Print & Post: Week of December 14, 2009
Veterans Push for WWI Memorial
A push is underway to designate a national memorial to those who fought in World War I -- among those asking for such a memorial is the last remaining American veteran from that war, Frank W. Buckles. Two competing pieces of legislation for a national memorial are now moving through Congress. One would name the existing Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Mo., as a national monument to veterans of the first world war. The other legislation, known as the "Frank Buckles World War I Memorial Act," would rededicate a memorial already in Washington, D.C. Proponents of both pieces of legislation were on Capitol Hill recently to provide testimony before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, subcommittee on national parks.
Lawmakers Address VA Needs, Planning
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Bob Filner recently conducted a hearing to explore how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determines its resource needs and executes its spending plans for providing local medical care for veterans. The hearing specifically focused on how VA Central Office distributes and tracks the federal resources and how oversight is conducted to ensure that federal dollars reach the various programs and initiatives at the local VA medical centers. Prepared testimony and a link to the webcast of the hearing are available at the (http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hearing.aspx?newsid=504) House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.
(http://vote.military.com/military/dbq/officials/) How do you feel about this action? Let your public officials know how you feel!
Public Officials Talk Education Benefits
The Chair of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity of the U.S. House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, recently led a roundtable discussion on education. Interested stakeholders were provided the opportunity to express their concerns and provide specific recommendations regarding education programs offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA). A link to an audio recording of the Dec. 3 roundtable along with a list of participants is available on the (http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hearing.aspx?newsid=505) House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/news/article/dc-roundtable-on-vets-education-options.html) read the full article on Military.com.
Visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Legislative Center on Military.com for more information on issues and legislation.
Schools Defer Tuition Charges for Vets
According to most recent reports thousands of veteran students are still feeling the economic impact from delayed Post-9/11 GI Bill payments. The delayed benefit payments are affecting veteran's ability to pay their rent and buy food, books, and other essentials. In addition, the delayed benefit means that the colleges and universities are also not being paid. Many colleges and universities are doing what they can to help veterans on a case-by-case basis by setting up loan programs or deferring tuition charges. In addition, some schools have made it a standing policy to defer tuition charges for all veterans using their GI Bill benefits. One such school, the University of Phoenix, has had this policy in place since August of 2009. Although this does not help with the impact on personal finances, this deferment does help veterans avoid the added stress of unpaid tuition bills.
Find out how much you'd make with a promotion or at your next duty station. Calculate pay by rank, location or duty with the (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay/calculator) Military Pay Calculator.
VA Loan Guaranty Program
Despite problems in the nation's housing market, mortgage loans backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) had a lower foreclosure rate than any other type of home loan in the industry, as of the end of the last fiscal year. The program makes home ownership more affordable for veterans, active-duty members, and some surviving spouses by protecting lenders from loss if the borrower fails to repay the loan. More than 90 percent of VA-guaranteed loans are made without a down payment. To obtain more information about the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program, Veterans can call VA at 1-877-827-3702 or visit the (http://www.homeloans.va.gov/) VA Loan Guaranty Service website. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/news/article/vabacked-loans-help-avoid-foreclosure.html) read the full article on Military.com.
(http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=https%3A//secure.military.com/leads/VALoanNew/Step1.jsp&code=News_Finance_New_Home_Form) Purchasing a new home? - take advantage of record low rates!
Deal of the Week: Save on Holiday Shopping
Find the perfect present for the ones you love at Military.com's (http://www.military.com/Deals/Home/0,13401,,00.htm?ESRC=vr.nl) Holiday Gift Center. Save on thousands of items including DVDs, Flip Cams, iPods and more.
Debt Proofing the Holidays
Military spouse Tara Crooks interviews DebtProofLiving.com's Mary Hunt about debt proofing the holidays. Regardless of your financial situation, the mission at Debt-Proof Living is to provide hope, help and realistic solutions for those striving to be financially responsible. Check out the following (http://www.military.com/holidays/military-families/debt-proofing-holidays.html?ESRC=vr.nl) Military.com Podcast to learn how you can debt proof your holiday season.
