VVA CA State Council

Veterans Report - Week of March 19, 2007

VA Seeks Buglers to Play 'Taps'
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) needs hundreds of volunteer buglers and trumpeters to participate in upcoming Armed Forces Day observances held at veterans' cemeteries nationwide and overseas. The event, called "Echo Taps Worldwide," will be held May 19. "Echo Taps" will take place at VA-operated national cemeteries, U.S. Department of the Interior/National Park Service national cemeteries and American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries located overseas. Volunteer buglers and trumpeters must register through the VA's website, which is attached to the (http://www.echotaps.org/) "Echo Taps" website. The initiative also encourages musicians to perform as buglers at veterans' funeral ceremonies year round.

New Health Care Bill to Empower Vets
Expressing strong confidence in the current health care system run by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=206&lvl=C&chamber=S) Larry Craig says he is willing to see how the system might fare in competition with the free market. Under legislation he is introducing - The Veterans Healthcare Empowerment Act - veterans with service-connected disabilities would be able to go to any hospital or medical clinic of their choice.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 01&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Register for the Fort Bragg Career Fair
Military.com Career Fair is coming to Fort Bragg on March 27, 2007. This event will feature top employers who are seeking the valuable skills you learned in service to your country. You can also attend employment workshops focused on helping you leverage your military experience in the civilian job market. Every attendee will receive a free copy of the Veteran Career Guide full of tips on how to interview, translate your military skills, evaluate potential employers and more. The event is Monday, March 27th from 11am to 3pm at the Fort Bragg Officer's Club - Building 1-4930 Armistead & Totten St. Fort Bragg, NC 28310. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 7_Job_Fair) Register here.

Transferable Job for Spouses
As a military spouse, you are challenged to find a new job every time you relocate. A career as a medical transcriptionist (MT) makes it possible to retain employment, no matter where you transfer. In the technology-driven industry of health-care documentation, medical transcription has no boundaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many medical transcriptionists telecommute from home-based offices as employees or subcontractors for hospitals and transcription services or as self-employed, independent contractors. For more information, (http://www.military.com/spouse/cf/0,,cf ... t2,00.html) read the full article at Military.com.

To access the largest veteran job board in the world, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Careers/Home/0,13373,,00.htm) Career Center.

Weightman Explains Walter Reed Fiasco
"We didn't deliver what they needed and we didn't hear their cries for help," said Maj. Gen. George W. Weightman, who was fired as commander of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center March 1. "I'll tell you what affected me the most," Weightman said of their testimony. "It's the frustration I heard from these patients and their families with our system. And I'm responsible for all that." Weightman explained what he thought went wrong at the Army's premiere hospital in an hour-long interview with Military Update. There were breakdowns in leadership; a support staff too small to handle needs of a large outpatient population; hiring challenges tied to the planned closure of Walter Reed in 2011; a medical and physical disability board maze designed for a draft-era army, not for wounded volunteers fighting to stay in service. For the full story and to read the exlusive interview with General Weightman, read the article (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,128712,00.html) "General Says 'We Let Them Down'" by Tom Philpott.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 11&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

100 New Patient Advocates for Wounded
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is immediately hiring 100 new patient advocates to help severely injured veterans and their families navigate VA's systems for health care and financial benefits. The 100 new patient advocates will be veterans of the combat theaters in Iraq or Afghanistan. Their job will be to ensure a smooth transition for wounded servicemembers to VA health care facilities throughout the nation, while also cutting through red tape for other benefits.

To find career resources for the severely injured, visit the (http://www.military.com/support) Military.com Severely Injured Career Center.

Deal of the Week: Military Discount
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Claiming Education Tuition and Fees Can Reduce Your Taxes
The tuition and fees deduction can reduce the amount of your income subject to tax by up to $4,000. This deduction is taken as an adjustment to income. This means you can claim this deduction even if you do not itemize deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040). This deduction may be beneficial to you if you cannot take either the Hope or lifetime learning credit because your income is too high. You cannot claim this deduction if your filing status is married filing separately or if another person can claim an exemption for you as a dependent on his or her tax return. The qualified expenses must be for higher education, as explained later under Qualified Education Expenses. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 1907_Taxes) Read more details at Military.com.

Military Spouses: Get Free Career Coaching
A new, free service has been added to the Military Spouse Career Center at (http://www.military.com/Spouse) www.Military.com/Spouse. Eligible military spouses worldwide in need of job search support can now take advantage of free career coaching provided by IMPACT Group, a St. Louis-based global career management firm. To register for this free service, visit (http://www.military.com/careercoach) www.military.com/careercoach.

Memorial Fund Offers Teachers Scholarships
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is offering $250 anniversary year scholarships to all new members of its Teach Vietnam Teachers Network to be used to defray travel expenses to the national conference being held on July 18-22 at American University in Washington, D.C. During the course of the meeting, educators will hear experts, such as historians and writers, share their insight about the war and the era. All expenses are paid once attendees arrive in Washington, D.C. for the conference. Interested educators must apply for and be accepted to the Teachers Network before they can attend the national conference, and the deadline to apply for membership is March 30. For more information, visit the (http://www.vvmf.org/index.cfm?SectionID=13) Teach Vietnam Teachers Network webpage.

Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today - visit the (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/sea ... arships.do) Military.com Scholarship Finder.

Task Force on Returning Heroes
The President recently directed VA Secretary Nicholson to establish an Interagency Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes. The mission of the Task Force is to identify and examine existing Federal services that currently are provided to returning Global War on Terror servicemembers and identify existing gaps in such services. If you have ideas or recommendations, e-mail them to (mailto:TFHeroes@va.gov) TFHeroes@va.gov, Fax them to 202-273-9599, or send them to: Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes, c/o Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW (008), Washington, D.C. 20420.

Featured Job: Police Officers
The Westmont (IL) Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. Application deadline is Friday, April 13, 2007 at noon. Applications are available online at (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 031907_Job) http://www.publicsafetyrecruitment.com or in person at:

Public Safety Recruitment
1127 S. Mannheim Rd. Suite 302
Westchester, Illinois 60154

Questions please call: (800) 343-HIRE

The entrance exam and physical ability test will be given on Saturday, April 28, 2007. There is a $25 non-refundable testing fee.

Study Highlights Mental Problems in Young Veterans
According to a study released last week, almost one-third of veterans returning Afghanistan and Iraq are diagnosed with a mental problem. The author of the study is Dr. Karen Seal of the University of California and the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The study was funded by a VA Health Services Research and Development Career Development Award and a grant from the VA Seattle Epidemiological Research and Information Center. More information on the study is available at the (http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/conten ... /167/5/476) Archives of Internal Medicine website. For more information on this topic, (http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,1 ... 65,00.html) read the full article at Military.com.

To find more information and resources for PTSD, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview.

Find Military Scholarships
While looking for money for school many servicemembers, veterans, and their families tend to overlook the over $300 million of military - and veteran - related scholarships and grants. The reason many go unclaimed is because servicemembers don't know where to look. Fortunately, there is a great online resource to help you find the scholarship and learn how, where, and when to apply. Visit (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... hip_Finder) Military.com's Scholarship Finder today and get started on your way to finding free money for school. (http://education.military.com/money-for ... holarships) Click here to get three quick tips to help your search.

Veterans Report - Week of March 26, 2007

Georgia Veterans Home Receives Award
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is targeting two grants worth more than $1.2 million for improvements at the Milledgeville, Georgia state veterans home. VA's grants will cover 65 percent of the cost of the projects while the total cost for the upgrades to Milledgeville's Russell and Vinson buildings are expected to total $1.9 million. The home is situated on approximately 20 acres and operates three skilled nursing care facilities, a domiciliary and the Kenneth Birdsong Recreation Center. For more information on the Milledgeville state veterans home, visit (http://sdvs.georgia.gov/00/channel_titl ... 33,00.html) Georgia's Department of Veterans Service website or call (478) 445-6826.

Deal of the Week: Save $10 on Flowers
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Free Employment Assistance for Military Spouses
A new, free service has been added to the Military Spouse Career Center at www.Military.com/Spouse. Eligible military spouses worldwide in need of job search support can now take advantage of free career coaching provided by IMPACT Group, a St. Louis-based global career management firm. To register for this free service, visit www.military.com/careercoach.

Medical Transcriptionist Position for Military Spouses
As a military spouse, you are challenged to find a new job every time you relocate. A career as a medical transcriptionist (MT) makes it possible to retain employment, no matter where you transfer. In the technology-driven industry of health-care documentation, medical transcription has no boundaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many medical transcriptionists telecommute from home-based offices as employees or subcontractors for hospitals and transcription services or as self-employed, independent contractors. For more information, read the full article at Military.com.

To access the largest veteran job board in the world, visit the Military.com Career Center.

Veterans Appreciation Month Ends Soon
During the month of March 2007, the Sierra Nevada foothills communities located at the entrance to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, have been hosting their first-ever Veterans' Appreciation Month. Veterans and their families are being given a 20 percent discount off any purchases made from participating merchants and service providers, including a 20 percent discount off each night's stay at any participating hotel, motel, or bed & breakfast. A list of participants and additional information can be obtained by calling the Sequoia Foothills Chamber of Commerce at 800-530-3300 or local 559-561-3300 or by visiting their website at www.threerivers.com.

New VA Facility Coming to Des Moines
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the award of a $24 million contract for the design and construction of an extended-care facility in Des Moines. The new building will have three stories, a partial basement and a tunnel connecting it to an existing building. Construction is expected to be completed in 2009. The new building will house 140 nursing care beds and clinic space for outpatient rehabilitation medicine. The 80,000-square-foot structure will provide the long-term care now offered at the Knoxville VA Medical Center, which will become an outpatient clinic when the new facility is completed.

Call to Create Report Cards for VA Hospitals
Rep. (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=422&lvl=C&chamber=H) Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) introduced (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 11&type=CO) legislation recently that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to create public "report cards" for its hospitals, grading them on the care they provide. The Hospital Report Card Initiative would publish reports on individual hospital care. The report cards would evaluate quality measures including effectiveness, safety, timeliness and efficiency. Rep. Lowey also sent a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Nicholson calling on the VA to partner with civilian rehabilitation centers to help treat some of the worst traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 11&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Army Launches Wounded Warrior, Family Hotline
Army officials launched a new hotline to help wounded warriors and their family members to get information or assistance with medical or other issues. The "Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline" at 1-800-984-8523 can be reached from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. As additional personnel are trained to receive calls and refer them to the proper organization or agency for resolution, the hotline hours of operation will expand to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,129244,00.html) read the full article at Military.com.

Featured Job: Commitment is Valued
We are seeking (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 032607_Job) Service Sales Reps and Managers and Supervisors for Service & Production.

Online Living Memorial Debuts
The Brave New Foundation has unveiled the first-ever online living memorial to fallen servicemen and women. The Iraq Veterans Memorial features 60-second video testimonies sent in from around the country by family, friends, co-workers, and the military colleagues of those killed. Events around the nation plan to showcase the Memorial.

Give Your Feedback on Health Care Crisis
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other federal agencies, announced the creation of a dedicated Web page to solicit input on the ease of accessing federal services. The web page allows active-duty servicemembers, veterans, family members and others to comment directly to the task force on the accessibility, timeliness and delivery of services. E-mail your comments to the task force at (mailto:TFHeroes@va.gov) TFHeroes@va.gov or fax comments to 202-273-9599. Task Force information and mailing address is available on the VA home page, (http://www.va.gov/taskforce) www.va.gov/taskforce. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,129237,00.html) read the full story at Military.com.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 11&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Learn How to Avoid Out-of-Pocket Education Fees
As you know colleges and universities charge fees for tuition, admissions applications, enrollment, books, technical support, labs, transcripts - the list goes on. What you may not know is that if you don't use military tuition assistance, you, not DoD or VA, are responsible for paying all of these fees. The schools hold you responsible for paying these fees because the GI Bill is paid directly to you, the student, not the school. This means the school has no guarantee that they are going to be paid.

Note: Each school's policies differ on how this money is collected, but in most cases you will be asked to sign a promissory note, apply for student aid, or both.

That is why it is important for you the servicemember or veteran to apply for Federal Student Aid (FSA). FSA can help defer your out-of-pocket expenses until your GI Bill payments start coming in. In addition to low interest loans, FSA also offers grants that do not require repayment. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... utOfPocket) You can see a list of available FSA here.

If your looking for a school that has VA-approved programs, visit the Military.com's " (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... hoolFinder) School Finder". It will help you get information from fully accredited "military friendly" colleges and universities that are VA-approved and experienced with the VA process.

Documentary Focuses on Guard, Reserve
The Pentagon Channel is dedicating its latest half-hour monthly documentary, "Recon," to an in-depth look at the people and the units that comprise today's reserve components. "Citizens in Service" takes a look at the history of the Guard and reserves and the gritty reality they face alongside their active-duty counterparts. The documentary traces the massive call up of Guard members and reservist members during operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. "Citizens Who Serve" will run on the Pentagon Channel throughout the month of April. It is also available via podcast and video on demand at (http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/) www.PentagonChannel.mil.

Detroit Domiciliary Dedicated
Department of Veterans Affairs officials recently dedicated the Detroit Domiciliary for Homeless Veterans. The domiciliary will provide a safe and structured residence for up to 50 veterans for a four to six month stay. While there, veterans will receive medical assessments, social work and vocational rehabilitation services, as well as referrals to health care providers at the nearby John D. Dingell VA Medical Center when necessary.

Veterans Report - Week of April 02, 2007

Sesame Street Special On Deployed Parents
The Sesame Street Special "When Parents are Deployed" will be re-broadcast April 9, 2007 on PBS stations across the country. This primetime special, hosted by Cuba Gooding, Jr., reveals candid and intimate moments with the parents, caregivers and children impacted by deployment. For more information check your local television listings or you can download the program at the (http://www.sesameworkshop.org/tlc) Sesame Workshop website. DVDs and print packages in English and Spanish are available to military parents at no cost through the (http://www.militaryonesource.com/) Military OneSource website to help military families and children cope with the various phases of deployment.

To find more deployment news and resources, visit (http://www.military.com/deployment) http://www.military.com/deployment.

TRICARE Helps Medicare Beneficiaries
Since the beginning of the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, individuals that become eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare benefits (so-called "dual-eligibles") have automatically been enrolled into Medicare prescription drug plans. If a TRICARE beneficiary is denied prescription coverage due to Medicare Part D enrollment, and believes that he or she is not enrolled in Medicare Part D or disenrolled from Medicare Part D, the beneficiary should contact Express Scripts at 1-866-363-8779. To view current Medicare Part D enrollment status on the Medicare website, beneficiaries may go to (http://www.medicare.gov/) www.medicare.gov, select the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder option, "Check Current Enrollment" option, then select View Your Current Plan" and follow the instructions. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,130128,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

To learn more about TRICARE, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) www.military.com/benefits/tricare.

Groundbreaking in South Carolina
Officials broke ground on Friday, March 23, for a joint Department of Defense and VA health care clinic in Goose Creek, S.C. The clinic is scheduled to open in 2009 and will provide primary, mental health and specialty care to both active duty servicemembers and veterans.

To learn about VA Health Care, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care) www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care.

More Help for War Wounded
War wounded servicemembers and their families will have a stronger team of advisers and advocates to guide them through care, recovery and disability evaluation under a package of initiatives unanimously approved March 20 by the House Armed Services Committee. For more information, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,129738,00.html) read the article on the Military.com website.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 16&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

New California Law Offers Alternative Sentencing
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed into law the country's first state alternative sentencing program in the nation for war on terror veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The new law provides judges with the option of alternative sentencing for Veterans diagnosed with PTSD, substance abuse or other psychological problems stemming from a combat tour. The convicted Veteran may be placed on probation and enter a voluntary treatment program at the federal, state or private nonprofit level. More information about the bill is available at (http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/) www.leginfo.ca.gov.

To find more information and resources for PTSD, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview.

Deal of the Week: Military Discount
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VA Reviews All Facilities
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) senior physician, Dr. Michael Kussman, said recently that a special review of all facilities concludes most deficiencies involve "normal wear and tear." Secretary of Veterans Affairs (http://capwiz.com/military/dbq/official ... ubmit.y=10) Jim Nicholson ordered the review March 7 in the wake of reports about poor physical condition in some non-VA health care facilities housing wounded and injured servicemembers. Kussman noted that most of the maintenance issues identified in the special report did not involve areas providing direct patient care. To learn about VA health care, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care) www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 11&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Increase Your GI Bill by $5,400
If you are an eligible active-duty servicemember the GI Bill Buy-Up program can help you get up to an extra $150 a month added to your standard MGIB "pay rate." This could increase your total benefits by as much as $5,400. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 207_Buy-Up) Learn more.

If your looking for a school that has VA-approved programs, visit the Military.com's " (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... hoolFinder) School Finder". It will help you get information from fully accredited "military friendly" colleges and universities that are VA-approved and experienced with the VA process.

Register for the Military.com Career Fair in Dallas
Military.com Career Fair is coming to Dallas on April 12, 2007. This event will feature up to 50 top employers including Brink's Home Security and MasTec Advanced Technologies. Employers are seeking the valuable skills you learned in service to your country. You can also attend employment workshops focused on helping you leverage your military experience in the civilian job market. Every attendee will receive a free copy of the Veteran Career Guide full of tips on how to interview, translate your military skills, evaluate potential employers and more.

The event is on April 12th at the Renaissance Dallas Richardson Hotel,
900 East Lookout Dr., Richardson, TX 75082. Doors open at 11am and close at 3pm. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... CareerFair) Register Here.

Funding Plan Could Hurt Returning Troops
Senator Larry Craig, the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, has issued a strong warning about the latest budget resolution passed recently by the Senate. Craig noted that under the budget resolution, VA's health care system will be expected to be reopened to upper income veterans -- those with no service connected disabilities -- at a time when veterans in serious need are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Senator Craig recently proposed legislation ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9577681) S. 815) that would allow veterans with service connected disabilities to receive treatment from the hospital or medical clinic of their choice.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 36&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Pennsylvania Gulf War Veterans Due Bonuses
The first bonus payments to Persian Gulf War veterans by the State of Pennsylvania should come by the end of this year or early in 2008. More than 30,000 veterans are expected to apply. The bonus will be $75 for each month of active service in the Gulf theater of operations from Aug. 2, 1990, to Aug. 31, 1991, up to a maximum of $525. The sum of $5,000 will be paid on behalf of veterans who died in service in the Persian Gulf theater or as a result of service-connected wounds, diseases or injuries sustained during active service there. For more information, visit the (http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Milita ... VA/548.htm) Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs' website.

To find complete information on current cash enlistment incentives (signing bonuses) and reenlistment bonuses offered by each of the Armed Forces, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/recruiting/bonus-center/) Bonus Center.

Featured Job: Force Protection Assistant Armorer
The (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 040207_Job) Titan Force Protection (FP) Asst aids in the activities of the Titan FP cell, which is responsible for oversight of the safety and protection of Titan personnel, facilities and equip during the theater of operation.

The American Legion Riders - Riding For America's Future
The American Legion Riders are a diverse group of motorcycle enthusiasts sharing common goals. All are members or spouses of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of The American Legion - and all are united by patriotism. They answer the call to ride in service to America's military, her veterans, and for the children and youth of our country.

The activities of The Legion Riders are limited only by the imagination of the members of the local Riders organizations, and many local chapters have independently raised thousands of dollars for local children's hospitals, veterans' homes, and scholarship programs. In 2006, Riders united nationally for the First Annual American Legacy Run and raised more than $180,000 for The American Legacy Scholarship Fund for the children of those who given their lives on active duty, defending our freedoms in the War on Terror.

Visit The American Legion Riders web site at (http://www.legion.org/legionriders) http://www.legion.org/legionriders

To find out more about The American Legion, visit (http://www.legion.org/join) http://www.legion.org/join.

New Book Recognizes Nisei Linguists
A new 514-page book, "Nisei Linguists: Japanese Americans in the Military Intelligence Service During WWII," by James C. McNaughton, command historian for U.S. European Command, is the culmination of two senators' efforts. Senator Daniel K. Akaka and fellow World War II veteran Senator Daniel K. Inouye championed the Army-endorsed project to recognize the roughly 6,000 Nisei linguists who served and the Military Intelligence Service that trained them. This select group of Japanese-Americans learned to interrogate prisoners, intercept messages, translate captured documents and infiltrate enemy lines. For more information about the Nisei Linguists, read a paper by Dr. McNaughton at (http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/topics/apam/Nisei.htm) http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/topics/apam/Nisei.htm.

Veterans Report - Week of April 09, 2007

VA Centers Lack Troop Medical Records
Some serious issues have been brought to light in Congress regarding the transition of servicemembers from the Department of Defense (DoD) to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA treatment centers lack access to troop medical records. The DoD has the tools to transfer this critical patient information to the VA, but it does not use it. The House took a first step towards providing a seamless transition between active duty and veterans' status with the passage of (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9537296) H.R. 1538, the (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 16&type=CO) Wounded Warriors Assistance Act, which requires the implementation of a single system for electronic health records. The implementation of a joint patient tracking application would establish a complete medical record for use by the Department of Defense and the VA.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 16&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Army to Field Improved Body Armor
The Army continues to upgrade body armor to increase protection from bullets and fragments, and soon will field the Improved Outer Tactical Vest to Soldiers deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. "The IOTV is more than three pounds lighter than the current OTV, but provides an equal level of protection over an increased area," said Brig. Gen. R. Mark Brown, Program Executive Officer Soldier. The vest has been live-fire tested. Comfort and utility features are also part of the improved design. The most notable may be the IOTV's overhead opening. An internal waistband provides a snug fit and moves much of the weight from the shoulders to the waist.

