Pelosi Statement on House Passage of Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act

/PRNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on House passage of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, which will provide critical funding for veterans' health services and the construction of key facilities for training and housing our military. The bill passed today in the House by a vote of 415 to 3.

"Ensuring that the needs of our veterans are met is a top priority of this Congress. We honor their service and sacrifice by investing in health care for those who have worn our nation's uniform and the construction of key facilities for training and housing our military.

"With passage of this bill, the New Direction Congress has provided a 58 percent increase in funding for veterans' health care and benefits since January 2007.

"I am pleased that this legislation also includes advance appropriations for 2011. This ensures timely and predictable funding for the veterans' health care initiatives upon which so many Americans depend.

"Just last weekend, on July 4th, we celebrated the freedom that is uniquely available to us as Americans. Today we have honored our troops and our veterans who ensure this freedom with real investments in their well-being."

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VA Secretary Announces Opening Alabama National Cemetery

/PRNewswire/ -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officially opened its 129th national cemetery June 25 with the first burials at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo.

"With the opening of this new national shrine, many thousands of Alabama Veterans and their families will have a no-cost burial option nearby, in a setting that is worthy of their service," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "Providing lasting tributes to their sacrifice is one of VA's most honorable missions, one we are proud to fulfill."

The new 479-acre national cemetery in the Birmingham area will serve Veterans' needs for at least the next 50 years. The cemetery is located on State Highway 119, 15 miles south of Birmingham, just north of the town of Montevallo and west of Interstate Highway 65.

In October 2008, VA awarded a construction contract for $3.7 million to BSI Contracting Inc., a service-disabled, Veteran-owned small business in Birmingham, to develop a small burial area. That 12.7-acre section, with 1,095 casket gravesites and nearly 1,000 in-ground cremation sites, will provide approximately two years of burials, enabling VA to begin providing services while the remainder of the cemetery's larger first phase of development is completed.

When complete, the first phase will consist of approximately 45 developed acres with more than 6,000 additional gravesites and 2,700 columbarium niches, as well as facilities needed to operate and to provide burials for approximately 10 years. The new cemetery will include an administration and public information center complex, including an electronic gravesite locator and public restrooms, a maintenance building, an entrance area, a flag assembly area, a memorial walkway and two committal shelters for funeral services. Other infrastructure elements include roadways, landscaping, utilities and irrigation.

The new cemetery serves approximately 200,000 veterans in the region and will be the third national cemetery in Alabama. The state's other national cemeteries are in Seale and Mobile.

Veterans with a discharge issued under conditions other than dishonorable, their spouses and eligible dependent children can be buried in a VA national cemetery. Other burial benefits available for all eligible veterans, regardless whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or marker. Families of eligible decedents may also order a memorial headstone or marker when remains are not available for interment.

In the midst of the largest expansion since the Civil War, VA operates 130 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico and 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. More than three million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict, are buried in VA's national cemeteries on nearly 18,000 acres of land.

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Keeping Faith with Those Who Serve

/PRNewswire/ -- On the eve of the anniversary of our nation's founding, Lt. General Claudia Kennedy and Col. Don Fowler, Co-Chairs of the Democratic National Committee's Veterans and Military Families Council released the following statement lauding the efforts of the President and Democratic Congress to support our veterans:

"On the week of the anniversary of the birth of the United States, the President enacted into law the 2009 supplemental appropriations bill which extends new benefits to those Americans who, like their ancestors of 1776, have voluntarily put their lives on the line to protect the American people.

"The men and women serving in the armed forces of the United States deserve access to the highest quality health care facilities and mental health programs available to help with their transition to civilian life. The President's budget request includes the largest increase to veterans funding in 30 years, building on recent efforts to modernize veterans hospitals and facilities and improve care for those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury.

"And the historic benefits provided by the New GI Bill, which ensures a bright future for our warriors returning to a civilian life, will now be available to the children of those who have lost their lives in active duty."

After September 11, 2001, tens of thousands of Americans answered the call of duty and signed up to serve their country. Since then, under the Bush administration's stop-loss policy, they have been asked to serve double and triple tours of duty - putting a huge emotional and financial burden on service members and their families. As enacted by the President and Democratic Congress, the supplemental compensates those veterans who were asked to bear the extra burden by providing a $500 allowance for every month served under stop-loss orders since September, 10, 2001.