An Overview of VA Home Loans
For veterans and active duty military personnel, (http://www.military.com/finance/homebuying/an-overview-of-va-home-loans.html?ESRC=vr.nl) a VA loan can be the most flexible home financing option available. Zero down payments, no private mortgage insurance, relaxed qualifying standards, and low interest rates are some of the benefits enjoyed by VA mortgage holders.
Wreaths Across America
Through Wreaths Across America, veteran memorials and grave sites, including Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., are currently being adorned with remembrance wreaths from Maine's Worcester Wreath Co. The tributes honor many of the 25 million men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces and guarded and preserved America's freedom throughout history. More than 400 wreath-laying ceremonies are expected in all 50 states and 25 cemeteries and memorials abroad in 2009. Wreaths Across America is a monumental initiative, with partners such as Civil Air Patrol, numerous veterans' groups, and private citizens participating. For more information, visit the (http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/) Wreaths Across America website.
Hunt for 'Fake UK Veteran'
The hunt is on throughout the United Kingdom for the "fake veteran" who recently marched in a Remembrance Day parade alongside 600 genuine war heroes wearing an impossible array of medals. Parade organizers in Bedworth, England became suspicious when military experts confirmed that it would be impossible for one man to have been awarded all the decorations. Meanwhile, the new website (http://www.reportstolenvalor.org/) Report Stolen Valor.org has been created in the U.S. by the veteran's organization AMVETS to expose people who lie about their non-existent military service. In the United States, the "Stolen Valor Act" makes lying about one's military record a federal misdemeanor that is punishable with one year in prison and a $150,000 penalty.
Featured Job: Military Friendly Employers
Visit Military.com's career board to search thousands of jobs in aerospace, defense, health care, nursing, government, law enforcement, teaching and more. Find the perfect career path for you and (http://www.military.com/Careers/Home?ESRC=vr.nl ) connect with military friendly employers today.
Voc-Rehab Tip No. 4
In part four of his series, Seven Essentials to a Voc-Rehab Win -- Know the Rules, Ben Krause explains what vets need to know about VR&E program rules and regulations. Ben explains how understanding the system better will help vets structure their proposal in a way that fits. (http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,205645,00.html) Read the full column on Military.com.
Top Two Military Advantages
Here are two easy ways to get a degree faster and have it paid for by the Military:
1. Credit for Military Service -- Many schools offer up to a full semester of college credits.
2. Tuition Assistance and GI Bill -- Worth over $67,000
Your hard work and dedication earned you the right to a free education. Take the first step and (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?ESRC=vr.nl) Find Military Friendly Schools Today.
Do You Know Your VA Benefits?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched a national survey of veterans, active duty servicemembers, activated National Guard and reserve members, and family members and survivors to learn if they are aware of VA services. The national survey will also collect important health care, benefits, employment, and demographic information that VA will use to inform policy decisions and improve benefits. VA expects approximately 10,000 veterans to complete the full-length survey. The data collection is expected to be finished by the end of February and the final report released by December 2010.
Get the latest (http://www.military.com/news/stories/veteran-benefits-news.html) Veteran Benefits news on Military.com.
Legion Supports Flagpole Fight
The American Legion joined the fight being waged by a Medal of Honor recipient against a Virginia homeowner association's demands to remove a flagpole. Col. Van Barfoot, 90, a World War II and Vietnam veteran, was ordered by the Sussex Square Homeowner's Association to remove the flag pole from his front lawn after he flew the U.S. Flag on Labor Day and Veterans Day. The association claims that the flag pole is not "aesthetically appropriate." National Commander Clarence Hill said, "Col. Barfoot hired legal counsel. The American Legion is prepared to help with the expenses and fight these disgraceful actions by the association." For complete, continuing coverage of the flagpole controversy, visit the (http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/site_elements/tags/tag/barfoot/) Richmond Times-Dispatch website.
Are You Relocating Soon?
Visit Military.com's Relocation Center to find all your moving needs -- realtors, truck rentals, professional movers, discounts on travel, a moving guide and more. Why do the research when you can find all your answers in one location. (http://benefits.military.com/misc/relocation/relocation.jsp?file=Relocation_Main.htm?ESRC=mr.nl) Learn more today.