Airplanes, tanks, ships, weapons, electronics - (http://tech.military.com/equipment/home.do) Equipment Guide has extensive files and photos for all types of military equipment.

New Pin for Retired Soldiers
The Army has created a new pin to emphasize the continuing bond between the Army and its almost 800 thousand retired Soldiers. The pin is the Army logo headed by the word "Retired." Mailing of the pin with a letter began March 26 and will continue for about four months. The packet includes information on the Army Strong campaign and the $2,000 recruiting referral bonus for retired Soldiers, plus an "Army Retired" window sticker. "We're asking retired Soldiers to wear their retired pins proudly. We want them to wear their new pin to show pride in their past service, and as a 'call to service' for others in the community," said John Radke, chief of Army Retirement Services.

Budget Resolution Passes House
The House of Representatives has passed a budget resolution for 2008 that provides increases for (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care) VA health care by $6.6 billion over 2007 figures. The increased funding is $3.5 billion over the Administration's request. A number of veterans' service organizations have offered support for the budget proposal, including The American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans.

New Help Line for New Jersey Veterans
Veterans and family members of servicemembers serving in the war, and reside in New Jersey, are encouraged to call 1-866-VETS-NJ-4 (1-866-838-7654), a confidential, toll-free helpline that was recently created through a partnership between the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) and the New Jersey Department of Military and Veteran Affairs (DMAVA). Veterans serve as peer counselors and clinicians on the statewide helpline, which operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day. For more information about the helpline, visit (http://www.njveteranshelpline.org/) www.njveteranshelpline.org.

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Free Legal Help for Some Veterans on Guam
If you are a military retiree or a veteran with service-related disability, you may be eligible for legal assistance offered by the Navy at the Guam Vet Center. Attorneys from the Naval Legal Service Pacific Detachment, Guam, have been offering legal assistance to military retirees and veterans who have 100-percent, service-connected disabilities since January 2006. For more information and to make reservations, call the Guam Vet Center locally in Guam at 472-7161.

To learn more about (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-legal-matters) Military Legal Matters, visit the Military.com Benefits Channel.

Wounded Warrior Assistance Act Passes House
The House of Representatives has passed (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9537296) H.R. 1538, the (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 16&type=CO) Wounded Warriors Assistance Act of 2007. This legislation is a cooperative effort between the House Armed Services Committee and the House Veterans' Affairs Committee to address the problems facing wounded servicemembers and to improve their transition from the military to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Wounded Warrior Assistance Act provides the people, training, and oversight mechanisms that will begin the process of achieving a truly seamless transition of servicemembers to the Department of Veterans Affairs programs. For more information, view the (http://capwiz.com/military/webreturn/?u ... 0:H.R.1538:) text of the legislation.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 16&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

VA's Research on Heart Surgery
Recent ground-breaking research by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has found that in treating less severe kinds of heart disease, drug therapy is just as effective as the surgical procedure called "angioplasty," in which clogged arteries are kept open by wire-mesh tubes. The five-year study, involving nearly 2,300 patients at 15 VA medical centers and 35 other facilities in the United States and Canada, found equal rates of mortality, non-fatal heart attacks, strokes and hospitalizations in patients receiving angioplasty and medication, compared to those who received only medication. The results were published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Featured Job: Bodyguard
Gavin de Becker & Associates are looking to fill immediate, fulltime bodyguard openings in Los Angeles, New York, Santa Barbara, Seattle, and the San Francisco Bay area. Gavin de Becker & Associates offers the highest salary coupled with the best benefits in the security industry. For more information and to apply, view the (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 040907_Job) official job posting.

Wounded Veterans at Risk for Epilepsy
Epilepsy experts say that veterans arriving home with traumatic brain injuries are at risk for seizures, which could be subtle and develop months to several years after their initial injury. There are no treatments to prevent epilepsy. Experts say it is hard to know exactly how many injured troops could later develop epilepsy. Early warning signs for epilepsy can include subtle changes in behavior, lapses in memory, strange sensory auras, attention problems and depression. The American Epilepsy Society announced last week new efforts to help wounded Soldiers on their return home. For more information on epilepsy, visit the (http://www.aesnet.org/) American Epilepsy Society's website.

Mandatory Funding for VA Healthcare
Many people are confused about what full funding of the Department of Veterans Affairs really means. In the article " (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,131583,00.html) Mandatory Funding for VA Healthcare" you will find 8 very good examples of why full mandatory funding of the VA healthcare system is essential. Veteran's - especially those returning from combat - deserve our steadfast commitment to provide them the level of health care they deserve. To show your support, (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 91&type=CO) send a message to your elected officials to ensure that our obligations to provide healthcare to our veterans are recognized and laws enacted to guarantee full mandatory funding of veterans' healthcare services.

4 Online Education Myths Solved
Military education counselors have noticed an increasing number of their students signing up for online distance learning courses. Some servicemembers and veterans still fear going "online" for their education. One possible cause for student wariness may be the number of "urban myths" that circulate about the online education experience. The following is a list of urban myths regarding online education.

Myth: Students are not as satisfied with online education.
Busted: At least 97 percent of students surveyed said they were "at least as satisfied." According to the Sloan Consortium - this is true for all types and sizes of institutions.

Myth: Online Education is a flash in the pan - It won't be around for the long term.
Busted: According to the number of enrollments noted above the rate of growth has increased. In addition - chief academic officers believe in it. Online education isn't going away anytime soon.

Myth: An online degree is not real.
Busted: An online degree from an accredited school is just as real as a degree you would earn by traditional means. In fact, many traditional education programs allow students to take online or hybrid courses - courses that combine online and classroom time. In most cases your diploma will not even reflect that it was earned online.

Myth: All online courses require students to log-on at the same time every week.
Busted: Most online courses are now offered in an asynchronous format, which allows students to log on when they are able, not all at the same time.

Next Step:
If you want to learn how online education can work for you, use the free Military.com (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... ool_Finder) School Finder to help you get in touch with many of the schools that offer online alternatives to traditional classroom education. They will be able to help you determine if you are ready to take the next step.

AMVETS and UOP Announce New Scholarships
AMVETS and University of Phoenix are proud to announce a joint venture to award 25 scholarships this year. These scholarships will give veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, Guardsmen and their family members the opportunity to get a high-quality education. Each recipient will receive a $4,000 scholarship with the University of Phoenix - the nation's premier educational institution for adult learning. All veterans, service members and family members are eligible to apply. Full application forms and instructions are now available through (http://www.amvets.org/) AMVETS' Web site. Or, directly (http://www.amvets.org/Assets/AMVETS_Uni ... %20221.pdf) download a PDF of the instructions and application. AMVETS must receive all completed applications by July 1. The Scholarship Committee will mail letters notifying applicants of its decision on or before Nov. 9, 2007.

Founded in 1944, AMVETS is the only veterans service organization to represent members of every branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserve. To learn more, visit the (http://www.amvets.org/) AMVETS Web site.

Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today - visit the Military.com (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/sea ... arships.do) Scholarship Finder.

Go to the Military.com Career Fair In Austin -- Fort Hood
The Military.com Career Fair is coming to Austin - Fort Hood on April 16, 2007. Employers are seeking the valuable skills you learned in service to your country. You can also attend employment workshops focused on helping you leverage your military experience in the civilian job market. Every attendee will receive a free copy of the Veteran Career Guide full of tips on how to interview, translate your military skills, evaluate potential employers and more.

The event is on Monday, April 16th at the Crowne Plaza - 6121 N I H 35, Austin - Fort Hood, TX 76544. Doors open at 11am and close at 3pm. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... areer_Fair) Register Here.

Army's Future Combat Systems on Television
The Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) program is among the advanced military technologies featured on the second-season premier of the Discovery Channel's "FutureWeapons" series. The episode, which runs throughout the month of April, provides an in-depth look at such FCS systems as the Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon, the Class I Unmanned Aerial System, and tactical and urban Unattended Ground Sensors. The program will also feature the Crusher unmanned ground vehicle now under joint development by the Army and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. For more information on the Discovery Channel, including broadcast schedules, visit (http://www.discovery.com/) http://www.discovery.com/.

New Online Resource for Law Enforcement
Veterans currently serving in law enforcement or those interested in law enforcement careers have a new online resource, (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... PoliceLink) PoliceLink.com. PoliceLink, a new partner of Military.com, connects members to scholarships, jobs, networking, training & safety techniques, news, and much more. If you join today, you will receive a free downloadable guide, Ten Ways to Stay Alive, written exclusively for PoliceLink members. To get free membership and the guide, go to (http://policelink.com/login) http://policelink.com/login.

Veterans Report - Week of April 23, 2007

Featured Job: Work for Sentry Corporate Services
Sentry Corporate Services, Inc. is a growing service company with offices in New York and New Jersey. Sentry is looking to fill a number of positions for clients in Career Schools and Training, Security Sales, Retail, Customer Service, Banking, and Nonprofit. Positions are both full and part time. Sentry is looking for highly motivated, independent and self-motivated individuals. To learn more and apply, view the (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 042307_Job) official job posting.

To access the largest veteran job board in the world, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Careers/Home/0,13373,,00.htm) Career Center.

New Exhibit Opens at Navy Memorial
A new exhibit dedicated to the Navy SEALs (Sea, Air, Land) was officially opened to the public April 14 at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington. The exhibit entitled "Sea, Air Land: The Navy's Special Operations Sailors," will run through April 2008 and was commissioned by the U.S. Navy Memorial to recognize the valuable role the Navy SEAL has played within America's defense. It also marks the beginning of a series of special activities and events which honor 2007 as "The Year of the Navy SEAL." For more information, visit the U.S. Navy Memorial website's (http://www.navymemorial.org/SEAL_intro.php) SEALs Exhibit webpage.

Learn about available (https://secure.military.com/Recruiting/ ... s/page1.do) Special Operations opportunities.

Drug Helps War Veterans Sleep
According to a new study, the drug Prazosin improves sleep and reduces traumatic nightmares in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. "This is the first drug that has been demonstrated effective for PTSD nightmares and sleep disruption," said the study's leader, Dr. Murray A. Raskind of the Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle, Washington. Prazosin is a widely-used hypertension drug and is sold the brand name Minipress. Three larger studies of the drug are either underway or scheduled to begin soon.

To find more information and resources for PTSD, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) Military.com PTSD webpage.

Equine Therapy Helps Vets Heal
Marge Tautkus Gunnar believes her therapy horses have a healing power that could help wounded veterans. With a $100,000 grant from the state, Gunnar is poised to offer programs next month at the sprawling BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding & Educational Center in McHenry County for veterans, particularly those whose limbs have been amputated or who are paraplegic. The grant will help the center, near Harvard, expand its indoor arena and provide funds to support its programs, which will be free to veterans. The state sees the program as a worthwhile effort to help veterans of all ages, a spokeswoman for the Department of Veterans Affairs said. To learn more about this program, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,133082,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

Deal of the Week: 25% off Boot Camp Fitness DVD's
The (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 42307_Deal) Fit to Fight Fitness Trilogy allows you to START Fitness at any level. From Basic to Advanced, each DVD gets appropriately and progressively harder. Within each workout you'll participate in time-tested military fitness exercises to include a warm-up and cool-down, push-ups, jumping jacks, jogging in place, abdominal exercises, and much more.

Veterans Court on Record-Setting Pace
Last year, the (http://www.military.com/benefits/legal- ... ns-appeals) U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims began calling up retired federal judges to help the court deal with an unprecedented caseload, and new data show that it may be paying off. In the past six months, the court has decided more cases than it did during the entire year before. During the second quarter of this fiscal year, the court issued almost 2,000 decisions -- averaging over 650 per month. The court is still on pace to issue over 4,800 decisions this year, the highest output level in the court's history.

To learn more about veterans claims, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-legal-matters) Legal Matters Section.

Troops to Teachers Scholarship Alert
Western Governors University Extends Troops to Teachers Supplemental Scholarships - WGU is extending its offering of supplemental $1,500 scholarships to students participating in the Troops to Teachers program through June 2008. The WGU scholarships are in addition to the regular Troops to Teachers program stipends. Scholarship recipients can apply $300 of the scholarship money per six-month term at WGU, renewable up to five terms. These scholarships will help current or former military personnel to begin new careers, utilize their knowledge and experience in the classroom, and have a positive impact on our nation's young people. WGU is also extending the Spouses to Teachers scholarships to all military spouses beyond the Spouses to Teachers pilot states. Visit (http://www.wgu.edu/ttt) www.wgu.edu/ttt for more information on eligibility and applications. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,132937,00.html) read the full article at Military.com.

Shades of Green Salutes Veterans
Shades of Green, an Armed Forces Recreation Center on the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla, is offering military veterans with less than 20 years of service an opportunity to vacation on the resort this September as part of a "Salute to our Veterans" program. The "Salute to Our Veterans" program allows veterans to book rooms at the Shades of Green Resort for the first time. Reservations normally are limited to active-duty DoD employees or those retired with 20 or more years of military service. Space in the "Salute to our Veterans" program is limited. Early reservations are recommended. For more information or to make room reservations, call Shades of Green at (407) 827-8387 or visit the (http://www.shadesofgreenvets.org/) Shades of Green website. For more information, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,132740,00.html) read the full article at Military.com.

For more news on veteran benefits, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/veteran-benefits) Veterans Benefits News webpage.

Lawmakers Grill VA Execs About Care
Lawmakers questioned VA officials Thursday about "serious inadequacies of care" at the Salisbury veterans hospital and demanded follow-up reports -- a strong signal they're not finished. Federal investigators took too long to respond to a report of 12 suspicious deaths at the Salisbury VA, charged members of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. They also complained that investigators didn't reveal findings of poor patient care and didn't verify the hospital made recommended improvements. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,1 ... 68,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 11&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

1st Annual 'GI Film Festival'
Forces in the United States and around the world, the first annual (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... ilm_042307) GI Film Festival will be held on Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-28, 2007, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC.

The GI Film Festival is unique among the more than 950 film festivals held in the United States each year because it focuses specifically on honoring American servicemembers. Some of the films screened will be fan favorites, such as The Great Raid, Forrest Gump, and Verna: USO Girl featuring directors and actors involved in those films. Others will be screened for the very first time. All will in some way express the courage and selflessness of American soldiers and the value of their important work.

VA Cited Eight Years in a Row
VA was recently rated by an independent research center as having one of the best annual performance reports in the federal sector for the eighth year in a row. Called "Eighth Annual Performance Report Scorecard: Which Federal Agencies Best Inform the Public?" the new report by the Mercatus Center of George Mason University found VA's reports are "rich in information on efforts to improve programmatic and managerial performance." VA published its latest performance and accountability report in November 2006. The Department's report can be found on the Internet at: (http://www.va.gov/budget/report) http://www.va.gov/budget/report.

To learn more about VA healthcare, go to (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care) www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care.

U.S. Military Helps Pay for Undergrad Degrees
The GI Bill is an education benefit earned by Active Duty, Selected Reserve and National Guard servicemembers. The benefit is designed to help servicemembers and eligible veterans cover the costs associated with getting an education or training. The GI Bill has several programs and each is administrated differently - depending on a person's eligibility and duty status.

To find out if you are eligible for GI Bill benefits, visit the (http://education.military.com/money-for ... ur-gi-bill) Education Center or (http://edu.military.com/gibill/) request free information from schools about programs that may be approved for GI Bill benefits.

Army Authorizes Combat Patches at Lower Echelons
The Army has changed its policy on the wear of combat patches as a result of the way Soldiers and their units now deploy. The new guidance states that when echelons below company level deploy, Soldiers in those units may now wear the combat patch of the lowest-echelon command they deploy with, as long as it is at company level or higher. The new implementing instructions to Army Regulation 670-1 became effective March 28 and are not retroactive. As before, Soldiers who have earned multiple combat patches may choose which patch to wear. Soldiers may also elect not to wear a combat patch.

To find more deployment news and resources, visit (http://www.military.com/deployment) http://www.military.com/deployment.

Policy Shift Cut Disability Retirements
Injured war veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan are becoming more aware of the critical 30-percent threshold. Some credit for that goes to retired Army Lt. Gen. James Terry Scott, chairman of the Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission. Scott spotlighted the value of 30 percent ratings, and ruffled feathers of DoD officials, before a Senate hearing last week when he said the higher cost of disability retirement, versus severance pay, gives DoD "a strong incentive" to award 20 percent or less. No service does it more often than the Army, according to fresh service data released by Scott. From 2000 through 2006, the Army gave ratings of 30 percent or higher to only 13 percent of soldiers deemed disabled. By comparison, the Navy awarded disability retirement to 36 percent of its disabled members. The Air Force number was 27 and the Marines Corps 18 percent. More troubling, Scott suggested, was data showing Army awarded a 0 percent rating to 13,646 soldiers that it found unfit for duty. The Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force had assigned 0 ratings only to 400 apiece. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,132880,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

How do you feel about this issue? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 26&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Immediate Fix Needed for Disability Process
Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England called for a new policy that moves wounded troops from Iraq and Afghanistan to the front of the line in the disability rating process while system-wide fixes to the disability and health care systems are put in place. Deputy Defense Secretary England recommended an immediate measure to speed combat-wounded troops through the DoD disability system and smooth their transition to the Department of Veterans Affairs system. Wounded troops represent about 11 percent of the 25,000 servicemembers being processed through DoD's disability system. The problem, Deputy Defense Secretary England told the senators, is that this 11 percent is funneled through the system just as the other 89 percent, many of them career servicemembers preparing to retire. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,132741,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 11&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

New Legislation to Help Veterans with Burn Injuries
U.S. Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=206&lvl=C&chamber=S) Larry Craig has joined Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=3177 ... &chamber=S) John Cornyn (R-Texas) and (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=202&lvl=C&chamber=S) Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) in sponsoring The Veterans Housing Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9655556) S. 1096), which will provide up to $50,000 to help servicemembers - those with severe burn injuries - modify their homes to meet their unique needs. The legislation will also provide up to $11,000 for the purchase or modification of an automobile or other vehicle for veterans with extensive burns. The new legislation, if approved by Congress, will also require VA officials to provide Congress by the end of the year a detailed report about other severely injured veterans who may not be covered by existing law.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 11&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

South Florida Cemetery Begins Burials
The South Florida VA National Cemetery opened last week as the nation's 125th national cemetery. The 313-acre site is located in Palm Beach County, approximately 19 miles northwest of Boca Raton. Burials at the Palm Beach County site will begin in a section that provides 1,708 plots for casketed remains, approximately 4,000 plots for cremated remains and a committal shelter. Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the Internet at (http://www.cem.va.gov/) http://www.cem.va.gov, or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000. For information on the South Florida VA National Cemetery, call the cemetery office at (561) 649-6489. To learn about military memorial benefits, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) Memorial Benefits Section.

For more news on memorial benefits, go to (http://www.military.com/burial-memorial) www.military.com/burial-memorial.

DoD Clarifies Reserve-Component Mobilization Policy
National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers will mobilize and deploy for only one year, despite a new policy that active Soldiers will deploy for 15-month tours, a top defense official stressed Friday. Mr. Thomas F. Hall, assistant defense secretary for reserve affairs, reaffirmed that reserve-component Soldiers are not affected by the 15-month tour policy that Defense Secretary Mr. Robert M. Gates announced April 11. Four National Guard brigades have been alerted for possible mobilization for duty in Iraq beginning in December 2007. If needed, those brigades will mobilize, deploy and redeploy within one year. On Jan. 19, Mr. Gates mandated reserve components would mobilize for one year and then have five years before another mobilization.

To find more deployment news and resources, visit (http://www.military.com/deployment) http://www.military.com/deployment.

VA Retro Pay Slowdown
Thousands of disabled military retirees due back pay under one of the military's two "concurrent receipt" programs -- CRSC and CRDP -- will wait longer than they expected to be paid in full, say senior officials. Calculating the catch-up pay has been tougher than officials expected when they set a one-year deadline for completing the VA Retro Award program last fall, said Pat Shine, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service's deputy director for operations. For more information, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,131999,00.html) read the article on the Military.com website. All military pay information can be found in (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay) Military.com's Pay Section.

To contact a member of the Senate or House, go to (http://capwiz.com/military/dbq/officials/) capwiz.com/military/dbq/officials/.

Sew Much Comfort
Sew Much Comfort is a nonprofit organization whose members have sewn more than 20,000 items of customized clothing for wounded servicemembers since it began in December 2004. The official mission of Sew Much Comfort is to design, create and deliver customized clothing to accommodate a patient's medical devices and situations - braces, fixators, casts, prosthetics and burns. It is the only organization that provides specially designed adaptive clothing to military hospitals, both in the United States and in LRMC and combat surgical hospitals in-theater. For more information, visit the (http://www.sewmuchcomfort.org/) Sew Much Comfort website.

New License Plate in Colorado Supports Troops
The American Military Family organization has announced its successful efforts in getting a special license plate dedicated to the troops for residents of Colorado. Ninety-three percent of the proceeds from the new $25 vehicle tag will go to directly support Colorado military members and their families. This will include active-duty members, National Guard and reserve soldiers as well as veterans and non-profit organizations working to support the military. The plate is set for release July 1 and advance orders are currently being taken. For more information including directions on how to order the new license plate, visit the (http://www.americanmilitaryfamily.org/default.asp) American Military Family website.

To learn more about Colorado state benefits, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... -directory) State Veteran's Benefits Directory.

Veterans Report - Week of April 30, 2007

Lou Gehrig's Disease Strikes Veterans
The fatal neurodegenerative disease ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is striking more of our nation's veterans; however, the reasons are not known at this time. National ALS Awareness Month activities in May 2007 will include ALS National Awareness Month proclamations issued by cities and states. The proclamations include a passage that acknowledges the higher prevalence of veterans with ALS. The ALS Association is the nation's only national not-for-profit voluntary health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. For more information, visit the (http://www.alsa.org/) ALS Association website.

