VEO NEWS

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5

A N E W S L E T T E R F O R T H E C O M M U N I T Y O F V E T E R A N S A M O N G T H E 

F E D E R A L E M P L O Y E E S O F T H E U N I T E D S T A T E S D E P A R T M E N T O F 

A G R I C U L T U R E 

I N S I D E T H I S 

I S S U E :

 Memorial Day 2017

 Rolling Thunder’s 30th

 Native American Vets

 Remembering D-Day

 News from the VA

 Who’s Who at VEO?

Agriculture Offers Veterans Promising Career Choice 

USDA Provides Assistance for Beginning Farmers, Ranchers 

By

Michael A. Alston

 WASHINGTON—

I am honored and 

humbled to serve as 

the current USDA 

Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison. In 

this role I hope to 

build off the great 

work of my predecessors and position 

USDA and the field of agriculture as 

promising and fulfilling career choices for 

Veterans 

 As veterans who are part of our USDA 

employee community you know firsthand 

what it means to serve and sacrifice and 

then transition out of the service into a 

new career. That journey can be challenging. I want to share with you a few of the 

initiatives we have across the USDA to 

make this process a little easier for veterans choosing to work in agriculture. 

 Military veterans are eligible for preferences, priorities, and incentives in current USDA programs. We also consider 

Veterans to be part of the beginning farmers and ranchers communities, and as such 

they have access to a host of additional 

benefits and discounted rates on crop insurance as well as other resources. 

 Access to credit is essential for many 

farmers and ranchers, whether to help 

them start a business, expand a business or 

make it through a tough year. In 2016 

alone, USDA provided more than $187 

million to veterans through 1,500 direct 

and guaranteed loans. Veterans also qualify for programs that make it easier to acquire capital for a farm operation. For example, the microloan program, offered by 

the Farm Service Agency (FSA), offers up 

to $50,000 to small and mid-sized farmers. 

 Veterans are not subject to the term 

limits applied to other USDA direct operating loans for this program, and will have 

a limit on the interest rate charged for operating loans. USDA is also improving 

veterans’ access to land through the FSA’s 

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). 

 Landowners who lease or sell land to 

Veterans who are farmers receive additional CRP payments as an incentive to 

transfer their land to Veterans under this 

program. These are just a few examples of 

how we are helping Veterans who are interested in getting into agriculture.

 We also want to hire Veterans at 

USDA, either at our headquarters offices 

in Washington or at our more than 2,100 

offices across the country. Veterans bring 

skills to the agricultural community, and 

we want those smart, experienced folks to 

come work with us. Currently, more than 

13 percent of the USDA workforce, or 

12,000 employees, are Veterans. I am so 

proud of that number but know that number can grow. 

(Continued on Page 3)

Summer 2017 No. 1
P A G E 2 VEO NEWS Summer 2017 No. 1

This Month in Military History

Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day 2017

Got a question or suggestion? 

Maybe you might want to share your story, or about a veteran co-worker?

Send it to tonya.johnson@fns.usda.gov 

or call (703) 305-2069

 WASHINGTON—May is a time for remembrance of 

servicemen and women, both living and those deceased. 

 The nation marked Armed Forces Day on May 20 to 

thank current all-volunteer military members for their patriotism to our country. They answer a call to action just 

like generations during previous conflicts, and serve daily 

in harm’s way around the world. 

 The nation also paused on May 29 to reflect on service 

members who gave their lives in the line of duty. For 149 

years Americans set aside Memorial Day to honor those 

who perished, and as President Lincoln notably described, 

for their last full measure of devotion. Their ultimate sacrifice is remembered in all manner of events from solemn 

ceremonies to festive celebrations.

 Slightly more than one percent of the U.S. population 

today experiences the reality of military service. While 

Americans express support, firsthand understanding about 

military life impacts just a segment of society.

 With passing time stories about a family member’s 

military service and sacrifice sometimes fade, but in 

Washington, D.C. traditions and symbols endure. At Arlington National Cemetery the Secretary of Defense, and 

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff accompanied the 

President to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown 

Soldier.

 “If you have ever known one of the fallen, you have 

known greatness. But it is hard to be content with their 

silence, for we miss them. The empty chair on a holiday, 

empty every day. The photograph that goes wherever you 

do. The picture fades, but the person in it does not,” said 

Secretary of Defense James Mattis.

 “In a world awash with change, some things stand 

firm,” he added. 

 He spoke to an audience that included Gold Star Mothers and families of the fallen. “The kid on the line who 

never got a chance to grow old will always be there to 

teach us that suffering has meaning if it is accepted out of 

love for others,” said the former general who enlisted in 

the Marine Corps as a private 48 years ago.

 “Their fighting spirit persists, passed down through the 

ranks, their spirit echoes in those who serve today in the 

air, on land, and at sea,” he said.

