Three Veteran Leaders Join American Veterans Committee Board

Washington, DC – Three new Veteran leaders joined the American Veterans Committee Board this month. They have joined the American Veterans Committee at a critical juncture as the Pandemic comes to an end and the Organization is seeking to organize additional networking events for Veterans, military families and supporters as it had pre-pandemic.

Mr. Richard D. Haney will serve as Outreach Director and Secretary. Mr. Haney is a Human Resources Specialist with over 25 years of experience, working in different capacities with DoD, in the United States Air Force (USAF) and United States Air Force Reserve (USAFR). While in the USAFR, he took on a Civil Service position with the United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs as a Legal Assistant with the Office of the Chairman at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. He also worked as a defense contractor at the National Guard Bureau, and currently a Civil Servant with the National Guard Bureau. In 2014, Mr. Haney served as a Charter Member, Director of Events, and Veterans Outreach Liaison for Northern Virginia Veterans Association, and also a Charter Member and past Sargent of Arms and Secretary for Capital Superior Speaker Toastmaster, at the National Guard Bureau. In 2018 to 2021, Mr. Haney participated in Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture, and he is a graduate of the Veteran Farmer Reserve Program, farming at Arcadia Farm at Woodlawn, in Alexandria VA.

Ms. Denitza James (Dee) will serve as Communications Director. Dee is a U.S. Army Combat Veteran, a Military Spouse and a passionate Macro Social Worker specializing in Military Programs, Policy & Legislation. Her extensive work with Military communities in the United States and Internationally makes her a well-rounded advocate and ally to all who have served our country and those who support the U.S. Military. Dee has over 15 years of experience working with servicemembers, military families, wounded veterans, and families of the fallen in the non-profit and federal government sector. Dee is married to U.S. Army Combat Veteran, Retired Army First Sergeant, Jade James. She served on active duty for six years and completed two combat tours to Iraq in 2003 and in 2005. Her Military career and journey have fueled her passion to help servicemembers and their families on every aspect of military life and civilian transition. She currently works as a Program Analyst for the Department of the Air Force. In addition, she serves pro-bono as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Repatriate Our Patriots, a 501c3 organization that focuses on bringing Deported Veterans home. Dee is also the Chair for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Subcommittee on Military and Veterans Legislative Affairs.

Dee’s earlier career included roles as U.S. Army Military and Family Readiness Officer, Texas Public School Substitute Teacher, Outreach Coordinator at Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), Seminars and Event Coordinator at Tragedy Assistance Program for Military Survivors (TAPS) and Community Organizer. Her passion lies within, Mental Health, Repatriation of Deported Veterans, Suicide Prevention, Sexual Assault & Harassment Prevention. Her passion extends to the development and advocacy for programs and policy and legislation that directly and indirectly affect the military, military families, and military survivors. Dee was instrumental in the passing of The Brandon Caserta Act and the lobbying and the introduction of key articles of the Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act in the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that will begin the work on how Military Sexual Assault & Harassment cases are handled in the Military. By leveraging her understanding of the complexity of military life not only as a veteran but as a family member and survivor, Dee can advocate and support veterans who have faced challenges during and after military service.

