Veterans Report - Week of August 04, 2014

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Veterans Report - Week of August 04, 2014

Initiatives Taken in Phoenix
Acting Secretary Sloan D. Gibson recently outlined the progress of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in improving health care at the Phoenix VA Health Care System (VAHCS). As part of VA's Accelerating Access to Care Initiative, the Phoenix VA Health Care System (VAHCS) has reached out to more than 5,000 Veterans to coordinate the acceleration of their care. Since May 15, over 6,500 veterans have received more than 8,000 referrals to community providers when it was determined the care was unavailable due to a lack of capacity and/or longer-than-desirable wait times. Phoenix VAHCS is also addressing the underlying issues that have impeded veterans' access to care, mainly space and staffing. Phoenix VAHCS is expediting the hiring of more than 500 people in the upcoming months. Fifty-seven additional VA employees also will be detailed to assist on site or virtually over the next 30-120 days.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


VA Releases Latest Facility-Level Patient Access Data
This past week the Veterans Administration released the latest update of facility-level patient access data. Statistics of note include the following: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has reached out to over 217,000 veterans to get them off wait lists and into clinics; VA has decreased the number of veterans on the Electronic Waiting List (EWL) 40 percent within a two month period; and more than 22,000 Veterans have received accelerated appointments and have been removed from the EWL. The full update is available at (http://www.va.gov/health/access-audit.asp) http://www.va.gov/health/access-audit.asp.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Hiring Fairs in August
The American Legion and its partners will sponsor 25 veterans career fairs in August through the National Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) program and initiatives at the post and department level. Veterans, servicemembers and their spouses are invited to attend all HOH job fairs. Prior to attending an HOH career fair, attendees are encouraged to pre-register through the job fair's page at (http://www.uschamberfoundation.org/events/hiringfairs) http://www.uschamberfoundation.org/events/hiringfairs and upload their resumes to allow easy access for employers on hand. Attendees are also encouraged to take advantage of the employment workshops usually held before the career fairs. For a complete listing of the August Legion-sponsored job fairs, visit the Legion's (http://www.legion.org/careers/jobfairs) job fair calendar.
For more veteran job fair listings, job postings and transition advice, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Don't Miss Your Chance to Use Your VA Loan this Summer
Now is the time to use your VA Loan. You don't have to pay PMI or have a large down payment. Plus you can get financing up to $417,000. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0804.nl) Use your VA Loan Benefit today.
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Capitol One Committed to Hiring Veterans
Capitol One's commitment to veterans and their families is strong throughout their culture -- which is built on their Values of Excellence and Do the Right Thing. Your military experience can translate to a successful civilian career at Capital One. Your problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills will help you thrive. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... =vr0804.nl) Read More.


Consumer Protection Bureau Accepting Complaints
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is now accepting complaints from consumers encountering problems with prepaid cards, such as gift cards, benefit cards, and general purpose reloadable cards. Consumers can also now submit complaints about additional nonbank products, including debt settlement services, credit repair services, and pawn and title loans. The CFPB also handles complaints about mortgages, bank accounts and services, private student loans, auto and other consumer loans, credit reporting, debt collection, payday loans, and money transfers. To submit a complaint, (1) visit (http://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint) http://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint; (2) call toll-free at 855-411-2372 or TTY/TDD phone number at 855-729-2372; (3) Fax the CFPB at 855-237-2392; or mail a letter to: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, P.O. Box 4503, Iowa City, Iowa 52244. Consumers can get clear, unbiased answers to their questions about financial products and services on the AskCFPB webpage at (http://consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb) Consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb or by calling 855-411-2372.
For more personal finance tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money section.


Fourteen Key Tips to Turn Your Finances Around
What are some practical steps you can take to escape or avoid debt? Finance expert Trent Hamm has provided an explanation of his favorites, including shopping for a better bank and putting together a workable emergency fund. For more on these options and twelve others, see (http://www.military.com/money/personal- ... round.html) this Military.com article.


Feds Feed Families
As the Feds Feed Families campaign enters its ninth week, Department of the Navy (DON) organizers are seeing steady donations of food and monetary support around the world. The food drive, led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other federal partners collected nearly nine million pounds of food last year for distribution at local food banks and shelters. Personnel wishing to donate can place non-perishable food items in the Feds Feed Families-labeled boxes in buildings located around their respective installations, or make monetary donations to their local Chapel Religious Offerings Fund. For more information, visit the Feds Feed Families website at (http://www.fedsfeedfamilies.gov) http://www.fedsfeedfamilies.gov.
For more family support resources, see this (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... vices.html) Military.com Spouse Channel.


