Veterans Report - Week of October 22, 2012

[boardman]

Veterans Report - Week of October 22, 2012

The Legion to Visit VA Med Centers
The American Legion's System Worth Saving Task Force recently held a planning meeting to focus on its next round of site visits to Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers. Task force members and Legion national staff will visit 15 VA facilities from November to April 2013, and will hold video teleconferences with VA staff at another 10 facilities. Through interviews with staff, patients and administrators, the Legion teams will evaluate the overall quality of health care with an emphasis on the treatment and care of women patients. For more information about the upcoming SWS site visits and town hall meetings, and their focus on health care for women veterans, contact Jacob Gadd, the Legion's deputy director for health care: (202) 861-2700 or (mailto:jgadd@legion.org) jgadd@legion.org.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Museum to Celebrate Anniversary in 2013
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC, America's national memorial to the Holocaust, will honor in 2013 all the brave soldiers who fought in World War II as part of its 20th anniversary commemoration. At the National Tribute in Washington, DC on April 28 - 29, 2013 the Museum will bring together the people who lived this history ? Holocaust survivors, World War II veterans, rescuers, and their families ? in large numbers. The Museum will also be hosting free , day-long public events in four cities: Boca Raton (December 9), Los Angeles (February 17), New York (March 3), and Chicago (June 9). As plans develop, updates will be posted on the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum website at (http://www.ushmm.org/neveragain) www.ushmm.org/neveragain.
For more military history resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/history) Military.com History Center.


Special Courts for Veterans
Veterans treatment courts have popped up across the country to help troubled veterans integrate with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) care to get the help they need. The courts were son a recent edition of 60 Minutes. For more information, read VA's (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/8229/sp ... nd-chance/) VAntage Point Blog.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


2013 COLA Military Retirees and Vets
The 2013 cost-of-living adjustment for military retired pay, SBP annuities, Social Security checks, and VA disability and survivor benefits will be 1.7 percent. The COLA will go into effect on December 1, 2012. The January check will be the first to reflect the increase. Retirees who left the military in 2012 and those who took the REDUX retirement package will not see the full 1.7 percent increase next year.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... announced/) Read the Military Advantage Blog to learn more about the 2013 COLA for those two groups.


Featured Job: AllState Hiring Veterans
At Allstate, we celebrate creative problem solving, full engagement and working together to keep all people in Good Hands?, and we recognize our military veterans as men and women who share this vision. The sacrifices you?ve made for our country demonstrate your level of commitment, resourcefulness and integrity ? (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) invaluable characteristics that we seek in new talent.


Let Your Voice Be Heard!
Last year Military.com members sent over a quarter of a million letters to Congress, DoD, VA, and the White House. This year's issues are more critical, with programs for servicemembers, veterans, and their families facing the sequestration axe and the defense budget's proposed cuts and reductions that that could impact benefits like TRICARE enrollment fees, commissaries, and military tuition assistance. In addition to those threats, there is pending legislation that could affect survivor benefits, GI Bill, spouse education, Space "A" Travel, and concurrent receipt.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -be-heard/) Visit the Military Advantage Blog to learn more about have a say in what happens to your hard earned benefits.


American Education Week
(http://www.nea.org/) The National Education Association's (NEA) 91st American Education Week is Nov. 11-17. This year's theme is "Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility." For examples of ways to get involved, download the American Legion's 2012 American Education Week brochure at (http://www.legion.org/publications/2119 ... ation-week) www.legion.org/publications/211941/amer ... ation-week. The American Legion has played a significant rule in the history of American Education Week since being a co-sponsor of the initial event, Dec. 4-10, 1921. Read more about the Legion's involvement with the history of American Education Week on the National Education Association website at (http://www.nea.org/grants/47604.htm) www.nea.org/grants/47604.htm.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


