Programs Updates

1. The Voyageur Militaire is the life blood of the Voiture and La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux.

2. My fellow Voyageurs and I are La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux, without our active support it ceases to exist.

3. As a Voyageur Militaire, I am the representative of my Voiture Locale and Voiture Nationale, La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux. Whatever I do or say reflects directly upon myself and my Fellow Voyageurs Militaire.

4. As a Voyageur Militaire, I am responsible for what my Voiture Locale and Voiture Nationale stands. It can be no more than what my fellow Voyageurs and I, together, make it.

5. As a Voyageur Militaire, I should not criticize what my fellow Voyageurs do for the Forty & Eight unless I have a better suggestion and I am prepared to do it myself.

6. As a Voyageur Militaire, I must remember that the fact that I bear the title of Forty & Eight Voyageur is not enough. I must continue to be an active member to be a Forty & Eight Voyageur.

7. As a Voyageur Militaire, I should treat my Fellow Voyageurs with the respect, honor and understanding that I would like to receive from them.

8. It is not my right to be a Voyageur Militaire, it is an Honor. I should respect that Honor by abiding by all Forty & Eight precepts.

9. La Societe does me an Honor by calling on me. I am not doing my Voiture a favor by serving. It is both an obligation and privilege.

10. Whatever differences my Fellow Voyageurs and I may have, we are all bound together by the bonds of our Loyalty to our Voiture, to La Societe and to all American Legionnaires.

The Executive Committee of the Cheminots Nationaux at the request of Chef de Chemin de Fer, Terry Sims, and pursuant to Section 10 of Article VIII of the National Constitution of La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux, adopted the following report which, with the accompanying recommendations are respectfully submitted to the Cheminots Nationaux with the request that the same be ratified.

After a meeting with the Chef de Chemin de Fer and American Legion National Commander, and after some investigating by Voiture Nationale into a statement made in the June 1955 Forty and Eighter. This statement is part of a report of the Executive Committee of the Cheminots Nationaux. Chef de Chemin de Fer, Terry Sims, has asked the Executive Committee of the Cheminots Nationaux to issue a retraction to that statement.

It is common knowledge that the National Organization of the American Legion is, and for more than the past seven years has been under the domination and control of a small group of men. It is common knowledge that these men have made use of the funds, assets and prestige of the American Legion to gain and maintain their domination and control. And it is common knowledge that this has been done by use of committee appointments, the giving jobs in the Legion Organization, and the emoluments for those who will do the bidding of the men who have seized the power to which we have referred.

It is the recommendation of the Executive Committee of the Cheminots Nationaux that this statement be retracted for the good of both organizations, so that we can get back to the most important goal of “God and Country”.

Even though it has been 52 years the Executive Committee of the Cheminots Nationaux feels that we should offer an official apology to the American Legion for this statement. They further ask that the Chef de Chemin de Fer send a letter of apology and copy of this report to the National Commander of the American Legion.

Nationale Carville Star Directeur Mike Wood, and Correspondant Nationale Dave Rabius present a plaque to the Museum to signify the 40 & 8 donation in restoring the painting "Bundling The Star." The plaque reads. "Bundling The Star," by Frede Vidar, Restored Courtesy of the Forty and Eight.

The Carville Museum on the grounds of the Gillis W. Long Center in Carville, LA is the newest project that the Carville Star has included into its program. This started when Chef de Chemin de Fer Passe (2002) Bob Kaseman visited the museum during his term of office and saw the condition of the museum. It was in great need of repair and updating to protect the materials on display. Past Chef Kaseman immediately made this his personal project for the year. The museum needed many repairs included roof repair, painting and a general renovation. He felt that we should make this a museum that we could be proud to support. Through his efforts and the Forty and Eight Voyageurs and Dames generosity, $10,000 was raised and donated in 2002 & 2003 to renovate the museum, and now it is a 5 star museum, with artifacts, and written materials, some by Stanley Stein himself, that will be kept for generations to learn about the history of The Star and the research and treatment of Hansen's Disease.

