Print & Post: Week of May 05, 2008
New VA Facilities for Denver
A new bed tower and a research tower for Denver-area veterans may result from a partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs, the University of Colorado Denver and the University of Colorado Hospital (UCH). The two structures, to be built on University property at the former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center campus, will accompany a state-of-the-art VA Ambulatory Health Care Center, which will also be constructed at that location. The partnership will allow the two organizations to share resources. The Department's Colorado Springs community-based outpatient clinic and the surgical program at the Grand Junction VA Medical Center will also be expanded.
Department of Labor Issues Report
The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its biennial report, "The Employment Situation of Veterans: 2007." The BLS report states that the unemployment rate for veterans who have served since September 2001 is 6.1 percent. Veterans who are current or past members of the National Guard or Reserve, who served since September 2001, had a lower unemployment rate of just 2.6 percent. The report is available at the (http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/vet.pdf) BLS' website. For more information on all the veterans' employment programs offered by the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS), visit the (http://www.dol.gov/vets/) VETS website.
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.
Student Veterans of America National Conference
The newly formed Student Veterans of America (SVA) is holding their first National Conference June 11-13, 2008 in Washington D.C. The event will feature guest speakers, national legislation briefings, public affairs training, and SVA officer elections. Student veteran registrations will be held from May 5-27, 2008. Visit the (http://www.studentveterans.org/) Student Veterans website to learn more.
Thinking About Becoming a Chaplain?
Army Chaplains serve both God and country by answering the call to serve our nations Soldiers in the challenging, diverse, and ever changing environment of the Army. While the benefits and pay of an Army Chaplain are often much better than that of civilian clergy, the requirements and stakes are much higher. Army Chaplains are our nation's Soldiers who minister to our nation's sons and daughters, and their families. Like any Soldier, they must endure the hardships, separations, and deprivations of those whom they serve. Like any Minister, they must provide dynamic and genuine ministry with a shepherd's heart. (https://secure.military.com/military-jobs-monster/index.do) Contact an Army Recruiter to learn more about what it takes to serve as an Army Chaplain.
Fisher House for St. Louis
Plans are underway to build housing for families of patients being treated by the Department of Veterans Affairs in St. Louis. The new Fisher House will be built on the grounds of Jefferson Barracks. Construction will begin this summer and will be completed in the summer of 2009. The new 16,000 square foot Fisher House will be open to all family members free of charge. There are about 40 Fisher Houses around the country. For more information, visit the (http://www.fisherhouse.org/) Fisher House Foundation website.
Building a Lending Library for Troops
The organization "Operation: A Bit of Home" is encouraging people to send their unwanted DVDs to troops stationed overseas. With the help of "Operation: A Bit of Home," troops in Iraq now have their own DVD lending library. Now, the organization along with the Army's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) staff are hoping to complete two more lending libraries. DVDs and DVD players may be sent directly to MWR staff in Iraq or to Operation: A Bit of Home. For more information, including mailing addresses, visit the (http://www.operationabitofhome.com/) Operation: Bit of Home's website.
Find ways to support and honor U.S. military servicemembers and veterans who protect our security and freedom. Visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/resources/support-our-troops) Support our Troops webpage.
Join Hollywood Stars at the GI Film Fest
The Second Annual GI Film Festival, which will be held May 14-18, 2008 at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, DC, recently announced that award-winning actors Gary Sinise, Robert Duvall, Jon Voight, and James Franco are scheduled to lead the 2008 festival line-up. Overall, the five-day film festival will present both classic and world premier films honoring the nation's men and women in uniform, in addition to panel discussions, musical performances, cocktail parties, Hollywood meet and greets, and more. This is a can't-miss event for anyone who wants to watch great military films, connect with Hollywood stars, and support the military. For the full GI Film Festival agenda, and to catch a sneak preview of the festival's films, visit (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//www.gifilmfestival.com&code=VR_050508_filmfest) www.gifilmfestival.com. Tickets start at $5.
VA Seeks More Volunteers
The Department of Veterans Affairs is encouraging more Americans to join its corps of 85,000 volunteers. The volunteers are involved in helping VA medical staff in hospices, outpatient clinics and home-based programs. Volunteers are also active at many of the 125 national cemeteries managed by the VA, where they place flags on gravesites, provide military honors and help with landscaping. Volunteers are also important in programs that reach out to homeless veterans, including annual "stand downs" held in many communities to provide health check ups, clothing, and benefits assistance to the homeless. To become a volunteer, contact your nearest VA facility, or complete a form at the (http://www1.va.gov/volunteer/) VA Voluntary Service webpage.
Find ways to support and honor U.S. military servicemembers and veterans who protect our security and freedom. Visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/resources/support-our-troops) Support our Troops webpage.
