Georgia Department of Veterans Service 2013 Annual Report Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Table of Contents Message from the Commissioner.............................................................................................3 Department Organization/Mission,Vision,Values...........................................................4 Veterans Service Board Members.........................................................................................5 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...........................................................................................34-47 D i re c tor y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 8 - 5 7 VA Contacts.........................................................................................................57 VA Statistical Data.........................................................................................58-66 VA Medical System Information.........................................................................67 About the Photo: 2 3 Department Organization Missions: To assist Georgia's 774,000+ veterans with benefits claims to obtain compensation, pension and services from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). To provide nursing w 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 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 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. 4 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. 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 2013 Board Members Board Member Position District Ray Hendrix Chairman Statesboro Pat Phillips Vice Chairman Blairsville Philip G. Youngblood Secretary Quitman Fred T. Fincher, Sr.MemberLaGrange Shawn HanleyMember Atlanta James K. Hussey, Jr. Member Appling Charles Edward "Eddie" Whitted Member Blackshear 5 Georgia Department of Veterans Service Serving Those Who Served The mission of the Department of Veterans Service is to serve the 774,000+ veterans residing in Georgia, their dependents and survivors in all matters pertaining to veterans benefits. 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. To support these missions, the department maintains a claims division, field offices, two veterans nursing homes, two veterans cemeteries, and a public information division. The Claims Division's mission is to process claims and appeals of Georgia veterans. The Field Offices, located throughout the state, provide direct assistance to veterans at the local level. The department representatives provide counsel and assist veterans in gathering the documents and information required to support their claims. The veterans nursing homes provide skilled nursing care to Georgia's war veterans who need those services. The veterans cemeteries provide final resting places for Georgia's veterans and their spouses and serve as shrines to their memory and their service to our nation. The Public Information Division's mission is to keep Georgia veterans informed about these issues. The uninformed may be prone to use the phrase "duplication of effort" when referring to the functions of the Department of Veterans Service and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; nothing could be further from the truth. To a veteran seeking benefits from the VA, the role played by the Department of Veterans Service might be compared to that of an attorney representing a client in court. The necessity for personal assistance in filing and pursuing claims and in maintaining a continuing information program results from the legal principle that veterans benefits are not awarded automatically all must be applied for. The VA pays a veteran exactly what he or she applies for when they are entitled, and no more. The aim of the Department of Veterans Service is to obtain for a veteran or dependents the benefits to which they are entitled, to tell them when they are entitled, and to assist them in gathering and preparing evidence needed to justify a claim and prove their entitlement. The advancing age of Korean and Vietnam War veterans, and the frequent changes that occur in veterans benefits legislation, will necessitate the continuance of a variety of veterans programs in the years ahead. As Congress continues to seek ways to reduce the deficit, veterans benefits will continue to be in a state of flux. This means veterans will continue to need assistance in interpreting the changes and determining how they impact their personal situation. 6 Georgia Department of Veterans Service Department Functions Effectuate and carry out As State Approving the laws of the state pertaining to Authority, enter into contracts veterans. with the federal government for Inform veterans, their the qualifications, approval, dependents, and survivors as to DIVISIONS certification, and supervision their rights and benefits under Claims and Appeals of educational institutions and federal and state legislation, or Veterans Education and Training training establishments applying local ordinances. Public Information for or participating in federal Assist veterans, their 50 Field Service Offices programs for educating and dependents, and their beneficiaries 2 Veterans Memorial Cemeteries training veterans. in the preparation, presentation, 2 Veterans Nursing Homes Assist other states in securing proof, and establishment of such evidence for claims. claims, privileges, rights and other Promote enlargement and benefits accruing to them under improvement of VA hospital federal, state, and local laws. Maintain files on all veterans facilities in the state. Report any evidence of who have filed claims for veterans' Sponsor observance of incompetence, dishonesty, benefit through the department. Veterans Day in the state. or negligence on the part of any Conduct educational Certify eligibility for employee dealing with veterans' programs by personal appearances veterans' drivers licenses and affairs. before veterans' organizations, honorary