Veterans Report - Week of September 23, 2013
Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2013 11:46 am
Veterans Report - Week of September 23, 2013
Beware of Scammers
Scammers never seem to run out of tricks. They offer fake health cures for arthritis or try to talk you into medical equipment you don't need. You might get high pressure phone calls urging you to give to a questionable charity or to try to get you to agree to a reverse mortgage or investment scheme. But you don't have to be anybody's victim. With the FBI's extensive (http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type ... ud/seniors) list of scams that target seniors, you can empower yourself to recognize and steer clear of con artists. For tips on managing your money, getting government benefits and services, volunteering in your community, grandparenting and more, visit USA.gov's special (http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type ... iors.shtml) Senior Citizens' Resources section.
For more personal finance and protection guides, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money section.
Doing Something About Depression
Depression can take away your enthusiasm for the things and people you care about. It can creep in if you live with constant physical pain, are grieving a loved one or are facing the loss of your independence. And it can be conquered. (http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type ... ndex.shtml) Learn how getting evaluated and treated by your doctor can help you get back to feeling like yourself again. For more information, visit the (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publicat ... ndex.shtml) National Institute of Mental Health website. If you are in crisis, or know someone who is, call the Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, or text a message to 838255 or chat online on the (http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ChatT ... rvice.aspx) Veterans Crisis Line website.
VA: Let Us Serve You
From the original GI Bill to the more than 8 million veterans currently cared for at more than 1,800 Department of Veterans Affairs facilities nationwide, VA is answering President Lincoln's call to "care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan." Millions of Veterans have already taken advantage of what VA has to offer, but many have not. Find out more about the VA services available to you at the Explore VA website at (http://www.va.gov/explore/) www.va.gov/explore/.
For updates on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
Download Your Free VA Loan Guide
Understand the benefits you've earned by getting a free guide. (http://www.military.com/va-loan-guide/?ESRC=mrvr0923.nl) Download Here.
Chenega 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 ... rvr0923.nl) Read More.
Transitioning? Create Your Plan
The (http://www.military.com/military-transi ... RC=mrvr.nl) 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.
The (http://www.military.com/military-transi ... RC=mrvr.nl) Transition Action Plan tool guides the servicemember using a timeline that recommends specific steps to take at certain key points; whether they are leaving the service in a few months or a few years.
Tom Hanks in Captain Phillips: Oct 11
The latest film by Paul Greengrass, director of the Jason Bourne movies, focuses on a real-life event in which a merchant vessel captain is taken hostage by pirates and must be rescued by the U.S. Navy. Visit the (http://www.military.com/slideshows/capt ... rvr0923.nl) Military.com "Captain Phillips" section for a slideshow and the real-life details behind the movie.
NCUA, VA Deal Boosts Jobs Opportunities
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide NCUA with access to the VA for Vets high-tech, high-touch career readiness services to increase veteran employment in the NCUA workforce. Under the Feds for Vets initiative, all federal agencies have the opportunity to leverage the (http://vaforvets.va.gov/Pages/default.aspx) VA for Vets program by signing MOUs to solidify a partnership with VA through the (http://vaforvets.va.gov/veso/Pages/default.aspx) Veteran Employment Services Office (VESO). Although NCUA is the fifth federal agency to partner with VA, it is the first financial services regulatory agency to do so. For more information, visit the (http://vaforvets.va.gov/events/Pages/Na ... m-Up-.aspx) VA for Vets website.
For more on veteran job opportunities and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
Report on Women Veterans Healthcare
The American Legion has released a new report on the state of women veterans healthcare. From October 2012 to April 2013, the Legion's System Worth Saving Task Force conducted 15 VA medical center site visits in order to evaluate the quality of care provided for women veterans. During these site visits, the System Worth Saving Task Force met with each facility's executive leadership team, women veterans program manager, patient advocate, enrollment and business office, mental health staff, homeless veteran's coordinator, military sexual trauma coordinator, suicide prevention coordinator and women veterans' health committee, and reviewed the environment of care. Additionally, town hall meetings were conducted at American Legion posts near the VA medical centers to hear firsthand from women veterans on their level of health care.To download the free publication, visit the (http://www.legion.org/publications/2170 ... healthcare) American Legion site.
