TO ALL WHO SHALL VISIT THIS BLOG:
TO ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PROPEROUS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
D.C. Leaving South Texas Veterans behind?
Texas Insider
10:25 am CST - August 03, 2010
Posted under On The Record
.D.C. is Leaving Valley Veterans Behind
By Treto Garza
Texas Insider Report: HARLINGEN, Texas – When we look at the total picture, it is plain about the only people in this country who give a damn about our military personnel are family, friends, and fellow veterans. The above sentence was penned by university professor and Guardian columnist Samuel Freeman in his Left is Right column this weekend.
“To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan,”
–President Abraham Lincoln, in his second inaugural speech.
And, how about this:
A VETERAN is not an outsider to our business… he’s our reason for existence.
A VETERAN is not an interruption of our work… he’s the purpose for it. We are not doing him a favor…he’s doing us a favor by letting us serve him.
A VETERAN is not a cold statistic… he’s a flesh-and-blood human being with feelings and emotions like our own.
A VETERAN is not someone to argue or match wits with… he deserves courteous, attentive and sympathetic treatment.
A VETERAN is not dependent on us… we are dependent on him.
A VETERAN is there to be served, not just tolerated… it is our job to handle him properly-both for his sake and for our own.
A VETERAN makes it possible that our salaries get paid… whether we are a clerk, financial aid officer, certifying official, veterans benefits counselor, education compliance survey specialist, registrar, education liaison representative, school officer, or county veterans service officer.
The above is taken from the Official Certifying Handbook of colleges offering courses on VA certifying majors.
All these words have fallen on deaf years in the past and apparently continue to do so. Does America really care for its military and veterans?
Why is it so hard to assist veterans in need? Why is it so hard to help our returning troops from battle? Is it not for them that we have the freedoms and rights that we enjoy?
Is it not for them that stand on the wall guarding us from our enemies that we live a peaceful and cherished life? Is it not for them that we are a democratic government?
Mr. Freeman’s words this weekend hit hard, but they ring true. Will the politicians and powers at be read those words and feel compelled to do something? Will those working within the Veterans Affairs system post a post-it stick-em on their computers and look at it and vow to change and really help?
Some say we now have an all volunteer military. Not necessarily. Many veterans were drafted and did not have a choice. Many could not get a draft deferment even though they were married and with children. And today, many are stuck in the military with a non-voluntary extension of their service contracts.
Again, I say that our region is one of the most patriotic in the nation. It is becoming a known fact. Yet, we are left behind when it comes to budget appropriations in Washington DC.
Again, I ask how long have veterans in the region been asking for a much needed Veterans Affairs hospital. Our veterans are coming of the age that they cannot travel the required 250 mile trek to San Antonio. Life has taken its toll on their health.
Their service connected injuries continue and must be taken care of medically. Most of those have become chronic and need constant attention.
Our newer veterans need to be seen and start a medical chart on them to monitor any service connected injuries or sickness before they become fully chronic. And even though they are young, the distance needed to travel to get acute care is not attractive to them. Most will not bother with the red tape imposed on them by the VA.
And then there are those that oppose a VA hospital for the area. I know of veterans that have spoken against the idea, but yet I see them at the VA taking advantage of the services, their benefits. These are individuals that state that they do not need anything from the VA, yet are the first to file claims. I can understand private medical providers and their families being against a VA hospital and more VA clinics because it takes potential patients away from them.
Recognizing the lack of support at the national level from our elected officials, we must concentrate and start thinking like bureaucrats. The “common sense solution” being proposed now by the Veterans Alliance of the Rio Grande Valley is simply just that – a common sense solution. But it has to get the attention of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki.
And as Congressman Henry Cuellar has told us in the past, “don’t get caught up in semantics.” That means if the new VA facility in Harlingen is not called a VA hospital per se, it is okay as long as it is a Comprehensive Medical Center that provides emergency and inpatient health care services. I agree with Congressman Cuellar on that.
A rose is a rose and you call it any other name, but its fragrance and sweet smell tells you that it is still a rose. So be it. If they decide to call it a Surgical Center, great, but let us include emergency and inpatient health care. Provide the services in that beautiful huge building being constructed in Harlingen. Let us take care of our veterans’ health needs here instead of at a faraway site.
Veterans are still working towards getting Secretary Shinseki to the Rio Grande Valley to meet with veterans. They will meet with Bishop of Brownsville Daniel Flores this week and ask for his support in asking Shinseki to come to the region and add emergency and inpatient health care services to the Harlingen Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic.
