Veterans Report - Week of May 06, 2013
Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 11:48 am
Veterans Report - Week of May 06, 2013
Federal Mobile Apps Gallery
Visit the (http://apps.usa.gov/) USA.gov Mobile Apps Gallery to find government apps and mobile websites. You can search for apps by category (Education, Health, Business, etc.) or by platform (Android, Apple, Blackberry, etc.). Currently, all the apps featured in the gallery are free, though charges from your mobile phone carrier may apply. Here are a few of the apps you will find: (1) (http://apps.usa.gov/tornado-app.shtml) Tornado for local tornado warnings; (2) (http://apps.usa.gov/cdc-mobile-app.shtml) CDC Mobile App for timely health information; (3) (http://apps.usa.gov/smart-traveler.shtml) Smart Traveler for official country information; (4) (http://apps.usa.gov/nci-quitpal-app.shtml) NCI QuitPal to help you stop smoking; and (5) (http://apps.usa.gov/nps-national-mall.shtml) NPS National Mall to explore sites around Washington, DC.
For more on military-related apps, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/best-apps) Military.com App page.
Military Gear Discount
Up to 50% off lifestyle, outdoor & tactical gear. Shop premium brands on GovX.com at prices not available to the public. (https://www.govx.com/milcom?gxweba=mili ... ortapril13) Shop over 10,000 products!
New Phase for myPay
The Spring 2013 myPay release will affect all users and be phased in over the next five months, beginning May 11. It requires users to change their passwords every 60 days using stronger 15- to 30-character passwords. Beginning in May, groups of users will be required to establish new passwords when they attempt to access their accounts. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) expects it will take four months before all users have updated their passwords. DFAS plans to send email alerts 10 days before expiration of a user's password. Customers logging into myPay using DOD computer access cards or a similarly encrypted federal identification card will not be required to enter a password to log in to myPay. More information on the myPay Spring 2013 release and the new password requirements is available at the (http://www.dfas.mil/dfas/mypayinfo.html) DFAS website.
For more updates on military pay and other benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/) Military Advantage Blog.
Navy Lodges Offer Free Wi-Fi
The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) has announced that all 40 of its Navy Lodges worldwide now offer free Wi-If to guests. Guests can now access the free Wi-If in their rooms as well as the common areas within the Navy Lodge. Navy Lodges offer family suites and oversized guest rooms that feature a kitchenette complete with microwave and utensils, cable TV with premium channels and DVD player. Guests also have in-room coffee and breakfast in the lobby. Most Navy Lodges also accept cats and dogs up to 50 pounds. To make a reservation at a Navy Lodge, call 800-628-9466 (800-NAVY-INN), 24 hours a day, seven days a week or visit the Navy Lodge website at www.navy-lodge.com. For other military lodging options, visit the DoD Lodging website at (http://www.dodlodging.com) www.dodlodging.com.
For more on military lodging options and travel, visit the (http://www.military.com/Travel/Home/0,13396,,00.htm) Military.com Travel Center.
Are you ready for homeownership?
Military members receiving change of station orders may be eligible for VA loans to purchase homes near their new military bases. Find out how to become a homeowner today with your (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity- ... RC=mrvr.nl) VA home loan benefit.
Welcome Home Events
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) sponsors Welcome Home events around the country for returning military servicemembers and their families. The events provide important information and guidance on accessing health care and other benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Visit (http://www.volunteer.va.gov/Welcome_Home_Events.asp) VA Voluntary Service website to find when a Welcome Home event is scheduled near you, or contact your local VA Voluntary Service office.
For more pre and post-deployment resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/deployment) Military.com Deployment Center.
Take the Claims Backlog Survey
In order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of why so many veterans' disability benefits claims are in backlog -- delayed more than 125 days -- in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system, The American Legion has launched an (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TX3PFDJ) online survey of veterans who are stuck in the backlog. The 10-question survey asks questions such as how long a veteran has been waiting for a claims decision, how many disability conditions were claimed, why the claim is pending, and which VA regional office is handling the claim. The backlog survey will remain on the Legion's website until May 31. The collected information will be compiled into a report and delivered to VA; the Legion will also share the results on (http://legion.org) legion.org.
