Veterans Report - Week of May 20, 2013
Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 11:17 am
Veterans Report - Week of May 20, 2013
St Louis Vet Small Business Conference
The National Veterans Small Business Conference is coming to St. Louis' America's Center, on Aug. 6-8, 2013. During the conference, Veteran-owned business owners will receive information, tools, tips, techniques and how-to instructions to start, build and expand a small business idea into a life-changing reality. Veterans will have the opportunity to discuss business and contracting issues with key procurement decision makers from the federal government and private sector. The Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) invites all interested persons and businesses to attend. For more information, visit the National Veterans Small Business Conference website at (http://www.nationalveteransconference.com/) www.nationalveteransconference.com and VA's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization website at (http://www.va.gov/OSDBU) www.va.gov/OSDBU.
For more veteran job news, tips, and job postings, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
Veterans' Franchise Giveaway
The (http://www.unishippersforvets.com/) Unishippers for Veterans Franchise Giveaway contest began accepting entries on May 13, 2013 and will run through July 1, 2013. Unishippers has partnered with USA Cares, a non-profit charitable organization that supports post-9/11 service members, to help find the deserving veteran. To participate, veterans will create a two-minute video explaining why they are interested in ownership of a Unishippers franchise, why they are deserving of a free franchise and how their military experience will help them to be successful. A panel of judges from the Unishippers corporate team will select up to five finalists to be flown to Salt Lake City for a special Discovery Day event where they will meet Unishippers executives, department leaders and the panel of judges. The final winner will be announced on September 10th, 2013. Visit the (http://www.unishippersforvets.com/) Unishippers for Veterans Franchise Giveaway website to learn more.
For more veteran job news, tips, and job postings, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
Virtually March in the Memorial Day Parade in DC
Join Gary Sinise, RG3, Trace Adkins, and others in celebrating America's veterans and active duty troops, while honoring the fallen at the 2012 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC. If you can't make it to the nation's capital, please show your support by marching in the online portion of the parade, the Virtual Boots on the Ground. Please (http://www.csimgs.com/avc/virtualmarch2013.html) follow this link to read a special message from Gary Sinise and learn what you can do to show your appreciate for our veterans and troops this Memorial Day.
Get Your List of 2013 Military Benefits
The Military.com Benefit Calculator is designed to quickly and easily connect you with your benefit information based on your military service and status. Get a list of 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.
Honoring Memorial Day
Memorial Day will take place this year on Monday, May 27. For updated events, military discounts and other reflections related to Memorial Day, visit the (http://www.military.com/memorial-day) Military.com Memorial Day page.
American Legion Scholarships Available
The Samsung scholarship is available for high school juniors who complete the Boys State or Girls State program and are direct descendants (or legally adopted children) of wartime veterans eligible for American Legion membership. The scholarship awards up to $20,000 for undergraduate studies. Students who qualify for and are interested in the Samsung American Legion Scholarship should contact their American Legion Boys State or Auxiliary Girls State program director to determine the deadline and procedure for submitting an application. Download the Samsung American Legion scholarship application at (http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/ ... arship.pdf) http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/ ... arship.pdf.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.
TRICARE E-Payment Enrollment Deadline
Beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select or TRICARE Retired Reserve who pay monthly premiums by check must switch to an electronic form of payment by May 31 to avoid losing coverage. TRICARE will only accept monthly premium payments using recurring automatic payments by credit or debit card, or by recurring electronic funds transfer from a linked bank account. To avoid confusion, beneficiaries should verify that their bank sends EFT payments electronically. Beneficiaries can contact their regional contractor to set up automatic payments and obtain more information. Contact information for each region is available on the TRICARE website at (http://www.TRICARE.mil/contacts) www.TRICARE.mil/contacts.
For guides to all TRICARE benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.
Deal of the Week: Military 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 Discounts in Michigan
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder recently signed legislation designed to make it easier for military veterans to access discounts from retailers, restaurants, hotels and vendors across the state. The new law will add a veterans designation on Michigan driver's licenses and state IDs, which will help Michigan's estimated 680,000 veterans to prove their status for discount offers. The new law may also better connect new veterans to existing services. For more information, contact the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs at 517-481-8000 or visit their website at (http://michigan.gov/dmva) http://michigan.gov/dmva.
