Veterans Report - Week of October 07, 2013

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Veterans Report - Week of October 07, 2013

Stay on Top of Shutdown News
Need to keep up with the latest news on the U.S. government shutdown and how it affects military benefits? The (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com news section features constant updates about the shutdown, the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog focuses on military benefits that are affected by the shutdown, and the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money channel, including the (http://paycheck-chronicles.military.com/) Paycheck Chronicles, offers news, tips and guides on how to manage your personal finances during the shutdown.


Defense Secretary Issues Message
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has issued a message to the Defense Department workforce regarding the government shutdown. (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... tions.html) Read the full story on Military.com.


The Veterans Canteen Service
The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) was created in 1946 to provide articles of merchandise and services at reasonable prices to veterans enrolled in VA healthcare system, caregivers, and visitors. If you are enrolled in the VA healthcare system, you are eligible to shop VCS PatriotStoreDirect 1-800 Special Order program offering over 40 name brand vendors including tires, Craftsman tools, brand name large appliances and mattresses. Call 1-800-664-8258 M-F 7:00am -- 5:00pm to shop VCS special order. For enrolled veterans, shop the All-Services Exchange Online Store at (http://www.vacanteen.va.gov/OnlineCatalog.php) www.vacanteen.va.gov/OnlineCatalog.php or call 1-800-745-9707. Visit VCS online at (http://www.vacanteen.va.gov) www.vacanteen.va.gov for more information.
For updates on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Transitioning? Create Your Plan
The 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 ... rvr1007.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.


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Did You Serve at Camp Lejeune?
Did you serve at Camp Lejeune for 30 or more days between 1957 and 1987? The Department of Veterans Affairs published a proposed regulation Sept. 11, 2013 that discusses how we will improve health care for eligible Veterans with 1 of 15 conditions. For more information, visit VA's Camp Lejeune Water Supplies webpage at (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposure ... /index.asp) http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposure ... /index.asp. To learn more about a range of possible chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service, visit VA's Military Exposures webpage at (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/) www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/.
For updates on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


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 ... rvr1007.nl) Military.com "Captain Phillips" section for a slideshow and the real-life details behind the movie.


Veteran Benefits Explained
In addition to the pensions and benefits to which you may be entitled because of both public and private employment, you may also be eligible for certain benefits based on your military service. (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... =vr1007.nl) Read More.


Many VA Hotlines Remain Open
The Department of Veterans Affairs updated its original online "field manual" detailing which call centers and services remain operating during the government shutdown. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -shutdown/) View the entire list of VA help lines on the Military Advantage blog.


Military Health System and the Shutdown
The Military Health System (MHS) expects to see some impact on the delivery of health care services within its military hospitals and clinics. Inpatient, acute and emergency outpatient care in our medical and dental facilities will continue, as will private sector care under TRICARE. Local hospital and clinic commanders will implement the required adjustments to available medical services. Patients should contact their hospital or clinic to confirm previously scheduled routine appointments. Patients needing to schedule new routine appointments might experience delays. For TRICARE beneficiaries using providers in the private sector, little or no effect is anticipated at this time. For more information, read the TRICARE statement on the (http://www.tricare.mil/Welcome/MediaCen ... tdown.aspx) TRICARE website.


MOAA's Career Fair Checklist
Attending a Career Fair can lead to a job, but you have to know what to do to make it work for you. Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) has tips that will help you make the most of the Career Fair experience. (http://www.moaa.org/MRCareerFairChecklist/) Click here to read the rest of the article.
To see a comprehensive list of veteran job fairs across the country, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... fairs.html) Upcoming Job Fairs page.


The Health Insurance Marketplace
As of October 1, 2013, you can enroll in health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Marketplace allows you to compare your options and find the one that best fits your needs and budget. Coverage goes into effect as early as January 1, 2014. Learn four steps to getting covered in the Health Insurance Marketplace at the (https://www.healthcare.gov/blog/4-steps ... rketplace/) HealthCare.gov website.
For updates on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


VA Offers Veterans Field Guide
The Department of Veterans Affairs has issued a 2-page information sheet, the Veterans Field Guide to Government Shutdown, which summarizes all of the services that will be available and those that will be impacted by potential lapse in appropriations. An appropriations lapse contingency plan is also available. For more information, and to download these items, visit the VA Appropriations Lapse Plan webpage at (http://www.va.gov/opa/appropriations_lapse_plan.asp) www.va.gov/opa/appropriations_lapse_plan.asp.
For updates on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Avoiding Scams That Target Seniors
Scammers never seem to run out of tricks. They offer fake health cures for arthritis or try to talk you into medical equipment you do not 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 do not have to be anybody's victim. With the FBI's extensive (http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud/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://www.usa.gov/Topics/Seniors.shtml) Senior Citizens' Resources section.
For more personal finance and protection guides, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money section.