Since then we have installed a new banner and a permanent sign on the front of the museum readily identifying it, a project spearheaded by Chef de Chemin de Fer Passe (2005) Mac McCarthy. Recently the Forty and Eight has provided the museum with its own flag with the Forty and Eight emblem also on it symbolizing our support (pictured on this site). We have paid to restore valuable historic paintings, provided preservation supplies to keep documents and artifacts safe, donated pins to be sold to tourist that tour the museum to keep as a souvenir, and help the museum raise money for daily needs. This has all been accomplished by the work of the Voyageurs and Dames of the Forty and Eight and the La Femmes.

Every year in February, in conjunction with the Cajun Wreck, the Voyageurs and Dames take a tour of the museum and see for themselves what an asset the museum is to their efforts. While at the museum they also get to see a large display in the museum dedicated to the Forty and Eight, explaining the history of our relationship with The Carville Star. The museum Curator Elizabeth Schexnyder is and national award winning curator that does an extremely fine job overseeing the museum and hosting daily tours. I want to thank all of the Voyageurs and Dames for your continued support of the Carville Museum, and hope that you will continue to keep this as something that we can be proud to represent, and I hope that you will all have an opportunity to visit the Carville Museum.

The Star has a new editor, Abel, currently a resident at the NHDP hospital area in Baton Rouge. He has worked with the Star at Carville also The only funding agency for The Star, the American Legion Forty and Eight have asked me to be the managing editor, for which I have agreed as of February 2007. The Director of the NHDP agreed and now that I am retired have agreed to volunteer as the managing editor of the Star. There is no money or other benefits associated with this position. I am a volunteer working with NHDP, the current residents of Carville, the hospital inpatients, And outpatients and others living with or associated with educational efforts in Hansen’s disease. I agreed, since I worked with The Star since 1968, at the request of the Director of the NHDP, as a consultant and because I do believe that the Star is the only worldwide free educational publication associated with both the professional medical community and the people effected or living with Hansen’s Disease.

The Star is the only worldwide publication, to my knowledge, to continue addressing the new developments, all problems associated with Hansen’s disease and in the Hansen’s Disease direct care, treatment, research, rehabilitation and education, and also the voice of the outpatients living with HD. Also, this publication is now online, so anyone worldwide can read the publication or print a copy free of charge. We started working on this project in 1998, when Emanuel was Editor. Willie actually brought the publication online in 2000 with the help and assistance of the forty and eight organization and it’s membership. They have been vital to this effort. The Star Board met and the forty and eight stepped forward to carry the ‘light of truth about HD to the worldwide web’. It was through the support of The forty and eight that this was accomplished. This could not have been Accomplished without the forty and eight determination and support of the Educational towards Hansen’s Disease.

Willie spent many long hours learning the computer, software, and typesetting each issue from 2000 until 2005. Willie’s efforts to bring the Star online accomplished. He was the most valuable Star contributor. His dedication and contributions are not measurable. He is truly a remarkable human being that should be recognized in a very special way for his contributions. He, like Stanley, let no obstacle stand in his way. He was a survivor of the worse Hurricane in the history of the USA, as he Resides in the New Orleans area.

The Star was not published in 2006. The Star currently is in transition, but an issue is coming out in 2007. We have tried to address the current needs of people living with Hansen’s disease and have reflected this in pass issues of the Star since 2000, as Stanley did for the patients living in the Gates of Carville. Stanley Stein published the Star to “radiate the light of truth about HD”. We have a new Board that truly reflects the current status of persons living with Hansen’s disease. Stanley had a dream of people living free and productive lives while being treated for HD. His dream has been realized, no patient in the United States is confined to an institution, just because they have Hansen’s disease. With that having been said, the other problems not addressed by Stanley were how outpatients living with HD have to face everyday worldly problems associated with their disease. We are all pioneers in this today, so we must stay united on these issues. The National Hansen’s Disease Programs is the leader and only organization addressing these needs today in the United States. The newly diagnosed patient today has many of the same problems of years gone by, plus many new problems of daily living never identified or faced by the Institution or people living in the Institution. Polio and Tuberculosis have had some of the same issues we face today in Hansen’s disease, but not all of the problems of HD today. Hopefully, we can learn and do better in Hansen’s Disease with the support of all concerned. The way of the future is for medical professionals and people living with Hansen’s Disease to join together in the fight to eliminate this disease and the ignorance associated with this disease. Living, sharing and learning the dreams of a better future for people effected by HD worldwide is the new ‘light of truth about Hansen’s Disease.’ We all have a part on this living stage.

