DAV Shulkin Award VSOs

DAV, VSOs Snub White House, Honor Fired VA Secretary Shulkin With Private Ceremony

Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the largest organization of disabled veterans, held a private award ceremony to honor fired VA secretary David Shulkin and his staff along with the other “big six” dinosaur veterans groups – American Legion, AMVETS, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Vietnam Veterans of America.

DAV held the event at its facility in Washington DC to honor Shulkin for his 13 months of work as the agency’s chief administrator to thank him for a job well done. The ceremony is believed to be evidence of a growing rift between veteran organizations and the White House following the twitter termination a couple weeks ago.

Vivieca Wright Simpson was also in attendance and honored for her 32 years of working at VA and helping veteran organizations maintain their advocacy monopoly that squeezes out most other groups seeking a seat at the table.

DAV Tweet Shulkin AwardThe dinosaur VSOs have largely decried the termination of Shulkin following confirmed allegations that he took his wife on vacation to Europe using taxpayer funds and resources.

Now, these VSOs are concerned the new team sent to VA from the White House will privatize VA. But what does that mean given that VA has largely been privatized, already?

VA sent out a press release a little over a week ago with the aim of “debunking the VA Privatization Myth” but it did little more than insult the thinking Americans reading it.

RELATED: Tone-Deaf DAV Gives Top Advocacy Award To Agent Orange Denier Tom Murphy

VA Propaganda On Privatization Myth

To debunk the myth, VA points out it has more facilities, more employees, and a bigger budget than two years ago, and therefore, privatization fears are a red herring:

In 1998, VA’s budget was $42.38 billion.

  • VA’s 2018 enacted budget is more than four times that figure at $188.65 billion.

In 1998, VA had 240,846 employees.

  • As of March 29, 2018, VA had 385,233 employees, a nearly 60 percent increase in 20 years.
  • VA has increased its end strength by nearly 15,000 since the beginning of the Trump administration, from roughly 370,000 to 385,233 as of March 29, 2018.

In 2000 VA had 1,110 medical facilities.

  • Today, VA has 130 more medical facilities, for a total of 1,240.

Now, the dinosaur VSOs say the argument is false and makes use of inflation numbers.

But neither position is being truthful.

Privatization Reality

The reality is our Federal Government, including Veterans Affairs, have undergone a massive privatization endeavor in the past 20 years that started under the Clintons’ initiative to Reinvent Government.

The gutting of agency functions is behind why VA cannot maintain its VistA healthcare records system and is instead looking to pay Cerner $10 billion.

RELATED: $10 Billion Cerner Deal Has 6% Odds Of Success

DAV pushed hard for Leidos company QTC to receive a $6.8 billion contract to perform contracted disability compensation examinations linked to the new Decision Ready Claims system being rolled out nationwide.

RELATED: Did Former VA Secretaries Help QTC Win Massive Contract?

The agency is also rolling out a $20 billion IT updating campaign spearheaded by longtime contractors since it can no longer maintain its own systems.

Many of the clinics around the country are managed, not by VA executives, but by companies like Sterling Medical.

Veterans benefits administration tasks are largely performed by VA vendors who handle scanning and mailing out of Janesville, Wisconsin.

Minneapolis VA, Cincinnati VA, and many other VA medical centers nationwide, all make use of area universities who provide contract surgical services.

VA also has a huge propaganda machine costing taxpayers tens of millions each year performed by public relations firms and advertising firms inspiring the minds of veterans and the American public.

RELATED: VA Wasted $1.1 Billion On Unsuccessful IT Projects

While it is true that more facilities were added, the budget is higher, and more employees were added to the payroll, still more facilities are managed by non-VA executives, an enormous portion of the budget goes to for-profit corporations, and many hundreds of thousands government contractor employees work on VA projects likely well outnumbering actual employees of the agency.

RELATED: Lockheed Martin Wins GI Bill Contract

DAV, VSOs Against White House

Some view the ceremony as a sign the two camps will not be playing nicely together in coming months as the new VA secretary, whoever is confirmed, will restart the reform process.

Personally, I see this as a sign DAV and VSOs are out of touch with the veteran base given that the majority of veterans saw Shulkin’s ethical foibles as a major problem justifying termination.

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57 Comments

  1. I served 4 years in the Navy and suffered a traumatic brain injury 6 months after joining. I asked for medical help since the day Elvis died [ august 16th 1977] In Oct. 1977 a doctor refused my explanation of how I was injured, then he spent a year using my medical record as a notepad to tell every doctor I saw after him to obstruct any honest diagnosis. I was sent into medical hold twice, and the only treatment I was offered was sinus surgery,for which I declined respectfully. I was found “fit for duty” after declining the sinus surgery. I have gone to VA hospital since 1999 after a civilian doctor confirmed my TBI. I filed for disability and was denied. Both the DAV and American Legion have failed to help and both orgs. told me there was nothing I could do. I have had 5 C&P exams and none were totally accurate. VSO’s are a joke.

    1. I trust you have a copy of your file. Would you sign up as a witness for me in my cases before the District Court for the Wyoming District and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

      I’d like an affidavit backed up by files. If you don’t have your Navy inpatient record I’ll help you get it. It is the most important. The Navy was minimizing the Narrative Summary of Hospitalization meaning it did not detail your unconsciousness. It did not note any seizures that may have occurred or amnesia both of which you probably won’t remember until you read them if then.

      I finally got TDIU back to 2009 but I filed for it in 1987 and it wasn’t processed. It is on remand by the BVA but no action by VARO Denver (The AOJ) has been taken since the decision asking the AOJ to expedite on May 11, 2017.

      I’m alleging deception on the part of the Navy and the VA in an attempt to unconstitutionally deny (14th Amendment, section 4) benefits. Also lack of Due Process for failure to discipline the VSO representative and ordering a new BVA hearing and failure of the American Legion VSO representative to ask for a continuance because he wasn’t notified by the local office that the hearing was up coming and didn’t prepare.

      I have until May 4 to file an amendment to DCWD 17-CV-206-F and the VA GC has responded to a CAVC Clerks order: “The Secretary shall advise the Court,
      within 15 days after the date of this order, and every 15 days thereafter, what action the Department
      – including the responsible VA regional office(s) – has taken to resolve the dispute.” The VA GC has filed 9 15 day responses none of which detailed “what action the Department – including the responsible VA regional office(s) – has taken to resolve the dispute.” I’m preparing a motion for a summary judgement at the CAVC for unresponsiveness by the VA and a referral to the District Court for discovery and adjudication of the claim under the 5th and 14th Amendments. A District court awarded a Maryland Vet 1.9 million in a similar situation. [Laskowski v. U.S. Dep’t of Veteran Affairs, 918 F. Supp 2nd 301(M.D. Pa., 2013)]

      Email me and I’ll send you a copy of the Laswoski case so you can evaluate if it applies to your situation.

