http://www.unitedveteranscommittee.com/pdf/uvc_member_ap.pdf

UVC 2011 Legislative Wrap-Up

2011-05-20T09:47:00.000-06:00

UVC Members and Friends,

The 2011 session of the 67th General Assembly ended Wednesday, May 11th. It was a productive session for veteran's issues, with several major victories.

Victories

The continuing budget challenge in Colorado limits many opportunities to fund veteran services as needed in the state. That said, the United Veterans Committee worked to protect the current levels of support for Colorado's veteran and military community. The State Veteran Nursing Home budget did not suffer significant cuts following adjustments from the sale of the Trinidad Nursing Home.

UVC opposed and helped to defeat HB 1038, a measure that would have prevented the sale of the Trinidad home. The Trinidad home was not a qualifying veterans home, yet suffered losses totaling nearly $5 million over ten years - losses subsidized by VA funding to the 505 fund that oversees all State Veteran Nursing Homes.

Also, UVC opposed several attempts to change the Medicaid reimbursement rates that apply to the SVNH residents, measures that could have raised rates paid by veterans on fixed incomes. SB 170 and HB 1285 were defeated, and SB 125 was amended to not harm the residents.

The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs also suffered cuts to their budget, but relative to other departments the impact was minimized. One of two new armories was funded and is now eligible for federal matching funds to complete. Funding for the second armory was postponed until 2012, when federal matching funds will need to be met or lost.

The UVC also supported the DMVA's measure to make processing applications for the disabled veteran property tax exemption more efficient, allowing for more timely responses. And the UVC helped defeat SB 033, a measure that would have required the flying of the Honor & Remember flag over state buildings on specific days.

Other Successes

Two measures designed to make voting easier for military members deployed overseas were passed, HB 1219 and SB 189. HB 1237 provides for a new billeting fund for the National Guard to improve training facilities and quarters. Two measures allowing military members in professions that require licensing to maintain their licenses more easily during and immediately following a deployment, HB 1013 and HB 1100. A Department of Defense child care pilot program was established ( HB 1027).

Lastly, UVC opposed a provision in SB 109 that would have given a new tax refund checkoff for education top-line priority on Colorado income tax forms. The bill was amended to drop that provision.

Losses

HB 1129 would have established a veteran preference in state contracting procedures, but was also linked to union and domestic vendor requirements that allowed for a 25% increase in contracting costs to the state. Under the current budget conditions those provisions were not supported by the majority of the House and the measure was defeated. Veteran preference may be revisited as a stand-alone measure next year as a result of this year's efforts. And lastly, HB 1321 was another voting measure to improve access to ballots by deployed military members. It was defeated in the Senate for reasons that are unclear, but seem to be unrelated to the bill itself.

Wrap Up

In short, UVC had a very successful legislative session. Thank you to everyone who took time to go to the Capitol to testify for bills or show support for veterans. Your work in your community is widely recognized by legislators. Veterans carry a loud voice when we choose to speak out on issues of public policy.

This summer we will continue to work on the veteran service budgetary needs and on issues initiated by the UVC Legislative Committee. While we avoided even deeper cuts to veteran services Colorado remains in the bottom of all states in monetary support for veterans. We must continue to reach out to legislators at the local level, in their communities during the summer and fall. Developing personal relationships as constituents is critical when it comes time to weigh in on issues that impact Colorado's veteran and military community. Your continued support and volunteer efforts on behalf of Colorado veterans makes the difference when legislators are making important decisions

The full spreadsheet of all legislation tracked and/or worked by UVC this session is attached.

