Veterans Report - Week of November 18, 2013
Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 4:16 pm
Veterans Report - Week of November 18, 2013
Featured Deal: Carnival - RIU Resorts $100 Off
Save up to $100 with free upgrades with this offer by SatoVacations and Funjet Vacations, which is available at three popular resorts in Jamaica, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. (https://www.satovacations.com/content.a ... =svnov2013) Book the room rate of your choice and receive an upgrade to the next highest category.
Transferring GI Bill Benefits
Servicemembers have the opportunity to transfer the benefit to immediate family members. Legally, GI Bill benefits are tiered based on the number of days served on active duty, giving activated National Guard and Reserve members the same benefits as all other active duty members. These benefits include: (1) up to the full amount of tuition and fees for a state-operated college or university; (2) monthly housing allowance, which is based upon the location of the school; and (3) annual books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000. The Post-9/11 GI Bill also provides work-study programs, tutorial assistance and license and certification test reimbursement. For more information, visit VA's GI Bill website at (http://www.gibill.va.gov/) http://www.gibill.va.gov/.
(http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... ility.html) Learn more about transferring GI Bill benefits.
Legion to Senate: Ratify Disabilities Treaty
American Legion National Commander Daniel M. Dellinger is calling on the Senate to ratify the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). An international disability treaty inspired by U.S. leadership in recognizing the rights of people with disabilities, the CRPD creates a framework for legislation and policies around the world to improve the lives of all people with disabilities, including millions of disabled American veterans who travel abroad. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was the model for the CRPD, and the treaty echoes its values of independence and respect for persons with disabilities, as well as reasonable accommodations. Tell your senator to support the treaty by (http://capwiz.com/legion/issues/alert/?alertid=62991381) clicking here.
For more on legislative issues that affect the military, and to contact your local representatives, visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Military.com Legislative Center.
VA Approves Grants
The Department of Veterans Affairs has approved $8.8 million in grants to fund 164 projects in 37 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to rehabilitate currently operational transitional housing projects and acquire vans to facilitate the transportation needs of homeless Veterans. The grants awarded through the Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program are for currently operational grantees, who will use this funding to rehabilitate their current project locations to enhance safety, security and privacy for the homeless Veterans they serve. Additionally, the funding will aid these organizations to acquire vans will assist homeless Veterans with transportation to medical appointments and employment opportunities. More information about VA's homeless programs is available at (http://www.va.gov/homeless) www.va.gov/homeless. Details about the GPD Program are online at (http://www.va.gov/homeless/GPD.asp) www.va.gov/homeless/GPD.asp. To help a homeless Veteran or Veteran at risk of homelessness, refer them to the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, 1-877-4AID-VET, or direct them to VA's Homeless Veterans webpage at (http://www.va.gov/homeless) www.va.gov/homeless.
Transition Seminar at Quantico
Friday, November 22, 2013 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (EST) Hire Our Heroes will be offering a seminar to help servicemembers prepare the transition to the civilian workforce. This two hour seminar will cover the 6 phases of the transition process: The Transition Checklist, Plan, Road-map Training, Mentorship and Execution. It will also help servicemembers understand where they are in the process and how to take the necessary steps to have a successful transition.
(https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-six-ph ... 9143262745) Reserve your FREE Ticket today. Invite a fellow service member
Concerns About VA Med Center in Jackson
A Nov. 13 congressional hearing focused on a variety of serious, ongoing problems at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Jackson, Mississippi, including poor sterilization procedures, understaffing, misdiagnoses and poor management practices. "The VA facility in Jackson has failed in its responsibility to protect veterans who depend on it for their health care," said American Legion National Commander Daniel M. Dellinger. "When pieces of bone are still attached to surgical instruments that are being used on other patients, putting the lives of our veterans at risk, it is time to overhaul the entire hospital and remove -- not transfer -- the responsible parties." For more details, see (http://www.military.com/benefits/2013/1 ... ckson.html) this article.
Navy Warrior Care Month
The Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) designated November 2013 as Warrior Care Month, a joint-service event that recognizes wounded warriors -- as well as those who care for them -- while raising awareness of the resources available to service-members. One critical resource is Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) - Safe Harbor, the Navy's support program for seriously wounded, ill and injured Sailor and Coast Guardsmen. NWW non-medical care providers are located at major military treatment facilities. For more information, visit the Navy Wounded Warrior Safe Harbor webpage at (http://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil/) http://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil or the Navy Safe Harbor Facebook page at (http://www.facebook.com/navysafeharbor) www.facebook.com/navysafeharbor. To learn more about Navy Wounded Warrior - Safe Harbor and other resources for wounded warriors, contact 855-NAVY WWP (855-628-9997) or (mailto:navywoundedwarrior@navy.mil) navywoundedwarrior@navy.mil.
