Veteran Report - Week of September 16, 2013
Posted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 2:20 pm
Veteran Report - Week of September 16, 2013
VA Addresses Preventable Death Issue
On September 9, 2013, Dr. Robert Petzel, Under Secretary of Health at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), made a statement after testifying at a House Committee on Veterans Affairs hearing in Pittsburgh, Pa. The Secretary told the House committee hearing into "preventable deaths" at VA medical facilities that the incidents do not represent systemic problems for the department. The hearing, held in Pittsburgh at the Allegheny County Courthouse, featured tearful testimony from veterans' families who had troubling and, in some cases, tragic interactions with VA medical facilities in Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Buffalo, Dallas and Jackson, Miss. The full text of the Secretary's statement if available on the (http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2477) VA website. Details of the recent hearing are available on the (http://www.legion.org/veteranshealthcar ... pittsburgh) American Legion website.
For more on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
Calling the Military Crisis Line
When someone is in crisis and feeling despondent, reaching out for help is a stronger step to take than doing nothing, which can lead to a worsening state, says a Military Crisis Line responder. To reach skilled responders who are knowledgeable of military culture, dial 1-800-273-8255 and press No. 1. The crisis line also is available by cell-phone text by dialing 838255, or through online chat at (http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ActiveDuty.aspx) www.veteranscrisisline.net/ActiveDuty.aspx . People contact the crisis line to discuss a variety of issues, from feeling suicidal, depressed or anxious to feeling pressure from finances or relationships. The Military Crisis Line, also known as the Veterans Crisis Line at the same phone and text numbers, is a joint effort between the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.
Johnson Controls Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with a company that can provide endless opportunity and a career path that lets you choose where you want to be. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... rvr0916.nl) Read More.
VA Boosts Mental Health Services
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continues to expand access to mental health and has hired more than 1,600 new mental health clinical providers and staffed all 151 VAMCs with suicide prevention coordinators over the past year. Veterans can also access 24/7 emergency mental health care through the Veterans Crisis Line at (http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/) www.veteranscrisisline.net, which has generated more than 30,000 rescues of Veterans in immediate suicidal crisis and 152,000 referrals to a VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator. For more information, visit VA's (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/10158/v ... -veterans/) VAntage Point Blog. If you are in immediate crisis, or know someone who is, call the Veterans Crisis Line toll-free at 1-800-273-8255, press 1; or text a message to 838255; or (http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ChatT ... rvice.aspx) chat online.
For more resources on suicide prevention, see (http://www.military.com/topics/military ... RC=mrvr.nl) this Military.com page.
Happy Birthday Air Force
The official date of the founding of the US Air Force is 18 September 1947. It was a momentous event that over six decades later has demonstrated the achievement of an Air Force second-to-none. Yet the Air Force's history and heritage goes back a lot further. (http://www.military.com/air-force-birth ... rvr0916.nl) Read More.
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 ... rvr0916.nl) Search over 40,000 Units.
New 2013-14 Montgomery GI Bill Rates
Each year in October, the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) payment rates increase to meet the growing cost of education. In October, 2013, the Montgomery GI Bill full-time payment rate will increase for the 2014 fiscal year. (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... rates.html) Read the full story at Military.com.
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 ... rvr0916.nl) Translate Your Skills and Apply for Jobs Now.
VA, the Affordable Care Act, and You
Find out how the new health care law affects veterans' health care at the Department of Veterans Affairs at (http://www.va.gov/health/aca/) www.va.gov/health/aca/.
For updates on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
Million Veterans Program
The Million Veteran Program (MVP) is a national, voluntary research program currently enrolling veterans at 50 VA medical centers across the country. To date, more than 197,000 veterans have joined MVP nationwide. MVP provides researchers with a rich resource of genetic, health, lifestyle, and military-exposure data collected from questionnaires, medical records, and genetic analyses. By combining this information into a single database, MVP promises to advance knowledge about the complex links between genes and health. For more information, visit the Million Veteran Program website at (http://www.research.va.gov/mvp) www.research.va.gov/mvp or call the MVP Information Center toll-free at 1-866-441-6075.
For more on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
VA Benefits Book Available
The new, 2013 edition of the Department of Veterans Affairs benefits book 'Federal Benefits for Veterans Dependents and Survivors' is (http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp) now available online on the VA website and on select mobile devices.
