Veterans Report - Week of June 17, 2013
Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2013 5:08 pm
Veterans Report - Week of June 17, 2013
American Legion Releases Route Details
The route for the 2013 American Legion Legacy Run is nearly finalized. Though some final details need to be determined, the (http://www.legion.org/riders/216186/det ... -available) American Legion website listed the stops that are on the schedule. Visit the Legion Riders webpage at (http://www.legion.org/riders) http://www.legion.org/riders for updates/additions to the schedule as the run approaches. You can register for the run at (https://www.legion.org/riders/registration) the American Legion 2013 Legacy Run Registration webpage. Follow the (https://www.facebook.com/pages/National ... 8017493013) Legion Riders on Facebook.
Johnson Controls Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with Johnson Controls. As a global diversified technology and industrial leader they can provide endless opportunity and a career path that lets you choose where you want to be. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.
Retirees May Not Get Their Due Back Pay
An independent audit of the Military Retirement Fund uncovered a "significant deficiency" in the way the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) has been calculating retired pay for about 15 percent of 370,000 retirees who are under a " (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... ystem.html) High-3" retired pay formula. The result is that 55,500 retirees who first entered service on or after Sept. 8, 1980, have been getting a little less in retired pay than the law directs. These retirees could expect a lump sum average payment of about $1000 if DFAS pays them retroactively. But if the Department of Defense has its way, DFAS will never have to make those payments.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/2013/0 ... ee-it.html) Read the full article on Military.com.
Help for Homeowners in Trouble
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's - Help For Homeowners Event will be held in Columbia, South Carolina on Friday, June 28, 2013. The event is being held at the Columbia Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC 29201. This is an important opportunity to assist struggling military homeowners to meet one-on-one with mortgage companies and HUD-approved housing experts. For more information, visit (http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/get ... fault.aspx) MakingHomeAffordable.com.
The Battle over TRICARE Fees Continues
Last week the White House issued a rebuttal to the House's proposed 2014 defense budget (National Defense Authorization Act - H.R. 1960). The administration is not happy with the House's version of the bill in part because it omits the DoD's proposed TRICARE Fee increases and cap on military pay raises in 2014. As expected the WH threatened to veto the bill if it makes it to his desk in its present form. A senate panel has proposed a similar budget. However the Senate version allows for capping the military pay increase at 1% for 2014.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... fee-hikes/) Read the Military Advantage for more on the proposed 2014 defense budget.
Vets Make the Connection
The Department of Veterans Affairs' Make the Connection website connects veterans and their friends and family members with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their lives. The website also includes (http://maketheconnection.net/stories/) personal stories from other veterans. For more information, visit the (http://maketheconnection.net/) Make the Connection website.
Americans Warned of Virus
Stars and Stripes reports that the U.S. Embassy has warned Americans in Bahrain about the threat of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. While there have been no reported cases in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia -- connected to Bahrain by a causeway -- has had 41 reported cases with 26 resulting in death, according to a (http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_06_07/en/index.html) World Health Organization (WHO) webpage. Approximately 6,500 U.S. Personnel serve in Bahrain in support of U.S. Navy activities. The (http://www.cdc.gov/features/novelcoronavirus/) U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all Americans on the Arabian Peninsula "monitor their health" and see a health care provider if they develop a fever and symptoms of a lower respiratory illness. For more information, visit the (http://www.cdc.gov/features/novelcoronavirus/) CDC website at and the (http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_06_07/en/index.html) WHO website.
Think You Know Military Facts? Test Your Knowledge & Win
Test your military history and knowledge with the Military.com Trivia Challenge. Here's how you win: For each question you answer correctly you'll receive one point, and for each point you'll earn an electronic raffle ticket. At the end of the month we'll have a random drawing of all the tickets and pull out one to determine the winner. Play as little or as much as you'd like during the month, but the more questions you answer correctly, the greater your chances of winning. (http://www.military.com/Trivia/Home/?ESRC=mrvr0617.nl) Play Now.
Military Skills Translator: Civilian Jobs You Qualify For
Translate your military skills, experience and training to find career opportunities that best align with your capabilities. Enter in your MOS, MOSC, Rating, or Designator and we'll give you a list of civilian skills and equivalent job openings. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/sk ... RC=mrvr.nl) Translate Your Skills and Apply for Jobs Now.
Help for Homeowners Event June 28 in Columbia, SC
The U.S. Department of Treasury is putting on a Help for Homeowners Event to connect financially struggling military families with mortgage companies and HUD-approved housing experts. Participants will meet one-on-one with mortgage professionals to talk through their specific situations. The event is Friday, June 28th from 1pm to 8pm at the Columbia Convection Center in Columbia, SC. Parking is free. (http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/get ... fault.aspx) Get more information.
Are You Eligible for a VA Home Loan?
In order to obtain a VA home loan, you must first fill out VA Form 26-1880, the request for your Certificate of Eligibility. This certificate is issued only through the Veterans Administration, and is the first step towards applying for your loan. Veterans, active duty, guard or reserve, and military spouses potentially qualify for this certificate. You must have at least 90 days on active duty and been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get more information on Military.com.
