Annual report, 2019

Georgia Department of Veterans Service
2019 Annual Report
Mike Roby, 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 2019; this refers to the State of Georgia's fiscal year from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019. Where information refers instead to calendar year 2019, this will be noted.
Where federal data are concerned, the latest available data is sometimes from Federal Fiscal Year 2018 (Oct. 1, 2017, to Sept. 30, 2018). 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 Year in Review...........................................................................................................................18-28 VA Statistical Data....................................................................................................................29-33
About the Cover
Georgia State Representative Rhonda Burnough has hosted Georgia's Gold Star Fathers Day Ceremony annually since 2017. Commissioner Roby joined state representatives, the Georgia National Guard, and several Gold Star Fathers on November 7, 2019 to honor and remember their children. This was one of several special events the Georgia Department of Veterans Service participated in to honor veterans during 2019.
(Credit: Photo, GDVS/Charlotte May)
2

MIKE ROBY
COMMISSIONER

Department of Veterans Service
Floyd Veterans Memorial Building 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, Suite E-970
Atlanta, GA 30334
January 17, 2020

TEL: 404-656-2300 FAX: 404-656-7006 veterans.georgia.gov

Governor Brian Kemp 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 otherwise to report the 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 2019. A copy of this report is also available at https://veterans.georgia.gov/annual-report.
Respectfully submitted,

Mike Roby Commissioner
3

Department Organization

State Veterans Service Board

Director Veterans Education & Training

Assistant Commissioner Administration, Health & Memorials

Commissioner of Veterans Service

Assistant Commissioner Field Operations and Appeals

Director Public Information

Human Resources
Information Technology
Records Management

Budget Analyst

Director Accounting and Finance

Admin. Assistant

Executive Director GWVNH - Augusta

Director Operations

Director Health & Memorials

Purchasing

Clinical Director Health & Memorials

Confidential Secretary
Director GVMC - Milledgeville
Director GVMC - Glennville
Executive Director GWVH - Milledgeville

Veterans Benefits

Veterans Benefits

North Region Director South Region Director

Director Appeals

Director Women Veterans Office

Admin. Assistant

Director Veterans Training
& Professional Development

Missions:
To assist Georgia's 700,000+ veterans with benefits claims to obtain compensation, pension and services from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
To provide nursing 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 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.
2019 saw the departure of longtime board member Pat Phillips and the appointment of Takosha Swan.

Thomas Mash

Patricia Ross

Phil Youngblood

Dan Cravey

Shawn Hanley

Takosha Swan

Eddie Whitted

2019 BOARD MEMBERS

BOARD MEMBER

POSITIONCITY

PATRICIA ROSS THOMAS MASH PHILIP G. YOUNGBLOOD DANIEL CRAVEY SHAWN HANLEY TAKOSHA SWAN CHARLES EDWARD "EDDIE" WHITTED

CHAIRMAN VICE CHAIRMAN SECRETARY MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER

WARNER ROBINS LAWRENCEVILLE QUITMAN MILNER ATLANTA CONYERS BLACKSHEAR

5

Georgia Department

of

Veterans Service
Serving Those Who Served

The mission of the Department of Veterans Service is to serve the 700,000+ 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 an appeals division, field offices, two veterans nursing homes, two veterans cemeteries, and a public information division.
The Appeals Division's mission is to process 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.

6

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.
Conduct outreach to women veterans to improve awareness of eligibility for federal and state
veterans benefits and services. 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, to secure or offer 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 driver licenses and honorary driver 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 qualification, 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.

7

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 the GDVS, the State Approving Agency (SAA) function is performed by the Veterans Education & Training Division. This division is responsible for ensuring approved institutions and establishments meet and maintain acceptable standards so 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 2018, the 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 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.

