Veterans Report - Week of March 04, 2013

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Veterans Report - Week of March 04, 2013

Veterans History Project
The Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center is primarily an oral history program that collects and preserves the first-hand interviews of America's wartime veterans. Through the project, veterans who were witnesses to history are able to share that history with follow-on generations. For more information and to learn how to participate, visit the Library of Congress Veterans History Project webpage at (http://www.loc.gov/vets/) www.loc.gov/vets/.
For more on military history, visit the (http://www.military.com/history) Military.com History Center.


TRICARE for Life
TRICARE for Life (TFL) is TRICARE's Medicare-wraparound coverage available to all Medicare-eligible TRICARE beneficiaries, regardless of age or place of residence, provided they have Medicare Part A and Part B. With TFL, Medicare becomes the primary insurance, and TRICARE acts as a secondary payer. There is no paperwork associated with TFL--beneficiaries automatically gain coverage when they meet the requirements. To learn more about TFL, a fact sheet is available (http://www.tricare.mil/~/media/Files/TR ... FL_FS.ashx) online.
For more on TRICARE benefits, visit Military.com's (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) TRICARE section.


Navy Wounded Warrior Safe Harbor
One thousand seriously wounded, ill and injured servicemembers are now enrolled in Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) - Safe Harbor, the Department of the Navy's support program for Sailors and Coast Guardsmen. NWW has also assisted more than 960 other servicemembers who do not qualify for enrollment but still require support. The program's goal is to enable servicemembers to focus on getting well, while its team of experts resolves pressing non-medical concerns and prepares enrollees for transition back to active duty or civilian life. Services include linking wounded warriors to benefits, connecting them to employment and education opportunities, hosting adaptive athletics events, and sharing family and mental health resources. For more information about NWW and how to enroll, call 1-855-NAVY WWP/1-855-628-9997, visit the (http://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil) NWW Safe Harbor website or email (mailto:safeharbor@navy.mil) safeharbor@navy.mil.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Veterans Crisis Line
We have mentioned the (http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/) Veterans Crisis Line in previous Veterans Reports, and a recently released (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm4WZs8F ... e=youtu.be) YouTube video goes into more detail about the people who man the Crisis Line call centers day and night. The Crisis Line can be reached at 1-800-273-8255, (http://veteranscrisisline.net/ChatTerms ... ans%20Chat) online through chat, and now by text at 838255.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Paper Checks Ended March 1
New rules from the Treasury Department require recipients of payments from Defense Finance and Accounting Service, the Veterans Administration and other federal pay and benefit agencies, to use electronic fund transfer methods to receive funds rather than mailed checks. The Treasury Department has estimated that eliminating hardcopy check payments would save the federal government about $20 million each year. According to DFAS more than 23,000 military retirees, annuitants and former spouses have yet to switch from monthly hardcopy checks to EFT. DFAS estimates that the federal government could save $265,000 per year if the remaining 23,000 join the more than 99 percent of DFAS customers that are already receiving electronic payments. The Treasury's rules call for issuing debit cards to payees without a bank account or who fail to register their account for direct deposit by the March 1, 2013 deadline.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... er-checks/) Read the full DFAS article.
For more on military pay, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Organization Helps Disabled Veterans
Last year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) helped 125,000 disabled veterans recoup more than $3.7 billion in earned compensation and pension from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VFW has a nationwide force of 1,200 VA-accredited service officers includes more than 200 working inside the 57 VA regional offices, as well as advocates inside the VA Board of Veterans Appeals. You do not need to be a VFW member to take advantage of this free service. For more information, see a VFW accredited service officer and visit the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Veterans Services webpage at (http://www.vfw.org/NVS/) www.vfw.org/NVS/.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


The Battle of Iwo Jima
The Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the most iconic and fierce battles in our history, recently commemorated its 68th anniversary. Check out (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... q6KiTXkcQM) To the Shores of Iwo Jima on YouTube, a 1945 documentary (featuring color footage) to give some perspective on why the engagement mattered. And be sure to read the Washington Post about Joe Rosenthal's famous shot of the flag raising over Mt. Suribachi. For more information on the Battle of Iwo Jima, including instructional materials, visit the (http://www.history.navy.mil/library/onl ... wojima.htm) Navy Department Library website, the (http://www.history.com/topics/battle-of-iwo-jima) History.com website, and the (http://www.military.com/NewContent/0,13 ... a2,00.html) Military.com website.


DoD Says Military Pay is Safe
According to The Pentagon Channel, DoD officials have made it clear that military pay and "monetary" benefits will continue despite sequestration. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said that servicemembers are not subject to the unpaid furloughs that will affect that majority of the Defense Department's civilian work force as a result of sequestration. According to Defense Secretary Panetta in a recently released memo "the president has used his legal authority to exempt military personnel funding from sequestration, but we have no legal authority to exempt civilian personnel funding from reductions. DoD's civilian employees' unpaid furloughs may begin in late April. The furloughs will effectively cut civilian pay by 20%. DoD did not make clear how sequestration will affect non-monetary benefits, like tuition assistance, MWR, and childcare services.
See more news on (http://www.military.com/topics/military-pay) Military Pay and (http://www.military.com/topics/sequestration) Sequestration.


