Memo's of Interest


1 of 8
Recent VA News Releases

To view and download VA news release, please visit the following
Internet address:
http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel


VA Honors Little Caesars Founder for Supporting Veterans in
Business
WASHINGTON (Sept. 17, 2007) - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson today presented a Secretary's Award to Little Caesars founder
Michael Ilitch in recognition of his advancement of veterans in business
through pizza franchise discounts.

Ilitch's restaurant franchise has a program to aid any veteran
interested in starting a Little Caesars restaurant and also offers
special opportunities with additional deep discounts, credit, training,
and marketing support for those veterans who are service-disabled.

"Michael Ilitch recognizes the value of veterans in business,"
said Nicholson.  "VA's Center for Veterans Enterprise will assist
veterans seeking to become Little Caesars franchise owners and looks
forward to helping veterans translate the leadership skills they learned
while in uniform to business ownership and expansion."

In conjunction with the award ceremony, Ilitch, who is a former
Marine, served pizza to homeless veterans at the VA headquarters in
Washington from Little Caesars' "Love Kitchen," a pizza kitchen on
wheels that travels across the U.S. and Canada to feed the homeless and
disaster survivors.

To assist service-disabled veterans who want to open a Little
Caesars restaurant, the program waives a $20,000 franchise fee on the
first store, provides $10,000 credit on the initial equipment order, and
provides a variety of marketing support and financing options and other
benefits, which can total $68,000.  For other veterans, the fee is
reduced by $5,000 and the credit extended for equipment is $5,000.

Veterans are offered business opportunities by a variety of
franchisers through the International Franchise Association's VetFran
program.  More information about the companies' special benefits for
veterans is available at www.franchise.org and the VA Center for
Veterans Enterprise's resource site to assist veteran entrepreneurs at
www.vetbiz.gov.
 

2 of 8


 

VA Secretary Announces Agreement on Data Breach Analysis

ID Analytics to Provide Services to Department

WASHINGTON (August 9, 2006) -- Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson today announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has entered into an agreement with a company that will provide free data breach analysis services to VA to ensure that information contained on computer equipment stolen in May from a VA employee’s home – and later recovered by law enforcement – was not compromised.

ID Analytics, a California-based company, will conduct the analysis across multiple industries to detect patterns of misuse and determine whether or not there is any suspicious activity specifically related to this computer equipment theft.  The company will provide VA an initial analysis, and will then continue to offer its assessments on a quarterly basis.

Protecting veterans from fraud and abuse remains an important priority for VA,” said Secretary Nicholson.  “Data breach analysis will provide VA with additional assurances that veterans’ personal information remains unharmed.”

On July 13, the FBI indicated it is highly confident the data stored on the recovered computer equipment was not accessed or compromised.  On August 5, Montgomery County, Md., Police announced the arrests of two men they believe are responsible for the theft.  According to law enforcement authorities, the arrested men did not specifically target the computer equipment.  Authorities also provided reassurances that the information was not compromised.

Prior to the arrests, VA indicated that, out of an abundance of caution and to further safeguard the recovered information, the Department would conduct data breach analysis.  VA’s agreement with ID Analytics fulfills this commitment. 

ID Analytics’ real-time system comprises more than three billion identity elements contributed by its members, which include the largest U.S. industry leaders from across the credit card, wireless telecommunications, and instant lending industries.  ID Analytics’ services are used daily by more than half the credit and retail card issuer market in the United States, as well as leading wireless and online consumer finance companies.

Secretary Nicholson also reiterated VA’s commitment to improving the Department’s information technology and cyber security policies and procedures. 

“VA remains unwavering in its resolve to become the leader in protecting personal information, training and educating our employees in best practices, and establishing a culture that always puts the safekeeping of veterans’ personal information first,” Nicholson said.

<<Data Breach Contract.doc>>


3 of 8

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 9, 2006

 

VA Secretary Announces Agreement on Data Breach Analysis

ID Analytics to Provide Services to Department

WASHINGTON -- Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson today announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has entered into an agreement with a company that will provide free data breach analysis services to VA to ensure that information contained on computer equipment stolen in May from a VA employee’s home – and later recovered by law enforcement – was not compromised.

ID Analytics, a California-based company, will conduct the analysis across multiple industries to detect patterns of misuse and determine whether or not there is any suspicious activity specifically related to this computer equipment theft.  The company will provide VA an initial analysis, and will then continue to offer its assessments on a quarterly basis.

Protecting veterans from fraud and abuse remains an important priority for VA,” said Secretary Nicholson.  “Data breach analysis will provide VA with additional assurances that veterans’ personal information remains unharmed.”