VA Secretary Testifies
Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Sloan D. Gibson recently told members of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has taken action on the four recommendations made in the Interim Report of the Office of Inspector General (IG) for the Phoenix VA Health Care System. The final report of the IG has not been published. A list of the Inspector General's recommendation and the actions taken are available on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website at (http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2589) http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2589.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Stopping Debt Collectors
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to protect consumers from deceptive, abusive, or unfair debt collection tactics. People facing debt collection should understand their rights. Under the FDCPA, debt collectors are not allowed to: (1) call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.; (2) contact you at work if you have told them verbally or in writing that your employer does not allow you to get such calls in the workplace; (3) harass or abuse you or anyone else they contact about you; (4) lie about the amount you owe; or (5) use deceptive methods to collect a debt from you. You can file a complaint with the FTC if you think that a debt collector has violated your rights. For more information, visit the (http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/01 ... collection) Federal Trade Commission website.
For more personal finance tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money section.


VA Announces Grants
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the availability of up to $8 million in grant funding to provide adaptive sports opportunities for disabled veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces. Adaptive sports are those sports that have been created or modified for persons with disabilities. Funding may be used for such things as training, program development, equipment, recreation therapists, coaches, sports equipment, supplies, program evaluation and other related activities. For more information about the VA's adaptive sports initiatives, visit the VA Adaptive Sports Program website at (http://www.va.gov/adaptivesports/) http://www.va.gov/adaptivesports. Applications for the adaptive sports grant program are available on the (http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-o ... pId=258778) Grants.gov website.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Veterans and Prostate Cancer
Veterans who develop prostate cancer and were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service may not have to prove a connection between their prostate cancer and military service to be eligible to receive VA health care and disability compensation. The veteran has to show he served at least one day in county in Vietnam. For more information, visit VA's Prostate Cancer and Agent Orange webpage at (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposure ... cancer.asp) http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposure ... cancer.asp, call 1-800-827-1000, or contact your county veterans service officer .
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Crisis Center in West Virginia
The American Legion is sending a team of its experts to West Virginia to assist veterans in filing benefits claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and in gaining access to medical care at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, W.Va. The town hall meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. On Monday, Aug. 4, at American Legion Post 31, 76 Bridge St., Shinnston, W.Va. The American Legion will also set up a Veterans Crisis Command Center at Post 31 on Aug. 5-6. Operating hours for the crisis center at Post 31 are noon to 8 p.m. On Aug. 5 and 8 a.m. To 8 p.m. On Aug. 6.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Veteran Benefits Explained
In addition to the pensions and benefits to which you may be entitled because of both public and private employment, you may also be eligible for (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... =vr0804.nl) certain benefits based on your military service.


Remember MREs and First Strike Rations?
Veterans of the Iraq or Afghan wars are asked to share their memories of MREs and First Strike Rations for a new book to be published by Penguin Books. If you are interested in contributing, please email (mailto:anastaciamdes@gmail.com) anastaciamdes@gmail.com. Participants will receive $20 Dunkin' Donuts gift card.


Blue Angels Announce Team Members
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, announced the officers selected for the 2015 team. Many highly qualified Navy and Marine Corps officers submit applications to join the Blue Angels each year. A list of the newly-selected is team members is (http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=82365) available. The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach. High-resolution photos of the expected returning members can be found on the Blue Angels website at (http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/team/officers.aspx) http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/team/officers.aspx.
For Blue Angels highlights, visit the (http://www.military.com/video/search?vsk=blue+angels) Military.com video section.


Drivers License Change in Nebraska
Nebraska veterans now have the option to display their status on driver's licenses and state identification cards. Veterans who want the designation must register with the (https://www.nebraska.gov/va_registry/index.cgi) Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs online, in person, via email, or fax to (402) 471-2491, or by calling (402) 471-2458. Request the designation when renewing or applying for a duplicate identification card at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
For more on transportation careers for veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/se ... ation-jobs) Military.com Transportation Jobs section.


VA Disciplines Employees
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today proposed a series of disciplinary actions against six employees at Department facilities in Cheyenne, Wyo., and Fort Collins, Colo. Certain supervisors in these facilities were found to have personally manipulated data, instructed their subordinates to manipulate data, and withheld accurate information from their superiors. VA proposed two of the supervisors be removed from Federal service. Additional proposed penalties for other supervisors include two proposed suspensions, a demotion, and admonishments.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


American Legion Sponsoring Workshop
The American Legion 100th Anniversary Observance Committee is offering a free workshop Aug. 25 at the 96th National Convention in Charlotte, NC to help members get involved in the coming celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. And from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. In Room 203, Sections A & B, Charlotte Convention Center. All Legionnaires and Legion family members are welcome to participate. Pre-registration is not required but is recommended. Register for the 100th Anniversary Workshop online at (http://www.legion.org/convention/centennial) http://www.legion.org/convention/centennial.