For more discounts for military families, servicemembers and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.
VA to Use Overtime to Fix Claims Backlog
As part of its ongoing effort to accelerate the elimination of the disability compensation claims backlog, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is announcing today that it is mandating overtime for claims processors in its 56 regional benefits offices. This surge, which will be implemented through the end of fiscal year 2013, will be used to help eliminate the backlog with continued emphasis on high-priority claims for homeless Veterans and those claiming financial hardship, the terminally ill, former Prisoners of War, Medal of Honor recipients, and Veterans filing Fully Developed Claims. More information on the attempt to expedite claims is available on the (http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2436) VA website. Veterans can learn more about disability benefits on the joint Department of Defense--VA web portal eBenefits at (http://www.ebenefits.va.gov/) www.ebenefits.va.gov. More information about filing Fully Developed Claims is available at: (http://www.benefits.va.gov/transformation/fastclaims/) www.benefits.va.gov/transformation/fastclaims/.
(http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... -plan.html) Read more news on the VA Claims backlog. For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Happy Military Appreciation Month
Servicemembers and families are being honored during Military Appreciation Month with a variety of discounts and events. (http://www.military.com/military-apprec ... rvr0520.nl) Find what's happening near you this month.
Our Veteran Employment Center Needs Your Feedback
Are you finding the career tools you need? (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/vetemployment) Complete this short survey and tell us what you think of your civilian job search.
A Loan Limits for High-Cost Counties
The VA loan guaranty program does not impose a maximum amount that an eligible veteran may borrow using a VA loan but limits the maximum guaranty amount to $417,000 for 2013. However, if you live in a high-cost county the maximum changes. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get a full chart to determine the VA's maximum guaranty in your county.
Next Step: (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0520.nl) Search for lenders ready to help you use your VA Loan Benefit.
Planning a Wedding? Wedding Day Gift Guide
This is your celebration, and there are many details all wrapped up into a few memorable hours. (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... rvr0520.nl) Read this wedding gift guide for more.
Chenega Wants Your Veteran Experience
U.S. veteran talent wanted: Are you ready to apply your skills to new challenges in a (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... rvr0520.nl) career with Chenega?
Task Force Report on Gulf War Illnesses
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses Task Force is publishing a comprehensive draft report in the Federal Register for public feedback and comment. The draft report identifies seven specific areas where VA will strive to improve services for Gulf War veterans. VA is seeking public comments on the draft Task Force report before final publication. The public notice and instructions for how to submit electronic and comments via postal mail will be posted at (http://www.regulations.gov/) www.regulations.gov, and the draft written report will be open for comment for 30 days. In addition, VA has also created a public discussion board on the seven focus areas at: (http://vagulfwartaskforce.uservoice.com/) vagulfwartaskforce.uservoice.com. To view the report without making recommendations, visit VA's website at: (http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/Draf ... Report.pdf) http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/Draf ... Report.pdf.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
TV Spots Warn of Vet Suicide Risk
The Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have produced three public service announcements to help families and friends recognize the signs of potential suicide in veterans and servicemembers. The television announcements have aired on the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Network. The two departments want to avert suicide by making sure families, friends and communities that surround veterans and servicemembers are aware of the signs and symptoms of suicide, to get those at risk into treatment right away. For veterans and servicemembers, help is available around the clock at SuicideOutreach.org at (http://www.suicideoutreach.org/) www.suicideoutreach.org and through the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, which offer confidential chats and texting capabilities. The website also offers a wealth of resources for servicemembers, friends and families.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.
