Update Aug 7th from staff of Gulf War Veterans Advisory Committee in DC
The
Committee will meet September 24 – 25 at the Residence Inn by Marriott, 1199
Vermont Ave NW, Washington, D.C. The Federal Register Notice will be out
soon. It will describe the program for both days and contain the scheduled
times and procedures for public comment.
This
is the same dates as they had stated in their June meeting. The place is
different
ie
closer to the VA building.
If
people want cheaper accommodations we could switch to motel in Arlington VA
and take metro that is block and a half away from motel that would lower the
cost to a double room at 93-96 a night sharing would be roughly 43 a night.
It is an older hotel that I usually stay at. The reason I went to the one
in the district was figuring if vets are using arm canes, wheelchairs,
scooters that the metro is packed jam full in early AM and after work and I
was concerned about getting everyone thru the Metro with any disabilities.
I also was concerned that would wear people out re our fatigue factor.
and
also takes more time in early AM and I know how all of us are with fatigue
and wake up and go to be there at meeting when they actually start with
coffee and donuts and stuff about 45minutes prior to actual start of meeting
and that is a good time for individual gulf war veterans to meet and talk
with the advisory committee members.
So
that is like to be there at roughly 8AM downtown..........That is why I
decided on the Hamilton downtown that was the cheapest and closest that I
could get us too without it really being a roach dirty place.
I
really need you all to email me............because I can easily right now
switch us to the ARlington location but like I said I was trying to consider
fatigue factor, time factor, and those vets that might not be able to handle
the metro crowd. Yes I know there would be some cars available but then you
to have to allow driving time in downtown DC district with traffic in AM.
Please EMail
me...................DSNurse1@yahoo.com. I really do not want us
scattered at all different hotels/motels because that doesn't contribute to
us all being together to get to know each other, to strategize, brief, or
debrief.....
There
is hope that they intent to do live videoconferencing...........not sure of
details of that yet and if yet would be seen and able to offer public
comment live from other site.
This
is something I pushed to happen with initial contacts to the staff of the
GWVA when it initially got off paper and had staff assigned....and then
pushed for it in my June presentation to the first meeting. I believe we
still need to have 20-30 vets in DC to really impact this committee in
person! Being able to discuss with them in person before the formal time of
start and during their breaks is invaluable!
I
expect each of you that come to consider being a leader in the future
meetings if they come out in the country close to you to help find and get
the other vets in your area involved and coming! TO help others formulate
what they need to submit in writing and things to consider re suggestions in
oral public comment.
If we
get this live videoconferencing finally implemented and utilized fully then
you again will all be needed to get the other gulf war vets activate in your
locales.
This
is important! It is up to each of us Gulf War Veterans to tell them what we
have experienced and what SUGGESTIONS will help make VA CARE and Treatment
and Diagnosis and Benefits be what they truly need to be for Gulf War Vets
of 90-91!
Your
VOICE AND FACE TIME WILL COUNT!
Sincerely,
Denise