Best regards,

Nate Gorman
UVC Legislative Liaison

Nate Gorman
The Gorman Group
PO Box 574
Kittredge, CO 80457
Phone: 303.221.2231

UVC Bill Tracking Summary 2011 may 20

2011-05-20T09:41:00.000-06:00

UVC Bill Tracking Summary 2011 May 20

2011 Veterans Conference Flyer

2011-05-18T16:12:00.000-06:00

2011 Veterans Conference Flyer (5)

2011 Veteran Small Business Conference Agenda

2011-05-18T16:10:00.000-06:00

2011 Veteran Small Business Conference Agenda

VA2K Walk and Roll Event Promotes Employee Wellness

2011-05-18T16:06:00.002-06:00

5.17.11 VA2K

MILITARY AND VETERAN EMPLOYMENT EXPO

2011-04-26T14:35:00.000-06:00

ESGR Expo Release to Organ 41411

VISN 19 Network Director's March 2011 Update

2011-04-06T18:14:00.000-06:00

visn19March2011

Planetree Focus Groups at the VA Medical Center April 4-7

2011-03-28T20:08:00.000-06:00

ECHCS-1

Rifle State Veterans Nursing Home newsletter-Spring 2011

2011-03-28T20:02:00.000-06:00

Rifle newsletter-Spring 2011

PVA Awareness

2011-03-28T19:52:00.002-06:00

PR PVA Awareness

Veteran’s Appreciation Breakfast May 7

2011-03-27T10:39:00.000-06:00

Veterans breakfast No. 3 FLYER

Prairie View Remembers A Tribute to Vietnam Era Veterans Update March 2011

2011-03-21T21:48:00.003-06:00

General update letter #5 March-2011

Arriving at PVHSl

Prairie View Remembers A Tribute to Vietnam Era Veterans April 8, 2011

2011-03-21T21:46:00.002-06:00

Vietnam Veterans mailer 2011 new URL

FW: CALL TO ACTION - VOTE NO ON SB 170

2011-03-13T09:06:00.001-06:00

From: Ralph Bozella [mailto:rpbozella@comcast.net]
Sent: Saturday, March 12, 2011 2:38 PM

Subject: CALL TO ACTION - VOTE NO ON SB 170

Please call or email your state senator and ask that they vote no on SB 11-170.

This bill will hurt all nursing homes in the state including state veteran nursing homes by increasing the cost that the homes pay for Medicaid without going through the legislative process. When bills are introduced through legislative committees we have the opportunity to explain how they can help or hurt veterans. SB 170 will take budget setting authority for the General Fund portion of the nursing home Medicaid per diem away from the legislative process and give it to the Medical Service Board. This board can vote for General Fund increase or decreases for Medicaid without hearing testimony, and have an impact on what homes pay for Medicaid. Attached is more information provided by Colorado Health Care Association. As stated in the information:

* THIS BILL AND AMENDMENT WILL HARM THE MOST VULNERABLE POPULATION IN COLORADO.

* THIS BILL WILL NOT BALANCE THE BUDGET,

* THIS BILL WILL NOT IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF CARE OR LIFE OF ANYONE,

* THIS BILL WILL NOT GIVE ADDITIONAL MONEY TO HOME CARE,

* INSTEAD THIS BILL HAS THE POTENTIAL TO ONLY HARM AND DO NO GOOD.

Please contact your state senator and ask that they vote no on SB 11-170. Thanks, Ralph

Ralph Bozella, Legislative Chair

American Legion Department of Colorado

303-589-3170

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UVC Banquet Awards List

2011-03-11T14:52:00.000-07:00

UVC 2011 Awards

New Denver Hospital Update for March

2011-03-11T14:48:00.000-07:00

vahospupdate2011.3

Invitation to Veterans NOT Currently Receiving Care at a VHA Facility

2011-03-11T12:34:00.001-07:00

-From: Urdiales, Anita (V19) [mailto:Anita.Urdiales@va.gov]

Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 2:03 PM
To:
Subject: Invitation to Veterans NOT Currently Receiving Care at a VHA Facility

Steve, please distribute this invitation to your UVC membership. Thank you!

In order to honor Veterans like yourself, the VA is defining a “comprehensive set of health-care services that Veterans Health Administration (VHA) will provide to all enrolled veterans in a more patient-centered way, without respect to location, facility, or provider”. In other words, the VA wants to hear from you as a Veteran not currently using VHA for your health care services.

