Print & Post: Week of February 25, 2008
Find Your ROTC Buddies
We've launched The Military.com ROTC Network where anyone in the ROTC community can find old friends and stay in touch with your unit. It's just like traditional social networking sites -- post pictures, find old friends and stay connected. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//rotc.military.com/rotc/register.jsf&code=VR_022508_ROTC) Check it out today and join.
Icy Hot Products Recalled
Chattem, Inc. has recalled its Icy Hot Heat Therapy products because of consumer reports of first, second and third degree burns as well as skin irritation. Consumers who have the Icy Hot Heat Therapy products should immediately stop using the products and return them to Chattem, Inc. for a full refund or call the Consumer Affairs Department at 1-888-458-3487 (M-F from 8am to 4pm EST). Any adverse reactions experienced with the use of these products should also be reported the (http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm) FDA Adverse Event Reporting Program. Consumers with questions or concerns about this product may contact Chattem's Consumer Affairs Department at 1-888-442-4464.
Sweethearts for Soldiers Overseas Tour
Models from the 2008 "Sweethearts for Soldiers" calendar, all current or former NFL cheerleaders, will be visiting military bases in Iraq and Kuwait to hand-deliver their 2008 "World War II Pin-up" style calendar, pose for pictures, and meet as many servicemembers as they can from March 14-23. "Sweethearts for Soldiers" is part of the non-profit organization Soldiers R U.S., whose mission is to send care packages and calendars to troops serving overseas. Learn more about Soldiers R U.S. and the rest of the Sweethearts at (http://www.soldiersrus.org/) www.SoldiersRUS.org.
Air Force Summer Jobs Available
Students and certain other eligible persons can gain marketable skills and earn money while enjoying their summer vacations, thanks to the Air Force Summer Hire Program. The temporary jobs run from May through September. Job vacancies will be posted on the (http://www.usajobs.gov/) USAJobs website and may be advertised locally by a base's civilian personnel flight via bulletin boards, services squadron newsletters or base newspapers. Applicants must be able to show proof of their eligibility; either school enrollment paperwork, proof of citizenship, or other proof before being hired.
Army Career Express to Debut
The launch of the Army Career Alumni Program Express on Feb. 28, 2008 will give Soldiers, their families and civilians a jump start on new careers as they retire or separate from the Army. Any Soldier on active duty, having at least 180 days of continuous active service, and separating within one year or retiring within two years, will be eligible for the services. ACAP Express will allow a person to schedule attendance at events, access job assistance training tutorials, access an automated resume and cover-letter writer, and access ACAP counselors. Tutorials on job-search topics will also be available. (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,162263,00.html) Read the full story at Military.com.
To access the largest veteran job board in the world, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Careers/Home/0,13373,,00.htm) Career Center.
Free Lift Tickets at Attitash Resort
On March 8, 2008 the Attitash ski resort of New Hampshire will be honoring our nation's defenders by offering all active duty, National Guard and reserve servicemembers, and retired military personnel as well as any U.S. military veterans a free lift ticket. Simply present a valid military I.D. or DD form 214 at the ticket window to take advantage. Guests can receive $10 off the price of their lift ticket and an American flag lapel pin when they bring any three items to be sent to servicemembers currently stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition their will be a special flag parade culminating with the National Anthem, a pictorial display of New England soldiers and American pride music. More information is available at (http://www.attitash.com/) www.attitash.com.
New Vet Job Grants in California
California Governor (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=141270&lvl=S&chamber=G) Arnold Schwarzenegger announced $6 million in grants to help California veterans with job placement. The grants will help more than 1,500 recently discharged California veterans find jobs in high-growth occupations. "These programs will focus primarily on recently discharged veterans, helping them return to civilian life after their sacrifice and service," said California Secretary of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency Victoria Bradshaw in a statement.
Visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Careers/Home/0,13373,,00.htm) Veteran Careers Center for more Vet Employment resources.