Kay, thank you so much for your efforts in Hansen’s disease. Many others suffer less because of your work in Hansen’s disease. You are a well respected professional working to change the face of Hansen’s Disease today.

On our visit to the Carville Museum, we presented them with a flag of their own that we designed and also bears the 40 & 8 emblem symbolic of the joint effort between us. Pictured here from left to right are, George Willis Nationale Sous Directeur, Mike Wood Nationale Directeur, Terry Sims Chef de Chemin de Fer, Elizabeth Schexnyder Museum Curator, Dave Rabius Correspondant Nationale, and Dave Wegener Nationale Sous Directeur.

While at the Cajun Wreck we were given a Hansen's Disease presentation in Baton Rouge, LA by Dr. James Krahenbuhl, the Director of the NHDP. Afterward we were given a tour of the hospital, the rehab facilities, and the shoe factory. We also meet with the long term care patients, visited their living and recreation facilities, and were introduced to many of the NHDP doctors and staff.

At the NHDP Center pictured left to right are Nationale Sous Directeur Dave Wegener, Nationale Sous Directeur George Willis, Nationale Directeur Mike Wood, Dr. James Krahenbuhl Director NHDP, Terry Sims Chef de Chemin de Fer, Bernie Sampson Sous Chef de Chemin de Fer Passe, and Dave Rabius Correspondant Nationale.

We were directed to park in the Physicians parking area at the hospital, and most of the doctors are Navy Captains, so Carville Star Managing Editor Tonya Thomassie bestowed the title of "Dr. Admiral Dave Rabius" upon our Correspondant Nationale for the day.

Nationale Directeur Mike Wood and Correspondant Nationale Dave Rabius display the new Carville Museum flag made possible largely through the efforts and generosity of Jim Luke Grand Directeur, and The Grand du France.

The involvement with the Carville Star began in 1931 from a visit by the Louisiana State Commander of the American Legion, Sam Jones of Lake Charles, LA to Carville, LA. He was there to visit 23 veterans at Carville, and a number of other Legionnaires accompanied him. They had come to listen to grievances from this group of 23 Hansen's Disease veterans gathered under a group of oak trees. Mr. Jones heard their complaints and needs. They were asking for a decent infirmary building, a recreation hall, more contact with the outside world, and baseball and golf to be played on the grounds at Carville. Sam Jones told them that he would do the best that he could, but advised them to form an American Legion Post. He explained that there is strength in numbers and that the 23 veterans were not a force, but with a million Legionnaires behind them there would be unity. Sam Jones later attended the first meeting of the new Carville American Legion Post, and also went on to become Governor of the state of Louisiana. The 40 & 8 became involved with the new Carville Star program immediately and as The Star's founder and first editor said of the 40 &8 "it was their adventure in humanity, and there is no way that we can ever thank the 40 & 8 for all they have done." From The Star's outset the 40 & 8 provided the modern equipment needed to produce a professional looking publication. When they needed a Linotype machine, a printing press, or a bundling machine, the 40 & 8 always provided the funds. In 1944 the 40 & 8 took over the Carville Star program exclusively and has maintained it to this day, making it the second oldest program in La Societe. The creator and first editor of The Star, Stanley Stein, was himself a veteran and a member of that original Post.

The first issues of The Star were called "The 66 Star," because the site which is now the Gillis W. Long Center was originally designated as Marine Corps Hospital 66.

It has come a long way since the time that "leprosy victims" as they were called then, were ferried up the Mississippi River in the middle of the night and dropped off at a Plantation in Carville, then referred to as The National Leprosarium. Those patients were confined behind a high fence topped with barbed wire, and patrolled by armed guards. They were not allowed to vote, or marry, and visits with their families were doled out sparingly. They were told bluntly when they arrived "That you will die here." That site is now the Gillis W. Long Center for Hansen's Disease in Carville, LA and it still sits in the banks of the Mississippi River as it did then with the differences being that the dock is gone and an earthen levy stands between the gates and the river to protect against flood. Also gone are the armed guards and fences with barbed wire, now replaced with treatment, research, and progress, due in a large amount to the support of the 40 & 8.

