Veterans Report - Week of December 19, 2011
Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2011 4:37 pm
Veterans Report - Week of December 19, 2011
New Online Tools for Job Seekers Veterans now have on-demand access and can download official data about their military training and experience, which can be used to help them find jobs and continue their careers. Veterans can use the VA's online My HealtheVet portal ( (http://www.myhealth.va.gov/) www.myhealth.va.gov) to see official information about their military service, including deployment data, in-uniform experience, and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes. Their service data can then be uploaded to job search and networking sites to help identify employment opportunities. For more details, see (http://jobsforveterans.military.com/386 ... b-seekers/) this Military.com Vet Jobs Blog post.
Veterans Crisis Line The () Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring VA responders. Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 for veterans, or connect with a responder through an online chat 24/7/365. You can also send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. For more information, visit the veterans Crisis Line website at () www.veteranscrisisline.net/. For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
All-DoD Football Team: Nominate Your Kid The first annual Military.com All-DOD Team, presented by Military.com and Football University, is made up of the 24 premier football players who are currently dependents of active military personnel throughout the globe. The 24 best high school players (11 offensive players, 11 defensive players, a kicker and a punter) will be selected from all of the nominations submitted and honored at jersey presentation, held at a local school and/or military base, that celebrate their selection as a Military.com All-DOD Team member. (http://alldodteam.military.com/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Submit a video nomination today.
5 Reasons To Get Your Tech Certification Whether you are studying for a career in the IT networking industry, researching opportunities, or already in this field, (http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;250255439 ... t/military) Cisco Certifications can help you build a career in one of the hottest industries available today. The number one reason to get your Tech Certification is More Money. To a hiring manager, a raise is much easier to justify when employees have taken it upon themselves to learn a new skill and become certified. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/pa ... RC=mrvr.nl) See all 5 reasons on Military.com.
GI Bill 2.0: New Housing Allowance The Post-9/11 GI Bill now offers a housing allowance for students enrolled in online classes -- The housing allowance is payable to students enrolled solely in distance learning (including Online Education), the housing allowance is half the national average BAH for an E-5 with dependents (the rate will be $673.50 for 2011). This I subject to prorating based on the number of credits being taken. - Effective October 1, 2011. (http://www.military.com/education/conte ... anges.html) See all new rules for the GI Bill now in effect. Note: This does not include active duty or their GI Bill eligible spouses.
(http://edu.military.com/gibill?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Request information from schools to find a degree program that fits your specific requirements.
GI Bill Calculator: Measure Your Benefits Visit the (http://www.military.com/gi-bill-calcula ... RC=mrvr.nl) Military.com GI Bill Calculator to find out how much your GI Bill may be worth in 2012.
Navy Civilian Career Opportunities The Department of the Navy's (DoN) Office of Civilian Human Resources has launched its Civilian Careers Campaign, which recruits non-military personnel and veterans to the civilian component of the Navy. A website has been setup to help encourage Sailors who may be affected by ERB, PTS and SERB to consider continuing their service to country in the civilian sector of the DoN. (http://www.public.navy.mil/donhr/Employ ... fault.aspx) Visit the site. For national job listings and civilian job guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
National Cemetery Commemorative Events The National Cemetery Administration will host a series of commemorative events highlighting the historical heritage of more than half of its national cemeteries that were created during the American Civil War. NCA will hold events across the country through 2015 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, which began in 1861 and ended in 1865. The National Cemetery Administration traces its' lineage back to July 17, 1862 when Congress authorized the President to purchase land to be used as national cemeteries for soldiers who died in service to the country. To learn more about NCA and America's national cemeteries, visit VA's Burial and Memorial Benefits webpage at (http://www.cem.va.gov/ href=) www.cem.va.gov/. For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Holiday Wreaths Honor Veterans Volunteers have placed holiday wreaths at Department of Veterans Affairs national cemeteries to honor the Nation's veterans. All 131 VA national cemeteries receive wreaths, one for each military service branch, one for the Merchant Marines and one for prisoners of war and those missing in action. This is the sixth year that Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, has distributed wreaths in a nationwide program called Wreaths Across America. For more information about the holiday wreaths your local national or state veterans cemetery, call your local cemetery's administration office, or visit the VA website at (http://www.cem.va.gov/) www.cem.va.gov/ or the Wreaths Across America website at (http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/) www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/. For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Top 35 Veteran Employers We've posted a list of the "35 Top Employers for Military," compiled by Civilian Job News, which took a look at a variety of companies, both large and small, over different industries. Included with each listing below are links to more information about veteran hiring, as well as current Monster.com job postings for those companies. These companies include: Amazon, The Exchange, BNSF Railway, CACI International, Capstone Corporation, CenterPoint Energy, Chesapeak Energy Corporation, Cintas and More. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/co ... oyers.html) Get the full list of our top 35 Veteran Employers. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Search for Military-friendly Jobs
Videos Feature Women Veterans The Department of Veterans Affairs has released a series of videos in which women veterans describe their experiences serving in the military, ranging from their significant contributions to national safety and security to the challenges they faced during their service and after returning to civilian life. The three- to five-minute videos are part of VA's ongoing "Rethink Veterans" campaign to increase awareness of women Veterans and their vital roles in our nation's history. The videos can be viewed at VA's Women Veterans Healthcare website at (http://www.womenshealth.va.gov/) www.womenshealth.va.gov or on YouTube at (http://www.youtube.com/user/VeteransHealthAdmin) www.youtube.com/user/VeteransHealthAdmin. For more military-related videos, visit the (http://www.military.com/video/) Military.com Video Center.
