Annual report, 2014

Georgia Department of Veterans Service
2014 Annual Report
Pete Wheeler, Commissioner

About this Report
In accordance with state law, the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Veterans Service annually submits a report of the agency's activities to the Governor and the General Assembly. The GDVS Annual Report also serves as a repository of general information about the department.
Throughout this report, many references are made to Fiscal Year 2014; this refers to the State of Georgia's fiscal year from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014. Where information refers instead to calendar year 2014, this will be noted.
Where federal data is concerend, the latest available data is sometimes from Federal Fiscal Year 2013 (Oct. 1, 2012, to Sept. 30, 2013). Such cases are noted where they occur.
An electronic version of this report is available online at veterans.georgia.gov/annual-report. An archive of the most recent editions of the GDVS Annual Report may be found in the same location.
Table of Contents
Overview.........................................................................................................................................2 Message from the Commissioner.....................................................................................................3 Department Organization and Mission,Vision,Values...................................................................4 Veterans Service Board....................................................................................................................5 About the Georgia Department of Veterans Service......................................................................6-7 Veterans Education & 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 Summary of VA Monetary Benefits................................................................................................17 VARO-Atlanta Report.............................................................................................................18-21 Year in Review...........................................................................................................................22-31 State Veterans Organizations...................................................................................................32-33 VSO Letters..............................................................................................................................34-45 Directory.................................................................................................................................46-55 VA Statistical Data....................................................................................................................56-62 VA Medical System Information....................................................................................................63
About the Cover
The Georgia National Guard Color Guard presents colors during the 2014 Vietnam Veterans Day/Medal of Honor Day Ceremony at the State Capitol Building. This was one of several special events the Georgia Department of Veterans Service sponsored to honor veterans during 2014.
(Credit: Photo, GDVS/Annalysce Baker)
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PETER WHEELER COMMISSIONER
(404) 656-2300 Fax (404) 656-7006

Department of Veterans Service
Floyd Veterans Memorial Building
Atlanta, Georgia
30334
December 15, 2014

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 2014.

Respectfully submitted,

PETE WHEELER Commissioner

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Department Organization

Veterans Service
Board
The constitution of the State of Georgia specifies the State Veterans Service Board be composed of seven members. Each member must be a veteran of the armed forces of the United States and must have served honorably during wartime.
The Governor appoints members, subject to confirmation by the State Senate. Board member terms are staggered and are for seven years. From its membership, the Board elects a chairman, vice chairman, and secretary. Every four years the Board appoints a Commissioner, through whom the Board controls the overall policy of the Department of Veterans Service.

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

From left: Shawn Hanley; Philip G. Youngblood; Ray Hendrix; Commissioner Pete Wheeler; Fred T. Fincher, Sr.; Pat Phillips; James K. Hussey, Jr. ; Charles Edward "Eddie" Whitted

2014 Board Members

Board Member

Position city

Pat PhillipsChairmanBlairsville

Philip G. Youngbloodvice chairman Quitman

Charles Edward "Eddie" Whitted Secretary Blackshear

Fred T. Fincher, Sr.MemberLaGrange

Shawn HanleyMemberAtlanta

Ray HendrixMEMBER Statesboro

James K. Hussey, Jr.

MemberAppling



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Georgia Department

of

Veterans Service
Serving Those Who Served

The mission of the Department of Veterans Service is to serve the 752,000+ 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 & appeals division, field offices, two veterans nursing homes, two veterans cemeteries, and a public information division.
The Claims & Appeals Division's mission is to process claims and appeals of Georgia veterans.
The Veterans Field Service 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 War Veterans Nursing Homes provide skilled nursing care to Georgia's war veterans who need those services.
The Veterans Memorial 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 earned 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 the 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.

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Georgia Department

of

Veterans Service
Department Functions

Effectuate and carry out the laws of the state pertaining to veterans.
Inform veterans, their dependents, and survivors as to their rights and benefits under federal and state legislation, or local ordinances.
Assist veterans, their dependents, and their beneficiaries in the preparation, presentation, proof, and establishment of such claims, privileges, rights and other benefits accruing to them under federal, state, and local laws.
Report any evidence of incompetence, dishonesty, or negligence on the part of any employee dealing with veterans affairs.
Promote and protect the rights of Georgia's veterans under federal and state law.
Apply for and accept gifts, grants, and other contributions from the federal government or from any other governmental units.
Construct and operate nursing homes and personal care homes for the benefit of eligible war veterans.
Construct and operate state veterans cemeteries for the benefit of eligible veterans and their dependents.
Advise the Governor, the Veterans Service Board, and the General Assembly as to needed veterans legislation.