On July 13, the FBI indicated it is highly confident the data stored on the recovered computer equipment was not accessed or compromised.  On August 5, Montgomery County, Md., Police announced the arrests of two men they believe are responsible for the theft.  According to law enforcement authorities, the arrested men did not specifically target the computer equipment.  Authorities also provided reassurances that the information was not compromised.

Prior to the arrests, VA indicated that, out of an abundance of caution and to further safeguard the recovered information, the Department would conduct data breach analysis.  VA’s agreement with ID Analytics fulfills this commitment. 

- More -

Data Analysis  2/2/2/2

 

ID Analytics’ real-time system comprises more than three billion identity elements contributed by its members, which include the largest U.S. industry leaders from across the credit card, wireless telecommunications, and instant lending industries.  ID Analytics’ services are used daily by more than half the credit and retail card issuer market in the United States, as well as leading wireless and online consumer finance companies.

Secretary Nicholson also reiterated VA’s commitment to improving the Department’s information technology and cyber security policies and procedures. 

“VA remains unwavering in its resolve to become the leader in protecting personal information, training and educating our employees in best practices, and establishing a culture that always puts the safekeeping of veterans’ personal information first,” Nicholson said.

#   #   #

 

People wishing to receive e-mail from VA with the latest news releases and updated fact sheets can subscribe at the following Internet address:

http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/opalist_listserv.cfm


Polytrauma Network Sites 

VISN 1

VA Boston HCS- West Roxbury Campus

VISN 2

Syracuse VA Medical Center

VISN 3

VA New York Harbor Health Care System- New York Campus

VISN 4

Philadelphia VA Medical Center

VISN 5

Washington DC VA Medical Center

VISN 6

Richmond VA Medical Center

VISN 7

Augusta VA Medical Center

VISN 8

Tampa VA Medical Center

VISN 9

Tennessee Valley Health Care System- Nashville Campus

VISN 10

Cleveland VA Medical Center

VISN 11

Indianapolis VA Medical Center

VISN 12

Hines VA Medical Center

VISN 15

St. Louis VA Medical Center

VISN 16

Houston VA Medical Center

VISN 17

VA North Texas Health Care System- Dallas VA Medical Center

VISN 18

VA Southern Arizona Health Care System - Tucson VA Medical Center

VISN 19

VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System - Denver VA Medical Center

VISN 20

VA Puget Sound Health Care System - Seattle VA Medical Center

VISN 21

VA Palo Alto Health Care System- Palo Alto VA Medical Center

VISN 22

VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System - West LA VA Medical Center

VISN 23

Minneapolis VA Medical Center

 


MEMORANDUM                      

 10 July 2006

 

Subject:  Meeting with Director, VAVS, 6 July 2006

 

Attendees:  Ms. Laura Balun, VAVS Director, Ms. Cindy Ward, PM Rehabilitation SHG, Ms.  Jill Manske, Director, VA Social Work Services,  Father Paul Holt, Deputy Director VA Chaplain Service, RDML Tom Connelly, USN/Ret, Vice Chancellor, Archdiocese of the Military Services (AMS), Col Charles Gallina, USMC/Ret, Nationals VAVS Representative, Knights of Columbus (KofC)

 

Purpose:  To discuss the appropriate level and kind of support the KofC VAVS volunteers can provide to the patients and their families at both Level 1 and Level 2 Polytrauma Centers.

 

Polytrauma Centers Level 1 (Inpatient Care)

 

  • Established at the four VA Centers (Richmond, VA; Tampa, FL; Palo alto, CA; Minneapolis, MN) with an already establish Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Center to more efficiently deal with the complex rehabilitation of severely wounded active duty military where the brain injury influences all other areas of rehabilitation making it critical that patients receive TBI care prior to and/or in conjunction with rehabilitation for additional injuries..  These Centers provide the comprehensive, holistic, personalized rehabilitation and treatment required to help the injured service member or veteran achieve optimal function and dependence at home and within the community.
  • During the lengthy rehabilitation period, patient families are deeply involved with all aspects of treatment, and are critical to recovery and release.
  • In many, if not most, of the cases, these are very young families, with limited funds, and very young children, struggling with acceptance of the horrific wound suffered by their loved ones
  • Active duty families receive some appropriated funds support from the military during this but movement of an active duty patient to the VA system can result in delay of funds receipt, creating immediate  financial hardship trying to cope with lodging, food, and even daycare costs
  • VAVS can provide a very nice “welcome” folder with dividers indicating type support, i.e. fill in the sections with information regarding:

