Miramar National Cemetery Dedicated

/PRNewswire/ -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) held a dedication ceremony today in San Diego for the Miramar National Cemetery.

"Offering more burial options for Veterans in southern California is a top priority," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "With this cemetery, we are keeping our commitment to provide a final resting place and lasting tribute to the men and women who sacrificed to protect our Nation."

VA's Acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, Steve L. Muro, gave the keynote address and was joined by elected officials as the dedication plaque was unveiled. Military honors included a firing salute and the ceremony ended with the playing of "Taps."

The 313-acre Miramar National Cemetery will include both gravesite and columbarium development, providing a full range of burial alternatives to approximately 235,000 Veterans in the San Diego County area.

The nearby Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery closed to first interment casketed burials in 1966, although it stays active with casketed interments of family members of those already interred and inurnments of cremated remains. Riverside National Cemetery, 90 miles from Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, is currently the nearest national cemetery offering full burial options.

The design contract for $961,004 was awarded to Van Dyke Landscape Architects, a small business firm in San Diego.

The first phase of construction will include approximately 11,500 conventional gravesites; 4,500 in-ground cremation sites; 10,000 columbarium niches; an administration building and maintenance complex; two committal service shelters; and a public assembly area. The project will also include systems for water distribution, roads, utilities, signs and landscaping.

VA chose Kirk Leopard as director of the cemetery. He will continue as the director of Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, a position he has held since 2007. Prior to that appointment, he was director of Baltimore National Cemetery and assistant to the director at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery in Alabama. In June 2006, he completed 12 months of training as a cemetery director intern at VA's National Cemetery Administration training center in St. Louis. Leopard is a 21-year Navy Veteran, having served as a hospital corpsman, medical laboratory technician and medical research technician during his military career.

Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable, their spouses and dependent children are eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Burials in VA-run national cemeteries are also open to military personnel who die on active duty, their spouses and eligible dependents.

Other burial benefits for eligible Veterans include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or marker - even if the burial is not in a national cemetery.

In the midst of the largest cemetery expansion since the Civil War, VA operates 131 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico and 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. More than 3.4 million Americans, including Veterans of every war and conflict -- from the Revolutionary War to the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan -- are buried in VA's national cemeteries.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the Internet at www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 800-827-1000. Additional information about the Miramar National Cemetery is available by calling the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery at 619-553-2084. To make burial arrangements at the time of need at any VA national cemetery, call the national cemetery scheduling office at 800-535-1117.

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Shinseki Announces Veterans' Stories Posted on VA's Web Page

/PRNewswire/ -- Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will join with the Library of Congress to host a "Veterans History Countdown" on the VA Web site - www.va.gov - featuring the oral histories of Veterans from every state and U.S. territory.

"VA has partnered with the Library of Congress to honor our Veterans, preserve their histories and ensure that their service, sacrifice and heroism will never be forgotten," said Secretary Shinseki. "We want to encourage Americans to record the oral histories of Veterans for future generations."

Each day, beginning Nov. 1, VA's Web feature will introduce new personal histories, culminating on Veterans Day when a Veteran's history from each state and U.S. territory will be available simply by clicking on the U.S. map in the display.

As Veterans Day approaches, the VA Web display will urge Americans to "Honor our Veterans. Record their Histories!" The display will link to the library's Veterans History Project Web site -- www.loc.gov/vets -- which provides background about the program, a guide for volunteers to follow in recording and submitting Veterans' oral histories and to access the project's extensive digital archive.

VA has collaborated with the Veterans History Project since its implementing legislation was signed into law on Oct. 27, 2000. VA Voluntary Service has made oral history recording part of its program. VA offers Veterans the opportunity to record their histories at its facilities and special events. These collections of first-hand accounts are archived in the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.

"We hope the Veterans History Countdown will serve as a call to action for volunteers to record the first-hand stories of the Veterans they know--relatives, neighbors, friends," said Bob Patrick, director of the Veterans History Project.

The Veterans History Project collects and preserves the remembrances of American war Veterans and civilian workers who supported them.

The recordings make accessible the first-hand remembrances of American wartime Veterans from World War I through the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. Approximately 65,000 individual stories comprise the collection of the Veterans History Project.

The project relies on volunteers to record Veterans' remembrances using guidelines accessible at www.loc.gov/vets/. Volunteer interviewers may request information at vohp@loc.gov or the toll-free message line at (888) 371-5848.

