About the Chairman | About the Committee | Committee News | Committee Hearings | Committee Documents | Committee Legislation | VA Benefits | VA Health Care | Veterans' Links | Democrat's Home Page | Contact the Committee

Testimony of

1999-2000

Richard H. Esau, Jr. attended St. Benedicts School, St. Ann’s Academy High School and graduated from Manhattan College in New York. He was commissioned a Lieutenant of Marines in 1957. Proud to be called an Infantryman, Dick commanded a Platoon, Company, Battalion and Regiment during his 28-year career. During Vietnam, he was the Operations Officer for 2^nd Battalion, 5^th Marine Regiment stationed at An Hoa southwest of Danang. Dick retired from the United States Marine Corps as a Colonel in 1985.

Included among Dick’s many decorations are two Legion of Merit medals, three Bronze Star Medals with combat "V", the Navy Commendation Medal with combat "V" and two Purple Heart Medals.

After his second tour in Vietnam, he remained in that country past the Paris Peace Accords to search for missing American servicemen as the J-3 Operations Officer of the Joint Casualty Resolution Center. During his distinguished career, Dick served in a variety of assignments, including Tactics Instructor at the Basic School in Quantico, Virginia; Assistant Naval Attaché in England; Action Officer on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon; and Counsel to the Legislative Assistant of the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Dick was a member of the Army War College Class of 1980 and received a Masters Degree in Communications from Shippensburg University. He is an Able Toastmaster and International Serious Speech Contest Winner, as well as the recipient of the Freedoms Foundation George Washington Honor Medal for his work "My Hopes for America’s Future."

Dick joined the Military Order of the Purple Heart in 1982 as a charter member of Chapter 483 in Hawaii, where he commanded the Third Marine Regiment and served as Chief of Staff of the First Marine Brigade. He transferred his Life Membership to Chapter 21 in New Rochelle, New York upon his retirement in 1985. Dick has held most of the elected and appointed positions at the Chapter, Department, Region and National levels of the MOPH leadership structure.

Commander Esau is Vice President Human Resources of J. A. Jones-GMO Construction Company and Knightsbridge Interiors. Dick is on the Board of Directors for the Purple Heart Hall of Honor in Newburgh, New York; the Partnership for Innovative Comprehensive Care, Incorporated of New York; and is the Chairman of Mayor Giuliani’s Committee to Commemorate the 50^th Anniversary of the Korean War. He resides in Pleasantville, New York with his wife, Naomi, and their daughter, Meg. 

7 March 2000

Salutation

Mr. Chairman and distinguished members of the Veterans' Affairs Committees, it is an honor and a privilege for me to come before you today representing the Military Order of the Purple Heart. I thank you for the opportunity to present the views and concerns of America's Combat Wounded Veterans.

I should like to begin by introducing my fellow officers in the Military Order of the Purple Heart National Organization. On my left are Senior Vice Commander Fredrick A. Taylor, Jr. and National Junior Vice Commander Richard L. Spinelli. On my right are National Legislative Director Frank G. Wickersham III, National Adjutant General John B. Kirby and National Service Director Gregory A. Bresser. We are proud to be here to represent all of America's Combat Wounded Veterans, their families, and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart

As I am certain you are aware, the Military Order of the Purple Heart is the Nation's only Congressionally Chartered organization charged with representing the views, concerns, and interests of America's Combat Wounded. Our lineage spans the full course of American military history.

General George Washington, this Nation's Founding Father, established the Badge of Military Merit in 1782 as a means of recognizing courage and steadfastness in actual combat against the enemies of our Country. Only three of these awards, symbolized by a heart-shaped piece of purple cloth affixed to the soldier's tunic, were bestowed before the Revolutionary War's end. The modern Purple Heart Award was reinstated by Congress in 1932, at the recommendation of Army Chief of Staff General Douglas MacArthur. By special petition, it was retroactively awarded to combat wounded military personnel from World War I. Today, the awarding of the Purple Heart is reserved for United States military personnel who are physically wounded while engaged in armed combat with an enemy of our Country.

From the original three Badges of Military Merit awarded by General Washington, we now have 600,000 living Purple Heart recipients. Hundreds of thousands of combat wounded have answered the last bugle call and rest today in hallowed places around the globe. The service of these patriots to our Country is dramatically real in both a collective and personal sense. 