Vet Care Problems Widespread
Gen. Richard Cody, the Army's vice chief of staff, said officials were finalizing a report on problems after a team of Army inspectors visited 11 bases in seven states last month to study outpatient treatment, building conditions and the information provided to patients. The investigation found staffing shortages, excessive paperwork and poor training that created too much bureaucracy and long waits for injured Soldiers, particularly at Fort Stewart in Georgia and Fort Hood and Fort Bliss in Texas. Army officials also were taking a special look at problems at Fort Lewis in Washington state.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 11&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

MCAS Beaufort Needs Your Help
In the wake of the crash of a Blue Angels F/A-18 during an airshow demonstration at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort on Sat., April 21, investigators ask all individuals who think they might have relevant photographs or video of the incident to contact them. If you think you have any useful material to contribute to the investigation you are urged to contact MCAS Beaufort at (843) 228-7121.

Free Legal Help for Michigan Veterans
The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law will offer free legal assistance to U.S. military veterans across Michigan. Lawyers and students plan to offer services by traveling throughout the state this summer in a recreational vehicle converted into a mobile law office. For more information, visit the (http://www.law.udmercy.edu/) University of Detroit Mercy School of Law website.

The Future of Long Range Strike Discussion
The Eaker Institute, the research arm of the Air Force Association, will present a major discussion titled "Return of the Bomber: The Future of Long Range Strike." The discussion will feature a presentation by Dr. Rebecca Grant, author of the study, and a panel of General Richard Hawley (USAF, Ret.), General Gregory Martin (USAF, Ret.) and Brigadier General (Maj. Gen. Select) Mark Matthews, Director of Plans and Programs at Headquarters, Air Combat Command, Langley AFB, Va. The event will be held on Tuesday, May 1, 2007, from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at the National Press Club at 529 14th Street NW, Washington D.C. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. To learn more about this event, visit the (http://www.afa.org/events/eakerevent/default.asp) Air Force Association website.

Campaign Focuses on Shaken Baby Syndrome
The Defense Department has launched a new military family initiative aimed at stopping or reducing the incidence of "Shaken Baby Syndrome." Frustrated parents, especially fathers, can negatively react to their baby's cries by shaking it, an act that can seriously harm or even kill the infant, explained David W. Lloyd, director for the Defense Department's Family Advocacy Program. "Never shake a baby. The injuries can range from death to serious head trauma - meaning skull fractures, blindness, learning disabilities and stunted growth," Lloyd said. For more information on Shaken Baby Syndrome, visit (http://www.dontshake.org/) http://www.dontshake.org/. Military parents can also access a 24-hour counseling line at 1-800-342-9647 to asked questions about Shaken Baby Syndrome and other issues.

Register for the San Diego Career Fair -- May 2nd
Military.com Career Fair is coming to San Diego on May 2, 2007. This event will feature up top employers seeking the valuable skills you learned in service to your country. You can also attend employment workshops focused on helping you leverage your military experience in the civilian job market. Every attendee will receive a free copy of the Veteran Career Guide full of tips on how to interview, translate your military skills, evaluate potential employers and more.

The event is on May 2nd at the Marriott San Diego -- 333 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. Doors open at 11am and close at 3pm. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... areer_Fair) Register Here.

Deal of the Week: 10% off All Outdoor Gear, Bikes and Hammocks
Leonard Consulting Group Inc: (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 43007_Deal) 10% off everything we sell. Bikes, Hammocks, Camping and Outdoor gear and supplies. We also have Military Campground Info and links to installation camping facilities. Time share information and travel links. Visit the country you have served so well. Thank you for your service to our country.

Power Wheelchairs
Medicare recipients: Become mobile again with a Power Wheelchair at low or no cost to you. Free home delivery, no confusing paperwork. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... heelchairs) Get a free consultation.

VA Hospitals Access Medical Records
Beginning this week, medical staff at all 154 hospitals and the roughly 800 clinics run by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs should be able to access the Department of Defense medical records of servicemembers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. "What is significant now is that every VA facility will have access to these important medical records. Knowing exactly what other doctors have recorded will help with treatment and could, in fact, save lives," said Senator Craig, the Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

To learn more about VA health care, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care) Benefits Channel.

Featured Job: Alion Science & Technology
You have the experience, skills and enthusiasm. Find out just how far you can go with a company that is committed to your success. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 043007_Job) View jobs at Alion Science and Technology.

State Veteran Benefits
Veterans pursuing their educational goals are usually eligible for "educational assistance for students" in most states. Educational benefits for veterans and their dependents, particularly the children of deceased and disabled veterans, are also available in some states. Military.com has developed an on-line general summary of educational benefits for veterans and their dependents. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... e_Benefits) View the full summary by state here.

Ease the stress and time commitment when looking for a school. Search the Military.com database to find a school that matches your education needs. No pressure, just straight recommendations to help you take the first step. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... ool_Finder) Start now.

New Military Benefit Guide for 2007
Military.com just released the 2007 Military Advantage benefit guide on Amazon.com. The book lays out everything you need to know about your benefits including the GI Bill, Tuition Assistance, Military Pay, VA Loans, TRICARE and more. (http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0743269462 ... d_i=507846) Buy one today.

Find your benefits today with the Military.com (http://benefits.military.com/reg/Veterans-Benefits.do) Benefits Calculator.

Initiative Preserves Veterans' Wartime Histories
The Library of Congress Veterans History Project and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) have announced a joint initiative that will reach out to a broad range of veterans and their families to capture veterans' wartime histories. Public television stations will target thousands of individual stories to be shared locally on-air, online and through community events and activities. For more information, visit (http://www.pbs.org/thewar) www.pbs.org/thewar. To date, the Veterans History Project has collected more than 45,000 individual stories from the nation's veterans. For more information, visit (http://www.loc.gov/vets) www.loc.gov/vets.

Anthrax Vaccinations on Schedule
Pacific Air Forces' implementation of the Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program is on schedule as more than 94 percent of its Airmen who have been designated for mandatory vaccinations have received them. The mandatory anthrax vaccinations are currently limited to certain Airmen who are designated to deploy to or are in specific high-threat areas -- primarily the Central Command area of responsibility or the Korean peninsula. More information about anthrax vaccinations can be obtained at the following links:

* (http://www.anthrax.mil/documents/996AvipTrifold.pdf) AVIP trifold brochure (PDF)
* (http://www.vaccines.army.mil/) Military Vaccine Agency (MilVax) website
* (http://www.anthrax.mil/) MilVax Anthrax website
* (http://www.anthrax.mil/whatsnew/resumem ... select.asp) MilVax AVIP 2007 website



Wiccan Symbols Approved for Headstones
The Department of Veterans Affairs has agreed to add the Wiccan pentacle to a list of approved religious symbols that it will engrave on veterans' headstones. The agreement settles a lawsuit brought by several Wiccan families. The organization (http://www.au.org/site/PageServer) Americans United for the Separation of Church and State represented the plaintiffs in the case. This will be the 39th symbol VA has approved to indicate the faith of deceased servicemembers on memorials.

To learn more about military memorial benefits, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) Benefits Channel.

Packages From Home Supports Troops
What started out as a way for an Arizona Army mom to support her deployed son has turned into a nonprofit organization that sends about 2,500 care packages to servicemembers each month. "Packages From Home gives to our (servicemembers) in harm's way - which would be Iraq, Afghanistan, South Korea, Cuba and the Sudan - the necessary things that they would like to have to make their stay more comfortable and to give them a bit of home," says Kathleen Lewis, the group's founder. The packages contain everything from food and necessities to entertainment and comfort items. For more information, visit the (http://www.packagesfromhome.org/) Packages From Home website.

Airman Victim of One-Cent Deposit Scam
An Airman assigned to the 50th Mission Support Squadron recently fell victim to a new banking. The scammers apparently generate random routing and account numbers into which they try to deposit one cent. Once the one-cent deposit clears, the perpetrators know the account is active and begin to withdraw funds from the account. The withdrawals seemed to take place near the beginning of the month, and some people have only seen a single withdrawal from their accounts. People should check their accounts frequently, contact their banks about suspicious deposit or withdrawal amounts, and shred financial documents to protect themselves from other forms of identity theft.

Veterans Organization Sponsors Website Contest
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Departments, Districts and Posts have an opportunity to display their design skills in the 2007 VFW Communications Department Website Design Competition. Websites will be evaluated for navigation, load time, design and content. To enter, submit URL between May 1 and midnight May 31 to (mailto:webcontest@vfw.org) webcontest@vfw.org, along with entry information. Judging will be conducted during June. Winners will be announced in August. For a detailed rules list and entry information in a .pdf file, visit (http://www.vfw.org/resources/pdf/websitecontest.pdf) http://www.vfw.org/resources/pdf/websitecontest.pdf.

Permanent Licenses for Disabled Illinois Veterans
Annual hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans in Illinois will now be issued on a one-time permanent basis. To receive the initial license, veterans will have to go to one of the veteran services offices. For more information on locations, veterans should call one-1-800-437-9824.

To learn more about Illinois state benefits, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... -directory) State Veteran's Benefits Directory.

Drug Hopes to Treat Veterans' Trauma
Researchers in the United States are trying to develop a controversial new treatment that could potentially help by reducing the intensity of a particular traumatic memory in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They stress they are not trying to wipe out the memory itself, but rather to alter a patient's response to it. One of the drugs they have used is Propranolol, which affects the hormone adrenaline and was originally developed to treat high blood pressure. The researchers believe adrenaline affects our memories, and that PTSD is the result of too much adrenaline entering the brain at the moment a traumatic event occurs.

To find more information and resources for PTSD, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview.

Freedom Walks to be Held Nationwide
Thousands of school children, community leaders, church members and volunteers throughout the nation are again preparing to remember those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, and to honor military veterans past and present by organizing plans and identifying routes for their 2007 America Supports You Freedom Walks. Defense Department organizers said they hope to get more than 300 cities to take part in the national commemoration, and now is the time for organizations to begin choosing locations and walk routes, contacting potential speakers and planning special events. Information on how to prepare for a Freedom Walk is available on the (http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/) America Supports You website.

Blinded Veterans Paired Organ Act Introduced
Sen. (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=202&lvl=C&chamber=S) Daniel K. Akaka, Hawaii Democrat and chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, has introduced the Blinded Veterans Paired Organ Act of 2007. This bill would update eligibility requirements for certain benefits provided to veterans with a service-connected disability because of blindness. Current law excludes many veterans with severe vision impairment from benefits that could significantly improve the quality of their lives.

The bill would change eligibility requirements for two separate benefits available to blinded veterans. Both of these benefits currently are restricted to a narrow group of veterans who have the most serious degree of vision impairment. The Blinded Veterans Paired Organ Act would extend these benefits to all veterans who meet the standard definition of legal blindness used by the Social Security Administration to determine disability for the past 40 years.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 76&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Agent Orange Causes Genetic Disturbance
A study published in the journal "Cytogenetic and Genome Research" shows that exposure to Agent Orange, and other defoliants, has led to genetic disturbance in New Zealand Vietnam War veterans that continues to persist decades after their service. New Zealand Defence Force Personnel fought in the Vietnam War from July 1965 until November 1971 when more than 76,500,000 liters of phenoxylic herbicides were sprayed over parts of Southern Vietnam and Laos to clear vegetation from around military installations. To read an abstract of the journal's article on the study, visit the (http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/pr ... tNr=224037) Cytogenetic and Genome Research website.

For more information about Agent Orange, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... ent-orange) Benefits Channel.

Sacramento Valley Cemetery Dedicated
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently held a dedication ceremony to officially open the Sacramento Valley VA National Cemetery, located in Dixon, Calif. Nearly 346,000 veterans and their families live within the service radius of the national cemetery. Burials began in October 2006, in an area of approximately 14 acres, which includes one committal shelter and three burial sections. Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the Internet at (http://www.cem.va.gov/) http://www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000. For information on the Sacramento Valley VA National Cemetery, call the cemetery office at (707) 693-2460.

To learn more about military memorial benefits, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) Benefits Channel.

Veterans Report - Week of May 07, 2007

Wheelchair Games Coming to Milwaukee
Five hundred disabled American veterans will converge on Milwaukee June 19-23 in the 27th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world. The Wheelchair Games, presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), are open to all U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments. A demonstration track event will also be held for athletes who are able to stand using prosthetic devices. To volunteer during the week, or to obtain more information about the competitive events, visit the (http://www.wheelchairgames.org/) National Veterans Wheelchair Games website.

Task Force Publishes Report
The Interagency Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes has published its report, which includes 25 recommendations to improve delivery of federal services to returning military men and women. The panel specifically targeted health care, benefits, employment, education, housing and outreach activities. The task force report is available on VA's website at: (http://www.va.gov/taskforce/) http://www.va.gov/taskforce/. The task force also worked with the General Services Administration to unveil a new version of (http://www.usa.gov/) http://www.usa.gov, which includes a specialized section of Internet links to Federal services and benefits available to military servicemembers, veterans and their families at (http://www.usa.gov/Federal_Employees/Mi ... rans.shtml) USA.gov.

Mental Health Self-Assessment Program Available
The Mental Health Self-Assessment Program (MHSAP) offers service personnel and their family members the opportunity to take anonymous, mental health and alcohol screenings both online and through special events held at installations. The online and telephone program are available 24/7 at (http://www.militarymentalhealth.org/) www.MilitaryMentalHealth.org and 877-877-3647. Register for in-person materials for bases/installations or customize an online screening: (http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/Military) www.MentalHealthScreening.org/Military or Phone: 781-239-0071.

To find more information and resources for PTSD, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) www.military.com/benefits/resources/ptsd-overview.

Bob Hope Golf Tournament in May
The 4th Annual Bob Hope Memorial Charity Golf Tournament takes place May 19 at the Fort Walton Beach Golf Course. All proceeds will benefit the Air Force Enlisted Village, a nonprofit charity that provides a home for the surviving spouses of enlisted servicemembers. The tournament begins at 11 a.m. with registration and a shotgun start at noon. Registration fee is $50 per person, with four-person teams accepted. Lunch will be provided. For more information, see the (http://www.afenlistedwidows.org/) Air Force Enlisted Village's website or call Charlie Ray at (850) 651-3766.

Talking with Children About Traumatic Events
With the recent shootings at Virginia Technological University, many parents are wondering how to talk with their children about traumatic local and world events. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) offers advice to parents on how to talk to children about various types of violence including events reported through the media on its (http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/resources_ ... h_violence) Dealing With Violence webpage. In addition, Military One Source has resources and information for families coping after a tragedy, as well as a 24/7 hotline at 1-800-342-9647. More information is available at (http://www.militaryonesource.com/) http://www.militaryonesource.com.

Find the Right School with VA Approved Programs
There are thousands of schools that can be considered military-friendly. The trick is to find the one that offers exactly what you need, in a way that fits your lifestyle. The Military.com (http://schools.military.com/schoolfinde ... schools.do) School Finder is a great place to start your search. It enables you to quickly search schools and request more information.

Once you have indicated your interest in a given school, an admissions counselor will contact you directly either by e-mail or phone. This will give you the opportunity to learn more about what the school has to offer. The best way to determine if a school is right for you is to (http://education.military.com/finding-a ... -questions) ask smart questions.

First Annual GI Film Festival
The first annual (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... ilm_050707) GI Film Festival will be held on Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-28, 2007, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC. The event focuses on honoring American servicemembers. Some of the films screened will be fan favorites, such as The Great Raid, Forrest Gump, and Verna: USO Girl featuring directors and actors involved in those films. Others will be screened for the very first time. All will in some way express the courage and selflessness of American soldiers and the value of their important work. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... ilm_050707) GI Film Festival website.

New Easier CRSC Claim Form
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has significantly revised the claim form for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC). The new form makes it easier to understand who is eligible for CRSC and what information needs to be provided to establish eligibility. The claim form is now (https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/crsc/docu ... imForm.pdf) available in .pdf format. The Army has created an enhanced (http://www.crsc.army.mil/) CRSC website to help answer any questions. In addition, veterans can call the CRSC Service Center at 1-866-281-3254 or reach it via e-mail at (mailto:crsc.info@us.army.mil) crsc.info@us.army.mil.

Learn more about (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... mpensation) Combat-Related Special Compensation at Military.com.

Featured Job: Force Protection Assistant - Armorer
The (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 050707_Job) Titan Force Protection (FP) Asst aids in the activities of the Titan FP cell, which is responsible for oversight of the safety and protection of Titan personnel, facilities and equip during the theater of operation.

To access the largest veteran job board in the world, visit the (http://www.military.com/Careers/Home/0,13373,,00.htm) Military.com Career Center.

Hearing Held on Invisible Wounds
U.S. Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=202&lvl=C&chamber=S) Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI ), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, recently held a hearing to assess the treatment of mental health needs in the Department of Veterans' Affairs. The hearing focused on the "invisible wounds" of war, specifically PTSD, substance abuse, military sexual trauma, and suicide. The Committee heard testimony from witnesses with personal experience with these issues. To find more information and resources for PTSD, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) www.military.com/benefits/resources/ptsd-overview.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 91&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

4th Annual Marine Corps Family Conference
"United in Spirit" truly represents the Marine Corps family. The weekend offers many activities: a variety of workshops, entertainment, exhibits and vendors, military displays, speakers, authors and much more. The weekend is a nationwide conference open to spouses, parents, children and all interested. Online registration is available at: (http://www.marineparentsunited.com/) www.marineparentsunited.com

"United in Spirit"
July 26-29, 2007
Anaheim, California

Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Disabled Vets
Syracuse University has announced a new initiative offered through the Whitman School of Management. The program is called 'The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities' (EBV), and is designed as an intensive training program positioned to offer cutting edge, experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management to veterans with disabilities resulting from their service in Iraq and Afghanistan. The goal of the EBV program is to open the door to entrepreneurship and small business ownership to veterans, developing their competencies in the many steps and activities associated with creating and sustaining an entrepreneurial venture, and also in coordinating with programs and services unique to veterans and others with disabilities. More information about this program, eligibility requirements, and application procedures can be found at: (http://whitman.syr.edu/eee/veterans) http://whitman.syr.edu/eee/veterans.

Military Gets Bigger Pay Raise
Military people next January would get a 3.5 percent pay raise, under a compensation package voted Wednesday by the House armed services' subcommittee on military personnel. In shaping the personnel section of the fiscal 2008 defense authorization bill, the subcommittee approved other initiatives too to please healthcare beneficiaries, surviving spouses and some disabled retirees forced from service short of 20 years by combat-related injuries. The Senate will mark up its version of 2008 defense bill later this month, no doubt approving a somewhat different set of personnel initiatives. A House-Senate conference later will smooth out these differences. To find out the details of what was approved, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,134457,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 56&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Deal of the Month: Buick, Pontiac & GMC: $1000 Private Offer
Active military, Reserves, military retirees, family members of eligible military households receive $1000 Private Offer toward most '06/'07 Buick, Pontiac, GMC vehicles. Thanks for all you do. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 50707_Deal) More.

Saying "Thank You"
Two of the most powerful words in any language are "thank you." No group of people more richly deserve those simple, heartfelt words of appreciation more than those who served in our armed forces, and those who are still standing watch this very minute.

During National Military Appreciation Month this May, we at Buick, Pontiac and GMC felt strongly that it was important to say "thank you" to those who have sacrificed so much for our country. But, beyond our personal thanks, we recognized that we were in the fortunate position to help others express their appreciation, as well.

So, Buick, Pontiac and GMC dealers across the country are partnering with Shauna Fleming and her A Million Thanks organization ( (http://amillionthanks.org/) AMillionThanks.org) to do just that. We've placed collection boxes in all of our dealerships and, during May, we are encouraging every American to take the time to write a personal "thank you" to a member of the military. The goal is a million thank you notes, which will be distributed directly to our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines around the world through A Million Thanks.

But, even then, we recognized there was more we can do to honor the sacrifices of our military families. That's why it is such an honor to re-commit the resources of Buick, Pontiac and GMC dealers to further the work of the VFW National Home for Children ( (http://vfwnationalhome.org/index4.shtml) vfwnationalhome.org). This unique community, located in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, provides a caring home for military families in crisis and we were privileged to bring increased attention to their important work in 2006. We hope to do even more in 2007.

It's the least we can do begin to repay the enormous debt we owe every man and woman who has answered the call of their country. Again, (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _Thank_You) thank you for protecting us all.

Find a Construction Career with HelmetstoHardhats.org
Helmets to Hardhats places quality men and women from the Armed Forces into promising building and construction careers. You can search for positions by trade, find Certified Apprenticeship programs, learn how to build a resume and much more. Visit (http://info.helmetstohardhats.org/) info.helmetstohardhats.org and set up a free account.

Legislation Introduced on Traumatic Brain Injury
Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=202&lvl=C&chamber=S) Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, joined by Ranking Member Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=206&lvl=C&chamber=S) Larry Craig (R-ID), has introduced the (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 66&type=CO) Veterans' Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Act of 2007 ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9720726) S. 1233). This legislation is intended to improve care for veterans with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The legislation addresses the immediate needs of veterans suffering from a TBI. Key provisions allow for high-quality rehabilitation closer to where veterans live; provide VA clinicians with increased resources to develop expertise in TBI; and direct VA to develop assisted living programs to meet the lifelong needs of these veterans.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 66&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Stay Safe in the Summer Sun
May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, which is a perfect time to remind you about protecting your skin during the summer. To protect your skin, (1) avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when ultraviolet radiation levels are highest; (2) use sun block (at least SPF 30, and reapply every two hours); (3) wear a hat, protective clothing and sunglasses; and (4) do not go to tanning salons. If you notice an odd-looking skin lesion, especially a mole, you should call your doctor immediately.

