I must concur with the statement justice delayed is justice denied but the decision to drop the charges against the terrorist al-Rahim al-Nashiri who is accused of taking the lives of 17 USS Cole sailors is an outright slap in the face to all of those who have served our Nation. We as veterans should be up in arms about this but instead we set and do nothing and I ask WHY?
   Our failure to react to an injustice of this magnitude will only hurt us as veterans. I fear it will harm us greatly when we approach and ask those young people now serving in our military to join our individual organizations. Why would they want to join any organization that did not recoil in anger over a decision of this type?
   Those who carry the sword into battle expect nothing but support from those who lead and failure to support and demand retribution for this kind of cowardly act shows a definite lack of leadership. This is not a partisan political issue this is an issue of right against evil and the impact of this policy decision should be hung around the neck of the individual making, it like a yoke.
   I encourage all veterans to write or call their elected representatives and voice strongly our opposition to this injustice.If our elected leaders will not defend our military then we who have served must.
Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, February 4, 2009, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Bob Filner conducted a hearing on the state of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Secretary Eric K. Shinseki presented testimony to the Committee and gave his assessment of the agency that he took the reins of on January 20, 2009.Chairman Filner welcomed the Secretary to the hearing: “You are a man of great courage and intellectual honesty. You have been called a ‘soldier’s soldier,’ which is one of the highest accolades your troops can give to you. We look to you to care for the Nation’s veterans now under your command in the same way. I look forward to working with you to transform the VA into a 21st century Department.â€
Secretary Shinseki discussed his proposals and goals for the VA: “I intend to encourage teamwork, reward initiative, seek innovation, demand the highest levels of integrity, transparency and performance in leading the Department through the fundamental and comprehensive change it must quickly undergo, if it is to be transformational. People induce change, not technology or processes, so transformation is ultimately a leadership issue.â€
Secretary Shinseki discussed the backlog on benefits claims and the need to move to a paperless, electronic benefits claims system in order to expedite and streamline claims processing. He set a goal of putting this system in place by 2012. Shinseki also stated his goal of putting together a timely budget for the VA and eliminate the need for continuing resolutions that hamper planning.
Shinseki also discussed the progress the VA has made in several areas, including improving post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis and treatment and working with the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Shinseki cited that in 2008, the VA was able to intervene and help prevent more than 700 cases of veterans contemplating suicide.
The Secretary revealed that he has been working closely with Department of Defense Secretary Robert Gates to improve the transition process from military to civilian life. He stressed the need for one single electronic medical record that follows the veteran from the military to the VA.
Secretary Shinseki concluded by promising to be a forceful advocate for veterans and to be honest and forthright with the Committee. “The privilege of leading the VA is a noble calling,†stated Shinseki. “I look at it as an opportunity to give back to our veterans.â€
Chairman Filner concluded, “I am glad that Secretary Shinseki is committed to being a visible leader and meeting with veterans around the country to learn firsthand of the issues they are dealing with. His background in the military has resulted in a man that understands the importance of accountability and results. So many veterans view the VA as ‘Veterans Adversary’ and the Secretary is off to a great start to ensure that veterans will view the VA as ‘Veterans Advocate.’â€
(Washington, DC)— U.S. Representative Chet Edwards (TX17) today re-introduced the Military Retirees’ Healthcare Protection Act. If enacted Edwards’ bill would prevent the Defense Department from increasing health care premiums for about 3 million enlisted and officer retirees under TRICARE, the military’s health insurance system, and require the Administration to request future increases through Congress.
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“I believe that keeping our promise of quality, affordable health care for military retirees is the right thing to do and the smart thing to do. It is right because our nation has a moral obligation to keep our promises to those who have kept their promise to defend our nation. It is the smart thing to do because we cannot attract the best and brightest to fight our war on terrorism in the years ahead if they see us breaking faith with those who served in years past. To win the war on terrorism, we must keep faith with our warriors,†said Edwards, Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs.
In 2006, the Bush Administration’s budget proposal included, for the first time, a provision to double premiums for senior enlisted and triple them for officers, but the final 2007 Defense Authorization bill delayed the increases for one year. For fiscal years 2008 and 2009, the Administration’s proposed increases were blocked again by Congress, but no permanent fix was put in place. “I hope the new Administration will not request the same premium increases as the last, but this legislation will allow us to remove any temptation,†said Edwards.
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Numerous organizations representing military retirees support Edwards’ bill, which had 215 cosponsors during the 110th Congress, and is currently cosponsored by Republican Representative Walter Jones (NC03). “I would like to thank Congressman Walter Jones for his leadership on this important issue,†said Edwards. “We believe the Constitution purposely gave the Congress the power to declare war and to pass appropriations bills, so we think it is reasonable that Congress has a say in approving appropriations for health care programs for those who fight our wars.â€
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Edwards represents District 17 in Texas and is Chairman of the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee.