No. 134-P:04/26/96:Under Secretary of Defensefor Personnel

Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Edwin Dorn, and UnderSecretary of Veteran Affairs for Benefits John Vogel will receive the HammerAward, during a ceremony on April 29, 1996, at 10 a.m. (EST), in the USDConference Room, 3E752, The Pentagon. Department of Defense Comptroller JohnHamre will present the awards.

The Hammer Award, given by Vice President Gore's National Performance Review,recognizes the joint effort between the two agencies for reducing the time ittakes to pay the death gratuity benefits to survivors of military retirees whodie from service connected causes within 120 days of retirement. The newprocess reduces the payment time from approximately six months to six days.

The event is open to media coverage. The point of contact for moreinformation is Capt. Carla Sims, USAR at (703) 697-3749.