DAV
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Wis. Dental Assoc.: 245 elderly, disabled receive $762,000 in donated dental care
Wisconsin Dental Association, www.wda.org, 6737 W. Washington St., Suite 2360, West Allis, WI 53214
CONTACT: Victoria M. Bohman, Executive Director
PHONE: 414-755-4198 (direct)
E-MAIL: vbohman@wda.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
245 elderly, disabled receive $762,000 in donated dental care
WEST ALLIS, WIS., Aug. 25, 2011 – Two-hundred and forty-five disabled, senior, poor and uninsured adults across the state received $762,366 worth of comprehensive dental treatment at no cost to them from some 200 volunteer dentists between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011 under the Wisconsin Dental Association Foundation’s Donated Dental Services program. In addition, 75 dental laboratories gave $42,151 in materials and services.
“I am in awe of the doctors I have had the luck to work with and feel so blessed to have received such an amazing gift,” wrote a DDS patient from Oshkosh, Wis. in a thank you note to program coordinators Over the course of six months, the woman was treated by a general dentist and oral surgeon with support from three dental labs. She required 10 fillings, two crowns and several extractions before receiving new upper and lower partial dentures.
Many DDS patients generally need extensive dental work that can include bridges, crowns or dentures at a cost of about $3,200 per person.
DDS patients do not qualify for government assistance programs and cannot afford dental care, because a permanent disability, chronic illness or advanced age restricts their income-earning capability. Patients are selected on the basis of financial need and a phone interview with a referral coordinator. A patient candidate then visits a volunteer dentist who assesses dental need and decides whether to accept the financial and clinical responsibilities of providing comprehensive dental care for the individual.
The state of Wisconsin, Delta Dental of Wisconsin and WDA Insurance and Services Corp. provide limited monetary support for administrative and lab costs. In the past, participating dentists have donated more than eight dollars in clinical expertise, treatment and materials for every dollar in funding from the three entities and more than $13 in care for every dollar the state pays into the program.
The amount dentists donate will increase in fiscal year 2011-2012 when the state reduces its support of the program by $6,000.
Drs. Douglas and Jeffrey Wolk, brothers and general dentists in Oshkosh, are two of the program’s volunteer dentists who provide this often life-changing care to DDS patients in their private practices without public or legislative fanfare.
"I have been involved in the DDS program since 1999,” Dr. Doug Wolk said. “During that time, I have met and been able to help a lot of very nice people with their dental needs. For whatever reason, they have not been able to access quality dental care. This program connects willing dentists with patients in need.
“I'm sure I am speaking for every dentist in the program when I say that it is our pleasure to help, because we know the patients are so grateful."
September is Healthy Aging Month, a good time to remember that the U.S. Surgeon General recognizes oral health as an integral part of a person’s total health. Studies show poor oral health may be linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and oral cancer.
Ensuring residents have proper dental care, with a doctor of oral health being the primary care provider, is important to the Badger State economically and socially.
Donated Dental Services was established in 1998. Since then, 749 volunteer dentists have donated more than $6.8 million in care to 2,399 patients; 150 dental labs contributed $494,000 in additional supplies and services.
Visit WDA.org for more information on this charitable care program. Residents of Calumet, Dodge, Door, Fond du Lac, Grant, Green, Jefferson, Kenosha, Kewaunee, La Fayette, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha and Winnebago counties can also contact DDS Program Director Carol Shoemaker at 888-338-6852. Residents of all other Wisconsin counties should call DDS Program Coordinator Bonnie Townsend at 866-812-9840.
To make a tax-deductible donation to support the elderly and disabled who receive needed dental care through this statewide oral health program, make checks payable to the WDA Foundation and note “Donated Dental Services” in the memo line. Mail to: WDA Foundation, 6737 W. Washington St., Suite 2360, West Allis WI 53214.
The Wisconsin Dental Association was established in 1870. With more than 3,000 members statewide, the WDA represents 88 percent of all licensed dentists in Wisconsin. Members are committed to promoting professional excellence and quality oral health care. The WDA Foundation was created as the charitable arm of the association in 1957. A qualified, tax-exempt corporation, the foundation provides scholarships to dental and dental hygiene students, gives financial support to projects providing dental care to the underserved and other dental-related philanthropic endeavors. It also administers Donated Dental Services and helps underwrite the Mission of Mercy program. WDA Foundation is a proud member of Community Health Charities of Wisconsin. For more information, call 414-276-4520, visit our WDA.org website and find us on Facebook, Flickr, and YouTube.