      [email protected]

  2. 04/18/2018

    Dear Benjamin Krause,

    We can now see clearly what these guys have been up to for a long, long time.

    Sincerely,

    Don Karg

  3. You know as one of those disabled Veterans, it is time someone start listening to what WE want, not what political lobby groups like DAV, PVA and others want…. and yes, that is EXACTLY what they are.

    First, during my time using DAV, PVA and another org, NOTHING GOT DONE on my file/claim. Not until I switched the state level V/A assistance organization in my home state, in my case the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs which keeps an active office in EVERY single county, did things finally get handled. I was just a number in a long line with those large organizations, so it pisses me off that they seem to think they speak for everyone. Talking to them, it was clear they really did not care.. they were there just filling spots doing their time.. just like we see in MANY positions in the actual V/A hospitals.

    I don’t care if Shulkin or whomever spent $50 improperly.. It was wrong and it took away from the Veterans that deserve it. And as far as I am concerned, he accomplished very little to be honest. Why do I say that?

    Because right now it is just over 12 months on the waiting list again for me and dental/jaw surgery. 4 Years ago they reconstructed my jaw and over the next subsequent time I was supposed to have that cleaned up then eventually have dental implants to replace the destroyed teeth, which are service connected. My LAST appointment was March of 2017. Today is 17 APR 2018… and I STILL do not have a date to continue the work and get it finished.. I am missing 7 teeth top and 1 tooth on the bottom plus have ‘wire’ or some kind of nylon stitching poking out of my upper gum from the last repair work that was done.

    Add to that, I am scheduled to have major reconstructive surgery on my R-shoulder 6 weeks from today as well – after waiting 10 months already for that too. That is for my upper back and R-arm in an attempt to save my use of that arm (I am also R-handed), injured in an explosion that also caused additional crush injuries when I was also blown into a cement wall on top of it, while on active duty.

    The previous 3 surgeries “failed” as the V/A put it.. and this 4th attempt is to try and save my use of the arm to try and buy another 15 years before I do have no options left… if it fails.. well, I am screwed and may very well lose the thing.

    BTW, I am NOT a Vietnam veteran, no for me, serving my country started at 17 graduating high school early in 1980 and ended officially in 2012 having to retire because of my latest major service connected injury. I have 3 separate DD-214’s, 24+ years. I also had to give up my sworn part time Deputy Sheriff’s career.

    I am 80% physical V/A service connected w/5 fully rated service connected actual injuries, one additional current at 0% but rated as service connected, 100% IU due to TBI and pain. Prior to this last major injury, I was 50% rated for 4 injuries so the last injury was by far the biggest hit for me.

    All of my service connections are actual injuries.. not some other malady that came about – as we see more and more these days… which is another sticky point for me to be honest (i.e. someone being stupid and getting hurt is NOT a service connected injury, as far as I am concerned). As I said, right now I am waiting for both jaw/dental surgery AND major shoulder and arm surgery..

    Additionally, at this point the V/A has failed all of us in many ways.. They had their chance. The DAV, PVA and others had their chance.

    It is nice having the V/A system, no doubt. However, what needs to change is the ability to get care faster and the ability for those like me that live 80 miles from the nearest facility, to use local resources to get medical care.. including emergency care without having to be prior approved.

    I have NO problem being required to use the V/A system for ELECTIVE care and other reasonable needs that can be scheduled in a reasonable period of time. However, I am sick and tired of being held out for NON elective care, surgery and other treatment for long months at a time periods.

    And yes, part of this goes back to the other statement I made about service connected injuries.. Part of the this problem no one seems to want to talk about.. so I WILL….

    What ALSO needs to change, is this idea that ANY veteran can get free care just because. They need to bring back the priority system, purple triangle and all. I am tired of standing in line waiting for the 40 others in front of me that served a year or two, never got any kind of paper cut let alone any major injury but now 30 years later all of a sudden, are claiming every little ailment to be service connected..

    And if these comments “offend” you.. kiss my rear because it is very possible you are one of those I am talking about.. and everyone here that is a service connected disabled veteran, knows exactly the type of people I am talking about because they are in every single V/A across the country.

    I am sick and tired of being held back in my care because someone that stubbed their toe whole shoveling cow dung gets faster care and appointments. I am sick and tired of being put to the back of the line behind someone that has developed cancer or some other ailment that has NOTHING to do with being service connected. And don’t try to tell me it is service connected, because you are full of bull**** if you do.. I know it, You know it.

    I am not talking about where later it is proven that exposure to this or that caused cancer later… Way too many voices have been heard over the years for that not to be the case and your own records prove you had exposure.. no matter if it was Vietnam or the Gulf War.. that is NOT what I am talking about.. I am talking about someone that served a year or two in a position that had nothing to do nor placed them anywhere near a situation that would ’cause’ cancer or other ailments to suddenly appear years later. THOSE are the ones I am talking about.

    Yes, there are cases where ailments development later in life that are directly related to service connection.. I have been told I will probably end up with arthritis problems later in life..

    I am NOT talking about that especially since 98% of those can be backed up in records. I am talking about the moron that had a motorcycle accident because he was drunk and hit a truck head on.. or the moron that thought it would be funny to jump from the mast of the ship to the cement pier thinking he could make it or the moron that nearly cut his leg off with a chain saw at home one day … or how about the moron that claims shaving causes him to break out on his face thus warranting 100% service connection for PTSD and pain…. (oh yea that one is real because I met the guy)

    You want to fix the system.. Then FIX IT for real.. Stop playing games. Stop pretending that what I say is not true. The V/A is here for those that served and were injured IN that service. Just like a purple heart, it was not created as a free for all because you served and got a boo boo raising that beer glass too fast.

    In one regard the VSO’s are right.. we are all sick and tired of this… But the ‘this’ is not just on the V/A.. and until someone wakes and steps up, it will continue to impact all of us… and those of us with real need are the real ones losing today.

    1. BTW, yes I did get to use Veterans choice.. and guess what? After TWO separate specialist surgeons at TWO civilian hospitals stated emphatically I needed to go to the Mayo clinic for specialized care to try to save the shoulder and arm, the V/A DENIED that and now I am again in the system for surgery at the local V/A 80 miles away… So yes, there is the choice program.. which is a joke.