DoD Shifts Control of E-Record Project
After five years and an estimated $1 billion Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has decided to take control of the E-Records project away from defense health officials. A congressional source confirmed that DoD oversight for developing an interoperable electronic health records is now under Frank Kendall, under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/2013/0 ... oject.html) Read Tom Philpott's Military Update for the complete story.
New Tech Training and Certification Plan
First Lady Michelle Obama today unveiled the new Information Technology Training and Certification Partnership to put thousands of servicemembers to work with industry-recognized IT certifications in hand before they leave the military. Obama, who made the announcement at the White House Forum on Military Credentialing and Licensing at the White House, said a public-private partnership will offer the Certification program. The program is expected to garner more than 1.8 million jobs by 2020. Industry leaders that will help support the initiative are Cisco Systems, Microsoft Corp., Oracle, CompTIA NetApp, Hewlett-Packard, Futures, Global Knowledge, Gogo Training and SANS Institute and Global Information assurance Certification. For more information and to read the First Lady's remarks, visit the (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-off ... d-licensin) White House website and see (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... -vets.html) this Military.com article.
Free Veterans Virtual Career Fair
Help move your career to the next level and find your next job at this virtual career fair for just veterans. (http://www.veteransvirtualcareerfair.com/) Communicate and engage with exhibitors and attendees in a collaborative virtual environment.
Chevron Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with a company that can provide endless opportunity and a (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) career path that lets you choose where you want to be.
National Memorial Day Parade Scheduled
The 2013 National Memorial Day Parade is set for Monday, May 27 at 2 PM along Constitution Avenue in Washington D.C. In addition to the many hundreds of veterans and active duty personnel, this year's event will feature country star Trace Adkins, wounded warrior and Dancing with the Stars winner JR Martinez, actors Gary Sinise & Joe Mantegna, Miss America 2013 Mallory Hagan, and American Idol winner Taylor Hicks. For more details on the parade and how to volunteer, visit the (http://www.nationalmemorialdayparade.com) National Memorial Day Parade website. For more updates and content on Memorial Day, visit the (http://www.military.com/memorial-day) Military.com Memorial Day page.
Get the 2013 VA Loan Guide
Understand the VA Loan benefit you've earned by downloading the free Miliary.com VA Loan Guide. The PDF guide walks you through the benefits of a VA Loan, eligibility, how to refinance, what forms you'll need, and more. (http://www.military.com/va-loan-guide/i ... rvr0506.nl) Download your free PDF now.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... ESRC=mr.nl) Ready to use your VA Loan?
American Legion's May Career Fairs
Throughout May, The American Legion will team with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Military.com and RecruitMilitary to bring job fairs to a variety of locations in an effort to connect veterans, servicemembers and their families with potential employers. There are dozens of Hire Our Heroes hiring fairs planned for Veterans across the country. There are also employment workshops now available in conjunction with many of the hiring fairs. These workshops are designed to help veterans and military spouses and include resume writing, interview skills, and one-on-one mentoring. For more information and listings of upcoming career fairs nationwide, visit the (http://www.legion.org/careers/jobfairs) American Legion website and the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... fairs.html) Military.com Job Fairs page.
How to Join the American Legion
For veterans who (http://www.legion.org/join) qualify, there are multiple ways to join The American Legion. The traditional way is to fill out a simple form, which can be given to a recruiter or any Legionnaire who will make sure that the rest of the process is in motion. Prospective members may also fill out a form online. Visit the American Legion's Join the legion webpage at (http://www.legion.org/join) www.legion.org/join and follow the easy prompts from there. While online, the member-to-be may print out a temporary card. American Legion members can visit the American Legion's Membership Renewal webpage at (http://www.legion.org/renew) www.legion.org/renew and click "Renew Now" to safely and conveniently pay their post dues on an annual, automatic basis. Automatic renewal can also be set up by calling the toll-free American Legion customer service line at (800) 433-3318.
