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July 31, 2007
Mr. Chairman and distinguished Members of the Committee, I am pleased to be here today to discuss a number of bills that would affect educational assistance programs administered by the Departments of Veterans Affairs ( VA) and Defense ( DoD). Accompanying me today is Mr. John Brizzi, Staff Attorney, Office of the General Counsel.
Mr. Chairman, your invitation letter of June 18, 2007, asked that we address all facets of VA/ DoD cooperation and coordination as they relate to the provision of educational assistance to veterans, servicemembers, and members of the Guard and Reserve. I am pleased to provide an update of our activities with DoD to supplement my earlier discussion of these matters in testimony before the Committee on March 14 of this year. I will then take the opportunity to comment on the specific legislation being considered today.
Via a bi-directional data feed, DoD provides VA with the eligibility determinations for title 10 programs (chapters 1606 and 1607) and required information for the determination of chapter 30 MGIB eligibility. In most cases, VA is able to make an eligibility determination without a DD214, Report of Separation, or any other hard-copy documentation from the veteran. DoD also provides information to VA that facilitates direct mailing of education material to servicemembers at key times in their military career, thereby ensuring servicemembers are aware of their educational benefits. VA and DoD electronic data sharing also routinely includes demographic and statistical data such as payment information and usage of benefits. This data sharing assists in evaluating successes in administering education programs and areas for improvement.
In cooperation with DoD, the bi-directional data feed is being enhanced to allow for the provision of more detailed "kicker" information to VA. This expanded information will allow VA to process more claims without human intervention, thereby improving both timeliness and accuracy of claims processing. Implementation of this enhanced feature is expected during FY 2007. Additionally, the data exchange will soon be expanded to allow for mailing of educational material to activated guard and reserve members.
VA and DoD formed a "total force" working group to evaluate methods of improving educational benefits to program participants by consolidating three educational programs - chapters 1606 and 1607 of title 10 and chapter 30 of title 38 - into one educational program. The working group provided its analysis to the Chairman of the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education in April 2007.
Through a long established network of Points of Contact, VA and DoD respond to many inquiries that address servicemembers' and veterans' claims processing needs. These may include verification of the eligibility status of a claimant or additional information that VA needs to process a claim for benefits. DoD points of contact routinely interact directly with VA claims examiners to expedite claim processing and better serve the claimant.
In partnership with the Department of Labor ( DOL), DoD, and the Department of Homeland Security, a half-day VA benefits briefing is given to servicemembers and their family as part of a (2 ½) day Transition Assistance Program ( TAP) Workshop. During the VA benefits briefing, education benefit information and eligibility requirements are presented and education brochures, handouts, and points-of-contact information are provided. In addition to the formal TAP workshops, one-to-two hour VA benefits briefings are given at demobilization sites and included in separation and retirement programs. Information on education benefits is included in all presentations for separating/retiring servicemembers, including Reserve and Guard members. The total number of briefings conducted during Fiscal Year 2006 was 8,541 and 5,030 have been conducted in Fiscal Year 2007 as of the end of May.
In cooperation with DoD, VA produced and distributed outreach DVDs covering benefits for individuals participating in the Montgomery GIBILL- Active Duty, Montgomery GIBILL-Selected Reserve, and the Reserve Educational Assistance program. Over 250,000 copies of each of these DVDs were provided to Reserve units, Guard Units, and Transition Assistance Centers.
VA regularly attends conferences providing information to Service members and DoD Civilians. For example, we routinely attend several State National Guard Training Conferences, the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) Regional Workshops, meetings and conventions of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard, National Guard Association of the United States, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and The American Legion as well as many college fairs sponsored by various DoD facilities.
VA also works closely with DANTES to provide military Education Services Officers with the training and information they require to provide benefit information and counseling to our military.
Mr. Chairman, I will now address the legislative proposals before the Committee. I would note that, on May 9, 2007, Admiral Daniel Cooper, Under Secretary for Benefits, stated that VA does not support S. 698, a bill to expand and enhance educational assistance under VA's Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program. Therefore, my testimony today does not address that measure. Similarly, Admiral Cooper presented VA's views on a draft bill, which is a modified version of S. 22 as introduced by Senator Webb. I am pleased to provide more detailed views on S.22 to the Committee today. In addition to the bills on the schedule, I also am prepared today to present VA's views on S. 1293, which we had been unable to discuss at the May 9 hearing. Finally, Mr. Chairman, I regret we are unable today to provide VA's views on S. 1261; however, we will submit written views to the Committee shortly.
S. 22 (As proposed to be revised)
Mr. Chairman, S. 22 (as proposed to be revised), entitled the "Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007," would add a new chapter 33 to title 38, United States Code, that would, in general, require an individual to serve at least 2 years of active duty, with a least some period of active duty time served beginning on or after September 11, 2001, to be eligible for educational assistance under the new program. It would, for most individuals, link the number of months of educational assistance to the individual's months of service that occurred after September 11, 2001, but, in general, not provide for more than 36 months of benefits, with the educational assistance to cover the established charges of the program of education (subject to certain limitations), room and board (subject to certain limitations), and a monthly stipend of $1,000.
Under S. 22, chapter 33 would provide for educational assistance for less-than-half time education, apprenticeships, on-job training, correspondence courses, and flight training. Chapter 33 also would provide payment for tutorial assistance, not to exceed $100 per month for a maximum of 12 months, and one licensing or certification test, not to exceed the lesser of $2,000 or the test fee. Generally, individuals would have 15 years to use their educational entitlement beginning on the date of their last discharge or release from active duty. VA would administer this program with payments of assistance made from funds made available to VA for the payment of readjustment benefits. In general, individuals eligible for benefits under chapter 30 of title 38, United States Code, or chapters 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10, United States Code, could irrevocably elect, instead, to receive educational assistance under chapter 33.
We have serious concerns about certain provisions of S. 22 (as proposed to be revised) and, therefore, must oppose it. The complexity of the proposed eligibility requirements, the anticipated high benefit cost (with no apparent offsets), and the anticipated excessive administrative burden associated with this bill are all problematic. As currently written, eligibility criteria for the proposed chapter 33 are far more complex than the current Montgomery GI Bill. Entitlement determinations factoring in length of service and previous benefit usage would also be highly complex and difficult for individuals to understand.
The increased amount of benefits payable at varying levels for different institutions would make administration of this program cumbersome. The requirement that the benefit be paid at the beginning of the term would further complicate administration and would tax existing VA resources.
New section 3313(j)(2) of title 38, United States Code, as proposed under S. 22, would require VA to annually determine which public schools in each state have the highest in-state tuition rate and set the maximum established charges for each state accordingly. This labor-intensive process would need to be completed annually in sufficient time to prepare for issuance of payments in advance of the term. Further, as written, this bill would be effective on the date of enactment. It would be necessary to prescribe regulations, make systems changes, and make other key adjustments to support the components of this bill. It is also likely that other sections within title 38, United States Code, may need to be amended to address potential overpayments of the monthly stipend. For the above reasons, it would not be feasible for VA to begin making payments under the proposed chapter 33 benefit immediately.
It also appears that, if enacted, the bill might have some unintended consequences. For example, the stipend of $1,000 per month would be payable to individuals attending degree and non-degree programs and also to those who are completing internships and on-the-job training programs. This seems inequitable, as it would treat an individual in an apprenticeship program who is earning wages the same as a college student who is incurring expenses. It is also unclear what effect this benefit would have on recruiting and retention. While we defer to the Department of Defense on this point, we acknowledge that this may lead to lower reenlistments.
VA estimates that, if enacted, S. 22 would result in benefit costs of $5.4 billion during Fiscal Year 2008, $32.2 billion for fiscal years 2008 through 2012, and $74.7 billion over the 10-year period from Fiscal Year 2008 through 2017.
Significant administrative costs would also be incurred. As previously noted, proposed new section 3313(j)(2) would require VA, through a labor-intensive process, to annually determine which public schools in each state have the highest in-state tuition rate and set the established charges for each state accordingly. Further, since VA's obligation is to ensure that veterans and servicemembers receive the most advantageous benefit, VA would be obligated to reevaluate all pending claims and award the greater chapter 33 benefits, as appropriate. The initial year of the program would require VA to double our current Education FTE in an attempt to meet the workload increase. Extensive system changes would be needed to make lump sum payments to all beneficiaries before the start of the term. VA also would need to develop technological system changes to account for the payment rate variations from state to state. This would be problematic because VA is in the midst of changing from one payment system (Benefits Delivery Network) to another (Veterans Services Network).
We are concerned that these new and very complex administrative burdens would significantly impact the current level of service and responsiveness we give to current education program beneficiaries. Based on these factors, we would anticipate substantial administrative costs, but cannot fully estimate them without further research.
S. 644 would recodify the provisions of chapters 1606 (the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve ( MGIB-Selected Reserve) program) and 1607 (the Reserve Educational Assistance Program ( REAP ) of title 10, United States Code, relating to educational assistance for members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces in subchapters I and II, respectively, of a new chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code. The bill also would make substantial revisions to such provisions as so recodified. VA does not support S. 644 as drafted for the reasons discussed below.
New section 3302, as proposed by this bill, embodies the provisions of 10 U.S.C. § 16132. This provision would set a program-commencement date of October 1, 2008, and would maintain eligibility based on a six-year commitment in the Selected Reserve.
New section 3302A, as proposed, has no corresponding section in title 10, but would provide that each individual eligible for the MGIB-Selected Reserve on October 1, 2008, would be eligible for the new chapter 33 program, allowing these individuals the ability to carry over the number of months of entitlement remaining as of September 30, 2008. The current 14-year delimiting date for such individuals to use their educational assistance benefits would no longer apply.
New section 3303, as proposed, would correspond to current section 16131(b) of title 10. This section sets monthly rates for the subchapter I program at the MGIB-Selected Reserve rates in effect for Fiscal Year ( FY) 2007 ($309). This would result in a rate decrease, however, since the MGIB-Selected Reserve rates otherwise would increase to more than $309 for FY 2008. We could not support this since we do not believe recodification should result in a lesser benefit. This section would maintain the CPI adjustment for subsequent fiscal years and future rate increases would be tied to increases in chapter 30 MGIB rates, by applying the same percentage increases in the rates.
The bill also would provide that VA and DoD jointly establish the amounts of kickers for particular categories of individuals. We believe such determinations relating to military force needs should remain exclusively with DoD.
Subchapter II of Chapter 33 as established by S. 644 would recodify provisions covering the REAP. New section 3323 would provide for the program under subchapter II to begin on October 1, 2008, with the same threshold 90-day active duty requirement for a participant's eligibility as for the REAP. Instead of DoD, VA would notify individuals of their eligibility under the program.
Section 3323A, as proposed, would provide that each individual eligible for the REAP on October 1, 2008, would be eligible for the new subchapter II program. These individuals would carry over the number of months of their entitlement remaining on September 20, 2008. Under specific circumstances, if an individual completes a service contract, the individual's delimiting date for using his or her remaining benefits would be 10 years from the date the individual separates from the Ready Reserve.
Section 3324 would make the monthly rate payable under subchapter II equal to the three-year MGIB-Active Duty ( MGIB-Active Duty) rate. Individuals who qualify for subchapter II through serving the minimum period of active duty that qualified them for REAP (i.e., 90 days) may receive up to 36 months of benefits. This would be adjusted annually by the increase in the CPI. This is a significant departure from current law and one that we do not support. Currently, a servicemember gets 40 percent of the MGIB-Active Duty rate if called to active duty for at least 90 days but less than a year; 60 percent of the MGIB-Active Duty rate if called to active duty for at least a year but less than two years; and 80 percent of the MGIB-Active Duty rate if called to active duty for at least two years.
Another change to the REAP involving pursuit of flight training provides for a substantial increase in such benefit. Individuals pursuing flight training full time under the subchapter II program would be given 60 percent of the established charges for tuition and fees. Individuals pursuing flight training currently under the REAP receive 24, 36, or 48 percent of those fees depending upon length of active duty service.
Under subchapter II, on the job training, apprenticeship, and correspondence program pursuit would be treated in a similar manner to such pursuit under the MGIB-Active Duty. Currently, REAP participants pursuing such training receive a smaller percentage of the full-time rate than do their MGIB-Active Duty counterparts, so this also would be a rate increase for subchapter II program participants.
Section 3325 proposes that a Reserve member who becomes eligible for subchapter II benefits after Sept. 30, 2008, generally may not use those benefits after leaving the Reserves if the member leaves before completing his/her contract. Otherwise, if the service contract is fulfilled, the veteran may use benefits for 10 years after separation from the ready reserves. The 10-year limit also applies if the veteran is separated early for disability, as is the case under current law. This change will allow everyone who fulfills the service contract to use the benefit after leaving the Reserves. This a substantial change from current law that would impact Reserve retention policy. Consequently, we defer to DoD on this provision.
Section 3326 proposes that the educational assistance would end if the individual receives benefits under 10 U.S.C. 2107 or leaves the reserves without fulfilling the service contract. An exception would be allowed for individuals who left but subsequently reentered the Reserves, provided the break did not exceed more than 90 days. Again, we would defer to DoD on this provision since it could affect retention policy.
Section 3342 provides that funding for those establishing eligibility after September 30, 2008, comes from VA's readjustment benefits account. Funding effective October 1, 2008, for those who transfer into the program from REAP or MGIB-Selected Reserve will come from DoD. Currently, all funding comes from DoD. The Administration has worked with Congressional Budget and Appropriation Committees to ensure that the true cost of manpower is reflected in the budget of all agencies so that both cost and policy are not separated. Reserve education benefits are mainly recruiting and retention tools and for this reason they were funded on an actuarial basis in the DoD budget at the inception of the MGIB. The Administration does not support dismantling this funding mechanism as it would be contrary to transparent and responsible budgeting.
VA estimates that, if enacted, S. 644 would result in an increase to VA's Readjustment Benefit appropriation request of $844.3 million in the first year, and $8.4 billion over nine years. This increase reflects the change in appropriation structure requiring VA to increase its appropriation to cover the obligations associated with these payments. VA estimates the net impact of S. 644 to the Federal Government would be an increase of $416.1 million in the first year and nearly $4.9 billion over nine years. VA's GOE costs are estimated to be $7.3 million over 10 years. In addition to the policy objections stated above, we do not support this legislation because the direct costs involved are not included in the Budget and the legislation does not identify a corresponding offset.
In order to ensure effective implementation of the proposed bill, VA would have to significantly enhance or replace existing accounting systems. We estimate approximately 18 months would be needed to complete this process and we have no current estimation on the costs involved.
S. 723, entitled the "Montgomery GI Bill Enhancement Act of 2007," would exempt members of the Armed Forces and Selected Reserve on active duty between November 16, 2001, and the termination date of Executive Order 13235 from the mandatory basic pay reduction ($100 for the first 12 months of active duty pay) currently required for participation in the MGIB-Active Duty program. The bill also provides for reimbursement of payroll deductions made prior to the enactment of this Act. Finally, the bill would allow such members to withdraw any previous election not to participate in the MGIB-Active Duty program.
VA believes that eliminating the servicemembers small cost for this important benefit is something that should be looked at from many perspectives. Eliminating a certain group of servicemember's requirement to make their contributions because of the time period that they served opens up inequities and equal payment issues under the law. For example, we have put many of our servicemembers in harms way that would fall outside of this time period who would not be eligible for the benefit. For that reason we cannot support this bill. In addition, we estimate that enactment of S. 723 would result in a mandatory benefit cost to VA of $8.4 million during the first year; $185.8 million over 5 years; and $647.2 million over 10 years.
S. 1293 would expand the high-cost programs of education for which accelerated payment of educational assistance may be made under the MGIB-Active Duty program and would authorize similar accelerated payment of educational assistance under the MGIB-Selected Reserve program, REAP, and the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program. The bill also would provide certain enhancements for REAP.
Currently, accelerated payment of benefits is authorized only under the MGIB-Active Duty program and only for pursuit of approved high-cost education programs that lead to employment in a high technology occupation in a high technology industry. Specifically, this measure would permit accelerated payment of the basic educational assistance allowance to individuals pursuing an approved high-cost program of education (in addition to the programs now authorized such payment) lasting 2 years or less that would not lead to an associate, bachelors, masters, or other degree. A program would continue to be considered "high-cost" if the monthly cost of the approved tuition and fees exceeds 200 percent of the monthly educational assistance benefit otherwise payable to the individual pursuing the program. The benefit paid for the additional approved programs qualifying for accelerated pay would be limited so as not to exceed $3 million each fiscal year for the MGIB-Active Duty program, $2 million for the MGIB-Selected Reserve program, $1 million for REAP, and $1 million for the DEA program. This provision would be effective for 4 years, from October 1, 2008, through September 30, 2012.