Mr. Jeffrey Danovich will serve as Legislative Director. Mr. Danovich has led a life of service to others. From his early days as a Program Staff member at the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Delaware, to his current work in Elections, Jeff has dedicated his career to making the lives of those around him better. Mr. Danovich joined the United States Army on September 10, 2001 (one day before the 9/11 Terror attacks). His primary duty was Civil Affairs Specialist. While serving his country, he truly lived up to the Civil Affairs’ “Warrior Diplomat” moniker. He and his teammates worked alongside the State Department, NGO’s, and indigenous populations to improve the quality of life in areas that have been adversely effected by years of neglect and war. After his time in the Army came to a close, Jeff took advantage of the new Post 9-11 GI Bill and attended The George Washington University in Washington, DC, where he majored in Political Science and minored in International Affairs. While at GW, Jeff was involved in organizations such as Truman National Security Project, United States Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), and Veterans for Smart Power. Afterwards, Jeff went on to earn his Masters Certificate in Political Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). During his tour in Iraq in 2004, Danovich’s commanders assigned him the additional duty of Battalion Voting Assistance Officer (VAO). Little did he know at the time, this would lead him into a fulfilling career in Elections. His work in elections at the local, state, and Federal levels has allowed countless citizens to express themselves to express themselves at the ballot box. He is widely considered to be a Subject Matter Expert in Election Administration and he currently works to combat misinformation and disinformation in the election space. In addition to his work in elections, Jeff is a tireless advocate for his fellow veterans who have fallen ill due to Burn Pit exposure. Himself a victim of toxic burn pit exposure (he was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in 2020), having lived 100M from a burn pit in Mosul, Iraq in 2004, Jeff works tirelessly to ensure veterans are getting the care they need. Jeff is a native of the Philadelphia area and currently resides in Atlanta, GA. In his free time, Jeff enjoys discovering new music, cooking, exercising, and spending time with his loved ones. He is also a Kentucky Colonel, Co-Chair of the Atlanta Chapter of George Washington University Alumni Chapter, member of the Election Verification Network, and a certified International Election Observer (through OSCE/ODIHR). In spite of everything he has accomplished so far, his proudest achievement is being a dad to his daughter and son.

Former American Veterans Committee Board Members Christopher Fletcher and Asha Castleberry- Hernandez will serve on the newly launched American Veterans Committee Advisory Board. American Veterans Committee President Brandon Powell welcomed the new board members and thanked Mr. Fletcher and Ms. Castleberry-Hernandez for their dedicated service. “I welcome new board members and sincerely thank Asha and Chris for everything they have done to help American Veterans Committee. It is due to fellow Veterans stepping up to serve once again that we are able to assist Veterans and organize networking receptions.”

The American Veterans Committee (AVC) is a 501 (c) 19 non-profit veterans organization that was launched to connect veterans of the United States Armed Forces to networking and transition opportunities while promoting smart diplomacy worldwide.

* *
*

I certify that I am a United States armed forces veteran who has not received a dishonorable discharge. I understand that it is illegal to make fraudulent claims about military service. Individuals who, with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit by making fraudulent claims of military service or miltiary award to obtain a benefit guaranteed only to veterans are subject to a fine and/or imprisonment.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Brandon Powell named American Veterans Committee President

Washington, DC – SSG Brandon Powell, US Army (ret.), current American Veterans Committee Outreach Director has been elected as president of American Veterans Committee. Mr. Saif Khan, who served as president of American Veterans Committee stepped down from the role to serve as a political appointee in the Biden-Harris Administration. Mr. Khan will continue to serve on the American Veterans Committee’s Board. Mr. Khan said “I’m so proud of Brandon Powell. I believe he will do an excellent job leading the organization and taking it to the next level.”

Brandon Powell served in two combat deployments to Iraq and has over twenty years of honorable military service. Among several honors and awards, he has been awarded the Army Commendation Medal and the Combat Action Badge. Mr. Powell also serves as a full-time counselor for the Metro Richmond Public Schools. A position he has held since 2015. His other endeavors include serving as head coach of the Carver Academy girls’ volleyball team. Mr. Powell resides in Richmond, Virginia with two daughters Kiara and Gabrielle and son Caiden.

Mr. Powell said “I would like to thank the American Veterans Committee’s Board for electing me as President of American Veterans Committee. I very much look forward to working with Mr. Khan and rest of our team to organize networking receptions for veterans, supporters and employers as the COVID-19 Pandemic comes to an end.”

The American Veterans Committee (AVC) is the 501 (c) 19 non-profit veterans organization that was launched in 2013 to connect veterans of the United States Armed Forces to networking and transition opportunities while promoting smart diplomacy worldwide. Mr. Powell is the organization’s third president. It was previously led by Major General James A. Kelley (ret.) and Iraq War Veteran Saif Khan.