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 with at least six years of service to commit to an additional four years of service upon approval.
On August 16, 2017 the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, also known as the "Forever GI Bill" was signed into law, which will bring significant changes to veterans' education benefits. This includes removing the 15-year limitation to use education benefits for veterans who left active duty on or after January 1, 2013.
During fiscal year 2018, there were 21,993 Georgians receiving GI Bill benefits at educational institutions. An additional 874 veterans were enrolled in OJT programs.
In total, 21,119 Georgia veterans were enrolled in college degree and professional programs, technical career programs, vocational programs, flight training, and OJT programs during fiscal year 2018.
In FY 2018, 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 2018, there were 408 approved educational institutions and 1,335 approved training establishments in Georgia. The Veterans Education & Training Division monitors all 1,743 approved educational institutions and training establishments.
The division conducts regular inspection visits to ensure approval criteria and schools' standards of progress are being followed as prescribed by law.
During 2018, personnel assigned to the Veterans Education & 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 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, flyers, and pamphlets, all of which are updated as changes occur in laws,

regulations, or benefits. This division is responsible for the department's
online presence, including its website, blog, 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-to-date version of State Benefits for Georgia Veterans, and detailed information concerning all aspects of the department: Commissioner Roby, Georgia War Veterans Homes, Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemeteries, Veterans Field Service Offices, Appeals Division, and Veterans Education & Training. The website is also home to the department's official news feed and calendar of events.
The department's website underwent extensive revision and was relaunched within the state's new website design framework early in 2019. The updated website is fully accessible for all Georgians. It includes many new features, a refreshed appearance, and makes it easier for veterans to find important information and office locations.

9

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 Augusta 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 Augusta University. Primarily, the facility provides medical, rehabilitation, 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 residents of the home and 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 accredited by the Joint Commission. In fiscal year 2019, the nursing home provided 53,288 days of care to Georgia's veterans with an average age of 82. During the year, there were 272 admissions and 286 discharges with an average length of stay of 213 days. Services to patients included 5,681 physical therapy treatments and 7,224 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, three 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 $8.1 million during fiscal year 2019.
Throughout the year, veteran service organizations, civic and fraternal organizations and religious groups demonstrated their concern for the well-being of veteran patients through numerous donations, visits, and sponsorship of frequent activities for Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home residents.

10

Georgia War Veterans

home

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 2019. The Carl Vinson Building remains at an 84 bed capacity, the Joe T. Wood Building remains at a 140 bed capacity and the Alzheimer's Unit remains at a 24 bed capacity. The Richard B. Russell Building is undergoing major renovations for a new 58 bed skilled care subacute therapy unit which will treat service-connected disabled veterans as part of the home. Once renovations are completed by the middle of year 2021, the Georgia War Veterans Home will have a capacity of 306 beds provided state funds remain available at the current level. During fiscal year 2019, veteran patients at the home received 82,777 days of skilled nursing care. The nursing home admitted 141 patients during the year and had 141 discharges/deaths. The average length of stay for current skilled veteran patients is 1,308 days or 3.6 years. During fiscal year 2019, federal assistance in funding a portion of the cost of providing care to veterans in the home amounted to $12,212,689. 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 wellbeing of the veteran patients at the home.
Groups and individuals that comprised the equivalent of 3,145 individual volunteers providing in
excess of 11,589 hours of time valued at over $208,602 presented over 1,213 activities during the year.
The value of donated items made available to the home during fiscal year 2019 was $354,801. Groups and individuals also provided direct monetary donations of $27,853 in support of special activities and projects.
The GDVS Veteran Field Service Office serving veterans in the home and in Baldwin, Hancock, Putnam, Washington, and Wilkinson counties is located in the Wheeler Building. 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. Veteran-related visits for this field office totaled over 6,230 for calendar year 2019. These visits resulted in more than 10,258 transactions in support of their well-deserved benefits.
The home also hosts a VA community clinic which provides outpatient care to veterans in Baldwin and the surrounding counties.

11

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. As of December 1, 2019 , there were 3,827 veterans, spouses and dependents buried at GVCM. Burials are composed of 2,627 casketed burials, 696 cremations, 476 in ground cremations, and 28 memorial markers. The cemetery celebrated the opening of its Phase III expansion in October 2018. The expansion includes 15 acres of developed land and added space for 1,520 pre-placed crypts and 320 columbarium niches. 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 15, 2018, 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 Morris Little American Legion Post, the Patriot Guard Riders, Honor Guards from the Retired Marine Corps League, and Civil Air Patrol of Morgan County and music by Stacey Blanton. Members of the 139th Intelligence Squadron, 5th Intelligence Squadron, and 3rd Intelligence Squadron coordinated volunteers placing wreaths on graves following the ceremony. The cemetery has many visitors each year. Some are visiting grave sites, some are seeking information about the cemetery and burial requirements, and many have just heard about the cemetery and want to see the grounds. Cemetery staff members remain active in the local community by meeting frequently with business groups, veterans organizations, and church groups. The GVMC's hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding official state holidays. The cemetery is open to families, visitors, and the general public seven days each week from 8 a.m. to dusk.