S. 1293 also would amend REAP to provide that a member of a reserve component who served on active duty an aggregate of 3 years or more would receive an educational assistance allowance that is 80 percent of the MGIB-Active Duty rate applicable to individuals whose entitlement is based on 3 years of obligated service. Under current law, 2 continuous years or more are required to receive the 80 percent rate. Finally, S. 1293 would authorize a program, similar to the MGIB-Active Duty program currently in effect, that would allow eligible individuals to "buy up" their REAP benefit by making after-tax contributions of up to $600 to augment the monthly amount of basic educational assistance they receive over the months of their entitlement.
VA supports the concept of expanding the availability of accelerated payment as provided by S. 1293. We believe such expansion based on the length and cost of the training is appropriate. However, we cannot support the bill as drafted.
Limiting the funding level of accelerated payment for the MGIB and DEA programs each fiscal year further would undermine the effectiveness of the expansion. VA estimates that the cost limitations placed on each program will fall far short of the amount required to provide accelerated payments to all persons otherwise made eligible. Consequently, many eligible persons would be denied the benefit once the cost ceiling has been reached.
VA defers to DoD's views with regard to the provisions of the bill that pertain to REAP since REAP is a title 10 program within the jurisdiction of that Department.
If enacted, S.1293 would result in estimated cost to VA of $4 million in Fiscal Year 2009 and $16 million over the period of Fiscal Years 2009-2012.
S. 1409, entitled the "21st Century GI Bill of Rights," would establish in a new chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, a new program of educational assistance for veterans who serve in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, and also would provide enhancements in housing and entrepreneur assistance for such veterans. Mr. Chairman, for the purpose of today's hearing we will comment solely on that portion of S. 1409 that addresses educational assistance to veterans. We will be pleased to provide our written views to the Committee on the remaining portions of the bill in the very near future.
S. 1409 would establish an entitlement under the proposed new educational benefit program for individuals who: (1) were deployed overseas on active duty in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, (2) served on active duty in the Armed Forces for an aggregate of at least 2 years after September 11, 1001, or (3) were discharged before aggregating 2 years of active duty service for a service-connected disability, a pre-existing medical condition, hardship or a physical or mental condition not resulting from their own willful misconduct but did interfere with their performance of duty. Individuals who have received a commission as an officer upon graduation from a service academy are not eligible for this benefit based on their initial service obligation.
VA opposes S. 1409. We believe that the bill's provisions relating to deployment are vague and overly broad. The bill fails to refer to a specific contingency operation but instead relies on a term (deployed overseas) that is both vague and open to multiple interpretations. Allowing all individuals who have been deployed overseas since September 11, 2001, to qualify for the benefit would open up eligibility and a full 36 months of entitlement to anyone who has ever been deployed overseas regardless of location and length of service. This would make a very substantial number of individuals eligible to receive this benefit. Also, by only allowing individuals deployed overseas to qualify, the bill would disqualify many deployed in support of the Global War on Terror within the United States who aggregate less than two years of active duty. Additionally, basing eligibility on Active Duty location will create significant administrative burdens that could negatively impact our ability to timely and accurately deliver benefits.
We cannot support this provision in the absence of more specific language regarding contingency operations and/or location of deployment.
As proposed in S. 1409, individuals eligible under this program may receive up to 36 months of educational assistance. Eligible individuals would be able to enroll in an approved program of education under current chapter 30 provisions, with the exception of programs to obtain a graduate degree. Chapter 33 recipients could receive educational assistance consisting of the established charges for the program (including tuition, fees, required supplies, books and equipment) and an amount equal to room and board. The payments for established charges could not exceed the national average amount of tuition regularly charged for full-time pursuit of a 4-year program of education at a public or private college or university. The amount of the room and board payment could not exceed the standard dormitory fee, as established by VA through regulations.
VA does not support this proposal because of the provision that would exclude graduate training and the provision that would require VA to maintain established charges for programs and room-and-board costs. Many individuals enter the service today with at least some amount of post-secondary education. Disallowing graduate training would unfairly limit the eligible person's choices and the ability to use the maximum entitlement they have earned, as well as create an inequity among those eligible to receive the benefit. There is no compelling reason to favor one type of degree over another.
In addition, the bill provides no guidance on how to determine a "standard" dormitory fee. For example, it is unclear whether the standard should be a national standard or a standard specific to each state. The development of regulations and procedures for making an annual determination of standard fees would be an overwhelming administrative burden to VA. In general, VA opposes the establishment of a benefit that is based on the cost of programs and room and board.
The bill would provide for VA to determine the timing and frequency of payments to chapter 33 recipients. Educational assistance payments could be made in the form of a lump-sum amount for the entire term at its commencement, but they may not be made before the individual's date of enrollment.
The provision to pay for terms of enrollment in a lump sum after the commencement of the enrollment period has significant consequences. Currently, payments are generally made only after attendance begins. Payment of benefits following "enrollment" would result in significant payments amounts being provided prior to actual attendance. These payment amounts could be based solely on how long prior to actual attendance an institution allows students to enroll. The use of the terms "enrollment" and "attendance" must be carefully applied.
Additionally, a heavy potential overpayment burden could be placed on veterans who terminate their enrollment prior to completing the term for which they have been paid. Presently, claimants must verify their attendance and are then paid on a monthly basis. This basically limits their liability for repayment of benefits due to course withdrawals to a single month. Payment of an entire term up-front would cause a repayment liability on the part of the claimant for potentially many thousands of dollars.
New section 3313(e), as proposed, would establish the manner in which payments would be made to individuals who are pursuing a program of education while serving on active duty. Individuals on active duty would receive the lesser of the established charges or the amount of the institution's charges. VA would be required to issue the chapter 33 benefit amount to such individuals in a lump-sum payment before the start of the term. These individual's entitlement would be charged at a rate of one month for each month for which they are paid.
Individuals pursuing training on a less than half-time basis would receive payments in a lump-sum no later than the last day of the month following the month in which their enrollment certification was received. Their entitlement would be charged at a percentage of a month equal to the number of hours undertaken divided by the number of hours for full-time study (actual hours/full-time hours).
Individuals eligible for chapter 33 could also receive tutorial assistance as outlined in 38 U.S.C. § 3492 without accruing any charge to their entitlement. Section 3492 allows individuals with an academic or other deficiency who are currently enrolled in a program of study, on a greater than half-time basis to receive an additional payment for tutorial assistance. These individuals may receive up to $100 per month for a maximum of twelve months ($1,200) to secure tutorial assistance from a person who is qualified and not related to the veteran or servicemember.
Under the proposed chapter 33 program, individuals could also receive payments for licensing and certification tests, as defined in 38 U.S.C. §3452(b), without incurring any charge to their entitlement.
New section 3313 (g), as proposed would offer specialized training and certification programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities. It is unclear if this portion of the bill would authorize an additional benefit under the new chapter 33 or an additional benefit under VA's chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
S. 1409 would also provide for the payment of licensing and certification tests without incurrence of any entitlement charges. This would make the 10-year delimiting date the only factor in determining at what point a claimant could no longer receive such payment.
New section 3321, as proposed, would establish a 10-year delimiting period in which an individual may use his or her benefits. This period would begin on the date of the individual's last discharge or release from active duty. If an individual's entitlement would expire during the course of a term or a program of study, it would be extended until the end of the term/course or for 12 weeks, whichever is shorter.
New section 3322, as proposed, would specify that individuals receiving educational assistance benefits under chapter 33 may not receive assistance under chapter 30, 31, 32, or 35 of title 38 U.S.C. or chapter 107, 1606 or 1607 of title 10 U.S.C. simultaneously. In addition, §3322(b) would provide that periods of service counted under an educational loan repayment may not be counted as a period of service to establish eligibility for the chapter 33 program.
Individuals could elect to receive educational assistance benefits under chapter 33, if, at the date of this bill's enactment, they have remaining unused entitlement under chapter 30 of title 38, under chapters 1606, 1607, or 107 of title 10 and otherwise meet the requirements or are making progress toward meeting the requirements for entitlement under the proposed chapter 33. Individuals may also receive chapter 33 benefits if they opted out of the chapter 30 program through an election under §3011(c)(1) or §3012(d)(1) of title 38, but are otherwise eligible under the chapter 33 eligibility requirements.
New section 3324(c)(3)(B), as proposed, would permit individuals enrolled in chapter 30 to elect chapter 33 for the number of months of entitlement they have remaining. However, there is no provision regarding the manner in which individuals enrolled in the chapter 1606 or chapter 1607 program would elect benefits under chapter 33 or how their remaining entitlement should be applied to chapter 33 usage.
The bill would provide that, if an individual who is eligible under chapter 33 has previously elected to transfer his or her educational benefits to a dependent(s) under the provisions outlined in 38 U.S.C. § 3020, he or she may elect to revoke some or all of the remaining entitlement so transferred. If an individual were to revoke his or her transfer of entitlement, the educational assistance would no longer be available to the dependent. In such case, the entitlement would instead be available to the servicemember or veteran for chapter 33 purposes. Any previously transferred entitlement that is not revoked would remain available to the eligible dependent in accordance with current transfer of entitlement provisions under 38 U.S.C. § 3020.
The bill would provide that, if an individual elects to participate in the chapter 33 program, he or she may receive the number of unused months of entitlement he or she had under chapter 30. An election to receive benefits under chapter 33 would be irrevocable. In the case of an individual who has made an election, the bill would provide that, effective as of the first month following the election, the obligation of the individual to make contributions under the MGIB-Active Duty or the MGIB-Selected Reserve program shall cease.
We believe enactment of this bill would impose a tremendous administrative burden on VA, largely because it would make over 2 million veterans and servicemembers immediately eligible to receive the chapter 33 benefits upon the date of its enactment. Further, the entire combined population of current chapter 30, chapter 1606, and chapter 1607 participants would be eligible for the new (more advantageous) chapter 33 benefits and could request an immediate re-adjudication of their present claims. For reasons previously mentioned, which involve requirements for development of regulations or procedures, as well as extensive system changes that could include total development of new computer payment systems, VA would not be capable of effective administration of this benefit for an unacceptably long period of time following enactment. The combined effect would be to severely impact claims processing and cause a huge spike of indefinite duration in current waiting times for receiving education benefits.
We estimate enactment of S. 1409 would result in benefit costs to VA of $3.9 billion during the first year, $25.1 billion for 5 years, and $64 billion over 10 years. We currently are unable to estimate the resulting additional administrative costs associated with this bill.
S. 1719 would amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the payment of an amount equal to $2,000 per academic year, or fraction thereof for a partial year, to an individual entitled to educational assistance under the MGIB-Active Duty who is pursuing a program of education with a focus on science, technology, engineering, or math. The payment would be made in addition to any other amount payable to an individual under the MGIB-Active Duty, and would be paid to the participant at the start of his or her term. The bill would require VA to prescribe through regulations which programs of study would qualify for this enhanced benefit.
VA does not support enactment of this measure for a number of reasons. In terms of equity among veterans receiving MGIB-Active Duty education benefits, VA has not seen evidence that veterans who choose to pursue programs focusing on science, engineering, technology, and mathematics must have a greater benefit than other veterans using their education benefits. This bill represents a departure from the existing MGIB-Active Duty structure, which provides equivalent benefit opportunities to veterans who establish an entitlement.
In addition, we have substantial administrative concerns with the bill. We believe that our implementation of the requirements in S.1719 as of the date of enactment would be inhibited by the requirement for VA to determine and set forth in regulations the programs whose pursuit would be covered by this enhanced benefit. Prescribing changes through regulations requires publication in the Federal Register and a period for public comment; any lengthy delays in this process would hinder our ability to make payments beginning on the date of enactment. In addition, our current computer systems are designed to make recurring monthly payments; issuing regular annual stipends would require computer system changes.
For these reasons and in the absence of a clearly supportable rationale, we cannot support altering the existing chapter 30 benefit structure by singling out for special treatment one group of entitled veterans from others who established the same basic program entitlement. In addition, we have not noted any savings to offset the estimated costs of this bill.
Benefit costs associated with the enactment of S. 1719 are estimated to be $91.7 million in the first year, $464.8 million over five years and $943.4 million over ten years.
Mr. Chairman, as I explained in the first part of my testimony, VA is proud of what we have been able to accomplish in concert with DoD to administer these important educational programs. We also appreciate the support of this Committee and the Congress in this mission, and stand ready to work with you to make these programs even better.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my statement. I would be pleased to respond to any questions you or other Members of the Committee may have.
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If you need professionals who are adept at repairing drywall cracks, check out this company. They also provide quality painting, carpentry and other home renovation services. Ask for an estimate now.
Choose this home improvement business if you need drywall repair and installation services. They also offer electrical and plumbing upgrade, door and window installation, wood rot repair, and much more.
Steve Yurchek provides dry wall repair, paintings with faux finishes, bathroom and kitchen renovations as well as homes and offices. He also offers mold and mildew remediation and more.
This business specializes in handyman and small repair services. They handle plumbing, carpentry, siding, fixtures, toilets, drywalls, switches, trims, roofs and more. They do exterior painting too.
Choose Taylor's Renovations if you are searching for quality ceiling drywall repairs. They also provide painting and pressure washing services.
This company specializes in handling drywall repair work. They also do installations and finishing for residential as well as commercial projects.
Michael E. Durkin offers professional handyman services with warranty and references. He does almost all such as drywall taping, siding, pressure wash, plaster and sheetrock repair, and more.
A Superior Plus Restoration and Preservation LLC specializes in drywall repairs, cleanup, restoration, and construction of residential and commercial properties after a calamity or an incident.
This firm does all phases of drywall services, from new installation to repair. They have been handling all job sizes for more than a decade. They specialize in acoustical ceiling installation.
Innovative Resources provides general contracting services including pressure washing, tile flooring and painting. They also do drywall repair and installation, demolition and many more.
Choose Doyle Wheeling Painting & General Repair if you are looking for professionals who do sheet rock repairs using quality products. They also do interior and exterior painting, among others.
This team of drywall contractors provides cracked tape, corner bead and all texture repair services. They also do basement finishing, water damage restoration, door and window replacement, and more.
This painting company offers a variety of services including dry wall repairs, wallpaper removal, siding work, painting services, and so much more.
Mr. Do-It-All always treats your home as if it were their own. They make you feel like you and your property is in good hands. They build trust from the start, taking away some of the stress that goes with home repairs. They get things done right for the customers knowing that they gave them what was needed to keep their greatest investments in like-new conditions.
What do you love about your job?
I really like my work because at the end of the day, I can look back on it and know that I did the best for my customer. I take helping people maintain their biggest investments very seriously and always look out for their best interests.
What or who inspired you to start your own business?
I have always been a subcontractor since I was a young kid, from cutting grass to helping my dad building homes. I have always worked for myself. As I got older and learned more, I have stayed on the same path until today, where I am doing the same things, just with much more skill sets.
Find out the average cost for projects similar to yours
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Used by Zeruul to scout out new outpost locations and mining opportunities, a Canopy Strider's giant feet can stomp down sections of land into desirable shapes such as building foundations or prisons. Unfortunately for local residents, their high vantage point and small eyes ensure that they also stomp on things that aren't in the builders' blueprints.
First Appearance: Chapter 6
Attack Power: 42
Defense Power: 12
Critical Chance: 6%
- 33% Terraform (+14 Attack)
- Canopy Strider stomps around transforming the terrain and giving you a difficult time.
- 33% Colossal Frame (+11 Defense)
- You can't seem to find any weakness on Canopy Strider... Probably not the heel by the looks of it.
Loot: 15 x Mist Energy
Gold: 2000 - 5000
Energy Preference: None
1 3 5 10