Ø      Transportation           

Ø      Lodging

Ø      Restaurants

Ø      Attractions

Ø      Faith-based Support

Ø      VA Contact Numbers

Ø      Army, USMC Liaison Contact Numbers

Ø      Emergency numbers

Ø      Faith-based Assistance

 

  • These categories, then, are the areas of support most needed and appreciated by the families of Polytrauma patients.
  • Several of the Veteran Service organizations work with hotels, restaurants, etc to get discounts for family members; the local VAVS Director at the 4 Centers can provide KofC VAVS representatives information on this.
  • One idea that might be considered is through coordination with the VAVS Director, KofC representatives could arrange for assemblies/councils to “adopt” a Polytrauma family.
  • Other possible support could include support to the local “Fisher House”, i.e. the equivalent of a Ronald McDonald House—there are Fisher House at Minneapolis and Palo Alto in operation, the Tampa facility is under construction due to open his Fall, and plans to begin construction of a House at Richmond underway. (See my May NAC meeting report for Fisher House details).  Coordination with the House Manager would provide re: support needed
  • Fisher House operates a program called “Operation Hero Miles”, through which individuals may donate frequent-flyer miles, Fisher coordinates with the families and airlines.  Details are on the www.fisherhouse.org website.

 

Polytrauma Centers Level 2 (Primarily Outpatient with admission if required)

 

  • Post-discharge from a Level 1 Center, Polytrauma patients still require continued complex medical treatment and extensive rehabilitation.  Some of these patients will still be on active duty; others will have been medically separated or retired.
  • To allow the patient to continue treatment and rehabilitation closer to home, VA has established 21 Level 2 Centers, one per Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN).  List of facilities is attached.
  • Each Center will have professional staff, medical, social work, Chaplain Services, etc. to meet the complex needs of each patient.
  • No appropriated funds are available to support the families of the patients during this period of treatment and rehabilitation.
  • Since there is only one designated Center in each VISN, travel from some distance may be required, which could include the need for lodging, food, etc, same as outlined above.
  • As with Level 1, while some KofC volunteers may directly support the patients during treatment and rehabilitation sessions, as dictated by the local needs and policy, support to the families should be the PRIMARY focus of KofC VAVS support. 
  • As with regularly scheduled volunteers at all VA Medical Centers, KofC volunteers to support Polytrauma patients and families MUST be officially associated with VAVS, i.e. receive the training and indoctrination required in accordance with established policies both to protect the volunteer and the patient/family.  Training for handling TBI patients (e.g. driving a patient from home to treatment) is especially critical.

 

In attendance at this meeting was Father Paul Holt, Deputy Director of the VA Chaplain Service.  In addition to types of support discussed in our forthcoming VAVS brochure, Father indicated that,  from a Catholic standpoint, our VA Priests in the field  need Eucharistic  Ministers, and volunteers with computer skills to help with the administrative requirements the Chaplains, Catholic and other denominations,  must satisfy. All support to the Chaplains does count towards VAVS credit if properly recorded.

 

With the growing number of severely wounded military men and women from OIF/OEF with severe TBI and multiple associated wounds, e.g. loss of limbs, blindness, auditory disorders and mental health concerns, and the sever affects on their families, a major emphasis for our KofC VAVS program is increased, direct, and comprehensive support to both Level 1 and Level 2 centers from those assemblies and councils in the vicinity of one of the Centers is warranted.

 

 Masters MUST be cognizant of the need to have truly dedicated, motivated, and concerned KofC VAVS Representatives and Deputy Representatives assigned to coordinate programs and recruit/retain volunteers.  “Family Volunteering” is a major objective of VAVS this year and an effective way of bringing to bear the talents of a whole family.  Ages for youth volunteers will be dictated by local medical center policy.

 

KofC VAVS support to ALL VA Medical Centers is important and necessary.  The new VAVS brochure soon to be available for distribution contains a comprehensive list of potential programs, support required, including support to our VA Catholic Chaplains assigned to the VA Chaplains Service.

 

 Simply put, our valiant Warriors returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan who have suffered horrific, multiple wounds and their families, especially those young wives and children, at both Level 1 and 2 Polytrauma Centers need a level of support of greater intensity and comprehensiveness to carry them through this emotional and potentially financially devastating period.  Without question, THE FAMILY IS ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL TO THE TREATMENT AND RECOVERY PROCESS; LIKEWISE, KOFC SUPPORT THROUGH VAVS IS CRITICAL TO THESE FAMILIES AND THEIR INJURED LOVED ONE.  My Brother Sir Knights, this is the Challenge!!!

