Veterans Report - Week of September 02, 2013
Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 11:07 am
Veterans Report - Week of September 02, 2013
Study Challenges Link Between Combat and Suicide
A new study is challenging conventional thinking about war's effects on the psyche. The new military study has found that combat appears to have little or no influence on suicide rates among U.S. troops and veterans. While depression and other types of mental illness, alcohol problems and being male were all linked to self-inflicted deaths among current and former members of the military, researchers found that deployment and combat did not raise the risk. An abstract of the study is found in the (http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.asp ... id=1724276) August 7, 2013 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
For military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.
Air Force Gives Statement on Airpower
The Air Force has released a new document explaining how the service provides airpower for America. The document is entitled "Global Vigilance, Global Reach, Global Power for America." The paper follows the January release of the Air Force's Vision, "World's Greatest Air Force -- Powered by Airmen, Fueled by Innovation," which focuses directly on Airmen. Building upon the vision, this paper explores the Air Force's five enduring core missions -- air and space superiority; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; rapid global mobility; global strike; and command and control. To find out more about the document and how to tell your story, visit the "Global Vigilance, Global Reach, Global Power for America" website at (http://www.af.mil/airpower4america) www.af.mil/airpower4america.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.
$100k Life Insurance Coverage from $7 a Month
Don't wait any longer to protect your family's future. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?ESRC=vr0902.nl) Get $100k life insurance coverage starting at $7 a month.
"Budget for Baby" Workshops
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS), which has locations worldwide, offers Budget for Baby workshops to eligible parents-to-be to help plan financially for the new arrival. During the workshop, volunteers provide families with resources on and off base and a presentation with money-saving tips. Instructors cover not only general infant expenses parents can expect, but also how to reduce costs and discover areas in which they may be overspending. For more information, contact your base NMCRS or visit the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society website at (http://www.nmcrs.org/) www.nmcrs.org.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.
Legion Seeks to Protect Benefits from Sequestration
American Legion National Commander James E. Koutz provided a list of what he calls "anti-sequestration" incentives in a message before the 95th national convention of the nation's largest veterans organization Tuesday. Drastic budget cuts imposed this year after Congress was unable to produce a solution to the federal deficit crisis "are failing our troops," he told thousands gathered in Houston. "They are failing veterans. And they are failing the American people." For more, see (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... estration/) this Military Advantage blog post.
Veterans Urged to Use Preparers
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is urging veterans with combat-related disabilities to seek the help of accredited claims preparers, rather than file benefits claims themselves directly to the VA. The VA says the practice will help cut its nationwide backlog of benefits claims. For more information on fully developed claims, read the article on the Military.com website at (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... s-backlog/) http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... s-backlog/ , visit VA's Fully Developed Claims webpage at (http://www.benefits.va.gov/fdc/) http://www.benefits.va.gov/fdc/, or call VA at 1-800-827-1000.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Warrior Care Newsletter Released
The Department of Defense's Office of Warrior Care Policy (WCP) has just released the summer edition of their quarterly newsletter, The Continuum, available for downloading on the (http://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/about/wcp-newsletter/) Warrior Care Blog. The newsletter is designed to be a reference and a resource for all those who support our recovering servicemembers who are progressing through the continuum of care, from recovery and rehabilitation to return to duty or reintegration into a civilian lifestyle. For more information, (http://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/about/wcp-newsletter/) download The Continuum newsletter.
For more on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
Veterans Crisis Line
Five years and 890,000 calls to the Veterans Crisis Line later, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that it has helped about 30,000 veterans from committing suicide, according to Robert Bossarte, a VA epidemiologist who did a two-year study on veterans' suicide in America. Addressing The American Legion's Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission recently at the American Legion's National Convention, Bossarte said VA now uses 300 suicide prevention coordinators nationwide in its fight to keep America's veterans from ending their lives. It has been reinforcing its mental health resources and services, created the VeteransCrisisLine.net website, and continues to provide counseling, outreach and referral services through Vet Centers nationwide. For more information, visit the Veterans Crisis Line website at (http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/) www.veteranscrisisline.net. If you are in crisis, or know someone who is, call the Veterans Crisis Line toll-free at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Start a Transportation & Logistics Career
Veterans looking for jobs in the transportation and logistics industry have access to a very strong resource: the Troops to Transportation and Logistics Program. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/se ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.