VHA has partnered with Planetree to conduct Voice of the Veteran Focus Groups (VOVFG) in your geographical area to collect opinions, suggestions, recommendations, and anecdotal stories, all of which will contribute toward enhancing the Veteran’s healthcare experience.

To help us meet your health care needs and enhance our services in a way that would be beneficial to you, we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to participate in this important focus group. This group is designed to hear about your concerns or reasons for not using VHA facilities for your healthcare, and to gather your ideas for improving care for Veterans like yourself in the future. Consultants from the Planetree organization will lead the group. Planetree is a non-profit group, founded by a patient, working nationally with the VHA to create an even more Patient-centered environment.

As a Veteran, your opinion is very important to us. We are excited to hear from you so that we can provide a healthcare experience for you that effectively meets your needs. The meeting will be held the afternoon of April 8, 2011 and will be about an hour and a half in length. If you are interested in participating, please RSVP to Anita Urdiales at 303-639-6992 or e-mail Anita.Urdiales@va.gov or Jordan Schupbach at 303-393-5205 or e-mail Jordan.Schupbach@va.gov. We will be happy to confirm your participation and provide more details.

Sincerely,

& nbsp; Anita Urdiales

Health System Specialist

& nbsp; VA Rocky Mountain Network 19

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February 8 UVC meeting minutes

2011-03-03T00:50:00.000-07:00

Minutes feb 8 2011

Last Surviving WWI Veteran Passed

2011-03-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

Photo by Charlie Riedel
(In a May 26, 2008 file photo Frank Buckles receives an American flag during Memorial Day activities at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Mo.)

The passing of Mr. Frank Buckles marks the final departure of the last surviving link to the more than 2 million American men and women who served during World War I. Sadly, this generation of heroes has surrendered to time and the day has come when they no longer walk among us.

World War I unleashed an unrestrained, methodical and mechanized destruction of human life leaving more than 8 million dead and 21 million wounded. Our late entry into the war in 1917 helped stop the slaughter in Europe, but at a heavy price to the nation; 126,000 deaths and more than 200,000 wounded by the end of the war in 1918. Despite the extremes of the war; fear, courage, cruelty and compassion, America made a conscious decision to fight for the ideal of freedom.

The full scope and stark reality of that war was beyond all of us, with the exception of one man who represented an entire generation assigned to history. Frank Buckles’ service and that of his now-absent comrades was borne from neither bravery nor bravado. It came from within; a sense of selflessness…doing something good for others, despite the danger. They faced fear and accepted it, challenged it, fought it, and then acted with honor. That is their legacy to us.

And that’s why we must ensure the memory of their courage and sacrifice won’t fade or disappear into anonymity. That would be an irretrievable loss to the nation, one that we cannot afford to pay.

Rocky Mountain Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home

2011-02-28T07:29:00.001-07:00

Rocky Mountain Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home

Charles Bogle

Colonel, AUS (Ret)

Co-Chairman

Fort Carson Retiree Council

Governor Hickenlooper Confirmed Speaker- UVC 39th Annual Awards Banquet

2011-02-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

Fellow veterans

Governor John Hickenlooper is the confirmed keynote speaker for the 39th Annual Awards Banquet of the United Veterans Committee of Colorado. This event will be held on Sunday, April 10th at the Denver Renaissance Hotel at 3800 Quebec Street in Denver. Information for banquet reservations, ads and special rate hotel accommodations may be found on UVC's Web site. Reception is from 3:30 PM with the program to begin at 5:00 PM followed by dinner and the Governor's address and presentation of awards.

The Awards Banquet, as in past years, will be a gala event in an exciting new venue where veterans, organizations, legislators and those who have helped veterans and their families the past year will be recognized and honored for their services. Invitations have gone to Colorado's elected officials at the Statehouse, legislators, and Congressional representatives. Expected are area military leaders,veterans family members, veterans of our many conflicts, and VA personnel. Chuck Florian and members of his Littleton Community Band will again provide musical selections for our listening pleasure.