      1. cj ¯¯̿̿¯̿̿’̿̿̿̿̿̿̿’̿̿’̿̿̿̿̿’̿̿̿)͇̿̿)̿̿̿̿ ‘̿̿̿̿̿̿\̵͇̿̿\=(•̪̀●́)=o/̵͇̿̿/’̿̿ ̿ ̿̿ says:

        Todd B: Todd, you have been working as a Deputy, so I am sure you have SSDI benefits, sorry for asking, but did you apply for SSDI? if so, then you also should have medicare. This is important in your case as you would not need the VA to go to Mayo, you would be covered under medicare, and could get your care NOW.

        I wouldn’t the VA work on me for those kind of injuries your talking about, not in a million years, not if you want to save, your arm and reconstruct your face properly.

        I am SC, and only visit the VA as needed to keep benefits, (once every 6 months) and I can tell you, that visit is completely useless. The care I receive in the private sector through medicare, is far superior to anything the VA could possibly provide.

        You should never be forced to wait as long as you have to receive medical attention, it is criminal if you ask me, what they have put you through already. I sincerely hope you get taken care of quickly and are able to save your arm.

  4. If anyone continues to give to any of the VSOs after this stunt, then I believe there are people who need their head examined.

    People, wake up already. If the VSOs have been around for years and the VA hasn’t improved. If you can’t see them as Snake Oil salesmen (who take your money and promise you a cure), and this ceremony celebrating two crooks who spit on taxpayers and veterans hasn’t convinced you that poop smells like shi…..then God help us all. You deserve the hell the VA puts you through.

  5. Wow-Wow-Wow – I’m not a political master mind, I’m just a simple-minded person who believes that it doesn’t take a genius to know right from wrong. My experience with the VAHCS has been both, good and bad. The issue for me is how to address and resolve the bad while supporting the good.

    I believe, and my experience has given me good reason for this belief, that if a system is designed to support apathetic, complacent service by not having any competition for this service, then the system is designed to support the bad and not reward the good.

    In conclusion, veterans should have benefits that allows them access to medical care and legal advice outside the VA. Without this benefit, the people who profit just keeping stuffing their faces and slapping each other on the backs.

  6. I’ll make a simple statement. The VSOs are bureaucracies, they run like a bureaucracy with the same “officers” being recycled through positions. The rank and file are, for the most part, oblivious to the politics and are fed propaganda by the leaders. Never forget, a bureaucracy’s main mission is to perpetuate the bureaucracy. This is about loss of control and more careful scrutiny of how these organizations improve veterans’ conditions – they don’t – unless cheap drinks and kumbaya is what vets need.

    1. All the money VSOs save from being tax-exempt and free rent at VA facilities allowed for funds to be allocated to perform these ceremonies…

      You’re welcome….

  7. President Trump did the right thing letting go of Shulkin he took advantage of the veterans he was to over see their health care and welfare not jet setting with his wife on the back of taxpayers money if the Organizatios and VSO feel differently then suck it up your first priority is the Veterans not someone who believes he deserves a vacation while Veterans are laid up and waiting for health assessment and care this should be a sign that who m ever thinks this position is piece of cake not deliver should reconsider their priorities

  8. Benjamin Kruse,
    You are Still an Ass that fights Only for Your Own Self Intrest and what will achieve Your Own Political Interest!!
    Get a life !!! As a Disabled Veteran have giving several legitimate topics to You and You have passed tired of Your Trump style rants !! With no Results to Veterans In need..

    1. Hilarious, I love these fly-by direct insults, Raymond.

      Last week, I was called a liberal snowflake for opposing our unauthorized military escalation in Syria and Trump’s new position on TPP. This week, I am apparently making “Trump style rants” for critiquing our dinosaur VSOs for being out of touch… Now, if Trump articulated the same rants, I assume he would not use any links or cite any sources. I have links. Adios.

  9. Scientists on track to find a treatment for addiction –

    “https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/15/us/opioid-addiction.html?smid=fb-share”

  10. DAV and VSOs out of touch?

    Being out of touch to me means being unaware of an issue. What the VSOs did here is better described as firmly turning their backs on the very veterans they claim to represent. A claim they want to protect so as to protect their congressionally chartered status and all the financial perks that flow from that status.

    What Shulkin did is black and white. He wasted over $100,000 on a bullshit trip, then lied about it. That is travel fraud, with posters plastering VA walls warning us lowly veterans that we will be prosecuted for committing. Lowly veterans that may be entitled to that benefit in order to get to the lousy health care that is provided. Lowly veterans that may not be getting that benefit for a number of inane reasons, none of them plausible.

    He lied about the fraud involving his wife, then induced others to take criminal action to try cover it up. He then claimed his federal agency IT systems were hacked without offering proof.

    During this fiasco, he thought it was a good idea to use his security detail as furniture delivery boys.

    After he gets fired, he goes on a media blitz making himself into a martyr making claims about why he was fired which did little more than further damage any relations with the White House, and shitting all over the agency he once headed.

    To top all that, he then had another boondoggle sightseeing trip to the Vatican in the pipeline before someone finally told him enough!

    And these despicable hack VSOs want to honor him? For what? The efficient way he was fucking over a large number of their members?

    If I had a Power of Attorney with any of these clowns where they have an obligation to represent me before the VA, I think I would explore a lawsuit against them for not carrying out that duty in an honest, legal manner that best meets the needs of their client.

    1. VSO’s out of touch big time, in touch with opening their pockets wider to receive a thicker wad of cash.

  11. Off Topic – I’ve been saying this for over 3 years now. And looks what’s being reported. And, just like in the past, Physicians will blame drug companies for them not knowing what their products do. All liars, should be locked up, but not until our Politicians get their cuts from kickbacks. Ain’t that right HRC and leaders of the Clinton Foundation?

    “https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/07/health/antidepressants-withdrawal-prozac-cymbalta.html?smid=fb-share”

  12. Suicide at St. Louis VA hospital is one in a string of self-inflicted deaths at veterans facilities

    By Blythe Bernhard St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    7 hrs ago

    “The suicide of a veteran at John Cochran VA Medical Center in St. Louis last month is the latest in a string of such deaths on Veterans Affairs properties nationwide.

    Phillip Crews, 62, shot himself in the hospital’s emergency room waiting area just after 4 a.m. on March 26, city and VA officials said.

