“Voinovich’s View”
Keeping Our Promise to Those That Serve
November 7, 2007
As your United States Senator, I believe it is vitally important that the federal government honor its commitments to its citizens, use taxpayer dollars more efficiently and bring continued growth to the economy.
In addition to my legislative work in Washington, I am privileged to have the opportunity to be of immediate and direct assistance to the citizens of Ohio. To meet those needs, I have established several regional offices charged with providing local level responsiveness when it comes to the federal government.
Unfortunately, from time to time, Ohioans can get caught up in bureaucratic red tape when dealing with the many agencies of the federal government. Whether it’s a glitch in getting their Social Security check, or a denial of rightfully deserved veteran’s benefits, or a problem with the IRS, people need to know that they can count on their elected officials to help them sort out such matters. That’s why I am working hard to help Ohioans handle the mix-ups that can sometimes occur with the federal government.
One area I am particularly invested in is military casework. There is no price with which we can repay those who so selflessly serve our country through the military, but I am committed to helping them get exactly what they’ve been promised for their service.
Particularly, our casework efforts focus on helping soldiers who are serving the country get any pay, benefits, insurance, medical needs or anything else they may need, as well as to assist the families at home while their loved ones are deployed. Once servicemen and women have completed their military service, we also help them get proper Veteran Affairs benefits, such as monetary benefits and health appointments.
In one instance, a Transportation Company of the Ohio National Guard that had been involuntarily extended in Iraq past their 365 days was denied the incentive pay for which they were eligible. The Ohio National Guard leadership appealed it but to no avail. After learning the details, I wrote a letter to Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England, in defense of the company. Another investigation proved the error, and recently we were able to tell the company that every soldier would get their incentive pay. Consequently, one of my staffers, Michael Dustman, was presented with the Patrick Henry Award, a distinguished civilian service award for his outstanding service to the National Guard.
Our military cases range from serving Iraqi War to World War II veterans. In some instances, we have even helped veterans get long-overdue medals.
For example, my office was contacted by the son of a World War II soldier who said his father was injured in the South Pacific in 1944, but was never awarded the Purple Heart. The family had tried to obtain the medal but had been told that there was no record of his injuries in his personnel files. My office worked with Army officials who searched hospital and unit medical records and found an entry that he was treated for a wound, but never hospitalized.
A few months later, the Army authorized his award and my staff presented the medal to him in a ceremony. Alongside to celebrate with this distinguished war hero were his six children, 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Sixty years after his injury, this brave solider received the military decoration he deserved.
As evidenced in these cases, my staff and I are committed to providing fast and consistent resolutions to difficulties Ohioans may have with their government. Congressional caseworkers assume the role of a liaison between Ohioans and the appropriate government agency. The caseworker is responsible for exploring all avenues that are available for resolution of your concerns.
Should you need assistance when dealing with any agency of the federal government, please do not hesitate to utilize the services of my casework office by calling my toll-free constituent hotline at 1-800-205-6446 or 1-800-205-OHIO. Also, you may also submit a casework request by visiting my Web site at www.voinovich.senate.gov.
Please do not hesitate to make me aware of any issues with which I can be of assistance. You have put a great trust in me and I am thankful for the privilege to serve you.
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