drivers' license. Promote and protect the service clubs, fraternal groups and Certify eligibility for rights of Georgia's veterans under other such organizations so as to disabled veterans' discount at federal and state law. acquaint the public generally with Department of Natural Resources Apply for and accept gifts, the work of the department. facilities. grants, and other contributions Make representatives of the Issue Certificates of from the federal government or department available throughout Exemption from payment of from any other governmental units.the state to assist all veterans, business license tax to qualified Construct and operate their dependents, and survivors veterans. nursing homes and personal care in preparing and filing claims for Assist qualified veterans in homes for the benefit of eligible benefits and to acquaint them with obtaining honorary hunting and war veterans. all legal rights and privileges. fishing licenses. Construct and operate state Cooperate with all national, Assist in obtaining special veterans cemeteries for the benefit state, and local governmental motor vehicle license plates for of eligible veterans and their and private agencies, securing or certain veterans: Medal of Honor dependents. offering services or any benefits to and Purple Heart recipients, former Advise the Governor, the veterans and their dependents. prisoners-of-war, handicapped Board of Veterans Service, and the Assist and cooperate with all and disabled veterans, and retired General Assembly as to needed veterans' organizations military personnel. veterans' legislation. in their work. 7 Veterans education and training 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 ( SAA) 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 26,092 during 2013. 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 17,200 Georgia veterans used this GI Bill during 2013. 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 2013, the approval of educational institutions and training establishments for the education of Georgia veterans resulted in the processing of 6,460 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 2013 using VA standards. During 2013, personnel assigned to the Veterans Educational and Training Division conducted about 193235 visits for the purpose of approval, re-approval, inspection and compliance surveys. Currently, the department monitors more than 1,576 educational institutions and training establishments. In 2013, GDVS continued to expand opportunities for Georgia veterans to receive their Education Benefits while enrolled in approved OnThe-Job Training (OJT) and Apprenticeship programs. For more information on all GI Bill programs go to: www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. 8 Public Information Division The Public Information Division collects, evaluates, and disseminates information to veterans regarding benefits changes in laws, and proper procedures to be followed in the filing of claims. When appropriate, the division mails news and information releases concerning veterans affairs to newspapers, radio and television stations throughout Georgia. The releases are used to inform veterans about the latest changes regarding veterans affairs and to provide information on the status of proposed or pending legislation which may affect them. Field personnel promote the department and the services it provides by their frequent contacts with the news media in their respective areas. Public speaking forums are an important ingredient of the department's overall information program. All department personnel are encouraged to accept speaking engagements at meetings of veterans organizations and civic clubs. These personal appearances provide excellent opportunities for telling the veterans benefits story. Department personnel also participate in local radio talk shows and make presentations at local schools. The Public Information Division compiles, edits, and publishes a series of pamphlets explaining in detail the various benefits available to veterans, their dependents, and survivors. These pamphlets are updated as changes occur in laws, regulations, or benefits. Through an aggressive internal communication program, the Division keeps the field offices informed about changes in the law and policy interpretations that impact veterans. The Public Information Division maintains the department's online presence, including its website and several social media channels. Veterans, their families, and all others interested in veteran-related news are encouraged to follow @gavetsvc on Twitter, where the department is leveraging the social media service to share the latest news of the day as it happens. Those interested in more in-depth news and a chance to interact with other veterans and veteran advocates are encouraged to "like" the Georgia Department of Veterans Service's page on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ gavetsvc. Although the department is always seeking to keep abreast of the latest trends in media, www.veterans. georgia.gov remains the source of official Georgia Department of Veterans Service information. The website contains news releases, information about Commissioner Wheeler, state veterans benefits, the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home in Augusta, the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville, the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemeteries in Milledgeville and Glennville, locations of the Field Offices, and approved OJT/Apprenticeships facilities. facebook.com/gavetsvc twitter.com/gavetsvc 9 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 war 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 2013, the nursing home provided 59,709 days of care to Georgia's veterans with an average age of 83. During the year, there were 275 admissions and 284 discharges with an average length of stay of 196 days. Services to patients included 5,674 physical therapy treatments and 4,519 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 $5.7 million during fiscal year 2013. Throughout the year, veteran service organizations, civic and fraternal organizations and religious groups demonstrated their concern for the wellbeing 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 UHS-Pruitt 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 2013, 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 17,089 for 2013. 