Your VA Loan is worth $417,000 and doesn't require a full 20% down to buy. You can also use it to refinance. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0617.nl) Find lenders ready to help you use the VA Loan.
PTSD Awareness Day in DC
White House representatives from President Obama's Administration, top military leaders from the Pentagon as well as policymakers, medical practitioners and mental health advocates will be gathering at Upper Senate Park on Capitol Hill on June 22, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. to commemorate National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day at the third annual Visible Honor for Invisible Wounds event led by the non-profit organization, Honor for ALL. The event's three major themes will center on mental illness: the need for early identification, eliminating stigma and advancing effective treatment options. For more information, visit the (http://www.honorforall.org/events/) Honor for ALL website.
VA Seeks Gulf War Vets Input
Are you an OEF/OIF/OND or 1990?1991 Gulf War Veteran? The Department of Veterans Affairs is working on a new Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry that will include a web-based questionnaire for you to report health concerns, exposures, and more. You may submit comments through August 5, 2013. Go to the (https://www.federalregister.gov/article ... stionnaire) Federal Register to learn more about the registry and how to comment. To learn more about airborne hazards and what VA is doing to respond to Veterans' concerns, visit (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposure ... utants.asp) VA's Air Pollutants webpage.
How is VA Loan Entitlement Determined?
Many military members wonder whether they have entitlement for a VA loan; and, if so, how much. VA entitlements can vary from veteran to veteran based on location. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.
New Medical Scholarship Opportunity
The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine is encouraging military veterans to apply for a new scholarship that would help offset the costs of applying to the school for military veterans. The scholarship covers the cost of a secondary application, one night's hotel stay and $100 worth of travel expenses. It also lowers the required tuition deposit to $100 from $1,500. The new scholarship was created as a way to make it easier for veterans to attend the school's Virginia and Carolinas campuses. For more information, visit the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine website at (http://www.vcom.vt.edu/) http://www.vcom.vt.edu/ or contact the Admissions Office at (mailto:admissions@vcom.vt.edu) admissions@vcom.vt.edu.
10th Anniversary Middle East War Memorial
It is a war memorial that most people do not even know exists. June 15, 2013 marked the 10th anniversary of the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial on the Illinois River in Marseilles, Illinois. The war memorial bears the names of 7443 soldiers killed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. 226 will be added this month, engraved in the 13 black granite memorial panels. For more information, visit the (http://www.middleeastconflictswallmemorial.us/) Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial website and follow the (https://www.facebook.com/MiddleEastConf ... llMemorial) Memorial on Facebook.
American Legion Releases Route Details
The route for the 2013 American Legion Legacy Run is nearly finalized. Though some final details need to be determined, the (http://www.legion.org/riders/216186/det ... -available) American Legion website listed the stops that are on the schedule. Visit the Legion Riders webpage at (http://www.legion.org/riders) http://www.legion.org/riders for updates/additions to the schedule as the run approaches. You can register for the run at (https://www.legion.org/riders/registration) the American Legion 2013 Legacy Run Registration webpage. Follow the (https://www.facebook.com/pages/National ... 8017493013) Legion Riders on Facebook.
Johnson Controls Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with Johnson Controls. As a global diversified technology and industrial leader they can provide endless opportunity and a career path that lets you choose where you want to be. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.
Retirees May Not Get Their Due Back Pay
An independent audit of the Military Retirement Fund uncovered a "significant deficiency" in the way the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) has been calculating retired pay for about 15 percent of 370,000 retirees who are under a " (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... ystem.html) High-3" retired pay formula. The result is that 55,500 retirees who first entered service on or after Sept. 8, 1980, have been getting a little less in retired pay than the law directs. These retirees could expect a lump sum average payment of about $1000 if DFAS pays them retroactively. But if the Department of Defense has its way, DFAS will never have to make those payments.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/2013/0 ... ee-it.html) Read the full article on Military.com.
Help for Homeowners in Trouble
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's - Help For Homeowners Event will be held in Columbia, South Carolina on Friday, June 28, 2013. The event is being held at the Columbia Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC 29201. This is an important opportunity to assist struggling military homeowners to meet one-on-one with mortgage companies and HUD-approved housing experts. For more information, visit (http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/get ... fault.aspx) MakingHomeAffordable.com.
The Battle over TRICARE Fees Continues
Last week the White House issued a rebuttal to the House's proposed 2014 defense budget (National Defense Authorization Act - H.R. 1960). The administration is not happy with the House's version of the bill in part because it omits the DoD's proposed TRICARE Fee increases and cap on military pay raises in 2014. As expected the WH threatened to veto the bill if it makes it to his desk in its present form. A senate panel has proposed a similar budget. However the Senate version allows for capping the military pay increase at 1% for 2014.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... fee-hikes/) Read the Military Advantage for more on the proposed 2014 defense budget.
Vets Make the Connection
The Department of Veterans Affairs' Make the Connection website connects veterans and their friends and family members with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their lives. The website also includes (http://maketheconnection.net/stories/) personal stories from other veterans. For more information, visit the (http://maketheconnection.net/) Make the Connection website.