The American Veterans Committee congratulates Mr. Brandon Powell.

* *
*

I certify that I am a United States armed forces veteran who has not received a dishonorable discharge. I understand that it is illegal to make fraudulent claims about military service. Individuals who, with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit by making fraudulent claims of military service or miltiary award to obtain a benefit guaranteed only to veterans are subject to a fine and/or imprisonment.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

PPE and Hygiene Kit Delivery to VA Hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic

At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other hospitals were packed with COVID-19 patients. American Veterans Committee learned that there was a need for hygiene kits and PPE at VA Hospitals.

Our staff and volunteers recently delivered PPE and hygiene kits to the VA McGuire Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia and the Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center in Huntington, West Virginia for use by admitted veterans.

We hope to do it again in a few weeks at another VA hospital. Please donate to American Veterans Committee and help us take more kits: https://americanveteranscommittee.org/donate/

* *
*

I certify that I am a United States armed forces veteran who has not received a dishonorable discharge. I understand that it is illegal to make fraudulent claims about military service. Individuals who, with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit by making fraudulent claims of military service or miltiary award to obtain a benefit guaranteed only to veterans are subject to a fine and/or imprisonment.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

American Veterans Committee’s President Elected as Vice President & Chairman of World Veterans Federation’s Standing Committee for the Americas

saifelection

Taipei, Taiwan – 8 September 2017, American Veterans Committee’s President Mr. Saif Khan was elected as Chairman of the Standing Committee for the Americas (SCA) (p) by a unanimous vote of the World Veterans Federation (WVF) executive board last week. The executive board met during the 22nd meeting of the Standing Committee on Asia & the Pacific (SCAP) in Taipei, Taiwan. In attendance were President Dan-Viggo Bergtun, delegates of the SCAP and delegates of observer nations. The successful conference was recognized by the President of Taiwan, who met with the executive board.

Mr. Khan was nominated last year for the position by World Veterans Federation President Dan-Viggo Bergtun while visiting Washington, D.C. As Chairman of a regional Standing Committee of the WVF, Mr. Khan will also serve as Vice President of the World Veterans Federation and join the executive board.

The World Veterans Federation (WVF) is the world’s largest international veteran’ organization. The federation consists of 172 veterans’ organizations from 121 countries representing some 45 million veterans worldwide. World Veterans Federation maintains international peace and security by application, in both letter and spirit, of the United Nations.

Mr. Khan in his capacity as Chairman of the SCA will represent all member organizations of the World Veterans Federation located in countries in the Western Hemisphere. He issued the following statement: “I’m very honored to have been elected as Chairman of the SCA and Vice President of World Veterans Federation. I look forward to working with the executive board to expand the mission of the World Veterans Federation in the Americas. Sharing our best practices and learning from other countries how they are dealing with issues affecting veterans will help all veterans tremendously, while also promoting global peace.”

###

* *
*

I certify that I am a United States armed forces veteran who has not received a dishonorable discharge. I understand that it is illegal to make fraudulent claims about military service. Individuals who, with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit by making fraudulent claims of military service or miltiary award to obtain a benefit guaranteed only to veterans are subject to a fine and/or imprisonment.
Posted in Home Page | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

American Veterans Committee No Longer a Membership Organization

MostUpdatedLogo

Washington, DC – The American Veterans Committee is no longer a membership organization.  Although originally launched as a membership organization, instead of focusing our resources on building a membership list and only providing service to “members,” American Veterans Committee will advocate for issues important to all veterans.  We are sorry for any inconvenience this change may have caused.