The bill also includes important provisions to support family members of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and lost their life in service to their country. The Fry Scholarship, a new benefit included in the bill, provides extended GI Bill of Rights college education benefits for children of service members who die in active duty.

To support military families, the bill also provides $1.8 billion for defense health programs that provide family counseling and traumatic brain injury and psychological health research. The bill supports the construction of nine wounded warrior support complexes to help wounded soldiers recover and invests $488 million in military hospital construction, as well as investments to complete construction at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

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Gates Plan May Be Beginning of the End of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

/PRNewswire/ -- In the wake of yesterday's unexpected Pentagon announcement about gays in the military, experts say the "don't ask, don't tell" policy may be on the brink of irreversible change that would speed up its demise. After speaking with President Obama last week, Defense Secretary Robert Gates has asked military lawyers to explore how to modify enforcement of the policy in ways that are "more flexible until the law is changed." The President Monday reiterated his intention to end discrimination against gay troops, saying he is working with Congress and the military to do so.

Christopher Neff, political director of the Palm Center, said the remarks by Secretary Gates marked the first time the Defense Secretary has made clear that the Pentagon is onboard with the President's determination to lift the ban. "'Don't ask, don't tell' is a package -- both a law and a policy -- that hasn't been penetrated for fifteen years," Neff said. "This is a crack in humpty dumpty, and it gets the ball rolling for a political solution since it gives cover to lawmakers who have been waiting for a nod from the Pentagon."

Neff said that even a small change in how "don't ask, don't tell" is enforced could represent a seismic political shift, even if it does not have a substantial operational impact on most gay troops, who would still be subject to discharge. If the military stops applying certain provisions of the policy, as Gates says it is considering, it would send a signal to Congress about the inevitability of change. "That's why executive action is the key to unlocking the political stalemate," said Neff. "Even the statements themselves, although they do await follow-up action, have changed the political landscape."

Last month, the Palm Center published a report which outlined several legal and political rationales for executive branch discretion in regulating, and even halting, discharges provided for by federal statute. One of those rationales is closely linked to the new review announced by Secretary Gates. According to the Palm Center study, "the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy itself, as codified by Congress, also grants authority to the Department of Defense to determine the procedures under which investigations, separation proceedings, and other personnel actions under the authority of 10 U.S.C. Section 654 will be carried out ... The Secretary of Defense has discretion to determine the specific manner in which 'don't ask, don't tell' will be implemented." Prior to the release of the Palm Center's report, most observers had assumed that only Congress or the federal courts end the firings of gay troops.

Amidst mounting public pressure, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said this week that he thought "don't ask, don't tell" would be repealed by the end of the President's first term. Nathaniel Frank, senior research fellow at the Palm Center, said this week's developments were politically significant. "Serious discussions have been launched by the President himself," said Frank. "Obama has said this is a failed policy that harms national security, so these measures are not just fixes, but may be the beginning of the end." Frank added that any regulatory changes that fall short of halting all discharges will be "window-dressing," but he focused on the implications for further political change. "This means the hot potato party may finally be over, as the President understands where the buck stops."

In the wake of this week's developments, the Palm Center announced that it is preparing a more extensive legal analysis of administrative options for relaxing the application of certain provisions of "don't ask, don't tell." Neff said that the Defense Department should invite public input as the rules are re-drafted, which would be consistent with past processes when military regulations have been changed. "This review should be no different," he said.

Organizations and individuals who have endorsed or endorsed consideration of the use of executive action based on the legal theories outlined in the Palm Center's study include Secretary Gates, 77 members of Congress, the New York Times editorial page, Center for American Progress, Human Rights Campaign, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Hendrik Hertzberg of the New Yorker, the political consultant Robert Shrum, and former White House aide Richard Socarides.

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Statement Regarding June 30 U.S. Troop Withdrawal From Major Iraqi Cities

/PRNewswire/ -- The following statement was released by Qubad Talabani, the representative of the Kurdistan Regional Government to the United States:

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is deeply grateful to the United States and the U.S. military for their role in liberating Iraq, and partnering with us as we build our federal democracy. Thanks to the sacrifices and valor of U.S. and coalition troops, Iraq has achieved many successes, including the drafting and ratification of a permanent constitution as well as executing several relatively smooth transitions of power following national and provincial elections.

