Print & Post: Week of February 18, 2013
The Department of Defense announced the extension of benefits to same-sex partners to ensure fairness and equal treatment to the extent allowable under law on Feb. 11. The U.S. Navy will begin offering these benefits no later than Oct. 1. To qualify, Sailors and their same-sex domestic partner will be required to sign a Declaration of Domestic Partnership, which is similar to that in use by other federal agencies. Servicemembers will file the declaration at their PSD, where a DD Form 1173 ("dependent" ID card) will then be issued allowing access to benefits. Children of same-sex domestic partners will also qualify for the ID card and benefits. Benefit information and updates to policy on benefits for same-sex partners and families will be posted as they become available on Navy's Don't Ask Don't Tell Post Repeal website on Navy Personnel Command's web page under (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/dadt/Pages/default.aspx) Support and Services.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.
Museum Features Native American Weapons
The Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) Museum in Illinois is the second oldest U.S. Army Museum. The museum contains the largest known collection of weapons used by the Cheyenne and Sioux during this battle. It has also always been known for its small arms collection with 75 percent of its small arms being displayed. The RIA Museum is also a research center, which also provides information for research requests. Tours of the RIA museum are available for adult and school groups free; request tours and other information by calling (309) 782-2979/5021.
For a complete guide to military museums across the country, visit the (http://www.military.com/Resources/ResourceSubmittedFileView?file=museums_museum_guide.htm) Military.com Museum page.
VA Loan Limits for High-Cost Counties
The VA loan guaranty program does not impose a maximum amount that an eligible veteran may borrow using a VA loan but limits the maximum guaranty amount to $417,000 for 2012. However, if you live in a high-cost county the maximum changes. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/home-purchase/va-loan-limits-for-high-cost-counties.html?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Get a full chart to determine the VA's maximum guaranty in your county.
Next Step: (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoanNew/Step1.jsp?ESRC=mrvr0218.nl) Search for lenders ready to help you use your VA loan benefit.
VA Hires More Professionals
Last year, Secretary Eric K. Shinseki announced a goal to hire 1,600 new mental health clinical providers and 300 administrative support staff. The President's Aug. 31, 2012, Executive Order requires the positions to be filled by June 30, 2013. As of Jan. 29, VA has hired 1,058 mental health clinical providers and 223 administrative support staff in support of this specific goal. VA has also completed hiring and training of additional staff to increase the capacity of the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255, press 1) and phone lines have been increased by 50 percent. Mental health care providers can find additional information about rewarding VA careers and apply for jobs online at the VA Careers webpage at (http://www.vacareers.va.gov/) www.vacareers.va.gov and at USAJobs.gov at (http://www.usajobs.gov/) www.usajobs.gov. To locate the nearest VA facility or Vet Center for enrollment and to get scheduled for care, Veterans can visit VA's website at (http://www.va.gov/) www.va.gov.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Featured Job: Safety-Kleen Hiring Veterans
Safety-Kleen is focused on providing safe, dependable environmental services that protect our customers and the environment. We are the largest used oil collector and re-refiner in the world as well as the leader in parts cleaning services. We serve businesses of all sizes, helping them balance their financial objectives with their sustainability goals. We have great opportunities for the skilled men and women who have served in the U.S. Military to join our team of experts that enable our customers to Make Green Work(R). (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employer/safety-kleen/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Search and find employment opportunities just right for you.
VA Switching to Electronic Payments
If you are receiving your Federal benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by paper check, you will need to (http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTMwMjExLjE1NDYwNTAxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDEzMDIxMS4xNTQ2MDUwMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3Mzk1MzIwJmVtYWlsaWQ9a2V2aW4uc2Vjb3JAdmEuZ292JnVzZXJpZD1rZXZpbi5zZWNvckB2YS5nb3YmZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&&&100&&&http://www.godirect.org/social-security-federal-benefits-direct-deposit/) switch to electronic payments by March 1, 2013. You can receive your benefits electronically in one of two ways: (1) by direct deposit or (2) by prepaid debit card where the U.S. Treasury deposits your benefits directly to a debit card. This is an option if you do not have a bank account and do not want to open one. You can request a debit card by calling (800) 333-1795 (Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm ET). If you have questions, call the Go Direct Helpline at (800) 333-1795.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
American Legion: Legiontown, USA
The American Legion wants to hear stories of the work of American Legion posts around the country. The (http://www.legiontown.org/) Legiontown U.S.A. website has recently undergone a redesign that showcases multiple stories at once, allows Legion Family members to feature links to YouTube videos created by them, and enables stories to be shared throughout social media. The Legion wants to hear and share the good experiences of Legionnaires at the Legiontown U.S.A. website at (http://www.legiontown.org/) www.legiontown.org.
