WASHINGTON (Army News Service) -- More than 20 leaders of veteran service organizations, military service organizations and other non-federal entities visited the Pentagon Sept. 28 to discuss issues affecting America's Soldiers and veterans.
Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning told the VSO/MSO representatives that one of his priorities is to ensure a smooth, "seamless transition" for Soldiers and families who are leaving the Army to become veterans.
"We want to strengthen the connections between the Soldier for Life initiative and your organizations" he said, continuing "we need you to assist us with our transitioning Soldiers and spouses from the Army into civilian life."
He went around the table and asked the representatives to identify issues affecting Soldiers, veterans or their organizations.
Rhonda Powell, national security director for the American Legion, said that Soldiers who transition to the civilian sector often experience a smaller paycheck than they had in the Army. She recommended that Soldiers get more information before they leave about challenges they are likely to face in the job market.
Kelly Hruska, director of government relations for the National Military Family Association, said she was concerned about cuts that might affect programs on various Army installations, especially family readiness positions.
"The Army has decided not to reduce appropriated fund support to Morale, Welfare and Recreation activities until it has completed a thorough and comprehensive analysis" said Fanning and continued that other proposed cuts are on hold as well.
Kristofer Goldsmith, assistant director for the Vietnam Veterans of America, suggested that the Army Review Board Agency be assigned more personnel to speed the review of involuntary separation cases, especially when Soldiers getting out had traumatic brain injury or post traumatic stress disorder.
A briefing about the Army Review Board Agency was provided to VSO/MSO reps earlier that day by Col. Michael Pratt, director of the Military Review Board, and Dennis Dingle, director of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records.
When asked if the St. Louis Records fire has impacted work, Dingle said some records can be reconstructed. Those that cannot be done on first review by the board are send back to service member or family representative with new request for missing documents or information. There is no statute of limitations.
The visitors also received an operational overview from Lt. Gen. Joseph Anderson, deputy chief of staff, G-3/5/7.
Army Chief of Public Affairs Maj. Gen. Malcolm B. Frost talked to the VSO/MSO representatives about the "Meet Your Army" program.
He explained that the program aims to tell the Army story in 27 cities across the country that don't have regular exposure to Soldiers. He asked the group for assistance.
Secretary Fanning agreed, saying "veterans' stories are the story of the Army and America. You help tell that story."
John Trujillo, director and founder of Warrior Transition, suggested that the Army use VSOs and MSOs as force multipliers for social media messages. "If you look across this table, you probably have 10 million followers, easily," Trujillo said.
Joe Davis, public affairs director for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, or VFW, said those around the table should visit military installations to tell commanders and first sergeants what VSO/MSO groups "add to the fight."
Davis said many Soldiers don't know what's available off post and how organizations such as the VFW can sponsor awards and provide veterans to attend unit programs.
VSO/MSO meetings are held at the Pentagon once a quarter to discuss current issues facing America's Soldiers and veterans.
"I'm always amazed at the amount of networking that goes on here," said Carl Mahnken, an Army public affairs specialist who coordinated the meeting.
"This is where ideas form and grow," he said.
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