###

* *
*

I certify that I am a United States armed forces veteran who has not received a dishonorable discharge. I understand that it is illegal to make fraudulent claims about military service. Individuals who, with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit by making fraudulent claims of military service or miltiary award to obtain a benefit guaranteed only to veterans are subject to a fine and/or imprisonment.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

American Veterans Committee partners with Operation MCP

MostUpdatedLogo

For Immediate Release:    

July 20, 2016

Contact:

DANIELA PETRILLI
202-780-6535
INFO@OPERATIONMCP.ORG

AMERICAN VETERANS COMMITTEE PARTNERS WITH OPERATION MCP 

WASHINGTON, DC — July 20, 2016, American Veterans Committee will partner with Operation Making Careers Possible (Operation MCP) to help veterans, nationally and globally, prepare them to succeed in their search for jobs as they transition from the military into their civilian careers by referring members seeking assistance with résumé and interview preparation to Operation MCP.

We are looking forward to working with Operation MCP in providing services to those who have served. Through this partnership, veterans will not only have access to networking opportunities that can help them in their career search, but they will also receive one-on-one guidance with résumé writing and interview preparation. As the Founder & President of Operation MCP stated “Our goal for the partnership is ultimately, to show veterans that as they transition into civilian life, they have support in their career aspirations. We want veterans to be able to find fulfilling careers.”

Operation MCP is an organization whose goal is to assist veterans and service members with résumé writing and interview preparation to transition them from the military to civilian workforce. By partnering with Operation MCP and having a common goal in mind, we believe our members will benefit from a wider range of services.

To learn more about Operation MCP and American Veterans Committee or how you can become involved, please contact:

Daniela Petrilli, President
Operation MCP
info@operationmcp.org
www.operationmcp.org

Saif Khan, President
American Veterans Committee
info@americanveteranscommittee.org
www.americanveteranscommittee.org

###

* *
*

I certify that I am a United States armed forces veteran who has not received a dishonorable discharge. I understand that it is illegal to make fraudulent claims about military service. Individuals who, with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit by making fraudulent claims of military service or miltiary award to obtain a benefit guaranteed only to veterans are subject to a fine and/or imprisonment.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

American Veterans Committee Launches Restaurant Partnership

MostUpdatedLogoWASHINGTON, DC – July 11th,2016, American Veterans Committee will launch a nationwide partnership with restaurants around the country today.  In an effort to boost membership, American Veterans Committee will partner with restaurants that are willing to offer discounts to veterans who are members of American Veterans Committee. Restaurants interested in partnering with American Veterans Committee and offer veterans discounts should email: info@americanveteranscommittee.org.

Metro Bar and Grill in Richmond, Virginia is offering American Veterans Committee members a 25% “employee discount” on menu items.  In Washington, DC, Plan B Burger & Bar – Penn Quarter is offering a 20% discount to American Veterans Committee members.  American Veterans Committee thanks Metro Grill and Plan B Burger – Penn Quarter for offering our veterans/members discounts. Veterans who are not members of American Veterans Committee can join FREE online.  The process only takes 10 seconds through our website (http://americanveteranscommittee.org/join).

The American Veterans Committee (AVC) is a non-profit veterans organization that connects veterans of the United States Armed Forces to networking and job opportunities while promoting smart diplomacy worldwide. American Veterans Committee accomplishes this on the national level by organizing networking receptions and connecting veterans with potential employers. At the international level, as a member of the World Veterans Federation (WVF), American Veterans Committee works to connect veterans from the United States to veterans from other countries to promote new business opportunities, peace and diplomacy

To learn more about American Veterans Committee or how you can become involved, please visit: www.americanveteranscommittee.org

Contact:
Saif Khan
info@Americanveteranscommittee.org

-###-

* *
*

I certify that I am a United States armed forces veteran who has not received a dishonorable discharge. I understand that it is illegal to make fraudulent claims about military service. Individuals who, with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit by making fraudulent claims of military service or miltiary award to obtain a benefit guaranteed only to veterans are subject to a fine and/or imprisonment.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Khan’s Resolutions to Establish Veterans Hall of Fame and Auto Selective Service Registration in DC Adopted by Advisory Board for DC Veterans Affairs

Washington, DC – 2 March 2016 – The Advisory Board for Washington, DC Veterans Affairs adopted two resolutions yesterday that were proposed by American Veterans Committee’s President Saif Khan.

