Four new members have been appointed to VA’s Advisory Committee on Women Veterans, an expert panel that advises the secretary on issues and programs impacting women Veterans. Chartered in 1983, the committee conducts meetings and site visits in order to make policy recommendations as well as legislative changes.  Previous minutes and reports are available online.

“As VA continues to work toward modernization, the committee’s guidance will assist the department in implementing informed transitions to meet the evolving needs of women Veterans,” VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin said in a statement announcing the new members.  “The new appointees’ diverse perspectives are invaluable in anticipating these needs.”

The new members are:

IMAGE: Moses McIntoshMoses McIntosh of Hephzibah, Georgia is a retired chief warrant officer and a former national commander of the Disabled American Veterans, where he served as the official spokesman of the organization and provided leadership to its national executive committee.

 

 

 

 

IMAGE: Moses-McIntosh

 

Yareli Mendoza of Iowa City, Iowa is an Air Force Veteran currently pursuing a doctorate of philosophy degree in higher education and student affairs with a specialization in higher education administration and policy.

 

 

 

Image: Keronica WillaimsKeronica Richardson of Gaithersburg, Maryland is an Army Veteran with deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and currently serves as the assistant director for women and minority Veterans outreach at The American Legion.

 

 

 

IMAGE: WANDA WRIGHTWanda Wright of Tempe, Arizona is a retired Air Force colonel, currently serving as the director of the Arizona Department of Veterans Services, where she is a state cabinet member and provides leadership and direction for administering benefits and services to Veterans and their dependents.

 

 

 

Current member Octavia Harris, a retired Navy command master chief petty officer, was appointed chair of the committee. Members Dr. Kailyn Bobb, and Air Force Veteran, and Navy Commander Janet West were each reappointed for an additional term.

I extend my very sincere gratitude to outgoing chair, retired Army Colonel Mary Westmoreland, as well as Army Veteran Keith Howard-Streicher, retired Army Colonel Edna Boyd Jones, and retired Army Captain Leslie Smith for completing their dedicated, selfless service on the committee.

The contributions of a variety of subject matter experts from a wide range of backgrounds on an array of federal advisory committees are a key component of VA’s overall strategy to achieve stakeholder and public engagement in its efforts and commitment to serve Veterans, their families, and survivors. I encourage those interested in serving in this capacity to visit the VA Advisory Committee Management Office website to learn more.

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18 Comments

  1. Wanda Dennis January 28, 2018 at 10:42

    Loved being called a liar by a staff member in place to help me. Just confirmed that that particular male individual see women as beneath him. I thought pain was subjective. Guess not if you’re argued with spoken down to and flat out told you’re a liar because there’s nothing wrong with you and maybe you should go back and see the dr(nonVA) you were seeing before me. (Well VA didnt have one of you at the time i spent my own damn money for help)Hmm. Will never darken his door again. That part. Oh and he’s still tbere-bless his heart. Don’t do disrespect. Taken or given. I grew up in the South in the 60s. I know it when I see it. Don’t worry about a response. I don’t expect one.

  2. Angela Russell January 8, 2018 at 08:14

    Hello
    I am a female veteran who works at Greater Los Angeles VA. I would like to be involved with the Veteran Advisory Groyp. I support and advocate. For our female veterans , ensuring their needs are met, providing resources, housing,

  3. linda gordon January 8, 2018 at 04:30

    What about the bill on Fort McClellan

  4. linda gordon January 8, 2018 at 04:29

    what about fort Mcclellan we need help

  5. Susan T Higgins January 7, 2018 at 15:09

    I hope the VA will hold to this. The new Kernersville, N.C. VA Center doesn’t have a mammogram machine, even though there is room for it and all the other scanning machines are there. Where I see a huge problem is in Mental Health. Suicide rates for women veterans are escalating. Being in the MH system myself I can see where the problems lay. There’s not enough staff to thoroughly help the veterans, men or women. They can handle superficial issues, but can not provide the possibly weekly sessions some vets need. You can’t provide therapy on a 1-2 month basis. The mental health departments need help to take care of the veterans.
    The Choice Plus, or VA Direct Payment, is not the veterans choice of providers. It’s who ever is signed up with the VA to provide services and this could be in another city instead of the local provider.