Maintain files on all veterans who have filed claims for veterans benefits through the department.
Conduct educational programs by personal appearances before veterans organizations, service clubs, fraternal groups, and other such organizations so as to acquaint the public generally with the work of the department.
Make representatives of the department available throughout the state to assist all veterans, their dependents, and survivors in preparing and filing claims for benefits and to acquaint them with all legal rights and privileges.
Cooperate with all national, state, and local governmental and private agencies, securing or offering services or any benefits to veterans and their dependents.
Assist and cooperate with all veterans organizations in their work.
Assist other states in securing evidence for claims.
Promote enlargement and improvement of VA hospital facilities in the state.
Sponsor observance of Veterans Day in the state.
Certify eligibility for veterans driving licenses and honorary driving licenses.
Certify eligibility for disabled veteran discounts at Department of Natural Resources facilities.

Issue, to qualified veterans, Certificates of Exemption from certain business taxes and fees.
Assist qualified veterans in obtaining honorary hunting and fishing licenses.
Assist in obtaining special motor vehicle license plates for qualified veterans, including veterans of specific military campaigns, retired veterans, and recipients of certain medals, as well as special tax-exempt license plates for Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, disabled veterans, and Medal of Honor recipients.
As State Approving Agency, enter into contracts with the federal government for the qualifications, approval, certification, and supervision of educational institutions and training establishments applying for or participating in federal programs for educating and training veterans.
As Chair Agency of the Returning Veterans Task Force, investigate how state services can be provided to veterans returning from military service, issue recommendations to each agency regarding improving service delivery, and transmit specific suggestions for legislation to the Governor and senior leaders of the General Assembly.

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Veterans education

& 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.
Within GDVS, the State Approving Agency (SAA) function is performed by the Veterans Education & Training Division. This division is responsible for 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 (OJT). 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.
In 2014, GDVS continued to expand opportunities for Georgia veterans to receive their education benefits while enrolled in approved on-thejob training (OJT) and apprenticeship programs.
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 OJT/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.
The Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 made 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.
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 also offers a "Transferability of Education Benefits" option for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This retention program requires eligible active duty veterans to commit to a fouryear extension to a six or more year active duty commitment.
During fiscal year 2014, there were 26,022 Georgians receiving GI Bill benefits. An additional 812 veterans were enrolled in OJT programs.
In total, 26,834 Georgia veterans were enrolled in college degree and professional programs, technical career programs, vocational programs, flight training, and OJT programs during fiscal year 2014.
In FY 2014, the approval of educational institutions and training establishments for the education of Georgia veterans resulted in the processing of numerous individual actions in the approval, re-approval, withdrawal and compliance survey process.
At the close of FY 2014, there were 380 approved educational institutions and 1,196 approved training establishments in Georgia. The Veterans Educational & Training Division monitors all 1,576 approved educational institutions and training establishments.
The division conducts regular inspection visits to ensure that approval criteria and schools' standards of progress are being followed as prescribed by law.
During 2014, personnel assigned to the Veterans Educational & Training Division conducted numerous visits for the purpose of approval, re-approval, inspection, and compliance surveys.
For more information on all GI Bill programs, visit benefits.va.gov/gibill or call the GDVS Education & Training Division at 404-656-2306.

8

Public Information

Division

The Public Information Division collects, evaluates, and disseminates information to veterans regarding changes in benefits 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 that may affect them.
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 division supports the department's field personnel in their efforts to 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 print materials explaining

in detail the various benefits available to veterans, their dependents, and survivors. These include books, pamphlets, and calendars, all of which are updated as changes occur in laws, regulations, or benefits.
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: facebook. com/gavetsvc.
Although the division strives to utilize the latest available new media tools, the department's website, veterans.georgia.gov, remains the top source for official Georgia Department of Veterans Service information. The GDVS website is a repository of information about veterans benefits, including the most up-todate version of State Benefits for Georgia Veterans, and detailed information concerning all aspects of the department: Commissioner Wheeler, Georgia War Veterans Homes, Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemeteries, Veterans Field Service Offices, Claims & Appeals, and Veterans Education & Training. The website is also home to the department's official news feed and calendar of events.