AboutFace Video Gallery for Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs' AboutFace website is an online video gallery dedicated to veterans talking about living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and how treatment turned their lives around. Meet men and women who speak candidly about PTSD symptoms, stigma, and the effects of PTSD on family and friends. AboutFace is for people who think they might have PTSD and want to explore what treatment is like. It is also for family members who do not know what to do. Visit VA's (http://www.ptsd.va.gov/aboutface) AboutFace website to learn how PTSD treatment helped these veterans figure out how to get their lives back. Using a mobile device? Access over 20 veteran videos at (http://www.ptsd.va.gov/m/public/aboutface.asp) www.ptsd.va.gov/m/public/aboutface.asp.
For more family support resources for PTSD, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Free SAT and ACT Test Prep Available
eKnowledge and Military.com are offering free* and deeply discounted SAT and ACT study material to Military families worldwide. The PowerPrep DVD contains 11 hours of video instruction, sample questions and practice tests. The program allows students to select the training they need and study at their own pace. 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 dependents. To review the PowerPrep Programs and place an order online visit (http://www.eKnowledge.com/mil) www.eKnowledge.com/mil. To order by telephone call 951-256-4076.
2013 Test Dates:
SAT: January 26, March 9, May 4, June 1
ACT: February 9, April 13, June 8
*There is a nominal charge of $17.55 per standard program for materials and shipping.
For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Buddy Finder: Reconnect with Old Military Friends
Having trouble locating an old military friend or buddy? Check out the (http://www.military.com/buddy-finder/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Military.com Buddy Finder to search over 20 million records.


Fed to End Paper Pay Checks
In an effort to save about $2 million in printing costs and comply with new Treasury Department mandates, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service will longer offer military members, military retirees and annuitants, and federal civilian employees the option of getting paid by paper check. The Treasury Department has set March 1, 2013, as the date all federal government payments should be delivered by electronic funds transfer methods such as direct deposit. It is estimated that the U.S. government spends about $130 million each year to print and mail paper checks.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ay-checks/) Read more about the DFAS switch to EFT on the Military Advantage Blog.


Spouses of Heroes Education Act
The Spouses of Heroes Education Act S.1852) would amend the Post-9/11 GI Bill to include spousal eligibility for the Fry Scholarship. Under this legislation, spouses of these service members could receive the full cost of public, in-state undergraduate tuition and fees, plus a monthly living stipend and book allowance. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ation-act/) Read more.
(http://www.capwiz.com/military/issues/a ... %26type=CO) Let your voice be heard. Contact your elected officials to let them know how you feel about this bill.


Pioneer Pilot Recreates History
Retired Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager, the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound, celebrated the 65th anniversary of his ground breaking event with a re-enactment at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Yeager was serving as a test pilot and flying the experimental Bell X-1 named the, "Glamorous Glennis," Oct. 14, 1947, when he successfully broke the sound barrier. Yeager enlisted as a private in the U.S. Army Air Forces Sept. 12, 1941 and demonstrated his flying skill during World War II when he became an "ace in a day" after downing five enemy aircraft in one mission. For more information on General Yeager and the historic flight, visit the General Chuck Yeager website at (http://www.chuckyeager.com/) www.chuckyeager.com/ .
For more military history resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/history) Military.com History Center.


VA Medical Facilities Receive Recognition
Nineteen Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities from across the Nation were recently recognized by The Joint Commission as top performers on key health care quality measures for 2011/2012. While all 152 VA medical facilities are accredited by The Joint Commission, the list recognizes facilities that are the top performers based on The Joint Commission's review of evidence-based care processes that are closely linked to positive patient outcomes. A list of the nineteen top performing VA medical facilities is available on the (http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressre ... fm?id=2398) VA website. In addition to being named in this report, Top Performers are highlighted at The Joint Commission website at (http://www.jointcommission.org/) www.jointcommission.org and The Joint Commission's Quality Check website at (http://www.qualitycheck.org/) www.qualitycheck.org.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Get $300k Coverage for Less than $22 a Month
Protect your family?s future with quality life insurance from ASMBA. Get $250k coverage starting at less than $22 a month. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?ESRC=vr.nl) Because tomorrow isn't guaranteed.


Operation Comfort Warriors
In support of American Legion National Commander James E. Koutz's main fundraising program, the (http://www.legion.org/operationcomfortwarriors) Operation Comfort Warriors (OCW) webpage has been upgraded. The page now features accessible links for visitors to easily and efficiently donate to the charity, or access information about the program, its history, how recipients benefit and more. Additionally, news stories about OCW will appear on the web page at (http://www.legion.org/ocw) www.legion.org/ocw. Two new brochures produced by the American Legion about Operation Comfort Warriors are available for download on the (http://www.legion.org/operationcomfortw ... blications) American Legion website.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Deal of the week: GAF Roofs for Troops
Get money back from GAF when you install our new Lifetime Roofing System. Protect your home and your family for a lifetime* with (http://www.gaf.com/military) quality GAF products.


