Date: 3/1/2019 4:57 PM CST
Subject: End Mission 2018

(3-1-2019, Fri). Hello everyone - A mass email to update you on THE CONCLUSION TO VA MISSION 2018 effort. Write to me directly if you want to discuss this more.

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Thank you to everyone involved for these many months helping with dozens of em, phone calls, letters, research and prayers. We have done all we can and now it is up to the VA and US Senate/House if there is anything further to be done.

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TITLE IV. & TITLE V. - Within title four is a mandate to reach "underserved" communities with veterans and a 3-year pilot program to use "mobile healthcare units". There is nothing in this title to address incarcerated veterans not receiving adequate healthcare. In many States the prisons will work with the VA, but not in Illinois. We are recommending that IDOC can actually save money and improve overall health issues, avoiding unnecessary deaths and lawsuits if they work with the VA to supplement the minimum healthcare provided by the State contractor.

In Title V is described a goal of providing mental health support directly with trained doctors for issues like PTSD and TBI. As well as "peer to peer", trained mental health advocates to be employed in medical facilities serving veterans. Again, great ideas not currently available to incarcerated veterans, nor is there any mention of incarcerated veterans in the entire VA Mission 2018 document.

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So, we've done our part and must wait to see if the Chairman of Mission 2018 will consider incarcerated veterans as a group to be addressed. The first report is due in year 2023. After my parole (MSR) I will have more time and access to phone, email and internet to follow-up on this topic. The GrahamVet group has the information needed if they continue to pursue this course. Thanks again, David.