Moreover, on July 25, those living in Iraqi Kurdistan will elect members of a new parliament, another step in our journey toward a full democracy in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

This progress, along with the relative stability throughout much of Iraq, though promising, should not lull international observers into a false sense of security. Recently, deadly bombings within Iraq have increased--just days before the June 30 withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq's urban areas. The KRG remains acutely concerned that the departure of U.S. forces has the potential to create an environment easily exploited by extremists and terrorists who desire to foment violence.

Furthermore, critical issues--essential to the stability of our country--remain unresolved, and the current fragile situation could easily degenerate into violence. These include:

1. Universal adherence to the constitution of Iraq.
2. Passage of oil and gas revenue-sharing legislation.
3. Resolution of Iraq's "disputed territories" through implementing
Article 140 of Iraq's Permanent Constitution.


We implore the Obama Administration to uphold its commitment to a phased, responsible withdrawal from Iraq. The existing Status of Forces Agreement signed between the U.S. and the Iraqi governments sets a firm date for U.S. troops to leave Iraq; however, It is our hope that the U.S. withdrawal will be no sooner than the resolution of these key political issues within Iraq -- establishing a foundation upon which Iraq will be able to successfully secure a peaceful future for the entire region.

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VA Begins Stimulus Payments to Veterans

/PRNewswire/ -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has requested the Department of the Treasury to make $250 payments to eligible Veterans as part of President Obama's recovery plan. The first payments were sent Monday, June 22. All payments will be distributed by June 30.

As part of the recovery plan, VA is making one-time payments of $250 to eligible Veterans and survivors to offset the effects of the current economy. VA estimates $500 million in payments will be made to approximately 1.9 million Veterans and eligible beneficiaries as part of this measure.

To be eligible for the payment, VA beneficiaries must have received VA's compensation, pension, dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC), or spina bifida benefits at any time between November 2008 and January 2009. Also, beneficiaries must reside within the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

No application is necessary. VA used its existing payment records to determine eligibility for the $250 payment. Beneficiaries will receive their payments the same way they receive their monthly VA benefits -- either by direct deposit or in the mail.

This payment is not countable in determining eligibility for VA pension or Parents' DIC. The law allows one $250 payment per person. The payment is tax-free. VA beneficiaries who also receive benefits from the Social Security Administration or Railroad Retirement Board will be paid through those agencies, and will therefore not receive the payment from VA.

VA will spend more than $1.4 billion as part of President Obama's economic recovery plan to improve services to America's Veterans. VA's Internet site -- www.va.gov/recovery -- provides current information about VA's work to deliver its portion of recovery act funds to benefit Veterans.

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THE HILL

It’s not the dirt that makes the hill; it’s the Sledgehammer Soldiers that make the hill.
Vol. 20 – June 25, 2009

- IN THIS ISSUE – Rocking the Marne, Operation: Wedding Bells, NTC Prep, the National Infantry Museum, and all the Brigade news!

- VIDEO: 3RD BRIGADE LOADS UP FOR NTC The 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, is getting ready for a month long stay at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., to prepare for their scheduled deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Erik Anderson reports from Kelley Hill, Fort Benning, Ga. WATCH MORE http://www.hammerpao.com/?p=1190

- A TWITTER REVOLUTION You can hardly turn on the news these days without seeing Twitter promoted somewhere. Major news networks are using the micro-blogging platform to connect with viewers and get citizen feedback. Whether it’s a major news network or your local affiliate, the past four months have seen a major rise in popularity for this Web 2.0 platform, which is designed to answer the question, “what are you doing now?” READ MORE http://www.hammerpao.com/?p=1145

- VIDEO: ROCKING THE MARNE Fort Benning TV’s Ron Andruss reports on Queensryche’s stop on Kelley Hill to rock the Sledgehammer Brigade. WATCH MORE http://www.hammerpao.com/?p=1196

- 3HBCT SOLDIERS PREPARE FOR NTC As they take the next step in preparation for their scheduled deployment at the end of the year, the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, began preparations to move over 3500 Soldiers, 1,100 vehicles and 250 storage containers across the country to the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif. READ MORE http://www.hammerpao.com/?p=1211