Top 10 Work-at-home Jobs
Servicemembers and veterans struggling to find work may have an issue with geography -- there may not be many positions open where you live, and it may be difficult or impossible to search in the next city or state over. Fortunately, the growth of the Internet has opened up many possibilities in the job market. If you like the idea of working remotely, check out the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... -jobs.html) following list of the ten best work from home jobs.
Gay Marriage 'Leave' May Get a New Name
With Republicans raising legal issues and "unfair" echoing across military communities, Defense officials are reviewing a two-week old policy to allow up to 10 days of special "marriage leave" for gay and lesbian members assigned more than 100 miles from a state where they can marry legally. Instead of unearned leave, which might need to be backed by statute, commands might be encouraged to grant up to 10 days' "administrative absence." The intent still would be to give homosexual service members extra time off to travel to where same-sex marriage is allowed, and thus qualify them sooner for full benefits including spousal medical care and "with dependents" housing allowances, military and congressional sources confirm. For more, see (http://www.military.com/benefits/2013/0 ... sence.html) this Military.com article.
Search over 40,000 Units on Military.com
Connect with your past or present Military Unit on Military.com. Post Messages, find old friends, see Unit History & Photos and more. (http://www.military.com/HomePage/UnitPa ... rvr0902.nl) Search over 40,000 Units.
What VA Loans and Bankruptcy Means to You
As a veteran or active duty service member, you're entitled to a variety of exclusive benefits that are created to both protect and help you -- from helping with your health benefits to understanding your finances. However, even the most responsible and conscientious homeowner can be faced with difficult financial issues that require them to file for bankruptcy. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.
What Would You Make with a Promotion? Calculate Your Pay
Use the Military.com Pay Calculator to see what you'd make with a promotion or at your next duty station. (http://www.military.com/apps/reg/milita ... RC=mrvr.nl) Calculate by rank, location or duty.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... RC=mrvr.nl) View 2013 Pay Charts and BAH & COLA Information on Military.com.
Report Looks at VA Award Systems
A new report has found that physicians working for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) received performance-based bonuses despite providing poor treatment thanks to a lack of agency-wide standards defining the prerequisites for the monetary awards. The report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that VA has failed to provide the "overarching purpose" behind the payments, leaving each medical facility to make its own determinations. This has led to lax oversight of what qualifies the providers to receive the bonuses. The report is available on the (http://www.gao.gov/assets/660/656185.pdf) GAO website.
For more on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
VA Aids Rural Veterans
Over three million men and women enrolled in the VA Health Care System are defined as "rural" veterans. VA has an office dedicated to improving access to quality health care for them. Learn more about the benefits for Rural Veterans on the (http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2 ... terans.asp) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Tax Credit for Hiring Veterans
An often overlooked employer benefit is a tax return credit available to businesses who hire qualified vets before December 31, 2013. The up to $9,600 credit is part of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and is included with other business related credits on the Form 3800, General Business Credits. Claim the credit using (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5884.pdf) Form 5884, Work Opportunity Credit, and (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f3800.pdf) Form 3800, General Business Credits, for the year the wages are paid. For more information on the Work Opportunity Tax Credit including lists of the qualification rules, visit this (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... rans-.html) Military.com article and the (http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Bus ... nd-Answers) IRS website.
Why Get a VA Loan Over Other Types?
A VA Home Loan allows qualified buyers the opportunity to purchase a home with no down payment. There are also no monthly mortgage insurance premiums to pay, limitations on buyer's closing costs, and an appraisal that informs the buyer of the property value. For most loans on new houses, construction is inspected at appropriate stages and a 1-year warranty is required from the builder. VA also performs personal loan servicing and offers financial counseling to help veterans having temporary financial difficulties. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) View more VA Loan FAQs.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... 0902lmn.nl) Connect with lenders ready to help you use your VA Loan Benefit.
A Look at Music Therapy
Music therapy formally began in the 20th century, after musicians went to play for World War I and World War II veterans at hospitals across the United States. Today, there are about 5,000 board-certified music therapists in the United States, many of them working in hospitals. There is scientific research to back up the idea that music has healing properties. One study showed music's anti-anxiety properties while another study found music was associated with higher levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody linked to immunity. Alzheimer's patients, who have memory and thinking impairment, may still recognize songs of their youth or respond emotionally to music. Music can also be used in elderly care settings to calm or stimulate residents. For more information, visit the American Music Therapy website at (http://www.musictherapy.org/) www.musictherapy.org.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.
