Veterans Report - Week of August 05, 2013

[boardman]

Veterans Report - Week of August 05, 2013

Monster's Veterans Virtual Career Fair
Veterans and transitioning servicemembers are encouraged to sign up for the free Monster Virtual Career Fair, which will be held from August 27-29. From your own computer you'll be able to communicate and engage with employers looking to hire veterans and attendees in a collaborative virtual environment. For more details and to sign up, visit the (http://www.veteransvirtualcareerfair.com/) Virtual Career Fair website.


American Legion to Host Vet Job Events
The American Legion's National Convention, to be held August 26-29 in Houston, will feature four career events for veterans and servicemembers. Three of the career events will be held Aug. 26 and 27 at the Hilton Americas Houston Hotel. The fourth event is a job fair co-sponsored with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 27 at the George Brown Convention Center downtown. Events will include an employment transition workout, a women's small business workshop, and an Empowering Conference Career and Benefits Center. The Hiring Our Heroes Transition & Benefits Job Fair is open to veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and reserve members, and eligible spouses. All of the events are free of charge. To register, contact Jasmine Davis at (202) 263-5771 or by email: (mailto:jdavis@legion.org) jdavis@legion.org; or register online at (http://www.legion.org) www.legion.org.
For veteran job fair updates, job news and tips, and to connect with more companies looking to hire veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Illinois Warrior Summit
The 6th Annual Illinois Warrior Summit, to be held August 12th at Soldier Field in Chicago, will provide 10,000 Midwest region military service members, veterans and their families an opportunity to connect with benefits, education, employment, housing, legal, disabilities, mental health, family & children services and faith based organizational opportunities. Over 275 organizations will be present and working together to unite the community and deliver programs and services to veterans efficiently. The event is co-sponsored by the Illinois Supporting All Veterans Equally (I-SAVE) Foundation, US Department of Veterans Affairs, State of Illinois, City of Chicago, Chicago Park District and World Sport Chicago. Visit the (http://www.illinoiswarriorsummit.com/) Illinois Warrior Summit website to learn more and register for this great event.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Understanding PTSD
People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often show differences in certain brain areas compared to healthy people. By, it has been difficult for researchers to determine whether these differences are a cause or a consequence of the condition. Now, several new studies may help researchers understand the condition's causes and effects to bring a better understanding of how the disorder might be prevented or treated. For more information, read the (http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/07/1 ... -progress/) Fox News.com article and the (http://www.livescience.com/24128-brain- ... quake.html) Live Science article.
For more resources on PTSD, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... rview.html) Military.com PTSD section.


Deal of the Week: Save 15% on wireless. Enjoy BlackBerry smartphones.
Save 15% with your AT&T wireless service discount. (http://www.att.com/gov/bb10) Get a BlackBerry Z10 or BlackBerry Q10 smartphone and balance work and life from one device.


Museum Hosts Bob Hope Exhibit
A traveling exhibit featuring entertainer Bob Hope recently opened at The National World War II Museum in New Orleans. The exhibit, 'Bob Hope: An American Treasure' highlights several aspects of Hope's life, including his extraordinary relationship with the U.S. Armed Forces. The exhibition will be on display in the Joe W. and D.D. Brown Special Exhibit Gallery inside the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion through Oct. 31. Access to the exhibit is included with standard museum admission. For more information about the exhibit, including photos, visit the National World War II Museum website at (http://www.nationalww2museum.org/) www.nationalww2museum.org/.


Shared Decision Making Can Help
Are you a veteran who needs to make a decision about your health care or treatment in the near future? Do you want to be involved in making that choice? Veterans and their families should be involved in making health care decisions today that will affect their treatment in the future. VA's "Shared Decision Making" makes that possible. For more information, read VA's (http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2 ... n-Help.asp) Shared Decision Making article.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


The Legion's Efforts Help Speed VA Claims
The American Legion's national staff has been working with several VA regional to identify best practices for generating and processing fully developed claims. FDCs require no further documentation from veterans submitting the claims. As a result, decisions are made much faster than traditional claims, which need more development. While the current average processing time for traditional claims is about 260 days (which contributes to the backlog), the average for FDCs is about 114 days. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... s-backlog/) Read more about fully developed claims.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Search over 40,000 Units on Military.com
Connect with your past or present Military Unit on Military.com. Post Messages, find old friends, see Unit History & Photos and more. (http://www.military.com/HomePage/UnitPa ... rvr0805.nl) Search over 40,000 Units.


Post-9/11 GI Bill Celebrates Anniversary 080513
The Post-9/11 GI Bill recently celebrated its fourth anniversary. VA has issued approximately $30 billion in Post 9/11 GI-Bill benefit payments since its inception in August, 2009 and helped nearly 1 million Servicemembers, Veterans, and their families pursue their education. The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides comprehensive educational support through tuition, books and housing allowance to people with at least 90 days of total service after September 10, 2001, or people discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. This summer, VA is launching new tools to help beneficiaries learn more about their vocational aptitudes and select an education institution. (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... rsary.html) Read the full article on Military.com.


