Veterans Report - Week of July 09, 2012
Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 3:16 pm
Veterans Report - Week of July 09, 2012
New DoL Grants for Job Training
The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded 90 grants totaling more than $20 million to fund job training and support services that will help more than 11,000 veterans succeed in civilian careers. The grants are being awarded through the department's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP). The grants announced today are second- and third-year awards to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations that demonstrated satisfactory performance during the past year. For more information on the program, visit the (http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/fact/H ... s_fs04.htm) Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program webpage. For more information on the Department of Labor's unemployment and re-employment programs for veterans, visit the (http://www.dol.gov/vets) Department of Labor's VETS website.
For job listings across the nation and civilian job guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
Get $300k Coverage: Starting at $21.78 a Month
Is VGLI enough for your family? Get $300k insurance coverage for as low as $21.78 a month. Want more coverage? Find and customize low cost plans to meet your family's financial needs. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?ESRC=vr0709.nl) Find insurance coverage now.
VRAP GI Bill Reaches Milestone
More than 25,000 unemployed Veterans have already applied for new benefits to cover education costs for up to one year through the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP), which focuses on retraining veterans for high-demand jobs. VA is still accepting applications for the program. Veterans must be 35-60 years old, unemployed on the day of application, and not dishonorably discharged, among other requirements. For more information on VRAP, visit the Vow to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 website at (http://www.benefits.va.gov/VOW) www.benefits.va.gov/VOW or call VA's Call Centers toll free at 1-800-827-1000. Veterans may also access the VRAP application online the eBenefits website at (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/) https://www.ebenefits.va.gov . Also, visit the nearly 3,000 One-Stop Career Centers across the nation for assistance by finding a center at America's Service Locator website at (http://www.servicelocator.org/) www.servicelocator.org.
For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.
VA to Relocate Kentucky Med Center
The Department of Veterans Affairs has selected a site to serve as the location of a new medical center in Louisville, Ky., replacing an existing 60-year-old facility. The site for the new VA medical center is located in Jefferson County, which is close to the current Robley Rex VA Medical Center and the downtown University of Louisville Hospital. The new medical center will have 110 inpatient beds and clinics specializing in primary care, surgery, and mental health and open in late 2017 or early 2018. For more information on VA health care, visit (http://www.va.gov/health/default.asp) VA's Health Care webpage.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Hiring Fair in Chicago
With a goal of hiring at least 100,000 veterans by 2020, a coalition of more than 60 companies, government agencies and Veteran groups will be hosting a huge hiring event in Chicago July 12 for military veterans, transitioning servicemembers, and military spouses. The 100,000 Jobs Mission hiring event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 12, 2012 at the University of Illinois at Chicago's UIC Forum, 725 West Roosevelt Road. Veterans and others seeking work are encouraged to (https://coalition.militaryhiringevents.com) pre-register. Since the program's launch last year, the group has collectively hired more than 12,000 veterans.
For job listings across the nation and civilian job guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
2013 Military Scholarship Application
Each year the Council of College and Military Educators offers fifteen $1000 scholarships for Servicemembers, Military Spouses, and Veterans who are working towards the completion of higher education degrees. The 2013-14 CCME Scholarship Applications must be submitted online at (http://ccmeonline.org/scholarship) ccmeonline.org/scholarship. This year's online application will be available July 16 must be completed by the October 1, 2012 scholarship application deadline.
Read the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ccme-2013/) Military Advantage Blog for more details.
(http://www.military.com/education/money ... ships.html) Learn more about applying for all Military/Veteran Scholarships.
VA Encourages HIV Testing
The Department of Veterans Affairs is encouraging all Veterans to be tested for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at least once in their lives. Some VA facilities offer HIV testing on a walk-in basis or through routine primary care appointments. Others offer testing as part of special health fairs. It is estimated that 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and one out of five are unaware they are infected. For more information about the benefits of being tested, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs HIV/AIDS webpage at (http://www.hiv.va.gov) www.hiv.va.gov.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Featured Job: Careers with the TSA
Make a world of difference to the traveling public and protect our nation's transportation infrastructure. (https://tsajobs.tsa.dhs.gov) Join our team and help TSA secure freedom of movement.
