Aug 22, 2017
Veterans News & Events for Tuesday, August 22, 2017
(Please Note: The Veterans News compiled and transmitted by Wayne M. Gatewood, Jr., USMC (Ret), does not endorse the views and/or facts presented, or any commercial products that may be advertised or available on external links. The presence of a link to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement, recommendation, or favoring of that site, or the views or privacy policies contained therein).
VA to Revise State Veteran Home Construction Regulations. New Regulations Will Make it Easier for Rural Communities to Compete for Grants for their Projects. https://www.va.gov/ opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm? id=2941
Veterans Affairs Media Summary and News Clips for Monday, August 21, 2017. Read here...
Defense News TV for Monday, August 21, 2017. http://link.defensenews.com/ view/ 5873e065a22762ca768b456c6719l. 4ud/33b7ece8
DOD Contracts Awarded for Monday, August 21, 2017. https://www.defense.gov/News/ Contracts/Contract-View/ Article/1284769/source/ GovDelivery/
PilieroMazza, PLLC, Attorneys At Law Weekly Report for August 21, 2017. Relative scoop in here for you fellow Vets doing business with the federal government.
http://mailchi.mp/ pilieromazza/ weeklyupdate82117?e=a4c61eb9da
Defense and Ex-Im Update for Monday, August 21, 2017. Provided by Gary Stanley, President, Global Legal Services. Read here...
Defense News - Early Bird Brief for Monday, August 21, 2017. http://link.defensenews.com/ view/ 5873e065a22762ca768b456c66z3r. vtx/9b97bd93
Reserve Officers Association (ROA) SmartBrief for Monday, August 21, 2017. http://www2.smartbrief.com/ servlet/encodeServlet?issueid= 294FCA73-7EC7-4DD2-B4F0- 4D5AE80DB516&sid=97fc7e62- fef0-4d78-aeb8-a2a54d351b58
POLITICO Morning Defense for Monday, August 21, 2017. A Daily Briefing from Inside Washington’s National Security Apparatus. http://www. politico.com/tipsheets/ morning-defense/2017/08/21/ ten-missing-after-uss-john-s- mccain-collides-with-oil- tanker-off-singapore-221979
Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) – “The Evening CSIS” for August 21, 2017. Presented by H. Andrew Schwartz, CSIS Chief Communication Officer. http://mailchi.mp/csis.org/ the-evening-afghan-strategy- barcelona-total-eclipse-and- more?e=43b85a311b
SmartBrief on Leadership for Monday, August 21, 2017. http://www2.smartbrief. com/servlet/encodeServlet? issueid=BA393CE1-BCDE-40F1- A02D-DA206BB82317&sid= 97fc7e62-fef0-4d78-aeb8- a2a54d351b58
FCW Daily for Monday, August 21, 2017 – Compliments of 1105 Government Information Group.
https://fcw.com/newsletters/ fcwdaily/2017/08/aug21.aspx? mkt_tok= eyJpIjoiT1RGaU5UQmtORFkwWVRZMy IsInQiOiJUTmF3OGVRa3VPc1RYUk5T dklUS0lHNlhBTG1cL1BxdkI2ZmV4cW Z0clwvTHNheHhtTXE5NjlrOU1rOGhV eUJmb2FNY3AreEl4Y0RIbncxNUxzdH U5ZWY4enpLMDlHSWppVWtPZ204Z0wr VTJ2Zml5VVFzREZLVWVXNEdlb3o5Tm dYIn0=
Your 6:00 am GovConWire - Top News from Executive Mosaic.
http://us4.campaign-archive2. com/?e=859b48c2d3&u= 9447c61bfb9058cb4553aedbf&id= 77f831fc76
Your 12:00 pm Daily ExecutiveBiz Headlines. http://us4. campaign-archive2.com/?e= 859b48c2d3&u= 9447c61bfb9058cb4553aedbf&id= 81459d449e
Your 5:00 pm GovCon Daily ExecutiveBiz Headlines. http://us4. campaign-archive2.com/?e= 859b48c2d3&u= 9447c61bfb9058cb4553aedbf&id= c697c1127b
A Variety of Veterans News from Variety of Sources
Navy Times 10 sailors missing after Navy destroyer John S. McCain collides with merchant vessel . Ten sailors were missing early Monday after the destroyer John S. McCain collided with a merchant vessel in the South China Sea, 7th Fleet officials said.