text:
Robot Entertainment's upcoming action-strategy beast-basher Orcs Must Die! will be released for the 360 on Live Arcade on October 5, and for the PC via Steam and other PC distribution platforms on October 12. Orcs Must Die! tasks players, serving as a War Mage, with defending 24 besieged fortresses with 17 trap types and a half-dozen weapons and spells from orcs and other monsters.
Orcs Must Die! is an action-strategy game that challenges players to defend fortresses under siege. With a wide variety of traps and weapons to choose from, Orcs Must Die! dares players to find the best ways to hack, launch, flatten, gibletize, and incinerate an endless army of filthy orcs and their vile allies. Orcs Must Die! features a vibrant look, addictive gameplay, and a blatant disregard for the welfare of orcs.
Official Site: OrcsMustDie.com


text:
Keep your sax in top condition.
The Giardinelli Saxophone Master Care Pack includes a sax swab, cork grease, sax neck cleaner, polishing cloth, mouthpiece brush, duster brush, key oil, a use and care pamphlet, and a deluxe Cordura case.
- Cordura wallet carrying case
- Body swab
- Cork grease - tube
- Key oil
- Key duster brush
- Mouthpiece brush
- Lacquer polish cloth
- Double ended coated neck cleaner
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®by PowerReviews
Reviewed by 1 customer
Comments about Giardinelli Saxophone Master Care Pack:
I think I've made an excellent choice with this care pack. Of course no one should be without a basic care pack but this one is a must purchase and worth the price. Thank you


