Rep. Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) thinks Veterans Affairs should have more than a “minimal role” in the National Response Plan. Buyer, who is chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee, says he plans to “examine more thoroughly the VA’s fourth mission”—supporting DOD as a primary back up during war or national emergency—to ensure it is fully engaged. He was not criticizing the VA, rather the NRP for its failure to include VA capabilities. Buyer said of the VA response to Hurricane Katrina, “The men and women of the VA stood out. … They knew their mission and implemented it successfully.”
Airman 1st Class Marcus White-Allen concocted a story to cover up that he fired his M18 9mm pistol into Airman Braden Lovan’s chest, killing him on July 20, two Airmen from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., testified during separate courts martial proceedings on Oct. 30-31.
