MOPH Thanks President Obama for New Veteran Initiatives

“The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) is extremely pleased by the programs for veterans announced yesterday by President Obama,” said National Commander Jeff Roy, “and we were honored to be present when the announcements were made. Moreover, the President’s willingness to meet with and seek the counsel of the major Veteran Service Organizations demonstrates his commitment to doing the right thing for those who have served their country with honor.”

Once it is in place, the new unified lifetime electronic health record system will provide a seamless and simplified transition of health records between DOD and the VA, and should ensure that veterans will be able to get their benefits processed in a more timely fashion following release from active duty.  Further, by giving all VA sites access to a veteran's complete military medical record, they will be able to better provide timely and high-quality medical care.

According to Roy, “We are also pleased that the President is supporting what has been one of the highest legislative priorities for the MOPH, advanced funding for veterans’ medical care.  Earlier this year, with the urging and support of the MOPH, Senator Daniel Akaka and Representative Bob Filner, Chairmen of their respective Veteran Affairs Committees, jointly introduced legislation that would allow the Department of Veteran Affairs to be funded one year in advance, rather than to allow budget delays to interrupt medical care for veterans.”

The Military Order of the Purple Heart notes that the 2010 budget includes the largest single-year increase in VA funding in three decades, and will increase funding by $25 billion over the next five years.  In addition to increased funding for the VA health care program, it will permit the VA to expand coverage to many veterans who had previously been denied health care.

One of the most important programs announced by President Obama is new funding to understand better and treat the mental health needs of our wounded warriors. As the President noted, “Untold thousands of servicemen and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or other serious psychological injury. The growing incidence of suicide among active military returning veterans is disturbing.”  This budget increases funding for mental health screening and treatment at all levels while helping to reduce the stigma of seeking mental health care. Further, this budget provides increased funding to address one of the signature injuries of these ongoing  wars, Traumatic Brain Injury.

Finally, this budget will fund a pilot program with not-for-profit organizations to address the severe problem of homeless veterans.  This year the Military Order of the Purple Heart entered into a partnership with the VA to help locate, house, train, and find employment for homeless veterans and help restore dignity to their lives.  Their belief in and dedicated service to their country cannot be forgotten.

As President Obama so rightfully noted, “That, after all, is what led them to wear the uniform in the first place -- their unwavering belief in America. And now we must serve them as well as they've served us. And as long as I am Commander-in-Chief, I promise that we will work tirelessly to make sure that all those who wear this nation's uniform know this: When you come home to America, America will be there for you.”

The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America's Military History. Most importantly, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance.  MOPH volunteers provide assistance to hospitalized veterans at VA sites and State Veterans Homes.

For information contact either:

National Service Director, Frank Van Hoy, 703-354-2140

or

National Public Relations Director, John Bircher, 352-753-5535

Email: PublicRelations@Purpleheart.org

Web: www.purpleheart.org