Tuition Waivers for OK Vets and Families
Oklahoma's military combat veterans and their families would receive full college tuition waivers under legislation approved by a House subcommittee. OK House Bill 2896 would provide full resident tuition-and-fee waivers to members of the military who have served at least one tour of active duty in a combat zone with any military branch as part of the Global War on Terror. Spouses and children of those veterans would also be covered by the bill, which also provides for reimbursement for housing costs and textbooks. (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=11027106&type=ST) OK residents take action on this bill! Let your voice be heard.
Visit the Military.com (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Legislative Center to learn how you can tell your elected official how you feel about this and other veteran benefit issues.
Renovations for San Antonio VA Hospital
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has appropriated $15 million to renovate the Audie Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in San Antonio. At least $5.9 million will be used to renovate the hospital's existing Surgical Intensive Care Unit area to accommodate a 10-bed Surgical Progressive Care Unit, a 14-bed Surgical Intensive Care Unit, and 6,000 square feet of surgical recovery area. An additional $9.9 million will be used for transitional housing at the new Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center, which will provide transitional rehabilitation to independent living for veterans who have suffered multiple traumatic injuries.
W.V. Hospital to Receive Funding
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) granted nearly $8 million to expand and improve facilities at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Huntington, W.V. More than $5.4 million dollars will go toward the expansion of mental health facilities, and more than $2.4 million be used to renovate and enhance patient privacy on inpatient care units.
To learn more about your state's benefits, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/state-veterans-benefits-directory) State Veteran's Benefits Directory.
Widows Sue Over Survivor Benefit Plan
A U.S. Court of Federal Claims judge has given a green light to three military widows to sue the government for a combined $105,000 -- the accumulated value of Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments that, the widows contend, have been unlawfully withheld since Dec. 16, 2003. If they win their case, hundreds of surviving spouses in the same category could be in line for hefty SBP repayments too. For more information, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,162097,00.html) read the full article at Military.com.
VA Committee Jobs Program Review
The House Veterans' Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee recently conducted a hearing to review two expiring programs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The expiring programs were (1) the Incarcerated Veterans Training Program (IVTP) and (2) a pilot project to more effectively resolve Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act ( (http://www.military.com/benefits/legal-matters/userra/overview) USERRA) claims. The hearing also focused on the Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training ( (http://education.military.com/money-for-school/veteran/gi-bill/gi-bill-apprenticeship-and-ojt-program) OJT), Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance, and the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Programs. Prepared testimony for the hearing and an audio recording of the hearing is available at the (http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hearing.aspx?newsid=181) Review of Expiring Programs webpage.
Vessel Safety Committee Members Sought
The U.S. Coast Guard is soliciting applications for membership on the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Advisory Committee. The Committee advises the Coast Guard on matters related to the safety of commercial fishing industry vessels, which includes uninspected fishing vessels, fish processing vessels, and fish tender vessels. Membership applications may be obtained by visiting the Coast Guard's (http://www.fishsafe.info/) fishing vessel safety website. Applications for membership should reach the Coast Guard at the following address on or before June 1, 2008: Commandant (CG-5433), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20593-0001.
TurboTAP Offers Transition Assistance
TurboTAP is an easy to use, interactive web portal that provides life-long support to separating military servicemembers (Active Duty, Guard and Reserve) and their families. It is a single source starting point for accessing key resources available for servicemembers transitioning out of the military at any point in their military career. Each transitioning servicemember is encouraged to establish a TurboTAP Account within 48 hours of attending a Transition Assistance Program or as soon as they learn about this important resource. If you are overseas, deployed, or in the states, you are able to use TurboTAP. Once registered, TurboTAP is available for life. For more information, visit (http://www.turbotap.org/) www.TurboTAP.org.
For more information about transitioning, visit the Military.com (http://transition.military.com/reg/transition_center_registration.do) Transition Center.
