Veterans Report - Week of April 08, 2013
Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 1:35 pm
Veterans Report - Week of April 08, 2013
The FACTS on PTSD
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after a person has been through a traumatic event. A traumatic event is something terrible and scary that someone sees, hears about or that happens to the person, such as: (1) combat exposure/military sexual trauma; (2) child sexual or physical abuse; (3) terrorist attack; (4) sexual or physical assault; (5) serious accidents, like a car wreck; and (6) natural disasters, like a fire, tornado, hurricane, flood or earthquake. During a traumatic event, the person thinks their life or others' lives are in danger. Treatment for PTSD can help and often includes psychotherapy and/or medication. For more information on PTSD and treatments available sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), visit VA's (http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/index.asp) National Center for PTSD website.
For more on PTSD, see the (http://www.military.com/topics/ptsd) Military.com PTSD section.
New VA Program Helps Homeless Vets
A new VA program is sending teams of health care providers into the streets to find and help an invisible army of sick, discouraged Veterans who spend their nights under bridges, on park benches, or on the sidewalk. The technical term for this growing movement within the Department of Veterans Affairs is ?H-PACT,' which stands for Homeless Patient Aligned Care Teams. Currently VA has 31 of these teams across the country that are providing health care and other services to over 5,000 homeless Veterans... And counting. Learn more by visiting the (http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2 ... Street.asp) Veterans Health Administration website.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
HNTB Hiring Veterans
For nearly a century, HNTB Corporation has helped create infrastructure that best meets the unique demands of its environment. With client relationships spanning decades, we understand infrastructure life cycles and have the perspective to solve technical challenges with clarity and imagination. We see and help address far-reaching issues of financing, legislation, design, construction, community outreach and ongoing operations. As employee owners committed to the highest levels of performance, we enable clients to achieve their goals and visions. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.
NM Eases Licensure Process for Vets
New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez recently signed legislation into law that will require the state to expedite occupational licenses allowing military servicemembers and their spouses to work in jobs ranging from nursing to dentistry. The new law applies to current members of the armed forces, their spouses and recently discharged veterans with professional licenses from other states who are seeking to work in New Mexico. The new law will take effect July 1, 2013. The governor also signed a measure to allow members of the military to suspend utility, telecommunications and cable television services without being required to pay a reconnection fee when they return home from a deployment of more than 30 days. The measure takes effect June 14, and applies to members of the National Guard, reserves and armed forces.
For more veteran job news, tips, and job postings, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
Benefits of a VA Loan in Today's Market
One of the unique benefits afforded to military personnel is access to the Veterans Affairs Home Mortgage Loan program. This program offers tremendous mortgage benefits to active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and some surviving spouses. A VA home loan can be used for a number of purposes, including purchasing or building a new home, refinancing a current mortgage, repairing or improving your existing home, or installing home efficiency measures. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... arket.html) See more benefits of a VA Loan in today's market.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoanNew/Step1.jsp) Next Step: Search for lenders ready to help you buy or refinance with a VA Loan.
Get Your News and Benefits on the Go for FREE
Get your news and benefits on the go with the Military.com app. (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/militar ... 44908?ls=1) Download it for Free now.
Senate Urges DoD to Help VA Backlog
The U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs today urged Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to help the Department of Veterans Affairs curb a growing backlog of claims for disability benefits. The (http://www.sanders.senate.gov/imo/media ... 0Hagel.pdf) letter from Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.), the chairman and the ranking member of the Senate panel, spoke of "the absolute need for continued collaboration, cooperation and commitment between these two agencies." All of the other members of the committee also signed the letter. As of March, 2013, more than 600,000 claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have been pending for more than 125 days and are considered backlogged. The entire letter is available on the (http://www.sanders.senate.gov/imo/media ... 0Hagel.pdf) U.S. Senate website.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Grants to Help Homeless Vets
The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the availability of up to $5 million to fund 16 or more Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program grants. Approximately 2,600 veterans will receive job training and related services to help them succeed in civilian careers. Funds for the grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, and faith-based and community organizations. Awards will range from $100,000 to $300,000 each. The solicitation for grant applications is available at the (http://www.grants.gov) Grants.gov website. For more information, visit the Grants.gov website and the Department of Labor's (http://www.dol.gov/vets/) VETS website, or contact grants officer Cassandra Mitchell at 202-693-4570.
