1.      Shinseki Defends Agent Orange Disability Payment Proposal. The AP (9/24, Evans) notes that on Thursday, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki "defended an expensive proposal to extend disability payments to Vietnam veterans who get heart disease, saying studies show a significant link between the ailment and the toxic defoliant Agent Orange. Responding to concerns about the costs of a rapidly expanding program, Shinseki told the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee that the law requires his agency to grant automatic benefits for diseases that are scientifically associated with Agent Orange" and that existing research "'more than satisfies' the law's requirements." The AP adds, however, that while most "lawmakers said Thursday they'll support the plan," several "raised concerns about covering common diseases and suggested the law be revisited."
     Politico (9/24, Rogers, 25K) says the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee is "laying the groundwork for a second look at the landmark 1991 Agent Orange law that has governed nearly two-decades of disability claims related to the herbicide widely used in the Vietnam War." Politico also points out that Shinseki testified at Thursday's hearing, as does Stars And Stripes (9/24, Shane) and the American Forces Press Service (9/24, Daniel).
     The Navy Times (9/24, Maze, 54K), meanwhile, reports that Shinseki "says providing Agent Orange-related disability benefits to Vietnam veterans who have heart disease - even though there are many other reasons they might have the ailment - is a decision that errs on the side of veterans because that is the right and legal thing to do. The decision also has wide-ranging implications for current veterans because it is a sign that VA will act to provide benefits even years after a conflict is over, Shinseki says in written testimony" to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.
     Meanwhile, at the end of a story on a meeting this week between US Sen. Mark Begich (D-AK) and Shinseki to discuss rural vets in Alaska, the AP (9/23) noted that Begich spokeswoman Julie Hasquet "says that at the meeting Begich reiterated his support for a recent decision to add three more ailments to a list of diseases associated with exposure to...Agent Orange."

2.      First Lady Urges Development Organizations To Utilize Vets' Skills. The AP (9/24, Fouhy) reports, "First Lady Michelle Obama urged international development organizations to engage military veterans and spouses in their work, telling her audience Thursday at the Clinton Global Initiative that the skills of service members are 'woefully underutilized.' Former President Bill Clinton hosts" the Clinton Global Initiative, an "annual summit of business, government and nonprofit leaders who make financial commitments to development projects around the world." The AP adds, "President Barack Obama introduced his wife to the group and praised her as a partner and advocate." A separate AP (9/24, Lee) story and one by Politico (9/24, Haberman, Lee, 25K) also refer to the President's words of praise for the First Lady.
     The President's introduction was also noted in a report aired by NBC Nightly News (9/23, story 5, 3:15, Williams, 8.37M), which, at the end of a story focused on President Obama's Thursday schedule, briefly mentioned Michelle Obama's address to the Clinton Global Initiative. NBC said her pitch to the group consisted of "urging American businesses to...hire military veterans and their spouses," a point also made by Politics Daily (9/24, Wagner).
     The Washington Post (9/24, Henderson, 605K) says that during her speech on Thursday, Michelle Obama "took time to highlight her husband's commitment to veterans," saying he "worked to fund a 21st-century GI Bill" and has made "veterans hiring a top priority in the Federal government." The Post notes similar words of praise for Michelle Obama herself, coming from Patricia Shinseki, "whose husband, Eric, leads the Department of Veterans Affairs and has attended meetings with the first lady." According to the Post, Patricia Shinseki says Michelle Obama is "very committed and genuine in her care for military families."
     More Than A Third Of New GI Bill Payments Going To For-Profit Colleges. The new GI Bill referred to by the First Lady is the focus of a story by Bloomberg News (9/24, Golden), which reports, "Since the post-9/11 GI Bill...took effect Aug. 1, 2009, for-profit colleges have snared $618 million, or 35 percent, of the almost $1.8 billion in tuition and fees spent by US taxpayers, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs." Bloomberg, which points out that graduation "rates for bachelors' degrees are much lower at for-profit colleges than at other institutions of higher education," also notes that VA says some of the top for-profit college recipients of New GI Bill money are on-line institutions. Bloomberg adds, "Psychologists who treat veterans say that attending online rather than campus-based programs can delay adjustment to civilian life."