Collectively, this group of combat-tested veterans represents and embodies the heart and soul of the American Warrior. They have forged the history of our Nation in great battles and little known skirmishes around the world. Without these Warriors, the country we and the World call "the land of the free and the home of the brave" would not be.

In a personal sense, America's Combat Wounded are the warrior's warriors. They have "seen the tiger," felt the sting of battle, and must bear with dignity - in life and death - the personal results of wounds suffered in the call to duty. It is incalculable what these valiant men and women must personally bear as a result of their sacrifice and service. How is it possible to estimate, even for a most grateful nation, the loss of a single young soldier who will not grow-up to be a great poet or noble statesman? How can we here today place a price or calculate a sum on the day-to-day costs that a limbless or paralyzed veteran must pay from his or her wellspring of life.

The simple, straightforward answer is "we cannot!" We can never - and I emphasize never - repay our debt to our Combat Wounded. All that we can hope to do as a moral and honorable Nation is say, "We care, we remember." Gentlemen, that is why we, the representatives of America's Combat Wounded, are here this day. We are here to say, "We care, we remember" ….and to be certain that all members of the United States Congress do the same.

Keep the Promise

It is, of course, easy to speak the phrase, "We care, we remember." It is more difficult to underwrite that conviction with deeds, but that is exactly what must be done. You, the Congress, are the "keepers of the keys." When America says to its Combat Wounded Veterans, "We care, we remember," it is up to you to underwrite this conviction in a practical and meaningful way. The Millenium Health Care Act was a good start and we thank you for your efforts on our behalf. What then needs to be done? What does the Military Order of the Purple Heart believe we must do?

In January, Leonard F. Chapman, Jr. died. He was a role model for many at this table. The day he died he was among the one thousand veterans who passed away that day. Yes, Gentlemen, America is losing its veterans at a rate of 30,000 per month. Each of them is a treasure lost and each of them raises the questions, "Did we repay them for the service they rendered? Were we there in the twilight of their lives when they needed us most?" Lord knows they were there when we needed them most!

General Chapman, an outstanding example of his generation, devoted his adult life to the service of his Country. He was aboard the USS Astoria as Commanding Officer, Marine Detachment during the battles of Coral Sea and Midway. Later he served as Commander 4th Battalion, 11th Marines on Pelelieu and Okinawa. Retiring in 1971 as the Corps' 24th Commandant, he went on to become the Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Additionally, he and Emily, his partner in life, raised two sons who served as Marine Officers in Vietnam.

Leonard Chapman, along with thousands of young men from his era, learned early on the meaning of duty, honor and Country. Their personal commitment to their fellow servicemen was complete. When I say to you that the Military Order of the Purple Heart cares; that we will do everything humanly possible to support the needs and requirements of our Combat Wounded and all other Veterans, I am doing nothing more than expressing the sentiments of those men and women, like Leonard Chapman, who made this Country what it is today. My question, simply stated, "Is the Congress of a similar mind?"

Let me explain. In poignant juxtaposition, the newspapers that carried word of General Chapman's passing also contained an article stating that the military services (except for the Marine Corps) are experiencing chronic difficulties in recruiting and retaining enough young men and women to meet their needs. The coincidence of General Chapman's passing and the rising alarm in recruiting and retention made me wonder, "Where will the Services get the leaders and warriors for thirty years hence?"

As if to further underscore the problem this nation faces in maintaining its shield and sword, the obituary for General Chapman noted that when he retired the Corps had an active strength of over 300,000. Today that strength, and the strength of our other Services, has been cut nearly in half. Even the most indifferent observer must see the handwriting on the wall. Although America has dramatically reduced its requirement for military manpower, we still cannot make the goal. Something is obviously very wrong.

Many in Congress and the Department of Defense are searching for the "silver bullet solution" to America's apparent difficulty in finding the warriors she needs to protect her in the 21st Century. I offer the thought that the solution is right before us and has always been. It was, in fact, handed down to us by none other than the originator of the Purple Heart and the Father of our Country, General George Washington. General Washington wrote:

"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by our Nation."

When the General wrote these words, he knew firsthand of sagging National resolve, failed Congressional promises, and a lack of true commitment to America's veterans. In brief, he knew that positive action must underwrite any national expression of, "We care, we remember."

