Veterans Report - Week of August 20, 2012

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Veterans Report - Week of August 20, 2012

Beware of Telephone Scam in Maine
The Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) has learned of a potential scam targeting veterans' bank accounts. Veterans who have either signed up or have been approved for the new Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) have been specifically affected. Veterans are reporting that they have received a phone call from an individual who congratulated the veteran on his or her VRAP approval. The caller advises the veterans to call a phone number with a 202 area code, give his or her bank account number and routing number to a person named "Kelly," and pay $205 for the service fee. Veterans should never provide banking account information over the phone to anyone. Veterans who think they might have been targeted should contact Dennis P. Wellman, MDOL's manager of veteran programs, at (207) 623-7900.
For more credit and debt tips, including scams to watch out for, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/personal-finance) Military.com Personal Finance Center.


Assessment on PTSD Treatment
The Institute of Medicine's Committee on the Assessment of Ongoing Efforts in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has started the second phase of its four-year mandated study. This study is sponsored by the DoD, and the committee recently released their initial assessment. A free copy of the report is available on the (http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2012/Treatme ... sment.aspx) Institute of Medicine website.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... rview.html) Find more PTSD Resources on Military.com.


Countdown to the Paralympics
The Olympics have already made for some of the most inspirational television moments of this year. Perhaps the biggest inspiration of all has been Oscar Pistorious, the double amputee from South Africa who participated in the 400m. While Pistorious is the only amputee competing in the Olympics, he is not the only one who will be competing in London this month. In less than 3 weeks the Paralympics are set to begin. (http://boxscorenews.com/us-olympic-comm ... 489-68.htm) Team USA includes two active-duty servicemembers and 18 veterans. The 2012 Paralympics take place August 29- Sept. 9, 2012. For more information, visit the (http://www2.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics.aspx) U.S. Paralympics website.
For more military-related sports news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty section.


Hiring Our Heroes
Since the start of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Hiring Our Heroes campaign in 2011, more than 9,500 veterans and military spouses have found jobs nationwide. The Chamber's goal is to engage the business community to commit to hiring 500,000 veterans by the end of 2014. The National Chamber Foundation says it is on track with partner agencies to host a total of 400 hiring fairs this year. For more information, including a list of upcoming job fairs across the country, visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce' Hiring Our Heroes webpage at (http://www.uschamber.com/hiringourheroes) www.uschamber.com/hiringourheroes.
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.


Meet Top Employers Tomorrow, 8/21
Military.com and Monster are hosting a Veterans Virtual 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 (http://www.military.com/military-report ... miltrep.nl) 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.


Vet Benefit Calculator: Connect to Your Benefits
The Military.com Benefit Calculator is designed to quickly and easily connect you with your benefits information based on service and status. Find Federal Benefits, State Benefits, National Guard State Benefits, Special Military Discounts and More. (http://benefits.military.com/reg/Vetera ... RC=mrvr.nl) Find Your Benefits Now.
(http://benefits.military.com/reg/Vetera ... RC=mrvr.nl)
(http://www.military.com/benefits?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Military.com Benefit Channel to access Pay Charts, TRICARE information, BAH, Survivor Benefits, Vet Benefits and More.
(http://www.military.com/benefits?ESRC=mrvr.nl)


New Law Improves VA Loan Benefits
President Obama signed The Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act (H.R. 1627) on August 6, 2012. This act, intended to help those sickened by water at Camp Lejeune, includes improvements to VA home loan benefits available through the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program. A portion of the new law makes VA loans available to more surviving spouses, provides easier funding fee waivers for disabled vets and helps single and dual-duty parents with occupancy hurdles. (http://valoan.military.com/3333/va-loan ... ESRC=vr.nl) Get more information and details on eligibility on Military.com.


New Campus for Wounded Warriors
Construction is underway on a new Soldier in Transition Campus at Fort Eustis, Va., which will greatly improve the recuperative process for wounded warriors assigned to the post's Warrior Transition Unit. The Warrior Transition Complex will consist of three primary facilities -- a 43,200 square-foot barracks capable of housing 80 Soldiers, a 16,600 square-foot company administration building that will provide office space for 76 people, and a 7,000 square-foot Soldier and Family Assistance Center to provide family-support services. The new campus is expected to be completed between December 2012 and February 2013.
For more transition resources and guides, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-transition) Military.com Transition Center.


Hawaii Museums Welcome Visitors
The U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii at Fort DeRussy at (http://www.hiarmymuseumsoc.org) www.hiarmymuseumsoc.org tells the military story in Hawaii, from the early Native Hawaiian warriors to Soldiers who fought in the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan. The Honolulu Museum of Art at (http://www.honolulumuseum.org) www.honolulumuseum.org houses a world-class art collection. Honolulu's Bishop Museum at (http://www.bishopmuseum.org) www.bishopmuseum.org is Hawaii's largest museum dedicated to studying and preserving the history of Hawaii and the Pacific. The Iolani Palace at (http://www.iolanipalace.org) www.iolanipalace.org , the official residence of Hawaii's monarchy, is a National Historic Landmark. Meanwhile, the Schofield Barracks Tropic Lightning Museum at (http://www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil/tlm/index.html) www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil/tlm/index.html is undergoing structural renovations to its 100-year-old building and will reopen in the Spring, 2013.
For more military history features and resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/history) Military.com History Center.


Vet Job Training in Ohio
Six Community Action Agencies in Ohio are offering the Ohio Vocation, Education, Training and Services (Ohio VETS) free job training program. The year-long pilot program is aimed at assisting veterans whose incomes are no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline in finding meaningful employment at a living wage. For a single person, the annual income should be no more than $22,340; for a two-person household, no more than $30,260. Each agency will provide a variety of services from training for resume building, interviewing techniques, computer literacy and vocational training. The agency also will work with area employers. For more information and to see if the program is available in your area, find and contact your local Community Action Agency in Ohio at (http://www.oacaa.org/directory.html) www.oacaa.org/directory.html.
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.


5 Tips for Veterans Seeking Tech Jobs
The tech world has had its ups and downs, but technology companies aren't about to vanish, which means that veterans looking for job opportunities would be wise to check out the industry. But what do veterans need to do to put themselves in the best position to get tech jobs? (http://jobsforveterans.military.com/105 ... tech-jobs/) Here's five tips that take advantage of your millitary experience and connections.


VGLI too Expensive? Get $300k Coverage for Less
Get $300k coverage starting at only $21.78 a month. Protecting your family?s future is extremely affordable, (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?ESRC=vr0820.nl) get coverage today.


VA Medical Foster Homes
Currently, 74 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities in 36 states have an active VA Medical Foster Home Program, with hundreds of caregivers opening their homes to Veterans who would otherwise be in a nursing home. Read one caregiver's story on the (http://www.toledofreepress.com/2012/08/ ... va-system/) Toledo Free Press website. For more information, visit VA's (http://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/Guide/Long ... _Homes.asp) Medical Foster Homes website.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


The Politics of Budget Cutting
Lawmakers sent a signal to the White House this month that Congress is more interested in winning reelection in November than in removing the threat severe cuts to government programs in January. The cuts would be the result of sequestration -- called the Budget Control Act. In addition to cutting 10 percent of the Defense budget, the cuts would likely include delaying eligibility for Medicare and Social Security for younger workers, the delivery of VA programs, and more.
(http://www.military.com/features/0,1524 ... 338&rank=8) Read the full article on Military.com


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 4 benefits of a VA loan.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0820.nl) Next Step: connect with lenders ready to help you use your VA loan.


Operation Boots to Business
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has joined with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to launch a training program for transitioning servicemembers and veterans called "Operation Boots to Business: From Service to Startup," to help them become entrepreneurs and create jobs. Through the Boots to Business initiative, servicemembers will learn the nuts and bolts of how to start and grow a business. They will also be introduced to the SBA's nationwide Resource Partner network for support throughout the lifecycle of their new business. For more information on the Operation Boots to Business training program, and on how to take part as a transitioning servicemember, visit the SBA's Operation Boots to business website at (http://www.sba.gov/bootstobusiness) www.sba.gov/bootstobusiness.
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.


New PTSD Study Published
A new Canadian study has found that Soldiers and veterans seeking treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) should be screened closely for major depression. The study found that among veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, about half also experience symptoms of major depressive disorder at some point in their lives. A summary of the study, 'Examining the Association Between Psychiatric Illness and Suicidal Ideation in a Sample of Treatment-Seeking Canadian Peacekeeping and Combat Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD,' is available in the August, 2012, issue of the (http://publications.cpa-apc.org/browse/documents/570) Canadian Journal of Psychiatry -- just scroll down the webpage.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... rview.html) Find more PTSD Resources on Military.com.


GI Bill Celebrates Anniversary
August marks the third anniversary of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and since it was implemented Aug. 1, 2009, the Department of Veterans Affairs has provided educational benefits to 773,000 Veterans and their family members. The program provides a wide range of educational options, including undergraduate and (http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/educ ... s/ihl.html) graduate degrees, (http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/educ ... s/ncd.html) vocational/technical training, (http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/educ ... ining.html) on-the-job training, (http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/educ ... ining.html) flight training, (http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/educ ... ining.html) correspondence training, (http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/educ ... ation.html) licensing and (http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/educ ... ogram.html) national testing programs, (http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/educ ... ining.html) entrepreneurship training, and (http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/educ ... ogram.html) tutorial assistance. The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays tuition and fees on behalf of Veterans or eligible dependents. Eligible participants also receive a monthly housing allowance and up to $1000 annually for books and supplies. For more information, visit VA's Post-9/11 GI Bill webpage at (http://www.gibill.va.gov) http://www.gibill.va.gov.


Deal of the Week: Exclusive Discounts
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New VA Clinic for Reno
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is launching a new Mental Health Outpatient Clinic at the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System in Reno, Nev. The new, state-of-the art, 15,500 square foot facility is one of the first of its kind that incorporates a natural, open healing environment with technological advances to make it more energy efficient. The facility offers 40 brand new clinical spaces for one-on-one counseling and three larger multi-purpose rooms to facilitate group therapy sessions. The building itself was designed to be open and flowing and less institutional, while utilizing natural light. For more information on VA health care, visit VA's Health Care webpage at (http://www.va.gov/health/default.asp) www.va.gov/health/default.asp.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Veterans Wanted: General Dynamics
General Dynamics is searching for the best veteran talent to help us deliver innovative technology solutions for our nation's highest-priority defense and homeland security initiatives. Learn how your skills can translate into a civilian career in mission-critical programs. Visit the (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) General Dynamics Veteran Talent Portal to find featured jobs, hiring events and to learn more about a career with General Dynamics.