DAV State Commander's Statement on Nomination of WDVA Secretary
DAV
DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
Building Better Lives for America’s Disabled Veterans
The one, single purpose of DAV is to build better lives for disabled veterans and their families. We will work with, but not for, whoever is confirmed as the new WDVA Secretary to see that the lives of the more than 53,500 service-disabled Wisconsin veterans and their families are made better. All dealings and transactions will be done in an open and transparent manner.
DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
Building Better Lives for America’s Disabled Veterans
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF
KEVIN “KC” JOHNSON
COMMANDER
DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN
ON THE NOMINATION OF JOHN SCOCOS AS THE WDVA SECRETARY
The one, single purpose of DAV is to build better lives for disabled veterans and their families. We will work with, but not for, whoever is confirmed as the new WDVA Secretary to see that the lives of the more than 53,500 service-disabled Wisconsin veterans and their families are made better. All dealings and transactions will be done in an open and transparent manner.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Update from the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee Chair
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Saturday, August 20, 2011
DAV-WIS. POSITION ON THE NOMINATION OF FORMER SECRETARY SCOCOS AS THE NEW WDVA SECRETARY
DAV Press Release
For
Immediate Release CONTACT: Al Labelle, State Legislative Director
August
19, 2011 K.C. Johnson, State Commander
DAV POSITION ON THE NOMINATION OF
FORMER SECRETARY JOHN SCOCOS AS THE NEW WDVA SECRETARY
As
DAV told Governor, DAV remains opposed to Scocos reappointment
(Green Bay, Wis.) – On July 27, 2011 in accordance with DAV Bylaws, the Executive
Committee of the Disabled American Veterans, Department of Wisconsin, met to
review the eight candidates for Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of
Veterans Affairs in a telephone conference. The review process was part of the recently
passed AB 96 which reorganized WDVA and was signed into law by Governor Scott Walker in July as Act 36 with the
strong support of DAV.
The names of the candidates
were provided by the Governor’s Office. Resumes were provided to the DAV
Committee upon request for additional information. Candidate statements regarding their
application for the WDVA Secretary position were inexplicably not provided.
After substantial discussion,
the Executive Committee recommended three candidates for the position – Jason Johns, Kent Koebke and Andrew
Schuster. Former WDVA Secretary John Scocos was one of the
candidates. Previously, Scocos was
removed from the position by the Board of Veterans Affairs.
During the discussion, the
DAV Executive Committee expressed a strong desire for a new direction at
WDVA. Al Labelle, DAV State Legislative Director, summed up the
committee’s position when he said, “AB 96, which reorganized WDVA, was done to
give a fresh new outlook to a dysfunctional government agency with an
acrimonious environment. We need to be
looking forward, not backwards. Looking
backwards will only bring us once again dysfunction and acrimony,” said
Labelle.
On August 1, 2011, a
telephone conference was held between Governor Walker and DAV. Representing DAV were State Commander Kevin Johnson, State Legislative
Director Al Labelle and State Judge
Advocate Matt Bills. Johnson was in Green Bay, Labelle in New
Orleans, preparing for the DAV National Convention and Bills was in the
Governor’s Office in Madison.
The conference was positive,
cordial and professional. The attributes
of candidates Jason Johns and Kent Koebke were discussed. Andrew Schuster had withdrawn his name from
consideration. Former Secretary Scocos’
name was not brought up.
After Commander Johnson and
Legislative Director Labelle left the phone conference, believing it was
concluded, Judge Advocate Bills was asked about former WDVA Secretary
Scocos. Bills replied briefly, as
requested, with the terms “baggage” and “unacceptable.”
Later in the day, Legislative
Director Labelle sent an e-mail to the Governor’s Office with the purpose of
making the Governor aware of the Executive Committee’s feelings about candidate
Scocos during its phone conference. A
portion of the e-mail follows:
- Former Secretary Scocos is an extremely
polarizing figure who raises extreme passion in the veterans
community. He is not a unifying
force, but a disruptive one with a profound number of enemies.
- Some will use his nomination to attack elected
officials and state government agencies.
These negative comments will be a PR embarrassment to state
government, i.e. the Governor, and the veterans community.
- Former Secretary Scocos had 11 years to organize
WDVA into a smoothly running professional agency. Instead he went the other way. He took an organization that performed
admirably under his predecessor, Secretary Ray Boland, and planted the seeds of dysfunction and acrimony.
- He demonstrated no ability to administer, manage
or lead. DAV received reports that
he did not coordinate the activities of his department managers in a
positive manner, but instead his poor management style pitted them against
one another.
- Scocos wasted valuable time attacking perceived
enemies. Some DAV officials, when
making suggestions to better the lives of veterans, felt his wrath instead
of his gratitude.
- The Veterans Home at Union Grove has low census
in some areas, many of the reasons for this occurred under his
tenure. The same can be said for
the embarrassingly low number of veterans currently employed at WDVA.
