VVA CA State Council

Veterans Report - Week of July 09, 2007

Oregon License Plates Identify Veterans
Oregon will issue automobile license plates to recognize military veterans and families of military members killed on duty. Members of active and inactive veterans' groups and Gold Star families will be eligible for the special plates, which the state Driver and Motor Vehicle Services division will offer starting in fall of 2007 A per-plate surcharge of $2.50 for each year of registration will go into a fund designated by each veterans group.

Get the Credit You Deserve
Thanks to the American Council on Education (ACE) you can take academic credit for most of the military training and experience you have received, including Basic Training (boot camp). In fact ACE has evaluated military schools, correspondence courses, and occupations to determine their value in academic credit since 1942. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 070907_ACE) Learn how to apply ACE credits.

Remember: Some schools may choose not to recognize the ACE recommendations for ME credits, and may choose not to grant any credit for your military experience. That is why it is critical to shop around for the fully accredited school that will give you the credit you deserve.

Military.com can help you get in contact with several schools by (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 907_GIBill) filling out one simple online form. Most importantly, get started as soon as you can; the longer you delay, the further away your goals will be.

Special Offer: 10% off Fine Jewelry
Blue Nile offers expert advice to help you find the perfect engagement ring or wedding band in addition to outstanding quality, selection, and value. Plus, (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 7_BlueNile) save 10% with the Military.com discount.

Bill Would Help Disabled Veterans
Rep. (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=5107 ... &chamber=H) John Sarbanes introduced legislation in Congress that would help disabled veterans avoid the often long and arduous road that many face when applying for federal benefits.

The Benefit Rating Acceleration for Veteran Entitlement Act, or the (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 01&type=CO) BRAVE Act, would streamline the process for veterans applying for federal aid by granting those deemed "100 percent disabled" by Veterans Affairs the same recognition from the Social Security Administration. Currently, disabled veterans must apply separately to Social Security for benefits. Sarbanes said the bill has 36 co-sponsors and support from Republicans and Democrats. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,141187,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

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

Information Session for Veterans and Active Duty
California State University, East Bay is hosting an information session for current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces on Saturday, July 21 from 10:30 a.m. until noon at the Welcome Center on the University's Hayward Hills campus. Active duty and retired servicemembers and their families are encouraged to attend and learn more about academic programs, admission, financial aid, and applying for veteran benefits. To learn more and RSVP, call (510) 885-3214 or visit the (http://esweb.csueastbay.edu/Polaris/Def ... ?tabid=135) California State University website.

To learn more about military benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/Benefits/0,14972,,00.htm) Military.com Benefits Channel.

Wiccans Dedicate Grave at Arlington
On July 4th, Rev. Selena Fox held a consecration ceremony at the grave site of Jan Deanna, a Wiccan minister who passed away more than two years ago. Wiccan groups have been pushing for the pentacle as a recognized religious symbol for almost a decade, but efforts have been stymied by paperwork and administrative delays by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This spring, after new rules from the department and continued unsuccessful lobbying by pagan groups, Circle Sanctuary and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State sued the department for the right to put the symbol on gravestones and plaques. In May the department settled the suit, agreeing to include it among the 38 other religious symbols permitted for veterans' memorials. Veterans and military spouses at Wednesday's event called it an important First Amendment victory. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,141361,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

New Nursing Site Available
Veterans and their spouses who are employed or interested in nursing and healthcare have a new online resource, NursingLink.com. NursingLink provides free resources to nurses, including daily news, job listings, training guides, education opportunities and career networking. The site also offers videos & entertainment, along with thriving discussion boards where nurses can connect with each other, share experiences and answer questions. Membership at NursingLink is free. To sign up, go to (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... ursingLink) NursingLink.com.

New Legislation Could Overwhelm VA
U.S. Sen. (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=206&lvl=C&chamber=S) Larry Craig, the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, warned his colleagues recently that new legislation could overwhelm the Department of Veterans Affairs medical system and hamper its ability to provide first-class medical care to recently wounded veterans. Under the (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 51&type=CO) legislation adopted by the committee, as many as 17 million additional veterans would be eligible to use VA's medical system next year. Experts say that the "likely" number of veterans to show up is probably about 1.6 million. The measures adopted will now go to the floor of the Senate for further consideration.

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

Indiana Receives Grant
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development will receive a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to help veterans find jobs. The grant is one of 94 announced by the Labor Department. The grants were awarded on a competitive basis.

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.

Homes for Our Troops
Homes for Our Troops is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that assists severely injured Servicemen and women and their immediate families by raising donations of money, building materials and professional labor and coordinating the process of building a new home or adapting an existing home for handicapped accessibility. The organization has another 20 houses in progress, each of which will include features geared toward each individual servicemember's specific injury. The group is anticipating taking on another 10 to 15 houses in the near future. For more information, visit the (http://www.homesforourtroops.org/site/PageServer) Homes for Our Troops website.

Panel Approves VA Care for All Vets
The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, chaired by Sen. (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=202&lvl=C&chamber=S) Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), approved legislation recently 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). For more information, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,140641,00.html) read the article on the Military.com website.

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

NLU Reduces Tuition for Servicemembers
Beginning Fall Semester 2007, National-Louis University (NLU) is reducing the per credit hour cost of its tuition for active military personnel, veterans, military spouses and dependents, National Guard and Department of Defense employees. Tuition is now $167 per credit hour for undergraduate degree programs and $250 per credit hour for graduate degree programs. The new rate is covered by the Tuition Assistance (TA) for active military and is only available for programs offered online, on base and off site through NLU's Virginia campus. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,141707,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

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.

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Thank You Foundation
The Thank You Foundation is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to expressing gratitude and appreciation to the men and women in the United States Armed Forces past and present. The Foundation has developed high-quality business cards that can be presented to any individual who is on active-duty, in a reserve unit or a veteran of the armed services, as a means of saying "Thank You." The Foundation also recently started the Tickets for Troops program where complimentary tickets to professional sporting events, concerts, amusement parks and art events are presented to these servicemembers. For more information, visit the (http://www.thethankyoufoundation.org/) Thank You Foundation website.

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

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 ... 7_GiftCard) Find out more here.

Critics of Ex-Spouse Law Turn to Congress
Prospects for (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 56&type=CO) legislative relief from the perceived injustices of the USFSPA are viewed as slim given Congress's failure to act in the past. Defense officials this year urged 11 changes to USPSPA, some to benefit former spouses and some to help retirees in future divorce cases. The entire package was ignored by the House and Senate armed services committees in marking up their versions of the 2008 defense bill. Yet some retirees reportedly are determined to find a senator willing to try to attach ex-spouse law amendments to the fiscal 2008 defense authorization bill when it comes up for floor debate. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,141317,00.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!

Program Would Train Vets for Public Service
The House Committee on Education and Labor unanimously approved an amendment authored by Congressman (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=6071 ... &chamber=H) Phil Hare (D-IL) to the (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 51&type=CO) Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act that establishes a grant program for organizations to train returning veterans to become public servants.

The amendment provides money to develop service learning curricula that promotes a better understanding of the principles of the Constitution and how the U.S. government functions. It also adds a grant program for organizations to meet the unique needs of veterans and their families. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,141321,00.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!

House Subcommittee Approves Bill
The House Veterans' Affairs Health Subcommittee has approved by voice vote a bill ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9993876) HR 2623) that would eliminate copayments for veterans' hospice care. The measure, sponsored by Rep. (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=1296&lvl=C&chamber=H) Jeff Miller (R-Fla.), would waive copays for veterans receiving hospice care at home or at a facility other than a Veterans Affairs Department nursing home. The full committee will consider the bill this week.

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

White House Against Boosting VA Budget
Moves in Congress to give the Department of Veterans Affairs as much as $3.8 billion more than the Bush administration proposed has drawn an indirect veto threat from the White House.

"If Congress increases VA funding above the president's request and does not offset this increase with spending reductions in other bills, the president will veto any of the other bills that exceed his request until Congress demonstrates a path to reach the president's top line of $933 billion," the Office of Management and Budget said in a statement.

Rep. (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=564&lvl=C&chamber=H) Chet Edwards, D-Texas, chairman of the House veterans affairs appropriations subcommittee, said, "This bill is about respect, and honors the promises made to our veterans with historic increases in funding to provide them the health care and benefits they earned when they put on our nation's uniform." To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,141190,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

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

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 ... 70907_Deal) Shop 24/7.

Marine Corps Family Conference July 26-29
The Marine Family Conference has some new and exciting speakers this year and some old friends returning. The Friday night reception will focus on Fallen Marines and Military Men and Women. To end the evening on an upswing, Comics on tour will perform one of their shows similar to those they do for Marines overseas. During Saturday afternoon, Canaan Brumley, director of Ears Open, Eyeballs Click and the featured DI, Michael Nichols Ret. USMC, will be present for a question and answer period following the screening of the boot camp documentary. Also, Saturday afternoon, Bob Calvert with the radio program, "Talking with Heroes," will do a live broadcast from the conference featuring several outstanding guests. To learn more and register, visit (http://www.marineparentsunited.com/) http://www.marineparentsunited.com/.

Veterans Report - Week of July 16, 2007

Military Spouse Magazine Art Director Designs Spouse Monument
The Military Spouse Legacy Association announced the Military Spouse Monument in Norfolk, VA this past Monday. The monument will symbolize the military spouse and her strength and courage. This monument honors the spouse and window, from the battlefields of the Revolutionary War to today and to all spouses of the future. Military Spouse Magazine is proud to announce that art director, Ted Demianczyk, designed the monument. (http://www.wvec.com/video/military-inde ... 5992&shu=1) Click here to watch a video about the announcement and design of the monument. Please look for more information on page 58 of the July/August issue of Military Spouse Magazine.

For military spouse resources, visit (http://www.military.com/spouse) http://www.military.com/spouse.

VA to Hire Additional Claims Processors
As chairman of the appropriations subcommittee over veterans spending, Rep. (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=564&lvl=C&chamber=H) Chet Edwards, D-Waco, oversaw approval of $61 million in funding to hire 400 additional (http://www.military.com/benefits/legal- ... s-overview) claims processors across the nation. Now the Veterans Benefits Administration has been given the OK to hire an additional 28 processors this month in Waco. The new positions represent only a 6 percent increase in staffing, but Carl Lowe, the regional office's director, said it's the first major hiring he has been able to do in the seven years he has worked there. Legislation providing an additional $126 million to hire 700 more claims processors across the country has been approved in the House and awaits passage in the Senate.

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

East Tennessee Veterans Business Conference
The Y-12 National Security Complex and The University of Tennessee Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) are partnering with a host of East Tennessee agencies to sponsor the "East Tennessee Veterans' Business Conference - Increasing Contracting Opportunities for Veteran Owned Businesses." The Conference will be held at the Pollard Technology Conference Center in Oak Ridge, Tenn., Tues., Aug.7, 2007, from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. There is no charge for the conference, but seating is limited. Deadline for registration is Aug. 1, 2007. To register, call toll free at 888-763-7439 or register online at the (http://www.cis.tennessee.edu/training/p ... eran.shtml) East Tennessee Veterans Business Conference webpage.

More information for veterans in business can be found at (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... n-business) Vetbiz.gov.

Deal of the Week: We'll Keep You Covered
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TRICARE Beneficiaries Skip Some Co-Pays
A two-year test allows some TRICARE beneficiaries to substitute over-the-counter (OTC) versions of certain prescription drugs (such as proton-pump inhibitors) without a copayment. For now, the test includes the TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy only. Plans call for eventual expansion to retail network pharmacies. TRICARE encourages beneficiaries who have not used the mail order pharmacy in the past, but take medications included in the test, to get information on how to sign up at the (http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/P ... tions/TMOP) TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy website. Medication classes under consideration for future testing include topical anti-fungals and non-sedating antihistamines.

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

Defense Department Offers $1 Million Prize
A typical dismounted troop going out for a four-day mission carries as much as 40 pounds of batteries and rechargers in their packs. The Defense Department launched its "wearable power" $1 million prize competition to come up with new innovations to lighten warfighters' loads. The goal is to reduce the weight for the power system to about 2 pounds per day. Information about the technical details, contest rules and qualification requirements is posted on the Defense Department's (http://www.dod.mil/ddre/prize/) Research and Engineering Prize website. A forum to be held in Washington in September will review these details for potential competitors.

Illinois Unveils Mental Health Services
All Illinois National Guard troops returning from deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan will be now screened for traumatic brain injury and get access to post-traumatic stress disorder help under a new, first-of-its-kind state program. The program includes mandatory traumatic brain injury screening for all returning National Guard combat veterans, voluntary screening for all other Illinois veterans, and a 24-hour toll-free psychological help line for veterans suffering from PTSD. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,141458,00.html) read the 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.

Law Firms Fight for Wounded Warriors
Wounded soldiers who allege that the government is downplaying their injuries and cheating them out of benefits have some new legal ammunition: three major law firms offering free legal services. Concerned that injured soldiers are getting a raw deal upon returning home, three firms - Foley & Lardner; Atlanta's King & Spalding; and New York's LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae - have offered to do pro bono work on behalf of veterans who are appealing low disability ratings made by the government. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,142119,00.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!

Military Spouse Magazine Announces 2007 Who's Who
The 2007 Who's Who of Military Spouses list recognizes military spouses who have made significant contribution in the military community for all military spouses. The leaders of the military spouse community were chosen based on their service-wide appeal, commitment to military spouses and professional development. Military Spouse magazine, a Victory Media, Inc. publication, is proud to be the resource to bring you this comprehensive list of deserving spouses in the world of the military. Learn more about the (http://www.military.com/spouse/fs/0,,fs ... ho,00.html) 2007 Who's Who of Military Spouses list at the Military Spouse Center.

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

Agent Orange Likely Used in Okinawa
The (http://www.military.com/benefits/legal- ... ns-appeals) U.S. Board of Veterans' Appeals found in 1998 that the defoliant Agent Orange was probably used in Okinawa during the Vietnam War era. This finding is part of a recently uncovered ruling in favor of a former U.S. serviceman who was seeking compensation for prostate cancer that he blamed on his work in Okinawa in the early 1960s. The discovery comes as the U.S. Defense Department has yet to confirm whether Agent Orange was stored or used in Okinawa during the Vietnam War. Hundreds of former U.S. servicemen who were stationed in Okinawa during the Vietnam War have lodged medical compensation claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) citing (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... ent-orange) Agent Orange exposure.

Education Benefits Run Out for Too Many
More than 40 percent of Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits go unused each year because G.I. Bill benefits have an expiration date. Currently, the program pays more than $1,000 a month for 36 months to eligible candidates. And, with the new G.I. Bill buy-up program, individuals pay an extra $600 to receive an additional $5,400 in education benefits. "Get in contact with the VA, they will let you know if the school is accredited by their terms," says Tan Johnson, VA representative. "Then you'll get in contact with the certifying official at that school and provide documents showing you've paid into the G.I. Bill and that you'd like to use it." More information about the G.I. Bill is available online at the (http://www.gibill.va.gov/) G.I. Bill website.

Help extend the time veterans have to take advantage of their G.I. Bill benefits and (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 86&type=CO) contact your elected officials today.

Use the education benefits you've earned. Request (http://edu.military.com/gibill/page1.do) free G.I. Bill information from military-friendly schools.

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. A perfect way to explore your options is to request free information from schools on their graduate programs. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... gradschool) Fill out a simple request form here.

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 ... gradcenter) Grad School Center to get started on your next step today.

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.

Senator Murray Hires Veterans to Fill Key Positions
U.S. Senator Patty Murray announced that she has filled two key staff positions in her state offices. Kim Brown, Command Master Chief (MCPO) 13th District of the U.S. Coast Guard is now Senator Murray's Senior Constituent Services Representative for Veterans and Military Casework. In addition, Rita Beal has been hired as Senator Murray's Northwest Washington Director. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,142181,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

TRICARE Redesigns Website
Beneficiaries should find it easier to find answers to their TRICARE questions at the newly-redesigned My Benefit portal at the (http://www.tricare.mil/) TRICARE website. A key feature of the redesign is that users will now receive personalized information about their health care benefits by answering a few simple questions about their location, beneficiary status and current TRICARE plan. The website's Plan Wizard helps new beneficiaries who may not be sure which TRICARE plan they are enrolled in and offers a list of plans for which they may be eligible. An online tutorial is available at the Using the (http://www.tricare.mil/overview) New TRICARE.mil for Beneficiaries website.

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

New California Veterans Home Planned
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson and California Governor (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=141270) Arnold Schwarzenegger joined in a ground-breaking ceremony recently for a new California state veterans home on the campus of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System in West Los Angeles. The Greater Los Angeles Ventura County Veterans Home, as it will be known, will have 396 beds providing multiple levels of care for aged and disabled veterans. The home is scheduled to be completed by early 2010. To be eligible for admission, veterans must be California residents, honorably discharged from the U.S. military, disabled or at least 62 years of age. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,141747,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

Exchanges Offer Disc-Like Gift Certificates
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service's (AAFES) newest series of flat, disc-like gift certificates known as "POGs" are being introduced to servicemembers at more than 60 Base/Post Exchanges throughout Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. While POGs can be redeemed at any AAFES exchange in the world, they are only distributed at contingency BX/PX operations due to the expense of transporting heavy coins into a war zone. POGs received the attention of numismatic and military collectors across the globe. A complete inventory of all 10 AAFES POG series are available by logging in at the (http://odin.aafes.com/core/docs/pogcollect.asp) Exchange Online Store.

Bigger Military Raise, Better Benefits Hit
With President Bush's popularity scraping bottom in opinion polls, with U.S. casualties rising in Iraq in a force surge that has stretched soldier tours to 15 months, the Bush administration July 10 said it "strongly opposes" key military pay and benefit gains tossed into their fiscal 2008 defense bill. Initiatives the administration "strongly opposes" include:

* A military pay raise for next January of (http://www.military.com/military/benefi ... ts,00.html) 3.5 percent versus 3 percent endorsed by the White House.
* Lowering the age-60 start of reserve retirement annuities for reserve component members by the length of their future mobilizations.
* Expanding eligibility for Combat-Related Special Compensation to service members forced by combat disabilities to retire short of 20 years.
* Directing pharmaceutical manufacturers to provide the Department of Defense with same price discounts for TRICARE retail pharmacy network that are provided already on medicines dispensed from base pharmacies.

To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,142117,00.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!

Foundation Supports Families
The 9-11 Help America Foundation's mission is to recognize and support the families of fallen and wounded warriors. For the past six years, the foundation focused on providing monthly financial support to wounded servicemembers and families of the fallen. That support comes in the form of $200 a month for an 18-month period. Visits with the troops and their families are regular occurrences, as are outings that bring families together. For more information, visit the (http://www.911helpamerica.com/) 9-11 HelpAmerica Foundation website.

(http://www.military.com/wounded-warriors) More Wounded Warrior News

H&R Block Offers Free Tax Course for Military Spouses
See if you'd enjoy earning extra income preparing taxes. If you're a military spouse, our beginning course will get you started at no charge, with no previous training required. Even if you don't go on to become a tax professional, you'll be able to complete your own return and help others with theirs. To learn more about this special offer, view the (http://images.military.com/spouse/HR07M ... arship.pdf) H&R Block Free Tax Course PDF.