 Currently the Defense Casualty Analysis System reports that 6,905 service members died in military operations beginning on October 7, 2001. While most served in 

Afghanistan, Iraq, or both, casualty areas also include 

Southwest Asia, the Philippines, the Middle East, the Arabian Sea, and parts of the Mediterranean Sea. 

Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, The Old 

Guard, participate in the Flags In mission at Arlington National Cemetery May 25, 2017. Soldiers place an American flag at every grave maker in the cemetery annually 

prior to Memorial Day. (Photo by Sgt. Nicholas Holmes)
P A G E 3 VEO NEWS Summer 2017 No. 1

Memorial to Honor Native American Veterans 

Dedication Planned on Smithsonian Museum Grounds 

By David Vergun

Army News Service

 WASHINGTON — A memorial to Native American 

veterans will be erected on the outside grounds of the 

Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. 

 The anticipated dedication of the National Native 

American Veterans Memorial is Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 

2020, according to Rebecca Trautmann, project manager 

of the memorial. 

 Ben Nighthorse Campbell of the Northern Cheyenne 

Nation, and Chickasaw Nation Lt. Gov. Jefferson Keel are 

leading an advisory committee of tribal leaders and veterans in assisting with outreach to Native American nations 

and tribes and advising on plans for the memorial, 

Trautmann said.

 The advisory committee and the museum are also seeking community input and support for the memorial, she 

added. "Regional events bring together tribal leaders, Native American veterans, and community members to gather insight and advice." There have been some 30 consultations to date with several more planned this summer.

 Trautmann noted that the memorial has received congressional approval and that no federal funding will be 

used for the project. The project is expected to cost $15 

million and donations are being solicited.

 Eileen Maxwell, public affairs director of the museum, 

said the memorial is fitting because "Native Americans 

have served in the armed forces in every major military 

conflict since the Revolutionary War and in greater numbers per capita than any other ethnic group."

 She added that today, the Defense Department estimates that some 24,000 American Indian and Alaska Native men and women are on active duty, and more than 

150,000 veterans self-identify as American Indian or 

Alaska Native.

___________________________________________

(Continued from Page 1)

 As Veteran employees of the USDA, I hope you can 

support me and our Vets-to-Ag efforts as you engage with 

fellow Veterans and current service members. It is critical 

that we get our message out to the thousands of service 

members and Veterans in order to inform and educate 

them about all the great programs USDA has to offer for 

those who are looking to transition and to get them into a 

career in agriculture. For more information on our Vets-to

-Ag efforts, visit www.usda.gov/veterans. 

 Thank you, and your families, for your service and 

your continued service with the USDA.

[Mr. Alston is currently Acting Deputy Undersecretary, Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, and 

Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison.]

Army 2nd Lt. Ernest Childers, from the Muscogee Creek 

nation, receives the Medal of Honor from Army Lt. Gen. 

Jacob L. Devers, at 5th Army headquarters in Italy, April 

8, 1944. (Photo courtesy of the National Museum of the 

American Indian)
P A G E 4 VEO NEWS Summer 2017 No. 1

Veterans, Ceremonies Commemorate D-Day 

World War II Service Members Mark 73rd Anniversary of Historic Landing

By Army Spc. Kelsey M Little 

 SAINTE-MERE-EGLISE, France, June 5, 2017—

"There are moments in a nation's history when its future 

course is decided by a chosen few who walked bravely 

into the valley of the shadow of death," said Army General Curtis M. Scaparrotti during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Iron Mike Memorial in tribute to the 1944 allied 

landing in Europe. 

 "In such moments, young men and women pledge their 

lives so that their nation can live," said NATO's supreme 

allied commander for Europe and the commander of U.S. 

European Command.

 U.S. Army paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, the 101st Airborne Division, and the 

82nd Airborne Division; French, British, Dutch and German troops; French nationals; and family and friends participated in the ceremony, marking the 73rd anniversary 

of the D-Day landings in France.

 Each year, countless visitors come to visit the Iron 

Mike Memorial here. The 14-foot tall statue of a World 

War II-era airborne soldier is a copy of a sculpture that 

stands at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The statue was 

erected to pay tribute to the numerous American paratroopers and infantry soldiers who lost their lives in this 

area of France.

 An inscription on the Iron Mike Memorial statue says 

that about 254 U.S. soldiers were killed and 525 were 

wounded during the Battle for La Fiere Bridgehead, June 

6-9, 1944.

 “This 500-yard stretch of causeway transformed a unit, 

defined its character and inspired an Army,” he said.

Costly Battle

 "The Battle of La Fiere was the most significant operation of the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II," 

Scaparrotti said. "It was also the costliest small-unit action 

in the history of the U.S. Army."

 During the early days of the Normandy invasion, the 

small bridge and causeway over the Merderet River, along 

with a nearby bridge and causeway at Chef du Pont, were 

critical objectives for both sides. For the Germans, they 

were essential to breaking up the American landing at 

Utah Beach. And the Americans needed to control the 

river crossing to expand their beachhead in Normandy. 

