Each month, Emmet County Veterans Affairs Director Jim Alton writes a column that appears in the Petoskey News-Review. HIs May column is published below. To access past columns, click here.
Memorial Day May 25, 2015
As we approach Memorial Day on Monday, May 25th, it would do well for all of us to reflect back on our history and all of the men and women who gave life or limb for this great nation. It has been the sacrifices of many that we enjoy what we have today.
We have our parades, fly our flags, go to our cemeteries to honor our veterans on this one day. Let’s not forget our police and firemen who also are on the front lines in our cities, counties and who have made the supreme sacrifices. Let’s make sure we tell them thanks all year long, for who knows what tomorrow holds for them.
Tax exemptions for veterans
If you are a veteran, 100% disabled and had modifications done to your home, you may be exempt from your property taxes. You will need to contact our office for an appraisal of your circumstances and further information. (231) 348-1780.
VA misappropriation, the continuing sad story
Following the release of an internal memo by Jan R. Frye, deputy assistant secretary for acquisition and logistics at the Department of Veterans Affairs, the House Veterans Committee held a hearing recently to look into the claims of "lawlessness and chaos" in the VA’s approach to acquisitions and contracts.
Specifically, it is alleged that VA employees utilized purchase cards to circumvent established procedure for acquiring goods and services. As a result, billions of dollars intended for veterans care was wasted in an unaccountable way.
At the hearing, VA officials testified to widespread excessive purchasing, inadequate oversight, and lackadaisical record keeping. It is estimated that $6 billion is wasted annually through the purchase card program.
In response, Congressman Benishek is in the process of drafting the Demanding Accountability for Veterans Act, a bill that would require the VA Inspector General to indicate the names of individuals engaged in wrongdoing and implement steps to hold VA employees accountable for their actions.
Wow, we could have purchased a handicapped vehicle or two out of the $6 billion. Go figure.
Phones and mail, beware
The phones and mail are alive and well with scams of all types, preying on the elderly, veterans and anyone they can get money from. If you have elderly parents, you may want to constantly remind them to NOT give out any information on the phone, and also to give you any mail that is suspect. And if you have questions about any charity, we will be glad to check them out for you! (By the way, the Wounded Warriors, cats and dogs and a couple of others are still on my X list.)
THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!
I would like to thank all of the volunteers in our area who day after day do those little (and big) things that make our community great. Thanks to all who call my office to volunteer to assist veterans. An example would be teacher/coach Shawn Racignol from Petoskey High School and some of his athletes who placed flags at our local cemetery and then traveled to Pennsylvania Park in Petoskey to help clean up winter’s aftermath at the memorial. There are many more who help out in many areas and we thank them all!
Jim Alton is the Director of the Veterans Affairs Department within Emmet County. Alton served in the United States Marine Corps (1955-62) and is retired from the Michigan State Police. Reach him or his assistant, Rick Wiertalla, at (231) 348-1780 or jalton@emmetcounty.org