text:
Judicial Behavior Workshop: Lawrence Baum (Ohio State, Political Science)
Note to participants in the November 16th Workshop from Larry Baum:
In this workshop I'll discuss ideas and findings about judicial specialization, drawing on a book that was published earlier this year, Specializing the Courts. In the book I speak of two dimensions of specialization, based on the extent to which particular judges concentrate on narrow sets of cases and the extent to which certain sets of cases are concentrated among a small number of judges. I describe the degree of specialization along both dimensions that exists in court systems in the U.S., but the book is primarily concerned with analysis of the causes and effects of specialization.
I've attached the table of contents for the book to provide a sense of what the book covers. I've also included two chapters from the book. Chapter 4 is one of the chapters that focuses on specialization in a particular field, in this case criminal cases. The material in that chapter will provide a sense of the findings that are the basis for my conclusions about causes and effects of judicial specialization.
I've also included chapter 7, which contains the book's conclusions. The chapter builds on theoretical material in chapter 2 of the book, so some of the material in the conclusions will not have the full context that would be useful for readers. But I thought that chapter 7 would be more interesting than chapter 2, since it summarizes the results of the first broad inquiry into the causes and effects of judicial specialization in the U.S. If the theoretical frameworks for those conclusions (or the book's inquiries into other fields of judicial activity) are of interest, of course, we can talk about them at the workshop.


text:
Commonly Used Brand Name(s)Benlysta
Therapeutic ClassificationsImmunological Agent
Pharmacologic ClassificationsMonoclonal Antibody
- Overview
- Proper Use
- Before Using
- Allergies
- Pediatric
- Geriatric
- Breast Feeding
- Drug Interactions
- Other Interactions
- Other Medical Problems
- Precautions
Belimumab injection is used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) in patients who also receive other therapy. It is a monoclonal antibody that changes the immune system to help control lupus symptoms.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Proper UseTOP
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
You may also receive medicines to help prevent allergic reactions to the injection.
This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. It is very important that you read and understand this information. Be sure to ask your doctor about anything you do not understand.
Before UsingTOP
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of belimumab injection in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of belimumab have not been performed in the geriatric population. However, no geriatric-specific problems have been documented to date.
Breast FeedingTOP
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Drug InteractionsTOP
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Other InteractionsTOP
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical ProblemsTOP
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Depression, history of or
- Mental illness, history of—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.
- Infection or
- Weak immune system (eg, history of cancer or steroid use)—May decrease your body's ability to fight infection.
- Multiple drug allergy, history of—May increase the risk of having an allergic reaction to belimumab.
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it.
You should not receive this medicine if you are also using other biologic therapies or cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan®).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. Women who could potentially get pregnant must use an effective form of birth control during therapy and for at least 4 months after the last dose.
This medicine may increase your risk of developing infections, including a serious brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Avoid being near people who are sick and wash your hands often. Check with your doctor right away if you have a fever, chills, a cough that won't go away, flu-like symptoms, a headache, night sweats, or weight loss. Tell your doctor if you have balance problems, confusion, difficulty talking or walking, dizziness, memory loss, or vision changes.
Using this medicine may increase your risk of getting cancer. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.
Belimumab may cause an infusion reaction while you are receiving it or right after the infusion ends. Check with your doctor or nurse right away if you have a headache, itching, dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, nausea, muscle or joint pain, or a rash.
This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have chest pain, hives, itching, a rash, swelling of the face, tongue, and throat, or trouble breathing after you receive the medicine.
This medicine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become depressed. If you or your caregiver notice any of these unwanted effects, tell your doctor right away.
While you are being treated with belimumab, and 30 days before starting treatment with it, do not have any immunizations (vaccines) without your doctor's approval. Belimumab may lower your body's resistance and the vaccine may not work as well or you might get the infection the vaccine is meant to prevent. In addition, you should not be around other persons living in your household who receive live virus vaccines because there is a chance they could pass the virus on to you. Some examples of live vaccines include measles, mumps, influenza (nasal flu vaccine), poliovirus (oral form), rotavirus, and rubella. Do not get close to them and do not stay in the same room with them for very long. If you have questions about this, talk to your doctor.


