Veteran Report - Week of December 24, 2012

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Veteran Report - Week of December 24, 2012

WWI Memorial Act Passes
Stars and Stripes reports that the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Frank Buckles World War I Memorial Act, which will establish a World War I memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Before becoming law, the bill must be passed in the U.S. Senate. Mr. Buckles was known as the "last of the doughboys," the final survivor of American troops who served in World War I when he died on Feb. 27, 2011, at age 110. The bill also establishes a commission to prepare a centennial observance for the war. More information about Mr. Buckles can be found at the Frank Buckles website at (http://www.frankbuckles.org/) www.frankbuckles.org.
For more on military history, visit the (http://www.military.com/history) Military.com History Center.


Report Looks at Gulf War Ailments
A new scientific paper presents evidence that nerve agents released by the bombing of Iraqi chemical weapons depots just before the ground combat of the 1991 Persian Gulf war began could have carried downwind and fallen on American troops staged in Saudi Arabia. The paper tries to rebut the longstanding Pentagon position, supported by many scientists, that neurotoxins, particularly sarin gas, could not have carried far enough to sicken American forces. An abstract of the paper is available on the (http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/pr ... tNr=224263) Journal of Neuro-Epidemiology website.


Military Skills Translator: Civilian Jobs You Qualify For
Translate your military skills, experience and training to find career opportunities that best align with your capabilities. Enter in your MOS, MOSC, Rating, or Designator and we'll give you a list of civilian skills and equivalent job openings. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/sk ... RC=mrvr.nl) Translate Your Skills and Apply for Jobs Now.


Deal of the Week: Upgrade and Get $100
Buy a new BlackBerry(R) BoldTM 9900 smartphone and get $100 when you trade in. Save 15% on qualified AT&T monthly wireless plans. (http://www.att.com/gov/bb) Get this deal.


Companies Seeking Veterans with Security Clearance
Top companies actively hire and pay top salaries to Veterans with Security Clearance. (http://content.military.com/newsletters ... rvr1224.nl) Visit Military.com to view job openings, get industry tips and more to make 2013 your best year yet.


New Report Supports Commissary Benefits
Recent attacks on the commissary and exchange benefit have been challenged by a recently released report by commissary and exchange advocates. The Military Resale and MWR Center for Research, established by the American Logistics Association, released a major economic review of the military resale system documenting these benefits for the military community and the nation. The report found that the CBO recommendations would actually cost DoD $40 billion instead of saving the government money and that the impact to the National economy was even greater -- placed at $80 billion.
Read the full article on the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -benefits/) Military Advantage blog.


Report Focuses on Illinois Vets
A new report has found that more than 76,000 veterans who have served since 2001 currently live in Illinois. The report, (http://www.scribd.com/doc/114787439/New ... -TO-ACTION) New Veterans in Illinois: a Call to Action, includes a snapshot of new veterans in Illinois and contains previously unseen data on recent veterans that will help service providers and others adopt new strategies to support veterans' reintegration to civilian life. Troops returning home to Illinois from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan represent they are younger than the majority of veterans in Illinois, there are more female servicemembers than ever before, they face high rates of unemployment, and they suffer unique physical and mental wounds. The report is available on the (http://www.heartlandalliance.org/resear ... ois-a.html) Social Impact Research Center website.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Military.com Joins Joining Forces
Military.com and Monster.com are working with the White House's Joining Forces campaign and will contribute to the initiative's goal of hiring or training an additional 250,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2014. Joining Forces is a comprehensive national initiative that focuses on connecting America's veterans and military spouses with careers that match their skills and experience. With a local presence in more than 40 countries, Monster connects employers with quality job seekers at all levels, provides personalized career advice to consumers globally and delivers vast, highly targeted audiences to advertisers. For more information, visit the White House Joining Forces webpage at (http://www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces) www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces.
For more on military transition and civilian job listings nationwide, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Georgia Veterans to Lose Benefit
Effective Feb. 1, Georgia veterans will no longer be able to live cost-free in the state's two nursing homes for veterans. Georgia is the last state to allow veterans to stay in such nursing homes for free. A new law now requires the Georgia Department of Veterans Service to begin charging those who stay at the facilities in Augusta and Milledgeville. When the law takes effect, patients at the War Veterans Home in Augusta will pay $22.81 per day, which is about $700 a month. If the patient does can document that they do not have the $700, a waiver may be issued. For more information on Georgia's two nursing homes for veterans, visit the (http://veterans.georgia.gov/georgia-war ... rsing-home) Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home in Augusta webpage and the (http://veterans.georgia.gov/georgia-war-veterans-home) Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville webpage.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


New Fisher House Opens in Pennsylvania
The Fisher House Foundation dedicated its 58th Fish House home to the Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS). The new 9,500 square foot (http://www.pittsburghfisherhouse.org/) Pittsburgh Fisher House will serve the families of veterans receiving care at VAPHS. The Pittsburgh Fisher House features 10 suites, each with a private bathroom. For a family to stay at the house free of charge, they must have a family member -- veteran or active-duty servicemember -- receiving inpatient care at VAPHS and reside 50 miles or more from the hospital. For more information about Fisher Houses, visit the Fisher House Foundation website at (http://www.fisherhouse.org/) www.fisherhouse.org.
For more on military lodging options, visit the (http://www.military.com/Travel/Home) Military.com Travel Center.


