Veterans Report - Week of May 13, 2013

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Veterans Report - Week of May 13, 2013

Sail Away: Princess' Cruise for Veterans
Sail away on Princess Cruises' first veterans fundraising cruise in November. Prices start at $604. (https://www.satovacations.com/content.a ... =svmay2013) Book now to receive $50 onboard ship credit. Mention code E5.


Memorial Day Events in Paris
Numerous events will take place in Paris, France the weekend of May 25-26, 2013 to mark commemorate Memorial Day. A list of scheduled events is available on the (http://www.legion.org/fodpal/215291/mem ... ents-paris) American Legion website.
For more on Memorial Day, visit the (http://www.military.com/memorial-day) Military.com Memorial Day page.


Veterans Virtual Career Fair in May
Help move your career to the next level and find your next job at this virtual event on May 21st, 22nd and 23rd. Registration is free. (http://www.veteransvirtualcareerfair.com/) Read More.


Our Veteran Employment Center Needs Your Feedback
Are you finding the career tools you need? Complete this short survey and tell us what you think of your civilian job search. (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/vetemployment) Click Here.


Peak Moving Season is Here
More than 65 percent of moves by servicemembers occur during the peak moving season, which runs May 15 through August 31. For more information on either option and to start the move process, customers should, visit Move.mil at www.move.mil. For questions or concerns about moving, customers may call 1-855-HHG-MOVE (1-855-444-6683) for assistance or contact their local personal property shipping office. For Navy information on getting started with the move process, visit the Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) website at (http://www.navsup.navy.mil/household) www.navsup.navy.mil/household.
For more relocation and PCS resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity-move) Military.com PCS page.


Buddy Finder: Reconnect with Old Military Friends
The Military.com Buddy Finder allows you to search over 20 million records to locate old military friends. Search by name, service, pay grade, age, installation, school, state or employer. (http://www.military.com/buddy-finder/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Reconnect now.


Apply for Defense Acquisition University
Defense Acquisition University (DAU) registration will open online May 16, 2013, and students should apply as soon as possible since classes fill quickly. Members' applications will be processed by priority, supervisor approval date and class start date, with Priority 1 students taking precedence. Acquisition workforce members should regularly monitor the (https://www.atrrs.army.mil/channels/acqnowcl/registrar/) ACQ Now website for current information regarding DAU registration and course updates. Most resident classes only hold 30 students, and students should apply upon immediate release of the schedule. These courses are open to students across the entire federal government, with all military service components, federal agencies and organizations registering for DAU courses at the same time.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Financial Tips for Servicemembers
Here are some personal financial tips to avoid predatory practices: (1) be wary of military 'friendly' loans who offer help to servicemembers, but charge 40 to 400 percent interest on the loan; (2) in paying your money or using your G.I. Bill, go to a school that will give credits or degrees that will get you where they want to go; (3) investigate all of the facts about your situation when deciding to buy or sell a home in a short period of time due to a move; and (4) take advantage of the financial planning help where you are stationed. To make a complaint, share your own financial experiences, or find out more, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website (CFPB) at (http://www.consumerfinance.gov/) www.consumerfinance.gov.
For more guides and tips on personal finance, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money Center.


Helping Homeless Veterans
In 2009, President Obama and VA Secretary Shinseki announced the goal of ending veteran homelessness by the end of 2015. Together with partners and supporters nationwide, VA is attempting to meet that challenge through the Homeless Veterans Outreach Initiative. Read more about the initiative on VA's (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/9316/pr ... -veterans/) VAntage Point Blog.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Veterans with Security Clearance Wanted
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://content.military.com/newsletters ... rvr0513.nl) Visit Military.com to view job openings, get industry tips and more to make 2013 your best year yet.