text:
Weezer Announces New Album "Everything Will Be Alright in the End"
Weezer announced a new album on Thursday. It will be called Everything Will Be Alright In the End.
The band released a YouTube video to make the announcement. See it below.
The album announcement follows the release of a short clip of a new Weezer song called Ain't Got Nobody. That is also below.
Ric Ocasek of The Cars produced the album. Ocasek produced Weezer's seminal 1994 release, Blue Album, and 2001's Green Album.
Weezer received a lot of viral attention over the weekend after drummer Patrick Wilson caught a frisbee in the middle of a song.


text:
Monday, 11 July 2016
In Celebration of The Queen's 90th Birthday, Buckingham Palace this summer are staging an extraordinary exhibition in her honor. Fashion a Reign will chart significant events in The Queen's life and the nation's history through an unprecedented collection of dress and accessories designed for these occasions, from childhood to present day.
In total, over 150 outfits worn by The Queen will be presented across the three Palaces (The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle), with each special exhibition displaying a selection of outfits chosen because of their close association with the location.
The Queen's support of British couture and millinery will be highlighted through important pieces created for a world stage by reowned designers, including Sir Normal Hartnell, Sir Hardy Amies and Ian Thomas.
'Fashioning a Reign: 90 years of Style from The Queen's Wardrobe' is at Buckingham Palace from 23rd July - 2nd October! Book your tickets here!
Below is an amazing sneak preview of The Queen's amazing wardrobe
Ruby+Ed x


text:
guy, I have a lot of interests, but I love games(mainly video
games, but I love card games, board games, sports, drinking games etc... as well). In the past I've done martial arts, tennis, and lots of camping; I'd love an excuse to pick up any of those hobbies again too!
I'm generally easy going and try to enjoy life at all times. I'm
happy going out and doing things on the town(though I'm not much for dancing/clubs) and happy just bumming around the house watching movies/playing games/talking/whatever.
I like watching animated stuff over live action(especially animated comedy like The Simpsons, Futurama, Sout Park, American Dad, and to some extent family guy). But I like good live action stuff as well. Though I'm usually pretty far behind the curve, waiting for people to show me stuff (I JUST watched firefly recently).
EDIT: I'm out my car till the 15 of may, loaned it to my brother so he can road trip, so meeting people outside of the Seattle area will be a little tough till next month.
EDIT AGAIN: Car is returned!
I started game of thrones like 2 months ago and am now super addicted, having to wait between each episode is hard!
Music - I don't actually listen to music much, I don't think there's any genre's I particularly dislike and I do like to have it as background sounds so I can probably adapt to anything!
Computer/video games
Bad video game movie drinking game night(or just bad movies and drinking in general) sounds like something you'd like to do.
you like to shotgun tv shows/series
you like anime
or you're a whole lot of fun and think we'd get along!


text:
Expense Reporting Takes a Digital Leap
The receipt lives on, but the latest technology makes reporting business expenses a snap
For businesspeople, receipts are one of the last vestiges of the predigital age: Pay for something, get a piece of paper proving it; then make a photocopy and fax it to the office or file it in person to prove your expenses are authentic.
Journal Report
- Insights from The Experts
- Read more at WSJ.com/LeadershipReport
More in Technology
The Best Way for Companies to...
"Honestly, it was the part of my job I absolutely dreaded," says Tom Allen, head of business development at Fremont, Calif.-based AlterG Inc., which makes devices like antigravity treadmills and exoskeletons to help people walk.
For Mr. Allen, and many others like him, the receipt lives on, but the photocopy and fax are things of the past.
Numerous companies, including Concur Technologies Inc., Expensify Inc. and Certify LLC, have sprouted up to offer an easy way to scan and send receipts to a database in the cloud using a smartphone.
For any of these programs, the process is largely the same for an employee: receive receipt, pull up app on smartphone, tell it you have a new entry, snap photo. Some also ask employees to fill out some information—whom a business lunch was with, for instance.
The software also helps employees collect the receipts captured on their phones into reports that can be sent to administrators for approval.
For small-business owners, the process can be even easier. Some, like Stacey Harmon, a marketing-strategy expert in Austin, Texas, rely on simpler programs like Evernote, which was initially built as a way to easily take notes on a phone.
The software also handles photos, so Ms. Harmon uses it to take and store pictures of every receipt she gets, as well as every other financial document.
Come tax time, she can easily click a button to share the files, organized into a folder full of financial documents, with her accountant.
Terri Tweedy, who manages expense reporting at medical-insurance provider Pharmacists Mutual Cos., based in Algona, Iowa, uses a program from Certify, which offers a smartphone app and website together. The program allows employees to snap photos of receipts, fill out a few details and file expense reports from their smartphones.
She sees them on a website and approves them or sends the employees questions. She can also see exactly what they see on the site, she says, so if there's a problem she can walk them through it.
Mr. Sherr is a Wall Street Journal reporter based in San Francisco. He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com .


text:
|Ghatam Giridhar Udupa
Ghatam Giridhar Udupa is one of the leading musicians in the world of rhythm. Thumping into the musical world at an age as tender as 4, Udupa has been mesmerizing the audience with his immaculate style and innate creativity.
Born into a family of music and literature, rhythm flows in his blood. After initial tutelage under his father and well-known Mridangist Ullur Nagendra Udupa, he is currently a disciple of Vidushi Sukanya Ramgopal and Vidwan V.Suresh.
Udupa, a commerce graduate, has treaded the path of music with a heart of an artist and the will of an innovator. His persistence for perfection has taken him to the league of the nation's most sought after percussionists.
Udupa performs on the Ghatam, the Indian claypot. He also performs on varied South Indian percussion instruments including Mridangam, Khanjira and Morsing. He renders Konnakol (syllables) with equal aplomb.
He has accompanied eminent musicians including Sarvashree Dr.L.Subramaniam, M.S.Gopalkrishna, R.K.Srikantan, Palghat Raghu, Ganesh and Kumaresh, Mysore Nagaraj and Manjunath, Mandolin Srinivas, Dr.N.Ramani, K.J.Yesudas, T.V.Gopalkrishna, T.V.Shankaranarayana, Madhurai T.N.Seshagopalan, Trichur V.Ramachandran, Hyderabad Brothers, O.S.Thyagarajan, T.M.Krishna, Neyveli Santhanagopalan, Unnikrishnan, Sanjay Subramanyam, Vijay Siva, Shashank, Kadri Gopalnath, Veenai Jayanthi Kumaresh, R.K.Suryanarayana, Bombay Sisters, Nithyashree Mahadevan, Sudha Raghunathan, Sowmya, M.S.Sheela, Aruna Sayeeram, Ranjinii & Gayatri.
Apart from playing authentic Carnatic Music, he has performed in many Fusion, Jazz, Blues, Flamenco, Symphony Orchestra, Celtic Music, World music and Jugalbandhi concerts and has been part of numerous International Music Festivals with renowned Indian Musicians like Dr.L.Subramaniam, Pandit Jasraj, Ganesh Kumaresh, Anindo Chatterjee, Sivamani, Amit Heri, Keith Peters and Kavitha Krishnamurthy and Western Musicians like John Neptune, Lewis Pragasam, Virginia Mayhew, Alex Rostotsky, and others. He has also worked with many leading music directors.
To take his music to the global audience, he has teamed up with Fabrice de Graef and Alain Genty to become part of the global band – "Nasha" that offers Celtic music fused rhythmically with Indian Percussions. Being the core percussionist for the band, Udupa adorns Celtic music with rich Indian rhythmic patterns. He is also a member of Poland based Flamenco Band "Indialucia" featuring Miguel Czachowski, Jan Kubek and Adam Glosnicki.He has performed live on the Berlin radio and recorded CDs for a leading German audio recording company Autogram.
Udupa is the first Indian percussionist to perform at the prestigious Krakow International Percussion Festival (2005). On a special invitation by the organizers, he also conducted a workshop on South Indian percussions and introduced the concept and practice of Indian rhythm to a global audience.
Udupa has given concerts under the auspices of prestigious Sabhas all over India and abroad, including USA, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, France, Poland, Luxembourg, Re Union Island, Singapore, Dubai, Muscat and Kuwait.
Widening his horizons with extensive global touring, Udupa has enriched his music with nuances sought from all schools of music. Accolades have come from around the world. Music lovers celebrate the finesse of his fingering, the dexterity of his playing, the incomprehensible speed of his intricate rhythmic designs. His fingers simply fly around Ghatam, perennially holding surprises for the audience.
He has won many awards including Ananya Yuva Puraskara for the year 2002 as "Best Percussionist of the year " ,Aryabhata Award for the year 2000, "Vijaya Kalashree" title for the year 1997.
Udupa is a wizard on the Ghatam"
dexterity of ghatam playing by Udupa reminds
fingers thump literally bursting crackers."
who is making forays into big concert circuits, is a joy to watch and
listen to."
fingers thump literally bursting crackers."
GHATAM UDUPA'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE www.ghatamudupa.com
|Copyright © 2006 Layatharanga . All rights reserved. firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
THERE was doom and gloom at Kiama Bowling Club at the start of last week, with the club's women missing Tuesday social bowls due to rain.
But by Thursday smiles had returned with social triples won by S. Heidtmann, C. O'Neil and V. Collins.
The main game was a very hotly contested ladies championship triples quarter-final between the team of M. Walker, G. Reynolds and J. Kirk, and their opposition M. Sultana, N. Marrow and J. Clowes.
It was point for point over the 18 ends played, with never more than three points separating them, but in the end the Walker/Reynolds/Kirk team ran out winners with a 16-15 scoreline.
The men were more fortunate and a full program started on Wednesday with triples won by the team of B. Christensen, D. Coughlan and L. Jones. Runners-up were J. Fox, G. Clowes and R. White.
Thursday was again a good day for the fiercely competitive men's pairs competition and the pairing of W. Gorrisen and A. Rodgers were declared winners over E. McAuley and K. Parker.
Triples featured again on Saturday and the slight showers had little impact on the winning team of C. Baker, P. McBeath and R. White, while M. Kunzler, R. Keating and C. Twigg had to be content with second place.
The men also managed to squeeze in a minor pairs championship game and R.Blakey and M. Miller prevailed over S. Boniface and P. Starr, winning 22-12.
With a backlog of championship games delayed due to bad weather, we are all hoping for a rapid improvement in conditions especially as we move into winter and a busy program of mixed social bowls.
-The Umpire