Military Times President Trump to present new Afghanistan, Asia strategy Monday night . President Donald Trump in a national address will update the “path forward for America‘s engagement in Afghanistan and South Asia,” according to a White House statement issued Sunday.
Washington Examiner Jim Mattis: Trump has made decision on Afghanistan strategy, wants to announce it to American people himself . Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said President Trump has made a decision on the United States' strategy for Afghanistan.
Marine Corps Times Marine commander in Afghanistan: 'We cannot allow the Taliban to win . In mid-July, Marines advised Afghan troops and police as they launched a successful operation to clear the Taliban from part of Nawa district, south of Lashkar Gah.
Military Times Pentagon distances itself from allies of the U.S. partner force battling ISIS . In the acronym soup of militant groups waging war across Syria, understanding the various sub components and allegiances of various militia groups is important to wading through Syrian conflict politics.
Yonhap News Agency Mattis: Reduction in U.S. troops in S. Korea exercises was not caused by N.K. tensions . U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Sunday that this week's joint exercises with South Korea will involve fewer American troops than last year because of the current emphasis on integration, not because of recent tensions with North Korea.
Defense News Top Pentagon posts 74 percent vacant as Congress returns . A handful of Pentagon nominees will be waiting for Senate confirmation when the upper chamber returns in September from its summer recess, but the administration still has dozens of Defense Department positions to fill.
Army Times West Point dedicates barracks to ostracized black cadet, Tuskegee Airman . Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. eventually became a Tuskegee Airman and the Air Force’s first black general, but when he was just a cadet in 1932 at the United States Military Academy, no one wanted to be his roommate, let alone be his friend, or even speak to him unless absolutely necessary.
Army Times Poll results: 79 percent of Army Times readers support Confederate post names . Army Times put the question of whether or not to renames posts named after Confederate officers to our readers, who resoundingly voted to keep the names.
Associated Press Feds allege California Marines involved in $67M health fraud . Federal authorities say Southern California Marines were recruited for a scheme that bilked the government’s military health insurance provider out of $67 million.
Associated Press Navy anticipates housing crunch in San Diego region . The Navy is facing a looming housing crunch in the San Diego region, where high home prices and rents are already a problem.
Air Force Times Air Force Predator crashes in Turkey; investigation underway . An MQ-1 Predator crashed in a field shortly after taking off from Incirlik Air Base in Turkey Thursday, the Air Force said.
The Record-Courier: Trump in Reno to address American Legion on Wednesday . President Donald Trump will be speaking to the 99th annual American Legion National Convention in Reno on Wednesday. Trump is expected to speak about 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. About 9,000 participants are expected in Reno for the convention, which opens today.
FOX News (Video): Secretary Shulkin speaks out about Charlottesville backlash . In this four-minute video from “Watters’ World,” Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin speaks out about the Charlottesville backlash.
The Hill: VA Secretary on Confederate monuments: ‘You hav to respect people’s opinions’ . Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin weighed in on the heated debate over whether to remove Confederate monuments across the country, saying Americans must be cognizant of each other's feeling amid simmering racial tensions.
WSET (ABC-13, AP): Family: Remove Arlington’s Confederacy monument . Descendants of a Confederate veteran who sculpted a 32-foot monument to the Confederacy at Arlington National Cemetery want it removed. More than 20 descendants of sculptor Moses Jacob Ezekiel wrote a letter to The Washington Post urging the Confederate Memorial be moved from its place of honor at the cemetery and placed in a museum or some other place "that makes clear its oppressive history."
