We're honored to care for those returning from war. The New York/New Jersey Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN 3) enables a seamless transition to civilian life for Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) veterans. To date, VISN 3 has provided healthcare services to more than 5,000 OIF/OEF veterans.

Getting the word out
Our challenge is to get the word out about transition assistance. To ensure OIF/OEF veterans and their families stay informed, we've established partnerships with state veterans coordinators, city and state Departments of Health (DoH), Department of Labor, Department of Defense (DoD), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Vet Centers and many private and nonprofit organizations that provide transition assistance.

Representatives from VISN 3 and the New York City DoH post flyers in city hospitals entitled Coming Home Is Not Easy, which tell readers to call 311 or LifeNet for VA transition services information. Veterans may also call the New York City DoH directly for VA service information and contacts.

Our partnership with VBA and the Albany VISN resulted in an agreement with the 77th Regional Readiness Command Reserve Unit in Fort Totten, Queens, to provide information about transition services during postdeployment debriefings and readjustment screenings. Veterans Health Administration, VBA and Vet Center employees also present an overview of their services during the debriefings. We're working with VBA to establish outreach programs for other local Reserve and Guard units.

Well-trained employees mean better service
We realize the transition services we provide are only as effective as the employees who provide them. Therefore, new-employee orientation sessions at all VISN 3 facilities include an overview of the OIF/OEF transition program. All employees have a responsibility to direct or escort new veterans to the appropriate location. Online training is available, including information about clinical care for illnesses and injuries specific to returning soldiers. Videos about the military experience are available to staff. VA volunteers also receive training and education about returning veterans and VISN 3 facility programs.

We invite you to visit our Web site, www.va.gov/visns/visn03, and the VA Seamless Transition Web site, www.seamlesstransition.va.gov, for more information and contact names.

We're honored to serve you and welcome any ideas that can help us improve the services we provide.