Print & Post: Week of February 18, 2008
Senators Call for Improved Compensation
U.S. Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=202&lvl=C&chamber=S) Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, was recently joined by Senators Rockefeller, Murray, Obama, Tester, Brown, and Sanders in submitting formal comments on regulations proposed by the Department of Veterans Affairs governing compensation for veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI). "The new rules must provide for a fair evaluation of the veteran's disabilities. Unfortunately, the proposed regulations do not," said Senator Akaka. VA will now review these comments. The proposed regulations and the formal comment letter sent by Chairman Akaka and majority members can be found in (http://veterans.senate.gov/public/media/Letterfeb508.pdf) PDF format.
(http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=11007946&type=CO) Take Action: Tell your public officials how you feel about this issue.
5 Must Know GI Bill Facts
The GI Bill is a benefit you earned. Here are 5 must know facts that will help you better understanding how it works.
1) You have 10 years to use your benefits. Once you have separated from the service you have 10 years to use it - or loose it.
2) The GI Bill is not Federal Financial Aid. College and University financial aid departments do not consider the MGIB financial aid because it is normally paid directly to you, not the school. This also means that you are eligible for student loans, (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//aid.military.com/scholarship/search-for-scholarships.do&code=VR_021808_Scholarships) scholarships, and Pell Grants along with the GI Bill.
3) You can stop and start using the MGIB as needed. Unfortunately, many people believe that once you apply for benefits you have to remain enrolled in school to get the full benefit. Thankfully that's not true.
4) A "month" of benefits doesn't always mean a month. The GI Bill benefit provides 36 months of education benefits. The term "months" can often be confusing. The "36 months" of benefits does not mean you have only 36 months to use it, nor does it mean you must use it all in one 36 month period. (http://education.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/5-must-know-gi-bill-facts) Learn more about the way payments are broken down here.
5) The GI Bill pays according to the number of credits you take. The GI Bill payment rates are based on several factors, the biggest being your credit load. For example a fulltime student will get up to $1075 a month while a half-time student will only get half that amount.
Don't let your benefit expire. Take the first step and (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//edu.military.com/gibill/page1.do?ESRC=VR_021808_GIBILL) request free information from schools that match your education needs and schedule.
CUNY Student Vet Conference
The City University of New York (CUNY) will be hosting the First Annual CUNY Student Veteran Conference at City College. Experts will be discussing updates to (http://www.military.com/benefits/gi-bill) GI Bill and (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/veterans-benefits) VA Benefits, and will answer questions regarding Financial Aid, and Career, Transition, and Employment Assistance. Participants will also be able to network and connect with other vets. The event will be held at the City College of New York on Feb. 22, 2008, from 8AM - 4PM - Check-in and breakfast will be from 8AM - 9AM. Visit (http://www.cuny.edu/veterans) CUNY's website or 212-652-2002 to get more information, reserve your seat, and enter to win an iPod.
Transitioning back to civilian life can be a challenge in many ways, some predictable, some not. " (http://transitionstories.military.com/) Real Military Transition Stories" brings you the first-hand experiences of those who've already made the move.
Postal Service Offers Military Discount
If you send a package to a servicemember after March 3, 2008, you can take advantage of the new flat-rate box from the Postal Service that is 50 percent larger and delivered for $10.95 to any APO/FPO address, which is $2 less than for domestic destinations. The new priority mail large flat-rate box (12" x 12" x 5-1/2" or 800 cubic inches) will be available in post offices nationwide beginning March 3, 2008, but customers can begin ordering them Feb. 20, 2008 at the United States Postal Service website at (http://shop.usps.com/) usps.com/supplies or by calling 800-610-8734.
To find more deployment news and resources, visit (http://www.military.com/deployment) The Deployment Center.
Massachusetts Launches SAVE Program
The Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services (DVS), in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), launched its Statewide Advocacy for Veterans' Empowerment (SAVE) program, a new initiative focused on suicide prevention and advocacy for veterans' services. SAVE Outreach Coordinators will travel throughout the state to meet with veterans and their families discussing the broad range of benefits and services available to them. Each Outreach Coordinator has been assigned a specific region within the state where they will work in collaboration with local Veterans' Service Officers and existing community resources. For information about the SAVE program, call 1.888.844.2838 or visit the (http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=veteranshomepage&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eveterans) Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services website.