For more veteran job news, tips, and job postings, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
Planning a Wedding? Wedding Day Gift Guide
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, here's a guide that simplifies your wedding day details. (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.
VA Dedicates New Women's Clinic
A new Women Veteran's Clinic has opened inside the new $4.7 million (http://www.Maryland.va.gov/facilities/FortMeade.asp) Fort Meade VA Outpatient clinic in Fort Meade, Maryland. The 13,300-square-foot Fort Meade outpatient clinic, the sixth community based health facility in the VA Maryland (http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-0 ... ion-clinic) Health Care System, will provide local health services to more than 80,000 veterans living in Anne Arundel and Howard counties of Maryland. The clinic provides veterans with outpatient medical care, preventive health and education services, screenings, social work and mental health clinics, as well as referrals to specialized programs and inpatient services. The women's clinic is also slated to provide such services as (http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-0 ... ion-clinic) infertility treatments, fibroid testing, mammograms, menopausal care and osteoporosis care. For hours of operation and travel directions, visit the (http://www.maryland.va.gov/facilities/FortMeade.asp) Fort Meade VA Outpatient Clinic webpage.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
VA Using New Research Model
A new wave in health services research is spreading in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA has a nationwide cadre of health services researchers who are leaders in the field. They examine how VA care is delivered to Veterans and propose ways to make it better. Much of their work has been put into practice. For more information on health services researcher at the Department of Veterans Affairs, visit the (http://www.research.va.gov/currents/feb ... V3wEMrS-yw) Veterans Health Administration Research and Development website.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
DoD Reduces Civilian Furlough Days
The Defense Department has revised from 22 to 14 the number of days hundreds of thousands of civilian employees could be furloughed this year because of the budget sequester. In addition, a senior Defense Department official speaking on background told reporters the start of the furloughs will be delayed until mid-to-late June, after more than 700,000 department employees receive furlough notices now set to go out in early May. Furloughs would happen over seven two-week pay periods until the end of September, when the current fiscal year ends, with employees likely to be told not to come to work for two days during each of those pay periods. The reduced furloughs would be due to a revised estimate of sequestration's impact on the defense budget.
For more on sequestration and furlough news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.
Understanding the VA Loan Appraisal 040813
One of the requirements of receiving a VA (http://www.quickenloans.com/home-loans/va-loan) home loan is that you must have an appraisal performed on the property. What does this mean for you? If you are a first-time homebuyer, or if this is your first VA loan, the idea of getting an appraisal can be daunting. But, if you remind yourself that the appraisal process is there to protect you, the buyer, from paying more than fair-market value for your home, (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) then it actually becomes quite painless.
Tips for Dressing for a Job Interview
"Servicemembers often find it challenging to pull together a professional wardrobe, particularly after years of wearing a uniform," says Sofio Barone, creative director for a custom clothiers and tailor shop in McLean, Va. Sixty-five to seventy-five percent of how [hiring managers] base whether or not they hire you is based on what they see. Interviewers also base their hiring decisions on how an applicant comports himself, how he handles his body, his mannerisms, and even his tone of voice. Do not wear clothing that is too tight, too revealing, too baggy or too loose. Do not wear dated clothes, a too skinny tie or a shiny belt. Whether or not you button your jacket is irrelevant. You should dress appropriately for the position you are seeking. A black suit is associated with funerals, so men should wear a blue or a gray suit. For men, do not forget the small details -- like a handkerchief in your pocket, and polished shoes.
For more tips on dressing for a civilian job, see (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... othes.html) this Military.com article.
