Veterans Report - Week of March 23, 2015

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Veterans Report - Week of March 23, 2015

Hot Video: 5 Things You Don't Know About Body Armor
In this week's edition of our ongoing video series, we take a closer look at body armor, and unveil some interesting facts. Visit the (http://www.military.com/video/armor/bod ... 851270001/) Military.com video section to see this video.


Discounted Golf for Service Members & Veterans
Military Tee Times allows all Members of the Armed Forces, all Veterans, and all Military Family Members to find and book the best tee times and courses online 24/7. Search more than 8,000 course partners in several countries, including North America and the UK. (http://www.military.com/discounts/milit ... RC=mrvr.nl) View discounts and book now.


Odds Against Younger Veterans in Hunt for Job
The unemployment rate for veterans in 2014 was 5.3 percent, down from 6.6 percent in the year before and below the 6 percent rate for civilians, according to Labor Department figures released Wednesday. But younger veterans who served after Sept. 11, 2001, have had a more difficult time. That group had an unemployment rate of 7.2 percent last year. Some have struggled to translate the skills developed in the military to a civilian workforce. For others, the traumas of war have been a barrier. For more details, see (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... -rate.html) this article.


Rehab Program for Veterans
The organization Project Healing Waters is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing and associated activities including education and outings. The nonprofit runs in all 50 states, offering more than 180 programs that meet on a weekly basis with fishing trips and an annual 2-Fly tournament. The program provides basic fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying and rod building classes, as well as clinics with participants ranging from beginners to those with prior fly fishing and tying experience who are adapting their skills to their new abilities. All fly fishing and tying equipment is provided to the participants at no cost. Fishing trips and multi-day outings are also provided free-of-charge to participants. For more information, visit the Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. website at (http://www.projecthealingwaters.org) www.projecthealingwaters.org.
For more wounded warrior news, visit (http://www.military.com/topics/wounded-warriors) this Military.com section.


Military Discounts for Major League Baseball Games
Major League Baseball teams are showing their appreciation for service members, both past and present, with military discounts on 2015 game tickets. Many teams also hold military appreciation days to honor those who have served our country. (http://www.military.com/discounts/milit ... RC=mrvr.nl) View all deals and get out to the ballpark this spring.


A New Leash on Life
Stars and Stripes reports that at the nonprofit organization Warrior Canine Connection, wounded warriors train service dogs that help other wounded warriors. By interacting with the dogs as they move from puppyhood to training to adult service dogs, Warrior Trainers benefit from a physiological and psychological animal-human connection. As a result of their efforts, Veterans with disabilities receive the finest in trained service dogs. For more information, visit the Warrior Canine Connection website at (http://warriorcanineconnection.org) warriorcanineconnection.org.


UNC Assistantships for Veterans
The University of North Carolina Charlotte Graduate School has added a new assistantship to attract military veterans to enroll in one of its extensive list of master's and doctoral degree programs. Beginning with the fall 2015 semester, the Graduate School is offering two graduate assistantships designated exclusively for veteran students. Each two-year assistantship is valued at $36,000 to $45,000 and includes full tuition, health insurance and an assistantship stipend. UNC Charlotte offers nearly 100 graduate degree programs, including 21 doctoral programs listed on the (http://graduateschool.uncc.edu/) Graduate School webpage. The application deadline for the fall 2015 term is April 15. Details on the application process are available (http://graduateschool.uncc.edu/funding- ... ool-awards) online. Apply to UNC Charlotte's Graduate School, and create a prospective (https://mygradschool.uncc.edu/) student portal account.
For more on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education section.


2015 Diplomatic Career Fellowship for Vets
The U.S. Department of State is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2015 class of Veterans Innovation Partnership Fellowship Program, also known as VIP Fellows. The main focus of VIP is to build and deploy strategic partnerships between the U.S. government and the U.S. private sector to mobilize resources and build networks to promote foreign affairs career opportunities for veterans. This fellowship will give applicants the opportunity to serve in foreign affairs roles primarily throughout the Department of State, but also at our participating agencies, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), or the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The VIP fellowship includes one year of full-time employment, mentoring, and professional development opportunities. VIP fellowships are open to veterans who are enrolled in or have recently completed a master's degree in the fields of international business or international relations. Visit the (http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2013/10/216132.htm) State Department's VIP Fellows webpage for more information and eligibility criteria.
For more veteran job news, listings and resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


March 29 Is Vietnam Veterans Day
"The Vietnam War is a story of service members of different backgrounds, colors, and creeds who came together to complete a daunting mission. It is a story of Americans from every corner of our Nation who left the warmth of family to serve the country they loved. It is a story of patriots who braved the line of fire, who cast themselves into harm's way to save a friend, who fought hour after hour, day after day to preserve the liberties we hold dear. From Ia Drang to Hue, they won every major battle of the war and upheld the highest traditions of our Armed Forces." (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... RC=mrvr.nl) View the full proclamation from President Obama.