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

National Suicide Crisis Hot Line Coming
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is establishing a 24-hour, national suicide prevention hot line beginning Aug.31, 2007 that will be based at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center in New York state. The hot line will operate seven days a week, 24-hours a day. Mental health services are provided at each of VA's 153 medical centers and more than 900 outpatient clinics. VA's Canandaigua facility is a VA center of excellence focused on suicide prevention, mental health education and research.

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

Wisconsin Launches Operation Quit Tobacco
More than 300 Wisconsin troops and veterans have enrolled in (http://www.ctri.wisc.edu/Home/Quit_Line/OQT/oqt.html) Operation Quit Tobacco, which provides free medication and coaching on how to quit smoking and chewing tobacco to military personnel who call the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669). The program is available to all active duty Wisconsin military personnel as well as Wisconsin National Guard members, reservists and all Wisconsin veterans. Callers who call the Quit Line from a Wisconsin area code receive a free quit kit. For more information, visit the website of the (http://www.ctri.wisc.edu/) University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention (UW-CTRI), which is sponsoring the program.

VA Guarantees Home Loans
Servicemembers returning to the states from overseas can take advantage of the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) home buying guarantee. Servicemembers apply for home loans through a bank or lender as they normally would. Then, the VA loan guarantee is like having a guaranteed co-signer for the servicemember's loan. If the loan defaults for any reason, VA guarantees the bank or lender a percentage paid back. By using VA, some homes can be purchased with no money down, which often means more money in the pocket of servicemembers to buy necessities for their new home. For information about VA home loan guarantees, visit the VA's (http://www.homeloans.va.gov/) Home Loan Guaranty Services website.

Learn more about using your (http://www.military.com/Finance/HomeBuying/) VA Loan benefit at Military.com.

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We offer career opportunities in a variety of disciplines. Whether you're a registered nurse or systems programmer, you'll find a supportive work environment that provides (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 071607_Job) stimulating career paths.

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Find a Construction Job with Helmets to Hardhats
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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.

Make Kids Wear Life Jackets
The U. S. Coast Guard reminds parents that their children should always wear a life jacket while boating. In fact, in most states, children under 13 must wear life jackets -- it is the law. According to the (http://www.usa.safekids.org/tier3_cd.cf ... der_id=300) National SAFE KIDS Campaign, drowning remains second only to motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 1 to 14. The Coast Guard and National SAFE KIDS Campaign strongly recommend adults always wear life jackets as well - not only to keep themselves safe, but to demonstrate safe behavior for their children.

Pentagon Channel Debuts Documentary
They take on military assignments impossible for humans, and even robots, to perform. They are rewarded with fresh food, protection from predators and loving human contact. These unheralded, unknown, and often misunderstood marine mammals save countless lives during their underwater missions. Now, a new edition of the Pentagon Channel's monthly documentary, "Recon," offers a rare glimpse at the work of dolphins and sea lions who act as true "Sentinels of the Sea." The documentary is available throughout July via podcast and video on demand at (http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/) www.PentagonChannel.mil.

Foundation Raises Awareness
"The Greer Foundation raises public awareness of the sacrifices of serving the nation through outreach and commentary on the war on terror," said Steve Greer, the group's founder. While the Greer Foundation's main focus is educating the public about the troops' sacrifices through radio and TV commentary and speaking engagements, it administers two award programs: one honors those killed in action, and the other recognizes children affected by war and conflict. For more information, visit the (http://www.greerfoundation.org/Awards.html) Greer Foundation website.

VA Spreads Blame for Data Loss
According to a recent report by the VA's inspector general, an information technology worker at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs did not properly secure data stored on an external hard drive that was lost or stolen in January. Then he initially lied about the scope of the data breach. But the 79-page report also blames officials at the VA's medical center in Birmingham, Ala., for letting the worker access "vast amounts" of information that was beyond the scope of the projects he was working on. Directors of the center were also taken to task for not ensuring that proper safeguards were put in place for securing data on external drives. For more information, (http://www.va.gov/oig/51/FY2007rpts/VAO ... 83-157.pdf) read the entire report in a .pdf file.

Veterans Report - Week of July 23, 2007

Military Retirement Pay Cap is Lifted
Retiring military personnel - who have had due 30 years of service or more - will no longer have their retirement pay capped at 75 percent of base pay thanks to changes in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007. For example, a member who served 32 years will receive 80 percent of their (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... y-overview) retired pay base and a member who has served 42 years will receive 105 percent of their retired pay base. More detail about the new retirement pay schedule is available from the (http://www.dfas.mil/retiredpay/retiredpaycap.html) Defense Finance and Accounting Service.

All military pay information can be found in (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay) Military.com's Pay Section.

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 ... 072307_Job) View jobs at Alion Science and Technology.

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.

VA Health Care Survey
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently conducting its 2007 update of its national VHA Survey of Enrollees, which will provide information that is incorporated into annual VHA projections of enrollment, utilization and expenditures. The survey collects information on a random sample of 42,000 veterans enrolled in the VA system, who participate in an approximately 15-30 minute telephone survey. Each Veterans Integrated Service Network will have approximately 2,000 enrollees surveyed. The survey was initiated July 8, 2007, and interviewing will continue for 8 weeks.

VA Issues Iowa Veterans Cemetery Grant
The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced the award of a $7.6 million grant to establish a new state veterans cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa, the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. The grant will pay 100 percent of allowable costs for construction, which is scheduled to begin this fall. Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the VA website on the Internet at (http://www.cem.va.gov) www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000. Information about Iowa?s state veterans cemetery can be obtained from the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs at (http://www.iowava.org/vetcemetery/) www.iowava.org/vetcemetery/ or (515) 242-5331.

Beware 'Phishy' Bank of America E-mail
There is a new "phishy" e-mail scam. The e-mail is purported to be from Bank of America, which issues the government travel card used by federal employees. Part of the recent Bank of America phishing e-mail included: "With this upgrade, you are required to update your online account to avert any technical error with our processors. Go to the link bellow to update your account." The messages direct you to a website that tries to trick people into divulging their personal information. If you get an e-mail that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply. Bank of America provides customers with a variety of tools to identify and report fraud at Bank of America's website at (https://www.bankofamerica.com/privacy/C ... mail_fraud) https://www.bankofamerica.com/privacy/C ... mail_fraud.

VA Mental Health Care Programs to Move
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson has announced plans to begin locating some of the Department?s mental health programs closer to places where primary care is provided. ?Given the reluctance of some veterans to talk about emotional problems, increasing our mental health presence in primary care settings will give veterans a familiar venue in which to receive care -- without actually going to an identified mental health clinic,? Nicholson said. Acknowledging that VA officials expect to see increasing numbers of newly returned combat veterans with PTSD and other mental health issues, Nicholson said mental health care is currently provided at each of VA?s 153 medical centers and 882 outpatient clinics.

Navy Plans Joint Health Care Facility
A groundbreaking was held recently at the Great Lakes for the first-ever joint Navy/VA Federal Health Care Facility (FHCF). The facility will be the first to use a completely integrated Navy/VA staff to treat recruits, active-duty servicemembers, retirees, family members and veterans. Naval Health Clinic (NHC) Great Lakes is gradually merging operations with the existing VA staff and facilities to provide a full range of modernized medical and support resources for patients while at the same time eliminating costly duplications. The overall FHCF is planned for completion in 2010.

Organization Provides Reconstructive Surgery
IraqStar, a nonprofit organization based in California, is helping troops wounded in Iraq by offering free cosmetic surgery from some of the Los Angeles area's top plastic surgeons. The surgeons specialize in treating shrapnel scars, burns and other disfiguring injuries sustained in combat. The organization's founder, Maggie Lockridge, is a former Air Force nurse who now specializes in cosmetic surgery and aftercare. For more information, visit the (http://www.iraqstar.org/) IraqStar website.

(http://www.military.com/wounded-warriors) Wounded Warrior News

VA Expands Maryland Veterans Cemetery
The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced the award of a $1.9 million grant to expand the Crownsville Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Maryland. The grant will pay for construction of 2,434 full-casket burial sites, 1,087 in-ground cremation burial sites, 1,056 columbarium niches, utilities, landscaping and irrigation. Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the VA website on the Internet at (http://www.cem.va.gov/) www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000. Information about Maryland?s veterans cemeteries can be obtained from the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs at (http://www.mdva.state.md.us/) www.mdva.state.md.us/ or by calling 410-923-6981.

Free Legal Help for Veterans
The law firm of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice PLLC, recently announced its Washington, D.C., pro bono project "When Duty Calls." Womble Carlyle will host the program in an effort to provide military veterans with pro bono legal assistance in the initial stages of disability claims filed with the Department of Veterans Affairs. For more information, read the article on the Military.com website at (http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202 ... html?wh=wh) www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,142517,00.html?wh=wh.

VA Announces Homeless Grants
Homeless veterans in 37 states will get more assistance thanks to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) selection of 92 community organizations to receive funds for transitional housing this year. The grants are part of VA?s continuing efforts to reduce homelessness among veterans. VA has the largest integrated network of homeless assistance programs in the country. More information about VA?s homeless programs is available on the Internet at (http://www.va.gov/homeless) www.va.gov/homeless. A list of recipients is available by clicking on the link (http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/Homeless-Grants.asp) www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/Homeless-Grants.asp.

House Addresses Traumatic Brain Injury
Members of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee met recently discuss ways to provide treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI), which is considered by many to be the signature injury of the war in Iraq. Among veterans and servicemembers from Iraq and Afghanistan treated at Walter Reed for injuries of any type, approximately 65 percent have TBI as a primary diagnosis or simultaneous injury. Medical doctors, neuropsychologists, researchers and family members attended the symposium to discuss the health care needs of our returning servicemembers. This symposium continues the series of roundtable discussions that the Committee will hold throughout the 110th Congress.

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

5 Must-Know GI Bill Facts
First time users of the GI Bill can find the process confusing and often frustrating. If you are planning to use your GI Bill benefit, there are 5 facts you must know to help make the process easier.

1. You Have 10 Years to Use Your Benefits
2. The GI Bill is Not Federal Financial Aid
3. You Can Stop and Start Using the MGIB as Needed
4. A "Month" of Benefits Doesn't Always Mean a Month
5. The GI Bill Pays According to the Number of Credits You Take

View more details about these (http://education.military.com/money-for ... ucation.nl) 5 GI Bill Facts.

It is also important to know that the MGIB Payment rates increase every year. See the current (http://education.military.com/money-for ... ment-rates) GI Bill payment rate tables to view the details and this year's payment rate.

As a Veteran you may have more than $56,000 in Military Education Benefits. Start using them today. Take the first step by requesting (http://edu.military.com/gibill/page1.do) free information from schools.

VA Disability Pay Set Too Low
The draft of a recent study commissioned by the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission ( (http://www.vetscommission.org/) www.vetscommission.org) has concluded that disability compensation for veterans with severe injuries is set too low. The study suggested that the problem may be particularly acute for the youngest severely injured veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who will face a lifetime earnings gap when compared with their non-disabled peers. Analysis of the Commission?s study is available on the Military.com website at (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,139156,00.html) www.military.com/features/0,15240,139156,00.html.

VA Expands Wisconsin State Cemetery
The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced the award of a $622,580 grant to the state to expand the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner,Wis. The grant will pay for the construction of 460 full-casket burial sites, 444 in-ground cremation burial sites, 704 columbarium niches, a memorial walkway, a storage building, utilities, landscaping and irrigation. Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the VA website on the Internet at (http://www.cem.va.gov/) www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000. Information about Wisconsin?s veterans cemeteries can be obtained from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs at (http://dva.state.wi.us/Cemeteries.asp) dva.state.wi.us/Cemeteries.asp or 608-261-0179.

Veterans' Information Faire
Las Positas College, along with Operation S.A.M. (Supporting All Military), Blue Star Moms, Livermore Veterans Foundation, Pleasanton Military Families, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, are hosting a Veterans? Information Faire. The event is designed to help veterans learn how to use their GI Bill benefits and other financial aid in addition to welcoming back our men and women of the armed forces. The fair will also give veterans the opportunity to learn about college life and community support programs for veterans and their families. The event will take place from 10 am to 2 pm on Monday, August 13, at Las Positas College, 3033 Collier Canyon Road in Livermore, CA at the little theatre in building 800. Admission is free and lunch will be provided. The event is open to all veterans, current servicemembers from all armed forces, reserve components or the National Guard. In addition LPC students or potential students are also welcome to attend. Those interested in attending, should contact Mark Tarte at (mailto:mtarte@laspositascollege.edu) mtarte@laspositascollege.edu or at 925-424-1197 or Todd Steffan at (mailto:tsteffan@laspositascollege.edu) tsteffan@laspositascollege.edu or at 925-424-1582

Free Fitness DVD for Veterans
RMAX International is showing their appreciation for the armed forces by offering all active duty servicemembers a free fitness DVD called FlowFit. The program addresses each of the 6 degrees of human movement. It's available to all skill and fitness levels, no two workouts are the same and it only requires 14 to 18 minute sessions, 3 times a week. The DVD retails at $39.95. It's free; all you have to pay are the shipping costs of $6.95. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 072307_DVD) Get your free DVD here.

Deal of the Week: Refurbished PDA Sale!
Save big on a PDA and get a refurbished model! Select a BlackBerry, Palm Treo or Nokia. Plus get $25 off your order. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 72307_Deal) Get yours online 24/7.

Nicholson to Leave Veterans Affairs

Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Jim Nicholson announced last week that he has tendered his resignation to President George W. Bush, effective no later than Oct. 1, 2007. Nicholson said he wants to return to the private sector. ?This coming February, I turn 70 years old, and I feel it is time for me to get back into business, while I still can.? He said he has no definite plans at this time. Nicholson was elected Chairman of the Republican National Committee in January 1997. Immediately prior to becoming Secretary, he served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See (The Vatican).

You can read more about his resignatiuon on Military.com at (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,142646,00.html) www.military.com/features/0,15240,142646,00.html.

Veterans Report - Week of July 30, 2007

Air Force to Test New Service Coat
Air Force officials begin fit and wear tests of the new service coat for Airmen this fall. About 1,000 Airmen will be selected for the initial fit test to find candidates with a variety of body types. Once those Airmen are identified, about 400 of them will actually participate in the 90-day wear test in the spring of 2008. Air Force leaders settled on a design similar to the uniform worn by Gen. Hap Arnold. Once feedback has been received from the Heritage Coat wear test, the Air Force Uniform Board will make final decisions on the new coat's details and, with approval from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, send it into production. View the (http://www.af.mil/news/story_media.asp?id=123061371) New Air Force Service Coat design.

Visit Military.com for the (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,142970,00.html) Full Story.

Sound Off...What do you think? (http://forums.military.com/1/OpenTopic? ... ubject=New AF Coat Fits 'Warrior Ethos'&x_dpp=Y&x_link=http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,142970,00.html) Join the discussion.

Mental Health Program Expands
The Mental Health Self-Assessment Program (MHSAP) now provides a pre-recorded, interactive telephone self-assessment for those military families and servicemembers who do not have access to the Internet. The toll-free number is (877) 877-3647. At the end of every assessment servicemembers are provided with individualized results and information about further resources. Further enhancements to MHSAP this year also include a pilot Spanish language version of the program and programs to address youth depression and suicide. For more information, visit the Mental Health Self-Assessment Program's website at (http://www.militarymentalhealth.org/) http://www.militarymentalhealth.org.

Operation Landstuhl
The American Legion National Commander has authorized the immediate purchase of $25,000 of telephone calling cards to be given to U.S. troops recovering at Landstuhl (Lond Stool) Regional Medical Center in Germany. The hospital is a stopping point on the journey home for many wounded servicemembers, who are injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. During peak fighting periods, the hospital often accepts more than 900 new patients per month.The cards are just the start of Operation Landstuhl, an American Legion initiative with the goal of raising $50,000 for comfort items to be purchased and sent to the troops at Landstuhl. Those interested in helping the American Legion reach their goal, can make credit card donations online at (http://www.legion.org/) www.legion.org mail a check to Operation Landstuhl, c/o The American Legion, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1055.

Veterans Scholarship Accepting Applications
The Horatio Alger Association's Military Veterans Scholarship is available to veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan or Operation Iraqi Freedom. For more information and to download application forms, visit the (https://www.horatioalger.org/scholarships_military) Horatio Alger Military Veterans Scholarship webpage. The deadline for applications is Sept. 28, 2007.

VA-DoD Disability Reforms
After months of top-level negotiations, the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are only weeks away from testing a plan to streamline and partially merge their separate disability rating processes. This is the result of the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors, which released its final report Wednesday, recommending getting "DoD completely out of the disability business" by giving VA sole responsibility for setting disability ratings and awarding compensation. Visit Military.com for the (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,143756,00.html) Full Story.

Featured Job: Border Patrol Agents
The Border Patrol is recruiting Border Patrol Agents. Apply online at: (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 073107_Job target=_blank) www.borderpatrolagentsapply.com. Individuals, who have applied for or would like to apply for a Border Patrol Agent position, can also call toll-free: 1-877-BP-INFO-1.

Agent Orange Veterans Win Appeal
An indignant federal appeals court has ordered the government to keep paying benefits to hundreds of Vietnam veterans afflicted with a type of leukemia that has been linked to the defoliant Agent Orange. The Department of Veterans Affairs had argued that it owed payments only from October 2003 forward, rather than from when a claim was filed. U.S. District Judge Thelton Henderson disagreed in 2005 and ordered retroactive benefits instead, which the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco upheld last week while saying it hoped that "obstructionist bureaucratic opposition will now cease.''

Hotline Available for Wounded Soldiers
The Army's new "Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline" offers wounded and injured Soldiers and family members a way to seek help to resolve medical issues. The 'Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline' can be reached from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 1-800-984-8523. 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. Soldiers with world-wide access on a Defense Switching Network (DSN) telephone can call a DSN version of the hotline free.

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.

Traumatic Brain Injury Legislation Passes
Legislation offered by U.S. Senators Larry Craig and Daniel Akaka to provide better treatment for those with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) was unanimously adopted recently on the floor of the U.S. Senate and is now a part of the National Defense Authorization Act currently being debated in the Senate. Under the amendment, VA officials would be able to place veterans with brain injuries into medical facilities outside the VA hospital system. It also requires that an initial mental health evaluation be provided to veterans or returning servicemembers no later than 30 days following a request for such an evaluation.

(http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 66&type=CO) Let your elected officials know how you feel about this topic.

Program Helps Disabled Veterans
The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Office (SDVOSB) program is geared toward helping disabled veterans establish second careers as entrepreneurs who do business with the Defense Department. The program is open to disabled veterans from all the nation's wars and all branches of military service. Pentagon officials are also putting the word out to military contracting officers about the government-wide goal to award 3 percent of contracts to businesses owned by disabled veterans. For more information, visit the (http://www.acq.osd.mil/osbp/programs/veterans/) Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs website.

VA Develops New Prosthetic Ankle
Veterans with lower-leg amputations can look forward to having a prosthetic ankle-foot that matches their natural ease of motion, due to research funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and conducted by researchers from the Department and two of the nation's top universities. Researchers say the new ankle-foot prosthetic is the first in a new family of artificial limbs. It will replicate natural motion by propelling people forward using tendon-like springs powered by an electric motor. VA operates about 60 orthotic-prosthetic labs across the country that fabricate, fit and repair artificial limbs or oversee limbs provided by commercial vendors.

