CWVA Goals

(1) Build sustainable networks of altruistic outreach to the less fortunate whom Cold War Veterans are dedicated to serving,
(2) Ensure access to quality VA health care for honorably discharged Cold War Veterans,
(3) Eliminate discriminatory treatment of Cold War Veterans by governmental entities and fellow Veterans' Service Organizations, and
(4) Sustain the continued growth of the Cold War Veterans Association.

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June 15, 2009 Update

Several of the 2009 Cold War Victory Day Proclamations are now posted.

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May 27, 2009 Update

As we announced in our May 12, 2008 update: "Like many organizations and millions of Americans, CWVA has experienced first-hand the downturn in our economy.  In these trying economic times, we are grateful to everyone who has sacrificed to help us continue operations.  Without your support, activities such as commemorating Memorial Day (by placing a wreath at to the Tomb of the Unknowns) would not be possible."

Here is what your membership dues helped to fund:

CWVA commemorates 2009 Memorial Day at the Tomb of the Unknowns

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May 18, 2009 Update

On Saturday, May 16, 2009, the CWVI/CWVA and the Greater Kansas City-area Philosophy Group held their monthly joint meeting.

(1) The guest speaker for the meeting was James Everett — a 17-year CIA veteran.  Jim covered numerous topics for us, two of which can best be summarized by these linked articles.

(2) Vince Milum gave a briefing on why the Cold War Victory Medal is so difficult to obtain at this time.  Vince stated that while the medal (if issued) would be given mostly to veterans who are no longer serving on active duty, the cost of the medal would be borne by the Department of Defense (rather than the Department of Veterans Affairs).  Given that DoD's budget objectives are driven by fighting concurrent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (as well as sustaining America's defense footprint globally), there is no impetus to drive DoD to divert its budgetary resources to finance a medal for past-serving veterans.

(3) For those who had not previously seen it, the webcast of Vince Milum's Cold War Victory Day speech was played.  (The relevant portion begins at the 6:20 mark and ends at 9:17)

(4) In addition to the above, numerous defense-related topics were covered under our current events agenda.

(5) Paul F. Kisak, another former CIA Officer, has also submitted an article for the CWVI/CWVA.  It is entitled, Recently Declassified Soviet War and U.S. Covert Casualties, and addresses not only recently declassified Soviet and Russian deaths during the Cold War (thus confirming their participation in specific conflicts not acknowledged until very recently), but also the unheralded valor of CIA and NSA Cold Warriors who sacrificed all for their country as well as the under-recognized attack on the USS Liberty by the Israeli military.

(6) Once again, we apologize for the delay in posting the various Cold War Victory Day Proclamations we have received.  (As you can see, things are pretty busy these days for us!)  We estimate that the proclamations will be posted within 10-14 days.

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May 12, 2009 Update

(1) The latest batch of CWVA memberships was processed over this past weekend and mailed on Monday.

(2) The next joint meeting of CWVI/CWVA and the Greater Kansas City-area Philosophy Group is scheduled for this coming Saturday (May 16th).

(3) Due to the resource demands of the two items above, we apologize for not having posted the various 2009 Cold War Victory Day Proclamations.  We will endeavor to get these posted soon.

(4) An outside consultant (who volunteered his services) recently performed a feasibility study as to how best to update the CWVI/CWVA web site to conform to modern web standards.  In short, there are two best paths: (a) a major re-encoding of the entire web site or (b) a freshly built site from the ground up.  As both of these options are highly time-consuming and potentially costly, it has been decided to defer a decision on this matter until sufficient resources (both financial and human) can be secured to effectuate this goal.

(5) Like many organizations and millions of Americans, CWVA has experienced first-hand the downturn in our economy.  In these trying economic times, we are grateful to everyone who has sacrificed to help us continue operations.  Without your support, activities such as commemorating Memorial Day (by placing a wreath at to the Tomb of the Unknowns) would not be possible.

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May 1, 2009 Update

Today is May 1st, the day we commemorate Cold War Victory Day.  Look for a few proclamations to be posted on the web site.  In the meantime, here is a video from a ceremony recognizing this day in history.  (The relevant portion begins at the 6:20 mark and ends at 9:17)

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April 19, 2009 Update

On Saturday, April 18, 2009, the CWVI/CWVA and the Greater Kansas City-area Philosophy Group held their monthly joint meeting.  17 subject areas were covered on the agenda.  In addition to reading the Cold War Victory Day proclamation recently issued by Kansas Governor (and current HHS secretary-nominee) Kathleen Sebelius, some of the matters discussed were (1) the recently released CIA interrogation memos, (2) NSA warrantless wiretapping, (3) the DHS report on white supremacists recruiting military veterans, (4) the McClatchy article "Experts predict Pakistan's collapse," and (5) societal conflict in Afghanistan.