    An estimated 20 to 22 veterans die of suicide each day, at an average age of 60. While it is unknown how many of those deaths occur at VA facilities, they include a 76-year-old who shot himself in a parking lot of a New York hospital in August 2016, a veteran of Afghanistan who hanged himself at age 32 in a Tennessee hospital in November 2016, a 63-year-old Navy veteran who shot himself in a car at a North Carolina hospital and a 35-year-old Marine who overdosed on fentanyl at a Massachusetts VA psychiatric facility.

    Last summer, then-VA Secretary David Shulkin, who is also a doctor, addressed the so-called “parking lot deaths,” saying the veterans may choose to kill themselves at VA facilities in part because they don’t want their families to discover them.

    Others have said the suicides send a message about the ongoing problems with long wait times and access to care at VA medical facilities.

    “It’s more than a suicide,” said Dr. Jose Mathews, former chief of psychiatry for the St. Louis VA hospital system. “It’s a veteran making a statement about their frustration with the VA as an organization.”

    Mathews filed a federal whistleblower complaint in 2013 that claimed mental health care staff treated patients only a few hours a day and artificially inflated their work hours. He quit the St. Louis system last month, and now works through telemedicine with the VA in Utah.

    “I was getting tired of butting my head against a brick wall on the issue of access to care,” Mathews said.

    Crews’ suicide launched investigations by the hospital and the VA’s Office of Inspector General, which will produce a public report. Crews’ health care history will also be reviewed by a medical team outside the VA system “to see if anything was missed,” said Keith Repko, medical center director of the St. Louis VA.”

    Full Article At: “https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/suicide-at-st-louis-va-hospital-is-one-in-a/article_f9f7a6f5-a6e6-58df-885e-ae98495e4b78.html”

    __________________

    How Fricken Bogus was Shulkin as a Sec of VA?

    “Last summer, then-VA Secretary David Shulkin, who is also a doctor, addressed the so-called “parking lot deaths,” saying the veterans may choose to kill themselves at VA facilities in part because they don’t want their families to discover them.”

    1. Seymore,
      I’d believe Dr. Mathews over “Shyster Shithead Shulkin” any day of the week!
      You know damn well Shulkin is lying his fucking ass off when it comes to anything about veterans!

  13. Actually privatization started under President Reagan with his “pen” changes to VA Regulations beginning with veterans’ travel allowances. The first “contract” clinics were started by President Bush the first. The Gulf war had “privatized” logistic contracts hugely benefiting Halaburton under Dick Cheney’s stent as SecDef.

    Clinton only continued what seemed to be a mandate of the People at the time because of a $900.00 toilet seat for a defense airplane.

    And we are still fighting an uphill battle against privatization where government can deliver gasoline purchased at $0.27 per gallon for a lot less than the $9.00+ charge by Halliburton in Iraq.

    We have completely Privatized the military by turning it into a mercenary fighting force, the downfall of every major power in history.

    So what is new? Other than a little miss statement of history.

  14. Convenient Care launches in 9 Central California locations
    2:15 PM, Apr 16, 2018

    On Monday, April 9, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the soft launch of the Convenient Care Initiative in Bakersfield.

    This pilot program, initiated as part of the Veterans Choice Program, allows veterans receiving their healthcare from the VA to access local walk-in urgent care clinics for minor medical issues if they cannot be seen by a local VA clinic in a timely manner. Previously, veterans would wait until their local VA clinic could schedule an appointment, travel to Los Angeles for care, or wait indefinite amounts of time until they could be seen by a non-VA health care provider through the Choice program. With this pilot program, veterans will be able to fulfill most of their basic healthcare needs without having to leave their local communities, allowing them the option to use walk-in clinics after-hours, on weekends, or if the local VA clinic is booked.

    As part of the soft launch, veterans in the Antelope Valley and Bakersfield may receive health care benefits at nine newly accessible facilities. As of April 9, 2018, five facilities in Bakersfield and one facility in Lancaster began accepting veteran referrals through this program. Additional non-VA urgent care clinics in Santa Clarita, Simi Valley, and Ridgecrest are expected to be integrated for the official launch of the pilot program in the coming weeks.

    “In the past, our hometown heroes had to navigate through the worst of Washington’s red tape, often waiting weeks to see a local VA doctor or driving hundreds of miles to the Los Angeles to receive the medical care they earned, only to drive back for something as simple as a sinus infection,” said Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy. “Our veterans deserve nothing short of the best, and this program represents a positive step toward giving our men and women who selflessly served the attentive care they deserve at a convenient location close to home.”

    Full Article At: “https://www.turnto23.com/news/local-news/convenient-care-launches-in-9-central-california-locations”

    ___________________

    Compliments of the Honorable Robert Wilkie

  15. Veterans say college work-study payments arriving late
    Veterans at Skagit Valley College say their work-study paychecks from Veterans Affairs are taking to long to process.
    Author: Eric Wilkinson
    Published: 2:07 PM PDT April 16, 2018

    “Military veterans who served our country at war are now navigating a minefield on college campuses. Some are waiting two to three times longer than normal to collect paychecks for college work-study programs.

    “It’s hard to deal with and it’s frustrating,” says Brandon Blake.

    If anyone should know how to navigate the Veterans Affairs system, it’s him. Blake is an Army veteran and now a student working part-time in the veterans education office at Skagit Valley College.

    But there is one part of the VA he’s still struggling to comprehend.

    “This has been a problem,” he said. “They put a Band-Aid on it but it just sat there and festered.”

    Blake takes part in the VA’s work-study program at SVC. The program assures participants of part-time jobs to help make ends meet. But while Blake consistently shows up for work on time, his paychecks have been consistently late — taking up to five weeks for a check that should come in less than half that time.

    “It really puts you in a bind. If I’m late on a payment, there are repercussions and late fees,” he says. “When they’re late paying us, there’s no accountability, no one is responsible.”

    Other veterans at Skagit Valley who didn’t want their names used voiced similar concerns to KING 5 News.

    Blake, a combat vet with two tours in Iraq says he speaks for them. He says overdue paychecks are putting unnecessary stress on veterans transitioning from the battlefield. ”

    Full Article At: “https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/veterans-say-college-work-study-payments-arriving-late/281-540255121”

    1. He was on our local news, here in Seattle. And not some small soundbite. A full feature, that made me sit up and take notice. In part, of course, do to content. But, also due to the fact that main stream media actually aired it.

  16. Let Veteran have an alternative to use alone or with regular medications depending on this one factor; “is the Veteran receiving the relief that he/she needs to be able to at least take care of themselves.”