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. 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 2013, veteran patients at the home received 79,787 days of skilled nursing care. The nursing home admitted 151 patients during the year and had 77 discharges/deaths. The average length of stay for current skilled veteran patients is 1,335 days or 3.6 years. Federal assistance in funding a portion of the cost of providing care to veterans in the home amounted to $8,977,640. 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 1,426 individual volunteers providing in excess of 5,264 hours of time valued at over $114,702.56 presented over 535 activities during the year. The value of in-kind donations made available to the home was $37,940.00. Groups and individuals also provided direct monetary donations of $29,719.00 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, multitier 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 203 burials in 2013, making the total-to-date 2,127 veterans, spouses, and dependents buried at the GVMC. The burials are composed of 1,494 casketed burials, 367 cremations in the columbarium, 309 in-ground cremations, and 21 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, Patriot Guard, and members of the 48th Infantry Brigade conducted a ceremony attended by approximately 300 people. Flags were placed on all burial sites in the cemetery in recognition of Veterans Day. On December 14, 2013, the cemetery hosted its annual Wreaths Across America ceremony honoring our past and present military. Seven wreaths, provided by the Worchester Wreath Company, were presented honoring each branch of our Armed Forces, Merchant Marines and POWs/MIAs. The ceremony included members of the Patriot Guard Riders, Honor Guards from the Augusta Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol and Putnam County High School, cadets from Georgia Military College Prep School, and representatives from each branch of service. The cemetery received approximately 1700 donated wreaths, which were placed on graves following the ceremony. This was the first year that wreaths were placed on every grave in the cemetery. 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. 12 gvmc - gLENVILLE Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery Glennville is situated on the 42.6acre 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, 2013, there were 604 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 2013, 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. Mr. Andy Quinney performed Taps during the ceremony. Lt. Col. Lee T. Overby, Commander of Fort Stewart's 1st Battalion 76th Field Artillery Regiment, 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. Also, Cemetery Director Ernie Cowart spoke of the beginnings of the holiday to its place in today's world and welcomed the crowd to the cemetery, as over 200 people attended the ceremony during a beautiful 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 around 200 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 ........................................................................... 197,152 Other Visits ............................................................................ 364,382 Hearings ................................................................................... 562 SERVICES & TRANSACTIONS FEDERAL BENEFITS Compensation and Pension ...................................................... 62,797 DIC and Death Pension ............................................................... 6,463 Eligibility Verification Reports .................................................. 3,348 Education, Training, and Vocational Rehabilitation ..................... 6,998 Notices of Disagreement andAppeals Filed ................................. 5,210 Medical ................................................................................... 31,932 Micellaneous (Insurance,Burials Loans, Powers of Attorney, and Changes of Address, Social Security, Veterans Preference Points, Other Forms) ......................................................................... 234,025 Advice .................................................................................. 194,680 SERVICES & TRANSACTIONS STATE BENEFITS Driver's License ...................................................................... 13,046 Business License .......................................................................... 609 State Veterans Home Application .................................................. 258 License Plates ..........................................................................16,515 Natural Resources ..................................................................... 1,784 Tax Exemptions ......................................................................... 2,225 Preference Points .......................................................................... 712 Welfare Assistance .................................................................... 3,390 Advice........................................................................56,782 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. 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). 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: COMPENSATION AND PENSION: Claims for monetary benefits submitted by veterans, dependents, or survivors. DIC AND DEATH PENSION: Dependents Indemnity Compensation and Death Pension. 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. NOD AND APPEALS: Notice of Disagreement or Appeal related to a claim application for VA benefits. 