Hiring Event in San Diego
The American Freedom Foundation is sponsoring its W2: Warriors To The Workforce Hiring Event in San Diego, Calif. on Friday, May 24, 2013. The hiring event will be held in conjunction with the Foundation's 4th annual American Freedom Festival San Diego. Attendance is free for veterans, transitioning active duty military and their spouses. Registration is requested at (http://www.affhiringevents.com) www.affhiringevents.com. Walk-ins are welcome the day of the event. For more information or to schedule interviews with participating veterans seeking employment, telephone Michelle Proctor, Executive Vice-President, American Freedom Foundation at (615) 522-1029 or e-mail (mailto:michelle.proctor@americanfreedomfoundation.org) michelle.proctor@americanfreedomfoundation.org. For more information about the Foundation's 4th annual American Freedom Festival San Diego, visit the (http://americanfreedomfoundation.org/ne ... -aboard-us) American Freedom Foundation website and following the (https://www.facebook.com/AmericanFreedomFoundation) American Freedom Foundation on Facebook.
For listings of hiring events all around the nation, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... fairs.html) Upcoming Job Fairs page.
Become a VA Peer Specialist
VA has always recognized the value and importance of veterans being able to see recovery taking place and have a fellow veteran help them navigate the VA system. As a VA peer specialist or peer support apprentices, you can help veterans navigate their way into civilian life more successfully by offering the right tools, resources, and necessary support. Peer specialists are actively engaged in his/her own recovery and can provide peer support services to others engaged in similar mental health treatment. Peer support apprentices meet all the requirements of a peer specialist but are not yet certified. For more information, read VA's (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/9368/he ... pecialist/) VAntage Point Blog. To apply for a position, visit the (https://www.usajobs.gov/JobSearch/Searc ... bility=all) USAJobs website.
For more on military transition and to create a transition plan for yourself, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-transition) Military.com Transition Center.
Guitars for Wounded Warriors
The Les Paul Foundation's Guitars for Vets helps veterans who graduate from its programs obtain guitars. The Non-profit organization enhances the lives of ailing and injured military veterans by providing them with guitars and music instruction. Through self-expression and the healing power of music, it the organization's intent to restore the feelings of joy and purpose that can be lost after suffering trauma. For more Information, visit the Guitars for Vets website at (http://www.guitars4vets.org) www.guitars4vets.org and the Les Paul Foundation website at (http://www.lespaulfoundation.org/) www.lespaulfoundation.org.
For more on entertainment and the military, visit (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com's Off-duty section.
St Louis Vet Small Business Conference
The National Veterans Small Business Conference is coming to St. Louis' America's Center, on Aug. 6-8, 2013. During the conference, Veteran-owned business owners will receive information, tools, tips, techniques and how-to instructions to start, build and expand a small business idea into a life-changing reality. Veterans will have the opportunity to discuss business and contracting issues with key procurement decision makers from the federal government and private sector. The Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) invites all interested persons and businesses to attend. For more information, visit the National Veterans Small Business Conference website at (http://www.nationalveteransconference.com/) www.nationalveteransconference.com and VA's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization website at (http://www.va.gov/OSDBU) www.va.gov/OSDBU.
For more veteran job news, tips, and job postings, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
Veterans' Franchise Giveaway
The (http://www.unishippersforvets.com/) Unishippers for Veterans Franchise Giveaway contest began accepting entries on May 13, 2013 and will run through July 1, 2013. Unishippers has partnered with USA Cares, a non-profit charitable organization that supports post-9/11 service members, to help find the deserving veteran. To participate, veterans will create a two-minute video explaining why they are interested in ownership of a Unishippers franchise, why they are deserving of a free franchise and how their military experience will help them to be successful. A panel of judges from the Unishippers corporate team will select up to five finalists to be flown to Salt Lake City for a special Discovery Day event where they will meet Unishippers executives, department leaders and the panel of judges. The final winner will be announced on September 10th, 2013. Visit the (http://www.unishippersforvets.com/) Unishippers for Veterans Franchise Giveaway website to learn more.
For more veteran job news, tips, and job postings, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
Virtually March in the Memorial Day Parade in DC
Join Gary Sinise, RG3, Trace Adkins, and others in celebrating America's veterans and active duty troops, while honoring the fallen at the 2012 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC. If you can't make it to the nation's capital, please show your support by marching in the online portion of the parade, the Virtual Boots on the Ground. Please (http://www.csimgs.com/avc/virtualmarch2013.html) follow this link to read a special message from Gary Sinise and learn what you can do to show your appreciate for our veterans and troops this Memorial Day.