3.      Shinseki Touts Veterans Relationship Management Initiative. In continuing coverage, HealthLeaders Media (9/24, Commins) reports, "The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a multi-year initiative called Veterans Relationship Management to improve veterans' access to healthcare and benefits information using technology. 'VRM will transform veterans' interactions with VA by using innovative 21st century technologies,' said" VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, who added, "Veterans will have a better experience when they contact VA for assistance, and our employees will be able to quickly convey accurate, up-to-date information through call centers and the Internet."

4.      Carillon Tower Dedicated At Vets Cemetery In Louisiana. In continuing coverage, the Shreveport (LA) Times (9/24, Prime) reports, "Dozens of peals, hymns and patriotic songs rang out from the new carillon tower at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery near Keithville on Thursday during its formal dedication." The event was "attended by state and national veterans group leaders, elected officials and veterans."

5.      Internet Data-Sharing Leads VA To "Potentially Significant" Alzheimer's Breakthrough. In a story on "new developments in the field of biomedical research," the PBS (9/23) website noted that at the "San Francisco Veterans Administration, an Alzheimer's brain imaging project uses a novel data-sharing approach" that involves putting such data on the Internet. The researchers "all had instant access to the same data, and worked collaboratively to figure out a way to detect Alzheimer's early on, a potentially significant breakthrough."

6.      VA Boston To Conduct Returning Veterans Employment, Education Expo. According to the Melrose (MA) Free Press (9/23, 6K), the "Veteran Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System is holding a Returning Veterans Employment and Education Expo on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m." The goal of the event is to "assist veterans with information about public service opportunities in the civilian world. Veterans will have an opportunity to meet representatives from many different government agencies (federal, state, and local), to learn about employment opportunities, hiring practices, and strategies for getting hired."

7.      NASCAR Drivers Visit Walter Reed, Meet With Wounded Soldiers. The AP (9/24) says a group of drivers with the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) visited "members of the US Military on Thursday at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center." The group "walked through the hospital wards to meet...wounded soldiers, sign autographs, take pictures and swap stories."
     The Bolling Aviator (DC) (9/24) reports, "While on their way to the Dover International Speedway for Sunday's 1 p.m. AAA 400, NASCAR drivers and officials made their annual pit stop at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to thank wounded warriors, staff and their families." Thursday's "stop included a display of the high-powered NASCAR vehicles...and a catered dinner."

8.      Pentagon's Top Brain Injury Treatment Officer Reassigned. The AP (9/24, Flaherty, Lardner) reports, "The Army officer in charge of overseeing treatment for troops suffering from brain injuries and psychological trauma has been reassigned until an internal investigation into his management of the office is completed, a senior Pentagon official said Thursday. Col. Robert Saum is being replaced as acting director of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, the official said." Saum, who "had been acting director of the Defense Centers of Excellence since late" June, "replaced Army Brig. Gen. Loree Sutton," after Sutton "abruptly resigned amid heavy criticism on Capitol Hill that the office had not moved quickly enough to improve care for troops." NextGov (9/23, Brewin) also took note of the investigation of Saum's management.

9.      Vet Center To Provide Outreach At Colorado Workforce Center. The Delta County (CO) Independent (9/23, 8K) reported, "Combat veterans who are trying to readjust back into society will find the help they need Thursday, Sept. 30, at the Colorado Workforce Center, 206 Ute Street, Delta," where the "Grand Junction Vet Center will provide outreach from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A counselor can talk about the services available, including individual, group and family counseling, alcohol/drug assessment, referrals and counseling, benefits assistance and referrals, employment counseling and guidance, and community education."

10.    VA Planning To Open Clinic In Western Iowa. The AP (9/24) says the US Department of Veterans Affairs "plans to open a clinic in the city of Carroll in western Iowa, bringing about 20 jobs to the area." On Thursday, officials "with St. Anthony Regional Hospital announced the new VA clinic." After noting that officials "say the primary-care outpatient clinic will open on the medical campus in early 2011," the AP adds, "The Daily Times Herald in Carroll reports the announcement comes after eight years of negotiations." KIMT-TV Rochester, MN (9/23, 4:03 p.m. ET) aired a report that took note of VA's plans.

