A Missouri Veterans Hospital is changing its policies after a cabinet full of drugs was sold online to a West Plains man.
This is a story KOLR/KSFX broke and now the results are released after a nearly three month investigation into what happened.
Back in September a Howell County Fire Chief ordered two cabinets online from the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia.
To his amazement one of those was stocked full of drugs, worth thousands of dollars.
The hospital launched an investigation after our report aired. It went all the way to the Inspector General, Criminal Division in Kansas City.
Here's what the Veterans hospital says is going to change.
In September, Blake Bowers discovered the Veterans Hospital in Columbia made a big mistake. "Three drawers are full of medicines these are all injectibles here are syringes," adds Bowers.
Prescription pain killers and psychiatric medications, just to name two. He bought the cabinets from the hospital online and found thousands of dollars worth of drugs inside. During our interview he expressed his concern about having drugs like these end up in the wrong hands. "We have enough problems with drugs on the street as it is and here we have the federal government actually helping that by providing more drugs," added Bowers.
So, the hospital began an investigation made up of VA employees who work outside the hospital. After three months the hospital says there are policy changes.
"There will be a new standard operating procedure for decommissioning pharmacy equipment and it will be established in the pharmacy service with specific assignment of responsibilities to key personal," explains Stephen Gaither, Public Affairs Officer with the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital.
And the hospital is taking action against employees at the center of this mistake. "There was a clear indication that there were individuals that did not follow the policies that were in place at that time," adds Gaither.
We asked him if these employees had lost their jobs over this and this is how he responded. "That would be a personnel matter, confidential and we won't comment on that," adds Gaither.
The hospital also says pharmacy supplies will be tightly monitored. And there are now guidelines for turning in the equipment, like the cabinets Bowers bought. Bowers says he is glad action was taken and policies changed, however, he wishes there wasn't so much secrecy surrounding the employees who made the mistake. And for the drugs, "They are still in a storage facility it is my understanding they will be destroyed," adds Gaither.
When this mistake was discovered, some questioned whether the Veterans Hospital could fairly investigate itself.
But Inspector General George Opfer with the Department of Veteran Affairs believed it could, with employees who don't work at the hospital.
The hospital says it hopes these changes will ensure nothing like this ever happens again.
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March 27-December 31 “Memories of Korea”
Posted at 01:42 PM on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 by Missouri
June 25, 2010 marks the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. For the people of Korea, the war was a cause of great suffering as families were separated and as the land was laid to waste. Although American men and women were once more called upon to fight in a foreign land, to most Americans it was a “forgotten war” that intruded only peripherally on their desire to build the good life in a booming post-World War II economy. To American policy makers, the war was the first test of the nation’s new role at the head of the world’s democracies. For President Truman, Korea represented a particular challenge to demonstrate that nations, acting in concert through the United Nations, had the responsibility to halt the kind of aggression that had triggered two world wars in his lifetime.
This exhibition recalls the region, the war, and the war’s legacy through the eyes and memories of the people who lived there, who fought there, and whose lives were permanently changed by the experience. The story of Korea is told with their letters, diaries, photographs, films, and personal memorabilia. Organized around four chronological areas – Culture and History, Antecedents, War, and Legacy – the exhibition explores the rich culture of Korea, the political winds that led to the conflict, and the sixty years of division and divergence that have characterized the two Koreas since the war. One of the last remaining vestiges of the Cold War, divided Korea is a reminder of the clear political boundaries that once divided the world itself into East and West.
The exhibition brings the complexity of the war down to a personal level. An American soldier writing home to his parents and complaining about the frigid cold. Memories of a Korean woman whose family ended up on the other side of the 38th Parallel. A pilot recalling a dogfight with a Russian pilot in a MIG fighter. A President, writing in his diary of the difficult decisions he has to make. A student in present-day Seoul wondering about the lives of his counterparts in a much different North. Their individual stories bring rich colors to the larger story of the war, which, in the nation’s memory today, is largely only a series of black and white images.
The Truman Library will be partnering with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Library on aspects of this exhibition and on other programs that will mark the 60th anniversary of the Korean War in 2010 through 2013.