Visit UVC's Web site at: www.unitedveteranscommittee.com and click "Banquet" on the left side column of the page. You are urged to make your reservations for individuals and your organizations as deadlines are almost upon us. Artwork for ads should be sent electronically as per instructions. Final preparations for the program book should include your organizations ads and a listing of both table and individual sponsors supporting UVC.

Please finalize your plans to attend the 39th Annual Awards Banquet by making your reservations now and help us finalize needed arrangements and meet our deadlines. All the information needed to participate in this annual event can be found on the UVC Web site.

Yours in comradeship,

Marvin L. Meyers (303) 694-9022 Ken C. Melcher (303) 341-9170

Banquet Co Chair Banquet Co Chair & Reservations

Past President UVC Past President UVC

FOR RESERVATION AND AD INFORMATION: visit UVC's Web site at: united veteranscommittee.com

Fwd: VA Homeless Conference Update

2011-02-23T15:23:00.000-07:00

-------- Original Message --------

Subject:	VA Homeless Conference Update
Date:	Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:51:47 -0700
From:	Schupbach, Jordan D. <Jordan.Schupbach@va.gov>
To:	Steve Rylant <sarylant@comcast.net>

Thanks again to all who participated in the Homeless Forum held February 7, 2011 in Denver and Colorado Springs. We had 89 people in attendance, with 66 non-VHA attendees representing 44 agencies and Colorado Springs had 30 people in attendance, with 18 non-VHA attendees representing 15 agencies, making the grand total of 119 in attendance, 84 non-VHA representing and 59 agencies. We were pleased to have a number of VIP guests including Helen Thorpe, our new First Lady of Colorado as well as Jeannie Ritter, our most recent First Lady, in attendance.

We identified common themes, two action items to add to the 5-year plan, which map out our next actions and follow ups to the forum- those themes and plans are summarized below. We will want to distribute a brief summary and the revised 5-year plan and specific follow up action plans for the forum to participants and invitees. While there were some competing agendas as one would expect in such a large gathering, the very strong feedback was that of a lot of energy and excitement in agencies and people coming together to pool our resources to help reach the goal of ending homelessness in Veterans in the next 4 years. We plan to have a repeat forum/coalition meeting in about 6 months.

We also want to thank all who volunteered to co-chair workgroups that we were going to develop out of the break-outs. We have instead decided to form a single steering committee for a new, yet to be named coalition, from the forum attendees and invitees. Please let us know if you are interested in being a part of this steering committee and if you are interested in being a co-chair for this new group.

Common themes:

1. Communication- to all stakeholders and especially our Veterans, in all shapes and forms, including existing resources such as the United Way 211 line, and the many unmet needs.

2. Collaboration/Linkages- while many exist, many further opportunities exist, including development of Memorandums of Understanding (MOU’s) etc.

3. Resources- many exist but aren’t widely known, no one agency or person knows them all, and despite this there are clear gaps to be addressed.

No one agency, especially VHA, can get the job done alone.

4. Employment is a huge need for our at risk and homeless Veterans and resources are especially scarce in smaller cities and rural areas.

5. Non-eligible Veterans- i.e. those who aren’t eligible for VA services, are especially challenged. (One common positive feedback is that homeless Veterans who are eligible for VA services have a much broader and more comprehensive range of services and help available to them than do non-Veteran homeless folks).