- His poor judgment is best exemplified by his
appointment of former WDVA Secretary
Ken Black as his assistant.
Black will go down as an abysmal Secretary and choice.
- Scocos was fired for just cause. It is up to the courts to decide whether
the proper procedure was followed and whether restitution is warranted,
not us.
- His name did not receive one vote from the state
DAV Executive Committee.
No acknowledgement or
response was received from the Governor’s Office by DAV about the e-mail, but
the Governor did send a letter dated August 8, 2011 thanking DAV for its
participation in the selection process.
On August 3,
2011, three state government officials met with Commander Johnson in Fond du
Lac. The catalyst for the meeting is not clear. Many false,
unsubstantiated assertions were made. They told him that DAV was the only
veterans group not supporting former Secretary Scocos and asked him to reconvene
the Executive Committee. Commander Johnson refused.
On the following day, one of
the government officials called the Commander to say he knew a Past National
DAV Commander personally and if the Committee is not reconvened, he will give
him a call. No meeting is scheduled.
A letter dated August 8, 2011
was received from the Governor thanking DAV for its insight, its service to
this great state and nation, and for its dedication to Wisconsin’s
veterans. He expressed confidence the
new secretary will meet our standards and be a strong advocate for the state’s
honored veterans. The new secretary will
be reaching out to DAV in the coming weeks.
DAV is a nonprofit veterans
service organization, founded in 1920 and congressionally chartered in 1932,
who will work with whoever is confirmed as the new WDVA Secretary to see the
lives of the more than 53,500 service-disabled Wisconsin veterans and their
families are made better.
The one, single purpose and
priority of DAV will always be the betterment of disabled veterans and their
families, not petty vindictive politics.
It will always do what is right for veterans, not necessarily what is
popular.
-END-
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Governor Scott Walker on New WDVA Secretary Appointment Process
"Consulting with the veterans service organizations ensures that we ultimately have a candidate for that office who is someone who is going to be respected, involved with our veterans community.” --Governor Scott Walker
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
DAV Supported AB 96, Said Scocos Reappointment as WDVA Secretary "Unacceptable"
Attached is a press release on the DAV Executive Committee reviewing the list of WDVA candidates.
Below is an e-mail sent to the Governor's Office followin the telephone conference held on August 1, 2011. I was in New Orleans and Commander Johnson was in Green Bay. JA Bills was in the Governor's Office. No acknowledgement or response was ever received.
On August 3, 2011, three employees of DWD met with Commander Johnson in Fond du Lac. The catalyst for the meeting is not clear. Many false, unsubstantiated assertions were mande. They told him that DAV was the only veterans group not supporting former Secretary Scocos and asked him to reconvene the Executive Committee. He refused.
....
Sincerely,
Al Labelle
Legislative Director
Disabled American Veterans
Department of Wisconsin
From: Al Labelle
To: waylon.hurlburt@wisconsin.gov
CC: K.C. Johnson, State Commander; Ken Kuehnl, State Adjutant; Matt Bills, State Judge Advocate
Subject: Post Conference question - Former Secretary John Scocos
Date: Mon, 1 Aug 2011 20:38:00 -0500
Below is an e-mail sent to the Governor's Office followin the telephone conference held on August 1, 2011. I was in New Orleans and Commander Johnson was in Green Bay. JA Bills was in the Governor's Office. No acknowledgement or response was ever received.
On August 3, 2011, three employees of DWD met with Commander Johnson in Fond du Lac. The catalyst for the meeting is not clear. Many false, unsubstantiated assertions were mande. They told him that DAV was the only veterans group not supporting former Secretary Scocos and asked him to reconvene the Executive Committee. He refused.
....
Sincerely,
Al Labelle
Legislative Director
Disabled American Veterans
Department of Wisconsin
From: Al Labelle
To: waylon.hurlburt@wisconsin.gov
CC: K.C. Johnson, State Commander; Ken Kuehnl, State Adjutant; Matt Bills, State Judge Advocate
Subject: Post Conference question - Former Secretary John Scocos
Date: Mon, 1 Aug 2011 20:38:00 -0500
Waylon,
Spoke with Commander Kevin Johnson and Judge Advocate Matt Bills after the phone conference with the Governor. We agreed the conference was both positive and professional.
JA Bills mentioned that upon Commander Johnson and myself leaving the phone conference, he was asked about former WDVA Secretary John Scocos. According to our conversation, he replied briefly, as requested, The terms 'baggage' and 'unacceptable' were used. Please make the Governor aware of the Department's Executive Committee (DEC) feelings about former Secretary Scocos.