For updates on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
VA Offers Procurement Briefing
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is sponsoring a non-IT advanced procurement briefing November 6, 2013, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. in Fredericksburg, Va. The objective of the Non-IT APBI is to brief industry on acquisition opportunities from the various offices within VA and brief other relevant topics. The finalized agenda will be posted to the (https://www.voa.va.gov/) VA Virtual Office of Acquisition website under the Non-ITAPBI Library. Updates will be posted accordingly. For more information, visit the (http://www.va.gov/officeofacquisitionop ... 130830.asp) VA website.
For updates on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
MOAA: Stop Sequestration Now
The Pentagon will be faced with another installment of $52 billion in cuts for FY 2014 if Congress fails to take action soon. In his column, "The Bottom Line," MOAA's Director of Government Relations, Col. Mike Hayden, USAF (Ret), explains that without a sequestration fix, DoD's budgets options go from bad to worse next year and beyond. (http://www.moaa.org/MRSepBottomLine/) Click here to read the rest of the article.
For more news on sequestration and the military, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/sequestration) Military.com Sequestration section.
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=mrvr0923.nl) Play Now.
State Veterans Benefits
Many states offer veterans benefits. These benefits may include educational grants and scholarships, special exemptions or discounts on fees and taxes, home loans, veteran's homes, free hunting and fishing privileges, and more.
Each state manages its own benefit programs. (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... RC=mrvr.nl) Visit Military.com to see a list of links to the websites for each of the individual states that offer veterans benefits.
Your VA Loan Benefit is worth $417,000 and can be used to buy a home with $0 down or to streamline refinance. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0923.nl) Search for lenders who can help you use your benefit.
(http://www.military.com/benefits?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Military.com Benefits Channel to get straight forward info on Military Pay, TRICARE, GI Bill, VA Loans, BAH, Survivor Benefits, Veteran Health Care and More.
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 ... rvr0923.nl) Find lenders ready to help you use the VA Loan.
Healthy Aging Your Way
September is Healthy Aging Month. Use the (http://go4life.nia.nih.gov/) Go4Life website from the National Institute on Aging for helpful tips, encouraging success stories and modern, realistic fitness plans to build your strength, flexibility and endurance. And, visit WomensHealth.gov's (http://womenshealth.gov/aging/) Healthy Aging section for suggestions on handling age-related health challenges, from treating osteoporosis and caring for aging skin to preventing falls and understanding drug labels.
Get Your Personalized Transition Plan
The Transition Center now features a (http://www.military.com/military-transi ... rvr0923.nl) personalized Transition Action Plan for those leaving the military, those retiring from a career in the military and National Guard and Reserve personnel.
Finding Affordable Rentals
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a number of resources to help seniors find affordable rentals, including: (1) (http://www.hud.gov/apps/section8/index.cfm) Low-Rent Apartment Search -- shows low-rent apartments for senior citizens and people with disabilities, as well as for families and individuals; (2) (http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src ... torysurvey) Multifamily Units by State -- HUD does not provide details like eligibility, but the list may help you identify potential rentals for seniors and people with disabilities; (3) (http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src ... nce/phprog) Public Housing Program -- commonly called "Section 8," this is limited to low-income families and individuals; and (4) (http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src ... fact_sheet) Public Housing Choice Vouchers -- using vouchers, you can find a private rental. The government pays the landlord directly to subsidize the rent -- limited to low-income families and individuals. For more information, visit the (http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD) HUD website.
For more home rental and ownership guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money section.
Can a Helping Hand Avert a Suicide?
We hear daily about the high rate of veteran suicides. Can one person make a difference? Long-time journalist and founder of the HealingCombatTrauma.com website Lily Casura says yes. Read what she has to say on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/10222/c ... ve-it-can/) VAntage Point blog.
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.
$400k Protection as low as $29 a Month
Don't wait any longer to protect your family's future. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba/?ESRC=vr0923.nl) Get $400k life insurance coverage starting at $29 a month.
