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Proud to Serve Utah Veterans since 2003

Updated September 31, 2008
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I'm in the process of totally revamping the Newsletter. Please check back in a few days, or see the work in progress now.

Provo City and Utah Department of Veteran’s Affairs team up to reach un-served Vets

“Many of our vets have a hard time standing in a line, much less going through the stressful complicated processes of applying for benefits. We aim to help them into and through the process.” said Andrew Wilson, the publisher of www.UtVet.com and a member of the Provo Veterans Council. “We want to create a safe alternative for these vets, and their family members. We plan to help them feel good about attending and discovering new options. We know how helpful it can be for veterans to meet other veterans and learn about the benefits they have earned. Attending the Information Fair can be a step toward a brighter future.” said Wilson.

A sad example of not reaching veterans in time is their rate of suicide. Vets take their own lives at twice the national rate; eight times the national rate for our youngest (18-24 year old) vets. Another example is veterans’ homelessness. It’s estimated that upwards of 30 percent of Utah’s homeless are veterans, many of whom have mental health or substance abuse problems.

Help a vet. Bring one to this event. Refreshments will be provided. There will even be a band.

Jason Chaffetz gives an in-depth interview regarding veterans and national defense.

September 23, 2008 Provo, Utah
Andrew Wilson, publisher UtVet.com

Today Jason Chaffetz, Republican candidate for Utah's Third Congressional District,told UtVet that he felt that the US could not be the "world's policemen" nor should we be in the business of "nation building" but that America has turned into both.

He said that we should always be the world's premier super power. We need to have the very best equipment, the very best intelligence, and that we take care of our troops. "War is tough. It's us or them. I prefer to play to win."

Participate in a clinical trial. Help another vet with PTSD.

The George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System in conjunction with VA Cooperative Studies program is conducting an IRB approved research study to determine if a medication is effective in helping to treat symptoms of PTSD. (IRB stands for Institutional Review Boards. IRBs are designed to protect study participants. They review and must approve the action plan for every clinical trial. ed.)

All subjects in the study will receive supportive care during their research related visits by the research team and study medication for six months. During the length of the study one-half of the subjects will receive study medication and the other half will receive a placebo...

In most instances participants may remain on other medications to treat PTSD/Depression while involved in this research study, however there are some exclusions.

The study will involve subjects participating in psychological assessments every six weeks as well as filling out various self-assessment forms in addition to continuing usual care appointments at the hospital. Following a two week screening period, eligible subjects will be enrolled in this six month treatment study. Participants in the study will be reimbursed $20 for visits at weeks 4, 8, 16 and 20 and $50 for visits at weeks 6, 12 and 24 for a maximum total payment of $230. Payments will only be made after weeks 12 and 24.

The study subjects will also have the opportunity to be involved in a genetics sub-study; however this is not a requirement to participate.

Read a letter describing all the details here.

SENATORS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO GUARANTEE ADVANCE FUNDING OF VETERANS’ HEALTH CARE

September 18, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, was joined by a bipartisan group of Senators in introducing legislation today to secure timely funding of veterans' health care, through a process known as "advance funding."

Senator Akaka said: "The Department of Veterans Affairs operates the largest health care system in the nation, but its funding is untimely and unpredictable. Advance funding for veterans' health care is better for veterans, taxpayers, and VA. Funding would be set two-years in advance, enabling VA to make strategic long term decisions.

It is unacceptable that over the past six years, the Department of Veterans Affairs has not received its annual funding on average until more than three months after the start of the new fiscal year.

Senator Murkowski said: "We demand much of the veterans' healthcare delivery system in addressing the critical health issues presented by those who have just returned from Iraq and Afghanistan while at the same time continuing to serve the veterans of conflicts past. For 19 of the past 21 years, Congress has failed to provide the VA with certainty about its funding levels at the beginning of the federal fiscal year.

Read the entire story from the Vietnam Veterans of America "News Flash" here

Some Clear Thinking About Mandatory Funding for VA Healthcare
An eMail from Frank Maughn, Military Order of the Purple Heart

On Sep 5, 2008, at 8:48 AM, FRANK MAUGHAN wrote:

As I see the issue Congress has for decades sent men (and recently women) into harm's way. They also have failed to adequately fund the mechanism that treats those who are harmed while in service to their nation (the VA Med system).

And worse, for the last decade or so, Congress has failed to make what little they do give to the system timely. Slots for doctors, nurses and specialty treatment givers go unfilled because the funding is so "iffy". The result is that veterans in need of treatment go for months awaiting appointments.

Many vets have simply given up on seeking treatment at the VA Medical facilities both in Salt Lake City and in St. George. All because politicians can't get their act together.

I agree with the national Veterans Service Organizations that funding for medical needs should be predictable, adequate and timely. Whatever mechanism Congress can find to accomplish that would go a long way toward keeping the implied promise that, once a young person gets hurt doing what Congress sent them to do, Congress would take care of them.