Utah Offers Tuition Waivers
Purple Heart receipts who are residents of the state of Utah are now eligible to have tuition waived for an undergraduate program of study leading to a degree or certificate at all Utah state institutions of higher learning, registration fees still apply.

Visit the Utah Division of Veteran Affairs website for more information at (http://veterans.utah.gov/) veterans.utah.gov or contact them at:

Utah Division of Veteran Affairs
550 Foothill BLVD Suite 202
Salt Lake City, UT 84113
(801) 326-2372

Not a Utah state resident? Learn more about your (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... -directory) state's veteran benefit programs.

Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today - visit the Military.com (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/sea ... arships.do) Scholarship Finder.

Military Severely Injured Center
The Military Severely Injured Center (MSI Center) is a program dedicated to providing seamless, centralized support -- for as long as it may take -- to make sure that injured service members and their families achieve the highest level of functioning and quality of life. If you are a severely injured service member or the family member of a severely injured service member, the MSI Joint Center can help you cut red tape; understand what benefits are available to you; identify resources; and obtain counseling, information, and support. Injured service members and their families can get assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-888-774-1361 for this free service.

The MSI Center also provides educational materials that can help you understand and tackle issues related to concerns that injured service members often have, from helping children and spouses with the challenges they face, to concerns about making homes and vehicles accessible, to building new relationships.

In addition the MSI Center offers a (http://www.military.com/support) Career Center that supplements their services related to career planning, including employment and benefits information for both injured service members and their spouses.

Veterans Report - Week of May 14, 2007

Expanded Mortgage Legislation Introduced
A bill recently introduced in the United States Senate ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9713651) S. 1265) would expand eligibility for the Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) to include members of the Armed Forces who have received housing modification grant assistance from VA for severely disabling conditions. Veterans with certain severe disabilities, such as those who have lost legs, or eyesight, currently qualify for VA housing grants of up to $50,000 through the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant program. Under VMLI, up to $90,000 of coverage, or coverage in the amount of any outstanding mortgage debt, whichever is less, is available.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 66&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Indiana Provides Additional Benefits to Military
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels recently signed into law Senate Enrolled Act 480, which increases benefits for Indiana's veterans and military families. The new law: (1) exempts all military pay earned while serving in combat theater from Indiana state income tax; (2) increases the maximum allowable state income tax deductions on military pay (including retirement pay and survivor's benefits) from $2,000 to $5,000 per year; (3) allows in-state tuition rates for out-of-state Soldiers assigned to Indiana; and (4) establishes an employment program for military spouses. To find career resources for military spouses, visit (http://www.military.com/spouse) http://www.military.com/spouse.

For more information on state benefits, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... -directory) State Veteran's Benefits Directory.

Lawmakers Urge GI Bill Extensions
In an effort to extend the time veterans have to take advantage of their GI Bill benefits, Washington Democratic Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=1102 ... &chamber=S) Maria Cantwell introduced the (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 86&type=CO) GI Bill for Life Act that would eliminate the 10-year time limit placed on GI Bill benefits.

According to the Department of Veteran Affairs reports, nearly 30 percent of eligible veterans are unable to use any of their education benefits and most eligible veterans are only able to access a portion of their (http://www.military.com/benefits/gi-bill) GI Bill before the 10-year limit is reached.

On the other side of Capitol Hill, House Armed Services Committee member and fellow Washington lawmaker Rep. (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=1041 ... &chamber=H) Rick Larsen (D), will soon introduce identical legislation in the House.

The so-called "Cantwell/Larsen Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007" - (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9726076) S. 1261 - which is cosponsored by Sens. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), would repeal both the 10 year and 14 year deadlines, however it doesn't address the reserve component programs' expiration upon leaving the service. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,1 ... 09,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 86&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Find Scholarships for Veterans
While looking for money for school many veterans and their families tend to overlook the over $300 million of military - and veteran - related scholarships and grants. The reason many go unclaimed is because veterans don't know where to look. Fortunately, there is a great online resource to help you find the scholarship and learn how, where, and when to apply. Visit the Military.com's (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... hip_Finder) Scholarship Finder today and get started on your way to finding free money for school. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 51407_Tips) Click here to get three quick tips to help your search.

Legislation Introduced to Bury Unclaimed Remains
U.S. Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=206&lvl=C&chamber=S) Larry Craig recently introduced legislation ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9734686) S. 1266) that would encourage states to develop programs to find and provide a dignified burial to veterans whose remains have gone unclaimed. The program was originally developed in Craig's home state of Idaho and he wants to see the effort expanded nationwide. Under Craig's bill, the (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 41&type=CO) Veterans' Dignified Burial Assistance Act of 2007, those states which locate and bury such remains in a state veterans' cemetery would be provided with financial assistance by the federal government. Current federal law only allows VA to provide assistance to states if the remains are buried within two years of cremation. Craig's bill would also increase VA's plot allowance benefit from $300 to $400.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 41&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Participants Sought for Sleep Study
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in collaboration with the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers (MIRECC) is conducting a study to determine the effectiveness of two sleep-focused treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related nightmares and insomnia. The study will seek to find if these treatments can improve sleep and enhance standard treatments for other symptoms of PTSD. Researchers are looking to enroll military veterans between the ages of 18 and 55 who have nightmares and insomnia. Participants in the study will receive a physical examination and participate in a sleep study. For more information or to see if you qualify for this study, call Abdul Hakim at 412-246-6409.

To find more information and resources for PTSD, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview.

A Million Thanks
Shauna Fleming, founder of A Million Thanks, has teamed up with Buick, Pontiac and GMC divisions of General Motors to collect thank you letters from the public for the troops. People can drop off their letters in Shauna's red, white and blue boxes at GM car dealers across the nation. For more information, visit A Million Thanks at (http://www.amillionthanks.org/) www.amillionthanks.org.

Season of Remembrance Begins
Each year from May through July there are many holidays and events to recognize and remember those members of our armed forces who have historically made great contributions to our Nation. This two-month season starts at the same time as Military Appreciation Month -- May, and continues through the events of the Army's 233rd Birthday. Other events included in this time frame are Memorial Day, the kick-off to the Twilight Tattoo season and July 4th. More information on the Season of Remembrance and the events that are within this season may be found online at the U.S. Army's (http://www.army.mil/remembrance) Season of Remembrance website.

Veterans Eagle Parks Pass Act
The (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 46&type=CO) Veterans Eagle Parks Pass Act ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9726636) S.617) would make the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass available at a discount (cost of $10) to any veteran who was separated from military service under conditions other than dishonorable, if the veteran provides proof of the status by presenting a DD214. National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes issued under this Act would be valid for one year after the date of issuance.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 46&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Three Names Added to Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Three more names have been added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. They are Army Sgt. Richard M. Pruett or Sherman, Texas, Navy Fireman Apprentice Joseph Gerald Krywicki of Holton, Mich., and Army Spc. Wesley Alvin Stiverson of Monticello, Ill. The Defense Department decides which names are to be inscribed on the wall. Since the memorial was dedicated in 1982, a few names have been added each year, and the new names are being added to panels of the wall that are closest to the dates that the men were wounded. For more information on the Memorial, visit the National Park Service's (http://www.nps.gov/vive/) Vietnam Veterans Memorial website.

Veterans Exhibit Brain Differences
Veterans of the first Gulf War who developed numerous health complaints have areas of the brain that are measurably smaller than those of healthier vets, according to a new study. The results of the U.S. government-funded study provide some of the first hard evidence that veterans from the 1990 to 1991 conflict are suffering from a real neurological illness, researchers say. The findings are preliminary and do not confirm that wartime exposures changed the veterans' brains, only that differences exist.

ThanksUSA Announces Scholarship Program
The nonprofit ThanksUSA invites all children and spouses of military personnel to apply for one of 1,000 scholarships of $1,000 each for college, vocational and technical schools. Apply by May 18th to qualify. To apply for and/or learn more about the scholarship, you may do the following: Download the scholarship application now! (PDF) Go to (http://www.thanksusa.org/) www.ThanksUSA.org.

Army Unveils New Army Combat Shirt
The Army Program Executive Office Soldier will soon provide an improved Army combat shirt to Soldiers deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. The flame-resistant long-sleeved shirt, which retains the moisture-wicking capability, breatheability, and durability of other components in the ACU, also has many of its other features, including cargo pockets, infrared identification tabs, and hook-and-loop fasteners for the American flag. The high performance shirt is designed to be a base layer and can be worn directly under the Interceptor Body Armor. The shirt integrates with other flame-resistant components, such as the Army combat pants, to provide head-to-toe protection against burns.

Join the American Legion
Uphold the Code of Honor with fellow wartime veterans and active-duty military -- Join the American Legion -- "Still Serving America," a strategic partner of Military.com. For more information, or to join The American Legion go to (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 407_Legion) Legion.org.

New Military Benefit Guide for 2007
Military.com just released the 2007 Military Advantage benefit guide on Amazon.com. The book lays out everything you need to know about your benefits including the GI Bill, Tuition Assistance, Military Pay, VA Loans, TRICARE and more. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... fits_Guide) Buy one today.

New Education Bill Introduced
Veterans seeking high-intensity, short-term education will benefit under the (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 86&type=CO) Veterans' Education and Vocational Benefits Improvement Act of 2007 ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9734986) S. 1293), recently introduced in the U.S. Senate. The bill would also allow Guard and Reserve members as well as survivors and dependents of veterans to receive accelerated payments of their education benefits for any short-term, high cost course. In addition it would update eligibility requirements for the education program created for Guard and Reserve members who were called to active duty after Sept. 11, 2001. The bill would also create a "buy-up" program for (http://education.military.com/money-for ... ogram-reap) REAP participants, allowing them (like active duty members) to contribute up to $600 in order to receive an additional $150 per month in benefits.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 86&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Fidelity Fined For Misleading Troops
The National Association of Security Dealers (NASD) has fined two Fidelity broker-dealers $400,000 for distributing sales literature using performance charts and data that misled military personnel on the plans' performance. This was aggravated by the fact that the plans were sold primarily to servicemembers who seldom have the time or opportunity to study marketing materials for investment products.

In addition to the fine, the settlement requires the Fidelity broker-dealers to notify Destiny Plan holders who want to increase their investments in existing Destiny Plans that additional shares can be purchased outside of the Destiny Plans without paying the additional sales charges of up to 50 percent on the first year's payments. More information about the ongoing, global campaign can be found at (http://www.saveandinvest.org/) www.saveandinvest.org. For more detailed information, visit the NASD website at (http://www.nasd.com/index.htm) www.nasd.com/index.htm.

Deal of the Month: Buick, Pontiac & GMC: $1000 Private Offer
Active military, Reserves, military retirees, family members of eligible military households receive $1000 Private Offer toward most '06/'07 Buick, Pontiac, GMC vehicles. Thanks for all you do. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 51407_Deal) More.

Garden Clubs Plant Trees
National Garden Club president, Kitty Larkin, has a goal is for every garden club in the United States to plant a "Patriotic Tree" in honor all United States war veterans. During the two-year project, each garden club or any organization is encouraged to plant a tree(s) in honor of these special patriotic people. The tree species is of your choice, proper for your planting zone and conditions. For more information on the Patriotic Trees Project, visit the (http://www.patriotictrees.com/) Patriotic Trees website.

Featured Job: Commitment is Valued
We are seeking Service Sales Reps and Managers and Supervisors for (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 051407_Job) Service & Production.

EchoTaps Musicians to Honor Veterans
Hundreds of musicians from across the world will pay tribute to our nation's fallen heroes on Armed Forces Day, May 19, in an event called "EchoTaps." Volunteers playing horns of all types will render a cascade of "Taps" at 11 a.m. local time at each site on May 19, beginning at American Battle Monuments Commission sites in the Philippines, North Africa and then throughout Europe. A variety of programs will follow at 123 national cemeteries across the country beginning on the East Coast and concluding in Honolulu. For more information, visit the (http://home.att.net/~militarysalute4/index.html) Military Salute Project EchoTaps Worldwide website.

Improved PTSD Testing Urged
The surge in the number of veterans suffering post-traumatic stress disorder requires development of better tests to evaluate affected personnel and determine how best to compensate them, a panel of medical experts said. Claims increased from 120,265 in 1999 to 215,871 in 2004 and payments jumped from $1.72 billion to $4.28 billion in the same period, a combined committee from the Institute of Medicine and National Research Council said.

While the largest share of claims is still coming from Vietnam War veterans, there are expected to be many more claims in future from personnel who served in the first Gulf War and in the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the panel said.

The panel said the VA should base compensation decisions on how greatly (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) PTSD affects all aspects of a veteran's daily life, not just his or her ability to be gainfully employed. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,135080,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

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Saying "Thank You"
Two of the most powerful words in any language are "thank you." No group of people more richly deserve those simple, heartfelt words of appreciation more than those who served in our armed forces, and those who are still standing watch this very minute.

During National Military Appreciation Month this May, we at (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _Thank_You) Buick, Pontiac and GMC felt strongly that it was important to say "thank you" to those who have sacrificed so much for our country. But, beyond our personal thanks, we recognized that we were in the fortunate position to help others express their appreciation, as well.

So, (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _Thank_You) Buick, Pontiac and GMC dealers across the country are partnering with Shauna Fleming and her A Million Thanks organization (AMillionThanks.org) to do just that. We've placed collection boxes in all of our dealerships and, during May, we are encouraging every American to take the time to write a personal "thank you" to a member of the military. The goal is a million thank you notes, which will be distributed directly to our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines around the world through A Million Thanks.

But, even then, we recognized there was more we can do to honor the sacrifices of our military families. That's why it is such an honor to re-commit the resources of (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _Thank_You) Buick, Pontiac and GMC dealers to further the work of the VFW National Home for Children (vfwnationalhome.org). This unique community, located in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, provides a caring home for military families in crisis and we were privileged to bring increased attention to their important work in 2006. We hope to do even more in 2007.

It's the least we can do begin to repay the enormous debt we owe every man and woman who has answered the call of their country. Again, thank you for protecting us all.

New Compensation Package Boosts Benefits
Military people would get a 3.5 percent pay raise January 2008, under a compensation package voted recently by the House armed services' subcommittee on military personnel. In shaping the personnel section of the fiscal 2008 defense authorization bill, the subcommittee approved other initiatives too to please health care beneficiaries, surviving spouses and some disabled retirees forced from service short of 20 years by combat-related injuries. For more information, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,134457,00.html) read the article on the Military.com website. All military pay information can be found in Military.com's (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay) Pay Section.

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May Dedicated to Appreciating Servicemembers
In an effort to draw attention to the personal sacrifices of the men and women of the armed forces and their families, Congress has designated May as National Military Appreciation Month. The (http://www.nmam.org/) National Military Appreciation Month website encourages citizens to draw attention and express appreciation to military families across the nation by engaging schools, civic organizations and businesses to organize events like visiting veterans hospitals, making trips to military memorials and museums, and decorating with patriotic themes. The site also features a map of the United States that lists local Military Appreciation Month events in each state.

Support and honor U.S. military servicemembers and veterans who protect our security and freedom. Go to the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... our-troops) Support our Troops webpage to learn more.

2007 "Thank a Military Spouse" Writing Contest
In honor of Military Spouse Appreciation month, Military.com is holding its annual "Thank a Military Spouse" writing contest. Now is your chance to let us know how great your spouse is. 1st place prize is a 2 GB Apple iPod nano. Ten runners-up will receive one Military.com t-shirt. The winners will also have their articles featured on Military.com and the upcoming Military.com newsletters. You can submit essays from May 4, 2007 to May 21, 2007. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 407_Spouse) Click here for more contest information.

Chairman Expresses Concern About VA Bonuses
U.S. Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=202&lvl=C&chamber=S) Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, sent a letter to R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, expressing concerns about bonus awards paid to some of VA's highest-ranking civil servants. The letter indicates that personnel based in Washington, D.C. received higher bonuses than their colleagues outside of DC, and that some employees received large bonuses in spite of their role in the budget shortfall in 2005. "Just one year after VA's notorious budget shortfall, when VA management was forced to request emergency funds based on a determination that the budget was short billions of dollars, several senior budget staff each received VA's highest bonus award of $33,000," Akaka said.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 91&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Migraines May be a Symptom of Stress
Soldiers returning from combat in Iraq who have migraine headaches are more than twice as likely to also have symptoms of post-traumatic stress, anxiety or depression than Soldiers who do not have migraines, according to research presented recently at the American Academy of Neurology's 59th Annual Meeting in Boston, Mass. The study involved 3,621 U.S. Army Soldiers. Almost one in every five U.S. Soldiers returning from Iraq is being diagnosed with migraines. Study author Maj. Jay C. Erickson, M.D., a neurologist at Madigan Army Medical Center at Fort Lewis, in Tacoma, Wash., believes the new findings should serve as a wake-up call to military and civilian doctors to look a bit further whenever they spot migraines in a patient, because those headaches could also point to psychological troubles.

To find information and resources for PTSD, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview.

Coping with Depression
What did Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther, Winston Churchill, and General George Patton have in common? Depression. Clinical depression affects all aspects of your life. Important sources of information include the Leaders Guides to (http://www.pdhealth.mil/wingman_program.asp) Personnel in Distress for Air Force or (http://www.usmc-mccs.org/leadersguide) Marine Corps or (http://www-nehc.med.navy.mil/lguide/) Navy. If you are a commander, or a doctor or nurse, consider posting links to these websites: (http://www.militarymentalhealth.org/) www.militarymentalhealth.org; (http://www.battlemind.org/) www.battlemind.org; (http://www.pdhealth.mil/mhsa.asp) www.pdhealth.mil/mhsa.asp; (http://www.militaryonesource.com/) www.militaryonesource.com. Information on preventing suicide is available at the Army's (http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/dhpw/Re ... icide.aspx) Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine led by BG Mike Cates.

To find information and resources for PTSD, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview.

African-American Veterans Face Discrimination
African-American veterans often struggle to get the health care they need, according to a new report from Northeastern University's Institute on Urban Health Research (IUHR). The report, titled "Health Care Experiences and Health Status of African-American Veterans," says 78 percent of the respondents recalled having an experience of discrimination where they received health care services. Study participants indicated a lack of confidence in the diagnosis given to them by their doctors and in getting medical care in a timely manner. For more information on the study and for a copy of the report, please contact Renata Nyul at 617-373-7424.

Veteran Report - Week of May 21, 2007

New National Cemetery Coming to Sarasota
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has purchased a 295-acre site in Sarasota County for a new national cemetery for veterans. Construction will begin in the summer of 2008, and burials are expected to begin in late 2008. When the cemetery's first phase is fully built in 2011, its 60 acres will provide 18,200 casket gravesites, a 7,000 unit columbarium, scattering garden and 500 in-ground spaces for cremated remains. Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained at the (http://www.cem.va.gov/) Burials and Memorials webpage or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000. Information on the Sarasota area national cemetery is available from the VA Memorial Service Network in Atlanta at 404-929-5899.

To learn more about military burial and memorial benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) Military.com Benefits Channel.

Panel Reports on Services for Wounded Veterans
"There is a new era of cooperation within the federal government to work together to provide services for troops returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan," Veterans Affairs Secretary (http://capwiz.com/military/mail/?agency ... 24&type=AN) Jim Nicholson told the House Veterans Affairs Committee recently. Nicholson reported on recommendations in a new report of the Interagency Task Force on Returning War on Terror Heroes, which was given 45 days to review federal benefits and processes and to find ways to immediately improve services for returning troops to make them aware of services available to them. For more information, and to read the report, visit the (http://www1.va.gov/taskforce/) Task Force on Returning War on Terror Heroes website.

University Trains Disabled Veterans
Syracuse University is helping Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with disabilities become entrepreneurs and small business owners. In the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp Program, university faculty and distinguished entrepreneurs will take participants through a series of modules to help them create and sustain a profitable business venture. The application deadline for "The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities" (EBV) is June 5, 2007. For more information, visit the (http://www.whitman.syr.edu/eee/veterans) Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Disabled Veterans website.

Guard and Reserve Veterans Would Benefit from Bill
Guard and Reserve veterans seeking an education would benefit under the (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 86&type=CO) Veterans' Education and Vocational Benefits Improvement Act of 2007 ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9734986) S.1293) recently introduced by U.S. Senator Larry Craig. The bill would allow Guard and Reserve members as well as survivors and dependents of veterans to receive accelerated payments of their education benefits for any short-term, high cost course. In addition, the bill would update eligibility requirements for the education program for Guard and Reserve members who were called to active duty after Sept. 11, 2001.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 86&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Illinois Launches Mortgage Program
The State of Illinois has launched a new mortgage loan program tomorrow to help Illinois veterans and active duty military personnel become homeowners. Under the GI Loan for Heroes program, people can receive below-market interest rates on mortgages, money for closing costs and classes on home ownership. The program will be administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority. For more information, visit the (http://www.ihda.org/ViewPage.aspx?PageID=231) GI Loans for Heroes webpage.

To learn more about Illinois state benefits, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... -directory) State Veteran's Benefits Directory.

National Memorial Day Concert
The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) will broadcast its annual National Memorial Day Concert live from the nation's Capitol on Sunday, May 27, 2007, at 8 p.m. EST. This year's concert will focus on the brave servicemen and women who have been injured in the line of duty and will also explore the hallowed burial ground of Arlington National Cemetery. Please check your local listings to confirm the exact airtime in your area of the country. For more information, including educational materials for students and teachers plus a webpage where you can submit your own eulogy, visit the (http://www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert/) National Memorial Day Concert website.

Featured Job: Alion Science and Technology
You have the experience, skills and enthusiasm. Find out just how far you can go with a company that is committed to your success. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 052107_Job) View jobs at Alion Science and Technology.

White House Fights Bill to Boost Benefits
As the House of Representatives prepared to pass its fiscal 2008 defense authorization bill, the White House urged lawmakers to reconsider a host of costly personnel initiatives added by the armed services committee.