During the discussion of former Secretary Scocos during our DEC phone conference last Thursday, the DEC felt he is an extremely polarizing figure who raises extreme passion in the veterans community. He is not a unifying force, but a disruptive one with a profound number of enemies.
Some will use his nomination to attack elected officials and state government agencies. These attacks will spread from the blogs to the mainstream media. These negative comments will be a PR embarrassment to state government, i.e. the Governor, and the veterans community.
DAV has heaped much praise on the Governor for his support of AB 96 and his comments on the hiring and employment of veterans and disabled veterans. We do not want that to change.
Former Secretary Scocos had 11 years and three kicks of the can to organize WDVA into a smoothly running professional agency. Instead he went the other way. He took an organization that performed admirably under his predecessor, Secretary Boland, and planted the seeds of dysfunction and acrimony.
He demonstrated no ability to administer, manage or lead. DAV received reports that he did not coordinate the activities of his department managers in a positive manner, but instead his poor management style, pitted them against one another.
Scocos wasted valuable time attacking perceived enemies. Some DAV officials, when making suggestions to better the lives of veterans, felt his wrath instead of his gratitude.
The Veterans Home at Union Grove has low census in some areas, many of the reasons for this occurred under his tenure. The same can said for the embarrassingly low numbers of veterans currently employed at WDVA.
His poor judgment is best exemplified by his appointing of Ken Black as his assistant. Black will go down as an abysmal Secretary and choice.
Scocos was fired for just cause. It is up to the courts to decide whether the proper procedure was followed and whether restitution is warranted, not us.
His name did not receive one vote from the DEC.
Please pass this e-mail onto the Governor for his information. Thank you for anticipated cooperation.
Sincerely,
Al Labelle
Legislative Director
Disabled American Veterans
Department of Wisconsin
Spoke with Commander Kevin Johnson and Judge Advocate Matt Bills after the phone conference with the Governor. We agreed the conference was both positive and professional.
JA Bills mentioned that upon Commander Johnson and myself leaving the phone conference, he was asked about former WDVA Secretary John Scocos. According to our conversation, he replied briefly, as requested, The terms 'baggage' and 'unacceptable' were used. Please make the Governor aware of the Department's Executive Committee (DEC) feelings about former Secretary Scocos.
During the discussion of former Secretary Scocos during our DEC phone conference last Thursday, the DEC felt he is an extremely polarizing figure who raises extreme passion in the veterans community. He is not a unifying force, but a disruptive one with a profound number of enemies.
Some will use his nomination to attack elected officials and state government agencies. These attacks will spread from the blogs to the mainstream media. These negative comments will be a PR embarrassment to state government, i.e. the Governor, and the veterans community.
DAV has heaped much praise on the Governor for his support of AB 96 and his comments on the hiring and employment of veterans and disabled veterans. We do not want that to change.
Former Secretary Scocos had 11 years and three kicks of the can to organize WDVA into a smoothly running professional agency. Instead he went the other way. He took an organization that performed admirably under his predecessor, Secretary Boland, and planted the seeds of dysfunction and acrimony.
He demonstrated no ability to administer, manage or lead. DAV received reports that he did not coordinate the activities of his department managers in a positive manner, but instead his poor management style, pitted them against one another.
Scocos wasted valuable time attacking perceived enemies. Some DAV officials, when making suggestions to better the lives of veterans, felt his wrath instead of his gratitude.
The Veterans Home at Union Grove has low census in some areas, many of the reasons for this occurred under his tenure. The same can said for the embarrassingly low numbers of veterans currently employed at WDVA.
His poor judgment is best exemplified by his appointing of Ken Black as his assistant. Black will go down as an abysmal Secretary and choice.
Scocos was fired for just cause. It is up to the courts to decide whether the proper procedure was followed and whether restitution is warranted, not us.
His name did not receive one vote from the DEC.
Please pass this e-mail onto the Governor for his information. Thank you for anticipated cooperation.
Sincerely,
Al Labelle
Legislative Director
Disabled American Veterans
Department of Wisconsin
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
VA Opens Small Business Conference in New Orleans
VA Opens Small Business Conference in New Orleans
Government Leaders and Procurement Specialists On Hand for Largest Nationwide Conference of Its Kind
WASHINGTON - The National Veterans Small Business Conference and Expo in
New Orleans is underway. Hosted by VA for the first time, it is the
largest nationwide conference of its kind focused on helping
Veteran-owned and service-disabled Veteran-owned businesses succeed in
winning federal contracts and expanding their businesses. The conference
runs through Thursday.
"This conference offers a new approach to providing Veteran-owned
businesses and service-disabled Veteran-owned businesses the access and
tools they need to thrive in the Federal marketplace," said Eric K.
Shinseki, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "Our primary goal is to help
more Veterans start and grow their own businesses."
