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spike

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUBJ: Congressional Leaders and VA Officials to hear Veterans concerns

Western New York Veterans are being given a platform unparalleled in recent history. US Congressional representatives, State Legislators, and Veterans Affairs officials will join Veterans organizations and advocates at a conference designed to give Veterans an open forum for discussion. The discussion will include OIF/OEF Veterans readjustment and claims issues, as well as existing VA concerns. Veterans are encouraged to attend, and bring specific issues with them. NY Sen. George Maziarz will attend along with representatives from Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Louise Slaughter’s offices. Veterans Affairs Directors from Behavioral Health, Vet Centers, and Regional/Division offices will be there to address issues and share any new information.

Key Attendees:

  • Michael Finegan, Director of VA Healthcare
  • Harold Rybak, Chief of Behavioral Health
  • Kathyrine Smythe, OEF/OIF Program Manager
  • Houston Crum, Veteran Center Program Manager
  • Donna Terrell, VA Regional Office Director
  • Michael Stephens, VA Regional Assistant Director
  • Patrick Welch, Erie County Director of Veteran Affairs
  • Donald Thompson, Niagara County Director of Veteran Affairs
  • Edward Simmons, New York State Division Deputy Director of Veterans Affairs
  • Congresswoman Slaughter's Office District Director Christine Ramfola
  • Senator Schumer's Staff Aid Christopher Hawley
  • New York State Senator George Maziarz
  • Patriot Guard Help on the Home Front Director Harold Hartman


    • Christopher Simmance, Iraq War , US Army Veteran
    • Dana Cushing, Iraq War , US Marine Corps Veteran
    • Jeremy Lepsch, Iraq War , US Marine Corps Veteran
    • Blake Ehman, Stationed in Korea, US Army Veteran
    • Christopher Kreiger, US Army Veteran

    POC for this conference is: Robert Saunderson

    saundersonusmc@hotmail.com

    Brounshidle Post/Memorial Hall

    3345 Delaware Avenue

    Kenmore, New York 14217

    April 4, 2008 1 p.m.

    Seating is limited and media contacts should be directed to Robert Saunderson

-Spike-

Vet Advocate

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Ok, I was trying to draw attention to this, because in essence, every news station in NYS, PA, CT, NJ, and every newspaper and radio station is getting this press release. Also, I aspire to have this same thing going on in every state in the North East. This is a conference that will happen every 2-3 months. Do what you want with this post. It's also been submitted to Fox and Va Watchdog.org .......I'll keep posted to all where it gets sent and to the what Orgs.

Semper Fi

-Spike-

Vet Advocate

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  • HadIt.com Elder

I would like to see a Viet Nam Veteran Speaking. I am getting the feeling that VA is trying to make to classes of Veterans.

Veterans deserve real choice for their health care.

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I couldn't put all the organizations on the list that will be there but Patrick Welch is on the National Board of VVA as well as the current president of the VVA #77 and John Portik Jr is President of the Bobo Detachment.

Here are some brief reports

UAW Region #9

Patriot Guard

Soliders' Angels

Marine Corps League

Disabled American Veterans

American Legion

Veterans of Modern Warfare

Purple Heart

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Iraq War Veterans Organization

Reporters from Fox, ABC, NBC, as well as the Buffalo News, Niagara Gazette have all tentatively spoke interest.

Do not be surprised if this story hits people on the AP and or on a National Broadcast. Can't say it will or will not. IT IS FOR THE VETERANS. Not just one era.

-Spike-

Vet Advocate

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  • HadIt.com Elder

Thanks Spike that makes me feel much better :P

Veterans deserve real choice for their health care.

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