aesia Brown Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) VFSO 1 VFSO 1 dbell@vs.state.ga.us rroper@vs.state.ga.us abrown@vs.state.ga.us 706-369-5630 706-369-5631 706-369-5631 706-369-5998 706-369-5998 706-369-5998 ATLANTA (Asst. Commissioner, FO&C) Counties served: Fulton, Clayton Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Balcony Level, West Tower, Suite 426A, 200 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30334 Lenora Evans VFSO 2 (Office Mgr) Booker Wallace VFSO 1 levans@vs.state.ga.us bwallace@vs.state.ga.us 404-656-5940 404-623-1514 404-657-1288 404-657-1288 AUGUSTA (North Region) Counties served: Columbia, Richmond Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home, 1101 15th St., Augusta, GA 30901-3196 Beverly Lloyd John McKenzie Daniel Jones Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) VFSO 1 VFSO 1 blloyd@vs.state.ga.us jmckenzie@vs.state.ga.us djones@vs.state.ga.us 706-721-4301 706-721-4302 706-721-4302 706-721-6015 706-721-6015 706-721-6015 Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Room 2D-105C, 950 15th St., Augusta, GA 30914 Barbara J. Johnson VFSO 2 (Office Mgr) bjjohnson@vs.state.ga.us 706-823-2218/3916 706-823-1768 BAINBRIDGE (South Region) Counties served: Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Decatur, Early, Miller, 307 E. Broughton St., Bainbridge, GA 39817-4003 Quitman, Randolph, Seminole Terri Hurst VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) thurst@vs.state.ga.us 229-248-2599/2663 229-243-5362 BLAIRSVILLE (North Region) Counties served: Fannin, Rabun, Towns, Union 1294 Highway 515 East, Blairsville, GA 30512 Robert Spaulding Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) Jonathan Ledford VFSO 1 rspaulding@vs.state.ga.us 706-745-6341 jledford@vs.state.ga.us 706-745-6341 706-745-6341 706-745-6341 BRUNSWICK (South Region) Counties served: Glynn, McIntosh 11 Judicial Lane, Suite 203, Brunswick, GA 31520 Christine Herring VFSO 2 (Office Mgr) therring@vs.state.ga.us 912-262-2345 Mac Bollinger VFSO 1 mbollinger@vs.state.ga.us 912-264-7360 912-261-3937 912-261-3937 CANTON (North Region) Counties served: Cherokee, Cobb, Gilmer, Pickens 100 North St., Suite G-20, Canton, GA 30114-2779 Rita Barnhart Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) rbarnhart@cherokeega.com 770-720-3538 770-704-2317 Daphne Nichols VFSO 1 dnichols@cherokeega.com 770-720-6622 770-704-2317 CARROLLTON (North Region) Counties served: Carroll, Douglas Trinka Davis Veterans Village Outpatient Clinic, 180 Martin Drive, Carrollton, GA 30117 Fred Daniels VFSO 1 Theodore Merriss VFSO 1 60 freddie.daniels@va.gov 404-321-6111 x2554 404-417-2986 theodore.merriss@va.gov 404-321-6111 x2589 404-417-2986 Directory CARTERSVILLE (North Region) Counties served: Bartow, Paulding 320 W. Cherokee Ave., Room 105, Cartersville, GA 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 Ave., Cedartown, GA 30125 OPEN ONLY Monday & Friday 8 to 4:30; Wednesday 8 to noon Stephen Rood (P/T) VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) vdubl943@aol.com 770-749-2209 770-749-2266 CLARKESVILLE (North Region) Counties served: Banks, Habersham, White 6257 Ga. Highway 115, Suite 3, Clarkesville, GA 30523 William Tucker Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) Randy Woodie VFSO 1 wtucker@vs.state.ga.us awoodie@vs.state.ga.us 706-754-4316 706-754-4316 706-754-9185 706-754-9185 COLUMBUS (South Region) Counties served: Chattahoochee, Muscogee, Stewart 1520 Third Ave., Suite 5, Columbus, GA 31901 Lionel Haynes David Floyd Cynthia Gilyard Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) VFSO 1 VSFO 1 lhaynes@vs.state.ga.us dfloyd@vs.state.ga.us cgilyard@vs.state.ga.us 706-649-1266 706-649-1264 706-649-1264 706-649-1726 706-649-1726 706-649-1726 CONYERS (North Region) 983 Taylor St., Conyers, GA 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 