1. Illness Research Causing Rift Between VA, Desert Storm Vets.
2. Stimulus To Fund Renovations At National Cemeteries Run By VA.
3. Broad Operation Changes Ordered For Arlington National Cemetery.
4. Vet Center Hosting Family Peer Group Meetings.
5. Symposium Focuses On Programs For Male, Female Vets.
6. WWII Vet One Of 13 Citizens To Be Honored By Obama.
7. Vietnam Vet Impressed By Obama Speech.
8. Advocate: Obtaining Medical Marijuana "Rather Difficult" For Vets.
9. VA Clinic In Texas To Conduct Open House, Tour.
10. Disabled Man Making Crafts For Other Vets To Paint.
11. Moon Tree Found At Museum, Vets Hospital.
12. Fixing Reform.
13. VA Rule On Agent Orange, Heart Disease Due Soon.
14. Veterans To Get Agent Orange Funds.
15. $111 Million For Fort.
16. VA To Open Newport Health Care Clinic.
17. Katy VA Clinic Moves Forward.
18. Pitts, 8 Other Legislative Candidates Drop Out.
19. Wounded Warrior Gets Hero's Welcome.
20. Patriot Guard Welcomes Home Soldier.
21. Local Vets, Congressman Teague Rally To Help Restore Vandalized Graves.
22. Memorial Building Rising Fast.
23. Memorial Being Built For Soldiers In Boise.
24. VA Hearings as of August 4, 2010:
25. Today in History:
1. Illness Research Causing Rift Between VA, Desert Storm Vets. The Army Times (8/4, Kennedy, 104K) reports, "As the 20-year anniversary of Desert Storm looms, one out of four veterans who served there are sick, even as veterans advocates and the Veterans Affairs Department still bicker." Veterans "believe they have evidence showing that chemical exposure caused their ailments and that VA refuses to acknowledge those studies," while VA officials "say they are striving to be transparent, that their newest research is based on more than 400 studies, and that the 'mindfulness' and 'mood and memory' research they have proposed is...about trying to relieve the pain issues so many Gulf War veterans face." John Gingrich, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki's chief of staff, who has "acknowledged...advocates might not trust VA's take on the issue," stressed that he thinks Shinseki "has made it very clear it is our job to be advocates for veterans 24-7."
2. Stimulus To Fund Renovations At National Cemeteries Run By VA. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch (8/4, 263K) reports, "Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery will get a $1.4 million face-lift using federal stimulus funds, the Department of Veterans Affairs said Tuesday. Jefferson Barracks is among more than 100 cemeteries and similar sites getting improvements through the American Recovery and Restoration Act, according to...VA." One of the cemeteries receiving stimulus funds is the North Alton Confederate Cemetery in Illinois, which will use the money to "repair a monument dating to 1910."
The Medford (OR) Mail Tribune (8/4, 28K) says the US government "has earmarked nearly $125,000 in federal stimulus funding for improvements and equipment purchases at the Eagle Point National Cemetery." The "funding is part of the roughly $50 million in stimulus funding given to the VA's National Cemetery Administration for 391 cemeteries and other sites it manages." Business First Of Louisville (8/4), meanwhile, notes the US VA "has received nearly $796,000 in federal stimulus funding to make improvements and purchase equipment for four Kentucky and Southern Indiana national cemeteries."
News Of National Cemetery In New York Met With Cheers. The Buffalo News (8/4, Michel, Zremski, 185K) reports, "Veterans and their advocates on Tuesday cheered news that Western New York, at long last, will become home to a National Veterans Cemetery. The federal government will soon begin soliciting bids for a site that will be within 25 miles of the interchange for the Youngmann Highway and Mainline Thruway in Amherst and should be at least partially open by 2013, according" to US Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-NY). According to the News, the announcement "means loved ones of veterans seeking" VA burial "will not have to travel more than 100 miles to Bath, the closest national burial ground" for veterans. The Tonawanda (NY) News (8/4) and the AP also cover this story.
3. Broad Operation Changes Ordered For Arlington National Cemetery. In continuing coverage, the Washington Post (8/4, Davenport, 684K) notes that the secretary of the US Army "has ordered widespread changes to the way Arlington National Cemetery operates after a report found a 'general breakdown in sound business practices' that included poor financial oversight, violation of contracting regulations and a lack of competition for lucrative contracts." The report, "conducted by Army procurement" officials, "confirms the findings of a scathing review, released in June, of the cemetery by the Army's inspector general."