(Continued on Page 5)

World War II veteran Vince Speranza receives a hug 

as an appreciation for his service during a dinner in 

Sainte-Mere-Eglise, France, June 3, 2017. (Photo by 

Army Master Sgt. Sean McCollum)

Two D-Day veterans who participated in the liberation of France share a laugh in Saint-Laurent-surMer, France, June 5, 2017, while attending a ceremony to commemorate the 73rd anniversary of DDay. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Alexis C. Schultz)
P A G E 5 VEO NEWS Summer 2017 No. 1

(Continued from Page 4)

Even though the Americans were lightly armed, the Germans were never able to cross the bridge.

 "Several hundred airborne warriors seized a causeway 

that helped free a continent and end a war," Scaparrotti 

said. 

 The National Commander of the American Legion, 

Charles Schmidt, noted that each of the attendees and participants who gathered at the ceremony stood in the same 

place as those who fought and died for the liberation of 

Normandy during World War II.

 "Our promise is that no matter how many years pass, 

the world will never forget their sacrifices," Mr. Schmidt 

said. "We as a nation are committed to this memory."

 More than 160,000 Allied forces landed in Nazioccupied France on June 6, 1944 as part of the biggest air, 

land and sea invasion ever executed. It ended with heavy 

casualties—more than 9,000 Allied soldiers were killed or 

wounded in those first 24 hours. But D-Day is largely considered the successful beginning of the end of Hitler’s tyrannical regime.

Veterans, Ceremonies Commemorate D-Day 

World War II Service Members Mark 73rd Anniversary of Historic Landing

A vintage C-47 Skytrain flies over Caentan, France. 

More than 350 paratroopers from the U.S., France, 

and Germany participated in D-Day events this year.

Army paratroopers pose for a photograph with a 

child after participating in an airborne operation to 

commemorate D-Day in Sainte-Mere-Eglise, France, 

June 4, 2017. (Photo by Alexis C. Schultz.)
P A G E 6 VEO NEWS Summer 2017 No. 1

 WASHINGTON—As the nation rendered honors to 

those who fought and sacrificed, consider that 50 years ago 

there was a backlash against returning servicemen from 

Vietnam. Anti-war demonstrations more frequently replaced parades and recognition. Since then veteran activists, especially those who served in elected office, have 

worked to restore healing and pride to that generation.

 Estimates of 900,000 bikers, highlighted by veteran organizations, descended on Washington Memorial Day 

weekend for the 30th annual Rolling Thunder demonstration May 28. They traveled from across the country and 

even Canada to raise awareness and solidarity for America’s missing in action and prisoners of war. This year Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and Secretary of Veterans 

Affairs Dr. David Shulkin joined the ranks of riders who 

staged at the Pentagon before the noon start time.

 Among aging Vietnam veterans, the yearly pilgrimage 

becomes an emotional camaraderie highlighted by a wreath 

laying at Arlington National Cemetery, and a candlelight 

vigil at the Vietnam Memorial. It’s their welcome home as 

much as a time to heal. 

 Thoughts often turn to friends with whom they served—

a battle buddy still living, or perhaps a memory captured 

by a photograph taken decades ago. While emotional, their 

Memorial Day offers an opportunity to inspire understanding of men and women who gave their lives in the line of 

duty.

 According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, more than 83,000 Americans remain missing from 

WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, the Gulf War, and 

other conflicts.

 Currently the Defense Casualty Analysis System reports 

that 6,905 service members died in military operations beginning on October 7, 2001. While most served in Afghanistan, Iraq, or both, casualty areas also include Southwest

Asia, the Philippines, the Middle East, the Arabian Sea, 

and parts of the Mediterranean Sea. 

Spotlight on Memorial Day

Events Offer Solemn Reminders, Provide Healing
P A G E 7 VEO NEWS Summer 2017 No. 1

Rolling Thunder 2017

Heavy Metal, Heavy Rains Fuel Memorable Ride

Shout Outs!

 ARLINGTON, Va.—Throughout its 30 

year history the Rolling Thunder motorcycle 

rally has evolved beyond accountability for 

service members who were prisoners of war 

or remain missing in action.

 Today it is also a premier demonstration of 

patriotism that unites Americans across generations. That includes supporters like the 

trucking industry, veterans groups, military 

families, and the public. Rolling murals depicting images of battles, detailed symbols of 

freedom, and national pride also stage at the 

Pentagon’s North parking lot. Like their twowheeled counterparts, they increase in number each year. 

 Beyond color, the trucks add vivid reminders of America’s recent military engagements, 

the fallen, and unaccounted service members. 

 The rally traces its origin to 2,500 motorcycles loudly 

announcing their appearance on Capitol Hill in 1987. Back 

then the founders, mostly veterans of the war in Southeast 

Asia, named their demonstration Rolling Thunder, after the 

1965 bombing campaign over North Vietnam. This year 

an Air Force B-52 bomber jet paid a symbolic tribute as it 

flew low over the Pentagon parking lot just before the noon 

kick-off. A lone bugler playing 

Taps, followed by the National Anthem, preceded the official signal to 

start engines.