Navy Celebrates WAVES' History
Women throughout the Navy, past and present, recently celebrated the 71st anniversary of Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES). Although women have served in every major American conflict, WAVES did not gain a foothold in Navy service until well after World War I. Navy women returned to general service in 1942, during the height of World War II. The Navy was preparing to accept not just a large number of enlisted women, as it had done during World War I, but also female commissioned officers. Today, more than 66,000 women serve in the Navy in the active and Reserve components, comprising 18 percent of our Navy force. For more information about the history of women and their numerous contributions to the Navy, visit the (http://www.history.navy.mil/special%20h ... -index.htm) Women in the Navy webpage and the (http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/prs- ... ve-ww2.htm) World War II Era WAVES webpage.
For more Navy history features, visit the (http://www.military.com/navy-birthday) Navy birthday page.


Gift Cards for DC Area Veterans
The All Faith Consortium "AFC" is offering "FREE" ExxonMobile Gas Gift Cards, Giant Food Cards, and Metro Fare Cards to Washington, DC area veterans who are newly employed. Gift Cards range in amounts of $25, $50, $100. Smart Trip Cards up to $300. A DD214 for veterans status (without a dishonorable discharge) and proof of recent employment is all that is needed. For more information, call (202) 671-1600.
For more discounts for veterans and military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts) Military.com Discount Center.


Are You Eligible for a VA Home Loan?
In order to obtain a VA home loan, you must first fill out VA Form 26-1880, the request for your Certificate of Eligibility. This certificate is issued only through the Veterans Administration, and is the first step towards applying for your loan. Veterans, active duty, guard or reserve, and military spouses potentially qualify for this certificate. You must have at least 90 days on active duty and been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get more information on Military.com.
Your VA Loan is worth $417,000 and doesn't require a full 20% down to buy. You can also use it to refinance. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0805.nl) Find lenders ready to help you use the VA Loan.


American Commercial Lines Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with a company that can provide endless opportunity and a career path that lets you choose where you want to be. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


Veterans Can Submit Comments to VA
OEF/OIF/OND and 1990-91 Gulf War Veterans are invited by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide their comments through August 20, 2013 about the (http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type ... gistry.pdf) proposed questionnaire (PDF) for the planned Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. The proposed questionnaire is available (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/docs/exp ... gistry.pdf) online. For more information, visit (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposure ... n-plan.asp) VA's Action Plan: Burnpits and Airborne Hazards webpage. Also, visit VA's (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/) Military Exposures webpage to learn about military exposures and benefits.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


AF Foundation Aids Wounded Warriors
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Wounded Warrior Foundation is a not-for-profit group helps wounded EOD heroes and the families of EOD fallen by providing financial, emotional and social support. EOD Warrior Foundation members meet each of the EOD wounded at the hospital and provide an initial financial grant to help pay for early expenses not covered by Department of Veterans Affairs benefits. The foundation's involvement with the wounded EOD member and their family is on-going. It provides opportunities to apply for additional financial grants and organize retreats for both the wounded as well as their caregivers. The foundation also maintains the EOD Memorial Wall at Eglin Air Force Base. For more information, visit the EOD Warrior Foundation website at (http://www.eodwarriorfoundation.org/) www.eodwarriorfoundation.org.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


The Purpose of Life Insurance
It's important to take away some of the fear and mystery about the important subject of life insurance. By understanding some of the basic concepts of life insurance, you should be a more informed buyer. (http://www.military.com/money/insurance ... RC=mrvr.nl) Here are some thoughts from experts.


Study Looks at Outdoor Recreation
According to the results of a new study from the University of Michigan, commissioned by the Sierra Club, veterans participating in outdoor group recreation reported improvements in psychological well-being, social functioning and life outlook, suggesting a link between nature exposure and enhanced well-being. The findings suggest that veterans with serious health problems can benefit from group outdoor recreation experiences. The complete report of the study is available on the Sierra Club website at (http://www.sierraclub.org/military/down ... Report.pdf) http://www.sierraclub.org/military/down ... Report.pdf . For more information about the Sierra Club's programs for military veterans and families, visit the Sierra Club Mission Outdoors webpage at (http://www.sierraclub.org/missionoutdoors/) www.sierraclub.org/missionoutdoors/.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Cuts in BAH, TRICARE, Commissaries and More
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel gave a preview of how round two of budget sequestration could rattle current forces if Congress is willing to let the defense budget take hit in FY2014. According to Hagel, the 2014 sequestration will result in a loss in in (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay) pay and (http://www.military.com/benefits) benefits for servicemembers. The impact will be cuts in (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... or-housing) Basic Allowance for Housing, O-CONUS cost-of-living allowances, caps on future military pay raises, the end to military commissaries and a modification in (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) TRICARE, which could force younger retirees to use employer offered health care insurance.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/2013/0 ... slips.html) Read Tom Philpott's Military Update column for more details.


