Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi promised that processing for monetary benefits to survivors of veterans and military members and for cemetery burial markers will be expedited.

"Among the heroes in this catastrophe are many who sacrificed for us when they served in uniform.  They were heroes before they fell in New York City or at the Pentagon," Principi said. "The men and women of VA are honored to serve them and their loved ones in this time of tragedy."

VA has assembled a casualty assistance team to ensure that survivors of veterans and military members killed in the attacks are aware of their VA benefits.  Team members will work with DoD personnel and funeral homes to identify survivors who may be eligible for Servicemen's Group Life Insurance, dependency and indemnity compensation, dependents' educational assistance, home loan guarantees or a burial allowance.

VA has requested holders of home mortgages that it guarantees not to start foreclosures affected by the attacks for 90 days from Sept. 11.  VA encourages loan servicers to extend the dates for imposing late charges on mortgage payments.  On another front, VA is informing lenders that National Guard and Reserve members who may be called to active duty could be entitled to loan repayment relief under the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940.

Principi said VA's mental health counselors are responding to requests for psychological counseling for trauma.  Professionals from some of VA's more than 200 Vet Centers, skilled in treating post-traumatic stress disorder and other stress-related problems, are assisting people affected by last Tuesday's disasters.

Principi noted that VA medical personnel from across the country are ready to travel to sites where additional medical help is needed.  These medical professionals are trained, certified and available to be sent voluntarily wherever needed if VA receives a request from the Department of Health and Human Services.  VA medical employees have responded in previous medical emergencies declared by American presidents. 

One of VA's medical missions, the secretary noted, is to enhance the nation's response in a national emergency by providing timely contingency medical support and other services.  VA medical facilities in New York, Washington, Baltimore and Altoona, Pa., were readied to handle casualties.  VA's three New York City hospitals treated 55 patients, all but three of whom were released.  

VA national cemeteries nearest the disaster sites, including the national cemeteries at Calverton, Long Island, N.Y., and Quantico, Va., are planning for burial requests for veterans and active military members.  New York City firefighter Glenn Wilkinson, a Navy veteran, became the first victim of the attacks to be buried in one of VA's national cemeteries when he was interred at Calverton National Cemetery on Monday, Sept. 17.   

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