Shinseki Touts Simplified PTSD Claims, Increased VA Funding. In continuing coverage, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (9/1, Jones, 206K) reports, "As the number of veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress skyrockets, the Department of Veterans Affairs is simplifying claims to provide help as quickly as possible, Secretary Eric Shinseki said Tuesday morning," while addressing "thousands of veterans attending the National American Legion Convention" in Milwaukee. Shinseki also "noted that funding has been boosted considerably in the last two years as the Department of Veterans Affairs focuses on homelessness, health care, access to benefits and services and cutting down the backlog of disability claims." In addition, he "said the number of veterans and their families taking advantage of the new GI Bills to enroll in college is almost 600,000." The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (9/1, 206K) also takes note of Shinseki's comments in a separate article, one that leads with coverage of Defense Secretary Robert Gates' Tuesday speech to the National American Legion Convention.
     Secretary Also Highlights Efforts To Reduce Claims Backlog, Defends Agent Orange Decision. The American Forces Press Service (9/1, Carden) says, "The Veterans Affairs Department is making great strides in its efforts to reduce the backlog of veterans' claims, VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki...told thousands of veterans attending the 92nd Annual American Legion National Convention in Milwaukee." The Secretary, who also "noted improved care for veterans" suffering from Agent Orange- and Gulf War-related illnesses, said it was the "right decision" to connect three new diseases to Agent Orange. UPI (9/1) publishes a similar story.
Impact: Shinseki address to National American Legion convention, PTSD claims, Agent Orange benefits

Troops, Parents Glad To Hear Of End To Combat in Iraq. The AP (9/1, Breed) notes that during a Tuesday Oval Office address, President Obama "called America's troops the 'steel in our ship of state.' Many of those men and women of steel -- and the parents who helped forge them -- said they think the president is plotting the right course as he declares an end to combat in Iraq." The AP adds, "At Fort Bliss, Texas, where the president stopped earlier Tuesday, Sgt. Jeremiah Conwell, who has been to Iraq twice, said it was 'pretty awesome' to hear the commander in chief thank the troops for their sacrifices."
     Obama Visits Fort Bliss, Thanks Servicemembers For Iraq War Contributions. The American Forces Press Service (9/1, Miles) says that on Tuesday, Obama traveled to Fort Bliss, Texas, "to pay tribute to the post's servicemembers" for their Iraq service. The AFPS adds, "As the US mission transitions in Iraq, Obama told the Fort Bliss soldiers he will insist that the country 'serve you and your families as well as you've served us,' with programs and services to support their needs. He cited increased support for veterans, better care for wounded warriors, including specialized services for those suffering from traumatic brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder, and a Post 9/11 GI Bill that provides enhanced educational benefits for troops as well as their families."
Impact: End of American combat operations in Iraq