    “https://www.facebook.com/yahoonews/videos/1911521295547415/UzpfSTE1ODYwOTQ3NDgyMzgyNzoxNjEyODIxMTQ1NTY1NjM/”

    FBI and DOJ should be investigating the VA, unless that is, what Ben publishes is a bunch of crap. But hey, you know that’s not true.

  17. Maryland man bribed VA official in program for disabled veterans, prosecutors said

    By Justin Wm. Moyer
    Washington Post
    April 16 at 2:45 PM

    “A Maryland man pleaded guilty Monday to bribing a public official to steer more than $2.2 million from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to a fraudulent information technology school with services for disabled veterans, federal authorities said.

    Albert S. Poawui, 41, of Laurel, owned Atius Technology Institute, a non-accredited information technology school, the Department of Justice said in a statement.

    In 2015, Poawui and a vocational counselor at VA agreed Poawui would pay a 7 percent cash kickback for VA payments to Atius, ostensibly for vocational training for disabled veterans, the statement said.

    Between 2015 and 2017, VA paid Atius more than $2.2 million, according to the statement, for inflated invoices that showed veterans attending classes for 32 hours per week when the program offered only six hours weekly.

    One VA counselor received more than $155,000 for participating in the kickback scheme, prosecutors said, and another was involved as well. Another employee of Atius also helped Poawui conceal the scheme after VA initiated an audit, according to prosecutors.

    VA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.”

    Full Article At: “https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/maryland-man-bribed-veterans-affairs-official-in-program-for-disabled-veterans-prosecutors-said/2018/04/16/dec18dae-4193-11e8-b35e-94bc1197a44f_story.html?utm_term=.b9a0f51d2a15

    1. Related–

      Department of Justice
      Office of Public Affairs
      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
      Monday, April 16, 2018

      School Owner Pleads Guilty to $2 Million Bribery Scheme Involving VA Program for Disabled Military Veterans

      “The owner of Atius Technology Institute (“Atius”), a privately owned, non-accredited school specializing in information technology courses, pleaded guilty today to bribing a public official at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in exchange for the public official’s facilitation of over $2 million in payments that were supposed to be dedicated to providing vocational training for military veterans with service-connected disabilities. Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu for the District of Columbia made the announcement.

      Albert S. Poawui, 41, of Laurel, Maryland, pleaded guilty to an Information alleging one count of bribing a public official. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge John D. Bates of the District of Columbia.

      According to Poawui’s admissions made in connection with his plea, the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program is a VA program that provides disabled U.S. military veterans with education and employment-related services. VR&E program counselors advise veterans under their supervision which schools to attend and facilitate payments to those schools for veterans’ tuition and necessary supplies.

      According to admissions made in connection with Poawui’s plea, in or about August 2015, Poawui and a VR&E program counselor agreed that Poawui would pay the counselor a seven percent cash kickback of all payments made by the VA to Atius. In exchange, the counselor steered VR&E program veterans to Atius and approved Atius’s invoices for payment.

      Poawui admitted that the counselor and a second VR&E counselor approved payments to Atius without regard for the accuracy of necessary documentation in order to maximize the scheme’s profits. Between August 2015 and December 2017, Poawui and the scheme’s other participants caused the VA to pay Atius approximately $2,217,259.44. Poawui paid the first VR&E counselor over $155,000 as part of the illicit bribery scheme. These bribery payments were hand-delivered by Poawui or an Atius employee to the VR&E counselor or the counselor’s assistant, a veteran who was enrolled in the VR&E program.

      Poawui also admitted that, with the knowing assistance of a second Atius employee, he made numerous false representations to the VA to enhance the scheme’s profits. For example, Poawui and the second employee certified to the VA that veterans attending Atius were enrolled in up to 32 hours of class per week, when in fact both knew that Atius offered a maximum of six weekly class hours. After the VA initiated an administrative audit of Atius, Poawui, the VR&E counselor and the Atius employee took steps to conceal the truth about earlier misrepresentations they had made to the VA.”

      Full Release At: “https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/school-owner-pleads-guilty-2-million-bribery-scheme-involving-va-program-disabled-military”

    2. Nice sleuthing, Seymore Klearly-

      Fuck the VA and their rat bastard minions of deceit. There’s where but a DROP of all that IT FIX $$$ has been going. Now, multiply that by 50 States and then multiply that by 10 and you will come close to finding the trail of gravy then follow that….to the gravy boat called V.A. Titanic.

      1. When you do the math on this one considering the degrees offered by this school where VA pushed Veterans to attend. The degrees were totally worthless and so were any credits earned by the disabled Veterans.

        The VA counselor that pushed this program on to Disabled Veterans should be locked up for life. They have certainly done some very serious damage to the disabled Veterans they used in their scam.

        The total loss is at least $316.5 million.

        That does not even include the wasted educational benefits paid to the Disabled Veterans who would have been much better served by being guided to an accredited educational institution.

      2. Also note that the VAOIG has not issued a report on any actions it has taken in this VA scam to harm Disabled Veterans.

  18. “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow”…..NOT

    The Shulk man never in his life (before hired by Obama/McDonald duo) thought twice (or once) about veterans as he was hopping from being a MD to roles as president of one of the 4 hospitasl in the Atlantic Healthcare System in NJ or previously as the head of Siani in NYC. It was all about him leveling upward in the private healthcare sector. All of a sudden we are supposed to believe this pecker-head is dedicated to helping vets? Where the fuck did that come from? I hear he is now ‘working for some organization’ that deals with veterans (probably to slowly murder them or take away their IU benefits) – as if he all-of-a-sudden wants the best for veterans (from 2015 onward). This is what the fucked up world and him wants us to believe. Too bad we do not believe you.

    McD was the same way. After 33 years in the private sector with P&G, the clown wanted us to believe he all-of-a-sudden “was meant for the job of Sec. VA”, and that all of his previous work having nothing to do with veterans at all culminated to his wanting to help veterans now. Too bad we don’t believe you either.

    McD is supposedly also working for some unnamed organization on “behalf of veterans”

    I remember very, very clearly it was McD himself who made it crystal clear that the VA can not handle the medical work by itself – that he “sees the path” to outsource to private sector very clearly. That the VA HCS can not handle the amount of veterans by itself. Isn’t that what these farts are calling “privatization” now-days?

    “And Nobody Can’t Deny” that they should all get it up the ass…that is.