March 27-December 31 “Memories of Korea”
June 25, 2010 marks the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. For the people of Korea, the war caused great suffering, for Americans, it was a “forgotten” war. This exhibit recalls the region, the war and its legacy through the eyes and memories of people who lived and fought there as told through letters, diaries, photographs, films and personal memorabilia.
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum, 500 W. 24 Hwy.
Free with regular admission, $8adults, $7seniors, $3 ages 6-15, under 6 free.
800-833-1225, 816-268-8200, www.trumanlibrary.org
Janeen Aggen
Media Contact
Independence, MO Tourism
913-599-2080
janeena@sbcglobal.net
GOOD NEWS FROM K.C. V.A. MEDICAL CENTER PHARMACY.
Posted at 01:34 PM on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 by Missouri
RUNNING LOW ON MEDS???
GOOD NEWS FROM K.C. V.A. MEDICAL CENTER PHARMACY.
NOW 816-922-3321 CAN BE CALLED DIRECTLY FOR MED- REFILL REQUEST, WILL NEED FULL SSI# TO REQUEST MEDS. RATHER THAN TO BE PUT ON HOLD FOR UP TO 30 MIN. TO SPEAK TO PHARMACY.
FORGET THE NUMBER? CALL V.A.K.C. REGULAR # 816-861-4700 AND PROMPT WILL BE ON FIRST MESSAGE YOU HEAR. GOOD LUCK.
Posted as requested by James Rippy
Posted as requested by James Rippy
Navy Christens Newest Virginia-class Submarine Missouri
Posted at 12:35 PM on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 by Missouri
GROTON, Conn. – With the spray of bubbly from a champagne bottle, PCU Missouri (SSN 780), the Navy's newest Virginia-class attack submarine, was christened during a late morning ceremony at General Dynamics Electric Boat Dec. 5.
Missouri, the fifth Navy ship to be named in honor of the people of the "Show Me State, is "a link in the honored chain of ships to bear the name; another chapter in the storied history of the Naval service," said Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus.
SECNAV and Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates were among the many dignitaries and guests who attended the ceremony under a steady rain, which did not dampen the spirits of the attendees.
"We gather for this christening with the knowledge that Missouri’s service builds upon a proud lineage of her namesake," said U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri, the principal speaker for the event. "We gather in the belief that her service to our country – silent as it may be – will keep Americans safe by deterring would-be aggressors. We also gather today to confidently set the tone for the character of this submarine, which will sail with one foot in her proud past, but with an eye toward the future and all the potential that it holds. "
Becky Gates, wife of Secretary of Defense Gates, serves as ship's sponsor. She broke the traditional champagne bottle against the boat’s sail. Her initials were welded into a plaque inside the boat during last year’s keel laying ceremony.
"I am humbled that in some way, I will go wherever the submarine sails," said Mrs. Gates. "As this, the latest Missouri, moves on to active duty, my thoughts will always be with the dedicated patriots who sail aboard her, and the loved ones who wait for their safe return."
The christening marks another milestone for the submarine, which is "now 90 percent complete with construction, and is on track to finish $72 million under budget and well ahead of scheduled," according to Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Adm. Kirkland H. Donald.
"This accomplishment is a testament of the leadership on this project. It’s a tribute to each individual tradesman and Sailor represented by this crew that did their job right the first time and kept the environment of success and ownership on track and ever stronger," said Donald.
The last USS Missouri, a legendary battleship, saw action in World War II, the Korean War, the Persian Gulf War, and was also the site where Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, and many other U.S. and Allied officers accepted the unconditional surrender of the Japanese at the end of World War II on Sept. 2, 1945.
"This new Missouri will continue the proud history of ships before her. We in Missouri are proud of this ship, we are proud of her crew, we are proud of the ship builders who constructed it," said U.S. Representative Ike Skelton of Missouri and Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.
The seventh Virginia-class submarine, Missouri is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Adept at operating in both the world's shallow littoral regions and deep waters, Missouri will directly enable five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.
CMDR Timothy RexRode of Spencer, W.Va., the ship's commanding officer, leads a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.
Missouri is expected to be delivered to the Navy next year and begin her missions.
"She may patrol the waters of the Western Pacific or the North Atlantic. She may work with the Coast Guard and our international partners to stem the flow of illegal narcotics into our country. She may support our strike groups. And she will deploy to answer whatever the unknown challenges of the future, wherever they may be in support of our Maritime Strategy and our national objectives," said Mabus.