4. Vet Center Hosting Family Peer Group Meetings. The second "Briefs" item for the Grand Junction (CO) Sentinel (8/4) reports, "The Grand Junction Vet Center will be host for an ongoing family peer group through Oct. 13 at 2472 Patterson Road, Unit 16." After stating the group is "geared toward family and spouses of combat veterans," the Sentinel says the topic of the next group session, scheduled for Wednesday night, "will be 'What is Post Traumatic Stress?'"
5. Symposium Focuses On Programs For Male, Female Vets. A front page story in the Freehold (NJ) News Transcript (8/4, A1) notes that on July 14th, in "response to concerns of a group of local veterans about not having clear and easy access to programs that exist especially for men and women who have served in the armed forces, the 12th District legislators hosted a symposium on veterans services and benefits...at Colts Neck High School" in Colts Neck, New Jersey. The News Transcript adds, "According to information provided by the 12th District legislators," New Jersey Adjutant Gen. Glenn K. Rieth was at the event and "spoke mainly about the services available through the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs." The Vet Center, "located in Lakewood," provided "materials and contact information about a variety of issues pertaining to veterans."
6. WWII Vet One Of 13 Citizens To Be Honored By Obama. The AP (8/4, Sanner) notes that on Wednesday, President Obama will recognize World War II veteran George J. Weiss Jr., who started an "all-volunteer rifle squad that...has delivered the final salute at more than 56,400 military burials," and "12 other people with the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second highest honor that can be conferred on an American civilian." The Minneapolis Star Tribune (8/4, 347K), which publishes a similar story, points out that Weiss is a Minnesota resident.
7. Vietnam Vet Impressed By Obama Speech. In continuing coverage, the Augusta (GA) Chronicle (8/3, Jones) said that while the "big news from President Obama's speech to disabled veterans Monday was that the Iraq pullout is on schedule," the "commander in chief's words about the veterans themselves were what stuck with Augustan Willie Davis Jr. 'He really surprised me,' the Vietnam vet said," adding that all the vets in attendance that he spoke to said they were surprised Obama cared so much about them. After noting that Davis, "who is the chief of staff in the Georgia Disabled American Veterans," said Obama was given a standing ovation as he finished his speech, the Chronicle said during that speech, the President "talked about increasing the Department of Veterans Affairs' budget and improving health care and benefits for Agent Orange victims and sick gulf war soldiers."
The Marietta (GA) Daily Journal (8/3, Gillooly) noted that during his speech, Obama "said his administration is making it easier" on Agent Orange-exposed Vietnam vets to address their health care needs. The Daily Journal added, "Similar help is available for Gulf War veterans. Nine infectious diseases are now presumed to be related to service in Desert Storm, he said."
The NEWS14-TV Charlotte, NC (8/3, Broders) website, meanwhile, said Obama "made it official on Monday when he announced the United States' combat mission in Iraq will end by the end of this month." While the "news is giving military family members a sigh of relief," some "strongly disagree with the Iraq troop drawdown, such as" veteran Quincy Collins, who said, "The job is not done, until it's done."
8. Advocate: Obtaining Medical Marijuana "Rather Difficult" For Vets. In continuing coverage, Fox News' Fox And Friends (8/3, 8:54 a.m. ET) broadcast, "This week, the Department of Veterans Affairs will begin allowing patients treated at VA hospitals and clinics to use medical marijuana if those" facilities "are in states where medical marijuana is permitted.." When Fox asked Veterans for Medical Marijuana Access Executive Director Michael Krawitz to explain how "most veterans who need medical marijuana as part of their treatment" currently obtain it, Krawitz said, "It's rather difficult for veterans." Krawitz went on to say veterans have to go to private doctors for their medical marijuana recommendations and then find a distributor for the drug, which he said can be a complicated undertaking in some states.
Meanwhile, in its "Colorado Editorial Roundup," the AP (8/4) notes a recent editorial for the Denver Post said VA's "decision...to allow patients to use medical marijuana in the 14 states where it is legal, including Colorado, is a humane and just call."
9. VA Clinic In Texas To Conduct Open House, Tour. The Longview (TX) News-Journal (8/3, 27K) noted that on Wednesday, a "new Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic," located at "1005 N. Eastman Road, will hold an open house and tour from 3 to 4 p.m." The facility, which opened in July, "replaces a smaller previous Longview clinic and is one of five clinics operated" by the Overton Brooks VA Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana.