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. BUSINESS LICENSE: Certificates issued to certain disabled veterans exempting them from the payment of business license taxes. STATE VETERANS HOME APPLICATION: Admission to a State Veterans Home. 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. Welfare Assistance: Advice regarding an application for welfare benefits. 15 GDVS Financial Report For Fiscal year ending june 30, 2013 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 2013 (October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013). The figures were provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (See pages 58-62 for more detailed breakdown of these figures.) 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. Compensation and Pension $2,482,164,000 Medical Care $1,574,087,000 Construction 3,359,000 Insurance and Indemnities $48,822,000 Education and Vocational Rehabilitation $453,034,000 General Operating Expenses $109,242,000 Total Expenditure $4,670,709,000 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 Commissioner's Activities 22 Commissioner's Activities 23 Supermarket of Veterans Benefits 2013 24 Supermarket of Veterans Benefits 2013 25 Veterans Day at the Captiol 26 50th Anniversary of the vietnam war 27 GDVS Activities Veterans Monument now sits outside Twin Towers Building in downtown Atlanta Veterans Cross Country tour visits Lyons Office. Above: Conyers Office Veterans Field Service officers gives away Thanksgiving Dinners Below: Citizens who received Thanksgiving Dinners Lyons Office's luncheon for the Veterans Cross Country event. 28 Wreaths Across America Above: Local Glennville ROTC Color Guard Below: Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Milledgeville Right: Veteran laying wreaths on deceased veterans graves. lays wreath on fallen soldiers grave. 29 Women Veterans Conference 30 (L-R) Assistant Commissioner, Mike Roby , GDVS Commissioner Pete Wheeler, Women Veterans Coordinator, Deborah Jones (L-R) Amy Stevens and Women Veterans Coordinator, Deborah Jones Women Veterans Conference Geogia Department of Veterans Service, Women Veterans Coordinator, Deborah Jones (L-R) Antoinette Thompson, Rhonda Wilson, Shelly Simpson, Deborah Clayton, Deborah Jones (Women Veterans Coordinator, GDVS), Telethia Penn, Sherrie Strickalnd, and Linda Williams. 31 Georgia's Veterans Service Organizations In rendering service to the veterans of Georgia, the Georgia 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 GDVS activities and issues that impact Georgia veterans. 32 Governor Deal presents the 2013 Veterans Day Proclamation on behalf of all Georgia veterans Georgia's VSO Leadership American Ex-Prisoners of War Ray Reierson State Commander www.axpow.org The American Legion Lynn Rollins State Commander Betty Grist Auxiliary President www.galegion.org AMVETS Robert Heiss State Commander Kay Floyd Auxiliary President www.amvets.org Atlanta Vietnam Veteran Business Association Kurt Mueller President www.avvba.org Atlanta World War II Roundtable Lee Weinstein Commander www.atlantawwiiroundtable.org Blinded Veterans Association Joesph McNeil State President Gwendolyn McNeil Auxiliary President www.grgbva.org Disabled American Veterans Jonathon Smalls State Commander Cheryl Ramirez Auxiliary President www.davmembersportal.org/ga Georgia Federal/Military Retiree Coalition Kurt Schuler State President www.georgiamoaa.org/GFMRC Georgia Military Officers Association of America Calvin S. Posner 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 Joe W. Barbee Commandant, Dept. of Georgia www.mcldeptofga.org Military Order of the Purple Heart Doug Middleton State Commander Molly Ware Auxiliary President www.gapurpleheart.org Reserve Officers Association James D. Bankers State President www.roa.org Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Ron KellerJames R. Rogers State Commander Kim Lewis Auxiliary President www.gavfw.org Vietnam Veterans of America J. Spence Davis State Council President www.vvageorgia.com 33 34 35 36 DEPARtMEnt oF GEoRGiA LADiES AUXiLiARY to tHE VEtERAnS oF FoREiGn WARS oF tHE UnitED StAtES Honorable Pete wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans memorial Building, Suite E-970 Atlanta, GA 30334 Dear Commissioner wheeler, on behalf of the almost 5000 members of the ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign wars Department of Georgia, we thank you and your staff for your continuing outstanding service and support you provide to Georgia's Veterans and their families. Serving this year as State President, it's been my privilege to travel throughout Georgia and see the outstanding medical facilities taking care of our veterans. The staffs are dedicated to providing quality care for our Nation's Heroes. I'm proud that we are partnered with the Department of Veterans Service and that the ladies Auxiliary members in Georgia are dedicated volunteers in your facilities. Thank you for all you do for our Veterans and for your tireless efforts throughout the years to ensure that our veterans and their needs are being taken care of. we appreciate your superb effort to consistently ensure that all veterans and their families receive all benefits to which they are entitled. may God continue to bless you and your staff for helping to maintain the highest regard and care for those individuals who have kept our nation free. Respectfully, Kimberly M. Lewis Kimberly m. lewis Department of Georgia 2013-2014 President ladies Auxiliary VFw 37 Robert Heiss Commander Department of Georgia 404 Carruth Rd Winder, 30680 678-726-7219 - FAX 678-726-7159 georgia.commander@yahoo.com ubis40@yahoo.com.au 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. Your continued work for veterans does not go un-noticed. Every Veteran in Georgia knows you have spent your life ensuring they have been represented to the fullest. The impact that you and your office has