Military Skills Translator
Have you ever tried to tell a civilian employer about your military experience? The VA for Vets Military Skills Translator can help you best highlight your active duty role and responsibilities, including: (1) specialties and sub-specialties; (2) certifications, training and education; (3) collateral duties; and (4) technical and soft skills. With your talents translated into civilian-friendly language, you can craft a federal resume that best highlights your professional strengths. Get started today in the (http://vaforvets.va.gov/careercenter/Pa ... ian+Career!) VA for Vets Career Center. If you need assistance, call a VA forVets career coach at 1-855-824-8387 (TTY: 1-855-824-8833).
You can also translate your military skills to civilian jobs using the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/skills-translator/) Military.com Skills Translator.
Tax Credit for Hiring Veterans
The VOW to Hire Heroes Act was passed in November 2011 as a nationwide effort to better assist servicemen and women in obtaining jobs after discharge. One of the best aspects of this law is the expanded Work Opportunity Tax Credit for business owners that rewards them with a tax credit for hiring more veterans and disabled veterans. The program was extended to Jan. 1, 2014, and was also made available to tax-exempt organizations such as nonprofit agencies. For more information, visit the (http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Bus ... d-Veterans) Internal Revenue Service website.
For more veteran job news, tips, and job postings, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
Deploying or Returning Home? Get Tips - the Deployment Center
If you have a family, the single most important thing to think about when it comes to deployment is ensuring that (http://www.military.com/deployment/chec ... RC=mrvr.nl) they're well taken care of while you're away.
Save Big: Military Discounts in May
Servicemembers and families are being honored during Military Appreciation Month with a variety of discounts -- Guitar Center, National Parks Passes, Carnival Cruises, Disney and More. (http://www.military.com/military-apprec ... rvr0506.nl) View a complete list and save big this month.
Walmart Pledging to Hire Veterans
Walmart has announced it will offer a job to any honorably discharged veteran within his or her first twelve months off active duty, and projects it will hire and train more than 100,000 veterans over the next five years. A goal of a 30-day hiring process for veterans seeking direct job placement has been set, and the program will start at the end of May. For more details, see (http://jobsforveterans.military.com/192 ... -veterans/) this Military.com article.
Federal Mobile Apps Gallery
Visit the (http://apps.usa.gov/) USA.gov Mobile Apps Gallery to find government apps and mobile websites. You can search for apps by category (Education, Health, Business, etc.) or by platform (Android, Apple, Blackberry, etc.). Currently, all the apps featured in the gallery are free, though charges from your mobile phone carrier may apply. Here are a few of the apps you will find: (1) (http://apps.usa.gov/tornado-app.shtml) Tornado for local tornado warnings; (2) (http://apps.usa.gov/cdc-mobile-app.shtml) CDC Mobile App for timely health information; (3) (http://apps.usa.gov/smart-traveler.shtml) Smart Traveler for official country information; (4) (http://apps.usa.gov/nci-quitpal-app.shtml) NCI QuitPal to help you stop smoking; and (5) (http://apps.usa.gov/nps-national-mall.shtml) NPS National Mall to explore sites around Washington, DC.
For more on military-related apps, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/best-apps) Military.com App page.
Military Gear Discount
Up to 50% off lifestyle, outdoor & tactical gear. Shop premium brands on GovX.com at prices not available to the public. (https://www.govx.com/milcom?gxweba=mili ... ortapril13) Shop over 10,000 products!
New Phase for myPay
The Spring 2013 myPay release will affect all users and be phased in over the next five months, beginning May 11. It requires users to change their passwords every 60 days using stronger 15- to 30-character passwords. Beginning in May, groups of users will be required to establish new passwords when they attempt to access their accounts. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) expects it will take four months before all users have updated their passwords. DFAS plans to send email alerts 10 days before expiration of a user's password. Customers logging into myPay using DOD computer access cards or a similarly encrypted federal identification card will not be required to enter a password to log in to myPay. More information on the myPay Spring 2013 release and the new password requirements is available at the (http://www.dfas.mil/dfas/mypayinfo.html) DFAS website.
For more updates on military pay and other benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/) Military Advantage Blog.
