Print & Post: Week of November 23, 2009
Outdoor Guide: Catman of the Cumberland
"It's a brutally cold February afternoon, the kind of day that makes you wish you were inside a nice, toasty office cubicle instead of hunkered down in an anchored boat on Tennessee's Cumberland River. The air temp hasn't bumped past 28 all day, its spitting snow and the rain-swollen river is 39 degrees and the color of old brake fluid. Perfect conditions for catching a big blue catfish, my guide, Jim Moyer, keeps telling me. So I pull the drawstring of my hooded sweatshirt tighter, empty the dregs from my coffee Thermos into my cup and wait for something to happen." Read more about this author's (http://www.military.com/entertainment/outdoor-guide/fishing/catman-cumberland.html?ESRC=vr.nl) adventure with Jim Moyer, Tennessee's living legend among die-hard cat fishermen.
USS Constitution Receives Honor
The USS Constitution recently became America's Ship of State. USS Constitution's primary mission will remain education and public outreach, and any Ship of State functions will be an adjunct to the ship's primary mission, according to Section 1022 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010. Congress, the president, vice president, executive branch officials, and members of Congress will use the USS Constitution to conduct pertinent matters of state - such as hosting visiting heads of state, signing legislation relating to the armed forces, and signing maritime related treaties. For more about the ship, visit the (http://www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution) USS Constitution website.
Benefit Update for Veterans
Both the Montgomery and Post 9/11 GI Bills are worth over $49,000. This money is not a loan and will help you cover the costs of getting a degree. Full-time students receive up to $1,321 a month no matter how much tuition costs. The Post 9/11 GI Bill may even give you a monthly housing stipend of $1,200. Now is the time to use your benefits. Take the first step and find (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?esrc=vr.nl) Military Friendly Schools.
More Vet Counselors for Texas
Texas Governor Rick Perry announced his office will fund up to 12 new veterans counselors to expedite benefits claims for veterans. The governor has also directed the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) to create a new Claims Processing Assistance Team (CPAT) to help address the backlog of more than 39,000 pending disability and health benefit claims in the state. For every month these claims are pending, TVC estimates a delay of nearly $37 million in payments to Texas veterans. For more information on veterans services in Texas, visit the (http://www.tvc.state.tx.us/) Texas Veterans Commission website.
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.
Veterans Urged to Volunteer
First Lady Michelle Obama recently urged all Americans, including military veterans, to put their skills to use in volunteer service to assist U.S. communities and citizens in need. Her remarks were made during the announcement of ServiceNation's Mission Serve volunteer-initiative program. ServiceNation is a national campaign that encourages service and volunteerism as a means to help address homelessness, unemployment, under education, crime, mental illness and other societal problems. For more information, visit the (http://www.servicenation.org/) ServiceNation 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.
POST 9-11 Payment Calculator
The new Post-9/11 GI Bill offers the biggest education benefits package since the original GI Bill. But, there are differences between the new GI Bill and other GI Bill programs. Find out which program best fits your situation: tuition amounts, housing stipends, transferability and more. Visit (http://www.military.com/gi-bill-calculator/?ESRC=vr.nl) military.com/gi-bill-calculator/ today to find out what you qualify for.
Senate Offers Input on GI Bill Claims Process
Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) and Ranking Member Richard Burr (R-N.C.) recently wrote Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki to suggest ways to improve the processing of the post-9/11 GI Bill. The letter outlines potential improvements, including:
(1) utilizing staggered work hours at the Education Call Center so West Coast, Alaska and Hawaii veterans have ample opportunities to contact VA;
(2) working to generate award letters automatically, which currently take a significant amount of time for VA staff to process manually; and
(3) establishing a centralized website for educational institutions to reduce confusion and improve communication.
