Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake today honored actress Bo Derek for her work to increase public awareness of the rehabilitative programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs."Ms. Derek has worked tirelessly to shine the public spotlight on veterans, especially those who have been severely injured while serving this nation," Peake said. "She has been a good friend of veterans and a bright example of dedicated volunteerism."
Since 2000, Ms. Derek has been the honorary chair of VA's National Rehabilitation Special Events, improving public understanding of veterans issues, encouraging veterans to take advantage of VA's rehabilitative programs and visiting VA medical centers around the country.
"I am deeply humbled and honored to serve as the Honorary Chair of VA's National Rehabilitation Special Events," Ms. Derek said. "I have met so many amazing veterans who have sacrificed so much on our behalf. They are truly among our nation's finest citizens, and it is a privilege to stand by their side."
Ms. Derek has also taken part in USO tours to support troops and works with the Special Forces Association, which named her an honorary Green Beret.
Ms. Derek's father, Paul Collins, was a radio operator during the Korean War, and both her stepfather and her late husband, actor John Derek, were also veterans.
1 comment:
Very nice blog, as a disabled vet I advocate for ALL veterans, and hope all vets will do the same for the rest of our societies disabled. Too much of this stimulus is just a very quick fix which will cost us much more later on down the road. . .but the funding to help the disabled have a better life will stay with them forever.
From Arc and UCP Alerts (Jan. 15-16, 2009):
House Unveils Economic Stimulus Package
Many provisions to increase spending on disability programs included
* * * Take Action * *
Urge Congress to Support the Economic Recovery Bills
* Please email your Senators and Representative TODAY. See the "Take Action" section of the Arc website for a sample message.
* Once this legislation becomes law, we will have to work closely with state agencies and their local communities to maximize the use of these new funding sources to protect and expand services to our constituents.
Background
The House of Representatives released its version of the economic recovery package yesterday. The Senate is likely to unveil its version next week. That bill will be S.1. Both versions are being worked on in close cooperation with the incoming Obama Administration.
In addition to $275 billion in tax cuts, the House bill, entitled the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, will provide $550 billion for myriad domestic programs to spur the economy, job growth and help state and local governments cope with rising deficits.
This bill and a similar one in the Senate are expected to move quickly through the legislative process so that it can be signed into law by President Obama in mid February. There are many provisions in the bill to increase spending on disability programs. Many other funding increases to states and communities could also be utilized to provide numerous types of assistance to people with disabilities and the programs that support them.
HEALTH
• Medicaid: FMAP - $87 billion - all states receive a 4.8% increase with higher rates for states with high unemployment rates
• Medicaid and Medicare regulations moratoria are extended until October, 2009
EDUCATION
• Special Education: $13 billion for the IDEA State Grant Program and $600 million for the IDEA Part C Early Intervention Program
EMPLOYMENT
• Vocational Rehabilitation: $500 million through the VR State Grant for construction and rehabilitation of facilities that prepare persons with disabilities for gainful employment
INDEPENDENT LIVING
• Centers for Independent Living: $200 million to assist people with disabilities to live in their communities
>>> To Let your Congressman know you support this Bill
For more information on the recovery plan see:
http://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/legislation?id=0273
or
http://appropriations.house.gov/pdf/PressSummary01-15-09.pdf
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