Veterans Report - Week of October 22, 2007
Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 6:40 pm
Veterans Report - Week of October 22, 2007
Group Gears Up to Send Holiday Goodies Though Operation Gratitude's "Holiday Drive 2007" does not officially kick off until the first "packing party" scheduled for Veterans Day weekend, the group's volunteers are already hard at work getting ready to fill care packages with goodies for troops deployed during the upcoming holiday season. Additional packing weekends are scheduled for Nov. 23-24, Dec. 15-30 and Dec. 29-30, 2007. The group expects to reach a milestone of assembling its 300,000th package on Dec. 15. This year marks Operation Gratitude's fifth holiday drive. For more information, visit (http://www.opgratitude.com/) Operation Gratitude website.
Featured Job: Inova Health System At (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 102207_Job) Inova, you will find an extraordinary commitment to learning, skill development, mentoring, and the delivery of exceptional patient care.
Greyhound Honors Servicemembers Greyhound honors those who have served to preserve our way of life. With the Veterans Advantage Discount Card, members can save 15 percent on walk-up fares at the terminal or online. A 25-percent discount on applicable one-way fares also is available to patients of U.S. Veterans Administration Hospitals, patients assigned by the U.S. Veterans Administration to Army, Navy, Air Force, or military hospitals, or patients assigned by the U.S. Veterans Administration to civil and state institutions when traveling at their own expense. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,153360,00.html) read the article at Military.com.
VA Seeking Former Prisoners of War The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently issued another plea to find former prisoners of war (POWs) since many of them may now be eligible for VA health benefits due to new changes. The VA has expanded the list of illnesses covered under its benefits plans to include all former POWs who suffer from strokes and heart disease. It is estimated that there are more than 25,000 surviving American prisoners of war. All former POWs should contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000. Information about benefits and services for former POWs and their relatives is available on the (http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/POW/index.htm) VA's American Former Prisoners of War website.
$60,000 Bonuses for Prior-Service Soldiers The Army National Guard has launched a new recruiting effort to attract prior-service Soldiers. Dubbed "Active First," the program targets new recruits who want to serve on active-duty but are willing to return to the Guard to finish out the remainder of their initial military service obligation. Officials hope to recruit as many as 2,000 Soldiers into the program this year, and recruits can earn bonuses as high as $40,000 plus another $20,000 when they transition into the National Guard.
To find complete information on current cash enlistment incentives (signing bonuses) and reenlistment bonuses offered by each of the Armed Forces, visit the (http://www.military.com/recruiting/bonus-center/) Military.com Bonus Center.
Suicide Prevention Hotline Available Vet Centers and VA Medical Centers stand ready to reach out and help veterans at risk for suicide. Seek professional help ... Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK, and indicate you are a veteran. You will be immediately connected to VA suicide prevention and mental health professionals.
Monument Dedicated to Submarine Veterans A monument dedicated to U.S. veterans who served on submarines was dedicated to the Chattanooga National Cemetery and sponsored by members of the USS Haddo from Cleveland, Tenn. The dedication took place on the U.S. Navy's 232nd birthday. For more information on submarine veterans, visit the (http://www.ussvi.org/home.asp) United States Submarine Veterans, Incorporated website.
Museum Opens Special Exhibit The Airborne & Special Operations Museum opened its latest special exhibit, which examines the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), a forerunner to the Central Intelligence Agency and the inspiration behind modern U.S. Army special operations forces. The exhibit was prepared by the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) History Office and supplemented with artifacts from the North Carolina Museum of History. The exhibit will remain on display during regular museum hours for approximately one year. For more information and museum hours, visit the (http://www.asomf.org/) Airborne & Special Operations Museum website.
State Veteran Benefits Veterans pursuing their educational goals are usually eligible for "educational assistance for students" in most states, including the District of Columbia. Educational benefits for veterans and their dependents, particularly the children of deceased and disabled veterans, are also available in some states. Military.com has developed an on-line general summary of educational benefits for veterans and their dependents. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... etBenefits) Click here to see the complete summary.
You have two steps to getting started on your education goals. The first is to (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... ESRC=vr.nl) find scholarships - it is never too early to begin looking for money for school. The second step is to find schools that meet your education goals and needs. You can request free information from fully accredited "military family friendly" colleges and universities that are eager to serve the education needs of military families. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... ESRC=vr.nl) Start here.