I have just returned from the Carville Star Board meeting in Baton Rouge, LA and the Cajun Wreck in Lafayette, LA and both were very successful. I was joined at the Cajun Wreck by Nationale Sous Directeur's Dave Wegener and George Willis. The annual visit to the Carville Museum was well attend, including Chef de Chemin de Fer Terry Sims and his wife Smoke. At that visit we presented the museum with their own flag designed by the Carville Star Committee, bearing the museum logo and the 40 & 8 emblem. On the return trip wel stopped for a delicious cajun luncheon at the Nottaway Plantation and it was outstanding as usual. On Friday a presentation and orientation was arranged at the NHDP center in Baton Rouge, LA, held by Dr. James Krahenbuhl, Director of the NHDP. Those attending were Dave Wegener, George Willis Nationale Sous Directeur's, Mike Wood Nationale Directeur, Chef de Chemin de Fer Terry Sims, Correspodant Nationale Dave Rabius, and Sous Chef de Chemin de Fer Passe Bernie Sampson. Dr. Krahenbuhl gave a slide show and an informative talk on the progress and research of Hansen's Disease. We were then given a tour of the hospital, the rehab facilities, and the shoe factory. We were given a special visit with the long term care patients and their living and recreation areas by Abel Aparicio, The Editor of The Star and a HD patient himself, assisted by Tonya Thomassie the Managing Editor. Everyone there, patients and staff alike quickly recognized the 40 & 8 emblem and expressed their gratitude to us for all that we do for them. I was a very warm experience.

Back at the Cajun Wreck in Lafayette, LA on Friday night they held their "Kangaroo Court". It had been requested by the NHDP that if we could assist them in a new project that they would be grateful. That project was to purchase tri-fold cards that would keep track of the HD patients prescriptions and appointments. Chef de Chemin de Fer Passe P.L. Landry asked if any program had any special needs and was told of this request, so he announced it at the beginning of the "Kangaroo Court", and thanks to him, and the brave souls that endured the stocks and the pies in the face, we raised over $500.00 to pay for this. Now we will be able to supply them with 2500 to 3000 perscription cards with the 40 & 8 emblem on the cover for HD patients nationwide. Again the 40 & 8 comes through for the Carville Star program. I will keep you updated on this site of future developments, and please find it in your heart (and pockets) to support The Carville Star program, It is very much alive. Meci.

I know that you receive many pieces of correspondence, however I felt it necessary to write to you. I am entering my 2nd year as the Directeur of The Carville Star program and have had the privilege of working with you on this program. I want to extend my thanks and the thanks of the entire Carville Star Committee, to you for all that you do for the program. Most of the Voyageurs that work for this program have no idea of how much that you are involved, as I did not, until becoming Nationale Directeur.

Just for the sake of general information, you arrange and schedule the Carville Star Board meetings in February and July in Baton Rouge, LA at the NHDP center every year. You also take time from your schedule to attend these meetings. You keep close contact with the Carville Star Museum and its Curator, and keep informed of their needs. You make the visits to Carville, LA twice a year to visit the museum and the National Guard Base Commander to foster a better working relationship for the program and the museum. I have been with you when you have asked for his assistance for projects at Carville, and he has always been receptive. When there is a need for funding for any needs in the program, you are always ready with suggestions to accomplish the task. And as recent as this year's Cajun Wreck, you took a suggestion from the Managing Editor of the Carville Star, mixed it with the help of the Cajun Wreck Kangaroo Court, and we raised the money to completely pay for the project in a period of 24 hours. There is much more but space will not permit me to list everything that you do.

Dave, not many Voyageurs know the care and passion that you have for the Carville Star, so I am taking the liberty of forwarding this thank you to the entire Carville Star Committee. Although you are not officially on the Committee, I just want you to know that we consider you a part of the Carville Star TEAM. Again please accept my thanks and appreciation for all that you do.

I am writing both of you to thank you for your help on the Carville Star program.