Pets Provide Support
Canines provide therapeutic benefits for those suffering from life's invisible scars. In the April-June issue of the Army Medical Department Journal at authors retired Col. Elspeth Ritchie and Col. Robinette Amaker write that the "acceptance of canines in Army medicine and in the civilian world has virtually exploded." They cite several examples, such as canines, used to help children cope with autism, of shelter dogs trained as services dogs and of therapy dogs that help Soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. The article is available, along with several related articles, (http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/FileDownlo ... 3652da8622) online.
For more about pets and the military, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment/pet-corner/index) Military.com Pet Corner.
Custom Purses Benefit Veterans
Peggy Beauvais makes purses out of old military uniforms and donate the proceeds to the help the military. She has created everything from a coin pouch to a diaper bag for men using unserviceable uniforms donated to her by co-workers and friends. Thus far, Beauvais has made more than $400 donating all proceeds to the Wounded Warrior program. Beauvais is currently a community readiness consultant at the Scott Airman Family Readiness Center has worked for the Air Force for 28 years. She makes customized items upon request. For more information, contact Peggy Beauvais at (mailto:beauvais5@msn.com) beauvais5@msn.com.
For more military family resources and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.
eHealth Records Cut Malpractice Claims
A new study of insurance claims has found that switching over to electronic health records (EHRs) appears to dramatically cut malpractice suits. The shift reflected a reduction in the number of all closed claims, rather than just in payouts. The research study was led by Steven R. Simon, MD, MPH, of the VA Boston Healthcare System, is available in a research letter published online in the (http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article ... id=1203517) Archives of Internal Medicine.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
VA Loan Program Benefits
While a conventional loan might seem like a great bargain because of an advertised lower rate, keep in mind that you often need a high credit score of 720 or above to qualify for these best rates. VA home loans are backed by the government, meaning banks can assume less risk with the loan and possibly price it lower than a rate you would qualify for from a bank. But even without a lower rate, there are a number of other compelling benefits that make the VA home loan program a better overall alternative. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) See the top four benefits of a VA loan.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0709.nl) Next Step: connect with lenders ready to help you use your VA loan.
New First Aid App Available
The American Red Cross recently launched its official first aid app, putting free and simple lifesaving information right in the hands of smart phone users. Available for use on both the Android and iPhone platforms, gives instant access to information on how to handle the most common first aid situations and includes videos and interactive quizzes. Downloading the app is not a substitute for training. To learn more about American Red Cross first aid or register for a course, visit the (http://www.redcross.org/takeaclass) American Red Cross Take a Class webpage.
For more military family resources and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.
Rent vs. Own with a VA Loan
In Trulia's Winter 2012 Rent vs. Buy Index, it was reported that it's cheaper to own than rent in 98 of 100 largest U.S. cities. As home prices have been falling since 2006, rent has been rising. Today, it can cost 15 to 20 percent more to rent in some areas. (http://www.military.com/money/home-owne ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read the full story to learn three great features of VA loans.
Study Looks at Duplicate Health Coverage
According to a recent study, the Department of Veterans Affairs spent an estimated $13 billion to care for veterans whose health coverage was already paid for by Medicare. About 1.2 million veterans are covered under the Veterans Affairs health care system and the Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. The study has found that because these care programs are managed separately, the federal government spends a substantial and increasing amount of potentially duplicated funds in caring for the same individuals. The study included a retrospective analysis of 1,245,657 veterans who were simultaneously enrolled in the VA and an MA plan between 2004-2009. An abstract of the study is available on the (http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.asp ... id=1197014) Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) website.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Get a Financial Checklist for Deployment
If you have a family, the single most important thing to think about when it comes to deployment is ensuring that everyone is taken care of while you're away. Finances are a big part of this. According to a survey by the National Military Family Association, 28% of military families say financial issues are among their greatest challenges during deployment. Visit the Military.com Deployment Center to get a (http://www.military.com/deployment/chec ... RC=mrvr.nl) financial checklist for deployment.
TriWest Loses Bid Protest
The Government Accountability Office has denied TriWest's protest challenging the award of a new $20.4 billion regional support contract to UnitedHealth Military & Veterans Services. This means that after 16 years of dealing with TriWest Healthcare Alliance, nearly 3 million TRICARE beneficiaries living in the western states will have a new regional contractor starting in April 2013. Read the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... d-protest/) Military Advantage Blog for more details.
Vet Grants Available in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is offering disaster relief grants to military veterans in some counties who were affected by recent storms and flooding. Veterans, along with their families and surviving spouses, in Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Dakota, Goodhue, Lake, Rice, and St. Louis counties are eligible for reimbursement assistance up to $750 if they have not received other state or federal assistance. Applications must be postmarked by Sept. 30, 2012. For more information, contact your local County Veteran Service Office in Minnesota. For assistance in finding a local office, call 1-888-546-5838.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Indiana University to Study Brain Injuries
A $920,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has been made to an Indiana University (IU) School of Medicine professor to study the effectiveness of telehealth for treating veterans with mild traumatic brain injuries. Five veterans hospitals will test the system: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.; Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis; Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston; Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio; and Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center in Richmond, Va. For more information, (http://communications.medicine.iu.edu/n ... assist-ve/) read the Indiana University announcement of the new study.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Vet Designators on Driver's Licenses
A new law in South Dakota now allows military veterans with honorable discharges to have a veteran designation on their state-issued driver license. South Dakota veterans who wish to add the designation to their driver license or non-driver ID card may visit any South Dakota driver license office. They will need to present their DD-214, which shows their honorable discharge status from active duty or present a certificate signed by a county or tribal veterans service officer verifying their status. For more information, call the office of Cindy Gerber, Director of the South Dakota Driver Licensing Program, at 1.800.952.3696 or 605.773.6883. For assistance with obtaining your DD-214, contact your county/tribal veterans service officer or call the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs at 605.773.3269.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Deal of the Week: Portraits for Military Families
Picture People is offering (http://www.savings.com/mpclick?placemen ... 7-06-11-01) 30% off Portraits to Military Families. Discount applies to color portrait sheets 10x13 or smaller. (http://www.military.com/discounts/deal- ... RC=mrvr.nl) See details and get this discount.
Proposed Drill Pay Change Draws Fire
According to a report by Tom Philpott, defense officials can expect a fight if they follow through on the 11th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation panel's suggestion to ask Congress to cut drill pay and annual retirement points for Reserve and National Guard members in return for allowing retired pay to start years sooner than the current age-60 threshold. The Executive Director of the Reserve Officers Association, the QDR report "paints an incomplete picture" of drill pay purposes today and that the "total force compensation" concept was offered 10 years ago was shelved when Reserve and Guard members started taking heavy casualties in the war. (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,247209,00.html) Read the full article on Military.com.
New DoL Grants for Job Training
The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded 90 grants totaling more than $20 million to fund job training and support services that will help more than 11,000 veterans succeed in civilian careers. The grants are being awarded through the department's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP). The grants announced today are second- and third-year awards to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations that demonstrated satisfactory performance during the past year. For more information on the program, visit the (http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/fact/H ... s_fs04.htm) Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program webpage. For more information on the Department of Labor's unemployment and re-employment programs for veterans, visit the (http://www.dol.gov/vets) Department of Labor's VETS website.
For job listings across the nation and civilian job guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
Get $300k Coverage: Starting at $21.78 a Month
Is VGLI enough for your family? Get $300k insurance coverage for as low as $21.78 a month. Want more coverage? Find and customize low cost plans to meet your family's financial needs. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?ESRC=vr0709.nl) Find insurance coverage now.
VRAP GI Bill Reaches Milestone
More than 25,000 unemployed Veterans have already applied for new benefits to cover education costs for up to one year through the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP), which focuses on retraining veterans for high-demand jobs. VA is still accepting applications for the program. Veterans must be 35-60 years old, unemployed on the day of application, and not dishonorably discharged, among other requirements. For more information on VRAP, visit the Vow to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 website at (http://www.benefits.va.gov/VOW) www.benefits.va.gov/VOW or call VA's Call Centers toll free at 1-800-827-1000. Veterans may also access the VRAP application online the eBenefits website at (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/) https://www.ebenefits.va.gov . Also, visit the nearly 3,000 One-Stop Career Centers across the nation for assistance by finding a center at America's Service Locator website at (http://www.servicelocator.org/) www.servicelocator.org.
For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.
VA to Relocate Kentucky Med Center
The Department of Veterans Affairs has selected a site to serve as the location of a new medical center in Louisville, Ky., replacing an existing 60-year-old facility. The site for the new VA medical center is located in Jefferson County, which is close to the current Robley Rex VA Medical Center and the downtown University of Louisville Hospital. The new medical center will have 110 inpatient beds and clinics specializing in primary care, surgery, and mental health and open in late 2017 or early 2018. For more information on VA health care, visit (http://www.va.gov/health/default.asp) VA's Health Care webpage.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Hiring Fair in Chicago
With a goal of hiring at least 100,000 veterans by 2020, a coalition of more than 60 companies, government agencies and Veteran groups will be hosting a huge hiring event in Chicago July 12 for military veterans, transitioning servicemembers, and military spouses. The 100,000 Jobs Mission hiring event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 12, 2012 at the University of Illinois at Chicago's UIC Forum, 725 West Roosevelt Road. Veterans and others seeking work are encouraged to (https://coalition.militaryhiringevents.com) pre-register. Since the program's launch last year, the group has collectively hired more than 12,000 veterans.
For job listings across the nation and civilian job guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
2013 Military Scholarship Application
Each year the Council of College and Military Educators offers fifteen $1000 scholarships for Servicemembers, Military Spouses, and Veterans who are working towards the completion of higher education degrees. The 2013-14 CCME Scholarship Applications must be submitted online at (http://ccmeonline.org/scholarship) ccmeonline.org/scholarship. This year's online application will be available July 16 must be completed by the October 1, 2012 scholarship application deadline.
Read the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ccme-2013/) Military Advantage Blog for more details.
(http://www.military.com/education/money ... ships.html) Learn more about applying for all Military/Veteran Scholarships.
VA Encourages HIV Testing
The Department of Veterans Affairs is encouraging all Veterans to be tested for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at least once in their lives. Some VA facilities offer HIV testing on a walk-in basis or through routine primary care appointments. Others offer testing as part of special health fairs. It is estimated that 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and one out of five are unaware they are infected. For more information about the benefits of being tested, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs HIV/AIDS webpage at (http://www.hiv.va.gov) www.hiv.va.gov.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Featured Job: Careers with the TSA
Make a world of difference to the traveling public and protect our nation's transportation infrastructure. (https://tsajobs.tsa.dhs.gov) Join our team and help TSA secure freedom of movement.
Pets Provide Support
Canines provide therapeutic benefits for those suffering from life's invisible scars. In the April-June issue of the Army Medical Department Journal at authors retired Col. Elspeth Ritchie and Col. Robinette Amaker write that the "acceptance of canines in Army medicine and in the civilian world has virtually exploded." They cite several examples, such as canines, used to help children cope with autism, of shelter dogs trained as services dogs and of therapy dogs that help Soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. The article is available, along with several related articles, (http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/FileDownlo ... 3652da8622) online.
For more about pets and the military, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment/pet-corner/index) Military.com Pet Corner.
Custom Purses Benefit Veterans
Peggy Beauvais makes purses out of old military uniforms and donate the proceeds to the help the military. She has created everything from a coin pouch to a diaper bag for men using unserviceable uniforms donated to her by co-workers and friends. Thus far, Beauvais has made more than $400 donating all proceeds to the Wounded Warrior program. Beauvais is currently a community readiness consultant at the Scott Airman Family Readiness Center has worked for the Air Force for 28 years. She makes customized items upon request. For more information, contact Peggy Beauvais at (mailto:beauvais5@msn.com) beauvais5@msn.com.
For more military family resources and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.
eHealth Records Cut Malpractice Claims
A new study of insurance claims has found that switching over to electronic health records (EHRs) appears to dramatically cut malpractice suits. The shift reflected a reduction in the number of all closed claims, rather than just in payouts. The research study was led by Steven R. Simon, MD, MPH, of the VA Boston Healthcare System, is available in a research letter published online in the (http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article ... id=1203517) Archives of Internal Medicine.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
VA Loan Program Benefits
While a conventional loan might seem like a great bargain because of an advertised lower rate, keep in mind that you often need a high credit score of 720 or above to qualify for these best rates. VA home loans are backed by the government, meaning banks can assume less risk with the loan and possibly price it lower than a rate you would qualify for from a bank. But even without a lower rate, there are a number of other compelling benefits that make the VA home loan program a better overall alternative. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) See the top four benefits of a VA loan.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0709.nl) Next Step: connect with lenders ready to help you use your VA loan.
New First Aid App Available
The American Red Cross recently launched its official first aid app, putting free and simple lifesaving information right in the hands of smart phone users. Available for use on both the Android and iPhone platforms, gives instant access to information on how to handle the most common first aid situations and includes videos and interactive quizzes. Downloading the app is not a substitute for training. To learn more about American Red Cross first aid or register for a course, visit the (http://www.redcross.org/takeaclass) American Red Cross Take a Class webpage.