The "silver bullet solution" is as simple as Washington told us over two hundred years ago. If this Nation as a whole, you as our Congress, and we as America's veterans' community fail to truly care, and truly remember the sacrifice and service of those who have fought and died for us, then we cannot expect to raise future generations of leaders and warriors.

There will be no more Leonard Chapman's, George Patton's, Bull Halsey's, Colin Powell's, Curtis LeMay's or Norman Schwarzkopf's. Nor will there be warriors like - and I will ask these gentlemen to stand as I mention their names - George Gallagher, a 15-year old Cavalryman in World War II, wounded Battalion Commander in Viet Nam and Agent Orange victim; Gene Forster, two tour veteran and Artillery Commander in Viet Nam; Ted Kasica, Fourth Marine Division veteran of World War II; Chris Harl, severely wounded Army trooper in Viet Nam; Al Ortiz, Korean War veteran wounded combating the initial North Korean onslaught; Ken Noonan wounded four times in Viet Nam; Mike Ali who lost a leg and an eye in Viet Nam; and Ed Schnug, the recipient of two Silver Stars and three Purple Hearts who served with the Marine Raiders on Makin Island, and fought at the fabled battles of Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir.

If we cannot keep our promise as a Nation to provide for veterans such as these men, and their 6.5 million fellow patriots, I am fearful that America will not be able to raise future generations of warriors. Today as I speak, the Department of Defense is spending up to $70,000 per recruit to get highly qualified soldiers; lowering the educational requirements to induct enough Air Force technicians; and pandering to the whims of social engineers to find crewmen for our fighting ships. Why must we do this? The bottom line is that we have, in fact and deed, not heeded General Washington's warning.

If we truly care and truly remember the service given by this Nation's veterans, why must we constantly come before Congress time and again to request that those commitments be honored? America has promised its veterans proper health care, reasonable housing and educational benefits, adequate retirement and disability compensations, and an efficiently functioning Department of Veterans Affairs. There is no quibble that these promises are right and necessary. There is no quibble that the veterans themselves have fulfilled their end of the contract to serve, fight and die if necessary for their Country. There must not now, nor ever be, any quibble in Congress to honor the promises made to America's warriors.

Summation

Gentlemen, I've always been known for telling it like it is. My personal commitment and the commitment of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is based on our combat experiences where we learned that we must look after our own. I consider it my duty and a matter of honor to advocate on behalf of my fellow veterans; the Ladies Auxiliary; and in particular, the families of those who lost their lives in the service of our great democracy. They have earned the support and services America has promised.

To that cause, I am and will remain "always faithful." I and my fellow combat wounded veterans will not accept anything less than total victory in ensuring our Country honors the commitments made to our Nation's veterans. The Congress, of course, is the catalyst in this endeavor and we expect our Senators and Representatives to be as committed as we are simply because it's the right thing to do!

Yours in Patriotism,

Richard H. Esau, Jr. 

 An enduring theme of the Military Order of the Purple Heart legislative agenda has been, and will continue to be, to gain and maintain for all U.S. military veterans: (1) proper health care, (2) reasonable housing and educational benefits, (3) adequate retirement and disability compensations, and (4) an efficiently functioning Department of Veterans Affairs. In keeping with this agenda we will continue to have interest in the sponsorship, enactment, funding and follow-through on such national legislative efforts as noted below:

n The Veterans Millennium Health Care Act (HR2116)

n Keep Our Promise to America’s Military Retirees Act (HR 2966/3573, S2003)

n Improvements in the Montgomery GI Bill

n The Veterans Nursing Home Care Act (HR 1432)

n The Military Health Care Improvements Act of 2000 (S2087)

n The Military Retiree Health Care Relief Act (HR 121)

n The Uniformed Services Retiree and Dependents Health Care Availability Act (HR1067)

n The Broken Promises Retiree Health Coverage Act of 2000 (HR 3631)

n The Robert Stodola Homeless Veterans Assistance Act (HR 1008)

n The Veteran Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999

n The Veterans Benefits Administration Improvement Act (S1680)

n The Veterans Equal Access to Medicare Act of 1999 (S445)

n The Veterans Health Care Quality Assurance Act of 1999 (S1956)

n The Veterans Access to Emergency Care Act of 1999 (HR135/S1146)

n The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1997

n The Medicare Subvention Demonstration for Veterans Act of 1999 (S329)

n The Servicemembers and Veterans Transition Services Improvement Act of 1999 (HR 606)

n The Prescription Drug Fairness for Seniors Act of 1999 (HR 664/S731)

n The Veterans Employment and Training Bill of Rights Act of 1999 (HR 364)

n The Veterans Long-Term Care Enhancement Act of 1999 (S1250)

n The Veterans Right to Know Act (HR3256)

n The Department of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 (HR 2684)

Below listed are a number of Resolutions presented by the Membership of the Military Order of the Purple Heart at its August 1999 National Convention. These resolution are reprinted here for information and potential action, as appropriate, by the United States Congress. 