Flag_of_Washington,_D.C..svg

The first resolution was to establish the first ever Veterans Hall of Fame in Washington, DC. The purpose of establishing the DC Veterans Hall of Fame is to recognize and honor those military veterans who, through their work and lives during or after military service, have made significant contributions to the District of Columbia.

The second resolution that was adopted would support automatic Selective Service registration during issuance of drivers’ licenses at the Washington, DC Department of Motor Vehicles. During a presentation by representatives from the Selective Service System at the Advisory Board’s February 2016 meeting, Mr. Khan learned that Washington, DC had one of the lowest compliance rates for Selective Service registration and young men that had failed to register were ineligible for federal benefits such as federal employment. These individuals were excluded from employment with the U.S. Postal Service, federal student financial assistance, participation in federally funded job training programs and eligibility for U.S. citizenship for immigrants. Mr. Khan felt compelled to propose a resolution to address this issue.

Mr. Khan hailed the adoption of the resolutions by the Advisory Board for DC Veterans Affairs as a win for all veterans residing in Washington, DC.  After the resolutions were adopted, Mr. Khan made the following statement: “I’m proud to be a part of the esteemed group of leaders serving on the DC Advisory Board for Veterans Affairs and thank Director Tammi Lambert, Chairman Harry Wingo and Vice Chair Victoria Pridemore for their leadership and guidance.”

The resolutions now head to DC Mayor Muriel Bowser to consider implementing them through Mayor’s Order or through legislative action by the City Council.

———————————————————————————————————-
District of Columbia Veterans’ Hall of Fame Resolution:

PROPOSED RESOLUTION (Adopted 1 March 2016)

Proposed by Saif Khan, DC Advisory Board for Veterans Affairs, Board Member – Ward 2

To request the Mayor’s Advisory Board on Veterans Affairs to consider adopting this resolution and support the establishment of a Veterans’ Hall of Fame in the District of Columbia

WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Mayor’s Advisory Board of Veterans Affairs for the District of Columbia to recognize and honor those military veterans who, through their works and lives during or after military service, have made a significant contribution to the of District of Columbia.

WHEREAS, a District of Columbia Veterans’ Hall of Fame Committee shall be created within the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs as an Advisory Committee, consisting of a seven-members.

WHEREAS, the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs and the Chairman of the Advisory Board shall nominate a seven-member committee consisting of current board members to serve for a period of two years. The majority vote of the board shall confirm the nomination and appoint the seven-member Selection Committee. A member whose term expires shall continue to serve on the Committee until such time as a replacement is appointed.

WHEREAS, the members shall annually elect a chair by a majority vote and meet at the call of its chair, at the request of the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs, or at such times as may be prescribed by the Committee. A majority of the members of the appointed Committee would satisfy quorum requirements, and a meeting may not be held unless a quorum is present. The affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Committee present would be necessary for any official action by the Committee.

WHEREAS, members of the Committee may not receive compensation or honorarium for their services.

WHEREAS, appointees may be removed by a majority vote of the entire Advisory Board of Veterans Affairs from the Hall of Fame Selection Committee for misconduct or malfeasance, neglect of duty, incompetence, or permanent inability to perform official duties or if the member is adjudicated guilty of a felony.

WHEREAS, the District of Columbia Veterans’ Hall of Fame Committee shall annually accept nominations of persons to be considered for induction into the District of Columbia Veterans’ Hall of Fame and shall transmit a list of up to 10 nominees to entire Advisory Board for a final vote before submission to the Mayor for selection, by the Director.

WHEREAS, in selecting its nominees for submission to the Mayor, the District of Columbia Veterans’ Hall of Fame Committee shall give preference to veterans who have adopted District of Columbia as the location of their primary residence or base of operation and who have made a significant contribution to the District of Columbia in civic, business, public service, or other pursuits.