In addition to Secretary Shinseki and other senior VA leaders,
conference speakers include Jane Lute, Deputy Secretary for the
Department of Homeland Security, and Frank Kendall, Principal Deputy
Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology.
The conference offers valuable insight to assist both new and seasoned
Veteran-owned and service-disabled Veteran-owned small businesses to
succeed. More than 100 sessions will address a range of topics,
including branding, marketing, management, financing and business
opportunities within the federal government as well as how to secure
loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its new
Express & Pilot Programs, which offer streamlined and expedited loan
procedures for certain borrowers such as Veterans.
Participants also have an exceptional opportunity to network via the
VetGovPartner platform that enables them to view extensive business
profiles of all participants at the conference as well as to identify
business opportunities associated with the more than 200 government
procurement decision makers in attendance.
The conference also offers on-site assistance to Veterans and Veteran
business owners on how to become eligible for VA's Vets First
Contracting Program.
For those Veterans or Veterans-owned businesses new to the process, the
conference provides a learning session that explains current
requirements to become verified accompanied by lessons learned and tips
to help applicants navigate the process. In addition, VA staff are
on-site to assist firms to initiate verification applications, and to
provide updates on status of applications in process.
The conference learning sessions are targeted at a variety of
businesses--from new business owners to well-established Veteran-owned
businesses looking to expand opportunities or increase market share.
Additionally, the state directors of VA from 10 states are attending to
share their 'best practices' on Veterans-owned business development with
conference attendees.
The National Veterans Small Business Conference and Expo is open to both
government and non-government personnel. For more information and to
register for the conference, go to www.
A video news release about the conference can be viewed on YouTube at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Government Leaders and Procurement Specialists On Hand for Largest Nationwide Conference of Its Kind
WASHINGTON - The National Veterans Small Business Conference and Expo in
New Orleans is underway. Hosted by VA for the first time, it is the
largest nationwide conference of its kind focused on helping
Veteran-owned and service-disabled Veteran-owned businesses succeed in
winning federal contracts and expanding their businesses. The conference
runs through Thursday.
"This conference offers a new approach to providing Veteran-owned
businesses and service-disabled Veteran-owned businesses the access and
tools they need to thrive in the Federal marketplace," said Eric K.
Shinseki, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "Our primary goal is to help
more Veterans start and grow their own businesses."
In addition to Secretary Shinseki and other senior VA leaders,
conference speakers include Jane Lute, Deputy Secretary for the
Department of Homeland Security, and Frank Kendall, Principal Deputy
Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology.
The conference offers valuable insight to assist both new and seasoned
Veteran-owned and service-disabled Veteran-owned small businesses to
succeed. More than 100 sessions will address a range of topics,
including branding, marketing, management, financing and business
opportunities within the federal government as well as how to secure
loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its new
Express & Pilot Programs, which offer streamlined and expedited loan
procedures for certain borrowers such as Veterans.
Participants also have an exceptional opportunity to network via the
VetGovPartner platform that enables them to view extensive business
profiles of all participants at the conference as well as to identify
business opportunities associated with the more than 200 government
procurement decision makers in attendance.
The conference also offers on-site assistance to Veterans and Veteran
business owners on how to become eligible for VA's Vets First
Contracting Program.
For those Veterans or Veterans-owned businesses new to the process, the
conference provides a learning session that explains current
requirements to become verified accompanied by lessons learned and tips
to help applicants navigate the process. In addition, VA staff are
on-site to assist firms to initiate verification applications, and to
provide updates on status of applications in process.
The conference learning sessions are targeted at a variety of
businesses--from new business owners to well-established Veteran-owned
businesses looking to expand opportunities or increase market share.
Additionally, the state directors of VA from 10 states are attending to
share their 'best practices' on Veterans-owned business development with
conference attendees.
The National Veterans Small Business Conference and Expo is open to both
government and non-government personnel. For more information and to
register for the conference, go to www.
A video news release about the conference can be viewed on YouTube at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
VA Publishes Social Media Policy
VA Publishes Social Media Policy
Policy Establishes Responsible Use for Web-based Collaboration Tools
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today the
release of a policy directive regarding the secure use of Web-based
collaboration and social media tools. The policy allows the Department
and its employees to leverage emerging platforms that enhance
communication, stakeholder outreach, and information exchange as the
Department transforms itself into a 21st Century organization attuned to
the needs of Veterans of all generations.
"Veterans should have consistent and convenient access to reliable VA
information real time using social media -whether on a smartphone or a
computer," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "They
also should be able to communicate directly with appropriate VA
employees electronically."
