Minutes – 4 December 2013 – United Veterans Council of Minnesota

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Call to order – 09:30, Invocation, Chaplain leads prayer – Pledge of Allegiance –
Greetings: Recognition of visitors and guests –
Secretary of State Mark Richie
Announcements – Ralph Donais, Chairman – Jerry Kyser, Vice Chairman.

1. Federal Agencies

VA Regional Office – Ron Woolrie- Change Management Agent at St. Paul Regional Office

Lot of changes happening
Pension Management Center- will start rating cases in the new VBMS program
Compensation side of the house has been fully involved since June
Pension will start rating fully on the 20th of December
88 % of workload is in paperless environment
St. Paul picked up over 8500 brokered cases ( national priorities)
Less than 400 left
Continuing to expand team that works MN cases
Submit cases as fully developed claims to ensure they get worked on
Fully developed claims being completed in 90 days
Pension Center fully developed claims-43 days for average completion
National Priority are cases rolling over 334 days
Question: Where do we find the true statistics for backlogged reports? A: Numbers are fairly accurate, and backlog is decreasing
Question: How much longer to work on cases? A: Check with Dave. If cases need to be prioritized, just let us know.

VISN 23 – Judith Johnson-Mekota- Deputy Network Director

Serving as Active Network Director
Janet Murphy has been detailed to Central Office
She is serving as Acting Deputy Undersecretary for Health Operations and Management and will remain there until end of Calendar year
Dr. Petzle is retiring as Undersecretary for Health
Process for replacement recruitment is active
Will probably be named by the end of the year
New leadership changes coming in 2014
Implementing a Comprehensive National VA Dental Program
Opportunity to purchase through Delta Dental and Met Life
Voluntary, and does not affect the ability to opt for dental services at VA hospital
Open enrollment is November 15-January 1st
Links in article
Trying to improve technologies for providing healthcare
Veteran Health Library
Great resource for Veteran focused health information
Last page- St. Paul Regional Office is offering webinar on Wednesday December 11 at 10 am
Issues with mortgages, defaults, etc.
Leadership changes: Yvonne Livehsage is new Fargo Director
Director of Good Falls: Darwin Goodspeed
Judith Johnson-Mekota: New Director of Central Iowa and Des Moines.
Questions on dental-anyone is eligible

Ft Snelling Cemetery – Robert Wolfe

Here in place of Brad Butler who retired last Friday
Total internments for this month is 390
869 to date ( fiscal year), 5 female Veterans this month
95 WWII internments, 48 Korean, 59 Vietnam, 3 Persian Gulf, 15 Peace Time, 1 Active Duty, 169 Dependents
Total Rifle Squad Honors: 187 held this month
Memorial Wall is completed, not opened yet
Shelter 4 construction delayed due to weather
Wreaths Across America is on 12/14 at 12 pm
Total 64,419 total Rifle Squad Honors ever performed
206, 909 total internments

Vets Employment & Training Service [VETS] – Director, Scott Wills – Davis Seay

Mpls VA HCS – Director Patrick J Kelly

Still accepting applications for Stand downs
First come, first serve
1 day events: $7,000
2 day events: $10, 000
MN Assistance Council for Veterans had outstanding Stand downs
Solicitation for Grant applications begins after the New Year
Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project and Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program
Questions about applying, he is the main point of contact ( David Seay)
Uniform Services Employment/Reemployment Rights Act
Spike about investigations, considering Veterans coming back to work after Active Duty
Parking ramp- opening in January ( 520 spaces)
CBOCS awarded- inÂ Albertlee and Shakopee MN
Albertlee opening in April
Both is nice locations in existing malls
Primary care, mental health services, podiatry services
Shakopee opening in June
Comprehensive Breast Center opening in February
Chronic Pain Management Center ( spoke and hub model)
Very talented staff for Chronic Pain Center
Robotics surgery offered too
Center of Innovation for PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Dementia
Continued focus on these areas
Will result in more research in these areas
In Washington, large meeting discussing Veterans’ Courts
State of MN is a leader in Veterans’ Courts
About 80% of Veteran incarceration is due to substance abuse
Working to help lessen and prevent this
Question: Now 14 CBOCs. Veterans are able to choose where to receive their primary care.
Question: Expanding care to include home care, to keep Veterans in the home and out of nursing homes. Large number of contract nursing homes. Not contemplating significant expansion of community living center or contracted nursing home.