  19. Give feedback to Gov’t about how you feel per the use of Cannabis – “https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/04/09/2018-07225/international-drug-scheduling-convention-on-psychotropic-substances-single-convention-on-narcotic”

    Washington DC Cannabis Festival – “https://nationalcannabisfestival.com/tickets”

  20. big big big federal rico c rime racket next yr 211 billion $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ the afge union @ 380,000 va rats are dogs in heat for all the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ VA SEWAGE RATS FROM HELL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  21. There is “NO EXCUSE SIR” form is appropriation of Funds for personal use.
    This is clear and blaten misuse of funds.
    If he did good, then honor those deeds.
    And if he did bad, recognize it and call him out for it.
    I would like to hear from him to answer for this in public court..
    I was once railroaded with this charge by officers who had No legimite case against me, but only to save face, after being caught hunting with live ammo on a military training reservation. So he decided to destroy my name and military record to save his name.

  22. To ALL you U.S. Marines out there,
    and, everyone else interested;

    We LOST a great inspiration over the weekend.
    “Gunny” R. Lee Ermey, a Former Marine -turned actor, lost his battle with complications of the flu!
    At least that’s the report!

    “RIP MR. ERMEY!”
    You will be missed!

    1. “I am Gunnery Sergeant Hartman, your senior drill instructor. From now on you will speak only when spoken to, and the first and last words out of your filthy sewers will be “Sir”. Do you maggots understand that?”

      Recruits: [In unison in a normal speaking tone] Sir, yes Sir.

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Bullshit I can’t hear you. Sound off like you got a pair!”

      Recruits: [In unison, much louder] “SIR, YES SIR!”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “If you ladies leave my island, if you survive recruit training, you will be a weapon. You will be a minister of death praying for war. But until that day you are pukes. You are the lowest form of life on Earth. You are not even human fucking beings. You are nothing but unorganized grabastic pieces of amphibian shit! Because I am hard, you will not like me. But the more you hate me, the more you will learn. I am hard but I am fair. There is no racial bigotry here. I do not look down on niggers, kikes, wops or greasers. Here you are all equally worthless. And my orders are to weed out all non-hackers who do not pack the gear to serve in my beloved Corps. Do you maggots understand that?”

      Recruits: [In unison, much louder] “SIR, YES SIR!”

      (Walks down line to first recruit)

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “What’s your name, scumbag?”

      Private Snowball: “Sir, Private Brown, sir!”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Bullshit! From now on you’re Private Snowball. Do you like that name?”

      Private Snowball: “Sir, yes, sir!”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Well there’s one thing that you won’t like, Private Snowball. They don’t serve fried chicken and watermelon on a daily basis in my mess hall.”

      Private Snowball: “Sir, yes, sir!”

      (Walks down line to next recruit)

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Are you shook up? Are you nervous?”

      Private Cowboy: “Sir, I am, sir.”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Do I make you nervous?”

      Private Cowboy: “Sir?”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Sir, what? Were you about to call me an asshole?”

      Private Cowboy: “Sir, No Sir.”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “How tall are you, private?”

      Private Cowboy: “Sir, five-foot-nine, sir.”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Five-foot-nine? I didn’t know they stacked shit that high! Where the hell are you from anyway, private?”

      Private Cowboy: “Sir, Texas, sir.”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Holy dog shit! Texas? Only steers and queers come from Texas, Private Cowboy, and you don’t look much like a steer to me, so that kinda narrows it down. Do you suck dicks?”

      Private Cowboy: “Sir, no, sir!”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Are you a peter puffer?”

      Private Cowboy: “Sir, no, sir!”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “I bet you’re the kind of guy who would fuck a person in the ass and not even have the goddamn common courtesy to give him a reach-around. I’ll be watching you!”

      (Moves down the line to the next recruit)

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Did your parents have any children that lived?”

      Private Gomer Pyle: “Sir, yes, sir.”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “I bet they regret that. You’re so ugly you could be a modern art masterpiece! What’s your name fat body?”

      Private Gomer Pyle: “Sir, Leonard Lawrence, sir.”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Lawrence? Lawrence what… of Arabia?”

      Private Gomer Pyle: “Sir, no, sir.”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “That name sounds like royalty. Are you royalty?”

      Private Gomer Pyle: “Sir, no, sir.”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Do you suck dicks?”

      Private Gomer Pyle: “Sir, no, sir.”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Bullshit. I bet you could suck a golf ball through a garden hose.”

      Private Gomer Pyle: “Sir, no, sir.”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “I don’t like the name Lawrence, only faggots and sailors are called Lawrence. From now on you’re Gomer Pyle.”

      Private Gomer Pyle: “Sir, yes, sir.”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Do you think I’m cute, Private Pyle? Do you think I’m funny?”

      Private Gomer Pyle: “Sir, no, sir!”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Then wipe that disgusting grin off your face.”

      Private Gomer Pyle: “Sir, yes, sir.”

      [tries to stop smiling]

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Well, any fucking time, sweetheart!”

      Private Gomer Pyle: “Sir, I’m trying, sir.”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Private Pyle I’m gonna give you three seconds; exactly three-fucking-seconds to wipe that stupid looking grin off your face or I will gouge out your eyeballs and skull-fuck you! ONE! TWO! THREE!”

      Private Gomer Pyle: “Sir, I can’t help it, sir.”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Bullshit! Get on your knees scumbag!”

      [Pyle drops down to his knees]

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Now choke yourself.”

      [Pyle wraps his own hands around his throat]

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Goddamn it, with MY hand, numb-nuts!”

      [Pyle reaches for Hartman’s hand]

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Don’t pull my fucking hand over there! I said choke yourself; now lean forward and choke yourself!”

      [Pyle does so]

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Are you through grinning?”

      Private Gomer Pyle: [gagging] “Sir, yes, sir.”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Bullshit, I can’t hear you!”

      Private Gomer Pyle: [louder] “Sir, yes, sir.”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “Bullshit, I STILL can’t hear you! Sound off like you’ve got a pair!”

      Private Gomer Pyle: “SIR, YES, SIR!”

      Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: “That’s enough! Get on your feet. Private Pyle you had best square your ass away and start shitting me Tiffany cufflinks or I will definitely fuck you up!”

      Private Gomer Pyle: “Sir, yes, sir.”

      Semper Fi Gunny. Thanks for giving the American public a 5% taste of what Marine Corps Recruit Training was like for MY era of leathernecks . . .

      RIP. Carry On!