Beware of Scammers
Scammers never seem to run out of tricks. They offer fake health cures for arthritis or try to talk you into medical equipment you don't need. You might get high pressure phone calls urging you to give to a questionable charity or to try to get you to agree to a reverse mortgage or investment scheme. But you don't have to be anybody's victim. With the FBI's extensive (http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type ... ud/seniors) list of scams that target seniors, you can empower yourself to recognize and steer clear of con artists. For tips on managing your money, getting government benefits and services, volunteering in your community, grandparenting and more, visit USA.gov's special (http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type ... iors.shtml) Senior Citizens' Resources section.
For more personal finance and protection guides, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money section.
Doing Something About Depression
Depression can take away your enthusiasm for the things and people you care about. It can creep in if you live with constant physical pain, are grieving a loved one or are facing the loss of your independence. And it can be conquered. (http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type ... ndex.shtml) Learn how getting evaluated and treated by your doctor can help you get back to feeling like yourself again. For more information, visit the (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publicat ... ndex.shtml) National Institute of Mental Health website. If you are in crisis, or know someone who is, call the Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, or text a message to 838255 or chat online on the (http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ChatT ... rvice.aspx) Veterans Crisis Line website.
VA: Let Us Serve You
From the original GI Bill to the more than 8 million veterans currently cared for at more than 1,800 Department of Veterans Affairs facilities nationwide, VA is answering President Lincoln's call to "care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan." Millions of Veterans have already taken advantage of what VA has to offer, but many have not. Find out more about the VA services available to you at the Explore VA website at (http://www.va.gov/explore/) www.va.gov/explore/.
For updates on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
Download Your Free VA Loan Guide
Understand the benefits you've earned by getting a free guide. (http://www.military.com/va-loan-guide/?ESRC=mrvr0923.nl) Download Here.
Chenega 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 ... rvr0923.nl) Read More.
Transitioning? Create Your Plan
The (http://www.military.com/military-transi ... RC=mrvr.nl) 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.
The (http://www.military.com/military-transi ... RC=mrvr.nl) Transition Action Plan tool guides the servicemember using a timeline that recommends specific steps to take at certain key points; whether they are leaving the service in a few months or a few years.
Tom Hanks in Captain Phillips: Oct 11
The latest film by Paul Greengrass, director of the Jason Bourne movies, focuses on a real-life event in which a merchant vessel captain is taken hostage by pirates and must be rescued by the U.S. Navy. Visit the (http://www.military.com/slideshows/capt ... rvr0923.nl) Military.com "Captain Phillips" section for a slideshow and the real-life details behind the movie.
NCUA, VA Deal Boosts Jobs Opportunities
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide NCUA with access to the VA for Vets high-tech, high-touch career readiness services to increase veteran employment in the NCUA workforce. Under the Feds for Vets initiative, all federal agencies have the opportunity to leverage the (http://vaforvets.va.gov/Pages/default.aspx) VA for Vets program by signing MOUs to solidify a partnership with VA through the (http://vaforvets.va.gov/veso/Pages/default.aspx) Veteran Employment Services Office (VESO). Although NCUA is the fifth federal agency to partner with VA, it is the first financial services regulatory agency to do so. For more information, visit the (http://vaforvets.va.gov/events/Pages/Na ... m-Up-.aspx) VA for Vets website.
For more on veteran job opportunities and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
Report on Women Veterans Healthcare
The American Legion has released a new report on the state of women veterans healthcare. From October 2012 to April 2013, the Legion's System Worth Saving Task Force conducted 15 VA medical center site visits in order to evaluate the quality of care provided for women veterans. During these site visits, the System Worth Saving Task Force met with each facility's executive leadership team, women veterans program manager, patient advocate, enrollment and business office, mental health staff, homeless veteran's coordinator, military sexual trauma coordinator, suicide prevention coordinator and women veterans' health committee, and reviewed the environment of care. Additionally, town hall meetings were conducted at American Legion posts near the VA medical centers to hear firsthand from women veterans on their level of health care.To download the free publication, visit the (http://www.legion.org/publications/2170 ... healthcare) American Legion site.