Tour in West Virginia to Hear Vet Concerns
The West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance (WVDVA) Cabinet Secretary Rick Thompson Monday announced he will be hosting meetings across the state throughout the month of September in an effort to learn more about the thoughts, ideas and concerns of West Virginia's veteran community. This month-long listening tour of informal meetings will occur in five different regions of the state. At each location, veterans' organizations, individuals and military families are invited to participate as well as learn more about services offered by the WVDVA. A list of listening tour events that will be open to the public is available on the (http://www.veterans.wv.gov/resources/ne ... -Tour.aspx) West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance website.
For more on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
VA Seeking New Apps
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is experimenting with several pilot programs to help integrate developers' apps into their agency, with the goal of combating an increased workload while providing better care for patients at VA hospitals. Firms and developers interested in bringing apps to the pilot programs can learn the procedure through the department's (https://mobilehealth.va.gov/content/introduction) VAMobile Development Portal. Companies will need to become familiar with both the software certification process and the VA's Software Development Life Cycle. All developers hoping to work with VA must be willing to follow (http://gcn.com/articles/2013/07/01/agen ... pment.aspx) agile development methodology and the Scrum process. The full list of of ways to the development process is available at the (https://mobilehealth.va.gov/initiation) VA's initiation page.
For more news and reviews of military-related apps, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/best-apps) Military.com App page.
VetSuccess and Education
Stars and Stripes reports that the VetSuccess program provides a government-funded vocational rehabilitation counselor and Vet Center counseling representative at participating campuses, among other important face-to-face assistance. Ideally, these representatives are able to quickly mitigate problems with education benefits, and ensure disability accommodations are provided in the classroom and mental health needs are met. Sometimes the participating colleges are asked to provide office space or a parking spot -- a small price to pay for a tangible difference in the lives of student veterans. The VetSuccess program has been in pilot mode for more than four year and is now on 32 campuses. For more information, contact your campus veterans affairs office, or visit the (http://vetsuccess.gov/) VetSuccess website.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.
Study Challenges Link Between Combat and Suicide
A new study is challenging conventional thinking about war's effects on the psyche. The new military study has found that combat appears to have little or no influence on suicide rates among U.S. troops and veterans. While depression and other types of mental illness, alcohol problems and being male were all linked to self-inflicted deaths among current and former members of the military, researchers found that deployment and combat did not raise the risk. An abstract of the study is found in the (http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.asp ... id=1724276) August 7, 2013 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
For military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.
Air Force Gives Statement on Airpower
The Air Force has released a new document explaining how the service provides airpower for America. The document is entitled "Global Vigilance, Global Reach, Global Power for America." The paper follows the January release of the Air Force's Vision, "World's Greatest Air Force -- Powered by Airmen, Fueled by Innovation," which focuses directly on Airmen. Building upon the vision, this paper explores the Air Force's five enduring core missions -- air and space superiority; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; rapid global mobility; global strike; and command and control. To find out more about the document and how to tell your story, visit the "Global Vigilance, Global Reach, Global Power for America" website at (http://www.af.mil/airpower4america) www.af.mil/airpower4america.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.
$100k Life Insurance Coverage from $7 a Month
Don't wait any longer to protect your family's future. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?ESRC=vr0902.nl) Get $100k life insurance coverage starting at $7 a month.
"Budget for Baby" Workshops
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS), which has locations worldwide, offers Budget for Baby workshops to eligible parents-to-be to help plan financially for the new arrival. During the workshop, volunteers provide families with resources on and off base and a presentation with money-saving tips. Instructors cover not only general infant expenses parents can expect, but also how to reduce costs and discover areas in which they may be overspending. For more information, contact your base NMCRS or visit the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society website at (http://www.nmcrs.org/) www.nmcrs.org.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.
Legion Seeks to Protect Benefits from Sequestration
American Legion National Commander James E. Koutz provided a list of what he calls "anti-sequestration" incentives in a message before the 95th national convention of the nation's largest veterans organization Tuesday. Drastic budget cuts imposed this year after Congress was unable to produce a solution to the federal deficit crisis "are failing our troops," he told thousands gathered in Houston. "They are failing veterans. And they are failing the American people." For more, see (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... estration/) this Military Advantage blog post.