  23. The Veteran Service Organizations have been compromised into supporting politicians and not veterans. The DAV and American Legion do help some veterans but in my opinion, side with the VA instead of fighting for veterans to get the benefits they deserve. Sad

    1. DaveF,
      They only help a few vets to give themselves “credibility”!
      At least that’s my opinion!

  24. It’s ALL about the fucking money!
    The state and national chapters of the VSO’s DON’T give a rat’s ass about vets. All they care about is: “Where’s my cut!”
    Especially the “DAV”!
    I don’t know about the other sections of the country, but down here in Central Florida, the local chapter members aren’t too thrilled with their state and national chapters.
    It’s going to take a MASSIVE movement, by veterans, on Washington DC to get the point across – “We ain’t gonna take it any more!”
    #fucktheva
    #fucktheafge
    #fuckshitheadshulkin
    #fuckthevsos

  25. Benjamin- GR8 “Bad VA Art” today. That photo is a classic snapshot of VA World Class Healthcare administrated by clueless idiots…even with a proper grading bell curve, the average collective IQ on that stage is that of a mentally challenged snail low on oxygen.

    This must be a rare photo depicting asshats without hats, or would that be…’Men Without Hats”?…

    “The Safety Dance”, by ‘Men Without Hats’:

    “[Ss-ah-ff-ee-tt-yy
    Safety-dance!

    Ah we can dance if we want to, we can leave your friends behind
    Cause your friends don’t dance and if they don’t dance
    Well they’re are no friends of mine
    I say, we can go where we want to, A place where they will never find
    And we can act like we come from out of this world
    Leave the real one far behind,
    And we can dance…]

    1. cj ¯¯̿̿¯̿̿’̿̿̿̿̿̿̿’̿̿’̿̿̿̿̿’̿̿̿)͇̿̿)̿̿̿̿ ‘̿̿̿̿̿̿\̵͇̿̿\=(•̪̀●́)=o/̵͇̿̿/’̿̿ ̿ ̿̿ says:

      ░░┌──┐░░░░░░░░░░┌──┐░░
      ░╔╡▐▐╞╝░░┌──┐░░╔╡▐▐╞╝░
      ░░└╥╥┘░░╚╡▌▌╞╗░░└╥╥┘░░
      ░░░╚╚░░░░└╥╥┘░░░░╚╚░░░
      ░░░░░░░░░░╝╝░░░░░░░░░░
      ____Doing the safety dance!_____

  26. This is akin to as if the big pig VSO’s gave a party for each graduating class from Guantanamo Bay, giving a full big pig send-off for anyone that fervently works AGAINST Veteran, while ensuring that piggy feeding trough is full of the very best backroom deal swill and slop.

    These are the same assholes that dragged their feet for months putting-up photos of POTUS Trump because the AFGE was still butthurt over their legion of snowflakes not winning.

    Same VSO fucks that are tethered to the VA’s asshole like a group of dingleberries on carbon fiber ass hairs around the meatgrinder, ensuring they get theirs while not batting a piggy eyelash when Shulkin suggested taking away TDIU from Veterans?

    Presnting Shulkin with a glossy photo of the swirling toilet swamp water & golden plunger award? HA HA HA HA HA………

    VSO’s, please get with program and EVOLVE or PLEASE JUST DIE LIKE A GOOD EXTINCT DINOSAUR SOWSAUROUS because you’re not helping, you’re PART OF THE PROBLEM OF LACKADAISICAL FAT ASSITUS ASSHATS.
    (also fuck-off….your days are numbered)

      1. Even then, rats are well-known for being quite good swimmers and will climb-up onto the backs of fellow drowning rats trying to swim to stay alive, repeat, blub, blub……

  27. This is unbelievable. Dr. Shulkin (does not deserve the title Honorable) blatantly knew that he broke the law, fraud, and then pointed the finger at his Staff!! What a coward! For Christ Sake he was “FIRED” and all these VSO’s applaud him? Present him with accolades for a job well done, what did he do? Hold his hand out for more money, which will ultimately end up being passed around at Bonus Time to the Medical facilities that ousted as many Veterans as they can unload, or drive them to Suicide, or Killed for lack of even the basic compassionate health care that any Private organization would have been shut down years ago.
    Whistleblowers? Only those that are sick and tired of seeing the corruption and desire to leave will speak up. Others claim they need their jobs like anyone else; if they are true Professionals with the ethics they swore when entering the Medical Profession-First cause no Harm, they would leave VA and truly find rewarding, gratifying jobs elsewhere and speak up. Veterans uniting and protesting will not change the Federal Government. It must come from Public outcry. It is so easy to demonize Veterans as drug addicts, drug seekers, “entitled, ungrateful,” (we have earned our health care, it should never be addressed as entitled).

    1. Yep, got it, VSO’s need to get out of our way, Your right we need to get the public behind us, and I believe they will stand with us, if they are properly informed, letter’s to newspaper editors, phone calls, flood them with emails, print thousands of flyers, etc. the public will stand behind us, but they need to be informed properly. The VSO’s like the unions are bought off by the VA. The only thing they are really good at, like the VA, is obstruction, and obfuscation. Their leadership is just morally and ethically bankrupt. Veterans need leadership and the VSO’s don’t have it, don’t have what it take’s. Obfuscation and obstruction is not leadership. And VA doctors, about the only thing they can cure is a ham. VA doctors have turned the phrase “First Cause no Harm” into a punch line, an excuse to do nothing. If VA doctors want to demonize and and ruin veterans reputations, then they should expect the same. Remember the War on drugs has never been about drugs, and its been well documented now, it’s been a war on people.

  28. Gosh, when I get as old as those VSO vets I hope my balls don’t drop off and roll away too. Is it true that a dab of Vaseline on the tip of the nose makes the shit easier to wipe off?

    I honor all vets but VSO’s make me physically want to vomit. They bilk untold millions from crippled vets and then shove it right down their throats by patting a corrupt disgraced fired nobody who made them all feel just peachy with honors, cheers and applause. Worthless organizations bilking vets.

    1. I’m sure the tax exempt donations, free rent at VA facilities and salaries over $100K can explain the Big Piggy 6’s tunnel vision.

      They all are garbage. One day God will teach them all the money they stole/steal from service members won’t buy their way into heaven.

  29. There is a reason any thinking veteran refers to the Big 6 as Dinosaur Veteran Organizations. Their actions such as the forgiveness of Shithead Shulkin for his ethical lapse only serve to bolster my argument that it is way past time for some real leadership at the VA. Leadership that speaks truth publicly about how bad things have really gotten. Leadership that develops solutions to take better care of ALL our nations warriors.