Drum and Bugle Corps Goes Cellular
Buglers and drummers from the Oldest Post of the Marine Corps have created the most up-to-date setting for Marine music -- the cellular telephone. "The Commandant's Own," The United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps now features MP3 ringtones, which can be downloaded from any personal computer. As the first in the U.S. Armed Forces to offer cell phone ringtones, the drum & bugle corps personally recorded a diverse mixture of public domain music, to include drum cadences, bugle calls, marches, and their most notable stylings in jazz. For more information, visit "The Commandant's Own" website at (http://drumcorps.mbw.usmc.mil/) http://drumcorps.mbw.usmc.mil.

Possible Link Between Multiple Sclerosis, Gulf War
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is keeping an eye on military veterans, especially those who served in the first Persian Gulf War and have since been diagnosed with the debilitating neurological disease because there appears to be an increased risk for multiple sclerosis in combat veterans. The strongest evidence comes from a 2005 European Neurology study showing that from 1993 to 2000 -- the years following the first Gulf War -- the rate of MS among Kuwaitis more than doubled. For more information on multiple sclerosis, visit the (http://www.nationalmssociety.org/site/P ... n_homepage.) National Multiple Sclerosis Society's website.

Beach Homes for the Brave Program Begins
"Beach Homes for the Brave" is a new program for military veterans and those wounded while serving in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. The program provides the war veterans with a complimentary weekend getaway to Palm Island, Fla. The program includes free ferry transportation to the island, lodging in a fully furnished beachfront home, meals at the Palm Island Resort?s Rum Bay Restaurant, complimentary golf carts and other resort-like privileges on the island. For more information about the program, e-mail Lt. Col. Michael Kiser at (mailto:Michael.kiser@us.army.mil) Michael.kiser@us.army.mil or Sgt. Maj. Steve Valley at (mailto:Stephen.valley@us.army.mil) Stephen.valley@us.army.mil.

The NAVPA "Boots to Books" Conference
The National Association of Veterans' Program Administrators (NAVPA) will hold its 32nd Annual Conference in Albuquerque, NM, October 2-5, 2007. This year's theme, "Boots to Books" recognizes the thousands of veterans attending school many of whom have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. The agenda includes training for school certifying officials and an OJT/Apprentice Training Workshop. It also includes "From the Battlefield to the Classroom" and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) sessions. DoD, and VA representatives from Washington, DC will make presentations. School certifying officials and those who work in other veterans' agencies are welcome attend. Go to (http://www.navpa.org/) www.navpa.org to view this year's agenda and registration information.

NAVPA is a nationally recognized professional organization of institutions and individuals interested in veterans' education.NAVPA promotes the professional competency of school certifying officials and advocate for veterans' education benefits. Learn more about NAVPA at (http://www.navpa.org/) www.navpa.org.

Deal of the Week: Military Discounts
AT&T 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 ... 73007_Deal) Shop 24/7.

Avoid Out-of-Pocket Education Fees
It doesn't matter whether you are active duty, reserve, veteran, retiree, using the GI Bill, or not -- if you are going to college you should take advantage of the Federal Student Aid programs. There are numerous examples of senior active duty members receiving Direct Loans and large grants. (http://education.military.com/money-for ... ocket-fees) Read more about Federal Student Aid here.

Another great way to avoid paying for school is to apply to scholarships. Military.com Scholarship finder has over $300 million worth of free money. (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/sea ... arships.do) Take a look and start applying today.

If you haven't found a school yet and are not sure where to go, request free information from schools that match your personal and academic needs. This search will help you narrow down your choices so you can make the right decision. (http://edu.military.com/gibill/page1.do) Start your search here.

University Opening Doors for Disabled Veterans
The Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University is seeking to help disabled veterans with its Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities. The program is led by Prof. Mike Haynie, a former major in the U.S. Air Force and a professor of entrepreneurship at the school. The program is entirely free to the eligible OEF and OIF Service Connected Disabled Veterans. 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. Questions about the program application procedures and eligibility requirements can be directed to (mailto:EBVinfo@syr.edu) EBVinfo@syr.edu or contact Dr. Haynie at (315) 443-3392, or (mailto:jmhaynie@syr.edu) jmhaynie@syr.edu.

Bugles Across America
The playing of taps is a hallmark of a military funeral. However, since World War II, budget constraints have limited the number of military buglers available to attend veterans' funerals. To make up for that shortfall, Bugles Across America recruits volunteers from high schools, colleges, honor guards and drum-and-bugle corps to be buglers. Volunteers now play taps at about 1,000 funerals a month. 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. Information about eligibility requirements for military funerals is available from the (http://www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil/eligpage.html) Department of Defense's Military Funeral Honors webpage.

Veterans Report - Week of August 06, 2007

USAF Marathon Adds New Elements
In response to runners' requests, Air Force Marathon race officials have adjusted awards categories for this year's half-marathon race. They are now broken into five-year age increments rather than 10. The change is part of a growing list of new elements for this year's Air Force 60th Anniversary event, which is to be held Sept. 15 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. All participants completing the race will receive a 60th Anniversary commemorative finisher's medal. The event is open to the public and all runners are encouraged to register. For more information or to register, visit the (http://www.usafmarathon.com/) United States Air Force Marathon website.

Air Force Begins Issuing New Medal
Staff Sgt. Paxton, recently became the first airman to receive the new Air Force Combat Action Medal. The medal was created to recognize Air Force members who were engaged in air or ground combat off-base, in a combat zone including those who were under or engaged hostile forces with direct and hostile fire. Award eligibility is retroactive to Sept. 11, 2001, including posthumous awards. Personnel no longer on active duty can submit packages to the Board for Correction of Military Records. Airmen should contact their local military personnel flight or the Air Force Contact Center at DSN 665-5000 or (800) 616-3775.

California Passes Bills Funding VA Homes
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed measures that will pave the way for funding two new veterans homes to be built in Redding and Fresno and provide free lifetime state park passes, which will be provided to disabled veterans or veterans who have earned the Congressional Medal of Honor. For more information on benefits for California veterans, call the state veterans department at 1-800-952-5626, or visit www.cdva.ca.gov.

Commission Urges Overhaul of Veterans Care
The President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors has recommended "fundamental changes" including overhauling the veterans disability system for the first time in more than 50 years. Led by former senator Bob Dole and former Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala, the commission issued a package of six broad recommendations intended to transform the military healthcare system and veterans' assistance. The entire final report is available in .pdf format on the (http://www.pccww.gov/) President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors website.

You can find the (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,143756,00.html) full story at Military.com.

HealthierUS Veterans Campaign
VA Secretary Jim Nicholson recently kicked off the New York City "HealthierUS Veterans" campaign at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System. The HealthierUS Veterans initiative is a joint effort by the U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs and Health and Human Services. It is designed to educate veterans, their families, and communities about the health risks of obesity and diabetes. For more information, visit VA's HealthierUS Veterans website at http://www.healthierusveterans.va.gov/.

DoD SMART Scholarship
The Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program provides selected applicants full tuition, money for books, and different levels of salaries, or stipends, depending on the level of education being pursued. The program is targeted toward individuals seeking a career in science, engineering, and research and development. Upon graduation from the program, participants are required to work for one year at DoD laboratories, or other federal agencies, for each year they were enrolled in the program. For more information, visit the SMART website at (http://www.asee.org/smart) www.asee.org/smart.

Agent Orange Tied to Hypertension
A new report from the Institute of Medicine finds limited evidence that exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides used during the Vietnam War is associated with an increased chance of developing high blood pressure in some veterans. Also, two recently published studies of Vietnam veterans who handled Agent Orange and other defoliants provide evidence that these veterans have higher rates of hypertension. The results are consistent with findings from several other studies that looked at the health effects of herbicides and their contaminants on Vietnam veterans but had poorer measures of exposure. (http://www1.va.gov/agentorange/) More information on Agent Orange is available on the VA website.

Group's Horses Benefit Wounded Troops
The nonprofit organization Back in the Saddle Bit by Bit (BITS) helps wounded military heroes and their families regain physical and mental fitness by riding and working with horses. BITS operates as a clearinghouse that identifies qualified programs around the country so wounded warriors can participate in these programs close to home. The Colorado-based group also works to help veterans in its program find employment. The group's officials hope to expand its program to reach as many servicemembers as possible through fundraising efforts. For more information, visit the BITS website at (http://www.bitsbybit.org/) http://www.bitsbybit.org/.

War-Injured Vets Sue VA
A coalition of injured Iraq war veterans is accusing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs of breaking the law by denying them disability pay and mental health treatment. The class-action lawsuit against the Department of Veterans Affairs was filed recently in federal court in San Francisco. The suit claims that numerous VA practices violate the constitutional and statutory rights of veterans with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by denying veterans adequate procedural safeguards in the VA benefits process, access to the judicial process, mandated medical care, and VA benefits as a result of their PTSD. For more information on the lawsuit, visit the (http://www.dralegal.org/cases/public_en ... S_v_VA.php) Disability Rights Advocates website.

Female Veterans Face Added Challenges
A recent program on National Public Radio's program 'Talk of the Nation' included a discussion about access to mental health care and other issues female military servicemembers and veterans face after returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. According to remarks made by experts during the program, female veterans are susceptible to job instability and homelessness and are more likely than men to experience post-traumatic stress disorder. An audio segment of the July 24, 2007 broadcast is available at the (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/stor ... d=12201273) NPR website.

Featured Job: Watch Officer
Reviews network traffic, intrusion detection system (IDS) logs, firewall/router logs, system logs, and other forensic data to determine if Army systems have been compromised, and to assess resultant damage and operational impact. Documents the results of after-action analysis in technical reports and executive briefings. Recommend technical and procedural strategies for global network defense. Prepares/updates/ provides daily operational status briefings. Evaluates, recommends, and drafts Information Assurance (IA) policies and operational methodologies in support of ACERT operations. Location: Ft Belvoir, VA, Clearance Level; TS/SCI Req# 17931BR. To learn more and apply, (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 080607_Job) view the official job posting.

Deal of the Week: Military Discounts
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Admission Deadlines Approaching -- Have you Found the Right School?
There are many factors to consider when choosing a military-friendly school; these include available degree options, the school's policy for using (http://education.military.com/timesavin ... on-program) CLEP and (http://education.military.com/timesavin ... experience) military experience (ACE) credits, accreditation, and the cost of tuition.

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. You can find a school that matches your education needs through Military.com. It's a great place to start your search and it enables you to quickly (http://edu.military.com/gibill/page1.do) search schools and request more information.

Veterans Report - Week of August 13, 2007

DoD, VA Share Health Information
The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have successfully tested and deployed an interface for the Bidirectional Health Information Exchange (BHIE), which is the mechanism that allows the two departments to share electronic health information on patients treated by both departments. The improved interface allows providers at all military treatment facilities to access BHIE directly from AHLTA (the military's electronic health record), eliminating the requirement for login to a separate system to view data from the VA. This new interface also allows VA providers to access information from all DoD health care facilities.

Suicide Hot Line Begins Operations
The Department of Veterans Affairs national suicide prevention hot line for veterans has begun operations. The toll-free hot line number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). VA's hot line will be staffed by mental health professionals in Canandaigua, N.Y. who will take toll-free calls from across the country and work closely with local VA mental-health providers to help callers. To operate the national hot line, VA is partnering with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services.

(http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) PTSD News and Resources

New Teacher Site Available
Veterans who are employed or interested in teaching have a new online resource, TheApple.com. TheApple provides free resources to teachers of all ages and stages, including daily news, job listings, lesson plans, articles, education opportunities and career networking. TheApple also offers videos and a bookstore, along with discussion boards where educators can connect, share experiences and learn. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 7_TheApple) Membership at TheApple is free.

5 Must Know GI Bill Facts
The GI Bill is a benefit you earned. Here are 5 must know facts that will help you better understanding how it works.

1) You have 10 years to use your benefits. Once you have separated from the service you have 10 years to use it - or loose it.

2) The GI Bill is not Federal Financial Aid. College and University financial aid departments do not consider the MGIB financial aid because it is normally paid directly to you, not the school. This also means that you are eligible for student loans, (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... holarships) scholarships, and Pell Grants along with the GI Bill.

3) You can stop and start using the MGIB as needed. Unfortunately, many people believe that once you apply for benefits you have to remain enrolled in school to get the full benefit. Thankfully that's not true.

4) A "month" of benefits doesn't always mean a month. The GI Bill benefit provides 36 months of education benefits. The term "months" can often be confusing. The "36 months" of benefits does not mean you have only 36 months to use it, nor does it mean you must use it all in one 36 month period. (http://education.military.com/money-for ... bill-facts) Learn more about the way payments are broken down here.

5) The GI Bill pays according to the number of credits you take. The GI Bill payment rates are based on several factors, the biggest being your credit load. For example a fulltime student will get up to $1075 a month while a half-time student will only get half that amount.

Don't let your benefit expire. Take the first step and (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 81307_MGIB) request free information from schools that match your education needs and schedule.

Coming Home Project
The San Francisco-based "Coming Home Project" is devoted to providing compassionate care and support for veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. The organization is made up of veterans, psychotherapists, and interfaith leaders. These individuals offer workshops and retreats as well as psychological counseling by licensed therapists for veterans and family members. The group also offers training and advice for caregivers. All programs are free and confidential. For more information, visit the (http://www.cominghomeproject.net/ComingHome/) Coming Home Project website.

VA-DoD Disability Reforms
The President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors, in releasing its final report, recommended getting "DoD completely out of the disability business" by giving VA sole responsibility for setting disability ratings and awarding compensation. Disabled service members would see the current "confusing, parallel systems of ratings and compensation" replaced by a single, simple and more generous system. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,143756,00.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!

House Passes Two Vet Health Care Bills
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2007 ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=10164671) H.R. 2874). The bill would provide financial assistance for low-income veterans residing in permanent housing and support services as they transition from homeless to housing. The bill also addresses the needs of veterans living in rural areas by providing program grants for transportation to VA medical facilities. The Hospice Care ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9993876) H.R. 2623) bill also passed the House. It would prohibit the collection of copayments for all hospice care furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

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

VA Considers Recovery Coordinators
One of the recent recommendations of the Presidential Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors is to assign recovery coordinators or case managers to severely wounded servicemembers and veterans to help them access benefits and ongoing care. Defense and VA officials have agreed that the concept of a full-time patient-recovery coordinators would greatly help severely wounded warriors and veterans access needed services. A recent joint Defense Department/Veterans Affairs July meeting at the Pentagon also addressed non-clinical care management issues affecting severely wounded servicemembers and veterans.

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

Army's Hot Line Aids Soldiers, Families
The Army's four-month-old "Wounded Soldier and Family Hot Line" provides a more direct way for wounded soldiers and their families to obtain information for medical issues. Since its inception in March, 2007, the hotline has fielded more than 5,000 calls, involving more than 1,300 issues. Callers' issues are distributed to subject-matter experts for resolution. The hotline staff later contacts callers to ensure they have been helped. The hot line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Army's Wounded Soldier and Family Hot Line can be accessed at 1-800-984-8523. Overseas customers can call the hotline via the Defense Switched Network, or DSN, at 312-328-0002.

(http://www.military.com/wounded-warriors) Wounded Warrior News

Legislation Would Allow Salute to the Flag
Legislation sponsored by U.S. Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=481&lvl=C&chamber=S) Jim Inhofe ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=10173166) S.1877) clarifies U.S. law to allow veterans and servicemen not in uniform to salute the flag. Current law (US Code Title 4, Chapter 1) states that veterans and servicemen not in uniform should place their hand over their heart without clarifying whether they can or should salute the flag. The bill passed in the Senate recently by unanimous consent.

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

VA Announces Nursing Initiative
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is launching a new initiative that joins the Department's world-class health care system with four of the country's finest nursing schools. VA selected the nursing schools in Florida, California, Utah and Connecticut for special partnerships with local VA health care facilities as part of the new VA Nursing Academy. The Academy's "Enhancing Academic Partnerships" pilot program will enable these nursing schools to expand the number of nursing faculty, thus increasing student enrollment by about 1,000 students and promoting innovations in nursing education. Further information about the pilot program can be obtained from VA's (http://www.va.gov/oaa) Office of Academic Affiliations website.

VA Dedicates New Office at Ft. Bragg
VA and Ft. Bragg have opened a newly expanded facility at the post's Soldier Support Center. Staff at the VA office can explain to separating servicemembers the full range of health care, disability, home loan, vocational and educational benefits offered by VA. They can also help file a claim for benefits, provide a medical examination to record any disabilities, and plan a program of education and training that will help them return to productive employment after discharge. The Benefits Delivery Office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays. Information on VA benefits can also be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-827-1000, or by visiting the (http://www.va.gov/) VA website.

To learn about military benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/Benefits/0,14972,,00.htm) Military.com Benefits Section.

VA's Suicide Hot Line Begins Operations
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun operation of its national suicide prevention hot line for veterans. The toll-free hot line number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). VA's hot line will be staffed by mental health professionals in Canandaigua, N.Y. They will take toll-free calls from across the country and work closely with local VA mental health providers to help callers. To operate the national hot line, VA is partnering with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

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

Featured Job: Border Patrol Agents
The Border Patrol is recruiting Border Patrol Agents. Apply online at: (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 081307_Job) BorderPatrolAgentsApply.com. Individuals, who have applied for or would like to apply for a Border Patrol Agent position, can also call toll-free: 1-877-BP-INFO-1.

DoD, VA Work to Integrate Health Records
The Defense Department and the Department of Veterans Affairs took the first step recently toward developing a joint electronic health record system that will better serve wounded servicemembers and veterans. The two departments hired an independent contractor to make an assessment of how best to create the joint system, which will bring together inpatient records from more than 200 hospitals. The Defense Department and VA already share patient information in certain cases. Also, the Defense Department provides all patient records for severely wounded warriors to VA polytrauma centers where they go for treatment.

Fisher-Price Recalls Toys
A voluntary recall has been announced of 967,000 Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, and other children's toys manufactured by Fisher-Price Inc. Surface paints on the toys could contain excessive levels of lead. The toys were sold in retail stores nationwide May 2007 - August 2007. Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Fisher-Price. Consumers will need to return the product and will receive a voucher for a replacement toy of the consumer's choice up to the value of the returned product. For additional information contact Fisher-Price at (800) 916-4498 anytime or visit the (http://www.service.mattel.com/us/recall ... l_id=52430) Mattel website.

Enter the ROTC Blog Contest
All ROTC affiliated members are invited to enter a monthly Blog Contest by responding to the following question, "What would you tell a high school senior who is considering ROTC?"

The entry with the most votes will win a Nikon D40, 6.1 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera Kit. Runners up will be awarded an iPod nano. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 81307_ROTC) Enter the contest or vote for your favorite entry now.

House Passes Thank You Act
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=8682586) H.R. 23, The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007. The bill would establish a Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund to provide monthly payments in the amount of $1,000 to qualifying members of the United States Merchant Marines who served during World War II. H.R. 23 includes qualifying members of the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service. The Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund would be available only to all qualifying mariners who apply by Oct. 1, 2008.