Cost-of-Living Legislation Introduced
U.S. Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=202&lvl=C&chamber=S) Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, introduced legislation to increase veterans' compensation through a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). A bipartisan group of Veterans' Affairs Committee Members signed on as original cosponsors of this legislation. The Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008 would increase as of Dec. 1, 2008 the rates of:
(1) veterans' disability compensation,
(2) dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children, and,
(3) additional related benefits. The COLA increase for veterans would match the annual increase provided to Social Security recipients.
(http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=11007971&type=CO) Take Action: Tell your public officials how you feel about this issue.
Cleveland State University Vet Program
Cleveland State University in Cleveland launched its Supportive Education for the Returning Veterans (SERV) Program designed to assist military veterans with their transition from Soldier to civilian to student. The program is open to veterans only, and the classes have been designed specifically for veterans to help them in that very important first year of college. For more information, visit the (http://www.csuohio.edu/serv/) SERV website. or contact John Schupp, the SERV Program Director at Cleveland State University, at (440) 488-6416 or Mary James, administrative assistant, at (216) 875-9699.
Transitioning back to civilian life can be a challenge in many ways, some predictable, some not. (http://transitionstories.military.com/) "Real Military Transition Stories" brings you the first-hand experiences of those who've already made the move.
You're the Boss
Important legislation is being discussed in Congress that affects the military and veteran communities. Stay up-to-date on issues such as Berkeley's Anti-Marine Corps recruitment policy, the call for a "New GI Bill" and a proposed TRICARE fee increase, and let you representatives know where you stand.
Never written to your representative before? It's easy at Military.com because we provide simple guidelines: just enter your name, contact information, a message and click send. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//capwiz.com/military/home/&code=VR_021808_legcenter) Write your elected representative today.
Find the Federal Job Right for You
Looking for federal employment can be confusing, but given that the US government typically advertises between 15,000 and 20,000 jobs a day, it's worth taking the time to learn the difference between a GS-0493 and a WG-2810.
There are 442 white-collar and 410 blue-collar occupations listed in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM's) Occupations of Federal White-Collar and Blue-Collar Workers report. Each job title is identified by a unique job series number, and each job series is listed in a (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//www.military.com/Careers/Content1%3Ffile%3DcareersArticlesFedClassification.htm%26area%3DReference&code=VR_021808_fedjob) specific occupational group.
Deal of the Week: $39 Lift Tickets for Veterans
Sugarloaf offers $39 lift tickets to all Veterans and dependants. This is more than (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//benefits.military.com/misc/DC/DealCoupon.jsp%3Fdeal_id%3D23540&code=VR_021808_deal) 50% off regular ticket pricing. Discounted lodging is also available by calling 1-800-THE-LOAF.
Veterans Make Good Small Business Owners
A recent study by the Small Business Administration (SBA) found that veterans are more likely to become entrepreneurs than to work for someone else. The study found that a past military career increased the likelihood of self-employment by about 10 percent. By comparison, a bachelor's degree increased those chances by 4.4 percent, and taking some graduate-level courses raised it by 8.3 percent. Training in self-sufficiency and organization -- two factors important in entrepreneurship -- are key parts of the military experience, said Chad Moutray, the SBA's chief economist.
Read an article on how the (http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,162112,00.html) army could help you start your own business.
The Value of Being Financially Prepared
To help you and your family financially prepare for moves or deployments, the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE), the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, and the National Military Family Association have joined forces to bring you a new version of this popular publication, updated to reflect the military's changing mission and to include (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//ad.doubleclick.net/clk%3B188942371%3B24812995%3Bw%3Fhttp%3A//military.com/finance/content/introduction-sai.html&code=VR_021808_finance) more information on investing.
Organization Aids Children
The Believe In Tomorrow National Children's Foundation provides, free of charge, hospital and retreat housing, as well as support services to children facing life-threatening illnesses and their families. It offers priority to military families. The foundation's two major hospital housing facilities are located in Baltimore near the Johns Hopkins Children's Center. Both provide extended stay options for families. The foundation also offers six retreat facilities. All are near the Atlantic Ocean or in the mountains of Maryland and North Carolina. For more information, visit the (http://www.believeintomorrow.org/index.html) Believe In Tomorrow National Children's Foundation website.
