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VA won’t oust chief of staff over conferences scandal

By Leo Shane III
Published: October 10, 2012
JohnGingrich
VA Chief of Staff John Gingrich

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs said they will not further punish Chief of Staff John Gingrich for his role in the Florida training conference scandal, despite calls from top Republicans for his resignation.

In a statement late Tuesday, the department said that “Mr. Gingrich’s conduct has been addressed by the Secretary” and that a further review of other employees’ actions is underway. Gingrich received a mild rebuke from VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, who called Gingrich’s oversight of the conferences “inadequate.”

Richmond renovation part of nationwide push to help highlight veterans

By Leo Shane III
Published: October 5, 2012

WASHINGTON – Last month, officials from the Home Depot Foundation announced a $50 million pledge to veterans nonprofits and a goal of completing 300 veterans service projects nationwide before Veterans Day next month. Frank Blake Jr., a district manager for the company’s central Virginia stores, said he’s had no shortage of volunteers since then.

“If anything, we’ve had more volunteers than we can fit on our projects,” he said. “It’s great. I think it’s a recognition of the sacrifice that veterans have made for the country, and a chance for our employees to give back.”

To save his family, a Marine fights his war again, from a therapist's chair

By Thomas James Brennan
Published: October 4, 2012

By mid-March, his depression, anger, alcoholism and isolation were affecting his marriage. He had built an emotional barricade and took his anger out on her.

Five months later, sitting alone, Andrew J. Czubai reflected on how he lost what meant the most to him — his family. He realized he saw this coming. It’s not something he wanted, but it’s something that could have been prevented. Many people suggested he get help but he was too stubborn. He thought he could fix himself or cope. He wished he had listened.

House Vets chair says VA has ‘a leadership void’

By Leo Shane III
Published: October 3, 2012
Rep. Jeff Miller
Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., speaks at the 2012 Warrior-Family Symposium in Washington, DC on Sept. 13, 2012. Miller has blasted Department of Veterans Affairs officials for multiple failures related to a pair of costly 2011 training conferences.
C.J. Lin/Stars and Stripes

WASHINGTON — The head of the House Veterans Affairs Committee on Wednesday angrily blasted Department of Veterans Affairs officials for multiple failures related to a pair of costly 2011 training conferences.

“It is apparent we have a leadership void at VA,” said Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla.. “Without strong leadership at VA, I am concerned that some of the best ideas we put forth will never realize their full potential.”

Vets group offers voters guide for veterans, military issues

By Leo Shane III
Published: October 2, 2012
IAVAVoterGuide

WASHINGTON – The first presidential debate is set for Wednesday night, so on Tuesday officials at Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America released their checklist of candidate issues that active and former troops should be tracking closely as the November elections approach.

The online voter guide lists five “critical challenges facing this generation of veterans and the tough leadership choices required to truly support new veterans in the years ahead.” Officials said veterans and military supporters should be looking for answers to each of the topics not only from the presidential contenders but also from their state and local elected officials.

 
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