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

Premium Change for Some Retirees
Participants in the Uniformed Services Survivor Benefit Plan for retired military members face some changes. Effective Oct. 1, 2008, SBP participants who reach 70 years of age and have made 360 payments (30 years), will no longer have to pay premiums for continued SBP coverage and will be placed in "Paid-up SBP" status. Also, there will be a paid-up status for participants in the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan once they reach 70 years of age. No action is required of SBP participants to be placed in Paid-up SBP status. More information on Paid-up SBP, should be available at the (http://www.dfas.mil/retiredpay.html) DFAS website within the next several months.

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

Battleship Missouri Commemorates Birthdays
Every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces recognizes its official "birthday." The Battleship Missouri Memorial is offering complimentary admission to all retired military and active-duty personnel throughout the week of their respective service birthday. Immediate family members will enjoy 50 percent off admission. Qualified visitors must present a valid military I.D. during their corresponding service birthday week at the Missouri's ticket window on Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. The remaining birthday dates during 2007 are Sept. 15, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, and Dec. 8. For more information, call toll-free 1-877-MIGHTYMO (1-877-644-4896) or visit (http://www.ussmissouri.org/) www.ussmissouri.org.

New VA Clinic Planned for Guam
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced plans to construct a new, $5.4 million clinic on the periphery of the Guam's naval hospital. The plan calls for a 6,000 square-foot outpatient clinic with its own parking area. Patients will not have to pass through Navy security to get to the facility. The new clinic is scheduled to open in the summer of 2009. The new outpatient clinic replaces the existing 2,700 square-foot VA clinic at the naval hospital. VA will still partner with the naval facility for emergency and after-hours health care, acute inpatient care and some specialty services.

Pentagon Channel Features Wheelchair Games
The Pentagon Channel's new documentary takes viewers to the 27th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, held this year June 19-23 in Milwaukee. Athletes from 45 states competed in more than a dozen different disciplines in what has become the world's largest wheelchair sports event. The games allowed disabled vets coming home from service in Iraq and Afghanistan to meet and compete with veterans from as far back as World War II. "Recon: Wheels of Courage" will air throughout the month of August. The program also is available via podcast and video on demand at (http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/) www.pentagonchannel.mil.

Deal of the Week: Save on Apple Products
Exclusive savings for Military.com members. Additional savings on these refurbished products from Apple. Look for the red "SAVE" tag on the lower right side of the Apple online MPP store. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 81307_Deal) View a product listing.

Meet the Challenge -- 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 read their report and to donate to this worthy endeavor.

For information on how to join the American go to (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _081307_AL) www.Legion.org/Join.

2007 DoD Employer Support Freedom Awards
The Department of Defense has announced the 2007 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award recipients. This year's list of award recipients includes Augustine and Sons, Inc., Con-way Inc., Creative Healthcare Solutions, Custom Hardware Engineering, Inc., Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Gantts Excavating & Contracting Inc, General Motors Corporation, New Hampshire State Police, Nucor Corporation, Sierra Pacific Resources, Sodexho USA, State of Tennessee, Turbocam, Ultra Machining Company, Wilmington VA Medical Center.

Previous recipients of the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award include Starbucks Corporation, American Express, General Electric, Harley-Davidson, The Home Depot, Las Vegas? MGM Mirage, the State of Vermont, Strategic Solutions Incorporated, and the Sprint Corporation.

More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at (http://www.esgr.mil/) www.esgr.mil or by calling the ESGR office at (800) 336-4590.

Translators Offered Big Cash Bonuses
The Army is now offering individuals who speak certain Middle-Eastern languages a $10,000 enlistment bonus for enlisting as a Translator Aide in the U.S. Army Individual Ready Reserve. Individuals without previous military service who enlist in the active Army or Army Reserve may also be eligible for an Army Civilian Skills bonus of $5,000 for the Army or $15,000 for the Army Reserve. These bonuses may also include an additional $20,000 Quick Ship bonus for those who are willing to report to basic training within 30 days. This $20,000 quick-ship bonus may be combined with the Army's other cash enlistment bonuses for a maximum combination of $40,000 for those who enlist for at least four years.

Note: In addition to regular pay and benefits, Army Translators also qualify for up to $1,000 a month in Foreign Language Proficiency Pay.

Contact an (https://secure.military.com/Recruiting/ ... cialty=09L) Army Recruiter to learn how you can become an Army Arabic Translator and earn bonuses of up to $40,000.

All military pay information can be found in (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay) Military.com's Pay Section. To find complete information on current cash enlistment incentives (signing bonuses) and reenlistment bonuses offered by each of the Armed Forces, visit the (http://www.military.com/recruiting/bonus-center/) Military.com Bonus Center.

Golden Age Games Set for Houston
More than 500 "golden age" veterans will travel to Houston to participate in the 21st National Veterans Golden Age Games August 27 - 31, 2007. Sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) and Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV), the Games' competitions are open to all U.S. military veterans, age 55 or older, currently receiving care at a VA medical facility. For more information, visit the (http://www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov/) Golden Age Games website, or call Jenny Tankersley Ballou, National Veterans Golden Age Games public affairs coordinator, at (757) 728-3450 or (757) 254-6058.

Veterans Report - Week of August 20, 2007

Foundation Offers Thanks
The Thank You Foundation is saying "thank you" to America's servicemembers and veterans through its Thank You Card and Veterans Certificate Programs. The Thank You cards can be given to anyone who is serving or has served in the military. The organization has arranged for cards to be sent in care packages to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and to veterans in nursing homes. The Certificates of Appreciation are presented at homecomings and other events honoring Veterans and Active Duty Personnel. The organization also sponsors similar program and special activities. For more information, visit the (http://www.thethankyoufoundation.org/index.php) Thank You Foundation website.

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

Bill Would Allow Vets to Salute the Flag
The Senate has introduced a bill ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=10173166) S.1877) clarifying U.S. law to allow veterans and service personnel not in uniform to salute the flag. Current law (US Code Title 4, Chapter 1) states that veterans and servicemembers not in uniform should place their hand over their heart without clarifying whether they can or should salute the flag.

Editor's Note: There are wide spread false reports claiming that this bill has passed. This bill has not yet gone to the full Senate for a vote, which is not expected to happen until the Senate returns from summer recess in September.

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

Hearing Held on Education Needs
U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, recently held a hearing focused on the education needs and issues facing veterans, active-duty servicemembers, and members of the Guard and Reserve. The Committee heard testimony from representatives of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the National Guard Bureau. The witnesses provided input on the current status of various educational benefits programs, thoughts on possible changes, and the impact changes would have on the military's ability to recruit and retain needed personnel.

GI Bill Offers On-the-Job-Training
Most veterans know they can use their GI Bill to pay for the costs of their college education. But, many veterans are not aware that they can use their GI Bill benefits to pay for on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs. If eligible, a newly hired veteran employee can receive up to $15,480 of tax-free supplemental income from his GI Bill during a two-year, experienced-based training program. National Guardsmen and reservists may also be eligible if they are currently under a six-year contract or have been called to active duty for at least 90 consecutive days since Sept. 11, 2001. Payments are made directly to the veteran. For more information, visit the (http://education.military.com/money-for ... jt-program) Montgomery GI Bill Apprenticeship web page.

Minnesota Debuts 24-hour Hot Line
The State of Minnesota has unveiled its new "Veterans Linkage Line," a 24-hour hot line designed to get veterans help with everything from crisis counseling to health and education benefits. The hot line, 1-888-LinkVet, augments the state's Minnesota Veteran One-Stop website at (http://www.minnesotaveteran.org/) www.minnesotaveteran.org, which offers more detailed information about benefits, programs and services to Minnesota veterans and their families. The "Veterans Linkage Line" is meant to simplify access to a wide range of services in order to ease the transition back to civilian life.

Featured Job: Alion Science and Technology
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State-by-State Guide to Disability Resources
Visitors to the DisabilityInfo.gov website can locate disability programs and information for their state. To browse through state information, select one of the nine subject tabs at the top of any DisabilityInfo.gov page. Then click on the State and Local Resources map on the right-hand side bar to find information on that subject in your state. You can also subscribe to receive e-mail updates on information and resources in your state. For more information, visit the DisabilityInfo.gov website at (http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/) http://www.disabilityinfo.gov.

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

Latest Fisher House Dedicated at Tampa
The newest Fisher House was dedicated recently at Tampa, Fla.-based James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital. "This new Fisher House gives military families a safe, comfortable, home-like environment, allowing them to be near their loved ones during their recoveries." said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. This is the 38th Fisher House built by the Fisher House Foundation and the ninth operated by VA, and it can accommodate up to 21 families. Some families travel long distances to Tampa's Polytrauma Center, one of four unique VA polytrauma facilities in the United States where the most severely injured and disabled veterans are treated.

Translators in High Demand
Our nation's defense has always depended on the military's ability to glean information from foreign language newspapers, magazines, radio broadcasts and other sources. Nowhere is this more important than in the countries of Iraq and Afghanistan. The Army needs speakers of Middle-Eastern languages to serve as interpreter/translators on both active and reserve duty. Being an Army linguist gives Soldiers the opportunity to learn new languages or hone their current language skills while serving a vital role in our nation's defense. (http://www.military.com/Careers/Content ... =Reference) Learn more about becoming an Army Linguist.

Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2007
The Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2007 would allow the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability (currently, only a disability rated at 50 percent or more). The proposed legislation ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=10192011) S. 439 and (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=10192031) H.R. 303) would make individuals who were retired or separated from military service due to a service-connected disability eligible for the full concurrent receipt of both veterans' disability compensation and either military retired pay or combat-related special pay.

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

Iraq Veterans Suffer Stress, Alcoholism
An extensive study of the British military found that thousands of frontline veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan face escalating mental health problems, alcoholism, and a family breakdown. The report in the British Medical Journal Online states that prolonged periods in conflict are linked to higher levels of post traumatic stress disorder, psychological distress and problems at home. The full text of the study is available at the (http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/bmj ... 85752.BEv1) British Medical Journal.

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-year clock is reset. In other words, you get 10 years from your last discharge. Visit the (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 82007_MGIB) GI Bill FAQ page for more information.

Don't let your benefit expire. Take the first step and (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _082007.nl) request free information from schools that match your education needs and schedule.

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 ... _082007.nl) database geared specifically for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Take a look and find the right scholarships for you.

Legislation to Create VA Epilepsy Centers
U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Larry Craig (R-ID) have announced joint legislation to establish six Department of Veterans Affairs Epilepsy Centers of Excellence across the country. The bill is an attempt to ensure that the VA is prepared and equipped to deal with one possible long-term impact of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) -- the occurrence of epilepsy. The Murray-Craig bill would require the designation of the Epilepsy Centers of Excellence within 120 days after enactment. The locations of the centers would be determined by the VA Secretary.

(http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 96&type=CO) Let your elected officials know how you feel about this pending legislation.

Post Office Reissues Purple Heart Stamp
The U.S. Postal Service issued the 41 cent Purple Heart stamp for public sale earlier this month. According to the Postmaster General, the stamp commemorates servicemembers' sense of duty, dedication to service, spirit of valor, and willingness to sacrifice. The 41-cent stamp is the third issue of the Purple Heart postage stamp, which honors the Purple Heart medal and those who wear it. Aug. 7, 2007 marked the 225th anniversary of the Purple Heart. For more information about the medal, including educational materials for students, visit the (http://www.purpleheart.org/) Military Order of the Purple Heart website.

Freedom Walks Total 157 Nationwide
Planning for the 2007 America Supports You Freedom Walk is under way in the nation's capital as well as in 41 states across the country. The First Freedom Walk was created by Pentagon employees to commemorate the attack on the building and to honor the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001 and was held on Sept. 11, 2005. So far, organizers have registered 157 Freedom Walks across the country. A list of registered walks and when they are taking place can be found on the (http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/freedomwalk) Freedom Walk website along with information on how to host your own Freedom Walk.

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Connecticut Passes Two Bills
The State of Connecticut recently passed a bill that requires that at least one of the six veteran service officers in the state's advocacy and assistance unit be proficient in English and Spanish. The second bill extends the grace period from six months to one year. During this grace period, the State of Connecticut must renew certain professional credentials that expire while the license holder is on active duty in the armed forces. The credentials include licenses for physical therapists, nurses, dental hygienists, social workers, paramedics, barbers, and school teachers. Both laws take effect immediately.

Veterans Report - Week of August 27, 2007

Shingles Vaccine Available to VA Patients
A vaccine for shingles, which Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) researchers helped develop, is available to veterans who are patients at VA medical facilities nationwide. VA physicians will offer the vaccine to patients with appropriate medical conditions, usually those who are 60 years of age or older and have healthy immune systems. A single dose of the vaccine offers protection against shingles, which is scientifically named Herpes Zoster. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,147024,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

Personal Information Stolen From AXPOW Headquarters
On August 11 or 12, 2007, there was a break-in at National Headquarters for the American Ex-Prisoners of War, 3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40, Arlington, Texas 76010. All computer hard drives were stolen, along with several days of mail, checks and cash awaiting deposit and assorted paper files and records. These records include National Service Officer work, protected under Federal law.

The Arlington Police Department, IRS, Department of Veterans Affairs, the United States Federal Attorney in Dallas and the USPS Postal Inspector were all notified.

The concern is the database of members. These records, approximately 35,000, have social security numbers, dates of birth and VA claim numbers in them, along with names, addresses and other personal information. AXPOW members need to be alert for any fraudulent activities concerning their finances.

Station Seeks WWII Stories
World War II veterans and their families are requested to supply KETC-TV (Channel 9) in St. Louis with information, letters and memories. Creation of the project "Your Stories: St. Louis Remembers World War II" began this spring in anticipation of Ken Burns' 15-hour epic documentary, "The War," which will be broadcast on PBS affiliate stations during a two-week span beginning Sept. 23, 2007. The station invites the sharing through postal mail and e-mail on the (http://www.ketc.org/yourstories/) KETC website. The "Your Stories" project will continue through Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2007. The mailing address is: Your Stories, KETC, 3655 Olive St., St. Louis Mo. 63108.

Check out Military.com's History Channel to read (http://www.military.com/History_Content ... yd,00.html) Veterans' Stories from past conflicts.

VA Announces Modernization Plans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced several major enhancements at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center in New York state to include new construction and renovation. VA has officially opened its National Suicide Prevention Hot Line at Canandaigua, which will provide round-the-clock national assistance for veterans. The hot line is staffed by mental health professionals taking toll-free calls from veterans across the country. The number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Veterans in need of assistance are connected with on-call professionals, then referred for follow-up treatment at their local VA facility.

More Help for Homeless Veterans
Nationwide, nearly half of today's homeless veterans served in Vietnam. Many struggled for decades with drug dependency or post-traumatic stress disorder before finding themselves on the streets. Now veterans of the Iraq War are returning home, and a new report by the advocacy group Swords to Plowshares says many already are seeking emergency housing. A recent federal study found that female veterans are especially vulnerable to homelessness. As chairwoman of the subcommittee that funds federal housing programs, U.S. Sen. (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=611&lvl=C&chamber=S) Patty Murray, D-Wash., was able to include $75 million in a (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 56&type=CO) 2008 federal spending bill to provide more resources for homeless veterans. The bill has passed the Senate Appropriations Committee and will advance to the full Senate when Congress returns in September. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,146824,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

(http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 26&type=CO) Take Action: Legislation to create housing program for veterans.

The 3 Most Common Education Questions
1. With so many "Diploma Mills" around, how can I judge the quality of an online education program? (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... on_Answers) Answer

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If you haven't found a school yet, then the best way to get started is to request free information from schools that match your education needs. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _082707.nl) Search and get information here.

'Operation Education' Launched
With a slogan of "You've served us; now let us serve you - with a college degree," the school launched Operation Education in June 2006. "Operation Education is a scholarship program that was designed to provide financial and social support for disabled veterans who have been wounded since 9/11," Karen White, the scholarship's chairman, said. "The program is individually tailored to each applicant and what that particular person or that family unit's needs are." For more information, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,146939,00.html) read the article at Military.com or visit the (http://www.uihome.uidaho.edu/operationeducation) Operation Education 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.

Wounded Troops Get Help Rebuilding Lives
A charitable group in Washington state has made it its goal to create warm, safe and accessible homes for injured veterans. The "Heroes at Home" program aims to help military families and veterans remain in the homes they own and the communities in which they live and contribute to, said Becky Carter, program manager of veterans housing for the Washington-based group "Rebuilding Together." Through the Heroes at Home program, Rebuilding Together and Sears Holdings are working to improve the lives of military families in need across America. Help comes in the form necessary repairs, improvements or modifications to these families' homes at no cost to them. For more information, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,146663,00.html) read the article or visit the (http://rebuildingtogetherstage.forumone.com/) Rebuilding Together website.

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Better Pay for Combat-Related Disabilities
The Bush administration is preparing a legislative proposal to present to Congress in September that would establish a separate and, under most circumstances, a more generous disability package for service members who are injured in war or while training for war, sources said. Annuity amounts would be based on the formula used to calculate regular retired pay: 2.5 percent of basic pay multiplied by years in service. A wounded warrior with two years of service thus would get five percent of basic pay. Likewise, a service member injured in combat training who had served 10 years when found unfit would get 25 percent of basic pay. These members also would be get lifetime TRICARE, the military health and pharmacy plan. Separately they would get disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs for any and all service-connected injuries or ailments. The legislation is being drafted by DoD and VA officials and they continue to work out critical details. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,146937,00.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!

Legislation Would Create Epilepsy Centers
U.S. Senators (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=611&lvl=C&chamber=S) Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=206&lvl=C&chamber=S) Larry Craig (R-ID) have announced joint legislation to establish six Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Epilepsy Centers of Excellence across the country. The bill is an attempt to ensure that the VA is prepared and equipped to deal with one possible long-term impact of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - the occurrence of epilepsy. The Murray-Craig bill would require the designation of the Epilepsy Centers of Excellence within 120 days after enactment. The locations of the centers would be determined by the VA Secretary.

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Feud Deepens Over Filipino Pensions
Democrat (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=674&lvl=C&chamber=H) Bob Filner, chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, and Republican (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=241&lvl=C&chamber=H) Steve Buyer, ranking Republican and former chairman, have been feuding since the 110th Congress convened in January. Their feud took on new intensity in July over an issue that pits pensions for Filipino veterans who fought with Americans in World War II against additional pension dollars for a group of elderly American wartime veterans made homebound by non-service connected disabilities. A House bill ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=9423936) H.R. 760) is attempting to address this issue. A tough floor fight over the bill is expected in September. For more information, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,145397,00.html) read the article on the Military.com website.

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Sioux Falls Program Seeks Caregivers
The Sioux Falls South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center is offering a new program called the Medical Foster Home Program for veterans who are unable to remain in their own homes because of health issues. The new program is looking for caregivers who are willing to take veterans into their homes and provide 24-hour supervision and assistance. For information contact Kris Breitag at 605-333-6861, or Jennifer Lacey at 605-336-3230, ext. 5996.