text:
Dutch-Colonies-L ArchivesArchiver > Dutch-Colonies > 2006-07 > 1153771977
From: "E Johnson" <>
Subject: Re: [Dutch-Colonies] Adam Peterson, Dirck Williams and Dirk Laurens of Appoqu...
Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2006 16:12:57 -0400
References: <email@example.com>
In-Reply-To: <firstname.lastname@example.com>
Hi Cynthia,
Happy Monday. I am so pleased to see you. Glad you still are enjoying this.
>> Then in 1686, Adam Peterson was appointed executor of the estate of
>> Dirk Williams:
>> Dirk WILLIAMS. Feb. 27, 1686. Aug. 10, 1686. A:75.
>> Wife, Funcha; children, not named.
> One question here, which Adam is this, the one d. 1702-1703 (Phila. Will) or
> his son?
This seems to be Adam Peterson the elder. By that time he was a landed
and respectable guy. He is probably the same Adam Peterson who was
collector of taxes in 1693 in Georges Creek and Apoquinamink precincts
of New Castle County. Later in the 1690's he also served on the
Provincial Council (Pennsylvania before Delaware was created). Up to
1702 I believe, until he died.
Dirck WILLIAMS is probably a neighbor (more-or-less) of Adam Peterson.
They both appear on tax lists in the same vicinity, "North of
Oppoquiniminck" [Appoquinimink area] is how one such list is headed.
Would you like to see a copy of those tax lists? I have tons of notes,
just don't want to overwhelm you as I often get overwhelmed.
Can send links to Rweb lists where pages of old records from New
Castle County have been posted for use of researchers.
Anyway, I was (am) very interested to discover who is Dirck William's
wife "Funcha" --which name is probably another mis-spelled version of
Veronica (English) or something like Francyntje.
Of course, I am also very interested to discover who Dirck Williams was.
Wish I could afford to order all these wills.
Thanks again for the interest!
On 7/24/06, <> wrote:
> In a message dated 7/5/2006 4:55:46 AM Mountain Standard Time,
> writes:
> Then in 1686, Adam Peterson was appointed executor of the estate of
> Dirk Williams:
> Dirk WILLIAMS. Feb. 27, 1686. Aug. 10, 1686. A:75.
> Wife, Funcha; children, not named.
> Question: Who is Funcha, Dirk Williams' wife/widow? What happened to
> her after 1686?
> Adam Peterson was married to Veronica Van Bibber... could she have
> been the "Funcha" who was Dirk Williams' wife/widow?
> 'Morning Liz,
> Little by little I'm gleaning our conversations...............(?).
> One question here, which Adam is this, the one d. 1702-1703 (Phila. Will) or
> his son?
> ==== Dutch-Colonies Mailing List ====
> NOTICE: Posting of virus warnings, test messages, chain letters, political announcements, current events, items for sale, personal messages, flames, etc. (in other words - spam) is NOT ALLOWED and will be grounds for removal. Consideration for exceptions, contact Kathleen Burnett
> ==============================
> Search the US Census Collection. Over 140 million records added in the
> last 12 months. Largest online collection in the world. Learn more: http://www.ancestry.com/s13965/rd.ashx
This thread:
|Re: [Dutch-Colonies] Adam Peterson, Dirck Williams and Dirk Laurens of Appoqu... by "E Johnson" <>


text:
Judgments from the European Court of Human Rights refering to CCJE
Case RAMOS NUNES DE CARVALHO E SÁ v. PORTUGAL of 21 June 2016 [in French]
(Applications nos 55391/13, 57728/13 et 74041/13)
Case BAKA v. HUNGARY of 23 June 2016
(Application no. 20261/12)
Case MITRINOVSKI v. The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
(Application no. 6899/12)
Case HARABIN v. Slovakia of 20 November 2012
(Application no. 58688/11)
Case ALBU et autres v. Romania of 10 August 2012
(Applications nos. 34796/09 and 63 other applications)


text:
Press Release:
From 8th April 2008 Mike Figgis, photographer and film director will be on site at The Photographers' Gallery creating a cumulative portrait of Soho. The exhibition, entitled Composites, will start at the beginning of the second week of Figgis' shoot and will include images of Soho's iconic buildings, residents, workers and visitors.
During that week, Figgis will be found working in the gallery printing his images using the Epson Stylus Pro 3800 printer and posting them on the gallery walls. Visitors who view the work in progress will have an incentive to return and see the final results. The exhibition will continue until 13th April 2008.
"I've been an active fan of the Epson range of printers for some time now," comments Figgis, "and am delighted to be exploring the dynamics of the A2+ Stylus Pro 3800. As the work (both colour and monochrome) is to be auctioned at a later stage it is important for me to know that the prints are of archival quality. I will be using the Epson enhanced matte media together with the UltraChrome K3 inks and the tests I've done so far are very good."
For more information, please visit the Photographer's Gallery website.


text:
Family, Friends Looking for Missing Mother
LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Police asked for the public's help today in locating a 30-year-old mother of 5-year-old twins who hasn't been seen since she stepped outside a nightclub in
Sloan is black, with brown hair and eyes, 5-foot-6 and 170 pounds. She was wearing blue pants with a gray shirt and gray open-toed shoes when last seen.
Anyone with information about her whereabouts was asked to call LAPD Missing Persons Unit at


text:
From Outlaw to Citizen
From Outlaw to Citizen
A prisoner coming out of jail and making a successful transition over time towards becoming law-abiding citizen must overcome major difficulties. Matthew, a long-term prisoner, said he had not been prepared for the shock of going back to civilian life. Like Rip Van Winkle, he found the world outside prison had changed beyond recognition. He had not used Eftpos, credit cards, cell phones or computers and felt incompetent to deal with everyday situations, such as getting onto a bus going in the right direction. He had had little practice in turning off lights and his gas stove. As with all the respondents in this study, he was well aware of the intense public distrust of offenders. Ironically, however, offenders are highly dependent on public tolerance and acceptance if they are to desist from re-offending.
Dr Anne Opie, an independent researcher and former social worker, interviewed recently released ex-prisoners over a period of time about their experiences of the challenges associated with attempting to move back into to civilian life. Her findings are published by Dunmore Publishing in From Outlaw to Citizen: Making the Transition from Prison in New Zealand.
"There are myriad and shocking historical and present failures in our prison systems to help those leaving prison to resettle into communities and move away from re-offending." says Anne Opie.
More than half of the respondents were released into a city they had never lived in before. Few had either family or friends on whom they could rely. Nearly all left prison in the clothes in which they had been admitted, with one saying he left prison during the winter wearing jeans, a tee-shirt and thongs. Others said their clothes had barely fitted them. Prisoners are meant to organize their accommodation prior to their release. This was typically very difficult to do and three left prison without having a place to live. Unsurprisingly, several considered that returning to prison might be an easier option that trying to manage civilian life, their experiences replicating findings in recent international literature about how hard it is for released prisoners to cope with the stresses of release and, in the process avoid re-offending.
Anne Opie's research showed that the respondents spoke very highly of the non governmental organizations (NGOs) who worked with and supported them after their release. They helped them find accommodation manage finances and, in some instances, employment, because the staff had the necessary detailed knowledge of their community and of people with connections to help released prisoners. Respondents described how staff and volunteers in these agencies treated them as human beings, offering hope and help in planning and beginning to work towards a constructive future.
In contrast, the respondents were highly critical of the Community Probation Service's (CPS) very restricted role. Staff asked only about respondents' compliance with their conditions of parole. They were not mandated to ask about and help offenders with their very real everyday problems. Nor were they interested in the positive ways in which respondents were attempting to re-build their lives and cease to re-offend.
Anne Opie said, "This study indicates that Corrections and the CPS have been operating on the basis of a very limited account of what helps to assist offenders move towards being able to live more constructive lives. There are many social factors that contribute to people re-offending. Corrections has apparently been unaware of significant initiatives in other countries focused on what helps people desist from re-offending and begin to contribute, as were some respondents, to the society to which they belong."


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"If truth is beauty, how come no one has their hair done in a library?" ~ Lily Tomlin
The companion to the Beard Shirt was developed with the ladies in mind, but reaction was so great that we've made the design available for all sizes.
A handy key is printed on the bottom of the shirt toward the seam, to help identify each style.
Printed on natural American Apparel, consider viewing the sizing chart or ordering a size up. These are fitted shirts that hug your body with a softness like no other.
This item is a part of our Garage Sale of closeouts! Limited sizes, incredible savings.