Secretary of State Mark Richie

Yellow Ribbon Events
Vikings Event was incredible
Change of Guard this Saturday
Soldiers and others serving overseas can now order their Absentee ballots online
Last decade, the State Capital and Fort Snelling have been spiraling downward in neglect
Capital has some attention, now Fort Snelling needs to be saved from deterioration
Mortenson family committed to this project to protect these monuments for future generations
Inspiring pitch giving details to preserve the Fort

Question: Are there plans for the State to put Non-traditional or industrial schools for Veterans in place? Answer: Not at this time, but maybe once these buildings are rehabbed that would be a possibility

Conversations with Historical Society as well, room for lots of ideas and conversations to be shared about the future of the fort
Budget for project is in the 80 million dollar range

2. Federal Congressional Representatives and Senator

Senator Al Franken- Nicole Ly

Gratitude and Congratulations to the VA Medical Center for being one of the top centers in the state
Senator Franken met with Veterans from Southern MN to discuss legislation he’s working on to include rural Veterans
Testified in Congress on his legislation
Some provisions in his Quicker Benefits Delivery Act legislation will be included in a larger Vets bill, hope to provide more information shortly
Conducted interviews for Academy applicants ( 130 applicants)
130 interviews scheduled on one day
Look forward to making nominations and completing process

1st District Representative – Tim Walz – Dave Wentzel

Busy over last month
Congressmen spoke at groundbreaking for Preston Veterans Cemetery
Albertlee CBOC will alleviate a lot of pressure for current resources
Several bills have passed ( passed out handouts)
Congressmen introduced legislation for honoring the service of Guard and Reserve retirees
Gives them Veteran status after 20 years of service
No extra benefits, just entitles them to status of Veteran
The Disabled Veterans Access to Medical Examinations Improvement Act – this provides VA contract physicians the ability to conduct examinations at any location in the state on the behalf of the VA
The Blue Otter Navy Ship Accountability Act- this will allow the DoD to open up records and allow Congress and the VA to see where ships list were
Access to Veterans Benefits Improvement Act- VA case tracking information for those already accredited individuals CVSOs, or those who can’t get basic information.
All of these Bills passed through the House, just waiting in the Senate
21 individuals passed through the Academy, looks like they are all getting nomination

2nd District Representative – John Kline – Chaz Johnson

Very happy to hear of CBOC in Shakopee
Gave legislative update last time
Congressman is excited to support the 1.5 % cost of living adjustment for Veterans receiving disability benefits, pensions, etc.
29 men and women are interviewing on Saturday for Service Academy
Veterans History Project done through the Library of Congress- inviting Veterans into the office who need help getting videotaped or with the process to tell their stories
For each slot, there can be 10 kids nominated
2 interview panels, then Congressmen and I process recommendations
Forward nominations to Academy

3rd District Representative – Eric Paulson – John Paul Yates

Legislative Director Noah Jacobson moved on about a month ago
New Legislative Director-Mike Stober
New Legislative Assistant, who will handle Veterans’ issues is Ryan Huff
Ryan is primary contact
Academy interviews on November 23rd
35 applicants
In October, Rep. Paulson was able to greet the Honor Flight in Washington D.C.
On Veteran’s Day, Rep. Paulson was able to attend 2 programs
Excelsior Elementary 4th grader’s presentation
Minnetonka High School Rally; presented Superintendent with a flag honoring his late father who was killed in WWII
Some Congressional offices can sometimes work together with Senate offices to maximize student nominations for Academy

4th District Representative – Betty McCollum – Connie Haddeland

VA press release just confirmed the 1.5% cost of living increase in monthly payments for Veterans families and survivors receiving disability compensation and pension benefits
20 Academy interviews are on Saturday
Every member of Congress can have 5 people charged to them at a Service Academy at one time
Congresswoman McCollum does a principal with rankled alternates
Congressional Staff had a great briefing with the MN National Guard up at Fort Ripley on energy efficiency issues, initiatives, and construction needs for buildings
Congresswoman McCollum just went on a bill to name the CBOC in Mankato after Lyle C. Pearson Sr. who was a famous B-17 pilot in WWII, a POW, National Commander of Disable Veterans, and active in his community