VA Receives Grant for Indianapolis The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will augment its health care to Indianapolis area veterans with a new grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The grant provides $5.8 million to the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center for a 24,000-square-foot Seamless Transition Integrated Care Clinic where returning troops from Iraq and Afghanistan will receive comprehensive multidisciplinary health care. Another $3.5 million will be used to build a 28-suite comfort home that will provide accommodations for veterans? families during extended periods of care. The endowment will also fund retreats for veterans and their spouses or loved ones.
Restaurants Offer Vets Free Dining Golden Corral Restaurants are conducting their seventh annual Military Appreciation Monday on Nov. 12, 2007. On this day, all 485 restaurants across the country will offer a free "thank you" dinner buffet and beverage from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. to any person who has served in the U.S. military. A new component of this year?s event is an essay contest open to anyone who has served or has a parent who has served in the military. Essays of 1,000 words or less should explain why the entrant is proud of their service or that of their parents. Three prizes, starting at $1,000, will be awarded to further the winners' educations. For more information, visit the (http://www.goldencorral.com/military/) Golden Corral Restaurants website.
County Donates to Pentagon Memorial Fund Representatives of Fairfax County, Va., donated $100,000 to help build the Pentagon Memorial that will honor the 184 people, including 20 county residents, killed during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the building. The donation brings the funds raised, so far, to more than $15 million. The memorial fund committee's goal is to raise $22 million to build and maintain the memorial. The memorial will be built on nearly two acres of land along the path the passenger jet took just before it hit the building and is scheduled to be dedicated in September 2008. For more information on the memorial, visit the (http://www.pentagonmemorial.net/home.aspx) Pentagon Memorial Fund website.
To locate a military-themed museum, monument or memorial, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Resources/Resou ... _guide.htm) Museum and Memorial Guide.
Free CUNY Veterans' College Fair The City University of New York (CUNY) is presenting its first ever College Fair on October 31, 2007. The event is geared specifically for veterans to learn how CUNY can ease the transition from military to academic life. Participants will be able to speak with admission professionals from the CUNY colleges regarding undergraduate, graduate, honors, and online programs. College vet liaisons and current vet students will also be on hand to answer questions and offer guidance on the admissions process, paying for college, and what to expect as a veteran student. All active duty military, reservists, veterans, dependents, and survivors are welcome to this free event. Visit CUNY's Veterans web site to pre-register for the event at: (http://www.cuny.edu/veterans) www.cuny.edu/veterans. All pre-registered participants will be eligible to win a video i-pod.
Register for the L.A. Career Fair The Military.com career fair will be in L.A. on Thursday, November 8, 2007. The event is free of charge and will be held from 11am to 2pm at the Holiday Inn LOS ANGELES-INTL AIRPORT. There will be two seminars on how to build a resume and launch a career search. Companies such as Northrop Grumman, Xcel Entergy, St. Vincent Medical Center and more are looking to hire Veterans and transitioning servicemembers. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... CareerFair) Register today.
Bill Introduced to Enhance VA Pain Care
Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), have introduced legislation that would enhance the Department of Veterans Affairs' pain management program. The Veterans Pain Care Act of 2007 (S. 2160) would focus attention on pain management as a new generation of veterans suffering from pain enter VA's health care system. Under the bill, VA would be required to establish a pain care initiative at every VA health care facility, with each utilizing a professionally recognized pain assessment tool or process to ensure that every patient with chronic or acute pain is diagnosed and treated properly.
Visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Military.com Legislative Center to let your elected officials know how you feel about this legislation.
Maine Governor Awards State Medals Maine Governor John Baldacci recently awarded the State of Maine Silver Star Honorable Service Medal to 12 veterans from across the state. The medal was first awarded in August 2006 and is presented to those who have been wounded while serving their country. The state also maintains its (http://www.maine.gov/dvem/bvs/Maine_Fallen_Heroes.htm) State of Maine Gold Star Honor Roll website. For more information on awards and benefits for Maine's veterans, visit the website (http://www.maine.gov/dvem/bvs/Augusta.htm) State of Maine's Bureau of Veterans' Services website.
Minnesota Introduces LinkVet Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty recently introduced LinkVet ? the Veterans Linkage Line for Minnesota veterans and their family members. The toll-free customer service line is the first of its kind in the nation and provides information referrals, immediate crisis intervention and psychological counseling 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-888-LINKVET (546-5838). LinkVet is answered by trained staff at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and Crisis Connection, a Twin Cities-based, nonprofit mental health telephone counseling service. MDVA staff, who are veterans themselves, manage the lines Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Crisis Connection social workers field all crisis calls during business hours, and all calls after hours, on weekends and holidays.