WHEREAS, the United States Postal Service issues various commemorative stamps each year, and

WHEREAS, these stamps, in most cases honors a famous person, commemorates an important event, or depicts a natural wonderland, and

WHEREAS, these various stamps recognizes heroes, politicians, military leaders, rock musicians, comic strip characters, birds, quilts, flags, movie stars, etc., and

WHEREAS, recipients of the Purple Heart medal should be recognized for their sacrifices and blood they shed for this great country on a yearly basis, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Military Order of the Purple Heart petition the Postal Service to issue a stamp honoring the Purple Heart on August 7^th of each year.

PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED BY:

DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS

WHEREAS, there are no current provisions for permanent recognition of holders of the Purple Heart Medal beyond the presentation of the medal, and

WHEREAS, Purple Heart Medal recipients have shed blood or died in action at the hands of an enemy of the United States and suffer permanent and lasting physical and mental anguish, and

WHEREAS, Purple Heart Medal recipients should be compensated for their sacrifice, and,

WHEREAS, that Purple Heart Medal recipients should be compensated for their combat wounds with permanent access to the same services as retired military and disabled veterans, and

WHEREAS, the Purple Heart Medal recipients should walk proud among their fellow veterans for the physical and mental anguish they have endured now and for the rest of their lives, and

BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Military Order of the Purple Heart organization should lobby for these benefits with Congressional representation.

SUBMITTED BY:

DEPARTMENT OF DELAWARE 

WHEREAS, to preserve the integrity of the Purple Heart Medal as one awarded solely for wounds received in combat, and

WHEREAS, the Purple Heart Medal has a rich history in the United States, dating back to General George Washington in the American Revolution on August 7, 1782, and

WHEREAS, the Purple Heart Medal has become known worldwide as an award for combat injuries, and

WHEREAS, in recent years their award has been awarded to American Servicemen for heat exhaustion in Panama and for physical beatings in Yugoslavia, and

WHEREAS, we support and applaud the efforts of our servicemen throughout the globe, we believe that awarding the Purple Heart Medal for less than combat injuries diminishes its value to all who have received it for true combat injuries in the past, and

BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, direct our National Commander to petition the Department of Defense, or any other appropriate agency of the United States government to limit all future awards of the Purple Heart Medal to those with true combat injuries.

SUBMITTED BY:

DEPARTMENT OF NEW JERSEY 

WHEREAS, there are presently more than 26 million living veterans of whom over ten million have reached an age where they require increased health care including long-term care; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Veterans Affairs budget has fallen from 4.3 percent of federal budget spending in 1970 to an estimated 2.3 percent in fiscal year ’99; and

WHEREAS, the laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs authorizing benefits for veterans, their dependents and survivors are classified into the following general categories: Compensation for service-connected disabilities and death, pension for income maintenance of veterans and survivors, educational and training assistance and loans, servicemen’s life insurance, veterans life insurance, hospital and medical care service, nursing home and domicile care, including state veterans home construction funds, health manpower training, medical and prosthetic research and burial benefits; and

WHEREAS, it appears that the Department of Veterans Affairs will not accommodate by any measure the anticipated demand for services over the next 20 years; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Veterans Affairs has stated that by the year 2000, an increase in hospital beds will be needed with special geriatric evaluation units at each medical center, and that outpatient clinics should be able to support at least 33 million visits with the appropriate prevention, geriatric and specialized services; and that additional Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Centers (GRECCs) be established; and

WHEREAS, veterans who served honorably in our Armed Forces during periods of war or hostility have rendered a very special service to our great nation; and if in need of health care, should be timely provided the finest care by the Department of Veterans Affairs; now, therefore

WHEREAS, with a projected $14 billion federal budget surplus for the coming year, the nation’s fiscal health has never been better. Now is the time for Congress to provide the #3 billion needed to care for our Nation’s sick and disabled veterans

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, that we urge the Congress of the United States to pass a budget and appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs which will fully fund and maintain the integrity of the benefits and entitlements programs and enhance Department of Veterans Affairs health care system.