Wounded Warrior Screening Program
Disabled veterans can now move through airport security checkpoints without having to remove shoes, light jackets or hats, according to a new policy announced March 27, 2013, by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The new policy is part of TSA's (http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information ... mmodations) Wounded Warrior Screening program. These individuals will be escorted through the security checkpoint and will be eligible for expedited screening through TSA Pre-Check. To be eligible for the service, a wounded warrior or traveling companion must contact the Military Severely Injured Joint Services Operations Center at (mailto:MSIJSOC@dhs.gov) MSIJSOC@dhs.gov, or 1-888-262-2396, in advance of their travel to provide itinerary information. Those traveling with injured troops or veterans must receive standard screening. For more information, visit the (http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information ... mmodations) TSA website.
For travel discounts for servicemembers, families and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts) Military.com Discount Center.
Agent Orange Tied to Parkinson's
April is Parkinson's Awareness Month. Were you exposed to Agent Orange during military service and have (http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type ... isease.asp) Parkinson's disease? You may qualify for VA benefits. Many effective treatment options are available. Hear (http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type ... _SDYBFtJ6c) stories from veterans living with Parkinson's on the Veterans Health Administration's (http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL ... _SDYBFtJ6c) Parkinson's Disease YouTube webpage. And, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Agent Orange webpage at (http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type ... gentorange) www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange to find out more about Agent Orange and VA benefits.
For more on Agent Orange, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... range.html) Military.com Agent Orange information page.
Security Clearance Wanted by Top American Companies
Top companies and government contractors actively hire and pay top salaries to veterans with security clearance. Your skills and experience are in high demand. (http://www.military.com/newslettersignu ... rvr1408.nl) Visit Military.com to view job openings, get industry tips and more to make 2013 your best year yet.
Veterans at Risk of Suicide
Investigators with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the University of Washington say sophisticated searches of the free text in VA patients' electronic medical records may be a way to identify those at risk of suicide. The researchers presented their findings at the 46th annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, held in January. The team used two data sets, on 10,000 and 100,000 Veterans, respectively, and developed search terms to query clinicians' notes for indicators of suicide risk. They homed in on clinical notes indicating past suicide attempts, which is the strongest signal of risk, according to studies. For more information, visit the (http://www.research.va.gov/currents/feb ... V3xJ8rS-yw) Veterans Health Administration Research and Development website.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.
The FACTS on PTSD
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after a person has been through a traumatic event. A traumatic event is something terrible and scary that someone sees, hears about or that happens to the person, such as: (1) combat exposure/military sexual trauma; (2) child sexual or physical abuse; (3) terrorist attack; (4) sexual or physical assault; (5) serious accidents, like a car wreck; and (6) natural disasters, like a fire, tornado, hurricane, flood or earthquake. During a traumatic event, the person thinks their life or others' lives are in danger. Treatment for PTSD can help and often includes psychotherapy and/or medication. For more information on PTSD and treatments available sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), visit VA's (http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/index.asp) National Center for PTSD website.
For more on PTSD, see the (http://www.military.com/topics/ptsd) Military.com PTSD section.
New VA Program Helps Homeless Vets
A new VA program is sending teams of health care providers into the streets to find and help an invisible army of sick, discouraged Veterans who spend their nights under bridges, on park benches, or on the sidewalk. The technical term for this growing movement within the Department of Veterans Affairs is ?H-PACT,' which stands for Homeless Patient Aligned Care Teams. Currently VA has 31 of these teams across the country that are providing health care and other services to over 5,000 homeless Veterans... And counting. Learn more by visiting the (http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2 ... Street.asp) Veterans Health Administration website.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
HNTB Hiring Veterans
For nearly a century, HNTB Corporation has helped create infrastructure that best meets the unique demands of its environment. With client relationships spanning decades, we understand infrastructure life cycles and have the perspective to solve technical challenges with clarity and imagination. We see and help address far-reaching issues of financing, legislation, design, construction, community outreach and ongoing operations. As employee owners committed to the highest levels of performance, we enable clients to achieve their goals and visions. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.
