September 24 -25

Sept 24-25, 2008---This is date that was discussed and set at their first meeting in June. We are trying to see if they will move up their date to be closer to the VA RAC GWI but no luck yet. They also said at meeting it will probably be held at Washington DC Hamilton Crown Plaza 1001 14th St NW ...formal announcements will come on both meetings when they post and when it is posted in federal registry...this is just what was announced at their first meeting. The Hamilton Crowne Plaza Hotel is conveniently located at 14th & K Streets, NW – only 5 blocks from the White House, 4 blocks from the new Washington, DC Convention Center and 1 block from the McPherson Square Metro Station. In the middle of the famous K Street Business Corridor on Franklin Square, the Hamilton Crowne Plaza Hotel is close to Washington, DC’s renowned museums and national monuments including the Smithsonian, the Corcoran and the National Mall. http://www.hamiltonhoteldc.com/map/index.html

Subject: Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans

Description: the activities of the Advisory Committee in providing advice to the Secretary on the full spectrum of health care and benefits issues that confront veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the 1990-1991 period of the Gulf War To carry out these duties, the Committee is expected to assess both the effectiveness of existing benefits and services and to determine the need for new initiatives and/or policies that relate exclusively to this population of veterans.

Page Info: www.va.gov/gulfwaradvisorycommittee

We are trying to get housing organized with cheaper options for gulf war veterans stay tuned for any announcements as we work on this. We also are discussing ideas if meeting dates for second meeting is not moved up to close the gap of trying to keep the group of gulf war veterans together ideas including taking vets to local camp sites close to DC with cabins in order to discuss strategies for upcoming year, develop white papers, and discuss individual needs and ideas.

Veterans we wanted to get you informed early in order that you can search for travel options re airfare deals, trains, buses, or groups of veterans working together to form up and get in groups and work together on travel options.

We are looking at housing issues re in DC and trying to find affordable options.

Both meetings are very important and need veterans of Gulf War and Vietnam and other veterans/groups support! We need as many in attendance as possible especially Sept 16th for release of VA RAC GWI 2008 Report.

The second committee VA GULF WAR VETERANS ADVISORY is critical it will cover medical care, compensation, and benefits issues. This is where I recommend that you prepare to give your input in the Public comments....re what you have experienced getting help, claims problems, frustrations, etc. I will help in all ways possible. Even reading thru your proposed comments and offering any help ie suggestions as possible.

i also suggest that you plan to post your public comments and follow up comments the day after or of the meeting...so that it is on public record not only with the committee but with your peers! Together we do better and trigger more help and suggestions to improve our situation.

PREPARE YOUR PUBLIC COMMENTS 2 PAGES
SUGGESTED INPUT

YOUR NAME, UNIT, MOS, WHERE IN THEATER, IF YOU SAW SOMETHING WHILE THERE THAT IS PERTINENT TO HEALTH NOW

WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH AND WHAT BENEFITS YOU RECEIVE

THE CARE IE TESTING, DIAGNOSIS, CARE AT VA HOSPITALS.....PROBLEMS...IDENTIFY THEM

THE PROBLEMS YOU HAVE HAD IN BENEFITS CLAIMS AREA....IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM

YOUR FRUSTRATIONS....PROBLEMS

YOUR SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MADE! WHAT YOU WANT TO SEE DONE!