Seventh St. South, Room 204, Cordele, GA 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, GA 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 Melanie Bagley VFSO 1 mbagley@vs.state.ga.us 706-272-2355 706-272-2335 DECATUR (Claims) County served: DeKalb Atlanta VA Medical Center, Room 1C204, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033-4004 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 61 Directory DUBLIN (South Region) Counties served: Bleckley, Dodge, Johnson, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen Carl Vinson VA Medical Center, Room 124-6, Ward 6A, 1826 Veterans Blvd., Dublin, GA 31021-3699 Shaun Evans VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) shaun.evans@va.gov 478-272-4266 478-274-7802 Michael Hunnicutt VFSO 1 mike.hunnicutt@va.gov 478-274-7748 478-274-7802 ELBERTON (North Region) County served: Elbert Elbert County Office Complex, 45 Forest Ave., Elberton, GA 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, GA 30501-6060 Cynthia Hayes Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) chayes@vs.state.ga.us Belinda Wise VFSO 1 bwise@vs.state.ga.us 770-531-6060 770-531-6060 770-531-6061 770-531-6061 GLENNVILLE (South Region) Counties served: Bryan, Liberty, Long, Tattnall, Wayne Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery Glennville, 8819 U.S. Highway 301, Glennville, GA 30427 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 x226 912-654-2963 GREENSBORO (North Region) County served: Greene 113 N. Main St., Suite 117, Greensboro, GA 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, GA 30223 Artis Robinson Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) Willie Miles VFSO 1 Counties served: Butts, Fayette, Henry, Pike, Spalding, Talbot, Upson 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) 194 Cade St., Suite B, Hartwell, GA 30643 Michael Partlow VFSO 2 (Office Mgr) County served: Hart mpartlow@vs.state.ga.us 706-376-4461 706-856-2737 LAFAYETTE (North Region) Counties served: Chattooga, Dade, Walker Judiciary Annex, 108-E Villanow St., LaFayette, GA 30728-2519 Hugh Downey VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) hdowney@vs.state.ga.us 706-638-5544 706-639-2046 LAGRANGE (North Region) Counties served: Harris, Heard, Meriwether, Troup 2170 West Point Road, Suite 35, LaGrange, GA 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 62 Directory LAWRENCEVILLE (North Region) Counties served: Gwinnett, Hall Lawrenceville CBOC, Building 200, Room 106, 455 Philip Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 Chris Kicklighter VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) ckicklighter@vs.state.ga.us 404-321-6111 x1964 404-417-1755 LYONS (South Region) 126 W. Grady Ave., Lyons, GA 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 St., Room 203, Macon, GA 31201-2817 Debra Marshall VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) Robert Claypool VFSO 1 dmarshall@vs.state.ga.us 478-751-3186 rclaypool@vs.state.ga.us 478-751-3187 478-751-6594 478-751-6594 MCRAE (South Region) 63 W. Oak St., McRae, GA 31055 Del Parisella VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) Counties served: Appling, Coffee, Jeff Davis, Telfair, Wheeler dparisella@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, 2249 Vinson Highway, Milledgeville, GA 31059-0741 Melanie Goss Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) mkay@vs.state.ga.us 478-445-4751 478-445-3139 James Brewer VFSO 1 jbrewer@vs.state.ga.us 478-445-6900 478-445-3139 MOULTRIE (South Region) Counties served: Colquitt, Mitchell 101 E. Central Ave., Room 127, Moultrie, GA 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 E. Broad St., Room 119, Newnan, GA 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 Ave., Rome, GA 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 63 Directory SAVANNAH (South