NM Eases Licensure Process for Vets
New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez recently signed legislation into law that will require the state to expedite occupational licenses allowing military servicemembers and their spouses to work in jobs ranging from nursing to dentistry. The new law applies to current members of the armed forces, their spouses and recently discharged veterans with professional licenses from other states who are seeking to work in New Mexico. The new law will take effect July 1, 2013. The governor also signed a measure to allow members of the military to suspend utility, telecommunications and cable television services without being required to pay a reconnection fee when they return home from a deployment of more than 30 days. The measure takes effect June 14, and applies to members of the National Guard, reserves and armed forces.
For more veteran job news, tips, and job postings, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
Benefits of a VA Loan in Today's Market
One of the unique benefits afforded to military personnel is access to the Veterans Affairs Home Mortgage Loan program. This program offers tremendous mortgage benefits to active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and some surviving spouses. A VA home loan can be used for a number of purposes, including purchasing or building a new home, refinancing a current mortgage, repairing or improving your existing home, or installing home efficiency measures. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... arket.html) See more benefits of a VA Loan in today's market.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoanNew/Step1.jsp) Next Step: Search for lenders ready to help you buy or refinance with a VA Loan.
Get Your News and Benefits on the Go for FREE
Get your news and benefits on the go with the Military.com app. (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/militar ... 44908?ls=1) Download it for Free now.
Senate Urges DoD to Help VA Backlog
The U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs today urged Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to help the Department of Veterans Affairs curb a growing backlog of claims for disability benefits. The (http://www.sanders.senate.gov/imo/media ... 0Hagel.pdf) letter from Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.), the chairman and the ranking member of the Senate panel, spoke of "the absolute need for continued collaboration, cooperation and commitment between these two agencies." All of the other members of the committee also signed the letter. As of March, 2013, more than 600,000 claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have been pending for more than 125 days and are considered backlogged. The entire letter is available on the (http://www.sanders.senate.gov/imo/media ... 0Hagel.pdf) U.S. Senate website.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Grants to Help Homeless Vets
The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the availability of up to $5 million to fund 16 or more Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program grants. Approximately 2,600 veterans will receive job training and related services to help them succeed in civilian careers. Funds for the grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, and faith-based and community organizations. Awards will range from $100,000 to $300,000 each. The solicitation for grant applications is available at the (http://www.grants.gov) Grants.gov website. For more information, visit the Grants.gov website and the Department of Labor's (http://www.dol.gov/vets/) VETS website, or contact grants officer Cassandra Mitchell at 202-693-4570.
For more veteran job news, tips, and job postings, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
Planning a Wedding? Wedding Day Gift Guide
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, here's a guide that simplifies your wedding day details. (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.
VA Dedicates New Women's Clinic
A new Women Veteran's Clinic has opened inside the new $4.7 million (http://www.Maryland.va.gov/facilities/FortMeade.asp) Fort Meade VA Outpatient clinic in Fort Meade, Maryland. The 13,300-square-foot Fort Meade outpatient clinic, the sixth community based health facility in the VA Maryland (http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-0 ... ion-clinic) Health Care System, will provide local health services to more than 80,000 veterans living in Anne Arundel and Howard counties of Maryland. The clinic provides veterans with outpatient medical care, preventive health and education services, screenings, social work and mental health clinics, as well as referrals to specialized programs and inpatient services. The women's clinic is also slated to provide such services as (http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-0 ... ion-clinic) infertility treatments, fibroid testing, mammograms, menopausal care and osteoporosis care. For hours of operation and travel directions, visit the (http://www.maryland.va.gov/facilities/FortMeade.asp) Fort Meade VA Outpatient Clinic webpage.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
VA Using New Research Model
A new wave in health services research is spreading in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA has a nationwide cadre of health services researchers who are leaders in the field. They examine how VA care is delivered to Veterans and propose ways to make it better. Much of their work has been put into practice. For more information on health services researcher at the Department of Veterans Affairs, visit the (http://www.research.va.gov/currents/feb ... V3wEMrS-yw) Veterans Health Administration Research and Development website.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
DoD Reduces Civilian Furlough Days
The Defense Department has revised from 22 to 14 the number of days hundreds of thousands of civilian employees could be furloughed this year because of the budget sequester. In addition, a senior Defense Department official speaking on background told reporters the start of the furloughs will be delayed until mid-to-late June, after more than 700,000 department employees receive furlough notices now set to go out in early May. Furloughs would happen over seven two-week pay periods until the end of September, when the current fiscal year ends, with employees likely to be told not to come to work for two days during each of those pay periods. The reduced furloughs would be due to a revised estimate of sequestration's impact on the defense budget.
