VIL-OP the Organization Defining Document

News Type: Event — Thu Jul 31, 2008 12:34 AM EDT

veterans-issues, nonprofit-organization-document, veteran-dental-care

Organizational Mission:
The principle mission of VIL-OP is to promote true individual independence for veterans. The organization's operating board will be responsible for the proper management of VIL-OP assets.

Operating Board:
The organization's operating board will consist of five members
1)Executive Operations Director (TBD)
2)Director of Field Operations (Robertlyn Schultz)
3)Director of Logistic Operations (TBD)
4)Director of Medical/Dental Operations (TBD)
5)Director of Public Relations (TBD)
The board will meet bi-weekly using all applicable technologies that will allow the members to attend via video-conference. Remuneration for board members will be fixed at $200.00 per week. Supported Programs
VIL-OP programs:
1)W.O.L.F. Camp
2)Teeth for Veterans

W.O.L.F. Camp:
VIL-OP will provide logistic support to W.O.L.F. Camp and to expedite induction and placement of trainees in to the program. Equipment and expendables procurement and distribution will be some of the main VIL-OP functions. Remuneration for camp personnel (Cadre) will be the same as VIL-OP board members, $200.00 per week plus a percentage of mineral values recovered by the common commercial operation. Please see WOLF Camp manual for program details.

Teeth for Veterans:
VIL-OP's board will establish a fund to provide dental care / permanent tooth repair for veterans who are not covered by the VA (They don't really cover dental anyway) or insurance. This aspect of VIL-OP is as important as WOLF Camp for the independent living of the veteran, because an individual who is living with rotted/rotting teeth is not physically healthy and studies have shown that bad teeth can lead to heart disease/heart attack. VIL-OP will seek out a dentist/implant-specialist and establish a flat rate payout program to cover costs of treatment for qualified participants of the WOLF Camp program.

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Groups: Activism, Homeless Issues, Psych, Soc, Philos, Successful Solutions, The Winter Soldiers, Veterans & Friends, VETERANS' RIGHTS AND AFFAIRS
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8.2

{"commentId":2327573,"authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}

robertlyn-schultz

This is the document that I included with the IRS application for nonprofit status. The open board positions are still vacant and I would like to fill those slots ASAP, if you are interested please feel free to drop me a line. All suggestions are welcome and appreciated. Thanks for showing an interest.

{"commentId":2327573,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}

6 votes

#1 - Thu Jul 31, 2008 12:41 AM EDT

{"commentId":2327756,"authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}

robertlyn-schultzDeleted

{"commentId":2569637,"authorDomain":"robvukovic"}

Rob Vukovic

The dental aspect is brilliant! Self-esteem is a major issue for many vets and keeping your teeth contributes heavily. Not to mention the tendency of some vets to self medicate pain and on occasion, overdoing it. Keep it up!

{"commentId":2569637,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"robvukovic"}

4 votes

#3 - Sun Aug 24, 2008 7:36 PM EDT

{"commentId":6194326,"authorDomain":"eriqalan"}

eriq samson

Now here's a crazy thing. the VA will remove teeth for certain diseases, etc; they just won't replace them (how are you supposed top eat? Gum your hamburgers to death?)

{"commentId":6194326,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"eriqalan"}

4 votes

#3.1 - Fri Mar 27, 2009 4:38 PM EDT

{"commentId":2570022,"authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}

robertlyn-schultz

Rob,

Thank you for the compliment, I wish I could take full credit for the dental idea but it was the result of a discussion I had with a retired msgt from the USMC in the waiting room of my local veterans help center and that led to many phone conversations, he is one hell of a guy but he was preparing to move so his attention was naturally elsewhere. He just moved to HI two months ago, and I hope he touches base soon.

I hate to see those sorry signs in the hands of the homeless that read " Veteran please help", I am sure that most are not vets but who knows really, it is just sickening personally and that is probably my main reason to create something that could change the situation of some of the invisible veterans, the homeless veterans.

I know that this program is not for every veteran in that situation (see future article on my interaction with the homeless in downtown Santa Ana CA) but if this effort truly helps 10 veterans a year become self-suficiant, and for them to regain the self-respect that they have denied themselves for who knows how long, I will consider the project a limited success

Have a good'un,

Aloha

{"commentId":2570022,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}

4 votes

#4 - Sun Aug 24, 2008 8:24 PM EDT

{"commentId":6188632,"authorDomain":"seward"}

Sandie Seward

Dental Health has been badly neglected here in Britain, too, Robert. Unless you can afford to pay privately, those of us, like myself, who have to rely on our National health Service for treatment, are very lucky if they can even find a dentist that will sort their problems out.