P. L. , thank you for announcing at the kangaroo court that the Carville Star program had a project that we were working on and could use funding. Because of that we raised over $500.00 that night and were able to pay for that new project. The new project is tri-fold prescription cards for the patients of the NHDP Center and at Carville. These cards will also be made available at out patient centers nationwide. We should be able to provide 2500 to 3000 cards for them to keep track of their medications and appointments, with the 40 & 8 emblem on the front cover. This was a need that was requested by the NHDP Center to us. I also appreciate you allowing my to thank all those that donated to the Carville Star that night, from the stage.

Red, thank you for all that you do every year in helping arrange transportation to and from the Carville Star Museum, and the stop at the Nottaway Plantation on the return trip for lunch. When Voyageurs and Dames actually tour the museum, it gives them a whole new prospective of the Carville Star program, and its need for our support. The lunch stop at the Plantation is always something that is looked forward to, and for first timers they tell everyone what a great time that they had there. Please keep up the fine work that you do for the Carville Star.

Many times in life people are too busy to recognize those that lend help to them, or their help is a behind the scenes and overlooked matter. That is why I wanted to personally thank the two of you myself and on behalf of the Carville Star. Because of efforts like yours, we are able to keep this program strong.

I just returned from Baton Rouge, LA and the NHDP Carville Star meeting, and Lafayette, LA for the Cajun Wreck. On our annual trip to the Carville Museum, we presented the NEW museum flag. The museum staff and the NHDP staff were all very excited and happy with the new flag. I want to thank you and the Grand du France for all that you did for this project. Without you generosity and contacts this could not have happened as quickly as it did. I am enclosing a picture of the presentation. Those pictured from the left are George Willis Nationale Sous Directeur, myself, Terry Sims Chef de Chemin de Fer, Elizabeth Schexnyder Museum Curator, Dave Rabius Correspondant Nationale, and Dave Wegener Nationale Sous Directeur. I announced at the presentation the role that you and the Grand du France played in this flag project. This picture will also appear in The Forty and Eighter national magazine.

Please pass on my thanks to all of the Voyageurs of the Grande du France. It is through your efforts that we were able to accomplish this in time to make the presentation to the museum at the annual Cajun Wreck museum visit. Merci on a job well done.

I was a guest a your hotel 21 February 2007 thru 25 February 2007 with a veteran's organization called The Forty and Eight. Every year we have an event called "The Cajun Wreck" at your hotel. First let me compliment your entire staff at the hotel for the outstanding service and accommodations that I received. However there are two employees that I must personally recognize.

On Friday night 23 February 2007 we held our "Kangaroo Court" which is a fun filled way to raise funds for our programs. The method of raising this money is for people to volunteer to be put in the stocks, and then pies are sold to hit them in the face with. The person enduring this process designates which program the money they raise will go to.

Shawn Johnson, the General Manager, and Danny Fontenot, the Food and Beverage Manager both volunteered to take pies in the face and raised over $200.00, to which they donated to The Carville Star program. I am the Nationale Directeur of this program and I wanted to write to offer my personal thanks to these fine men. I have enclosed a Citation of Appreciation to each of them and hope that you will see that they receive them. These men are a credit to your hotel.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and I hope to return next year for another stay there, and enjoy all of the hospitality that you have to offer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON – To ensure veterans with emotional crises have round-the-clock access to trained professionals, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun operation of a national suicide prevention hot line for veterans.

“Veterans need to know these VA professionals are literally a phone call away,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson said. “All service members who experience the stresses of combat can have wounds on their minds as well as their bodies. Veterans should see mental health services as another benefit they have earned, which the men and women of VA are honored to provide.”

The toll-free hot line number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). VA’s hot line will be staffed by mental health professionals in Canandaigua, N.Y. They will take toll-free calls from across the country and work closely with local VA mental health providers to help callers.

To operate the national hot line, VA is partnering with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

“The hot line will put veterans in touch – any time of the day or night, any day of the week, from anywhere in the country – with trained, caring professionals who can help,” added Nicholson. “This is another example of the VA’s commitment to provide world-class health care for our nation’s veterans, especially combat veterans newly returned from Iraq and Afghanistan.”

The suicide hot line is among several enhancements to mental health care that Nicholson has announced this year. In mid July, the Department’s top mental health professionals convened in the Washington, D.C., area to review the services provided to veterans of the Global War on Terror.

