WASHINGTON –Using the latest in video and broadcast technologies, stirring music, creative graphics and solid writing, “The American Veteran” a monthly half-hour news magazine from the Department of Veterans Affairs, tells compelling stories of real-life veterans who have taken advantage of the many and varied benefits and services available to them as a result of their military service.
“We are committed to informing veterans and active duty military alike about VA’s many benefits and services and we are very pleased with the quality and reach of “The American Veteran,” said Acting VA Secretary Gordon H. Mansfield. “The feedback and recognition the program has received is a testament to the effort put in by all involved.”
The series is designed to inform active duty members, veterans, their families and their communities about the services and benefits they have earned and to recognize and honor them. VA’s Office of Public Affairs and the VA Learning University/ Employee Education System (VALU/EES) produce the program and broadcast it to VA facilities on the department’s own internal network and around the world on The Pentagon Channel and community cable outlets.
Aimed at veterans of all eras, their families and the American Public, VA also tells stories of heroism, sacrifice and relives moments in history with those who lived it reminding veterans of the bond of service they all share.
The VA Office of Public Affairs offers the program to local broadcasters and cable outlets and makes it available for viewing on the VA Web site www.va.gov, just click on “public affairs” and then “featured items.”
“The American Veteran” schedule on The Pentagon Channel is available at *http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/* where you can also view the program as it is broadcast. The Pentagon Channel has more than 1 million military viewers and is delivered domestically via DISH, EchoStar, T-Warner and Cox cable systems. (Check for service in your area.)
A preview of the December edition of “The American Veteran” follows:
MRSA -- A deadly pathogen is spreading in our nation’s hospitals: methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, more commonly known by its acronym MRSA. VA has launched a nationwide MRSA Prevention Initiative to contain the spread of the super germ, reducing the infection rate by fifty percent.
PATIENT SAFETY -- FallsCenterTampa - Many injuries that require hospital visits begin when a patient falls. The Patient Safety and FallsPreventionCenter at the TampaVA is conducting new research and testing new therapies to keep the elderly on their feet and out of the hospital.
BLIND TECHNOLOGY -- Many of our veterans suffer from debilitating eye diseases, including total blindness. VA has introduced new technologies – including a voice talk synthesizer that helps patients take their medications safely and a GPS devise that helps patients get around– all to improve the lives of blind veterans.
NEWS YOU CAN USE -- The VA operates a live 24-hour-a-day suicide prevention hotline; applying for VA health benefits; Dr. Jonathan Shay wins the McArthur Award
SURVIVOR OF THE BATAAN DEATH MARCH REMEMBERS -- WWII veteran Ralph Levenberg survived the Bataan Death March in the Philippines and three subsequent years as a Japanese POW. His story provides a poignant reminder of why we honor our heroes on Veterans Day.
VETERAN PROFILE -- Wayne Miller is a Vietnam veteran who lost a leg in combat. Today, Wayne is a Vet Center Team Leader, award winning athlete and singer whose experiences serve as an inspiration to men and women he works with and counsels.
For information about the program and how to obtain it for local programming, contact the VA at 202-273-5730.