Get College Credit for Military Experience
Your military service has likely earned you college credit. Many schools and colleges award military students credit towards a degree based on training, coursework, and occupational specialty. You've worked hard in the military -- now you can save tuition dollars and classroom time. The first step to claiming the credits you have earned is to request a transcript from your military service. Each service will provide unofficial personal copies and send schools an official copy of your transcript at no charge. Each service branch has their own system for recording your military education and experience credits. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//education.military.com/timesaving-programs/college-credit-for-military-experience&code=VR_022508_CollegeCredit) Click here to get specific instructions by service.
If you haven't found a college or university and don't know where to start, (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//edu.military.com/gibill/page1.do?ESRC=mr.nl&code=VR_022508_gibill) request free information from military-friendly schools with VA-Approved programs. It's a quick way to find schools that match your education needs and goals.
Deal of the Week: Free Tax Filing for Veterans
Do Your Taxes The EASY Way -- For FREE. Use TurboTax OnlineSM Free Edition now. Or upgrade and save 15% on other TurboTax Online products. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//www.military.com/taxprep%3FESRC%3Dvr_adv.nl&code=VR_022508_TurboTax) See Why Millions Trust Their Taxes to TurboTax today.
Deadline Approaches in New Hampshire
Eligible New Hampshire wartime era veterans and their surviving spouses have until April 15, 2008 to file for a tax credit on their residential property for tax year 2007. Those who already receive their tax credit do not need to re-apply. The two tax credits for New Hampshire veterans are the "Veterans' Tax Credit" and the "Tax Credit for Service-Connected Total Disability." If you have questions about eligibility requirements for these tax credits, contact your local tax assessors or selectmen, or contact the State Veterans Council at 603-624-9230 or 800-622-9230 (in New Hampshire only).
To learn more about military taxes, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Finance/Taxes/0,13397,82,00.html) Tax Center.
Stimulus Package Tax Rebates
Recipients of VA disability compensation, pension and survivors benefits may qualify for economic stimulus payments this year from the federal government. Individuals who might not otherwise be required to file a 2007 tax return need to file a return this year to receive the stimulus payment. Detailed information is available on the (http://www.irs.gov/irs/article/0,,id=177937,00.html) Internal Revenue Service website.
To learn more about military taxes, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Finance/Taxes/0,13397,82,00.html) Tax Center.
New Veteran Re-employment Law in Iowa
Iowa Governor Chet Culver has signed a bill into law that guarantees that military servicemembers return to their jobs in Iowa after serving their country. The new law requires that employees returning from military service be given a position of seniority, status and pay if they're not returned to their original position. Employers who violate the law will be held responsible for reinstating their employee and with back pay, lost benefits, and seniority and pension adjustments. They also will face prosecution on misdemeanor charges. The new law takes effect immediately.
(http://www.iowava.org/asp/ContactUs.asp) Contact the Iowa Department of Veteran Affairs for more information.
VA to Accept Military's PTSD Diagnosis
Veterans who are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) while on active duty will now be recognized as having PTSD for VA purposes. This decision will end VA's requirement that veterans diagnosed with PTSD while on active duty provide additional evidence of exposure to specific stressors during their service in order to establish their diagnosis of PTSD. Responding to an inquiry from U.S. Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=202) Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, VA Secretary Peake directed the VA regional offices to no longer require such evidence but instead to immediately schedule examinations for such veterans in order to determine the severity of their PTSD for VA compensation purposes.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/resources/ptsd-overview) More information and resources on PTSD.
Agencies to Receive USERRA Notification
Federal departments or agencies will now be notified whenever an employee who is a veteran files a USERRA complaint against the department or agency. USERRA is the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, which protects veterans' employment rights. On October 31, 2007, Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=202&lvl=C&chamber=S) Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, held a hearing on USERRA, and other veterans' employment matters. Senator Akaka recently expressed concern about the high number of complaints veterans have filed against federal employers and the absence of any requirement that federal agencies be notified of complaints against them.
Read more on (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,159326,00.html) USERRA Enforcement Improvement Act.
Buy a Used Car or Truck on Military.com Classifieds
There are thousands of cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats and more on the Military.com Classifieds -- all in your installation. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//www.oodle.military.com/vehicle/&code=VR_022508_oodle) Visit Military.com Classifieds today and find a great deal.