made over the years is a testimony of your dedication to all veterans and their families. We AMVETS would be so pleased and honored to see you at our 68th State Convention in Augusta and I will make sure that the details will be forwarded to Mr. Brian Zeringue. I hope you will be able to attend. I pledge, as all other 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. Sincerely Robert Heiss MSgt USAF retired Commander, Dept. of Georgia AMVETS 38 AMVEtS LADiES AUXiLiARY DEPARtMEnt oF GEoRGiA FEB. 15th 2014 Mr. Pete Wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Affairs Floyd Veterans Memorial Building Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Honorable Pete wheeler, The AmVETS ladies Auxiliary Department of Georgia would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to you and your staff for the many services you provide to our veterans and families throughout Georgia. Because of your knowledge and dedication to veterans, the lives of veterans and their families have changed and have been enhanced profoundly. Allow me to personally thank you for all you do and encourage you to continue your efforts in serving our veterans and their families. All of your efforts and accomplishments are greatly appreciated. Again, keep up the good work and with sincere appreciation, thanks for all you and your staff do for our American Veterans and their dependents. Best Regards, Kay Floyd, State of GA, President Ladies Auxiliary 39 DEd Department of Georgia 4462 Houston Ave., Macon, Ga. 31206 Phone: (478) 781-7336 FAX: (478) 788-2934 Email: gadavdept@gmail.com or davmavet2@yahoo.com Website: http://www.davga.org May, 2014 Honorable Pete wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans memorial Building, Suite E-966 2 mlK JR Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Commissioner wheeler: on behalf of our Disabled American Veterans of the Department of Georgia, it is my distinct pleasure to express our gratitude to you and your staff. you and your staff display Pride, Leadership, integrity, teamwork, Accountability, and innovation. it is a pleasure and an honor to be associated with a man of your stature who shows genuine concern for the rights of Veterans and their families in our great State of Georgia. Thus far, the Department of Georgia has had a fantastic year. we made plans to purchase four new vans for our DAV Transportation network Program which includes the following hospitals: Charlie norwood, VAMC (Augusta, GA), Carl Vinson, VAMC (Dublin, GA), Athens, GA (outpatient Clinic), and Atlanta VAMC. we are accomplishing this by asking the Chapters to help raise funds through donations from the various Businesses/ Corporations and from fundraising endeavors. our Department of Georgia VA Volunteer Service (VAVS) Chairman, Freddie Swint and Department Executive Committee voted to donate on behalf of the Department of Georgia $5000.00 to the Charlie norwood VAmC, Augusta GA (Chaplain Services) for marriage retreats for returning soldiers and their spouses. These retreats are offered at the Atlanta VAmC, Augusta VAmC, and Dublin VAmC. The Disabled American Veterans Motto: "Fulfilling our Promises To The men And women Who Served". Commissioner Wheeler, you have fulfilled that motto without wavering on your commitment to all veterans. Thanks. Sincerely, Jonathan Smalls Commander Disabled American Veterans Department of Georgia BEw/JS 40 DiSABlED AmERiCAn VETERAnS AUxiliARy DEPARTmEnT oF GEoRGiA October 31, 2013 Honorable Peter Wheeler Commissioner, Department of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Commissioner Wheeler, As State Commander of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, I would like to take this opportunity to say "Thank You" to you and your staff for all you do to help improve the lives of the Veterans and their families in Georgia. The DAV Auxiliary stands ever ready to assist your department in making Georgia even better for those who have served America in defense of our precious freedom. With your leadership we have overcome the challenges to maintain the high standard for veterans care and to assist our homeless veterans. We thank you for your "open door" policy with regard to all matters that concerns us and we consider it a privilege to have you as our advocate. We hope that you continue to keep up the good work that will help our fellow veterans for years to come. People like you are what make a difference in today's society. The Disabled American Veteran Auxiliary of Georgia thanks you and knows that you will continue you very important work for many more years to come. Very Respectfully, Cheryl Ramirez Cheryl F. Ramirez State Commander Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Department of Georgia 41 MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA 6 February 2014 Honorable Pete Wheeler Commissioner, Department of Veterans Services Dear Commissioner Wheeler: The Patriots and members of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Department of Georgia express our gratitude for the outstanding service you continue to provide to the veterans of our wonderful state. You and your staff have worked tirelessly, often without recognition, to provide vital services to veterans throughout the state. You have reached out to make sure all veterans receive the benefits and services they have earned in service to our country. Many of our veterans struggle from day-to-day, but they can be comforted in knowing that you and your department have their backs and stand ready to assist them get their lives back on track. Although our organization is rather small because of our stringent membership requirement, you and your staff have continued to support us in many ways, and for that we are grateful. You can be proud of your accomplishments in 2013 and together we can continue to make a difference in the lives of the veterans of our state. The Patriot members, Ladies Auxiliary, and I look forward to working with you and