 

“VAVS, Human Beings Doing Positive Things” (Fr. Paul Holt, 6 July 2006)

 

Charles H. Gallina, Colonel/USMC, Ret,

National VAVS Representative

Assistant for Military Affairs

 


Poly Trauma Centers  Chief, Chaplain Service and Catholic Chaplains

 

VISN1

 

VA BOSTON HEALTH CARE SYSTEM (523)

·   1400 VFW Parkway                                                     

              West Roxbury, MA 02132                               Tel:       857-203-6814

 

 Chief   Philip G. Salois, M.S. (JP)                      Roman Catholic  Philip.Salois@med.va.gov

     Office is on Boston Campus 857-364-4576.

 Full Time

                                         John J. Nichols (WR)                         Roman Catholic                        

                                         Claudius S. Nowinski, M.S. (WR)       Roman Catholic

 

VISN2   (Up State NY)

 

·        800 Irving Avenue                                           Tel:       315-425-4400

              Syracuse, NY  13210                                       Fax:     315 425 2463 (Pharmacy office)

                 Sr. Chaplain    Richard Brown (315-425-6596)            American Baptist

                 Full-time                             David James                                     Roman Catholic

                      Fee Basis                             Wilfred F. Evans (315-425-2470)  Roman Catholic

                       

VISN3

 

VA NY HARBOR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

·         Manhattan Division                                         Tel:       212-686-7500 x4640

              423 E. 23rd Street                                           FAX:     212-951-3375                            

              New York, NY  10010

    

                 Chief               Andrew Sioleti   (CPE Supv.)              Roman Catholic

                 Full Time     Pasquale (Pat) Laghezza (Mnhtn)           Roman Catholic

                 Fee-Basis        James Musumeci (Mnhtn)                  Roman Catholic

                                                     

VISN4

 

VA Medical Center (642)                                              Tel:       215-823-5800 x6156

University & Woodland Avenues                     

Philadelphia, PA  19104                                  

            Chief                    James Ritchie                                   Lutheran (ELCA)

            Full-time               Michael Lipareli x2776                       Roman Catholic                        

            Contract               Edward V. Griffin                               Roman Catholic

                                         James E. King                                  Melkite-Greek Catholic (bi-ritual)

 

VISN5

 

VA Medical Center (688)                                              Tel:       202-745-8143

50 Irving Street, NW                                                     FAX:     202-745-8530

Washington, DC  20422                                   

            Chief                    Clarence L. Cross, Jr.                       AME Zion

            Full-time               Jonathan Lao                                    Roman Catholic

                                         John A. Milewski                               Roman Catholic

            Fee Basis             Benjamin Opara                                Roman Catholic

                                                     

 

VISN 6

 

Hunter Holmes McGuire                                               Tel:       804-675-5125

VA Medical Center (652)                                              FAX:     804-675-5223

1201 Broad Rock Boulevard                                        

Richmond, VA  23249

            Lead Chaplain     C. William Wagner                            American Baptist

           

            Contract               Patrick D. Moore                               Roman Catholic

 

VISN 7

 

VA Medical Center (509)                                              Tel:       706-823-2229 

1 Freedom Way                                                           FAX:     706-823-1740

Augusta, GA  30910-6285                                 

            Manager               T. Joseph Lusk                                  United Methodist

            Contract               John Lyons                                       Roman Catholic

                                        

VISN 8

 

James A. Haley Veterans Hospital (673)                       Tel:       813-972-7530

13000 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard                                FAX:     813-903-4864

Tampa, FL  33612

            Chief                    James R. Taylor                                Pentecostal

Lead Chaplain      Edward Lamp                                   Roman Catholic

           

VISN 9

 

VA  TENNESSEE VALLEY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM      

·         1310  24th Avenue S.                                      Tel:       615-327-4751, x5362

            Nashville, TN  37212-2637                                 FAX:     615-321-6350

                 Chief               Thomas H. Phillips (CPE)                   United Methodist

                     Part time                James Norman Miller                     Roman Catholic

               

VISN 10

 

·         10701 East Boulevard                                       Tel:       216-791-3800

             Cleveland, OH  44106                                      FAX:     216-707-5919

 

             Chief                    Joseph Hilton, III                               United Methodist

                 Full-time                    Thomas G. Sarnecki                          Roman Catholic

 

VISN11

 

Richard L. Roudebush                                                 Tel:       317-554-0042

VA Medical Center (583)                                 

1481 W. 10th Street                                                                             

Indianapolis, IN  46202                                                            

           

