His last assignment was as the Operations Officer and Executive Officer of the 8th Transportation Brigade at Ft. Eustis, VA. 

In addition to his Army career, LTC Herron is the author of two books and several articles and has received several writing awards. He is married to the former Christy Kamps and they have two children Matthew (15), and Megan (13). LTC and Mrs. Herron grew up in Zanesville, Ohio and currently reside in Williamsburg, VA. 

Reservations by 1900 hours, Sept. 8, 2008.  Call Norm Crews, 363-1094 or Jim Dellaripa, 640-0947, give name, phone number and number attending

There is a destiny that makes us brothers. None goes his way alone. 
Most of us have heard this introduction to a well-known saying. 

We in MOAA are or have been members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. We were brothers in that our goal was to serve this great nation of ours and to do all that we could do to protect it, to perpetuate the spirit of patriotism, the love of country and to serve honorably.

We in MOAA are involved in such programs as the Wounded Warrior Program which monitors the mental health and rehabilitative services in support of our combat veterans. 

We are sponsors of the Virginia War Memorial. 

We want the Commonwealth of Virginia to provide in-state tuition for military personnel and dependents. 

We also want to insure that the government supports our troops with other programs.

These are samples of MOAA member’s involvement and support.

Remember, MOAA is “One Powerful Voice”

We don’t go our way alone.

As Always,
          God Bless America.

Virginia’s Wounded Warrior Program

(Information provided by COL Jack Hilgers, Legislative Representative)

The 2008 General Assembly passed and Governor Tim Kaine signed into law, legislation directing the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS), in cooperation with the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services and the Department Rehabilitative Services, to establish the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program.

Program Scope:  The primary reason for calling the program "the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program" rather than the "Virginia Wounded Warrior Mental Health Program" is that the program should monitor and coordinate existing programs for veterans.  DVS is aware that in addition to mental health and substance abuse services, jobs, peer counseling, spiritual counseling and other supportive services will help veterans reintegrate with their families, homes and communities.  The intent is to develop cooperative relationships with community partners, military installations, and private sector organizations that are interested in reaching out to and helping veterans. 

Personnel:  CAPT Catherine A. Wilson, USN (Ret) has been hired by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) to direct the program and she will be starting at DVS full time on August 25.  DVS plans to hire three Regional Directors in the fall, fully develop its strategy for funding the community programs by the end of the calendar year, and begin distributing funds to community programs, January-March, the 3rd quarter of FY 09. 

Funding:  the majority of funding for services is being allocated to existing federal agencies, rather than to the states.  Once the program is fully established, meeting with the Virginia Congressional delegation to apprise them of progress and to get their support for dedicated federal funding should be a priority.

Fund Raising:  Foundation fund raising for the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program began with the support of the Military family Support Centers, Inc.  The first fund raising reception was held in Richmond on February 28, 2008 with Governor Kaine and Attorney General McDonnell attending.  Subsequent receptions were held at Virginia Military Institute, Nauticus in Norfolk, and in McLean and were well attended by members of the General Assembly and many supporters and contributors.  Additionally, a private fund raising dinner was held in northern Virginia with great success.  The Nauticus event was supported by the Hampton Roads Chapter of the Military Officers Association.    Of note was the assistance provided by chapter members, Norm Crews, Jim Jones, John Vermillion, and Jack Hilgers assisted by Peninsula Chapter members Jack Lyons and Melva Mallison.

How can I help?
Virginia has provided a limited amount of funding for the Wounded Warrior Program. The Commonwealth anticipates that its citizens will want to help. The Virginia Veterans Services Foundation is available to receive contributions to support the Program.  The Foundation is an agency of the state and is eligible to receive tax deductible contributions under Internal Revenue Service Section 170 (c) and Code of Virginia Section 2.2-2719.  Donations are placed in the Veterans Services Fund and cannot revert to the Commonwealth’s General Fund. In this case, they only can be used for the Wounded Warrior Program.  Donations to the Foundation are audited annually by the Commonwealth’s Auditor of Public Accounts. This assures that the maximum amount of citizens donations will go to our veterans and not to administrative overhead.  Information about contributing is provided on the following page.

Contribution/Pledge of Support
Yes! You can count on my support to assist Virginia’s veterans, members of the Virginia National Guard, Virginia residents of the Armed Forces Reserves not on active federal service, and their family members, who are dealing with the effects of traumatic brain disorders, combat stress, and post-traumatic stress disorders resulting from their combat service and sacrifice in the U.S. Armed Forces.

I am enclosing/pledging my most generous contribution in the amount of:
__ $1,000   __ $500   __ $250   __ $100   __ $50   __ Other $________

Please make checks payable to:

Virginia Veterans Services Foundation
For: VWWP: 900 East Main Street, Ground Floor
Richmond, Virginia 23219

Name(s)  ______________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
Home Phone _______________________ 
Work Phone _______________________
Email_______________________________________
Employer __________________________ 
Occupation ________________________

For additional information about the Foundation or about contributing, contact Col. Jack Hilgers (USMC, Ret) at the Department of Veterans Services, 900 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219, 804-382-3715 or 757-481-4164 or Steven Combs at the Department of Veterans Services, 804-786-0294.

Note:  Over age 75 members, who are eligible uniform family members and survivors of deceased personnel are now eligible for Permanent Identification Cards.  Apply within 90 days of expiration of current ID card.

Turbo Vet System:  The JLC requests that the Governor and General Assembly fully fund the development and deployment of the Turbo Vet System.

Homeless Veterans Study:  The JLC requests that the Governor and General Assembly fund a study to examine the current level of services provided to homeless veterans in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the need for and cost of additional services.

Burial Vaults for Virginia State Veterans Cemeteries:  The JLC requests that the Governor and General Assembly appropriate funds so that burial vaults may be provided at no cost at Virginia state veterans cemeteries.

Real Estate Tax Relief for 100% Disabled Veterans:  The JLC requests that Governor and General Assembly pass legislation to amend the Virginia Constitution that would require local governments to grant real estate tax exemptions for 100% disabled veterans without regard to means testing.

Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children:  The JLC requests that the Governor and General Assembly enact HB395 (2008), Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.  For additional info see MOAA News Exchange.

Military Family Relief Fund:  The JLC requests that the Governor and General Assembly enact legislation such that benefits paid from the Military Family Relief Fund shall be nontaxable.