Join the ROTC Network The ROTC Network is designed to bring the entire ROTC community together under one roof, empowering an exchange of ideas, experiences, and support to make the community stronger. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 02207_ROTC) Join the network today.
Deadlines for Holiday Military Mail Stars and Stripes reports that the deadlines for military postal mail reaching all destinations by Christmas are: 1) Nov. 13 for surface mail (mail going by truck or ship), 2) Nov. 27 for space-available mail, 3) Dec. 4 for parcel airlift mail, 4) Dec. 11 for priority mail and first-class letter and cards, and 5) Dec. 18 for express mail. "These deadlines apply to everyone," said Yvonne Radloff, command postal training manager for the 2nd Air Postal Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. No matter where mail is sent, either to the United States or downrange, Radloff said that it will usually get to its destination within 10 days.
To find more deployment news and resources, visit (http://www.military.com/deployment) The Deployment Center.
Deal of the Week: Military Discounts
Veterans, keep your hands free to hold all the cash you saved. $150 off* a BlackBerry Curve 8300 & FREE Bluetooth headset!* (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 02207_Deal) Shop AT&T 24/7.
Women's Memorial's 10th Anniversary The 10th anniversary of the dedication of the Women In Military Service For America Memorial will be celebrated on Nov. 3, 2007, at the Women?s Memorial. The program will pay tribute to America's military women, past and present, with a special salute to the servicewomen serving in the Global War on Terror. The program is free and open to the public. To reserve seats for either event and a candle for the march, those interested in attending, should visit the 10th Anniversary Information Center at (http://www.womensmemorial.org/) www.womensmemorial.org to get more information and download the reservation form or call 703-533-1155/800-222-2294.
VA Seeking Former POWs, Family Members Veterans Affairs officials are seeking any former prisoners of war or their family members who are not currently using VA benefits and services. The officials are urging them to contact VA to find out if they are eligible for health care, disability compensation and other services. People who know a former POW can ask him or her to contact VA at (800) 827-1000. Details about benefits and services available to former POWs and family members are available at the (http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/POW/index.htm) Veterans Affairs (VA) website. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,153112,00.html) read the article at Military.com.
Group Gears Up to Send Holiday Goodies Though Operation Gratitude's "Holiday Drive 2007" does not officially kick off until the first "packing party" scheduled for Veterans Day weekend, the group's volunteers are already hard at work getting ready to fill care packages with goodies for troops deployed during the upcoming holiday season. Additional packing weekends are scheduled for Nov. 23-24, Dec. 15-30 and Dec. 29-30, 2007. The group expects to reach a milestone of assembling its 300,000th package on Dec. 15. This year marks Operation Gratitude's fifth holiday drive. For more information, visit (http://www.opgratitude.com/) Operation Gratitude website.
Featured Job: Inova Health System At (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 102207_Job) Inova, you will find an extraordinary commitment to learning, skill development, mentoring, and the delivery of exceptional patient care.
Greyhound Honors Servicemembers Greyhound honors those who have served to preserve our way of life. With the Veterans Advantage Discount Card, members can save 15 percent on walk-up fares at the terminal or online. A 25-percent discount on applicable one-way fares also is available to patients of U.S. Veterans Administration Hospitals, patients assigned by the U.S. Veterans Administration to Army, Navy, Air Force, or military hospitals, or patients assigned by the U.S. Veterans Administration to civil and state institutions when traveling at their own expense. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,153360,00.html) read the article at Military.com.
VA Seeking Former Prisoners of War The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently issued another plea to find former prisoners of war (POWs) since many of them may now be eligible for VA health benefits due to new changes. The VA has expanded the list of illnesses covered under its benefits plans to include all former POWs who suffer from strokes and heart disease. It is estimated that there are more than 25,000 surviving American prisoners of war. All former POWs should contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000. Information about benefits and services for former POWs and their relatives is available on the (http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/POW/index.htm) VA's American Former Prisoners of War website.
$60,000 Bonuses for Prior-Service Soldiers The Army National Guard has launched a new recruiting effort to attract prior-service Soldiers. Dubbed "Active First," the program targets new recruits who want to serve on active-duty but are willing to return to the Guard to finish out the remainder of their initial military service obligation. Officials hope to recruit as many as 2,000 Soldiers into the program this year, and recruits can earn bonuses as high as $40,000 plus another $20,000 when they transition into the National Guard.