For more on sequestration and furlough news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.
Understanding the VA Loan Appraisal 040813
One of the requirements of receiving a VA (http://www.quickenloans.com/home-loans/va-loan) home loan is that you must have an appraisal performed on the property. What does this mean for you? If you are a first-time homebuyer, or if this is your first VA loan, the idea of getting an appraisal can be daunting. But, if you remind yourself that the appraisal process is there to protect you, the buyer, from paying more than fair-market value for your home, (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) then it actually becomes quite painless.
Tips for Dressing for a Job Interview
"Servicemembers often find it challenging to pull together a professional wardrobe, particularly after years of wearing a uniform," says Sofio Barone, creative director for a custom clothiers and tailor shop in McLean, Va. Sixty-five to seventy-five percent of how [hiring managers] base whether or not they hire you is based on what they see. Interviewers also base their hiring decisions on how an applicant comports himself, how he handles his body, his mannerisms, and even his tone of voice. Do not wear clothing that is too tight, too revealing, too baggy or too loose. Do not wear dated clothes, a too skinny tie or a shiny belt. Whether or not you button your jacket is irrelevant. You should dress appropriately for the position you are seeking. A black suit is associated with funerals, so men should wear a blue or a gray suit. For men, do not forget the small details -- like a handkerchief in your pocket, and polished shoes.
For more tips on dressing for a civilian job, see (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... othes.html) this Military.com article.
Wounded Warrior Screening Program
Disabled veterans can now move through airport security checkpoints without having to remove shoes, light jackets or hats, according to a new policy announced March 27, 2013, by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The new policy is part of TSA's (http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information ... mmodations) Wounded Warrior Screening program. These individuals will be escorted through the security checkpoint and will be eligible for expedited screening through TSA Pre-Check. To be eligible for the service, a wounded warrior or traveling companion must contact the Military Severely Injured Joint Services Operations Center at (mailto:MSIJSOC@dhs.gov) MSIJSOC@dhs.gov, or 1-888-262-2396, in advance of their travel to provide itinerary information. Those traveling with injured troops or veterans must receive standard screening. For more information, visit the (http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information ... mmodations) TSA website.
For travel discounts for servicemembers, families and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts) Military.com Discount Center.
Agent Orange Tied to Parkinson's
April is Parkinson's Awareness Month. Were you exposed to Agent Orange during military service and have (http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type ... isease.asp) Parkinson's disease? You may qualify for VA benefits. Many effective treatment options are available. Hear (http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type ... _SDYBFtJ6c) stories from veterans living with Parkinson's on the Veterans Health Administration's (http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL ... _SDYBFtJ6c) Parkinson's Disease YouTube webpage. And, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Agent Orange webpage at (http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type ... gentorange) www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange to find out more about Agent Orange and VA benefits.
For more on Agent Orange, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... range.html) Military.com Agent Orange information page.
Security Clearance Wanted by Top American Companies
Top companies and government contractors actively hire and pay top salaries to veterans with security clearance. Your skills and experience are in high demand. (http://www.military.com/newslettersignu ... rvr1408.nl) Visit Military.com to view job openings, get industry tips and more to make 2013 your best year yet.
Veterans at Risk of Suicide
Investigators with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the University of Washington say sophisticated searches of the free text in VA patients' electronic medical records may be a way to identify those at risk of suicide. The researchers presented their findings at the 46th annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, held in January. The team used two data sets, on 10,000 and 100,000 Veterans, respectively, and developed search terms to query clinicians' notes for indicators of suicide risk. They homed in on clinical notes indicating past suicide attempts, which is the strongest signal of risk, according to studies. For more information, visit the (http://www.research.va.gov/currents/feb ... V3xJ8rS-yw) Veterans Health Administration Research and Development website.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.