Government Matters (Video): One-on-One with VA Secretary David Shulkin . In a special two-part interview, Francis sat down with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. David Shulkin. They discussed the culture, workforce and technology challenges facing the Department, and the way the White House is impacting and influencing Secretary Shulkin’s agenda.
Brooklyn Daily Eagle: Plan to convert Brooklyn VA Hospital to ambulatory center raises alarm with Vets, pols . A plan to eliminate inpatient surgery at Brooklyn’s VA hospital and transfer these services to the Manhattan VA hospital is raising alarm among Brooklyn and Staten Island military veterans and local officials, who say they are worried the move will cause a hardship for veterans in the outer boroughs.
WGRZ (NBC-2): VA update on unsanitary scope procedures . The Buffalo Veterans Affairs Medical Center released an update Friday on more than 500 scope procedures with scopes that were not properly sanitized. They say the procedures took place between April 19, 2015 and June 23, 2017. They also say the employee who was in charge of cleaning the scopes has been removed from his responsibilities.
Northwest Florida Daily News: Letters to the Editor: Thanks to the VA . Recently the VA was being bashed by veterans who have experienced ill treatment from staff members. I find it difficult to remain silent since I have been treated at both the Eglin veterans facility as well as Pensacola’s in an outstanding manner. It has been my experience that there are some outstanding dedicated nurses, doctors and staff members who are being unfairly targeted as uncaring and rude.
Concord Monitor: My Turn: Let’s give ‘Veterans Choice’ a chance . Following retirement from my otolaryngology private practice, I set up and ran an ear, nose and throat clinic at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Manchester, retiring in 2016. Having worked within the VA system for seven years, I have experienced the challenges of delivering medical services, most challenges being administrative in nature.
Daily Press: Riverside, VA team up in Veterans Choice program . Riverside Health System has joined forces with the Hampton VA Medical Center to provide health care through the Veterans Choice Program. The partnership ensures veterans receive access to high quality care close to home.
Modern Healthcare: Veterans Choice funding strikes a temporary compromise . Although the Veterans Choice program received a six-month reprieve thanks to new emergency funding, it will take more than an influx of cash for the program to thrive, according to veterans groups. As it currently runs, VA Choice has problems, according to veterans organizations and experts. Though the program was supposed to cut down on wait times for veterans seeking care, some still wait weeks for appointments and provider shortages are exacerbating the program's troubles.
The Register-Mail: Opioid thefts concern patients, officials alike . About this story: Another alleged theft of opioid medication led The Register-Mail to a pair of victims in Galesburg and a look into the underground market for painkillers. Jeffrey Jarvis doesn’t know if he’s part of a crime trend, a statistical blip in theft statistics, or the random victim of an opportunist.
WDBJ (CBS-7): Locals in Salem honor, support Veterans with PTSD . These drivers with the Star City Cruisers are used to getting attention with their rides. Friday, they putting that attention to good use. They along with the Salem Rotary converged at the Salem VA Medical Center for a cruise in. Participants brought their cool rides to kick off a weekend car show. Veterans at the VA medical center were invited to check out the cars, have dinner and listen to live music.
Deseret News: Would military exit oath be enough to prevent Veteran suicide? Experts say no . The Senate is considering a defense funding bill that proposes an "oath of exit" aimed at decreasing self-harm and suicide among America's veterans. But while acknowledging the idea is well-intentioned, many experts who deal with suicide and mental health among veterans say asking exiting service members to take the voluntary pledge could actually do harm.
Commercial-News: VA: VA a leader in health research . This is the third installment of this monthly column, which, as I stated in both of the first two, is intended to convince any and all eligible veterans to at least investigate what VA can do for you and your health care. Again, if you’re already receiving care in the VA system, thank you, and we hope to continue to earn your trust.
