Veterans Report - Week of September 08, 2014

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Veterans Report - Week of September 08, 2014

Healing 4 Heroes
Healing4Heroes helps veterans as well as local animal shelters by rescuing suitable dogs who then serve as service dogs for the veteran. Service dogs are free-of-charge to the veteran. The non-profit organization's objective is to connect wounded servicemembers, as well as those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury, with certified service dogs. For more information, visit the Healing 4 Heroes website at (http://www.healing4heroes.org/) www.healing4heroes.org.
For more on pets and the military, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty/pet-corner) Military.com Pet Corner.


VA Announces Recruitment Effort
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald recently launched a national recruiting initiative aimed at bringing the best and brightest health professionals to the Department of Veterans Affairs which will ultimately expand access to care for veterans. VA is also taking multiple steps to expand capacity at its facilities. To learn more about how to work in VA health care, visit the VA Careers webpage at (http://www.vacareers.va.gov/) www.vacareers.va.gov.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Veterans Crisis Line
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. The Veterans Crisis Line website at (http://veteranscrisisline.net/) veteranscrisisline.net immediately connects veterans with help when experiencing thoughts of suicide or other crises. The website offers a chat service along with the toll-free hotline and texting option. The American Legion reports that VA responders have engaged in more than 175,000 online chats and logged over 1.25 million calls on the crisis line. Concerned veterans should also know their local VA suicide prevention coordinators so that if they come across fellow veterans they are concerned about, they know whom to contact. You can find out who your local coordinator is by using the resource locator on the Veterans Crisis Line website at (http://veteranscrisisline.net/) veteranscrisisline.net. If you are in crisis, or know a veteran who is, call the Veterans Crisis Line toll-free 24/7/365 at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, or text 838255 anytime, or chat on the Veterans Crisis Line website at (http://veteranscrisisline.net/) veteranscrisisline.net anytime.
For more mental health guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... d-wellness) Military.com Mental Health and Wellness section.


Save up to 66% on TRICARE Costs
Save on the out of pocket costs that TRICARE doesn't cover. (http://offers.military.com/i/tricare/in ... rvr0908.nl) Save now.


MOAA Pushes Back on Pay Cap
The (http://www.moaa.org/) Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) issued a statement strongly objecting to the proposal to again cap military pay below private sector pay growth. The statement points to a recent letter in which (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014 ... raise.html) President Obama asks Congress for a 1% pay cap for uniformed service members and federal civilian employees. The proposed pay cap is .8% lower than that of private sector growth, marking the second year in a row of capping military pay.
(http://www.military.com/military/benefi ... ay,00.html) Get a first glimpse at the proposed 2015 active duty pay charts.


Suicide Prevention Month
Suicide Prevention Month is observed across the United States in September. A number of resources are available including the (http://www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/suicideprevention) Air Force Suicide Prevention website, the (http://www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/airmansguide) Airman's Guide for Assisting Personnel in Distress, the Military Crisis Line by calling 1-800-273-8255, press 1, text 838255, or go online to chat at the Military Crisis Line website at (http://www.militarycrisisline.net) www.militarycrisisline.net with access to peer counselors in person and through online chats and text messaging. You can also find help by contacting your local agencies who make up the installation Integrated Delivery System. Also, help is available through the Vets4Warriors peer support chat line at 855-838-8255 or online at the Vets4Warriors website at (http://www.vets4warriors.com) www.vets4warriors.com. Family members, retirees, and veterans can also use these resources for themselves if they feel the need to speak with someone.
For more mental health guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... d-wellness) Military.com Mental Health and Wellness section.


VA Launches Rural Vet Assistance
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced selection of five organizations and State and local governments to participate in a new pilot program to assist veterans and their families who are transitioning from military service to civilian life in rural or underserved communities. The Rural Veterans Coordination Pilot (RVCP) is a two-year program that awards up to $2 million to the five participating governments and organizations. Grantees are expected to use the funds designed to aid in the adjustment to civilian life in one or more of the following areas: (1) Increasing coordination of health care and benefits for veterans; (2) Increasing availability of high quality medical and mental health services; (3) Providing assistance to families of transitioning veterans; and (4) Outreach to veterans and families. For more information, visit the (http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/coordination-pilot/) Rural Veterans Coordination Pilot webpage.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Prep to Enter the Business World
The University of Texas at Austin's Master of Science in Technology Commercialization program is a one-year master's program from the McCombs School of Business. Meeting on alternating weekends with the option to attend in person or online, the program provides a bridge from the military to the business world. Learn more about the program and how it can teach you to launch innovative new technologies by visiting the University of Texas website at (http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/MSTC/Military) www.mccombs.utexas.edu/MSTC/Military or call 512-471-2283.
For veteran job fair listings, job postings and transition advice, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


New Homeless Grants
The Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded over $300 million in homeless grants to 301 community agencies in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. For more information, visit the VA Supportive Services for Veterans Families Program webpage at (http://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp) www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp. If you are a veteran in need of help, call 1-877-424-3838 (4AIDVET).
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


New GI Bill Comparison Tool
The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched an improved version of its (http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/comparison) GI Bill Comparison Tool. The tool is designed to make it easier for Veterans, Servicemembers, and dependents to estimate their GI Bill education benefits and learn more about VA's approved college, university, and other education and training programs across the country. It also provides key information about college affordability and value so beneficiaries can choose the best education program to meet their needs. The GI Bill Comparison Tool is available (http://department-of-veterans-affairs.g ... ison-tool/) here.
For more on the GI Bill, see the (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bill) Military.com GI Bill section.