            Chief                    Joseph L. Kiene                                Roman Catholic

            Full-time              Charles Smith                                   Roman Catholic

 

 

 

 

 

VISN 12

 

Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital (578)                      Tel:       708-202-2531

                        P. O. Box 5000 (125)                             e-mail: John.Prater2@med.va.gov

                        Hines, IL  60141

                Chief                                                                       

                Full-time           James Burnett                                   Roman Catholic

                                         Benjamin Chinnappan                        Roman Catholic

                Contract           Benedict Michalowski (Deacon)          Roman Catholic

                                               

(VISN 13 and 14 were integrated and became VISN 23)

 

VISN 15

 

VA Medical Center (657)                                              Tel:       314-894-6566

#1 Jefferson Barracks Drive                                         FAX:     314-845-5033

St. Louis, MO  63125                                       

            Coordinator          Robert B. Collingwood                        United Methodist

            Intermittent          Kevin Callahan                                  Roman Catholic

                                         John H. Schneider                             Roman Catholic                        

                                         Patrick J. Christopher                                    Roman Catholic                        

            Contract               Mark Rivituso                                    Roman Catholic

 

VISN 16

 

Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center VA Medical Center (580) Tel: 713-794-7125

2002 Holcombe Boulevard                                          

Houston, TX  77030-4298                                 

            Chief                    W. Douglas Ensminger                      Presbyterian

            Full-time               Paschal Odemokpa                           Roman Catholic

                                         Clarito Rara                           Roman Catholic

 

VISN 17

 

VA NORTH TEXAS HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

·         Dallas Division (549)                                        Tel:       214-857-1070

             4500 S. Lancaster Road                                  FAX:     214-857-1079

             Dallas, TX  75216                                           

                 Chief               Michael P. Carter                              Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

                 Intermittent     Timothy A. Gollob                              Roman Catholic

                

VISN18

 

Southern AZ VA Health Care System (678)                   Tel:       520-629-1843

3601 South Sixth Avenue                                             FAX:     520-629-1820

Tucson, AZ  85723                                                       

Coordinator of Pastoral Care  John Zinck                                 American Baptist

            Part-time                    David H. Reinders                        Roman Catholic

           

 

 

 

 

 

VISN 19

 

VA Medical Center (554)                                              Tel:       303-393-2802

1055 Clermont Street                                                   FAX:     303-394-5841

Denver, CO  80220                                                      

            Supervisor              Lee M. Thompson                            Dir., Voluntary and Pastoral Care Services                                           

            Contract                 Roland Freeman                              Roman Catholic

 

VISN 20

 

VA PUGET SOUND HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (663)          Tel:       206-764-2023

·         1660 S. Columbian Way                                  FAX:     206-768-5420

              Seattle, WA  98108                                                    

                 Chief               Fred D. Rietema                                Christian Reformed

                 Full-time          L. David Mani                                    Roman Catholic

                 Fee-basis         Richard Gallagher                              Roman Catholic                        

 

VISN 21

 

VA Palo Alto Healthcare System (640)                                     Tel:  650-493-5000 x1-65257/65532        

3801 Miranda Avenue                                                  FAX:     650-849-0121

Palo Alto, CA  94304                                                                           

            Chief                     

            Deputy Chief          Kenneth (John) Coleman             Roman Catholic

            Full-time                 Augustine Koilparampil                    Roman Catholic

                                           James Stump                                  Roman Catholic

                                                                                  

            Fee Basis             (Brother) Dwayne Crockett                Roman Catholic

                                          (Deacon) Louis C. Dixon, Jr.  Roman Catholic

                                          (Sister) Margaret Keeler, OSF           Roman Catholic

 

VISN22

 

·         West Los Angeles Healthcare Center                                Tel:  310-268-4676

              West Los Angeles, CA  90073                                     Fax: 310-268-4743                                                                                                                           

                Chief                  Michael A. Vasquez                        Nazarene

                Full-Time            Max Saldua                                    Roman Catholic

                Fee-Basis           Thomas M. Acton                            Roman Catholic

                                           Frederick K. Byaruhanga                  Roman Catholic

 

VISN 23

                                          

VA Medical Center (618)                                              Tel:      612-725-2000 x (1487)                

                                                                                                 612-725-2027

One Veterans Drive                                                     FAX:     612-725-2126

Minneapolis, MN  55417   

            Chief                    Damien Schill  (1487)                                     Roman Catholic

            Fee                       Richard J. Wolter                               Roman Catholic

                                         Aloysius Callaghan                             Roman Catholic