New Navy Maritime Strategy
The sea services have released a new maritime strategy in a plan that describes how the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard will design, organize, and employ naval forces in support of national security interests and homeland security objectives. The new strategy, titled A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower: Forward, Engaged, Ready, accounts for changes in the global security environment, new strategic guidance, and a changed fiscal environment. The new strategy emphasizes operating forward and engaging partners across the globe, especially in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015 ... cific.html) Read the full story on Military.com.


'Onward to Opportunity' Vet training
The Schultz Family Foundation (SFF), the U.S. Department of Defense and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University (IVMF) have announced the launch of Onward to Opportunity, a new national program that will deliver tailored, industry-specific training and certifications to service members and spouses on U.S. Military bases prior to transition. This program will provide participants with skill sets to immediately qualify them to work for leading U.S. companies, resulting in a seamless transition from military careers to civilian employment. Onward to Opportunity is supported by a unique coalition of Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies and nonprofits. The program will launch nationwide on up to six military bases and communities in 2015. For more information, visit the Onward to Opportunity website at (http://onward.vets.syr.edu) onward.vets.syr.edu.
For more veteran job news, listings and resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


3 Top VA Loan Tips
There are numerous advantages to having a VA mortgage. A VA mortgage loan can be guaranteed with no money down, in some cases up to $417,000. There is also no private mortgage insurance requirement. Here are 3 Tips to prepare for using your VA Loan. Tip #1, Check Your Credit. Tip #2 Get Pre-Approved. Tip #3 Choose Wisely ? Fixed or Adjustable Rate Loan? (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) View the full article on Military.com.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0323.nl) Connect with lenders who are ready to help you use your VA Loan benefit.


Navy Offers Oral Histories of Women Vets
The stories of some of the earliest women in America's Navy have been compiled at the U.S. Naval War College (NWC) in Newport, Rhode Island through a project just completed by college archivists. An oral history project more than 20 years in the making, the Naval Historical Collection at NWC collected and preserved the firsthand accounts of female Sailors and Marines in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES). Their stories are now available online for the first time. To hear their stories, visit the U.S. Naval War College (https://usnwcarchive.org/collections/show/25) Naval Historical Collection webpage.


How Proposed Benefit Changes Affect You
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) breaks down the (http://www.military.com/education/2015/ ... -bill.html) Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission (MCRMC) recommendations on pay and retirement, health care, and quality of life. The first in this series focuses on pay and retirement. To read more go to: (http://www.moaa.org/MRpayandretirement/) www.moaa.org/MRpayandretirement/.


New VA Advisory Committee
The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced the establishment of the MyVA Advisory Committee (MVAC). The Committee brings together skilled experts from the private, non-profit and government sectors who will advise the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on improving customer service, veteran outcomes and setting the course for achieving the goals of MyVA. A list of committee members is available on the VA website at (http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2683) www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2683. For more information, read VA's VAntage Point blog at (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/17837/p ... in-phoenix) www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/17837/presiden ... in-phoenix.
For more on veteran programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


VA Changes Health Care Eligibility
Effective 2015, the Department of Veterans Affairs has eliminated the use of net worth as a determining factor for both health care programs and copayment responsibilities. This change makes VA health care benefits more accessible to lower-income veterans. Instead of combining the sum of Veterans' income with their assets to determine eligibility for medical care and copayment obligations, VA will now only consider a Veteran's gross household income and deductible expenses from the previous year. Veterans may submit updated income information at (http://www.1010ez.med.va.gov) www.1010ez.med.va.gov, or by visiting their nearby VA health care facility. For more information, visit VA's Health Benefits webpage at (http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits) www.va.gov/healthbenefits or call VA toll-free at 1-877-222-VETS (8387).
For more on veteran programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