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On Food Network
Original Aired On 09/19/2011
Episode: New Orleans
John Besh - Gumbo Z'herbes
On Travel Channel
Original Aired On 01/30/2012
Episode: New Orleans
Andrew makes a stop at this legendary eatery, where he samples Creole cooking tips from the Queen of Creole cooking, Leah Chase.
On Travel Channel
Original Aired On 01/28/2013
Episode: New Orleans
This Cajun and Creole joint is famous for its classic soul food, gloriously influenced by the city
On Travel Channel
Original Aired On 12/22/2010
Episode: Pie Paradise
Andrew Zimmern made a stop at this legendary eatery, where he sampled Creole cooking tips from the Queen of Creole cooking, Leah Chase.
The fried chicken rivals that at nearby Willie Mae?s, and the fried catfish will be some of the best you?ve ever had. [Eater 38 Member]
Great buffet, the inside is much nicer than it would seem from the outside, fried chicken is excellent!!!
Pork chops, greens,peach cobbler!
The buffet lets you sample a bit of everything - the fried chicken and shrimp creole are go back for seconds good.
They are now open for dinner!
Make sure to go ALL IN while in NO
Gumbo is a dish best served with a side of slow jazz on a summer night. That's the specialty at New Orleans' Dooky Chase, where John Besh has been known to lick his bowl clean!
Make a reservation it is packed lol
A lunch worthy buffet, Chef Leah Chase offers a midday creole feast.


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For those of you who read my post on Barone Ricasoli; you know I fell in love. If you're interested in getting a taste of Tuscany; this is an event you should reserve for.
On Monday, October 3rd at Zio you can meet one of Tuscany's true wine legends: Barone Francesco Ricasoli He assumed control of the family firm in 1993 and has built it into one of the leading wine estates of the area (and Italy).
He wanted to know Sangiovese's best clones, the best soil suited for that specific clone, and the best wood for that clone to age. Terroir plays the most important role. Francesco re-identified all the soil types, elevation, sun exposure and micro-climates of each of his vineyards and created a special bottling of each wine – this is the "Cru Project" Three of the wines involved in the project are Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG, Casalferro IGT and Colledila Chianti Classico DOCG.
Taste these outstanding wines paired with Zio's delicious food and guided by one of Italy's most important winemakers. Served will be each of his three Crus from both the 2007 and 2008 vintages, plus an older vertical of Castello di Brolio 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2006.
The event will take place on October 3, 2011 at 7pm. The event costs $195 (and it is completely worth it). Call David Hamburger at 212.875.0222, Monday – Friday, to reserve. You can also register online at www.winewkshop.com.
Zio is located at 17 W. 19th St. (bet. 5th and 6th Avenues.) Manhattan, NY 10011


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Some random Miami and non-Miami related news stories and articles that might be of interest to ya'….
– DJ Irie jokingly tells Urban Daily that they need to take him on the road with them. [TheUrbanDaily]
– Mr. International, formerly Mr. 305, Pitbull killed it on the Today Show with Ne-Yo, Marc Anthony, T-Pain and more. This went down Friday Morning as part of Today's summer concert series in the middle of Rockefeller Plaza. So crazy to see where Pitbull came from and accomplished within the last ten years. [Yardie]
– Being on tour hasn't stopped these guys from releasing material. Mayday releases a new video for their Del assisted track "The Ride", which is directed by Garcia. [57thAve]
– Jim Jonsin was surprised by Eminem in his making "Space Bound" a single. Jim explains. [MTV News]
– Wal-Mart is Set to hire 350 new employees for a new store they have opening in the West Miami area around Coral Way and 84th Avenue. All positions are available. [Examiner]
– Here's some Joe Budden footage from the show he had a couple weeks ago at EVE in Downtown Miami. [Youtube]
– The world's most hated-on athlete Lebron James showed up at the U2 concert a couple days ago with nothing but smiles on his face and repping with a Miami Heat fitted. [Riptide]
– Former AOL and NBC executive, Randy Falcon, was named the new CEO of Miami-based Univision. [Los Angeles Times]
– Vein sits down with Mack On The Radio over at y100. [PlanetPit]
– Michael Vick definitely gets the comeback career of the moment award. He just picked Nike back up as a endorser and his book is set to come out in a few weeks. [TheShoeGame]
– Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has cancer and is in Cuba getting treatment. He may very well stay in Cuba for the forseeable future to continue getting treatment. [CNN]
– NYC politicians hope to start exterminating New York city graffiti. And they will start enforcing new techniques to do so by 2026. Yeah, in 15 years, which means, it ain't happening. [Animal]
– Comcast shuts down NBC Universal's Digital Show Production department, you know, because nobody was watching the online shows they were producing. Only 11 jobs were affected in the move, but it does question the future of online-exclusive content creation for the big networks and if its worth it. [Adage]
Stick around. More posts coming later…


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$ 9.99
Sold individually
KONG Puppy is the original toy that started the KONG Puppy product line; made with our exclusive KONG teething rubber formula.
Vets and Trainers recommend stuffing the KONG Pupppy with treats to aid in crate training, decrease separation anxiety, promote proper chewing behavior, and deter misbehaviors.
Softer material than the standard red or black extreme kong toys, perfect for puppies with puppy teeth and older dogs with aging teeth.
Add to Wishlist
Size Small: About 2.5" long
Made in USA.
Colors: Assorted either pink or blue. We will choose the color based on availability.
If you have a color preference, please make a note in your order comments and we will try to accomodate whenever possible.


text: The money monetary value of the inventory also appears on the income statement in determining the cost of the goods sold. The cost of goods sold is determined by adding the inventory on hand at the beginning of the period and to the cost of purchasing and producing goods during the period and subtracting from this total the inventory on hand at the end of the period. For financial statements inventories are usually priced (1) at cost or (2) at cost or market value, whichever is lower. The cost purchase costs of the merchandise and materials purchased usually fluctuates fluctuate during the year, and however, which makes it is necessary to determine which cost-flow assumption is to be used for inventory purposes. Three methods are in general use: average cost; first-in, first-first out (FIFO), which assigns the cost of the last units purchased to the inventory and the cost of the first units purchased to the goods that were sold; and last-in, first-first out (LIFO), in which the reverse pattern is followed. (See accounting.)


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Being told that your hemorrhoids have become severe may not mean that you need to have traditional hemorrhoid surgery. There are other things that your doctor may consider to be viable treatments for your situation.
Worrying about your hemorrhoid problem won't help you find a helpful treatment. When you talk to your doctor, ask him about alternative treatments, such as rubber band ligation and laser treatments. They both offer high success rates that will help you feel confident about your choice. Hemorrhoids treatment is supposed to give you less pain, less itching, and less of all the other symptoms associated with hemorrhoid problems, and both of these methods will do that.
Rubber band ligation is one of the surgical hemorrhoid treatments that may end up being the best choice for you. When the procedure is done, the vein is tied off above the hemorrhoid. This cuts off the blood supply, which will cause the hemorrhoid to dry up and fall off eventually. One possible problem with this procedure, is that there is a slight chance that the rubber band will slip off, and that the procedure will not work because of it and the hemorrhoid will have to have the band replaced. Other possible complications include bleeding, blood clots, and infection. The success rate if between 60 and 80 percent.
Laser coagulation treatments for hemorrhoid problems require the use of a high power laser beam. The hemorrhoid is treated by using an electric current to shrink the hemorrhoid. This is done by applying it to the hemorrhoid with an electrode probe. This will cause the hemorrhoid to stop receiving blood flow, and will cause the tissue around it to shrink.
Another type of laser treatment for hemorrhoid problems is done using a more sophisticated laser to treat the hemorrhoid. It can actually vaporize the hemorrhoid when used, and can be used on many different types of hemorrhoid. The ability to use this to obliterate hemorrhoid difficulties is so great that many doctors are using it more often in place of traditional hemorrhoid surgery. With the ability to have as high a success rate, but less problems with bleeding and faster recovery time with less pain, this is one option that may be a choice for many people.
No matter what hemorrhoids treatment you use, making other changes in your life such as eating more fiber and drinking more water will help you avoid future problems. Along with your doctor you will be able to come up with a plan that will get you well on your way to being hemorrhoid free and feeling better than ever down there. Aggressive treatments with great success may offer you the best chance of ending the hemorrhoid problem once and for all.


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(CNSNews.com) - House Speaker John Boehner, pressed on the Republican alternative to Obamacare at a news conference Wednesday, indicated that Republicans are still working on a health care plan of their own:
"And so, listen, our job is to show the American people we have better solutions. And we're working to build a consensus to do that. And when we have something to talk about, we'll show you."
Boehner said the Democrats' Affordable Care Act "is continuing to wreak havoc" on American families and small businesses, and he talked about the people who call his office, complaining about higher premiums and co-pays.
"I can give you hundreds of letters from my constituents who have been harmed by this law. 'My insurance premiums nearly doubled. My co-pays and deductibles tripled under Obamacare,'" he quoted them as saying.
"Well, I think when we outline how we would repeal the bill and what we would replace it with, you'd see that our intent here is to take care of the American people and protect them as opposed to harm them, as the president's bill has done."
At the beginning of the news conference, Rep. Todd Young (R-Ind.) discussed his bipartisan "Save American Workers Act," which would restore the 40-hour work week by repealing the Obamacare provision that defines full-time work as 30 hours.
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) said Republicans will spend the week focusing on the 30-hour rule: He noted that it will "hurt young workers trying to save for college or buy their first home." And he said many of those hurt will be the same women whom Democrats have put front and center in their election strategy.
Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-Kan.) said the last thing Americans can afford are reduced hours. "The 30-hour rule in the president's health care law is putting full-time work and opportunity for decent wages out of reach for a million Americans that are already struggling," she said.