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Georgia War Veterans

Nursing Home

Augusta

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 2014, the nursing home provided 56,891 days of care to Georgia's veterans with an average age of 83. During the year, there were 205 admissions and 207 discharges with an average length of stay of 238 days. Services to patients included 7,077 physical therapy treatments and 4,093 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 $6.4 million during fiscal year 2014.
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.

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Georgia War Veterans

home

Milledgeville

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 2014, 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 20,299 for calendar year 2014. 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. During fiscal year 2014, veteran patients at the home received 80,520 days of skilled nursing care. The nursing home admitted 180 patients during the year and had 72 discharges/deaths. The average length of stay for current skilled veteran patients is 1,264 days or 3.50years. During FY 2014, federal assistance in funding a portion of the cost of providing care to veterans in the home amounted to $9,343,811.

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 1,702 individual volunteers providing in excess of 7,503 hours of time valued at over $165,066 presented over 647 activities during the year.
The value of in-kind donations made available to the home during fiscal year 2014 was $47,022. Groups and individuals also provided direct monetary donations of $37,570 in support of special activities and projects.

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Georgia Veterans

Memorial cemetery

Milledgeville

Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Milledgeville is located approximately five 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. The cemetery will eventually be the final resting place for more than 100,000 eligible veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents. There were 226 burials in FY 2014, making the total-to-date 2,252 veterans, spouses, and dependents buried at the GVMC. The burials are composed of 1,588 casketed burials, 385 cremations in the columbarium, 256 in-ground cremations, and 23 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 500 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 1,700 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.

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Georgia Veterans

Memorial cemetery

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 inground 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 June 30, 2014, there were 669 veterans, spouses, and family members interred. A key feature of the cemetery is the co-location of the Glennville Veterans Field Service Office, which provides assistance to veterans and their families in Bryan, Liberty, Long, Tattnall, and Wayne counties. In 2014, 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. Lt. Col. Raymond T Banks, commander of Fort Stewart's 3rd Infantry Division 4th Brigade Special Troops, 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.

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Statistical Report
Calendar Year 2014
OVERVIEW Office Visits ........................................................................... 198,228 Other Visits ............................................................................ 383,977 Hearings ................................................................................... 1,678
SERVICES & TRANSACTIONS FEDERAL BENEFITS Compensation and Pension ....................................................109,930 DIC and Death Pension ...............................................................7,942 Eligibility Verification Reports ..................................................4,695 Education, Training, and Vocational Rehabilitation ....................7,373 Notices of Disagreement and Appeals Filed ...............................10,763 Medical ...................................................................................45,795 Micellaneous (Insurance,Burials Loans, Powers of Attorney, and Changes of Address, Social Security, Veterans Preference Points, Other Forms) ..............................................................................230,269 Advice ..................................................................................241,702
SERVICES & TRANSACTIONS STATE BENEFITS Driver's License ......................................................................13,408 Business License ..........................................................................402 State Veterans Home Application ..................................................614 License Plates ............................................................................4,764 Natural Resources .....................................................................1,805 Tax Exemptions .........................................................................2,342 Preference Points ..........................................................................916 Welfare Assistance ....................................................................3,653 Advice ....................................................................................96,089 Note: This statistical report contains figures through Dec. 12, 2014.
Amended figures will be available in 2015.
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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:

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 federal 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.

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.

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.
ADVICE: As above, pertaining to state benefits.

