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September 29, 2003
MEMORANDUM FOR UNDER SECRETARIES, ASSISTANT SECRETARIES, AND OTHER
KEY OFFICIALS
SUBJECT: VA-JWOD Exhibit Hall
In support of VA's mission "to care for him who shall have borne
the battle," the Department fully promotes activities that create
jobs for those who are blind or severely disabled. The Javits-Wagner-O'Day
(JWOD) program supports our veterans as JWOD provides employment
for nearly 40,000 Americans who are blind or have other severe disabilities.
October is National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month, and
to highlight the JWOD program, the Department is hosting a VA-JWOD
exhibit hall. Twenty vendors representing National Industries for
the Blind and NISH-affiliated JWOD agencies will display their supply
and service capabilities. The exhibit will be held October 7 in
VACO room C-7 from 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. I strongly encourage attendance
at this event as well as other similar events throughout the year.
VA's recently developed electronic messaging system, "JWOD Means
Jobs," has been in operation for a year. This system has given significant
visibility to JWOD products and has been an excellent tool for VA
acquisition professionals in procuring JWOD supplies and services.
VA is striving to improve all aspects of our procurement processes,
leverage our purchasing power, and measure our effectiveness. JWOD
is an integral part of our team, and we appreciate the value their
products bring to the Department.
(signed)
Anthony J. Principi
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