Featured Job: Youre a US hero. Now be NYs Finest.
As the largest police department in America, the NYPD is widely recognized as the nation's leader in law enforcement technology. (http://bs.serving-sys.com/BurstingPipe/adServer.bs?cn=tf&c=20&mc=click&pli=324066&pi=0&ord=%n) Now you can be one of NY's Finest. Call 212-Recruit for free exam info.
Veterans Groups Call for Lung Cancer Screening
According to the Lung Cancer Alliance, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) have co-authored the "Independent Budget for Fiscal Year 2009." In which they called for a lung cancer screening program for veterans at high risk of lung cancer. This highly regarded comprehensive alternative budget addresses the most urgent needs of veterans. Over 50 organizations have added their support for the Independent Budget including the Lung Cancer Alliance, and Fleet Reserve Association (FRA). Visit the (http://content.military.com/Admin/News/DigestVRNews/www.lungcanceralliance.org) Lung Cancer Alliance website or call 1-202-463-2080 to learn how you can help support this legislation.
(http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,162136,00.html?wh=benefits) Read the full article on Military.com.
Illinois Veteran's Child Scholarships
Illinois Lt. Gov. (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=131236&lvl=S&chamber=R) Pat Quinn is urging the children of veterans throughout the state to apply for full-tuition scholarships to the University of Illinois. Under state law, the U of I tuition waivers are available for up to six children of veterans in each of Illinois' 102 counties with top priority given to the children of deceased veterans. The scholarship application deadline is March 1, 2008, and the application form is available online at the (http://www.standingupforillinois.org/) Stand Up for Illinois website.
Get started on your search for more scholarships today - visit the Military.com (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/search-for-scholarships.do) Scholarship Finder.
New Facility for Walla Walla
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will build a new state-of-the-art residential rehabilitation facility focused on mental health at the Walla Walla, Wash.-based VA Medical Center. VA plans for the $6.7 million facility, called a regional residential recovery unit, include 36 beds and 22,000 square feet of space. Its proposed location is in the southwest corner of the medical center complex, near the current exercise park. This unit is tentatively scheduled to have beds encompassing various levels of mental health care, including homeless and employment services, substance abuse treatment, psychosocial support and re-entry from incarceration services.
We've launched The Military.com ROTC Network where anyone in the ROTC community can find old friends and stay in touch with your unit. It's just like traditional social networking sites -- post pictures, find old friends and stay connected. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//rotc.military.com/rotc/register.jsf&code=VR_022508_ROTC) Check it out today and join.
Icy Hot Products Recalled
Chattem, Inc. has recalled its Icy Hot Heat Therapy products because of consumer reports of first, second and third degree burns as well as skin irritation. Consumers who have the Icy Hot Heat Therapy products should immediately stop using the products and return them to Chattem, Inc. for a full refund or call the Consumer Affairs Department at 1-888-458-3487 (M-F from 8am to 4pm EST). Any adverse reactions experienced with the use of these products should also be reported the (http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm) FDA Adverse Event Reporting Program. Consumers with questions or concerns about this product may contact Chattem's Consumer Affairs Department at 1-888-442-4464.
Sweethearts for Soldiers Overseas Tour
Models from the 2008 "Sweethearts for Soldiers" calendar, all current or former NFL cheerleaders, will be visiting military bases in Iraq and Kuwait to hand-deliver their 2008 "World War II Pin-up" style calendar, pose for pictures, and meet as many servicemembers as they can from March 14-23. "Sweethearts for Soldiers" is part of the non-profit organization Soldiers R U.S., whose mission is to send care packages and calendars to troops serving overseas. Learn more about Soldiers R U.S. and the rest of the Sweethearts at (http://www.soldiersrus.org/) www.SoldiersRUS.org.