To have Congress pass a budget which, (1) fully funds and maintains benefits and entitlement programs, and, ( 2) fully funds the VA health care system.

PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED BY:

DEPARTMENT OF MICHIGAN

WHEREAS, State Veterans Homes were founded for Civil War Veterans in the late 1800s and have served veterans for over 100 years, and

WHEREAS, under the provisions of Title 38, United States Code, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is authorized to make aid payments to states maintaining State Veterans Homes subject to the provisions of 38 CFR 18.13, and

WHEREAS, there are 93 State Veterans Homes in 42 states throughout the United States, with more being added annually, and

WHEREAS, the VA State Veterans Home Program has proven to be a cost-effective provider of quality care services to the nation’s veterans who require Domiciliary, nursing home, and hospital care, and

WHEREAS, VA promotes the care and treatment of veterans in State Veterans Homes as one means to attain the goal of developing and maintaining the highest possible quality of patient care for eligible veterans, and

WHEREAS, Title 38, United State Code, authorizes the State Home construction Grant Program which is funded by the VA at 65% of total costs for construction of new State Veterans Homes and renovation of existing facilities, and

WHEREAS, the VA has not kept pace with states’ grant applications for construction of new State Veterans Homes and renovation projects, and

WHEREAS, Title 38, United States Code, authorizes the VA to make per diem payments for veterans residing in State Veterans Homes, and the State Veterans Home Program is recognized as the lowest cost alternative used by the VA, and

WHEREAS, recognizing the growing long term health care needs of older veterans, the State Veterans Home Program will continue to be a vital health care provider and the lowest cost alternative for veterans needing long term nursing care, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Military Order of the Purple Heart fully supports the legislative objectives of the National Association of State Veterans Homes (NASVH) to receive from VA a per diem payment that equals the national average cost of providing care in a State Veterans Home, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Military Order of the Purple Heart urges the Congress of the United States to fully fund State Veterans Home construction grant Priority One projects, and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Military Order of the Purple Heart supports a ranking system whereby State Home construction grant request would be prioritized, in the year they are received, utilizing current VA needs criteria. Grant requests received in future years would be prioritized in the same manner with the understanding that they will not receive funding until projects submitted in previous years are funded. However, states without State Veterans Homes automatically would become eligible for funding regardless of the year their requests are received, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Military Order of the Purple Heart urges the President and Congress to pledge their full support to the State Veterans Home Program as it is the most cost-effective nursing care alternative used by VA.

PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED BY:

DEPARTMENT OF IDAHO

SUPPORT FOR RETIREES

WHEREAS, military retirees receive medical support from U.S. Armed Forces medical facilities for themselves and their dependents as a benefit of their retirement, and

WHEREAS, medical support by these facilities is provided on a "space available" basis subject at all times to denial, and should space not be available, it would cause a traumatic interruption in the continuity of care, and

WHEREAS, there are many military medical facilities located on bases that are scheduled to be closed under the Base Closure and Realignment Act, PL 100-526, and

WHEREAS, the closure of bases and the medical facilities thereon will force retirees and their dependents to use the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), and

WHEREAS, the closure of medical facilities will cost the Department of Defense more money by shifting military retirees and their dependents to the more costly health care services provided by CHAMPUS and Medicare; now therefor

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Military Order of the Purple Heart that Congress be urged to enact legislation requiring the Department of Defense to ensure that military retirees and their dependents receive the free medical services earned by their military service.

PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED BY:

DEPARTMENT OF MARYLAND 

WHEREAS, VA disability compensation is intended to make up lost earning potential due to service-connected disability, and

WHEREAS, military retirement pay is an earned entitlement for those who make a career out of serving the nation in our armed forces, and

WHEREAS, concurrent receipt of compensation for service-connected disability and military retirement pay are offset dollar for dollar, and

WHEREAS, military retirees are the only federal retirees treated in this manner, now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED that the Military Order of the Purple Heart supports HR303 introduced by Congressman Bilirakis to allow concurrent receipt of full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation. To support a bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to permit retired members of the Armed Forces who retired with over 20 years of service and who have service-connected disabilities to receive compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs concurrently with retired pay, without deduction from either. Latest Action: January 19, 1999. Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED BY:

DEPARTMENT OF MARYLAND

WHEREAS, the space for Purple Heart veterans is limited in Arlington National Cemetery, and

WHEREAS, there are thousands of Purple Heart medal recipients who are currently eligible for interment at Arlington National Cemetery under the current criteria established by the Department of Army, and

WHEREAS, the number of burials are increasing as time goes by because of the death of World War I and World War II and later wars’ veterans, and

WHEREAS, there is an army policy that allows the Superintendent and the Secretary of the Army to grant waivers for eligibility of burial in Arlington National Cemetery, now, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, that no waivers be granted at all beyond those interments already authorized under the criteria currently established.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Military Order of the Purple Heart supports HR70 by Chairman Stump, House Member of AZ, and by Chairman Specter of PA.

The intent of this resolution is:

a bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide a cost-of-living adjustment in rates of compensation paid to veterans with service-connected disabilities, to enhance programs providing health care, education, and other benefits for veterans, to authorize major medical facility projects, to reform eligibility for burial in Arlington National Cemetery, and for other purposes. Latest Action: June 23, 1999. Committee on Veterans Affairs. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.

PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED BY:

DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA

WHEREAS, for over 15 years the LVERs and DVOPs have been the cornerstone of employment services for veterans throughout the United States Employment Service system, and

WHEREAS. The LVERS are primarily responsible for giving direction and functional supervision to the veterans programs and to facilitate intensive services to veterans in the Local Employment Service offices; and

WHEREAS, the DVOPs are primarily responsible for providing comprehensive employment services to disabled veterans, and

WHEREAS, Title 38, Chapter 41 of the United States Code, requires that the amount of funds made available "shall be sufficient to support" these programs, and

WHEREAS, the funds made available have not been sufficient to support the appropriate level of LVERs and DVOPs in every state, and

WHEREAS, sufficient funding is crucial to the delivery of employment services to veterans in this time of military reductions, now, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Military Order of the Purple Heart that we urge the Congress of the United States to appropriate sufficient funds to support the number of LVER and DVOP positions as required by Title 38.

WHEREAS, the Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) is responsible for providing direction and functional supervision to the veterans programs at the local and state levels of the State Employment Service Agency, and

WHEREAS, VETS is responsible for processing and investigating complaints by members of the uniformed services covered under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), and providing technical assistance to employers and uniformed service personnel in their rights and obligations under USERRA, and

WHEREAS, VETS is also responsible for maintaining oversight over the Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVERs) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists (DVOPs) grant programs, and

WHEREAS, sufficient funding is crucial to the delivery of employment and reemployment services to veterans, reservists and guard members in this time of reductions in military forces, now, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Military Order of the Purple Heart that we urge the Congress of the United States to appropriate sufficient funds to support the current VETS mission

To urge the Congress to appropriate sufficient funds for VETS to effectively carry out its mission.

PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED BY:

DEPARTMENT OF MICHIGAN

WHEREAS, the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA, Inc., endorses legislation to improve the health and welfare of the citizen soldier veterans that served this great country so faithfully and honorably, and

WHEREAS, the membership of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is concerned with the eligibility, application, and timeliness of certain benefits and programs administered by the DVA Veterans Benefits Administration and legislation that affects veterans, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, the Military Order of the Purple Heart supports bill number S.1076, a bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide a cost-of-living adjustment in rates of compensation paid to veterans with service-connected disabilities, to enhance programs providing health care, education, and other benefits for veterans, to authorize major medical facility projects, to reform eligibility for burial in Arlington National Cemetery.

SUBMITTED BY:

SERVICE AND LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION COMMITTEES

WHEREAS, the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA, Inc., endorses legislation to improve the health and welfare of the citizen soldier veterans that served this great country so faithfully and honorably, and

WHEREAS, the membership of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is concerned with the eligibility, application, and timeliness of certain benefits and programs administered by the DVA Veterans Benefits Administration and legislation that affects veterans, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, the Military Order of the Purple Heart supports bill number S.1238, a bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the payment of dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) to the surviving spouses of certain former prisoners of war dying with a service-connected disability related totally disabling at the time of death.