Online Help for Struggling Veterans
Stress? Problems? Moving Forward is an online program that helps overcome life's challenges which is designed specifically for veterans and servicemembers, but anyone can use it to make problems more manageable. For more information, visit the (http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2 ... e-Help.asp) Veterans Health Administration webpage.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Study Looks at Mental Health Care
A new study has found that various factors may contribute to nonuse of mental health treatment by OEF/OIF veterans. The study and accompanying survey by Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) researchers of a nationally-representative sample of OEF/OIF Veterans indicates that gender and type of presenting problem are two important factors that affect treatment attitudes and likelihood of treatment utilization. A summary of the study is available on page three of the CTU Online's (http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/new ... u_V7N2.pdf) Clinicians Trauma Update. The study is available on the (http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/art ... d39988.pdf) VA website.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Moving Soon Due to PCS?
Be prepared for your PCS with our handy checklists and tips so your move is seamless. (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity- ... rvr0513.nl) Read More.


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) Read More.


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/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) See more benefits of a VA Loan in today's market.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0513.nl) Next Step: Search for lenders ready to help you buy or refinance with a VA Loan.


2013 Space-A Conference
The 2013 Military Space Available Travel conference will be held May 17-19 in Jacksonville, FL. The event was originally developed by the members of (http://www.pepperd.com/) Dirk Pepperd"s Space-A Message Board. The event will include Space-A Boot Camp, traveling in European and Asia/Pacific, Tools and Tips and more! Don't worry if you aren't able to attend in person; the event will also be streamed live and on demand. More information about the conference and schedule of events can be found at the (http://www.pepperd.com/2013Conference/index.html) Space-A Message Board website.


Global Threats in the Age of Austerity
A debate titled "Global Threats in the Age of Austerity" will be held live and online at 12:00 p.m. eastern (9:00 a.m. pacific) on May 15. The debate will focus on the impact sequestration and budget cuts will have on the state of our national defense. The event will feature the points of view from both the left and right. On the right - Danielle Pletka of the American Enterprise Institute and Jim Talent of The Heritage Foundation and on the left - Mark Jacobson of the Truman National Security Project and Lawrence Korb of the Center for American Progress. The event is will be hosted by the (http://www.nationalreview.com/) National Review and (http://www.heritage.org/) The Heritage Foundation. Those who wish to attend in person may RSVP at (http://www.heritage.org/events/2013/05/defense-debate) The Heritage Foundation website. The event may also be viewed live online at the same website.


PTSD and Gender Differences
A new study of gender differences as they relate to the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) had found that the prevalence of PTSD appears to be similar in male and female veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is less clear whether there are differences in the types of symptoms reported. The study by researchers from the National Center for PTSD suggests more similarity than difference. A summary of the study is available on page two of the CTU Online's (http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/new ... u_V7N2.pdf) Clinicians Trauma Update. An abstract of the study is available on the (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/ar ... 671300034X) Journal of Behavior Research and Therapy website.
For more on PTSD, see the (http://www.military.com/topics/ptsd) Military.com PTSD section.


Veterans Wanted: Chevron is Hiring
U.S. veteran talent wanted: Are you ready to apply your skills to new challenges in a career with Chevron? (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... rvr0513.nl) Read More.


TRICARE Temporarily Eases Rules
TRICARE West Region Prime enrollees referred for specialty care from April 1 up to May 18, 2013 do not need authorization before seeking care. The authorization requirement has been temporarily waived due to delays by UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans in processing referrals. The waiver does not apply to beneficiaries using TRICARE Standard, TRICARE For Life or Prime enrollees with the US Family Health Plan, which is available in some areas of Washington state. West Region beneficiaries can obtain more information and sign up for updates at TRICARE's West Region Transition webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/westtransition) www.tricare.mil/westtransition.
For guides to all TRICARE benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Translating Your Military Experience
As you transition to work with civilians, you may encounter people who have difficulty understanding your military experience and translating it into what you can do in a work environment. When a hiring manager, coworker or networking contact inquires about your service or the nature of your injury or disability, please keep in mind their perspective is likely limited. Tips on how to communicate your abilities are available on the (http://www.legion.org/careers/215223/di ... terviewers) American Legion website.
(http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/skills-translator/) Check out Military.com's Military Skills Translator to see how your military occupation matches up.