Women's Veterans Conference in Hawaii
A Women Veterans Conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Kauai Veterans Center ( (http://www.Kauai.com/Kauai-veterans-center) www.Kauai.com/Kauai-veterans-center), 3215 Kapule Hwy, Lihue, Hawaii. The purpose of this conference is to discuss needed aid and assistance, and identify resources available to women veterans. Admission is free to all interested veterans and lunch will be provided. For more information, contact Romy Castillo at (808) 246-1163.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Fall is the Perfect Time to Use Your VA Loan
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 ... rvr0908.nl) Use your VA Loan Benefit today.
(http://www.military.com/money/va-loans?ESRC=mrvr0908.nl) Want more information about this great benefit?


PepsiCo Hiring Veterans
PepsiCo has a long legacy of military hiring and remains committed to veteran hiring across all lines of business and roles. The company believes in providing opportunity for military hires, not just in the name of service, but because they help the business win. (http://www.military.com/veteran-employe ... =vr0908.nl) Read more.


Free Career Coaching in Connecticut
The Modern Observer Group announced its Bootstrap program, which gives recently discharged veterans and people with physical disabilities one free year of coaching to help them build their careers or businesses and make it easier for them to be self-sufficient. To qualify for the free coaching all applicants must be a resident of Connecticut, be at least 18 years of age, and have a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must be either a veteran who served in Iraq or Afghanistan and received an honorable discharge or have a permanent, physical disability not related to military service. Applications will be accepted until Nov. 30. The Modern Observer Group is a business coaching and consulting firm with diverse specialties. For more information, visit the (http://modernobserver.com/bootstrap/) Modern Observer Group website.
For veteran job fair listings, job postings and transition advice, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Delaware Hosts Mental Health Summit
The 4th Annual Mental Health Summit will be held September 10, 2014 at the Embassy Suites, 654 S. College Ave., Newark, Delaware. Registration opens at 8:00 AM; the program begins at 8:30 AM. The Summit is sponsored by a multi-agency coalition, including the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs. The event provides continuing education credits for healthcare professionals. There will be several organizations providing outreach and resource materials. Following the Summit, there will be a Military Veterans and Family Carnival of Wellness from 5-8 PM; food, prizes, and entertainment provided for families. For more information, visit the (http://veteransaffairs.delaware.gov/) Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs website or call the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs toll-free in the State of Delaware (800) 344-9900.
For more mental health guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... d-wellness) Military.com Mental Health and Wellness section.


New 'In-State Tuition' Rule for GI Bill
Currently Post-9/11 benefits cover all in-state tuition and fees at public colleges and universities. But an estimated 3800 veterans annually face substantial out-of-pocket costs because they elect to attend state-run colleges as non-residents. That will soon change with a new law that will require schools to charge veterans using the GI Bill to receive in-state tuition rates. However, the first thing veterans using GI Bill education benefits should understand about new "in-state tuition" protection is that it won't take effect until the fall semester of 2015. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... n-gi-bill/) Learn more about this new GI Bill benefit.


Protect Your Family for Less than $1 a Day
Protection for less. Get $350k Coverage from less than $1 a day. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... rvr0908.nl) Could your family survive if something happened to you?


President Pledges Support to Vets
In his recent speech to the American Legion's annual convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, President Obama said the administration is moving ahead with changes to the Veterans Administration. Obama recently signed the Veterans Access Choice and Accountability Act, which provides money to hire staff and allows veterans who live more than 40 miles from VA care to see doctors outside the VA. Obama called for more awareness, more outreach and more access to mental health care. He said another priority is for VA to reduce the backlog. The full text of the President's speech is available on the (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-off ... convention) White House website.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Congress Invites Vets to Jobs Forum
On September 10, 2014 veterans, active duty, reserve, National Guard, military families, and supporters are invited to a veteran employment focused forum at our Nation's Capitol. The event is being hosted by Senator Manchin III, Senator Kirk, Representative Denham, and Representative Walz and the Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus. Participants will have a chance to engage with military veteran business leaders in a small group setting. This rare opportunity for veterans offers a chance to discuss concerns and gather advice from experienced leaders who have worked their way to the top. There will also be a roundtable discussion with both business and political leaders to discuss the current national veteran unemployment issues such as obstacles to employment and misconceptions.
The event will be held on Wednesday September 10, in Room 325 of the Russell Senate Office Building.
You can RSVP at: (mailto:IHIREVETS@manchin.senate.gov) IHIREVETS@manchin.senate.gov.
For veteran job fair listings, job postings and transition advice, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.