Get Your VA Loan Answers Here
Wondering how you can get the most out of your VA Loan? Follow the (http://valoan.military.com/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) VA loan blog to stay up to date with tips and get the real facts about the benefits of using your VA loan.


Find Civilian Jobs that Match Your Military Experience
Translate your military skills, experience and training to find career opportunities that best align with your capabilities. The Military Skills Translator is quick, easy and gives great results -- just enter in your Branch of Service, Military Job Title and Pay Grade. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/sk ... RC=mrvr.nl) Translate your military skills now.


Get the 2013 VA Loan Guide
Understand the VA Loan benefit you've earned by downloading the free Miliary.com VA Loan Guide. The PDF guide walks you through the benefits of a VA Loan, eligibility, how to refinance, what forms you'll need, and more. (http://www.military.com/va-loan-guide/i ... rvr0805.nl) Download your free PDF now.


VA Podcasts Available
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Podcasts of ' (https://itunes.apple.com/eg/podcast/und ... d657773390) Understanding PTSD' at iTunes and ' (https://itunes.apple.com/eg/podcast/und ... d657773639) Understanding PTSD Treatment' are now available in iTunes and mp3 for streaming or download. Families of Veterans may also want to listen to ' (https://itunes.apple.com/eg/podcast/ret ... d657517343) Returning from the War Zone: A Guide for Families of Military Personnel'. Don't use iTunes? Access mp3 audio podcast versions and find modules and booklets on (http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/) VA's PTSD website.
For more resources on PTSD, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... rview.html) Military.com PTSD section.


Post-9/11 GI Bill Celebrates Anniversary
The Post-9/11 GI Bill recently celebrated its fourth anniversary. VA has issued approximately $30 billion in Post 9/11 GI-Bill benefit payments since its inception in August, 2009 and helped nearly 1 million Servicemembers, Veterans, and their families pursue their education. The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides comprehensive educational support through tuition, books and housing allowance to people with at least 90 days of total service after September 10, 2001, or people discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. This summer, VA is launching new tools to help beneficiaries learn more about their vocational aptitudes and select an education institution. (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... rsary.html) Read the full article on Military.com.


Naval Museums Open August 1
The U.S. Navy is giving the public summer access to some of its naval museums. For the month of August, free public access via the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail will give the public access to the newly opened Cold War Gallery, the National Museum of the U.S. Navy and Display Ship Barry in Washington, DC. Signs placed along the Riverwalk will direct visitors to the Washington Navy Yard gate located near the Cold War Gallery. All adult visitors are required to present photo identification to enter. With the exception of Mondays, the museums and display ship will be open to visitors 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on weekends. For more information, visit the National Museum of the United States Navy website at (http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/org8-1.htm) www.history.navy.mil/branches/org8-1.htm.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


Military Families to Get the Big Squeeze
Sequestrations across the board, automatic cuts mean the Department of Defense has to trim an additional $500 billion dollars over the next ten years. Military Officers Association of America says the cuts are drastic and their effect on military families will be dramatic in many ways. Sequestration is the law of the land and unless Congress takes action, it will remain in effect for years to come.
(http://www.moaa.org/Main_Menu/Take_Acti ... eezed.html) Read the full MOAA article to see how the cuts may affect your family and to learn what you can do.


Pathways to Federal Careers
The goals of Pathways are to offer clear paths to federal internships for students and to careers for recent graduates, and provide meaningful training and career development opportunities for people at the beginning of their Federal service. Pathways is an immersive program: a real, practical, hands-on experience in a professional environment. Pathways Internships are open to current students in an accredited high school, college (including 4-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate. The Internship must be related to the Intern's academic career goals or field of study. More information on Pathways is available at USAJOBS ( (http://www.usajobs.gov/studentsandgrads) www.usajobs.gov/studentsandgrads).
For veteran job news and tips, and to connect with companies looking to hire veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


App for Veterans Wins Hackathon
AT&T recently hosted a hackathon in New York geared towards helping veterans. The winning program, "Local Hero," is an app that allows civilians to reach out to local veterans through their phone to either ask for assistance or thank them with gifts. For more on the app and the event, see (http://www.military.com/benefits/2013/0 ... erans.html) this Military.com article.

VA Loans Q&A
Military.com, Quicken Loans, and the Dept. of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a (http://po.st/vZgHwi) VA Loans Q&A Google Hangout on Friday, August 9th at 1:00 PM. The event will feature a panel of experts from Military.com, Quicken Loans and the Dept. of Veterans Affairs discussing VA Loans and answering any questions about the VA Loan program. The event will feature user submitted questions which are being gathered through (https://www.facebook.com/Militarydotcom ... tarydotcom) social media. Time permitting, the event may also include live questions asked during the (http://po.st/vZgHwi) VA Loans Q&A.


Get $50k Coverage: As Low As $2.50 a Month
Protect your family from the unthinkable. Get $50,000 life insurance protection from $2.50 per month. Need more coverage? Our military focused partners can help with that too. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... rvr0805.nl) Get Coverage Now.