SUBMITTED BY:

SERVICE AND LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION COMMITTEES 

WHEREAS, the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA, Inc., endorses legislation to improve the health and welfare of the citizen soldier veterans that served this great country so faithfully and honorably, and

WHEREAS, the membership of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is concerned with the eligibility, application, and timeliness of certain benefits and programs administered by the DVA Veterans Benefits Administration, Internal Revenue Service and legislation that affects veterans, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, the Military Order of the Purple Heart supports bill number H.R.71, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify the exclusion from gross income for veterans’ benefits.

WHEREAS, the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA, Inc., endorses legislation to improve the health and welfare of the citizen soldier veterans that served this great country so faithfully and honorably, and

WHEREAS, the membership of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is concerned with the eligibility, application, and timeliness of certain benefits and programs administered by the DVA Veterans Benefits Administration and legislation that affects veterans, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, the Military Order of the Purple Heart supports bill number H.R.365, a bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to reauthorize the pilot program providing an opportunity for veterans to buy down the interest rate on VA loans.

SUBMITTED BY:

SERVICE AND LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION COMMITTEES

WHEREAS, the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA, Inc., endorses legislation to improve the health and welfare of the citizen soldier veterans that served this great country so faithfully and honorably, and

WHEREAS, the membership of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is concerned with the eligibility, application, and timeliness of certain benefits and programs administered by the DVA Veterans Benefits Administration and legislation that affects veterans, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, the Military Order of the Purple Heart supports bill number HR 605, a bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve retirement authorities applicable to judges of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

SUBMITTED BY: SERVICE AND LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION COMMITTEES 

WHEREAS, the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA, Inc., endorses legislation to improve the health and welfare of the citizen soldier veterans that served this great country so faithfully and honorably, and

WHEREAS, the membership of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is concerned with the eligibility, application, and timeliness of certain benefits and programs administered by the DVA Veterans Benefits Administration and legislation that affects veterans, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, the Military Order of the Purple Heart supports bill number HR 652, a bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the allowance for burial and funeral expenses of certain veterans.

SUBMITTED BY:

SERVICE AND LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION COMMITTEES

WHEREAS, the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA, Inc., endorses legislation to improve the health and welfare of the citizen soldier veterans that served this great country so faithfully and honorably, and

WHEREAS, the membership of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is concerned with the eligibility, application, and timeliness of certain benefits and programs administered by the SBA or other Agencies and legislation that affects veterans, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, the Military Order of the Purple Heart supports bill number HR 1568, a bill to provide technical, financial, and procurement assistance to veteran owned small businesses.

SUBMITTED BY:

SERVICE AND LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION COMMITTEES 

WHEREAS, the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA, Inc., endorses legislation to improve the health and welfare of the citizen soldier veterans that served this great country so faithfully and honorably, and

WHEREAS, the membership of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is concerned with the eligibility, application, and timeliness of certain benefits and programs administered by the DVA Veterans Benefits Administration and legislation that affects veterans, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, the Military Order of the Purple Heart supports bill number HR 2206, a bill to extend the period for beneficiaries of certain deceased members of the uniformed services to apply for a death gratuity under the Service Members’ Group Life Insurance.

SUBMITTED BY:

SERVICE AND LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION COMMITTEES 

HUD INCOME EXEMPTION OF VA COMPENSATION FOR SENIOR VETERANS HOUSING NEEDS

WHEREAS, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) currently considers VA compensation as income in the "Validation of Income Process" , and

WHEREAS, many of our combat-wounded veterans in receipt of compensation, are denied or determined ineligible for HUD, Assisted Senior Citizen Housing Program solely due to their compensation, and

WHEREAS, VA service-connected compensation is not income, nor considered income by the IRS or any government agency other than HUD, and

WHEREAS, many senior veterans are in need of HUD Assisted Housing Program, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, that the U.S. Code concerning non income/ non income tax status of VA compensation be applied to HUD Income Exemption Regulations. Which would provide for VA disability compensation be exempt and not considered Income by HUD for these senior housing programs.

SUBMITTED BY:

SERVICE AND LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION COMMITTEE 

RESOLUTION NO: 99-42

WHEREAS, women veterans suffer from illnesses and ailments exclusive to their gender, and

WHEREAS, numerous studies have demonstrated that Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinic are often ill-prepared to appropriately diagnose and treat women veterans; now, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, That DVA should ensure and secure appropriate facilities and resources for the diagnosis and treatment of women veterans at all their hospitals and clinics.