Confronting Veteran Homelessness
The American Legion offers a comprehensive publication for resources available to homeless and low-income veterans. (http://www.legion.org/sites/legion.org/files/legion/publications/homeless_vet_handbook.pdf) On-Call: Handbook for Homeless Veterans and Service Providers provides an in-depth listing of employment resources, housing assistance, health or legal services, and other support systems available to homeless veterans. It is designed for veterans who have fallen hard times and service providers who wish to connect those veterans with available assistance.
$300k Family Protection From $20 a Month
Protect your family for less. Get $300k life insurance protection for as little as $20 a month. Need more coverage? (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid=ret&ESRC=vr0218.nl) Find personalized coverage today.
Illinois to Streamline Certification for Veterans
The state of Illinois has announced a new initiative in which veterans will be able to use their military occupational specialty as proof of their skills. This initiative will start out by identifying qualified service members to serve in the medical field, with institutes of higher education allowed to create programs catered towards veterans with medical expertise. For more on this initiative and its potential impact, visit the (http://jobsforveterans.military.com/1474/illinois-veteran-job-certification/) Veteran Jobs blog.
Black History Month and the Military
February is Black History Month. African-Americans have continuously served in the U.S. Military since colonial times. President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981 in July 1948, integrating the U.S. Military services. For more information on the service of African Americans in the U.S. Military, visit the (http://www.military.com/Content/MoreContent1/?file=BH_Index) Military.com History section, the (http://www.history.army.mil/html/topics/afam/index.html) African Americans in the U.S. Army webpage, the (http://www.army.mil/africanamericans/) African Americans in the U.S. Army: Loyalty, Honor, Patriotism webpage, the (http://www.lwfaam.net/) African American Military History website, the (http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2007/blackhistorymonth/index.html) Department of Defense African Americans in the Military website, the (http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/2002/3/02.03.07.x.html) African Americans and the Military webpage, the (http://www.archives.gov/research/alic/reference/military/blacks-in-military.html) National Archives website, and the (https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/African_American_Military_Records) African American Military Records webpage.
Navy Sequestration Update
With the budgetary uncertainty associated with the looming threat of sequestration, the Navy has begun to seriously considering options to deal with what could be a $4-$9 billion shortfall in operating and maintenance accounts. The information and links published by the U.S. Navy on its (http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71938) website provide commanding officers with background information they can use to speak frankly with their people on these issues.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.
Veterans and Apprenticeship Training
Veterans can use their VA Benefits to pursue "on-the-job training" ("OJT") or apprenticeship training with a private sector employer. The Veteran is provided monthly benefits from VA to supplement their trainee wages. At the end of the training--the employer has a fully trained journeyman employee. For more information, visit the (http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/education_resources/programs/on_the_job_apprenticeship_training.html) Post-9/11 GI Bill website. Also, the Special Employer Incentive (SEI) program is an employment program for Wounded Warriors and Disabled Veterans that can pay up to half of a Veteran's salary for 6 months and other work related tools. For more information, visit VA's (http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/index.htm) Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service webpage.
(http://www.military.com/education/gi-bill/gi-bill-apprenticeship-and-ojt-program.html) Learn more about GI Bill OJT/Apprenticeship Programs.
Disability.gov Hits 10 Year Mark
(http://www.disability.gov/) Disability.gov has launched the "What's Your Connection?" campaign to commemorate the website's 10th anniversary. They note that there are nearly 57 million individuals with disabilities in the United States. This project will collect stories and photos from/about people with disabilities in their communities. This program intends to demonstrate that disability is a natural part of human life and to focus on the social integration and contributions of people with disabilities. People nationwide can participate in the campaign by submitting a captioned photograph or video that answers the question "What's your connection to disability?" Submissions will be accepted through July 31, 2013. More information, including rules and requirements, is available at the (https://www.disability.gov/home/newsroom/what%27s_your_connection) Disability.gov website.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Get the Military.com App: News, Benefits Updates on the Go
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/military.com/id574344908?ls=1&ESRC=mrvr.nl) Download the Free Military.com app to get military news and benefits on the go.