Featured Job: Police Officer Openings
Visit the Military.com Job board to find over 900 job openings in Law Enforcement. You can also connect with Veterans who can give you insider tips on landing your next job. Just look below the listing to find out how many Veterans you can connect with. Click the link and you?re on your way to networking, improving your odds of getting the job. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//jobsearch.military.com/careers/search.do%3Fcy%3DUS%26stype%3Da%26q%3Dpolice%2520officer%26lidList%3D%26zip%3D%26rad%3D%26fnList%3D%26jsta%3D%26salmin%3D%26salmax%3D%26adatemaxage%3D%26x%3D0%26y%3D0&code=VR_021808_job) Visit the job board now.
Secretary Vows to Reduce Wait Times
Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary James Peake pledged to reduce the time it takes veterans to receive medical care and disability claims payments. At a recent hearing of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, the Secretary said he would work to reduce wait times for VA medical care from about 180 days to 145 days by 2009. According to Peake, VA will hire 3,100 new employees by 2009 and will work to gain greater online access to Pentagon medical information, which will allow staff to process claims faster and move toward an electronic claims filing system.
(http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=10293866) Support the reduction of VA wait time.
Hall of Fame Seeks Nominations
Nominations are currently being sought for inductees for the 2008 Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. Individuals who have honorably served in the military can be nominated. Those selected based on nominations will be chosen based on their contributions and service to their local communities, the state and the nation after military service. Nomination forms are available from the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society website at (http://avhof.org/) avhof.org. Nominations must be made and postmarked no later than May 31, 2008.
Tell Your Story
Military.com has partnered with Remember My Service -- A Unit Interactive Record of Service (UI) is your Unit's story, told your way. Using video, photo, narration, text, scanned documents, hyperlinks, music and graphics, each Unit or Command can communicate a powerful customized message to stimulate pride and support among every Servicemember, their families and communities. Visit (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//remembermyservice.com/index.asp&code=VR_021808_story) remembermyservice.com to start your own record today.
Home Loans for Oregon Veterans
The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs offers qualified Oregon veterans home loans with fixed rate of 4.875 percent and an origination fee of 1.5 percent through the ORVETS Program. The current maximum loan amount for veterans using the ORVETS home loan program is $417,000. Even if a veteran purchased a home using the federal VA home loan guaranty program, he or she may still be eligible for an ORVET home loan. For more information, visit the (http://www.oregon.gov/ODVA/Rates_And_Maximum_Loan_Amount.shtml) ORVET Home Loan Program website or call 1-888-673-8387 or (503) 373-2070.
(http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=https%3A//secure.military.com/leads/VALoanNew/Step1.jsp&code=News_Finance_New_Home_Form) Purchasing a new home? - take advantage of record low rates from you VA benefits!
Kansas Offers Wounded Warrior Education
The Army and the University of Kansas have created a new partnership that will allow wounded Soldiers to earn a Master's degree at the school. Those wishing to participate in the "Wounded Warrior Education Initiative" must have been wounded in the war on terror and have a campaign medal. They may be either active duty, or medically retired active-component or reserve-component Soldiers. Under the pilot program, participants will complete their master's degree at the University of Kansas, while the Army picks up the cost of that education. Depending on its success the program may be expanded to include other civilian universities, other Army institutions of learning or even other branches of service. Learn more from the (http://www.news.ku.edu/2008/february/5/army.shtml) University of Kansas website.
Visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/state-veterans-benefits-directory) State Benefits Directory to learn about veteran benefits offered by your state.
Louisiana to Hold Two Special Elections
The state of Louisiana will hold two special primary elections on March 8, 2008. The first will be in the First Congressional District of Louisiana to fill the seat for Representative Jindal who resigned in order to become Governor of Louisiana. The First Congressional District includes the parishes of Jefferson, Orleans, St. Charles, St. Tammany, Tanigpahoa, and Washington. The second will be in the Sixth Congressional District of Louisiana to fill the seat for Representative Baker, which is currently vacant. The Sixth Congressional District includes the parishes of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana. Visit the (http://www.fvap.gov/comm/communicating.html) Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website for more details and voter assistance on this and other elections.
For a complete look at the candidates, issues, and voter information, check out the Military.com (http://electioncenter.military.com/) Election Center.
