I am pleased to announce that starting immediately Dr. James Kauffman, Endocrinologist, will be accepting TRICARE and TRICARE for Life.

Dr. Kauffman's civilian practice will partner with the Federal and Local Government to provide much needed care to America's Patriots. As we all know, South Jersey has had limited access to health care for our Veterans, our Heroes.

After many meetings and extensive media coverage to draw attention to this plight, it seems that headway is being made to address this critical issue. NAUS, Congressman Frank LoBiondo, Senator Robert Menendez, and Governor Christopher Christie along with many Veterans groups have all participated to raise awareness.

Lt. General Jack Klimp and Maj.General Bill Matz fight for Military Health Care and have had a very strong hand in aiding to address our States deficit in health care.

Over 10,000 Petitions were signed under the direction of Petty Officer 3rd Class Dan Danchak, a Navy Veteran, delivered to General Eric Shinseki via our Congressman Frank LoBiondo on this grave situation.

Congressman Frank LoBiondo has been a staunch Military Advocate on this very issue. The Congressman personally took on this challenge by sending a joint letter with Senator Menendez, to General Shinseki. Soon to follow, the Congressman and I requested other local politicians to join the cause and write to General Shinseki asking him to address the need for more accessible healthcare in our area. Congressman Frank LoBiondo has inspired us as someone who can pick up the sword and lead the charge for change.

Dan Vidal, Provider Network Manager at TRICARE, helped to rapidly make clearances that were required so that we may do our part in caring for our American Soldiers,Veterans and Wounded Warriors.

Robert Frolow is a vigilant watch dog as he supervises at the Ventnor VA clinic. Working with him personally on this issue has brought many details to light. The Honorable General Eric Shinseki, Secretary of the VA, is aware of the situation that exists Nationally as well as in South Jersey that prevents convenient access to health care.

It seems that the new climate for the Federal Government to engage with private and civilian health care providers is in it's infant stages. Many offices in America have stepped up to the plate accepting the fee schedule for reimbursement for the care of our Heroes.

After personally lobbying Accredited Dermatology, they too have joined the call for private medicine to address immediate care through expedient appointments for skin health concerns.

Dr. Kauffman and I have also reached out to other area Doctors and Hospitals to join this initiative. Shore Medical Center under the direction of Ron Johnson, along with Atlanticare, has expressed a complete desire to accommodate our Heroes as well. In the next 30 days, Dr. Kauffman and my self will be meeting with the TRICARE legal and public communications departments to discuss and announce to New Jersey the upcoming changes that our local Heroes will enjoy.

It is our hope that a meaningful press conference and ad campaign will ensue. We would respectfully request and would like to include our vigilant New Jersey Public Servants, Representatives, and NAUS to be there to participate. Especially Congressman Frank LoBiondo , Senator Robert Menendez, and Governor Christopher Christie to publicly show support and encouraging local health care to participate and partner with TRICARE.

Getting the word out and partnering with the Patriotic Medical Community, will prove to be an outstanding force to care for those who protect us.

I will keep you apprised as we move forward. This is one of the most important moves that we all can do to insure the safety and health of our beloved Military Heroes.

Thank you for your time,