your staff in the coming year. Yours in patriotism, Douglas J. Middleton Commander Exclusively+for+combat+wounded+veterans+ 42 43 CoMMAnDAnt DEPARtMEnt oF GEoRGiA, MARinE CoRPS LEAGUE 206 W DoUBLEGAtE DRiVE ALBAnY, GEoRGiA 31721-6301 may 24, 2014 The Honorable Pete wheeler, Commissioner Georgia Department of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans memorial Building, Suite E-970 Atlanta, Georgia 30334-4800 Dear Commissioner, As the recently installed Commandant of the Department of Georgia, marine Corps league, it is my distinct pleasure, on behalf of our 28 Detachments to thank you and your staff for all their efforts in support of our Georgia Veterans. one of the reasons the marine Corps league in Georgia continues to grow and prosper is the Georgia Department of Veterans Services, under your leadership, makes Georgia a desirable location for veterans to live and work. i hereby pledge the support of the Department of Georgia, marine Corps league to you and your department. i personally look forward to supporting the expansion of services our veterans will be receiving in Southwest Georgia once the clinic aboard marine Corps logistics Base, Albany Georgia opens. Semper Fidelis, Ronald V. Kirstatter Commandant Department of Georgia marine Corps league 44 BLINDED VETERAN ASSOCIATION GEORGIA REGIONAL GROUP 6245 SEMINARY ROAD COLUMBUS, GA 31904 April 13, 2014 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. President, Georgia Regional Group 45 THE GEORGIA MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, INC. AFFILIATED WITH THE MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN, INC. INCORPORATED MARCH 14, 1955 5710 VININGS PLACE DRIVE MABLETON, GEORGIA 30126-4557 PRESIDENT MAJ Calvin S. Posner, USA-Ret 770-933-0881 calposner@aol.com IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Lt Col Alton Johnson, Jr., USAF-Ret 229-561-0690 buddy1612@bellsouth.net 1ST VICE PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR, TRANSITION ASSISTANCE COL Mayo "Biff" Hadden, USA-Ret 706-615-2455 bhadden@mindspring.com 2ND VICE PRESIDENT MAJ Neal Moore, USA-Ret 912-576-7559 mnmoore@tds.net SECREtARY Col Dan Holtz, USAF-Ret 678-403-2693 laurohn@bellsouth.net tREASURER/ LTC Paul Clark, USA-Ret 770-819-8371 clark9699@gmail.com DIRECTOR,-MEMBERSHIP/ CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT COL Frank Valentine, USA-Ret 706-868-9186 valentinef@aol.com DIRECTOR, VETERANS SERVICES COL Chuck Davis, USA-Ret 770-427-3894 ctdavis101@hotmail.com DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS LCDR Al Harper, USN-Ret alhrpr@msn.com DIRECTOR,-LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS COL Art Carey, USA-Ret carey200511@comcast.net CHAPLAIN Col Paul Evans, USAF-Ret 478-254-3391 pevansga2@cox.net JUDGE ADVOCATE CPT Dave Cross, USA-Fmr 706-496-8994 dccross@aol.com HISTORIAN MAJ Joe Crews, USA-Ret joe.crews@comcast.net January 29, 2014 Honorable Pete wheeler Commissioner, Georgia Department of Veterans Service Floyd Veterans memorial Building, Suite E 970 Atlanta, GA 30334-4800| Dear Commissioner wheeler: Thank you for your leadership in helping veterans. It's always a pleasure to work with the dedicated members of your team. Their initiative, helpfulness and professionalism are a testament to that leadership. on behalf of our nearly 1,500 Georgia military officers Association of America (GmoAA) members, please accept our appreciation and gratitude for all you and your staff do for our currently serving active duty Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and marines, national Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans of Georgia. many of our warriors return from combat with wounds that previously would have proved fatal. However, due to advanced field medical technology and practices, our veterans are often able to return home to their families and lead productive lives. The role of the Georgia Department of Veterans Service will be even more essential in providing the training, benefits and services they require to become fully constructive members of their communities. your department has met the challenge and we are forever grateful to you and your staff. your continuing efforts to assist our returning warriors obtain meaningful employment is the key to reintegration into a productive civilian life. The ongoing hard work of the Department of Veterans Service ensures that our defenders receive the benefits they earned to become as good a civilian as they were a warrior. We support the department's mission and will continue to work witrh you and your staff to achieve the best for our heroes. Sincerely, Calvin S. Posner, mAJ, USA-Ret President, Georgia moAA 46 47 Dalton LaFayette Blairsville Clarkesville Toccoa Hartwell Rome Canton Gainesville Cartersville Oakwood Cedertown Lawrenceville Elberton Athens Atlanta Fort McPherson Carrollton Newnan Decatur Conyers Griffin LaGrange Washington Greensboro Augusta Waynesboro Milledgeville Macon Columbus Warner Robins Dublin Swainsboro Statesboro Americus Cordele Lyons Glennville Savannah Albany Tifton Bainbridge Moultrie Thomasville Douglas Waycross Valdosta Brunswick St. Marys Veterans Service Field Office VFSO/Veterans Nursing Home VFSO/Veterans Cemetery VFSO/Home/Cemetery An interactive version of this map is available at veterans.georgia.gov/field-offices 48 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 This directory was published in May 2014. For the most recent version visit veterans.georgia.gov COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE Pete Wheeler Commissioner 404-656-2300 Mary Aukerman Confidential Secretary aukerman@vs.state.ga.us 404-656-2312 404-657-9738 PUBLIC INFORMATION DIVISION Jon Suggs Director Annalysce Baker Communications Spec jsuggs@vs.state.ga.us abaker@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 Analyst 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 Brian Zeringue Project Manager rgraham@vs.state.ga.us 404-463-3076 