Veterans Urged to Use Preparers
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is urging veterans with combat-related disabilities to seek the help of accredited claims preparers, rather than file benefits claims themselves directly to the VA. The VA says the practice will help cut its nationwide backlog of benefits claims. For more information on fully developed claims, read the article on the Military.com website at (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... s-backlog/) http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... s-backlog/ , visit VA's Fully Developed Claims webpage at (http://www.benefits.va.gov/fdc/) http://www.benefits.va.gov/fdc/, or call VA at 1-800-827-1000.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Warrior Care Newsletter Released
The Department of Defense's Office of Warrior Care Policy (WCP) has just released the summer edition of their quarterly newsletter, The Continuum, available for downloading on the (http://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/about/wcp-newsletter/) Warrior Care Blog. The newsletter is designed to be a reference and a resource for all those who support our recovering servicemembers who are progressing through the continuum of care, from recovery and rehabilitation to return to duty or reintegration into a civilian lifestyle. For more information, (http://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/about/wcp-newsletter/) download The Continuum newsletter.
For more on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
Veterans Crisis Line
Five years and 890,000 calls to the Veterans Crisis Line later, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that it has helped about 30,000 veterans from committing suicide, according to Robert Bossarte, a VA epidemiologist who did a two-year study on veterans' suicide in America. Addressing The American Legion's Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission recently at the American Legion's National Convention, Bossarte said VA now uses 300 suicide prevention coordinators nationwide in its fight to keep America's veterans from ending their lives. It has been reinforcing its mental health resources and services, created the VeteransCrisisLine.net website, and continues to provide counseling, outreach and referral services through Vet Centers nationwide. For more information, visit the Veterans Crisis Line website at (http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/) www.veteranscrisisline.net. If you are in crisis, or know someone who is, call the Veterans Crisis Line toll-free at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Start a Transportation & Logistics Career
Veterans looking for jobs in the transportation and logistics industry have access to a very strong resource: the Troops to Transportation and Logistics Program. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/se ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.
Top 10 Work-at-home Jobs
Servicemembers and veterans struggling to find work may have an issue with geography -- there may not be many positions open where you live, and it may be difficult or impossible to search in the next city or state over. Fortunately, the growth of the Internet has opened up many possibilities in the job market. If you like the idea of working remotely, check out the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... -jobs.html) following list of the ten best work from home jobs.
Gay Marriage 'Leave' May Get a New Name
With Republicans raising legal issues and "unfair" echoing across military communities, Defense officials are reviewing a two-week old policy to allow up to 10 days of special "marriage leave" for gay and lesbian members assigned more than 100 miles from a state where they can marry legally. Instead of unearned leave, which might need to be backed by statute, commands might be encouraged to grant up to 10 days' "administrative absence." The intent still would be to give homosexual service members extra time off to travel to where same-sex marriage is allowed, and thus qualify them sooner for full benefits including spousal medical care and "with dependents" housing allowances, military and congressional sources confirm. For more, see (http://www.military.com/benefits/2013/0 ... sence.html) this Military.com article.
Search over 40,000 Units on Military.com
Connect with your past or present Military Unit on Military.com. Post Messages, find old friends, see Unit History & Photos and more. (http://www.military.com/HomePage/UnitPa ... rvr0902.nl) Search over 40,000 Units.
What VA Loans and Bankruptcy Means to You
As a veteran or active duty service member, you're entitled to a variety of exclusive benefits that are created to both protect and help you -- from helping with your health benefits to understanding your finances. However, even the most responsible and conscientious homeowner can be faced with difficult financial issues that require them to file for bankruptcy. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.
What Would You Make with a Promotion? Calculate Your Pay
Use the Military.com Pay Calculator to see what you'd make with a promotion or at your next duty station. (http://www.military.com/apps/reg/milita ... RC=mrvr.nl) Calculate by rank, location or duty.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... RC=mrvr.nl) View 2013 Pay Charts and BAH & COLA Information on Military.com.
