VA SECRETARY VISITS AMVETS NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

WASHINGTON, March 26, 2008— Secretary of Veterans Affairs James B. Peake visited AMVETS National Headquarters in Lanham, Md. yesterday to discuss veterans’ issues with AMVETS National Commander John P. “JP” Brown III.

“I look at this as a partnership,” said Peake. “If we’re all heading in the same general azimuth we can accomplish the mission.”

Peake, who took office in February has already made his presence felt in the veterans community through such initiatives as adding 14 additional vets’ centers around the country and strategically deploying mobile pharmacy units to assist with emergencies and natural disasters.

Among the topics discussed during the meeting were treatment for post traumatic stress disorder, education benefits for veterans and their family members, the Independent Budget for the VA, the military’s Transition Assistance Programs (TAPS) and AMVETS’ work with the National Guard and Reserve. Many of the topics drew on AMVETS’ National Symposium on the Needs of Young Veterans, which called for sweeping changes to TAPS, as well as a variety of unique issues facing veterans of the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Peake also noted that the VA has been working to lower claims-processing time.

“It was an honor to be able to sit down with Secretary Peake and open a dialogue about the issues facing our veterans today,” said Cmdr. Brown. “Some of us older guys don’t understand the needs of veterans from this war, just as the WWII generation didn’t understand my generations’ needs. AMVETS took the bull by the horns and we’ve brought in some young people who know the issues facing vets today.”

Secretary Peake applauded AMVETS for its efforts over the years to continue looking for answers to the complex issues that face veterans.

About AMVETS:    
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.amvets.org.

Media Contact:
National
Communications Director
Jay Agg
(301) 683-4035
jagg@amvets.org

National
Publications Editor
Isaac Pacheco
(301)-683-4038
ipacheco@amvets.org

National
Media Specialist
Ryan Gallucci
(301)683-4073
rgallucci@amvets.org