WHEREAS, by law, the Department of Veterans Affairs is mandated to provide high quality care to all eligible veterans by reason of their service to the nation, and

WHEREAS, the VA health care system is required by law to collect payments from third-party health insurers when certain insured veterans receive health care from the VA, and

WHEREAS, such collections, other than for administrative costs, do not remain within the Department of Veterans Affairs and are instead deposited into the General Treasury Fund to achieve deficit reduction, and

WHEREAS, veterans receiving part A and B of Medicare are prohibited from selecting the VA medical system as their provider of choice because the Social Security Administration is prohibited under law from paying the Department of Veterans Affairs for such care as a third-party claim, now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Military Order of the Purple Heart urges Congress and the administration to take appropriate action to ensure that third-party collections by VA remain with the Department of Veterans Affairs and not be offset by its annual appropriation, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Military Order of the Purple Heart supports Medicare reimbursement to VA for care provided to veterans without any offset from its appropriated funds.

PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED BY: DEPARTMENT OF MARYLAND 

WHEREAS, the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA, Inc., endorses legislation to improve the health and welfare of the citizen soldier veterans that served this great country so faithfully and honorably, and

WHEREAS, the healthcare delivery and maintenance is the primary concern of the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA, Inc., therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, the Military Order of the Purple Heart supports SR 35 and HR 177 resolutions relating to the treatment of veterans with Alzheimer’s disease.

SUBMITTED BY:

SERVICE AND LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION COMMITTEES

WHEREAS, the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA, Inc., endorses legislation to improve the health and welfare of the citizen soldier veterans that served this great country so faithfully and honorably, and

WHEREAS, issues effecting the men and women of our active and reserve components of the United States Armed Forces are of great concern to the membership of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, the Military Order of the Purple Heart supports bill number H.R. 300, a bill to permit retired members of the Armed Forces who retired with over 20 years of service and who have service-connected disabilities to receive compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs concurrently with retired pay, without deduction from either.

SUBMITTED BY:

SERVICE AND LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION COMMITTEES 

WHEREAS, the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA, Inc., endorses legislation to improve the health and welfare of the citizen soldier veterans that served this great country so faithfully and honorably, and

WHEREAS, issues effecting the men and women of our active and reserve components of the United States Armed Forces are of great concern to the membership of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, the Military Order of the Purple Heart supports bill number H.R. 606, a bill to make improvements in benefits and services for members and veterans of the United States Armed Forces recommended by the Congressional Commission on Service Members and Veterans Transition Assistance.

SUBMITTED BY:

SERVICE AND LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION COMMITTEES 

WHEREAS, the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA, Inc., endorses legislation to improve the health and welfare of the citizen soldier veterans that served this great country so faithfully and honorably, and

WHEREAS, issues effecting the men and women of our active and reserve components of the United States Armed Forces are of great concern to the membership of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, the Military Order of the Purple Heart supports bill number H.R. 1071, a bill to improve benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill by establishing an enhanced educational assistance program, by increasing the amount of basic educational assistance, by repealing the requirement for reduction in pay for participation in the program, by authorizing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make accelerated payments of basic educational assistance, and by reopening the period for certain VEAP participants to elect to participate in the program of basic educational assistance.

SUBMITTED BY:

SERVICE AND LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION COMMITTEES 

WHEREAS, the membership of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is concerned with the eligibility, application, and timeliness of certain benefits and programs administered by the DVA Veterans Benefits Administration and legislation that affects veterans, therefore

WHEREAS, health care, delivery, and maintenance is a primary concern of the Military Order of the Purple Heart organization, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, THE Military Order of the Purple Heart supports bill number HR 430/

S 329 which is to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend priority VA eligibility for hospital care and medical services under chapter 17 of that title to veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

SUBMITTED BY:

SERVICE & LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION COMMITTEES

Military Order of the Purple Heart

Seating Order

(as seen by the committee members) 

NSD AG NLD Cmdr SrVice JrVice

Gregory A. John B. Frank G. Richard H. Frederick A. R. Louis

Bresser Kirby Wickersham III Esau, Jr. Taylor, Jr. Spinelli

NY Meg Esau Pleasantville Daughter /Cmdr Esau

Back to Witness List