CDVA SEMI-ANNUAL SECRETARY’S CONFERENCE

Secretary Tom Johnson, FACHE, California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA), convened a semi-annual meeting Friday, October 3rd, 2008, 8:00am to Noon, the Medal of Honor Hall, CDVA Headquarters Building, Sacramento, in order to update the veterans community about service and support achievements.

CAL-MOAA was properly represented at the formal sessions; in addition, networking opportunities were made available to participants. This is part of the continuing bylaws mandate to maintain close liaison with the other veterans organizations in California.

The conference was designed to bring together veteran advocates and leaders of veterans organizations from across California and the CDVA team to communicate and discuss veterans issues.

Later in the afternoon there was an opportunity for an ad hoc California State Commanders Veterans Council (CSCVC) meeting to discuss agenda items for the upcoming October 18th Fresno quarterly meeting, with specific emphasis on nominations and potential for a new officer slate which could over time lead the organization to high levels of success. Concern was expressed the the state legislative program; however Pete Conaty said he would continue to advocate for the group in Sacramento with the understanding his retainer requirements would be satisfied sooner than later.

Secretary Johnson suggested state initiatives were moving forward with more veterans being served.

Full information about State of California veterans benefits, benefits well-deserved by our veterans, was distributed along with a description of a wide variety of veterans services delivered from offices throughout the state. California says, “You have served your nation; let us serve you.” Almost a dozen and a half earned benefits were listed.

Colonel Daniel Nelan, Chief of Staff, California National Guard, explained high priority needs within the context of recruitment and retention. California is now only one of all the states that does not provide higher education benefits to National Guard personnel.

Bucky Peterson, Chairman, Troops to College, offered a special PowerPoint presentation beginning with the Governor’s vision which includes California becoming the nation’s model and leader in providing educational opportunites and assistance to active duty military and veterans–increase college/university enrollment and provide instructional opportunity for those on active duty, all to provide more highly qualified men and women to the California workforce.

Phil Knox, Assistant Director, Advising Services, University of California at Davis, gave an overview of the campus and opportunities for future students.

The briefings centered on veterans benefits and specifically a New GI Bill Overview, the so-called “Post 9/11 GI Bill,” a piece of legislation which boasts the most comprehensive education benefits package since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944, a bill which goes into effect August 1, 2009.

A comprehensive list of bills signed by the Governor in 2008 was provided along with those vetoed and an associated veto message. These bills already have had wide distribution including posting to the weblog.

There was some talk of Selective Service and the draft, providiing data showing 90% of young men registered, a high number particularly since it is a felony not to register.

Don Rinker, Director, National Cemetery Administration, MN V, listed up-to-the-minute facts about the cemetery program in California specifically mentioning the new Sacramento Valley Cemetery at Dixon. A new facility for cremation and protection of remains is planned for the old Alameda Naval Air Station. This program is moving forward and will provide much greater capacity for veterans living in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

Robert W. Johnson, Sr., President, Vietnam Veterans of America talked about the California Veitnam Veterans Memorial 20th Anniversary event update. It will be a spectacular time December 10th through 13th at the State Capitol, honoring our past and honoring our legacy. Details of this occasion have been posted to the weblog.

Stan Oppegard, Deputy Secretary for Veterans Homes, CDVA, talked of the homes at Yountville, Barstow, and Chula Vista. Emphasis was on recent growth, accomplishments, the budget, as well as additional current plans and projects. This CDVA division is expanding its skilled nursing care and other services mainly for the elderly.

Richard Wyatt, Construction Supervisor, CDVA, gave an update on improvements within California such as a water distribution system at Yountville, a design and development project at Fresno, a Sacramento headquarters HVAC system, construction at Lancaster, Ventura, and West L. A., and even shower repairs at some of the homes.

There were detailed briefings about Cal Vet Home loans, the program itself, finances, the current market, as well as a summary of delinquencies. In addition, there was information provided about farm and home purchases and the adminsitration of the Cal Vet program. The purpose of the program is to provide home and farm loans to qualified veterans at no cost to California’s taxpayers.

Ted Puntillo, Deputy Secretary for Veterans Services, CDVA described how CDVA programs not related directlyk to the Veterans Homes or the CalVet loan program are administered, with office locations, budget details, staffing levels, and more, all to serve the 2.1 million veterans living in California. One of the most important of the services is outreach to recently discharged veterans to make sure they have PTSD & TBI screening.

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) has provided approximately $7.1 billion in expenditures for California in 2008.

Secretary Johnson expressed his appreciation for the more than 50 veterans representatives attending the meeting. He concluded by saying that much progress is being made serving our veterans and an even greater effort will be made as we go into the future.

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