The 7,800-ton Missouri is being built under a teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News. She is 377-feet long, has a 34-foot beam, and will be able to dive to depths of greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. Missouri is designed with a nuclear reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship – reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time.
Senator Claire McCaskill with some of the sailors assigned to the USS Missouri.
The Missouri delegation and sailors assigned to the USS Missouri.
For more on this event go to the source: http://www.public.navy.mil/usff/CSG2/Pages/MOChristening.aspx
More information can be found here:http://www.kansascity.com/105/story/1614583.html
Some of the photos are courtesy of Senator McCaskill.
Veterans Hospital Tweaks Policy Following Drug Discovery
Posted at 06:26 PM on Monday, December 7, 2009 by Missouri
VFW Washington Weekly, December 4, 2009
Posted at 03:07 PM on Sunday, December 6, 2009 by Missouri
In This Issue:
1. VFW Strongly Supports New Afghan Strategy
2. VA Medical Care Funding Hearing
Gift for your veteran for Christmas?
Posted at 01:28 PM on Thursday, December 3, 2009 by Missouri
Comrades,
Trying to think of a gift for your veteran for Christmas? How about a gift that will last a lifetime? A Life Membership in the one and only veterans organization that is dedicated to helping veterans and their families. A Life Membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America is the perfect choice. Your veterans’ membership in this great organization will continue our dedication to ensure veterans benefits are secure for generations to come. To provide the one Christmas present that will last your veteran his or her entire lifetime go to www.vfw.org and click on membership. If you’d rather do it in person, contact your local VFW Post and ask any VFW member for an application.
In order for dues to be processed by the end of the year you must have all membership transmittals at National no later than December 21, 2009.
Do not wait till the last minute to pay your dues or to transmit new or reinstate membership applications.
Many or our Posts need 10 or less to be 100%. What are you waiting for?
Have a Post Service Officer Event! Have a Veterans Benefit Fair! Get qualified Veterans to come to you.
When they come to your event/fair you are helping veterans and their families and you can meet your membership goals.
“Veterans Helping Veterans” That’s what we do.
Bob Wonnell
Membership Chairman
Trying to think of a gift for your veteran for Christmas? How about a gift that will last a lifetime? A Life Membership in the one and only veterans organization that is dedicated to helping veterans and their families. A Life Membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America is the perfect choice. Your veterans’ membership in this great organization will continue our dedication to ensure veterans benefits are secure for generations to come. To provide the one Christmas present that will last your veteran his or her entire lifetime go to www.vfw.org and click on membership. If you’d rather do it in person, contact your local VFW Post and ask any VFW member for an application.
In order for dues to be processed by the end of the year you must have all membership transmittals at National no later than December 21, 2009.
Do not wait till the last minute to pay your dues or to transmit new or reinstate membership applications.
Many or our Posts need 10 or less to be 100%. What are you waiting for?
Have a Post Service Officer Event! Have a Veterans Benefit Fair! Get qualified Veterans to come to you.
When they come to your event/fair you are helping veterans and their families and you can meet your membership goals.
“Veterans Helping Veterans” That’s what we do.
Bob Wonnell
Membership Chairman
Census Bureau Employment
Posted at 02:59 PM on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 by Missouri
Please redistribute far and wide.
Joe Davis
Director of Public Affairs
VFW Washington Office
(o) 202-608-8357
-----Original Message-----
From: brian.t.lavin@census.gov
Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 11:27 AM
Subject: Census Bureau Update on Job Recruitment for 2010 Census
I wanted to inform you that the Census Bureau's is now recruiting
temporary, part-time census takers for the 2010 Census. As you know,
veterans' preference applies for qualifying military service. Most
hiring will begin in the spring of 2010.
Please encourage your constituents to visit the 2010 Census Jobs site
<http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/> to learn about 2010 Census jobs
and download application materials, including a practice test.
If you have any job-specific questions, you can contact Clif Taylor in
the Recruiting Branch. Clif's e-mail is clifton.j.taylor.jr@census.gov
and phone number is 301-763-2113
Thank you,
Brian Lavin
National Partnership Specialist
2010 Census National Partnership Nerve Center
U.S. Census Bureau
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