Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) says no promise of free medical care to retired vets

Article Title: House-Senate deal likely on TRICARE fee hikes

Snippet of Article: "... "I don't believe anybody was promised free lifetime medical care. That's a popular myth," Graham said. "I think we have an obligation to the retired force to be generous and to be compassionate to help recruiting and retention. But, you know, there was never any contract with anybody that, for the rest of your life, you will get free medical care. That's not part of the deal and was never part of the deal."..."

Article Source: www.kitsapsun.com

American Heroes COLA Act, HR 4142

Article Title: House panel approves automatic vets’ COLAs

Snippet of Article: "...Runyan is chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee’s disability assistance panel, which passed what he is calling the American Heroes COLA Act, HR 4142. It would automatically provide the same COLA for veterans’ benefits that is calculated for Social Security, beginning with the Dec. 1, 2013, increase. ..."

Article Source: www.armytimes.com

veterans are experiencing an "astronomical unemployment rate"

Article Title: Minn. Legislature Passes Veteran Job Preference

Snippet of Article: "... House bill sponsor and veteran Rep. John Kriesel, R-Cottage Grove, said that veterans are experiencing an "astronomical unemployment rate" and "we need to give them every tool possible to get them a job."..."

Article Source: kstp.com

Veterans: 8(a) Business Development Program

Article Title: 8(a) Business Development Program

Snippet of Article: "... The SBA’s 8(a) BD Program, named for a section of the Small Business Act, is a business development program created to help small disadvantaged businesses compete in the American economy and access the federal procurement market. Contacting the local SBA district office serving your area is the first step. An SBA representative will answer general questions over the telephone. Some district offices may also have 8(a) orientation workshops to provide additional information regarding the eligibility requirements and to review various SBA forms. What are the basic requirements an 8(a) applicant firm must meet? The applicant firm: must be a small business, must be unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who are of good character and citizens of the United States, and must demonstrate potential for success. ..."

Article Source: www.va.gov

V.A. enhanced-use lease (EUL) website

Article Title: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) enhanced-use lease (EUL) website

Snippet of Article: "... EUL is an important component of the VA’s overall asset management program. The program is unique among Federal agencies, and is considered an innovative method of acquiring needed facilities, goods, and services through engagements in public/private ventures. In return for allowing VA property to be leased for non-VA uses (which must be compatible with or benefit the Department’s mission) on Department-controlled land, VA can require rent in the form of, monetary payments or other “in-kind” consideration, which in the opinion of the Secretary enhances a particular VA activity’s mission. The program was authorized by law in 1991 and is managed by the Office of Asset Enterprise Management in the Office of the Assistant Secretary Management. VA has completed a variety of projects since the enactment of the EUL statute, including office buildings, parking facilities, low-cost senior housing, co-generation (heat and electricity) energy plants, single room occupancy housing (homeless shelters), and child care and mental health centers. VA currently has over 50 active awarded leases and is engaged in developing additional projects...."

Article Source: www.va.gov

C-123 Providers contaminated with Agent Orange

Article Title: Veterans: Westover planes fouled with Agent Orange

Snippet of Article: "... Unknown to the veterans, the C-123 Providers, which had previously flown in Vietnam, were contaminated with Agent Orange...."

Article Source: www.masslive.com