Performance Matters Associates Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with Performance Matters Associates. As a global persified 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 ... rvr1007.nl) Read More.


Happy Birthday, Navy
Later this week, on October 13, the U.S. Navy marks its 238th birthday. The Navy traces its roots back to the privateers that were employed to attack British commerce in the early days of the American Revolution. On October 13, 1775 the Continental Congress established a small naval force, hoping that a small navy would be able to offset the uncontested exercise of British sea power. For more on the Navy's history and upcoming birthday, visit the (http://www.military.com/navy-birthday) Military.com Navy Birthday page.


Rebuilding a Life After a Suicide Attempt
A suicide attempt left Sue Martin blind but ready to rebuild her life. Read about that journey in her post on VA's (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/10243/s ... e-attempt/) VAntage Point Blog.
Military.com strives to share important information about suicide to our active duty, veteran and family audience that can help save lives. (http://www.military.com/topics/military ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


Flu Shots for Veterans
Flu shots are available for Veterans enrolled in VA health care. Check with your nearest VA health care facility or call 1-877-222-8387 to confirm supply. Find your nearest VA healthcare facility on the (http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/division.asp?dnum=1) Veterans Health Administration Locations website or call 1-877-222-8387 to confirm supply of the vaccine. Vaccination is your best protection against the flu. For more information, visit VA's Seasonal Flu webpage at (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/flu/index.asp) www.publichealth.va.gov/flu/index.asp.
For updates on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


National Energy Action Month
October is National Energy Action Month. The Green Management Program encourages you to do your part to reduce energy at work, home, and during the commute. Here are a few ways you can save energy: At home: do not keep the refrigerator or freezer too cold. Recommended temperatures are 37℉-40℉ for fresh food compartments and 5℉ for the freezer section. At work: use natural lighting, and turn off lights near windows when possible. Your commute: inflate your tires to the proper recommended pressure. To learn about the Green Management Program and get more energy-saving tips, visit the (http://www.va.gov/greenroutine) VA Green Routine webpage. Send ideas for how the Department of Veterans Affairs can reduce its environmental impact to (mailto:greenroutine@va.gov) greenroutine@va.gov.


Video: President Addresses the Troops
President Obama issued a video message to members of the Armed Forces explaining the government shutdown and the need to continue to serve with pride and dedication. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -shutdown/) Watch the video on the Military Advantage Blog.


The Disability Evaluation System
Have you ever heard of DoD's Disability Evaluation System (DES) or Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) and wondered what, exactly, it is? Or why it matters to you? DoD's disability evaluation process provides disability compensation for servicemembers who are injured or become ill in the line of duty and are no longer able to perform their duties. The servicemember receives a single set of physical disability examinations, conducted according to VA examination protocols, and disability ratings prepared by VA that both DoD and VA use to ensure the earliest possible delivery of disability benefits. For more information, visit the (http://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/disabili ... tion/ides/) Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) website or follow Warrior Care on Twitter at Twitter @WarriorCare.
For updates on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


More Than Just "The Blues"
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. 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.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Free Military Sam's Club Membership Until Shutdown Ends
If you live near a Sam's Club and are in the market for bulk groceries, this could be your lucky day. According to Sam's Club officials all military members will be allowed to (http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2013/10/free ... rvr1007.nl) shop in the members-only warehouse store for free until the government shutdown ends and the commissaries reopen.


VGLI Alternative: $200k Coverage from Only $14 a Month
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Profile: Future VA Hospitals
The Department of Veterans Affairs had not built a new medical center since the mid-1990s, but over the last decade, four have been simultaneously under construction. The projects -- Las Vegas, Orlando, New Orleans and Denver -- are designed, intended and built to be state-of-the-art, technologically advanced, veteran-centric, highly efficient, environmentally friendly and, most prominent, to offer the highest quality of care possible for veterans. For more details, see this (http://www.legion.org/magazine/217186/2 ... a-hospital) American Legion article.
For updates on veterans issues and benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


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