A photo of the convener (Vince Milum) is above.  Click here for additional photos from the meeting.

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March 24, 2009 Update

(1) As promised, the latest batch of CWVA memberships was processed and mailed over this past weekend.

(2) Thanks to the intervention of Veterans Service Organizations* (and also Comedy's Central's Jon Stewart), the V.A. has shelved its plan to require disabled veterans to use their private insurance to help cover service-connected disabilities.  This was frankly a bone-headed idea from the get-go and as educated analysts pointed out, individual and family policies have both appreciable deductibles as well as policy limits which can be exhausted. (*Note the CWVA is a federally recognized VSO and can be found in the 2008-2009 Directory of Veterans and Military Service Organizations published by the Office of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.)

(3) An item of pride for some and a disincentive for those who seek power is that the CWVA eschews titles (e.g., we have no "commanders").  This policy derives in part from the film legacy of Frank Capra, in particular, the film "Meet John Doe."  For those of you interested, this film (and many others) can be viewed (for free) at the following web site (from which it may also be permanently saved to your personal computer): Internet Archive

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March 16, 2009 Update

(1) Missouri budget battle negatively impacts non-wealthy veterans and their families: The entire CWVA/CWVI Board met over the past weekend to discuss the continuing negative impact of the current financial downturn.  One focus item was the Missouri legislature's unsound declaration that a veteran who heads a family of four and earns more than $4,410 a year is considered "too wealthy" to qualify for Medicaid.  The four members of the CWVA/CWVI Board who live in Missouri will look into ways to remedy this misguided attempt to resolve the state's budgetary battle between the legislature and the governor.

(2) This coming weekend (March 20-21) we are scheduled to process and mail the latest batch of membership packets.  (As previously announced, the economic downturn has meant that we have had to lengthen our membership processing schedule in order to reduce overhead.)  We apologize for the inconvenience of our revised processing schedule and appreciate everyone's patience and understanding.

(3) Once again we would like to thank everyone for your continued support.  To reiterate: Because of the support of our Honor Roll members, we are able to accept members who cannot afford their dues at this time of economic hardship.

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February 26, 2009 Update

The entire CWVA/CWVI Board met over the past weekend to focus on the financial downturn which is affecting all sectors of the American (as well as world) economy.  Below are some of the matters relevant to this meeting:

(1) Congressional staff have forwarded to us the proposed VA budget of the Obama Administration.  As you can see, we are on a trajectory to see a significant increase in gross benefits to the Cold War Veterans community despite the budgetary pressures facing American lawmakers.

(2) We will be expanding the processing window for CWVA memberships from four to approximately 5-6 weeks to reduce costs.  (NOTE: While the entire CWV/CWVI leadership team volunteer their services, processing personnel receive remuneration in accordance with production).

(3) At an upcoming Board meeting, we will endeavor to craft a strategy towards Cold War Medal legislation which recognizes the plethora of budget constraints facing our nation.

(4) Recognizing the hardships facing our members, we would like to thank all of you for your continued support.  Because of the support of our Honor Roll members, we are able to accept members who cannot afford their dues at this time.

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February 6, 2009 Update

Photos are now posted of the CWVA Commemoration of Veterans Day 2008.

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January 21, 2009 Update

(1) CWVI/CWVA hosted an Open House on Inauguration Day (January 20th).  There were numerous guests including many (Kansas City-area) Cold War Veterans.

(2) The latest batch of CWVA membership cards was processed this past weekend and mailed on Inauguration Day (January 20th).

(3) There is a special announcement for Pennsylvania veterans.

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December 17, 2008 Update

(1) The latest batch of CWVA membership cards was processed over the weekend and mailed on Monday (December 15th).

(2) CWVI/CWVA Board members met this past weekend and discussed the Colin Powell announcement that he believes the "don't ask, don't tell" policy (which he helped craft) needs to be revisited.  His announcement coincides with similar statements emanating from senior officers currently serving in our nation's armed forces.  In light of this likely change in policy, the board has issued the following statement:

"The CWVA joins with Retired General Colin Powell in calling for a review of the US Military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, regarding gays in the military (which is enshrined in statutory language).  Our only difference with General Powell is that we believe senior enlisted personnel should play a role in crafting any revision as they would be responsible for the implementation of any such revised policy."