If you are in Harlingen and time is on your side, drive by on Treasure Hills and see that huge building under construction. That huge building and the accompanying five story garage is the future site for VA medical care.
Treto Garza is co-chair of the Veterans Alliance of the Rio Grande Valley. A Vietnam War veteran and prolific writer on veterans’ issues, Garza is a resident of Harlingen, Texas. His Veterans Voice column appears weekly in the Guardian.
10:25 am CST - August 03, 2010
Posted under On The Record
.D.C. is Leaving Valley Veterans Behind
By Treto Garza
Texas Insider Report: HARLINGEN, Texas – When we look at the total picture, it is plain about the only people in this country who give a damn about our military personnel are family, friends, and fellow veterans. The above sentence was penned by university professor and Guardian columnist Samuel Freeman in his Left is Right column this weekend.
“To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan,”
–President Abraham Lincoln, in his second inaugural speech.
And, how about this:
A VETERAN is not an outsider to our business… he’s our reason for existence.
A VETERAN is not an interruption of our work… he’s the purpose for it. We are not doing him a favor…he’s doing us a favor by letting us serve him.
A VETERAN is not a cold statistic… he’s a flesh-and-blood human being with feelings and emotions like our own.
A VETERAN is not someone to argue or match wits with… he deserves courteous, attentive and sympathetic treatment.
A VETERAN is not dependent on us… we are dependent on him.
A VETERAN is there to be served, not just tolerated… it is our job to handle him properly-both for his sake and for our own.
A VETERAN makes it possible that our salaries get paid… whether we are a clerk, financial aid officer, certifying official, veterans benefits counselor, education compliance survey specialist, registrar, education liaison representative, school officer, or county veterans service officer.
The above is taken from the Official Certifying Handbook of colleges offering courses on VA certifying majors.
All these words have fallen on deaf years in the past and apparently continue to do so. Does America really care for its military and veterans?
Why is it so hard to assist veterans in need? Why is it so hard to help our returning troops from battle? Is it not for them that we have the freedoms and rights that we enjoy?
Is it not for them that stand on the wall guarding us from our enemies that we live a peaceful and cherished life? Is it not for them that we are a democratic government?
Mr. Freeman’s words this weekend hit hard, but they ring true. Will the politicians and powers at be read those words and feel compelled to do something? Will those working within the Veterans Affairs system post a post-it stick-em on their computers and look at it and vow to change and really help?
Some say we now have an all volunteer military. Not necessarily. Many veterans were drafted and did not have a choice. Many could not get a draft deferment even though they were married and with children. And today, many are stuck in the military with a non-voluntary extension of their service contracts.
Again, I say that our region is one of the most patriotic in the nation. It is becoming a known fact. Yet, we are left behind when it comes to budget appropriations in Washington DC.
Again, I ask how long have veterans in the region been asking for a much needed Veterans Affairs hospital. Our veterans are coming of the age that they cannot travel the required 250 mile trek to San Antonio. Life has taken its toll on their health.
Their service connected injuries continue and must be taken care of medically. Most of those have become chronic and need constant attention.
Our newer veterans need to be seen and start a medical chart on them to monitor any service connected injuries or sickness before they become fully chronic. And even though they are young, the distance needed to travel to get acute care is not attractive to them. Most will not bother with the red tape imposed on them by the VA.
And then there are those that oppose a VA hospital for the area. I know of veterans that have spoken against the idea, but yet I see them at the VA taking advantage of the services, their benefits. These are individuals that state that they do not need anything from the VA, yet are the first to file claims. I can understand private medical providers and their families being against a VA hospital and more VA clinics because it takes potential patients away from them.
Recognizing the lack of support at the national level from our elected officials, we must concentrate and start thinking like bureaucrats. The “common sense solution” being proposed now by the Veterans Alliance of the Rio Grande Valley is simply just that – a common sense solution. But it has to get the attention of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki.
And as Congressman Henry Cuellar has told us in the past, “don’t get caught up in semantics.” That means if the new VA facility in Harlingen is not called a VA hospital per se, it is okay as long as it is a Comprehensive Medical Center that provides emergency and inpatient health care services. I agree with Congressman Cuellar on that.