U.S. Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=202&lvl=C&chamber=S) Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, was recently joined by Senators Rockefeller, Murray, Obama, Tester, Brown, and Sanders in submitting formal comments on regulations proposed by the Department of Veterans Affairs governing compensation for veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI). "The new rules must provide for a fair evaluation of the veteran's disabilities. Unfortunately, the proposed regulations do not," said Senator Akaka. VA will now review these comments. The proposed regulations and the formal comment letter sent by Chairman Akaka and majority members can be found in (http://veterans.senate.gov/public/media/Letterfeb508.pdf) PDF format.
(http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=11007946&type=CO) Take Action: Tell your public officials how you feel about this issue.
5 Must Know GI Bill Facts
The GI Bill is a benefit you earned. Here are 5 must know facts that will help you better understanding how it works.
1) You have 10 years to use your benefits. Once you have separated from the service you have 10 years to use it - or loose it.
2) The GI Bill is not Federal Financial Aid. College and University financial aid departments do not consider the MGIB financial aid because it is normally paid directly to you, not the school. This also means that you are eligible for student loans, (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//aid.military.com/scholarship/search-for-scholarships.do&code=VR_021808_Scholarships) scholarships, and Pell Grants along with the GI Bill.
3) You can stop and start using the MGIB as needed. Unfortunately, many people believe that once you apply for benefits you have to remain enrolled in school to get the full benefit. Thankfully that's not true.
4) A "month" of benefits doesn't always mean a month. The GI Bill benefit provides 36 months of education benefits. The term "months" can often be confusing. The "36 months" of benefits does not mean you have only 36 months to use it, nor does it mean you must use it all in one 36 month period. (http://education.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/5-must-know-gi-bill-facts) Learn more about the way payments are broken down here.
5) The GI Bill pays according to the number of credits you take. The GI Bill payment rates are based on several factors, the biggest being your credit load. For example a fulltime student will get up to $1075 a month while a half-time student will only get half that amount.
Don't let your benefit expire. Take the first step and (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//edu.military.com/gibill/page1.do?ESRC=VR_021808_GIBILL) request free information from schools that match your education needs and schedule.
CUNY Student Vet Conference
The City University of New York (CUNY) will be hosting the First Annual CUNY Student Veteran Conference at City College. Experts will be discussing updates to (http://www.military.com/benefits/gi-bill) GI Bill and (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/veterans-benefits) VA Benefits, and will answer questions regarding Financial Aid, and Career, Transition, and Employment Assistance. Participants will also be able to network and connect with other vets. The event will be held at the City College of New York on Feb. 22, 2008, from 8AM - 4PM - Check-in and breakfast will be from 8AM - 9AM. Visit (http://www.cuny.edu/veterans) CUNY's website or 212-652-2002 to get more information, reserve your seat, and enter to win an iPod.
Transitioning back to civilian life can be a challenge in many ways, some predictable, some not. " (http://transitionstories.military.com/) Real Military Transition Stories" brings you the first-hand experiences of those who've already made the move.
Postal Service Offers Military Discount
If you send a package to a servicemember after March 3, 2008, you can take advantage of the new flat-rate box from the Postal Service that is 50 percent larger and delivered for $10.95 to any APO/FPO address, which is $2 less than for domestic destinations. The new priority mail large flat-rate box (12" x 12" x 5-1/2" or 800 cubic inches) will be available in post offices nationwide beginning March 3, 2008, but customers can begin ordering them Feb. 20, 2008 at the United States Postal Service website at (http://shop.usps.com/) usps.com/supplies or by calling 800-610-8734.
To find more deployment news and resources, visit (http://www.military.com/deployment) The Deployment Center.
Massachusetts Launches SAVE Program
The Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services (DVS), in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), launched its Statewide Advocacy for Veterans' Empowerment (SAVE) program, a new initiative focused on suicide prevention and advocacy for veterans' services. SAVE Outreach Coordinators will travel throughout the state to meet with veterans and their families discussing the broad range of benefits and services available to them. Each Outreach Coordinator has been assigned a specific region within the state where they will work in collaboration with local Veterans' Service Officers and existing community resources. For information about the SAVE program, call 1.888.844.2838 or visit the (http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=veteranshomepage&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eveterans) Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services website.