Michigan's First VA Live-in Rehab Opens
The Battle Creek Michigan Veterans Affairs Medical Center recently began accepting patients into its new Domiciliary Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program. The Center, covering 20 counties in Michigan, is the first to provide residential rehabilitation treatment for veterans in Michigan. The program gives area veterans who find themselves homeless because of drug and alcohol addictions or long-term mental illnesses a temporary home and medical services under the same roof.

Resources:

* (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... -treatment) Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment
* (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... s-programs) Homeless Veterans Programs



Meet the Challenge: 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 read their report and to donate to this worthy endeavor.

For information on how to join The American Legion, go to (http://www.legion.org/Join) www.Legion.org/Join.

Register for the Boston Career Fair
The Military.com Career Fair is coming to Boston on September 5, 2007. The 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. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... areer_Fair) Register today.

Veterans Report - Week of September 03, 2007

Shingles Vaccine Available to VA Patients
A vaccine for shingles is available to veterans who are patients at VA medical facilities nationwide. VA physicians will offer the vaccine to patients with appropriate medical conditions, usually those who are 60 years of age or older and have healthy immune systems. A single dose of the vaccine offers protection against shingles. VA researchers and patients from across the country participated in studies which led to the vaccine's approval by the Food and Drug Administration. The vaccine is available immediately to those who are recommended for the treatment.

Idaho Offers Scholarships for Veterans
The University of Idaho has launched its scholarship program "Operation Education," which is designed to provide financial and social support for disabled veterans who have been wounded since 9/11. The program is individually tailored to each applicant. Servicemembers applying for University of Idaho Operation Education scholarships must have been severely injured on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001, and must be accepted by the university. Idaho students are given priority. The scholarship also is open to spouses. For more information, visit the (http://www.uihome.uidaho.edu/operationeducation) Operation Education 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.

New VA Health Care Center for Texas
A new Health Care Center on the ground of the University of Texas in Harlingen has been announced by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The new center will eliminate the vast majority of trips required by south Texas veterans to VA medical facilities in San Antonio. The announcement also included plans to expand services by VA health care facilities in McAllen and Corpus Christi. When the facility is completed, it will provide a full range of expanded services in collaboration with the University of Texas Regional Academic Health Center.

Vets Welcomed at Colleges
As servicemembers return from Iraq and Afghanistan, some at San Diego State are raising their heads and making themselves more visible. They've started a veterans' organization that is one of the most active in the country. The group, which lines up support services for veteran students, lobbies for benefits and hosts social events, is fielding calls from other campuses interested in copying the idea. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,1 ... 18,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

VA Plans Major Improvements in Los Angeles

Modern facilities for the future health care needs of veterans, new services for local homeless veterans, a columbarium and a regional office for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are all closer to becoming reality in Los Angeles. The new columbarium will provide critically needed space for the cremated remains of veterans. Relocating the regional office, which handles claims for disability pay and other VA benefits, from the Los Angeles Federal Building to the medical center campus will provide more convenient services for veterans who need to coordinate medical care with benefits claims processing.


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Grant Expands West Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the award of a $743,035 grant to expand the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery in Kona, which will pay for the initial development of a new burial section, a committal service shelter, an assembly area, an in-ground cremation burial section, supporting roads, walkways and infrastructure. Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from VA's national cemetery offices, from (http://www.cem.va.gov/) VA's Burials and Memorials webpage or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000. Information about Hawaii's state veterans cemeteries can be obtained from the Hawaii Office of Veterans Service by calling 808-433-0420. Find more information about (http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) military burial benefits at the Military.com Benefits Section.

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

Hear 4 You
The new, no-cost program "Hear 4 You" aims to develop a network of volunteers to listen to military personnel and their families affected by post-deployment stress and post-traumatic stress disorder. The program is one of many services offered by (http://www.silverstarfamilies.org/) Silver Star Families of America, which supports families of wounded servicemembers. Thirteen Silver Star Families of America volunteers man e-mail or instant-messaging accounts to answer concerns of servicemembers. Military personnel or family members wishing talk to a volunteer through the Hear 4 You program can do so through the (http://www.silverstarfamilies.org/Hear4 ... Intro.html) Hear 4 You webpage.

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

Veterans Lose GI Bill After 10 Years
Many veterans are unaware that their GI Bill benefits will expire after 10 years and a little over 50 percent of eligible veterans use their GI Bill at all. You only have ten years to use your GI Bill from your date of discharge. Since the GI Bill currently pays out over $1000 a month, or $37,000 over 36 months, you could be missing out on a huge benefit. To learn more about your G.I Bill benefits, visit the (http://education.military.com/education-home/) Military.com Education Center. To learn more about GI Bill benefits and military-friendly schools, (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 07_edu_ctr) request free information today.

Ear Damage Linked to Brain Injuries
Eardrum damage resulting from the blast waves of explosions could be a sign of undetected traumatic brain injury among troops, according to new research unveiled last week.

One of the authors of the study, which tracked 662 blast injury survivors, said the data should serve as a warning to physicians and troops to watch for long-term neurological damage even after what seems to be a minor ear injury. The research was published in the Aug. 23 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,147199,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

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Personal Data for 35,000 Vets Stolen
Personal records including addresses and Social Security numbers of more than 35,000 veterans and their families were stolen this month from the offices of a POW support organization in Texas, officials announced Friday.

Leadership of the American Ex-Prisoners of War said they are working with local, state and federal authorities to track down the burglars, but they are asking all their members to watch for signs of illegal activity.

Veterans concerned about the possibility of identity theft can contact one of the three major consumer reporting agencies to obtain a free credit report and review their current financial status. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,147201,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

Tampa Pain Center Receives Award
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson has praised the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) acclaimed Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Program at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital. The Tampa pain program was one of six facilities - and the only VA facility - to receive the American Pain Society's first "Clinical Centers of Excellence in Pain Management Awards," honoring the nation's outstanding pain care centers. Patients in the VA pain program have, on average, a 50 percent reduction in pain during treatment. More than half of polytrauma patients leave the facility free of prescribed pain medications, while others have substantially reduced dosages.

Better Pay for Combat-Related Disabilities?
The Bush administration is preparing a legislative proposal to present to Congress in September that would establish a separate and, under most circumstances, a more generous disability package for servicemembers who are injured in war or while training for war, sources said. Under the plan, recommended by the Dole-Shalala commission, servicemembers found unfit for duty as a result of combat or combat-training injuries, regardless of the number of years served, would qualify for an immediate lifetime annuity from the Department of Defense. For more information, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,146937,00.html) read the article on the Military.com website.

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

Site for New Orleans VA Medical Center Announced
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a preferred downtown site for reconstruction of a VA Medical Center in New Orleans. The preferred site is located on 34 acres of land bounded by South Rocheblave Street to the north, South Galvez Street to the south, Tulane Avenue to the west, and Canal Street to the east. The downtown site must now undergo a mandatory environmental assessment, along with another site under consideration located 4.5 miles away in Jefferson Parish.

Veterans Report - Week of September 10, 2007

College Credit for Seabee Courses
The American Council of Education (ACE) recently recommended an additional 100 college credits for 30 Seabee "C" and "F" schools, which are part of the curriculum taught by the Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering (CSFE). ACE representatives evaluated 30 courses that had not previously been assessed. Sailors still need to go to a local Navy College Office to determine if the credits will be accepted at the college or university of their choice. For more information on the courses recommended for credit recommendation, visit the (http://www.militaryguides.acenet.edu/CourseSearch.asp) ACE website. For detailed information on Seabee ratings visit the (https://wwwa.nko.navy.mil/portal/commni ... yId=comm16) Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering site on Navy Knowledge Online.

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.

San Francisco Fleet Week 2007
Join us Oct. 4th-9th at the San Francisco Pier to help celebrate the men and women of our armed forces. A spectacular weekend family event featuring the Navy Blue Angels, a Parade of Navy ships and other exciting demonstrations. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _FleetWeek) More on Fleet Week 2007.

VA to Update Kansas Veterans Homes
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is awarding three grants to the State of Kansas totaling more than $2.2 million for facilities in Ft. Dodge and Winfield. At the Ft. Dodge home, the grants will pay for life-safety renovations and provide back-up generators. The home in Winfield is receiving a generator, a sprinkler system and other renovations. For more information on the Kansas state veterans homes, please visit the (http://www.kcva.org/) Kansas Commission on Veterans' Affairs website or call (620) 227-2121, ext. 148.

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

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Congress May Create War Dog Monument
The West Coast War Dog Memorial in California may soon be joined by a national monument on the East Coast honoring the country's canine protectors. Legislation making its way through Congress would create a national memorial at Fort Belvoir, Va., to honor dogs that served in the nation's wars. The provision, which is included in the House's 2008 defense authorization bill, could become law as soon as November if Congress approves. It honors another aspect of the military that is forgotten, said Patricia Korzec, the March Field Air Museum executive director. Man's best friend truly turned out to be man's best friend on the battlefield. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,148102,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

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Improvements for Minneapolis Veterans Home
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is awarding nearly $1.6 million to Minnesota for improvements to its state veterans home in Minneapolis. The grant will cover emergency electrical and back-up generator upgrades. Total estimated cost of the Minneapolis project is $2,457,000, with VA's grant covering up to 65 percent of the cost. For more information on Minnesota's six veterans homes, visit the (http://www.mvh.state.mn.us/) Minnesota Veterans Home website.

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

Monies Appropriated for Alabama
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has provided $9.5 million for a new national cemetery near Birmingham and improvements to the state veterans home in Alexander City, Ala. Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the (http://www.cem.va.gov/) VA's Burials and Memorials webpage or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000. Information on the Birmingham area national cemetery is available from the VA Memorial Service Network in Atlanta at (404) 929-5899. Further information about Alabama's veterans homes is available on the Internet at the (http://www.va.state.al.us/homes.htm) Alabama State Veterans Home website, or call (256) 329-3311.

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

(http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) Understanding Memorial Benefits

Outward Bound Program for Veterans
The Outward Bound Wilderness Program sponsors one week hiking excursions in the wilderness for veterans from the Gulf, Somalia, Afghanistan and Iraqi wars. One open enrollment course is being offered in 2008. In addition, there is funding available for group programs for veterans. Both types of courses will provide an opportunity to work on issues of isolation, distrust, and emotional difficulties that returning vets may be experiencing. For more information, visit the (http://www.outwardboundwilderness.org/veterans.html) Outward Bound Wilderness website.

Ginnie Mae Lifting Loan Caps for Veterans
The Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) is eliminating the cap on the size of some government-backed mortgages it accepts in a bid to boost low-cost financing for military veterans seeking to buy homes in up-scale areas. Starting Sept. 1, 2007, Ginnie Mae will accept as collateral for its mortgage bonds "jumbo" loans of more than $417,000 that are insured by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA loans account for about a third of the mortgage-backed securities issued by Ginnie Mae.

Take advantage of your VA Benefits. Receive (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... dForm1.jsp) free no-obligation VA Loan rate quotes instantly.

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. A perfect way to explore your options is to request free information from schools on their graduate programs. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... GradCenter) Fill out a simple request form here.

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 (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... radCenter2) Military.com Grad School Center to get started on your next step today.

GI Bill OJT Rates to Go Up and Back Down
On October 1, 2008 the VA will increase the payment rates for all GI Bill related programs including the Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program. However due to the expiration of a 2004 law that increased the OJT payment rate, the OJT payment rate will drop by $110 on January 1, 2008. The net fallout of this change is a loss of up to $2,500 in benefits for veterans and members of the Guard and Reserve who rely on this program to help make ends meet during their transition.

Learn more about the (http://education.military.com/money-for ... jt-program) GI Bill Apprenticeship and OJT Program.

(http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 06&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel about this change.

New TRICARE Service Saves Time, Money
Registering for the TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy (TMOP) just became easier with the recent launch of the new Member Choice Center (MCC). The MCC will contact the physician to obtain new prescriptions and forward them to the TMOP for processing. Beneficiaries can visit the "My Benefit" portal on the (http://www.tricare.mil/) TRICARE website or call MCC at 1-877-363-1433 to complete the registration. The mail order pharmacy can save beneficiaries as much as 66 percent on medications. The beneficiary may receive up to a 90-day supply of most medications for the same amount they would pay for a 30-day supply at a retail pharmacy.

Learn more about the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricar ... cy-program) TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy at Military.com.

Grants for State Veterans Home in Milledgeville
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is providing two grants totaling more than $1.3 million to the state for renovations at the 20-acre state veterans home in Milledgeville, Ga. Georgia's veterans homes are available to war veterans who have been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. Veterans must have resided in Georgia for at least five years immediately preceding the date of application. Further information about Georgia's veterans homes is available at the (http://home.alltel.net/gwvhadmit/) Georgia War Veterans Home website.

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

Win a New Dodge Ram Hemi Truck
Back in the Saddle, Bit by Bit (B.I.T.S.), a non profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for combat injured men and women serving or having served in the Armed Services, has announced the launch of a sweepstakes event made possible by Dodge, Dodge Rodeo and Mobile Accord. The grand prize in this sweepstakes is a new Dodge Ram 2500 Q/C Laramie Hemi Truck. This beautiful flame red truck features automatic transmission and a 4x4 8 ft. bed. One grand prize will be awarded to the sweepstakes winner December 15, 2007. Net proceeds of the sweepstakes will benefit B.I.T.S. To learn more and how to enter, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,148318,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

Habitat for Humanity to Build Homes for Veterans
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County is looking for qualified families for 27 homes to be built in San Juan Capistrano over the next few years.

* Fourteen of the homes are being marketed to combat-disabled veterans and their families, and surviving families of veterans.
* Thirteen of the homes will be marketed to local families who live in Orange County and are looking for decent, affordable, ownership homes.

This neighborhood will provide for military veterans with combat-related disabilities, and their families, a wonderful area in which to raise their families, and a helping hand to achieve the American Dream of homeownership. To learn about qualifications and how to apply, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,148365,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

Take the Employment Survey
Military.com is conducting an employment survey for all military members, veterans and their families. The results will help us better serve your needs through transition, job hunting and taking your career to the next level. Please take a few moments to and let your voice be heard. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 007_Survey) Start now.

Improved TRICARE Plan Begins October 1
National Guardsmen and Reservists enrolled in the TRICARE Reserve Select health plan can now go to the TRICARE website to transfer to the new, improved program that will replace it Oct. 1, 2007. Everyone enrolled in the new system will pay one rate, based on coverage: $81 for individuals and $253 for families. All members of the Selected Reserve qualify for the program except those who are eligible for or covered under a federal employee health benefits program. The (http://www.tricare.mil/) TRICARE website offers information about the new program and how to sign up - click on the "My Benefit" link, then to the Guard and Reserve portal.

Learn more about (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricar ... t-overview) TRICARE Reserve Select at Military.com.

Veterans Report - Week of September 17, 2007

New Documentary on WWII Debuts
The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) presents "The War," a Ken Burns film, beginning Sun,, Sept. 23, 2007 on most PBS stations. The seven-part series documents World War II through the personal accounts of a handful of men and women from four quintessentially American towns. Throughout the series, the indelible experience of combat is brought vividly to life. Please check your local television listings for the exact air time and date in your area. For more information, including educational materials, visit (http://www.pbs.org/thewar/?campaign=pbs ... 2007-09-09) "The War" website or the (http://www.pbs.org/) Public Broadcasting Service website.

Audit Slaps VA on Lost IT Gear
An audit of three medical centers operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and of the VA's headquarters found that a total of $6.4 million worth of IT equipment was recorded as missing or misplaced during the federal government's past two fiscal years. The audit was a follow-up to an earlier one at five other VA facilities. Based on updated information obtained from those locations earlier this year, they couldn't account for more than 8,600 pieces of IT equipment that cost a combined total of $13.2 million, the GAO said. In the report and at a congressional hearing held in Washington, GAO officials asserted that the VA's inventory control weaknesses are putting IT equipment at risk of being lost or stolen and posing a security risk to the personal data of military veterans. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,149009,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

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

Veterans of Foreign Wars Sponsor Scholarships
Every year, hundreds of thousands of students participate in the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition and the Patriot's Pen Essay Contest, garnering more than $3.4 million in scholarships and incentives. The 2007-2008 theme for the Patriot's Pen essay contest is "Why I Am An American Patriot." The entry deadline is Nov. 1, 2007. For more information, visit the (http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=cmty.le ... n=20181600) Veterans of Foreign Wars Scholarship Programs 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.

Dixie Stampede Offers Free Admission
Throughout the month of September 2007, Dixie Stampede in Orlando, Fla. is offering free admission for active duty military, members of the National Guard & Reserve, retired military, and veterans with proof of Service (Honorable Discharge). Reservations must be booked through your on-base ITR or ITT office. The free admission offer applies to Sunday and Wednesday performances only and does not apply to military dependents. They must purchase Military Discounted reservations at the ITR/ITT discounted prices of $29.75 for adults and $16.50 for children. This offer applies to the Orlando, Fla. location only. For more information, call Dixie Stampede in Orlando at 866-443-4943.

Bill Would Eliminate Requirement to Pay Into GI Bill
Military support groups hailed plans to expand military education benefits, VA home loans and small business grants for veterans under legislation under consideration on Capitol Hill. The measure was introduced in the Senate by presidential candidate Sen. (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=1090 ... &chamber=S) Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., and in the House by Iraq war veteran Rep. (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=1525 ... &chamber=H) Patrick Murphy, D-Pa. 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. The new bill also would expand the Veterans Microloan Program, designed to help former servicemembers start small businesses, by raising the maximum loan from $25,000 to $100,000 and capping interest rates at 2.5 percent.

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

Featured Job: Border Patrol Agents
The Border Patrol is recruiting men and women as Border Patrol Agents. Learn more and apply online at our website: (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 091707_Job) www.BorderPatrolAgentsApply.com.

Television Channel Features Wounded Warriors
The Home Box Office (HBO) television channel is presenting a new documentary, "Alive Day Memories: Home From Iraq," now through Oct. 8, 2007 on HBO On Demand and through a streaming video on the HBO website at (http://www.hbo.com/) www.hbo.com. The film documents the lives of six Soldiers and four Marines, and the physical and emotional cost of War in Iraq through the memories of wounded Soldiers' "Alive day," the day they narrowly escaped death in Iraq. Their injuries range from triple-limb amputations to severe traumatic brain injury and blindness. The HBO website will also include Soldier profiles, personal videos and blogs, and exclusive portraits by photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders. For more information, visit the HBO website (http://www.hbo.com/) www.hbo.com.

(http://www.military.com/wounded-warriors) Wounded Warrior News

Pentagon Memorial Will Commemorate Sacrifice
When it is completed in about a year from now, the Pentagon Memorial in Washington, D.C. will commemorate the sacrifice of not only the 184 victims who died at the Pentagon, but also those who perished at the other Sept. 11, 2001 attack sites in New York City and Pennsylvania. The Pentagon Memorial will consist of 184 memorial units, each of which will be dedicated to an individual victim by its unique placement within the collective field. The field will be organized as a timeline of the victims' ages. For more information, visit the (http://www.pentagonmemorial.net/) Pentagon Memorial website.

Illinois Mortgage Program Extended
The State of Illinois recently extended its state-funded mortgage program for veterans. The program, called G-I Loan for Heroes, provides a combination of low-interest and no-interest mortgages along with closing costs to help Illinois veterans and active-duty personnel purchase a home and build equity and financial security. For more information, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,148199,00.html) read the article on the Military.com website and the (http://www.ihda.org/) Illinois Housing Development Authority website.