{"commentId":6188632,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"seward"}

4 votes

#5 - Fri Mar 27, 2009 12:24 PM EDT

{"commentId":6190281,"authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}

robertlyn-schultz

Hey Sandie,

I will be talking to some folks about alternatives to traditional treatment here in the US, i.e. travel to Mexico or even India as a group, someone even mentioned Russia. Sad that the VA is so tight with dental treatment (last time I was at the VA hospital, Long Beach CA - the dental facility was empty) very inefficient and wasteful IMO, but that is what happens when government runs anything. I am not surprised that your NHS has the same type of problems.

I read somewhere that British combat veterans are forced to use the NHS for after action PTSD treatment, but since they are in counseling groups with civilians they are not suppose to talk about the details of their combat experiences (for fear of upsetting the civilians), WTF is up with that?

I just shake my head at @!$%# like that.

You have a great day my dear,

Aloha

{"commentId":6190281,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}

4 votes

#5.1 - Fri Mar 27, 2009 1:30 PM EDT

{"commentId":6197014,"authorDomain":"seward"}

Sandie Seward

You're right, Robert. There are now no Military Hospitals remaining in the U.K. Labour, in it's "wisdom" closed them, so any wounded Service Personnel has to "share" an ordinary civilian hospital whilst recovering.

This is so wrong, but, as usual it's all down to "economics".

{"commentId":6197014,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"seward"}

3 votes

#5.2 - Fri Mar 27, 2009 7:13 PM EDT

{"commentId":6204415,"authorDomain":"eriqalan"}

eriq samson

Sandie - that comment seems crazy on the surface of it. It isn't about which hospital but about the level of care. If it is cheaper in the long run or provides better care to place soldiers in hospital that may be (1) closer to their families or (2) provide the same care or better at a price cheaper to the taxpayer; how would you oppose it? Because it isn't called a veterans hospital?

Do you have any idea how ridiculous that sounds?

{"commentId":6204415,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"eriqalan"}

1 vote

#5.3 - Sat Mar 28, 2009 12:42 PM EDT

{"commentId":6208976,"authorDomain":"seward"}

Sandie Seward

Eriq, thanks for your comment and reply to my own comment. The reason why I brought this to Robertlyn's attention, and to the attention of all the other people here, is simply that the wounded Service Personnel do not like having to share wards and routines with Civilians.

Any of our wounded will quickly tell you that. They are the ones who have, quite rightly so, complained on this very issue.

{"commentId":6208976,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"seward"}

2 votes

#5.4 - Sat Mar 28, 2009 8:43 PM EDT

{"commentId":6190420,"authorDomain":"puckishpixie"}

Apples

I lived in India for some time and I would strongly caution you against receiving ANY medical care from that quarter.

{"commentId":6190420,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"puckishpixie"}

4 votes

#6 - Fri Mar 27, 2009 1:35 PM EDT

{"commentId":6191294,"authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}

robertlyn-schultz

Hey Apples,

Thanks for the input, the folks I will be talking to organize "medical travel" and the woman I talked to was pushing India because the security concerns over travel to Mexico (This is after the attack in Mumbai). They have not done any dental stuff (that was a bit disconcerting), so she is researching that aspect and said she would have someone call me back. I am just checking all avenues that will allow me to make sure anyone who is part of this is 100% by the time they set out on their own.

Have a good'un,

Aloha

{"commentId":6191294,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}

4 votes

#6.1 - Fri Mar 27, 2009 2:12 PM EDT

{"commentId":6196652,"authorDomain":"puckishpixie"}

Apples

In Pusan and Seoul south Korea there are a considerable amount of really skilled surgeons and dentists. The costs due to the downturn of the Korean economy and relative cost of living are much less than the U.S. In fact, many Japanese are taking advantage of the short flight to obtain these services since the Yen vs. Wan and cost of living differences are tremendous. I would suggest you check those out over India any day.

Oh one other thing. When seeking a doctor in Asia, MD is a master's degree there. Master's of Medicine. You would want someone with an MD. PhD if your looking for something close to an MD equivalent in the states. This is pretty universal throughout Asian, except maybe Japan.

I actually work in a lot of hospitals throughout Asia so I have experience in this area.

