October 7th, 2011
VetsFirst Policy Priorities for 2011 Include Services for Vets with Disabilities
by Douglas Karr
Whether acquired during military service or after returning home, a disability affects every aspect of a veteran’s life. Some vets need caretakers to enable them to perform the activities of daily living and to remain productive. Appropriate prosthetic and orthotic devices, the rehabilitative care needed to use them properly, service animals, and prompt health services are often denied to veterans with disabilities due to lack of reliable funding. Those who have developed mesothelioma, the deadly cancer caused by asbestos exposure, need prompt, appropriate medical care and compensation for lost income. Since 1946, VetsFirst has fought for the right of veterans and their families to receive adequate health care and compensation. This year’s policy priorities focus on four areas:
- Fostering Community Integration and Independence
- Ensuring Timely Access to Quality VA Health Care and Benefits
- Recognizing the Sacrifices of Families and Survivors
- Promoting the Rights of Veterans with Disabilities within the VA and Worldwide
In order to accomplish these goals, VetsFirst lobbies Congress in support of bills that promote quality health care and access to services for veterans with disabilities. They recently met with staff of key politicians, including Marlin Stutzman of Indiana, who chairs the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee; Congressman Jon Runyan of New Jersey, who chairs the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee; and Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle of New York, who chairs the Subcommittee on Health of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee in Washington DC. They also visited the offices of Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Eliot Engel of New York. Both Senator Schumer and Representative Engel are in key positions to minimize cuts to Medicaid, which many post service disabled veterans rely on for medical care. They discussed reform of the VA’s benefits claims process, and passage of the Veterans Equal Treatment for Service Dogs Act. While our veterans’ organizations work tirelessly to secure better medical care funding and access to services for all veterans, individuals can also help. Writing to a Congressman is a very effective tool in this effort and costs very little. The price of a postage stamp and some paper can give every veteran access to a Congressman or Senator eager to please constituents. Hand written letters gain more attention because they cannot be mass-produced. A telephone call is always another option.
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September 6th, 2011
Dear Friends,
As you know, September 11, 2011 marks the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. Several members of the Cherry Hill Fire Department and the Cherry Hill Police Department made the trip to New York City on that fateful day to lend a hand to their brother firefighters and police officers. Because of their efforts, Cherry Hill Township was presented with a piece of the beam from the Trade Center’s north tower. In order to honor the firefighters, police officers and civilian victims of that fateful day, Cherry Hill Township, the Cherry Hill Fire Department and the Cherry Hill Police Department are incorporating the piece of crossbeam into a permanent memorial that will be dedicated on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 8:00 am at the Central Command of the Cherry Hill Fire Department on Marlkress Road in Cherry Hill, NJ.
To that end, I am raising funds to help construct the memorial by running the New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 6, 2011. I am asking for your help with a contribution of $26.20 which reflects $1.00 for every mile of the New York Marathon. All proceeds will be used to offset costs associated with the construction of the memorial. If you are able to make a contribution, please make your check payable to Cherry Hill Fire Prevention & Protection and indicate 9-11 Memorial in the memo portion of your payment. You can mail your contribution to the Cherry Hill Fire Department located at 1100 Marlkress Road, Cherry Hill NJ, 08003.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,
John C. Foley
Chief Financial Officer
Cherry Hill Fire Department
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January 16th, 2010
Dear Friends,
Please see the info below for the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Philly. Please share the 800 # with your respective Military or Veterans groups, it may be useful one day.
Karen Jennings
News Release
Dec. 2, 2009
Toll-free number for South Jersey Veterans Clinic
Philadelphia VA Medical Center officials have established a toll-free telephone number for the Gloucester County VA Outpatient Clinic. The number, 877-823-5230, is now the primary number to reach the clinic, although the local 856-401-7680 number will still be able to receive calls.
This new toll-free number is actually part of the Philadelphia VA’s main switchboard. So, in addition to adding more incoming lines and providing a toll-free call for South Jersey Veterans, another benefit is that the Gloucester County VA clinic is now connected directly to departments and services at the main VA medical center in West Philadelphia.
The Gloucester County VA Clinic is part of the county’s complex at Five Points in Sewell, which was expanded earlier this year and offers Primary Care, Behavioral Health, Social Work, Cardiology, Podiatry, Optometry, Driver’s Rehabilitation, and specialized Women’s Health. There are plans to add Audiology in early 2010. More than 4,700 Veterans had 15,000 medical appointments at the clinic in fiscal 2009.
The Philadelphia VA served more than 50,000 Veterans this year and also operates outpatient clinics at Fort Dix and Camden, N.J., Center City Philadelphia, and Horsham, Pa. – the Victor J. Saracini Community Based Outpatient Clinic.
More information on clinic services is available at 877-823-5230 or on the Philadelphia VA website at www.philadelphia.va.gov.
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September 13th, 2009
I am Interested in Donating Products, Postage, and/or Funds to the Military Support Group of NJ for sending care packages to our troops overseas. For more information CLICK ON THIS LINK>>>> Donations
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