 As if on cue, rain began to fall, 

heavily at times, on bikers who had 

been waiting patiently for hours. 

But it dampened neither spirit 

among riders, nor enthusiasm 

among crowds lining the route.

 As bikes splashed and engines 

roared, supporters waved flags 

along the Memorial Bridge, Constitution, and Independence Avenues. 

Rolling Thunder goes on annually 

— rain or shine.

[If you know a veteran that goes above 

and beyond, nominate them for the Veteran Spotlight so we can also get to 

know how awesome they are! Send 

nominations to: tonya.johnson@fns.usda.gov]
P A G E 8 VEO NEWS Summer 2017 No. 1

News from USDA Headquarters

VA: Beware of Fake Telephone Number Involving Veterans Choice Program

VEO President’s 

Corner

By Tonya Johnson

 WASHINGTON—The 

Department of Agriculture’s Veterans Employee Organization (VEO) Executive 

Board consists of members representing several of the 29 

agencies at USDA. Current members include:

 Ms. Tonya Johnson (FNCS), VEO President

 Mr. Yowei Peralta (AMS), Vice President

 Dr. Lisa Fyall (GIPSA), Executive Board Member

 Mr. Randy Vanadisson (APHIS), Executive Board 

Member

 Ms. Tammy Moody (NRCS), Executive Board Member

 Mr. John Bowe (NRCS), Executive Board Member

 Mr. Roseal Fowlkes (DM), Member at Large

 The VEO extends its appreciation to our Executive 

Champion, Mr. Malcolm Shorter for his continued support 

and the confidence he has placed in our team. We do not 

take that confidence for granted.

 The position of secretary is presently vacant.

_____________________________________

VA Warns of Recent Telephone Scam

 WASHINGTON—The Department of Veterans Affairs 

(VA) recently took action in response to a phone line that 

appeared set up to take advantage of veterans who misdialed the Veterans Choice Program telephone number.

 The two phone lines differed only in area code. The 

correct Veterans Choice Program phone line is 1-866-

606-8198, while the imposter phone line was using 1-800-

606-8198. The fake line did not provide information about 

the Veterans Choice Program or its eligibility criteria. Instead it claimed to offer callers a $100 rebate if they provided a credit card number.

 A statement from the VA said that “the VA would never ask veterans for such information or offer any type of 

financial incentive through the Veterans Choice Program 

phone line. The VA is also taking the attempt to impersonate its Veterans Choice Program phone line very seriously. 

VA is acting to ensure veterans are not exploited by getting 

the word out. It is also working with the VA Office of the 

Inspector General to take legal action and ultimately shut 

the fake line down.”

 According to the VA, “Veterans can tell if they have 

reached the correct phone line, if the phone line automatically states the caller has reached the U.S. Department of 

Veterans Affairs.” The fake line would incorrectly confirm that callers had reached the Veterans Choice Program.

If veterans are unsure if they reached the correct phone 

line, the VA recommends that they immediately hang up 

and make sure they dial 1-866-606-8198 correctly.

 The VA is urging veterans to call the Veterans Choice 

Program phone line at 1-866-606-8198 with questions and 

to determine eligibility. More information on the Veterans 

Choice Program can also be found here.

 In addition, the VA Identity Safety Service offers a tollfree identity theft help line to veterans and their beneficiaries who believe that they are at risk for identity theft: 1-855

-578-5492. It operates Monday through Friday, from 8 

a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) with voicemail for 

after-hours calls. Any calls pertaining directly to VA data 

are referred to VA staff and investigated accordingly. 

 Find out more about how to protect yourself from identity theft at VA’s More Than A Number: Identity Theft 

Protection website.

 If you are already enrolled in VA health care, the Veterans Choice Program allows you to receive health care 

within your community. Using this program does not impact existing VA health care, or any other VA benefit.

 On April 19, 2017, President Trump signed a law that 

removed the August, 7, 2017, expiration date and allows 

VA to utilize funding dedicated to the Veterans Choice 

Program until it is exhausted. The program increases access to care by authorizing appointments and expanding the availability 

of medical services 

for eligible veterans 

with community 

providers.
P A G E 9 VEO NEWS Summer 2017 No. 1

Veterans Administration News You Can Use 

June is National PTSD Awareness Month

LEARN—PTSD Treatment Works

Discover the facts.

Start with PTSD Basics, key information about trauma, 

PTSD and treatment options. Download our Understanding 

PTSD and PTSD Treatment (PDF) brochure. For more advanced information, we offer many free, in-depth Continuing Education Courses. Professionals can earn continuing 

education credits for most courses.

Explore your options.

Take the mystery out of PTSD treatment. Watch our short 

whiteboard video PTSD Treatment: Know Your Options to 

learn which treatments are best and use the PTSD Treatment Decision Aid to find the treatment that is best for you. 

