A STANDING OVATION — Members of PEF's Veterans' Committee applaud PEF President Roger Benson for his leadership and dedication to veterans' affairs at a luncheon held in Montreal at the 25th Annual PEF Convention. — Photo by John Epting

Closings of VA hospitals spur action
Vets wage federal campaign to improve benefits

By DEBORAH A. MILES
The ongoing erosion of benefits and services to veterans and their families, and how the union can make a difference through political action set the tone at the Veterans’ Committee Luncheon held at PEF’s 25th Annual Convention.

David Krobe, co-chair of PEF’s Veterans’ Committee, said the state announced in August the closing of three of the 12 veterans’ hospitals in New York.

“It’s upsetting to all of us,” Krobe said. “PEF President Roger Benson has already fired off a letter to the legislators, but I suggest each of you do the same thing.”

Krobe said lawmakers didn’t make much time for veterans’ issues in the past, but PEF helped achieve a victory by pushing for the service-credit buy-back legislation.

“Thanks to union leadership, we got that bill passed,” Krobe said.

Getting lawmakers’ attention
Richard Collins, co-chair, said there are more than 155 bills in the state Legislature concerning veterans’ rights.

“In order to get the attention and respect of lawmakers, the bills concerning veterans need to be consolidated into two or three priority bills,” Collins said.

“We have to get involved and bring our political action to task,” he added.

“Again we come to Roger Benson to say thank you. He is in the process of hiring a lobbyist to work on federal issues.”

Lifelong camaraderie
Benson received a plaque at the luncheon, acknowledging his efforts and sincere concern for veterans. He respectfully spoke about his father, who was a master sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corp.

“He saw a lot of combat, lost some very close friends. He kept his uniform in a trunk in the cellar and didn’t talk much about his time in the service until he was about 80 years old,” Benson said.

“I noticed a VFW hat hanging near the doorway. My father told me the only real friends he had left were the veterans,” Benson said. “The relationship of serving together under fire is something that will never go away.”

The committee also honored Region 1 Coordinator Joyce Degenhardt for her commitment to veterans.

“There’s nothing this lady hasn’t done for vets since she’s been in her job,” Krobe said.

Other business included the announcement of an all-war memorial in Binghamton and a few words by member Dan Majeski, who donated a flag that flew over the Battleship Arizona to PEF. It is displayed in the lobby at PEF headquarters.

Site Map    What's New    Search

COMMUNICATOR HOMEPAGE

Inside This Issue
Features
Convention: wrap:
Delegates set top PEF Priorities
Resolutions focus on benefits, work...
PEF ready for many challenges ahead
Union remains financially sound...
Delegates reject constitution changes

Departments
President's Message: Delegates lead
You Said It: Member's letters this month
PS&T Contract Update: Patience, timing
Members' take on contract talks
Member Mobilization: Workshop keys
Members Highlights
Nurses' Station: Fight for public health..
Legislative Update: Gov. vetoes bills
Health Benefits: Enrollees’ costs rising
PEF Membership Benefits & Travel Corp

Union Matters
We will never forget...9-11-01
The Trustees Report '03 Convention
Financial Statements & Information
DOCS members Privatization Buster
Phipps wins 2003 DeBow scholarship
Nurses respond to blackout
Closings of VA hospitals spur action
Taking the state workforce pulse
Nominees needed for Region 4
MVP to serve 3 more counties in ’04
Convention Photo Gallery

Other Links
Professional Directory
Members' Classified
Member Communicator Feedback
Do You Prefer The Online Edition?
How To Advertise Here
PEF Pride Store
The Communicator Staff
Questions on this site? Email the comwebmaster.
Register here on the PEF Member Network.

Click Here email notice when next issue is online