  6. Kim fabian-Albrecht ASW January 6, 2018 at 04:23

    There should never be a male connected to women’s healthi don’t care how well educated he is or who he is. As far as women’s health card even in LaJolla there are not enough women providers especially psychiatrist
    As a 100% disable veteran I should be able to chose what hospital or provider I want to see in any hospital or clinic and have the VA pay for it

  7. Ruth Ann Conklin January 5, 2018 at 14:40

    I would like to know when they will hire more Doctors at the Women’s Clinic at the American Lake VA in Washington State. My Dr. retired and I was put in the Choice program and I do not like it. The Doctors that are chosen for me are too over loaded to give me good care or they have a bad personally. I want back into the women’s clinic at the VA in Washington State. I’m a Veteran I’m not service connected but I do get VA benefits. I’m very grateful for these I get all my medical and med’s I need. I also get mental health care. I have been with the VA here in Washington State since 1992. I just want the medical care I was getting when I was in the Woman’s Clinic.

  8. Phyllis Kirk January 5, 2018 at 13:41

    I’m a Navy veteran I live in Michigan Haslett Michigan I’m a senior citizen on a fixed income I need Dental Care I can’t afford it out of pocket the VA tells me I had to be in Wartime in order to get my teeth worked on I have 6 teeth in the top of my mouth I can barely eat my food I have some more than starting to bother me they need to make Dental care equal for all of us I only get $884 a month I have to pay rent utilities and buy food I’ve tried everything with the VA as far as getting my teeth worked on please make a change in this area I’m only 66 years old and I just need serious Dental Care

    • Ruth Ann Conklin January 5, 2018 at 14:47

      There is a Dental program for Vets that are not Connected or on a low income like me. Its called VA Dental Insurance Program Through Delta Dental. Just type in VA Dental Insurance Program It should give you a link. I have it the cost is 26.06 a month you can choose what plan you can afford. I have had it for over a year now I have used it to get my teeth cleaned. Any thing else there is a deductible for me but you can choose a higher paid plan for no Deductible. I’m 64 and it gives me a little piece of mind knowing I can get dental work if I do need it. Hope this helps

    • Maria Sepulveda-Cabrera January 7, 2018 at 23:04

      I am not a veteran, but I am a chaplain at the VA-NY Harbor Healthcare System and came across this information online for low income or no income in living in Michigan. I hope this is helpful to you in some way in the meantime. Please check out this link below:
      http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/michigan_free_dental_clinics_a.html

      Or copy and paste the information listed below onto a Word document or even an email and print out.

      Michigan free and low cost dental clinics.
      Find how to get free or low priced dental care in Michigan. A large number of clinics, dental centers, non-profit and pro-bono organizations provide numerous services and programs to qualified families and individuals.

      While many of the Michigan clinics focus their care on the low income, unemployed, working poor, uninsured, and people with limited health insurance, the fact is most people will not be turned away. So that means if you call or stop by a dental clinic for assistance, then the center will do what it can to meet your needs.

      In addition to providing help, they can also direct people to other options, such as government insurance and medical programs.

      Baldwin Family Health Care, Inc.
      Baldwin, Michigan 49304
      Phone number – (231)745-2736

      Bay Mills Indian Community
      Brimley, Michigan 49715
      Phone – (906)248-5579
      This is a full service dental clinic for the local community. Some of the programs and details of dental aid offered includes check ups, cleanings, sealants, root canals, crown and bridge work, extraction, jaw problems, and more.

      Oakland Primary Health Services, Inc.
      Pontiac, MI 48342
      Phone number – 248.322.6747

      Cherry Street Services
      Grand Rapids, MI 49503
      Telephone – (616)235-7289
      Access dental services that can help people prevent problems, and restore or address issues that may come up. Several locations offer basic and advanced dental cleanings and services.

      Community Health & Social Services Center
      Detroit, MI 48209
      Telephone – (313)-849-3920
      Numerous assistance programs are offered. Or get information on government resources such as Medicaid or uninsured health insurance options.

      Center for Family Health, Inc.
      Jackson, MI 49202
      (517) 748-5500

      Alcona Citizens for Health, Inc.
      Michigan
      (989)736-3020

      Detroit Health Care for The Homeless
      Detroit, MI 48223
      (313)255-8665
      The indigent, homeless, and very low income can receive dental care. This includes checkups, cleanings, fluoride, and other basic care. If you need more in depth help them referrals can be provided.