Cost-of-Living Legislation Introduced
U.S. Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=202&lvl=C&chamber=S) Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, introduced legislation to increase veterans' compensation through a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). A bipartisan group of Veterans' Affairs Committee Members signed on as original cosponsors of this legislation. The Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008 would increase as of Dec. 1, 2008 the rates of:
(1) veterans' disability compensation,
(2) dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children, and,
(3) additional related benefits. The COLA increase for veterans would match the annual increase provided to Social Security recipients.
(http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=11007971&type=CO) Take Action: Tell your public officials how you feel about this issue.
Cleveland State University Vet Program
Cleveland State University in Cleveland launched its Supportive Education for the Returning Veterans (SERV) Program designed to assist military veterans with their transition from Soldier to civilian to student. The program is open to veterans only, and the classes have been designed specifically for veterans to help them in that very important first year of college. For more information, visit the (http://www.csuohio.edu/serv/) SERV website. or contact John Schupp, the SERV Program Director at Cleveland State University, at (440) 488-6416 or Mary James, administrative assistant, at (216) 875-9699.
Transitioning back to civilian life can be a challenge in many ways, some predictable, some not. (http://transitionstories.military.com/) "Real Military Transition Stories" brings you the first-hand experiences of those who've already made the move.
You're the Boss
Important legislation is being discussed in Congress that affects the military and veteran communities. Stay up-to-date on issues such as Berkeley's Anti-Marine Corps recruitment policy, the call for a "New GI Bill" and a proposed TRICARE fee increase, and let you representatives know where you stand.
Never written to your representative before? It's easy at Military.com because we provide simple guidelines: just enter your name, contact information, a message and click send. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//capwiz.com/military/home/&code=VR_021808_legcenter) Write your elected representative today.
Find the Federal Job Right for You
Looking for federal employment can be confusing, but given that the US government typically advertises between 15,000 and 20,000 jobs a day, it's worth taking the time to learn the difference between a GS-0493 and a WG-2810.
There are 442 white-collar and 410 blue-collar occupations listed in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM's) Occupations of Federal White-Collar and Blue-Collar Workers report. Each job title is identified by a unique job series number, and each job series is listed in a (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//www.military.com/Careers/Content1%3Ffile%3DcareersArticlesFedClassification.htm%26area%3DReference&code=VR_021808_fedjob) specific occupational group.
Deal of the Week: $39 Lift Tickets for Veterans
Sugarloaf offers $39 lift tickets to all Veterans and dependants. This is more than (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//benefits.military.com/misc/DC/DealCoupon.jsp%3Fdeal_id%3D23540&code=VR_021808_deal) 50% off regular ticket pricing. Discounted lodging is also available by calling 1-800-THE-LOAF.
Veterans Make Good Small Business Owners
A recent study by the Small Business Administration (SBA) found that veterans are more likely to become entrepreneurs than to work for someone else. The study found that a past military career increased the likelihood of self-employment by about 10 percent. By comparison, a bachelor's degree increased those chances by 4.4 percent, and taking some graduate-level courses raised it by 8.3 percent. Training in self-sufficiency and organization -- two factors important in entrepreneurship -- are key parts of the military experience, said Chad Moutray, the SBA's chief economist.
Read an article on how the (http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,162112,00.html) army could help you start your own business.
The Value of Being Financially Prepared
To help you and your family financially prepare for moves or deployments, the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE), the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, and the National Military Family Association have joined forces to bring you a new version of this popular publication, updated to reflect the military's changing mission and to include (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//ad.doubleclick.net/clk%3B188942371%3B24812995%3Bw%3Fhttp%3A//military.com/finance/content/introduction-sai.html&code=VR_021808_finance) more information on investing.
Organization Aids Children
The Believe In Tomorrow National Children's Foundation provides, free of charge, hospital and retreat housing, as well as support services to children facing life-threatening illnesses and their families. It offers priority to military families. The foundation's two major hospital housing facilities are located in Baltimore near the Johns Hopkins Children's Center. Both provide extended stay options for families. The foundation also offers six retreat facilities. All are near the Atlantic Ocean or in the mountains of Maryland and North Carolina. For more information, visit the (http://www.believeintomorrow.org/index.html) Believe In Tomorrow National Children's Foundation website.