The policy, "VA Directive 6515: Use of Web-Based Collaboration
Technologies," encourages the adoption and use of social media by VA
employees. It provides workplace boundaries and establishes the
Department's philosophy for communication: VA is open and transparent,
and VA is willing and able to engage and collaborate with its many
stakeholders online.
"This isn't about using social media because it's cool or because it's a
fad," said VA Director of Online Communications Brandon Friedman. "It's
about getting the right information to the right Veteran at the right
time. This policy sets us on a path toward changing how we talk-and
listen-to Vets."
VA began launching social media sites in 2009 and the Department has
over 100 Facebook pages, more than 50 Twitter feeds, two blogs, a
YouTube channel, and a Flickr page. VA's Facebook pages have a combined
subscribership of over 293,000 fans-with the Department's main page
reaching over 138,000. On Twitter, VA has a combined followership of
over 53,000-with the Department's main feed reaching over 22,000. VA
has posted over 300 videos on YouTube and over 9,000 photos on Flickr,
which have been viewed over a combined 1.1 million times. In November
2010, VA launched its first blog, VAntage Point, which distinguishes
itself from other government blogs by actively soliciting guest pieces
from both employees and the public. By the end of the year, the
Department expects to have an active Facebook page and Twitter feed for
all 152 VA Medical Centers.
More information:
VA Directive 6515 (Social Media Policy)
*
http://www.va.gov/vapubs/
Directory of VA Social Media Sites
* http://www.va.gov/opa/
VA's Main Social Media Sites
* http://blogs.va.gov
* http://www.facebook.com/
* http://twitter.com/
* http://www.youtube.com/user/
* http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Policy Establishes Responsible Use for Web-based Collaboration Tools
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today the
release of a policy directive regarding the secure use of Web-based
collaboration and social media tools. The policy allows the Department
and its employees to leverage emerging platforms that enhance
communication, stakeholder outreach, and information exchange as the
Department transforms itself into a 21st Century organization attuned to
the needs of Veterans of all generations.
"Veterans should have consistent and convenient access to reliable VA
information real time using social media -whether on a smartphone or a
computer," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "They
also should be able to communicate directly with appropriate VA
employees electronically."
The policy, "VA Directive 6515: Use of Web-Based Collaboration
Technologies," encourages the adoption and use of social media by VA
employees. It provides workplace boundaries and establishes the
Department's philosophy for communication: VA is open and transparent,
and VA is willing and able to engage and collaborate with its many
stakeholders online.
"This isn't about using social media because it's cool or because it's a
fad," said VA Director of Online Communications Brandon Friedman. "It's
about getting the right information to the right Veteran at the right
time. This policy sets us on a path toward changing how we talk-and
listen-to Vets."
VA began launching social media sites in 2009 and the Department has
over 100 Facebook pages, more than 50 Twitter feeds, two blogs, a
YouTube channel, and a Flickr page. VA's Facebook pages have a combined
subscribership of over 293,000 fans-with the Department's main page
reaching over 138,000. On Twitter, VA has a combined followership of
over 53,000-with the Department's main feed reaching over 22,000. VA
has posted over 300 videos on YouTube and over 9,000 photos on Flickr,
which have been viewed over a combined 1.1 million times. In November
2010, VA launched its first blog, VAntage Point, which distinguishes
itself from other government blogs by actively soliciting guest pieces
from both employees and the public. By the end of the year, the
Department expects to have an active Facebook page and Twitter feed for
all 152 VA Medical Centers.
More information:
VA Directive 6515 (Social Media Policy)
*
http://www.va.gov/vapubs/
Directory of VA Social Media Sites
* http://www.va.gov/opa/
VA's Main Social Media Sites
* http://blogs.va.gov
* http://www.facebook.com/
* http://twitter.com/
* http://www.youtube.com/user/
* http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Friday, August 12, 2011
DAV CHAPTER 26 IN MENOMONIE LOSES CHARTER FOR BYLAW VIOLATIONS
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2011
DAV CHAPTER 26 IN MENOMONIE LOSES CHARTER FOR BYLAW VIOLATIONS
On August 11, 2011, Disabled American Veterans National Commander Donald L. Samuels
revoked the charter of Tri-County Chapter 26 located in Menomonie, Wisconsin for egregious
violations of the DAV National Bylaws and the blatant disregard of the DAV Purpose. DAV
Chapter 26 is one of 55 chapters that comprise the Department of Wisconsin.
On May 14, 2011, Tri-County Chapter 26 held a fundraising project opened to the public without
requesting permission from the Department of Wisconsin in accordance with Section 15.3 of
the National Bylaw. Despite a letter of suspension dated May 12, 2011, which was received by
Commander Jerome P. Jalowicz on that date, Tri-County Chapter 26 went ahead and held this
fundraising event.
