Print & Post: Week of November 16, 2009
Help the Legion Help Recovering Heroes
The American Legion is renewing its fundraising efforts for the holiday season by purchasing comfort items for troops recovering in U.S. military hospitals and warrior transition units around the world through its Operation Comfort Warriors campaign. Donors can make online contributions by visiting (http://www.legion.org/ocw) www.legion.org/ocw or by sending a check to Operation Comfort Warriors, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206.
For more information, or to join The American Legion go to (http://www.legion.org/join) http://www.legion.org/join.
VA's New Look Website
VA launched the first and most visible phase of a big Web renovation project that will better serve our nation's veterans. The conversion began on Nov.8, and was scheduled to be completed by Veterans Day, Nov. 11. VA asks members to understand that as they implement this new design across more than 500 VA websites there may be minor errors on some of the 80,000 pages. VA will studiously examine all pages after the conversion and make corrections as needed. (http://www1.va.gov/opa/va_redesigned.asp) Check out more information on the changes.
The Key to Getting Voc-Rehab Started
Author and veteran advocate Ben Krause offers his insight into the process of applying for Voc-Rehabilitation. In part one of his new seven-part series, Ben explains that to it takes persistence, preparation and a desire to win to get through the Voc-Rehab application process.
(http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,205642,00.html) Read the full article at Military.com
VA Plan to End Vet Homelessness
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki unveiled the department's comprehensive plan to end homelessness among veterans by marshalling the resources of government, business and the private sector. Shinseki's plan includes preventive measures such as discharge planning for incarcerated veterans re-entering society, supportive services for low-income veterans and their families, and a national referral center to link veterans to local service providers. Additionally, the plan calls for expanded efforts for education, jobs, health care and housing.
Read the entire press release to learn more about the VA's (http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1807) detailed plan to end Homelessness for veterans.
More Veterans in Government
President Barack Obama signed an executive order Nov. 9 aimed at hiring more veterans to work in the federal government. The order calls on each federal agency to establish a veterans employment program office designed to help veterans get through the maze of paperwork as they apply for positions in the federal work force and mandates that agencies train personnel specialists on veteran employment policies. The federal hiring process will be streamlined to make it easier for people to apply for federal jobs. (http://www.military.com/news/article/wh-in-major-push-for-vets-employment.html) Read the full article at Military.com
State Veteran Benefits
Veterans pursuing their educational goals are usually eligible for "educational assistance for students" in most states. Educational benefits for veterans and their dependents, particularly the children of deceased and disabled veterans, are also available in some states. Military.com has developed an online general summary of educational benefits for veterans and their dependents. (http://www.military.com/money-for-school/state-veteran-benefits?ESRC=vr.nl) View the full summary by state here.
Additional Tools for Your Benefits:
(http://www.military.com/gi-bill-calculator/?ESRC=vr.nl) GI Bill Calculator - Find out which GI Bill offers more
(http://edu.military.com/gibill/?ESRC=vr.nl) Military Friendly Schools - Connect with schools who give credit for service
(http://aid.military.com/scholarship/search-for-scholarships.do?ESRC=vr.nl) Scholarship Search - Over $300 Million in scholarships listed
Featured Job: Healthcare
Within the state of Ohio there are many (http://ohiomeansjobs.indeed.com/jobs/Healthcare-Jobs-in-Ohio) medical and healthcare opportunities for veterans.
Vets' Caregiver Bill Stalled
More than a month after the new fiscal year began, the House and Senate are working to pass a group of bills to improve veterans' benefits and health programs. However, Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), is stalling the bill's process because he believes his colleagues are too willing to pass or spend whatever is necessary to assure their reelection. The $3.7 billion packet of health care initiatives, called an omnibus bill, includes the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 (S. 1963). Read the full article at (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,205283,00.html) Military.com.
(http://vote.military.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=14300291&type=CO) How do you feel about this action? Let your public officials know how you feel!
Holiday Mailing Guidelines Set
The U.S. Postal Service has set guidelines for mailing holiday mail and packages overseas. Mail and packages for troops that serve in the Iraq and Afghanistan area should be sent by Dec. 4, 2008. Holiday mail, including packages and cards, going to military bases in other parts of the world should be shipped by Dec. 11. Priority mail flat-rate boxes are the best value when shipping to military members serving at home or anywhere overseas. The largest flat-rate box costs $10.95 to ship to an APO or FPO address. That is a $2 discount, and the boxes are free. Include the mailing address, return address and the contents of the box on a slip of paper with the other contents. For more information, visit the U.S. Postal Service website.
Not sure what to get your servicemember for the holidays? We've gathered dozens of gift ideas for everyone on your list, no matter what your budget is! Find the perfect presents with the (http://www.military.com/Deals/Home/0,13401,,00.htm) Holiday Gift Guide.
Craig's List Founder Joins VA Panel
Craig Newmark, the founder of craigslist.com agreed to serve on the blue-ribbon panel of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that will review and evaluate ideas to improve disability claims processing times and provide greater transparency to Veterans. The innovation competition solicited ideas from VA employees and members of Veterans Service Organizations who are on the frontlines every day, working with veterans to help deliver benefits they deserve and need. VA officials from each of the 57 regional offices across the country submitted promising ideas. The panel will review the top 17 submissions and chose five projects that will receive full funding for project development and execution at the Regional Office that submitted the idea.