11.    Area Vets Taking Advantage Of New VA Clinic In Missouri. The Sedalia (MO) Democrat (9/24, Steingraber, 13K) reports, "Since the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Sedalia began accepting appointments on a full-time basis last month, many area veterans have jumped at the opportunity to receive their primary care closer to home." On Wednesday, management "officials from the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Columbia visited Sedalia...for a dedication ceremony to celebrate the full-time operation of the newest of seven outpatient facilities managed by the Truman VA."

12.    Temporary Closure Of VA Clinic A "Big Shock" To Vets. The WATE-TV Knoxville, TN (9/23, Keil) website said that while a Veterans Affairs clinic in Rockwood, Tennessee, has "closed after only a couple months in service," a sign on the facility's "door reminds veterans it's a temporary" situation. But Alvin Poole, a Veterans of Foreign War service officer said the closure is "heartbreaking" for him and came as a "big shock to...veterans." After noting that a "contract issue was behind the temporary closure," WATE said a VA help line has been set up for vets "needing help with medical care, prescriptions and more."

13.    Bidding Process Reopens For "Much-Anticipated" VA Clinic. The Elk River (MN) Star News (9/24, Nelson, 21K) reports, "Solicitation bids have opened and closed multiple times in the past year for the much-anticipated and –awaited" Veterans Affairs clinic in Minnesota. Officials and veterans "thought the process was finally over in July when VA officials announced Ramsey as the chosen spot for the clinic, but now due to a protest by an unsuccessful bidder, the bidding process has been opened back up and once again includes Elk River developers." The Coon Rapids (MN) Herald (9/23, Sakry, 4K) published a similar story.

14.    GAO Investigators To Visit Cochran VAMC In October. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch (9/24, Lambrecht, 238K) says investigators from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) "plan to arrive" in early October at the John A. Cochran Veterans Affairs Medical Center "in another inquiry spurred by the recent scandal over improperly sterilized dental equipment." GAO officials "announced their intentions" this week, during a "House subcommittee hearing examining how the Veterans Administration makes its purchases and oversees some $9 billion of its spending." In the GAO's preliminary assessment, coming "after visits to five other VA hospitals, the veterans' agency received some failing marks."

15.    Residents In VA Hospital Footprint Concerned About Health Risks. On its website, WVUE-TV New Orleans, LA (9/23) reported, "While they wait to settle with the state on taking over their properties, people still living in the...footprint" of a planned Veterans Affairs hospital in Mid-City New Orleans "feel they're being exposed to what could be dangerous health risks" by living in the middle of a construction zone. Tulane "toxicologist Howard Mielke, Ph.D. says residents have good reason for concern. He said the lower Mid-City neighborhood is one of the more contaminated areas with lead dust in the soil."

16.    Protesters Object To Plans For St. Albans VA Hospital. The Brooklyn (NY) Daily Eagle (9/24, Koplowitz) reports, "Veterans groups, elected officials, civic organizations and the Jamaica NAACP marched around the perimeter of the St. Albans Veterans Administration Hospital Saturday to protest plans to develop private housing or other facilities on a portion of the hospital land." The Rev. Edwin Reed, "whose firm, St. Albans Village, has been named the preferred developer for the site by the US Veterans Administration, said the redevelopment includes a new state-of-the-art veterans hospital along with private housing and a jazz plaza." Opponents of the proposal, however, "say all land within the hospital campus should be designated for veterans."

17.    VA Hospital Co-Hosts Stand Down Event. The Alexandria (LA) Town Talk (9/24, McCormick, 30K) covers "Thursday's seventh annual Homeless Stand Down at the Bolton Avenue Community Center in Alexandria. The event was hosted" by the Veterans Affairs hospital "in Pineville, the Central Louisiana Homeless Coalition and the city of Alexandria."

18.    Sports Help Disabled Vet Recover. The Dayton (OH) Daily News (9/24, Schmidt) profiles veteran Paul Mann, who since becoming disabled in 2001 "has built himself back up through his love of sports. This summer, along with nine members of the Dayton Paralyzed Veterans of America," Mann won five medals at the "National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Denver." Mann "said he practices shot put, javelin and discus" at the Dayton Veterans Affairs Center, a "facility for which he has high praise."