VA Reduces Backlog
The Department of Veterans Affairs has made significant progress in reducing the backlog of disability compensation claims -- from 611,000 to 400,835 or 34 percent -- since peaking in March. Since the VA launched the (http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2436) initiative to eliminate the oldest claims first, claims processors at the 56 regional offices of the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) have been focused on claims that had been waiting longer than one year. As of Nov. 4, VBA has completed 93 percent of these older claims, resulting in over 476,000 decisions for Veterans since the initiative began on April 19. Filing an electronic FDC is the quickest way for Veterans to receive a decision on their compensation claim ( (http://www.benefits.va.gov/fdc/) http://www.benefits.va.gov/fdc/). Veterans can learn more about disability and other Veterans benefits on the joint Department of Defense/VA web portal eBenefits at (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits- ... its.portal) www.ebenefits.va.gov.
Veterans in Blue
Thirty-three stories of service and heroism at war are captured in the Air Force's recently released fourth volume of "Veterans in Blue." The new portrait-based displays join those presently hanging in the Pentagon. The stories, photos and video interviews are also available on the (http://www.af.mil/specials/veterans/index.html) Veterans in Blue, Volume IV website.
VGLI too Much? Get $400k Coverage from $1 a Day
VGLI too much? Protect your family for less. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?ESRC=vr1118.nl) Get $400k life insurance coverage from less than $1 a day.
More Grants to Help Homeless Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that 25 projects in 11 different states will share approximately $4.9 million in grants to provide enhanced services for homeless Veterans this year. This is in addition to the approximately $300 million in preventive grants (http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2448) awarded earlier this year through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. The program promotes the development and provision of supportive housing and services with the goal of helping homeless Veterans achieve residential stability and increase their skill levels and income. For more information, visit VA's website for the (http://www.va.gov/homeless/GPD.ASP) National Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Office. Additionally, VA has a National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, 1-877-4AID VET (1-877-424-3838), and the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans website at (http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/NationalCallCenter.asp) http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/NationalCallCenter.asp.
Doolittle Raiders Honored
The Air Force hosted the famed Doolittle Tokyo Raiders' final toast to their fallen comrades during an invitation-only ceremony Nov. 9 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The ceremony was attended by three of the four living Doolittle Tokyo Raiders. On April 18, 1942, 80 men achieved the unimaginable when they took off from an aircraft carrier on a top secret mission to bomb Japan. These men, led by Lt. Col. James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle, came to be known as the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders. For more information, including instructional materials, read the (http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/Biographies/D ... ittle.aspx) Air Force's biography of General James Harold Dolittle, view the video Voices of History: The (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsWNJmqM ... redirect=1) Doolittle Raiders on You Tube, and visit the (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/doolittle.asp) National Museum of the Air Force website.
Discounts for Military Family Appreciation Month
Veterans Day may have come and gone, but that doesn't mean companies aren't appreciative of all that the military does. That's why they continue to offer discounts to military and their families throughout the month of November, which is designated as Military Family Appreciation Month. For the full list of discounts, see (http://www.military.com/military-family ... ESRC=mr.nl) this article.
Same-Sex Spouses Eligible for Benefits
Federal employees with same-sex spouses are now provided the same Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) coverage as those with opposite-sex spouses. Included in FMLA benefits are the right to take FMLA leave to care for a spouse with a serious health condition or who gives birth to a child, to care for a spouse who is a covered servicemember with an injury or illness incurred or aggravated in the .line of duty on active duty, or for qualifying exigencies while a spouse is on active duty or has been notified of an impending call to activate. Employees who had to use other leave to care for a same-sex spouse between June 26 and Oct. 21 may be able to re-designate that time off as FMLA leave. Airmen can obtain more information about civilian benefits and other personnel issues, visit the myPers website at (https://mypers.af.mil) https://mypers.af.mil.
The Patient's Role in Patient Care
When it comes to health care, each patient is ultimately responsible for getting the care they need. First, patients should know or have a copy of their health history including prior hospitalizations and a list of current and past medical problems. This includes the most current copies of test results, x-rays, and labs. Next, be sure to have a list of all current medication --prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and herbal supplements, as well as the dosage. Next, make a written list of the top three to five issues to be discussed with the doctor. Finally, know and understand your TRICARE health care benefit; especially what it does and does not cover. For more information, visit the TRICARE website at (http://www.tricare.mil/plans) www.tricare.mil/plans.
CBO Lays Out Painful Budget Cut Options
The Congressional Budget Office released a report detailing more than 100 options for reducing federal budget deficits. Among these are capping military base pay below civilian rates, increasing TRICARE Prime and TFL fees, banning concurrent receipt, and tightening eligibility for VA compensation and "IU" benefits.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... t-options/) Read the Military Advantage to get more details.
Bristol Meyers Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with Bristol Meyers. 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 ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.
TRICARE Provides Preventive Care
TRICARE supports military families, retirees and other eligible beneficiaries with prevention-based information and resources, a focus on family-centered care, and supportive programs and services to help them "take charge" of their health all year. Some of the preventive services TRICARE covers are: (1) breast cancer exams/mammograms, (2) immunizations, (3) prostate cancer exams, (4) well child care, and (5) cholesterol testing. Costs for these preventive services vary based on an individual's TRICARE plan. TRICARE Standard beneficiaries may have to pay some cost shares for some preventive services, but most are cost-free. For more information on preventative services covered under TRICARE, visit the TRICARE Preventive Care webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/preventivecare) www.tricare.mil/preventivecare.
One Million Benefit from GI Bill
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that 1 million Veterans, Servicemembers, and family members have benefited from the Post-9/11 GI Bill since the program's inception in August 2009. To date, the Veterans Benefits Administration, which administers the program, has distributed over $30 billion. In general, Veterans and Servicemembers who have served on active duty for 90 or more days since Sept. 10, 2001 are eligible. On average, VA processes the initial claims for Post-9/11 GI Bill educational benefits in 23 days. For more information on VA education benefits, visit VA's GI Bill website at (http://www.gibill.va.gov/) http://www.gibill.va.gov/.
(http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... -bill.html) Learn more about all of your GI Bill and Tuition Assistance benefits.
Military Family Appreciation Month
Military Family Appreciation Month is observed every November to recognize and honor Army families for their contributions and sacrifices. Throughout the month of November, community leaders, businesses and garrisons are teaming up to recognize Army and military families through a variety of activities such as family fun nights, fun runs, discounts at Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facilities, sporting events and special recognitions during community activities. For more information, visit the (http://www.army.mil/standto/archive_201 ... id=standto) U.S. Army Stand-To! website, the (http://www.militaryfamily.org/feature-a ... month.html) National Military Family Association website at, and the (http://www.military.com/military-family ... tion-month) Military.com website.
Featured Deal: Carnival - RIU Resorts $100 Off
Save up to $100 with free upgrades with this offer by SatoVacations and Funjet Vacations, which is available at three popular resorts in Jamaica, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. (https://www.satovacations.com/content.a ... =svnov2013) Book the room rate of your choice and receive an upgrade to the next highest category.
Transferring GI Bill Benefits
Servicemembers have the opportunity to transfer the benefit to immediate family members. Legally, GI Bill benefits are tiered based on the number of days served on active duty, giving activated National Guard and Reserve members the same benefits as all other active duty members. These benefits include: (1) up to the full amount of tuition and fees for a state-operated college or university; (2) monthly housing allowance, which is based upon the location of the school; and (3) annual books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000. The Post-9/11 GI Bill also provides work-study programs, tutorial assistance and license and certification test reimbursement. For more information, visit VA's GI Bill website at (http://www.gibill.va.gov/) http://www.gibill.va.gov/.
(http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... ility.html) Learn more about transferring GI Bill benefits.
Legion to Senate: Ratify Disabilities Treaty
American Legion National Commander Daniel M. Dellinger is calling on the Senate to ratify the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). An international disability treaty inspired by U.S. leadership in recognizing the rights of people with disabilities, the CRPD creates a framework for legislation and policies around the world to improve the lives of all people with disabilities, including millions of disabled American veterans who travel abroad. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was the model for the CRPD, and the treaty echoes its values of independence and respect for persons with disabilities, as well as reasonable accommodations. Tell your senator to support the treaty by (http://capwiz.com/legion/issues/alert/?alertid=62991381) clicking here.
For more on legislative issues that affect the military, and to contact your local representatives, visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Military.com Legislative Center.
VA Approves Grants
The Department of Veterans Affairs has approved $8.8 million in grants to fund 164 projects in 37 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to rehabilitate currently operational transitional housing projects and acquire vans to facilitate the transportation needs of homeless Veterans. The grants awarded through the Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program are for currently operational grantees, who will use this funding to rehabilitate their current project locations to enhance safety, security and privacy for the homeless Veterans they serve. Additionally, the funding will aid these organizations to acquire vans will assist homeless Veterans with transportation to medical appointments and employment opportunities. More information about VA's homeless programs is available at (http://www.va.gov/homeless) www.va.gov/homeless. Details about the GPD Program are online at (http://www.va.gov/homeless/GPD.asp) www.va.gov/homeless/GPD.asp. To help a homeless Veteran or Veteran at risk of homelessness, refer them to the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, 1-877-4AID-VET, or direct them to VA's Homeless Veterans webpage at (http://www.va.gov/homeless) www.va.gov/homeless.
Transition Seminar at Quantico
Friday, November 22, 2013 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (EST) Hire Our Heroes will be offering a seminar to help servicemembers prepare the transition to the civilian workforce. This two hour seminar will cover the 6 phases of the transition process: The Transition Checklist, Plan, Road-map Training, Mentorship and Execution. It will also help servicemembers understand where they are in the process and how to take the necessary steps to have a successful transition.
(https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-six-ph ... 9143262745) Reserve your FREE Ticket today. Invite a fellow service member
Concerns About VA Med Center in Jackson
A Nov. 13 congressional hearing focused on a variety of serious, ongoing problems at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Jackson, Mississippi, including poor sterilization procedures, understaffing, misdiagnoses and poor management practices. "The VA facility in Jackson has failed in its responsibility to protect veterans who depend on it for their health care," said American Legion National Commander Daniel M. Dellinger. "When pieces of bone are still attached to surgical instruments that are being used on other patients, putting the lives of our veterans at risk, it is time to overhaul the entire hospital and remove -- not transfer -- the responsible parties." For more details, see (http://www.military.com/benefits/2013/1 ... ckson.html) this article.
Navy Warrior Care Month
The Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) designated November 2013 as Warrior Care Month, a joint-service event that recognizes wounded warriors -- as well as those who care for them -- while raising awareness of the resources available to service-members. One critical resource is Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) - Safe Harbor, the Navy's support program for seriously wounded, ill and injured Sailor and Coast Guardsmen. NWW non-medical care providers are located at major military treatment facilities. For more information, visit the Navy Wounded Warrior Safe Harbor webpage at (http://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil/) http://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil or the Navy Safe Harbor Facebook page at (http://www.facebook.com/navysafeharbor) www.facebook.com/navysafeharbor. To learn more about Navy Wounded Warrior - Safe Harbor and other resources for wounded warriors, contact 855-NAVY WWP (855-628-9997) or (mailto:navywoundedwarrior@navy.mil) navywoundedwarrior@navy.mil.
VA Reduces Backlog
The Department of Veterans Affairs has made significant progress in reducing the backlog of disability compensation claims -- from 611,000 to 400,835 or 34 percent -- since peaking in March. Since the VA launched the (http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2436) initiative to eliminate the oldest claims first, claims processors at the 56 regional offices of the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) have been focused on claims that had been waiting longer than one year. As of Nov. 4, VBA has completed 93 percent of these older claims, resulting in over 476,000 decisions for Veterans since the initiative began on April 19. Filing an electronic FDC is the quickest way for Veterans to receive a decision on their compensation claim ( (http://www.benefits.va.gov/fdc/) http://www.benefits.va.gov/fdc/). Veterans can learn more about disability and other Veterans benefits on the joint Department of Defense/VA web portal eBenefits at (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits- ... its.portal) www.ebenefits.va.gov.
Veterans in Blue
Thirty-three stories of service and heroism at war are captured in the Air Force's recently released fourth volume of "Veterans in Blue." The new portrait-based displays join those presently hanging in the Pentagon. The stories, photos and video interviews are also available on the (http://www.af.mil/specials/veterans/index.html) Veterans in Blue, Volume IV website.
VGLI too Much? Get $400k Coverage from $1 a Day
VGLI too much? Protect your family for less. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?ESRC=vr1118.nl) Get $400k life insurance coverage from less than $1 a day.
More Grants to Help Homeless Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that 25 projects in 11 different states will share approximately $4.9 million in grants to provide enhanced services for homeless Veterans this year. This is in addition to the approximately $300 million in preventive grants (http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2448) awarded earlier this year through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. The program promotes the development and provision of supportive housing and services with the goal of helping homeless Veterans achieve residential stability and increase their skill levels and income. For more information, visit VA's website for the (http://www.va.gov/homeless/GPD.ASP) National Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Office. Additionally, VA has a National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, 1-877-4AID VET (1-877-424-3838), and the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans website at (http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/NationalCallCenter.asp) http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/NationalCallCenter.asp.