15

16

GDVS Financial Report
Fiscal Year 2014

Class Name
Personal Services Regular Operating Computer Charges Real Estate Rentals Telecommunications
Contracts

Program Name
Administation Administation Administation Administation Administation Administation

Budget
1,363,926.00 65,158.00 56,435.00 8,300.00 73,244.00 3,082.00
1,570,145.00

Expenditures
1,363,925.31 59,038.97 56,433.73 8,300.00 73,243.31 3,082.00
1,564,023.32

Personal Services Regular Operating Telecommunications

Milledegville Cemetery Milledegville Cemetery Milledegville Cemetery

343,373.00 22,010.00 4,183.00
369,566.00

266,278.02 70,677.12 2,673.11
339,628.25

Personal Services Regular Operating Telecommunications

Glennville Cemetery Glennville Cemetery Glennville Cemetery

319,848.00 21,282.00 7,904.00
349,034.00

245,603.41 61,026.33 6,373.36
313,003.10

Personal Services Op Exp/Pay MCG ROE For Projects And Insurance

Augusta Augusta Augusta

44,374.00 12,112,650.00
329,500.00 12,486,524.00

47,067.48 12,059,954.96
308,270.00 12,415,292.44

Personal Services Regular Operating Real Estate Rentals Telecommunications
Capital Outlay Contracts
ROE For Projects And Insurance

Field Operations Field Operations Field Operations Field Operations Field Operations Field Operations Field Operations

4,492,764.00 413,690.00 226,715.00 75,430.00 651,996.00 48,935.00 40,273.00
5,949,803.00

4,492,763.51 410,007.57 226,714.50 75,429.66 651,994.94 48,935.00 40,272.44
5,946,117.62

Personal Services Regular Operating Telecommunications

Claims Claims Claims

927,115.00 22,119.00 6,312.00
955,546.00

927,114.77 22,118.62 6,311.40
955,544.79

Personal Services Regular Operating Real Estate Rentals Telecommunications

Education And Training Education And Training Education And Training Education And Training

512,181.00 128,940.00
8,300.00 10,000.00 659,421.00

558,285.70 41,113.62 77,723.00 9,166.87
686,289.19

Personal Services Contracts
ROE For Projects And Insurance

Milledgeville Skilled Care Milledgeville Skilled Care Milledgeville Skilled Care

44,196.00 17,175,690.00
1,125,000.00 18,344,886.00

50,961.21 17,085,770.17
1,123,474.33 18,260,205.71

Totals

40,684,925.00

40,480,104.42

State Federal Other

20,135,998.00 17,019,797.00
3,529,130.00 40,684,925.00

20,093,118.29 16,957,858.28
3,429,127.85 40,480,104.42

Note: This financial report contains prel1i2m/1i8n/a20r1y4, unaudited figures for Fiscal Year 2014.

Amended figures will be available in 2015.

va monetary Report

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 and were the latest
available at the end of 2014. (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.

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21

year in review
Marietta VFSO Grand Opening
22

year in review
Activities
GDVS partnered with the Consulate of the Republic of Korea to distribute copies of "Korea Reborn" to Korean War veterans at the state's war
veterans nursing homes in Milledgeville and Augusta.
GDVS partnered with the Georgia Building Authority and
the Garden Club of Georgia to facilitate the placement of a Blue Star Memorial marker in front of the Floyd Veterans Memorial Building in Atlanta.
GDVS Commissioner Wheeler was honored several times this year, including an award for lifetime achievement in
executive branch service from GMOAA and a service award
from VAMC-Atlanta.
Both Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemeteries participated in Wreaths Across America, an annual program to honor those who are serving or have served, and to teach about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.
23

year in review
Supermarket of Veterans Benefits Canton

year in review
Supermarket of Veterans Benefits Canton

24

25

year in review
Veterans Day

year in review
Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration
As part of its ongoing role as an Official Commemorative
Partner with the U.S. Department of Defense during the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration, the Georgia Department of Veterans Service sponsored two commemoration programs during 2014, a salute to Georgia's Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipients and a tribute to Georgia's Vietnam War POWs, MIAs, and their
families.

26

27

year in review
Annual Training
The Georgia Department of Veterans Service annually gathers its Veterans Field Service Officers and Claims & Appeals Officers for training to ensure all employees maintain certification and stay up-todate on the latest changes to regulations governing veterans
benefits.

year in review
State Procurement Opportunities Conference
The Georgia Department of Veterans Service and the Georgia Department of Administrative Services, with support from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, hosted the first Georgia State Procurement Opportunities Conference for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses Oct. 10 at the Floyd Veterans Memorial
Building in Atlanta.

