Washington — President Barack Obama has announced his intention to nominate L. Tammy Duckworth, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, to be the assistant secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Effective communications with Veterans and VA’s stakeholders is key to improving our services and ensuring Veterans receive the benefits they deserve,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said.

“Tammy Duckworth brings significant talent, leadership and personal experience to this important work.”

As assistant secretary, Duckworth will direct VA’s public affairs, internal communications and intergovernmental relations. She also will oversee programs for homeless Veterans, consumer affairs and special rehabilitative events.

Duckworth was appointed director of the state veterans office in Illinois in 2006. In previous testimony before Congress, she expressed her commitment to veterans and the need for transformation of the Department.

“The VA system faces new challenges as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,” she said.

She also noted “the patient profile is changing. More wounded soldiers are surviving very serious injuries.”

She is serving as a major in the Illinois National Guard and was previously deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom where, as a captain, she was assistant operations officer for a 500-soldier aviation task force.

She also served as a logistics officer and company commander. As a helicopter pilot flying combat missions in 2004, she suffered grave injuries when a rocket-propelled grenade struck her helicopter, causing her to lose both legs and partial use of one arm.

Her previous managerial experience includes coordinating the Center for Nursing Research at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, and working for Rotary International’s Asia-Pacific region from 2002 to 2004.

Duckworth earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaii and a master’s degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Born in Thailand, she is the daughter of a U.S. Marine who fought in Vietnam. She is married to Iraq war veteran and National Guard officer Major Bryan Bowlsbey.

VFW senior citizens dinner well attended

The monthly VFW senior dinner was well attended Saturday. There were more than 80 seniors present who enjoyed the spaghetti dinner and dessert.

The VFW and members of its auxiliary will continue this monthly community service for the upcoming months of March, April and May and then will pause for the summer, as has been done in the past.

Doors open at 4 p.m., and dinner starts at 5 p.m. All Moffat County seniors – AARP age and above – are encouraged to attend for a good meal and fellowship.

The senior citizen buildings, Sunset Meadows I and II, provide a bus for free transport to and from the dinner. The normal HUD driver or a volunteer drives the van. It usually leaves the first senior building at 4:15 p.m. and returns once the door prizes are distributed. Depending on the number of riders, there are one or two bus pick-ups at the Sunset Meadows buildings.

Olson recovering in Sheridan, Wyo.

Deb Nicholas-Olson is still at home in Sheridan, Wyo., and recuperating

It is going to be a long, difficult road to recovery. She is undergoing two to 2 1/2 hours of physical therapy each day. If you would like to send her a card, please do so. She would appreciate contact from her vet clients that she served so well.

Her address is 445 S. Thurmond St.; Sheridan, WY 82801.

American Legion Post 62 bingo and raffle

American Legion Post 62 sponsors Bingo at the Elk’s club two Saturdays a month. It is a fundraiser to continue the community services that the Shadow Mountain complex provides for this community.

Additionally there is another raffle running until March 28, and the prize is a Bushmaster AR-15 rifle. See any American Legion member for tickets.

Craig Telehealth Clinic offers onsite support

The clinic offers veterans state of the art technology as well as onsite nursing support and remote practicioner availability.

Our goal is to provide an extensive array of health care services to our veterans in a setting that is accessible and professional.

In order to appropriately plan and coordinate your visit, access to the clinic is by appointment only. The clinic cannot handle emergency needs.

Flu shot walk-ins are still ongoing at the clinic. Call, stop in and visit with April Branstetter and Robbie Fentress. Vets must be currently enrolled in the VAMC health care system to get these shots. Questions? Call 824-6721.

Washington, D.C. trip for WWII veterans

I’m still looking for World War II veterans to go to Washington, D.C., this spring. I’m also looking for sponsors to help defray the costs of this program out of Grand Junction’s airport. If you have questions, or need an application, call my office from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

For information about these programs and/or other veterans’ benefits, call or stop in the Moffat County VSO office at 480 Barclay St. (west of the Bank of Colorado parking lot).

Call 970-824-3246 or use the fax 970-824-7108.

Our e-mail address is veterans@moffatcounty.net. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Other times can be arranged by appointment only.

Bring a copy of your separation papers (DD-214) for application for VA programs and for filing at our office.