Initiatives opposed by the White House included:

* (http://www.military.com/features/0,1524 ... ,00.html#1) Bigger Pay Raises
* (http://www.military.com/features/0,1524 ... ,00.html#2) Higher TRICARE Fees
* (http://www.military.com/features/0,1524 ... ,00.html#3) TRICARE Retail Drugs "Fair Pricing"
* (http://www.military.com/features/0,1524 ... ,00.html#4) CRSC Expansion
* (http://www.military.com/features/0,1524 ... ,00.html#5) Survivor Indemnity Allowance
* (http://www.military.com/features/0,1524 ... ,00.html#6) Reserve GI Bill

The House passed the $646 billion defense bill Thursday that supports the Pentagon's ambitious weapons acquisition program but would place new restrictions on foreign-made technology the military could buy.

The legislation, approved 397-27, has drawn a veto threat from the White House because of its "Buy American" provisions. The measure covers defense spending for the budget year that begins Oct. 1.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... id=9705856) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Documentary Focuses on Futuristic Military Technology
Breakthrough work of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is the focus of a new edition of Pentagon Channel's monthly documentary, "Recon." "Inventing for the Future" is available via podcast and video on demand on the (http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/) Pentagon Channel website. One breakthrough AFRL project explored in this Recon documentary is development of the next generation of unmanned aerial vehicles which have been extensively used in operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. AFRL also is actively working on problems servicemembers experience in war zones as the fight goes on.

VA Bonuses to Be Reviewed
The Veterans Affairs Department said Wednesday it has asked an oversight agency to review the way the VA handed out $3.8 million in bonuses to senior officials last year.

Michael Kussman, the acting undersecretary for health, said VA Secretary (http://capwiz.com/military/mail/?agency ... 24&type=AN) Jim Nicholson made the request to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management after government watchdogs questioned the propriety of the awards, some of which went to senior officials involved in crafting a budget that came up $1.3 billion short and jeopardized veterans' health care.

Documents obtained by The Associated Press show that 21 of 32 officials who were members of VA performance review boards - the bodies charged with overseeing bonuses - received more than half a million dollars in payments themselves. (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,135998,00.html) Read the article.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 91&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Panel to Approve Services for Returning Veterans
Secretary of Veterans Affairs (http://capwiz.com/military/mail/?agency ... 24&type=AN) Jim Nicholson has announced the formation of a formal, 17-person committee that will advise him on ways to improve VA programs serving veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and their families. The new advisory panel will report directly to Secretary Nicholson and will be called the Advisory Committee on OIF/OEF Veterans and Families. People seeking more information about the committee should contact VA's Tiffany Glover by e-mail at (mailto:tiffany.glover@va.gov) tiffany.glover@va.gov.

A Soldier's Wish List
A Soldier's Wish List matches those wanting to "adopt" a servicemember with a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine. The adopters then do their best to send a care package to their new "family member." The adopted troops are serving in hotspots around the globe including Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Kuwait, Qatar and South Korea. Their wishes are just as varied as their locales. They have requested everything from new desert boots and DVD players to movies, snacks and phone cards, and their adopters do their best to come through. For more information, visit the (http://www.asoldierswishlist.org/) A Soldier's Wish List website.

Great American Country Plans Memorial Day Tribute
The Great American Country television channel will pay tribute to America's Armed Forces on Memorial Day weekend with its annual Great American Dedications video marathon. Throughout the daytime on Sat., May 26 through Mon., May 28, the channel will air music videos dedicated by Soldiers to their loved ones and to members of the military by family and friends. For more information, visit the (http://www.gactv.com/) Great American Country website.

GI Bill Benefit Expiration Date
Once you have separated from the service you have 10 years to use all of your benefits. Although separating from service "starts the clock" on your 10-year time limit, you should know that if you rejoin active-duty service for more than 90 days, during the 10- year period, your 10-ear clock is reset. In other words, you get 10 years from your last discharge. Visit the (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 52107_MGIB) GI Bill FAQ page for more information.

In addition to using your GI Bill, Military.com has more than $300 million worth of scholarships in our (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... holarships) database geared specifically for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Take a look and find the right scholarships for you.

Medal for Korean War Veterans
Veterans who served in Korea following the ceasefire that ended the Korean War may be eligible for the Korean Defense Service Medal. When the medal was first authorized in 2002, not all veterans who could receive it applied. The medal is awarded for qualifying service on or after July 28, 1954.

Deal of the Month: Buick, Pontiac & GMC: $1000 Private Offer
Active military, Reserves, military retirees, family members of eligible military households receive $1000 Private Offer toward most '06/'07 Buick, Pontiac, GMC vehicles. Thanks for all you do. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 52107_Deal) More.

Find a Construction Career with HelmetstoHardhats.org
Helmets to Hardhats places quality men and women from the Armed Forces into promising building and construction careers. You can search for positions by trade, find Certified Apprenticeship programs, learn how to build a resume and much more. Visit (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 07_Helmets) http://info.HelmetstoHardhats.org and set up a free account.

Register for the Tampa Career Fair
Military.com Career Fair is coming to Tampa, Florida on May 30, 2007. This event will feature up top employers seeking the valuable skills you learned in service to your country. You can also attend employment workshops focused on helping you leverage your military experience in the civilian job market. Every attendee will receive a free copy of the Veteran Career Guide full of tips on how to interview, translate your military skills, evaluate potential employers and more.

The event is on May 30th at the Doubletree Hotel Tampa Westshore Airport -- 4500 West Cypress Street, Tampa, FL 33607. Doors open at 11am and close at 3pm.

(http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... Fair_Tampa) Register Here.

Legislation Picks Up Support at Hearing
During a recent lengthy Senate hearing, U.S. Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=206&lvl=C&chamber=S) Larry Craig received positive reaction to a bill he is sponsoring ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9254261) S. 225) that would amend the Wounded Warrior legislation he sponsored and Congress passed in 2005. The new legislation this year would extend coverage to all servicemembers, no matter where they were, from the start of the war on terror. Craig's original Wounded Warrior bill has provided nearly $200 million to more than 3,000 veterans seriously wounded and injured since the war on terror began in 2001. The payments range from $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the severity of the injury. For more information on traumatic injury protection benefits, visit (http://www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/TSGLI/TSGLI.htm) VA's Life Insurance webpage.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 56&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

GI Film Festival Coming Memorial Day Weekend
The GI Film Festival (GIFF) will be held on May 26-28, Memorial Day Weekend, at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in Washington, DC to honor the stories of the American Armed Forces. GIFF is the first film festival in the nation to celebrate exclusively the successes and sacrifices of the American military through the medium of film. For more information, visit the (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... m_Festival) GI Film Festival website.

Nationwide Memorial Day Parade Directory
A nationwide Memorial Day parade/events directory at has been posted at (http://www.vetfriends.com/memorialparades/) VetFriends.com to highlight the locations, dates and times of upcoming Memorial Day events. Coordinators can submit and register parades and events that may not yet be listed on the site. The online Memorial Day forum at (http://www.vetfriends.com/memorial_day_forum/) VetFriends.com allows visitors to post their personal thoughts on what Memorial Day means to them.

Suicide Risk Higher for Veterans
An internal review released May 10 by VA's inspector general says veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are at increased risk of suicide because not all Veterans Affairs health clinics have 24-hour mental care available. The report is the first comprehensive look at VA mental health care. It found that nearly three years into the VA's broad strategy for mental health care, services were inconsistent throughout the agency's 1,400 clinics. The report, "Healthcare Inspection, Implementing VHA's Mental Health Strategic Plan Initiatives for Suicide Prevention [06-03706-126]," is available in (http://www.va.gov/oig/54/reports/VAOIG-06-03706-126.pdf) .pdf format.

To find more information and resources for PTSD, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview.

Hire a Hero Helps Veterans
A national program is working to help make it easier for veterans to find meaningful jobs. "Hire A Hero," a program of the nonprofit California-based Armed Forces Support Foundation, can help take the frustration out of that process. The program originated as a job program for National Guard members and their families. Today, the Hire A Hero program has expanded across all branches and helps transitioning active military personnel, Guardsmen and reservists find jobs across all industries. For more information, visit the (http://hireahero.com/) Hire A Hero website.

To access the largest veteran job board in the world, visit the (http://www.military.com/Careers/Home/0,13373,,00.htm) Military.com Career Center.

Bill to Provide Discount for National Parks Pass
The (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 46&type=CO) Veterans Eagle Parks Pass Act ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9726636) S.617) would make the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass available at a discount (cost of $10) to any veteran who was separated from military service under conditions other than dishonorable, if the veteran provides proof of the status by presenting a DD214. National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes issued under this Act would be valid for one year after the date of issuance.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 46&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Veterans Report - Week of May 28, 2007

Social Security and Survivor Death Benefits
Social Security is a valuable resource for your family in the event of your death or disability. For this reason, all servicemembers should understand the status of their Social Security account. Social Security can provide a substantial benefit for a surviving spouse if you have minor children. Also, the Survivor Benefit Plan ( (http://www.military.com/benefits/surviv ... -explained) SBP) is now applicable to all active-duty deaths, which means the surviving spouse may now be eligible for a portion of a servicemember's (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... y-overview) retired pay. If you would like a copy of Navy Mutual Aid Association's Veteran's Survivor Benefits Summary, visit the (http://www.navymutual.org/) Navy Mutual Aid Association website and click on "services" and then on "Federal Benefits Information."

Learn more about (http://www.military.com/benefits/survivor-benefits) military survivor benefits at Military.com.

Agent Orange Exposure and Prostate Cancer
According to a new study, Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange have a 48 percent increased risk of prostate cancer recurrence following surgery than their unexposed peers. And when the disease comes back, it seems to be more aggressive. The study looked at 1,653 veterans who had prostate cancer surgery at Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in five cities between 1990 and 2006; 199 had been exposed to Agent Orange. The study was funded by the Georgia Cancer Coalition and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

For Agent Orange news and information, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... ent-orange) Military.com Benefits Channel.

Group Aids Wounded Servicemembers
The Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation offering four-year "Life Scholarships" to help smooth severely wounded servicemembers' transition to the rest of their lives. The program encourages community involvement and offers assistance based on a servicemember's particular needs. Services provided can include rent-free housing adapted for physical needs, new furniture and household supplies, and new adaptive vehicles. Servicemembers who have suffered a service-related injury that has left them a paraplegic, with amputated limbs, blind, deaf or severely burned qualify for the scholarship. Those interested in the program can fill out a questionnaire and release on the (http://www.sentinelsoffreedom.org/) Sentinels of Freedom website.

Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today - visit the (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/sea ... arships.do) Military.com Scholarship Finder.

Higher TRICARE Fees Endorsed
The Pentagon-appointed Task Force on the Future of Military Health will endorse higher TRICARE fees, deductibles and co-payments for under-65 retirees and their families in an interim report to be sent to Congress May 31. It also will back other key features of the TRICARE "reform" package first proposed last year by the Department of Defense. These include:

* Raising beneficiary co-payments on prescriptions filled in the TRICARE retail pharmacy network.
* Indexing TRICARE fees and deductibles so that automatic annual adjustments keep them in step with rising healthcare costs.
* Establishing tiers for the new TRICARE fee structure, probably based on rank at retirement, so that retirees with bigger annuities pay more for their health care coverage and retirees with smaller annuities pay less.

To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,136837,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 21&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Coping with Loss
The (http://www.taps.org/) Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is a non-profit organization made up of people who have lost loved ones serving in the armed forces. They offer a variety of services, including counseling referral services, crisis information, caseworker assistance, and online resources. The (http://www.chaplaincare.navy.mil/index.htm) Navy's Chaplain Care provides Navy personnel and families access to chaplains 24 hours a day. The Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Military and Family Readiness section - (http://www.i-mef.usmc.mil/MLG/familyrea ... sualty.asp) Casualty Assistance website contains information for survivors of active-duty Marines and survivors of retired Marine Corps personnel.

Learn more about (http://www.military.com/benefits/survivor-benefits) Survivor Benefits at Military.com.

Gulf War Veterans 10 Years Later
A new study conducted in the United States and published in the May 2007 issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry has found that deployment in the Gulf War has been associated with increased levels of mental disorders, psychological symptoms, and a lower quality of life, beginning during the war and persisting at a lower rate 10 years later. The (http://bjp.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/abstract/190/5/385) National Health Survey of Gulf War Era Veterans and Their Families included postal and telephone surveys conducted among 15,000 deployed veterans and 15,000 non-deployed veterans, beginning in 1995. Overall, the findings point to the need for adequate follow-up mental health care for veterans with persistent mental illnesses following major military deployments.

To find more information and resources for PTSD, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview.

Featured Job: Force Protection Assistant - Armorer
The (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 052807_Job) Titan Force Protection (FP) Asst aids in the activities of the Titan FP cell, which is responsible for oversight of the safety and protection of Titan personnel, facilities and equip during the theater of operation.

Every Family has Heroes - Discover Yours
Honor the heroes in your family tree this Memorial Day. It's never been easier to find them on Ancestry.com, the world's largest online collection of military records and family history resources. Now through June 6th, search the 90 million names and 37 million images in the Military Collection for FREE. Some of these records date all the way back to the Revolutionary War. You could find your ancestors in draft registration cards, enlistment records, pension records, newsreels and other records that can help you discover who they were, how they served their country and so much more. You might even find a physical description of one of your ancestors. Visit (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _Ancestory) Ancestry.com today to begin.

Group Begins Patriotic Donations Drive
Operation Gratitude's fourth "Patriotic Drive" to send care packages to troops serving overseas begins this week. Volunteers began assembling the packages during the Memorial Day weekend and will continue to do through July 1, 2007. The group has shipped more than 210,000 packages in the last four years and expects it will send another 50,000-60,000 packages during this drive. The organization welcomes donations of all items on our wish list and especially would like donations of DVDs, CDs, Beanie Babies, "Bandana Cool-ties" or mini fans, small packages of beef jerky, and personal letters of appreciation. For more information, visit the (http://www.opgratitude.com/) Operation Gratitude website.

Go to the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... our-troops) Support our Troops webpage and find out how you can help.

Memorial Honors Those Who Served
Standing tall on a mountain overlooking San Diego, a cross and an American flag tower above a 360-degree monument, the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial. In 1954, the Mount Soledad Association raised the cross to recognize all of the returning veterans of the nation's war. After a long battle of church versus state over the cross resting on city property, the federal government established it as a National Veterans Memorial in 2006. Mount Soledad is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit the (http://www.soledadmemorial.com/) Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial website.

GI Bill Benefits May Increase
Military support groups hailed plans to expand military education benefits. The new legislation would eliminate the current requirement that servicemembers pay into the GI Bill program to receive educational benefits. Instead, any active-duty member who has served two consecutive years since 2001 would be eligible to receive eight semesters of tuition, based on the national average for college costs. Books, room and board, and other associated fees also would be covered. Reservists and Guardsmen who have served at least two years total on active duty since 2001 could see the same benefits. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _Expansion) Read more information about this topic here.

If your looking for a school that has VA-approved programs, visit the Military.com's " (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... ool_Finder) School Finder". It will help you get information from fully accredited colleges and universities that are VA-approved and experienced with the VA process.

Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today - visit the (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... hip_Finder) Military.com Scholarship Finder.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 01&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

New Home for Original USS Arizona Model
FRA's National President Jerry L. Sweeney unveiled the original model of the USS Arizona at its new home at FRA's headquarters. FRA was instrumental in the creation of the model 40 years ago, which has been on display since then at the USS Arizona Memorial Museum in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Sweeney expressed his pride during the dedication ceremony. "We are honored FRA was chosen to receive the model, which represents the brave shipmates who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941," said Sweeney. "The dedicated shipmates from FRA branches in Hawaii many years ago made this model a reality and we're humbled to now have it here."

A new model stands in place of the original one in the USS Arizona Memorial Museum. Divers studied the ship for years helping to create the new version, which is considered a more enhanced version with regard to certain details of the USS Arizona.

To learn more, visit the (http://www.fra.org/) Fleet Reserve Association website.

The Bob Woodruff Foundation for Traumatic Brain Injury
ABC newsman Bob Woodruff spent five weeks in a medically induced coma before waking up from a traumatic brain injury March 6, 2006. As a result of his injuries and the subsequent care he received from the military, Woodruff decided to open the Bob Woodruff Family Fund for Traumatic Brain Injury to raise money to assist members of the military with cognitive rehabilitation and other care needs following a traumatic brain injury suffered during service to their country. For more information, visit the (http://www.bobwoodrufffamilyfund.org/) Bob Woodruff Family Fund for Traumatic Brain Injury website.

Congress Holds Symposium
Chairman (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=674&lvl=C&chamber=H) Bob Filner (D-CA) recently led the House Veterans' Affairs Committee's first symposium to discuss improving ways of providing mental health care services to veterans including those with (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Ideas for improved mental health service delivery to veterans included immediate screenings for all veterans upon their return from (http://www.military.com/deployment) deployment, a "de-boot" camp to decompress from the stress of deployment, and more effective electronic medical records transfer between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The series of roundtable discussions will continue throughout the 110th Congress.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 31&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

DoD Death Benefits
Substantial Department of Defense (DoD) (http://www.military.com/benefits) benefits are in place for survivors of active-duty servicemembers. In the event a death on active duty, a Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) will be assigned to assist the family and will facilitate the procurement of a check for $100,000 to help with immediate financial needs. Additional benefits provided by the Department of Defense are housing and medical. The family continues to receive medical and dental services in an active-duty dependent status for three years after which time they can enroll in the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) TRICARE system. Current benefits are always posted on the (http://www.navymutual.org/) Navy Mutual Aid Association website and click on "services" and then on "Federal Benefits Information."

Learn more about (http://www.military.com/benefits/survivor-benefits) Survivor Benefits at Military.com.

Deal of the Month: Buick, Pontiac & GMC: $1000 Private Offer
Active military, Reserves, military retirees, family members of eligible military households receive $1000 Private Offer toward most '06/'07 Buick, Pontiac, GMC vehicles. Thanks for all you do. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 52807_Deal) More.

Saying "Thank You"
Two of the most powerful words in any language are "thank you." No group of people more richly deserve those simple, heartfelt words of appreciation more than those who served in our armed forces, and those who are still standing watch this very minute.

During National Military Appreciation Month this May, we at Buick, Pontiac and GMC felt strongly that it was important to say "thank you" to those who have sacrificed so much for our country. But, beyond our personal thanks, we recognized that we were in the fortunate position to help others express their appreciation, as well.

So, Buick, Pontiac and GMC dealers across the country are partnering with Shauna Fleming and her A Million Thanks organization ( (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _Thank_You) AMillionThanks.org) to do just that. We've placed collection boxes in all of our dealerships and, during May, we are encouraging every American to take the time to write a personal "thank you" to a member of the military. The goal is a million thank you notes, which will be distributed directly to our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines around the world through A Million Thanks.

But, even then, we recognized there was more we can do to honor the sacrifices of our military families. That's why it is such an honor to re-commit the resources of Buick, Pontiac and GMC dealers to further the work of the VFW National Home for Children ( (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _Thank_You) vfwnationalhome.org). This unique community, located in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, provides a caring home for military families in crisis and we were privileged to bring increased attention to their important work in 2006. We hope to do even more in 2007.

It's the least we can do begin to repay the enormous debt we owe every man and woman who has answered the call of their country. Again, thank you for protecting us all.

John Larson, General Manager Buick-Pontiac-GMC

VA Expands Infection Control Program
Following success at one of its medical centers with reducing the infection rate from a common, drug-resistant, hospital-borne bacteria, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has expanded the program to all VA medical centers. Clinicians at VA's Pittsburgh Health Care System dramatically reduced the number of cases of infection from Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at their facility by using nasal swabs to test each patient being admitted, transferred or discharged from a health care facility to identify if they carried the organism. VA is now implementing the infection prevention program at all 155 VA medical centers across the country.

Maryland Scholarships Assist New Veterans
The Maryland Higher Education Commission's Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship Program is designed to provide financial assistance to U.S. armed forces personnel who served in the Afghanistan or Iraq Conflicts, and their sons, daughters, or spouses who are current high school seniors, and full-time and part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled in an eligible accredited Maryland postsecondary institution. Awards vary to cover 50 percent of tuition and fees at an applicant's chosen institution. For more information including a downloadable application form, visit the (http://www.mhec.state.md.us/financialAi ... g_vaic.asp) program's webpage.

Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today - visit the (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/sea ... arships.do) Military.com Scholarship Finder.

Veterans Affairs Committee Passes Six Bills
The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs recently passed six bills that would expand veterans' health care and benefits. They include (1) (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9803116) H.R. 67 - to improve the outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs; (2) (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9803156) H.R. 1660 - to establish a national cemetery for veterans in the southern Colorado region; (3) (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9803191) H.R. 612 - to extend the period of eligibility for health care for combat service in the Persian Gulf or future hostilities from two years to five years after discharge or release; (4) (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9803211) H.R. 1470 - to require chiropractic care and services at all VA medical centers; (5) (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9803231) H.R. 2199 - to provide certain improvements in the treatment of individuals with traumatic brain injuries; (6) (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9803251) H.R. 2239 - to expand eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/dbq/officials/) Let your public officials know how you feel!

VA Death Benefits
Families of servicemembers who die on active duty or die from service-related causes are eligible for two principal VA benefits: Dependency and Indemnity Compensation ( (http://www.military.com/benefits/surviv ... mpensation) DIC) and Dependents Education Assistance ( (http://education.military.com/money-for ... stance-dea) DEA). DIC is available for the surviving spouse, children under age 18 and in some cases dependent parents. Children are eligible for educational assistance through the Supplemental DIC or Dependents Education Assistance (DEA) once they reach 18. The unmarried surviving spouse is also eligible to receive DEA for up to 20 years. Current benefits and amounts are always posted on the Navy Mutual Aid (http://www.navymutual.org/) Association's website. Click on Services, then click of Federal Benefits Information.