    Leadership that recognizes that when they are doing a good job – – – it will be veterans singing their praises, rather than the VA needing a PR Agency to put out “Fluff Pieces” to mislead America and her citizens about what a stellar job they are doing. They are not. In fact, they are doing a very piss-poor job.

    The VA has a first-world budget which they use to provide veterans less than third-world medical care and benefits. Current VA leadership has their Brain Housing Group the size of mice and their Heart no bigger. It is about FIFTEEN YEARS PAST TIME TO FIX THE DAMN BROKEN VA:

    1. IMMEDIATELY recognize the problems inherent in the VA are SYSTEM-WIDE, not just limited to a few locations.

    2. Fire all the Lazy No Good Workers. Fire EVERY single AFGE/SES Employee.

    3. Sell off all the VA facilities. Alternatively, they may be converted into military barracks-style housing for homeless veterans. These will be run with military-style rules to promote good order and discipline.

    4. Issue all veterans a card that allows them to choose their own doctors within their community that they can TRUST.

    5. The United States Government will PAY those doctors promptly (Within 45 days) for the care they provide veterans.

    6. ELIMINATE the “Federal Protection” Umbrella for incompetent QUACKS that the VA sends to other states to practice other than their own. Going to practice in XX state? You need to be LICENSED in XX state.

    7. Any claim a veteran submits to the VBA that requires more than 90 days to adjudicate, is automatically found to be in favor of the veteran. Should a veteran file a false claim to scam the system, the VA will have to prove in civil court that the claim was falsely submitted. For filing a false claim, the veteran will be subject to ALL of the following:

    (A). The claim shall be denied. If the veteran has received any form of benefits because of the false claim they will be required to fully repay the benefits at cost.
    (B). The veteran will be banned from all VA facilities for the remainder of their life.
    (C). The veteran will lose any benefits they originally have or had, and will not be allowed to file for further benefits.

    8. All veterans will be allowed to seek/retain the services of a Veterans Rights Attorney from their first initial contact with the VA. This will help to protect the legal rights of veterans against corrupt and incompetent VA employees.

    9. No AFGE, nor any other Labor Union business will be allowed to take place in any Federal Workplace. Conducting Union Business during working hours will be STRICTLY PROHIBITED, and will be STRICTLY ENFORCED. Should any government employee be found violating this provision, it will result in IMMEDIATE LIFETIME DISMISSAL FROM ANY/ALL STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYMENT.

    10. Attorneys for appeal will be retained at the former employee’s PERSONAL expense. U. S. Taxpayer’s will not be subject to payment of legal bills for incompetent or dishonest personnel with regards to Governmental Employment.

    You have my contact information Mr. President. Call me anytime. I have a lot of ideas to help this nation improve the services provided to my fellow veterans. The ones that were promised but have yet to be delivered upon. Veterans have been waiting for over fifty years for the fulfillment of those promises. I will not hesitate to speak up at all.

    For my fellow veterans who have been ill-served by this DERAILED CLUSTERFUCK of an AWFUL TRAIN WRECK CALLED THE VA over the years:

    Our battles overseas were far less stressful than our war here at home. Never Cruel or Cowardly. Never Give Up. Never Give In. We are on the Righteous path.

    POTUS Reagan broke up PATCO in the ’80’s. Time for POTUS Trump to break up the AFGE. The vast majority of our current Congress Critters do NOT have Veterans Interests at heart. Perhaps their replacements will. VOTE OUT all these WORTHLESS BASTARDS.

    Give their replacement’s one term to take care of Veterans who put aside their own personal lives to answer this nation’s call when she needed them. Many of those Veterans suffer the remainder of their lives for doing what most of their countrymen had not the courage to do.

    If they cannot MUSTER THE STONES to do it properly – – – vote their worthless asses out as well. Party should NOT MATTER. What SHOULD MATTER is their VOTING RECORDS ON VETERANS ISSUES.

    Rhetoric is cheap. Congressional Voting Records on veterans issues speak louder than words.

    NO Combat Veteran should be surprised when the next McVeigh, Congressional Baseball Team, or Las Vegas Sniper Incident occurs. Bound to happen. Just a matter of time . . .

    We have now reached the next accelerative phase of our country falling apart. Country before Party. Principles before Personalities. Always.

    Want to REALLY fix the VA? The next SecVA needs to be a former Enlisted Man brought in from the general veteran population with a few serious axes to grind against the VA and the AFGE, with zero previous governmental civilian service. Apparently, Former Flag Officers and SES appointed Civilians can’t cut the mustard . . .

    Maybe a SINCERELY MOTIVATED Gunnery Sergeant or Chief Petty Officer CAN.

    Disgruntled Veteran
    1973 – 1976 USMC
    1978 – 1993 USN
    Wounded Warrior
    Honolulu, Hawaii

  30. cj ¯¯̿̿¯̿̿’̿̿̿̿̿̿̿’̿̿’̿̿̿̿̿’̿̿̿)͇̿̿)̿̿̿̿ ‘̿̿̿̿̿̿\̵͇̿̿\=(•̪̀●́)=o/̵͇̿̿/’̿̿ ̿ ̿̿ says:

    Hey!! VSO’s ALL ABOUT THE MONEY NEVER ABOUT THE VET

    ___________________$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
    ________________$$$$____$$$$$_____$$$$
    ______________$$┌∩┐(◣_◢)┌∩┐$┌∩┐(◣_◢)┌∩┐$$
    _____$$$$$$$$$$$____________________$$$$$$
    ___$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
    _$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
    _$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
    __$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
    _____$$$$$$$____________________$$$$$$$
    ______$$$$$______________________$$$$$
    ————————FUCK YOU VSO’S

  31. If you need anything else from us and we are living in a great fight for our lives and what we were promised by our government and told by such groups like them who say they fighting for us for over a 100 year to get them well if I had to do it I won’t be saying I was proud of It but very ashamed of that fact and would never give a party for a person who fought us every day not to get what we were told by the government and take his wife and others on a trip many more things on the lifes of my brother and sister who he was to help and support. James M. Hanrahan 100 DAV.

    1. James M. Hanrahan,
      Maybe you should visit the website of;

      “DAVReform.org”

      Before you speak about them! Like “Wylde Chylde”, not quite sure which side of the fence your on with them!

      1. This is what the AMVETS messaged me saying. Hi Annette,

        Yes, we’ve read Mr. Krause’s article and understand that he has never had an appreciation for VSO’s and the VA. Each Secretary is honored in a similar manner when they leave the department. We believe this article gives a slanted view on a gesture that is bestowed on every Secretary at the position.

Comments are closed.