(3) The following is a status report on Cold War Medal legislation:

Until the new Congress takes office in January, virtually no action can be taken (as pending legislation will expire and not carry over into the new Congress).  Unfortunately, the two main objectors to the Cold War Medal in the current session — Senators Carl Levin and John McCain — will still be in a position to block it.  (NOTE: It was announced this week that Levin would remain as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.)  Further, with the massive bailout packages and the cost of the pending stimulus package, it is highly unlikely that a discretionary item such as the Cold War Medal would survive the appropriations axe.

In short, for the time being our focus must be on ensuring that the VA is adequately funded.  After the fiscal crisis is addressed and the economy rebounds, we will renew pleading our case for the awarding and funding of the Cold War Victory Medal.

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December 11, 2008 Update

(1) On Saturday, December 13, 2009, the CWVI/CWVA governing board will be meeting.  After the meeting, "the crew" is scheduled to process the latest batch of CWVA memberships.

(2) The CWVI/CWVA board issued a press release on December 7th regarding President-Elect Obama's recent selections of two retired four-star generals to guide the Department of Veterans Affairs and  National Security.  We encourage you to read this release.

(3) The CWVI/CWVA Patriotism Project is going very well.  We recently received THANK YOU LETTERS from about 100 students.  Despite what others may say, we believe the younger folks are going to be the best our nation has ever seen.  To all the young folks out there: Keep up the good work and keep the spirit of freedom alive!

(4) Yesterday marked the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) with numerous American institutions (including the Cold War Veterans Institute) calling on the next administration to renew the nation’s commitment to human rights at home and abroad.  The UDHR adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on Dec. 10, 1948, includes a preamble and 30 articles declaring human rights for all people.

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November 19, 2008 Update

(1) Now that the 2008 elections are (nearly*) complete, we are able to provide an update on the Cold War Victory Medal.  (*At the time of committing this to publication, the Minnesota and Georgia Senate races remain unresolved as do a number of House races.)

(2) The CWVI/CWVA Patriotism Project is now underway.  CWVA members have begun teaching about Military Service and the United States Constitution in Kansas City area public schools.  Beginning in 2009, CWVA members will be doing the same for Kansas City area Boy Scouts.

(3) The CWVA would like to thank Newsday (one of the nation's largest newspapers in terms of distribution) for their highlighting of our efforts in New York and Massachusetts.

(4) Note to Firefox users: We hope to have your browser problems resolved soon.

(5) Note to Kansas Veterans

The Kansas National Guard is seeking KSNG Scouts & Augumentee's for State Service (only). These Title 32 Positions work closely with either the Joint Operations Center or State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka. KSNG Scouts must have 10 years Service time, Active or Reserve. Augumentee's must have a DD 214 reflecting Honorable and Measurable Service. Those selected, when called to duty receive State Active Duty Pay and allowances (E-6 over 6 Minimum). The POC for this program.

SSG (RET) RJ Keeney
KSNG SCOUT
rjkeeney@hotmail.com
913-217-8767

or call-write
KSNG-JFHQ-JOC
1(785)274-1117
ksjoc@ks.ngb.army.mil

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October 18, 2008 Update

The (not-for-profit) Cold War Veterans Institute was created to help guide the Cold War Veterans Association.  The Board of Directors of the Institute is comprised of six individuals with significant and varied national security expertise.  To facilitate board meetings, all live in the Kansas City Metro area.

The following summary of recent board meetings was prepared by Connie Curts, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Cold War Veterans Institute:

In the third quarter of 2008, we discussed various defense-related and international-policy-related topics including the following:

• The potential impact on U.S. military responsibilities before and after Russia invaded Georgia in response to Georgia’s aggressive actions regarding the breakaway-region Abkhazia and Ossetia.
• Military response came from Russia into the region after NATO announced it was going to accept Georgia into its organization, yet before the actual acceptance occurred. The implications of having Georgia in NATO mean that an attack on Georgia is interpreted as an attack on each NATO country, including the U.S. Since each NATO country is bound to align itself and respond militarily as needed, vigorous discussions ensued regarding the availability of U.S. troops, the impact on the stumbling U.S. economy, the U.S. reputation in the Middle East and in the Baltic Sea areas.
• The strengths and weaknesses of each U.S. Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidate regarding U.S. foreign policy abilities, regardless of experience.
• In addition to evoking many pros and cons for each candidate, the discussion included Constitutional topics, including the responsibilities and limits of a Vice President’s role.
• Each discussion participant had good points and negative points regarding foreign policy, including the introduction of "new blood" and the knowledge of current political situations. However, there was no consensus, by far, regarding any single best candidate. Issues included:
• Who would be the best military leader
• Who would best reclaim U.S. reputation with various allies
• Who would best restore U.S. reputation with countries currently considered enemies
• Who would best protect U.S. domestic interests from shifting economic strength and influence away from the U.S.?
• China’s last-minute revocation of visas for people wanting to travel to the International Olympics.
• China had legitimate security issues
• Was China retaliating due to political differences?
• With China opening itself to capitalistic democratic economic development, did other countries, such as the U.S., have the right to insist China change specific political policies, such as the Human Rights policies?
• Originally U.S. President Bush said that that Olympics were non-political, for athletes only. Yet after he arrived in China, he commented on the need for more human rights in that country. Discussion participants expressed mixed views on whether such comments were appropriate or not for international respect and for the sports venue, regardless of our personal viewpoints on the subject.