Doolittle Raiders Honored
The Air Force hosted the famed Doolittle Tokyo Raiders' final toast to their fallen comrades during an invitation-only ceremony Nov. 9 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The ceremony was attended by three of the four living Doolittle Tokyo Raiders. On April 18, 1942, 80 men achieved the unimaginable when they took off from an aircraft carrier on a top secret mission to bomb Japan. These men, led by Lt. Col. James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle, came to be known as the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders. For more information, including instructional materials, read the (http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/Biographies/D ... ittle.aspx) Air Force's biography of General James Harold Dolittle, view the video Voices of History: The (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsWNJmqM ... redirect=1) Doolittle Raiders on You Tube, and visit the (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/doolittle.asp) National Museum of the Air Force website.
Discounts for Military Family Appreciation Month
Veterans Day may have come and gone, but that doesn't mean companies aren't appreciative of all that the military does. That's why they continue to offer discounts to military and their families throughout the month of November, which is designated as Military Family Appreciation Month. For the full list of discounts, see (http://www.military.com/military-family ... ESRC=mr.nl) this article.
Same-Sex Spouses Eligible for Benefits
Federal employees with same-sex spouses are now provided the same Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) coverage as those with opposite-sex spouses. Included in FMLA benefits are the right to take FMLA leave to care for a spouse with a serious health condition or who gives birth to a child, to care for a spouse who is a covered servicemember with an injury or illness incurred or aggravated in the .line of duty on active duty, or for qualifying exigencies while a spouse is on active duty or has been notified of an impending call to activate. Employees who had to use other leave to care for a same-sex spouse between June 26 and Oct. 21 may be able to re-designate that time off as FMLA leave. Airmen can obtain more information about civilian benefits and other personnel issues, visit the myPers website at (https://mypers.af.mil) https://mypers.af.mil.
The Patient's Role in Patient Care
When it comes to health care, each patient is ultimately responsible for getting the care they need. First, patients should know or have a copy of their health history including prior hospitalizations and a list of current and past medical problems. This includes the most current copies of test results, x-rays, and labs. Next, be sure to have a list of all current medication --prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and herbal supplements, as well as the dosage. Next, make a written list of the top three to five issues to be discussed with the doctor. Finally, know and understand your TRICARE health care benefit; especially what it does and does not cover. For more information, visit the TRICARE website at (http://www.tricare.mil/plans) www.tricare.mil/plans.
CBO Lays Out Painful Budget Cut Options
The Congressional Budget Office released a report detailing more than 100 options for reducing federal budget deficits. Among these are capping military base pay below civilian rates, increasing TRICARE Prime and TFL fees, banning concurrent receipt, and tightening eligibility for VA compensation and "IU" benefits.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... t-options/) Read the Military Advantage to get more details.
Bristol Meyers Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with Bristol Meyers. 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 ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.
TRICARE Provides Preventive Care
TRICARE supports military families, retirees and other eligible beneficiaries with prevention-based information and resources, a focus on family-centered care, and supportive programs and services to help them "take charge" of their health all year. Some of the preventive services TRICARE covers are: (1) breast cancer exams/mammograms, (2) immunizations, (3) prostate cancer exams, (4) well child care, and (5) cholesterol testing. Costs for these preventive services vary based on an individual's TRICARE plan. TRICARE Standard beneficiaries may have to pay some cost shares for some preventive services, but most are cost-free. For more information on preventative services covered under TRICARE, visit the TRICARE Preventive Care webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/preventivecare) www.tricare.mil/preventivecare.
One Million Benefit from GI Bill
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that 1 million Veterans, Servicemembers, and family members have benefited from the Post-9/11 GI Bill since the program's inception in August 2009. To date, the Veterans Benefits Administration, which administers the program, has distributed over $30 billion. In general, Veterans and Servicemembers who have served on active duty for 90 or more days since Sept. 10, 2001 are eligible. On average, VA processes the initial claims for Post-9/11 GI Bill educational benefits in 23 days. For more information on VA education benefits, visit VA's GI Bill website at (http://www.gibill.va.gov/) http://www.gibill.va.gov/.
(http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... -bill.html) Learn more about all of your GI Bill and Tuition Assistance benefits.
Military Family Appreciation Month
Military Family Appreciation Month is observed every November to recognize and honor Army families for their contributions and sacrifices. Throughout the month of November, community leaders, businesses and garrisons are teaming up to recognize Army and military families through a variety of activities such as family fun nights, fun runs, discounts at Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facilities, sporting events and special recognitions during community activities. For more information, visit the (http://www.army.mil/standto/archive_201 ... id=standto) U.S. Army Stand-To! website, the (http://www.militaryfamily.org/feature-a ... month.html) National Military Family Association website at, and the (http://www.military.com/military-family ... tion-month) Military.com website.