Cyberspace Symposium Returns
The Air Force Cyberspace Symposium II is set for June 17-19, 2008 at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center in Marlborough, Mass. Three panels will discuss operations, technology and the industry. Also, a huge exhibit area will feature dozens of displays that showcase the latest technological innovations in cyber defense. To register for the symposium, visit the (http://www.paulrevereafa.org/) Air Force Association chapter's website. Cost for the symposium is $330 for both government and industry. Booth space registration for the symposium's technology exposition is also available online at the chapter's website, as well as sponsorship opportunities.
Airplanes, tanks, ships, weapons, electronics -- (http://tech.military.com/equipment/home.do) Equipment Guide has extensive files and photos for all types of military equipment.
Get Credit for Your Military Experience
Today employers are looking for those holding a degree. Veterans can earn a degree without starting over again with a program called Credit for Life Experience -- also known as a Prior Learning Assessment. Many colleges and universities now offer these programs, giving servicemembers and veterans the ability to turn their experience, college courses, military schools and training into viable college credits. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//education.military.com/timesaving-programs/get-credit-for-your-life-experience&code=VR_050508_credit) Find out more information here.
The first step in finishing your degree is to find a school that matches your career goals and education needs. Military.com can connect you with Military-Friendly schools by filling out a simple form. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//edu.military.com/gibill/page1.do%3FESRC%3Dvr.nl%0D%0A&code=VR_050508_gibill) Get started now.
Attend Entrepreneurship Boot Camp
The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) offers cutting edge training in entrepreneurship and small business management to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and Marines disabled as a result of their service supporting operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The boot camp is currently accepting applications for summer, 2008. A boot camp session will be held at each of four universities -- Syracuse University, UCLA, Florida State University, and Texas A&M. The EBV program is offered entirely free to qualified veterans accepted into the program. For more information, visit the (http://whitman.syr.edu/ebv/) Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) website.
To find career resources for the severely injured, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/support) Severely Injured Career Center.
Senate Passes Veterans Bill
The Senate recently passed (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=10569871) S. 1315, the Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007, by a vote of 96 - 1. The act includes provisions to: (1) establish a new program of insurance for service-connected disabled veterans; (2) expand eligibility for retroactive benefits from traumatic injury protection coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance; (3) increase the maximum amount of Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance that a service-connected disabled veteran may purchase; (4) provide individuals with severe burn injuries specially adapted housing benefits; and (5) extend the monthly educational assistance allowance for apprenticeship or other on-the-job training to two years. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives.
(http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=11296211) How do you feel about this bill? Let your public officials know how you feel!
Deal of the Week: Veterans Special
Great colors. Great features. Great price -- Samsung a737 slider phone with 3G speed, mobile email and quad band for int'l use. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//clk.atdmt.com/CNT/go/att0010000007cnt/direct/01/&code=VR_050508_deal) Shop AT&T 24/7.
Naturalization for Servicemembers
Any servicemember or veteran who has served honorably in the United States Armed Forces during periods of military hostilities is eligible for streamlined naturalization. Non-U.S. citizens who have honorably served or are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces on or after Sept. 11, 2001 are eligible for a waiver of the entire waiting period and for expedited citizenship. Legal permanent resident status is required. All other requirements for naturalization apply, and the filing fee for servicemembers and veterans has been waived. For further information, (http://www.military.com/benefits/legal-matters/streamlined-citizenship-for-servicemembers-and-veterans) read the full article at Military.com.
Featured Job: Orkin
Orkin Pest Control, a national service provider, is seeking talented men and women to expand sales. Founded in 1901, we are one of the leading residential service providers in the United States. We provide the most accurate, comprehensive and efficient termite management services for our customers' most important investment, their homes. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//jobsearch.military.com/careers/search.do%3Fcy%3DUS%26stype%3Da%26q%3Dorkin%26lidList%3D%26zip%3D%26rad%3D%26category%3D%26industryId%3D%26jsta%3D%26salmin%3D%26salmax%3D%26adatemaxage%3D%26x%3D112%26y%3D25%20&code=VR_050508_job) Search jobs now.
Free Military Business Cards
We've teamed up with Vista Print to offer all Military.com members free business cards. You can design your cards with patriotic themes, official military seals, military recruiter logos and more. You only pay a small processing fees and shipping. (http://web50.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//military10.biz.vistaprint.com&code=vr_0505_vistaprint) Get your free business cards now.
VA Calling Combat Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs recently began contacting nearly 570,000 combat veterans to ensure they know about VA's medical services and other benefits. A "Combat Veteran Call Center" will call two distinct populations of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. In the first phase, calls will go to an estimated 17,000 veterans who were sick or injured while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. VA officials will offer to appoint a care manager to work with them. The second phase targets 550,000 Afghanistan and Iraq veterans who have been discharged from active duty but have not contacted VA for services to make sure they are informed about VA's benefits and services.