Frank

[Frank and I have disagreed on a number of issues over the years. But on this one, he speaks for me too. Emphatically. Thanks for sharing Frank.]

This is a picture of Terry Schow, director of theUtah Department of Veterans Affairs. Thanks to Terry for his tireless efforts on behalf of Utah's veterans.

Thank the Governor and legislators who created the Utah Department of Veterans Affairs.

Rather than have county based veterans' service officers as surrounding states do, Utah provides Outreach Services. These services are delivered to rural vets by veterans from the Marine Corp League, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, etc. Learn about these comprehensive outreach programs at http://veterans.utah.gov/index.html

For your convienience we have copied the schedule of when outreach representatives will be in your town. Just click on the link for the October Outreach Schedule and Services page

Operation Enduring Freedom / Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) Home

Welcome home and thank you for your service to our country in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom!

VA is ready to provide health care and more to our newest veterans returning from the armed services. Here are some of the benefits VA provides —

Five Years of Enhanced Health Care.
You are eligible to receive enhanced VA health care benefits for 5 years following your military separation date. Whether or not you choose to use VA health care after separation, you must enroll with VA within 5 years to get health care benefits later on.

Dental Benefits.
You may be eligible for one-time dental care but you must apply for a dental exam within 180 days of your separation date.

OEF/OIF Program.
Every VA Medical Center has a team standing ready to welcome OIF/OEF service members and help coordinate their care.
Check the homepage of the Salt Lake City VA Medical Center

Primary Health Care for Veterans. VA provides general and specialized health care services to meet the unique needs of veterans returning from combat deployments.

Non-Health Benefits.
Other benefits available from the Veterans Benefits Administration may include: financial benefits, home loans, vocational rehabilitation, education, and more.

VA Services

Blind Rehabilitation
CHAMPVA
Chaplains
Minority Veterans
PTSD
Polytrauma
Readjustment Counseling — Vet Centers
Veterans Service Organizations
Women Veterans

1-877-222-8387
Health Care

1-800-827-1000
Benefits

Medical Foster Home Program for Veterans
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System (VASLCHCS) is pleased to announce the development of the Medical Foster Home program to reach the growing needs of the veteran population.

“The Medical Foster Home is a unique partnership of adult foster home and Home Based Primary Care,” said Josh Brown, VASLCHCS Licensed Clinical Social Worker and coordinator of the Medical Foster Home Program. There are many veterans who live alone and independently for years through the support of assistive devices and home care services. Eventually the veteran may decline to the point that it is no longer safe to remain living alone. Traditionally, this situation is resolved by nursing home placement; however, the veteran may refuse nursing home care, instead accepting serious risks. “This is where the Medical Foster Home program steps in to offer a safe, favorable, and less costly alternative to the veteran,” said Brown.

Medical Foster Home finds caregivers in the community who are willing to take a veteran into their home and provide 24-hour supervision as well as needed personal assistance. The expectation is that this is a long-term commitment, where the veteran may live for the remainder of his or her life. The caregivers are paid $1,500 to $2,500 based upon the level of care needed by the veteran. For example, a cost of $1,500 for someone with mild dementia who is independent in activities of daily living but requires supervision, to $2,500 for someone who is incontinent, bed-bound, and needs to be turned every four hours. This is a very cost-effective alternative to nursing home placement and allows for a safe home type environment for veterans.

This payment is made by the veteran directly to the caregiver monthly. This includes room and board, 24-hour supervision, assistance with medications, and whatever personal care is needed.

“We are currently searching for individuals who are interested in becoming future Medical Foster Home caregivers,” said Brown. Potential caregivers must be:

Over the age of 21
Own or renting a home
Read, write, and speak English
Complete a Criminal Background Check (BCI)
First Aid and CPR are certified
Allow an Interdisciplinary Treatment Team into your home for monthly visits
Willing to accept, participate in, and follow the veteran’s treatment plan
“The Medical Foster Home program allows community members an opportunity to serve our veterans who have served us in maintaining and ensuring our freedoms,” said Brown.

If you or some one you know is interested in receiving more information about this exciting program, please contact Josh Brown, coordinator, Medical Foster Home Program, at (801) 582-1565, extension 2180.

A Question for the Candidates?

Have you taken a position regarding Mandatory National Service?

Sample Answer: "Not exactly a military draft, but an opportunity to mobilize young people from every class, to rebuild America’s infrastructure; as well as the military.

We can build affordable housing, create 300 MPH trains that follow the interstates, teach children, rebuild bridges and hiways, modernize power transmission corridors, husband our energy resources, and more. European, Middle Eastern, Asian, and all the other nations will be anxious to invest in this program so they could be part of the world wide economic boom that would be sure to follow such a powerful investment into productivity. It's not trickle down economics, it's synergistic economics.