Survey Request: We Need Your Help
Your opinion matters. Take a quick survey to help ASMBA improve their product offerings and better serve the military community. (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FNDM3J3) Take the survey now.


Starting Your Own Business
Veterans are used to adapting to tough situations, working in small teams, and operating in high stress environments. Sounds like a small business, doesn't it? Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization webpage at (http://www.va.gov/osdbu/) www.va.gov/osdbu/ to create your own business, get information on upcoming conferences, and more.
For more veteran job news, tips, and job postings, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


VA-Backed Home Loans
With no down payment needed, (http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/) VA-backed home loans are among the best in the business. If you are looking to buy your own home, check out the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) (http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/) Home Loan Guaranty webpage and the (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans) Military.com VA Loan section, which includes eligibility information and a VA loan guide for download.


Get a List of 2013 Military Benefits
The Military.com Benefit Calculator is designed to quickly and easily connect you with your benefit information based on your military service and status. Get a list of Federal Benefits, State Benefits, National Guard State Benefits, Special Military Discounts and more. (http://benefits.military.com/reg/Vetera ... RC=mrvr.nl) Find Your Benefits Now.


Deploying or Returning Home? Get Tips - the Deployment Center
If you have a family, the single most important thing to think about when it comes to deployment is ensuring that they're well taken care of while you're away. Finances are a big part of this, but they can also become a source of friction. (http://www.military.com/deployment/chec ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


$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 ... =vr0304.nl) Find personalized coverage today.


Fed Speeds up Health Record Integration
The Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs have announced that they will speed implementation of the Integrated Electronic Health Record program allowing servicemembers and veterans better access and, more importantly, better medical care. The system is now expected to be deployed by the end of 2014. The goal is to provide one set of electronic records from entry into the military through veteran status. The program is designed to allow servicemembers or veterans to download information and present it to doctors or other health care providers without delays. Previously, servicemembers had to hand carry paper files from DoD facilities to Veterans Affairs. DoD and VA begin conducting a pilot program this summer.
For more on military medical benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


3 VA Loan Tips
Tip: Get Pre-Approved. Before you start the hunt for a house, the best thing you can do is to get pre-approved for your VA loan amount. Tip 2 : Check Your Credit. Did you know that over 70 percent of all credit reports in the United States contain errors? Tip 3: Consider the Advantages of Having a VA Guaranteed Loan. 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. For more details on these tips, read (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) the full story on Military.com.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... RC=mrvr.nl) Next Step: Search for lenders ready to help you buy or refinance with a VA loan.


New VA Facility in Baltimore
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) (http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryla ... 5703.story) has opened a new 13,300-square-foot facility to serve folks in Anne Arundel and Howard counties in Maryland. Services include general outpatient medical care, preventive health and education services, various medical screenings, telehealth services and referrals to specialized programs and inpatient services throughout the VA Medical Health Care System. For more information, telephone 410-305-5300.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Basic Allowance for Housing Helps You Get A Loan
As an active duty service member, you're probably aware that you're eligible for a basic allowance for housing (BAH). But do you know that your BAH can be used to help you get a VA (http://www.quickenloans.com/home-loans/va-loan) mortgage? Although it's not specifically designed for mortgages, it's incredibly helpful for anyone considering buying or refinancing a home by helping to defray the costs of a mortgage. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


General Dynamics Is Hiring Veterans
Your Next Mission Starts Here. We scour the country in search for the best veteran talent to help us deliver innovative technology solutions for our nation's highest-priority defense and homeland security initiatives. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Learn how your skills can translate into a civilian career in mission-critical programs.


MOAA Offers Scholarships
Military Officers Association of America's (MOAA) Scholarship Fund announced it received bequests totaling over $5.7 million. One hundred percent of the gifts will be used to help educate children of military families. The MOAA Scholarship Fund has been able to provide over $100 million in interest-free loans and grants to more than 12,000 students. To learn more about the MOAA Scholarship Fund or to donate, visit (http://www.moaa.org/scholarshipfund) www.moaa.org/scholarshipfund.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Deal of the Week: Military Discounts
Up to 50% off lifestyle, outdoor & tactical gear. Shop premium brands on GovX.com at prices not available to the public. (http://www.govx.com/milcom?utm_source=m ... vetsreport) Shop over 10,000 products!


Cuts to Hit Military School Districts
School districts with military ties from coast-to-coast are bracing for increased class sizes and delayed building repairs. Others already have axed sports teams and even eliminated teaching positions, but still may have to tap savings just to make it through year's end. The schools' losses will come from cuts to a federal program known as "Impact Aid" that supplements local property tax losses for districts that cover federal land, including military posts and Indian tribal areas.
(http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... first.html) Read the full article on Military.com to learn more about the impact sequestration will have on your schools.