To find complete information on current cash enlistment incentives (signing bonuses) and reenlistment bonuses offered by each of the Armed Forces, visit the (http://www.military.com/recruiting/bonus-center/) Military.com Bonus Center.
Suicide Prevention Hotline Available Vet Centers and VA Medical Centers stand ready to reach out and help veterans at risk for suicide. Seek professional help ... Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK, and indicate you are a veteran. You will be immediately connected to VA suicide prevention and mental health professionals.
Monument Dedicated to Submarine Veterans A monument dedicated to U.S. veterans who served on submarines was dedicated to the Chattanooga National Cemetery and sponsored by members of the USS Haddo from Cleveland, Tenn. The dedication took place on the U.S. Navy's 232nd birthday. For more information on submarine veterans, visit the (http://www.ussvi.org/home.asp) United States Submarine Veterans, Incorporated website.
Museum Opens Special Exhibit The Airborne & Special Operations Museum opened its latest special exhibit, which examines the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), a forerunner to the Central Intelligence Agency and the inspiration behind modern U.S. Army special operations forces. The exhibit was prepared by the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) History Office and supplemented with artifacts from the North Carolina Museum of History. The exhibit will remain on display during regular museum hours for approximately one year. For more information and museum hours, visit the (http://www.asomf.org/) Airborne & Special Operations Museum website.
State Veteran Benefits Veterans pursuing their educational goals are usually eligible for "educational assistance for students" in most states, including the District of Columbia. Educational benefits for veterans and their dependents, particularly the children of deceased and disabled veterans, are also available in some states. Military.com has developed an on-line general summary of educational benefits for veterans and their dependents. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... etBenefits) Click here to see the complete summary.
You have two steps to getting started on your education goals. The first is to (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... ESRC=vr.nl) find scholarships - it is never too early to begin looking for money for school. The second step is to find schools that meet your education goals and needs. You can request free information from fully accredited "military family friendly" colleges and universities that are eager to serve the education needs of military families. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... ESRC=vr.nl) Start here.
VA Receives Grant for Indianapolis The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will augment its health care to Indianapolis area veterans with a new grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The grant provides $5.8 million to the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center for a 24,000-square-foot Seamless Transition Integrated Care Clinic where returning troops from Iraq and Afghanistan will receive comprehensive multidisciplinary health care. Another $3.5 million will be used to build a 28-suite comfort home that will provide accommodations for veterans? families during extended periods of care. The endowment will also fund retreats for veterans and their spouses or loved ones.
Restaurants Offer Vets Free Dining Golden Corral Restaurants are conducting their seventh annual Military Appreciation Monday on Nov. 12, 2007. On this day, all 485 restaurants across the country will offer a free "thank you" dinner buffet and beverage from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. to any person who has served in the U.S. military. A new component of this year?s event is an essay contest open to anyone who has served or has a parent who has served in the military. Essays of 1,000 words or less should explain why the entrant is proud of their service or that of their parents. Three prizes, starting at $1,000, will be awarded to further the winners' educations. For more information, visit the (http://www.goldencorral.com/military/) Golden Corral Restaurants website.
County Donates to Pentagon Memorial Fund Representatives of Fairfax County, Va., donated $100,000 to help build the Pentagon Memorial that will honor the 184 people, including 20 county residents, killed during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the building. The donation brings the funds raised, so far, to more than $15 million. The memorial fund committee's goal is to raise $22 million to build and maintain the memorial. The memorial will be built on nearly two acres of land along the path the passenger jet took just before it hit the building and is scheduled to be dedicated in September 2008. For more information on the memorial, visit the (http://www.pentagonmemorial.net/home.aspx) Pentagon Memorial Fund website.
To locate a military-themed museum, monument or memorial, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Resources/Resou ... _guide.htm) Museum and Memorial Guide.
Free CUNY Veterans' College Fair The City University of New York (CUNY) is presenting its first ever College Fair on October 31, 2007. The event is geared specifically for veterans to learn how CUNY can ease the transition from military to academic life. Participants will be able to speak with admission professionals from the CUNY colleges regarding undergraduate, graduate, honors, and online programs. College vet liaisons and current vet students will also be on hand to answer questions and offer guidance on the admissions process, paying for college, and what to expect as a veteran student. All active duty military, reservists, veterans, dependents, and survivors are welcome to this free event. Visit CUNY's Veterans web site to pre-register for the event at: (http://www.cuny.edu/veterans) www.cuny.edu/veterans. All pre-registered participants will be eligible to win a video i-pod.