A rose is a rose and you call it any other name, but its fragrance and sweet smell tells you that it is still a rose. So be it. If they decide to call it a Surgical Center, great, but let us include emergency and inpatient health care. Provide the services in that beautiful huge building being constructed in Harlingen. Let us take care of our veterans’ health needs here instead of at a faraway site.
Veterans are still working towards getting Secretary Shinseki to the Rio Grande Valley to meet with veterans. They will meet with Bishop of Brownsville Daniel Flores this week and ask for his support in asking Shinseki to come to the region and add emergency and inpatient health care services to the Harlingen Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic.
If you are in Harlingen and time is on your side, drive by on Treasure Hills and see that huge building under construction. That huge building and the accompanying five story garage is the future site for VA medical care.
Treto Garza is co-chair of the Veterans Alliance of the Rio Grande Valley. A Vietnam War veteran and prolific writer on veterans’ issues, Garza is a resident of Harlingen, Texas. His Veterans Voice column appears weekly in the Guardian.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
South Texas Congressmen Not Helping Veterans
As time goes by, so does the patience's of many veterans of south Texas. Veterans here have been advocating for a Veterans Affairs hospital for the area so that they do not have to travel 250 miles for acute care services. They have reached out to their congressmen time and time again, yet no results. The Congressmen file bills in the House but they are never moved or acted on. What can be done so that our Congressmen show a little interest in the bills that they file or co-sponsor.
Congressman Rubén Hinojosa
Once again Congressman Ruben Hinojosa (TX-15) has met with President Barack Obama. Again on creating legislation. “It is a great honor for me to have been invited by President Obama to the signing of an historic Bill at the Reagan International Trade Center,” said Rep. Hinojosa. He was invited to Join President Obama at Signing of Wall Street Reform-Consumer Protection Act Into Law U.S. Rep. Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) joined President Barack Obama for the signing of “The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act,” also known as the Dodd-Frank Act. So, why did he not mention to the President or his key staff about the bill that he has co-sponsored to bring a VA hospital to south Texas ever since he has been in office. It probably did not even cross his mind.
Hinojosa also stated “I’m on the side of working families – protecting consumers from fraud and providing Texans with financial security,” said Rep. Hinojosa. I believe there is more work to be done… He probably believes that there are no working veterans with families that need the services of a VA hospital in his district. (My congressional district to which I have invited him on several occasions to come and meet with his constituency and has not answered the request.) If he could not get the attention of the President, the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi was there also. He could have asked her to intervene and tell the President about the VA clincic for South Texas. After all, Congresswoman Nacny Pelosi also told veterans that she supported their efforts and as long as she was Speaker that no man would be left behind..
Congressman Solomon Ortiz
I used to belong to Congressman Solomon Ortiz (TX-27) before the gerrymandering of the districts. We wound up with Hinojosa. Not that this makes any difference, Ortiz has also had many opportunities to help the veterans get a VA hospital but has turned the other cheek. So in essence, neither of them want to help. Ortiz has submitted legislation continuously since he has been in office. But it has never made it out of a sub-committee. It has not even been brought for a vote. Veterans had asked him to push for a vote for them to find out if the Veterans Affairs Committee was in favor or against. Nada, nothing, it’s just there. They should just forget about filing it again and look for other ways to bring the VA hospital to the area.
In both of these districts most of the people believe that a VA hospital for the area is way overdue. All local elected politicians are of the same opinion and have voiced their support for it. Veterans are well respected in our community, which is one of the most patriotic in the nation. Yet, these two Congressmen (our Congressmen ?) just give us lip service on the issue. It’s time for their constituents to bring this matter before him. No more excuses from either one of them. No more promises from them. Either help the veteran or stop making excuses and admit that you can’t handle it. Can you handle the truth? Here it is. Veterans are tired of waiting for a VA hospital. Many veterans have gone to their grave with their dream and promises of a VA hospital coming to the valley. You did not keep your word to them, but what about the veterans that is still here? Veterans have presented a common sense solution to it. They need your vigorous support on it. The solution is to add emergency and inpatient medical services to the large expansion being done at the Harlingen Veterans Administration Out Patient Clinic (VAOPC).
The new construction is huge and could easily be adapted to a fully fledged hospital. But only if someone pushes the idea to Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric Shinseki. I mean someone with power like these two Congressmen. The city of Harlingen has gone on record in support of this plan at the VAOPC. The state of Texas is willing to help make this plan a reality and our local state legislators stand ready to help.
We have done everything possible from our end. It’s time for our Congressmen to really start working toward that end.