Get Your List of 2013 Military Benefits
The Military.com Benefit Calculator is designed to quickly and easily connect you with your benefit information based on your military service and status. Get a list of 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.
Honoring Memorial Day
Memorial Day will take place this year on Monday, May 27. For updated events, military discounts and other reflections related to Memorial Day, visit the (http://www.military.com/memorial-day) Military.com Memorial Day page.
American Legion Scholarships Available
The Samsung scholarship is available for high school juniors who complete the Boys State or Girls State program and are direct descendants (or legally adopted children) of wartime veterans eligible for American Legion membership. The scholarship awards up to $20,000 for undergraduate studies. Students who qualify for and are interested in the Samsung American Legion Scholarship should contact their American Legion Boys State or Auxiliary Girls State program director to determine the deadline and procedure for submitting an application. Download the Samsung American Legion scholarship application at (http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/ ... arship.pdf) http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/ ... arship.pdf.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.
TRICARE E-Payment Enrollment Deadline
Beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select or TRICARE Retired Reserve who pay monthly premiums by check must switch to an electronic form of payment by May 31 to avoid losing coverage. TRICARE will only accept monthly premium payments using recurring automatic payments by credit or debit card, or by recurring electronic funds transfer from a linked bank account. To avoid confusion, beneficiaries should verify that their bank sends EFT payments electronically. Beneficiaries can contact their regional contractor to set up automatic payments and obtain more information. Contact information for each region is available on the TRICARE website at (http://www.TRICARE.mil/contacts) www.TRICARE.mil/contacts.
For guides to all TRICARE benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.
Deal of the Week: Military 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 Discounts in Michigan
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder recently signed legislation designed to make it easier for military veterans to access discounts from retailers, restaurants, hotels and vendors across the state. The new law will add a veterans designation on Michigan driver's licenses and state IDs, which will help Michigan's estimated 680,000 veterans to prove their status for discount offers. The new law may also better connect new veterans to existing services. For more information, contact the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs at 517-481-8000 or visit their website at (http://michigan.gov/dmva) http://michigan.gov/dmva.
For more discounts for military families, servicemembers and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.
VA to Use Overtime to Fix Claims Backlog
As part of its ongoing effort to accelerate the elimination of the disability compensation claims backlog, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is announcing today that it is mandating overtime for claims processors in its 56 regional benefits offices. This surge, which will be implemented through the end of fiscal year 2013, will be used to help eliminate the backlog with continued emphasis on high-priority claims for homeless Veterans and those claiming financial hardship, the terminally ill, former Prisoners of War, Medal of Honor recipients, and Veterans filing Fully Developed Claims. More information on the attempt to expedite claims is available on the (http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2436) VA website. Veterans can learn more about disability benefits on the joint Department of Defense--VA web portal eBenefits at (http://www.ebenefits.va.gov/) www.ebenefits.va.gov. More information about filing Fully Developed Claims is available at: (http://www.benefits.va.gov/transformation/fastclaims/) www.benefits.va.gov/transformation/fastclaims/.
(http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... -plan.html) Read more news on the VA Claims backlog. For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Happy Military Appreciation Month
Servicemembers and families are being honored during Military Appreciation Month with a variety of discounts and events. (http://www.military.com/military-apprec ... rvr0520.nl) Find what's happening near you this month.
Our Veteran Employment Center Needs Your Feedback
Are you finding the career tools you need? (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/vetemployment) Complete this short survey and tell us what you think of your civilian job search.
A Loan Limits for High-Cost Counties
The VA loan guaranty program does not impose a maximum amount that an eligible veteran may borrow using a VA loan but limits the maximum guaranty amount to $417,000 for 2013. However, if you live in a high-cost county the maximum changes. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get a full chart to determine the VA's maximum guaranty in your county.
Next Step: (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0520.nl) Search for lenders ready to help you use your VA Loan Benefit.
Planning a Wedding? Wedding Day Gift Guide
This is your celebration, and there are many details all wrapped up into a few memorable hours. (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... rvr0520.nl) Read this wedding gift guide for more.