KXVA (FOX-15, Video): Taylor Co, Vietnam Veteran receives help from the White House . On February, 22, 2017, Bennie Dooley, a Vietnam Veteran from Taylor County was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Dooley went to the Veterans Service Office to apply for service connection. After his representative Bryan Massey was thrown through obstacles and loops, they finally turned to President Trump’s hotline for Veterans. It was this service that acted and granted Dooley with justice.
The San Diego Union-Tribune: Forever GI Bill: Lost in the chaos, a great display of unanimity . In these days of deep division in the country, it’s easy to forget there are areas everyone can still agree on. Like helping veterans. Both chambers of Congress and President Donald Trump deserve the highest praise for a rare and welcome display of complete unanimity — not a single no vote — over the recent extension and improvement of the GI Bill, which has helped numerous veterans and their families get education and training since 1944.
Inside Tucson Business: A new program aims to help homeless Vets get back on their feet . Bruce DeRaad is homeless after serving over 20 years in the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic. A new program to help veterans like him has offered him a path getting a full-time job with the city. In July, the U.S. Department of Labor awarded Pima County a $236,654 grant for the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program, to connect veterans in need with stable employment. The program just signed up its first five participants.
WBBM (CBS-2, Video): Graduation Day For Lincoln Cemetery Memorial Volunteers . This is graduation day for new volunteers for the memorial squad at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. […] They are the men and women who have trained to give veterans a burial with honors at the cemetery. The youngest is 34-year-old Jennifer Orr, who has already been part of the squad – during her training – and had the chance to meet veterans’ family members.
The Wall Street Journal: Eternal Life: The Difficulty of Firing at the VA . Your editorial “Can the VA Fire Anyone?” (Aug. 15) asserts that “the Merit Systems Protection Board [MSPB] . . . has become a union-supported shop dedicated to protect employees from discipline,” but this is inconsistent with the facts.
KVLY (NBC-11, Video): Disabled Veteran with passion for serving receives new custom home . MS Marts and his wife received the keys to their new home, marking new beginning. The couple had been living in a home that was unable to support his equipment given to him by the VA for his recovery and that couldn't fully support the equipment he used for his well-known radio show. This new home, however, has room for it all.
Japan Times Wreck of U.S. cruiser that delivered vital parts for Hiroshima A-bomb found after seven-decade search . Lost to the depths of the Pacific Ocean 72 years ago after being sunk by Japanese torpedoes, the wreckage of the USS Indianapolis — the ship that delivered components crucial to “Little Boy,” the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima — has been located.
Upcoming Veteran Events
American Legion Post 328, Southfield, Michigan Listing of Current Events in and around the Metro Detroit Area for and about Veterans, for the period August 17 - September 3, 2017.
http://www.legionpost328.org/ events.html Sent in by our fellow Veteran Tim Wirkus. Thanks Tim!
