UVLC Minutes–Wednesday, January 6, 2010
• Call to order – 0930 Hrs.
• Pledge of Allegiance – Howard Wilson
• Invocation – Jerry Kyser
• Recognition of visitors and guests and Commander’s of VSO’s -none
• Reports from: Chairman, Jerry Kyser- Vice Chairman Ralph Donais February 9, 2010 at 1030 Hrs. is Veterans Day on the hill. Jerry gave a speech on this being his last meeting as Chairman of UVLC. Also, his wife sent her greetings and has recovered well from her surgery.
1. Federal Agencies
VISN 23 –Cynthia Breyfogle, Acting Director: The committee has unanimously recommended Dr. Petzel for Under Secretary for the Department of Veterans Affairs. She talked briefly about the tremendous turnout at Twin Ports for VIC cards (Veterans Identity Card). She introduced Nancy Donovan, Deputy Director and Dr. Julius, new Head of Health Services. There will be a new quality management officer on board by the end of the month.
VA Regional Office – Peter Panos, PAO for Dr Carol Fillman, Director: He addressed the points that were made during the broadcast on TV. 1)1,000,000 backlog claims includes all changes (400,000 actual) ie: change of address, there 22% over 125 days backlog. 116 days is the local average which is very good. Point system is used for production level assessment. If it is too high they will check it out for someone just putting them out. Paperless system is coming nation wide. Outreach program increased by 25%. Pre-discharge program: If someone is within 180 days of discharge they can make a claim. There will be one rating between DOD & VA. Guard/Reserves can use quick start. School pay should be in time for spring but emergency fund program will stay in place. New program educating new CSO’s about Iraq vs. other wars. Jerry commented on death of the critically ill Vietnam Vet they took on the Honor Flight and that the VA really helped him get everything done. Contact information for Mr.
Panos: 612-970-5203 or peterpanos@va.gov.
Mpls VA Medical Center – Steve Kleinglass, Director: Gave particulars about the Northwest Metro area Out Patient Clinic. They have several bidders. Hopefully open in summer/fall this year. It will have primary care, mental health and other services. They have lost several key people to retirement. Parking lot was awarded but there was an objection. Parking garage is in 2011 budget. All elevators are being replaced. Next week H1N1 will be available. Several changes have been made to Handicap parking lot.
2nd Fisher House has been approved/funded/utilities in. Construction will start w/construction season. It will be 11 suites. Jerry Nalipinski awarded an UVLC check for $2,000 to VA. Next year will be the last of the
monies from this fund.
St Cloud VA Medical Center – Cheryl Teashaeffer—Hired new chief of surgery started this week & a part time Hematology/Oncology physician. Most construction is nearing completion.
Announcements: H1N1 clinic is scheduled. They are accepting applications for the Disabled Veterans Turkey Hunt-application time is now through February12, 2010.
New Brighton Vets Center – Ron Taylor: Bernard Beamon is ramping up the new vet center, Brooklyn Park , Jan 22 (7001 88th Ave N.) is the open house.
Ft Snelling Cemetery – Art Smith – Director:
December Current FYTD Total to Date
Total Internments 355 1,103 188,439
Caskets 185 502 149,645
Cremations 138 491 37,022
Columbarium 32 110 1,772
Female Veterans- Total 1,427
The agency has training center in St. Louis. Ft. Snelling is hosting the next training in January.
Wreaths will start being removed Jan 20, 2010.
Vets Employment & Training Service [VETS] – Jodi Bean: Dec pretty quiet. She attended Governor’s employment summit. Director is meeting with Federal contractors this week.
2. State Agencies and MN Veteran Assistance Organizations
MN Dept of Veteran Affairs – Deputy Commissioner – Amy Rudolph: Policy initiatives are in the final stages. Several projects submitted. Budget is due Jan 13. The Vets homes were sent to Vickerman’s committee but may be sent to a different committee. Particulars on the website for the Veterans Day on the hill. Also has info packets. Hastings had a water issue last week but it is fixed. Comments on getting to stay with Vickerman’s committee. There is a committee meeting on Jan 21 about veterans falling and dying.
MN Veterans 2009 Legislative Info – Information Officer – Anna Long: Handed out News letters. CRIPA (investigative team for Vets Homes) was back to revisit and that went well.
