b'Members with the Air Force Wounded Warrior project and guest speaker, Alvin Shell, pose for a photo following the annual Warrior Care breakfast, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Caitlin Russell).VA strengthens continued from page 19To modernize its caregiver IT system, VA is adopting VA will publish a proposed rule for public comment prior to a three-phased approach and will deploy a new system issuing final regulations. based on a commercial off the shelf product called VA is also working across the department to ensureCaregiver Record Management Application (CARMA) caregivers have a positive experience through program beginning in October 2019. VA will deploy phase two improvements and initiatives to include:in January 2020 to centralize and automate stipend Providing home and community-based care alternativespayment calculations and expects to deploy phase through the Choose Home Initiative at 21 VA medical centers.three in the summer of 2020, which will enable Establishing the Center for Excellence for Veteran and caregivers to apply for benefits online. VA will then Caregiver Research named after Senator Elizabeth Dole.perform testing and verify that the system has full Expanding telehealth services to enable Veterans functionality before expanding the program as required and their caregivers to get care in the comfort of under the MISSION Act.their homes.The expansion will occur in two phases, beginning in Delivering valuable programs for caregivers such asthe summer of 2020 or once the Secretary has certified peer support mentoring, a Caregiver Support Line, that the new IT system is fully implemented. In the firstself-care courses and educational programs to help phase, PCAFC will be expanded to eligible Veterans whocaregivers succeed. incurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty Caregivers play a critical role in enabling Veterans to on or before May 7, 1975.maintain their highest level of independence and remain The final phase of the expansion will begin two years in their homes and communities for as long as possible. later. It will expand PCAFC to eligible Veterans who VA leads the nation in providing unprecedented benefitsincurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of dutyand services to caregivers.The MISSION Act strengthens VAs ability to serveafter May 7, 1975 through September 10, 2001.as a trusted partner in the care of our nations mostAdditionally, VA has gathered input and is developing vulnerable Veterans. To learn more about the manyregulatory changes to streamline the program and providesupport services available for caregivers of Veterans, visit more clarity for Veterans and their family caregivers. www.caregiver.va.gov.20 Military Appreciation Resource Magazine Thank You For Your Service'