12

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 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 inground 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, 2019, there were 1,595 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, Long, Tattnall, and Wayne counties. In 2019, 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. Luke Richards, Commander of Fort Stewart's Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 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. Cemetery Director Ernie Cowart welcomed the crowd to the cemetery, as over 350 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, along with the Glennville Faith Riders, and other civic groups 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." A crowd of over 400 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 civic 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
Calendar Year 2019
OVERVIEW
Office Visits ........................................................................... 161,526 Other Visits ............................................................................ 168,769 Women's Program Visits ......................................................... 14, 607 Hearings ................................................................................... 1,387
SERVICES & TRANSACTIONS FEDERAL BENEFITS
Compensation and Pension .................................................... 43,424 DIC and Death Pension ............................................................... 7,353 Education, Training, and Vocational Rehabilitation .................. 2,170 Notices of Disagreement and Appeals Filed ............................... 9,142 Medical ................................................................................... 12,327 Micellaneous ................................................................... 134,162 Advice .................................................................................. 186,718
SERVICES & TRANSACTIONS STATE BENEFITS
Driver's License ...................................................................... 11,652 Business License .......................................................................... 421 State Veterans Home Applications ................................................. 250 License Plates ............................................................................ 3,405 Natural Resources ..................................................................... 1,178 Tax Exemptions ......................................................................... 2,123 Social Security/Welfare Assistance .......................................... 8,729 Advice .................................................................................... 60,845
TOTALS
Visits .................................................................................... 344,902 Federal Actions .................................................................... 395,155 State Actions ......................................................................... 88,603
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/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.
SERVICES & TRANSACTIONS: FEDERAL BENEFITS

MISCELLANEOUS: Includes the initiation and application for other benefits not listed elsewhere. This includes 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.
SERVICES & TRANSACTIONS: STATE BENEFITS
The following categories include the initiation and/or completion of an application for benefits as defined:
DRIVER'S LICENSE: Georgia Veteran's Driver's License, Honorary Driver's License, or National Guard Driver's License.

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.

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.

DIC AND DEATH PENSION: Dependents Indemnity Compensation and Death Pension.

LICENSE PLATES: Commemorative service, disabled veteran, military award, etc.

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.
MEDICAL: Treatment of medical or dental conditions, admission to health care facilities, and vocational rehabilitation.

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.
SOCIAL SECURITY/WELFARE ASSISTANCE: Advice regarding an application for Social Security or welfare benefits.
ADVICE: Advice provided to a veteran or family member about state benefits. As a result of advice provided to a client, other services or transactions may be provided.

15

GDVS Financial Report
Fiscal Year 2019
16

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 2018 (October 1, 2017 through
September 30, 2018). The figures were provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and were the latest
available at the end of 2019. (See the end of this report for a 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 $3,638,052,000
Medical Care $2,109,274,000
Construction $19,122,000
Insurance and Indemnities $47,387,000
Education and Vocational Rehabilitation $486,659,000
General Operating Expenses $101,247,000
Total Expenditure $6,401,768,000

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

year in review
Activities
Commissioner Roby and top state officials, including Adjutant General Tom Carden, met at the Governor's mansion in January to greet new Governor Brian Kemp. Commissioner Roby discussed
current GDVS goals and his vision's for the department's
future plans.
Commissioner Roby participated in the unveiling and dedication of the Augusta-Central Savannah River Area Vietnam War Veterans Memorial on National Vietnam
War Veterans Day.
The Women Veterans Office held their first symposium in June. Commissioner Roby joined Director Veda Brooks at the
VECTR Center in Warner Robins during the opening ceremony. Women veterans were invited to spend two days learning about benefits and resources.
Georgia Building Authority craftsmen built a base for the state's POW/MIA Chair of Honor from wood from the state capitol grounds. Commissioner Roby and State Property Officer Steve Stancil unveiled the chair and placed it in its permanent home in the Veterans Memorial Towers in
downtown Atlanta.
18

year in review
Annual Training
The Georgia Department of Veterans Service annually gathers its Veterans Field Service Officers and Appeals Officers for training to ensure all employees maintain certification and stay up-to-date on the latest changes to regulations governing veterans benefits. The department's Training and Development Division plans and coordinates lessons for all department employees. Service officers were split into small groups to target key competency areas. At the end of the week, employees complete a comprehensive final exam to test their knowledge and maintain their accreditation with VA.
South Region Veterans Field Service Officers
19