      Covenant Community Care Inc.
      Detroit, Michigan 48216
      (313)554-1095
      Various high quality, yet affordable, medical services are offered including dental care, Family Practice, Cardiology, Internal Medicine, OB/Gyn, and Pediatrics.

      Detroit Community Health Connection
      Detroit, MI 48215
      (313)822-0900
      All people can get help, regardless of income or health insurance status. Access quality dental and medical care. The services are offered for free and/or on a reduced rate or sliding fee scale.

      Downriver Community Services, Inc.
      Algonac, MI 48001
      Dial (810) 794-4917

      East Jordan Family Health Center
      East Jordan, Michigan 49727
      Clinic phone number – (231)536-2206

      Family Health Center of Battle Creek
      Battle Creek, MI 49017
      (269)965-8866
      Helps children that have medicaid. In addition, people over 60 with a limited income or no insurance may also qualify for reduced priced or free dental care. Access everything from cleaning to complex restorative procedures.

      Family Health Center
      Kalamazoo, MI 49007
      (269)349-2641
      Call the clinic for information or an appointment. Volunteer dentists, hygienists, and other professionals from the Michigan community do what they can to assist the less fortunate.

      Family Medical Center of Michigan, Inc.
      Temperance, Michigan 48182
      (734)847-3802
      A wide variety of low cost dental services and programs are offered.

      Local Michigan dental clinics
      Several other clinics and dental centers are located in counties and towns across the state. They offer free or low cost dental care for local patients. Find information below.

      Genesee County
      Kalamazoo County
      Kent County
      Macomb County
      Oakland County
      Wayne County

      Hackley Community Care Center
      Muskegon Heights, MI 49444
      (231)737-1335
      This Michigan based dental center is committed to provided high quality dental and oral care.

      Hamilton Community Health Network, Inc.
      Flint, MI 48505
      Dial – (810)785-0863
      Access dental services include Pediatrics, General Dentistry, and extractions.

      Health delivery, Inc.
      Saginaw, MI 48602
      Phone (89) 759-6400
      Offers high quality health and dental care to families and individuals. A focus is on patients in Saginaw, Bay and other nearby counties in Michigan. Everyone can get help, whether they can pay their bills or not.

      Community Health & Social Services Center
      Detroit, MI 48209
      Telephone – (313)849-3920
      Programs include Restorative or Preventative care, referrals for oral surgery, extractions and more.

      Ingham County Health Department
      5303 S Cedar St Lansing, MI 48911
      Dial (517) 887-4311 for an appointment.

      Intercare Community Health Network
      Bangor, Michigan 49013
      (616) 399-0200

      Lakeland Immediate Care Center
      Cassopolis, MI 49031
      Phone: (269) 445-3874

      Detroit Health Care for The Homeless
      Detroit, MI 48223
      Call (313)255-8665 for hours
      Free or inexpensive dental and medical care is offered for low income and homeless. Patients will not have any health insurance plans and they can still receive assistance from the dental clinic.

      Hchn – Comm Mental Health
      Flint, MI 48503-2445
      810-762-5251
      Permanent Medical, Mental, and Dental Clinic in the Flint Michigan area for people facing a hardship.

      Hchn – Dental North
      Flint, Michigan 48505-1536
      810-785-0863
      Dental Clinic. Offers reduced prices and more to patients.

      New century adult day treatment program
      Flint, MI 48503
      (810) 422-5468

      Saint Marys Health Care
      200 Jefferson Ave SE
      Grand Rapids, MI 49503
      Call (616) 685-5000 for details.

      Cherry Street Health Services Dental Traveling School Program
      Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4262
      616-776-2363
      Students, supervised by professionals, offer care. The organization can assist people and families that have no dental insurance or limited coverage.

      Ferguson Dental Health Center
      Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503-4262
      Call – 616-776-2340
      Permanent Dental and Medical Clinic.

      Mobile Dental Bus #1
      Saginaw, Michigan 48607-1208
      Community clinic phone for appointments – 989-759-6400
      Mobile Van Clinic.