A new bed tower and a research tower for Denver-area veterans may result from a partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs, the University of Colorado Denver and the University of Colorado Hospital (UCH). The two structures, to be built on University property at the former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center campus, will accompany a state-of-the-art VA Ambulatory Health Care Center, which will also be constructed at that location. The partnership will allow the two organizations to share resources. The Department's Colorado Springs community-based outpatient clinic and the surgical program at the Grand Junction VA Medical Center will also be expanded.
Department of Labor Issues Report
The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its biennial report, "The Employment Situation of Veterans: 2007." The BLS report states that the unemployment rate for veterans who have served since September 2001 is 6.1 percent. Veterans who are current or past members of the National Guard or Reserve, who served since September 2001, had a lower unemployment rate of just 2.6 percent. The report is available at the (http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/vet.pdf) BLS' website. For more information on all the veterans' employment programs offered by the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS), visit the (http://www.dol.gov/vets/) VETS website.
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.
Student Veterans of America National Conference
The newly formed Student Veterans of America (SVA) is holding their first National Conference June 11-13, 2008 in Washington D.C. The event will feature guest speakers, national legislation briefings, public affairs training, and SVA officer elections. Student veteran registrations will be held from May 5-27, 2008. Visit the (http://www.studentveterans.org/) Student Veterans website to learn more.
Thinking About Becoming a Chaplain?
Army Chaplains serve both God and country by answering the call to serve our nations Soldiers in the challenging, diverse, and ever changing environment of the Army. While the benefits and pay of an Army Chaplain are often much better than that of civilian clergy, the requirements and stakes are much higher. Army Chaplains are our nation's Soldiers who minister to our nation's sons and daughters, and their families. Like any Soldier, they must endure the hardships, separations, and deprivations of those whom they serve. Like any Minister, they must provide dynamic and genuine ministry with a shepherd's heart. (https://secure.military.com/military-jobs-monster/index.do) Contact an Army Recruiter to learn more about what it takes to serve as an Army Chaplain.
Fisher House for St. Louis
Plans are underway to build housing for families of patients being treated by the Department of Veterans Affairs in St. Louis. The new Fisher House will be built on the grounds of Jefferson Barracks. Construction will begin this summer and will be completed in the summer of 2009. The new 16,000 square foot Fisher House will be open to all family members free of charge. There are about 40 Fisher Houses around the country. For more information, visit the (http://www.fisherhouse.org/) Fisher House Foundation website.
Building a Lending Library for Troops
The organization "Operation: A Bit of Home" is encouraging people to send their unwanted DVDs to troops stationed overseas. With the help of "Operation: A Bit of Home," troops in Iraq now have their own DVD lending library. Now, the organization along with the Army's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) staff are hoping to complete two more lending libraries. DVDs and DVD players may be sent directly to MWR staff in Iraq or to Operation: A Bit of Home. For more information, including mailing addresses, visit the (http://www.operationabitofhome.com/) Operation: Bit of Home's website.
Find ways to support and honor U.S. military servicemembers and veterans who protect our security and freedom. Visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/resources/support-our-troops) Support our Troops webpage.
Join Hollywood Stars at the GI Film Fest
The Second Annual GI Film Festival, which will be held May 14-18, 2008 at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, DC, recently announced that award-winning actors Gary Sinise, Robert Duvall, Jon Voight, and James Franco are scheduled to lead the 2008 festival line-up. Overall, the five-day film festival will present both classic and world premier films honoring the nation's men and women in uniform, in addition to panel discussions, musical performances, cocktail parties, Hollywood meet and greets, and more. This is a can't-miss event for anyone who wants to watch great military films, connect with Hollywood stars, and support the military. For the full GI Film Festival agenda, and to catch a sneak preview of the festival's films, visit (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//www.gifilmfestival.com&code=VR_050508_filmfest) www.gifilmfestival.com. Tickets start at $5.
VA Seeks More Volunteers
The Department of Veterans Affairs is encouraging more Americans to join its corps of 85,000 volunteers. The volunteers are involved in helping VA medical staff in hospices, outpatient clinics and home-based programs. Volunteers are also active at many of the 125 national cemeteries managed by the VA, where they place flags on gravesites, provide military honors and help with landscaping. Volunteers are also important in programs that reach out to homeless veterans, including annual "stand downs" held in many communities to provide health check ups, clothing, and benefits assistance to the homeless. To become a volunteer, contact your nearest VA facility, or complete a form at the (http://www1.va.gov/volunteer/) VA Voluntary Service webpage.
Find ways to support and honor U.S. military servicemembers and veterans who protect our security and freedom. Visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/resources/support-our-troops) Support our Troops webpage.