Navy Lodges Offer Free Wi-Fi
The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) has announced that all 40 of its Navy Lodges worldwide now offer free Wi-If to guests. Guests can now access the free Wi-If in their rooms as well as the common areas within the Navy Lodge. Navy Lodges offer family suites and oversized guest rooms that feature a kitchenette complete with microwave and utensils, cable TV with premium channels and DVD player. Guests also have in-room coffee and breakfast in the lobby. Most Navy Lodges also accept cats and dogs up to 50 pounds. To make a reservation at a Navy Lodge, call 800-628-9466 (800-NAVY-INN), 24 hours a day, seven days a week or visit the Navy Lodge website at www.navy-lodge.com. For other military lodging options, visit the DoD Lodging website at (http://www.dodlodging.com) www.dodlodging.com.
For more on military lodging options and travel, visit the (http://www.military.com/Travel/Home/0,13396,,00.htm) Military.com Travel Center.
Are you ready for homeownership?
Military members receiving change of station orders may be eligible for VA loans to purchase homes near their new military bases. Find out how to become a homeowner today with your (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity- ... RC=mrvr.nl) VA home loan benefit.
Welcome Home Events
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) sponsors Welcome Home events around the country for returning military servicemembers and their families. The events provide important information and guidance on accessing health care and other benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Visit (http://www.volunteer.va.gov/Welcome_Home_Events.asp) VA Voluntary Service website to find when a Welcome Home event is scheduled near you, or contact your local VA Voluntary Service office.
For more pre and post-deployment resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/deployment) Military.com Deployment Center.
Take the Claims Backlog Survey
In order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of why so many veterans' disability benefits claims are in backlog -- delayed more than 125 days -- in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system, The American Legion has launched an (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TX3PFDJ) online survey of veterans who are stuck in the backlog. The 10-question survey asks questions such as how long a veteran has been waiting for a claims decision, how many disability conditions were claimed, why the claim is pending, and which VA regional office is handling the claim. The backlog survey will remain on the Legion's website until May 31. The collected information will be compiled into a report and delivered to VA; the Legion will also share the results on (http://legion.org) legion.org.
DoD Shifts Control of E-Record Project
After five years and an estimated $1 billion Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has decided to take control of the E-Records project away from defense health officials. A congressional source confirmed that DoD oversight for developing an interoperable electronic health records is now under Frank Kendall, under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/2013/0 ... oject.html) Read Tom Philpott's Military Update for the complete story.
New Tech Training and Certification Plan
First Lady Michelle Obama today unveiled the new Information Technology Training and Certification Partnership to put thousands of servicemembers to work with industry-recognized IT certifications in hand before they leave the military. Obama, who made the announcement at the White House Forum on Military Credentialing and Licensing at the White House, said a public-private partnership will offer the Certification program. The program is expected to garner more than 1.8 million jobs by 2020. Industry leaders that will help support the initiative are Cisco Systems, Microsoft Corp., Oracle, CompTIA NetApp, Hewlett-Packard, Futures, Global Knowledge, Gogo Training and SANS Institute and Global Information assurance Certification. For more information and to read the First Lady's remarks, visit the (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-off ... d-licensin) White House website and see (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... -vets.html) this Military.com article.
Free Veterans Virtual Career Fair
Help move your career to the next level and find your next job at this virtual career fair for just veterans. (http://www.veteransvirtualcareerfair.com/) Communicate and engage with exhibitors and attendees in a collaborative virtual environment.
Chevron Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with a company that can provide endless opportunity and a (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) career path that lets you choose where you want to be.
National Memorial Day Parade Scheduled
The 2013 National Memorial Day Parade is set for Monday, May 27 at 2 PM along Constitution Avenue in Washington D.C. In addition to the many hundreds of veterans and active duty personnel, this year's event will feature country star Trace Adkins, wounded warrior and Dancing with the Stars winner JR Martinez, actors Gary Sinise & Joe Mantegna, Miss America 2013 Mallory Hagan, and American Idol winner Taylor Hicks. For more details on the parade and how to volunteer, visit the (http://www.nationalmemorialdayparade.com) National Memorial Day Parade website. For more updates and content on Memorial Day, visit the (http://www.military.com/memorial-day) Military.com Memorial Day page.