New 2012 GI Bill Housing Rates The Department of Defense released the new Basic Allowance for Housing rates for 2012. Most eligible Post-911 GI Bill recipients will see a modest increase in the Post-9/11 GI Bill Housing Stipend as a result. Read the new (http://www.military.com/education/conte ... -faqs.html) Post-9/11 2012 Housing Rate Change FAQ page to learn how and when you could expect to see a possible increase. (http://www.military.com/gi-bill-calculator/) Be sure to check out the Military.com GI Bill Calculator to see the new 2012 housing rates.
Veterans History Project on iTunes Apple's iTunes U now features the Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP), which is part of the Library's ongoing commitment to make VHP collections and array of instructional materials and primary-source materials freely accessible in digital format. Selected VHP stories, VHP information and guidelines are available for download at no cost at the (http://itunes.apple.com/us/itunes-u/vet ... d438186138) iTunes website. For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.
AF to Play in Military Bowl The U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons will play the University of Toledo Rockets Dec. 28 in the 2011 Military Bowl in Washington D.C. ESPN will televise the first meeting between the Falcons, who are in the Mountain West Conference, and the Rockets, who are in the Mid-American Conference. Portions of the proceeds from the Military Bowl benefit the USO. Tickets are available through TicketMaster or via the Military Bowl's website at (http://www.militarybowl.org/) www.militarybowl.org/. For more sports and entertainment-related military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment) Military.com Entertainment Center.
Holiday Concert Features Air Force Band The Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve and Air Force Strings recently joined Grammy-winning vocalist Lee Ann Womack and the Grammy-nominated band Little Big Town in the annual "Holiday Notes from Home" concert. The hour-long special will air on the Great American Country Channel (GACC) at various times and dates up to Christmas Day. The program will also be shown on American Forces Network (AFN) on Dec. 25 on Prime Pacific, Prime Freedom and Prime Atlantic. Please check the (http://myafn.dodmedia.osd.mil/ScheduleChart.aspx) AFN schedule for exact show times. Viewers can also check their local listings for other show times on the GACC. For more entertainment-related military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment) Military.com Entertainment Center.
Service Dogs for Veterans Trained service dogs are helping veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The non-profit organization Stiggy's Dogs trains psychiatric service dogs to perform specific tasks from reminding veterans to take their medicine, waking them up from a nightmare or alarm clock ringing, to directing them through a crowd. For more information, visit the (http://stiggysdogs.org/) Stiggy's Dogs website. For more news and adoption/care guides for military and veteran pets, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment/pet-corner/index) Military.com Pet Corner.
Deal of the Week: Disney Discount Guests presenting a valid military ID when checking in at select Walt Disney World Resorts are eligible for special room only discounts. (http://www.military.com/discounts/deal- ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get this deal. (http://www.military.com/discounts/deal- ... RC=mrvr.nl) (http://www.military.com/discounts/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) See all Military Discounts
VGLI is Not Enough: $100k Protection VGLI is not enough to keep your family protected if the unthinkable happens. Supplement your SGLI with AFBA for as low as $6.50 a month for an additional $100,000 of coverage. Choose AFBA to Save Time, Save Money and Get Guaranteed Protection for your Family. (http://www.military.com/finance/insuran ... ESRC=vr.nl ) Request more information today.