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

New Ration Heading to Warfighters
A new compact, eat-on-the-move assault ration called the First Strike Ration (FSR) is on its way to warfighters' hands. The First Strike Ration provides a lighter, smaller package with eat-on-the-go items. These items are calorically dense and provide appropriate nutritional content and energy to warfighters for short durations of highly mobile, highly intense combat operations. The FSR is designed to be about half the size of the three MREs it replaces and it provides, on average, 2,900 calories per day. Because of its lower caloric content, the can only be used as a sole source of food for ten days or less. More information on the FDR is (http://nsrdec.natick.army.mil/media/fact/food/FSR.pdf) available in .pdf format.

Find news specifically for professionals at the (http://www.military.com/warfighters) Warfighter's Forum.

Soldier Statue to Tour in Idaho, Washington
Work has been completed on a bronze statue of a Soldier, and now a group of veterans plan to take the statue on a road trip to fairs and other events in northern Idaho and eastern Washington to raise the final $20,000 to pay for it. The statue, titled "I am an American," costs about $80,000. It was recently completed artist John Gilliam and portrays a Soldier with a wounded child. The statue is scheduled to be installed on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2007, at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Lewiston, Idaho.

VA Home Loan Update
The Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) recently announced that it has eliminated the $417,000 home loan limit on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mortgage loans. This policy change is designed to make it easier for lenders to help veterans and servicemembers use their (http://www.military.com/Finance/HomeBuying/) VA Home Loan benefit to finance homes in higher priced housing markets. For more information, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,149154,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

Historians Document 9-11 Pentagon Attack
Nearly six years after a terrorist-controlled plane slammed into the Pentagon, killing 184 people aboard the plane and in the building, Defense Department historians have published a book on the incident and its aftermath. "Pentagon 9/11" is a narrative history based on a multitude of information sources, including 1,300 oral histories gathered in the immediate aftermath of the attack. The book became available recently through the (http://bookstore.gpo.gov/) U.S. Government Bookstore and also through commercial vendors.

Blood Donation Policy Changed
The Defense Department is changing its military blood-donation regulations to allow for a wider spectrum of civilian donors. Current department rules only permit blood donations from servicemembers, Defense Department civilians, retirees and their family members. The new policy will enable non-Defense Department affiliated civilians to donate blood through the Armed Services Blood Program at collection points located on department or federal property. The policy change, slated to become effective later this month, will address concerns of veterans who are not military retirees, but nonetheless want to donate blood for the troops.

South Dakota Pays $500 Cash Bonus
The state of South Dakota is paying a one-time veterans bonus of up to $500 to active-duty or honorably discharged veterans of the Armed Forces who were legal residents immediately preceding joining the military. To qualify, applicants must have served on active duty in an imminent danger pay area, or had been awarded any U.S. campaign or service medal for participation in combat operations between March 4, 1991 and Sept. 10, 2001. In addition, all servicemembers or veterans who served on active-duty during the Desert Storm/Shield dates of Aug. 2, 1990 and March 3, 1991 or have served on active-duty since September 11, 2001 qualify for a bonus payment.

Applicants living outside of South Dakota may obtain an application by email at (mailto:john.fette@state.sd.us) john.fette@state.sd.us. You may also request an application and instructions by writing to SD Veterans Bonus, 500 E. Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501 or by calling 605-773-7251. (http://mva.sd.gov/download/VeteransBonu ... elease.doc) Download the Official Press Release.

Applicants living in South Dakota may apply through the nearest County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer.

'Jeopardy!' Celebrates Air Force Anniversary
In honor of the Air Force's 60th anniversary this year, the Sept. 27, 2007 episode of "Jeopardy!" will feature special video clues taped during host Alex Trebek's USO tour to Japan. During the end of each category, viewers will be treated to a fun and unique spotlight about the Air Force. There will also be an Air Force questions panel that will highlight current Air Force activities. "Jeopardy!" is a winner of 27 Emmy awards since its debut in 1984, and was recently inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records for the most awards won by a TV Game Show. The series is the No. 1-rated quiz show in syndication. Please check your local television listings for the exact air time and date in your area.

Unknowns Swirl Around Veterans' Disability Reform
The Dole-Shalala Commission has proposed a major overhaul of the duel disability compensation systems run by the departments of Defense and of Veterans Affairs for wounded warriors of Iraq and Afghanistan. The overhaul includes providing an immediate DoD annuity to anyone forced from service by combat-related injuries or ailments; a lifetime VA quality-of-life payment; and a transition payment for earning loss similar to current VA disability compensation. That transition payment would end at age 65 presumably when social security begins. However, it would be part of a triple payment package. Bush is expected this month to ask the Congress to adopt these changes for disabled warriors of Iraq and Afghanistan. No decision has been made to make these changes to disabled veterans of past conflicts. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,149138,00.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!

Navy Seabees Hold Reunion
Veterans of the 62nd Navy Seabee Battalion gathered recently for their annual reunion in Farmington, Illi.. The World War II veterans were a Navy construction unit that did everything from building runways in Iwo Jima, to rebuilding Pearl Harbor after it was attacked. The battalion of 1,100 now has 75 members, but only 10 were able to make it to the reunion. However, the veterans say that does not discourage them from having future reunions. For more information on the Navy Seabees, including educational materials, visit the (http://www.seabeesmuseum.com/) Seabee Museum and Memorial Park website, the Heroes: the (http://carol_fus.tripod.com/navy_hero_62nd_ncb.html) Seabees webpage, the (http://www.seabeehf.org/) CEC/Seabee Historical Foundation website, and the (http://www.nsva.org/) Navy Seabee Veterans of America website.

New State Cemetery for Texas
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded an $8 million grant to establish a state veterans' cemetery in Abilene, Texas. Construction is scheduled to begin this fall, and interments are expected to begin in spring 2009. Information on VA burial benefits is available from national cemetery offices, from (http://www.cem.va.gov/) VA's Burials and Memorials webpage, or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000. Information about Texas state veterans cemeteries is available from the (http://www.texasveterans.com/) Veterans Land Board or call (512) 463-5350.

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

Blood Program Seeks Donors
The Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) is asking all AB donors to give blood. AB blood is a critical component used to treat patients during times of urgency since the universal plasma group AB can be given to anyone in an emergency. To find out where you can donate, visit the (http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/WhereToGive) Armed Services Blood Program website. Because blood is perishable, blood donors of all types are in high demand to meet the needs of the military community.

Deal of the Week: Military Special Discounts
On the road a lot? Get car charger for only $5.99 when purchasing a Samsung Synch. Certain Restrictions apply. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 91707_Deal) Shop AT&T 24/7.

VA Increases the GI Bill Rates: $39,636
The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that the GI Bill will soon be worth $39,636 - a total increase of nearly $1,000 over last year's rate. This total is based on the new monthly full-time student (http://education.military.com/money-for ... ment-rates) payment rate of $1,101 multiplied by the 36-month limit. If you are GI Bill eligible and have benefits remaining, you get this increase no matter when you became eligible or begin using it. The new rate is effective October 1, 2007.

Now is the time to start using your GI Bill benefits to pursue an undergraduate, graduate, technical degree or certificate. Learn more about the opportunities available and (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _091707.nl) request free information from fully accredited schools today.

House Subcommittee Holds Hearing
The House Veterans' Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee recently held a hearing to examine employment opportunities for returning veterans. Veterans raised concerns over the lack of promotion of the veterans' preference program within federal agencies, the lack of enforcement of the law itself, and the inability to appeal when veterans feel their preference rights were ignored. By law, veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over others in hiring from competitive lists of eligibles and also in retention during reductions in force.

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

Habitat for Humanity to Build Homes for Vets
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County is looking for qualified families for 27 homes to be built in San Juan Capistrano, California over the next few years.

* Fourteen of the homes are being marketed to combat-disabled veterans and their families, and surviving families of veterans.
* Thirteen of the homes will be marketed to local families who live in Orange County and are looking for decent, affordable, ownership homes.

This neighborhood in Southern California will provide for military veterans with combat-related disabilities, and their families, a wonderful area in which to raise their families, and a helping hand to achieve the American Dream of homeownership. To learn about qualifications and how to apply, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,148365,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

Veterans History Project Seeks Contributions
Veterans' war reflections are being taped and archived by the Library of Congress as part of the Veterans History Project. Since 2001, the project has collected nearly 33,000 audio and videotapes - mostly from World War II veterans, but also personal stories from nearly 300 veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The collection has thousands of written memoirs, letters, diaries and other materials donated by veterans and their families. For more information including information on how to contribute your reflections and memorabilia to the project, visit the (http://www.loc.gov/vets) Veterans History Project website.

Sports Project Aids Injured Troops
The Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project, created in 2003, is a partnership between Disabled Sports USA and the Wounded Warrior Project. It offers more than 14 sports -- both winter and summer -- and 70 events yearly. Sports include snow skiing, biking, water skiing, hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking, and a group of veterans recently earned their underwater diving certification. Though Disabled Sports USA's ( (http://www.dsusa.org/) http://www.dsusa.org/) programs are available for any individual with a physical disability, the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project is only for veterans of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. For more information, visit the (http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/) Wounded Warrior Project website.

(http://www.military.com/wounded-warriors) Wounded Warrior News

Toys for Tots Makes Special Request
In response to recent events within the toy industry regarding unsafe toys manufactured in China, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is asking its loyal supporters to screen toys prior to purchase to ensure that only safe toys are donated to the upcoming 2007 U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign. The toys identified as potentially unsafe can be found at the Mattel toy recall list at (http://service.mattel.com/us/) http://service.mattel.com/us/ and the (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/ ... 6371.shtml) CBS News Detailed SKU's website. For more information, call Mattel toll-free at (888)597-6597. Marine Toys for Tots Foundation does not purchase any toys directly from overseas vendors or manufacturers.

Operation Care Package Supports Troops
The United Service Organization's (USO) Operation Care Package delivers 'care packages' to members of the U.S. Armed Forces deployed around the world to show them they have not been forgotten and to provide a "touch of home." The care packages include a pre-paid international phone card, a deck of playing cards, a disposable camera, a hacky-sack, an edition of Reader's Digest and various snacks. With a donation of $25 you can sponsor a care package and include a personal message of support and encouragement. For more information, visit the (http://www.usocares.org/) USO's Operation Care Package website.

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

Georgia Group Keeps Troops Cooking
Care packages from one Georgia group are keeping troops in combat support hospitals cooking. Operation Stars and Stripes has sent mini-refrigerators, microwave ovens and hot plates to give troops some flexibility when it comes to mealtime. In addition to the support it offers the hospitals, the all-volunteer group sends smaller care packages of comfort items, cards and letters. "We are just a group of volunteer Americans who are proud of what our military is doing and feel that they should know that we support them and will not forget about them," says Meredith Kelly, chairman of Operation Stars and Stripes. For more information, visit the (http://www.operationstarsandstripes.com/Default.asp) Operation Stars and Stripes website.

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

Veterans Report - Week of September 24, 2007

Army Aims to Recruit Arab Linguists
In its latest campaign to recruit Arabic linguists as translators, the U.S. Army has posted billboards in major American cities. Two billboards in Chicago have identical texts in Arabic that read: "In a land full of opportunity (Fi Ard Amira bil furas), here's one that may not have crossed your mind. A job with the U.S. Army." An estimated 30,000 Arab Americans live in Chicago's southwest suburbs. Similar billboards are in Dearborn, Mich., Los Angeles, New York, New Jersey and Florida.

(http://www.military.com/Recruiting/Cont ... demand.htm) Learn more about becoming an Army Arabic Translator.

American Legion Blasts Cross Ban
The leader of the nation's largest veterans organization has criticized the recent decision by the 9th Circuit Court to remove a cross from a World War I veterans' memorial in California's Mojave Desert. "This is one more prime example of wrong-headed political correctness and one more critical reason why the current Congress must pass the Public Expression of Religion Act." said American Legion National Commander Marty Conatser. The Public Expression of Religion Act (PERA or HR 2679) would remove the authority for judges to award taxpayer monies in attorney's fees cases involving litigation against religions icons and veterans memorials.

For more information, or to join The American Legion go to (http://www.legion.org/join) http://www.legion.org/join.

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

Featured Job: Create Your Future as an Investment Rep
More than 1,000 of our current 9,000 Investment Reps are veterans. Learn how your skills and our training can help you succeed. Run your business. Determine your compensation. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 092407_Job) Create your future.

Veterans Commemorate Inchon Landing
Stars and Stripes reports that hundreds gathered at the Inchon Landing Operation Memorial recently to mark the 57th anniversary of the daring U.S.-led invasion into the port city of Incheon, South Korea, which split communist troops and changed the course of the Korean War. Among them were several dozen U.S. veterans, most of whom had not been to South Korea since the war ended with an armistice in 1953. For more information the Inchon Landing, including educational materials, visit the (http://jetiranger.tripod.com/BLOG/index ... id=1012707) The Inchon Landing: Operation Chromite webpage

TriWest Offers Grief Support Program
TriWest Healthcare Alliance is offering a new program to help military leaders respond to families who have lost a loved one in service to our country. TriWest and noted author and nationally certified counselor, Joanne Steen will offer "Grief Solutions" to military leaders in communities hit hardest by casualties, to provide them with a deeper understanding of how to support and assist survivors. The programs will be offered to active duty, National Guard and Reserve units throughout the 21-state TRICARE West Region administered by TriWest Healthcare Alliance. For more information, visit TriWest's Behavioral Health Portal at (http://www.triwest.com/) www.triwest.com.

(http://www.military.com/benefits/survivor-benefits) Understanding Survivor Benefits

Buglers Fall Silent in Missouri
It is taps for the live bugle calls at graveside ceremonies for Missouri veterans. The Missouri National Guard has traditionally played taps at the funerals. But now, the uniformed funeral unit will use an electronic device fitted into a bugle's horn to play taps. A member will activate the device and hold the bugle in standard playing position. With military expenditures going to the (war) front, we have no choice," said Maj. Paul Kirchhoff, director of the Missouri Guard's funeral program.

Homes for Wounded Veterans
The nonprofit organization Homes for Our Troops builds and remodels specially-adapted homes for our nation's most severely wounded veterans. The organization has completed 15 homes for wounded veterans and currently has 20 more homes under construction nationwide. The organization raises donations of money, building materials and professional labor and coordinates the process of building a new home or adapting an existing home for handicapped accessibility. For more information, visit the (http://www.homesforourtroops.org/site/PageServer) Homes for Our Troops website.

Veterans Upward Bound Aids Students
The Veterans Upward Bound program has helped numerous veterans in southcentral Kentucky to enter and succeed in college, vocational school or technical school. Currently recruiting participants, the program offers free educational services to qualified veterans. The program at Western Kentucky University will run from Oct. 1, 2007, through Sept. 30, 2011, and will serve military veterans who wish to prepare to enter postsecondary school. For additional information on Kentucky's Veterans Upward Bound program, contact Director Randy Wilson at (270) 745-5310 or visit the (http://www.wku.edu/vub) Veterans Upward Bound webpage .

(http://education.military.com/timesavin ... -bound-vub) Visit Military.com to learn more about Veterans Upward Bound programs nation wide.

Give, Bundle and Build Program Supports Troops
On the eve of the 6th Anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 250 franchise leaders from across the country gathered in Vail to stuff 500 pre-filled Rocky Mountain USO care packages with additional materials such as cameras, batteries, snacks, games, and in some cases, iPods. The event, called "Give, Bundle and Build," was created to ignite the teambuilding spirit within the franchising community and honor the men and women who serve our country. The event was created to ignite the teambuilding spirit within the franchising community and honor the men and women who serve our country. "Soldiers feel the support from home in the form of letters and gifts," said Lt. Col. Petty. "It creates a connection between the people they are fighting for, which is really positive." To learn more about this program, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,150141,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

Senate Panel Approves 2008 Pay Raise
The senate panel charged with funding the U.S. military approved a (http://www.military.com/military/benefi ... ts,00.html) 3.5 percent pay raise, adding $118 million to fund military personnel over the Bush administration's budget request for the fiscal year beginning October 1. The Senate Appropriations Committee's defense subcommittee approved an increase in Army end-strength of 13,000 Soldiers, a Marine Corps 9,000 leathernecks larger and an Army Reserve and Guard boost of 6,300 troops. The subcommittee boosted defense health care by nearly $1 billion, adding $73 million to fund Wounded Warrior Act initiatives and reversed a planned $486 million reduction in military hospital funding. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,1 ... 61,00.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!

Veteran Entrepreneurs' Workshop
The mission of the North Coast Small Business Resource Center and its SBDC program is to cultivate small business success in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, California, by providing high-quality technical support, training and in-depth financial analysis for start-up and existing companies. On Wednesday, October 3rd, from 1 - 4 PM, SBDC will hold a Veteran Entrepreneurs' Workshop in Eureka, CA where veterans can:

* Learn about the SBA's Patriot Express loan initiative.
* Learn about business start-up requirements.
* Enroll for service to help you develop a business plan.

To learn more and pre-register, visit the (http://www.northcoastsbdc.org/pages/hom ... rkshop.php) SBDC website. For more information please call AJ Maveety, Veterans' Workforce Specialist at (707) 441-5709 or (707) 445-6530.

Postal Service Commemorates 60th Anniversary
Airmen have a unique opportunity to commemorate the Air Force's 60th anniversary now through Oct. 18. The Air Force and U.S. Postal Service have joined forces to offer a commemorative postmark that will be available for cancellation from now to Oct. 18 at 40 base post offices worldwide. The pictorial cancellation features the B-24 Liberator bomber, which was flown in every combat theater during World War II. The post office also offers a special edition postage stamp honoring Brig. Gen. James "Jimmy" Stewart, a World War II pilot and Hollywood actor. Visit the (http://www.usps.com/) USPS website for more information.

Some Veterans May Get TRICARE
President Bush will ask Congress to provide lifetime TRICARE coverage to any servicemember discharged as "unfit" due to service-related physical or mental health conditions. In addition the White House is proposing that this TRICARE expansion be applied retroactively to veterans separated since 2001. This new TRICARE coverage would potentially open military healthcare to as many as 10,000 newly-disabled veterans each year. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,149951,00.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 Week: 50%-70% Off Polarized Sunglasses
Steve Haber, who developed the Bolle brand of sunglasses and ski goggles, has returned to the eyewear industry offering eyewear dedicated to polarization, performance and technology. "I believe not wearing polarized products doesn't just cloud your vision, but your entire outdoor experience." Visit our site and see for yourself the great savings and quality products. We now offer Rx prescription sunglasses online. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 92407_Deal) Customer satisfaction is 100% guaranteed.

VA Spending on Stress Disorders Uneven
According to internal VA reports recently obtained by McClatchy Newspapers, the Department of Veterans Affairs, which touts its special programs to treat post-traumatic stress disorder in returning Soldiers, spends little on those programs in some parts of the country, and some of its efforts fail to meet some of the VA's own goals. In fiscal 2006, five medical centers -- in California, Iowa, Louisiana, Tennessee and Wisconsin -- spent about $100,000 on their post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) clinical teams, which is less than one-fifth the national average. Nearly one-third of VA PTSD units failed to meet at least one of the quality goals monitored by a VA health-research organization.