A push is underway to designate a national memorial to those who fought in World War I -- among those asking for such a memorial is the last remaining American veteran from that war, Frank W. Buckles. Two competing pieces of legislation for a national memorial are now moving through Congress. One would name the existing Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Mo., as a national monument to veterans of the first world war. The other legislation, known as the "Frank Buckles World War I Memorial Act," would rededicate a memorial already in Washington, D.C. Proponents of both pieces of legislation were on Capitol Hill recently to provide testimony before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, subcommittee on national parks.
Lawmakers Address VA Needs, Planning
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Bob Filner recently conducted a hearing to explore how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determines its resource needs and executes its spending plans for providing local medical care for veterans. The hearing specifically focused on how VA Central Office distributes and tracks the federal resources and how oversight is conducted to ensure that federal dollars reach the various programs and initiatives at the local VA medical centers. Prepared testimony and a link to the webcast of the hearing are available at the (http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hearing.aspx?newsid=504) House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.
(http://vote.military.com/military/dbq/officials/) How do you feel about this action? Let your public officials know how you feel!
Public Officials Talk Education Benefits
The Chair of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity of the U.S. House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, recently led a roundtable discussion on education. Interested stakeholders were provided the opportunity to express their concerns and provide specific recommendations regarding education programs offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA). A link to an audio recording of the Dec. 3 roundtable along with a list of participants is available on the (http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hearing.aspx?newsid=505) House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/news/article/dc-roundtable-on-vets-education-options.html) read the full article on Military.com.
Visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Legislative Center on Military.com for more information on issues and legislation.
Schools Defer Tuition Charges for Vets
According to most recent reports thousands of veteran students are still feeling the economic impact from delayed Post-9/11 GI Bill payments. The delayed benefit payments are affecting veteran's ability to pay their rent and buy food, books, and other essentials. In addition, the delayed benefit means that the colleges and universities are also not being paid. Many colleges and universities are doing what they can to help veterans on a case-by-case basis by setting up loan programs or deferring tuition charges. In addition, some schools have made it a standing policy to defer tuition charges for all veterans using their GI Bill benefits. One such school, the University of Phoenix, has had this policy in place since August of 2009. Although this does not help with the impact on personal finances, this deferment does help veterans avoid the added stress of unpaid tuition bills.
Find out how much you'd make with a promotion or at your next duty station. Calculate pay by rank, location or duty with the (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay/calculator) Military Pay Calculator.
VA Loan Guaranty Program
Despite problems in the nation's housing market, mortgage loans backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) had a lower foreclosure rate than any other type of home loan in the industry, as of the end of the last fiscal year. The program makes home ownership more affordable for veterans, active-duty members, and some surviving spouses by protecting lenders from loss if the borrower fails to repay the loan. More than 90 percent of VA-guaranteed loans are made without a down payment. To obtain more information about the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program, Veterans can call VA at 1-877-827-3702 or visit the (http://www.homeloans.va.gov/) VA Loan Guaranty Service website. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/news/article/vabacked-loans-help-avoid-foreclosure.html) read the full article on Military.com.
(http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=https%3A//secure.military.com/leads/VALoanNew/Step1.jsp&code=News_Finance_New_Home_Form) Purchasing a new home? - take advantage of record low rates!
Deal of the Week: Save on Holiday Shopping
Find the perfect present for the ones you love at Military.com's (http://www.military.com/Deals/Home/0,13401,,00.htm?ESRC=vr.nl) Holiday Gift Center. Save on thousands of items including DVDs, Flip Cams, iPods and more.
Debt Proofing the Holidays
Military spouse Tara Crooks interviews DebtProofLiving.com's Mary Hunt about debt proofing the holidays. Regardless of your financial situation, the mission at Debt-Proof Living is to provide hope, help and realistic solutions for those striving to be financially responsible. Check out the following (http://www.military.com/holidays/military-families/debt-proofing-holidays.html?ESRC=vr.nl) Military.com Podcast to learn how you can debt proof your holiday season.