(http://military-education.military.com/2009/11/congress-seeks-to-help-va-process-gi-bill-cliams.html) Read More
Laser Engraved Memorial Honors Vets
The Southwest Montana Veterans Memorial in Dillon, Mont. was erected in memory of all who have served our nation, living or deceased. The memorial is built from laser engraved bricks bearing the names of veterans from all over the U.S. If you would like more information on having your name or the name of a veteran on a laser engraved brick, or make tax deductable donation, please call (406) 683-4514 or visit the (http://www.beaverhead.com/veterans) Southwest Montana Veterans Memorial website.
USAA Open to All Vets Who Honorably Served
Looking for an Old Military Buddy?
Ever wonder where your long lost buddy from BCT went? Looking for that one friend you went on tour with years ago? Why not look for them right now? It is fast and easy with Military.com's (http://www.military.com/buddy-finder/?ESRC=vr.nl) Buddy Finder.
Featured Job: Maintenance Industry
Use your military experience to get a job in the general maintenance industry. Many workers learn their skills informally on the job; others learn by working as helpers to other repairers or to construction workers such as carpenters, electricians, or machinery repairers. (http://www.military.com/maintenance?ESRC=vr.nl) Search available jobs today.
Deal of Week: Come Run With Us At RUNNERS WORLD!
Get a risk-free taste of the practical advice that's made RUNNER'S WORLD the single best source for all the things that you love about Running.
You're a runner. Whether you run for your health, to lose weight, or the sheer joy of hitting the road, running is an important part of who you are, and no one makes it easier to get more out of your passion for running than RUNNER'S WORLD. Let us prove it. Come (https://secure.rodale.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/OaeEntryPage?storeId=10057&keycode=I91DA001&jspStoreDir=oae&mktOfferId=RWD16846&cm_mmc=Military-_-Product-_-Veterans%20Report-_-November%20Subscription%20Offer%2012%20Issues%20for%2012%20Link%201) join us for a 2 month free trial-run and see what a difference RUNNER'S WORLD can make in your body, your running and your life. The best part is, by subscribing to this special offer, you will get 12 issues of RUNNER'S WORLD for only $12.
That's an amazing 80% off the newsstand price.
Legion Family Raising Funds
The American Legion family is renewing its fundraising efforts for the holiday season to purchase 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 the (http://www.legion.org/ocw) American Legion website or by sending a check to Operation Comfort Warriors, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Administrative and promotional costs for Operation Comfort Warriors are paid by The American Legion, allowing 100 percent of the donations to be spent directly on the troops. For more information, visit the (http://www.legion.org/troops/operationcomfort) American Legion's Operation Comfort Warriors 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.
Army Orders Arlington Probe
The Secretary of the Army ordered an investigation into allegations of lost accountability of some graves, poor record keeping and other issues at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The order comes after revelations that cemetery workers inadvertently buried cremated remains at a gravesite already in use. The inspector general is also in the midst of a management review of Arlington National Cemetery to make overall recommendations on how better to operate the facility, including possible changes in policy, procedures and regulations. A copy of the Army Regulation 15-6 investigation is available on (http://www.defenselink.mil/news/ANC%2015-6%20redacted%2013%20Nov%2009.pdf) defenselink.mil.
As a servicemember or military family member you should to be aware of your memorial benefits before you need them, learn more about (http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) memorial benefits.
Executive Order to Hire Vets
President Barack Obama recently signed an executive order aimed at hiring more veterans to work in the federal government. A government wide Council on Veterans' Employment will be created. 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. It also calls on agencies to work with the Defense Department and VA to develop and apply technologies designed to help disabled veterans. The executive order is available on the (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/executive-order-veterans-employment-initiative) White House website.
To learn more, (http://www.military.com/news/article/officials-pledge-support-for-hiring-vets.html) read the full article on Military.com.
Servicemembers Save with ASMBA
The Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association (ASMBA), established in 1963, provides comprehensive, affordable life insurance coverage to military personnel and their families. For example, you can get an extra $100,000 worth of coverage for only $19 a month. It's an inexpensive way to have (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?esrc=vr.nl ) half a million dollars worth of coverage.