For updates on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
American Legion PTSD Report
The American Legion released a report on Sept. 11 that is the culmination of a study the wartime veterans' organization did on current treatments and best practices for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The report, entitled "The War Within," includes findings and recommendations based on comprehensive research, conducted from January 2011 to February 2013, by an American Legion ad hoc committee. The "War Within" report is being distributed to members of Congress, the Obama Administration, VA officials, and the American Legion's membership. The report is available on the (http://legion.org/documents/legion/pdf/ ... within.pdf) American Legion website.
For more resources on PTSD, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... rview.html) Military.com PTSD section.
Get Your Personalized Transition Plan
The (http://www.military.com/military-transi ... RC=mrvr.nl) Military.com Transition Center now features a personalized Transition Action Plan for those leaving the military, those retiring from a career in the military and National Guard and Reserve personnel.
Get a VA Loan Benefit 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 ... rvr0916.nl) Download your free PDF now.
Your VA Loan is worth $417,000 and doesn't require a full 20% down to buy. You can also use it to streamline refinance. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0916.nl) Find lenders ready to help your benefit.
New GI Bill Housing Rates Now in Effect
The (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... ew.html#hs) Post 9/11 GI Bill Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) payments for the 2013-14 academic year are now in effect. If the BAH increased for your area, you will see an increase in your September payment for training pursued in August. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... in-effect/) Read more on the Military Advantage Blog.
Current Troops Shielded from Pay Changes
The President has instructed the (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... lines.html) Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission to ensure they do nothing to alter the current retirement system for those already serving, retired or in the process of retiring. In addition to looking at pay and retirement benefits, the president told the commission to look at every aspect of compensation, from healthcare to the current military promotion system. (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... lines.html) Read the full article on Military.com.
Helping a Veteran in Crisis
September is Suicide Prevention Month. Anyone can support Veterans by: (1) encouraging a Veteran who needs help to call the (http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/?gcli ... 7Aod4g8AOg) Veterans Crisis Line toll-free at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1. Remind them that it takes courage to seek help; (2) watching the new Suicide Prevention Month public service announcement, " (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tKqc1Gi0iM) Talking About It Matters"; (3) downloading an (http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/SPMtoolkit/) electronic toolkit to share Suicide Prevention Month materials; (4) sharing a photo at (http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/spm/default.aspx) VeteransCrisisLine.net/ItMatters; (5) tweeting your friends and loved ones with the following message: "One small act can make the difference. This is SuicidePreventionMonth. Help veterans access the support they have earned at (http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/) VeteransCrisisLine.net."
For more resources on suicide prevention, see (http://www.military.com/topics/military ... RC=mrvr.nl) this Military.com page.
Spouse Survey About Your Employment Journey
Beginning September 16, all military spouses (active duty, National Guard, Reserve, retired, veteran, and survivors) will have the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive survey on military spouse employment. Add your voice to the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and Syracuse University's Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) Military Spouse Employment Survey. (http://www.moaa.org/MRmilspousesurvey/) Click here to take the survey.
Medical Records Hold Suicide Clues
Natural language processing -- part of the technology that makes Google work -- could help VA detect suicide risk among veterans. A study has used the technology to find past suicide attempts in VA's electronic medical record system. Studies show that a past suicide attempt raises the odds of an eventual completed suicide by 40 times. For more information about the ongoing VA research, visit the (http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2 ... e-Risk.asp) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website.
September is Suicide Prevention Month. Military.com strives to share important information to our active duty, veteran and family audience that can help save lives. (http://www.military.com/topics/military ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.
FPO/APO Require a Nine-Digit Zip
Sailors not receiving mail as expected should remind senders about the United States Postal Service (USPS) requirement to use the nine-digit ZIP code on all mail sent to FPO and APO addresses. Every mobile unit - ships, squadrons, detachments, et cetera, and OCONUS Shore installations - has a unique nine-digit ZIP code. In January 2013, all FPO and APO mail began routing through USPS automated mail sorting equipment at a consolidated mail processing operation in Chicago, Ill., which reads mail for the nine-digit ZIP code, rejecting mail not addressed with the nine-digit ZIP code. Units or commands unsure of their proper nine-digit ZIP code should contact their local Military Postal Service Representative. USPS addressing tips, guidelines, and restrictions for FPO and APO mail are available at the (https://www.usps.com/ship/apo-fpo-guidelines.htm) United States Postal Service website.