An Overview of VA Home Loans
For veterans and active duty military personnel, (http://www.military.com/finance/homebuying/an-overview-of-va-home-loans.html?ESRC=vr.nl) a VA loan can be the most flexible home financing option available. Zero down payments, no private mortgage insurance, relaxed qualifying standards, and low interest rates are some of the benefits enjoyed by VA mortgage holders.
Wreaths Across America
Through Wreaths Across America, veteran memorials and grave sites, including Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., are currently being adorned with remembrance wreaths from Maine's Worcester Wreath Co. The tributes honor many of the 25 million men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces and guarded and preserved America's freedom throughout history. More than 400 wreath-laying ceremonies are expected in all 50 states and 25 cemeteries and memorials abroad in 2009. Wreaths Across America is a monumental initiative, with partners such as Civil Air Patrol, numerous veterans' groups, and private citizens participating. For more information, visit the (http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/) Wreaths Across America website.
Hunt for 'Fake UK Veteran'
The hunt is on throughout the United Kingdom for the "fake veteran" who recently marched in a Remembrance Day parade alongside 600 genuine war heroes wearing an impossible array of medals. Parade organizers in Bedworth, England became suspicious when military experts confirmed that it would be impossible for one man to have been awarded all the decorations. Meanwhile, the new website (http://www.reportstolenvalor.org/) Report Stolen Valor.org has been created in the U.S. by the veteran's organization AMVETS to expose people who lie about their non-existent military service. In the United States, the "Stolen Valor Act" makes lying about one's military record a federal misdemeanor that is punishable with one year in prison and a $150,000 penalty.
Featured Job: Military Friendly Employers
Visit Military.com's career board to search thousands of jobs in aerospace, defense, health care, nursing, government, law enforcement, teaching and more. Find the perfect career path for you and (http://www.military.com/Careers/Home?ESRC=vr.nl ) connect with military friendly employers today.
Voc-Rehab Tip No. 4
In part four of his series, Seven Essentials to a Voc-Rehab Win -- Know the Rules, Ben Krause explains what vets need to know about VR&E program rules and regulations. Ben explains how understanding the system better will help vets structure their proposal in a way that fits. (http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,205645,00.html) Read the full column on Military.com.
Top Two Military Advantages
Here are two easy ways to get a degree faster and have it paid for by the Military:
1. Credit for Military Service -- Many schools offer up to a full semester of college credits.
2. Tuition Assistance and GI Bill -- Worth over $67,000
Your hard work and dedication earned you the right to a free education. Take the first step and (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?ESRC=vr.nl) Find Military Friendly Schools Today.
Do You Know Your VA Benefits?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched a national survey of veterans, active duty servicemembers, activated National Guard and reserve members, and family members and survivors to learn if they are aware of VA services. The national survey will also collect important health care, benefits, employment, and demographic information that VA will use to inform policy decisions and improve benefits. VA expects approximately 10,000 veterans to complete the full-length survey. The data collection is expected to be finished by the end of February and the final report released by December 2010.
Get the latest (http://www.military.com/news/stories/veteran-benefits-news.html) Veteran Benefits news on Military.com.
Legion Supports Flagpole Fight
The American Legion joined the fight being waged by a Medal of Honor recipient against a Virginia homeowner association's demands to remove a flagpole. Col. Van Barfoot, 90, a World War II and Vietnam veteran, was ordered by the Sussex Square Homeowner's Association to remove the flag pole from his front lawn after he flew the U.S. Flag on Labor Day and Veterans Day. The association claims that the flag pole is not "aesthetically appropriate." National Commander Clarence Hill said, "Col. Barfoot hired legal counsel. The American Legion is prepared to help with the expenses and fight these disgraceful actions by the association." For complete, continuing coverage of the flagpole controversy, visit the (http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/site_elements/tags/tag/barfoot/) Richmond Times-Dispatch website.
Are You Relocating Soon?
Visit Military.com's Relocation Center to find all your moving needs -- realtors, truck rentals, professional movers, discounts on travel, a moving guide and more. Why do the research when you can find all your answers in one location. (http://benefits.military.com/misc/relocation/relocation.jsp?file=Relocation_Main.htm?ESRC=mr.nl) Learn more today.