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VetsFirst Established by United Spinal Association: First and Only Organization to Offer Full Membership to All Disabled Veterans

VetsFirst Established by United Spinal Association: First and Only Organization to Offer Full Membership to All Disabled Veterans, Their Dependents and Survivors

/PRNewswire/ -- VetsFirst (www.vetsfirst.org), a new national nonprofit organization that will help all of America's disabled veterans, their spouses, dependent family members and survivors receive healthcare, compensation, rehabilitation and other benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, was announced today by United Spinal Association.

VetsFirst membership will embrace all generations of veterans, including those living with post-traumatic stress disorders, traumatic brain injuries, toxic exposures and those who are at increased risk of diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, ALS). It also supplies the veterans' community with guidance on education and employment. In conjunction with United Spinal Association, VetsFirst provides legal representation in VA claims and appeals.

"VetsFirst will offer the same high level of service and personal approach it has become known for, while expanding to provide for the needs of veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Paul J. Tobin, president and CEO of United Spinal Association.

VetsFirst recognizes older era veterans are aging and their health and benefits needs are changing. Advocating and assisting women veterans and their particular health concerns are high priorities of VetsFirst.

"We're serving a very large membership with our holistic approach. When their families are taken care of veterans recover faster. Extending membership to veterans' families and others involved in their lives and well-being, distinguishes VetsFirst from other veterans organizations," said Leonard Selfon, VetsFirst senior vice president.

One of the organization's most unique offerings is 'Ask VetsFirst' (http://helpdesk.vetsfirst.org/), a Web-based service that gives veterans an opportunity to get assistance with benefits-related inquiries on-line. Ask VetsFirst allows visitors to submit questions using an online submission form. A VetsFirst trained national service officer or attorney will then respond with information and resources to help resolve the inquiry.

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Secretary Shinseki Designates 41 Regional Veterans Day Sites

/PRNewswire/ -- As Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced today the designation of 41 regional Veterans Day observances. These sites are model community events for the observance of Veterans Day 2009.

"Veterans Day is a national Thank You to the men and women who have served all of us in uniform," Secretary Shinseki said. "These regional observances enable the federal government to bring resources closer to more Veterans."

President Dwight D. Eisenhower formed the Veterans Day National Committee in 1954 to plan and promote the observance of Veterans Day nationally and regionally. Today, the committee is administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and is comprised of representatives from 44 organizations dedicated to supporting military Veterans.

The 2009 Veterans Day regional observances range from parades and ceremonies to military exhibits and tributes to distinguished local Veterans. Each site is recognized by the VA and may receive military support from the Department of Defense when available.

The 2009 Veterans Day Regional Sites are: Birmingham, Mobile, and Ozark-Dale County, Ala.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Palm Springs, Calif.; Loveland, Colo.; New Castle, Del.; Brevard Community College-Coco Campus, Fla.; Atlanta and Dawson County, Ga.; Emporia, Leavenworth and Valley Center, Kan.; Madisonville-Hopkins County, Ky.; and New Orleans, Shreveport-Bossier City, Shreveport and Slidell-Tammany Parrish, La.

Other regional sites include Sherborn, Mass.; Brunswick, Md.; Detroit, Mich.; Gulfport, Miss.; St. Louis, Mo.; New York, N.Y.; Columbus, Ohio; Ponca City, Okla.; Albany, Douglas County and Portland, Ore.; Gatlinburg and Nashville, Tenn.; Austin, Bonham, Dallas and Houston, Texas; Virginia Beach, Va.; Auburn, Port Angeles, Vancouver and West Richland, Wash.; and Milwaukee, Wis.

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VA Chief of Staff Gingrich Kicks off National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in San Antonio

/PRNewswire/ -- On Oct. 5, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Chief of Staff John Gingrich celebrated Veteran-artists at the opening banquet of the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in San Antonio, Texas. The festival is the culmination of a year-long fine arts competition involving nearly 3,500 participants nationwide. It is open to all Veterans receiving care at VA medical facilities.

"I salute each of our Veteran-artists -- from our 'Greatest Generation' to our latest generation -- for your service to America," said Gingrich. "The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival not only showcases the very 'best of the best' in the creative arts, but also VA's outstanding medical care and rehabilitative techniques."

More than 120 Veteran medal winners in music, dance, drama, creative writing and visual arts contests are participating in the week-long festival. The event will conclude on Oct. 11 with a visual art exhibit and gala variety stage show at the San Antonio Municipal Auditorium.

VA medical facilities incorporate creative arts into their recreation therapy programs. This annual competition recognizes the progress and recovery made through art therapy, and raises visibility of Veterans' creative achievements.

"VA's rehabilitation therapists deliver a brand of care that enriches -- even rescues -- lives by providing the kinds of art therapy that give self-confidence, pride and personal expression," said Gingrich.