American Legion Redesigns Website
The American Legion, America's largest veterans' service organization, launched a new website complete with new content and featuring a completely redesigned look. American Legion National Commander Clarence Hill said the new website "is a tremendous addition to our online presence. It's more informative, better-looking, and easier to navigate than our previous site. I encourage Legionnaires to visit (http://www.legion.org/) www.legion.org and explore the wealth of content in its pages." The new website also includes more than 30 separate landing pages for American Legion programs and activities.
For more information, or to join The American Legion go to (http://www.legion.org/join) http://www.legion.org/join.
Information on Emergency Payments
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki authorized advance payments up to $3,000 for veterans who applied for VA educational benefits and who have not yet received their monthly education payments. If you are a veteran who applied for one of VA's education programs and have not yet received your monthly benefit payment for the fall 2009 term, you can request advance payment through VA's () Advance Pay website.
Get more of the latest on the Post-9/11 GI Bill on the (http://military-education.military.com/) Military Education Blog on Military.com.
Navy Historical Records Available
Ancestry.com, in cooperation with the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) and Naval Historical Foundation (NHF), added more than 600 Navy cruise books to its online collection of military records. The collection, available at Ancestry.com, represents nearly 40 years of cruises following World War II, from 1950-1988, and chronicles an estimated 450,000 service men deployed at sea during that time. The Navy cruise books are part of Ancestry.com's U.S. Military Collection, which includes 100 million names that span more than three centuries of American military service. For more information, visit the (http://landing.ancestry.com/military/collections.aspx?html=main&URL=military%2fcollections.aspx%3fhtml%3dmain&o_iid=31731&o_lid=31731) Ancestry.com website.
Ever wonder what happened to that guy you pulled liberty with back in the day? Why not find him right now? It's fast and easy with Military.com's (feature href=) Buddy Finder.
"It's a brutally cold February afternoon, the kind of day that makes you wish you were inside a nice, toasty office cubicle instead of hunkered down in an anchored boat on Tennessee's Cumberland River. The air temp hasn't bumped past 28 all day, its spitting snow and the rain-swollen river is 39 degrees and the color of old brake fluid. Perfect conditions for catching a big blue catfish, my guide, Jim Moyer, keeps telling me. So I pull the drawstring of my hooded sweatshirt tighter, empty the dregs from my coffee Thermos into my cup and wait for something to happen." Read more about this author's (http://www.military.com/entertainment/outdoor-guide/fishing/catman-cumberland.html?ESRC=vr.nl) adventure with Jim Moyer, Tennessee's living legend among die-hard cat fishermen.
USS Constitution Receives Honor
The USS Constitution recently became America's Ship of State. USS Constitution's primary mission will remain education and public outreach, and any Ship of State functions will be an adjunct to the ship's primary mission, according to Section 1022 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010. Congress, the president, vice president, executive branch officials, and members of Congress will use the USS Constitution to conduct pertinent matters of state - such as hosting visiting heads of state, signing legislation relating to the armed forces, and signing maritime related treaties. For more about the ship, visit the (http://www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution) USS Constitution website.
Benefit Update for Veterans
Both the Montgomery and Post 9/11 GI Bills are worth over $49,000. This money is not a loan and will help you cover the costs of getting a degree. Full-time students receive up to $1,321 a month no matter how much tuition costs. The Post 9/11 GI Bill may even give you a monthly housing stipend of $1,200. Now is the time to use your benefits. Take the first step and find (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?esrc=vr.nl) Military Friendly Schools.
More Vet Counselors for Texas
Texas Governor Rick Perry announced his office will fund up to 12 new veterans counselors to expedite benefits claims for veterans. The governor has also directed the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) to create a new Claims Processing Assistance Team (CPAT) to help address the backlog of more than 39,000 pending disability and health benefit claims in the state. For every month these claims are pending, TVC estimates a delay of nearly $37 million in payments to Texas veterans. For more information on veterans services in Texas, visit the (http://www.tvc.state.tx.us/) Texas Veterans Commission website.