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As part of the CWVA's participation on a congressional advisory task force, Chairman Vince Milum sat in the front row as Congressman Dennis Moore addressed a media conference in the Kansas City area.  The subject was the unacceptably high rate of veterans' suicides and what steps (including increased funding of V.A. medical care) are necessary to remedy this situation.  The event took place on September 2, 2008, at the main Johnson County (Kansas) Library.

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July 21, 2008 Update

(1) The CWVI (see July 3 Update below) held its inaugural board meeting on July 12, 2008.  The next item is a product of that meeting.

(2) CWVI Liberty Challenge

The Cold War Era was marked by a totalitarian suppression of the rights of mankind. The forces of freedom rose to the challenge and helped liberate much of the world. Today that liberation effort continues with the CWVI Liberty Challenge.

The Liberty Challenge is a call to each of us to commit to three personal acts of intervention on behalf of those whose views do not mirror our own. In other words, we commit ourselves from this day forward to once again answer freedom’s call and fight for the rights not (only) of those with whom we agree but, more importantly, those with whom we disagree.

If you are willing to accept this challenge, we look forward to hearing from you both as to your goals and to your results. Please feel free to keep us posted at coldwar@coldwarveterans.com

To all of you: Good luck and may the spirit of liberty continue to spread its wings around the world!

Sincerely,

The CWVI Board of Directors
(Brian, Vince, Lynn N, Connie, Lynne M, Rusty)
   

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July 3, 2008 Update

(1) The 2009 Membership Year is beginning for the Cold War Veterans Association. With this new membership year comes the introduction of a new partner and a new focus for the Cold War Veterans Association.

[*NOTE: Memberships received from this day forward will be treated as 2009 Memberships.  We are still processing the last of the 2008 memberships]
   

The Cold War Veterans Institute is an organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of freedom fought for during the Cold War. At the core of this fight was the underlying belief in the value of each and every human being. This belief is grounded in the blood, sweat and tears of countless men and women who served both in and out of uniform.

In the 21^st Century, this noble effort is best sustained by embracing the key principle upon which freedom is dependent: an enduring commitment to universal human rights. To this end, the Cold War Veterans Institute is hereby inaugurated.
   

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(2) The Cold War Veterans Institute is seeking essays/monographs on the following topics:

What do you think should be the energy policy of the United States for the next ten years? Please be sure to include a discussion of renewable energy sources as well as fiscal incentives and penalties using the Internal Revenue Code.

What do you think should be the immigration policy of the United States for the next ten years? Please be sure to include a discussion of ethno-demographics in your response.

Discuss the benefits and detriments of continued integration of Eastern Europe into the Western system including to what extent Turkey should be integrated.

With Western democracies experiencing stagflating economies and China on the ascendancy, can an argument be made that the Cold War did not end with the Soviet Union formally dissolving in December 1991 but with the Communist Chinese riding out the bipolar epic and on the verge of capturing the banner of the world’s leading hegemonic power?

Email essays/monographs to coldwar@coldwarveterans.com

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(3) Due to a scheduling conflict of staff, the 2008 memberships that were due to be processed over the last weekend of June will now be processed over the July 19-20 weekend.  We apologize for this long delay.

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(4) Like a number of other entities our email provider is being overwhelmed by spam.  Due to its aggressive efforts to police this situation, a number of legitimate emails are not being received by us.  If you have not received a response from us in two weeks, we ask that you attempt to recontact us with a very brief email with no attachments or embedded images (including but not limited to wallpaper).

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June 9, 2008 Update

(1) Once again Richard Isaac and Nils Parr represented the Cold War Veterans Association at the annual Memorial Day Commemoration at Arlington National Cemetery.