Deal of the Week: Coupons for Veterans
Military.com has hundreds and discounts exclusively for veterans and their families. Don't pay full price for anything -- cars, clothing, computers, electronics, vacations, groceries, beauty, home, jewelry, vacations and more. (http://benefits.military.com/DC/DealIndex.jsp?ESRC=vr.nl) Browse coupons and discounts now.
Retirees and Vets Allowed to Salute Flag
Traditionally, members of the nation's veterans service organizations render the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization's official head-gear. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment to allow un-uniformed servicemembers, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag. A later amendment further authorized hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. This was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which Former President Bush signed on Oct. 14, 2008.
Leavenworth Cemetery to Expand
VA announced a $10 million contract to expand the Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, Kan. The contract valued at $10,187,903 was awarded to a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business from Topeka, Kan. The project, scheduled for completion in early 2011, will develop 36 acres, providing approximately 14,000 additional gravesites at the 123-year-old cemetery. For information about the Leavenworth National Cemetery, call the cemetery office at (913) 758-4105. Learn about other burial benefits at (http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial.
Read more of the (http://www.military.com/news/stories/veteran-benefits-news.html) latest news on veteran benefits on Military.com.
VA Working to Improve Vet Education
The Department of Veterans Affairs is working with Florida and other states to help veterans make the transition from combat to college life. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki addressed educators and veterans during a conference at the University of South Florida on the importance of programs that ease the transition from active duty to veteran status. He emphasized the significance of ongoing outreach to ensure that veterans are fully informed of available education benefits, the newest of which is the Post 9/11 GI Bill. To further aid veteran-students, VA and USF began "VetSuccess on Campus," a pilot program designed to ease the transition process -- particularly for disabled veterans. The program places VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service and mental health counselors on campus to help Veterans succeed in college. It will eventually expand to other parts of the country.
For more information about VA's education benefits, visit (http://www.va.gov/) www.va.gov.
Jacksonville, Fla. Cemetery Expansion
VA announced an $11.8 million contract to develop the next phase of the Jacksonville, Fla., National Cemetery, which opened for burials in January 2009. The Department of Veterans Affairs awarded the contract to a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business from Hampton, Va. This 68-acre development is expected to provide an estimated eight years of burial benefits for Veterans and their families. The project is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2011.
Learn about other burial benefits at (http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial
The American Legion is renewing its fundraising efforts for the holiday season by purchasing comfort items for troops recovering in U.S. military hospitals and warrior transition units around the world through its Operation Comfort Warriors campaign. Donors can make online contributions by visiting (http://www.legion.org/ocw) www.legion.org/ocw or by sending a check to Operation Comfort Warriors, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206.
For more information, or to join The American Legion go to (http://www.legion.org/join) http://www.legion.org/join.
VA's New Look Website
VA launched the first and most visible phase of a big Web renovation project that will better serve our nation's veterans. The conversion began on Nov.8, and was scheduled to be completed by Veterans Day, Nov. 11. VA asks members to understand that as they implement this new design across more than 500 VA websites there may be minor errors on some of the 80,000 pages. VA will studiously examine all pages after the conversion and make corrections as needed. (http://www1.va.gov/opa/va_redesigned.asp) Check out more information on the changes.
The Key to Getting Voc-Rehab Started
Author and veteran advocate Ben Krause offers his insight into the process of applying for Voc-Rehabilitation. In part one of his new seven-part series, Ben explains that to it takes persistence, preparation and a desire to win to get through the Voc-Rehab application process.
(http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,205642,00.html) Read the full article at Military.com
VA Plan to End Vet Homelessness
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki unveiled the department's comprehensive plan to end homelessness among veterans by marshalling the resources of government, business and the private sector. Shinseki's plan includes preventive measures such as discharge planning for incarcerated veterans re-entering society, supportive services for low-income veterans and their families, and a national referral center to link veterans to local service providers. Additionally, the plan calls for expanded efforts for education, jobs, health care and housing.
Read the entire press release to learn more about the VA's (http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1807) detailed plan to end Homelessness for veterans.
More Veterans in Government
President Barack Obama signed an executive order Nov. 9 aimed at hiring more veterans to work in the federal government. The order calls on each federal agency to establish a veterans employment program office designed to help veterans get through the maze of paperwork as they apply for positions in the federal work force and mandates that agencies train personnel specialists on veteran employment policies. The federal hiring process will be streamlined to make it easier for people to apply for federal jobs. (http://www.military.com/news/article/wh-in-major-push-for-vets-employment.html) Read the full article at Military.com
State Veteran Benefits
Veterans pursuing their educational goals are usually eligible for "educational assistance for students" in most states. Educational benefits for veterans and their dependents, particularly the children of deceased and disabled veterans, are also available in some states. Military.com has developed an online general summary of educational benefits for veterans and their dependents. (http://www.military.com/money-for-school/state-veteran-benefits?ESRC=vr.nl) View the full summary by state here.
