Ran across this on a Website, passing along for general interest.

About the US Department of Veterans Affairs

Headed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, VA is the second largest of the 14 Cabinet departments and operates nationwide programs of health care, financial assistance and national cemeteries. Of the 25.5 million veterans currently alive, nearly three of every four served during a war or an official period of hostility. About a quarter of the nation's population -- approximately 70 million people -- are potentially eligible for VA benefits and services because they are veterans, family members or survivors of veterans. More than 3.8 million people received care in VA health care facilities in 2000.