5th District Representative – Keith Ellison – Mike Siebenaler

In the past month, Congressmen Ellison attended a few great Veteran’s Day events
STEM School in Richfield, talked to 800 students about History of Veteran’s Day
St. Paul Wounded Warriors Project ceremony
Yellow Ribbon Event at Metro-dome, Minneapolis is finally a Yellow Ribbon City
9 interviews for Academy on December 14th

6th District Representation – Michele Bachmann- Nicole Pelzer

Congresswoman was original co-sponsor of naming Mankato on Congressman Walz’ bill
Congresswoman voted last month in favor or cost of living adjustment mentioned earlier
Bill :House Res 231- to establish a select committeeÂ on POW and MIA affairs has 81 co-sponsors,
Would like to thank Congressman Kline, Congressman Paulson Congresswoman McCollum Congressman Ellison, Congressman Peterson, Congressman Nolan for their support
Will be sending out Dear Colleague letter this month regarding the DoD IG investigation of Joint Prisoner of War Missing in Action accounting command ( JPAC)and Defense Prisoner of War Mission personnel office
Recognize what Minneapolis Director Kelly had mentioned about Veterans Courts
Honored to attend Carver county Veteran’s courts programs
Honor to attend Hennepin Veteran’s courts
Office is encouraging these programs
10 applicants for Academy this year, and all received nominations
Next year they are doing their final academy since Congresswoman will not be up for re-election again

8th District Representative – Rick Nolan- Rick Olseen

Constituent work with a lot of Veterans lately, unfortunately some WWII Veterans passing on, and working with their families to see if there are any benefits available
Great experience working with family in Milaca
Ed Wensloff, Pearl Harbor Survivor
On the Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, his family is spreading his ashes on the Arizona
51 people from the family are traveling there
Will present a flag to the family
Not many Pearl Harbor survivors left
About 20 applicants for Academy
Talk about partnering with High Schools to get word out

3. State Agencies and MN Veteran Assistance Organizations

MN Dept of Veteran Affairs- Michael Gallucci

Congratulations on a great close out to the legislative year
Predesign for Phase 3
Have negotiated most challenges of Phase 2
To begin after the 1st of the year, groundbreaking in March
Big sewer lines project
Moving forward, very excited
Health Care Task Force
Commissioner will tell you that living history is found every day in Veterans’ homes
Facilities Assessment is completed
Responsible forecast of what assets preservation is needed
Article in ARMY Times about Mental health
VA positions is about 8-10 years out from any post-war experience is when symptoms show up
Remind people of MN that the cost of Services is worn on the sleeves of the enlisted

St Cloud VA HCS – Atlas Anagnos

Thank you all for continued support of all Veterans in St. Paul and MN
Follow up on Updates
Barb Umpke left
He has been holding down the fort since then
New Candidate, Andrew Frost, will begin at end of December
Joint Commission came
No findings in 3 out of 4 areas
Charged with 5 direct and 5 indirect findings
Appealed a few of those, and appeals were accepted
3 direct, and 4 indirect findings now
One of the best records in the nation, proud of that
Recent provider shortage has been rectified
Many new physicians have started
Yesterday, Laboratory CAT survey
New kitchen and rehabilitation center construction will begin very soon
Psychiatry building is well on its way with the new roof on
New Acute Diagnostic Imaging center is in first stage of design
First of multiple planned CLC cottages also beginning to be designed
2nd floor of Outpatient mental health clinic recently designed
Those 3 projects will keep them in construction for many years to come
Audiology and dental expansions are almost finished
Windmill has been working on and off recently( If working continuously, would provide 15% of energy needs)
Veterans Transportations services is expanding, to reach Veterans in new and rural areas
Surgery Center- New ENT Dr. was hired ( with specialization is audiology
YAG Laser, used in cataract surgery, now being used
Ophthalmic Operating Microscope arrived and now being utilized