For updates on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
VA Offers Procurement Briefing
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is sponsoring a non-IT advanced procurement briefing November 6, 2013, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. in Fredericksburg, Va. The objective of the Non-IT APBI is to brief industry on acquisition opportunities from the various offices within VA and brief other relevant topics. The finalized agenda will be posted to the (https://www.voa.va.gov/) VA Virtual Office of Acquisition website under the Non-ITAPBI Library. Updates will be posted accordingly. For more information, visit the (http://www.va.gov/officeofacquisitionop ... 130830.asp) VA website.
For updates on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
MOAA: Stop Sequestration Now
The Pentagon will be faced with another installment of $52 billion in cuts for FY 2014 if Congress fails to take action soon. In his column, "The Bottom Line," MOAA's Director of Government Relations, Col. Mike Hayden, USAF (Ret), explains that without a sequestration fix, DoD's budgets options go from bad to worse next year and beyond. (http://www.moaa.org/MRSepBottomLine/) Click here to read the rest of the article.
For more news on sequestration and the military, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/sequestration) Military.com Sequestration section.
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=mrvr0923.nl) Play Now.
State Veterans Benefits
Many states offer veterans benefits. These benefits may include educational grants and scholarships, special exemptions or discounts on fees and taxes, home loans, veteran's homes, free hunting and fishing privileges, and more.
Each state manages its own benefit programs. (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... RC=mrvr.nl) Visit Military.com to see a list of links to the websites for each of the individual states that offer veterans benefits.
Your VA Loan Benefit is worth $417,000 and can be used to buy a home with $0 down or to streamline refinance. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0923.nl) Search for lenders who can help you use your benefit.
(http://www.military.com/benefits?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Military.com Benefits Channel to get straight forward info on Military Pay, TRICARE, GI Bill, VA Loans, BAH, Survivor Benefits, Veteran Health Care and More.
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 ... rvr0923.nl) Find lenders ready to help you use the VA Loan.
Healthy Aging Your Way
September is Healthy Aging Month. Use the (http://go4life.nia.nih.gov/) Go4Life website from the National Institute on Aging for helpful tips, encouraging success stories and modern, realistic fitness plans to build your strength, flexibility and endurance. And, visit WomensHealth.gov's (http://womenshealth.gov/aging/) Healthy Aging section for suggestions on handling age-related health challenges, from treating osteoporosis and caring for aging skin to preventing falls and understanding drug labels.
Get Your Personalized Transition Plan
The Transition Center now features a (http://www.military.com/military-transi ... rvr0923.nl) personalized Transition Action Plan for those leaving the military, those retiring from a career in the military and National Guard and Reserve personnel.
Finding Affordable Rentals
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a number of resources to help seniors find affordable rentals, including: (1) (http://www.hud.gov/apps/section8/index.cfm) Low-Rent Apartment Search -- shows low-rent apartments for senior citizens and people with disabilities, as well as for families and individuals; (2) (http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src ... torysurvey) Multifamily Units by State -- HUD does not provide details like eligibility, but the list may help you identify potential rentals for seniors and people with disabilities; (3) (http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src ... nce/phprog) Public Housing Program -- commonly called "Section 8," this is limited to low-income families and individuals; and (4) (http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src ... fact_sheet) Public Housing Choice Vouchers -- using vouchers, you can find a private rental. The government pays the landlord directly to subsidize the rent -- limited to low-income families and individuals. For more information, visit the (http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD) HUD website.
For more home rental and ownership guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money section.
Can a Helping Hand Avert a Suicide?
We hear daily about the high rate of veteran suicides. Can one person make a difference? Long-time journalist and founder of the HealingCombatTrauma.com website Lily Casura says yes. Read what she has to say on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/10222/c ... ve-it-can/) VAntage Point blog.
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.
$400k Protection as low as $29 a Month
Don't wait any longer to protect your family's future. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba/?ESRC=vr0923.nl) Get $400k life insurance coverage starting at $29 a month.