Or visit AboutFace, a website where Veterans, their family 

members and clinicians talk about turning life around with 

PTSD treatment.

CONNECT—Reach out

Help someone. Help yourself. 

Do you think you might have PTSD or know someone at 

risk? Take action. Find out what to do if you think you 

might have PTSD and learn where to get help.

Give support. Get support. 

If you are getting treatment, or have finished treatment for 

PTSD, we have self-help tools for managing stress. If 

someone you love has PTSD, get tips on how to take care 

of yourself while you support your loved one. See support 

for family and friends or get started with the PTSD Family 

Coach mobile app.

SHARE—Spread the Word

Pass along what you learn.

Connect with us on Facebook or Twitter to get up-to-date 

information or ask us questions about PTSD and treatment. 

Subscribe to our email publications - PTSD Monthly Update, Clinician's Trauma Update-Online, or PTSD Research 

Quarterly - and let others know they are free. Download 

and share this printable PDF to raise PTSD awareness .

Work together. 

Join our PTSD Awareness campaign! We have tips and 

materials to help you organize an event or share information about PTSD and effective treatments.
P A G E 1 0 VEO NEWS Summer 2017 No. 1

In Their Own Words by Tonya L. Johnson 

Meet the Veterans Employee Organization Staff Members 

VEO Welcomes New Vice President

 ALEXANDRIA—Join me in welcoming our new VEO 

Vice President, Mr. Yowei Peralta. Yowei has served as 

the VEO AMS representative since the organizations inception and has tirelessly worked to raise veterans’ initiatives through his agency in the form of recruitment of veterans and internship programs. I first met Yowei during 

the building phase of the VEO and have worked with him 

at several Hiring fairs and events.

 Yowei served in the U.S. Army for 11 years both as an 

enlisted and commissioned officer. He was the architect of 

AMS’ new apprenticeship program launched in coordination with Department of Veterans Affairs and Department 

of Labor. He is in the process of extending this program 

across the department. In addition, he is developing a multi-layered framework to produce the next generation farmers by coordinating with other departments, agencies, academia, cooperative extension programs, and non-profit 

organizations in the implementation of the new farmer 

rancher program.

 Yowei has also coordinated with senior and executive 

staff, industry, private sector, and non-profit organization 

launching the first ever terminal market food waste challenge resulting in over 1.6 million pounds of food diverted 

from land fields into food banks as part of the Secretary’s 

Food Waste Challenge initiative.

 He is a member of the Federal Publishing Council 

which is commissioned to develop recommendations to 

enhance combined efforts of Federal organizations and 

Government Printing Office in providing the most efficient, effective and economical publishing services.

 In his spare time Yowei volunteers with Team Rubicon 

and The Mission Continues:

 Team Rubicon is non-profit disaster response organization that unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy disaster response teams, free of charge to communities affected by 

disasters across the country. 

 The Mission Continues is non-profit that leverages the 

skills and unique experiences of current and former service 

members and deploy to neighborhoods in disadvantaged 

circumstances or that have been impacted by poverty and 

violence.

 Yowei has received a number of 

awards, including the Martin Luther 

King, Jr., Drum Major Service 

Award (2016), USDA Secretary’s 

Award for Volunteer Service 

(2013), and administrator’s award.

 Yowei continues to find new ways and resources to help 

strengthen our mission. As a part of our VEO Strategic 

Plan, I have appointed him to lead our FY17 key initiative 

to establish two main task-area committees. By aligning 

ourselves with the Veterans Employment Program Offices, 

we will tackle the areas of recruitment, onboarding, retention, employee development and most importantly continually providing our veterans with the resources they need. 

We will also partner with Military Veterans Agricultural 

Liaison (MVAL) to foster inter-agency coordination and 

develop relationships with external groups such as Wounded Warrior Project, Women Veterans Interactive, and Project Healing Waters. We will continue to build and rebrand the VEO to help veterans where we work and where 

we live. Your continued support, participation and voice 

can and will make the VEO a success.

________________________________

Tammy Moody Joins VEO Board

 ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Tammy Moody’s wish to join 

the VEO, and be an active board member stems from her 

deep desire to help, support, and bring her personal experiences to show others they are not alone. Not only has she 

served in the military, but she was a daughter of a veteran, 

and is also the wife of veteran that is 100 percent disabled 

from combat-related injuries. Tammy is mother to a son 

currently serving in the Army and preparing for his first 

deployment as a forward observer.

 I asked Tammy to submit a short biography.

 “I entered the Army in June 1991 from Nurnberg, Germany, and attended basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C.. 

and advanced individual training at Fort Eustis, Va. Prior 

to moving to Germany with my husband, who was also 

serving, I grew up in the rural farming area of Ozark, Mo. 

 “I lived on a 15 acre hobby farm and assisted my grand

mother with her cattle ranch in Cedar Creek, Mo. 