Additional Tools for Your Benefits:
(http://www.military.com/gi-bill-calculator/?ESRC=vr.nl) GI Bill Calculator - Find out which GI Bill offers more
(http://edu.military.com/gibill/?ESRC=vr.nl) Military Friendly Schools - Connect with schools who give credit for service
(http://aid.military.com/scholarship/search-for-scholarships.do?ESRC=vr.nl) Scholarship Search - Over $300 Million in scholarships listed
Featured Job: Healthcare
Within the state of Ohio there are many (http://ohiomeansjobs.indeed.com/jobs/Healthcare-Jobs-in-Ohio) medical and healthcare opportunities for veterans.
Vets' Caregiver Bill Stalled
More than a month after the new fiscal year began, the House and Senate are working to pass a group of bills to improve veterans' benefits and health programs. However, Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), is stalling the bill's process because he believes his colleagues are too willing to pass or spend whatever is necessary to assure their reelection. The $3.7 billion packet of health care initiatives, called an omnibus bill, includes the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 (S. 1963). Read the full article at (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,205283,00.html) Military.com.
(http://vote.military.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=14300291&type=CO) How do you feel about this action? Let your public officials know how you feel!
Holiday Mailing Guidelines Set
The U.S. Postal Service has set guidelines for mailing holiday mail and packages overseas. Mail and packages for troops that serve in the Iraq and Afghanistan area should be sent by Dec. 4, 2008. Holiday mail, including packages and cards, going to military bases in other parts of the world should be shipped by Dec. 11. Priority mail flat-rate boxes are the best value when shipping to military members serving at home or anywhere overseas. The largest flat-rate box costs $10.95 to ship to an APO or FPO address. That is a $2 discount, and the boxes are free. Include the mailing address, return address and the contents of the box on a slip of paper with the other contents. For more information, visit the U.S. Postal Service website.
Not sure what to get your servicemember for the holidays? We've gathered dozens of gift ideas for everyone on your list, no matter what your budget is! Find the perfect presents with the (http://www.military.com/Deals/Home/0,13401,,00.htm) Holiday Gift Guide.
Craig's List Founder Joins VA Panel
Craig Newmark, the founder of craigslist.com agreed to serve on the blue-ribbon panel of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that will review and evaluate ideas to improve disability claims processing times and provide greater transparency to Veterans. The innovation competition solicited ideas from VA employees and members of Veterans Service Organizations who are on the frontlines every day, working with veterans to help deliver benefits they deserve and need. VA officials from each of the 57 regional offices across the country submitted promising ideas. The panel will review the top 17 submissions and chose five projects that will receive full funding for project development and execution at the Regional Office that submitted the idea.
Deal of the Week: Coupons for Veterans
Military.com has hundreds and discounts exclusively for veterans and their families. Don't pay full price for anything -- cars, clothing, computers, electronics, vacations, groceries, beauty, home, jewelry, vacations and more. (http://benefits.military.com/DC/DealIndex.jsp?ESRC=vr.nl) Browse coupons and discounts now.
Retirees and Vets Allowed to Salute Flag
Traditionally, members of the nation's veterans service organizations render the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization's official head-gear. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment to allow un-uniformed servicemembers, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag. A later amendment further authorized hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. This was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which Former President Bush signed on Oct. 14, 2008.
Leavenworth Cemetery to Expand
VA announced a $10 million contract to expand the Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, Kan. The contract valued at $10,187,903 was awarded to a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business from Topeka, Kan. The project, scheduled for completion in early 2011, will develop 36 acres, providing approximately 14,000 additional gravesites at the 123-year-old cemetery. For information about the Leavenworth National Cemetery, call the cemetery office at (913) 758-4105. Learn about other burial benefits at (http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial.
Read more of the (http://www.military.com/news/stories/veteran-benefits-news.html) latest news on veteran benefits on Military.com.
VA Working to Improve Vet Education
The Department of Veterans Affairs is working with Florida and other states to help veterans make the transition from combat to college life. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki addressed educators and veterans during a conference at the University of South Florida on the importance of programs that ease the transition from active duty to veteran status. He emphasized the significance of ongoing outreach to ensure that veterans are fully informed of available education benefits, the newest of which is the Post 9/11 GI Bill. To further aid veteran-students, VA and USF began "VetSuccess on Campus," a pilot program designed to ease the transition process -- particularly for disabled veterans. The program places VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service and mental health counselors on campus to help Veterans succeed in college. It will eventually expand to other parts of the country.
For more information about VA's education benefits, visit (http://www.va.gov/) www.va.gov.
Jacksonville, Fla. Cemetery Expansion
VA announced an $11.8 million contract to develop the next phase of the Jacksonville, Fla., National Cemetery, which opened for burials in January 2009. The Department of Veterans Affairs awarded the contract to a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business from Hampton, Va. This 68-acre development is expected to provide an estimated eight years of burial benefits for Veterans and their families. The project is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2011.
Learn about other burial benefits at (http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial
