Veterans Report - Week of November 04, 2013
Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2013 12:31 pm
Veterans Report - Week of November 04, 2013
$400k Coverage from less than $1 a Day
VGLI too much? Protect your family for less. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?ESRC=vr1104.nl) Get $400k life insurance coverage from less than $1 a day.
Chevron is 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 ... rvr1104.nl) Read More.
VA Introduces Secure Messaging
The Department of Veterans Affairs has introduced My HealtheVet's Secure Messaging in Alaska to isolated, rural veterans in Alaska. For more information, read VA's (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/10517/v ... -veterans/) VAntage Point Blog.
For more updates on veteran benefits programs, 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 ... rvr1104.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.
Free White Tail Magazine Subscription
Western Whitetail Magazine, the leading authority for Western White-tailed deer hunting, is proud to offer all military members (past and present) a free subscription to their digital magazine. WTM covers whitetail deer hunting from Mexico to Canada and from the far Midwest to the Pacific Northwest. The free subscription offer is WTM's way of saying thank you for your service, which ensures the freedom all hunters enjoy. To subscribe, visit the (http://eepurl.com/H2hb9) White Tail Magazine website for more details.
For more military-related book news and reviews, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.
AF Bands, Thunderbirds Resume Ops
The Air Force is implementing a coordinated plan to resume public outreach and community engagements at a reduced capacity. Two popular, high-visibility programs, the Thunderbirds and Wings of Blue aerial demonstration teams, will return with full seasons. However, the Air Force will not resume a public flyover program across the country, nor will there be Air Force static display aircraft at civilian air shows. Funeral flyovers are not affected by this plan. Other Air Force assets expected to continue limited activity include Air Force bands. For more information on activities available, including performance schedules, visit the Air Force Bands Program website at (http://www.bands.af.mil/) www.bands.af.mil/ and the Air Force Thunderbirds website at (http://www.afthunderbirds.com/site/) www.afthunderbirds.com/site/.
For more military-related entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.
AF Makes 'God Clause' Optional
After reviewing the cadet Honor Oath, the Air Force's Academy has decided to make the final clause optional. The last clause reads "so help me God." Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson says "Here at the Academy, we work to build a culture of dignity and respect, and that respect includes the ability of our cadets, Airmen and civilian Airmen to freely practice and exercise their religious preference -- or not. So in the spirit of respect, cadets may or may not choose to finish the Honor Oath with 'so help me God'." (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... -oath.html) Read the full article on Military.com.
Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America has affiliates across the country and many of them provide housing and services for veterans. You can find affiliates in your area at the Volunteers of America website at (http://www.volunteersofamerica.org/) www.VolunteersofAmerica.org. Volunteers of America also helps homeless veterans.
For more updates on veteran programs, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
Budget Uncertainty Plagues DoD
In the aftermath of the government shutdown, senior Pentagon leadership expressed frustration over growing budget uncertainty and lamented the possibility that Congress may fail to stave off another year of sequester cuts.
Read the rest of the article at (http://www.moaa.org/MRBudgetUncertainty/) Military Officers Association of America.
Retiree COLA Set for 2014
Based on the 2013 Consumer Price Index, military retirees and annuitants will get a 1.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment in their January 2014 retiree checks.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -for-2014/) Get more details on COLA on the Military Advantage blog.
AF Changes Records Appeal Process
Airmen who fail their fitness assessment now may appeal to their wing commanders rather than submit an appeal to the Air Force Board for Corrections of Military Records. The appeal process change is one of several updates to (http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/produ ... 6-2905.pdf) Air Force Instruction 36-2905, Air Force Fitness Program, that went into effect Oct. 21. In addition, the AFI reintroduces the body mass index measurement for Airmen who fail the abdominal circumference component, changes to the walk test, and adjusts the required score for Airmen who are assessed on only one fitness component. For detailed instructions on appealing a fitness assessment score and information about other personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.
New VA App to Combat Homelessness
The Departments of Veterans Affairs mobile app 'Homeless REACH' (real-time electronic access for caregivers and homeless) is an effort to end homelessness. The free, user-friendly web and smartphone app that would connect available resources, such as shelters, health clinics, employment, counseling services and food banks, to those experiencing homelessness. The Homeless REACH app is available on (https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... roid&hl=en) Android and for (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/homeles ... 99385?mt=8) iTunes.
For more military apps news, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/best-apps) Military.com App section.
Education and Training
Servicemembers and Veterans are eligible for an array of benefits while participating in approved education or training programs. There are also benefits available for certain dependents. Learn more on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) (http://www.gibill.va.gov) GI Bill website and the (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bill) Military.com GI Bill section.
PTSD Coach Online
The Department of Veterans Affairs' National Center for PTSD has developed a very helpful, easy to navigate program called PTSD Coach Online which provides self-help tools to build coping and problem-solving skills. Read more on VA's (http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2 ... mptoms.asp) Veterans Health Administration website.
For more resources on PTSD, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... rview.html) Military.com PTSD section.
Veterans Day 2013
How will you be honoring our veterans this coming Veterans Day? Veterans Day is Nov. 11, and across the country VA and Veterans organizations will hold events. Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website at (http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/) www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/ to find Veterans Day activities near you and educational materials. You can also visit the (http://www.military.com/veterans-day) Military.com Veterans Day for Veterans Day discounts and guides.
Stamps to Honor Medal of Honor Recipients
The U.S. Postal Service will issue special Medal of Honor stamps on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. According to the postal service, the stamps will be introduced in a new format, the prestige folio. Each "Medal of Honor: World War II" prestige folio contains 20 forever stamps, which are always equal in value to the current first-class stamp. For more details, visit the (http://www.military.com/veterans-day/st ... ients.html) Military.com Veterans Day section.
Video Tells Homeless Vet's Story
This (http://ctv4.criticalmention.com/playerp ... clientId=0) 1:38 minute video highlights a formerly Homeless Veteran who received HUD-VASH support to find housing. For more information on the program, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Homeless Veterans webpage at (http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/HUD-VASH.asp) www.va.gov/HOMELESS/HUD-VASH.asp.
For more updates on veteran benefits programs, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
Veterans Virtual Career Fair
Help move your career to the next level and find your next job at this virtual event. (http://www.veteransvirtualcareerfair.co ... rvr1104.nl) Register now to complete your profile, which can be used to connect with employers when the fair begins.
USNI Book Looks at Anti-Access Warfare
The latest Naval Institute Press book, Anti-Access Warfare: Countering A2/AD Strategies, by Sam Tangredi, is the first book to examine the concept of anti-access and area denial warfare, providing a definitive introduction to both conceptual theories and historical examples of this strategy. Also referred to by the acronym "A2/AD," anti-access warfare has been identified in American strategic planning as the most likely strategy to be employed by the People's Republic of China or by the Islamic Republic of Iran in any future conflict with the United States. While previous studies of the subject have emphasized the effects on the joint force and, air forces in particular, this important new study advances the understanding of sea power by identifying the naval roots of the development of the anti-access concept. Rather than arguing against the reliance on maritime forces--presumably because they are no longer survivable--Tangredi maintains that history argues that maritime capabilities are key to countering anti-access operations. (http://www.usni.org/store/books/forthco ... ss-warfare) Read more about this book at the Naval Institute Press website.
For more military-related book news and reviews, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.
AF Releases F-16 Accident Report
U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa officials released the results of their investigation into the Jan. 28 crash of an F-16 Fighting Falcon over the Adriatic Sea, resulting in the death of the pilot on board. The investigation found clear and convincing evidence that the pilot suffered symptoms of spatial disorientation, due to a combination of factors. An executive summary and full narrative of the report is available on the (http://usaf.aib.law.af.mil/) Air Force Legal Operations Agency Claims and Tort Litigation website. The full report is available by submitting a Freedom of Information Act request. An electronic request may be submitted through the (http://www.foia.af.mil) Air Force Freedom of Information Act website.
(http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... ation.html) Read the full article on Military.com.
IAVA National Veterans Day Events
The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America invites all Post-9/11 vets, as well as family members, to march in one of several Veterans Day parades throughout the country. IAVA sponsored Veterans Day parades and events held in New York City, San Diego, Dallas, DC, Berkeley, San Antonio, and Milwaukee, to name just a few. Join IAVA in unity and support of our country's veterans - visit IAVA's (http://iava.org/vetsday2013) 2013 Veterans Day website to find an event near you.
You can also visit the (http://www.military.com/veterans-day) Military.com Veterans Day for Veterans Day discounts and guides.
Senate Bill Would Expand VA Eligibility
In its written testimony submitted Oct. 30 to the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, The American Legion expressed support for draft legislation sponsored by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., that would "expand and enhance eligibility for health care and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs." Sanders' bill would take into account the varying income levels among counties in any given state, and also establish new statewide income thresholds, in determining veterans' eligibility for VA health care. The bill further stipulates that all required modifications for implementation of the new income criteria must be completed within five years of enactment. For more details, see (http://military.com/benefits/veteran-be ... ility.html) this article.
Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies
Celebrate Veterans this Veterans day with lots of discounts and free offers. (http://www.military.com/veterans-day/?ESRC=mrvr1104.nl) Explore our Veterans Day center to find deals, slideshows, and more.
Military Homeownership Explained
Are you buying, selling or just trying to maintain your home? Learn about the different benefits from renting to owning your own home and how a VA loan can impact you. (http://www.military.com/money/home-owne ... rvr1104.nl) Read more.
$400k Coverage from less than $1 a Day
VGLI too much? Protect your family for less. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?ESRC=vr1104.nl) Get $400k life insurance coverage from less than $1 a day.
Chevron is 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 ... rvr1104.nl) Read More.
VA Introduces Secure Messaging
The Department of Veterans Affairs has introduced My HealtheVet's Secure Messaging in Alaska to isolated, rural veterans in Alaska. For more information, read VA's (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/10517/v ... -veterans/) VAntage Point Blog.
For more updates on veteran benefits programs, 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 ... rvr1104.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.
Free White Tail Magazine Subscription
Western Whitetail Magazine, the leading authority for Western White-tailed deer hunting, is proud to offer all military members (past and present) a free subscription to their digital magazine. WTM covers whitetail deer hunting from Mexico to Canada and from the far Midwest to the Pacific Northwest. The free subscription offer is WTM's way of saying thank you for your service, which ensures the freedom all hunters enjoy. To subscribe, visit the (http://eepurl.com/H2hb9) White Tail Magazine website for more details.
For more military-related book news and reviews, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.
AF Bands, Thunderbirds Resume Ops
The Air Force is implementing a coordinated plan to resume public outreach and community engagements at a reduced capacity. Two popular, high-visibility programs, the Thunderbirds and Wings of Blue aerial demonstration teams, will return with full seasons. However, the Air Force will not resume a public flyover program across the country, nor will there be Air Force static display aircraft at civilian air shows. Funeral flyovers are not affected by this plan. Other Air Force assets expected to continue limited activity include Air Force bands. For more information on activities available, including performance schedules, visit the Air Force Bands Program website at (http://www.bands.af.mil/) www.bands.af.mil/ and the Air Force Thunderbirds website at (http://www.afthunderbirds.com/site/) www.afthunderbirds.com/site/.
For more military-related entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.
AF Makes 'God Clause' Optional
After reviewing the cadet Honor Oath, the Air Force's Academy has decided to make the final clause optional. The last clause reads "so help me God." Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson says "Here at the Academy, we work to build a culture of dignity and respect, and that respect includes the ability of our cadets, Airmen and civilian Airmen to freely practice and exercise their religious preference -- or not. So in the spirit of respect, cadets may or may not choose to finish the Honor Oath with 'so help me God'." (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... -oath.html) Read the full article on Military.com.
Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America has affiliates across the country and many of them provide housing and services for veterans. You can find affiliates in your area at the Volunteers of America website at (http://www.volunteersofamerica.org/) www.VolunteersofAmerica.org. Volunteers of America also helps homeless veterans.
For more updates on veteran programs, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
Budget Uncertainty Plagues DoD
In the aftermath of the government shutdown, senior Pentagon leadership expressed frustration over growing budget uncertainty and lamented the possibility that Congress may fail to stave off another year of sequester cuts.
Read the rest of the article at (http://www.moaa.org/MRBudgetUncertainty/) Military Officers Association of America.
Retiree COLA Set for 2014
Based on the 2013 Consumer Price Index, military retirees and annuitants will get a 1.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment in their January 2014 retiree checks.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -for-2014/) Get more details on COLA on the Military Advantage blog.
AF Changes Records Appeal Process
Airmen who fail their fitness assessment now may appeal to their wing commanders rather than submit an appeal to the Air Force Board for Corrections of Military Records. The appeal process change is one of several updates to (http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/produ ... 6-2905.pdf) Air Force Instruction 36-2905, Air Force Fitness Program, that went into effect Oct. 21. In addition, the AFI reintroduces the body mass index measurement for Airmen who fail the abdominal circumference component, changes to the walk test, and adjusts the required score for Airmen who are assessed on only one fitness component. For detailed instructions on appealing a fitness assessment score and information about other personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.
New VA App to Combat Homelessness
The Departments of Veterans Affairs mobile app 'Homeless REACH' (real-time electronic access for caregivers and homeless) is an effort to end homelessness. The free, user-friendly web and smartphone app that would connect available resources, such as shelters, health clinics, employment, counseling services and food banks, to those experiencing homelessness. The Homeless REACH app is available on (https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... roid&hl=en) Android and for (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/homeles ... 99385?mt=8) iTunes.
For more military apps news, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/best-apps) Military.com App section.
Education and Training
Servicemembers and Veterans are eligible for an array of benefits while participating in approved education or training programs. There are also benefits available for certain dependents. Learn more on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) (http://www.gibill.va.gov) GI Bill website and the (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bill) Military.com GI Bill section.
PTSD Coach Online
The Department of Veterans Affairs' National Center for PTSD has developed a very helpful, easy to navigate program called PTSD Coach Online which provides self-help tools to build coping and problem-solving skills. Read more on VA's (http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2 ... mptoms.asp) Veterans Health Administration website.
For more resources on PTSD, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... rview.html) Military.com PTSD section.
Veterans Day 2013
How will you be honoring our veterans this coming Veterans Day? Veterans Day is Nov. 11, and across the country VA and Veterans organizations will hold events. Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website at (http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/) www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/ to find Veterans Day activities near you and educational materials. You can also visit the (http://www.military.com/veterans-day) Military.com Veterans Day for Veterans Day discounts and guides.
Stamps to Honor Medal of Honor Recipients
The U.S. Postal Service will issue special Medal of Honor stamps on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. According to the postal service, the stamps will be introduced in a new format, the prestige folio. Each "Medal of Honor: World War II" prestige folio contains 20 forever stamps, which are always equal in value to the current first-class stamp. For more details, visit the (http://www.military.com/veterans-day/st ... ients.html) Military.com Veterans Day section.
Video Tells Homeless Vet's Story
This (http://ctv4.criticalmention.com/playerp ... clientId=0) 1:38 minute video highlights a formerly Homeless Veteran who received HUD-VASH support to find housing. For more information on the program, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Homeless Veterans webpage at (http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/HUD-VASH.asp) www.va.gov/HOMELESS/HUD-VASH.asp.
For more updates on veteran benefits programs, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.
Veterans Virtual Career Fair
Help move your career to the next level and find your next job at this virtual event. (http://www.veteransvirtualcareerfair.co ... rvr1104.nl) Register now to complete your profile, which can be used to connect with employers when the fair begins.
USNI Book Looks at Anti-Access Warfare
The latest Naval Institute Press book, Anti-Access Warfare: Countering A2/AD Strategies, by Sam Tangredi, is the first book to examine the concept of anti-access and area denial warfare, providing a definitive introduction to both conceptual theories and historical examples of this strategy. Also referred to by the acronym "A2/AD," anti-access warfare has been identified in American strategic planning as the most likely strategy to be employed by the People's Republic of China or by the Islamic Republic of Iran in any future conflict with the United States. While previous studies of the subject have emphasized the effects on the joint force and, air forces in particular, this important new study advances the understanding of sea power by identifying the naval roots of the development of the anti-access concept. Rather than arguing against the reliance on maritime forces--presumably because they are no longer survivable--Tangredi maintains that history argues that maritime capabilities are key to countering anti-access operations. (http://www.usni.org/store/books/forthco ... ss-warfare) Read more about this book at the Naval Institute Press website.
For more military-related book news and reviews, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.
AF Releases F-16 Accident Report
U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa officials released the results of their investigation into the Jan. 28 crash of an F-16 Fighting Falcon over the Adriatic Sea, resulting in the death of the pilot on board. The investigation found clear and convincing evidence that the pilot suffered symptoms of spatial disorientation, due to a combination of factors. An executive summary and full narrative of the report is available on the (http://usaf.aib.law.af.mil/) Air Force Legal Operations Agency Claims and Tort Litigation website. The full report is available by submitting a Freedom of Information Act request. An electronic request may be submitted through the (http://www.foia.af.mil) Air Force Freedom of Information Act website.
(http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... ation.html) Read the full article on Military.com.
IAVA National Veterans Day Events
The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America invites all Post-9/11 vets, as well as family members, to march in one of several Veterans Day parades throughout the country. IAVA sponsored Veterans Day parades and events held in New York City, San Diego, Dallas, DC, Berkeley, San Antonio, and Milwaukee, to name just a few. Join IAVA in unity and support of our country's veterans - visit IAVA's (http://iava.org/vetsday2013) 2013 Veterans Day website to find an event near you.
You can also visit the (http://www.military.com/veterans-day) Military.com Veterans Day for Veterans Day discounts and guides.
Senate Bill Would Expand VA Eligibility
In its written testimony submitted Oct. 30 to the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, The American Legion expressed support for draft legislation sponsored by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., that would "expand and enhance eligibility for health care and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs." Sanders' bill would take into account the varying income levels among counties in any given state, and also establish new statewide income thresholds, in determining veterans' eligibility for VA health care. The bill further stipulates that all required modifications for implementation of the new income criteria must be completed within five years of enactment. For more details, see (http://military.com/benefits/veteran-be ... ility.html) this article.
Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies
Celebrate Veterans this Veterans day with lots of discounts and free offers. (http://www.military.com/veterans-day/?ESRC=mrvr1104.nl) Explore our Veterans Day center to find deals, slideshows, and more.
Military Homeownership Explained
Are you buying, selling or just trying to maintain your home? Learn about the different benefits from renting to owning your own home and how a VA loan can impact you. (http://www.military.com/money/home-owne ... rvr1104.nl) Read more.