Veterans Report - Week of August 27, 2012

[boardman]

Veterans Report - Week of August 27, 2012

USS Constitution Sets Sail
The USS Constitution departed her berth from Charlestown, Mass. Aug. 19, to set sail for the first time since 1997. The underway honored the 200th anniversary of Constitution's decisive victory over the HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812, marking the first time a United States frigate defeated a Royal Navy frigate at or nearly equal size. It is also the battle in which Constitution earned her famous nickname "Old Ironsides." The USS Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors per year. For more information, visit the USS Constitution website at www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution and the (http://www.facebook.com/ussconstitutionofficial) USS Constitution Facebook page.
For more military history resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/history) Military.com History Center.


Grants for Vet Job Training
The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded grants totaling $11.53 million through the Veterans' Workforce Investment Program to provide an estimated 5,500 veterans with job training and skills development services. The funds will be used to provide training in fields including software and computer services, construction, auto mechanics, security, logistics, nursing, physical and occupational therapy, hospitality and the culinary arts, among others. A list of the grantees is available on the (http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/vets ... 121738.htm) Department of Labor VETS website. More information on the Department of Labor's employment and re-employment programs for veterans can be found on the (http://www.dol.gov/vets/) Department Labor VETS website.
For nation-wide job listings and job search guides, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


New AF Portraits in Courage
Twenty Airmen are featured in the latest volume of the Air Force's Portraits in Courage series, which highlights Airmen who display bravery and determination in the face of challenging or dangerous circumstances. "These exceptional Airmen persisted through extraordinary circumstances, confronted unforeseen dangers and surmounted seemingly impossible challenges, all to accomplish their missions, and often saving the lives of others in the process," wrote former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. Of the Air Force James A. Roy, in the volume's preface. The new series is available on the Portraits in Courage website at (http://www.af.mil/specials/courage/index.html) www.af.mil/specials/courage/index.html .
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


H.R. 1627 Improves VA Loans
On August 6, 2012 President Obama signed The Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act (H.R. 1627). The new law addresses some of the problems veterans have been facing recently including medical conditions caused by contaminated water used by families stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The signed legislation also makes certain veterans benefits, like VA loans, more readily available. New law makes VA loans available to more surviving spouses, disabled vets and single parents, and VA loan limits return to $729,750 to over $1,000,000 for high-cost areas. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read the full article on Military.com to see the 5 major VA Loan changes.


Test Your Military Trivia Knowledge
Think you know military history and trivia? Test your knowledge with our the (http://www.military.com/Trivia/Home?ESRC=mrvr.nl) 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.


Treatment for Women Veterans
Here are more female Veterans than ever before, and VA is increasing care, resources, and changing the culture from the inside. Learn more at VA's (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/7887/pr ... -veterans/) VAntage Point Blog.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Suicide Rates Reach High
The Pentagon reports that thirty-eight soldiers are suspected of committing suicide in July, which was the worst month for suicides since the Army first started releasing monthly figures in 2009. Suicide rates in other military services are not looking much better with both Marine Corps and Coast Guard suicide rates already above those reported in 2011. For resources to prevent suicide, visit the U.S (http://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/suicide/default.asp) . Army Suicide Prevention Program webpage. If you are a servicemember in crisis, or know a servicemember who is, confidential support is only a phone call, click, or text away. Call the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255--press 1. Or text to 838255. Or visit the (http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ActiveDuty.aspx) Military Crisis Line website to start a confidential chat with a caring, qualified responder.
For more military support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse/) Military.com Family Center.


Employer Spotlight: HNTB Hiring Vets
For nearly a century, HNTB Corporation has helped create infrastructure that best meets the unique demands of its environment. At HNTB, we encourage employees to take ownership in the projects they support and ensure they are challenged each step of the way. It also means that every person's job makes an impact -- just like the serving in the military.
(http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Visit the HNTB Veteran Talent Portal to find Jobs that Match Your Skills.


Mobile PTSD App Helps Vets
Mobile apps like the PTSD Coach can identify signs of PTSD, manage symptoms, and connect with resources and help instantly. And according to studies, early intervention may prevent long term damage to mental health. For more information, read (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/7895/mo ... nage-ptsd/) VA's VAntage Point Blog.
For more PTSD information and support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... rview.html) Military.com PTSD page.


Romney to Speak at American Legion Event
The American Legion's 94th Annual National Convention in Indianapolis, will feature Mitt Romney, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki and a pre-recorded video message by President Barack Obama. In addition to Mitt Romney and Secretary Shinseki, speakers include Ike Skelton, former chairman of the House Armed Services Committee; Rep. Andre Carson (7th Dist.-Ind.) and Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana. The American Legion's National Convention will take place Sunday, Aug. 26 to Thursday, Aug. 30 at the Indiana Convention Center. (Some programs and activities will also be held at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. Visit (http://www.legion.org/) The American Legion website to learn more about this year's national convention.
To keep up with legislation and laws that affect servicemembers and veterans, and make your voice heard with politicians, visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Military.com Legislation Center.


Veteran's 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) Veterans 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.