(http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 11&type=CO) Take Action: TBI, PTSD Funding Bill

Veterans Honor War Dogs
A small group of veterans travel from all across the country to gather at Riverside California's March Field Air Museum every year to honor the war dogs that saved lives, watched over military camps, and became trusted friends during lonely times. The meeting point is the 16-foot-tall West Coast War Dog Memorial, which holds a bronze statue of a soldier and his German shepherd. The Vietnam Dog Handler Association estimates that dogs saved 10,000 soldiers' lives during the Vietnam War. They would alert handlers to unseen tripwires or the otherwise undetectable scent of buried explosives. For more information, visit the (http://www.roadsideamerica.com/pet/vetdog.html) West Coast War Dog Memorial webpage.

(http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 66&type=CO) Take Action: Congress May Create War Dog Monument

Nuclear Veterans Pass On Genetic Damage
A new research study proves that the up to 22,000 British soldiers who were forced to watch British A-bomb tests in the 1950s and 1960s will pass on crippling health problems to their families for 20 generations. The veterans' massive genetic damage has caused limb deformities, tumors, heart, eye and hearing problems, epilepsy, autism, brain deformities, twisted spines, missing organs, extra fingers and toes and a range of rare conditions in their children and grandchildren. Radiation expert Dr. Chris Busby of the University of Liverpool conducted the study. The study the results will be presented to the British Parliament next month in a new attempt to persuade the British government to provide medical research and compensation.

Report Faults Virginia on Brain Injuries
Tens of thousands of people in Virginia with traumatic-brain injuries lack adequate residential facilities, access to therapy, transportation or occupational help according to a report recently released by the state's Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission. The researchers warned that the state's overwhelmed system of care likely will be further swamped by untold numbers of returning war veterans whose primary injuries are traumatic-brain injuries. The report, " (http://jlarc.state.va.us/Meetings/September07/TBI.pdf) Access to State-Funded Brain Injury Services in Virginia," is available in .pdf format.

(http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 11&type=CO) Take Action: TBI, PTSD Funding Bill

Tax Break in New York State
Beginning in January, 2008, thousands of Cold War veterans in the State of New York might be able to claim a property tax exemption for their service. The New York State Legislature recently passed legislation that offers a property tax break for veterans who served between Sept. 2, 1945, and Dec. 26, 1991. It is up to the local county, town, village or city to approve the exemption for its own veterans. The option begins Jan. 3, 2008, but the paperwork has to be completed by March 1, 2008 to get the tax break for the year's taxes. Anyone with at least one year's service and an honorable discharge is eligible. For more information, call your local county, city, or town tax assessor's office in New York State.

VA Home Grants for Wounded Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has loan guarantees and a grant program that help wounded veterans with a home. A veteran can be reimbursed up to $50,000 to renovate a home to accommodate a veteran's injuries. Besides structural changes to a home such as putting in ramps and wider doors, the VA provides adaptive equipment for vehicles to veterans with service-connected disabilities. For more information, visit the (http://www.homeloans.va.gov/veteran.htm) VA Specialty-Adapted Housing webpage.

More Help on Veterans' Employment Needed
A recent Government Accounting Office (GAO) report has found that the federal employment programs for disabled veterans still lack a coordinated effort to help service- disabled veterans reenter the workforce. The entire report is available at (http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071020.pdf) http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071020.pdf.

New Legislation Targets Combat Eye Trauma
U.S. Representative (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=4879 ... &chamber=H) John Boozman (R-AR) has introduced critical legislation aimed at improving the care of American troops affected by combat eye trauma. (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=10340401) H.R. 3558, the "Military Eye Trauma Treatment Act of 2007," would create a Center of Excellence within the Department of Defense specifically devoted to the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of military eye injuries. H.R. 3558 also requires a joint Defense-VA program for servicemembers and veterans affected by visual dysfunction related to traumatic brain injury (TBI). In the Senate, similar legislation ( (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=10340421) S. 1999) has been introduced. To learn more about this legislation, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,150146,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

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

New Rehab Center at Walter Reed
War veterans who have lost a limb will re-learn tasks at a new rehabilitation center opening at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The 31,000 square-foot (2,880 square meter) facility will offer state-of-the art physical therapy and occupational therapy, sports programs, virtual reality systems and training with prosthetics to help troops regain a range of abilities. The new Military Advanced Training Center for Soldier Amputees will be an outpatient treatment center for troops who have already completed initial rehabilitation for their wounds while in the Walter Reed hospital. More information on Walter Reed Army Medical Center is available at its website at (http://www.wramc.amedd.army.mil/) www.wramc.amedd.army.mil/.

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' Data Still at Risk
Government investigators say that Veterans' personal data and health information remain at risk of identity theft because the Veterans Affairs Department has yet to implement several safety measures. The investigation found that the VA had not yet fully secured access to its computer network and department facilities nor worked to ensure that only authorized changes and updates to VA computer programs were made. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,149835,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

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

VA Stops Sharing Cancer Information
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) stopped sharing information on its cancer patients with epidemiologists, which could compromise cancer research in the United States according to a recent article in MedPage Today. VA officials now say they are withholding the data out of privacy concerns. According to Dennis Deapen, Dr.PH., of the Los Angeles Cancer Surveillance Program and the University of Southern California, the result is that California state data on cancer incidence rates are being skewed. And that, he said, is likely to have serious effects on national data.

Print & Post: Week of October 01, 2007

Come out to Fleet Week in San Francisco this Weekend
Join us Oct. 4-9 at the San Francisco Pier to help celebrate the men and women of our armed forces. A spectacular weekend family event featuring the Navy Blue Angels, a Parade of Navy ships and other exciting demonstrations. Visit (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _FleetWeek) www.fleetweek.us/fleetweek/ for more information.

Burr Chosen to Lead Committee
Republican members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs have announced that they have chosen (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=444&lvl=C&chamber=S) Senator Richard Burr (R-North Carolina) as the temporary ranking member of the committee. Burr will temporarily replace (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=206&lvl=C&chamber=S) Senator Larry Craig (R-Idaho). The North Carolina Republican has placed special focus this year on improving life for the nation's estimated 200,000 homeless veterans. Burr is also proponent of veterans' health issues. Burr has served on the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs since he was sworn in as a U.S. Senator on Jan, 3, 2005.

Cutting Delays in Vets' Pay
Departing Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson called for new measures to reduce intractable delays in veterans disability pay, saying his successor will have to "think outside the box" to alleviate strains on the agency. Pointing to delays in disability benefits, Nicholson reiterated that 1,100 new processors won't be enough to reduce monthslong delays, particularly as the VA prepares to take on additional responsibilities from the Pentagon in awarding payments. He urged Congress to pass legislation that would shorten the appeals time veterans have to challenge decisions, which he said contributed to the delays averaging 177 days. With current efforts, the VA has said it can only hope to reduce delays to 145-150 days. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,150623,00.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!

2007 AcademyWomen Career Workshop and Fourth Annual Symposium
The Fourth Annual AcademyWomen Symposium will kick off Friday night, 26 October and run through Sunday, 28 October at the Women's Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. The theme for the Symposium is Where Do We Go From Here? Charting Our Course for the Next 30 Years. The weekend will include inspirational and informative panels, keynote speakers and workshops on a wide range of topics including Women at War, Charting Your Upward Trajectory, and Leading on All Fronts. For more details, (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... nSymposium) see the agenda.

The Career Workshop will be held Friday, 26 October and will be devoted to professional development. Trained coaches and experts will facilitate workshops on topics ranging from interviewing skills to strategic networking. Representatives from a wide range of companies and agencies will also be present (to include Cisco, Halliburton, Bearing Point, Wharton Business School, the United Nations, Lockheed, Raytheon, Mary Kay, and others). For more details, (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... erWorkshop) see the agenda.

Michigan Veterans Offered Free Trip
According to the Michigan Association of County Veterans Counselors, veterans may be eligible for a trip to Mackinac Island, Mich. The trip includes lodging at Island House Hotel, the Grand Hotel's Famous Lunch Buffet, a round trip ferry ticket on Arnold Transit Ferry Co. and a tour of the island from Mackinac Island Carriage Tours. To make reservation, veterans should call 800-626-6304 and identify themselves as a veteran. Counselors will make a reservation for them and send out an e-mail confirmation with a ferry schedule and other information they will need. The available dates for the package are Sept. 30 - Oct. 4, Oct. 7-11, and Oct. 14-18. There is no cost for the above package.

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

VA to Expand Maryland Cemetery
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the award of a $3,743,613 grant to expand Maryland's Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery. The grant will pay for the development of an additional burial section, roads, utilities, and landscaping. Maryland has four other state cemeteries that were built and improved with VA grants. Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the VA's (http://www.cem.va.gov/) Burials and Memorials webpage or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000. Information about Maryland's veterans' cemeteries can be obtained from the (http://www.mdva.state.md.us/) Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs website or by calling 410-923-6981.

(http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) Understanding Memorial Benefits

Connecticut Offers Service Medal
Since last fall, the Connecticut State Department of Veteran's Affairs has hosted invitation-only ceremonies during which veterans of all wars receive the Connecticut Veterans War Time Service Medal. The medal is the first of its kind that the state has minted since the end of World War I. The 270,000 veterans who will receive it are Connecticut natives or current residents who served in a war and received honorable discharges. All living war veterans from World War II to the current war in Iraq are entitled to the medal. The medal can also be mailed to the veteran's home. For more information, visit the (http://www.ct.gov/ctva/cwp/view.asp?a=1992&q=313194) Connecticut Veterans War Time Service Medal webpage.

College Credit for Military Experience
Your military service has likely earned you college credit. Many schools and colleges award military students credit towards a degree based on training, coursework, and occupational specialty. You've worked hard in the military -- now you can save tuition dollars and classroom time. Applying your military experience credits could save you as much as $600 and 5 months on a typical 3-credit college course. (http://education.military.com/timesavin ... experience) Get more information here.

Request free information from military-friendly schools that offer credit for service. It's an easy way to find the right school for you. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _100107.nl) Start now.

Operation: Action Packed!
OAP! supports deployed servicemembers by allowing them to register online to request care packages that include many popular and hard to obtain items from home. OAP! provides troops with monthly care packages until they return to the United States. For more information, visit the (http://www.operationactionpacked.org/about.htm) Operation Action Packed! website

Tough Road for GI Bill Reform
Soon after being sworn in, the 110th Congress brought a flurry of proposed GI Bill reforms to both houses of Congress. With a new party in charge and 24 GI Bill-related bills introduced on the floor, the political climate seemed right for real change. Each of the proposed bills address specific failings of the current Montgomery GI Bill, which includes arbitrary deadlines, mandatory payroll contributions, limited benefit transferability, inequity between active duty and reserve programs, and inadequate payment rates. However, to date, none of (http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,1 ... 79,00.html) proposed legislation has made it out of committee. It appears the initial spotlight on reform has dimmed and the calls for change have quieted. This lack of activity may indicate that 2007 will turn out to be just another year of missed opportunities. Learn more about the (http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,1 ... 79,00.html) proposed MGIB legislation at Military.com.

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

Rhode Island Cemetery Expanded
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the award of a $5,732,027 grant for the expansion of Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter. The grant will pay for the development of an additional burial section, including 2,300 full-casket burial sites, 600 in-ground cremation sites and 624 columbarium niches for cremation remains. Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the (http://www.cem.va.gov/) VA Burials and Memorials webpage or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000. Information about Rhode Island's cemetery and other veterans services can be obtained from the (http://www.dhs.state.ri.us/dhs/dvetaff.htm) Rhode Island Division of Veterans Affairs website.

(http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) Understanding Memorial Benefits

Maine Offers Housing Loans
The Maine State Housing Authority recently extended its low first-time homebuyer mortgage rates to veterans and active military personnel in Maine. The first-time-home requirement was also dropped. Veterans and active military personnel will still have to meet income and home price restrictions that vary by county. Honorably discharged veterans and active military that have not obtained loans through Maine Housing before can also use the VA mortgage guarantee program to lower their down payment. For more information, visit the (http://www.mainehousing.org/) Maine State Housing Authority website.

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

Veterans Can Take a Stand
Congress is currently making decisions about veterans and military benefits. Without your input, they will rely on their own lack of military experience to determine which benefits can be cut. In today's political climate it is more important than ever for military servicemembers and veterans to be actively involved. The (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Military.com Legislative Center makes it easier than ever to reach you elected officials and learn about current and pending legislation that will affect veteran and military benefits for generations to come. Get involved - visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Military.com Legislative Center today.

Minnesota Launches Literary Project
The Military Salute Project is sponsoring the 2008 Minnesota Veterans Literary Initiative to encourage Minnesotans who served in the Global War on Terror to record and preserve their stories. Submissions will be accepted via e-mail from residents of Minnesota who have been awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the GWOT Expeditionary or Service Medals, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, or the Iraq Campaign Medal for service on or after Sept.11, 2001. Submissions will also be accepted from immediate family members. The project will present three awards each in poetry and essay categories. For more information, visit the (http://home.att.net/~militarysalute2/index.html) 2008 Minnesota Veterans Literary Initiative website.

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

Featured Job: Right Company With the Right Opportunity
Our (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 100107_Job) separating military program offers soldiers, company-provided training, Nationwide opportunities, outstanding pay and benefits, job stability and many career advancement opportunities.

WWE PPV - No Mercy - October 7
Watch WWE No Mercy on Pay-Per-View, October 7th at 8pm ET/5pm PT as John Cena faces Randy Orton. Plus, World Heavyweight Champion, Batista faces the 7-foot monster, The Great Khali, in on of the most brutal matches in WWE history; A Punjabi Prison Match.

Order now and receive a free WWE No Mercy T-Shirt. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 100107_WWE) Click here for more information.

VA Grant for Montana Veterans Cemetery
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the award of a $4.1 million grant to establish the West Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula, Mont. The cemetery will provide 962 full-casket gravesites, 1,906 in-ground cremation sites and 195 columbarium niches for cremation remains. Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from VA's (http://www.cem.va.gov/) Burials and Memorials webpage or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000. Information about Montana state veterans cemeteries can be obtained at the (http://dma.mt.gov/mvad/vasitemap.asp) Montana Veterans Affairs webpage or by calling the Montana Veterans' Affairs Division at (406) 324-3740.

(http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) Understanding Memorial Benefits

VA Seeks Former Prisoners of War
If you know any former prisoners of war (POW) or their family members, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) needs your help. Once again, VA is reaching out to former prisoners of war not currently using VA benefits and services, urging them to contact the Department to find out if they are eligible for health care, disability compensation and other services. If you know a former POW, please ask him or her to contact VA at 1-800-827-1000. Details about benefits and services available to former POWs and family members are available at the (http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/POW/index.htm.) VA's American Former Prisoners of War webpage.

Artists Document Air Force History
Since 1950, the Air Force Art Program has documented history and covered every major operation in which the service has been involved. The program currently has approximately 250 active artists. The works accumulated over the past 57 years represents hundreds. The art chosen for the program includes all forms including oil paintings, watercolors, acrylic paintings, and charcoal drawings. The program has about 9,500 pieces. To learn more about the Air Force Art Program, visit the (http://www.afapo.hq.af.mil/Presentation/main/Index.cfm) United States Air Force Art Collection website

Scholarship for Wounded Warriors
Liberty University is offering scholarships for wounded warriors through its Heroes Funds Scholarship. Anyone who was wounded in war qualifies. Liberty University covers what the GI Bill won't, thanks to donations to the university. Almost $40,000 from private donations has gone to wounded veterans and servicemembers so far, as well as spouses of Soldiers who were killed in action. The fund will continue as long as donations keep coming in. Thirty-two students have been awarded the scholarship so far. For more information or to apply for the Heroes Fund Scholarship, contact Emily Foutz, Liberty University's Director of Military Affairs, by calling (434) 592-3805.

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.

Washington State Offers Tuition Waivers
Washington State University is now providing full tuition coverage for eligible veterans. The veteran must be a resident of Washington, be using the waiver for their first degree, be honorably discharged, served on foreign soil or international waters in a conflict or elsewhere in support of those serving in a conflict, or be dependent of a totally disabled veteran. Other Washington state schools may also waive portions of tuition for veterans. For more information, contact the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-800-562-2308 or the Washington State University Veterans Affairs Coordinator at (509) 335-1234.

(http://education.military.com/money-for ... m-overview) Tuition Assistance (TA) Program Overview

Deal of the Week: Military Special Discounts
On the road a lot? Get a car charger for only $5.99 when purchasing a Samsung SYNC (as low as $49.99). Certain Restrictions apply. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 00107_Deal) Shop AT&T 24/7.

Navy Wear Testing New Uniforms
Selected officers and Sailors will begin limited wear testing of new uniform prototypes, service dress khaki for chiefs and officers, and service dress blue and white for E-6 and below late this fall or early winter. Uniform testing is expected to run for 90-120 days. Delivery of a single Navy working uniform for wear by all Sailors E-1 to O-10, and a year-round service uniform for all Sailors E-6 and below is on track to get to the Fleet in summer 2008. The new Navy PT uniform is on track for spring 2008. For more information on Navy uniforms, visit the (http://www.npc.navy.mil/CommandSupport/USNavyUniforms/) Navy Uniform Matters webpage.

New Center for Wounded Warriors
A new 12,000 square-foot Warrior and Family Support Center currently being built at Fort Sam Houston, Texas will be ten times the size of the current facility. The new fully wheelchair-accessible building will provide a "living room" environment, a place for social interaction and recreation between wounded warriors and their families, and include a computer classroom, kitchen, dining room, conference room, adequate bathrooms, and storage and social-gathering areas. It also will provide opportunities in training for new job skills. Construction of the $3.5 million building is scheduled for completion in 2008. For more information, visit the (http://www.returningheroeshome.org/) Warrior and Family Support Center website

New Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Gordon H. Mansfield ( (http://www.va.gov/opa/bios/biography.asp?id=30) biography) began serving as Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Mansfield has served as Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs since January 2004. He assumed the role of Secretary under the terms of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, where a Deputy Secretary begins to serve as Acting Secretary immediately and automatically when the Secretary position becomes vacant. Mansfield will serve as Acting Secretary until another individual is nominated by the president and confirmed by the United States Senate.

Panel Urges Improved Veterans Care
Former Sen. Bob Dole, R-Kan., and former Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala say they don't want fights between Congress and the Bush administration over Iraq to overshadow the need to pass legislation that would provide lifetime treatment to Iraq war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. A July report by the nine-member commission chaired by Dole and Shalala, recommended changes that would increase benefits for family members caring for the wounded, create a website for medical records and revamp the way disability pay is awarded. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,149951,00.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!

Veterans Report - Week of October 08, 2007

Veterans Day Teacher Resource Guide
With Veterans Day less than 45 days away, the time is right for planning classroom activities. The Veterans Day Teacher Resource Guide contains information to help students gain an understanding of the origins of Veterans Day and why America celebrates it each November 11. It includes suggestions for a Veterans Day ceremony and classroom activities for both younger and older students.

Download a copy of the (http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/schoolkit.asp) Resource Guide or Veterans Day poster.