VA is the largest provider of mental health care in the nation. This year, the Department will spent about $3 billion for mental health. More than 9,000 mental health professionals, backed up by primary care physicians and other health professionals in every VA medical center and outpatient clinic, provide mental health care to about 1 million veterans each year.

http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/opalist_listserv.cfm.

Recent VA News Releases

To view and download VA news release, please visit the following
Internet address:
http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel

Nicholson to leave VA and Return to the Private Sector
Under his Leadership, VA Makes Strides in Health Care and IT
Modernization
WASHINGTON (July 17, 2007) -- Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Jim
Nicholson announced today he has tendered his resignation to President
George W. Bush, effective no later than October 1, 2007.

Under Nicholson's leadership, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
continued its evolution as a leader in health care innovations, medical
research, education services, home loan and other benefits to veterans.
He transformed the VA health care system to meet the unique medical
requirements of the returning combatants from Iraq and Afghanistan.

In his letter of resignation, Nicholson praised and thanked the
President for the honor of serving him and our Nation's veterans in this
key post at such a "critical time in our nation's global war on terror."

"The VA is a dynamic organization dedicated to serving our nation's
finest citizens - our veterans," Nicholson said. "It has been an honor
and privilege to lead the VA during this historic time for our men and
women who have worn the uniform. We have accomplished so much and the
VA is always striving to improve our services to veterans."

Nicholson said he wants to return to the private sector. "This coming
February, I turn 70 years old, and I feel it is time for me to get back
into business, while I still can." He said he has no definite plans at
this time.

He also addressed an assembled group of Washington VA employees and
those watching around the country on VA's closed-circuit television. In
his message to employees, Nicholson told them how privileged he felt to
have worked with them in fulfilling our nation's promises and
obligations to its veterans.

"VA has come a long way in meeting the growing needs and expectations of
our veterans and you deserve the credit", Nicholson said.

Nicholson, a Vietnam Veteran, was sworn in as Secretary of Veterans
Affairs on February 1, 2005.

During Secretary Nicholson's tenure at the Department of Veterans
Affairs:

   * Directed each of our veterans of the global war on terror who come
to the VA for any kind of care to be carefully screened for brain damage
(TBI) and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

   * Hired 100 new Outreach Coordinators to provide services to
returning OIF/OEF veterans. The new coordinators are located in Vet
Centers throughout the country especially near our military processing
stations.

   * Created a new Advisory Committee on OIF/OEF Veterans and their
families to advise him on ways to improve programs serving OIF/OEF
veterans.

   * Directed the Veterans Benefits Administration to give priority to
Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF)
veterans in its compensation and pension claim system.

   * Launched a major information technology transformation in the VA
with the way it uses and safeguards personal and health information of
veterans.

   * Created a new Office of Operations, Security, and Preparedness to
deal with emergency planning and security.
Initiated the overhaul of the VA's vast contracting and acquisitions
systems.

   * Created a blue ribbon Genomic Research Advisory Committee to use
the VA's expansive medical data holdings to advance the science of
predictive medicine.

   * Commenced a major campaign to reduce the high rate of diabetes in
veterans.

   * Launched a national effort in the Veterans Health Administration to
eradicate staph infections in VA hospitals.

   * Approved 82 new Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) to bring
VA top notch care closer to the veterans who have earned it.

   * Created a new multi-campus Nursing Academy through partnership with
the nursing schools throughout the country to help address a shortage of
nurses within the VA and nationwide.

   * Directed the hiring of suicide prevention counselors at each of
VA's 153 facilities to strengthen one of the nation's largest mental
health programs. He also established a 24-hour national suicide
prevention hotline that will be operational by the end of July 2007.

   * Hired 100 new Patient Care Advocates to help severely injured
veterans and their families manage VA's system for health care and
financial benefits.

   * Led the President's recent Task Force on Returning Global War on
Terror Heroes to improve the delivery of federal services and benefits
to Global War on Terror service members and veterans.

"This is a very big Government agency that, among many other things,
sees over 1 million patients a week in its health care system, and is
doing a world class job," Nicholson said. "The American people can feel
proud about the way we are treating our veterans. The President and the
Congress have been very supportive and for that I am grateful as well."

Nicholson thanked the President, "he has given me terrific opportunities
to serve my country and under his strong and supportive leadership, it
has been a real privilege."