(2) All pending CWVA memberships that were received via mail by June 7th, have been mailed.  (THANKS to Norm for working hard over the weekend to get us caught up!)

(3) A special Honor Roll THANK YOU goes out to all of you who help underwrite the memberships of those who are unable to afford the cost of CWVA Membership.  Your ongoing service to your fellow veterans is truly appreciated.

(4) May 1^st (2008) was once again recognized as Cold War Victory Day around the nation.  Please visit our Cold War Victory Day home page for more information.

In conjunction with Cold War Victory Day, a drawing was held for a brand new AM-FM CD Player.  Cold War Veterans Lynn Norris and Brian Lawrence conducted the drawing (see photo below). Eligible for the drawing were all Platinum, Gold and Silver Honor Roll members. The winner was CWVA Platinum member José Alfaras. (NOTE: Holding the drawing prize in the photo is CWVA database administrator Norm Kinnaugh.)

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Join the CWVA or renew your membership today: Join / Renew
Thanks to our Honor Roll Members

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Special Email Message: The CWVA recently experienced a number of disruptions to our email service recently.  If you have sent us an email message during the months of April and May and did not respond, we ask that you resubmit any messages to the following: comments@coldwarveterans.com  We apologize for the inconvenience.

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The minutes for the October 15, 2007 meeting of Congressman Dennis Moore's Military and Veterans Affairs Task Force are now available

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As previously announced by the CWVA (see the bottom of CWVA News below), an integrated (i.e., seamless) disability system for DoD and VA is in the works. The following is the first formal announcement as to the status/progress of that integration:

VA and DoD Pilot Single Physical: One Exam Used for "Fitness for Duty" and Disability Pay

Opening paragraph: In a landmark agreement to simplify life for service members with medical problems as they leave the military and return to the civilian world, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) signed a memorandum to pilot a single physical examination to be used by both Departments.

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Number of uninsured veterans nears 2 million

By Gregg Zoroya, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — The number of uninsured veterans jumped sharply in the first half of the decade to 1.8 million in 2004, a new study shows.

Conducted by researchers at the Harvard Medical School, the study shows the uninsured veteran population rose twice as fast as the uninsured in the general population.

The increase in veterans lacking insurance coincides with Bush administration policies aimed at limiting the number of veterans eligible for VA coverage, according to the study published online Tuesday in the American Journal of Public Health.

In 2002, the administration stopped marketing veterans health care and, in January 2003, cut off access to future veterans earning more than $30,000 to $35,000 annually on average. Both times, VA officials cited budgetary constraints and backlogs in untreated patients.

Only a minority of veterans — those disabled by military service — are automatically eligible for VA care, the study says.

Coverage continues for veterans already enrolled, poor veterans, Purple Heart recipients and former prisoners of war.

"Most uninsured veterans are low- to middle-income workers who may be too poor to afford private coverage but are not poor enough to qualify for Medicaid for Medicaid or free VA care," the study says.

Click here for the complete story

As we have stated previously, addressing this issue is paramount on the CWVA legislative agenda.

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CWVA Chairman Vince Milum (who is an Army veteran) is serving on a nine-member task force for the third (U.S.) congressional district in Kansas. "The primary purpose of the task force is to look at what Congress and the [Bush] Administration are doing for yesterday’s and today’s defenders of freedom [and to give our] thoughts and recommendations about how these actions are affecting Third District residents and how further actions can benefit [third district] residents and families." The task force is chaired by a retired Marine Corps (Brigadier) General. "The Task Force is nonpartisan and [is] autonomous in that its considerations and recommendations [are] up to the members to determine."

At its meeting on October 15, 2007, the 3rd District task force reviewed the report generated by the Veterans' Disability Commission entitled, "Honoring The Call To Duty: Veterans' Disability Benefits in the 21st Century".  Forthcoming from the reviewed report will be the implementation of a new VA Rating Schedule along with an integrated (i.e., seamless) disability system for DoD and VA.  On October 16, 2007, President Bush proffered new federal guidelines for implementing recommendations from the Dole-Shalala report* which had been the previous subject of review by the nine-member task force.  (*The formal title of the Dole-Shalala report is the "Report of the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors".)

For an announcement regarding the forthcoming integrated disability system, see:

VA and DoD Pilot Single Physical: One Exam Used for "Fitness for Duty" and Disability Pay

Opening paragraph: In a landmark agreement to simplify life for service members with medical problems as they leave the military and return to the civilian world, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) signed a memorandum to pilot a single physical examination to be used by both Departments.

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Join the CWVA or renew your membership today!

Thanks to our Honor Roll Members for your continued support