10. Disabled Man Making Crafts For Other Vets To Paint. The Jefferson County (MO) Journal (8/4, Merkel, 37K) profiles 58-year-old disabled veteran Bill Baker, who "has made thousands of owls, ducks, elephants, candles and patriotic bowls" for patients to paint in the craft room of the Jefferson Barracks Veterans Affairs Medical Center spinal cord injury unit. After noting that Baker "has accumulated nearly 10,000 volunteer hours" at the hospital, the Journal quotes occupational therapist Becky Ballard, who said Baker is "part of our VA family."
11. Moon Tree Found At Museum, Vets Hospital. In a story first run by the Troy (AL) Messenger (7/30, Treadwell, 3K), under the headline, "Museum's Moon Tree Celebrates 34 Years," the Gadsden (AL) Times (8/4, 18K), notes that the director of the Pioneer Museum of Alabama said a Moon Tree inside the museum generates curiosity from visitors. After noting that Peak said the tree, which has been at the museum for 34 years, was grown from seeds taken to the moon, the Times pointed out that other moon trees can be found at other buildings in Alabama, including one in the "veterans' hospital at Tuskegee." This AP (8/4) wire service also takes up this story.
12. Fixing Reform. In his "Management Matters" column for Government Executive (8/4), Brian Friel notes that President Obama's "outgoing budget director, Peter R. Orszag, recently told the Center for American Progress, in a speech highlighting Obama's management agenda, that 'closing the IT gap is perhaps the single most important step we can take in creating a more efficient and responsive government.'" Friel argues, however, that while governmentwide reform might be helpful, the "keys to successful turnarounds are found within...individual agencies," as has been demonstrated by the Veterans Health Administration.
13. VA Rule On Agent Orange, Heart Disease Due Soon. The Army Times (8/4, Kennedy).
14. Veterans To Get Agent Orange Funds. The Florida Keys Citizen (8/3, Guerra, 11K).
15. $111 Million For Fort. The Waynesville (MO) Daily Guide (8/2, Leroux, 2K) said the fiscal year 2011 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which was recently passed by the US House of Representatives, "would give $111.7 million to Fort Leonard Wood." The legislation "would increase the support" to VA "disability claims, providing more than 4,000 additional permanent claims processors, a 25 percent increase. It would also provide $250 million to support initiatives that provide better access to health care for veterans in rural areas."
16. VA To Open Newport Health Care Clinic. The AP (8/4).
17. Katy VA Clinic Moves Forward. The Katy (TX) Sun (8/4, Aboudaher).
18. Pitts, 8 Other Legislative Candidates Drop Out. According to the AP (8/3, Brokaw), "Rep. Carol Pitts said Tuesday she has withdrawn her name from the November ballot and will not seek re-election to the South Dakota House." Pitts, "one of nine legislative candidates who had withdrawn" as of Tuesday, is a dietitian who "said she cannot seek another term in the Legislature because she has accepted a job working on a home-based health care program for the Veterans Health Administration. Federal law clearly prevents federal employees from running in partisan elections, she said."
19. Wounded Warrior Gets Hero's Welcome. The Johnson County (NC) Herald (8/4, Kenney).
20. Patriot Guard Welcomes Home Soldier. The WPDE-TV Myrtle Beach, SC (8/4, Moore) website.
21. Local Vets, Congressman Teague Rally To Help Restore Vandalized Graves. The Deming (NM) Headlight (8/3, Robinson, 4K).
22. Memorial Building Rising Fast. The Anderson (CA) Valley Post (8/4, Woodward).
23. Memorial Being Built For Soldiers In Boise. The Boise-based Idaho Statesman (8/4, 61K).
24. VA Hearings as of August 4, 2010:
Markup on August 5. SVAC, Markup – COLA; Murray Vets employment; Claims bill (to be introduced); Akaka GI bill; Health package (including Begich bill waiving Telehealth/telemedicine co-pay.
Hearing on September 16. The Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity will hold a hearing to receive an update on the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.
Hearing on September 16. HVAC, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs will hold a hearing on “VBA Claims Processing Training Requirements.”
Hearing on September 22. The American Legion will give its annual briefing on its legislative agenda before a joint hearing of SVAC and HVAC.
Hearing on September 23. SVAC Oversight Hearing: “VA Disability Compensation: Presumptive Disability Decision-Making.”
Hearing on September 23. HVAC, Subcommittee on Health, will conduct a hearing on “VHA Contracting and Procurement Practices.”
Hearing on September 29. HVAC, Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing on pending legislation.
25. Today in History:
70 – The destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans.
1265 – Second Barons' War: Battle of Evesham – the army of Prince Edward (the future Edward I of England) defeats the forces of rebellious barons led by Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester, killing de Montfort and many of his allies.