(Continued on Page 11)
P A G E 1 1 VEO NEWS Summer 2017 No. 1

In Their Own Words by Tonya L. Johnson 

Meet the Veterans Employee Organization Staff Members

 “My military assignments included Fort Sill, Okla. 

Baumholder, Germany, and Nahbollenback Army Depot, 

Germany as a Transportation Specialist. After leaving the 

military, I used my GI Bill to attend college and continued 

to work for the Department of the Army as a civilian in the 

transportation field and as a deployment specialist.” 

 “In the short five years while I was a soldier on active 

duty, I reached the rank of sergeant, and received many 

awards and titles including Soldier of 

the Year for 21st TAACOM, NCOA 

Soldier of the Year, and three Army 

Commendation Medals. As a civilian 

employee with the 

Department of the Army, I received 

the Commanders' Award for Civilian 

Service, the Achievement Medal for 

Civilian Service twice, and was inducted into the Tribal 

Order of the Cheyenne for contributions to the Army 

Apache Training Program.”

 “I hope to use the experience, knowledge and understanding of this group of brave men and women to properly 

represent them, and to be their voice when needed, to help 

fight and to protect their veteran’s rights, as well as those 

rights that can be inherited by their family members.”

 “Some fun facts about me: I love to travel and while 

volunteering with the Global Medical Foundation, I was 

fortunate to visit Ethiopia.”

 “I love to paint, ride my motorcycle and watch the Isle 

of Mann TT races.” 

________________________________

Biker, Rocker, Rolls into VEO Board

 ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Randy Vanadisson has more 

than 20 years experience in federal service with a strong 

background in investigations management, security, emergency communications, surveillance, equal employment 

opportunity issues, report writing, and liaison work. I 

asked Randy to submit a short biography. Please take a 

moment to welcome him.

 “I’ve been with USDA’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for over nine years. I am currently serving as the Secretary for the APHIS Safety and 

Health Committee. Previously I served as a Federal Air 

Marshal for just under five years. During my time as an 

Air Marshal, I was selected as the Detroit Field Office’s 

EEO liaison between management and FAMS. I worked 

for four years as a Civil Rights Investigator for the Department of Education and the Equal Employment Opportunity 

Commission.”

 “I served three years in the Army and during my enlistment, earned an Army Commendation Medal, two Army 

Achievement Medals, a Good Conduct Medal, and the Korea Defense Service Medal. I managed ground surveillance systems engaged in intelligence gathering for the 

66th Military Intelligence Company, 3rd Armored Cavalry 

Regiment in Fort Carson, Colo., and the 102nd Military 

Intelligence Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division in Camp Essayons in the Republic of Korea. During my time in Korea 

I was selected to lead opposing forces teams in war training missions. Due to success in this assignment, I was selected to continue this mission full-time for three months, 

along with participating in real-world surveillance missions 

along the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea.”

 “In 2013, I co-founded the 

Libertarians Motorcycle Club

with two other veterans. One of 

our primary missions is helping 

veterans. We do this through raising money, conducting street 

feeds, helping homeless vets find 

shelter, food, transportation, and 

counseling if necessary. During the 2015 street feeds in 

Olympia, Wash., we served 22,000 plates of food and collected three tons of food donations. I am thankful I never 

saw combat, and have the utmost respect for those who 

have. When I see a vet who is down on his luck, I feel a 

pull to do something about it. In my personal life, I am surround by people who feel the same way.”

 “Two Fun facts about me: I was once a rock star singer 

back in the late 80s heavy-metal days. I was signed to Select Records and had two videos in rotation on MTV in the 

U.S. and in Europe. (We have a Rock Star in the VEO!—

Tonya)

 “I became the Ohio State division II fencing champion 

in 1991 and was ranked nationally in the top 40 that same 

year.”
P A G E 1 2 VEO NEWS Summer 2017 No. 1

In Their Own Words by Tonya L. Johnson 

Meet the Veterans Employee Organization Staff Members

Montana Conservationist, Soldier, 

Outdoorsman Joins VEO Ranks

 MISSOULA, Mont.—John 

Bowe is a 16 year Veteran of 

the Army Nation Guard and 

Reserve. He is a native of Cadott, 

Wisconsin, with strong family roots based in 

agriculture and both sides of his family were involved in dairy farming, and the land that was homesteaded on my mother’s side in the 1850s is still in their family 

today. I asked John to submit a short bio - please take a 

moment and welcome John.

 Growing up in Wisconsin and Western Montana, I have 

always had a strong interest in the outdoors and in natural 

resource management, and refined those interests in college- graduating in 1998 from the University of WisconsinStevens Point with a degree in Soil Science. I began my 

career with the NRCS in 2002- working as a Soil Conservationist in Culbertson and Deer Lodge, Montana, moving 

over to the Missoula Field Office as the District Conservationist in 2008. In Missoula, I have the opportunity to 

manage a diverse workload in Missoula and Mineral Counties- with a focus on forest, range, and irrigated cropland 

management- along with a growing clientele of organic 

producers. I am a past Chair of the Montana NRCS Civil 

Rights Advisory Committee, and during my tenure oversaw the development of the initial mentorship program set 

up for new employees within the state, and also worked to 

increase the level of training that committee members received, and in turn passed along to the employees that they 

represented.

