Task Force Aim at Improved Services for GWOT Vets

Nicholson - Vets "Shouldn't Fight For Benefits Earned" WASHINGTON - Military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan can look forward to more timely receipt of benefits, better information and more streamlined processes, thanks to streamlined federal procedures announced by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson, who chaired a presidential task force. "The federal government must be responsive and efficient in delivering our benefits and services to these heroes," Nicholson said during a speech to the National Press Club. "They should not have to fight bureaucratic red tape for benefits earned by their courageous service." On March 6, President Bush appointed Nicholson to lead the Interagency Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes, which reviewed federal benefits and processes for changes that could quickly improve veterans' access to services and programs. Nicholson went to the White House April 23 to personally brief President Bush about the task force's recommendations. The Task Force brought together top officials from the departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Education, as well as the Office of Management and Budget, the Small Business Administration and Office of Personnel Management. The task force focused on improvements that could be made within the authority of the individual departments or agencies, using existing resources. The panel specifically targeted health care, benefits, employment, education, housing and outreach activities. The report includes 25 recommendations to improve delivery of federal services to returning military men and women. The government-wide action plan contains steps for individual department and agency activities and incorporates cooperative interaction among those providing complimentary services. Recommendations focus on increasing awareness of available benefits among service members and their families and improving the process for receiving them. Eighteen recommendations will involve collaborative efforts among several federal agencies to improve the timeliness, ease of application, and delivery of services and benefits.