6. At risk populations, especially returning OEF/OIF Veterans are an area of acutely increased need and concern.

Two additions to 5-year plan, including action items:

1. Create a coalition (name t.b.d.) led by VHA, starting with the participants of this initial Homeless Forum:

a. Form a steering committee

i. Solicit volunteers to form committee, identify co-chairs, from VA and non-VA

ii. Include fed, state, regional/city, public nonprofits etc

b. This is not to duplicate or upstage existing organizations such as FRICH, the Colorado Interagency Council, the Metropolitan Denver Homeless Initiative, and the Denver Road Home etc.

c. First steering committee meeting by 4/30/11- agenda to include:

i. Name of coalition

ii. Leadership

iii. Charter and structure

iv. Preparation for proposed CRRC (see #2)

v. Future steering committee meetings

vi. Next Coalition meeting- about 6 months after 2/7/11- including a more focused agenda

2. Prepare for proposed CRRC and make it a true community one-stop shop, not just VA (need to keep as proposed idea until official announcement of funding made by others):

a. Pull together all available resources to create a community wide referral and reference center where veterans could get immediate assistance and referral for issues they have with medical care, community resources, etc.

b. Create a network of CRRCs?- interfacing with what Pikes Peak MHC is reported to be doing in Colorado Springs, and what Posada is working to set up in Pueblo

c. Ideally create a Virtual CRRC- Our community partners and Veterans, especially OEF/OIF, need at least a link from official ECHCS webpage to a comprehensive, user friendly homeless/CRRC page.

d. Linked to existing resources such as United Way 211 line, our HUD-VASH resource line, the VA Homeless Hotline, the Vet Center’s Nat’l call center etc

e. Target date of completion: 9/30/11

Thank you and we look forward to your response.

VHA Staff at the Denver VA Medical Center.

Bulletin from VACO Police Service from Urdiales, Anita (V19)

2011-02-22T20:46:00.000-07:00

The first of three homes to be converted/built in Aurora to house veterans

2011-02-22T17:12:00.000-07:00

Fwd: For UVC: Openings available in Homelake's domciliary cottages!

2011-02-11T14:53:00.001-07:00

We are excited to let the UVC know that the recently renovated domicilary cottages (similar to assisted living) in Homelake/Monte Vista have several openings for immediate occupancy! Prior to the renovation, the cottages were almost always full, and often had long waiting lists. But openings occurred during the renovation of many months, during which time, no new residents could be admitted. As you know, Homelake is the only State Veterans Home in Colorado to offer assisted living-like domiciliary cottages.

So if anyone knows of veterans and/or spouses/widows or Gold-Star Parents who might be interested, please feel free to pass on this information. I've attached a color ad that highlights what both the domiciliary cottages and the nursing home offer; contact information also is provided.

Anyone interested in more information can call Vickie Olson toll free at 888-838-2687 or 719-852-5118 or by e-mail at ( vickie.olson@state.co.us ) or Pam Self (same phone numbers) or by e-mail at pam.self@state.co.us .

Thank you for your help in getting the word out!

Connie

Connie S. Young, M.A.

Marketing and Business Development Manager

State and Veterans Nursing Homes

Department of Human Services

1575 Sherman St.

Denver, CO 80203

303.866.4985; fax: 303.866.2606

Caring communities that honor America's heroes!

This email message and any attachments, from the Colorado Department of Human Services, are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed. The information contained herein may include protected or otherwise privileged information. Unauthorized review, forwarding, printing, copying, distributing, or using such information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender by replying to this message and deleting it without disclosure. Thank you.

New and enhanced VA Benefits Provided to Caregivers of Veterans

2011-02-10T21:56:00.001-07:00

From: VA Media Relations
Sent: Wednesday, February 09, 2011 2:00 PM
Subject: New and Enhanced VA Benefits Provided to Caregivers of Veterans

New and Enhanced VA Benefits Provided to Caregivers of Veterans

Unprecedented Law Augments Commitment

to Nation’s Most Vulnerable Veterans

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is launching the first of a series of new and enhanced services supporting family caregivers of seriously ill and injured Veterans. In May 2010, President Obama signed the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 legislation authorizing VA to establish a wide range of new services to support certain caregivers of eligible Post 9/11 Veterans.

“Caregivers make tremendous sacrifices every day to help Veterans of all eras who served this nation,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “They are critical partners with VA in the recovery and comfort of ill and injured Veterans, and they deserve our continued training, support and gratitude.”