 I deployed to Afghanistan in 2012-2013 as a Logistics 

Management Officer. In this capacity I managed tactical 

convoy operations in the southern part of the country and 

had the opportunity to work with Afghans engaged in shipping and commerce activities. While in Afghanistan I also 

had the chance to look at local agricultural activities- particularly melon and pomegranate production, and spent 

time discussing these activities with local agricultural development teams when I was able to do so.

 My pastimes numerous outdoor activities- including 

hunting and fishing, and spending time at my cabin in 

Northwestern Montana whenever possible, especially with 

my two girls. I also like to garden with the kids, and have 

also recently ventured into the world of beekeeping this 

past year. I am also an avid history buff, especially military subjects and the old west. I also like to travel- especially out to the coast, and particularly enjoy the Olympic 

Peninsula and San Juan Islands. I enjoy sports, especially 

baseball and football- and like any good Cheesehead am a 

diehard Green Bay Packers fan! 

________________________________

Passion, Humor, Commitment Drive

Former Army First Sergeant to USDA

 WASHINGTON—Dr. Lisa 

Fyall began her Federal Government career with the USDA, 

Farm Service Agency. She 

served with the GIPSA MBS 

Management Services as a supervisor since February 2011. 

Dr. Fyall provides guidance and 

interpretation on human resources and management regulations, policies, and procedures. Management services operations include travel, telework, work life programs, fleet, 

realty, and awards. Dr. Fyall credits the military with her 

successes in life. When Lisa and I finally got a chance to 

talk on the phone for the first time many weeks ago, that 

conversation lasted about 45minutes and I knew then that 

her passion, humor, background, and commitment to public service is just what the doctor ordered (Editor’s note—

Tonya’s attempt at humor.) Please join me in welcoming 

her to our team!

 “Prior to my employment with USDA, I was a member 

of the Virginia Department of Transportation Civil Rights 

Staff as the Title VI Program Manager. I retired from the 

Army as a Sergeant First Class, and served my country for 

twenty years. In 2016, I graduated from The George 

Washington University with a Doctorate of Education in 

Human and Organizational Development. My concentration is on Adult Learning in respect to developing a synergy between the workforce and the organization to create an 

environment that stimulates growth, opportunity, and advancement. You cannot achieve what you do not know. 

My goal is to ensure all USDA veterans know and achieve. 

I am looking forward to lending my knowledge and skills 

to the Veterans Employee Organization.

(Continued on Page 13)
(Continued from Page 12)

Together we can make things happen.”

 Dr. Fyall is committed to assisting veterans reach their 

full employment potential through education and empowerment.

Fun facts About Dr. Fyall

 “Two mantras that guided me thorough out my careers, 

Federal and Army were from MSG Vigil (Ret) in 1987. He 

told me, ‘Always be an asset, never a liability,’ and ‘Y ou 

can’t lead from the back.’ Although the last statement was 

about running during physical training, it fits everything in 

life.”

 “I am a big fan of Viking, Middle Age, Classic, and Science Fiction movies and television. I am anxiously awaiting the new season of Game of Thrones. One of my favorite movies was from Alfred Hitchcock’s, Dial M for Murder. I have watched this movie at least ten times, but always see something different.”

________________________________

VEO President Runs, 

for Veterans 24/7

 For the last four years Tonya 

Johnson represented the USDA 

VEO either on committees, as a 

representative, as vice president, 

as the USDA Connect site administrator, and now proudly as VEO President. 

 “I remember working on the first membership drive in 

July of 2013 when the VEO was only 75 members strong, 

and I was the only representative from FNCS. I remember 

when the VEO was referred to as the VAC and we had our 

first bylaws proposal and discussion on how to welcome 

new members, and that is when I became more than just a 

member – I became part of a growing team. The VEO did 

not start because we needed our own group. There are 

many veteran organizations out there. The VEO is our 

voice. It is our community connection, and it is our safe 

place.”

 “Through the USDA VEO I have participated in 3.5 

years of hiring fairs with my colleagues, and at weekend 

events on my own time. Advocacy does not stop when you 

clock out. I am a Veteran 24/7. If I had to highlight one of 

my proudest achievements it would be that. I was able to 

participate in the intra-agency Women Veterans Initiative 

that through collective efforts will continue to bring focus 

to employment of women veterans in the federal government. This council humbled me, and taught me that there 

is so much more to do, but I believe the foundation was 

established and that the ongoing progress will show for 

many years. I am more than just this write up. I am here to 

represent each and every one of you.” 