- OPERATION HOMEFRONT AND ALFRED ANGELO HOST MILITARY WEDDING Every bride anticipates the day she walks down the aisle in a spectacular bridal gown on her wedding day. On June 13, this dream came true for the military brides from the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Benning, Ga. READ MORE http://www.hammerpao.com/?p=1139 AND http://www.hammerpao.com/?p=1135

- VIDEO: FORT BENNING COUPLES TIE THE KNOT The men and women of Ft. Benning continue to surpass all expectations in serving our country at home and abroad. Now a few companies and organizations have worked together to make a few of the Soldiers and their loved ones dreams come true. NBC 38’s Maria Jones explains. WATCH MORE http://www.hammerpao.com/?p=1183

- GETTING THE WORD OUT By now you likely know the National Infantry Museum has opened. As a volunteer and fan of the museum for many years I can assure you it is truly a spectacular facility. The history of our fighting men is worth remembering in such a fashion because we enjoy the freedoms we have in this country, thanks to the sacrifices of our veterans in many bloody conflicts. Remembering those sacrifices, regardless of military service or branch or gender, is important. READ MORE http://www.hammerpao.com/?p=1208

- PHOTOS: 3RD BRIGADE EXECUTIVE OFFICER PROMOTED Lt. Col. John Cushing's Promotion and Awards ceremony June 25, 2009, Kelley Hill, Fort Benning, Ga. READ MORE http://www.hammerpao.com/?p=1217

- BOSS AND MWR UPCOMING EVENTS Flyers for upcoming events from the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (B.O.S.S.) and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (M.W.R.) organizations at Fort Benning, Ga. Includes Whitewater Rafting, UFC Fight-Night and more!
READ MORE http://www.hammerpao.com/?p=1041

- WEST GEORGIA HONOR FLIGHT HONORS AMERICA’S VETERANS West Georgia Honor Flight exists to help honor America’s veterans for all their sacrifices. Our goal is to fly veteran heroes from Columbus, GA, and surrounding counties to Washington, D.C., to reflect at their national memorials for a one-day free visit. READ MORE http://www.hammerpao.com/?p=1027

- ARMY BLOGGERS: TAKE NOTE! The U.S. Army is inviting Soldier bloggers to share their insights into their personal Army experience in an online forum at http://www.armystrongstories.com. READ MORE http://www.hammerpao.com/?p=981

- FAMILY READINESS NEWS NOW ON FACEBOOK!! CLICK HERE READ MORE http://www.hammerpao.com/?p=898

- MILITARY SPOUSE PROGRAM NOW OPEN Contact information – Mr. Hodge – 706-545-7677
**Grants starting at $6,000 up to $12,000 per year for spouse education.**
READ MORE http://www.hammerpao.com/?p=394

- OUTPOST 60 - 3ID SOCIETY The Society of the Third Infantry Division, the US Army’s oldest organization… READ MORE http://www.hammerpao.com/?p=603

- COL. PETER JONES ON TWITTER - http://www.twitter.com/PJHammer6
- 3RD HBCT ON FACEBOOK - http://facebook.hammerpao.com
- 3RD HBCT ON TWITTER - http://twitter.hammerpao.com
- 3RD HBCT ON YOUTUBE - http://youtube.hammerpao.com

VA Launches 10-Year Health Study of 60,000 New Veterans

/PRNewswire / -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has initiated a large, long-term study to look carefully at a broad array of health issues that may affect Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) Veterans and their counterparts who served during the same time period. VA's "National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans" will begin with 30,000 Veterans deployed to OEF/OIF and 30,000 comparison Veterans who were not deployed.

"This study will help us fulfill President Obama's pledge to 'stand with our Veterans as they face new challenges' by enabling us to understand the health problems of our newest generation of combat Veterans," Dr. Gerald M. Cross, VA's acting under secretary for health, said. "The study's findings will help us plan more effectively to provide the best care possible for these deserving Veterans."

The study will include Veterans who served in each branch of service, representing active duty, Reserve, and National Guard members. Women will be over-sampled to make sure they are represented and will comprise 20 percent of the study, or 12,000 women. A combination of mail surveys, online surveys, telephone interviews, and in-person physical evaluations will be used to collect data from the Veterans.