Air Force Summer Jobs Available
Students and certain other eligible persons can gain marketable skills and earn money while enjoying their summer vacations, thanks to the Air Force Summer Hire Program. The temporary jobs run from May through September. Job vacancies will be posted on the (http://www.usajobs.gov/) USAJobs website and may be advertised locally by a base's civilian personnel flight via bulletin boards, services squadron newsletters or base newspapers. Applicants must be able to show proof of their eligibility; either school enrollment paperwork, proof of citizenship, or other proof before being hired.
Army Career Express to Debut
The launch of the Army Career Alumni Program Express on Feb. 28, 2008 will give Soldiers, their families and civilians a jump start on new careers as they retire or separate from the Army. Any Soldier on active duty, having at least 180 days of continuous active service, and separating within one year or retiring within two years, will be eligible for the services. ACAP Express will allow a person to schedule attendance at events, access job assistance training tutorials, access an automated resume and cover-letter writer, and access ACAP counselors. Tutorials on job-search topics will also be available. (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,162263,00.html) Read the full story at Military.com.
To access the largest veteran job board in the world, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Careers/Home/0,13373,,00.htm) Career Center.
Free Lift Tickets at Attitash Resort
On March 8, 2008 the Attitash ski resort of New Hampshire will be honoring our nation's defenders by offering all active duty, National Guard and reserve servicemembers, and retired military personnel as well as any U.S. military veterans a free lift ticket. Simply present a valid military I.D. or DD form 214 at the ticket window to take advantage. Guests can receive $10 off the price of their lift ticket and an American flag lapel pin when they bring any three items to be sent to servicemembers currently stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition their will be a special flag parade culminating with the National Anthem, a pictorial display of New England soldiers and American pride music. More information is available at (http://www.attitash.com/) www.attitash.com.
New Vet Job Grants in California
California Governor (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=141270&lvl=S&chamber=G) Arnold Schwarzenegger announced $6 million in grants to help California veterans with job placement. The grants will help more than 1,500 recently discharged California veterans find jobs in high-growth occupations. "These programs will focus primarily on recently discharged veterans, helping them return to civilian life after their sacrifice and service," said California Secretary of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency Victoria Bradshaw in a statement.
Visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Careers/Home/0,13373,,00.htm) Veteran Careers Center for more Vet Employment resources.
Tuition Waivers for OK Vets and Families
Oklahoma's military combat veterans and their families would receive full college tuition waivers under legislation approved by a House subcommittee. OK House Bill 2896 would provide full resident tuition-and-fee waivers to members of the military who have served at least one tour of active duty in a combat zone with any military branch as part of the Global War on Terror. Spouses and children of those veterans would also be covered by the bill, which also provides for reimbursement for housing costs and textbooks. (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=11027106&type=ST) OK residents take action on this bill! Let your voice be heard.
Visit the Military.com (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Legislative Center to learn how you can tell your elected official how you feel about this and other veteran benefit issues.
Renovations for San Antonio VA Hospital
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has appropriated $15 million to renovate the Audie Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in San Antonio. At least $5.9 million will be used to renovate the hospital's existing Surgical Intensive Care Unit area to accommodate a 10-bed Surgical Progressive Care Unit, a 14-bed Surgical Intensive Care Unit, and 6,000 square feet of surgical recovery area. An additional $9.9 million will be used for transitional housing at the new Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center, which will provide transitional rehabilitation to independent living for veterans who have suffered multiple traumatic injuries.
W.V. Hospital to Receive Funding
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) granted nearly $8 million to expand and improve facilities at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Huntington, W.V. More than $5.4 million dollars will go toward the expansion of mental health facilities, and more than $2.4 million be used to renovate and enhance patient privacy on inpatient care units.
To learn more about your state's benefits, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/state-veterans-benefits-directory) State Veteran's Benefits Directory.
Widows Sue Over Survivor Benefit Plan
A U.S. Court of Federal Claims judge has given a green light to three military widows to sue the government for a combined $105,000 -- the accumulated value of Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments that, the widows contend, have been unlawfully withheld since Dec. 16, 2003. If they win their case, hundreds of surviving spouses in the same category could be in line for hefty SBP repayments too. For more information, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,162097,00.html) read the full article at Military.com.