Federal Business Council, Inc. (FBC) List of remaining Industry Outreach Events for remainder of CY 2017. https://www.fbcinc.com/ search.aspx
Marine Week – Detroit, MI. September 6 – 10, 2017. Marine Week, hosted by the United States Marine Corps in one city per year, is a celebration of Community, Country and Corps – providing the American public the experience of directly connecting with hundreds of Marines. From September 6 –10, 2017, Marine Week Detroit will feature hands-on static displays, live demonstrations, time-honored Marine Corps traditions, musical performances and other events to showcase the history, military capabilities and community involvement of the Corps. For details: http://usmarineweek. com/
National Veteran Small Business Coalition, DC Metro Chapter Dinner Meeting, Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 4:00 - 8:30 PM (EDT), Arlington, VA. Go here to get more details and to register. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ national-veteran-small- business-coalition-13- september-2017-dc-metro- chapter-dinner-meeting- tickets-37070437677
MOAA Military and Veteran Networking Forum, September 14, 2017, 7:15-10:00 PM. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington D.C. An evening of networking and professional development designed to provide those who have served and their families the opportunity to meet industry professionals, hiring managers, executives, and resource specialists. 700+ Veterans, Transitioning Servicemembers, and Spouses - Three designated halls: Top Military-Friendly Companies, Careers in the Information Technology Industry, and Exploring Entrepreneurship. Keynote welcome with two panel sessions. 70+ organizations committed to supporting the military community (GE, Starbucks, Amazon, Verizon, General Dynamics + more). Opportunities to connect with executives, mentors, and community leaders. Learn more and register at: http://www.moaa.org/ networkingforum/
Corporate Gray Military-Friendly Job Fair, Springfield, VA, September 21, 2017. Come meet face-to-face with representatives from Lockheed Martin, Booz Allen Hamilton, CSRA, DXC Technology, Leidos, U.S. Postal Service, AECOM, PenFed, YRCI, WBB, FCi Federal, PotomacWave, ComScore, New York Life, Octo Consulting, ACT I, and more! Job fair hours are 9 am to 12:30 pm, with an Employer Panel discussion for job seekers starting at 8 am. The Waterford Reception Center is located at 6715 Commerce Street in Springfield, Virginia. Business attire recommended. Bring many copies of your resume. Be sure to research the companies in advance, including contacting people you know who are working there and asking for their assistance in matching your skills and experience with their open jobs. For more information and to register for the event, visit www.corporategray.com/ jobfairs/387 . By pre-registering and uploading your resume, you'll receive the job fair employer directory in advance, and give the participating companies early access to your credentials. Also, see flyer here….
2017 Veterans International Small Business Opportunities Conference (VISBOC) October 10, 2017, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Arlington VA. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is partnering with the Virginia Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) to host the 4th Annual Veterans International Small Business Opportunities (VISBOC). http://mailchi.mp/ 980deee42b74/2017-veterans- international-small-business- opportunities-conference- visboc?e=b5ef1b329e
National HUBZone Conference, October 12 – 13, 2017. Westfields Marriott Conference Center, Chantilly, Virginia. For you Veteran Small Business Owners that are also HUBZone Companies. http://www. hubzonecouncil.org/clubportal/ ClubStatic.cfm?clubID=528& pubmenuoptID=29484
Women Veterans Alliance 3-day Fall Unconference “Nourish Your Soul” October 13th-16th, 2017, City of Industry, California. For more information:
http://www. womenveteransalliance.org/ events/unconference/
St. Joseph’s University Veterans Entrepreneurial Jumpstart (VEJ) – COHORT III – October 14 - 22, 2017, Saint Joseph’s University Campus in Philadelphia, PA. No Cost to qualified Veterans. The Veterans Entrepreneurial Jumpstart (VEJ) program is designed specifically to provide the tools, education and mentorship necessary to allow all qualified veterans the opportunity to start their own businesses. We offer the latest training in business and entrepreneurship, utilizing the breadth of experience available through the renowned Haub School of Business, experienced faculty, and industry practitioners. Click on following link for Video: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=WpWB347egMo&feature= youtu.be&utm_source=Ralph+ Galati+Linked-In+Contacts+-+ VEJ+Audience&utm_campaign= dfae0ac3ac-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_ 2017_04_26&utm_medium=email& utm_term=0_2b5b0a4e16- dfae0ac3ac-382008989 To enroll, go here: http://sites.sju.edu/ veteransservices/ entrepreneurship-programs/sju- veterans-entrepreneurial- jumpstart-vej/ Sent in by Ralph Galati, Director, Veterans Services, St. Joseph’s University. Thanks Ralph!
Veterans in Business – Inaugural National Conference. November 6-7, 2017, Palm Springs, CA. Go here for details and to register: http://www.cvent.com/events/ veterans-in-business-network/ event-summary- 4ccfca021b174c069cee970cc0a621 59.aspx
Warrior Ethos 4th Annual Gala – November 16, 2017. Save the date. https://www.warriorsethos.org/ news/