Register for the L.A. Career Fair The Military.com career fair will be in L.A. on Thursday, November 8, 2007. The event is free of charge and will be held from 11am to 2pm at the Holiday Inn LOS ANGELES-INTL AIRPORT. There will be two seminars on how to build a resume and launch a career search. Companies such as Northrop Grumman, Xcel Entergy, St. Vincent Medical Center and more are looking to hire Veterans and transitioning servicemembers. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... CareerFair) Register today.
Bill Introduced to Enhance VA Pain Care
Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), have introduced legislation that would enhance the Department of Veterans Affairs' pain management program. The Veterans Pain Care Act of 2007 (S. 2160) would focus attention on pain management as a new generation of veterans suffering from pain enter VA's health care system. Under the bill, VA would be required to establish a pain care initiative at every VA health care facility, with each utilizing a professionally recognized pain assessment tool or process to ensure that every patient with chronic or acute pain is diagnosed and treated properly.
Visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Military.com Legislative Center to let your elected officials know how you feel about this legislation.
Maine Governor Awards State Medals Maine Governor John Baldacci recently awarded the State of Maine Silver Star Honorable Service Medal to 12 veterans from across the state. The medal was first awarded in August 2006 and is presented to those who have been wounded while serving their country. The state also maintains its (http://www.maine.gov/dvem/bvs/Maine_Fallen_Heroes.htm) State of Maine Gold Star Honor Roll website. For more information on awards and benefits for Maine's veterans, visit the website (http://www.maine.gov/dvem/bvs/Augusta.htm) State of Maine's Bureau of Veterans' Services website.
Minnesota Introduces LinkVet Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty recently introduced LinkVet ? the Veterans Linkage Line for Minnesota veterans and their family members. The toll-free customer service line is the first of its kind in the nation and provides information referrals, immediate crisis intervention and psychological counseling 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-888-LINKVET (546-5838). LinkVet is answered by trained staff at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and Crisis Connection, a Twin Cities-based, nonprofit mental health telephone counseling service. MDVA staff, who are veterans themselves, manage the lines Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Crisis Connection social workers field all crisis calls during business hours, and all calls after hours, on weekends and holidays.
Join the ROTC Network The ROTC Network is designed to bring the entire ROTC community together under one roof, empowering an exchange of ideas, experiences, and support to make the community stronger. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 02207_ROTC) Join the network today.
Deadlines for Holiday Military Mail Stars and Stripes reports that the deadlines for military postal mail reaching all destinations by Christmas are: 1) Nov. 13 for surface mail (mail going by truck or ship), 2) Nov. 27 for space-available mail, 3) Dec. 4 for parcel airlift mail, 4) Dec. 11 for priority mail and first-class letter and cards, and 5) Dec. 18 for express mail. "These deadlines apply to everyone," said Yvonne Radloff, command postal training manager for the 2nd Air Postal Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. No matter where mail is sent, either to the United States or downrange, Radloff said that it will usually get to its destination within 10 days.
To find more deployment news and resources, visit (http://www.military.com/deployment) The Deployment Center.
Deal of the Week: Military Discounts
Veterans, keep your hands free to hold all the cash you saved. $150 off* a BlackBerry Curve 8300 & FREE Bluetooth headset!* (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 02207_Deal) Shop AT&T 24/7.
Women's Memorial's 10th Anniversary The 10th anniversary of the dedication of the Women In Military Service For America Memorial will be celebrated on Nov. 3, 2007, at the Women?s Memorial. The program will pay tribute to America's military women, past and present, with a special salute to the servicewomen serving in the Global War on Terror. The program is free and open to the public. To reserve seats for either event and a candle for the march, those interested in attending, should visit the 10th Anniversary Information Center at (http://www.womensmemorial.org/) www.womensmemorial.org to get more information and download the reservation form or call 703-533-1155/800-222-2294.
VA Seeking Former POWs, Family Members Veterans Affairs officials are seeking any former prisoners of war or their family members who are not currently using VA benefits and services. The officials are urging them to contact VA to find out if they are eligible for health care, disability compensation and other services. People who know a former POW can ask him or her to contact VA at (800) 827-1000. Details about benefits and services available to former POWs and family members are available at the (http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/POW/index.htm) Veterans Affairs (VA) website. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,153112,00.html) read the article at Military.com.