May 18, 2004

The VA has announced a new service. The Web-based (Internet) Nationwide Grave Locator system has the ability to search three million internment records covering National and State Veterans cemeteries as well as Arlington National Cemetery and provide query results based on simple or advanced search criteria. This site can provide specific information where a veteran or family member is buried. Go to gravelocator.cem.va.gov/. Please note there is no www.

Washington Marks 51st Anniversary of Korean War

July 27, 2004 marks the observance of the 51st Armistice Anniversary of the Korean War and the 9th Anniversary of the dedication of the Korean War Veterans memorial. A ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. on the Washington Mall and a wreath laying and full military honors ceremony at 2:30 p.m. at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. For information call 703-893-6313 or write to KWVADC, PO Box 7025, Alexandria, Va. 22307.

Vietnam Wall to be Closed

This summer may be a great time to visit Washington D.C. The National World War II Memorial is already open to the public. The Vietnam Memorial however will be undergoing major lighting renovation and visitors may find the monument or sections of the monument closed from sometime in June through October 2004.

Secretary Principi Spares Manhattan VA for Now

VA Secretary Anthony J. Principi has endorsed the National CARES Commission report in its entirety. The CARES (Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services) proposes sweeping changes to VA Hospital facilities closing some and building more outpatient clinics. Northport VA Medical Center is unaffected by CARES however in Queens the VA will build a new nursing home, domiciliary, and out patent clinic at St. Albans. The VA Hospital at 23rd in Manhattan earlier proposed for closing will remain open while a new study is conducted on how best to modernize the facility.

Veterans Service Agency to Move

The Nassau County Veterans Service Agency will be moving to 60 Charles Lindbergh Blvd. in Garden City by the end of 2004. The new location is on the property of the old Mitchel Field and will be shared by the Departments of Senior Citizens, Physically Challenged, Social Services, Youth Board, Employment, Adult and Child Protective Services, Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Mental Health. Veterans will be assured of confidential meetings with veteran's counselors and will have the ability to access the full range of county services at one location.

VA Secretary Accepts Nurses Recommendations

Secretary Principi has accepted recommendations from a commission studying issues affecting VA nurses. The commission recommended establishing nationwide staffing standards, improving recognition of achievement and performance and competitive locality pay for nurses.

Once a Soldier, always a Soldier

According to the Army News the Disabled Soldier Support System (DS3) is a new initiative that gives Soldiers wounded in the global war on terrorism an additional means of support once they are medically retired from the Army. The philosophy that the Army takes care of its own will be put in practice by insuring that these veterans are linked to the VA and veterans service organizations once they are discharged.

Combat Related Special Compensation

If you are retired military (20 years or more) receive retirement pay and have a service-connected disability you may be eligible for concurrent receipt or Combat Related Special Compensation. CRSC was previously only available to retirees with a 60% or higher disability. Eligibility now starts at a 10% disability rating. For information go to www.crlegislation.com/. Applications can be downloaded at www.dior.whs.mil/icdhome/forminfo/FormInfoPage2484.htm.

Victory at the Commissary

The Defense Commissary Agency has announced that it will not adopt variable pricing in commissaries. The proposed plan was designed to save taxpayers part of the billion dollars needed to run the commissaries at the expense of the active duty and retiree patrons. The plan was opposed by a number of military fraternal organizations.

If you know a homeless veteran or a veteran who needs help call the Veterans Service Agency 516-572-8452.