19.    VA Clinic Is Promised For Riverhead. The East Hampton (NY) Star (9/24, Landes, 14K).

20.    Building Boom Continues At Lebanon VA. The Lebanon (PA) Daily News (9/24, Snyder).

21.    Vets Focus Of Online Anti-Suicide Training. The Albany (NY) Times-Union (9/24, Crowley).

22.    Military Suicide Prevention Efforts Fail: Report.  Reuters (9/24, Fox).

23.    Veterans Discover Healing Powers Of Fly-Fishing. The Longview (WA) Daily News (9/24, McKorkle).

24.    Hattiesburg Group Helps Combat Veterans. The WDAM-TV Hattiesburg, MS (9/23, Donovan) website.

25.    Out Of The Darkness. The Walnut Creek (CA) Patch (9/24, Ross) profiles Doug Connor, a "38-year-old former Iraq War trauma nurse" who "has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder."

26.    Local Veterans Invited To National Creative Arts Event. The Muskogee (OK) Phoenix (9/24, Purtell).

27.    Labor-Management Forums In Need Of Some Clarity. The Federal News Radio (6/23, Miller) website said that while six "agencies are kicking off seven different pilot programs to test B-1 bargaining through labor-management" forums, "one potential roadblock is emerging: how to define certain terms or phrases from President Obama's December 2009 executive order setting up these forums." The working group for the National Council on Federal-Labor Management, which is "led by Scott Gould, deputy secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs, will look into developing a set of common definitions." 

28.    Potential Health Threat Leads FDA To Severely Restrict Diabetics' Use Of Popular Avandia Drug. The Palm Beach (FL) Post (9/24, Lantigua) reports, "Some South Florida diabetes patients will soon be changing their meds," because on Thursday, the US Food and Drug Administration "announced...that the controversial but widely-used diabetes drug Avandia, which has been linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke, can still be used, but only under rigid new restrictions." After saying the "expectation is that most doctors who now prescribe the medicine will stop doing so," the Post adds, "Nick Beckey, chief pharmacist" at the Veterans Affairs hospital in West Palm Beach, "said...VA hospitals across" the country "phased out the use of Avandia" following the release of a 2007 study that linked the drug to cardiovascular problems.

29.    Aid For Wounded Warriors Sealed With A KISS. The Augusta (GA) Chronicle (9/23, Folk) said the "rock band KISS has been sending more than just affection to the wounded soldiers in the Augusta area after visiting" the Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center last year. Since the "start of their Hottest Show on Earth tour in July, the members of the group -- known more for makeup and theatrics than philanthropy -- have donated more than $440,000 to the CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project."

30.    Collaboration Improves Treatment Of Unseen Scars Of War. The American Forces Press Service (9/24, Miles) reports, "Several times every week, a team of about 50 specialists gathers around a conference table at the National Naval Medical Center" in Bethesda, Maryland, to "assess the progress of every wounded warrior undergoing treatment at the hospital. They bring an array of expertise to the discussion, with specialties in everything from trauma surgery to pain management and physical and occupational therapy. Joining them at the table are social workers, case managers, a chaplain and military service liaisons."

31.    Help For Veterans And Their Families Comes To 'Stand Down' In Forest Grove. The Oregonian (9/24, Gregory, 271K).

32.    Time Running Out For Veterans To Claim Stop-Loss Benefits. The Waco (TX) Tribune-Herald (9/23, Dennis, 34K).

33.    Iraq War Vet Avoids Jail For Violent Assault. The WCAX-TV Burlington, VT (9/23, Davenport) website.

34.    They Get A Gold Star The Hardest Way. The Estes Park (CO) Trail-Gazette (9/24, Harvey, 4K).

35.    Deborah Higgins Of Thurmont Pursues Her Son's Dream For A Fallen Soldiers' Memorial. The Waynesboro (PA) Herald Record (9/23, Bonura, 8K).

36.    Veterans Remain Fearless Seven Decades After War. The Jacksonville (NC) Daily News (9/24, Hall).