Paws Assisting Wounded Warriors (PAWWS)
The not-for-profit organization Paws Assisting Wounded Warriors (PAWWS) in Palos Heights, IL trains service dogs for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The dogs are taught 18 tasks from obedience commands to service. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Certified Service Dogs are allowed by law to enter public places such as the veteran's work place, restaurants, buses, and stores. The program runs approximately 6 months in length and is comprised of several training stages, most of which are catered to the individual requirements of each soldier / canine team. For more information, visit the (http://pawsassistingwoundedwarriors.org/) Paws Assisting Wounded Warriors website.
For more military-related pet news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty/pet-corner) Military.com Pet Corner.


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 ... rvr0709.nl) Next Step: connect with lenders ready to help you use your VA loan.


Quick Tips for Student Veterans
As summer ends many veterans are getting ready to go back to school. For many this will be their first time attending school using the GI Bill. The VA has some advice for those planning to use their VA education benefits. Their advice will help you spend more time thinking about homework and exams and less time thinking about GI Bill paperwork.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -students/) Read the Military Advantage Blog for the full list of VA Quick Tips.


Deal of the Week: Avis Rentals
Avis offers government and military travelers savings of up to 25% off every rental with AWD # 555084. Use a coupon offer for additional savings. (http://www.avis.com/recgov) Get this deal.


New Law Improves VA Home Loans
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, also improves the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program. 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. Additionally, and at long last, VA loan limits of $1 million are again possible in high-cost areas. (http://valoan.military.com/3333/va-loan ... z24lal3GcT) Read more.


Get Personalized Transition Checklists and Tips
Military.com has launched the new 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.


VA Study Looks at Alcoholism
A study by researchers from the Boston University School of Medicine and Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System found that, after abstaining from drinking, female brains' white matter levels increase more quickly than male brains do. However, women's recovery slowed down as men's recovery outperformed theirs. In addition, the effects of alcoholism seemed hit women more strongly than it did men. The study looked at brain scans of 42 people who had been heavy drinkers for five or more years, but had since been abstinent. An abstract of this study is available in the journal ' (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1 ... x/abstract) Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research'.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Vets Apply for Retraining Assistance
The Department of Veterans Affairs has approved more than 36,000 applications for the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP), a new training and education program for unemployed Veterans to upgrade their skills for in-demand jobs. At the current approval rate, VA expects to fill all 45,000 available slots for the fiscal year 2012 phase of the program before the Sept. 30 deadline, and will continue processing new applications for the 54,000 slots available in fiscal year 2013. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -for-vrap/) Read more on the Military Advantage Blog.


Website for Massachusetts Veterans
State and local officials in Massachusetts recently introduced a new website aimed at making it easier for veterans to connect with benefits and service programs offered in Massachusetts. (http://massvetsadvisor.org/) MassVetsAdvisor.org can quickly tell veterans of all stripes and ages which of the 320 benefit initiatives offered in Massachusetts they qualify for. It can also connect them with any of the 95 veteran's service programs offered in the state. In addition to helping Massachusetts veterans, the goal of the website is to demonstrate the value of broadband Internet connectivity to populations that are currently underserved.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Requesting Military Records
Veterans who retired before Oct. 1, 2004 must visit the (http://www.archives.gov/veterans/milita ... e-records/) National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) website for record request instructions. People requesting the record of a deceased relative who retired before Oct. 1, 2004 may now use the NPRC website to order a copy of the military records. Regardless of the request procedures used, processing can take time. Do not send a follow-up request before 90 days have elapsed as it may cause further delays. Veterans who retired after Oct. 1, 2004 can access certain records online by registering for a premium account on (http://www.ebenefits.va.gov/) www.eBenefits.va.gov. Click the register button at the top of the home page and follow the instructions provided to obtain a premium account. The website may not be inclusive for all retirees.
For more on military benefits and records, and how to access them, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


American Legion Issues Report
The American Legion has published (http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/ ... atform.pdf) a special report on key election issues geared toward candidates for national office, their challengers, voters and others who are interested. The 28-page report, "Our Pillars, Your Platform," pinpoints the Legion's stand on the most critical issues of today such as veterans' health care, jobs and education for returning servicemembers, immigration, benefits and more. The report is available on the (http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/ ... atform.pdf) American Legion website.
To keep up with legislation and laws that affect servicemembers and veterans, and make your voice heard with politicians, visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Military.com Legislation Center.


New VA Clinic in Colorado Springs
The Department of Veterans Affairs has selected the contractor to build an expanded community-based outpatient clinic in Colorado Springs, Colo. The project includes 76,731 square feet of space for specialty services for Veterans, including primary care, mental health and ancillary diagnostic services. The clinic will house outpatient services for more than 20,000 Veterans annually in the Eastern Rockies area. The facility will be completed in Spring, 2014. For more information on VA health benefits, visit VA's Health Benefits webpage at (http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/) www.va.gov/healthbenefits/.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Therapy May Ease PTSD Symptoms
A new study suggests couples therapy may reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and increase relationship satisfaction. The study compared 20 couples who received the therapy with 20 couples who were put on a waiting list for it in 2008 - 2012. After the joint therapy, the PTSD symptoms were three times less severe than for the people on the waiting list. And, they reported that relationship satisfaction increased four times more than the couples on the waiting list. An abstract of the study is available in the August 15, 2012 edition of the (http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.asp ... id=1346190) Journal of the American Medical Association. Learn about (http://www.vetcenter.va.gov/Vet_Center_Services.asp) counseling at Vet Centers on VA's (http://www.vetcenter.va.gov/Vet_Center_Services.asp) Vet Centers webpage.
For more PTSD information and support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... rview.html) Military.com PTSD page.