Get the 2013 VA Loan Guide
Understand the VA Loan benefit you've earned by downloading the free Miliary.com VA Loan Guide. The PDF guide walks you through the benefits of a VA Loan, eligibility, how to refinance, what forms you'll need, and more. (http://www.military.com/va-loan-guide/i ... rvr0506.nl) Download your free PDF now.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... ESRC=mr.nl) Ready to use your VA Loan?
American Legion's May Career Fairs
Throughout May, The American Legion will team with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Military.com and RecruitMilitary to bring job fairs to a variety of locations in an effort to connect veterans, servicemembers and their families with potential employers. There are dozens of Hire Our Heroes hiring fairs planned for Veterans across the country. There are also employment workshops now available in conjunction with many of the hiring fairs. These workshops are designed to help veterans and military spouses and include resume writing, interview skills, and one-on-one mentoring. For more information and listings of upcoming career fairs nationwide, visit the (http://www.legion.org/careers/jobfairs) American Legion website and the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... fairs.html) Military.com Job Fairs page.
How to Join the American Legion
For veterans who (http://www.legion.org/join) qualify, there are multiple ways to join The American Legion. The traditional way is to fill out a simple form, which can be given to a recruiter or any Legionnaire who will make sure that the rest of the process is in motion. Prospective members may also fill out a form online. Visit the American Legion's Join the legion webpage at (http://www.legion.org/join) www.legion.org/join and follow the easy prompts from there. While online, the member-to-be may print out a temporary card. American Legion members can visit the American Legion's Membership Renewal webpage at (http://www.legion.org/renew) www.legion.org/renew and click "Renew Now" to safely and conveniently pay their post dues on an annual, automatic basis. Automatic renewal can also be set up by calling the toll-free American Legion customer service line at (800) 433-3318.
Military Skills Translator
Have you ever tried to tell a civilian employer about your military experience? The VA for Vets Military Skills Translator can help you best highlight your active duty role and responsibilities, including: (1) specialties and sub-specialties; (2) certifications, training and education; (3) collateral duties; and (4) technical and soft skills. With your talents translated into civilian-friendly language, you can craft a federal resume that best highlights your professional strengths. Get started today in the (http://vaforvets.va.gov/careercenter/Pa ... ian+Career!) VA for Vets Career Center. If you need assistance, call a VA forVets career coach at 1-855-824-8387 (TTY: 1-855-824-8833).
You can also translate your military skills to civilian jobs using the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/skills-translator/) Military.com Skills Translator.
Tax Credit for Hiring Veterans
The VOW to Hire Heroes Act was passed in November 2011 as a nationwide effort to better assist servicemen and women in obtaining jobs after discharge. One of the best aspects of this law is the expanded Work Opportunity Tax Credit for business owners that rewards them with a tax credit for hiring more veterans and disabled veterans. The program was extended to Jan. 1, 2014, and was also made available to tax-exempt organizations such as nonprofit agencies. For more information, visit the (http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Bus ... d-Veterans) Internal Revenue Service website.
For more veteran job news, tips, and job postings, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
Deploying or Returning Home? Get Tips - the Deployment Center
If you have a family, the single most important thing to think about when it comes to deployment is ensuring that (http://www.military.com/deployment/chec ... RC=mrvr.nl) they're well taken care of while you're away.
Save Big: Military Discounts in May
Servicemembers and families are being honored during Military Appreciation Month with a variety of discounts -- Guitar Center, National Parks Passes, Carnival Cruises, Disney and More. (http://www.military.com/military-apprec ... rvr0506.nl) View a complete list and save big this month.
Walmart Pledging to Hire Veterans
Walmart has announced it will offer a job to any honorably discharged veteran within his or her first twelve months off active duty, and projects it will hire and train more than 100,000 veterans over the next five years. A goal of a 30-day hiring process for veterans seeking direct job placement has been set, and the program will start at the end of May. For more details, see (http://jobsforveterans.military.com/192 ... -veterans/) this Military.com article.