28

29

year in review
Women Veterans Conference

year in review
Women Veterans Conference
The Georgia Department of Veterans Service held its second annual Women Veterans Conference Dec. 19 at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins. Attendance nearly doubled from the first year, and the program was well-received. In the coming years, GDVS will continue to grow its Women Veterans Program to serve our state's 105,000+ female veterans. For program information: Women Veterans Coordinator
Deborah Jones 404-656-5354

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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. GDVS 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 GDVS in its group activities. GDVS 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 VSO annual state conventions to present information to delegates about ongoing GDVS activities and issues that impact Georgia veterans. Contact information for each VSO is listed on the next page. Over the following pages, several VSO commanders have submitted letters detailing their organizations' 2014 activities on behalf on Georgia's veterans.
32

Georgia's VSO Leadership

American Ex-Prisoners of War Ray Reierson State Commander www.axpow.org
The American Legion Randy Goodman State Commander Gabriele Barnett 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 Burl Jimmerson State Commander JoAnn Atkinson 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 Ron Kirstatter Commandant, Dept. of Georgia www.mcldeptofga.org
Military Order of the Purple Heart Doug Middleton State Commander Evelyn Morrison Auxiliary President www.gapurpleheart.org
Reserve Officers Association James D. Bankers State President www.roa.org
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Al Lipphardt State Commander Martha Gilbert Auxiliary President www.gavfw.org
Vietnam Veterans of America J. Spence Davis State Council President www.vvageorgia.com

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35

DEd

Department of Georgia 4462 Houston Ave., Macon, Ga. 31206 Phone: (478) 781-7336 FAX: (478) 788-2934 Email: gadav1@outlook.com or davmavet2@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.davga.org
December 2, 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 2 Vans), Carl Vinson, VAMC (Dublin, GA 1 Van), and Atlanta VAMC (1Van). We are accomplishing this by asking the chapters to help raise funds through donations from the various Businesses/ Corporations and from fundraising endeavors.
Our Hospital Service Coordinator Report for the 2013-2014 year consists of the following: Atlanta Vamc, Ga had a total of 11,172 hours, 133,939 miles, and 4,409 Total Veterans Transported. augusta VAMC, GA had a total of 11,087 Hours, 194,857 Miles, and 7,279 Total Veterans Transported. Dublin Vamc, Ga had a total of 4,490 hours, 96,871 Total miles, and 2,197 Total Veterans Transported. Our nSo Report is from June 2014- September 2014: 1,497 File Reviews, Received 1,091 Power Attorneys, and Conducted 1,400 Interviews, Reviewed 1,251 Rating Board Appearances, and filed 1,828 New claims. The decatur daV nSO Office have obtained $6,095,083.00 in retro and annual award for new Service Connection, Compensation increase $7,295,767.00, non-Service Connected Pension Benefits $260,812.00 for a total award of $32,119,657.00 to include compensation maintain, education benefits and death benefits.
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, Burl l. Jimmerson Commander Disabled American Veterans department Of Georgia
BeW/BlJ

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MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA

December 5, 2014
Honorable Pete Wheeler Commissioner, Department of Veterans Services
Dear Commissioner Wheeler:
The Patriots and the Ladies Auxiliary wish to express our gratitude for the outstanding service you and your staff continue to provide to the veterans of Georgia.
With your support and encouragement, the Department of Georgia has been able to promote our Purple Heart City and County campaign as an additional aspect of the Purple Heart Trail system. When we started last year, we had only one city; we now have 88 proclamations, tying us in second place in the nation.
We look forward to continuing our annual golf tournament, "Play it Again, Pete" in your honor to support the Homeless Veteran's Program at the Atlanta VAMC.
You can again be proud of your accomplishments in 2014 and together we will continue to make a difference in the lives of the veteran of our state. The Patriot members, Ladies Auxiliary and I look forward to continuing our progress as we work tirelessly with you and your staff in the coming year.
Yours in patriotism,