Chenega Wants Your Veteran Experience
U.S. veteran talent wanted: Are you ready to apply your skills to new challenges in a (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... rvr0520.nl) career with Chenega?
Task Force Report on Gulf War Illnesses
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses Task Force is publishing a comprehensive draft report in the Federal Register for public feedback and comment. The draft report identifies seven specific areas where VA will strive to improve services for Gulf War veterans. VA is seeking public comments on the draft Task Force report before final publication. The public notice and instructions for how to submit electronic and comments via postal mail will be posted at (http://www.regulations.gov/) www.regulations.gov, and the draft written report will be open for comment for 30 days. In addition, VA has also created a public discussion board on the seven focus areas at: (http://vagulfwartaskforce.uservoice.com/) vagulfwartaskforce.uservoice.com. To view the report without making recommendations, visit VA's website at: (http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/Draf ... Report.pdf) http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/Draf ... Report.pdf.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
TV Spots Warn of Vet Suicide Risk
The Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have produced three public service announcements to help families and friends recognize the signs of potential suicide in veterans and servicemembers. The television announcements have aired on the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Network. The two departments want to avert suicide by making sure families, friends and communities that surround veterans and servicemembers are aware of the signs and symptoms of suicide, to get those at risk into treatment right away. For veterans and servicemembers, help is available around the clock at SuicideOutreach.org at (http://www.suicideoutreach.org/) www.suicideoutreach.org and through the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, which offer confidential chats and texting capabilities. The website also offers a wealth of resources for servicemembers, friends and families.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.
Hiring Event in San Diego
The American Freedom Foundation is sponsoring its W2: Warriors To The Workforce Hiring Event in San Diego, Calif. on Friday, May 24, 2013. The hiring event will be held in conjunction with the Foundation's 4th annual American Freedom Festival San Diego. Attendance is free for veterans, transitioning active duty military and their spouses. Registration is requested at (http://www.affhiringevents.com) www.affhiringevents.com. Walk-ins are welcome the day of the event. For more information or to schedule interviews with participating veterans seeking employment, telephone Michelle Proctor, Executive Vice-President, American Freedom Foundation at (615) 522-1029 or e-mail (mailto:michelle.proctor@americanfreedomfoundation.org) michelle.proctor@americanfreedomfoundation.org. For more information about the Foundation's 4th annual American Freedom Festival San Diego, visit the (http://americanfreedomfoundation.org/ne ... -aboard-us) American Freedom Foundation website and following the (https://www.facebook.com/AmericanFreedomFoundation) American Freedom Foundation on Facebook.
For listings of hiring events all around the nation, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... fairs.html) Upcoming Job Fairs page.
Become a VA Peer Specialist
VA has always recognized the value and importance of veterans being able to see recovery taking place and have a fellow veteran help them navigate the VA system. As a VA peer specialist or peer support apprentices, you can help veterans navigate their way into civilian life more successfully by offering the right tools, resources, and necessary support. Peer specialists are actively engaged in his/her own recovery and can provide peer support services to others engaged in similar mental health treatment. Peer support apprentices meet all the requirements of a peer specialist but are not yet certified. For more information, read VA's (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/9368/he ... pecialist/) VAntage Point Blog. To apply for a position, visit the (https://www.usajobs.gov/JobSearch/Searc ... bility=all) USAJobs website.
For more on military transition and to create a transition plan for yourself, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-transition) Military.com Transition Center.
Guitars for Wounded Warriors
The Les Paul Foundation's Guitars for Vets helps veterans who graduate from its programs obtain guitars. The Non-profit organization enhances the lives of ailing and injured military veterans by providing them with guitars and music instruction. Through self-expression and the healing power of music, it the organization's intent to restore the feelings of joy and purpose that can be lost after suffering trauma. For more Information, visit the Guitars for Vets website at (http://www.guitars4vets.org) www.guitars4vets.org and the Les Paul Foundation website at (http://www.lespaulfoundation.org/) www.lespaulfoundation.org.
For more on entertainment and the military, visit (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com's Off-duty section.