bzeringue@vs.state.ga.us 404-463-3080 404-656-7006 404-656-7006 HUMAN RESOURCES Wonda Jones Senior 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 Admin Support Spec DeMario Rucker Admin Support Spec bcausey@vs.state.ga.us drucker@vs.state.ga.us 404-463-3079 404-463-3077 404-651-6947 404-651-6947 49 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 Dennis Mize Janice Scott Charolet Medlin Verdine Young Executive Director Associate Director Office Manager Admissions Coord dmize@uhs-pruitt.com jscott@uhs-pruitt.com cmedlin@uhs-pruitt.com vyoung@uhs-pruitt.com 478-445-6821 478-445-4516 888-453-6836 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 Carlton Deese Karen Yonce Ramona Little Julia Eveker Executive Director Associate Director Admin Associate Business Svc Director Director Admissions cesposito@gru.edu cdeese@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 Dairelle Shropshire Administrative Assistant Bobby Davis Senior Coordinator Mark Bannister Senior Coordinator Lily Snyder Senior Coordinator Frank Kollig Coordinator saaga@vs.state.ga.us saale@vs.state.ga.us dshropshire@vs.state.ga.us saabjd@vs.state.ga.us saasmb@vs.state.ga.us saals@vs.state.ga.us fkollig@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 50 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 Regional Director Linda Lavender Economic Support Specialist, GWVHMilledgeville Bob Pollard 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 ccouturier@vs.state.ga.us 229-248-2599 229-243-5362 CLAIMS & APPEALS DIVISION 1700 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033 Main Office George Canavaggio Director george.canavaggio@va.gov James Reeves Assistant Director james.reeves2@va.gov Linda Williams Administrative Assistant linda.j.williams@va.gov Joel Willis Sr VCAO joel.willis@va.gov Mike Noles Sr VCAO mike.noles@va.gov Deborah Jones VCAO 2 deborah.jones11@va.gov Shelly Simpson VCAO 1 shellyann.simpson@va.gov Rhonda Wilson VCAO 1 rhonda.wilson2@va.gov Antoinette Rutledge VCAO 1 antoinette.rutledge@va.gov Mike Dennard VCAO 1 mike.dennard@va.gov Enrique Torres VCAO 1 enrique.torres@va.gov Clenaure Carter VCAO 1 clenaure.carter@va.gov Deborah Clayton Admin Support Spec deborah.clayton@va.gov Telethia Penn Admin Support Spec telethia.penn@va.gov Reginald Lurry Admin Support Spec reginald.lurry@va.gov 404-929-5345 404-929-5349 404-929-5353 404-929-5360 404-929-5355 404-929-5352 404-929-5354 404-929-5370 404-929-5357 404-929-5351 404-929-5343 404-929-5342 404-929-5359 404-929-5361 404-929-5358 404-929-5349 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 Counties served: Dougherty, Lee, Terrell, Worth swhitfield@vs.state.ga.us 229-430-1797 mhayes@vs.state.ga.us 229-430-1798 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 51 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 Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Balcony Level, East Tower, Suite 460, 205 Jesse Hill Jr. Dr., 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 Terrie 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 freddie.daniels@va.gov 404-321-6111 x2554 404-417-2986 theodore.merriss@va.gov 404-321-6111 x2589 404-417-2986 52 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 Peter Lincoln VFSO 1 plincoln@vs.state.ga.us 770-387-3746 770-387-4077 770-387-4077 CEDARTOWN (North Region) County served: Polk 142 West Ave., Cedartown, GA 30125OPEN ONLY Monday & Friday 8 to 4:30; Wednesday 8 to noon Stephen Rood (P/T) VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) srood@vs.state.ga.us 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 Sandra Bennett Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) VFSO 1 VSFO 1 VSFO 1 lhaynes@vs.state.ga.us dfloyd@vs.state.ga.us cgilyard@vs.state.ga.us sbennett@vs.state.ga.us 706-649-1266 706-649-1264 706-649-1264 706-649-1264 706-649-1726 706-649-1726 706-649-1726 706-649-1726 CONYERS (North Region) 983 Taylor St., Conyers, GA 30012 Counties served: Newton, Rockdale, Walton Janice Mohr Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) Horace Campbell VFSO 1 jeller@vs.state.ga.us 770-388-5075 hcampbell@vs.state.ga.us 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) jdfoster@vs.state.ga.us 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 Elizabeth Mauldin VFSO 1 emauldin@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 Whitney Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) Roderica Stewart VFSO 1 Garner Bracey VFSO 1 dennis.whitney@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 53 Directory DOUGLAS (South Region) 70 Lockwood Dr., Douglas, GA 31533 Del Parisella VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) Counties served: Appling, Coffee, Jeff Davis, Wheeler aparisella@vs.state.ga.us 912-389-4898 912-389-4839 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 FORT McPHERSON (North Region) Counties served: Clayton, Henry, Fayette, Fulton Room 2C221 Building 129 1701 Hardee Ave., SW Atlanta, GA 30310 Herbert Ward Linda Lee Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) VFSO 1 herbert.ward1@va.gov llee1@vs.state.ga.us 404-321-6111x4997 404-728-4160 404-321-6111x4801 404-728-4160 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 770-531-6060 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) Tony Burkett VFSO 1 tmalpass@vs.state.ga.us tburkett@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 54 Directory LAFAYETTE (North Region) Counties served: Chattooga, Dade, Walker Judiciary Annex, 108-E Villanow St., LaFayette, GA 30728-2519 Wesley Phipps VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) wphipps@vs.state.ga.us 706-638-5544 706-639-2046 LAGRANGE 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 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) Phi Williams VFSO 1 dmarshall@vs.state.ga.us 478-751-3186 pwilliams2@vs.state.ga.us 478-751-3186 478-751-6594 478-751-6594 MILLEDGEVILLE (North Region) Counties served: Baldwin, Hancock, Putnam, Washington, Wilkinson Georgia State War Veterans