Activists Want Change in Military Divorce Law
Military members and retirees applauded an unusual briefing at the Pentagon on a 1982 law that allows state courts to divide military retirement as property in divorce settlements. These members want the Defense Department to push lawmakers for reform of the law. The law was originally intended to protect stay-at-home women who faithfully followed their husband's military careers "from getting dumped for a trophy wife when he got promoted to colonel," Trish Larrabee, a retired Army lieutenant colonel who attended the seminar, told Stars and Stripes. "But times have changed since then," with the majority of spouses now working themselves, said Larrabee, who has become active in the effort to eliminate or at least significantly amend the act. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,150818,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

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

Indentify Your Veteran Benefits
Many veterans don't find out about their benefits until it is too late. The Military.com benefits calculator is designed to quickly and easily connect you with your benefits information based on your service and status. (http://benefits.military.com/reg/Veterans-Benefits.do) Get started now, identify your Federal, State and service-specific benefits.

Senator Addresses Gulf War Illness
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs member, U.S. Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=444&lvl=C&chamber=S) Richard Burr (R-North Carolina), says he will continue his efforts to ensure that veterans with illnesses associated with service in the Gulf War receive the best medical care available. Active-duty military personnel who have questions or concerns about their health or service in the Persian Gulf region are advised to contact their commanding officer or call the Department of Defense Gulf War Veterans Hotline at 1-800-497-6261. Veterans seeking disability compensation should contact a Veterans Benefits Counselor at the nearest VA regional office or health care facility or call the VA Gulf War Information Helpline at 1-800-PGW-VETS (1-800-749-8387). Learn more about (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... r-syndrome) Gulf War Syndrome at Military.com.

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

Veterans Benefits Awareness Act Introduced
U.S. Representative (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=4879 ... &chamber=H) John Boozman (R-AR), the Ranking Republican on the Veterans Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, has introduced important bipartisan legislation aimed at improving the Department of Veterans' Affairs outreach to veterans. The Boozman bill is co-sponsored by (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=1307 ... &chamber=H) Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD), chairwoman of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee.

(http://capwiz.com/military/issues/bills/?bill=10378826) H.R. 3681, the "Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2007," authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to purchase advertising in national media outlets to promote awareness of benefits that are available to veterans and their dependents. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,151353,00.html) read the article at Military.com.

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

Traumatic Stress Assistance Resources
Extensive research by the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) has proved to be invaluable when it comes to military and civilian mental health preparedness - particularly in the wake of disasters ranging from 9/11, the tsunami in Southeast Asia and Hurricane Katrina. CSTS has created fact sheets that are broadly distributed as educational resources to improve well-being, stress management, treatment and recovery. The fact sheets and more information are available by visiting the (http://www.centerforthestudyoftraumaticstress.org/) CSTS website. Other helpful resources are available at the (http://www.psych.org/disasterpsych/links/weblinks.cfm) American Psychiatric Association website.

Vets Can Earn While They Learn
Through the VA Work-Study program, veterans can earn an hourly wage equal to the greater of either the federal or local state minimum wage. In addition some schools pay the difference between the amount VA pays and the amount the school normally pays other work-study students doing the same job.

Visit the Military.com (http://education.military.com/money-for ... sers-guide) Veterans' Education Benefits User's Guide to learn more about this and other Veteran Education Programs.

Hefty Pay Gains Urged for Disabled Vets
The first comprehensive review of veterans' disability benefits in 51 years recommends that Congress and the Bush administration support an immediate increase in compensation levels - of up to 25 percent for the most severely disabled - to recognize monetarily their reduced quality of life. Among other important improvements the report also recommends full concurrent receipt and an end to the SBP-DIC Offset. Read the (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,151557,00.html) full article to learn more.

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

VA Mandatory Funding Program Opposed
The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a hearing on Tuesday, October 3rd, examining the funding process for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care program. Ranking Member (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=241&lvl=C&chamber=H) Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) expressed stern opposition to replacing the current discretionary process for funding VA health care with an untried mandatory funding program.

Buyer's statement indicated that such a conversion would subject VA health care to the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) offset rules and put it in direct competition with Medicare and Medicaid. He also pointed out that mandatory funding for VA would create a new type of entitlement program, an entitlement program for a large federal department, rather than an individual. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,151558,00.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!

Missouri Offers Veterans Awards
The State of Missouri is awarding its Vietnam War Award to Missourians who served during any time during the period of Feb. 28, 1961, through May 7, 1975. To be eligible a veteran must have been a legal resident of Missouri on Aug. 28, 2006, or a legal resident at the time of entry, honorable discharge, or death. For more information, contact the Missouri Veterans Commission office at the toll-free number of 866-838-4636. Also, the Missouri National Guard continues to accept applications for the World War II and Korean Conflict awards. For more information, visit the (http://www.moguard.com/ww2awards/MONG.ww2awards.asp) Missouri National Guard website or telephone toll-free 1-866-834-3431.

Foundation Aids Brain Injury Patients
The National Rehabilitation and Rediscovery Foundation, Inc. works to improve the quality of life for traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients and their families. The Arlington, Va.- based organization provides a comprehensive program for servicemembers with TBI. For more information, visit the (http://www.nrrf-roh.org/) National Rehabilitation and Rediscovery Foundation, Inc. website.

Bob Woodruff Family Fund
Bob Woodruff, then co-anchor of ABC's "World News Tonight," was reporting on U.S. and Iraqi security forces when the tank he was riding in was hit on Jan. 29, 2006. The blast left the reporter with a traumatic brain injury. Today, the Bob Woodruff Family Fund works with private industry and government entities to develop public awareness and advance the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injuries. For more information, visit the (http://www.bobwoodrufffamilyfund.org/index.shtml) Bob Woodruff Family Fund for Traumatic Brain Injury website.

(http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 11&type=CO) Take Action: Senate to Vote on TBI, PTSD Funding

America's Greatest Heroes Gather
The American Veterans Center's 10th Annual Conference will be held at the Renaissance Washington Hotel in Washington, DC. on Novermber 8 through 10, 2007. Featured speakers will include Lt. Col. Hal Moore from the movie, "We Were Soldiers," and Major League Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher and Bob Feller, in addition to heroes from each war dating back to WWII. Visit the (http://www.americanveteranscenter.org/) American Veterans Center website to learn more.

Deal of the Week: 15% off at 1-800 Flowers
1-800-Flowers.com is giving servicemembers and their families 15% off Flowers and gifts. A portion of the proceeds goes to a charitable organization managed by Military.com. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 00807_Deal) Buy Flowers and gifts now.

Come to the Military.com Career Fair in San Antonio
The Military.com Career Fair is coming to San Antonio on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007. Employers seek the valuable skills you learned in service to your country. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... CareerFair) Register here and get a reminder of the event as well as a final and up - to- date list of the companies attending.

New Business Loan Program for Veterans
The Small Business Administration (SBA) enlisted banks across the country to participate in a new loan program reserved for military veterans. The program features fast approval times, low interest rates and up to $500,000 to help start a business or expand one. The Patriot Express Loans Program offers rates of 2.25 percent - 4.75 percent over the prime interest rate, depending upon the size and maturity of the loan. The SBA also offers counseling and training for entrepreneurial veterans. For more information, visit the (http://www.sba.gov/patriotexpress) Patriot Express website.

If you?re interested in starting your own business, check out the Military.com Franchise Finder. You can request free information on franchise opportunities in your area. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _Franchise) Start now.

4 Tips to Getting Military Scholarships
1) Do your homework. Take advantage of the free online scholarship search at Military.com. The scholarship finder lists over 1,000 scholarships from a variety of sources. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _100807.nl) Search here.

2) Don't limit yourself. You qualify for non-military related scholarships too. Visit your local library to find scholarship directories that list awards based on age, state of residence, cultural background, and field of study.

3) Search in your military community. Many service aid organizations and associations, like the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, offer scholarships, grants, and low interest loans to help cover education expenses.

4) It's never too soon to start your scholarship search. Many scholarship application deadlines are as early as one year in advance.

If you haven't started school yet, take the first step and find the right school that matches your education needs and goals. You can request free information from military-friendly schools that offer online courses, flexible schedules and start times and VA approved programs. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _100807.nl) Start here.

Featured Job: Operations Research Analyst, Staff
Provides on-site (Pentagon) analytical and technical support to the Joint Staff's Force Management Functional Capabilities Board. Develops, analyzes, and assesses Force Management issues. Develops, executes and maintains the Force Management Joint Functional Concept, Joint Integrating Concepts, and Capability Based Assessment. Washington, DC. Req # 18807BR Clearance: TS/SCI. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 100807_Job) Learn more and apply.

Texas is Site for New Polytrauma Center
The Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in San Antonio will house the nation's newest Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center where seriously injured and wounded veterans can go to receive intensive medical rehabilitation for treatment of disabilities due to trauma. The traumatic brain injury (TBI) center will also assist TBI patients and servicemembers suffering from other serious problems, including amputations, burns, blindness and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). The San Antonio project includes construction of an 84,000 square-foot, three-level building for rehabilitation, transitional living and prosthetics. Construction is expected to begin in 2008. 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.

(http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 11&type=CO) Take Action: Senate to Vote on TBI, PTSD Funding

Group is Here 4 You
The Silver Star Families of America supports wounded servicemembers and their families by offering troops a friendly ear with its newest program, "Hear 4 You." The no-cost program aims to develop a network of volunteers to listen to military personnel and their families affected by post-deployment stress and post-traumatic stress disorder. Military personnel or family members wishing talk to a volunteer through the Hear 4 You program can follow the link from the Silver Star Families of America website at (http://www.silverstarfamilies.org/) www.silverstarfamilies.org. The program's website shows which volunteers are online at any given moment.

New Website Helps Job Candidates
Applying for a job with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service's (AAFES) is now easier than ever, thanks to an expanded, online career center. With opportunities in retail, food service, procurement, information systems and more, the AAFES' revamped career center offers targeted entry-level, hourly and management opportunities that are searchable by keyword, job title, area of interest and location. The career center is available under the "AAFES employment" link at (http://www.aafes.com/) www.aafes.com. AAFES currently employs some 45,000 associates at more than 3,100 retail and food establishments across the globe.

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.

Organization Aids Family Members
KIA WIA, Inc. in Fayetteville, N.C. assists wounded-in-action (WIA) troops and surviving family members of killed-in-action (KIA) troops through scholarships, education, assistance with rehabilitation, financial assistance and by connecting them to other organizations. Services provided by the non-profit organization can include include sponsoring lodging for families during funeral services, providing gas cards or restaurant gift cards during hospital stays, and aiding with unforeseen expenses above or beyond coverable amounts. For more information, visit the (http://www.kiawia.org/) KIA WIA, Inc. website.

Veterans Report - Week of October 15, 2007

Register for the BlogWorld Expo in Vegas
Military.com members and milbloggers are invited to attend the BlogWorld Expo on November 8th and 9th in Las Vegas. As a Military.com member you will receive 15% off admission. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 7_BlogExpo) View the website to register and find schedule information.

Veterans History Project
Local veterans' war stories and recollections collected during the last year by local Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) affiliates across the country to commemorate the recent PBS series, "The War," are being turned over for preservation to the Veterans History Project. The Project was launched in 2000 by the Library of Congress to collect oral histories and original wartime diaries, letters and photographs from U.S. veterans of all wars that are sent in by volunteers. For downloadable information on how to conduct and preserve your interview with veterans, visit (http://www.pbs.org/thewar/vet_hist_project.htm) The War website. More information on how to participate in the project, is available on the (http://www.loc.gov/vets/) Veterans History Project website.

Subcommittee Hearing on VA Research
The House Veterans' Affairs Health Subcommittee recently held a hearing on research programs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The hearing focused on the current state of VA research and areas that need more attention and resources. Witnesses reviewed a number of research programs at the VA and focused on three specific needs of returning servicemembers: Prosthetics, pain management and vision. The opening statements of all the witnesses are available on the (http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hear ... newsid=118) House Veterans' Affairs Health Subcommittee website.

Veterans Organization Offers Reward
AMVETS National Commander John P. "J.P." Brown III announced today that AMVETS is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of those responsible for the Sept. 7, 2007 vandalism of the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial. According to the National Park Service, an unidentified substance stained 14 of the memorial's 140 panels. For more information, visit the (www.amvets.org) AMVETS website.

New Health Care Center for Chicago
A unique health care facility in North Chicago combining the resources of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) has been named in honor of local native, Navy veteran and astronaut James A. Lovell. The new James A. Lovell VA-DoD Federal Health Care Facility, scheduled to open in 2010, will care for nearly 100,000 veterans, Sailors, retirees and family members. The new facility will result from the merger of the North Chicago VA Medical Center and the Great Lakes Naval Hospital. This joint $130 million initiative marks the first totally integrated federal health care facility in the country.

Soldier Support Foundation Aids Veterans
The Soldier Support Foundation based in Burnsville, Minn. provides veterans and family members links to useful services to use as tools for transitioning back to civilian life. The organization also advocates for veterans housing and works with organizations throughout the country to help returning servicemembers find the help they need. For more information, visit the (http://www.soldiersupportfoundation.org/) Soldier Support Foundation website.

Sesame Street Aids Injured Veterans
The Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization that produces the popular Sesame Street children's television program, is working on a DVD that is designed to help injured veterans talk about their disabilities with their children. Gary E. Knell, president and CEO of Sesame Workshop, says the new DVD seeks to strike the right balance by showing families how to talk openly about the changed situation they face without frightening young viewers. The new DVD will be distributed to military families. More than a million children have military parents who have been deployed in the last six years. For more information visit the (http://www.sesameworkshop.org/) Sesame Workshop website.

Armed Forces Support Coalition
The Armed Forces Support Coalition based in Durango, Colo., provides military families in the Southwestern Colorado and the Four Corners Area with assistance, information, care packages, letters and educational activities. Assistance as also been provided in other parts of the country as needs have been identified. For more information, visit the (http://www.armedforcessupportcoalition.org/) Armed Forces Support Coalition website.

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

Understanding Depression
October is National Depression Education and Awareness Month. As the season changes and the days get shorter, some people develop symptoms of depression when days with less sunlight can lower brain serotonin levels affecting mood and behavior. Depression can come in different forms exhibiting many different symptoms. A confidential screening test for depression is available at the DoD's (https://www.militarymentalhealth.org/) Mental Health Self-Assessment Program website. Non-active duty TRICARE beneficiaries can find out more about getting help by visiting the Mental Health and Behavior section under the "My Benefit" portal at (http://www.tricare.mil/) www.tricare.mil. The CDC's (http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d001201-d0 ... 01247.html) Understanding Depression --Yours and Theirs webpage. More information on depression is also available on the (http://www.armymedicine.army.mil/hc/hea ... ajordd.cfm) Army Medicine website.

Missouri Veterans Share Stories
Veterans from across the State of Missouri are sharing their stories so they can be preserved for posterity. The Military Veterans Stories Project is sponsored by the State of Missouri. Five- to seven-minute fully edited, digital stories are produced from interviews and conversations with each veteran. These stories are then stored in the permanent Missouri Veteran Stories archive, which is available through (http://www.missouriveteranstories.com/) Missouri Veteran Stories website and through touch-screen consoles in the Missouri State Capitol and elsewhere. About 200 Missouri veterans have already been interviewed.

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 be one of NY's Finest. Call 212-Recruit for (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 101507_Job) free exam info.

Pay Gains Urged for Disabled Veterans
The first comprehensive review of veterans' disability benefits in 51 years recommends that Congress and the Bush administration support an immediate increase in compensation levels of up to 25 percent for the most severely disabled veterans. The (http://www.vetscommission.org/reports.asp) Veterans Disability Benefits Commission's report also wants all disabled veterans made eligible for "concurrent receipt" of both disability pay and an annuity based on years spent in service. For more information, read the (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,151557,00.html) full article on the (http://www.military.com/) Military.com website.

How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert ... 61&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 ... 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.

Veterans Airlift Provides Free Flights
A new organization, Veterans Airlift Command, provides free flights to wounded warriors, veterans and their family members thanks to hundreds of pilots and airplane owners who donate their time and resources. The Minnesota-based group arranged 150 flights in its first year of operation. For more information, visit the (http://www.veteransairlift.org/) Veterans Airlift Command website.

Deal of the Week: Military Discounts
Veterans, keep your hands free to hold all the cash you saved. $150 off* a BlackBerry(R) Curve TM 8300 & FREE Bluetooth(R) headset!* (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 01507_Deal) Shop AT&T 24/7.

Air Force Holiday Radio Special
Multiple Grammy-award winner LeAnn Rimes will be the featured artist in the "Red, White and Air Force Blue Christmas" radio special to be released in November. The one-hour show features an in-depth interview with Ms. Rimes along with songs from her new album, "Family." In its 13th year, the program is sent to more than 3,300 country radio stations throughout the nation in late November and broadcast worldwide over American Forces Radio and Television affiliates on Christmas Day. Ms. Rimes' longstanding support includes her involvement with the (http://www.saluteheroes.org/) Coalition to Support America's Heroes, an organization dedicated to helping wounded Soldiers when they return from the war.

Group Helps California Troops, Families
"The Soldiers Project" offers free, no-red-tape psychological counseling to any servicemember who has served in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. Currently, the project serves Los Angeles and Orange Counties, Calif. Similar counseling is also available in Chicago. Servicemembers from all branches of the military who have served in operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and their families are eligible to take advantage of the project's service free counseling. All sessions are free and there is no limit to the number of sessions offered. For more information, visit (http://www.thesoldiersproject.org/?q=node/4) The Soldiers' Project website.

Find (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... d-overview) PTSD news and resources at Military.com.

Committee Examines Future VA Funding
The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs recently held a hearing to examine alternative options to the current funding process for veterans' health care at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). "There is a widespread perception that the current manner in which we fund veterans' health care is broken, and must be fixed," said Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs , (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=674&lvl=C&chamber=H) Bob Filner (D-CA). Witnesses noted the most important aspect of the VA funding debate was the health care funding crisis itself. The opening statements and testimonies of all the witnesses are available on the (http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hear ... NewsID=130) House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.

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

Veterans Creative Arts Festival
More than 120 veterans from across the country, all selected national winners in music, dance, drama or art contests are preparing to attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 22-28, 2007. The Festival is open to all veterans receiving care at VA medical facilities and is hosted by the VA Medical Center in St. Louis. The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival is a week of learning, exploring, fellowship and celebration of the healing power of the arts. For further information, visit the (http://www.creativeartsfestival.va.gov/) Creative Arts Festival website.

The Wall: 25th Anniversary Parade
Vietnam Veterans of America is presenting the 25th Anniversary Parade in celebration of the dedication of "The Wall," on Saturday, November 10, 2007. The opening ceremony will start at 10:00 a.m. on the Mall at 7th Street, between Jefferson and Madison Drives. The parade will begin immediately following the opening ceremony. Visit (http://www.vva.org/25thEvent/event_info.htm) The Wall 25th Event website to learn more.

The Military Spouse Network has Launched
The Military Spouse Network provides milspouses around the world with a destination to share experiences, trade lessons learned, find neighborhood or school information when relocating, use military discounts, maintain connection with spouse clubs and other organizations and professionally network with peers. Most importantly, the Military Spouse Network offers an informal support system which endures over time and defies geographical confines. Visit (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... useNetwork) spouse.military.com today.