 “What does it means to be a Veteran in USDA? That is 

the question I ask myself and others everyday. I knew that 

in order to effectively capture the voice of the veteran, additional discussions needed to be held. Those discussions 

would provide the necessary feedback to compile and consolidate a list of recommendations, concerns, and establish 

a committee to represent our veterans at USDA.” 

 “I worked with the USDA VEO Executive Board to 

help advance veteran hiring at USDA and create an online 

forum for VEO members through USDA Connect. On a 

smaller scale, I needed to connect with my own agency 

veterans to grasp their feelings. I sent out another call for 

membership in April of 2016 for FNCS/VEO membership 

and committee leads, the responses were very positive and 

participation is increasing. Our veteran feedback includes: 

(a) Onboarding veterans and veteran awareness; (b) Employee awareness; (c) Internal communication and upcoming events. I believe the USDA VEO is committed to partnering and participating in activities that will amplify the 

role of veterans at USDA. I intend to continue that forward 

thinking on a larger scale with our VEO Executive Board, 

our representatives and our members! I look forward to 

working with all of you.”

Fun Facts About Tonya Johnson

 “I am a veteran, mom, wife and a triathlete who took a 

year off to train, (2016 was insane with races. My husband 

put me on a budget. Oh—and my bike crash, stitches, broken ankle, bruised ribs, and knocked-out tooth helped with 

the take-a-year-off decision.) to kayak, and section-hike the 

Appalachian Trail during the day. I find a sense of calm in 

the outdoors. I start training for Iron Man Atlantic City in 

January 2018. My Ragnar team and I will also be preparing to go to Hawaii for the Ragnar in 2018.”

In Their Own Words by Tonya L. Johnson 

Meet the Veterans Employee Organization Staff Members

PAGE 13 VEO NEWS Summer 2017 No. 1
 WASHINGTON—Don’t wait until disaster strikes. 

What can you do? Give blood. Give now. Give often.”

 That’s this year’s theme for World Blood Donor Day. 

Sponsored by the World Health Organization each year, 

World Blood Donor Day is celebrated June 14 and 

acknowledges the millions of men and women who roll up 

their sleeves to give blood. This year’s campaign focuses 

on the need for blood donations in emergencies.

 Celebrated on the birth date of Karl Landsteiner, the 

Nobel Prize winner who discovered the ABO blood group 

system, World Blood Donor Day made its debut in 2005. 

Since then, the day has served as a way to raise awareness 

about the need for blood and blood products and to honor 

those who voluntarily donate blood on a regular basis.

 Of all of the World Blood Donor Day objectives, perhaps the most important one is the need to build a wider 

public awareness of the need for committed, year-round 

blood donation.

 “Because blood may be needed at any time, it must be 

collected regularly. No one expects to need blood; however, if it is not available when the need arises, the consequences can be fatal,” said Navy Capt. Roland Fahie, director of the Armed Services Blood Program.

 “Blood and blood products cannot be stored indefinitely 

and cannot be manufactured. Regular donors are vital to 

the success of any blood collection program,” he said.

 “When you think about 

the idea that 40 or more 

units may be needed for a 

single trauma victim, or that 

a single unit of blood can 

sustain a premature infant’s 

life for two weeks, it makes 

the decision to roll up your sleeve pretty easy. We hear all 

the time that there is no better feeling than saving a life, but 

only about five percent of eligible donors actually donate. 

That’s why regular donors are so important in ensuring 

blood is available year-round.”

 As one of four national blood collection agencies in the 

United States, the Armed Services Blood Program was established in 1962. The ASBP is the sole blood provider for 

the U.S. military and now operates more than 20 blood donor centers worldwide. The program’s main goal is to provide blood and blood products to ill or injured service 

members and their families worldwide – whether it’s on the 

battlefield overseas or a military treatment facility in the 

U.S.

 “The military is a very fluid organization. We do a lot 

around the world,” Navy Capt. Roland Fahie said. “We 

have to make sure that we are able to support blood needs 

at locations all over the globe and respond often times very 

quickly. Therefore, we must continue to learn from our 

transfusion practices of the past, support and evaluate our 

needs now, and plan for the transfusion needs of our warriors and beneficiaries for the future.”

 “Our mission and outreach are not only to help our service members, but also to make sure, especially if we are 

partnering with another country and helping them develop 

infrastructure, that they can meet international safety standards and help their people — and even our people — if we 

get hurt,” Fahie said. “We have assisted several countries 

with developing national standards for blood safety, and 

now we are looking at how we are going to implement 

those standards throughout the country.”

 “Right now, we supply blood and blood products for 

approximately 1.3 million service members and their families across the nation and around the globe every year,” 

Fahie said. “That means we have a constant need for blood 

and for blood donors. Without donors, we wouldn’t be able 

to do what we do.”

News From USDA Headquarters 

Armed Services Blood Program Celebrates Donor Day

A USDA employee donates at the Armed Services 

Blood Program during the recent quarterly drive.

PAGE 14 VEO NEWS Summer 2017 No. 1