“DAV is happy to hear that caregivers of Veterans are getting additional support and services to care for our Nation’s heroes and unprecedented new services for our most recent severely ill and injured,” said David W. Gorman, executive director of the Washington Headquarters of the Disabled American Veterans. “We understand there are challenges to implementing the new law; including ensuring that critically ill and injured Veterans of all eras are similarly supported.”

In addition to the new benefits and services for eligible Veterans who were disabled in the line of duty since Sept. 11, 2001 (Post 9/11 Veterans), VA will also begin providing enhanced benefits and services to caregivers of Veterans of all eras who are already enrolled in VA care, including:

· Access to VA’s toll-free Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274,

· Expanded education and training on caring for Veterans at home,

· Other support services such as counseling and support groups and referral services; and

· An enhanced website for caregivers.

Some of the new benefits of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act are restricted by law to the caregivers of the most seriously ill and injured Post 9/11 Veterans. Those additional benefits include:

· A monthly stipend,

· Health care coverage,

· Travel expenses, including lodging and per diem while accompanying Veterans undergoing care,

· Respite care; and

· Mental health services and counseling.

VA will take the opportunity to report to Congress in the future on the feasibility of expanding the enhanced services to family caregivers of Veterans of all eras.

While some of these enhanced benefits are available now, many of the other significant newly-enacted benefits will require the issuance of regulations. These additional benefits include monthly stipends, pay for travel costs, medical coverage, training, counseling and respite care designed to prevent institutionalization of Veterans whenever possible. The law requires detailed regulations for determining eligibility, designating and approving caregivers, and providing stipends and health care coverage to primary family caregivers. The complex process required to implement these regulations will provide Veterans, caregivers and the general public the opportunity to provide comments before those regulations are finalized.

“VA has supported caregivers of Veterans of all eras for almost eight decades,” said Deborah Amdur of VA’s Care Management and Social Work Service, “and we know from our experience and research that Veterans are best served when they can live their lives as independently as possible surrounded by caring family and friends.”

Each VA medical center has designated caregiver support coordinators who will assist eligible Veterans and caregivers in understanding and applying for the new benefits. VA also has a Caregiver Support Web page, www.caregiver.va.gov, which will provide general information once final regulations are published.

# # #

Hillary Hutson

Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs

7465 E. 1^st Ave., Ste C

Denver, CO 80230

303-343-1268

Fax: 303-343-7238

UVC Banquet Documents

2011-02-07T17:47:00.000-07:00

New VA Hospital Update Feb, 2011

2011-02-04T17:21:00.000-07:00

WWII Tribute

2011-02-03T13:14:00.001-07:00

Stephanie Walton

Legislative Aide to Representative Matt Jones

Room 302

303-866-2920

Dear World War II Veteran:

First and foremost, thank you for your service to our country.

It is my honor to invite you and a guest to the Colorado State Capitol to join me in the House Chambers for a Tribute to Honor Flight, World War II Veterans and people who sacrificed at home while family members were away in service.

February 8, 2011

Colorado State Capitol

200 E. Colfax Ave.

Denver, CO 80203

Please join me on the second floor of the Capitol in the House Chambers at 8:40 a.m. To RSVP, please contact my office at 303-866-2920 or email RepMattJones@gmail.com. If a guest will be joining you, please provide his or her name. If needed, the visitor’s entrance on the south side of the Capitol is wheel chair accessible.

I look forward to meeting you and honoring your service with this deserved Tribute.

Respectfully,

Matt Jones

State Representative

House District 12

FW: 50th Anniversary of Vietnam

2011-01-22T21:22:00.001-07:00

Forwarded FYI
Steven A Rylant, Secretary
United Veterans Committee of Colorado

The United Veterans Committee does not participate or condone the practice
of SPAM. We distribute information on, or associated with Veterans Issues.
If you do not wish to receive e-mails from the United Veterans Committee,
please send a return e-mail to the sender of this e-mail and your e-mail
address will be removed from our distribution list.