1578 – Battle of Al Kasr al Kebir – the Moroccans defeat the Portuguese. King Sebastian of Portugal is defeated and killed in North Africa, leaving his elderly uncle, Cardinal Henry, as his heir. This initiates a succession crisis in Portugal.
1693 – Date traditionally ascribed to Dom Perignon's invention of Champagne.
1704 – War of the Spanish Succession: Gibraltar is captured by an English and Dutch fleet, commanded by Admiral Sir George Rooke and allied with Archduke Charles.
1789 – In France members of the National Constituent Assembly take an oath to end feudalism and abandon their privileges.
1790 – A newly passed tariff act creates the Revenue Cutter Service (the forerunner of the United States Coast Guard).
1791 – The Treaty of Sistova is signed, ending the Ottoman-Habsburg wars.
1821 – Atkinson & Alexander publish the Saturday Evening Post for the first time as a weekly newspaper.
1824 – Battle of Kos is fought between Turks and Greeks.
1854 – The Hinomaru is established as the official flag to be flown from Japanese ships.
1863 – Matica slovenská, Slovakia's public-law cultural and scientific institution focusing on topics around the Slovak nation, was established in Martin.
1873 – Indian Wars: whilst protecting a railroad survey party in Montana, the United States 7th Cavalry, under Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, clashes for the first time with the Sioux (near the Tongue River; only one man on each side is killed).
1892 – The family of Lizzie Borden is found murdered in their Fall River, Massachusetts home.
1902 – The Greenwich foot tunnel under the River Thames opens.
1906 – Central Railway Station, Sydney opens.
1914 – World War I: Germany invades Belgium. In response, the United Kingdom declares war on Germany. The United States declares its neutrality.
1916 – World War I: Liberia declares war on Germany.
1924 – Diplomatic relations between Mexico and the Soviet Union are established.
1936 – Prime Minister of Greece Ioannis Metaxas suspends parliament and the Constitution and establishes the 4th of August Regime.
1944 – The Holocaust: a tip from a Dutch informer leads the Gestapo to a sealed-off area in an Amsterdam warehouse where they find Jewish diarist Anne Frank and her family.
1946 – Dominican Republic earthquake: an earthquake of magnitude 8.0 hits northern Dominican Republic. 100 are killed and 20,000 are left homeless.
1947 – The Supreme Court of Japan is established.
1958 – The Billboard Hot 100 is founded
1964 – American civil rights movement: civil rights workers Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman and James Chaney are found dead in Mississippi after disappearing on June 21.
1964 – Gulf of Tonkin Incident: United States destroyers USS Maddox and USS Turner Joy report coming under attack in the Gulf of Tonkin.
1969 – Vietnam War: at the apartment of French intermediary Jean Sainteny in Paris, U.S. representative Henry Kissinger and North Vietnamese representative Xuan Thuy begin secret peace negotiations. The negotiations will eventually fail.
1974 – A bomb explodes in the Italicus Express train at San Benedetto Val di Sambro, Italy, killing 12 people and wounding 22.
1975 – The Japanese Red Army takes more than 50 hostages at the AIA Building housing several embassies in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The hostages include the U.S. consul and the Swedish chargé d’affaires. The gunmen win the release of five imprisoned comrades and fly with them to Libya.
1977 – US President Jimmy Carter signs legislation creating the United States Department of Energy.
1984 – The African republic Upper Volta changes its name to Burkina Faso.
1987 – The Federal Communications Commission rescinds the Fairness Doctrine which had required radio and television stations to present controversial issues "fairly".
1991 – The Greek cruise ship MTS Oceanos sinks off the Wild Coast of South Africa.
1993 – A federal judge sentences LAPD officers Stacey Koon and Laurence Powell to 30 months in prison for violating motorist Rodney King's civil rights.
1995 – Operation Storm begins in Croatia.
2002 – Soham murders: 10 year old school girls Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells go missing from the town of Soham, Cambridgeshire in the United Kingdom.
2005 – Prime Minister Paul Martin announces that Michaëlle Jean will be Canada's 27th — and first black — Governor General.
2006 – 2006 Trincomalee massacre of NGO workers, is carried out by Sri Lankan government forces, killing 17 employees of the French INGO Action Against Hunger (known internationally as Action Contre la Faim, or ACF).
2007 – NASA's Phoenix spaceship is launched.
2007 – Airport police officer María del Luján Telpuk discovers a suitcase containing an undeclared amount of US$800,000 as it went through an x-ray machine in Buenos Aires' Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, sparking an international scandal involving Venezuela and Argentina known as "Maletinazo".
