SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

In carrying out the duties set forth, the Committee responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

(1) Advising the Secretary and Congress on VA's administration of benefits and provisions of healthcare, benefits, and services to “minority group member” Veterans, defined in 38 U.S.C. 544 as: (1) Asian American; (2) Black; (3) Hispanic; (4) Native American (including American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian); or (5) Pacific Islander.

(2) Providing a biennial report to Congress outlining recommendations, concerns and observations on VA's delivery of services to “minority group member” Veterans.

(3) Meeting with VA officials, Veteran Service Organizations, and other stakeholders to assess the Department's efforts in providing benefits and outreach to “minority group member” Veterans.

Making periodic site visits and holding town hall meetings with “minority group member” Veterans to address their concerns.

Management and support services for the Committee are provided by CMV.

Authority: The Committee was established in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 544 (Pub. L. 103-446, sec. 510). In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 544, the Committee advises the Secretary on the administration of VA benefits and services to “minority group member” Veterans; assesses the needs of “minority group member” Veterans with respect to such benefits; and evaluates whether VA compensation, medical and rehabilitation services, outreach and other programs are meeting those needs. The Committee makes recommendations to the Secretary regarding such activities. Nominations of qualified candidates are ( printed page 19794) being sought to fill upcoming vacancies on the Committee.

Membership Criteria: CMV is requesting nominations for upcoming vacancies on the Committee. The Committee is currently composed of 12 members, in addition to ex-officio members. As required by statute, the members of the Committee are appointed by the Secretary from the general public, including:

(1) Representatives of Veterans who are “minority group members”;

(2) Individuals who are recognized authorities in fields pertinent to the needs of Veterans who are “minority group members”;

(3) Veterans who are “minority group members” and who have experience in a military theater of operations;

(4) Veterans who are “minority group members” and who do not have such experience and;

(5) Veterans who are “minority group members recently” separated from active military service.

In accordance with § 544, the Secretary determines the number, terms of service, pay, and allowances of members of the Committee appointed by the Secretary, except that a term of service of any such member may not exceed three years. The Secretary may reappoint any member for additional terms of service.

Professional Qualifications: In addition to the criteria above, VA seeks—

(1) Professional and personal qualifications relevant to the functions and tasks to be performed by the committee.

(2) Experience in military service and military deployments (please identify your Branch of Service and Rank).

(3) Current work with Veterans.

(4) Committee subject matter expertise.

(5) Emphasis on experience using VA Service and Benefits.

Requirements for Nomination Submission:

Nominations should be type written (one nomination per nominator). Nomination package should include: (1) a letter of nomination that clearly states the name and affiliation of the nominee, the basis for the nomination ( i.e., specific attributes which qualify the nominee for service in this capacity), and a statement from the nominee indicating a willingness to serve as a member of the Committee; (2) the nominee's contact information including name, mailing address, telephone number(s), and email address; (3) the nominee's curriculum vitae or resume, and (4) a summary of the nominee's experience and qualification relative to the professional qualifications criteria listed above.

Individuals selected for appointment to the Committee shall be invited to serve a two-year term. Committee members will receive a stipend for attending Committee meetings including per diem and reimbursement for travel expenses incurred.

The Department strives to fairly balance committee membership through consideration of points of view represented and functions to be performed by the advisory committee, consistent with section 1004(b)(2), title 5, U.S.C., and the FACA Final Rule, section 102-3.60, title 41, CFR Nominations must state that the nominee is willing to serve as a member of the Committee and appears to have no conflict of interest that would preclude membership. An ethics review is conducted for each selected nominee.