In order to further improve the lines of communication and to respond to the concerns between the National VA Council and you our members, I have established a National VA Council Briefing. This NVAC Briefing will bring you the latest news and developments within DVA and provide you with the current status of issues this Council is currently addressing. I believe that this NVAC Briefing will greatly enhance the way in which we communicate and the way in which we share new information, keeping you better informed. Alma L. Lee National VA Council, President

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It is with much joy and great sadness that I must announce that Linda Bennett, our National VA Council Lobbyist, will be leaving us to join Lane Evans and the House Veterans Affairs Committee on May 30, 2005. This is a major loss for AFGE and yet Linda is going to work where she can continue to be our friend.

Linda joined the NVAC approximately five years ago and has been an asset to our organization. She has been our voice for Title 38 issues, she has conquered the Physicians Pay issue, she played a major role in the Saturday Premium Pay issue, and all other Legislative initiatives that we now enjoy.

It is with much sorrow that we must let Linda move on and move ahead with her new role as the staff person for the House Veterans Affairs Committee.

We will still see Linda when we meet with the House Veterans Affairs Committee and when we lobby on Capitol Hill.

Replacing Linda will be hard to do and a major challenge. The Council wishes Linda nothing but the best in her new position.

Where do we go from here? We look for a new lobbyist.