Eliminate Your Monthly Mortgage Payment with a Reverse Mortgage
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Ten Things Veterans Want Hiring Managers to Know
Entrepreneur.com recently published ten things veterans want hiring managers to know. Here is the list: (1) talking about ourselves is uncomfortable, (2) we come from a very structured environment, (3) our spouses and families are an important part of our transition, (4) we resist 'the veteran' label at work, (5) we do not all have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), (6) we are used to stress and deadlines, (7) we are a mature workforce, (8) company values are important to us, (9) some of still serve, and (10) most of us are unprepared for the transition.
For more veteran job news, job postings and transition advice, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Congress Passes Bill to Overhaul VA
The U.S. Senate followed the House of Representatives in passing sweeping legislation to overhaul the beleaguered Veterans Affairs Department. The bill calls for $16.3 billion in spending to expand community healthcare options for veterans who face long wait times and commutes; hire more doctors, nurses and other health-care workers; and improve accountability by making it easier for the agency secretary to fire executives. For more details, see (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014 ... tment.html) this Military.com article.


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Five Secrets for a Standout Resume
If you're seeking a civilian job or preparing for transition, and your resume looks and sounds like everyone else's in your field, or if your resume is your main tool in your job search strategy or or if you neglect to add networking and reputation management to your job search mix, then the likelihood of landing a dream job off a piece of paper might be unrealistic. To give your job search the best likelihood of success, be sure your resume is a personal promotion and marketing piece for you, and that it represents your values, goals, experience, and value-add to the company you are trying to attract attention from. For more best practices and secrets to creating a compelling resume, see (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... esume.html) this article on Military.com.


Veterans Mental Health Summit
The University of St. Thomas will host the 2014 Veterans Mental Health Summit in Houston, Texas on Aug. 15, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Medical and mental health providers, social workers, students, Veterans organizations, community members, veterans and their families are encouraged to attend. There is no cost to attend, but participants must register in advance. Register (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2014VeteransMHSummit) online.
For more mental health care guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... d-wellness) Military Mental Health Care page.


Tips for Surviving a Bumpy Stock Market
If you think the stock market is too risky and its ups and downs leave your money going nowhere, you're not alone. Many stock advisers say being in the market is always a good choice, no matter what it's doing. Here are some tips for navigating a bumpy stock market from one of Military Officers Association of America's (MOAA) certified financial planners: (http://www.moaa.org/MRStockMarketRisk) http://www.moaa.org/MRStockMarketRisk.


'Choice Card' and Helping Vets Get Care
The centerpiece of the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act (HR 3230) is a special $10 billion Veterans Choice Fund. Over the next three years, VA is to use the fund as needed to buy care from non-VA care providers for veterans if they face long waits for VA care -- defined initially as more than 30 days -- or if they reside more than 40 miles from VA care. The intent is to eliminate VA patient wait lists that some VA health administrators and staff conspired to hide in recent years, thus compromising the integrity of performance reports and putting patients' health at risk. For more on the ins and outs of this program, see veteran benefits expert Tom Philpott's post on the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -get-care/) Military Advantage Blog.


Volunteers Restoring Aircraft
The 'Doc's Friends' restoration project is restoring 'Doc', a Boeing B-29 Superfortress airplane named after a character from the fairytale 'Snow White.' The plane was originally built in Wichita during World War II and is parked inside a Boeing hangar next to McConnell Air Force Base. The plane is the same model that dropped the first atomic bomb during WWII. The aircraft is being pieced together to resemble its original image with a few modifications for increased safety. Doc's restoration began 14 years ago, and the airplane has been grounded for more than 50 years. For more information on the B-29 airplane, including instructional materials, visit the B-29 'Doc" Restoration Project website at (http://www.b-29doc.com/) http://www.b-29doc.com, the (http://books.google.com/books?id=PN8DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA8&dq=popular+science+antitank+1941&hl=en&ei=ZIiZTObfGcufnAe9kdWsDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CEAQ6AEwBjgK#v=onepage&q&f=true) Google Books webpage, the (http://www.boeing.com/boeing/history/boeing/b29.page) Boeing website, the (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=527) National Museum of the U.S. Air Force website, the (http://airandspace.si.edu/collections/artifact.cfm?object=nasm_A19500100000) Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum website, the (http://science.howstuffworks.com/boeing-b-29-superfortress.htm) How Stuff Works website, and the Museum of Flight website at (http://www.museumofflight.org/aircraft/boeing-b-29-superfortress)