Subsequently, it was discovered that Tri-County Chapter 26 held and was planning to hold many
other fundraisers opened to the public without requesting permission from the Department of
Wisconsin as required by the National Bylaws.
Since purchasing its current land and building in 2005, Tri-County Chapter 26 has a long
history of rogue actions, such as numerous grievance filings, many Article 16 proceedings
and an unauthorized incorporation. Tri-County Chapter 26 operated the Fox Hole Bar and
other business entities in a manner not consistent with the DAV Purpose and in violation of the
National Bylaws.
On November 9, 2005, in a filing with the State of Wisconsin, Tri-County Chapter 26 stated
the purpose of the Fox Hole Bar and other business entities was, “To earn money to help fund
programs under the State Department of Wisconsin Disabled American Veterans.” Tri-County
Chapter 26 has failed to live up to this stated purpose.
From 2005-2011, Tri-County Chapter 26 has raised $1.48 million in fundraising revenues and
distributed $4100 to DAV Programs or 0.3% of its total revenues. The distribution of a mere
$4100 to DAV Programs by Tri-County Chapter 26 over that period is extremely disturbing to
the DAV National Organization and the Department of Wisconsin.
The one, single purpose of DAV and its Chapters is “To build better lives for disabled veterans
and their families.” The purpose of DAV Chapters is not to fund debt retirement or operating
deficits, but to fund Service Programs that directly aid disabled veterans and their families.
DAV, DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN, 130 Dauphin Street, Green Bay, WI 54301
Phone: 920-406-0620 Fax: 920-406-0621 e-mail: gbdav@sbcglobal.net
Tri-County Chapter 26 chose to ignore the DAV Purpose and instead chose to emphasize debt
retirement.
After much communication between Chapter 26 and the Department of Wisconsin, the
Chapter showed no indication of compliance with the bylaws, rules, regulation, and mandates
promulgated by the DAV National Organization.
The 1.2 million-member Disabled American Veterans, a non-profit organization founded in 1920 and
chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932, represents this nation’s disabled veterans. It is a Better Business
Bureau Accredited Charity and spent 77.6% of its expenditures last year on service programs that directly
aid veterans.
More information can be found on the organization’s Web site, www.dav.org.
Assembly to Hold Hearing on 2 Veterans Bills on Sep. 1st
Assembly
PUBLIC HEARING
Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs
------------------------------------------------------
The committee will hold a public hearing on the following items at the time specified below:
Thursday, September 1, 2011
10:00 AM
417 North (GAR Hall)
State Capitol
10:00 AM
417 North (GAR Hall)
State Capitol
Assembly Bill 66
Relating to: custody and physical placement matters when a party is a service member.
Assembly Bill 121
Relating to: expanding the eligibility of an unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran to claim the veterans and surviving spouses property tax credit.
Representative Richard Spanbauer
Chair
Chair
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
VA and Federal Agencies Enthusiastically Opens Doors for Veteran Owned
VA and Federal Agencies Enthusiastically Opens Doors for Veteran Owned
Businesses
National Veterans Small Business Conference and Expo Begins
The upcoming National Veterans Small Business Conference and Expo will
attract some 4,000 attendees from Veteran Owned Businesses and
Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses. Of 27 million small
businesses in the United States, 3.6 million are veteran or
service-disabled veteran-owned. These businesses employ 8.2 million
people and contribute $1.6 trillion to the U.S. economy. Veterans are a
values-based, motivated, and highly trained workforce ready to work and
contribute to our economy.
The President has challenged the private sector to hire or train 100,000
unemployed Veterans or their spouses by the end of 2013. As the
President said last Friday at the Washington Navy Yard, our small
business base needs innovative and skilled workers - like our veterans -
to grow.
WHAT: National Veterans Small Business Conference and Expo
(Website: http://www.nationalveteransconference.com/)
WHERE: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center
Boulevard, New Orleans, La.
WHEN: Mon.-Fri., Aug. 15-19
OPEN PRESS for remarks and interviews on a request basis
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE: Consistent with the Administration's efforts to
hire Veterans, to improve the Nation's economic recovery and vitality,
and recognizing the significant impact of small business on the American
and global marketplace, the conference will enthusiastically open its
doors to the Veteran Owned Businesses and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned
Small Businesses communities. The conference will offer training
sessions on navigating the federal acquisition process, and on-site
assistance to prospective Veteran businesses owners on how to certify as
a Veteran-owned business.
The scheduled speakers at the conference include: Eric K. Shinseki,
Secretary of Veterans Affairs; W. Scott Gould, Deputy Secretary,
Department of Veterans Affairs; Jane Holl Lute, Deputy Secretary,
Department of Homeland Security; Frank Kendall, Principal Deputy Under
Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics; and
Anthony Jiminez, President, CEO and Founder, Micro Tech. Information on
media availabilities will follow at a later date.