WHEREAS, the Veterans’ Hall of Fame Committee shall establish a criteria and set specific time periods for acceptance of nominations and for the process of selection of nominees for membership and establish a formal induction ceremony to coincide with the annual commemoration of Veterans’ Day or another date that the Committee deems appropriate.

SO BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Advisory Board on Veterans Affairs recommends that District of Columbia establish a Veterans’ Hall of Fame.

SO BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the District of Columbia Veterans’ Hall of Fame be established under the structure of the District of Columbia Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs (MOVA).

SO BE IT RESOLVED THAT, each person who is inducted into the District of Columbia Veterans’ Hall of Fame shall have his or her name placed on a plaque displayed in the designated area of the Mayor’s Office.

Respectfully submitted, on this 2nd day of February 2016.

———————————————————————————————————-

District of Columbia – Automatic Selective Service Registration at Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Resolution

PROPOSED RESOLUTION (ADOPTED 1 March 2016)

Proposed by Saif Khan, DC Advisory Board for Veterans Affairs, Board Member – Ward 2

To request the Mayor’s Advisory Board on Veterans Affairs to consider adopting this resolution to support automatic Selective Service registration during issuance of drivers’ licenses in Washington, DC.

WHEREAS, the District of Columbia Traffic Act, 1925 currently does not require that all eligible persons shall register with the Selective Service System when obtaining or renewing an operator’s permit or identification card at the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles.

WHEREAS, District of Columbia has one of the lowest Selective Service registration compliance rates in the Nation.

WHEREAS, thousands of young men in Washington, D.C. are losing valuable federal and state benefits linked to the registration requirement, such as:

— federal employment, including employment with the U.S. Postal Service;
— federal student financial assistance;
— participation in federally funded job training programs;
— eligibility for U.S. citizenship for immigrants.

WHEREAS, over a nine-year period (CY07-15), young men in Washington D.C. lost over $4 million in potential benefits and 173 immigrants could not show registration compliance to obtain U.S. citizenship because they failed to register.

WHEREAS, many young men, especially those who have fallen out of the mainstream, the disadvantaged, men of color, and immigrants, fail to register with the Selective Service System and learn later they have been denied valuable benefits that would have otherwise helped them to attain the American dream.

WHEREAS, amending the District of Columbia Traffic Act, 1925 to provide for automatic registration offers an easy and constituent-friendly modification to driver’s license applications that helps men improve their futures while allowing federal education and training dollars to flow into Washington, D.C.

WHEREAS, automatic registration has proven to be less expensive to implement than optional registration, much more effective, with no ongoing costs or additional workload for D.C. DMV staff.

SO BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Advisory Board for Veterans affairs recommends that District of Columbia Traffic Act, 1925 be amended to require that all eligible persons shall register with the Selective Service System when obtaining or renewing an operator’s permit or identification card and to require the Department of Motor Vehicles to notify the applicant on the application that submitting the application serves as consent to registration with the Selective Service System, if required by federal law.

SO BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Advisory Board for Veterans Affairs recommends the following provisions of the District of Columbia Traffic Act be amended as follows to implement automatic Selective Service registration:

Sec. 2 Section 7(a)5A) of the District of Columbia Traffic Act, 1925, approved March 3, 1925 (43 Stat. 1121; D.C. Official Code § 50-1401.01(a)(5A))., is amended to read as follows:

“(A) Any eligible United States citizen or resident who is at least 18 years of age but no more than 26 years of age shall be registered with the Selective Service System, in compliance with the requirements of section 3 of the Selective Service Act of 1948, approved June 24, 1948 (62 Stat. 605; 50 U.S.C. App. § 453), when applying for an operator’s permit or identification card pursuant to the laws of the District.

“(B) The Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles (“Department”) shall forward, in an electronic format, the personal information required of the applicant identified in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph to the Selective Service System for registration. The Department shall notify the applicant on the application for an operator’s permit or an identification card that submitting the application serves as consent to register with the Selective Service System, in compliance with federal law.