Learn more about (http://www.military.com/benefits/survivor-benefits) military survivor benefits at Military.com.

Learn About Careers in Medical Transcription
Military spouses make daily sacrifices for the cause of freedom, but a rewarding education does not have to be one of those. As a medical transcription (MT) student, you'll use the internet to access your course from anywhere in the world, which will prepare you for an at-home career in medical transcription. To learn more, visit (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... nscription) CareerStep.com.

To find more resources for military spouses, visit (http://www.military.com/spouse) www.military.com/spouse.

House Passes Bill to Fund New Memorial
The U.S. House of Representatives recently approved a plan to mint commemorative coins for a memorial in the nation's capital to disabled veterans. The bill was the idea of Kansas congressman (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=260&lvl=C&chamber=H) Dennis Moore. The bill directs the US Treasury to make silver dollar coins to honor veterans who were permanently disabled while serving in the armed forces. A surcharge on the coins would go to the fund to build the memorial in Washington, D.C. over the next three years. The U.S. Senate may consider Moore's bill later this year.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 96&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Veterans Report - Week of June 04, 2007

Committee Holds VA Disability Claims Roundtable
The House Veterans' Affairs Committee recently led a roundtable discussion to address new ways of reducing the claims backlog at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Ideas for reducing the claims backlog included increased training for veterans service organizations, standardized training for the VA's veterans service representatives, giving the veteran the benefit of the doubt during the claims process, guaranteed stipends after a specified wait time, increased outreach among returning veterans and streamlining the disability systems to a four-step rating system. The Chairman noted some current ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9803191) H.R. 612 and (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9803116) H.R. 67) tackles some of the problems raised during the roundtable.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/dbq/officials/) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Minnesota to Dedicate WWII Memorial
The state of Minnesota will remember and honor the more than 326,000 Minnesotans who served in the armed forces during World War II at the dedication of the new World War II Memorial on the mall of the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minn. on Sat., June 9, 2007. A photo of all the Minnesotan World War II veterans in attendance is scheduled, along with two World War II plane flyovers. Several Minnesota counties are making arrangements for free transportation to the dedication for World War II veterans and their families. Anyone with questions about getting to and from the event should call Pat Turgeon at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, (651) 296-0080.

New Legislation Promotes Home Care
Legislation which would allow the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to take a new approach to the long-term care needs of veterans was introduced this week by U.S. Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=206&lvl=C&chamber=S) Larry Craig. "The goal of the State Veterans Home Modernization Act ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9838731) S. 1441) is to transition the state home program from one focused heavily on beds to one that offers flexibility for home and community-based care," said Craig, the top Republican on the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Craig noted that modern technology and newer long-term care approaches already enable people to live at home longer and happier.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 96&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

History Project Seeks More WWII Stories
The Veterans History Project wants families to spend some time recording their veteran's story. The project's director, retired Army Colonel Bob Patrick, says there are already some 50,000 stories in the archives, but more are needed. Patrick notes that World War Two veterans are dying at a rate of about a thousand a day. He says, "we're losing this collected memory of the most cataclysmic event in world history." For more information including the Veterans History Project Field Kit to download, visit the (http://www.loc.gov/vets/vets-home.html) Veterans History Project website.

Featured Job: Transportation Security Officer
Want a career in the aviation security field that provides you the opportunity to defend and protect your country? A career as a (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 60407_Deal) Transportation Security Screener is for you.

Every Family has Heroes - Discover Yours
Honor the heroes in your family tree this Memorial Day. It's never been easier to find them on Ancestry.com, the world's largest online collection of military records and family history resources. Now through June 6th, search the 90 million names and 37 million images in the Military Collection for FREE. Some of these records date all the way back to the Revolutionary War. You could find your ancestors in draft registration cards, enlistment records, pension records, newsreels and other records that can help you discover who they were, how they served their country and so much more. You might even find a physical description of one of your ancestors. Visit (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _Ancestory) Ancestry.com today to begin.

Helicopter Air Show in SF Bay Area -- June 16th
On Saturday June 16th, the 8th annual Hiller Aviation Vertical Challenge, the nation's largest all-helicopter air show, will feature more than 50 helicopters including the incredible Red Bull BO-105 helicopter, the only aerobatic helicopter that can fly upside down, as well as perform loops and rolls. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 5-17 and seniors 65 and older and free for kids age 4 and younger. Attendees will enjoy helicopter rides (45pp), refreshments, live entertainment, kid amusements and more. The event starts at 9am and is located at 601 Skyway Road, San Carlos, CA 94070. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... r_Air_Show) Click here to find more information.

Winners of 2007 "Thank a Military Spouse" Writing Contest
After careful deliberation, Richard Medved (spouse thanked: Rebecca Medved, (http://www.military.com/spouse/0,,2007T ... 01,00.html) winning entry) was declared the winner of Military.com's 2007 "Thank a Military Spouse" writing contest. Richard will receive a 2GB iPod Nano. The following Military.com/Spouse members were named the runners-ups: Lisa Cairney, Eric Coulson, SSG Jesse Cox, COL David B. Haight, Kizzie Elizabeth Jones, LTC Gerard J. Monaghan, Michael Ramsbacher, Georgiana Rodriguezcrespo, Maj Jeremy Weber, and Nathan Weir. Military.com/spouse would like to thank all of our members who contributed to the 2007 "Thank a Military Spouse" writing contest. If you didn't have a chance to participate in this contest, don't worry. Military.com/Spouse will have many contests to follow this one. Thanks for your continued support. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... k_a_Spouse) Click here to read entries.

New VA Clinic in Idaho
The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to open a new community-based clinic between Hayden and Sandpoint in North Idaho. The clinic will be designed to provide care to the 5,860 existing patients and 644 new patients. The outreach clinic will augment services, but will not be a fully operational hospital. The nearest VA clinic to North Idaho is in Spokane.

To learn more about Idaho state benefits, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... -directory) State Veteran's Benefits Directory.

Plans Unveiled for Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center will be an underground facility at the National Mall near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The goals of the center will be to enhance the memorial experience, honor those who died, and encourage young visitors to learn more. The center has been authorized by Congress, and memorial fund officials are working in partnership with those in the National Park Service, who ultimately will operate it. Groundbreaking is expected in 2010, with the center being completed within 18 months after that. For photographs of exhibits planned for the Center, visit the (http://www.vvmf.org/index.cfm?SectionID=565) Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund website.

Planning Military Funerals
Military members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve and former military members who served on active duty and received an honorable discharge qualify for military honors at their funeral. For a complete listing of those eligible for military honors, visit the (http://www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil/eligpage.html) Military Funeral Honors webpage. Families are entitled to a flag folding, flag presentation, and the playing of Taps. However, in today's military, there are few bugle players. You might request one from your local high school band or church music group. Information about obtaining a government-issue headstone is available at the VA's (http://xeml.buglesacrossamerica.org/index.xeml) Headstones and Markers webpage.

To learn more about military burial benefits, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) Burial and Memorial Benefits webpage.

VA Mental Health Summit in July
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is convening a four-day meeting in Washington, D.C. in July, 2007 of mental health clinicians and researchers from across the country. VA will also hire 100 new employees to provide readjustment counseling at the Department's 209 community-based Vet Centers. VA also recently hired 100 new Vet Center employees, who are combat veterans, to conduct outreach to veterans of the Global War on Terror. VA operates one of the largest mental health programs in the country, with an annual budget of nearly $3 billion solely for mental health services. About 1 million of VA's patients have a mental health diagnosis.

To find more information and resources for PTSD, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview.

Podcast on Depression and Military Service
Col. Robert Ireland recently spoke with Dr. Ellen Frank, host of The Down & Up Show, about mental health programs for returning veterans and their families. Representative (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=524&lvl=C&chamber=H) Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) also discussed (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 31&type=CO) pending legislation that would benefit veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. For more information on depression, including resources for coping with depression, visit the (http://podcast.depressionisreal.org/) DepressionIsReal.org website. To listen to a podcast of the show, (http://media.fhp.osd.mil/fhp/Down_and_Up_Show4.mp3) click here.

To find more information and resources for PTSD, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview.

New Book Highlights Arlington National Cemetery
"Where Valor Rests: Arlington National Cemetery" is a new commemorative book that that salutes members of U.S. armed forces who are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. In the book, servicemembers and areas of the cemetery are captured in rare, tender moments. Photographed by some of the nation's leading photographers, the 191-page book culminated a two-year effort by Arlington National Cemetery Commemorative Project, Inc., in conjunction with National Geographic. For more information, including details on where to purchase a copy of the book, visit the (http://www.wherevalorrests.org/) Where Valor Rests: Arlington National Cemetery website.

Senate Panel Locks in 3.5 Percent Raise
The Senate Armed Services Committee practically assured military personnel a 3.5 percent pay raise next January by including that figure in the fiscal 2008 defense authorization bill it approved in late May. The House of Representatives already had voted to give the military a 3.5 pay raise next year, which is a half percentage point higher than proposed the Bush administration. To see the congressionally proposed 3.5% military pay raise for 2008, view the (http://www.military.com/military/benefi ... ts,00.html) 2008 Proposed Military Pay Charts.

After the House vote, the White House's Office of Management and Budget said the bigger pay raise was "unnecessary" and urged congressional leaders to instead back a 3 percent increase which would match recent wage growth in the private sector. Senate Republicans ignored the White House pleading and joined with Democrats in supporting the bigger raise. For more details about the Senate committee bill, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,137617,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 56&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Command Requests DNA Samples
Since the mid 1990s, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, which conducts recovery missions overseas, has used mitochondrial DNA to help identify remains of soldiers. The agency needs DNA samples from family members of servicemen who served but did not come home in order to identify discovered remains. The agency maintains a list of servicemen it needs DNA samples for on its (http://www.jpac.pacom.mil/) Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command website, and family members are encouraged to contact the (http://www.jpac.pacom.mil/CIL/CasualtyOffices.htm) casualty office of the branch of service to which their loved one belonged in order to submit a DNA sample. You may also call JPAC's public affairs office at Hickam Air Force Base at 808-448-1934.

Learn How to Avoid Out-of-Pocket Education Fees
As you know colleges and universities charge fees for tuition, admissions applications, enrollment, books, technical support, labs, transcripts - the list goes on. What you may not know is that if you don't use military tuition assistance, you, not DoD or VA, are responsible for paying all of these fees. The schools hold you responsible for paying these fees because the GI Bill is paid directly to you, the student, not the school. This means the school has no guarantee that they are going to be paid.

Note: Each school's policies differ on how this money is collected, but in most cases you will be asked to sign a promissory note, apply for student aid, or both.

That is why it is important for you the servicemember or veteran to apply for Federal Student Aid (FSA). FSA can help defer your out-of-pocket expenses until your GI Bill payments start coming in. In addition to low interest loans, FSA also offers grants that do not require repayment. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... PocketFees) You can see a list of available FSA here.

If your looking for a school that has VA-approved programs, visit the Military.com's " (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... hoolFinder) School Finder". It will help you get information from fully accredited "military friendly" colleges and universities that are VA-approved and experienced with the VA process.

Bugles Across America
Since 2000, Bugles Across America volunteers have played taps at 60,000 veterans' funerals. But, there still are not nearly enough buglers to play at every veteran's funeral. After World War II, the military eliminated the position of bugler to save money, says Bugles Across America founder Tom Day. Consequently, taps was played at fewer and fewer funerals. Day founded the organization to recruit volunteers from high schools, colleges, honor guards and drum-and-bugle corps. Volunteers now play taps at about 1,000 funerals a month. The service is free, but the buglers accept tips. For more information, including to request a bugler or to volunteer to be one, visit the (http://xeml.buglesacrossamerica.org/index.xeml) Bugles Across America website.

Deal of the Week: Military Discounts
Tremendous spring sale on all Samsung phones. What you need and at great prices: our discounted prices are even lower! Choose 3G speed, MP3 player, email, video capture, flip or bar styles. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 60407_Deal) Shop 24/7.

Register for the Career Fair in Seattle
Military.com Career Fair is coming to Seattle on June 7, 2007. This event will feature top employers including Northrop Grumman, U.S. Border Patrol, Lockheed Martin and more. Employers are seeking the valuable skills you learned in service to your country. You can also attend employment workshops focused on helping you leverage your military experience in the civilian job market. Every attendee will receive a free copy of the Veteran Career Guide full of tips on how to interview, translate your military skills, evaluate potential employers and more.

The event is on June 7th at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center - Pier 66, 2211 Alaskan Way 98121, Seattle, WA 98121. Doors open at 11am and close at 3pm.

(http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... areer_Fair) Register here.

Minnesota Passes State GI Bill
Minnesota recently passed the G.I. Bill for Minnesota veterans. The Minnesota G.I. Bill provides up to $1,000 per academic term to veterans and the dependents of deceased and disabled veterans who served on active duty since September 11, 2001. To qualify, eligible veterans must attend Minnesota state operated colleges, universities or technical schools. This program builds on existing state and federal benefit programs for veterans. To learn more contact the Minnesota State Department Veterans' Affairs by e-mail at: (mailto:mnvets@mdva.state.mn.us) mnvets@mdva.state.mn.us. To learn more about Minnesota state benefits, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... -directory) State Veteran's Benefits Directory.

Visit (http://education.military.com/) education.military.com to to learn how you can use your federal and state education benefits to pay your education related expenses.

Program Seeks Used Law Enforcement Equipment
The Law Enforcement Equipment Program (LEEP) facilitates the transfer of used law enforcement equipment to any American armed forces unit to be used to equip or train a friendly foreign police force. The needs expressed by the servicemembers on behalf of the foreign law officers include everything from reflective belts and vests to body armor, batons and handcuffs. Some areas also are asking for riot control sets, gloves and even traffic cones. For more information, visit the (http://www.lawenforcementequipmentprogr ... index.html) Law Enforcement Equipment Program.

Veterans Report - Week of June 18, 2007

San Diego Air and Space Museum
Situated in the heart of San Diego's Balboa Park, the San Diego Air and Space Museum offers active-duty servicemembers and their family members a free look at the evolution of aviation. Created in 1935 by the Ford Motor Company, the museum's exhibits feature various aircraft from the Wright Brothers first gliders to spacecraft from the Apollo missions. The museum pays special tribute to some of the military's most renowned aces and heroes. The museum is open daily 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. For more information call 619-234-8291 or visit (http://www.aerospacemuseum.org/) www.aerospacemuseum.org.

VA Medical Centers Extending Hours
In order to provide more health care for more veterans, especially mental health services, the 153 medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have been directed to keep their doors open longer. The extended hours are mainly based on the need to ensure VA's more than 9,000 mental health professionals are available when veterans need them. The Department of Veterans' Affairs has not specified what the new hours will be. Visit the (http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash=1) VA Facility Locator to find the nearest VA Health Care Facility.

Learn more about (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care) VA Health Care at Military.com.

National Veterans Wheelchair Games
More than 500 American veteran heroes with physical disabilities will converge on Milwaukee June 19 - 23 to participate in the 27th National Veterans Wheelchair Games. More than 20 veterans injured in current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq will join veterans from the Gulf War, Vietnam and other conflicts in 17 competitive events. The Wheelchair Games are open to all U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments. For more information, visit the (http://www.wheelchairgames.va.gov/) Games website.

Mental Health Task Force Results
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates received the Department of Defense Task Force on Mental Health results and forwarded them to the Congress on June 14. The department will have six months to develop and implement a corrective action plan.

"This report points to significant shortfalls in achieving goals and taking care of our servicemembers and their families," said Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs. "We will continue to address the need for mental health care in order to reinforce our commitment to providing the best care in the world to our servicemembers and their families who deserve no less." To learn more about the findings, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,139218,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

How do you feel about this issue? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 81&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

New Jersey Considers Veterans Bill
The New Jersey Assembly passed a bill that would extend civil service credit to any disabled veteran who served in the United States Armed Forces, regardless of whether the nation was at peace or at war. The measure (ACR-96) would require voter approval on the November ballot to permit all disabled veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces, including those who did not serve during a time of war, to receive civil service hiring preference. The bill now heads to the Senate in New Jersey for further consideration.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/dbq/officials/) Let your public officials know how you feel!

VA Consolidated Mail-Out Pharmacy Enhanced
With mail-out pharmaceuticals for veterans already a $3 billion annual operation for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the department made a major expansion in its future capability with the dedication last week of a new building and improved production system for the Dallas VA Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy. VA's seven consolidated mail-out pharmacies are in Boston; Charleston, S.C.; Chicago; Dallas; Leavenworth, Kan.; Nashville, Tenn., and Tucson, Ariz. These pharmacies dispense 75 percent of all VA prescriptions. Most pharmaceuticals are mailed out directly to the patients within 48 hours of the mail-out pharmacy receiving the prescription.

State Department Relaxes Passport Requirements
Americans will not be required to have a passport to visit Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda through Sept. 30, 2007 if they have applied for a passport and have not yet received it. To travel to the above countries, you will need (1) a receipt from the state department showing that you have applied for a passport and (2) a government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license. Travelers who have not applied for a passport should not expect to be accommodated under this initiative. U.S. citizens with pending passport applications can obtain proof of application at (http://www.travel.state.gov/) www.travel.state.gov. This accommodation does not affect passport requirements to visit other countries. For more information, visit the (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_3254.html) U.S. Department of State website.

Find military-only travel deals, Space-Available travel info, discount travel offers, and more at Military.com's (http://www.military.com/Travel/Home/0,13396,,00.html) Travel Center.

Military Family Students Can Still Apply for Trip
A group that recognizes high school students whose lives are affected by extreme circumstances is offering trips to the nation's capital for teens with a deployed parent. The Student Youth and Travel Association has extended of the deadline for its Silver Lining Program to June 25. This summer's program will take place here July 25-28. It's open to military students ages 14-19 who have a parent serving abroad and who have been affected by the Iraq war, according to an association news release. Applicants must submit an essay, video presentation, or other media that details how they've demonstrated through their action, intention, or circumstance, the desire to overcome an extreme circumstance with the intention of creating a dramatic life change.

Completed applications can be mailed to the Student and Youth Travel Association Youth Foundation, 3048 W. Clarkston Rd., Lake Orion, MI 48362. Applications also can be faxed to (248) 814-7150. More information and a program application can be found on the (http://www.sytayouthfoundation.org/uplo ... ationF.pdf) Silver Lining Program Application Website.

Army Chaplains Benefits and Incentives
U.S. Army Chaplains serve both God and country by bringing their unique gifts with which they are endowed by God, to the Soldiers of our nation in the broad, challenging, diverse, and ever changing environment of the Army. While the benefits and pay of an Army Chaplain are often much better than what a minister normally receives, the requirements and stakes are much higher. As a part of the Army Strong family, you and your family earn the right to countless lifestyle benefits and privileges including: exceptional pay and allowances, 30 days vacation annually, housing allowances, comprehensive health care coverage for the entire family, up to $400,000 in life insurance at low rates, uniform allowance, tax free shopping and more. Your nation needs you.

To learn more about Army Chaplain positions (http://jobview.monster.com/getjob.asp?J ... %3a04%3a00) click here.

Suicide Risk Doubles Among Veterans
Researchers in Portland, Ore. have found that the risk for suicide doubles among white, male veterans. Mark S. Kaplan, Ph.D., of Portland State University, and his colleagues have reported in the July issue of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health that the risk of suicide was greatest among those with few friends or family who had chronic medical or psychiatric conditions. The authors concluded that the findings have substantial public health implications and healthcare facilities outside the VA system that serve veterans should recognize the increased risk of suicide in this population. The study was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.

Learn about (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,139152,00.html) VA's Suicide Prevention Program at Military.com.

Veterans Benefit from Maryland Scholarships
A new state scholarship program in Maryland makes scholarships available for veterans of the Iraq or Afghanistan wars, their spouses and their children. Eligible applicants must be accepted at a four-year Maryland college or a two-year program and maintain at least a 2.5 grade-point average. Awards vary and cover 50 percent of tuition and fees at an applicant's chosen institution, with this year's average scholarship amount at $5,360. Students can use the scholarship monies for five years of full-time study or eight years of part-time study. For more information, visit the (http://www.mhec.state.md.us/financialAi ... g_vaic.asp) Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship Program website.

Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today - visit the Military.com (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/sea ... arships.do) Scholarship Finder.

AMVETS Operation DVD
AMVETS' Operation DVD collects new and used DVDs to distribute overseas to U.S. military personnel. Americans can donate their new and used DVDs, which will then be shipped to our fighting men and women overseas. If you have DVDs to donate, or want to make a donation for postage, write AMVETS, Operation DVD, 1395 E Dublin-Granville #222, Columbus, OH 43229, or visit the (http://www.operationdvd.us/index.php) AMVETS Operation DVD website.

Power Wheelchairs for Veterans
ClickOnHealth works with Medicare and your secondary insurance providers to get you a new Power Wheelchair at little or not cost. They will take care of all the details and work directly with your doctor to find the wheelchair that's best for you. You won't be bothered with confusing insurance paperwork and they offer free home delivery. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... WheelChair) Get more info here.

Featured Job: You're a US Hero - Now be NY's Finest
As the largest police department in America, the NYPD is widely recognized as the nation's leader in law enforcement technology. Now you can (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 061807_Job) be one of NY's Finest. Call 212-Recruit for free exam info.

3 Ways Veterans Can Get Money For College
Veterans are encouraged by the government to use all programs available, whether they are from federal, military-related, or private sources. There are many out there, and you'll likely find more than one to suit your educational needs. Here are a few places to get you started.