New Online Tools for Job Seekers Veterans now have on-demand access and can download official data about their military training and experience, which can be used to help them find jobs and continue their careers. Veterans can use the VA's online My HealtheVet portal ( (http://www.myhealth.va.gov/) www.myhealth.va.gov) to see official information about their military service, including deployment data, in-uniform experience, and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes. Their service data can then be uploaded to job search and networking sites to help identify employment opportunities. For more details, see (http://jobsforveterans.military.com/386 ... b-seekers/) this Military.com Vet Jobs Blog post.
Veterans Crisis Line The () Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring VA responders. Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 for veterans, or connect with a responder through an online chat 24/7/365. You can also send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. For more information, visit the veterans Crisis Line website at () www.veteranscrisisline.net/. For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
All-DoD Football Team: Nominate Your Kid The first annual Military.com All-DOD Team, presented by Military.com and Football University, is made up of the 24 premier football players who are currently dependents of active military personnel throughout the globe. The 24 best high school players (11 offensive players, 11 defensive players, a kicker and a punter) will be selected from all of the nominations submitted and honored at jersey presentation, held at a local school and/or military base, that celebrate their selection as a Military.com All-DOD Team member. (http://alldodteam.military.com/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Submit a video nomination today.
5 Reasons To Get Your Tech Certification Whether you are studying for a career in the IT networking industry, researching opportunities, or already in this field, (http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;250255439 ... t/military) Cisco Certifications can help you build a career in one of the hottest industries available today. The number one reason to get your Tech Certification is More Money. To a hiring manager, a raise is much easier to justify when employees have taken it upon themselves to learn a new skill and become certified. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/pa ... RC=mrvr.nl) See all 5 reasons on Military.com.
GI Bill 2.0: New Housing Allowance The Post-9/11 GI Bill now offers a housing allowance for students enrolled in online classes -- The housing allowance is payable to students enrolled solely in distance learning (including Online Education), the housing allowance is half the national average BAH for an E-5 with dependents (the rate will be $673.50 for 2011). This I subject to prorating based on the number of credits being taken. - Effective October 1, 2011. (http://www.military.com/education/conte ... anges.html) See all new rules for the GI Bill now in effect. Note: This does not include active duty or their GI Bill eligible spouses.
(http://edu.military.com/gibill?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Request information from schools to find a degree program that fits your specific requirements.
GI Bill Calculator: Measure Your Benefits Visit the (http://www.military.com/gi-bill-calcula ... RC=mrvr.nl) Military.com GI Bill Calculator to find out how much your GI Bill may be worth in 2012.
Navy Civilian Career Opportunities The Department of the Navy's (DoN) Office of Civilian Human Resources has launched its Civilian Careers Campaign, which recruits non-military personnel and veterans to the civilian component of the Navy. A website has been setup to help encourage Sailors who may be affected by ERB, PTS and SERB to consider continuing their service to country in the civilian sector of the DoN. (http://www.public.navy.mil/donhr/Employ ... fault.aspx) Visit the site. For national job listings and civilian job guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
National Cemetery Commemorative Events The National Cemetery Administration will host a series of commemorative events highlighting the historical heritage of more than half of its national cemeteries that were created during the American Civil War. NCA will hold events across the country through 2015 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, which began in 1861 and ended in 1865. The National Cemetery Administration traces its' lineage back to July 17, 1862 when Congress authorized the President to purchase land to be used as national cemeteries for soldiers who died in service to the country. To learn more about NCA and America's national cemeteries, visit VA's Burial and Memorial Benefits webpage at (http://www.cem.va.gov/ href=) www.cem.va.gov/. For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Holiday Wreaths Honor Veterans Volunteers have placed holiday wreaths at Department of Veterans Affairs national cemeteries to honor the Nation's veterans. All 131 VA national cemeteries receive wreaths, one for each military service branch, one for the Merchant Marines and one for prisoners of war and those missing in action. This is the sixth year that Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, has distributed wreaths in a nationwide program called Wreaths Across America. For more information about the holiday wreaths your local national or state veterans cemetery, call your local cemetery's administration office, or visit the VA website at (http://www.cem.va.gov/) www.cem.va.gov/ or the Wreaths Across America website at (http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/) www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/. For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Top 35 Veteran Employers We've posted a list of the "35 Top Employers for Military," compiled by Civilian Job News, which took a look at a variety of companies, both large and small, over different industries. Included with each listing below are links to more information about veteran hiring, as well as current Monster.com job postings for those companies. These companies include: Amazon, The Exchange, BNSF Railway, CACI International, Capstone Corporation, CenterPoint Energy, Chesapeak Energy Corporation, Cintas and More. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/co ... oyers.html) Get the full list of our top 35 Veteran Employers. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Search for Military-friendly Jobs
Videos Feature Women Veterans The Department of Veterans Affairs has released a series of videos in which women veterans describe their experiences serving in the military, ranging from their significant contributions to national safety and security to the challenges they faced during their service and after returning to civilian life. The three- to five-minute videos are part of VA's ongoing "Rethink Veterans" campaign to increase awareness of women Veterans and their vital roles in our nation's history. The videos can be viewed at VA's Women Veterans Healthcare website at (http://www.womenshealth.va.gov/) www.womenshealth.va.gov or on YouTube at (http://www.youtube.com/user/VeteransHealthAdmin) www.youtube.com/user/VeteransHealthAdmin. For more military-related videos, visit the (http://www.military.com/video/) Military.com Video Center.