Nicholson left the private business world over 10 years, where he ran a
successful residential development and construction company. He was
elected Chairman of the Republican National Committee in January 1997.
Immediately prior to becoming Secretary, he served as the U.S.
Ambassador to the Holy See.

Recent VA News Releases

To view and download VA news release, please visit the following
Internet address:
http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel

VA Seeks Best Electronic Records to Track Injured Veterans
Seamlessly Through System
WASHINGTON (March 8, 2007) -- Citing the need to provide America's
veterans with the best services available, the top physician in the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) defended the Department's decision
more than two years ago to reject a flawed veterans' tracking system.

"Our vision is to create a continuous clinical record of transfers and
case management for all seriously injured patients as they progress
though both Department of Defense and VA systems of care," said Dr.
Michael J. Kussman, VA's Acting Under Secretary for Health.

In testimony March 8 before the House Veterans Affairs Committee,
Kussman noted that the arm of VA that administers financial payments
such as disability compensation, home loan guarantees and educational
assistance developed a database in 2003 to track the benefits of
seriously injured service members as they move from the military and
into VA.

"The VA employees who worked on the database hoped that it could evolve
to meet our health care management needs as well," Kussman said.
"Unfortunately, it could not. Our Department decided to consider other
ways to accomplish that tracking."

Kussman noted VA created a database tailored to the task of tracking
people as they move between the health care systems operated by DoD and
VA. The two departments are collaborating to create "a much better
tool."

"Contrary to what was erroneously reported, the decision to use a
database -- which we felt better met our needs -- was appropriately made
at an administrative level. The Secretary was not made aware of the
administrative decision," Kussman concluded.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON -- With the number of known living American veterans of World War I now standing at four, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking public assistance in determining whether others are still alive.

“These veterans have earned the gratitude and respect of the nation,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. “We are coming to the end of a generation that helped bring the United States to the center of the international arena.”

Nicholson noted that VA usually knows about the identity and location of veterans only after they come to the Department for benefits. None of the four known surviving World War I veterans has been on the VA benefits rolls.

The Secretary asks members of the general public who know of a surviving World War I veteran to contact VA. To qualify as a World War I veteran, someone must have been on active duty between April 6, 1917 and Nov. 11, 1918. VA is also looking for surviving Americans who served in the armed forces of allied nations.

Information about survivors can be e-mailed to ww1@va.gov; faxed to 202-273-6702, or mailed to the Office of Public Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs (80),

About 4.7 million men and women served in the U.S. armed forces during World War I. About 53,000 died in combat, with another 204,000 wounded.

The four known surviving World War I veterans are John Babcock, 102, from Puget Sound, Wash.; Frank Buckles, 106, Charles Town, W.Va.; Russell Coffey, 108, North Baltimore, Ohio; and Harry Landis, 107, Sun City Center, Fla.

Babcock is an American who served in the Canadian Army. The other three survivors were in the U.S. Army.

Subject: GWOT Task Force Report Released

http://www1.va.gov/taskforce/

Task Force Aims at Improved Services for GWOT Veterans Nicholson - Vets "Shouldn't Fight For Benefits Earned"

WASHINGTON (April 24, 2007) - Military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan can look forward to more timely receipt of benefits, better information and more streamlined processes, thanks to streamlined federal procedures announced today by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson, who chaired a presidential task force.

"The federal government must be responsive and efficient in delivering our benefits and services to these heroes," Nicholson said during a speech to the National Press Club. "They should not have to fight bureaucratic red tape for benefits earned by their courageous service."

On March 6, President Bush appointed Nicholson to lead the Interagency Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes, which reviewed federal benefits and processes for changes that could quickly improve veterans' access to services and programs.

Nicholson went to the White House April 23 to personally brief President Bush about the task force's recommendations.

The Task Force brought together top officials from the departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Education, as well as the Office of Management and Budget, the Small Business Administration and Office of Personnel Management.

The task force focused on improvements that could be made within the authority of the individual departments or agencies, using existing resources. The panel specifically targeted health care, benefits, employment, education, housing and outreach activities.

The report includes 25 recommendations to improve delivery of federal services to returning military men and women. The government-wide action plan contains steps for individual department and agency activities and incorporates cooperative interaction among those providing complimentary services.