VA Addresses Preventable Death Issue
On September 9, 2013, Dr. Robert Petzel, Under Secretary of Health at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), made a statement after testifying at a House Committee on Veterans Affairs hearing in Pittsburgh, Pa. The Secretary told the House committee hearing into "preventable deaths" at VA medical facilities that the incidents do not represent systemic problems for the department. The hearing, held in Pittsburgh at the Allegheny County Courthouse, featured tearful testimony from veterans' families who had troubling and, in some cases, tragic interactions with VA medical facilities in Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Buffalo, Dallas and Jackson, Miss. The full text of the Secretary's statement if available on the (http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2477) VA website. Details of the recent hearing are available on the (http://www.legion.org/veteranshealthcar ... pittsburgh) American Legion website.
For more on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
Calling the Military Crisis Line
When someone is in crisis and feeling despondent, reaching out for help is a stronger step to take than doing nothing, which can lead to a worsening state, says a Military Crisis Line responder. To reach skilled responders who are knowledgeable of military culture, dial 1-800-273-8255 and press No. 1. The crisis line also is available by cell-phone text by dialing 838255, or through online chat at (http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ActiveDuty.aspx) www.veteranscrisisline.net/ActiveDuty.aspx . People contact the crisis line to discuss a variety of issues, from feeling suicidal, depressed or anxious to feeling pressure from finances or relationships. The Military Crisis Line, also known as the Veterans Crisis Line at the same phone and text numbers, is a joint effort between the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.
Johnson Controls Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with a company that can provide endless opportunity and a career path that lets you choose where you want to be. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... rvr0916.nl) Read More.
VA Boosts Mental Health Services
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continues to expand access to mental health and has hired more than 1,600 new mental health clinical providers and staffed all 151 VAMCs with suicide prevention coordinators over the past year. Veterans can also access 24/7 emergency mental health care through the Veterans Crisis Line at (http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/) www.veteranscrisisline.net, which has generated more than 30,000 rescues of Veterans in immediate suicidal crisis and 152,000 referrals to a VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator. For more information, visit VA's (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/10158/v ... -veterans/) VAntage Point Blog. If you are in immediate crisis, or know someone who is, call the Veterans Crisis Line toll-free at 1-800-273-8255, press 1; or text a message to 838255; or (http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ChatT ... rvice.aspx) chat online.
For more resources on suicide prevention, see (http://www.military.com/topics/military ... RC=mrvr.nl) this Military.com page.
Happy Birthday Air Force
The official date of the founding of the US Air Force is 18 September 1947. It was a momentous event that over six decades later has demonstrated the achievement of an Air Force second-to-none. Yet the Air Force's history and heritage goes back a lot further. (http://www.military.com/air-force-birth ... rvr0916.nl) Read More.
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 ... rvr0916.nl) Search over 40,000 Units.
New 2013-14 Montgomery GI Bill Rates
Each year in October, the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) payment rates increase to meet the growing cost of education. In October, 2013, the Montgomery GI Bill full-time payment rate will increase for the 2014 fiscal year. (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... rates.html) Read the full story at Military.com.
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 ... rvr0916.nl) Translate Your Skills and Apply for Jobs Now.
VA, the Affordable Care Act, and You
Find out how the new health care law affects veterans' health care at the Department of Veterans Affairs at (http://www.va.gov/health/aca/) www.va.gov/health/aca/.
For updates on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
Million Veterans Program
The Million Veteran Program (MVP) is a national, voluntary research program currently enrolling veterans at 50 VA medical centers across the country. To date, more than 197,000 veterans have joined MVP nationwide. MVP provides researchers with a rich resource of genetic, health, lifestyle, and military-exposure data collected from questionnaires, medical records, and genetic analyses. By combining this information into a single database, MVP promises to advance knowledge about the complex links between genes and health. For more information, visit the Million Veteran Program website at (http://www.research.va.gov/mvp) www.research.va.gov/mvp or call the MVP Information Center toll-free at 1-866-441-6075.
For more on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
VA Benefits Book Available
The new, 2013 edition of the Department of Veterans Affairs benefits book 'Federal Benefits for Veterans Dependents and Survivors' is (http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp) now available online on the VA website and on select mobile devices.