MN Veterans 2010 Legislative Info -Mike McElhiney

Saturday, December 7th, is the 77th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor
Ceremony will be held at 10 am on 5th floor of Veterans Service building
Nice speaker and re-enactors with uniforms and equipment
Tomorrow morning at 11:15: Press Conference at Capital to release November forecast
Sub-committee chaired by Representative Newton: they convened in early October
Looking to extend deadline now
Supposed to be a report released for any ideas or change items this week
Potential changes are examining cost effectiveness with Veterans’ home and homelessness
Investigation for the last several months, more to come soon
Commissioner’s Task force is being developed to replace previous taskforce
Will look more at minutiae issues
First meeting will be in early/mid January
Continue to work with Governor’s office
Put forth 4 initiatives for Veteran Owned Businesses
Session will start February 25th

MN Military Affairs – Don Kerr –

Agency has no legislative initiatives policy wise
Bonding request under consideration in Governor’s office
Construction on education center at Camp Ripley
19 million dollar project
Underway, working furiously to get work done on track
Recently accepted substantial completion of 10 million dollar renovation to Cedar Street Armory
Project to construct new Armory in Stillwater to replace the 100 year old facility there
As soon as they get a National Defense Authorization Act to allow them to move forward

Yellow Ribbon- Annette Kyper

Added city of Becker and company of Minnesota Vikings as Yellow Ribbon members
December 1st , city of Minneapolis is now Yellow Ribbon
Minneapolis is largest city now involved
Would like to thank Medical Center for sending a rep and leading their sub-committee for Minneapolis
Norwood Young America will be named the 200th Yellow Ribbon city this weekend
This Friday is the 5th Anniversary of Minnesota’sÂ 1st Yellow Ribbon city, Farmington
At Farmington High School
6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. ceremony
Governor Dayton, Commissioner Shelletoe, General Nash all attending
Everyone is invited
On December 16th, 2nd Yellow Ribbon Company Seminars
Get together all 33 YR Companies
Update them on initiatives
Recognize efforts and share best practices
Commissioner Lanwear and General Nash both attending
National Governor’s Association Grant
Allows them to hold the National Governor’s Association Policy Academy
1 of 5 states that have been selected
Taskforce to look at licensure for EMTs, LPNs, and policy officers
How to translate military experience so they can more quickly receive those licensures
Barb O’Reily from MDVA and Allison Jones from Governor’s Office went to Washington to investigate how to get this started in MN
February marks the beginning of bringing YR Cities together
Bringing together Regional Family Assistance Centers Seminars and YR seminars and calling it Joining Community Forces Minnesota
Offered in several cities, on Saturdays from 9-2
Total Number of YR Networks- about 250

MN Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV)- Jimmy Collier

Friday is annual open House
12-4pm in Building 47 at VA Hospital
Good turnout at Vet Clinic on the 14th
Vet Clinic in St. Cloud good turnout as well

Military Action Group (MAG) – Jerry Kyser

Not having MAG meeting this month
January 14th is next meeting ( 10 am)
Opening Ceremony yesterday for Vikings Stadium
On Committee that verifies who is a Veteran owned business
Problem is lack of registration on behalf of Veteran owned businesses
Takes over a year to get certified
Then they can bid on Mortenson construction projects
Looking for Veteran owned businesses to apply to get that going

Announcements –

Same items still working on:
Tax credit for businesses that hire Veterans
YR Volunteers worried about legal action
Working on bill so that Widows and Widowers get permanent tax exemption instead of 5 years after the Veteran family member dies
Need to get MN military retirees to come back to MN
Next meeting 8 January 2014

Meeting in Recess for 10 minutes

Business Meeting

Treasury Report for 1st of December
Balance as of 11/1 : $4, 402.09 cents
No deposits
Expenses of $149.75
Regular transcription expense of $120, 29.75 for parking at the Capital
Will be receiving newsletter next month
Q: Who is new Commander of VFW? A: Oleen
Motion made to accept treasury report
Old Business
Elections in January
Needs to be done at next meeting
Brochure needs motion to pay for it
Motion made to accept payment for brochures
Coordinate with taskforce to make sure not stepping on toes
New Business
Letters for Dues will be coming out soon
Make sure current people are listed
Possibly creating Directory for everyone
Inaudible comments
Jim Cleary Certificate of Appreciation from MN House of Legislature

Motion to adjourn
Next meeting 8 January 2014

“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their country.” – George Washington, 1789