VA Committee Jobs Program Review
The House Veterans' Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee recently conducted a hearing to review two expiring programs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The expiring programs were (1) the Incarcerated Veterans Training Program (IVTP) and (2) a pilot project to more effectively resolve Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act ( (http://www.military.com/benefits/legal-matters/userra/overview) USERRA) claims. The hearing also focused on the Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training ( (http://education.military.com/money-for-school/veteran/gi-bill/gi-bill-apprenticeship-and-ojt-program) OJT), Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance, and the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Programs. Prepared testimony for the hearing and an audio recording of the hearing is available at the (http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hearing.aspx?newsid=181) Review of Expiring Programs webpage.
Vessel Safety Committee Members Sought
The U.S. Coast Guard is soliciting applications for membership on the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Advisory Committee. The Committee advises the Coast Guard on matters related to the safety of commercial fishing industry vessels, which includes uninspected fishing vessels, fish processing vessels, and fish tender vessels. Membership applications may be obtained by visiting the Coast Guard's (http://www.fishsafe.info/) fishing vessel safety website. Applications for membership should reach the Coast Guard at the following address on or before June 1, 2008: Commandant (CG-5433), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20593-0001.
TurboTAP Offers Transition Assistance
TurboTAP is an easy to use, interactive web portal that provides life-long support to separating military servicemembers (Active Duty, Guard and Reserve) and their families. It is a single source starting point for accessing key resources available for servicemembers transitioning out of the military at any point in their military career. Each transitioning servicemember is encouraged to establish a TurboTAP Account within 48 hours of attending a Transition Assistance Program or as soon as they learn about this important resource. If you are overseas, deployed, or in the states, you are able to use TurboTAP. Once registered, TurboTAP is available for life. For more information, visit (http://www.turbotap.org/) www.TurboTAP.org.
For more information about transitioning, visit the Military.com (http://transition.military.com/reg/transition_center_registration.do) Transition Center.
Get College Credit for Military Experience
Your military service has likely earned you college credit. Many schools and colleges award military students credit towards a degree based on training, coursework, and occupational specialty. You've worked hard in the military -- now you can save tuition dollars and classroom time. The first step to claiming the credits you have earned is to request a transcript from your military service. Each service will provide unofficial personal copies and send schools an official copy of your transcript at no charge. Each service branch has their own system for recording your military education and experience credits. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//education.military.com/timesaving-programs/college-credit-for-military-experience&code=VR_022508_CollegeCredit) Click here to get specific instructions by service.
If you haven't found a college or university and don't know where to start, (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//edu.military.com/gibill/page1.do?ESRC=mr.nl&code=VR_022508_gibill) request free information from military-friendly schools with VA-Approved programs. It's a quick way to find schools that match your education needs and goals.
Deal of the Week: Free Tax Filing for Veterans
Do Your Taxes The EASY Way -- For FREE. Use TurboTax OnlineSM Free Edition now. Or upgrade and save 15% on other TurboTax Online products. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//www.military.com/taxprep%3FESRC%3Dvr_adv.nl&code=VR_022508_TurboTax) See Why Millions Trust Their Taxes to TurboTax today.
Deadline Approaches in New Hampshire
Eligible New Hampshire wartime era veterans and their surviving spouses have until April 15, 2008 to file for a tax credit on their residential property for tax year 2007. Those who already receive their tax credit do not need to re-apply. The two tax credits for New Hampshire veterans are the "Veterans' Tax Credit" and the "Tax Credit for Service-Connected Total Disability." If you have questions about eligibility requirements for these tax credits, contact your local tax assessors or selectmen, or contact the State Veterans Council at 603-624-9230 or 800-622-9230 (in New Hampshire only).
To learn more about military taxes, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Finance/Taxes/0,13397,82,00.html) Tax Center.
Stimulus Package Tax Rebates
Recipients of VA disability compensation, pension and survivors benefits may qualify for economic stimulus payments this year from the federal government. Individuals who might not otherwise be required to file a 2007 tax return need to file a return this year to receive the stimulus payment. Detailed information is available on the (http://www.irs.gov/irs/article/0,,id=177937,00.html) Internal Revenue Service website.