“(C) This form shall comply with the requirements of the Language Access Act of 2004, effective June 19, 2004 (D.C. Law 15-167; D.C. Official Code § 2-1931 et seq.) (“Language Access Act”), including being printed in each required language under section 4 of the Language Access Act.

Respectfully submitted, on this 1st day of March 2016.

* *
*

I certify that I am a United States armed forces veteran who has not received a dishonorable discharge. I understand that it is illegal to make fraudulent claims about military service. Individuals who, with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit by making fraudulent claims of military service or miltiary award to obtain a benefit guaranteed only to veterans are subject to a fine and/or imprisonment.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

AVC’s Exec. Dir. Saif Khan Appointed to Washington DC’s Veterans Advisory Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC – 30 July 2015 – American Veterans Committee’s Executive Director Saif Khan was appointed by Washington DC’s Mayor Muriel Bowser today to serve on the Advisory Board on Washington DC Veterans Affairs.  Mr. Khan said “he is looking forward to continuing to serve our veterans and military families.”

Saif Khan with Tammi Lambert, Director of Washington, DC Veterans Affairs

-###-

* *
*

I certify that I am a United States armed forces veteran who has not received a dishonorable discharge. I understand that it is illegal to make fraudulent claims about military service. Individuals who, with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit by making fraudulent claims of military service or miltiary award to obtain a benefit guaranteed only to veterans are subject to a fine and/or imprisonment.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Veterans Appeals Claims Backlog

In March 2013, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) first-time disability claims had a backlog of 611,073 claims. These are first time claims that are awaiting an initial disability rating decision that have been pending for over 125 days. According to Veterans Benefits Administration Reports, as of April 2015, the first time claim backlog has been reduced to 183,190 claims. The Department of Veterans Affairs’ claims inventory currently exceeds 457,695 pending claims. These are disability compensation and pension claims received by VA, which require a rating decision and includes claims for disability compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors, and Veterans’ pension benefits, including both original and supplemental claims but does not include claims that are being appealed.

VAImage

There is currently an additional backlog of nearly 300,000 appeals claims that are being appealed after the VA has rendered its initial decision. Some of these veterans’ claims have been pending for over four years. A Marine Corps Veteran filed a class-action suit against the Department of Veterans Affairs this month, “seeking to force the department to expedite a growing backlog of benefits claims appeals, including his own.” The Department of Veterans Affairs claims to have focused their staff resources on first-time claims, reducing the first-time claims backlog by nearly 70 percent. However, veterans who have pending claims, assert that the VA handled their first-time claims improperly. Just last year, President Obama signed a $16.3 billion VA Reform Bill giving the VA the resources to improve veterans’ care and increase the agency’s resources to reduce the backlog. Additionally, it appears that Congress may give the VA another budget hike next year.

The VA has set a goal to eliminate its first-time claim backlog by the end of 2015. While such a goal may have been set with the best intentions to reduce the first time claims backlog and support our veterans, it is unclear how many first-time claims VA has approved or rejected. However, it is known that the resubmitted appeals of initial claim decisions have risen 17 percent, an all time high for the VA. The class-action suit asks the court to order the VA to make a disability rating and compensation decision within 30 days on every appeal that has been pending for more than a year if the “applicant has a financial or medical hardship.”

However, we believe that all appeals claims regardless of financial or medical hardship must be decided within 30 days after the VA receives the initial or subsequent appeal from the veteran. After all the resources Congress has provided to the VA to improve care and claims processing, there is no reason why our veterans need to wait for an appeals decision by the Board of Veterans Appeals for more than 30 days.

MostUpdatedLogo

* *
*

I certify that I am a United States armed forces veteran who has not received a dishonorable discharge. I understand that it is illegal to make fraudulent claims about military service. Individuals who, with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit by making fraudulent claims of military service or miltiary award to obtain a benefit guaranteed only to veterans are subject to a fine and/or imprisonment.
Posted in Veterans Issues | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment