Veterans Report - Week of July 23, 2012
Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 2:30 pm
Veterans Report - Week of July 23, 2012
Prequalifying for a VA Loan
Prequalifying for a VA loan is recommended for all eligible borrowers before they start shopping for a home. To prequalify for a VA home loan, an experienced loan professional will ask you questions about your income and credit history and may even run a quick credit report with your permission. You may also be asked for proof of military service and your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at this time to be certain that you are eligible for a VA home loan. (http://www.military.com/money/home-owne ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read more and find out what documents you need to get together now.
Support for Veterans in Crisis
The (http://veteranscrisisline.net/) Veterans Crisis Line offers free, confidential support to veterans in crisis, as well as their family and friends 24/7/365. Call 1-800-273-8255, chat online, or text 838255.
For more links to support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.
VA Announces New Grants
The Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced the award of nearly $100 million in grants that will help approximately 42,000 homeless and at-risk veterans and their families. The grants are going to 151 community agencies in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Under the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, VA is awarding grants to private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives that provide services to very low-income Veteran families living in -- or transitioning to -- permanent housing. For more information, visit VA's Homeless Veterans webpage at (http://www.va.gov/homeless) www.va.gov/homeless and VA's Supportive Services for Veterans Families website at (http://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp) www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Pentagon Opens History Exhibit
The Pentagon recently opened its new Pentagon Building History Exhibit, which shows the evolution of the five-sided structure from its earliest planning stages through its most recent modernization, which was completed in late 2011. The new exhibit features life-size images of Pentagon employees at work in their offices. Located between the C and D Rings of Corridor 2, on the Pentagon's third floor, the exhibit consists of three main parts. Several hallway display cases contain photos and artifacts from the 1940s and the 1990s. A multimedia space lets visitors see how the Pentagon was originally constructed. It is anticipated that the new exhibit will be included in the official Pentagon tours. To book a tour, visit the (http://pentagon.afis.osd.mil/tour-selection.html) Pentagon website.
For more military history resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/history) Military.com History Center.
Personalized Transition Checklists and Tips
We just the launched the new (http://www.military.com/military-transition) Military Transition Center, which features revolutionary personalized checklists to guide servicemembers and retirees through transition even before you begin the separation process. The Transition Center works simply, but effectively. Designed to be the first place you go to plan your transition. Simply enter in your estimated separation date and you'll receive monthly email notifications with checklists and tips to help prepare for your exit from the military -- benefits and options after transition, civilian careers that match your military experience, resume keywords, interview tips, financial changes, relocation advice and more. (http://www.military.com/military-transi ... RC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Military Transition Center Now.
Test Your Military Trivia Knowledge
Think you know military history and trivia? Test your knowledge with the Military.com Trivia Challenge. Here's how you win: For each question you answer correctly you'll receive one point, and for each point you'll earn an electronic raffle ticket. At the end of the month we'll have a random drawing of all the tickets and pull out one to determine the winner. Play as little or as much as you'd like during the month, but the more questions you answer correctly, the greater your chances of winning. (http://www.military.com/Trivia/Home?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Play now.
Increased Vet Tax Credit in Illinois
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn recently signed a new law that gives Illinois employers more incentive in hiring veterans by doubling the state's income tax credit. The new law increases the tax credit from 10 percent to 20 percent of annual wages. It also increases the annual cap from $1,200 to $5,000. Employers for veterans who served after Sept. 11, 2001, and who work at least 185 days a year are eligible. The law went into effect immediately.
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.
Land a Job at the Vets Virtual Career Fair
Military.com and Monster are hosting a Veterans Virtual Career Fair on August 21st. It's free to join and you'll be able to communicate and engage with exhibitors and attendees in a collaborative virtual environment. Fast Track Your Military Experience to a Civilian Career. (http://www.veteransvirtualcareerfair.co ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get more details and register for the event now.
(http://www.military.com/career-expo/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) View a full calendar of Military Career Expos.
(http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Military.com Veteran Career Center to search for jobs and get tips on your career and job search.
(http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/sk ... RC=mrvr.nl) Translate your military skills, experience and training to find career opportunities that best align with your capabilities.
Veteran Benefits Explained
In addition to the pensions and benefits to which you may be entitled because of both public and private employment, you may also be eligible for certain benefits based on your military service. Visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... ESRC=vr.nl) Veteran Benefit summary page to learn more about disability compensation, veteran's pension programs, low cost medical care through the VA, education programs, PTSD support and more.
Navy Veteran Ernest Borgnine Dies
U.S. Navy veteran Ernest Borgnine passed away on July 8, 2012 at age 95. Borgnine enlisted in the Navy in 1935. After his ten-year naval career, he was an avid supporter of veterans. Working with VA's Voluntary Service staff, Borgnine visited veterans at numerous VA facilities and served in various capacities at many Veterans' events and celebrations over the years. For more information on Ernest Borgnine, visit the (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_borgnine) Wikipedia website, the (http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/19440%7 ... raphy.html) Turner Classic Movies website, and view the video at the (http://www.emmytvlegends.org/interviews ... t-borgnine) Archive of American Television website.
VA's New Process Yields Results
A new report released by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has found that the new Challenge training program for VA employees who process and evaluate veteran disability claims are yielding faster, more accurate decisions for veterans. In the face of dramatically increasing workloads, VA is pursuing new and better ways to train its employees in the complex regulations governing VA's disability compensation program. The full evaluation report is available on the (http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/docs ... Report.pdf) VA website.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Website for Those with PTSD
When Afghan veteran Cpl. Chris Dupee decided to record and upload his grim experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), he built a website and others came. Today, Dupee's Military Minds website has been visited almost 11,000 military members and supporters from Canada, the United States, Britain, Australia and 16 other countries. Dupee served With the 3RCR (Royal Canadian Regiment) during his 2008-09 Afghanistan tour. For more information, visit the (http://militaryminds.ca/) Military Minds website.
For more on PTSD and links to support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.
Clergy Train to Help Veterans
As hundreds of thousands of veterans return with physical and psychological injuries from Iraq and Afghanistan, the Department of Veterans Affairs has been training clergy across the country to assist veterans in transition. VA's Rural Clergy Training Program consisted of eight one-day training sessions for clergy. The pilot program was launched because rural veterans in particular may lack close access to veterans' services. For more information about the program, read the VA's (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/7517/ru ... ransition/) VAntage Point Blog and visit the (http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/ruralclergytraining/) VHA Office of Rural Health (ORH) website. The program was recently completed for 2012.
$300k Coverage for Less than VGLI
VGLI too expensive? Get $300k coverage starting at $21.78 a month. Customize a plan for your level of need. (http://www.military.com/insurance?ESRC=vr0723.nl) Get covered now.
PTSD App Marks Anniversary
VA and the Department of Defense's Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Coach mobile application recently marked its first anniversary with receipt of an award for innovation in the advancement of telemedicine from the American Telemedicine Association. PTSD Coach provides education, symptoms-tracking tools, self-assessment and connections to support individuals with PTSD. The app has been downloaded more than 53,000 times in more than 60 countries. It is available for free download for both iPhone and Android devices at VA's (http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/PTSDCoach.asp) National Center for PTSD website.
For more on PTSD and links to support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.
Deal of the Week: Exclusive Discounts
Up to 70% off on lifestyle products, including golf clubs, apparel, sunglasses and more on GovX.com. Free sign-up for former/retired military and government. (https://www.govx.com/milcom/?utm_source ... tarycom_v1) Start saving today.
VA Rolls Out New Claims Process
The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that it is deploying a new model for processing compensation benefits claims at 16 VA regional offices. The new organizational model involves special handling of claims from veterans who are facing the most serious injuries or illnesses or experiencing financial hardships or homelessness, and therefore need immediate attention. Veterans and their Veterans Service Organization representatives are encouraged to provide all the needed evidence along with their application in a "fully developed claim" in order to expedite the process. A list of the sixteen regional offices using the new model is available on the (http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressre ... fm?id=2354) VA website. To learn more about how to file "fully developed claims," visit VA's (http://benefits.va.gov/disabilityexams) Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) webpage.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
VA Implements Specialty Care Initiative
The Department of Veterans Affairs has implemented a new initiative, Specialty Care Access Network-Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (SCAN-ECHO). SCAN-ECHO enables specialty care teams in areas such as diabetes, pain management, and Hepatitis C to use videoconferencing equipment to connect with veterans' local primary care providers (PCPs) and Patient Aligned Care Teams. During a scheduled SCAN-ECHO clinic, the PCP presents a patient's case and the specialty care team recommends a treatment plan. In addition to case presentations, formal clinical education is also provided. Eleven VA medical facilities currently serve as SCAN-ECHO Centers. A list of SCAN-ECHO centers is available on the (http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressre ... fm?id=2353) VA website.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Featured Employer: Allstate Hiring Vets
Visit the (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Allstate Veteran Talent Portal to search jobs, view hiring event dates, and learn more about what it's like to work for a company that values veteran talent. At Allstate, we celebrate creative problem solving, full engagement and working together to keep all people in Good Hands(R), and we recognize our military veterans as men and women who share this vision. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Learn more and apply for jobs.
Prequalifying for a VA Loan
Prequalifying for a VA loan is recommended for all eligible borrowers before they start shopping for a home. To prequalify for a VA home loan, an experienced loan professional will ask you questions about your income and credit history and may even run a quick credit report with your permission. You may also be asked for proof of military service and your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at this time to be certain that you are eligible for a VA home loan. (http://www.military.com/money/home-owne ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read more and find out what documents you need to get together now.
Support for Veterans in Crisis
The (http://veteranscrisisline.net/) Veterans Crisis Line offers free, confidential support to veterans in crisis, as well as their family and friends 24/7/365. Call 1-800-273-8255, chat online, or text 838255.
For more links to support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.
VA Announces New Grants
The Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced the award of nearly $100 million in grants that will help approximately 42,000 homeless and at-risk veterans and their families. The grants are going to 151 community agencies in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Under the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, VA is awarding grants to private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives that provide services to very low-income Veteran families living in -- or transitioning to -- permanent housing. For more information, visit VA's Homeless Veterans webpage at (http://www.va.gov/homeless) www.va.gov/homeless and VA's Supportive Services for Veterans Families website at (http://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp) www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Pentagon Opens History Exhibit
The Pentagon recently opened its new Pentagon Building History Exhibit, which shows the evolution of the five-sided structure from its earliest planning stages through its most recent modernization, which was completed in late 2011. The new exhibit features life-size images of Pentagon employees at work in their offices. Located between the C and D Rings of Corridor 2, on the Pentagon's third floor, the exhibit consists of three main parts. Several hallway display cases contain photos and artifacts from the 1940s and the 1990s. A multimedia space lets visitors see how the Pentagon was originally constructed. It is anticipated that the new exhibit will be included in the official Pentagon tours. To book a tour, visit the (http://pentagon.afis.osd.mil/tour-selection.html) Pentagon website.
For more military history resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/history) Military.com History Center.
Personalized Transition Checklists and Tips
We just the launched the new (http://www.military.com/military-transition) Military Transition Center, which features revolutionary personalized checklists to guide servicemembers and retirees through transition even before you begin the separation process. The Transition Center works simply, but effectively. Designed to be the first place you go to plan your transition. Simply enter in your estimated separation date and you'll receive monthly email notifications with checklists and tips to help prepare for your exit from the military -- benefits and options after transition, civilian careers that match your military experience, resume keywords, interview tips, financial changes, relocation advice and more. (http://www.military.com/military-transi ... RC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Military Transition Center Now.
Test Your Military Trivia Knowledge
Think you know military history and trivia? Test your knowledge with the Military.com Trivia Challenge. Here's how you win: For each question you answer correctly you'll receive one point, and for each point you'll earn an electronic raffle ticket. At the end of the month we'll have a random drawing of all the tickets and pull out one to determine the winner. Play as little or as much as you'd like during the month, but the more questions you answer correctly, the greater your chances of winning. (http://www.military.com/Trivia/Home?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Play now.
Increased Vet Tax Credit in Illinois
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn recently signed a new law that gives Illinois employers more incentive in hiring veterans by doubling the state's income tax credit. The new law increases the tax credit from 10 percent to 20 percent of annual wages. It also increases the annual cap from $1,200 to $5,000. Employers for veterans who served after Sept. 11, 2001, and who work at least 185 days a year are eligible. The law went into effect immediately.
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.
Land a Job at the Vets Virtual Career Fair
Military.com and Monster are hosting a Veterans Virtual Career Fair on August 21st. It's free to join and you'll be able to communicate and engage with exhibitors and attendees in a collaborative virtual environment. Fast Track Your Military Experience to a Civilian Career. (http://www.veteransvirtualcareerfair.co ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get more details and register for the event now.
(http://www.military.com/career-expo/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) View a full calendar of Military Career Expos.
(http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Military.com Veteran Career Center to search for jobs and get tips on your career and job search.
(http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/sk ... RC=mrvr.nl) Translate your military skills, experience and training to find career opportunities that best align with your capabilities.
Veteran Benefits Explained
In addition to the pensions and benefits to which you may be entitled because of both public and private employment, you may also be eligible for certain benefits based on your military service. Visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... ESRC=vr.nl) Veteran Benefit summary page to learn more about disability compensation, veteran's pension programs, low cost medical care through the VA, education programs, PTSD support and more.
Navy Veteran Ernest Borgnine Dies
U.S. Navy veteran Ernest Borgnine passed away on July 8, 2012 at age 95. Borgnine enlisted in the Navy in 1935. After his ten-year naval career, he was an avid supporter of veterans. Working with VA's Voluntary Service staff, Borgnine visited veterans at numerous VA facilities and served in various capacities at many Veterans' events and celebrations over the years. For more information on Ernest Borgnine, visit the (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_borgnine) Wikipedia website, the (http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/19440%7 ... raphy.html) Turner Classic Movies website, and view the video at the (http://www.emmytvlegends.org/interviews ... t-borgnine) Archive of American Television website.
VA's New Process Yields Results
A new report released by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has found that the new Challenge training program for VA employees who process and evaluate veteran disability claims are yielding faster, more accurate decisions for veterans. In the face of dramatically increasing workloads, VA is pursuing new and better ways to train its employees in the complex regulations governing VA's disability compensation program. The full evaluation report is available on the (http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/docs ... Report.pdf) VA website.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Website for Those with PTSD
When Afghan veteran Cpl. Chris Dupee decided to record and upload his grim experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), he built a website and others came. Today, Dupee's Military Minds website has been visited almost 11,000 military members and supporters from Canada, the United States, Britain, Australia and 16 other countries. Dupee served With the 3RCR (Royal Canadian Regiment) during his 2008-09 Afghanistan tour. For more information, visit the (http://militaryminds.ca/) Military Minds website.
For more on PTSD and links to support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.
Clergy Train to Help Veterans
As hundreds of thousands of veterans return with physical and psychological injuries from Iraq and Afghanistan, the Department of Veterans Affairs has been training clergy across the country to assist veterans in transition. VA's Rural Clergy Training Program consisted of eight one-day training sessions for clergy. The pilot program was launched because rural veterans in particular may lack close access to veterans' services. For more information about the program, read the VA's (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/7517/ru ... ransition/) VAntage Point Blog and visit the (http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/ruralclergytraining/) VHA Office of Rural Health (ORH) website. The program was recently completed for 2012.
$300k Coverage for Less than VGLI
VGLI too expensive? Get $300k coverage starting at $21.78 a month. Customize a plan for your level of need. (http://www.military.com/insurance?ESRC=vr0723.nl) Get covered now.
PTSD App Marks Anniversary
VA and the Department of Defense's Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Coach mobile application recently marked its first anniversary with receipt of an award for innovation in the advancement of telemedicine from the American Telemedicine Association. PTSD Coach provides education, symptoms-tracking tools, self-assessment and connections to support individuals with PTSD. The app has been downloaded more than 53,000 times in more than 60 countries. It is available for free download for both iPhone and Android devices at VA's (http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/PTSDCoach.asp) National Center for PTSD website.
For more on PTSD and links to support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.
Deal of the Week: Exclusive Discounts
Up to 70% off on lifestyle products, including golf clubs, apparel, sunglasses and more on GovX.com. Free sign-up for former/retired military and government. (https://www.govx.com/milcom/?utm_source ... tarycom_v1) Start saving today.
VA Rolls Out New Claims Process
The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that it is deploying a new model for processing compensation benefits claims at 16 VA regional offices. The new organizational model involves special handling of claims from veterans who are facing the most serious injuries or illnesses or experiencing financial hardships or homelessness, and therefore need immediate attention. Veterans and their Veterans Service Organization representatives are encouraged to provide all the needed evidence along with their application in a "fully developed claim" in order to expedite the process. A list of the sixteen regional offices using the new model is available on the (http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressre ... fm?id=2354) VA website. To learn more about how to file "fully developed claims," visit VA's (http://benefits.va.gov/disabilityexams) Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) webpage.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
VA Implements Specialty Care Initiative
The Department of Veterans Affairs has implemented a new initiative, Specialty Care Access Network-Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (SCAN-ECHO). SCAN-ECHO enables specialty care teams in areas such as diabetes, pain management, and Hepatitis C to use videoconferencing equipment to connect with veterans' local primary care providers (PCPs) and Patient Aligned Care Teams. During a scheduled SCAN-ECHO clinic, the PCP presents a patient's case and the specialty care team recommends a treatment plan. In addition to case presentations, formal clinical education is also provided. Eleven VA medical facilities currently serve as SCAN-ECHO Centers. A list of SCAN-ECHO centers is available on the (http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressre ... fm?id=2353) VA website.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Featured Employer: Allstate Hiring Vets
Visit the (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Allstate Veteran Talent Portal to search jobs, view hiring event dates, and learn more about what it's like to work for a company that values veteran talent. At Allstate, we celebrate creative problem solving, full engagement and working together to keep all people in Good Hands(R), and we recognize our military veterans as men and women who share this vision. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Learn more and apply for jobs.