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Federal Strategies Team
The Federal Strategies Team, a division of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, is a team of experienced public affairs professionals who provide government relations consulting and lobbying services. The Nelson Mullins government relations practice represents clients before federal, state, and local legislative, regulatory, and administrative agencies, including lobbying practices in Washington, Atlanta, Boston, Columbia, and Raleigh.
The Federal Strategies Team offers proactive and effective advocacy on behalf of corporate, nonprofit, and government clients in transactions where politics, business, regulatory, and legal environments intersect. Our attorneys and strategists offer a combination of capabilities — with the support and resources of a large law firm — to provide strategic political intelligence concerning evolving public policy developments, procurement regulations, and competitive activities that may impact business goals. We also help clients identify and manage political risks as well as recognize and develop new markets and maximize strategic opportunities.
Members of the Federal Strategies Team have experience in public affairs at the federal, state, and local level gained from years of public service. We utilize that experience to provide customized solutions tailored to our clients' needs and goals and to fulfill those solutions effectively and efficiently. Our objective is to provide insight and advice that helps deliver positive, measurable results for clients.
Our services include:
- Leveraging the team's combined experience in law and policy to provide in-depth analyses of legal, political, business, regulatory and media factors that may impact a client's policy and business interests;
- Providing introductions to leaders and key decision makers and assisting our clients in navigating the halls of government at the federal, state, and local levels;
- Closely monitoring legislative and regulatory activities, drafting legislation and amendments, and preparing clients for testimony before Congress;
- Monitoring regulatory matters and representing companies, in cooperation with lawyers in our parent law firm, before state and federal agencies;
- Creation and utilization of custom business development networks with government officials, trade groups, academic institutions, investors, and others to validate and market client products and solutions;
- Accessing federal and state procurement opportunities by evaluating the agencies that serve as the best entry point for government contracts given the particular client's needs;
- Aggressively seeking and advancing tangible business development and financing opportunities for clients through interactions with the U.S. government, state and local government, and foreign entities;
- Crafting and implementing effective media strategies, including targeted messaging to press and interest groups, opinion pieces, and crisis management;
- Facilitating coalition building and designing and coordinating issue-based grassroots advocacy efforts; and
- Providing full-service assistance with federal grants, including identification of funding sources, grant-writing, and guiding clients on the application process, through our dedicated in-house grants office.


text: I buyed HP Pavilion g6 1301tx laptop. It had 2 GB RAM. I upgraded from 2GB to 4GB. Now it has 4GB RAM. Then, I installed Backtrack 5 32 bit version on my laptop. But it is not showing full RAM. It is showing around 2.5GB memory only. What is the reason. How can it be solved?


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Sam Arjomandi
What Real Love Has To Do With The Lust? - Poem by Sam Arjomandi
These days everybody uses word love to express his or her feeling
But the problem is majority of them don't know the real love meaning
What real love has to do with the lust?
If you get confused between love and lust, you are going to pay the price, whatever the cost
Remember, one of the most important part of your life is your feeling
So, when it comes to the real love, you better watch out with whom you are dealing
Real love requires sacrifices, respect, caring, forgiveness and trust
If you attracted to someone solely for your looks, that's not the love, that's a pure lust
This poem has a message especially for young people and teenage
Because lust, not the real love is the most popular one at this age
You can easily involve in a bad relationship
If every time someone claims, that loves you and you give away your heart so easy and so cheap
unfortunately, the teenage girls are the most victims of the lust
So, you better get your college degree first, then you mature enough to know, when it comes to real love, who you should trust
Comments about What Real Love Has To Do With The Lust? by Sam Arjomandi
Laila Violet (4/1/2007 11:16:00 PM)
Wow. You make some great points in this poem. It makes a lot of sense. (Report) Reply
Terry Miller-Sakar (4/1/2007 11:33:00 AM)
I want to share this poem with my seventeen year old daughter. Couldn't have
explained it better if I tried. Thanks! tms (Report) Reply
Read this poem in other languages
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Sam Arjomandi's Other Poems
Famous Poems
Phenomenal Woman
Maya Angelou
Still I Rise
Maya Angelou
The Road Not Taken
Robert Frost
If You Forget Me
Pablo Neruda
Langston Hughes
Annabel Lee
Edgar Allan Poe
Caged Bird
Maya Angelou
Rudyard Kipling
Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening
Robert Frost
A Dream Within A Dream
Edgar Allan Poe


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THE BEND OF THE RIVER PHOTO CLUB was started in 2008 by individuals that had a common love/obsession- for PHOTOGRAPHY.
*** ALL skill levels are welcome. ***
We bring our collective experiences together and share with others the same passion for the lens.
Check out one of our meetings at :
Emy Frenz
523 So. 2nd St.
Mankato, Mn.
6:45 - 8:00pm.....
the 4th Tuesday each month
To become an official member and have full access to our Yahoo group there is an annual club membership fee.
For any questions you may email us at the "Contact Us" page, or call Randy at 345-3804
January 24th, 2017 ..... meet at Emy Frentz, 523 S. 2nd St, Mankato 6:45 pm
Assignment: BOKEH
click here to edit.


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The Home Front: WWII
TranscriptNarrator: The Second World War transformed the lives of women of all ages in Arizona . In Phoenix , girls in bobby socks and oxfords stepped up to the call to patriotic duty. The memories of three women attending high school during the War reveal how they, along with their mothers and older women, did their part to win the war at home.
Betty Sawyer Pannkoke: I was lying on the floor. The radio was on.
Roosevelt on radio: The United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by Naval and Air Forces of the Empire of Japan.
Violet Toy: And the next thing we heard was all -- the paperboy on the corner selling, "Extra! Extra!" you know, if something came up, they would sell the newspaper.
Hortensia Gomez Ortiz: My brothers were old enough to -- I think they had already registered for the draft. We thought of them immediately because they were that age.
Narrator: As friends and brothers joined the military and entered the battle overseas, young women tried to keep the soldiers' spirits high with a steady stream of V-Mail, or Victory Mail.
Betty Sawyer Pannkoke: My little girlfriend and I would sit in the middle of the bed -- we'd spend the night with each other, and then we'd sit in the middle of the bed writing letters to our friends. And we would always try to keep them upbeat.
Hortensia Gomez Ortiz: I wrote to one of my brother's Marine friends, and while he was there, he asked me to marry him. I had never met him. [laughs] I told him, "you're kidding." [laughs] no, I told him, "you know, a lot's going to change by the time you come home." and I grew up.
Betty Sawyer Pannkoke: Their letters were so censored that you could just get an idea, a faint idea, of what was going on and what they were doing and where they were and how homesick they were and wanted to come home.
Narrator: The war effort required that gas, food, and clothing be shipped to the thousands of soldiers in the Pacific and Europe . This created shortages for those on the home front. Rationing became a part of everyday life.
Hortensia Gomez Ortiz: Shoes. [laughs] I remember that shoes -- you couldn't buy a decent pair of shoes. It seemed to me that they were made out of cardboard, and I think -- they had plastic. I longed for a decent pair of shoes that fit me.
Narrator: Women paid with food ration coupons for staples like sugar, coffee, and flour. During the war, the Toy Family ran a grocery store at 16th Street and Camelback Road , and keeping track of supplies was a chore.
Violet Toy: We were kept busy, you know, counting Ration Cards and giving the people their ration when they came or saving the food for our better customer.
Narrator: Women volunteered many hours for the war effort. They provided services to the hundreds of servicemen pouring into Phoenix as Military Bases sprouted around the valley.
Betty Sawyer Pannkoke: And the troop trains, as they were called, were big through there, constantly back and forth from the coast over -- going back East, and vice versa. Some of them didn't even get off the train. The women would meet them at the train and through the windows, they would hand them donuts and coffee or whatever else they would have.
Violet Toy: My mother, from the year 1941 or '42, she would cook up a meal every Saturday and Sunday for the Chinese Air Force, the Cadets that were being trained here. And of course when someone heard, "I'm going to the Toy's for dinner," we would end up with at least five, or six, or maybe ten people from -- from Thunderbird or from Luke or from Williams Field.
Narrator: Prior to the War, most women in the marketplace held jobs such as nurses, secretaries, and maids. Now women were encouraged to take jobs in newly established wartime industries.
TV Announcer: In war towns all over the United States , women are called upon to leave their homes and take jobs. Employers find that women can do many jobs as well as men, some jobs better.
Man: How do you like it?
Woman: I love it!
Hortensia Gomez Ortiz: Just before graduation, I was informed that I had a job with the US Navy. We worked with engineers. I was in the office, and the Navy Office there inspected the Pontoons that were being manufactured.
Narrator: Along with new jobs, war also brought anxiety, and sometimes tragic news.
Hortensia Gomez Ortiz: A lot of the boys went off to war, our friends. Some didn't come back. Western Union used to deliver all the telegrams from the US Government that somebody had been killed. One of them came to our home by mistake, and mother, even when she saw him at the door, she started hollering and crying. And it wasn't for us, it was for our neighbor. It was so sad.
Narrator: The surrender of Japan in 1945 brought the War to a close. Like most young women at the time, Betty and Hortensia married and raised families. They later worked as secretaries, while Violet attended College and became a teacher. While working for victory on the home front, women in Phoenix and all over America held their communities together, meanwhile leaving a legacy of hard work and self-confidence as an example for future generations.
Hortensia Gomez Ortiz: We became more aware of how strong we were, our capabilities. We knew we could do things that in the old days, you know, we hadn't even tried. The women took over, and I admire them. They knew what had to be done, and they did it.
Did You KnowArizona has…
… more golf courses than Scotland…
… more mountains than Switzerland.
…doubled its population every 20 years since 1900.
more Did You Know facts >