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GI Bill of Rights
In mid-April, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-8) introduced
a comprehensive "GI Bill of Rights For The 21st Century."
Lane Evans and Ike Skelton (D-MO-4), Ranking Member on the Armed
Services Committee, accompanied her at a press conference. The
bill would enhance many existing benefits and create additional
benefits and services for members of the military currently serving
in harm’s way. It also includes increased funding for VA
health care.
This legislation is an attempt to remove existing inequities
in benefits and to recognize the unique needs of today’s
active force, which consists of many reservists and members of
the National Guard.
Poel Appointed Acting Director
We reported in the Summer 2004 issue of the Bulletin that Charles
H. Crawford had been appointed as the National Program Director
of Blind Rehabilitation Service at the VA Central Office in Washington.
He assumed the position on June 1, 2004. We also mentioned that
Charlie had suffered a cerebral aneurysm just six weeks later
and would hopefully be able to resume his duties shortly.
We are sad to inform our readers that Charlie has been unable
to return to work. Stanley Poel, current Chief of the Waco Blind
Rehabilitation Center, was appointed to the position for 90 days,
effective April 21.
The National BRS Director has oversight responsibilities of VA’s
comprehensive blind rehabilitation services to veterans and serves
as the principal liaison to BVA on issues related to blind rehabilitation.
The individual reports directly to the Chief Consultant of the
VA Rehabilitation Strategic Healthcare Group.
BVA Advocate Leaves Committee
Susan Edgerton, Minority Staff Director of the House Veterans
Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health, has announced her retirement
effective May 31, 2005. Susan has been a longtime advocate for
severely disabled veterans dating back to her employment with
the Paralyzed Veterans Of America (PVA). She has been an excellent
friend and advocate for programs and services for America's blinded
veterans and their families.
Susan indicated that she has decided to be a full-time mom to
her two small children at home. "Weekends and evenings are
just not enough," she said in a letter announcing her decision.
Susan will be sorely missed by all veterans. BVA will most assuredly
feel the loss. She and Lane Evans have made a strong and effective
team in advocating for enhancements in VA health care.
Hines Dedicates New Facility
BVA was well represented at the dedication of the new blind center
at Hines on May 20. Because of space limitations and timing (the
event occurred as this issue of the Bulletin was in its production
phase), it is impossible to even try to provide coverage that
would do justice to this momentous occasion. A complete report
of the proceedings of the day will be presented in the summer
issue of the Bulletin.
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