New 2012 GI Bill Housing Rates The Department of Defense released the new Basic Allowance for Housing rates for 2012. Most eligible Post-911 GI Bill recipients will see a modest increase in the Post-9/11 GI Bill Housing Stipend as a result. Read the new (http://www.military.com/education/conte ... -faqs.html) Post-9/11 2012 Housing Rate Change FAQ page to learn how and when you could expect to see a possible increase. (http://www.military.com/gi-bill-calculator/) Be sure to check out the Military.com GI Bill Calculator to see the new 2012 housing rates.
Veterans History Project on iTunes Apple's iTunes U now features the Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP), which is part of the Library's ongoing commitment to make VHP collections and array of instructional materials and primary-source materials freely accessible in digital format. Selected VHP stories, VHP information and guidelines are available for download at no cost at the (http://itunes.apple.com/us/itunes-u/vet ... d438186138) iTunes website. For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.
AF to Play in Military Bowl The U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons will play the University of Toledo Rockets Dec. 28 in the 2011 Military Bowl in Washington D.C. ESPN will televise the first meeting between the Falcons, who are in the Mountain West Conference, and the Rockets, who are in the Mid-American Conference. Portions of the proceeds from the Military Bowl benefit the USO. Tickets are available through TicketMaster or via the Military Bowl's website at (http://www.militarybowl.org/) www.militarybowl.org/. For more sports and entertainment-related military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment) Military.com Entertainment Center.
Holiday Concert Features Air Force Band The Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve and Air Force Strings recently joined Grammy-winning vocalist Lee Ann Womack and the Grammy-nominated band Little Big Town in the annual "Holiday Notes from Home" concert. The hour-long special will air on the Great American Country Channel (GACC) at various times and dates up to Christmas Day. The program will also be shown on American Forces Network (AFN) on Dec. 25 on Prime Pacific, Prime Freedom and Prime Atlantic. Please check the (http://myafn.dodmedia.osd.mil/ScheduleChart.aspx) AFN schedule for exact show times. Viewers can also check their local listings for other show times on the GACC. For more entertainment-related military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment) Military.com Entertainment Center.
Service Dogs for Veterans Trained service dogs are helping veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The non-profit organization Stiggy's Dogs trains psychiatric service dogs to perform specific tasks from reminding veterans to take their medicine, waking them up from a nightmare or alarm clock ringing, to directing them through a crowd. For more information, visit the (http://stiggysdogs.org/) Stiggy's Dogs website. For more news and adoption/care guides for military and veteran pets, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment/pet-corner/index) Military.com Pet Corner.
Deal of the Week: Disney Discount Guests presenting a valid military ID when checking in at select Walt Disney World Resorts are eligible for special room only discounts. (http://www.military.com/discounts/deal- ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get this deal. (http://www.military.com/discounts/deal- ... RC=mrvr.nl) (http://www.military.com/discounts/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) See all Military Discounts
VGLI is Not Enough: $100k Protection VGLI is not enough to keep your family protected if the unthinkable happens. Supplement your SGLI with AFBA for as low as $6.50 a month for an additional $100,000 of coverage. Choose AFBA to Save Time, Save Money and Get Guaranteed Protection for your Family. (http://www.military.com/finance/insuran ... ESRC=vr.nl ) Request more information today.