Douglas J. Middleton Commander

38

Exclusively+for+combat+wounded+veterans+

39

CoMMAnDAnt DEPARtMEnt oF GEoRGiA, MARinE CoRPS LEAGUE
206 W DoUBLEGAtE DRiVE ALBAny, GEoRGiA 31721-6301
December 4, 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 Commandant of the Department of Georgia, Marine Corps league, it is my distinct pleasure, on behalf of our 29 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'm especially grateful for the service now being provided in Southwest Georgia at the newly opened facility aboard Marine Corps logistics Base, Albany Georgia and look forward to its growth in the number of veterans served and the services provided.
Semper Fidelis,
ronald V. kirstatter Commandant Department of Georgia Marine Corps league
40

BLINDED VETERAN ASSOCIATION GEORGIA REGIONAL GROUP 6245 SEMINARY ROAD COLUMBUS, GA 31904 November 25, 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
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42

43

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

nov. 6, 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 and retired 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 with you and your staff to achieve the best for our heroes.
Sincerely,
Calvin S. Posner
Calvin S. Posner, maJ, USA-Ret President, Georgia mOaa

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The honorable Pete Wheeler, commissioner Department of Veterans Services Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-960 205 Jesse hill, Jr. drive atlanta, Ga 30334 dear commissioner Wheeler: As President of the Georgia Federal/Military Coalition, I wish to thank you and your staff for the excellent support and services you provide to Georgia's military veterans. You have our sincere gratitude for the many years of your leadership in providing and protecting our benefits. I also wish to express the Coalition's sincere appreciation for the vital services and hospitable accommodations you and your staff continue to provide to us. We look forward to your continuing leadership and service to Georgia's military veterans and their families, and our continuing partnership with your Department. Sincerely,
Kurt H. Schuler
kurt h. Schuler President
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Dalton LaFayette

Blairsville
Clarkesville Toccoa

Hartwell

Rome

Canton Gainesville

Cartersville

Oakwood

Cedertown Marietta 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 Hinesville

Albany Tifton

Bainbridge

Moultrie

Thomasville

Douglas Waycross
Valdosta

Brunswick St. Marys

Veterans Field Service 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

During 2014 the Georgia Department of Veterans Service opened three offices and relocated one. The new offices are in Fort McPherson (opened in March), Hinesville (opened in September) and Marietta (opened in October). The office formerly located in McRae relocated to Douglas in January.
46

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 December 2014. For the most recent version visit veterans.georgia.gov

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

Jon SuggsDirector

jsuggs@vs.state.ga.us

OpenComm & Outreach Spec

404-656-5933 404-656-5933

404-656-7006 404-656-7006

ADMINISTRATION, HEALTH & MEMORIALS

Dan HoltzAssistant Commissioner Brian Zeringue Project Manager April Dodgen Budget Analyst Debbie GregoryAdministrative Assistant

dholtz@vs.state.ga.us bzeringue@vs.state.ga.us adodgen@vs.state.ga.us dgregory@vs.state.ga.us

404-656-2307 404-463-3080 404-656-7439 404-656-2300

404-656-7006 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 GrahamDirector

rgraham@vs.state.ga.us 404-463-3076 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 BeedlesAdmin Support Spec DeMario RuckerAdmin Support Spec


bcausey@vs.state.ga.us ddrucker@vs.state.ga.us

404-463-3079 404-463-3077

404-651-6947 404-651-6947

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Directory

HEALTH & MEMORIALS DIVISION Georgia War Veterans Home, D-135, Wheeler Building, 2249 Vinson Highway, Milledgeville, GA 31059-0741

Ernie Simons

Director

Jenelle MooreAdministrative Assistant

esimons@vs.state.ga.us jmoore@vs.state.ga.us

478-445-2544 478-445-2544

478-445-0828 478-445-0828

GEORGIA VETERANS MEMORIAL CEMETERY GLENNVILLE 8819 US Hwy 301, Glennville, 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

404-467-3073

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

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Directory

FIELD OPERATIONS & CLAIMS

Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, Suite E-966, 2 Martin Luther King, Jr., Atlanta, GA 30334-4800



Mike RobyAssistant Commissioner mroby@vs.state.ga.us

404-656-2305 404-656-7006

Ava IngramAdministrative 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 EvansRegional Director Linda LavenderEconomic Support Specialist, GWVHMilledgeville Bob PollardEconomic 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 CouturierRegional 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, Jr. VCAO 1

mike.dennard@va.gov

Henri Torres

VCAO 1

enrique.torres@va.gov

Ervin Wright

VCAO 1

Robert Norman

VCAO 1

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 404-929-5362 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 404-929-5350 404-929-5360 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 404-929-5347

