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Hank Gotard |
2000 National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans |
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The week of February 13-19 has been designated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
as the year 2000's National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. It is VA's annual program to
visit and to honor hospitalized veterans across the country during the week of Valentines
Day. The annual VA National Salute program actually began in 1978 when the VA took over sponsorship of a program started in 1974 by No Greater Love, Inc., a humanitarian organization. It's purpose is to recognize, to pay tribute, to honor, and to salute those who have served our nation and who are presently hospitalized at VA medical centers, nursing homes, state veterans' homes and other medical facilities. The traditional observance during the week of Valentines' Day is considered most appropriate because the sentiments of caring and sharing, surely matches the VA's Salute's purpose of expressing honor and appreciation to hospitalized veterans. According to Togo West, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, last year during the National Salute, the VA medical centers received more than 750,000 valentines and more than 30,000 individuals visited over 65,000 hospitalized veterans across the country during the week. More the 500 volunteers also stepped forward to assist at VA medical centers. The Secretary further stated that teachers throughout the country used the week to take the opportunity to educate their students about the accomplishments of our nations veterans, and what they have done in support of our country and its national interests. For over twenty years in conjunction with the VA's Salute, the newspaper columnist, Ann Landers, has devoted a January column asking her readers to send Valentines and letter to hospitalized veterans at their nearest VA medical centers. Hundreds of thousands of cards and letters are sent to VA patients each year during the National Salute in response to this call for action and, according to Togo West, they surely serve as a real tangible reminder to those who served that they are remembered and appreciated and valued beyond measure. If you would like to step forward and salute our hospitalized veterans during this special week, the following addresses are provided: VA Medical Center Durham 508 Fulton Street Durham, NC 27705 Point of Contact: Sherry Sellers, Secretary, Voluntary Services Telephone Number (919) 286-0411 VA Medical Center Fayetteville 2300 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28301 Point of Contact: Chris Chambers, Voluntary Services Telephone Number (910) 488-2120 North Carolina State Veterans home 214 Cochran Avenue Fayetteville, NC 28301 Point of Contact: Janice Wright, Director of Activities Telephone Number (910) 630-4257 A note, within the spirit and intent of the Salute, we surely cannot forget the many veterans who are receiving medical care at Eastern North Carolina medical or extended care facilities. Some of them are alone, without family, friends or visitors. As Ann Landers so appropriately said, "I know of nothing you can do that would cost so little and bring so much pleasure to the men and women who were willing to lay down their lives for us. They deserve to be remembered." FY 2000 Defense Authorization Act When this fiscal years' Defense Authorization Act was signed into law, two significant provisions were put into place, which positively impact the military retiree. The first provision effected uniformed retirees who take positions within the federal government. Effective on the first day of the fiscal year 2000, retirees are no longer required to forfeit a portion of their retirement pay for that privilege. Simply stated the Dual Compensation Act of 1964 has been repealed. The second provision, provides certain retirees who receive non disability retirements, (twenty years of active service) and who also receive a seventy percent or higher service connected disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs within four years after retirement will be eligible to receive between one hundred to three hundred dollars of special disability compensation. Regarding these provisions, no application or action on the part of the retiree is required. The VA and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service are working, in coordination, on the actions and issues. United States Census 2000 Remember Census Day is April 1, 2000. Everyone will have an opportunity to participate. As a veteran, as a North Carolinian, and as an U.S. Citizen, it's important for us to do our part. Our Census 2000 answers are important. This is our future. We don't want to leave it blank. We want to make our mark…. and make a difference. For the New VA Health Care Enrollee If you would like assistance in getting in the VA Health Care for treatment and/or medication a good resource for assisting a veteran is the Carteret County Veterans Service Office @ (252) 728-8440. A note, for those veterans needing medication, the VA Medical Center Fayetteville has been filling prescriptions written by one's local physicians and has been given a total of six months worth of medications. For particulars call the Carteret County Veterans Office. Military Funeral Honors The rendering of military funeral honors is a way to show the nations deep gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended our country. This ceremonial paying respect is the final demonstration a grateful nation can provide to the veterans' families. Military Funeral Honors have always been provided whenever possible. However, the law now mandates the rendering of military funeral honors for an eligible veteran if requested by the family. As provided by law, an honor guard detail for the burial of an eligible veteran shall consist of not less than two members of the Armed Forces. One member of the detail shall be a representative of the parent service of the deceased veteran. The honor detail will at a minimum perform a ceremony that includes the folding and the presenting of the American Flag to the next of kin and the playing of Taps. Taps will be played by a bugler, if available, or by electronic recording. (Today there are so few buglers available that the Military Services often cannot provide one.) For answers to specific questions, contact Carteret County Veterans Services at (252)728-8440. |
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