      Ingham County Health Department
      Lansing, MI 48911
      (517) 887-4300

      Sterling Area Health Center Dental
      Alger, Michigan 48610-9327
      989-873-5152
      Contact this clinic to learn how to get health and dental assistance. Both doctors and dentists can help the low income as well as uninsured meet their medical and health care needs.

      Michigan Primary Care Association
      Lansing, MI 48917
      Dial 517-381-8000

      Healthy Smiles Dental Clinic
      Lansing, MI 48910-3496
      Permanent Clinic
      (860) 623-2601
      Children and students may receive assistance from the dental center.

      Family Health and Dental Center
      Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007
      Dial for dental care – (269)349-2641
      Depending on the Michigan patient’s qualifications, receive fillings, cleanings, crowns, partials, bridges and maybe even dentures. Minimal costs and fees may be required.

      Community Mental Health Clinic
      Kalamazoo, MI 49007-3334
      Dial – 269-349-4257
      Permanent Clinic.

      Dr Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic
      Pontiac, MI 48342
      Provides free medical, dental, and health care to women, health care and dental services to low income, uninsured and underinsured families and individuals. Everyone is helped regardless of religion, race, or ability to pay.

      Wadsworth Dental Center
      Saginaw, Michigan 48601-1435
      Telephone – 989-754-7771
      Free dental clinic. Call for information.

      CAC Dental Site
      Saginaw, MI 48601-1505
      989-759-6446
      Health and dental care center. If your income is low enough then some free programs may be administered.

      Hdi Mobile Dental Bus #2
      Saginaw, Michigan 48607-1208
      Call the dental center at 989-759-6400
      Mobile Van Clinic. Visits local communities and uses volunteers to provide services.

      Northwest Michigan Health Services, Inc.
      Traverse City, MI 49684
      Phone number – 231-947-1112

      Sterling Area HC
      Sterling, Michigan 48659

      Dickinson-Iron Dental Center
      Crystal Falls, Michigan 49920-1503
      906-875-6133
      An onsite clinic, dentists, and medical professionals can help those in need.

      Downriver Community Services, Inc.
      555 St Clair River Dr
      Algonac, MI 48001
      Telephone – (810) 794-4917
      A sliding fee scale is in effect. Accepts some government and private health insurance plans. Screenings, basic check ups, X Rays, fillings, and similar services are administered.

  9. Melinda Adams January 5, 2018 at 13:23

    I am a:
    Single
    Femalr
    BRetired
    Service Connectioned
    Homeless lady who just moved Louisiana a few days ago and I desperately need help and support

    • Gina Mahoney January 5, 2018 at 18:21

      Melinda- I am a homeless Veteran as well in the Grant Per diem program in Clearwater FL. Go to the closest VA and tell them you need to speak to a social worker that deals with homeless veterans. They should have one. They should be able to get you housing.
      Be persistent, honest and respectful. There are many resources available!

      Best of luck!!!

      Gina Navy Veteran

    • Trellis Marr January 7, 2018 at 04:00

      Hud ash is a great place to start

  10. Rhonda J Beckwith January 5, 2018 at 10:39

    Thank you for this information. I would live to be more involved. I was previously involved in Douth term CA before relocating to Frederick MD. Please let me know how and what I can be involved in..

    Rhonda Beckwith

  11. J Browning January 5, 2018 at 10:14

    time to stop the special treatment and programs. In our post-racial/gender society, there should only be VETERANS without any qualifier added.
    All veterans get the same treatment or none of them get it.
    This I am more equal crap has gone on too long and needs to be stopped. The ones pushing it are actually bigots or gender nazis because they want to elevate there group to ma superior position

    • M K Schooley January 5, 2018 at 21:02

      Learn to type, think or spell J Browning.
      There is no post racial/gender era……as much as we had hoped. We are as we were.
      If you have an issue, say so, but ranting won’t help.
      There is no “special treatment” for any veteran, but you might do well to walk a mile in a teammate’s moccasins. Help, don’t hurt.

    • Frank Crow January 6, 2018 at 11:54

      AMEN

  12. John Keatts January 5, 2018 at 09:46

    Thank You for the Photographs of the new Members. I can see that the McIntosh is not the same person that I worked for at Ft. Carson, Colorado. I still wish it had been. But we seldon get what we hope for.
    I hope everyone has a Great New Year.

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