Congressman Rubén Hinojosa
Once again Congressman Ruben Hinojosa (TX-15) has met with President Barack Obama. Again on creating legislation. “It is a great honor for me to have been invited by President Obama to the signing of an historic Bill at the Reagan International Trade Center,” said Rep. Hinojosa. He was invited to Join President Obama at Signing of Wall Street Reform-Consumer Protection Act Into Law U.S. Rep. Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) joined President Barack Obama for the signing of “The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act,” also known as the Dodd-Frank Act. So, why did he not mention to the President or his key staff about the bill that he has co-sponsored to bring a VA hospital to south Texas ever since he has been in office. It probably did not even cross his mind.
Hinojosa also stated “I’m on the side of working families – protecting consumers from fraud and providing Texans with financial security,” said Rep. Hinojosa. I believe there is more work to be done… He probably believes that there are no working veterans with families that need the services of a VA hospital in his district. (My congressional district to which I have invited him on several occasions to come and meet with his constituency and has not answered the request.) If he could not get the attention of the President, the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi was there also. He could have asked her to intervene and tell the President about the VA clincic for South Texas. After all, Congresswoman Nacny Pelosi also told veterans that she supported their efforts and as long as she was Speaker that no man would be left behind..
Congressman Solomon Ortiz
I used to belong to Congressman Solomon Ortiz (TX-27) before the gerrymandering of the districts. We wound up with Hinojosa. Not that this makes any difference, Ortiz has also had many opportunities to help the veterans get a VA hospital but has turned the other cheek. So in essence, neither of them want to help. Ortiz has submitted legislation continuously since he has been in office. But it has never made it out of a sub-committee. It has not even been brought for a vote. Veterans had asked him to push for a vote for them to find out if the Veterans Affairs Committee was in favor or against. Nada, nothing, it’s just there. They should just forget about filing it again and look for other ways to bring the VA hospital to the area.
In both of these districts most of the people believe that a VA hospital for the area is way overdue. All local elected politicians are of the same opinion and have voiced their support for it. Veterans are well respected in our community, which is one of the most patriotic in the nation. Yet, these two Congressmen (our Congressmen ?) just give us lip service on the issue. It’s time for their constituents to bring this matter before him. No more excuses from either one of them. No more promises from them. Either help the veteran or stop making excuses and admit that you can’t handle it. Can you handle the truth? Here it is. Veterans are tired of waiting for a VA hospital. Many veterans have gone to their grave with their dream and promises of a VA hospital coming to the valley. You did not keep your word to them, but what about the veterans that is still here? Veterans have presented a common sense solution to it. They need your vigorous support on it. The solution is to add emergency and inpatient medical services to the large expansion being done at the Harlingen Veterans Administration Out Patient Clinic (VAOPC).
The new construction is huge and could easily be adapted to a fully fledged hospital. But only if someone pushes the idea to Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric Shinseki. I mean someone with power like these two Congressmen. The city of Harlingen has gone on record in support of this plan at the VAOPC. The state of Texas is willing to help make this plan a reality and our local state legislators stand ready to help.
We have done everything possible from our end. It’s time for our Congressmen to really start working toward that end.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Veterans Advisory Board
The city of Harlingen is setting up a veterans advisory board. Some people are saying that they have been appointed to it. But there has been nothing on the news regarding the selection process and/or qualifications of proposed members. Does anyone know anything about this?
Friday, July 2, 2010
U S CONGRESSMEN
Do you think that Congressmen Solomon Ortiz and Ruben Hinojosa are doing everything they can to help veterans get the VA hospital that is needed for our area? What do you think they should do to insure that the Veterans Affairs addresses this need?
Congressman Ortiz has filed a bill in the House of Representatives for the past several sessions. Congressman Hinojosa always signs on as a co-sponsor. The problem is that the bills are read in the House and assigned to a sub-committee. In this instance its the Veterans Affairs Health subcommitte. Supposedly at this level the bill is to be discussed and voted on its merits. It has to be brought up for a vote or else it will not be moved. Congressman Ortiz' bill is never moved. It just remains dormant and no action whatsoever is taken. THIS IS NOT LEGISLATION! All this is just to answer to the pressures of the constituents.
What happens is that veterans get discouraged because nothing is done. They do not understand the legislative process and no one takes time to explain it to them. Ortiz and Hinojosa always tell us that there are other more pressing bills before the House that take precedent and are more important. Yes, they might be to others, but what about the veterans. How long must they wait in line to get their bill passes?