Car Maker Assists Services with Fuel Cell Tech
Last winter the U.S. Army unveiled a fleet of 16 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles provided by General Motors that the military services in Hawaii are testing in an effort to research efficient, clean and renewable energy sources, and reduce the U.S. military's dependence on petroleum. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


Tips for Driving Safely in Winter Weather
During the winter months, poor road conditions, decreased visibility and the stress that cold weather puts on your car can combine to create a treacherous driving environment. Before you head into the cold, heed these tips for safe winter driving: (http://www.military.com/off-duty/autos?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


Delta Force: Missions and History
"Delta Force," officially known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), is one of the U.S. special missions units primarily focused on the counter-terrorism mission. SFOD-Delta has been through a few name changes over the years, and even though it will likely always be known as SFOD-Delta, it was recently renamed the Combat Applications Group (CAG) and is now officially known as Army Compartmented Elements (ACE). (http://www.military.com/special-operati ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


New VA Clinic Opens in Missouri
Veterans in southern Missouri now have a new outpatient VA clinic. A new (http://www.poplarbluff.va.gov/visitors/westplains.asp) community-based outpatient clinic in West Plains is now open and taking appointments for primary care, prescriptions, labs, and more. The clinic is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit the new clinic's webpage on the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center website at (http://www.poplarbluff.va.gov/visitors/westplains.asp) www.poplarbluff.va.gov/visitors/westplains.asp or telephone the new clinic at (417) 257-2454.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Wreaths Across America
On December 15, volunteers -- with the help of (http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/) Wreaths Across America -- placed wreaths at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery to honor our nations Veterans. Thousands more were placed on VA national cemeteries and state Veterans cemeteries throughout the country. To learn more, read (http://www.ldnews.com/latestnews/ci_221 ... l-cemetery) the article and visit the (http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/) Wreaths Across America website.


Get $150k of Protection for as low as $10.89 a Month
SGLI isn't enough for most Military Families. Supplement your coverage and pay as little as $10.89 a month for an additional $150k of coverage. Tomorrow is never guaranteed, (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba/?ESRC=mr1224.nl) get quality coverage at affordable prices.

New Soldier's Stories Exhibit
Learn about the Soldiers who made history at the free Soldiers Experience exhibit in Carlisle, Pa. The new exhibit at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center uses diaries, letters, photos, uniform and equipment items, and Army records to demonstrate the stories of fellow Army Soldiers and Veterans. Carlisle, Pa. Is a about a two-hour drive northwest of the Pentagon. Current holiday hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. And Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. An on-site gift shop and cafe round out the visitors' experience. For more information, visit the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center webpage at (http://www.carlisle.army.mil/ahec/index.cfm) www.carlisle.army.mil/ahec/index.cfm.
For more on military history, visit the (http://www.military.com/history) Military.com History Center.


The American Legion Seeks New 'Tagline'
The American Legion is seeking submissions of a new "tag line" that will be so significant that all of the public will recognize it and associate it with The American Legion. Send your idea by email to (mailto:tagline@legion.org) tagline@legion.org . Submissions may be submitted by individuals (membership is not required), posts, districts, counties or departments; there is no limit to the number that may submitted, but each submission must be contained in a single email. All submissions must be received no later than April 19, 2013, in order to be considered. If your tagline is adopted exactly as submitted, you will receive a $500 check, and a certificate of appreciation plaque signed by the national commander in recognition of your winning entry. The winning entry will be posted on the (http://www.legion.org/) Legion website after mid-May, 2013. In the event of duplicate winning entries, the earliest received will be declared the winner.


T-Mobile Expands B2B Sales Force with Veterans
For T-Mobile, focusing on business-to-business (B2B) opportunities within the wireless industry is one of three top priorities. This multi-year plan enables T-Mobile to challenge the competition and capture more than its current five-percent share of the $60 billion B2B segment. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


GI Film Festival Coming
The award-winning GI Film Festival (GIFF), the nation's only military-themed film festival, has announced that one of the filmmakers submitting an entry at the 7th annual festival in Washington in May 2013 will be awarded an associate producer role in an upcoming project about a U.S. veteran returning home from the war in Afghanistan. GIFF is open to filmmakers with all levels of experience, from first-timers to veteran directors and producers. Each submission must include at least one major armed forces character (real or fictitious). The regular film submission deadline for the 2013 festival is Jan. 22, the extended deadline is Feb. 15, and the late deadline is March 1. Details for submitting films are available on the GI Film Festival website at (http://www.gifilmfestival.com/) www.gifilmfestival.com.
For more military-related entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.


Are You Eligible for a VA Home Loan in 2013?
In order to obtain a VA home loan, you must first fill out VA Form 26-1880, the request for your Certificate of Eligibility. This certificate is issued only through the Veterans Administration, and is the first step towards applying for your loan. Veterans, active duty, guard or reserve, and military spouses potentially qualify for this certificate. Keep in mind that the Certificate of Eligibility, while necessary, only allows an eligible individual to apply for a home loan; it does not guarantee a loan approval. Eligibility for the Certificate is based on an individual's (or a spouse's) military service. (http://www.military.com/money/content/v ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get specifics on Military.com.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... RC=mrvr.nl) Next Step: Find Lenders ready to help you use your VA Home Loan.