VA Golden Age Games
The Department of Veterans Affairs is currently accepting applications from veterans interested in competing in the 2015 National Veterans Golden Age Games. Applications can be completed online at (http://www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov/) www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov, and will be accepted through May 15. Veterans ages 55 and older who are enrolled for VA care are eligible to participate. The games take place in Omaha, Nebraska, Aug. 8-12. Competitive events include air rifle, badminton, bowling, cycling, dominoes, field, golf, horseshoes, nine ball, shuffleboard, swimming, table tennis and track. For more information, visit the National Veterans Golden Age Games website at (http://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/gag/index.asp) www.va.gov/opa/speceven/gag/index.asp and follow VA Adaptive Sports on Twitter at (https://twitter.com/VAAdaptiveSport) @VAAdaptiveSport or on Facebook at (http://www.facebook.com/vaadaptivesports) www.facebook.com/vaadaptivesports.
For more on veteran programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Pick Your Own Cuts: GI Bill
Among a pile of recommended changes to military benefits made early this year by a commission convened by Congress was a series of suggested changes to military education benefits. Some of the suggested changes have included getting rid of the Montgomery GI Bill, and increasing the amount of time a service member has to be in before he or she can transfer the benefits to a spouse or kid. If you had your choice, what change would you endorse? For more details and a poll, see (http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2015/03/pick ... -bill.html) this post.


Military.com Launches New Pay App
Military.com recently launched a new app that will allow service members instantaneous access to information about their pay and allowances from their mobile devices and tablets. Download on (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id961585610?mt=8) iTunes or (https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... ilitarypay) Google Play Store.


Must-see PTSD Video: That Which I Love Destroys Me
Watch a must-see documentary of two elite warriors' first hand accounts of their struggles with PTSD and returning home from the longest combat campaign in U.S. history. (http://www.military.com/helpingvetsheal?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Presented by Military.com


Sound Off: Lower Drinking Age for Troops?
The U.S. is an outlier when it comes to drinking age. There are very few countries that set the legal age of purchase at 21, and most opt for 18. But, Maryland State Sen. Ron Young is trying to get Maryland lawmakers to let service members imbibe at an earlier age. For more on this issue, and to see other reader opinions, see this (http://undertheradar.military.com/2015/ ... or-troops/) Under the Radar post on Military.com.


Medals for Operation Freedom's Sentinel
The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced that Operation Freedom's Sentinel is now a qualifying operation for award of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Service members deployed abroad in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel outside of the Afghanistan Campaign Medal area of eligibility are now eligible for award of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Full eligibility criteria for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service medals are contained in (http://dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/p ... 33vol2.pdf) Department of Defense Manual 1348.33, Volume 2, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards. Service members should contact their respective military departments for additional guidance.
(http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014 ... edoms.html) Read more about this story on Military.com.


DoD Budget Plans Alarm JCS
The Joint Chiefs of Staff and other military leaders over the past week have sharpened warnings that force readiness is unraveling and it could plummet if Congress allows the next round of defense cuts mandated by the 2011 Budget Control Act (BCA), with its sequestration tool, to take effect Oct. 1. Some in Congress are suggesting the use of the Department of Defense's Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) account to cover the shortfall, but many see that as a temporary fix at best.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -lifeline/) Read this week's Military Update to get the whole story.


Cognitive Behavioral Therapy May Reduce Suicides
Military personnel who receive cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in the short-term may reduce their probability of attempting suicide, according to a recent research from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (UTHSCSA). The study conducted at Fort Carson, Colo. focused on patients already at risk or who had attempted suicide before and revealed the effectiveness of the therapy. Patients who received CBT were 60% less likely to commit suicide than soldiers who underwent the standard treatment. The finding of the study entitled "Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Effects on Post-Treatment Suicide Attempts in a Military Sample: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial With 2-Year Follow-Up," were recently published in The American Journal of Psychiatry at (http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10. ... 4.14070843) ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.2014.14070843.
For more guides on mental health and wellness, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... d-wellness) Military.com Mental Health and Wellness section.


Protect Your Family: $100k Coverage from Just $7 a Month
Family Protection for less. Get $100,000 Coverage from just $7 a Month. (http://www.military.com/insurance?lpid= ... rvr0323.nl) Could your family survive if something happened to you?


Johnston Controls Hiring Veterans
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 162,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. (http://www.military.com/veteran-employe ... ESRC=vr.nl) Learn More and apply.