Recommendations focus on increasing awareness of available benefits among service members and their families and improving the process for receiving them. Eighteen recommendations will involve collaborative efforts among several federal agencies to improve the timeliness, ease of application, and delivery of services and benefits.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON – On Monday, April 9, Americans will have the opportunity to show their respect and appreciation for an elite group of their fellow citizens -- the more than 29,000 men and women veterans who, while serving our nation, became prisoners of war (POWs).

Perhaps no group has endured privation, fear, hardship and brutality as much as this special band of brothers and sisters. In remote outposts, often alone and in physical conditions defying description, they showed all of us the true meaning of devotion to duty, love of country, courage and the indomitable spirit.

This year, on National POW Recognition Day, I call upon my fellow citizens to offer respect and gratitude, each in his or her own way, for the sacrifices of our POWs. And let us recommit ourselves to that same spirit -- and appreciation of liberty -- that they showed during the dark hours of their captivity.

AMERICAN ANNOUNCED AS ACCOUNTED FOR: There are 1,786 US personnel listed by the Department of Defense as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. The identification of the remains of one American previously KIA/BNR was released on April 11 ^th. LT Michael R. Newell, USN, Ellenville , NY , was reported killed in action on December 14, 1966 , in an F8E on a mission over North Vietnam. His remains were repatriated August 15, 2005, identified November 27, 2006 , and announced on April 11^th. The accounting for LT Newell brings to 797 the number of US personnel accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Over 90% of the 1,786 still listed as missing were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam 's wartime control.

UPDATE ON OPERATIONS: The 99^th period of Joint Field Activities (JFA) in Laos , the third 30-day JFA this year, began April 30^th when a team of approximately 50 US personnel departed Hickam AFB en route to Laos . One of the four teams plans to pursue information on ten cases, and the three other teams will focus on excavating incident sites related to a burial site, a ground loss and three aircraft losses. The 98 ^th JFA took place March 6^th to April 8^th. Two members from the League-organized POW/MIA family delegation visited incident sites in Northeastern Laos on March 23^rd .

On March 21^st, two family members visited one area of the 88 ^th Joint Field Activity (JFA) in Vietnam that began March 8^th, concluding ground operations on April 21^st, a longer period of time (45 days) and with a larger team than in Laos or Cambodia . The JFA continued with an underwater survey and investigation team, comprised of US members from JPAC and the Navy's Mobile Diving Salvage Unit #1 (MDSU1) that was completed on May 4^th. That work was conducted in two provinces along the coast of North Vietnam , though without participation by the USN ship as earlier agreed. Reportedly, bureaucratic obstacles impeded agreements required by Vietnam for using the US Navy's hydrographic ship on the POW/MIA accounting effort.

WASHINGTON -- To provide compassionate, highly-trained nurses to look after the health care needs of the nation’s veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is launching a new initiative that partners the Department’s world-class health care system with four of the country’s finest nursing schools. VA selected nursing schools in Florida, California, Utah and Connecticut for special partnerships with local VA health care facilities as part of a new VA Nursing Academy.

“The expanded role of VA in the education of nurses will ensure the Department has the nurses needed to continue our world-class health care for veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. “Our strengthened partnerships with these four great nursing schools will enhance the faculty and clinical resources needed to educate nurses.”

The four VA-nursing partnerships were selected from among 42 applications. Additional VA-nursing school partnerships will be selected in 2008 and 2009, for a total of 12 partnerships in the five-year pilot program.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has reported that more than 42,000 qualified applicants were turned away from nursing schools in 2006 because of insufficient numbers of faculty, clinical sites, classroom space and clinical mentors. VA currently provides clinical education for approximately 100,000 health professional trainees annually, including students from more than 600 schools of nursing.

The VA Nursing Academy was recently established to address the nationwide shortage of nurses while ensuring that veterans continue to receive world class care and services.

The Academy’s “Enhancing Academic Partnerships” pilot program enables competitively selected VA-nursing school partnerships to expand the number of nursing faculty, enhance the professional and scholarly development of nurses, increase student enrollment by about 1,000 students and promote innovations in nursing education.

Further information about the pilot program can be obtained from VA’s Office of Academic Affiliations web site at www.va.gov/oaa.