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.
Veterans Urged to Volunteer
First Lady Michelle Obama recently urged all Americans, including military veterans, to put their skills to use in volunteer service to assist U.S. communities and citizens in need. Her remarks were made during the announcement of ServiceNation's Mission Serve volunteer-initiative program. ServiceNation is a national campaign that encourages service and volunteerism as a means to help address homelessness, unemployment, under education, crime, mental illness and other societal problems. For more information, visit the (http://www.servicenation.org/) ServiceNation 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.
POST 9-11 Payment Calculator
The new Post-9/11 GI Bill offers the biggest education benefits package since the original GI Bill. But, there are differences between the new GI Bill and other GI Bill programs. Find out which program best fits your situation: tuition amounts, housing stipends, transferability and more. Visit (http://www.military.com/gi-bill-calculator/?ESRC=vr.nl) military.com/gi-bill-calculator/ today to find out what you qualify for.
Senate Offers Input on GI Bill Claims Process
Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) and Ranking Member Richard Burr (R-N.C.) recently wrote Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki to suggest ways to improve the processing of the post-9/11 GI Bill. The letter outlines potential improvements, including:
(1) utilizing staggered work hours at the Education Call Center so West Coast, Alaska and Hawaii veterans have ample opportunities to contact VA;
(2) working to generate award letters automatically, which currently take a significant amount of time for VA staff to process manually; and
(3) establishing a centralized website for educational institutions to reduce confusion and improve communication.
(http://military-education.military.com/2009/11/congress-seeks-to-help-va-process-gi-bill-cliams.html) Read More
Laser Engraved Memorial Honors Vets
The Southwest Montana Veterans Memorial in Dillon, Mont. was erected in memory of all who have served our nation, living or deceased. The memorial is built from laser engraved bricks bearing the names of veterans from all over the U.S. If you would like more information on having your name or the name of a veteran on a laser engraved brick, or make tax deductable donation, please call (406) 683-4514 or visit the (http://www.beaverhead.com/veterans) Southwest Montana Veterans Memorial website.
USAA Open to All Vets Who Honorably Served
Citing steady growth in financial strength and operational capacity, USAA announced that effective immediately, membership now is open to all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who served honorably, regardless of years of service. The change expands USAA's potential customer by an estimated 35 million, including 18 million veterans, and 17 million spouses and children who also would be able to access USAA services after their veteran relative becomes a member. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/news/article/usaa-opens-membership-to-more-vets.html) read the full article on Military.com.
Looking for an Old Military Buddy?
Ever wonder where your long lost buddy from BCT went? Looking for that one friend you went on tour with years ago? Why not look for them right now? It is fast and easy with Military.com's (http://www.military.com/buddy-finder/?ESRC=vr.nl) Buddy Finder.
Featured Job: Maintenance Industry
Use your military experience to get a job in the general maintenance industry. Many workers learn their skills informally on the job; others learn by working as helpers to other repairers or to construction workers such as carpenters, electricians, or machinery repairers. (http://www.military.com/maintenance?ESRC=vr.nl) Search available jobs today.
Deal of Week: Come Run With Us At RUNNERS WORLD!
Get a risk-free taste of the practical advice that's made RUNNER'S WORLD the single best source for all the things that you love about Running.
You're a runner. Whether you run for your health, to lose weight, or the sheer joy of hitting the road, running is an important part of who you are, and no one makes it easier to get more out of your passion for running than RUNNER'S WORLD. Let us prove it. Come (https://secure.rodale.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/OaeEntryPage?storeId=10057&keycode=I91DA001&jspStoreDir=oae&mktOfferId=RWD16846&cm_mmc=Military-_-Product-_-Veterans%20Report-_-November%20Subscription%20Offer%2012%20Issues%20for%2012%20Link%201) join us for a 2 month free trial-run and see what a difference RUNNER'S WORLD can make in your body, your running and your life. The best part is, by subscribing to this special offer, you will get 12 issues of RUNNER'S WORLD for only $12.