{"commentId":6196652,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"puckishpixie"}

4 votes

#6.2 - Fri Mar 27, 2009 6:46 PM EDT

{"commentId":6194020,"authorDomain":"abcrow"}

ann in Texas

Aloha Robert!

This is just wonderful work that you're doing. You are making a difference in lives, my friend. Clipping to my column...

Ann

{"commentId":6194020,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"abcrow"}

4 votes

#7 - Fri Mar 27, 2009 4:23 PM EDT

{"commentId":6194163,"authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}

robertlyn-schultz

Hi Ann,

Thanks for your support, it is deeply appreciated.

How have you been? I do hope all is well for you and yours.

Have a good'un,

Aloha

{"commentId":6194163,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}

4 votes

#7.1 - Fri Mar 27, 2009 4:30 PM EDT

{"commentId":6196488,"authorDomain":"abcrow"}

ann in Texas

I'm doing well, the family's good, all is good. Thank you for asking :) Have a good'un yourself.

{"commentId":6196488,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"abcrow"}

3 votes

#7.2 - Fri Mar 27, 2009 6:34 PM EDT

{"commentId":6199417,"authorDomain":"davidemeadows"}

pcbynature

I'd love something like this. I have a optomerty appt made for me by my doc, but I can'r get the glasses in Memphis because, despite Obama's promise, there still is no money.

{"commentId":6199417,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"davidemeadows"}

3 votes

#8 - Fri Mar 27, 2009 10:58 PM EDT

{"commentId":6200395,"authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}

robertlyn-schultz

Hey PC,

You know I've had my issues with he VA, but I would not like to see the VA closed down and it's services wrapped into whatever Uni-coverage for all Americans (like England) **shudder**. I really think that something can be done to make the VA a viable service agency not only for veterans, but for the military as well.

If the VA would partner with the DOD to make use of US based military medical facilities and personnel (as well as existing VA facilities), then It would open allot more venues for veterans to find the proper care, while providing practical training for military medical personnel - Hell we do it for Iraqi and Afghan civilians for cripes sake. Then the VA could begin to repair it's tarnished image (deserved or not) in the eyes of the public.

///End Tangent Thought\\\

I have told vets who are not homeless but would like to come out and just stay a short while and learn the basics (which can be imparted in a few hours, or days depending on the specific techniques) would be welcome. I even came up with a membership idea for VIL-OP/WOLF Camp, but I am holding off doing anything along those lines until I seat at least two board members.

Thanks for taking a look at the idea, and have a good evening,

Aloha

{"commentId":6200395,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}

3 votes

#8.1 - Sat Mar 28, 2009 12:44 AM EDT

{"commentId":6200805,"authorDomain":"davidemeadows"}

pcbynature

"If the VA would partner with the DOD to make use of US based military medical facilities and personnel (as well as existing VA facilities), then It would open allot more venues for veterans to find the proper care, while providing practical training for military medical personnel - Hell we do it for Iraqi and Afghan civilians for cripes sake. Then the VA could begin to repair it's tarnished image (deserved or not) in the eyes of the public.

This is a good idea for several reasons. Hmmm, maybe I should vacation in Hi and hash this thing out?

{"commentId":6200805,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"davidemeadows"}

3 votes

#8.2 - Sat Mar 28, 2009 1:47 AM EDT

{"commentId":6204776,"authorDomain":"eriqalan"}

eriq samson

R - S - " I would not like to see the VA closed down and it's services wrapped into whatever Uni-coverage for all Americans" - have you ever thought of reversing that; have the VA take over as the Inspector General / management of that Uni-Coverage? (do NOT compare something that doesn't exist to what you may perceive to exist somewhere else; that is two fantasies conflating; kind of like a dream screwing a mirage)

{"commentId":6204776,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"eriqalan"}

1 vote

#8.3 - Sat Mar 28, 2009 1:17 PM EDT

{"commentId":6206761,"authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}

robertlyn-schultz

Hey Eriq,

"have you ever thought of reversing that; have the VA take over as the Inspector General / management of that Uni-Coverage?"

No sir! I have serious issues with the VA as it is, and to throw that additional burden on the system would be a foolish thing to do (as foolish as folks thinking that the fed. gov. will run a good heath care program for all citizens).

I would like to address your earlier question to Sandie, if I may,

If it is cheaper in the long run or provides better care to place soldiers in hospital that may be (1) closer to their families or (2) provide the same care or better at a price cheaper to the taxpayer; how would you oppose it? Because it isn't called a veterans hospital?

The difference is Veterans earned that care! I have put forth an idea in com #8.1 that would make the whole system more efficient and would benefit the VA, DOD, and the veteran.

When I venture to the VA the only thing I can really look forward to is the opportunity to talk to other warriors from many different time periods and conflicts, that conversation can become very "blue" and sometimes callous and gory when vets relate combat experiences (the image of the reticent soldier who does not like to talk about combat is just that - an image -, plenty of guys and now some girls are happy to recount their deeds in combat, myself included).

Civilians would be climbing the walls of waiting rooms from coast to coast if the VA care was combined with whatever Uni-care comes down the pike.

Sandies comment was in response to my asking about England's NHS asking veterans not to talk about their combat experiences in PTSD groups because they may further trumatize the civilians in those groups; How silly/ridiculous is that? Hell-bells, how would they deal with a guy like me i.e. loudmouth jokester in the wating room?

Have a good weekend,

Aloha

{"commentId":6206761,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}

2 votes

#8.4 - Sat Mar 28, 2009 4:39 PM EDT

{"commentId":6207537,"authorDomain":"eriqalan"}

eriq samson

But you still don't get it - the soldiers receive the same care whether the hospital says VA or Good Samaritan on it. Why are you hung up on the name of the hospital?

The comments about the different waiting rooms - you really haven't been to many VA hospitals / clinics have you? Anywhere they treat alcoholics there is this "you can't say this around here" attitude; or in front of nurses or ... the same as at other hospitals. Your VA hospital may allow it, most do NOT (and many nurses, etc. in hearing you will politely explain to you that it is unacceptable - for the same reason as at civilian hospitals)

And, in regards to my first point - you claim not to trust anyone but the VA and then don't trust the VA either - I think you are the one who is foolish. You are trying to take three sides of the same issue; your latest claim is that nationalized health care is just too big. Is the boogeyman still under your bed? (wink)

{"commentId":6207537,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"eriqalan"}

1 vote

#8.5 - Sat Mar 28, 2009 6:08 PM EDT

{"commentId":6207893,"authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}

robertlyn-schultz

Well that is the Dichotomy of Rob, I suppose.

I truly don't like any situation were authority is hanging over my head, and when it comes to the VA I can say that I have had mixed results overall -

Positives; VA Counselling helped me exercise more control over my anger, and led me to start writing here on news vine, and I have received decent basic medical care/

Negitives; changed two doctors because of personality conflicts, changed clinics once because of one doctor in particular (She was a piece of work), Denied a doctors recommendation for a companion animal to help with my anger issue (because the Psyc. was not up to date about the benefits of said animals in treating personality disorders or worse, concerns over "liability"), hell I have the dog I just need a note so I can take him on the public buses (my driving privilege is revoked because of road-rage), so it was not a cost issue.

Yes my VA experience is limited to two clinics and one Hospital (Thank the Gods), the only time I've been admonished by VA personnel was when I got boisterous, never for the content of my speech. If that ever happened I would be very upset - how dare anyone tell me what is acceptable and what is not.

I had to be dragged kicking and screaming to the VA (not literally) but I hold that my experience there is better by at least an order of magnitude better than any civilian hospital I've been to (ER vs ER). I am happy to admit that I am biased toward warriors/veterans, but everyone has their druthers.

I am afraid that we will have to agree to disagree about Uni-care, my friend.

Aloha

{"commentId":6207893,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}

2 votes

#8.6 - Sat Mar 28, 2009 6:52 PM EDT

{"commentId":6239973,"authorDomain":"djacksback"}

djacksback

robertlyn-schultz

Have you or anyone you know been to the VA Hospital in Fresno? A friend of mine went there for a hernia operation and some dental work and was very impressed with the treatment he recieved and the facility itself.

{"commentId":6239973,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"djacksback"}

2 votes

#9 - Tue Mar 31, 2009 6:25 AM EDT

{"commentId":6249822,"authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}

robertlyn-schultz

Hi Djack,

No I never have, and my world is rather constricted at the moment so no one I know has either. It is heartening to hear good reports about the VA though, so thanks for that. :^)

I am happy to hear your buddy recieved dental care, that needs to become VA wide IMO.

All my best, Have a good'un

aloha

{"commentId":6249822,"threadId":"323048","contentId":"1708513","authorDomain":"robertlyn-schultz"}

2 votes

#9.1 - Tue Mar 31, 2009 3:46 PM EDT

{"canLink":false,"threadId":"323048","isPrivate":false}

ROBERTLYN-SCHULTZ

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