* (http://education.military.com/money-for ... ur-gi-bill href=) TheMontgomery GI Bill (MGIB): Provides up to 36 months of education benefits during active duty and is payable for 10 years following your last release from service.
* (http://www.finaid.org/military/fafsa.phtml href=) Federal Student Aid: Federal loans, grants, and tuition programs are available to meet a variety of financial needs and education levels. Work-study programs are also available.
* (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/sea ... arships.do) Military Scholarships: There are over $300 million worth of scholarships for servicemembers, veterans and their families.

Find schools that give credit for military training and experience! Military.com's (http://schools.military.com/schoolfinde ... schools.do href=) School Finder lets you search 4,000+ institutions by the military benefits they offer.

Register for the San Antonio June 28th Career Fair
Over 50 of San Antonio's Top Employers will be at the San Antonio Career Fair on Thursday, June 28, 2007. Hiring managers are looking specifically for the skills you learned while serving. You can also attend employment workshops focused on helping you leverage your military experience in the civilian job market. Every attendee will receive a free copy of the Veteran Career Guide full of tips on how to interview, translate your military skills, evaluate potential employers and more. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... CareerFair) Register for free here.

War Wounded Underpaid
Disability compensation for veterans severely wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, particularly the youngest, is set too low, creating a lifetime earnings gap with non-disabled peers, according to a draft study on disabled veterans' incomes prepared for the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission. The same study found that disability compensation probably is set too high for veterans who first begin drawing the disability payments at age 65 or older, having already retired from post-service careers.

This imbalance in disability compensation paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was a point of contention at a June 8 commission hearing. Congress created the commission to examine the appropriateness of benefits being paid to veterans and their survivors.

While some commissioners expressed satisfaction that "average" VA compensation was adequate, and others challenged the notion of elderly veterans being over compensated, Commissioner Dennis V. McGinn, a retired Navy vice admiral, said something must be done to raise compensation of younger veterans. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,139156,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

How do you feel about this issue? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 21&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

ABCTE Announces Teacher Certification in U.S. History
ABCTE recently began accepting applications from individuals interested in pursuing Passport to Teaching certification in U.S. history. All candidates must prepare for and pass both the teaching knowledge and U.S. history exams.

ABCTE has worked for almost two years to develop the research-based U.S. history certification. The standards and certification development process included participation from leading teachers, education officials and U.S. history subject area experts.

Individuals can (https://mypass.abcte.org/) enroll in the program online to pursue the U.S. history certification through Passport to Teaching. ABCTE is currently working with several states to allow candidates to earn full state certification with the U.S. History Passport to Teaching certification program.

In addition to the new U.S. history certification, ABCTE offers certification in elementary education, English, mathematics, general science, biology, physics, chemistry and special education.

Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today - visit the Military.com (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/sea ... arships.do) Scholarship Finder.

Deal of the Week: 10% US Naval Institute Photo Archive
The (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 61807_Deal) Naval Institute not only has the preeminent collection of photography of sea services people and equipment, but since 1873 it has been our mission exclusively to honor the traditions and sacrifice of sea service professionals, we do what no one else does. Our membership makes it possible for us to distribute our magazine and conference content to all active duty service personnel and our publishing arm not only publishes bestsellers like Flight of the Intruder, but also ship-handling, and professional manuals textbooks but also one-of a kind books like, The Guidebook for Military Widows. Our members know what we do is important, all we need is more members so we can do more good work for our sea services.

College Offers Free Courses to Veterans
Queens College in Flushing, New York is offering free courses in its Continuing Education Program to veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Courses are offered in real estate, computers and technology, health care, music, art, insurance licensing, photography, writing, speech and more. Tuition costs of any of the courses that are not covered by the Veterans Administration will be offered free of charge to the veterans through this summer and 2008. Space is limited, but the college is reserving at least two seats in each course for qualified veterans on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit the (http://qcpages.qc.cuny.edu/CEP/cep/index.htm) Queens College Continuing Education Program website.

Learn more about (http://education.military.com/money-for ... m-overview) Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (TA) at Military.com.

Wisconsin May Scale Back Tuition
Lawmakers in Wisconsin are moving to scale back a fast-growing tuition program for Wisconsin veterans by eliminating the provision for free graduate school and a lifetime to use the aid. Their plan would force universities and technical colleges to raise tuition or make cuts to other programs to accommodate the veterans who are enrolling in greater numbers than expected. The program was signed into law by Wisconsin Gov. (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=31791) Jim Doyle on Memorial Day in 2006 and guaranteed free tuition to any Wisconsin veteran who enrolled in public universities starting in fall 2007. Currently, a program that reduces tuition by 50 percent still remains in effect. To learn more about military education benefits, visit the Military.com (http://education.military.com/education-home/) Education Channel.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/dbq/officials/) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Bill to Improve Care for Veterans
Responding to shabby treatment of wounded Soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, a group of senators moved to boost disability pay to those hurt in combat and improve care for brain injury. The measure also would expand medical care and counseling to family members and require better cooperation to end red tape for disabled servicemembers moving from Pentagon to Veterans Affairs care.

The measure would boost military severance pay for those rated with less than 30 percent disability and eliminate the current requirement that severance pay be deducted from disability pay. It would also set up Pentagon pilot programs that would give the VA a greater role in the evaluation system, a major shift in how benefits are administered. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,1 ... 20,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 81&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Senators Call for Prosthetic Research
U.S. Senators (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=202&lvl=C&chamber=S) Daniel Akaka and (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=206&lvl=C&chamber=S) Larry Craig - the top Democrat and top Republican on the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs - have sent a joint letter urging a substantial increase for medical and prosthetic research within the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs. Their letter was directed to the leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which has jurisdiction over financing both military construction and projects impacting veterans. "A robust research program is also essential if VA is to match the needs of servicemembers returning from combat who are suffering injuries that would have been fatal in previous wars," the senators said.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 21&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

VA Prosecutes Defrauders of Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently prosecuted successfully several people who mishandled the finances of veterans and family members unable to manage their own affairs. The cases included a Los Angeles resident who embezzling $1 million from veterans who were too disabled to handle their own financial matters and the daughter and son-in-law of an elderly Alaskan veteran with Alzheimer's disease who diverted the veteran's compensation for personal use. To report suspected fraud involving veterans benefits, other crimes, fraud, waste or mismanagement in the VA, please contact the Office of Inspector General Hotline at 1-800-488-8244 or email at (mailto:vaoig.hotline@forum.va.gov) vaoig.hotline@forum.va.gov.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 16&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Veterans Report - Week of June 11, 2007

VA Plans Modernization of Leestown Campus
VA will begin developing a master plan for the Leestown, Kentucky campus that will include construction of a single floor 60-bed nursing home; a 30-bed domiciliary, and, a new outpatient building. The new facilities will be located on vacant land on the southeastern portion of the 135-acre campus. VA will also explore partnerships with the private sector to generate revenue by leasing under-used buildings at Leestown, once the new facilities are completed and occupied. In Kentucky, VA operates major medical centers in Louisville and Lexington, 12 community-based outpatient clinics, two Vet Centers and seven national cemeteries.

Learn more about (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care) VA Health Care at Military.com.

Study Links Stress Disorder and Pain
A recent study in the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development has found that 66 percent of veterans who were being treated for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were also diagnosed with chronic pain problems. This is the first study to show that people with PTSD have pain-related conditions according to their doctors. The study, " (http://www.rehab.research.va.gov/jour/0 ... ipherd.pdf) Veterans Seeking Treatment For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: What About Comorbid Chronic Pain?", is available online. To find more information and resources for PTSD, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 31&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Great Lakes National Cemetery Dedicated
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson officiated at ceremonies June 3 dedicating the Great Lake National Cemetery in Holly, Mich. Burials actually began at the 544-acre site in Oakland County on Oct. 17, 2005, and more than 2,500 interments have already taken place. The developed area has capacity for 6,500 full-casket gravesites, 1,450 in-ground cremation gravesites and 1,768 columbaria niches for cremation remains. Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, (http://www.cem.va.gov/) from the Internet or by calling VA toll-free at 1-800-827-1000. Information about the Great Lakes National Cemetery can be obtained from the cemetery office at (248) 328-0386.

Learn about (http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) Military Memorial and Burial Benefits at Military.com.

New VA Clinic to Open in Coeur d'Alene
A new Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) for veterans will soon open in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The decision of where to build the new clinic was based on demographics. The highest concentration of veterans in northern Idaho live in the Coeur d'Alene area. 37 additional community-based outpatient clinics would soon open in 21 other states.

Next Step: Grad School
A graduate degree can help you get ahead when transitioning to a civilian career, moving up through the ranks, or competing for the job or assignment you want. Use the benefits you've earned in service to pay for advancing your education. Explore your options now to get ahead. Military.com's new Grad Center has the vital information and resources to help you find the right grad school, prepare for admissions exams, find money for school, make the most of online programs, and get tips on everything from time management to study habits.

Visit the Military.com (http://education.military.com/grad-center/) Grad School Center to get started on your next step today.

Discounted Tickets for National Anthem Concert
The National Anthem Project, led by The National Association for Music Education (MENC), is a multi-year campaign to re-teach the words and significance of our national anthem and spotlight the importance of school music education. The National Anthem Project will culminate in Washington, D.C. this summer with a momentous rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" on Flag Day, June 14, followed by two days of memorable, family-friendly activities. Military families are offered this special invitation to join MENC, the Drum Corps International and American Musical Salute for the historic Grand Finale celebrations.

Visit (http://www.dci.org/tickets) www.DCI.org/tickets today and enter code "PATRIOTIC" when prompted at checkout for exclusive savings for Military Families offered as a part of The Military Family Network's Community Connection Program. For more information on the National Anthem Project, please visit (http://www.nationalanthemproject.org/) www.nationalanthemproject.org.

Know Your Army Retirement Services Officer
Every retiring Soldier, Retired Soldier, family member and surviving spouse is served by an installation Retirement Services Officer (RSO). RSOs prepare Soldiers and families for retirement and continue to support Retired Soldiers and families after retirement. All RSOs are listed in the RSO section of the Army G-1's (http://www.armyg1.army.mil/rso/rso.asp) Retirement Services website, which includes their contact information and links to their e-mail and websites.

Featured Job: Intelligence Analyst, Geospacial
The tasks require an application of (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 061107_Job) Geospacial intelligence analytical skills to conduct trends analysis and production of maps and graphics illustrating the results of those findings. TS clearance required. El Paso, TX. Req: 14994BR.

Troops Shortchanged on Disability Benefits
The nation's largest organization of disabled veterans is convinced that injured troops are being shortchanged on disability benefits and have hired lawyers to help them.

The Disabled American Veterans is teaming up with three major law firms. It says that injured troops - many of them returning from Iraq and Afghanistan - are getting only a fraction of the government benefits they are entitled to under federal law.

Their new partnership, announced Wednesday, is aimed at exerting additional pressure on a Defense Department they say remains inattentive to veterans' needs. Lawsuits could quickly follow in federal court. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,1 ... 52,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 26&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Come to the Las Vegas Career Fair on June 16th
Military.com Career Fair is coming to Las Vegas on June 16, 2007. This event will feature up top employers seeking the valuable skills you learned in service to your country. You can also attend employment workshops focused on helping you leverage your military experience in the civilian job market. Every attendee will receive a free copy of the Veteran Career Guide full of tips on how to interview, translate your military skills, evaluate potential employers and more.

The event is this Wednesday, June 16th at the Palace Station Hotel, 2411 W. Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89102. Doors open at 11am and close at 3pm.

(http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... areer_Fair) Register For Free Here.

Coast Guard Re-establishes Storm Warning Program
The U.S. Coast Guard is re-establishing a Coastal Warning Display (Storm Flag) program at selected Coast Guard boat stations throughout the U.S to warn the public of approaching storm conditions. Residents of coastal communities are urged to tune to National Weather Service radio broadcasts for the latest information when they observe a flag hoisted as part of this program. Mariners are encouraged to visit the (http://www.uscg.mil/news/stormcenter/) U.S. Coast Guard Storm Center website for suggestions on how to prepare their vessels ahead of a storm. Storm and hurricane forecasts and warnings are issued by NOAA's (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/) National Hurricane Center.

Find a Construction Career with HelmetstoHardhats.org
Helmets to Hardhats places quality men and women from the Armed Forces into promising building and construction careers. You can search for positions by trade, find Certified Apprenticeship programs, learn how to build a resume and much more. Visit (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... s2Hardhats) info.HelmetstoHardhats.org and set up a free account.

Free Pamphlet on How to Display American Flag
To celebrate Flag Day, national veterans service and disability rights organization, United Spinal Association, is offering proud Americans a free pamphlet entitled How to Display Our Flag.

How to Display Our Flag explains the proper etiquette for presenting the American flag and contains a list of days when the flag is traditionally showcased, such as: Flag Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and many others. This informative pamphlet also provides instruction on how the flag should be displayed on a variety of specific occasions such as parades or public events.

Single copies of How to Display Our Flag can be downloaded at no charge by visiting (http://www.unitedspinal.org/) www.unitedspinal.org and clicking on "Publications & Resources." Bulk copies may be ordered by calling United Spinal's free publications request line at 800-444-0120.

Announcing the New Military.com Grad Center
Military.com's new Grad Center has the vital information and resources to help you find the right grad school, prepare for admissions exams, find money for school, make the most of online programs, and get tips on everything from time management to study habits. Visit the Military.com (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... radSchool1) Grad School Center to get started on your next step today.

There are thousands of schools that offer post-graduate degrees and certification. The trick is to find the one that offers the degree program you need, in a way that fits your lifestyle and career goals. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... radSchool2) Search for schools now.

VA to Establish Nursing Academy
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced creation of a new multi-campus Nursing Academy. A five-year, $40 million pilot program will establish partnerships with 12 nursing schools across the country during the next three years, beginning with four for the 2007-2008 academic year. The VA nursing academy will be a virtual organization with central administration in Washington and teaching at competitively selected nursing schools across the country who partner with VA. For more information about the pilot program, visit the VA's (http://www.va.gov/oaa) Office of Academic Affiliations website.

Visit the Military-Friendly School Finder and (http://schools.military.com/schoolfinde ... schools.do) search our database of 4,000 schools and their military attributes. Find the right school for your education needs.

VA Opening 38 New Clinics
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plans to open 38 new community-based clinics in 22 states. The new facilities, called community-based outpatient clinics, or CBOCs, will become operational by October 2008. Local VA officials will keep communities and their veterans informed of milestones in the creation of the new CBOCs. With 153 hospitals and about 700 community-based clinics, VA operates the largest integrated health care system in the country. VA's health care budget of more than $34 billion this year will provide health care to about 5.5 million people during nearly 800,000 hospitalizations and 60 million outpatient visits.

Learn more about (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care) VA Health Care at Military.com.

VA Secretary Honors WWI Veterans
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson recently placed a wreath in honor of the Americans who flew for France during World War I in the "Lafayette Escadrille." In 1928, the people of France dedicated a memorial and cemetery to the Americans, but it has since fallen into disrepair. Congress recently appropriated $2.1 million for repairs, and the French have contributed $1 million. For more information about the Memorial, visit the (http://perso.orange.fr/rdisa/html/Frames/lafayette.html) Lafayette Escadrille Memorial website.

GI Film Festival Announces Award-Winning Films
The First Ever GI Film Festival, which was held on Memorial Day weekend 2007 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., announced its inaugural award-winning films:

* Founder's Choice Award -- PATRIOT ACT, Directed by Jeffrey Ros
* Best Feature Documentary -- SPEED AND ANGELS, Directed by Peyton Wislon, Produced by Francesco Chierici
* Best Narrative Feature -- DIVERGENCE, Co-Directed by Patrick Donnelly and Meg Sudlik
* Best Documentary Short -- SHAKEY'S HILL, Directed by Norman Lloyd
* Best Narrative Short -- OLD GLORY, Directed by James McEachin

Overall, the GI Film Festival featured 22 film screenings, 2 panel discussions, 2 VIP receptions, and special appearances by actors Gary Sinise, R. Lee Ermey, James McEachin, and Dale Dye; directors Ron Maxwell, John Dahl and Jonathan Flora; musicians Pat Boone, Michael Peterson, Valor, and Angela Lashley; executive producers Lou and Scott Reda; comedian Jeffrey Ross; fitness guru Billy Blanks; publisher Dr. Ted Baehr, and General and Mrs. Richard B. Myers.

For more information on the GI Film Festival, please visit (http://www.gifilmfestival.com/) www.gifilmfestival.com.

Website for Retiring/Retired Soldiers, Spouses
The Army G-1's (http://www.armyg1.army.mil/retire) Retirement Services website features both preretirement and postretirement information. Those getting ready to retire can consult resources such as a (http://www.armyg1.army.mil/rso/pre/2006 ... eFinal.pdf) Preretirement Counseling Guide, a Preretirement Briefing, and an entire section devoted to the (http://www.armyg1.army.mil/rso/sbp.asp) Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). Those who already retired will want to download and read the online (http://www.armyg1.army.mil/rso/Post/Han ... milies.doc) Handbook for Retired Soldiers and Family Members and make a file copy of the (http://www.armyg1.army.mil/RSO/Post/Cas ... cklist.doc) Casualty Assistance Checklist for their Families.

Learn about your (http://www.military.com/benefits/retiree) Military Retirement Benefits at Military.com.

Website Helps Veterans Find Employment
The Department of Labor has more than 3,200 centers across the United States that assist veterans with resume writing and job hunting skills. Information about these centers is available on the (http://www.hirevetsfirst.gov/) Hire Vets First website. The website provides valuable resources for veterans and also has a section where employers can learn about the benefits of hiring veterans. The website also explains how military skills can be transferred to the civilian workforce.

To access the largest veteran job board in the world, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Careers/Home/0,13373,,00.htm) Career Center.

3 New Military Scholarships
The non-profit Hire A Hero program is accepting applications to award 122 academic scholarships to active and transitioning military personnel, veterans, National Guard Members, Reservists and their spouses. The three scholarships being offered are worth up to $10,000 and include a 100% scholarship for an Associate of Applied Science degree. The degree and diploma programs will be available in automotive technology, health sciences, skilled trades, business, information technology, and hospitality services. The application process involves registering on the Hire A Hero website for free at (http://www.hireahero.com/) www.hireahero.com and uploading a written essay or short video. All applications are due on or before August 17th and winners will be announced in late August.

Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today - visit the Military.com (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/sea ... arships.do) Scholarship Finder.

Deal of the Week: Military Discounts
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Access the Veteran Benefit Calculator
The Military.com Benefit calculator is designed to quickly and easily connect you with your benefits information based on your service and status. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 7_Ben_Calc) Get started to find Federal, State and National Guard benefits, plus Special Military Discounts.

Blood Needed in the Western Pacific
Stars and Stripes reports that the Armed Services Blood Program is finding it hard to meet the Western Pacific's demand due to a dwindling pool of eligible donors. O-negative donors are especially needed. Any unit or organization interested in hosting a blood drive can call the regional Armed Services Blood Program Center program on Okinawa at DSN 643-7737. Individuals can donate at the center in Building 6017 on Camp Lester, Okinawa Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. To find out if you can donate blood, visit the (http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/) Armed Services Blood Program website and click on the (http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/CanIDonate/index.cfm) Can I Donate link?.

Databases List Missing Servicemembers
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) now has an electronic database listing the names of servicemembers still unaccounted for from World War II that is available for family members and researchers. The database lists nearly 78,000 names and was compiled by researchers from DPMO and the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command. This WWII database, along with databases listing the missing from the Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War and Gulf War, are available on (http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo) DPMO's website. For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO website or call (703) 699-1169.

Veterans Report - Week of June 25, 2007

Ground Beef Recalled
A California firm, United Food Group LLC, recalled some of its ground beef products for possible E. coli contamination. The labels of the products recalled bear the establishment number "EST. 1241" inside the USDA mark of inspection or printed on the package. DeCA health and safety officials have determined that the recalled products are no stocked on commissary shelves, but they advise consumers to check their freezers for the recalled products, which they might have purchased earlier either at a commissary or from another source. Recalled products should be returned to their place of purchase for a refund. For more information, visit the (http://www.commissaries.com/news/breaki ... recall.cfm) DeCA recall webpage.

VA Focuses on Suicide Prevention
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced plans to hire suicide prevention counselors at each of its 153 medical centers. The new suicide prevention counselors will join the 9,000 mental health professionals already employed by VA. The Department spends nearly $3 billion a year for mental health services. About 1 million VA patients have a mental health diagnosis. Mental health services are provided at each of VA's 153 medical centers and more than 700 community-based outpatient clinics. To find more information and resources for PTSD, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 81&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

VA Medical Centers Extending Hours
At least 153 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers are extending their hours. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson said his latest decision was based upon a desire to ensure VA's more than 9,000 mental health professionals are available when veterans need them. In recent months, Nicholson has announced a number of initiatives to improve mental health care for returning combat veterans, including the hiring of suicide prevention coordinators for each medical center, 100 new adjustment counselors for VA's 207 Vet Centers, and 100 new medical center employees to serve as advocates for the severely wounded. Learn more about (http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care) VA Health Care at Military.com.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/dbq/officials/) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Connecticut Parade Seeks Veterans
Organizers of the 2007 Connecticut Veterans Day Parade in Hartford are seeking current and retired servicemen to march in the 1.26 mile parade on Nov. 4. Any state resident who is an active, retired, or honorably discharged member of the U.S. Armed Forces is invited to march. For more information on participating in the parade, visit the (http://www.ctveteransdayparade.org/) Connecticut Veterans Day Parade website.

Featured Job: Force Protection Assistant - Armorer
The (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 062507_Job) Titan Force Protection (FP) Asst aids in the activities of the Titan FP cell, which is responsible for oversight of the safety and protection of Titan personnel, facilities and equip during the theater of operation.