Cyberspace Symposium Returns
The Air Force Cyberspace Symposium II is set for June 17-19, 2008 at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center in Marlborough, Mass. Three panels will discuss operations, technology and the industry. Also, a huge exhibit area will feature dozens of displays that showcase the latest technological innovations in cyber defense. To register for the symposium, visit the (http://www.paulrevereafa.org/) Air Force Association chapter's website. Cost for the symposium is $330 for both government and industry. Booth space registration for the symposium's technology exposition is also available online at the chapter's website, as well as sponsorship opportunities.
Airplanes, tanks, ships, weapons, electronics -- (http://tech.military.com/equipment/home.do) Equipment Guide has extensive files and photos for all types of military equipment.
Get Credit for Your Military Experience
Today employers are looking for those holding a degree. Veterans can earn a degree without starting over again with a program called Credit for Life Experience -- also known as a Prior Learning Assessment. Many colleges and universities now offer these programs, giving servicemembers and veterans the ability to turn their experience, college courses, military schools and training into viable college credits. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//education.military.com/timesaving-programs/get-credit-for-your-life-experience&code=VR_050508_credit) Find out more information here.
The first step in finishing your degree is to find a school that matches your career goals and education needs. Military.com can connect you with Military-Friendly schools by filling out a simple form. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//edu.military.com/gibill/page1.do%3FESRC%3Dvr.nl%0D%0A&code=VR_050508_gibill) Get started now.
Attend Entrepreneurship Boot Camp
The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) offers cutting edge training in entrepreneurship and small business management to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and Marines disabled as a result of their service supporting operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The boot camp is currently accepting applications for summer, 2008. A boot camp session will be held at each of four universities -- Syracuse University, UCLA, Florida State University, and Texas A&M. The EBV program is offered entirely free to qualified veterans accepted into the program. For more information, visit the (http://whitman.syr.edu/ebv/) Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) website.
To find career resources for the severely injured, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/support) Severely Injured Career Center.
Senate Passes Veterans Bill
The Senate recently passed (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=10569871) S. 1315, the Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007, by a vote of 96 - 1. The act includes provisions to: (1) establish a new program of insurance for service-connected disabled veterans; (2) expand eligibility for retroactive benefits from traumatic injury protection coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance; (3) increase the maximum amount of Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance that a service-connected disabled veteran may purchase; (4) provide individuals with severe burn injuries specially adapted housing benefits; and (5) extend the monthly educational assistance allowance for apprenticeship or other on-the-job training to two years. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives.
(http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=11296211) How do you feel about this bill? Let your public officials know how you feel!
Deal of the Week: Veterans Special
Great colors. Great features. Great price -- Samsung a737 slider phone with 3G speed, mobile email and quad band for int'l use. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//clk.atdmt.com/CNT/go/att0010000007cnt/direct/01/&code=VR_050508_deal) Shop AT&T 24/7.
Naturalization for Servicemembers
Any servicemember or veteran who has served honorably in the United States Armed Forces during periods of military hostilities is eligible for streamlined naturalization. Non-U.S. citizens who have honorably served or are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces on or after Sept. 11, 2001 are eligible for a waiver of the entire waiting period and for expedited citizenship. Legal permanent resident status is required. All other requirements for naturalization apply, and the filing fee for servicemembers and veterans has been waived. For further information, (http://www.military.com/benefits/legal-matters/streamlined-citizenship-for-servicemembers-and-veterans) read the full article at Military.com.
Featured Job: Orkin
Orkin Pest Control, a national service provider, is seeking talented men and women to expand sales. Founded in 1901, we are one of the leading residential service providers in the United States. We provide the most accurate, comprehensive and efficient termite management services for our customers' most important investment, their homes. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//jobsearch.military.com/careers/search.do%3Fcy%3DUS%26stype%3Da%26q%3Dorkin%26lidList%3D%26zip%3D%26rad%3D%26category%3D%26industryId%3D%26jsta%3D%26salmin%3D%26salmax%3D%26adatemaxage%3D%26x%3D112%26y%3D25%20&code=VR_050508_job) Search jobs now.
Free Military Business Cards
We've teamed up with Vista Print to offer all Military.com members free business cards. You can design your cards with patriotic themes, official military seals, military recruiter logos and more. You only pay a small processing fees and shipping. (http://web50.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//military10.biz.vistaprint.com&code=vr_0505_vistaprint) Get your free business cards now.
VA Calling Combat Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs recently began contacting nearly 570,000 combat veterans to ensure they know about VA's medical services and other benefits. A "Combat Veteran Call Center" will call two distinct populations of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. In the first phase, calls will go to an estimated 17,000 veterans who were sick or injured while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. VA officials will offer to appoint a care manager to work with them. The second phase targets 550,000 Afghanistan and Iraq veterans who have been discharged from active duty but have not contacted VA for services to make sure they are informed about VA's benefits and services.