Featured Job: Police Officer Openings
Visit the Military.com Job board to find over 900 job openings in Law Enforcement. You can also connect with Veterans who can give you insider tips on landing your next job. Just look below the listing to find out how many Veterans you can connect with. Click the link and you?re on your way to networking, improving your odds of getting the job. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//jobsearch.military.com/careers/search.do%3Fcy%3DUS%26stype%3Da%26q%3Dpolice%2520officer%26lidList%3D%26zip%3D%26rad%3D%26fnList%3D%26jsta%3D%26salmin%3D%26salmax%3D%26adatemaxage%3D%26x%3D0%26y%3D0&code=VR_021808_job) Visit the job board now.
Secretary Vows to Reduce Wait Times
Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary James Peake pledged to reduce the time it takes veterans to receive medical care and disability claims payments. At a recent hearing of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, the Secretary said he would work to reduce wait times for VA medical care from about 180 days to 145 days by 2009. According to Peake, VA will hire 3,100 new employees by 2009 and will work to gain greater online access to Pentagon medical information, which will allow staff to process claims faster and move toward an electronic claims filing system.
(http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=10293866) Support the reduction of VA wait time.
Hall of Fame Seeks Nominations
Nominations are currently being sought for inductees for the 2008 Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. Individuals who have honorably served in the military can be nominated. Those selected based on nominations will be chosen based on their contributions and service to their local communities, the state and the nation after military service. Nomination forms are available from the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society website at (http://avhof.org/) avhof.org. Nominations must be made and postmarked no later than May 31, 2008.
Tell Your Story
Military.com has partnered with Remember My Service -- A Unit Interactive Record of Service (UI) is your Unit's story, told your way. Using video, photo, narration, text, scanned documents, hyperlinks, music and graphics, each Unit or Command can communicate a powerful customized message to stimulate pride and support among every Servicemember, their families and communities. Visit (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//remembermyservice.com/index.asp&code=VR_021808_story) remembermyservice.com to start your own record today.
Home Loans for Oregon Veterans
The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs offers qualified Oregon veterans home loans with fixed rate of 4.875 percent and an origination fee of 1.5 percent through the ORVETS Program. The current maximum loan amount for veterans using the ORVETS home loan program is $417,000. Even if a veteran purchased a home using the federal VA home loan guaranty program, he or she may still be eligible for an ORVET home loan. For more information, visit the (http://www.oregon.gov/ODVA/Rates_And_Maximum_Loan_Amount.shtml) ORVET Home Loan Program website or call 1-888-673-8387 or (503) 373-2070.
(http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=https%3A//secure.military.com/leads/VALoanNew/Step1.jsp&code=News_Finance_New_Home_Form) Purchasing a new home? - take advantage of record low rates from you VA benefits!
Kansas Offers Wounded Warrior Education
The Army and the University of Kansas have created a new partnership that will allow wounded Soldiers to earn a Master's degree at the school. Those wishing to participate in the "Wounded Warrior Education Initiative" must have been wounded in the war on terror and have a campaign medal. They may be either active duty, or medically retired active-component or reserve-component Soldiers. Under the pilot program, participants will complete their master's degree at the University of Kansas, while the Army picks up the cost of that education. Depending on its success the program may be expanded to include other civilian universities, other Army institutions of learning or even other branches of service. Learn more from the (http://www.news.ku.edu/2008/february/5/army.shtml) University of Kansas website.
Visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/state-veterans-benefits-directory) State Benefits Directory to learn about veteran benefits offered by your state.
Louisiana to Hold Two Special Elections
The state of Louisiana will hold two special primary elections on March 8, 2008. The first will be in the First Congressional District of Louisiana to fill the seat for Representative Jindal who resigned in order to become Governor of Louisiana. The First Congressional District includes the parishes of Jefferson, Orleans, St. Charles, St. Tammany, Tanigpahoa, and Washington. The second will be in the Sixth Congressional District of Louisiana to fill the seat for Representative Baker, which is currently vacant. The Sixth Congressional District includes the parishes of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana. Visit the (http://www.fvap.gov/comm/communicating.html) Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website for more details and voter assistance on this and other elections.
For a complete look at the candidates, issues, and voter information, check out the Military.com (http://electioncenter.military.com/) Election Center.
