VA, GSA Sign
Agreement
The General Services Administration (GSA) has signed an agreement with VA to expand its efforts in helping businesses that are owned by veterans, especially service-disabled veterans.
The agreement builds on legislation passed by Congress in 1999. It urges all federal agencies to award three percent of their contracts, by value, to service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses.
Among other features, the agreement commits VA and GSA to co-sponsor eight regional conferences for veteran business owners in the coming year. The Small Business Administration and other federal agencies will participate in the conferences.
VA’s efforts on behalf of veteran-owned businesses are overseen by the Department’s Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE). Further information about such programs is available on CVE’s website at www.vetbiz.gov. GSA’s activities on behalf of service-connected, veteran-owned small businesses are located at www.gsa.gov.
Monument Unveiled
at Groundbreaking
“Monument to the Galant Soldier,” designed and crafted by artist and nationally known storyteller Tejumola Ologboni, is now under construction in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The memorial will honor the service and patriotism of African American veterans.
The groundbreaking, which featured the unveiling of a replica of the future monument, took place in July on the grounds of the VA Medical Center at Woods National Cemetery in Milwaukee. Partnering in the construction effort are the NAACP’s Milwaukee Branch, the National Association for Black Veterans, Inc. (NABVETS), and VA.
Each element of the monument, scheduled for completion in July of 2006, will represent the presence of African American heroism throughout American history.
The monument depiction consists of representations of five objects: a hat, a pair of gloves, a folded American flag, a bridle, and a coat typical of the Civil War era. The hat and American flag rest against the top of the coat to the right. The gloves and bridle appear on the left.
Etched in the hat, which is of the style worn by the 54th Infantry during the Civil War, is “54th U.S.” The gloves and bridle represent those used by the 104th Cavalry Unit. The folded flag symbolizes the flag families receive at a funeral with military honors.
News, Assistance
By Phone
Blinded veterans needing quick access to information or directory assistance may use a new service that is entirely free of charge.
“Tell Me” provides sports information, driving directions, airline information, and weather in local areas. The number is 800-555-8355.
A second number, 800-free411, allows free directory information from almost any telephone. Simply follow the recorded prompts when calling. If the service does not understand the caller’s question, a live operator will enter the call. Beyond being free, the only other difference between this service and nationwide 411 is the presence of a short, prerecorded ad message before the requested information is provided.
The service has been made possible by thousands of national and local sponsors. It was founded by veteran advertising and technology executives who had previously pioneered successful advertising solutions in online media. |
