The Voice for Chaplaincy - Chartered by Congress - Serving Since 1925
Weekly Newsgram - June 14th , 2017
Dr. David Shulkin, Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs
Department of Veterans Affairs
adopts 
Department of Defense 
Health Records System

   VA Secretary David J. Shulkin, MD, announced last week he has approved a direct solicitation to Cerner Corporation for the acquisition of MHS Genesis as the next electronic health record (EHR) system for the Department of Veterans Affairs.   MHS Genesis is the same system acquired by the Department of Defense in 2014. This system is now being implement throughout the DOD after nearly 26 months of acquisition process. By authorizing direct solicitation Shulkin intends to lessen the time necessary to ensure full compatibility of the systems used by VA and DOD so veterans receive better and more immediate care.

   The VA pioneered EHRs in the 1970s through in house work. Clinicians recognized the potential and need for this new means of tracking patients and built from scratch the system still used today - The Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture ( VISTA). This system led to improvements in VA health care across the board. But the 1970s are many years gone and a new system has been advocated by Congress since the early 2000s. All involved recognize the need for the VA and DOD systems to be compatible.

   Now that the decision to build the new VA EHR system on the same platform as the DOD has been made, VA can take advantage of work already done in cyber-security enhancements, architectures, tools, and processes customized for the unique needs of uniformed personnel and veterans. In addition, the VA will adopt the common system to VA specific needs as necessary, involve clinicians in the deployment of the new health record, continue to work with academic and community partners to maintain interoperability with their systems, and seek meaningful integration with VA vendors to create a system that serves veterans in the best way possible.

   Much work remains, but the decision to adopt along with the authorization for direct solicitation caps 17 years of effort.  The VA is now poised to move forward at a rapid pace to better support those who have served our nation. Congratulations VA and our prayers are with you. 

Lyman Smith
Executive Director




Welcome New Members

Life Member

Chaplain Brian Harvey
CPT, USARNG
Chaplaincy of Full Gospel Churches
Lynchburg, VA


Annual Member

Chaplain William Dickens
Brigadier General, USAFRES
Covington, KY





Happy Flag Day
 
   On June 14 1885, the anniversary of the United States Congress adopting the new flag of the United States of America in 1777, Bernard J. Cigrand placed a 10 inch, 38 star flag in a bottle on his desk, and asked his students to write an essay on the flag and its significance . At the time, Cigrand was a 19 year old teacher working his way through dental school using his teacher's meager salary to pay the bills. Cigrand's assignment to his students that day was the beginning of our national observance of Flag Day. 

   Cigrand continued to champion the recognition of the adoption of our national ensign throughout his life. When he was 50, he witnessed President Woodrow Wilson sign a proclamation calling for the nation to observe Flag Day on the 14th of June each year. 

   Cigrand passed away in May of 1932, having suffered a heart attack after 47 years of championing the observance of Flag Day. President Harry S. Truman signed legislation in 1949 making June 14th our national observance of this symbol of our great nation. Cigrand's family and followers cheered as his dream was now statute. 

   Today, Flag Day 2017, events will be held across our nation in which our flag will be recognized and young and old alike will reflect on what it means to be an American. What is required as we pledge allegiance to this flag and to our republic? And how does "liberty and justice for all" work in the 21st century? 

And who said one person of limited means could not have an impact on history? 

Seeking Pastor

First Presbyterian Church
Fort Lauderdale, FL

   First Presbyterian Church (FPC), Fort Lauderdale, FL needs a Head of Staff/Senior Pastor.  

   FPC founded in 1912 is situated in a rich historical, but growing neighborhood. FPC is looking for a pastor with skills in preaching to the young and elderly.     

  Especially needed is a Bible-believing, people-person with strong organizational and leadership skills.  

  Fort Lauderdale is nicknamed the "Venice of America."  No sea duty is required in this opportunity, but a facet of the membership is very nautical-friendly and a significant percentage of the local economy depends on nautical activity.  

  If interested reply to Mr. Jim Sabin [email protected].
Annual MCA Awards and 
National Executive Committee Members

Please make your nominations now for our Annual Awards and NEC. 

Each year we present three awards to deserving individuals who represent the values and principles we embrace and advance as an organization. The three are:

The National Citizenship Award - presented to an individual or individuals  who make a significant contribution in public service and who support the values and needs of our nation's military members and their families.

The G, William Dando Volunteer Service Award  - Our award for volunteer service is named for Chaplain Dando and honors one of our members who exemplifies a life long commitment to sacrificial service.

The David E. White Leadership Award - Presented by the Military Officers Association of America to a chaplain wit a  lifetime commitment and  vision for Joint service, inter-agency collaboration, and overall ministry professionalism.

We also elect four new members to our NEC each year seeking to have all segments of our membership represented on our governing board. 

Please send your nominations and supporting reasons to [email protected]. Nominations will be received through June 30. Thank you. 


Religion and Spirituality:
The Impact on Chaplains

MCA National Institute 2017
October 23 - 26, 2017
Newport News, Virginia


or call
866-329-1758
ask for Military Chaplains 
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If you missed the June 7th  edition of the Newsgram    click here 
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AND THOSE THEY SERVE: military members, veterans, and their families  at home and around the world

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