If you’re a Vietnam veteran, your chances of having hepatitis C are greater than for other Veterans. Talk to your provider about getting tested.
Visit www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange to find out more about Agent Orange and VA benefits.
On May 8, House Veterans Affairs Chairman Jeff Miller (R-FL) introduced an amendment to the GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act of 2013, that would put a five-year moratorium on performance bonuses for Department of Veterans Affairs senior executives. The amendment comes in response to a rash of recent media reports documenting how numerous VA senior executives have received sizeable performance bonuses, despite presiding over significant increases in benefits claim backlogs and even patient deaths.
“The fact that so many VA executives collected huge performance bonuses year after year, while continually failing at their jobs, calls into question whether department leaders even know the meaning of the word ‘accountability.’ Unfortunately, it’s taken the national crisis that is the benefits backlog and a media firestorm surrounding the department’s bonus scandal for VA leaders to realize that rewarding failure only breeds more failure.
“While recent VA decisions to forego certain executive bonuses and review others are steps in the right direction, they don’t go nearly far enough. VA owes every American an explanation for why it rewarded failing executives with bonuses, and we are calling on the department to conduct a top-to-bottom review of its performance-appraisal system to prevent similar outrageous payments in the future. Until we have complete confidence that VA is holding executives accountable, rather than rewarding them for their mistakes, no one should get a performance bonus. Period. That’s why I’m introducing this legislation, which would ban VA executive bonuses for five years,” said Miller.
Read the text of the amendment here.
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In a King Features Syndicate column posted on May 8, author Amy Goodman comments on the epidemic of military sexual assault.
Read Amy’s post
VetJobs is pleased to announce the first of two 2013 virtual VeteransCONNECT Career Fairs hosted in conjunction with PSI, the premier Diversity Job Fair producer. This virtual Career Fair is exclusively for transitioning military, veterans, and their family members. Registration and posting of resumes is available NOW. To register, go to www.vetjobs.com, then to the Search Jobs page, and click on the VeteransCONNECT Career Fair banner. The new VeteransCONNECT Virtual Career Fair site offers many new features and enhancements. Give us your feedback at contact@vetjobs.com. Please mark your calendar to attend May 18 through 31 and update your resume. The supporting employers are hiring NOW.
This is an entirely employer-paid event and is open to ALL members of "The United States Military Family." This includes Officer and Enlisted, Active Duty, Transitioning Military, Reservists, Veterans, Retirees, of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Merchant Marine, National Guard, Navy, NOAA, and Public Health Service, along with Trailing Spouses, Eligible Former Spouses, Widows, Widowers and Dependents, and DOD civilians.
From The White House Office of the Press Secretary April 30, 2013 by The President of the United States of America –
A PROCLAMATION
Today, tens of millions of Americans are living with the burden of a mental health problem. They shoulder conditions like depression and anxiety, post-traumatic stress and bipolar disorder — debilitating illnesses that can strain every part of a person's life. And even though help is out there, less than half of children and adults with diagnosable mental health problems receive treatment.
During National Mental Health Awareness Month, we shine a light on these issues, stand with men and women in need, and redouble our efforts to address mental health problems in America.
For many, getting help starts with a conversation. People who believe they may be suffering from a mental health condition should talk about it with someone they trust and consult a health care provider. As a Nation, it is up to all of us to know the signs of mental health issues and lend a hand to those who are struggling. Shame and stigma too often leave people feeling like there is no place to turn. We need to make sure they know that asking for help is not a sign of weakness — it is a sign of strength. To find treatment services nearby, call 1-800-662-HELP. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers immediate assistance for all Americans, including service members and veterans, at 1-800-273-TALK.
Our commitment cannot end there. We must ensure people have access to the care they need — which is why the Affordable Care Act will expand mental health and substance use disorder benefits and Federal parity protections for 62 million Americans. For the first time, the health care law will prevent insurers from denying coverage because of a pre-existing condition. The Act already requires new health plans to cover recommended preventive services like depression screening and behavioral assessments for children at no extra cost to patients.
My Administration will keep building on those achievements. Earlier this year, I was proud to launch the BRAIN Initiative — a new partnership between government, scientists, and leaders in the private sector to invest in research that could unlock new treatments for mental illness and drive growth throughout our economy. We have made unprecedented commitments to improving mental health care for veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. And we have proposed new funding for mental health programs that will help teachers and other adults recognize the signs of mental illness in children, improve mental health outcomes for young people, and train 5,000 more mental health professionals to serve our youth.
Mental health problems remain a serious public health concern, but together, our Nation is making progress. This month, I encourage all Americans to advance this important work by raising awareness about mental health and lending strength to all who need it.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2013 as National Mental Health Awareness Month. I call upon citizens, government agencies, organizations, health care providers, and research institutions to raise mental health awareness and continue helping Americans live longer, healthier lives.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.
BARACK OBAMA
Proceeds benefit the Vietnam Veterans of America
Our United States Veterans were there when we needed them the most. Now they need your support. Please donate your car to the Vietnam Veterans of America. You get a tax deduction and your car donation will be helping those who have given us so much, our veterans. Vietnam Veterans of America is chartered by Congress and has been supporting our dedicated Veterans and their families for over 30 years.
The donation process is simple, fast and secure, and your car donation will help us to provide critical support services for our defenders of freedom in their time of need. Call toll free today at 1-800-Help-Vets or use our easy online donation form to schedule your free towing and join the thousands of other satisfied car donors who have already helped our veterans.
"Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another."
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May is Hepatitis Awareness Month 
