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.

National VA Council, President

I talked to John Gage, AFGE National President today and requested that he contact John Sweeney, President of the AFL-CIO, to request the inclusion of Mississippi in the Gift card pilot program that currently supports only Louisiana. John stated that he would look into this matter and get back to me. I will call John Gage, Wednesday, September 28, 2005, to get another update.