Region) County served: Chatham Savannah VA Outpatient Clinic, 325 W. Montgomery Cross Roads, Savannah, GA 31406-3309 Jewel Middleton Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) Tisa Davis VFSO 1 Jacqueline Johnson VFSO 1 jewel.middleton@va.gov philippa.davis@va.gov jacqueline.johnson@va.gov 912-920-0214 x2194 912-920-0214 x2191 912-920-0214 x2193 912-921-2016 912-921-2016 912-921-2016 STATESBORO (South Region) Counties served: Bulloch, Candler, Effingham, Evans, Jenkins, Screven 3A W. Altman St., Statesboro, GA 30458 Kevin Gibbs Winslow Hill VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) VFSO 1 jkgibbs@vs.state.ga.us whill@vs.state.ga.us 912-871-1104 912-871-1104 912-871-1270 912-871-1270 ST. MARYS (South Region) County served: Camden St. Marys VA Outpatient Clinic, 205 Lakeshore Point, St. Marys, GA 31558 Telisha Johnson VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) tjohnson@vs.state.ga.us 912-510-3440 912-510-3426 SWAINSBORO (Asst. Commissioner, FO&C) County served: Emanuel Emanuel County Office Building, Room 3, 101 N. Main St., Swainsboro, GA 30401 Tessa Gilmore VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) tgilmore@vs.state.ga.us 478-289-2617 478-289-2704 THOMASVILLE (South Region) 101 S. Broad St., Thomasville, GA 31792 Larry Price Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) Telia Alexander VFSO 1 Counties served: Grady, Thomas jprice@vs.state.ga.us talexander1@vs.state.ga.us 229-225-4050 229-225-3998 229-227-2418 229-227-2418 TIFTON (South Region) 222 Chesnutt Ave., Tifton, GA 31793-0534 Elijah Collins VFSO 2 (Office Mgr) Selene Belton-Allen VFSO 1 Counties served: Ben Hill, Irwin, Tift, Turner ecollins@vs.state.ga.us sallen@vs.state.ga.us 229-386-3856 229-386-3856 229-391-6956 229-391-6956 TOCCOA (North Region) Counties served: Franklin, Stephens Courthouse Annex, Room 104, 12 W. Tugalo St., Toccoa, GA 30577 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 N. Patterson St., Valdosta, GA 31602-1938 Janet S. Pajerowski Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) janet.pajerowski2@va.gov 229-333-2179 229-259-5583 John Jeffrey VFSO 1 jjeffery@vs.state.ga.us 229-333-2178 229-259-5583 Eddie Taylor VFSO 1 etaylor@vs.state.ga.us 229-333-2178 229-259-5583 64 Directory WARNER ROBINS (South Region) Counties served: Houston, Peach City Hall, Room 206, 700 Watson Blvd., Warner Robins, GA 31093-3414 Vincent Pritchett Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) vpritchett@vs.state.ga.us Yolanda Marchall-Jones VFSO 1 yjones@vs.state.ga.us 478-929-1126 478-293-1015 478-929-1124 478-929-1124 WASHINGTON (North Region) Counties served: Glascock, Jefferson, Lincoln, McDuffie, Morgan, Taliaferro, 104 E. Liberty St., Washington, GA 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 St., Waycross, GA 31501 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 W. Sixth St., Waynesboro, GA 30830-0093 912-285-6340 912-285-6340 912-285-6341 912-285-6341 Carol Crawford VFSO 2 (Office Mgr) ccrawford@vs.state.ga.us 706-554-3874 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. 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 12/31/2012) Number of VA Facilities VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinics 821 VA Vet Centers 300 VA Hospitals 152 VA National Cemeteries Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Offices 131 56 (as of 09/30/2012) Projected Veteran Population Female Veterans Male Veterans 10 % 22,328,000 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 8.76* 6.97 3.56 1.76 0.95 0.31 Numbers shown in millions (as of 12/31/12) VA Vocational Rehabilitation Trainees 0.06* * Number as of FY2012 7.5 Numbers shown in millions (as of 9/30/2012) 5.6 6.2 2.3 1.4 (as of 9/30/2012) 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) 2011; Veterans Benefits Administration; Veterans Health Administration, Office of the Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Policy and Planning. Prepared February 2013 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 AuSsmtAeyltrllnaantaMarieDtteacatuLrawrencevilAlethens East Point Carrollton Stockbridge Newnan Augusta Milledgeville Macon Columbus Perry Dublin Statesboro Albany Savannah Hinesville Tifton Waycross Valdosta Brunswick St. Marys Health Clinics 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 GDVS Field Office: 404-728-7611 Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center 1 Freedom Way, Augusta, GA 30904 706-733-0188 or 800-836-5561 GDVS Field Office: 706-823-2218 Carl Vinson VA Medical Center 1826 Veterans Blvd., Dublin, GA 31021 478-272-1210 or 800-595-5229 GDVS Field Office: 478-272-4266 Vet Centers Atlanta 1440 Dutch Valley Place, Suite 1100 Phone: 404-347-7264 Augusta 2050 Walton Way, Suite 100 Phone: 706-729-5762 Columbus 2601 Cross Country Drive, Condo B-2, Suite 900 Phone: 706-596-7170 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; GDVS Field Office: 706-745-6341 1111 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA 31525-7921 Phone: 912-261-2355; GDVS Field Office: 912-262-2345 180 Martin Drive, Carrollton, GA 30117 Phone: 404-321-6111, ext. 2656; GDVS Field Office: ext. 2554 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, ext. 2600 740 East General Stewart Way,Suite 103, Hinesville, GA 31313 Phone: 912-920-0214; ext. 5833 or 5847 455 Phillip Blvd., Suite 200, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 Phone: 404-417-1750 5398 Thomaston Road, Suite B, Macon, GA 31220 Phone: 478-476-8868 GWVH, Wheeler Building, A Wing, Milledgeville, GA 31061 Phone: 478-272-1210, operator; GDVS Field Office: 478-445-4751 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; GDVS Field Office: ext. 2191, 2193, or 2194 205 Lakeshore Point, St. Marys, GA 31558 Phone: 912-510-3420; GDVS Field Office: 912-510-3440 412 Northside Drive E., Suite 500, Statesboro, GA 30458 Phone: 912-871-8719.; GDVS Field Office: 912-871-1104 175 Medical Blvd., Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: 404-329-2222 2841 N. Patterson Street, Valdosta, GA 31602 Phone: 229-293-0132; GDVS Field Office: 229-333-2178 515B City Blvd., Waycross, GA 31501 Phone: 912-279-4400; GDVS Field Office: 912-285-6340 Veterans Crisis Hotline: 800-273-TALK 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 Veterans Field Service Offices Albany 229-430-1797 Americus 229-931-2546 Athens 706-369-5630 Atlanta 404-656-5940 Augusta 706-721-4301 Augusta VAMC 706-823-2218 Bainbridge 229-248-2599 Blairsville 706-745-6341 Brunswick 912-262-2345 Canton 770-720-3538 Carrollton 404-321-6111, x2554 Cartersville 770-387-3746 Cedartown 770-749-2209 (MWF) Clarkesville 706-754-4316 Columbus 706-649-1264 Conyers 770-388-5075 Cordele 229-276-2366 Dalton 706-272-2355 Decatur 404-728-7611 Dublin 478-272-4266 Elberton 706-213-2040 Gainesville 770-531-6060 Glennville 912-654-5159 Greensboro 706-453-7455 (Tues., Fri.) Griffin 770-412-4023 Hartwell 706-376-4461 LaFayette 706-638-5544 LaGrange 706-845-4095 Lawrenceville 404-321-6111, x1964 Lyons 912-526-8860 Macon 478-751-3186 McRae 229-868-6391 Milledgeville 478-445-4751 Moultrie 229-891-7135 Veterans Field Service Offices Newnan 770-254-7260 Rome 706-295-6026 St. Marys 912-510-3440 Savannah 912-920-0214, x2194 Statesboro 912-871-1104 Swainsboro 478-289-2617 Thomasville 229-225-4050 Tifton 229-386-3856 Toccoa 706-282-4525 (Tues., Thurs.) Valdosta 229-333-2178 Warner Robins 478-929-1126 Washington 706-678-2821 Waycross 912-285-6340 Waynesboro 706-554-3874 GDVS Central Office Public Information Division Atlanta 404-656-5933 Claims & Appeals Division Decatur 404-929-5345 Veterans Education & Training Division Atlanta 404-656-2306 We value your input. Give feedback at gavetsvc@vs.state.ga.us, facebook.com/gavetsvc, or 404-656-5933.