Americans Warned of Virus
Stars and Stripes reports that the U.S. Embassy has warned Americans in Bahrain about the threat of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. While there have been no reported cases in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia -- connected to Bahrain by a causeway -- has had 41 reported cases with 26 resulting in death, according to a (http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_06_07/en/index.html) World Health Organization (WHO) webpage. Approximately 6,500 U.S. Personnel serve in Bahrain in support of U.S. Navy activities. The (http://www.cdc.gov/features/novelcoronavirus/) U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all Americans on the Arabian Peninsula "monitor their health" and see a health care provider if they develop a fever and symptoms of a lower respiratory illness. For more information, visit the (http://www.cdc.gov/features/novelcoronavirus/) CDC website at and the (http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_06_07/en/index.html) WHO website.
Think You Know Military Facts? Test Your Knowledge & Win
Test your military history and knowledge with the Military.com Trivia Challenge. Here's how you win: For each question you answer correctly you'll receive one point, and for each point you'll earn an electronic raffle ticket. At the end of the month we'll have a random drawing of all the tickets and pull out one to determine the winner. Play as little or as much as you'd like during the month, but the more questions you answer correctly, the greater your chances of winning. (http://www.military.com/Trivia/Home/?ESRC=mrvr0617.nl) Play Now.
Military Skills Translator: Civilian Jobs You Qualify For
Translate your military skills, experience and training to find career opportunities that best align with your capabilities. Enter in your MOS, MOSC, Rating, or Designator and we'll give you a list of civilian skills and equivalent job openings. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/sk ... RC=mrvr.nl) Translate Your Skills and Apply for Jobs Now.
Help for Homeowners Event June 28 in Columbia, SC
The U.S. Department of Treasury is putting on a Help for Homeowners Event to connect financially struggling military families with mortgage companies and HUD-approved housing experts. Participants will meet one-on-one with mortgage professionals to talk through their specific situations. The event is Friday, June 28th from 1pm to 8pm at the Columbia Convection Center in Columbia, SC. Parking is free. (http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/get ... fault.aspx) Get more information.
Are You Eligible for a VA Home Loan?
In order to obtain a VA home loan, you must first fill out VA Form 26-1880, the request for your Certificate of Eligibility. This certificate is issued only through the Veterans Administration, and is the first step towards applying for your loan. Veterans, active duty, guard or reserve, and military spouses potentially qualify for this certificate. You must have at least 90 days on active duty and been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get more information on Military.com.
Your VA Loan is worth $417,000 and doesn't require a full 20% down to buy. You can also use it to refinance. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0617.nl) Find lenders ready to help you use the VA Loan.
PTSD Awareness Day in DC
White House representatives from President Obama's Administration, top military leaders from the Pentagon as well as policymakers, medical practitioners and mental health advocates will be gathering at Upper Senate Park on Capitol Hill on June 22, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. to commemorate National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day at the third annual Visible Honor for Invisible Wounds event led by the non-profit organization, Honor for ALL. The event's three major themes will center on mental illness: the need for early identification, eliminating stigma and advancing effective treatment options. For more information, visit the (http://www.honorforall.org/events/) Honor for ALL website.
VA Seeks Gulf War Vets Input
Are you an OEF/OIF/OND or 1990?1991 Gulf War Veteran? The Department of Veterans Affairs is working on a new Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry that will include a web-based questionnaire for you to report health concerns, exposures, and more. You may submit comments through August 5, 2013. Go to the (https://www.federalregister.gov/article ... stionnaire) Federal Register to learn more about the registry and how to comment. To learn more about airborne hazards and what VA is doing to respond to Veterans' concerns, visit (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposure ... utants.asp) VA's Air Pollutants webpage.
How is VA Loan Entitlement Determined?
Many military members wonder whether they have entitlement for a VA loan; and, if so, how much. VA entitlements can vary from veteran to veteran based on location. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.
New Medical Scholarship Opportunity
The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine is encouraging military veterans to apply for a new scholarship that would help offset the costs of applying to the school for military veterans. The scholarship covers the cost of a secondary application, one night's hotel stay and $100 worth of travel expenses. It also lowers the required tuition deposit to $100 from $1,500. The new scholarship was created as a way to make it easier for veterans to attend the school's Virginia and Carolinas campuses. For more information, visit the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine website at (http://www.vcom.vt.edu/) http://www.vcom.vt.edu/ or contact the Admissions Office at (mailto:admissions@vcom.vt.edu) admissions@vcom.vt.edu.
10th Anniversary Middle East War Memorial
It is a war memorial that most people do not even know exists. June 15, 2013 marked the 10th anniversary of the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial on the Illinois River in Marseilles, Illinois. The war memorial bears the names of 7443 soldiers killed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. 226 will be added this month, engraved in the 13 black granite memorial panels. For more information, visit the (http://www.middleeastconflictswallmemorial.us/) Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial website and follow the (https://www.facebook.com/MiddleEastConf ... llMemorial) Memorial on Facebook.