Home, Wheeler 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 jbrewer1@vs.state.ga.us 478-445-4751 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 OAKWOOD (North Region) Counties served: Hall 4175 Tanners Creek Rd., Suite 111 Flowery Branch, GA 30542 Belinda Wise VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) bwise@vs.state.ga.us 770-531-6060 770-531-6061 ROME (North Region) 201 Calhoun Ave., Rome, GA 30161 Counties served: Floyd, Gordon, Haralson Stan McCord Barry Hunter VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) VFSO 1 smccord@vs.state.ga.us bhunter@vs.state.ga.us 706-295-6026 706-295-6280 706-802-5520 706-802-5520 55 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 Anthony Maben VFSO 1 jewel.middleton@va.gov philippa.davis@va.gov anthony.maben@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 Jennifer Conley VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) Selene Belton-Allen VFSO 1 Counties served: Ben Hill, Irwin, Tift, Turner jconley@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 56 Directory WARNER ROBINS (South Region) Counties served: Houston, Peach City Hall, Room 206, 700 Watson Blvd., Warner Robins, GA 31093-3414 Vincent Pritchett Robert Claypool Sr VFSO (Office Mgr) vpritchett@vs.state.ga.us VFSO 1 rclaypool@vs.state.ga.us 478-293-1005 478-293-1005 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 Seymour Parrish VFSO 1 sparrish@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 This directory was published in May 2014. For the most recent version visit veterans.georgia.gov 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. 57 58 VA Statistical Data VA Statistical Data 59 60 VA Statistical Data VA Statistical Data 61 62 VA Statistical Data And Notes Department of Veterans Affairs Statistics at a Glance (Updated 3/31/2014) Number of VA Facilities VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinics 820 VA Vet Centers 300 VA Hospitals VA National Cemeteries Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Offices 150 131 56 (as of 12/31/2013) Projected Veteran Population Female Veterans Male Veterans 10 % 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 8.92* 6.69 2.03 1.09* 3.84 Numbers shown in millions Veterans Receiving VA Pension 0.31 VA Vocational Rehabilitation Trainees 0.07* * Number as of FY2013 7.3 Numbers shown in millions (as of 9/30/2013) 5.5 6.5 21,973,000 2.1 1.2 (as of 9/30/2013) 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 April 2014 NCVAS National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics 63 VA Statistical Data 64 VA Statistical Data 65 VA Statistical Data october 1, 2013 Women Veterans Population The total Veteran population in the United States and Puerto Rico, as of Sept. 30, 2013, was 21,972,964. The population of women Veterans numbered 2,271,222. States with the largest number of women Veterans were Texas, California, Florida, Virginia and Georgia. State-by-state totals are as follows: Alabama 46,776 Alaska 12,305 Arizona 59,201 Arkansas 24,140 California 184,774 Colorado 46,799 Connecticut 16,049 Delaware 7,589 District of Columbia 3,991 Florida 166,222 Georgia 106,857 Hawaii 14,387 idaho 13,361 illinois 67,638 indiana 37,906 iowa 17,835 Kansas 24,015 Kentucky 30,885 louisiana 33,185 maine 10,711 maryland 64,155 massachusetts 32,683 michigan 50,121 minnesota 29,141 mississippi 25,027 missouri 45,341 montana nebraska nevada new Hampshire new Jersey new mexico new york north Carolina north Dakota ohio oklahoma oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia washington west Virginia wisconsin wyoming Territories/Foreign 9,174 13,529 24,052 8,788 32,968 21,630 79,921 89,508 5,683 72,120 36,001 28,237 79,666 5,182 5,884 45,779 8,347 52,022 191,757 13,483 4,393 134,150 68,094 15,448 38,107 5,697 10,506 total Women Veterans 2,271,222 Source: Department of Veterans Affairs, Table 6l: VetPop2011, at http://www.va.gov/vetdata/ 66 Blairsville VA Medical System Medical Center Rome Oakwood AuSsmtAeyltrllnaantaMarieDtteacatuLrawrencevilAlethens Fort McPherson Carrollton Stockbridge Newnan Augusta Milledgeville Macon Columbus Perry Dublin Statesboro Albany Savannah Hinesville Tifton Waycross Valdosta Brunswick St. Marys Health Clinics 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 1800 Phoenix Blvd., Bldg. 400, Suite 404 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: 404-327-4954 Savannah 308-A Commercial Drive Phone: 912-961-5800 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. 2156; GDVS Field Office: ext. 2554 1310 13th Ave., Columbus, GA 31906 Phone: 706-257-7205 755 Commerce Drive, 2nd Floor, Decatur, GA 30030 Phone: 404-417-5200 1701 Hardee Ave. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 (Fort McPherson) Phone: 404-321-6111, ext. 2222; GDVS Field Office: ext. 4997 740 East General Stewart Way, Suite 103, Hinesville, GA 31313 Phone: 912-920-0214; ext. 5833 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: 478-414-4540; GDVS Field Office: 478-445-4751 39-A Oak Hill Ct., Newnan, GA 30265 Phone: 404-329-2222 4175 Tanners Creek Drive, Flowery Branch, GA 30542 (Oakwood) Phone: 404-728-8210 2370 S. Houston Lake Road, Kathleen, GA 31047 (Perry) 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 Veterans Crisis Hotline: 800-273-TALK 67 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 Douglas 912-389-4898 Dublin 478-272-4266 Elberton 706-213-2040 Fort McPherson 404-321-6111, x4997 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 Milledgeville 478-445-4751 Moultrie 229-891-7135 Veterans Field Service Offices Newnan 770-254-7260 Oakwood 404-321-6111, x8225 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 478-293-1005 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 Women Veterans Coordinator Decatur 404-929-5354 We value your input. Give feedback at gavetsvc@vs.state.ga.us, facebook.com/gavetsvc, or 404-656-5933. A digital copy of this report is available at veterans.georgia.gov --> About GDVS --> Annual Report.