ALBANY (South Region)Counties served: Dougherty, Lee, Terrell, Worth

1303 W. Broad Ave., Albany, GA 31707



Sherri Whitfield Sr VFSO (Office Mgr)

swhitfield@vs.state.ga.us 229-430-1797 229-430-1796

Milton Hayes VFSO 1

mhayes@vs.state.ga.us

229-430-1798 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

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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) Crystal Rashad VFSO 1

levans@vs.state.ga.us crashad@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

Theodore Merriss VFSO 1 (Office Mgr)

Lori Grant

VFSO 1

theodore.merriss@va.gov 404-321-6111 x2554 404-417-2986

lgrant@vs.state.ga.us

404-321-6111 x2589 404-417-2986

50

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 30125

OPEN 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

Randy Woodie VFSO 1 (Office Mgr)

awoodie@vs.state.ga.us 706-754-4316

706-754-9185

COLUMBUS (South Region)Counties served: Chattahoochee, Muscogee, Stewart 1520 Third Ave., Suite 5, Columbus, GA 31901

David Floyd

VFSO 1 (Office Mgr)

Sandra Bennett VSFO 1

Cynthia Gilyard VSFO 1

Christopher McKanVSFO 1

dfloyd@vs.state.ga.us sbennett@vs.state.ga.us cgilyard@vs.state.ga.us cmckan@vs.state.ga.us

706-649-1264 706-649-1264 706-649-1264 706-649-1264

706-649-1726 706-649-1726 706-649-1726 706-649-1726

CONYERS (North Region)Counties served: Newton, Rockdale, Walton 983 Taylor St., Conyers, GA 30012

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

DOUGLAS (South Region) Counties served: Appling, Coffee, Jeff Davis, Wheeler 70 Lockwood Dr., Douglas, GA 31533

Del Parisella

VFSO 1 (Office Mgr)

aparisella@vs.state.ga.us 912-389-4898 912-389-4839

51

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



Michael Hunnicutt VFSO 1 (Office Mgr)

mike.hunnicutt@va.gov 478-274-7748

478-274-7802

Carrie Boatright VFSO 1

carrie.boatright@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 linda.lee@va.gov

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

Perry Morgan Sr VFSO (Office Mgr)

gmorgan@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)

County served: Hart

194 Cade St., Suite B, Hartwell, GA 30643

Michael Partlow VFSO 2 (Office Mgr)

mpartlow@vs.state.ga.us

706-376-4461

706-856-2737

HINESVILLE (South Region)

Counties served: Liberty

500 East Oglethorpe Highway, Room C-126, Hinesville 31313

Larry Floyd

VFSO 1 (Office Mgr)

lfloyd@vs.state.ga.us

912-920-0214, x 2948

LAFAYETTE (North Region)Counties served: Chattooga, Dade, Walker Judiciary Annex, 108-E Villanow St., LaFayette, GA 30728-2519

Chuck Alsobrook VFSO 1 (Office Mgr)



706-638-5544

52

706-639-2046

Directory

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)Counties served: Montgomery, Toombs 126 W. Grady Ave., Lyons, GA 30436

Debra O'Neal VFSO 1 (Office Mgr)

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

Phi Williams Corey Fletcher

VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) VFSO 1

pwilliams2@vs.state.ga.us 478-751-3186 cfletcher@vs.state.ga.us 478-751-3187

478-751-6594 478-751-6594

MARIETTA (North Region)

Counties served: Cobb

1150 Powder Springs Street, Suite 350, Marietta, GA, 30064

Freddie Daniels VFSO 1 (Office Mgr)

Ingrid Sibley

VFSO 1

fdaniels@vs.state.ga.us isibley@vs.state.ga.us

770-528-3261 770-528-3263

770-429-1414 770-429-1414

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

Jim 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

James 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

Rob Johnson Veda Brooks

VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) VFSO 1

rjohnson@vs.state.ga.us vbrooks1@vs.state.ga.us

770-254-7408 770-254-7260

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

53

Directory

ROME (North Region)

