Veterans Report - Week of October 27, 2014

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Veterans Report - Week of October 27, 2014

Stars Come Out for 'Concert for Valor'
The Concert for Valor is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Nov. 11, in Washington, DC. The free concert will feature will feature, among others, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Carrie Underwood, Metallica and Eminem, according to its sponsors, Starbucks, HBO and Chase. Up to 800,000 people could attend the concert. The Metro will significantly increase service to accommodate concertgoers with more trains than usual running on the Red, Orange, Silver, Green and Yellow Lines. For more information, visit the (http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle ... story.html) Washington Post website.
For more military-related entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty section.


2015 Military Retirement COLA Set
Military and federal civilian retirees, survivor benefit annuitants, disabled veterans and Social Security recipients will see a 1.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment in January. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -for-2015/) Get the details on the 2015 retiree Cola rate.


Five Navy Ball Cap Policy Need-to-Knows
Optional wear of the Navy and command ball caps was authorized Sept. 1 with Navy Working Uniforms (NSU) (Type I, II and III) as well as with flight suits, coveralls, Flame Resistant Variant (FRV) coveralls and the Navy physical training uniform. Here are five things you need to know about wearing ball caps: (1) replacements can be purchased using the annual clothing replacement allowance for enlisted E1-E6 personnel; (2) Sailors may purchase command ball caps with their personal funds, but they cannot be required to purchase it; (3) if a Sailor is authorized to wear NWUs out in town, he or she may wear the Navy or command ball cap; (4) ball caps may be worn with civilian clothes provided they do not have rank insignia or command titles reflected; and (5) the ball cap should not be worn if commands may prescribe the eight-point cover with the NWUs for Sailors in formation. For more information on uniform regulations and a list of FAQs relating to the ball caps, visit the (http://www.public.navy.mil/BUPERS-NPC/S ... /FAQs.aspx) Uniform Matters Office website. Email (mailto:umo_cmc@navy.mil) umo_cmc@navy.mil for feedback on uniform matters.
For more on Navy and other military uniforms, check the (http://www.military.com/join-armed-forc ... guide.html) Military.com Uniform section.


VA Seeks Pilot Program Applications
The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced it is currently accepting proposals for the Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury (AL-TBI), which has been extended through October 6, 2017. Under the AL-TBI program, Veterans meeting the eligibility criteria are placed in private sector TBI residential care facilities specializing in neurobehavioral rehabilitation. To be eligible, contractor facilities must meet Federal, State and local standards and be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) in Residential Rehabilitation/Brain Injury Program. Contracts for the extended program are expected to be awarded in February 2015. For more information about the AL-TBI Request for Proposal, visit the (https://www.fbo.gov/spg/VA/VADDC791/VAD ... sting.html) FedBizOpps.gov website. For more information about the AL-TBI program, visit the VA Polytrauma/TBI System of Care website at (http://www.polytrauma.va.gov/) www.polytrauma.va.gov.
For more on traumatic brain injuries, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... rview.html) Military.com TBI section.


Use Your VA Loan: 2014 Tax Break, No PMI, $0 Down
Now is the time to use your VA Loan. You don't have to pay PMI or have a large down payment. Plus you can get financing up to $417,000. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr1027.nl) Use your VA Loan Benefit today.
(http://www.military.com/money/va-loans?ESRC=mrvr1027.nl) Want more information about this great benefit?


Save Up to 66% on TRICARE Costs
Save on the out of pocket costs that TRICARE doesn't cover. (http://offers.military.com/i/tricare/in ... rvr1027.nl) Save now.


Five Ideal Jobs for Veterans
Military.com has compiled a list of five popular jobs that give the men and women who've served our country an opportunity to make a difference and move up. They are information technology specialist, police officer, math or science teacher, entrepreneur, and a career in civilian public service. For more information, read the article on the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... onnel.html) Military.com website.


Veterans on Wall Street
The fourth annual Veterans on Wall Street (VOWS) Veteran Employment Symposium and Resource Fair for transitioning veterans will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2014, 7:00 am, at the Goldman Sachs Conference Center at 200 West Street in New York. The half-day morning symposium is an opportunity for transitioning Veterans to learn about career opportunities and how to best position themselves for success. Employment professionals from leading non-profit support organizations, educational institutions and corporate Veteran employers will discuss preparing for your ideal career, leveraging your military skills and veteran network, how to start, run and grow your business. Visit the (http://www.goldmansachs.com/events/vetsws2014/VETS) VOWS website to learn more.
For a full calendar of veteran job affairs across the nation, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... fairs.html) Military.com Upcoming Job Fairs page.


TRICARE Delays Changes in Autism Services
TRICARE has delayed until April a 46-percent reduction in the reimbursement level for some autism services while it awaits the results of an independent assessment of the prevailing rate for the services. The reduced reimbursement rate -- for one-on-one therapy with a board-certified behavior analyst for those with autism spectrum disorder -- was one of several program changes scheduled to go into effect Oct. 20 as TRICARE implements its new Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration, or Autism Care Demo.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Join Chevron and Help Create the Future of Energy
Chevron is committed to being the employer of choice for qualified U.S. military veterans and recognizes your commitment to teamwork and safety. When you join Chevron, you can turn your ideas into real-life solutions. (http://www.military.com/veteran-employe ... rvr1027.nl) Read more.


