Advisory Committee on the Readjustment of Veterans; Notice of Meeting

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) gives notice under Public Law 92-463 (Federal Advisory Committee Act) that a meeting of the Advisory Committee on the Readjustment of Veterans will be held Thursday and Friday, October 27 and 28, 2005, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on both days, at The American Legion, Washington Office, 1608 K Street, NW., Washington, DC. The meeting is open to the public.

The purpose of the Committee is to review the post-war readjustment needs of veterans and to evaluate the availability and effectiveness of VA programs to meet these needs.

On October 27, 2005, the agenda will focus on military service-related needs of returning combatants from the war on terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq. Particular attention will be given to the unique post-deployment needs of National Guard and Reserve personnel. The day's activities will also cover the coordination of services between VA and the Department of Defense to ensure continuity of care and a seamless transition for returning war veterans. The Committee will receive a briefing on VA Compensation and Pension program activity as provided to veterans returning from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On October 28, 2005, the Committee will be provided with an update of the current activities of the Readjustment Counseling Service Vet Center program to serve the veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. The agenda will also include an update on VA mental health program activities with special attention to mental health services for returning war veterans. In addition, the Committee will conduct a planning session to formulate recommendations for submission to Congress in its next annual report.

No time will be allocated at this meeting for receiving oral presentations from the public. However, members of the public may direct written questions or submit prepared statements for review by the Committee in advance of the meeting to Mr. Charles M. Flora, M.S.W., Designated Federal Officer, Readjustment Counseling Service, Department of Veterans Affairs (15), 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420. Those who plan to attend or have questions concerning the meeting may contact Mr. Flora at (202) 273-8969 or charles.flora@hq.med.va.gov.