Report Looks at VA Award Systems
A new report has found that physicians working for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) received performance-based bonuses despite providing poor treatment thanks to a lack of agency-wide standards defining the prerequisites for the monetary awards. The report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that VA has failed to provide the "overarching purpose" behind the payments, leaving each medical facility to make its own determinations. This has led to lax oversight of what qualifies the providers to receive the bonuses. The report is available on the (http://www.gao.gov/assets/660/656185.pdf) GAO website.
For more on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
VA Aids Rural Veterans
Over three million men and women enrolled in the VA Health Care System are defined as "rural" veterans. VA has an office dedicated to improving access to quality health care for them. Learn more about the benefits for Rural Veterans on the (http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2 ... terans.asp) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.
Tax Credit for Hiring Veterans
An often overlooked employer benefit is a tax return credit available to businesses who hire qualified vets before December 31, 2013. The up to $9,600 credit is part of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and is included with other business related credits on the Form 3800, General Business Credits. Claim the credit using (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5884.pdf) Form 5884, Work Opportunity Credit, and (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f3800.pdf) Form 3800, General Business Credits, for the year the wages are paid. For more information on the Work Opportunity Tax Credit including lists of the qualification rules, visit this (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... rans-.html) Military.com article and the (http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Bus ... nd-Answers) IRS website.
Why Get a VA Loan Over Other Types?
A VA Home Loan allows qualified buyers the opportunity to purchase a home with no down payment. There are also no monthly mortgage insurance premiums to pay, limitations on buyer's closing costs, and an appraisal that informs the buyer of the property value. For most loans on new houses, construction is inspected at appropriate stages and a 1-year warranty is required from the builder. VA also performs personal loan servicing and offers financial counseling to help veterans having temporary financial difficulties. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) View more VA Loan FAQs.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... 0902lmn.nl) Connect with lenders ready to help you use your VA Loan Benefit.
A Look at Music Therapy
Music therapy formally began in the 20th century, after musicians went to play for World War I and World War II veterans at hospitals across the United States. Today, there are about 5,000 board-certified music therapists in the United States, many of them working in hospitals. There is scientific research to back up the idea that music has healing properties. One study showed music's anti-anxiety properties while another study found music was associated with higher levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody linked to immunity. Alzheimer's patients, who have memory and thinking impairment, may still recognize songs of their youth or respond emotionally to music. Music can also be used in elderly care settings to calm or stimulate residents. For more information, visit the American Music Therapy website at (http://www.musictherapy.org/) www.musictherapy.org.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.
Tour in West Virginia to Hear Vet Concerns
The West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance (WVDVA) Cabinet Secretary Rick Thompson Monday announced he will be hosting meetings across the state throughout the month of September in an effort to learn more about the thoughts, ideas and concerns of West Virginia's veteran community. This month-long listening tour of informal meetings will occur in five different regions of the state. At each location, veterans' organizations, individuals and military families are invited to participate as well as learn more about services offered by the WVDVA. A list of listening tour events that will be open to the public is available on the (http://www.veterans.wv.gov/resources/ne ... -Tour.aspx) West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance website.
For more on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
VA Seeking New Apps
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is experimenting with several pilot programs to help integrate developers' apps into their agency, with the goal of combating an increased workload while providing better care for patients at VA hospitals. Firms and developers interested in bringing apps to the pilot programs can learn the procedure through the department's (https://mobilehealth.va.gov/content/introduction) VAMobile Development Portal. Companies will need to become familiar with both the software certification process and the VA's Software Development Life Cycle. All developers hoping to work with VA must be willing to follow (http://gcn.com/articles/2013/07/01/agen ... pment.aspx) agile development methodology and the Scrum process. The full list of of ways to the development process is available at the (https://mobilehealth.va.gov/initiation) VA's initiation page.
For more news and reviews of military-related apps, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/best-apps) Military.com App page.
VetSuccess and Education
Stars and Stripes reports that the VetSuccess program provides a government-funded vocational rehabilitation counselor and Vet Center counseling representative at participating campuses, among other important face-to-face assistance. Ideally, these representatives are able to quickly mitigate problems with education benefits, and ensure disability accommodations are provided in the classroom and mental health needs are met. Sometimes the participating colleges are asked to provide office space or a parking spot -- a small price to pay for a tangible difference in the lives of student veterans. The VetSuccess program has been in pilot mode for more than four year and is now on 32 campuses. For more information, contact your campus veterans affairs office, or visit the (http://vetsuccess.gov/) VetSuccess website.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.