For updates on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
American Legion PTSD Report
The American Legion released a report on Sept. 11 that is the culmination of a study the wartime veterans' organization did on current treatments and best practices for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The report, entitled "The War Within," includes findings and recommendations based on comprehensive research, conducted from January 2011 to February 2013, by an American Legion ad hoc committee. The "War Within" report is being distributed to members of Congress, the Obama Administration, VA officials, and the American Legion's membership. The report is available on the (http://legion.org/documents/legion/pdf/ ... within.pdf) American Legion website.
For more resources on PTSD, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... rview.html) Military.com PTSD section.
Get Your Personalized Transition Plan
The (http://www.military.com/military-transi ... RC=mrvr.nl) Military.com Transition Center now features a personalized Transition Action Plan for those leaving the military, those retiring from a career in the military and National Guard and Reserve personnel.
Get a VA Loan Benefit 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 ... rvr0916.nl) Download your free PDF now.
Your VA Loan is worth $417,000 and doesn't require a full 20% down to buy. You can also use it to streamline refinance. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0916.nl) Find lenders ready to help your benefit.
New GI Bill Housing Rates Now in Effect
The (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... ew.html#hs) Post 9/11 GI Bill Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) payments for the 2013-14 academic year are now in effect. If the BAH increased for your area, you will see an increase in your September payment for training pursued in August. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... in-effect/) Read more on the Military Advantage Blog.
Current Troops Shielded from Pay Changes
The President has instructed the (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... lines.html) Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission to ensure they do nothing to alter the current retirement system for those already serving, retired or in the process of retiring. In addition to looking at pay and retirement benefits, the president told the commission to look at every aspect of compensation, from healthcare to the current military promotion system. (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... lines.html) Read the full article on Military.com.
Helping a Veteran in Crisis
September is Suicide Prevention Month. Anyone can support Veterans by: (1) encouraging a Veteran who needs help to call the (http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/?gcli ... 7Aod4g8AOg) Veterans Crisis Line toll-free at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1. Remind them that it takes courage to seek help; (2) watching the new Suicide Prevention Month public service announcement, " (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tKqc1Gi0iM) Talking About It Matters"; (3) downloading an (http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/SPMtoolkit/) electronic toolkit to share Suicide Prevention Month materials; (4) sharing a photo at (http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/spm/default.aspx) VeteransCrisisLine.net/ItMatters; (5) tweeting your friends and loved ones with the following message: "One small act can make the difference. This is SuicidePreventionMonth. Help veterans access the support they have earned at (http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/) VeteransCrisisLine.net."
For more resources on suicide prevention, see (http://www.military.com/topics/military ... RC=mrvr.nl) this Military.com page.
Spouse Survey About Your Employment Journey
Beginning September 16, all military spouses (active duty, National Guard, Reserve, retired, veteran, and survivors) will have the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive survey on military spouse employment. Add your voice to the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and Syracuse University's Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) Military Spouse Employment Survey. (http://www.moaa.org/MRmilspousesurvey/) Click here to take the survey.
Medical Records Hold Suicide Clues
Natural language processing -- part of the technology that makes Google work -- could help VA detect suicide risk among veterans. A study has used the technology to find past suicide attempts in VA's electronic medical record system. Studies show that a past suicide attempt raises the odds of an eventual completed suicide by 40 times. For more information about the ongoing VA research, visit the (http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2 ... e-Risk.asp) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website.
September is Suicide Prevention Month. Military.com strives to share important information to our active duty, veteran and family audience that can help save lives. (http://www.military.com/topics/military ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.
FPO/APO Require a Nine-Digit Zip
Sailors not receiving mail as expected should remind senders about the United States Postal Service (USPS) requirement to use the nine-digit ZIP code on all mail sent to FPO and APO addresses. Every mobile unit - ships, squadrons, detachments, et cetera, and OCONUS Shore installations - has a unique nine-digit ZIP code. In January 2013, all FPO and APO mail began routing through USPS automated mail sorting equipment at a consolidated mail processing operation in Chicago, Ill., which reads mail for the nine-digit ZIP code, rejecting mail not addressed with the nine-digit ZIP code. Units or commands unsure of their proper nine-digit ZIP code should contact their local Military Postal Service Representative. USPS addressing tips, guidelines, and restrictions for FPO and APO mail are available at the (https://www.usps.com/ship/apo-fpo-guidelines.htm) United States Postal Service website.