The festival is presented by VA, Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV) and the American Legion Auxiliary. It is hosted this year by the South Texas Veterans Health Care System.

"It is truly an honor for the American Legion Auxiliary to support the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival," said National President Rita Navarrete. "This phenomenal event affords our Veterans a unique outlet for their creative expression and is incredibly inspiring for everyone who is privileged to attend."

"The Board of Directors of HHV is again thrilled and privileged to co-sponsor the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival with VA and the American Legion Auxiliary," said Mike Lynch, HHV president and CEO. "HHV wishes to congratulate all Veterans who entered into this national competition, for you have shared your fantastic performing and visual arts abilities with America."

The artists will exhibit their work from 12:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11, at the San Antonio Municipal Auditorium. At 2 p.m., performers in music, drama and dance, as well as the creative writing winners, will showcase their talents in an entertaining stage show backed by a professional orchestra. Heloise, from "Hints from Heloise," will serve as the festival stage show's mistress of ceremonies for the first time.

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Military Veterans Roll Into Spokane for the 29th National Veterans Wheelchair Games

/PRNewswire/ -- More than 500 U.S. military veterans, all wheelchair athletes competing in the 29th National Veterans Wheelchair Games are rolling into Spokane, Washington, starting today to show the nation what it takes to be the best of the best.

The event, running through Saturday July 18, is the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world, with athletes competing from 42 states, Puerto Rico and Great Britain. It is a visual demonstration of competition at its best, the courage it takes to compete, and the camaraderie inspired by all who attend.

Paralyzed Veterans of America and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs co-present this comprehensive sports and rehabilitation event each year, designed for paralyzed and other disabled military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition. These athletes receive care at VA medical facilities or military treatment centers for conditions that include spinal cord injuries, amputations, certain neurological conditions, traumatic brain injuries and other mobility impairments. The Northwest Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans and the SpokaneVA Medical Center are hosting this week's event.

"Get ready for hundreds of smiles in wheelchairs," said Randy L. Pleva, Sr., national president, Paralyzed Veterans of America. "The Wheelchair Games are a unique combination of competition, continuing courage and camaraderie. You will be inspired."

One of today's events is the Games Kickoff, which introduces the Wheelchair Games to the Spokane community. The Kickoff takes place at 11:30 a.m. in the Spokane Convention Center Breezeway and features a wheelchair basketball demonstration that pits some of the experienced athletes against local media representatives and community officials, giving them a true taste of wheelchair sports.

The Opening Ceremonies are this evening, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Veterans Memorial Arena, near the SpokaneConvention Center. In Olympic-style fashion, the athletes will parade into the arena carrying their state flags, to begin the festivities. Local news reporter, Jade Jordan, will serve as mistress of ceremonies, and nationally acclaimed country and western singer, Amy Clawson, will sing the National Anthem; followed by welcoming remarks from city and Games' officials. To cap off the evening, the 2009 Games torch will be lit as the hosts proclaim, "Let the Games Begin," marking the official start of the 29th National Veterans Wheelchair Games.

Veterans with disabilities will compete in 17 events throughout the week, which include air guns, archery, basketball, bowling, field, handcycling, nineball, a motorized wheelchair rally, power soccer, quad rugby, softball, swimming, table tennis, track, trapshooting, weightlifting and wheelchair slalom. For the third year, stand-up events will be offered to veterans who prefer to use prosthesis to compete and will include archery and table tennis. A golf clinic will also be held as this year's exhibition sport.

Another special highlight for the Games is Kid's Day, taking place July 17 at Spokane Falls Community College. This is a very special event where athletes, serving as mentors, meet local children with disabilities and teach them about wheelchair sports. This year the children will be introduced to slalom, T-ball and basketball.

The Closing Ceremonies, beginning at 7 p.m. on July 18 at the Spokane Convention Center in Halls B and C, will wrap up the week's festivities by celebratevent, the coveted Spirit of the Games winner for the 2009 Games will be awarded, and the torch will be passed to the local organizing committee in Denver, Colorado, which will host the event in 2010.

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games is made possible in part through the generous support of the following lead sponsors: National Host: Invacare Corporation; Local Host: Veterans Canteen Service; Sustaining Host: UPS Foundation; National: The Budin Family, The DeGasperis Family Foundation, Health Net Federal Services, Inc., HP, Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems, Inc., Spokane Transit Authority, Sprint, The ROHO Group, TriWest Healthcare Alliance and Xerox Foundation.

For more information about the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, please visit the Games Web site at: www.wheelchairgames.va.gov. To contact the Games media center during the week of the event, call: (509) 434-7458, or (509) 434-7459.

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