MN Military Affairs – Officer Candidate Davin Fischer: Division is getting ready to return soon. PDMRA (Post Deployment Mobilization Respite Action) is now part of NDAA. Tricare retirement can now be purchased by retired Guard/Reserve members but it is going to take 9-24 months to process.
MN Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV)- Kathy Vitalis : Mankato standdown excellent. Wants to try to get 3 donors to fund 3 bldg 47 residents to chaperone on the next Honor flight. She already has one sponsor. Working w/legislature to get funding. MACV got national award. Jan 11 @ 3:15 in the Governor’s reception room will be presentation of the award by the Governor.
MN Veterans Initiatives Center and Research Institute (VICTRI) – Absent Beyond the Yellow ribbon: John Stepan TAA (Transition Assistance Advisor). Only a few states get two TAAs. They split the state. Al works South John works North. Work with CBWTU –wounded warrior program – when the active duty come back home. March 7, CBWTU conference for the people that are current people with benefits people available. Other MN Veteran Organizations
3. Federal Congressional Senators and Representatives
Senator Amy Klobuchar –Greg Swanholm – Absent
Senator Al Franken – Nicole Ly – Absent
7th District Representative – Collin Peterson- Al Loehr: waiting for senate on the Max Bielke building; Congressman is not taking a position on any of the locations for Vets home since they are all in his district.
1st District Representative –Tim Walz – Absent
2nd District Representative – John Kline – Chaz Johnson Jan 28 Beyond Yellow Ribbon 2nd anniversary. They did academy interviews with 36 nominees.
3rd District Representative –Erik Paulsen – John-Paul Yates: They also did interviews; Eric went to Iraq, Kuwait & Balad; He is going on a training flight this week.
4th District Representative- Betty McCollum- Connie Haddeland- Absent
5th District Representative –Keith Ellison – Mike Siebenaler: introduced Tim Shuman, counterpart from Washington. Did interviews, attended feed our troops. Handed out letters regarding VA parking.
6th District Representative- Michele Bachmann – Tara Westby: Absent (Tara is at Basic.)
8th District Representative- James Oberstar – Melissa Jabas – Absent
4. Announcements –
Jerry Keyser announced there would be a roster out with the next minutes. MN Air & Space Museum is still in the works. The National Parks service has to give their ok. Funding is private donations. Remember to be at the MN State Capital on Feb. 9 for vets day on the hill.
5. Meeting in Recess for 10 minutes
6. Old Business –
Treasurer’s report-given by Jerry Kyser, there will be a review. Fiscal year is Jan 1-Dec 31 therefore, Dues are due January 1. He will send out list to all members Commanders. Election of Chairman, Jan 1010-Jan 1012, Nalipinski motion to close nomination and cast a unanimous ballot for Ralph Donais, motion carried; 1st Vice Chairman Jerry Kyser, Motion Bahl to accept appointment by Ralph, motion carried ; 2nd Vice Chairman Lawrence Dean nominated, motion by Art Smith nominations be closed and cast a unanimous ballot for Larry, motion carried;
Secretary, Fay Hassie appointed; Treasurer: Nalipinski nominated Don Rask, Motion by Dick Carroll to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Don, motion carried.
7. New Business –
Jan 12 MAG meeting. It addresses what we want to have the Legislature address.One issue is the property tax for the spouse – now is only 2 years. Jerry has volunteered to be legislation chairman Ralph talked about the community 1000 hours of kindness.
Adjourned: 1140 Hrs/ Next Meeting 9:30 AM – Wed, February 3, 2010 Building 9 Auditorium Mpls Medical Center Campus, Mpls, MN
Ralph Donais, Chairman: Phone: 763-441-2630 E-mail: r.l.donais@izoom.net
Jerry Kyser,1st Vice Chairman: Phone: 651-338-2717 E-mail: crazyjerry45@hotmail.com
Lawrence Dean, 2nd Vice Chairman: Phone: 651-484-2837 E-mail: lodean.1@uno.com
Don Rask, Treasurer: Phone: 651-647-0398 E-mail: rchief1533@comcast.net
Fay Hassie, Secretary: Phone: 651-698-5860 E-mail: Hassco@iname.com