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Veterans Report - Week of July 30, 2012

Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2012 2:08 pm
by boardman
Veterans Report - Week of July 30, 2012

Soldiers to the Olympics
Through the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), based at Fort Carson, the Army provides financial support, comprehensive Soldier health support and competitive opportunities that help fulfill athletic and Olympic dreams. The program provides outstanding Soldier-athletes the support and training to compete and succeed in national and international competitions leading to Olympic and Paralympic Games, while maintaining a professional military career and promoting the U.S. Army to the world. For more information, visit the Army World Class Athlete Program website at (http://www.thearmywcap.com/) www.thearmywcap.com/.
To keep up with sports and entertainment news that involves the military, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment) Military.com Entertainment section.


Legion Conference Registration Opens
Registration for The American Legion's 14th annual National Americanism Conference in Indianapolis, Sept. 28-30, is available on the American Legion website at (http://www.legion.org/cacregistration) www.legion.org/cacregistration. Those attending the three-day event must register online, regardless if planning to stay at either of the conference hotels. The conference is an opportunity for Legion Baseball chairmen, Oratorical chairmen, Boys State directors and department chaplains to network and brainstorm with each other about their respective program.
For more links to support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


PTSD Programs Need Improvement
The first comprehensive report on veterans' and servicemembers' access to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) care has found that improvements are needed in programs that prevent, identify and treat the condition. The recently released Institute of Medicine report, 'Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Military and Veteran Populations: Initial Assessment,' is the first of two mandated by Congress in 2010 to examine the efficacy of PTSD programs under the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. The report is available on the (http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2012/Treatme ... sment.aspx) Institute of Medicine website.
For links to PTSD support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


VA Expands Specialty Care
The American Legion reports that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced it is launching a nationwide specialty health-care program for veterans in rural areas, which will be based on the Project Echo pilot program currently operating at 11 VA medical centers. The new program, Specialty Care Access Network-Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (SCAN-ECHO), will give training, advice and support to primary care providers (PCPs) so they can deliver specialty care to VA patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hepatitis C and congestive heart failure.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Dogs on Deployment
Dogs on Deployment (DoD) is a national non-profit networking site which promotes responsible pet-ownership and is a resource for military members to search for a volunteer willing to board their pets during deployments, training or hardships. The Dogs on Deployment website at (http://www.dogsondeployment.org) www.dogsondeployment.org is open to is open to all active duty, reserve servicemembers and veterans currently employed with the government. Throughout the year, DoD has helped nearly 80 military pets find homes in their owner's absence and has a network of more than 600 boarders nationwide. For more information, visit the Dogs on Deployment website at (http://www.dogsondeployment.org) www.dogsondeployment.org.
For more about pets and the military, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment/pet-corner/index) Military.com Pet Corner.


VA Must Disclose Documents
A judge in Oakland, Calif. has issued a court order requiring the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to hand over more documents about its Cold War-era drug experiments on thousands of Vietnam veterans. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley said the documents requested were "squarely relevant" to the claim that the government failed to adequately notify veterans of the chemicals they were exposed to and what that exposure might do to their health. A class action lawsuit filed by the Vietnam Veterans of America and individual soldiers in 2009 claimed that the Army and the CIA used at least 7,800 veterans as human guinea pigs for testing the effects of up to 400 types of drugs and chemicals beginning in the 1950s under several project code names including "Bluebird," "Artichoke" and "MKUltra," and "Project Paperclip."
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


House Holds Invisible Wounds Hearing
The Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs recently held an oversight hearing entitled, "Invisible Wounds: Examining the Disability Compensation Benefits Process for Victims of Military Sexual Trauma." The hearing focused on urging the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide consistent review of military sexual assault claims and appropriate care for those who have endured military sexual assault. Statements from and a webcast of the hearing are available on the (http://veterans.house.gov/Compensation% ... l%20Trauma) House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Thank Our Troops
A $10 contribution provides a $50 gift card good at over 18,000 restaurants nationwide to an American Hero. The gift is tax-deductible too. (http://www.thanksabunch.org/milcom/?oid=1010_6) Say "thanks a bunch" today.


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 (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... ESRC=vr.nl) Military.com's Veteran Benefits section to get a full summary and what you need to know about your benefits -- major veteran benefits programs, PTSD support, important documents, eligibility, applications, and more.


New Initiative to Help Servicemembers
USAA and the American Military Society -- two national military-focused organizations -- have joined forces to strengthen support to those who are serving or who have honorably served. This alliance will provide approximately 45,000 AMS-eligible members access to USAA's life insurance and investment services. The agreement positions USAA as the preferred provider of financial services, including life insurance, investments, brokerage services and financial guidance, to AMS members eligible for USAA membership. For more details about USAA and AMS, call 1-800-531-2671 (AMS1).
For more financial advice and guides on everything from personal credit to VA home loans, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money section.


DoD Approves New NATO Medals
The Department of Defense has announced that the creation of the new NATO Medal for NATO Operations and Activities in Africa, which is awarded for service in direct support of one of the following operations or activities: (1) North Atlantic Council-approved NATO support activities in relation to the African Union, (2) Operation Allied Provider, (3) Operation Allied Protector, and (4) Operation Ocean Shield. Also, the new NATO Medal for NATO Operations and Activities in Libya is awarded for service in direct support of Operation Unified Protector. Individuals should consult with their personnel offices for more information on eligibility or to update their personnel files. For a list of all NATO medals, see (http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corr ... 33vol3.pdf) DOD Manual 1348.33, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards, Volume 3.
For more on wearing and replacing medals, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/record ... tions.html) Military.com Medal page.


Featured Employer: Allstate is 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.


Reverse Boot Camp Coming
Stars and Stripes reports that by the end of 2013 troops leaving the military will go through a five- to seven-day reverse boot camp covering job skills, personal finances and veterans benefits under a new initiative announced by President Barack Obama. The new program called Transition Goals Planning Success, or Transition GPS, will replace the military's Transition Assistance Program. The new five-day transition curriculum will cover lessons in basic budgeting tips, resume preparation, dealing with family adjustment issues, translating military skills into a civilian environment and post-service benefits. For more information on the new Transition GPS Program, visit the (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-off ... and-vetera) White House website.
(http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012 ... itary.html) Read the full article on Military.com


Vietnam Memorial Wins Approval
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. has received preliminary approval for construction of an underground education center on the National Mall. The proposed center would include exhibits, a bookstore and a timeline of U.S. military history from Bunker Hill to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund plans to break ground for the new facility in November, 2012. For more information, visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund website at (http://www.buildthecenter.vvmf.org) www.buildthecenter.vvmf.org.


Senate Passes Camp Lejeune Act
The U.S. Senate recently passed H.R. 1627, (http://veterans.house.gov/hr1627) the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012. Provisions of the act would provide healthcare for some Marines and their families exposed to contaminated well water while stationed at Camp Lejeune 1957-1987, provide better access to VA services for rural veterans, streamline the disability claims process, and provide for the future of Arlington National Cemetery. The legislation now goes before the U.S. House of Representatives. To learn more about the (http://veterans.house.gov/hr1627) Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, visit the (http://veterans.house.gov/hr1627) House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


2012 Warrior-Family Symposium
The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and the National Defense Industrial Association will host the 2012 Warrior-Family Symposium to honor wounded heroes and their families. The event will be held on Thursday, September 13, 2012 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. This year's WFS will focus on increasing awareness of our Wounded Warriors' needs and the enhancement and refinement of programs and services that benefit them and their families. Registration for this year's WFS is open. Read more about the event's agenda and register at (http://www.warriorfamilysymposium.com) www.warriorfamilysymposium.com.
For more links to support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Know Your Voting Rights
With stateside elections coming up, people seeking clarification on topics such as where to send their ballots, where they can vote, state of residency and other issues should contact their unit voting assistance officers. These representatives can assist with gathering information about candidates or political parties as requested, but will not offer opinions in an attempt to sway a potential voter. Obtaining absentee ballots can be a simple process when using (http://www.fvap.gov) www.fvap.gov . All potential voters need is their state license or identification card number and voting residence in the U.S. to get started. For more information, contact your voting assistance office and visit the (http://www.osc.gov/documents/hatchact/haflyer.pdf) U.S. Office of Special Counsel website.
To keep up with political issues and legislation that affects military benefits, visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Military.com Legislative Center.


Alaska Sea Services Scholarship Program
The U.S. Navy is seeking applications for the annual Alaska Sea Services Scholarship Program. The program awards annually up to four $1,000 scholarships for undergraduate education to dependent children and spouses of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Personnel who legally claim Alaska as their state of residence. The application deadline is March 1, 2013. To request an application and for more information, visit the Navy League website at (http://www.navyleague.org/) www.navyleague.org/ or call Mike Carter, Navy League, at (703) 312-1585.
For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Veteran Combat Call Center
1-877-WAR-VETS is a confidential call center where combat Veterans and their families can call to talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in their readjustment to civilian life. The staff is comprised of combat veterans from several eras as well as families members of combat veterans. This benefit is prepaid through the veteran's military service. For more information, visit VA's (http://www.vetcenter.va.gov/VETCENTER/m ... er-PSA.asp) Vet Center webpage.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Army Schedule for London Olympics
The U.S. Army has released a schedule for Schedule for World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) Olympians completing at the 2012 London Olympics. For more information, visit the Army World Class Athlete Program website at (http://www.thearmywcap.com) www.thearmywcap.com and the The Air Force World Class Athlete Program website at (http://www.usafsports.com/WCAP.htm) www.usafsports.com/WCAP.htm, and keep up with the Army WCAP on Facebook at (https://www.facebook.com/ArmyWCAP) www.facebook.com/ArmyWCAP.
To keep up with sports and entertainment news that involves the military, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment) Military.com Entertainment section.


Blue Nile: Guide for Your Wedding Day
This is your celebration and there are many details all wrapped up into a few memorable hours. From selecting your wedding rings to bridesmaids' gifts, our guide simplifies your wedding day details. (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... RC=mrvr.nl) View the Blue Nile Wedding Guide.


What Is the Navy Sea Cadet Corps?
The Navy Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) is a non-profit youth organization sponsored by the Navy League. The organization encourages and equips American youth ages 11-17 with seagoing skills while teaching them patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues. While not a recruiting program for the Navy, the NSCC offers teens the training and real-life experiences that can best prepare them for service in the military. Navy units, commands and organizations as well as motivated personnel may support sea cadet units. For more information and to find a local unit, visit the Navy Sea Cadet Corps website at (http://www.seacadets.org/public/) www.seacadets.org/public/.
For more links to support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.