The content of forwarded e-mails are the responsibility of the originator
and do not necessarily reflect the views of the UVC or it's members

See what is new on the UVC Website at http://unitedveteranscommittee.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Hunt [mailto:Michael.Hunt@dmva.state.co.us]
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2011 10:29 AM
To: Ralph Bozella (rpbozella@comcast.net); William Robinson; 'George Thomas
(GEORGET133@aol.com)'
Subject: FW: 50th Anniversary of Vietnam

Michael "Mickey" Hunt
Deputy Director
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
720-250-1510 (work)
303-249-0146 (cell)
720-250-1519 (Fax)

From: Greg Dorman
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2011 9:44 AM
To: Michael Hunt
Cc: McNutt, Doraine K Miss CIV USA IMCOM; O'Bryan, Elena A Maj USAF ANG
JFHQ-CO/PA
Subject: FW: 50th Anniversary of Vietnam

FYSA...

Greg Dorman
Resource Director/Legislative Liaison
Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
office: 720-250-1511
cell: 303-887-4363
fax: 720-250-1519
greg.dorman@dmva.state.co.us<mailto:greg.dorman@dmva.state.co.us>
DMVA: www.dmva.state.co.us<http://www.dmva.state.co.us>
Colorado National Guard: www.co.ng.mil<http://www.co.ng.mil>

From: Brian Binn [mailto:brian@cscc.org]
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2011 9:37 AM
To: Pierson, Michael M Mr Civ USAF AFSPC AFSPC/PAC;
Vicky.Lea@metrodenver.org; avad@pueblochamber.net; Greg Dorman
Cc: Combs, Kyle A CIV USA NORAD USNORTHCOM HQs PA; Lee, Eddie D CIV USAF
USAFA USAFA/PAC; Mac Kemp; Ann Edinger; COL Robert McLaughlin
Subject: RE: 50th Anniversary of Vietnam

Thanks. Fort Carson is planning a Salute to Vietnam Veterans on 10 June -
looking for it to be a major event. Entitled "Rocky Mountain Region -
Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home". I've included the Carson folks on this
email so they are aware of the below. Thanks. Brian

Brian A. Binn
President, Military Affairs
Direct: 719-575-4325

The Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce
6 S. Tejon Street, Suite 700
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Cell: 719-502-0962
brian@cscc.org<mailto:brian@cscc.org>
www.coloradospringschamber.org<http://www.coloradospringschamber.org>

Belong Connect Prosper

From: Pierson, Michael M Mr Civ USAF AFSPC AFSPC/PAC
[mailto:michael.pierson@peterson.af.mil]
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2011 8:59 AM
To: Brian Binn; Vicky.Lea@metrodenver.org; avad@pueblochamber.net;
greg.dorman@dmva.state.co.us
Cc: Combs, Kyle A CIV USA NORAD USNORTHCOM HQs PA; Lee, Eddie D CIV USAF
USAFA USAFA/PAC
Subject: 50th Anniversary of Vietnam

Brian, Vicky, Greg and Ava

DOD has fired up an office for commemorating the 50th Anniversary of
Vietnam.

http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123239084

I don't know what they're planning, only that OSD has launched an office and
a website. The website lists a number of organizations supporting Vietnam
Veterans and historical projects. With all the veterans groups in Colorado,
it might be worth letting those groups know this project is under way.

Looks like the official US start of the War was Mar, 1965, with the arrival
of the first US combat troops so, we should have another 4 years before we
do anything. But, considering Congress pushed this, we'll probably see some
efforts before that. I'll let you know if I see anything else.

Mike

Mike Pierson
Chief, Community Outreach Division
HQ AFSPC/PAC
Headquarters, Air Force Space Command
Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado 80914
Phone: 719.554.3842, DSN 692.3842, Cell 719.491.8292
michael.pierson@peterson.af.mil<mailto:michael.pierson@peterson.af.mil>
Check out AFSPC in Cyberspace www.afspc.af.mil<http://www.afspc.af.mil>
www.linkedin.com/in/mikepierson<http://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepierson>