Print & Post: Week of August 02, 2010
Free SAT/ACT Prep Software
eKnowledge continues to donate their world-class SAT and ACT College Test Preparation Programs to military servicemembers and their families. Eligible recipients include Active Duty, Guard and Reserve Service Members from all branches of the military, Military Retirees, Veterans, in addition to all DoD employees and civilians performing military support and relatives and dependants of anyone who otherwise qualifies from the prior list. There is a nominal charge of $13.84 per standard program for the cost of materials, processing, distribution and customer service. eKnowledge does not profit from this venture.
To order online visit (http://www.eknowledge.com/MIL) www.eknowledge.com/MIL or call 951-256-4076, Be sure to reference Military.com
Innovative Treatment Options
House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) recently led a roundtable discussion to review innovative treatment options for veterans injured while serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. More than 20 participants shared relevant information concerning treatment tools that have been developed or are in development concerning traumatic brain injury and combat stress. Participants spoke directly with representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. Prepared testimony and a link to the webcast of the discussion are available on the (http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hearing.aspx?newsid=605) House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.
Americans with Disabilities Act Turns 20
The 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act was recently observed. If you are a disabled Veteran, learn about the protections this law offers, as well as where to get assistance on the (http://www.ada.gov/servicemembers_adainfo.html) Americans With Disabilities Act website.
The Best Cities for Military Families
There are a lot of "hot spots" in the housing market, but filtering them for military families can prove challenging. Find out the picks for the best cities for military families in 2010. (http://www.military.com/money/content/pcs-dity-move/best-cities-military-families.html?ESRC=vr.nl) Read More.
VA Freezes Financial Mgt. System
The Department of Veterans Affairs has canceled its financial management system due to the Office of Management and Budget freezing the program as part of a larger review of federal information technology programs. VA had been working to get one piece of its Financial and Logistics Integrated Technology Enterprise program up and running. Though the FLITE system has been cancelled, preserving one of its pieces is estimated to save the VA $200 to $300 million.
The PassDown: Leak City
In most administrations, leaks of classified information precipitate presidential ire. Nearly all such unauthorized disclosures are the consequence of disgruntled government employees deciding that a "leak" is the best way to stop some activity they have decided should not continue. To justify their unlawful actions they call themselves "secret whistleblowers." The so-called "mainstream media" loves them. Most American presidents do not. That's what makes the current commander in chief's reactions to a whole series of "leaks" so unusual. Mr. Obama doesn't seem to be concerned at all. (http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,218103,00.html?wh=news?ESRC=vr.nl) Read More.
Jump Start Your Earning Potential
Higher education equals higher income potential. The GI Bill not only pays for a traditional higher education, but also many licensure and certification programs. You can use your GI Bill to become a licensed Realtor(R), an emergency medical technician, or drive long hauls across the country. The possibilities are endless, and a small investment in time could bring big rewards. (http://edu.military.com/gibill/certification-programs/?ESRC=vr.nl) Get More Info.
Celebrating 10 Years of Serving Our Members
Military.com is celebrating its 10-year anniversary by saluting the military community. (http://www.military.com/aboutus/anniversary/?ESRC=vr.nl) Visit our 10 Year Anniversary Page to see some of our most popular content over the last decade -- videos, news, member tools, equipment blogs, featured members and more.
Count Down to Agent Orange Claims
The Department of Veterans Affairs is likely to begin paying thousands of disability claims to Vietnam veterans with ischemic heart disease, Parkinson's disease and B-cell leukemia -- illnesses newly associated with exposure to defoliants, including (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care/agent-orange) Agent Orange, used in that war. A 60-day countdown to the day that VA can start compensating up to 86,000 veterans retroactively for these diseases will begin when VA publishes its final implementing regulation, which could be very soon. (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,218093,00.html) Read the Full Article.
Featured Job: Government and Law Enforcement Jobs
Government and law enforcement jobs can be some of the most rewarding and stable jobs out there today. Your military experience makes you a prime candidate for these positions -- and you don't have to be a pencil-pusher. Military.com offers our members a one-stop resource to not only search these jobs, but also career advice and tips for acing government job applications. (http://www.military.com/government?ESRC=vr.nl) Search now and continue to serve your country tomorrow.
Military.com Member Benefit: Career Expos
Military.com is bringing the jobs to you. Get opportunities that you might not get through email and posting resumes. The Military.com Career Expos bring potential employers together under one roof that can talk to you face to face that day, something that email and job boards just can't do. (http://www.military.com/career-expo/?ESRC=vr.nl) Register today for a Career Expo near you -- it's free.
New Career Opportunity for Young Vets
The Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training program is seeking to enroll 300 veterans ages 20-24 in a new one-year, all-expense paid project with the Employment and Training Administration's Job Corps; the program that provides training, a credential or certificate, stipend, housing, meals, employment and post-employment support. Although Job Corps has set aside only 300 slots for the demonstration project, actual participation during the year may exceed that number due to the continuous enrollment. Interested veterans can get more information and sign-up for the project by calling (800) 733 - JOBS or visiting the (http://www.recruiting.jobcorps.gov) program 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?ESRC=vr.nl) Career Center and find military friendly employers.
VA Approves Research Funding
The Department of Veterans Affairs has approved $2.8 million to fund three new research projects that focus on testing or developing new treatments for illnesses affecting Veterans who served in the Gulf War 1990-1991. A recent report by the Institute of Medicine's Committee on Gulf War and Health, " (http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2010/Gulf-War-and-Health-Volume-8-Health-Effects-of-Serving-in-the-Gulf-War.aspx) Health Effects of Serving in the Gulf War," noted that chronic multi-symptom illnesses affect an estimated 250,000 Gulf War Veterans. Given the findings, VA is embarking on a national Gulf War Veterans' illness research program to identify and adopt the most effective treatments for Veterans. For more information on research on the effects of Gulf War Service, visit the (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/research.asp) VA website.
VA Continues to Test for HIV
The Department of Veterans Affairs continues to test more than 1,800 military veterans who had dental procedures done at the St. Louis VA Medical Center. The veterans were potentially infected with HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C when they received dental work from Feb. 1, 2009, through March 11, 2010. Of 1,144 veterans tested recently, 809 have tested negative. For related stories, visit the Military.com website at (http://www.military.com/news/article/va-possible-exposure-to-aids-at-clinic.html) http://www.military.com/news/article/va-possible-exposure-to-aids-at-clinic.html and (http://www.military.com/news/article/va-tech-warned-of-sterilization-problems.html) http://www.military.com/news/article/va-tech-warned-of-sterilization-problems.html.
VA Unveils New Contract Strategy
The Department of Veterans' Affairs has announced a new contracting strategy to be known as Transformation Twenty-One Total Technology (T4), which is focused on giving Veteran-owned small businesses more opportunities to support VA. VA will soon launch a request for proposals for an up to five-year program of multiple awards to firms that will perform as prime contractors or subcontractors to meet the full range of VA's long-term technology needs. Four of T4's prime contracts will be reserved for service-disabled Veteran-owned small businesses and three for Veteran-owned small businesses. VA is also cracking down on contractors who represent themselves fraudulently as Veteran-owned small businesses.
New AF Civilian Jobs Website
The new (http://www.afciviliancareers.com) Air Force Civilian Service website contains practical information for those interested in applying for a federal job within the Air Force Civilian Service, including various hiring authorities, base locations, career field descriptions, employee benefits and application procedures. Visitors to the website can click on the "apply now" button on the home page, which will give them access to Air Force jobs listed on (http://www.usajobs.gov) USAJOBS.gov. There, they can build resumes, search for job vacancies, and submit their applications. For more information, Air Force employees may call the Total Force Service Center at 800-525-0102.
VA Launches HUD Project
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs have announced that both agencies will invest a combined $15 million in five selected communities near military installations in an effort to prevent homelessness among veterans, primarily those returning from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Under the new (http://www.hudhre.info/index.cfm?do=viewWhatIsNew#wn104) Veterans Homelessness Prevention Demonstration Program, existing HUD grantees or 'Continuums of Care' located near several military installations will receive grants. HUD and 18 other federal agencies recently unveiled (http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2010/HUDNo.10-132) Opening Doors, a federal strategy to end veteran and chronic homelessness by 2015. The related report, titled Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, is available at the (http://www.usich.gov) Interagency Council on Homelessness website.
Veterans Charity Faces Penalties
The Veterans Support Organization faces $50,000 in civil penalties following an investigation by the Tennessee Department of State's Division of Charitable Solicitations and Gaming. The group claimed that its Tennessee chapter provides a wide range of services to veterans. However, the investigation concluded that the Tennessee chapter was not actually offering any of those services in Tennessee. Anyone who suspects a charitable organization of engaging in fraudulent or misleading activities in the state of Tennessee is encouraged to contact the State of Tennessee's Division of Charitable Solicitations and Gaming at 615-741-2555 or local law enforcement officials.
Disability Benefits for Wounded Warriors
Military servicemembers can receive expedited processing of disability claims from Social Security. Benefits available through Social Security are different than those from the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application. For more information, visit the (http://www.ssa.gov/woundedwarriors/) Social Security Administration website.
See more (http://www.military.com/wounded-warriors?ESRC=vr.nl) Wounded Warrior news on Military.com.
Today's Choices for Education are Overwhelming
There are many factors to consider when choosing a military-friendly college; these include available degree options, the school's policy for using CLEP and military experience credits, accreditation, and the cost of tuition. There are thousands of colleges that can be considered military-friendly. The trick is to find the one that offers exactly what you need, in a way that fits your lifestyle. (http://www.military.com/education/content/finding-a-school/looking-for-colleges-and-universities.html?ESRC=vr.nl) Read More.
There are lots of choices out there for education -- online, on-ground, two-year, four-year, certifications, diplomas. Use Military.com's School Finder to help guide you in the direction of graduation. The School Finder matches you with schools and programs that meet your needs and wants for higher education. (http://schools.military.com/schoolfinder/search-for-schools.do?ESRC=vr.nl) Start Your Free Search Today.
Sailors Can Add College Credits
Navy intelligence professionals can now qualify for college credit hours for the newly developed Advanced Maritime Operational Intelligence Analysis Course taught in Virginia Beach, and the Expeditionary Warfare Intelligence Course taught in San Diego and available world-wide through the use of Mobile Training Teams. To take advantage of ACE recommended credits for their specific rating, Sailors should visit their nearest Navy College Office or Educational Service Officer to review their SMART transcript and develop an educational plan. For further information on using ACE credits toward a college degrees, visit the (https://www.navycollege.navy.mil) Navy College website. For more information on the Center for Naval Intelligence, visit the (https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cennavintel/) CNI website.
(http://www.military.com/education/content/timesaving-programs/college-credit-for-military-experience.html?ESRC=vr.nl) Learn more about how your military experience can count toward a college degree.
Study Looks at TBI Related Seizures
A new research study has found that Soldiers who suffered brain injuries can develop seizures as long as 35 years after the initial injury. The study found that among a group of 199 Vietnam veterans, about 13% developed post-traumatic epilepsy more than 14 years after they had suffered a penetrating head wound. An abstract of the study "Correlates of Posttraumatic Epilepsy 35 Years Following Combat Brain Injury," published in the journal Neurology, is available on the (http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/75/3/224?maxtoshow=&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=Jordan+Grafman%2C&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&resourcetype=HWCIT) Neurology website.
This Isn't Your Father's GI Bill
Tough economic situations, hard to find jobs, the 21st century's demands on your life and family and a new GI Bill that seems to be constantly evolving...these are things your parents didn't have to deal with. But even with all of those outside factors, it's still possible to get an education and to get a better life. The "Military.com Education Benefits Guide," a FREE publication, will guide you through all of the choices and set you on the path that walks across the stage. (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?ESRC=vr.nl) Get yours now.
Superior Life Insurance For You and Your Family
AFBA offers life insurance products that suit the needs of a military family. There is no medical exam required for active duty, Guard, and Reserve under age 50, for coverage up to $250,000. They also offer emergency death benefits. Within 24 hours of receiving notice of a member's death, AFBA will mail $15,000 to the member's beneficiary. (http://www.military.com/finance/insurance/afba?ESRC=vr.nl) Contact AFBA today to learn how they can protect you and your family.
Deal of the Week: AR Digital Magazine
Zero in on rapid-fire columns, thrilling adventure stories and relevant equipment reviews while enjoying full content interactivity. (http://www.arshunt.com/arshunt-online/201004online?utm_source=militarycom&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MilitaryComARGHSpring) Get Details.
Art of the American Soldier
The upcoming "Art of the American Soldier" exhibit will give the public a chance to see for the first time more than 250 paintings and sketches of the American Soldier. The exhibit will be shown at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia Sept. 24, 2010 through Jan. 10, 2011. The showing will be representative of a 15,000-piece collection created by more than 1,300 Soldier-artists that has been in cultural storage in Washington since the start of the Army's art program in World War I. The exhibit will explore how Soldier-artists saw Army life. For more information on historical Army artwork, visit the (http://www.history.army.mil/html/artphoto/artwork.html) U.S. Army Center of Military History website.
Soldier Marathon Coming in November
The Columbus Roadrunners and Fort Benning will host a new race, the Soldier Half and Full Marathon, at Fort Benning Nov. 13 to benefit the National Infantry Museum, House of Heroes and Honor Flight. The marathon is 26.2 miles and the half marathon is 13.1 miles. Runners ages 12 and older can run in the half marathon, while the minimum age for the full marathon is 18. If you register before Nov. 1, the cost is $55 for civilians for the half marathon and $65 for the full marathon. Military ID cardholders get a discount. All prices increase by $10 after Nov. 1. On the day of the event, the cost is $85 for either event. Teams of two to five can register for $150. For more information or to register, visit the (http://www.soldiermarathon.com) Inaugural Soldier Marathon website or call 706-243-5610.
VA Updates Open Government Plan
Supporting President Obama's pledge to make transparency and openness the pillars of good government, the Department of Veterans Affairs has updated its "Open Government Plan." VA is in the midst of a broad transformation, and the initiatives laid out in the Open Government plan offer a roadmap to accelerate that positive change. The plan is available on the (http://www.va.gov/open) VA website. The plan leverages technologies ranging from electronic claims processing to popular social media like Facebook and Twitter in order to enhance services VA provides to Veterans. It also reports on the progress VA has made with its highly successful Innovation Initiative, now in its third phase.
GI Bill Video Series: Who Gets What?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides tuition and fees, as well as cash payment, for housing, books, and supplies. But are you eligible for everything? Figuring out what you're supposed to get can be confusing. In Part 2 of this series benefits expert Terry Howell quickly walks you through the eligibility matrix and makes sure you don't leave money on the table. (http://www.military.com/education/content/gi-bill/the-new-gi-bill-who-gets-what.html?ESRC=vr.nl) Watch Video.
eKnowledge continues to donate their world-class SAT and ACT College Test Preparation Programs to military servicemembers and their families. Eligible recipients include Active Duty, Guard and Reserve Service Members from all branches of the military, Military Retirees, Veterans, in addition to all DoD employees and civilians performing military support and relatives and dependants of anyone who otherwise qualifies from the prior list. There is a nominal charge of $13.84 per standard program for the cost of materials, processing, distribution and customer service. eKnowledge does not profit from this venture.
To order online visit (http://www.eknowledge.com/MIL) www.eknowledge.com/MIL or call 951-256-4076, Be sure to reference Military.com
The following is the schedule for the 2010 SAT and ACT exams:
SAT Exam Dates: Oct. 9 - Nov. 6 - Dec. 4
ACT Exam Dates: Sept. 11 - Oct. 23 - Dec. 11
Innovative Treatment Options
House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) recently led a roundtable discussion to review innovative treatment options for veterans injured while serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. More than 20 participants shared relevant information concerning treatment tools that have been developed or are in development concerning traumatic brain injury and combat stress. Participants spoke directly with representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. Prepared testimony and a link to the webcast of the discussion are available on the (http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hearing.aspx?newsid=605) House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.
Americans with Disabilities Act Turns 20
The 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act was recently observed. If you are a disabled Veteran, learn about the protections this law offers, as well as where to get assistance on the (http://www.ada.gov/servicemembers_adainfo.html) Americans With Disabilities Act website.
The Best Cities for Military Families
There are a lot of "hot spots" in the housing market, but filtering them for military families can prove challenging. Find out the picks for the best cities for military families in 2010. (http://www.military.com/money/content/pcs-dity-move/best-cities-military-families.html?ESRC=vr.nl) Read More.
VA Freezes Financial Mgt. System
The Department of Veterans Affairs has canceled its financial management system due to the Office of Management and Budget freezing the program as part of a larger review of federal information technology programs. VA had been working to get one piece of its Financial and Logistics Integrated Technology Enterprise program up and running. Though the FLITE system has been cancelled, preserving one of its pieces is estimated to save the VA $200 to $300 million.
The PassDown: Leak City
In most administrations, leaks of classified information precipitate presidential ire. Nearly all such unauthorized disclosures are the consequence of disgruntled government employees deciding that a "leak" is the best way to stop some activity they have decided should not continue. To justify their unlawful actions they call themselves "secret whistleblowers." The so-called "mainstream media" loves them. Most American presidents do not. That's what makes the current commander in chief's reactions to a whole series of "leaks" so unusual. Mr. Obama doesn't seem to be concerned at all. (http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,218103,00.html?wh=news?ESRC=vr.nl) Read More.
Jump Start Your Earning Potential
Higher education equals higher income potential. The GI Bill not only pays for a traditional higher education, but also many licensure and certification programs. You can use your GI Bill to become a licensed Realtor(R), an emergency medical technician, or drive long hauls across the country. The possibilities are endless, and a small investment in time could bring big rewards. (http://edu.military.com/gibill/certification-programs/?ESRC=vr.nl) Get More Info.
Celebrating 10 Years of Serving Our Members
Military.com is celebrating its 10-year anniversary by saluting the military community. (http://www.military.com/aboutus/anniversary/?ESRC=vr.nl) Visit our 10 Year Anniversary Page to see some of our most popular content over the last decade -- videos, news, member tools, equipment blogs, featured members and more.
Count Down to Agent Orange Claims
The Department of Veterans Affairs is likely to begin paying thousands of disability claims to Vietnam veterans with ischemic heart disease, Parkinson's disease and B-cell leukemia -- illnesses newly associated with exposure to defoliants, including (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care/agent-orange) Agent Orange, used in that war. A 60-day countdown to the day that VA can start compensating up to 86,000 veterans retroactively for these diseases will begin when VA publishes its final implementing regulation, which could be very soon. (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,218093,00.html) Read the Full Article.
Featured Job: Government and Law Enforcement Jobs
Government and law enforcement jobs can be some of the most rewarding and stable jobs out there today. Your military experience makes you a prime candidate for these positions -- and you don't have to be a pencil-pusher. Military.com offers our members a one-stop resource to not only search these jobs, but also career advice and tips for acing government job applications. (http://www.military.com/government?ESRC=vr.nl) Search now and continue to serve your country tomorrow.
Military.com Member Benefit: Career Expos
Military.com is bringing the jobs to you. Get opportunities that you might not get through email and posting resumes. The Military.com Career Expos bring potential employers together under one roof that can talk to you face to face that day, something that email and job boards just can't do. (http://www.military.com/career-expo/?ESRC=vr.nl) Register today for a Career Expo near you -- it's free.
New Career Opportunity for Young Vets
The Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training program is seeking to enroll 300 veterans ages 20-24 in a new one-year, all-expense paid project with the Employment and Training Administration's Job Corps; the program that provides training, a credential or certificate, stipend, housing, meals, employment and post-employment support. Although Job Corps has set aside only 300 slots for the demonstration project, actual participation during the year may exceed that number due to the continuous enrollment. Interested veterans can get more information and sign-up for the project by calling (800) 733 - JOBS or visiting the (http://www.recruiting.jobcorps.gov) program 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?ESRC=vr.nl) Career Center and find military friendly employers.
VA Approves Research Funding
The Department of Veterans Affairs has approved $2.8 million to fund three new research projects that focus on testing or developing new treatments for illnesses affecting Veterans who served in the Gulf War 1990-1991. A recent report by the Institute of Medicine's Committee on Gulf War and Health, " (http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2010/Gulf-War-and-Health-Volume-8-Health-Effects-of-Serving-in-the-Gulf-War.aspx) Health Effects of Serving in the Gulf War," noted that chronic multi-symptom illnesses affect an estimated 250,000 Gulf War Veterans. Given the findings, VA is embarking on a national Gulf War Veterans' illness research program to identify and adopt the most effective treatments for Veterans. For more information on research on the effects of Gulf War Service, visit the (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/research.asp) VA website.
VA Continues to Test for HIV
The Department of Veterans Affairs continues to test more than 1,800 military veterans who had dental procedures done at the St. Louis VA Medical Center. The veterans were potentially infected with HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C when they received dental work from Feb. 1, 2009, through March 11, 2010. Of 1,144 veterans tested recently, 809 have tested negative. For related stories, visit the Military.com website at (http://www.military.com/news/article/va-possible-exposure-to-aids-at-clinic.html) http://www.military.com/news/article/va-possible-exposure-to-aids-at-clinic.html and (http://www.military.com/news/article/va-tech-warned-of-sterilization-problems.html) http://www.military.com/news/article/va-tech-warned-of-sterilization-problems.html.
VA Unveils New Contract Strategy
The Department of Veterans' Affairs has announced a new contracting strategy to be known as Transformation Twenty-One Total Technology (T4), which is focused on giving Veteran-owned small businesses more opportunities to support VA. VA will soon launch a request for proposals for an up to five-year program of multiple awards to firms that will perform as prime contractors or subcontractors to meet the full range of VA's long-term technology needs. Four of T4's prime contracts will be reserved for service-disabled Veteran-owned small businesses and three for Veteran-owned small businesses. VA is also cracking down on contractors who represent themselves fraudulently as Veteran-owned small businesses.
New AF Civilian Jobs Website
The new (http://www.afciviliancareers.com) Air Force Civilian Service website contains practical information for those interested in applying for a federal job within the Air Force Civilian Service, including various hiring authorities, base locations, career field descriptions, employee benefits and application procedures. Visitors to the website can click on the "apply now" button on the home page, which will give them access to Air Force jobs listed on (http://www.usajobs.gov) USAJOBS.gov. There, they can build resumes, search for job vacancies, and submit their applications. For more information, Air Force employees may call the Total Force Service Center at 800-525-0102.
VA Launches HUD Project
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs have announced that both agencies will invest a combined $15 million in five selected communities near military installations in an effort to prevent homelessness among veterans, primarily those returning from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Under the new (http://www.hudhre.info/index.cfm?do=viewWhatIsNew#wn104) Veterans Homelessness Prevention Demonstration Program, existing HUD grantees or 'Continuums of Care' located near several military installations will receive grants. HUD and 18 other federal agencies recently unveiled (http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2010/HUDNo.10-132) Opening Doors, a federal strategy to end veteran and chronic homelessness by 2015. The related report, titled Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, is available at the (http://www.usich.gov) Interagency Council on Homelessness website.
Veterans Charity Faces Penalties
The Veterans Support Organization faces $50,000 in civil penalties following an investigation by the Tennessee Department of State's Division of Charitable Solicitations and Gaming. The group claimed that its Tennessee chapter provides a wide range of services to veterans. However, the investigation concluded that the Tennessee chapter was not actually offering any of those services in Tennessee. Anyone who suspects a charitable organization of engaging in fraudulent or misleading activities in the state of Tennessee is encouraged to contact the State of Tennessee's Division of Charitable Solicitations and Gaming at 615-741-2555 or local law enforcement officials.
Disability Benefits for Wounded Warriors
Military servicemembers can receive expedited processing of disability claims from Social Security. Benefits available through Social Security are different than those from the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application. For more information, visit the (http://www.ssa.gov/woundedwarriors/) Social Security Administration website.
See more (http://www.military.com/wounded-warriors?ESRC=vr.nl) Wounded Warrior news on Military.com.
Today's Choices for Education are Overwhelming
There are many factors to consider when choosing a military-friendly college; these include available degree options, the school's policy for using CLEP and military experience credits, accreditation, and the cost of tuition. There are thousands of colleges that can be considered military-friendly. The trick is to find the one that offers exactly what you need, in a way that fits your lifestyle. (http://www.military.com/education/content/finding-a-school/looking-for-colleges-and-universities.html?ESRC=vr.nl) Read More.
There are lots of choices out there for education -- online, on-ground, two-year, four-year, certifications, diplomas. Use Military.com's School Finder to help guide you in the direction of graduation. The School Finder matches you with schools and programs that meet your needs and wants for higher education. (http://schools.military.com/schoolfinder/search-for-schools.do?ESRC=vr.nl) Start Your Free Search Today.
Sailors Can Add College Credits
Navy intelligence professionals can now qualify for college credit hours for the newly developed Advanced Maritime Operational Intelligence Analysis Course taught in Virginia Beach, and the Expeditionary Warfare Intelligence Course taught in San Diego and available world-wide through the use of Mobile Training Teams. To take advantage of ACE recommended credits for their specific rating, Sailors should visit their nearest Navy College Office or Educational Service Officer to review their SMART transcript and develop an educational plan. For further information on using ACE credits toward a college degrees, visit the (https://www.navycollege.navy.mil) Navy College website. For more information on the Center for Naval Intelligence, visit the (https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cennavintel/) CNI website.
(http://www.military.com/education/content/timesaving-programs/college-credit-for-military-experience.html?ESRC=vr.nl) Learn more about how your military experience can count toward a college degree.
Study Looks at TBI Related Seizures
A new research study has found that Soldiers who suffered brain injuries can develop seizures as long as 35 years after the initial injury. The study found that among a group of 199 Vietnam veterans, about 13% developed post-traumatic epilepsy more than 14 years after they had suffered a penetrating head wound. An abstract of the study "Correlates of Posttraumatic Epilepsy 35 Years Following Combat Brain Injury," published in the journal Neurology, is available on the (http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/75/3/224?maxtoshow=&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=Jordan+Grafman%2C&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&resourcetype=HWCIT) Neurology website.
This Isn't Your Father's GI Bill
Tough economic situations, hard to find jobs, the 21st century's demands on your life and family and a new GI Bill that seems to be constantly evolving...these are things your parents didn't have to deal with. But even with all of those outside factors, it's still possible to get an education and to get a better life. The "Military.com Education Benefits Guide," a FREE publication, will guide you through all of the choices and set you on the path that walks across the stage. (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?ESRC=vr.nl) Get yours now.
Superior Life Insurance For You and Your Family
AFBA offers life insurance products that suit the needs of a military family. There is no medical exam required for active duty, Guard, and Reserve under age 50, for coverage up to $250,000. They also offer emergency death benefits. Within 24 hours of receiving notice of a member's death, AFBA will mail $15,000 to the member's beneficiary. (http://www.military.com/finance/insurance/afba?ESRC=vr.nl) Contact AFBA today to learn how they can protect you and your family.
Deal of the Week: AR Digital Magazine
Zero in on rapid-fire columns, thrilling adventure stories and relevant equipment reviews while enjoying full content interactivity. (http://www.arshunt.com/arshunt-online/201004online?utm_source=militarycom&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MilitaryComARGHSpring) Get Details.
Art of the American Soldier
The upcoming "Art of the American Soldier" exhibit will give the public a chance to see for the first time more than 250 paintings and sketches of the American Soldier. The exhibit will be shown at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia Sept. 24, 2010 through Jan. 10, 2011. The showing will be representative of a 15,000-piece collection created by more than 1,300 Soldier-artists that has been in cultural storage in Washington since the start of the Army's art program in World War I. The exhibit will explore how Soldier-artists saw Army life. For more information on historical Army artwork, visit the (http://www.history.army.mil/html/artphoto/artwork.html) U.S. Army Center of Military History website.
Soldier Marathon Coming in November
The Columbus Roadrunners and Fort Benning will host a new race, the Soldier Half and Full Marathon, at Fort Benning Nov. 13 to benefit the National Infantry Museum, House of Heroes and Honor Flight. The marathon is 26.2 miles and the half marathon is 13.1 miles. Runners ages 12 and older can run in the half marathon, while the minimum age for the full marathon is 18. If you register before Nov. 1, the cost is $55 for civilians for the half marathon and $65 for the full marathon. Military ID cardholders get a discount. All prices increase by $10 after Nov. 1. On the day of the event, the cost is $85 for either event. Teams of two to five can register for $150. For more information or to register, visit the (http://www.soldiermarathon.com) Inaugural Soldier Marathon website or call 706-243-5610.
VA Updates Open Government Plan
Supporting President Obama's pledge to make transparency and openness the pillars of good government, the Department of Veterans Affairs has updated its "Open Government Plan." VA is in the midst of a broad transformation, and the initiatives laid out in the Open Government plan offer a roadmap to accelerate that positive change. The plan is available on the (http://www.va.gov/open) VA website. The plan leverages technologies ranging from electronic claims processing to popular social media like Facebook and Twitter in order to enhance services VA provides to Veterans. It also reports on the progress VA has made with its highly successful Innovation Initiative, now in its third phase.
GI Bill Video Series: Who Gets What?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides tuition and fees, as well as cash payment, for housing, books, and supplies. But are you eligible for everything? Figuring out what you're supposed to get can be confusing. In Part 2 of this series benefits expert Terry Howell quickly walks you through the eligibility matrix and makes sure you don't leave money on the table. (http://www.military.com/education/content/gi-bill/the-new-gi-bill-who-gets-what.html?ESRC=vr.nl) Watch Video.