Veterans Group Supports New G.I. Bill
The national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is asking his entire membership to contact their U.S. senators and urge them to support (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9244661) S. 22, the (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 71&type=CO) Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007. The bill would mirror the original World War II G.I. Bill by providing modern-day educational benefits such as full tuition, books, room and board, and a monthly stipend for living expenses. The bill would also eliminate the $1,200 enrollment fee for active-duty troops, extend the "use or lose" window from 10 to 15 years, and include Guardsmen and Reservists who are activated for a 24-month aggregate period. To learn more about the (http://www.military.com/benefits/gi-bill) G.I. Bill, visit the Military.com Benefits Channel.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 71&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Mortgage Program for NY Veterans
New York Veterans will be now able to apply for a mortgage and receive special benefits due to the recently announced Homes for Veterans Program given by the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) and the New York State Division of Veteran Affairs. Through the program, eligible veterans will be able to go through M&T Bank exclusively to discuss their mortgage. The program features interest rates that are 0.5 percent lower that SONYMA's standard interest rates and no points or origination fees. The veterans, their spouses or co-borrowers do not need to be first-time homebuyers. For more information, call 1-800-382-HOME (4663) or visit the (http://www.nyhomes.org/) SONYMA website.

Rotary Joins Forces to Support Families of Fallen
Numerous Southern California Rotary Clubs within District 5320 are joining forces with MilitaryConnection.com, TAPS, Homefront America, Soldiers Angels and ThanksUSA in a joint effort to support the families of the fallen by forming Operation One Family. Details of the program and registration information for families in Southern California and Nevada can be found at (http://www.operationonefamily.org/) www.operationonefamily.org. Operation One Family is a proud member organization of America Supports You.

4th of July Celebration on the USS Hornet
Celebrate this exciting patriotic holiday on a ship that affected the course of history. The USS Hornet Museum in Alameda hosts its annual Independence Day Party on July 4 from 10:00am to 9:30pm. The family event features live music on the flight deck, interactive games for all ages, and a bounce house for kids. Tours of the famous aircraft carrier will be available throughout the day. In the evening visitors can watch panoramic views of Bay Area fireworks from the flight deck. Tickets are $25 for adults ($20 in advance) and $10 for children ages 5-17; museum members receive free admission. Family Membership for one year is $75. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 510-521-8448 x 282 or visit (http://uss-hornet.org/dance/) http://uss-hornet.org/dance/.

Research Targets Gulf War Syndrome
Medical research financed by the Pentagon has provided preliminary evidence that many cases of Gulf War Syndrome, a debilitating illness afflicting more than 150,000 veterans of the 1991 Persian Gulf War, may have specific service-connected physical origins. The new research, led by Dr. Roberta White of the Boston University School of Public Health, found that exposure to small amounts of sarin nerve gas very likely causes lasting brain damage. The Pentagon has estimated that more than 100,000 American troops were probably exposed to low levels of sarin gas in March 1991.

Learn more about (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... r-syndrome) Gulf War Syndrome.

Patriot Express Initiative Launched
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has unveiled a program called "Patriot Express" that offers a wide variety of assistance to veterans interested in setting up or expanding their own small businesses. Participants may also qualify for loans. Patriot Express is open to veterans, reservists and National Guard members, current spouses of eligible personnel, the surviving spouses of servicemembers who die on active duty, or spouses of veterans who die from a service-connected disability. For more information, visit the (http://www.sba.gov/patriotexpress) Small Business Administration's Patriot Express website.

War Wounded Underpaid
Disability compensation for veterans severely wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, particularly the youngest, is set too low, creating a lifetime earnings gap with non-disabled peers, according to a draft study on disabled veterans' incomes prepared for the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission. The same study found that (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... mpensation) disability compensation probably is set too high for veterans who first begin drawing the disability payments at age 65 or older, having already retired from post-service careers. For more information, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,139156,00.html) read the article on the Military.com website.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 21&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Member Survey: Your Opinion Counts
Military.com is conducting a survey to find out what matters most to you. Take this (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 507_Survey) 15 minute survey and let your voice be heard.

Free $10 Gift Card
If you have diabetes and are currently paying for your testing supplies out of pocket, you should know that your diabetes testing supplies may be covered when your healthcare costs are covered by Medicare.

The Diabetic Alliance Group can help you find a way to save on your diabetic testing supplies. Get your diabetic testing supplies at little or no cost to you and receive a $10 gift card when you qualify. This gift card can be used at over 100 participating merchants including Amazon.com, Starbucks, and Macy's. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 62507_Card) Find out more here.

Medical Fight Over 'Group 8' Vets
Since January 2003, nearly 400,000 veterans have been denied enrollment in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health system because they have no service-connected disabilities and have incomes that exceed a VA means test, the same one used to screen for federal housing assistance.

The Bush administration's decision to suspend enrollment in VA healthcare for these "Priority Group 8" veterans was explained four years ago as necessary to ensure continued access to VA care for higher priority veterans - those with service disabilities, low incomes or special needs.

Whether Congress should force the administration to reopen the VA system to new Group 8 enrollees was the topic of a contentious hearing June 20 of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,139877,00.html) read the full article at Military.com.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 51&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Air Force Authorizes New Medals
Airmen who served in a NATO unit for 30 continuous or accumulated days (or were wounded and evacuated) and were listed on a Combined Joint Statement of Requirements may be awarded either the NATO medal for Operation Eagle Assist, Operation Active Endeavor, International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan or the Balkans. To update their medals in the Personnel Data System, Airmen must provide a source document, such as a certificate signed by the NATO secretary general, to their command support staff personnel. Specific eligibility and approval requirements are available by contacting base military or civilian personnel flights.

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2nd Annual USS Hornet Golf Tournament, Auction & Dinner
The USS Hornet Museum is hosting their 2nd Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament, Auction & Dinner on July 30th at the Claremont Country Club in Oakland, California. The tournament will be Individual Net by Flights, Team Best Net 2 Ball and much more. Following the event there will be cocktails, dinner, awards and auction. The entry fee is $185 a person for players and $85 per non-playing dinner guest. You can sign up at (http://www.uss-hornet.org/golf/) http://www.uss-hornet.org/golf/. Your participation in this fundraiser, or your valuable donation, will permit Hornet to expand its community service programs and reach a broader spectrum of Bay Area Society.

Congress Seeks to Eliminate GI Bill Time Limit
The (http://www.military.com/benefits/gi-bill) GI Bill for active duty servicemembers and veterans is a "pay to play" benefit that requires each servicemember to make a $1,200 non-refundable contribution up front. In return for the contribution they can use their entitlement-up to $1,075 per month for 36 months-to help pay for education, apprenticeship, and job training. The catch is the GI Bill automatically expires 10 years after the veteran leaves active duty service. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs reports, nearly 30 percent of eligible veterans are unable to use any of their education benefits and most eligible veterans are only able to access a portion of their GI Bill before the 10-year limit is reached. In an effort to extend the time veterans have to take advantage of their GI Bill benefits, Washington Democratic Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=1102 ... &chamber=S) Maria Cantwell introduced the (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 86&type=CO) GI Bill for Life Act that would eliminate the 10-year time limit placed on GI Bill benefits. (http://education.military.com/money-for ... time-limit) Read the full article here.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 86&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

There is no guarantee this legislation will pass. If you are eligible for the GI Bill be sure to use it before time runs out! The Military.com (http://schools.military.com/schoolfinde ... schools.do) School Finder can help you find the school that fits you needs.

Veterans Report - Week of July 02, 2007

Easy Access to Medical Board Information Coming
Injured soldiers whose military futures are being considered by Medical Evaluation Boards will soon have a means to track the process and ensure accuracy of relevant information through the MyMEB page on Army Knowledge Online (AKO). MyMEB can be (https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/417118) reached online using a soldier's AKO user identity and password. If a Soldier finds something inaccurate or questionable in the information, he or she should contact their assigned Physician Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO). A limited release of the MyMEB occurred on June 15 to solicit feedback from a focus group of injured soldiers prior to full release.

Retiree Appreciation Days
Retiree Appreciation Days (RADs) are gatherings held at major Army installations and other sites that give Retired Soldiers and families up-to-date information. Many RADs include representatives from numerous organizations. Since each RAD is different, you should contact the RAD host for details. You can find a list of RADS and contact information at the Army's (http://www.armyg1.army.mil/rso/docs/rads.pdf) Retirement Services Officer website.

Hampton Celebrates Founder's Day on July 9
Join us in celebration of Hampton Founder's Day. After years or dedicated effort, Old Glory will fly high in the Hampton Roads harbor beginning July 9! A public dedication ceremony takes place at Fort Monroe's Continental Park in view of the 30' x 42' American flag as it's raised atop a 90' pole across the channel at Fort Wool. The program begins promptly at 9 a.m., with the flag-raising at 9:30 a.m. A complimentary shuttle will run from the parking area at Fort Monroe's Walker Airfield to the ceremony site. Identification and vehicle registration are required for entrance to the active military post. Attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs, blankets and bottled water. For additional information, call Erin McMahon, 757-726-5437 or email (mailto:emcmahon@hampton.gov) emcmahon@hampton.gov.

Rapid Care for Warriors in Transition
Army hospitals will soon provide routine tests and treatment more rapidly for Warriors in Transition and Soldiers within 90 days of deploying or within 180 days of return from deployment. The new policy shortens the access for routine primary care to three working days, for specialty care to seven working days, for diagnostic tests to seven days and for medically indicated non-emergency surgeries 14 days. Warriors in Transition are defined as Soldiers who meet the qualifications for medical hold, medical holdover or active-duty medical extension; and Active Component Soldiers who require a medical evaluation board or have complex medical needs. The changes should be in effect by the end of July.

To find career resources for the severely injured, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/support) Severely Injured Career Center.

Retired Soldiers Bring New Recruits
Retired Soldiers can receive a $2,000 bonus for referring someone with no prior military experience through the Referral Bonus Pilot Program. The bonus is paid in two lump sums. To make a referral, call the Army Referral System - Sergeant Major of the Army Recruiting Team (ARS SMART) at 1-800-223-3735, ext. 6-0473 or visit the (https://smart.goarmy.com/dana-na/auth/url_6/welcome.cgi) ARS SMART website. The bonus is not paid to those referring immediate family members, including spouses, children, parents, stepparents and siblings.

To find complete information on current cash enlistment incentives (signing bonuses) and reenlistment bonuses offered by each of the Armed Forces, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/recruiting/bonus-center/) Bonus Center.

New VA Facility for Spinal Cord Injuries
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson recently broke ground for a new spinal cord injury center at the Milwaukee-based VA Medical Center. The $32.5 million building and will open by 2010 to replace an existing converted ward in the hospital. It comes on the heels of another ground-breaking by Nicholson just a month ago for a new $20 million spinal cord injury center attached to the VA medical center in Minneapolis. Last year, VA provided a full range of care to nearly 26,000 veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases. VA's specialized services are delivered through 135 primary care teams or support clinics for spinal cord injuries at VA medical centers and through 23 regional spinal cord injury centers.

DoD Guide Helps Military Survivors
"A Survivors Guide to Benefits" is a Department of Defense publication that helps spouses of deceased active-duty servicemembers understand their rights and benefits as military survivors. The guide explains the casualty assistance process and the financial and medical benefits to which survivors are entitled. The Guide also lists organizations that can provide spouses with further assistance. The Guide may be downloaded in a PDF version from the (http://www.taps.org/download/DODSurvivorsGuide.pdf) TAPS website. TAPS, the (http://www.taps.org/) Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, is a non-profit organization that provides counseling referral services, crisis information, caseworker assistance, and online resources.

(http://www.military.com/benefits/survivor-benefits) Learn more about Survivor Benefits.

Freedom Walk Coming in September
As the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks approaches, America Supports You is gearing up for its third annual Freedom Walk on Sept. 9 in the nation's capital. This year's National Freedom Walk will be held in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. Local Freedom Walks will be held across America from Sept. 8-11 in cities, workplaces and schools. Anyone is welcome to host or organize a Freedom Walk or participate in a walk in their local community. For more information, visit the (http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/freedomwalk) America Supports You Freedom Walk website.

History Project Honors WWI Veterans
The Veterans History Project, a program of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center, presents "The Great War," a tribute to World War I veterans, in a new section of its website at (http://www.loc.gov/vets) www.loc.gov/vets. Rich in personal detail, photographs, journals and letters, "The Great War" provides a virtual tour of some of the most compelling collections in the Veterans History Project archives and features stories of nearly two dozen men and women who served in WWI. To participate in the Veterans History Project, download a revised Field Kit from the Veterans History Project website at (http://www.loc.gov/vets) www.loc.gov/vets, request information via e-mail at (mailto:vohp@loc.gov) vohp@loc.gov or call the toll-free message line at (888) 371-5848.

Featured Job: Help Desk Specialist
Spherion is currently searching for a Help Desk Specialist in Columbia, MD. This is an opportunity for you to join one of the nation's most prominent companies in an entry-level help desk role. In addition to the stability and security you receive by working for a leader in customer service, Spherion offers you a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay and a chance to start a great career. To learn about the qualifications, job role and application process, view the (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 070207_Job) official job posting.

To access the largest veteran job board in the world, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Careers/Home/0,13373,,00.htm) Career Center.

College Scholarships for Children of Military Heroes
Freedom Alliance provides college scholarships to dependent children of military personnel killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. We are accepting applications for the 2007-2008 Academic year. Download the (http://www.freedomalliance.org/fa/index ... &Itemid=15) application or call (800) 475-6620. Please forward this message to someone you think qualifies.

Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today - visit the Military.com (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/sea ... arships.do) Scholarship Finder.

Register for the San Francisco Career Fair
(ttp://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//military.nationalcareerfairs.com/index.php%3Fp%3Dcareer_fair_details%26id%3D17&code=VR_070207_CareerFair) Military.com Career Fair is coming to San Francisco on July 11, 2007. This event will feature top employers seeking the valuable skills you learned in service to your country. You can also attend employment workshops focused on helping you leverage your military experience in the civilian job market.

Law Changes Increase Benefits
Because of recent law changes, families of Soldiers who die on active duty are receiving greater (http://www.military.com/benefits/surviv ... -explained) Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) benefits. Spouses of Soldiers who die in the line of duty receive VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). A Spouse SBP benefit is reduced, dollar-for-dollar, by DIC. However, a Child Only SBP benefit is not offset by DIC. DIC payments are usually increased annually; however, at the current rate of $1,067 a month, a Child Only election could bring more than $280,000 to the fallen Soldier's family over the next 22 years. This law change has brought increased benefits to 1,706 children who are part of 920 families. For more information, contact your Retirement Services Officer ( (http://www.armyg1.army.mil/rso/rso.asp) RSO).

(http://www.military.com/benefits/survivor-benefits) Learn more about Survivor Benefits.

Power Wheelchairs for Veterans
ClickOnHealth works with Medicare and your secondary insurance providers to get you a new Power Wheelchair at little or not cost. They will take care of all the details and work directly with your doctor to find the wheelchair that's best for you. You won't be bothered with confusing insurance paperwork and they offer free home delivery. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... heelchairs) Get more info here.

Landstuhl Heroes Deserve Your Support
Recovering troops at the U.S. military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany need your help. During a recent visit there, American Legion National Commander Paul A. Morin and American Legion Auxiliary President JoAnn Cronin found these war heroes are in need of comfort items and essentials that could improve their quality of life.

The National Commander, the National President and Sons of The American Legion Commander Earl Ruttkofsky are asking your help in raising at least $50,000 for this cause. Don't let the well-deserved media attention given to Walter Reed Army Medical Center detract from the needs of the heroes at Landstuhl. These veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars must not be forgotten as America is engaged in a war on terror to protect all of our freedoms. (https://www.members.legion.org/cgi-bin/ ... Y(A0010):Y) Click here to help.

For information on how to join the American go to (http://www.legion.org/join) www.legion.org/join.

Panel Approves VA Care for All Vets
The veterans' affairs committee, chaired by Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), approved legislation on June 27th that would re-open the Department of Veterans Affairs health system to 1.7 million veterans in Priority Group 8, those who have adequate incomes and no service-connected ailments. The Group 8 provision is in the (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 66&type=CO) Traumatic Brain Injury and Other Health Programs Enhancement Act ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9720726) S 1233). To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,140641,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 51&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

3 Ways Veterans Can Get Money For College
Veterans are encouraged by the government to use all programs available, whether they are from federal, military-related, or private sources. There are many out there, and you'll likely find more than one to suit your educational needs. Here are a few places to get you started.

* (http://education.military.com/money-for ... ur-gi-bill href=) TheMontgomery GI Bill (MGIB): Provides up to 36 months of education benefits during active duty and is payable for 10 years following your last release from service.
* (http://www.finaid.org/military/fafsa.phtml href=) Federal Student Aid: Federal loans, grants, and tuition programs are available to meet a variety of financial needs and education levels. Work-study programs are also available.
* (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/sea ... arships.do) Military Scholarships: There are over $300 million worth of scholarships for servicemembers, veterans and their families.

Find schools that give credit for military training and experience! Military.com's (http://schools.military.com/schoolfinde ... schools.do href=) School Finder lets you search 4,000+ institutions by the military benefits they offer.

VA to Hold Mental Health Summit in July
In July, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will hold a four day summit in Washington, DC to draw on the expertise of mental health clinicians and researchers from across the country. The meeting will cover a wide range of issues, from integrating mental health services with primary care, to combat trauma, suicide prevention and the special needs of the newest generation of combat veterans. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Jim Nicholson, also announced that the VA will hire hundreds of new employees to serve veterans in community-based veterans centers, to assist wounded servicemembers in medical centers, and to conduct outreach to veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.

For information and resources on PTSD, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview.

Lowe's Offers 4th of July Discounts

Lowe's Companies, Inc. announced today it will offer all active, reserve and retired military personnel and their immediate family members a 10 percent discount on in-store purchases made during the July 4th holiday. The discount is available June 28-July 8. The discount is available on in-stock purchases up to $5,000. To qualify, individuals must present a valid military ID or other proof of service such as a VA card, VFW card, veteran's ID or discharge papers. Excluded from the discount are online sales, previous sales, installation and delivery fees, extended protection plans, gift cards, select Fisher & Paykel appliances and John Deere.

Find great discounts on products for military servicemembers only in the Military.com (http://img.military.com/misc/DC/DealIndex.jsp) Discount Center.


FRA Offers Free Guide on Contacting Officials
Attention all USN, USMC and USCG enlisted personnel and family members: You should have a "how-to" guide to communicate with your lawmakers.

If you want to make sure your pay, benefit and quality of life needs are being heard on Capitol Hill, you need FRA! As a professional military advocacy association, we make sure members of Congress understand the unique challenges of military service and give voice to our members' concerns about:

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Send an email request to (mailto:onwatch@fra.org) onwatch@fra.org. Please include your name, branch of service, rate and address. Also include "military.com" in your subject line.

To contact your elected officials today and voice your opinion on current military legislation, visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/dbq/officials/) Military.com Legislative Center.

Deal of the Week: Military Discounts
Cingular Wireless understands your needs. Receive special device & rate plan discounts + $25 off your order. There's always a free phone. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 70207_Deal) Shop 24/7.

House Approves Record VA Budget
The U.S. House of Representatives recently approved a record budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9967616) H.R. 2642, the (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 61&type=CO) 2008 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill, would increase the VA budget $6.7 billion above 2007 levels. It would hire 1,100 more VA claims adjudicators and would provide $600 million for three "Centers of Excellence" in mental health care and five polytrauma centers to care for the needs of thousands of men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with serious mental and physical conditions.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 61&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!

Education Benefits for Minnesota Veterans
Minnesota's state legislature recently passed a law that will supplement Federal GI bill benefits. The Minnesota GI Bill provides funds of up to $1,000 per academic term to veterans and family members of deceased and disabled veterans who have served on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001. Those eligible for the assistance must be enrolled in one of Minnesota's colleges, universities, or technical schools. For more information, visit the (http://www.mdva.state.mn.us/index.htm) Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs website.

Learn how to (http://education.military.com/money-for ... ur-gi-bill) use your GI Bill at Military.com.

Wisconsin Fair Offers Free Admission
The Wisconsin State Fair is offering free admission to returning Gulf War veterans this year. Military men and women who returned from the war from 2006 onwards in the Middle East can receive two free adult admission tickets to the fair that will be valid Aug. 2- 12, 2007. Those Wisconsin veterans should visit their local Veterans Service Office to complete an application. Forms and a self-addressed stamped envelope must be returned to the Wisconsin State Fair by July 9. Other veterans and active-duty servicemembers will receive $2 off general Fair admission tickets before 3 p.m. daily when dressed in uniform, with a military ID or with a coupon available from Veteran's Services Offices.

Scholarships for Military Dependents
Earlier this month, Hire A Hero announced that it is offering 122 academic scholarships to active and transitioning military personnel, veterans, National Guard Members, Reservists and their spouses. That scholarship offering has been expanded and is now also available to dependents of military personnel and veterans. "When announcing our Hire A Hero scholarship opportunities to the public, we received a large amount of interest from dependents of military personnel and veterans," stated Dan Caulfield, Hire A Hero Executive Director. "Because of that interest, we have decided to open up the scholarship opportunities to dependents. Like those who have served, they too have sacrificed and deserve the opportunity to gain scholarships to help pay for their higher education studies." All American service members, veterans and spouses are encouraged to apply for the scholarships. The application process involves registering on the Hire A Hero website for free at (http://www.hireahero.com/) www.hireahero.com and uploading a written essay or short video. All applications are due on or before August 17th and winners will be announced in late August.

Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today - visit the Military.com (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/sea ... arships.do) Scholarship Finder.