For more military family resources and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.
Rent vs. Own with a VA Loan
In Trulia's Winter 2012 Rent vs. Buy Index, it was reported that it's cheaper to own than rent in 98 of 100 largest U.S. cities. As home prices have been falling since 2006, rent has been rising. Today, it can cost 15 to 20 percent more to rent in some areas. (http://www.military.com/money/home-owne ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read the full story to learn three great features of VA loans.
Study Looks at Duplicate Health Coverage
According to a recent study, the Department of Veterans Affairs spent an estimated $13 billion to care for veterans whose health coverage was already paid for by Medicare. About 1.2 million veterans are covered under the Veterans Affairs health care system and the Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. The study has found that because these care programs are managed separately, the federal government spends a substantial and increasing amount of potentially duplicated funds in caring for the same individuals. The study included a retrospective analysis of 1,245,657 veterans who were simultaneously enrolled in the VA and an MA plan between 2004-2009. An abstract of the study is available on the (http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.asp ... id=1197014) Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) website.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Get a Financial Checklist for Deployment
If you have a family, the single most important thing to think about when it comes to deployment is ensuring that everyone is taken care of while you're away. Finances are a big part of this. According to a survey by the National Military Family Association, 28% of military families say financial issues are among their greatest challenges during deployment. Visit the Military.com Deployment Center to get a (http://www.military.com/deployment/chec ... RC=mrvr.nl) financial checklist for deployment.
TriWest Loses Bid Protest
The Government Accountability Office has denied TriWest's protest challenging the award of a new $20.4 billion regional support contract to UnitedHealth Military & Veterans Services. This means that after 16 years of dealing with TriWest Healthcare Alliance, nearly 3 million TRICARE beneficiaries living in the western states will have a new regional contractor starting in April 2013. Read the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... d-protest/) Military Advantage Blog for more details.
Vet Grants Available in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is offering disaster relief grants to military veterans in some counties who were affected by recent storms and flooding. Veterans, along with their families and surviving spouses, in Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Dakota, Goodhue, Lake, Rice, and St. Louis counties are eligible for reimbursement assistance up to $750 if they have not received other state or federal assistance. Applications must be postmarked by Sept. 30, 2012. For more information, contact your local County Veteran Service Office in Minnesota. For assistance in finding a local office, call 1-888-546-5838.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Indiana University to Study Brain Injuries
A $920,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has been made to an Indiana University (IU) School of Medicine professor to study the effectiveness of telehealth for treating veterans with mild traumatic brain injuries. Five veterans hospitals will test the system: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.; Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis; Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston; Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio; and Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center in Richmond, Va. For more information, (http://communications.medicine.iu.edu/n ... assist-ve/) read the Indiana University announcement of the new study.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Vet Designators on Driver's Licenses
A new law in South Dakota now allows military veterans with honorable discharges to have a veteran designation on their state-issued driver license. South Dakota veterans who wish to add the designation to their driver license or non-driver ID card may visit any South Dakota driver license office. They will need to present their DD-214, which shows their honorable discharge status from active duty or present a certificate signed by a county or tribal veterans service officer verifying their status. For more information, call the office of Cindy Gerber, Director of the South Dakota Driver Licensing Program, at 1.800.952.3696 or 605.773.6883. For assistance with obtaining your DD-214, contact your county/tribal veterans service officer or call the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs at 605.773.3269.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Deal of the Week: Portraits for Military Families
Picture People is offering (http://www.savings.com/mpclick?placemen ... 7-06-11-01) 30% off Portraits to Military Families. Discount applies to color portrait sheets 10x13 or smaller. (http://www.military.com/discounts/deal- ... RC=mrvr.nl) See details and get this discount.
Proposed Drill Pay Change Draws Fire
According to a report by Tom Philpott, defense officials can expect a fight if they follow through on the 11th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation panel's suggestion to ask Congress to cut drill pay and annual retirement points for Reserve and National Guard members in return for allowing retired pay to start years sooner than the current age-60 threshold. The Executive Director of the Reserve Officers Association, the QDR report "paints an incomplete picture" of drill pay purposes today and that the "total force compensation" concept was offered 10 years ago was shelved when Reserve and Guard members started taking heavy casualties in the war. (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,247209,00.html) Read the full article on Military.com.