senators and 21.6% of U.S. representatives had served at least some period in military uniform (active duty, Guard,

or Reserve). That percentage has been declining steadily since it peaked at 74% for the House (1969-70) and 78%

for the Senate (1977-78). The decline will continue when the newly minted 112th Congress takes office next year.

In the new Senate, there will be 25 vets, including four military retirees – the same figures as the 111th Congress.

Senators Mark Kirk (R-IL), Scott Brown (R-MA), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) are currently serving National Guard

or Reserve members. In the House, a whopping 98 seats turned over. Among incoming freshmen, 22 are veterans,

including four military retirees. Rep Steve Stivers (R-OH) and Reps-elect Tim Griffin (R-AR), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL),

Steven Palazzo (R-MS), and Joe Heck (R-NV) are currently serving in the National Guard or Reserve. The new House

will have a total of 87 veterans (20% of voting members), including 10 military retirees — down from 94 vets at the

start of the 111th Congress. [Source: MOAA Leg Up 24 Nov 2010 ++]

VA Handbook Update 01: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is piloting new, personalized

Veterans Health Benefits Handbooks.  The handbooks are tailored to provide enrolled Veterans with the most

relevant health benefits information based on their own specific eligibility.  In essence, each handbook will be

written for the individual Veteran. “These handbooks will give Veterans everything they need to know and leave out

everything that doesn’t apply to them,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “Our Veterans will now

have a comprehensive, easy to understand roadmap to the medical benefits they earned with their service.” In

addition to highlighting each Veteran’s specific health benefits, the handbook also provides contact information for

the Veteran’s preferred local facility, ways to schedule personal appointments, guidelines for communicating

treatment needs and an explanation of the Veteran’s responsibilities, such as copayments when applicable.

“Enhancing access isn’t just about expanding the kinds of services VA provides. It also includes making sure we do

everything we can to ensure Veterans have a clear understanding of the benefits available to them so they can make

full use of the services they have earned,” Shinseki said. The new handbooks will initially be available only to

certain Veterans in Cleveland and Washington, D.C., areas.  Following the pilot phase, full implementation is

scheduled to begin in the fall of 2011 for across the county. For additional information, go to

http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility or call VA at 1-877-222-VETS (8387). [Source: VA News Release 18 Nov 2010

++]