Congressman Ortiz has filed a bill in the House of Representatives for the past several sessions. Congressman Hinojosa always signs on as a co-sponsor. The problem is that the bills are read in the House and assigned to a sub-committee. In this instance its the Veterans Affairs Health subcommitte. Supposedly at this level the bill is to be discussed and voted on its merits. It has to be brought up for a vote or else it will not be moved. Congressman Ortiz' bill is never moved. It just remains dormant and no action whatsoever is taken. THIS IS NOT LEGISLATION! All this is just to answer to the pressures of the constituents.
What happens is that veterans get discouraged because nothing is done. They do not understand the legislative process and no one takes time to explain it to them. Ortiz and Hinojosa always tell us that there are other more pressing bills before the House that take precedent and are more important. Yes, they might be to others, but what about the veterans. How long must they wait in line to get their bill passes?
Compensation and Health benefits
Every veteran should apply for health care benefits through the Veterans Affairs health care system. The VA believes in preventative health care and its goal is to insure that veterans are taken care of before their conditions become chronic. Veterans should not wait until they really have to go to a doctor to start seeking medical care. This is one of the major problems faced at the clinics. When veterans become sick and they go to the VA clinics they want to be treated and taken care of right away. After all they are veterans. The problem however is that a veteran must be registered in order to be attended. It is a simple task. All the veteran has to do is fill out a VA 1010EZ form to apply for medical benefits. This short questionairre will determine in which category you will be assigned to. There are different classifications/categories. Some require a co-pay while most do not. But the VA must determine this. Once you fill the application and submit it, an appointment will set for you for your initial contact. This is important because you will be assigned your health care provider. Your health care provider will be possibly the most important person in your care. He decides the care to be afforded you. Your health care provider is a general practicioner and he will determine whether you have to be referred to a specialist. You will undergo a full physical upon enrollment. So, you must apply now and not wait until you are sick. If you wait until you are sick, you will be treated as a walk in and if referred to a hospital you will have to pay for those services. So avoid all these problems and register as soon as possible. Tell other veterans to do the same. And none of this, "I don't need it, there are others that need it more than I". This will not help you when you will need these services. So, step up and register now.
Service connected medical conditions qualify for disability compensation. This is a totally different program and veterans have to apply for it using a different form. The most important matter here is whether your condition can be traced to an illness or treatment while in the service. Or if you were injured or hurt while in the service and sought medical care. Many a times your records will not be found, but do not let this deter you. File anyway and then seek the necessary evidence. If you are applying for PTSD you will need a strong stressor letter to pinpoint which trauma may have caused your PTSD.
Most counties have Veterans Service Officers working with the Texas Veterans Commission that provide free consultation and assistance to all veterans. Do not be shy, if you need help make an appointment see one of them. Some Veterans organizations like the DAV and American Legion also have veterans that are trained and certified to assist with claims. The two valley clinics have VSO on premises.
There is help out there and you should seek it. Do not wait for the Veterans Affairs to come knocking on your door and explaining to you your hard earned benefits. Not gonna happen G I.
If you can not find anyone to help you, contact us through this blog and we will get someone to assist you. We'll monitor the claim and make sure that it gets worked on.
Service connected medical conditions qualify for disability compensation. This is a totally different program and veterans have to apply for it using a different form. The most important matter here is whether your condition can be traced to an illness or treatment while in the service. Or if you were injured or hurt while in the service and sought medical care. Many a times your records will not be found, but do not let this deter you. File anyway and then seek the necessary evidence. If you are applying for PTSD you will need a strong stressor letter to pinpoint which trauma may have caused your PTSD.
Most counties have Veterans Service Officers working with the Texas Veterans Commission that provide free consultation and assistance to all veterans. Do not be shy, if you need help make an appointment see one of them. Some Veterans organizations like the DAV and American Legion also have veterans that are trained and certified to assist with claims. The two valley clinics have VSO on premises.
There is help out there and you should seek it. Do not wait for the Veterans Affairs to come knocking on your door and explaining to you your hard earned benefits. Not gonna happen G I.
If you can not find anyone to help you, contact us through this blog and we will get someone to assist you. We'll monitor the claim and make sure that it gets worked on.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Veterans of America
I will be trying to place information on this blog that addresses veterans issues, veteran needs, veteran benefits, and any other topic available. I will give priority to the veterans, but this does not mean that I will not post other issues. After all this is the onetogoto.
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