We need to strengthen our military so we don’t burn out our troops and our capacity to respond to threats to world peace and commerce. Just as President Reagan discovered he had to expand the Navy to 600 ships, we must define the middle path that gives us maximum strength at an acceptable cost. Our military must be equal to the task of enabling democracy and protecting against piracy and terrorism, around the world.

All that's missing is the manpower. Mandatory National Service would be a Democratizing process where ethnicity and social class becomes less important than rebuilding our national infrastructure and military."

"How do you like me now?"

Read Third District candidate Jason Chaffetz's answer here.

Fortress America

From the Carnegie Institute magazine:

The new U.S. Embassy in Baghdad is the largest the world has ever known. Mission colossal [Ten times the size of the new US Embassy in China ed.] Thousands will live inside its blast walls, isolated from the bloody realities of a nation at war. Why has the United States built this place—and what does it mean?

Read about this fortress here. Why isn't anyone covering this story?:

This is a picture of Terry Schow, director of the Utah Department of Veterans Affairs. Thanks to Terry for his outstanding efforts in behalf of Utah's Veterans.

Veterans Outreach Services are provided by the State of Utah Department of Veterans Affairs. Learn about this program and get the scedule of when outreach representatives will be in your town.
Click for the Department of Veterans Affairs October Outreach Schedule and Services page

Attention Veterans!
If you are eligible for VA Hospital Services, you are eligible for the DUI Class mandated by the State of Utah.. FREE. Click here for more

Please click here for A SPECIAL Self Assement MESSAGE FOR WIVES

SMH Anonymous self screening assesments now include both in-person and online programs for depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, alcohol problems, and suicide prevention.

There are special screens for military service members and their families.

Take a look at this material taken from their website

Self Assesment Program

http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/

These folks have produced a terrific video for the vets and their families called "A Different Kind of Courage." It's like an infomercial for mental health. Very nice. Check out the 4 Minute Promo here.

View the entire 25 minute documentary here.

This is a link to the Latest and Greatest Newsletter

My View: by Andrew Wilson

If you are a veteran and find you are powerless over substances; there is hope. We have learned by sad experience that one of the most prevalent symptoms of Delayed Stress is the urge to Self Medicate with alcohol and/or drugs. No judgement here, just facts. Often, self medicating leads to serious health problems, conflicts with families -- even trouble with law enforcement including incarceration.

How many suffering veterans end up FIRED, fined 'til they drop, homeless, alone on the street, in jail, or dead from suicide-- after drugs or alcohol get the best of them? One veteran lost is one Too many.

Eighteen vets commit suicide every day. How many of them do you think were drunk or whacked when they pulled the trigger or swallowed the pills?

So, if you are a veteran and discover you're powerless over substances; DON'T GIVE UP. When you are ready to begin your recovery... Salt Lake City has the finest residential substance abuse treatment programs in the entire VA system. It's called "The Eagles' Nest." It's there for you! It's not perfect, and there is a waiting list for most of us... But it's worth it! Preference given to OIF/OEF veterans.

Charles Talcott and Dan Murchie know the score and are there to help you find a new way to a new life Call them at (801) 582-1565 extension 1874. Getting started with North Star and recovery can often be done over the phone. Click here for more info about The Eagles Nest

Senator OBama Speaks About Patriotism... Wow. Not what you would expect. Or maybe you would! He has a pretty darn good speechwriter. Is Ted Sorenson out of retirement?

More "Rumblings from Sgt Mike". He brings us a report from a Navy pal:

This is the ship which shot down the crippled satellite. The USS Lake Erie

Homer Hickam recently made an interesting comment on TV. In case you don't know who he is, Homer was a poor West Va miner's son who worked his way up to being an employee/scientist for NASA. He wrote a book called 'Rocket Boy' which was later made into a great movie called 'October Sky.'

In his interview he said this, about the one-shot shoot down of a crippled US satellite:

'If this country's head was on straight, they would be holding a ticker tape parade for the Crew of the Cruiser, USS Lake Erie...'

'This one rocket firing boosted our National defense 100 fold. N Korea, Iran, China, Russia, all know now that we have a safety net that can accurately stop their incoming missiles even if they are out of the earth's atmosphere. Of course, that was the plan all along, and it was a dandy plan. I just hope that the next person in the White House doesn't scrap the system and begin baking cookies for the enemy. If the wrong person wins they may do just that, and that makes me a little nervous. At any rate, Kudos to the Officers & Crew of the USS Lake Erie. WELL DONE, BLUE JACKETS!!'

Funny, just last week Barack Obama reiterated how when he's President of the US he will stop all missile technology and push for nuclear disarmament. If he were president now, we wouldn't even have been able to shoot that satellite down AND show the world that we CAN protect ourselves and will do so if the need arises.

Obamba doesn't want the rest of the world threatened by the creepy US of A. Something to run through the think-0-matic before you vote.

Jack S. Shipley, USN

Click here to read the Latest and Greatest Newsletter of UtVet.com