To learn more about military taxes, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Finance/Taxes/0,13397,82,00.html) Tax Center.
New Veteran Re-employment Law in Iowa
Iowa Governor Chet Culver has signed a bill into law that guarantees that military servicemembers return to their jobs in Iowa after serving their country. The new law requires that employees returning from military service be given a position of seniority, status and pay if they're not returned to their original position. Employers who violate the law will be held responsible for reinstating their employee and with back pay, lost benefits, and seniority and pension adjustments. They also will face prosecution on misdemeanor charges. The new law takes effect immediately.
(http://www.iowava.org/asp/ContactUs.asp) Contact the Iowa Department of Veteran Affairs for more information.
VA to Accept Military's PTSD Diagnosis
Veterans who are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) while on active duty will now be recognized as having PTSD for VA purposes. This decision will end VA's requirement that veterans diagnosed with PTSD while on active duty provide additional evidence of exposure to specific stressors during their service in order to establish their diagnosis of PTSD. Responding to an inquiry from U.S. Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=202) Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, VA Secretary Peake directed the VA regional offices to no longer require such evidence but instead to immediately schedule examinations for such veterans in order to determine the severity of their PTSD for VA compensation purposes.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/resources/ptsd-overview) More information and resources on PTSD.
Agencies to Receive USERRA Notification
Federal departments or agencies will now be notified whenever an employee who is a veteran files a USERRA complaint against the department or agency. USERRA is the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, which protects veterans' employment rights. On October 31, 2007, Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=202&lvl=C&chamber=S) Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, held a hearing on USERRA, and other veterans' employment matters. Senator Akaka recently expressed concern about the high number of complaints veterans have filed against federal employers and the absence of any requirement that federal agencies be notified of complaints against them.
Read more on (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,159326,00.html) USERRA Enforcement Improvement Act.
Buy a Used Car or Truck on Military.com Classifieds
There are thousands of cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats and more on the Military.com Classifieds -- all in your installation. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//www.oodle.military.com/vehicle/&code=VR_022508_oodle) Visit Military.com Classifieds today and find a great deal.
Featured Job: Youre a US hero. Now be NYs Finest.
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Veterans Groups Call for Lung Cancer Screening
According to the Lung Cancer Alliance, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) have co-authored the "Independent Budget for Fiscal Year 2009." In which they called for a lung cancer screening program for veterans at high risk of lung cancer. This highly regarded comprehensive alternative budget addresses the most urgent needs of veterans. Over 50 organizations have added their support for the Independent Budget including the Lung Cancer Alliance, and Fleet Reserve Association (FRA). Visit the (http://content.military.com/Admin/News/DigestVRNews/www.lungcanceralliance.org) Lung Cancer Alliance website or call 1-202-463-2080 to learn how you can help support this legislation.
(http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,162136,00.html?wh=benefits) Read the full article on Military.com.
Illinois Veteran's Child Scholarships
Illinois Lt. Gov. (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=131236&lvl=S&chamber=R) Pat Quinn is urging the children of veterans throughout the state to apply for full-tuition scholarships to the University of Illinois. Under state law, the U of I tuition waivers are available for up to six children of veterans in each of Illinois' 102 counties with top priority given to the children of deceased veterans. The scholarship application deadline is March 1, 2008, and the application form is available online at the (http://www.standingupforillinois.org/) Stand Up for Illinois website.
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New Facility for Walla Walla
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will build a new state-of-the-art residential rehabilitation facility focused on mental health at the Walla Walla, Wash.-based VA Medical Center. VA plans for the $6.7 million facility, called a regional residential recovery unit, include 36 beds and 22,000 square feet of space. Its proposed location is in the southwest corner of the medical center complex, near the current exercise park. This unit is tentatively scheduled to have beds encompassing various levels of mental health care, including homeless and employment services, substance abuse treatment, psychosocial support and re-entry from incarceration services.