That's an amazing 80% off the newsstand price.
Legion Family Raising Funds
The American Legion family is renewing its fundraising efforts for the holiday season to purchase 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 the (http://www.legion.org/ocw) American Legion website or by sending a check to Operation Comfort Warriors, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Administrative and promotional costs for Operation Comfort Warriors are paid by The American Legion, allowing 100 percent of the donations to be spent directly on the troops. For more information, visit the (http://www.legion.org/troops/operationcomfort) American Legion's Operation Comfort Warriors 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.
Army Orders Arlington Probe
The Secretary of the Army ordered an investigation into allegations of lost accountability of some graves, poor record keeping and other issues at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The order comes after revelations that cemetery workers inadvertently buried cremated remains at a gravesite already in use. The inspector general is also in the midst of a management review of Arlington National Cemetery to make overall recommendations on how better to operate the facility, including possible changes in policy, procedures and regulations. A copy of the Army Regulation 15-6 investigation is available on (http://www.defenselink.mil/news/ANC%2015-6%20redacted%2013%20Nov%2009.pdf) defenselink.mil.
As a servicemember or military family member you should to be aware of your memorial benefits before you need them, learn more about (http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) memorial benefits.
Executive Order to Hire Vets
President Barack Obama recently signed an executive order aimed at hiring more veterans to work in the federal government. A government wide Council on Veterans' Employment will be created. 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. It also calls on agencies to work with the Defense Department and VA to develop and apply technologies designed to help disabled veterans. The executive order is available on the (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/executive-order-veterans-employment-initiative) White House website.
To learn more, (http://www.military.com/news/article/officials-pledge-support-for-hiring-vets.html) read the full article on Military.com.
Servicemembers Save with ASMBA
The Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association (ASMBA), established in 1963, provides comprehensive, affordable life insurance coverage to military personnel and their families. For example, you can get an extra $100,000 worth of coverage for only $19 a month. It's an inexpensive way to have (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?esrc=vr.nl ) half a million dollars worth of coverage.
American Legion Redesigns Website
The American Legion, America's largest veterans' service organization, launched a new website complete with new content and featuring a completely redesigned look. American Legion National Commander Clarence Hill said the new website "is a tremendous addition to our online presence. It's more informative, better-looking, and easier to navigate than our previous site. I encourage Legionnaires to visit (http://www.legion.org/) www.legion.org and explore the wealth of content in its pages." The new website also includes more than 30 separate landing pages for American Legion programs and activities.
For more information, or to join The American Legion go to (http://www.legion.org/join) http://www.legion.org/join.
Information on Emergency Payments
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki authorized advance payments up to $3,000 for veterans who applied for VA educational benefits and who have not yet received their monthly education payments. If you are a veteran who applied for one of VA's education programs and have not yet received your monthly benefit payment for the fall 2009 term, you can request advance payment through VA's () Advance Pay website.
Get more of the latest on the Post-9/11 GI Bill on the (http://military-education.military.com/) Military Education Blog on Military.com.
Navy Historical Records Available
Ancestry.com, in cooperation with the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) and Naval Historical Foundation (NHF), added more than 600 Navy cruise books to its online collection of military records. The collection, available at Ancestry.com, represents nearly 40 years of cruises following World War II, from 1950-1988, and chronicles an estimated 450,000 service men deployed at sea during that time. The Navy cruise books are part of Ancestry.com's U.S. Military Collection, which includes 100 million names that span more than three centuries of American military service. For more information, visit the (http://landing.ancestry.com/military/collections.aspx?html=main&URL=military%2fcollections.aspx%3fhtml%3dmain&o_iid=31731&o_lid=31731) Ancestry.com website.
Ever wonder what happened to that guy you pulled liberty with back in the day? Why not find him right now? It's fast and easy with Military.com's (feature href=) Buddy Finder.