Counties served: Floyd, Gordon, Haralson

201 Calhoun Ave., Rome, GA 30161

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

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)

jewel.middleton@va.gov

Stephen Koritko VFSO 1



Reggie T. Lewis VFSO 1



912-920-0214 x2194 912-920-0214 x2193 912-920-0214 x2191

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

Tiffany Thomas VFSO 1 (Office Mgr)

tthomas7@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) Counties served: Ben Hill, Irwin, Tift, Turner 222 Chesnutt Ave., Tifton, GA 31793-0534

Larissa Vickers VFSO 1 (Office Mgr) Patricia Jenkins VFSO 1

lvickers@vs.state.ga.us pjenkins@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 Wednesday 8 to 4:30



Randy Woodie Sr VFSO (Office Mgr)

awoodie@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

54

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

Chris 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 December 2014. For the most recent version visit veterans.georgia.gov

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.

55

56

VA Statistical Data VA Statistical Data

57

58

VA Statistical Data VA Statistical Data

59

60

VA Statistical Data And Notes

VA Statistical Data

61

VA Statistical Data

October 7, 2014

Women Veterans Population

The total Veteran population in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Territories/Foreign, as of Sept. 30, 2014, was approximately 21.6 million. The population of women Veterans numbered 2,294,308. States with the largest number of women Veterans were Texas, California, Florida, Virginia and Georgia. State-by-state totals are as follows:

Alabama

47,711

Alaska

12,471

Arizona

60,012

Arkansas

24,500

California

184,257

Colorado

47,266

Connecticut

15,948

Delaware

7,704

district Of columbia 3,971

Florida

167,464

Georgia

108,719

Hawaii

14,556

Idaho

13,598

Illinois

67,993

Indiana

38,269

Iowa

17,998

kansas

24,340

kentucky

31,362

louisiana

33,580

Maine

10,740

Maryland

64,913

Massachusetts

32,424

Michigan

49,956

Minnesota

29,261

Mississippi

25,382

Missouri

45,806

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

9,306 13,691 24,267 8,757 32,791 21,935 79,571 91,217
5,834 72,239 36,686 28,324 79,881 5,248 5,857 46,703
8,560 52,892 195,490 13,752
4,401 137,020 68,905 15,733 38,345
5,786 10,913

total Women Veterans 2,294,308 Source:
Department of Veterans Affairs, Table 6l: VetPop2011, at http://www.va.gov/vetdata/

62

Blairsville

VA Medical System

Rome

Oakwood

AuSsmtAeyltrllnaantaMarieDtteacatuLrawrencevilAlethens Fort McPherson

Carrollton

Stockbridge

Newnan

Augusta

Milledgeville

Macon

Columbus

Perry

Dublin Statesboro

Albany

Savannah Hinesville

Tifton

Waycross

Valdosta

Brunswick St. Marys

Veterans Crisis Hotline: 800-273-TALK

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 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

HealtH CliniCs

526 W. Broad Ave., Albany, GA 31701 Phone: 229-446-9000
9249 Highway 29 South, Suite A, Athens, GA 30601 Phone: 706-227-4534
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

63

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, x 2554 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, x 4997 Gainesville 770-531-6060 Glennville 912-654-5159 Greensboro 706-453-7455 (Tues., Fri.) Griffin 770-412-4023 Hartwell 706-376-4461 Hinesville 912-920-0214, x 2948 LaFayette 706-638-5544 LaGrange 706-845-4095 Lawrenceville 404-321-6111, x 1964 Lyons 912-526-8860 Macon 478-751-3186

Veterans Field Service Offices
Marietta 770-528-3254 Milledgeville 478-445-4751
Moultrie 229-891-7135 Newnan 770-254-7260 Oakwood 404-321-6111, x 8225
Rome 706-295-6026 St. Marys 912-510-3440 Savannah 912-920-0214, x 2194 Statesboro 912-871-1104 Swainsboro 478-289-2617 Thomasville 229-225-4050
Tifton 229-386-3856 Toccoa 706-282-4525 (Tues., Wed.) 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 404-656-5933
Claims & Appeals 404-929-5345
Veterans Education & Training 404-656-2306
Women Veterans Coordinator 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.