For further information, contact Amanda Jones in New Orleans at
504-565-4852, amanda.jones6@va.gov; or Josh Taylor in Washington, D.C.,
at 202-368-3298, josh.taylor@va.gov.
Businesses
National Veterans Small Business Conference and Expo Begins
The upcoming National Veterans Small Business Conference and Expo will
attract some 4,000 attendees from Veteran Owned Businesses and
Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses. Of 27 million small
businesses in the United States, 3.6 million are veteran or
service-disabled veteran-owned. These businesses employ 8.2 million
people and contribute $1.6 trillion to the U.S. economy. Veterans are a
values-based, motivated, and highly trained workforce ready to work and
contribute to our economy.
The President has challenged the private sector to hire or train 100,000
unemployed Veterans or their spouses by the end of 2013. As the
President said last Friday at the Washington Navy Yard, our small
business base needs innovative and skilled workers - like our veterans -
to grow.
WHAT: National Veterans Small Business Conference and Expo
(Website: http://www.nationalveteransconference.com/)
WHERE: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center
Boulevard, New Orleans, La.
WHEN: Mon.-Fri., Aug. 15-19
OPEN PRESS for remarks and interviews on a request basis
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE: Consistent with the Administration's efforts to
hire Veterans, to improve the Nation's economic recovery and vitality,
and recognizing the significant impact of small business on the American
and global marketplace, the conference will enthusiastically open its
doors to the Veteran Owned Businesses and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned
Small Businesses communities. The conference will offer training
sessions on navigating the federal acquisition process, and on-site
assistance to prospective Veteran businesses owners on how to certify as
a Veteran-owned business.
The scheduled speakers at the conference include: Eric K. Shinseki,
Secretary of Veterans Affairs; W. Scott Gould, Deputy Secretary,
Department of Veterans Affairs; Jane Holl Lute, Deputy Secretary,
Department of Homeland Security; Frank Kendall, Principal Deputy Under
Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics; and
Anthony Jiminez, President, CEO and Founder, Micro Tech. Information on
media availabilities will follow at a later date.
For further information, contact Amanda Jones in New Orleans at
504-565-4852, amanda.jones6@va.gov; or Josh Taylor in Washington, D.C.,
at 202-368-3298, josh.taylor@va.gov.
Senate Veterans Committee Chair Loses Recall Election
Tuesday's recall elections spelled a significant change for Wisconsin veterans, with Senate veterans' affairs committee chair Sen. Randy Hopper (R-Fond du Lac) losing a bid to retain his seat to former Oshkosh Deputy Mayor Jessica King.
Former U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and former Wisconsin National Guard member Sen. Dan Kapanke (R-La Crosse) was also defeated in Tuesday's recall election. He will be succeeded by State Rep. Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse)
Wisconsin State Senators with military service include:
Sen. Tim Cullen, former U.S. Army Reserve (D-Janesville)
Sen. Scott Fitzgerald, Retired U.S. Army Reserve (R-Juneau)
Sen. Bob Jauch, U.S. Army Vietnam War veteran (D-Poplar)
Sen. Mark Miller, Retired U.S. Air Force Reserve (D-Monona)
Sen. Fred Risser, U.S. Navy WWII veteran (D-Madison)
Sen. Bob Wirch, former U.S. Army Reserve (D-Pleasant Prairie)
Cullen is the only current member of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Veterans and Military Affairs with military service. The committee's vice-chair is Sen. Rich Zipperer (R-Pewaukee). It is unclear whether he will now be appointed to serve as the committee's chair.
--Anthony Hardie
Madison, Wis.
Former U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and former Wisconsin National Guard member Sen. Dan Kapanke (R-La Crosse) was also defeated in Tuesday's recall election. He will be succeeded by State Rep. Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse)
Wisconsin State Senators with military service include:
Sen. Tim Cullen, former U.S. Army Reserve (D-Janesville)
Sen. Scott Fitzgerald, Retired U.S. Army Reserve (R-Juneau)
Sen. Bob Jauch, U.S. Army Vietnam War veteran (D-Poplar)
Sen. Mark Miller, Retired U.S. Air Force Reserve (D-Monona)
Sen. Fred Risser, U.S. Navy WWII veteran (D-Madison)
Sen. Bob Wirch, former U.S. Army Reserve (D-Pleasant Prairie)
Cullen is the only current member of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Veterans and Military Affairs with military service. The committee's vice-chair is Sen. Rich Zipperer (R-Pewaukee). It is unclear whether he will now be appointed to serve as the committee's chair.
--Anthony Hardie
Madison, Wis.
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