The study will compare the deployed and non-deployed Veterans in terms of chronic medical conditions, traumatic brain injury (TBI), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological conditions, general health perceptions, reproductive health, pregnancy outcomes, functional status, use of health care, behavioral risk factors (smoking, drinking, seatbelt use, speeding, motorcycle helmet use, and sexual behavior), and VA disability compensation. VA has contracted with an independent Veteran-owned research firm, HMS Technologies Inc., to collect the data.

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VA Reopening Health Care Enrollment to Thousands of Veterans

/PRNewswire/ -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which now has nearly 8 million Veterans enrolled in its award-winning health care system, is poised to welcome nearly 266,000 more Veterans into its medical centers and clinics across the country by expanding access to health care enrollment for certain Veterans who had been excluded due to their income.

"This incremental approach to expanding enrollment ensures that access to VA health care for a greater number of beneficiaries does not sacrifice timely access or quality medical care for those Veterans already enrolled in VA's health care system," Dr. Gerald Cross, VA's Acting Under Secretary for Health, said. "Over the next four years, we hope to provide enrollment to more than 500,000 Veterans."

Under a new regulation effective June 15, VA will enroll Veterans whose income exceeds current means-tested thresholds by up to 10 percent. These Veterans were excluded from VA health care enrollment when income limits were imposed in 2003 on Veterans with no service-connected disabilities or other special eligibility for care. There is no income limit for Veterans with compensable service-connected disabilities or for Veterans being seen for their service-connected disabilities.

Veterans who have applied for VA health care but were rejected due to income at any point in 2009 will have their applications reconsidered under the new income threshold formula. Those who applied before 2009, but were rejected due to income, must reapply. VA will contact these Veterans through a direct-mail campaign, Veterans service organizations, and a national and regional marketing campaign.

Information about enrollment and an income and assets calculator are available at www.va.gov/healtheligibility. The calculator provides a format in which Veterans enter their household income, number of dependents, and zip codes to see if they may qualify for VA health care enrollment.

In addition to applying online, Veterans may also contact VA's Health Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222 VETS (1-877-222-8387). Each VA medical center across the country has an enrollment coordinator available to provide Veterans with enrollment and eligibility information.

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Columbus Lion’s Host “Sledgehammer Night”

The Columbus Lions arena football team, sponsored “Sledgehammer Night” for the Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, at the Civic Center, in Columbus, Ga., June 13.

Before the game, 3rd HBCT Soldiers tailgated in the Civic Center parking lot, enjoyed a free concert, and interacted with the Lion’s players and cheerleaders.

“I enjoyed it,” said 1st Sgt. Dobby Anderson, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Brigade Special Troops Battalion. “I really like how the whole brigade came out and supported this. That was a big-time tailgate party. We had people grilling and throwing the football. The music was going. It set the tone for the whole evening.”

Many Soldiers took the opportunity to branch out and spend time with other Soldiers outside of their units.

“It was good to get the opportunity to mess around with the other battalions and talk with some of the other sergeants major in the brigade,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Dan Huell, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment. “That event went along way in building team cohesion and espri de corps in the unit.”

During the game, 3rd HBCT Soldiers and their families supported the Lions as they defeated the Fayetteville Guard, from North Carolina. Before the game, John Hargrove, the managing partner of the Lions, presented Col. Pete Jones, brigade commander, with a banner commemorating the evening. Hargrove also offered words of support to the brigade Soldiers.

Various Soldiers of the 3rd HBCT participated in events throughout the game, including singing the national anthem, playing exhibition games during game breaks, and a reenlistment ceremony during half time, various videos highlighting the brigade’s last deployment. Four Sledgehammer Soldiers also reenlisted during halftime before eight Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, repelled from the rafters down to the field.

After each event, the people of Columbus showed their support to the participating Soldiers by giving them round after round of applause.

“The event was a great team building event, not just for us, but for the brigade and the populace of Columbus,” said Huell. “The support we and our families received was tremendous.”

Photo 1: The color guard composed of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers, present the colors during the National Anthem during “Sledgehammer Night” at the Civic Center in Columbus, Ga., June 13.

Photo 2: During halftime of the Columbus Lion’s game against the Fayetteville Guard , June 13, at the at the Civic Center in Columbus, Ga., Col. Pete Jones, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division commander, displays a guitar autographed by the rock legends Queensryche. The guitar was given away as a part of Sledgehammer Night.

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