North Region Veterans Field Service Officers
20

year in review
Supermarket of Veterans Benefits
The Georgia Department of Veterans Service hosted a Supermarket of Veterans Benefits in Warner Robins on Thursday, April 25, 2019. The Supermarket of Veterans Benefits is a gathering of federal, state, and local government agencies to provide a "one-stop shop" for veterans benefits. While the Supermarket is one of the Department's signature events and has been held in various cities across the state since 1966, this was the first one held since 2015. Over 3,000 veterans and their families met with GDVS staff and representatives from more than 25 agencies and non-profit organizations.
21

year in review
Supermarket of Veterans Benefits
22

year in review
Women Veterans Office Conference
The Women Veterans Office hosted a "Life After the Military"
conference focusing on health, wellness, and transitioning to civilian life at the VECTR Center
in Warner Robins in June.
23

year in review
Korean War Certificates of Honor
The Georgia Department of Veterans Service and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Atlanta hosted 3 Korean War Certificate of Honor and Ambassador for Peace Medal
ceremonies in 2019.
24

year in review
Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration
The Georgia Department of Veterans Service launched the Vietnam War Certificate of Honor program in 2015, with the goal of honoring every one of Georgia's 207,000 Vietnam
War veterans.

Dalton

The Georgia Department of Veterans Service has been involved in over 342 ceremonies and distributed over 28,350 certificates and 22,700 lapel pins since 2015.

Stockbridge

Augusta

Golden Isles

Greensboro

Washington
25

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 GDVS sponsored two commemoration
programs during 2019. In March, the department joined Governor Brian Kemp and MG James Jackson to relaunch the Vietnam War Certificate of Honor program. The new certificates
feature the signature of Governor Kemp.
26

year in review
Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration
In September, the department hosted a program to honor all Georgians held as prisoners of war and those who remain
missing in action.
27

year in review
Veterans Day
28

VA Statistical Data

29

VA Statistical Data

30

VA Statistical Data

31

VA Statistical Data

32

VA Statistical Data And Notes

33

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 706-823-2236 Bainbridge 229-248-2599 Blairsville 706-745-6341 Brunswick 912-264-7360 Canton 770-720-3538 Carrollton 404-321-6111, x 20-2589 Cartersville 770-387-3746 Cedartown 770-749-2209 Columbus 706-649-1266 Conyers 770-388-5075 Cordele 229-276-2366 Dalton 706-272-2355 Decatur VAMC 404-728-7611 Decatur 404-321-6111, x 20-3749 Demorest 706-778-7610 Douglas 912-389-4898 Dublin 478-272-4266 Fort McPherson 404-321-6111, x 20-4997 Gainesville 770-531-6060 Glennville 912-654-5159 Greensboro 706-453-7455 Griffin 770-412-4074 Hartwell 706-376-4461 Hinesville 912-920-0214, x 2948 LaFayette 706-996-8056 LaGrange 706-845-4355 Lawrenceville 404-321-6111, x 20-1964 Lyons 912-526-8860 Macon 478-476-8868, x 6694 Marietta 770-528-3254

Veterans Field Service Offices
Milledgeville 478-445-6900 Moultrie 229-891-7135 Newnan 770-254-7408 Oakwood 404-321-6111, x 20-8225 Rome 706-295-6026 Savannah 912-920-0214, x 2191 St. Marys 912-510-3440
Statesboro 912-871-1104 Thomasville 229-225-4050
Tifton 229-391-6080, x 6233 Valdosta 229-333-2178 Warner Robins 478-218-3905 Washington 706-678-2821 Waycross 912-285-6340 Waynesboro 706-554-3874 The GDVS also provides limited service to several satellite locations. See veterans.ga.gov/satellite-locations for more information.
GDVS Central Office
Public Information 404-656-5933
Appeals Division 404-929-5345
Veterans Education & Training 404-656-2306
Women Veterans Coordinator 404-656-2300
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/annual-report.