Dear Sgt. Shaft:
The six weeks I spent in ROTC summer camp back in 1966 were not included on my DD-214 military records form. If I can find the paperwork to establish my attendance and the pay I received, can I make a military service deposit to get six more weeks of credit for civil service retirement? I’ve heard “yes,” and I’ve heard “no.” What’s your word on the subject?
Donald B.
Via the Internet
Dear Donald:
Those in the know at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management tell me that summer camp is counted for military service because it’s considered federal service. The challenge has been documentation of the period. The military services generally do not include ROTC service on a DD-214, so these individuals have to obtain other evidence. Proof of status as an ROTC cadet/midshipman (for example, enrollment or enlistment contract, scholarship agreement, etc.) and copies of pay vouchers from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service have generally been considered acceptable. I can just imagine how difficult it would be for you to get copies of pay vouchers back to 1966.
So while it’s doable, it’s hard. Let me know if you have any additional questions.
Dear Sgt. Shaft:
It was a pleasure meeting you today after the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing/listening session dealing with traumatic brain injuries and our wounded heroes. As I mentioned in my remarks to the committee, there are wonderful organizations out there dedicated to transporting our wounded active duty and veteran population to medical treatment facilities. Any publicity you can give these tremendous organizations to raise awareness both to the customers (our wounded warriors) and potential donors, would be greatly appreciated. I know that your column in The Washington Times has a large following.
The two organizations I work most closely with for hero transportation are Angel Flight America and Veterans Airlift Command.
Angel Flight America provides access for people in need seeking free air transportation to specialized health care facilities or distant destinations because of a family, community or a national crisis. They also fly in support of disaster response and other compelling humanitarian requests. Angel Flight coordinated over 34,000 missions in 2006 and has over 7,500 pilots nationwide.
Formed less than one year ago, the Veterans Airlift Command provides air transportation for medical and other compassionate purposes to wounded soldiers, veterans and their families through a national network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots. Their priority is veterans of Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and as capacity allows, the mission will expand to veterans of other wars and their families.
Peter J. Bunce
President & CEO
General Aviation Manufacturers Association
Shaft notes
Recently, with both Democratic and Republican members of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee in attendance, Chairman Bob Filner, California Democrat, led a symposium to address innovative and comprehensive ways to provide treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI is considered the signature injury of the war in Iraq. Among veterans and service members from Iraq and Afghanistan treated at Walter Reed for injuries of any type, approximately 65 percent have TBI as a primary diagnosis or simultaneous injury.
“This symposium is intended to open up the broader thought process of how to make certain that we have the capacity, the capability and the expertise to meet the readjustment and rehabilitation needs of these veterans both short and long term,” Mr. Filner said.
Participants discussed the need for a coordinated effort for case management for TBI patients, not just during the initial injury phase, but throughout the life of the patient.
The chairman referred to legislation passed by the House of Representatives that would direct the VA to improve and expand its ability to provide TBI care, services and research. H.R. 2199 establishes an innovative program to deliver health care services to rural veterans and establishes an advisory committee to assist the VA in improving care and services for rural veterans. The bill will next be heard in the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs.
The Sarge recommends that the new TBI initiative, in its inchoate stage, emulate the VA Blind Rehabilitation Program. The VA has visual impairment service teams and their coordinators in each VA medical center and clinic. There should be similar TBI teams and their coordinators in each VA center and clinic. These TBI teams should consist of various medical and professional disciplines.
Send letters to Sgt. Shaft, c/o John Fales, P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900; fax 301/622-3330; call 202/257-5446; or e-mail sgtshaft@bavf.org.
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