Bob Hope USO Military Monday
The LA Auto Show and Bob Hope USO are partnering to welcome members of our Armed Forces and their families throughout the show. Many of our troops in Southern California have limited means and opportunities to get off their bases. Your ticket donation will help us say "thank you" to those who serve, and their families, who sacrifice so much. Along with the ticket, the LA Auto Show will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Bob Hope USO. Tickets to the LA Auto Show for Bob Hope Military Monday, scheduled for November 24th, are specially priced at just $12.00. (https://losangelesautoshow2014.frontgat ... txffkzvees) Click here to purchase tickets for Military Monday.
For more military-related entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty section.


TRICARE Warns of Scam
TRICARE is warning beneficiaries of the need to be aware of a telephone scam affecting beneficiaries older than 65 and on Medicare nationwide. A caller will usually identify themselves as being an official Medicare vendor, and will then offer to sell beneficiaries back braces. Do not give any personal identifiable information, such as birth date, Social Security number or banking information if you receive such a call. TRICARE representatives never ask beneficiaries for this information when calling for an official Department of Defense survey. Beneficiaries who receive a call of this nature, can contact the Defense Health Agency Program (DHA) Program Integrity Office directly. For more information on fraud and abuse reporting, visit the TRICARE Fraud and Abuse website at (http://www.TRICARE.mil/fraud) www.TRICARE.mil/fraud.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Letters Sought for Minnesota Memorial
A new memorial is being put together at the Minnesota State Capitol by the organization Minnesota Military Family Tribute (MFT). 87 boulders or "Story Stones" representing every county in the state will feature a portion of a letter written between family and those fighting in war. Letters from veterans in every county in Minnesota are being sought for the project. Visit the MFT website at (http://www.militaryfamilytribute.org/) www.militaryfamilytribute.org for more information how you can submit a letter of your own. The deadline for submissions is Monday, December 1, 2014.
For more family support resources, see this (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... vices.html) Military.com Spouse Channel article.


Veteran Outreach Events in Indiana
The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs will be visiting eight Indiana communities over the next several weeks, holding Community Outreach events that will offer veterans, active duty members and their dependents opportunities to connect with services and prospective employers. All events are free. Sign up for the Community Outreach Event in your area by accessing the specific link listed on the (http://www.wbiw.com/state/archive/2014/ ... events.php) WBIW.com website. For more information and dates of each event, visit the (https://secure.in.gov/dva/index.htm) Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs website.
For more veteran job news, job postings and transition advice, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


$1 Million Family Protection from $41 a Month
Protection for less. Get $1,000,000 Coverage from less than $1.50 a day. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... rvr1027.nl) Could your family survive if something happened to you?


Budget Gloomy, Despite Shrinking Deficit
The Congressional Budget Office released final budget figures last week for FY 2014 showing the annual federal budget deficit shrank to its smallest level since 2008 - $486 billion - or nearly 25 percent smaller than last year's deficit. Although positive, it's important not to construe this forecast as anything close to sunny skies ahead. Read the full article at the (http://www.moaa.org/MRdeficitshrinks/) Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) website.


Dogs of War Series to Debut
The A&E network will soon debut "Dogs of War," a new docu-series about war veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the service dogs that help them adjust back into life after combat. The new show will premiere on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2014. The series is based on married couple Jim and Lindsey Stanek and their nonprofit organization (http://www.pawsandstripes.org/home.html) Paws and Stripes. The organization provides service dogs to wounded military veterans, and each episode will chronicle the journey of one or two PTSD veterans as they are paired with man's best friend. Check your local television listings for exact air dates and times.
For more on pets and the military, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty/pet-corner) Military.com Pet Corner.


3 Keys to Preparing for a Voc Rehab Meeting
There are three key down and dirty elements that you need to prepare before you attend a first meeting Voc Rehab meeting with your Voc Rehab Counselor that we will cover here. Do you know what they are? (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ab-meeting) Learn more about preparing for your Voc Rehab meeting.
For more on vocational rehabilitation, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... yment.html) Military.com Vocational Rehabilitation section.


VA Expands Fry Scholarship
The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced it will begin accepting applications by mail on Monday, November 3, 2014, for the Fry Scholarship under the newly expanded eligibility criteria to include surviving spouses who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. The Fry Scholarship will entitle eligible spouses to up to 36 months of the full, 100-percent level of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which includes a tuition-and-fee payment, a monthly housing allowance and stipend for books and supplies. Some spouses currently eligible for or already receiving benefits under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program may now be eligible for the Fry Scholarship. VA will identify surviving spouses eligible for both programs and send them a letter with comparative information on the benefits available and instructions on how make an election. The VA call center (888-GIBILL-1) will be able to help individuals understand the differences between the two programs. For more information, visit the (http://www.military.com/education/money ... rship.html) Military.com website.


Free Legal Help in West Virginia
If you are a veteran or a military service member who needs help with a legal issue, the West Virginia State Bar is offering to help. The State Bar will host a free call-in line from 3 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 10 to provide legal information for veterans and service members. Those veterans or military service members with questions may call 1-800-642-3617 from 3 to 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Free Haircuts for Veterans
This Veterans Day the hair salons Great Clips are offering free haircuts for veterans starting on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, through Dec. 31, 2014. On Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, customers who come in for a haircut at any U.S. Great Clips salon will receive a free haircut card to give to an active, inactive, or retired military member of any branch, including the National Guard. Military members can also come in on Veterans Day for a free haircut or to pick up a free haircut card to use, with proof of service, through Dec. 31, 2014. For more information, visit the (http://www.greatclips.com/about-us/news ... mo-oct2014) Great Clips website.
For more discounts for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts/) Military.com Discount Center. For more Veterans Day discounts, visit the (http://www.military.com/veterans-day/ve ... ounts.html) Military.com Veterans Day Discount page.