VA-Backed Home Loans
Thanks to low interest rates, VA-backed home loans (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/14/reale ... -year.html) surged by 50 percent in 2012. More than half a million loans were granted this year, the most since 1994. For more information, visit VA's (http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/) Loan Guaranty Service, Home Loan Program website.
For more guides and resources on VA home loans, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans) Military.com VA Loan page.


Get 2013 Proposed Military Pay Charts
The President and House of Representatives have proposed a 1.7 percent across-the-board pay increase for 2013. The Senate has yet to present a National Defense budget proposal. If passed the military pay increase will go into effect on January 1, 2013 and will be reflected by the mid-January pay date. (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... RC=mrvr.nl) Take a look at the 2013 military pay charts to see what you may be getting next year.


VA Loan Program Benefits
While a conventional loan might seem like a great bargain because of an advertised lower rate, keep in mind that you often need a high credit score of 720 or above to qualify for these best rates. VA home loans are backed by the government, meaning banks can assume less risk with the loan and possibly price it lower than a rate you would qualify for from a bank. But even without a lower rate, there are a number of other compelling benefits that make the VA home loan program a better overall alternative. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) See the top 4 benefits of a VA loan.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr1022.nl) Next Step: connect with lenders ready to help you use your VA loan.


Depression, Anxiety and PTSD
Depression and anxiety are flip sides of the same coin because they often occur simultaneously. Loss of control causes anxiety for the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) sufferer. On the flip side, depression results from not being able to regain that control. People with PTSD feel detached or disconnected from friends and family. They find little pleasure in activities they once enjoyed. They may even have difficulty experiencing positive emotions such as joy and happiness. Isolation develops as they avoid engaging, particularly in activities that might trigger memories of the traumatic event or event that triggered the PTSD. Get help on the (http://www.militaryonesource.mil) Military OneSource website. If you or someone you know is in a crisis, call the Military Crisis Line 24/7 at 1.800.273.TALK (8255).
For more family support resources for PTSD, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


MOAA 2012 Career Fair in DC
The Military Officers Association of America is offering a free career fair for active duty, retired, former service, Reserve/National Guard officer and enlisted service members and their spouses. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m on Tuesday, October 30, at the Sheraton National Hotel, located at 900 S. Orme St., Arlington, VA. In addition to offering the chance to meet with more than 50 regional and national employers like Microsoft, CGI Federal, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, and Chick-fil-A, the event will also feature several free, 60-minute pre- career fair transition seminars on subjects like "How to Work a Career Fair," "Interviewing Best Practices," and "Federal Job Search." The Pre-Career Fair Seminars begin at 8 a.m. Attendees are not required to preregister for the Career Fair.
For further information, call (800) 234-MOAA (6622) toll-free (Mon through Fri 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST), e-mail (mailto:careerfair@moaa.org) careerfair@moaa.org, or visit About MOAA Career Events on the MOAA website at (http://www.moaa.org/careerfair) www.moaa.org/careerfair.


Free Career Workshop Presented by The Home Depot
Home Depot invites you to a FREE career transition event on Oct 27th. Learn Resume Optimization, Job Search Strategies, and Interview Techniques. Hundreds of locations on Oct 27th. (http://bs.serving-sys.com/BurstingPipe/ ... uID=0&ord=[timestamp]) Find a Free Career Event Near You!


WWII Game on Sale
The (http://www.nationalww2museum.org/) National World War II Museum in New Orleans has created a new edition of a classic board game to educate younger generations about World War II. "Monopoly: America's World War II: We're All In This Together" replaces railroads with supply routes, hotels with camps, and board spaces with World War II events. To purchase "Monopoly: America's World War II: We're All In This Together" for the price of $39.99, visit the (http://store.nationalww2museum.org/brow ... ,1396.html) National World War II Museum website.
For more military history resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/history) Military.com History Center.