Veterans Report - Week of May 26, 2014
Posted: Tue May 27, 2014 11:08 am
Veterans Report - Week of May 26, 2014
PBS Mini Series on Soldier's Return
The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) recently debuted a new documentary miniseries entitled "Coming Back With Wes Moore", which will air consecutive Tuesdays on most PBS stations. The host, Wes Moore, is an Army captain who served in Afghanistan. The three episode series tells the story of Wes Moore's search for answers to some of the most difficult questions related to returning from war and follows the lives of several soldiers. The next installment of the series airs May, 27, 2014 at 8 p.m., ET, on most PBS stations. Please check your local television listings for exact air dates and times in your area. For more information, (http://www.pbs.org/coming-back-with-wes-moore/home/) visit the Coming Back With Wes Moore webpage.
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Nearly one million cases of mental health conditions in servicemembers were documented between 2000 and 2011. The Defense Centers of Excellence (DCOE) for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury is leveraging this month's recognition to relay four key messages: "Psychological health is essential to one's health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover. Resources abound in the area of military mental health. A range of issues such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, stress, grief, relationship problems, and sleep difficulties can often be treated effectively in primary care. To learn about the signs, symptoms and treatment of psychological ills, contact the DCOE Call Center at 1-866-966-1020. Anyone in a psychological crisis should call the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Vet Hiring Conference in Raleigh
Whether you are a veteran or wounded warrior looking for a job or an employer looking for qualified candidates, the 4th Annual Wounded Warrior Hiring and Support Conference is the place to be May 28-29 in Raleigh, N.C. The first day, May 28, is employer-focused, with sessions designed to share best practices and innovative ways to recruit, hire, train and retain our nation's wounded warriors and veterans. Day two, May 29, features a career fair for employers to connect with veterans and wounded warriors. For more information and to register, (http://www.navsea.navy.mil/WWemployment/default.aspx) visit the Conference website.
$100k Family Protection: Only $7 a Month
Protection for less. Get $100,000 Coverage from only $0.25 a day. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... rvr0526.nl) Could your family afford their lifestyle if something happened to you?
A Promise Kept
The American Legion reports that as Americans prepare for Memorial Day it is comforting to know that our friends in Europe continue to care for those American troops who never made it back across the Atlantic. At cemeteries in Britain, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy and The Netherlands, America's sons rest gravesites European families have adopted. There are 124,909 American war dead buried at cemeteries in Europe--30,921 from World War I and 93,238 from World War II. For more information, read the article on the (http://www.legion.org/landingzone/222358/promise-kept) American Legion website and visit the (http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials) American Battle Monuments Commission website.
The Meaning of Normandy
Army Colonel Keith Nightengale writes in the American Legion Magazine: Presidents, prime ministers, royalty and a panoply of civilization will assemble on the week of June 6 to commemorate that profoundly historic event and pledge fealty to its spirit and sacrifice. The beaches will be serenaded by bands, banners, pomp and circumstance... But the real meaning of Normandy and what happened there on June 6, 1944, will live on in the rural towns and villages of the Cotentin Peninsula, where the invasion is more than an annual date to circle on the calendar. Read Colonel Nightengale's article on the (http://www.legion.org/magazine/222401/meaning-normandy) American Legion website.
Save Up to 60% in TRICARE Costs
The AMRA TRICARE Supplement saves money and time. The TRICARE Supplement Plan for individuals and families protects you when out-of-pocket health care expenses rise. (http://offers.military.com/i/tricare/in ... rvr0526.nl) Find out more.
Courage Awards & Benefit Dinner
Join the Wounded Warrior Project as they honor Wounded Warriors, their families, and their most influential supporters on May 29, 2014 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. (http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/co ... media.aspx) Click here to learn more about the event or reserve your seat now by visiting (http://wwpcourageawards.org) wwpcourageawards.org.
Free Transportation for D-Day Veterans
According to the U.S. Embassy in Paris, the Government of France is offering to provide D-Day veterans and a guest round-trip transportation from Paris to Normandy, and lodging and meals and transportation while in Normandy for the 70th Anniversary of Operation Overload in June. If you can attend, please email the following information as soon as possible to Chuck Steiner at VFW Post 605 at (mailto:cjsteiner@aol.com) cjsteiner@aol.com: (1) full name, age, home address of veteran (including home/cell phone and email); (2) indicate if a D-Day, or Normandy campaign, or World War II veteran; (3) escort or guest's name (if more than one, so indicate); (4) special needs (e.g., wheelchair); and (5) dates of planned attendance (arrival to and departure from France)
Stericycle is Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with Stericycle. As global leader in critical and custom services for healthcare organizations and commercial businesses 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 ... =vr0526.nl) Read More.
House Passes Bill with Pay Raise Intact
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a $601 billion defense bill that would spare cuts to military (http://www.military.com/benefits) benefits next year, despite a veto threat from the White House and major areas of disagreement in the Senate. The House voted 325-98 in approving its version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015, which sets policy goals and spending targets for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. The bill would give troops, with the exception of general and flag officers, a 1.8 percent (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay) pay raise.
(http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014 ... raise.html) Read the full story on Military.com.
Veteran's 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 ... =vr0526.nl) Learn More.
VA Offers GI Bill Tool
The Department of Veterans Affairs has a new website which makes it easier for service members trying to decide how to best use their Post-9/11 GI Bill to calculate benefits and learn more about approved colleges, universities and other training programs. (http://benefits.va.gov/gibill/comparison) The GI Bill Comparison Tool website provides key information about college affordability and brings together information from more than 17 different online sources and three federal agencies, including the number of students receiving VA benefits at each school.
For more information about GI Bill programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... -bill.html) Military.com website.
Buy or Refi this Summer with Your $0 Down VA Loan Benefit
Now is the time to use your VA Loan. You don't have to pay PMI or have a large down payment. Plus you can get financing up to $417,000. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0526.nl) Use your VA Loan Benefit today.
(http://www.military.com/money/va-loans?ESRC=mrvr0526.nl) Interested in finding out more about the VA Loan?
Shinseki Vows Action
In recent testimony before the U.S. Senate's Committee on Veterans Affairs, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki assured a full and open disclosure process and action in response to allegations about misconduct involving patient care at VA facilities. Responding to allegations of appointment scheduling manipulation in Phoenix, Shinseki reiterated his commitment to taking all necessary actions to identify and fix the issues and strengthen veterans' trust through a timely and thorough VA Inspector General review. Testimonies, statements, and a video of the hearing are available on the (http://www.veterans.senate.gov/hearings ... are-051514) U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs website.
Legion Reports on VA's Smoking Gun
The American Legion reports that a Department of Veterans Affairs memorandum written four years ago warned that "inappropriate scheduling practices" were being used at some VA medical facilities "in order to improve scores on assorted access measures." These practices were sometimes referred to as "gaming strategies." The document, dated April 26, 2010, was written by William Schoenhard, who then served as VA's deputy under secretary for health operations and management. The nine-page memo lists several specific scheduling practices to avoid.
(http://www.legion.org/documents/pdf/gam ... system2010 memo.pdf) Click here to view the nine-page memo on the American Legion website.
VA Says Wrongdoing Not Yet Verified
The acting inspector general for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Richard Griffin, said at a recent Senate hearing that no evidence had been found so far of patient deaths attributed to long wait times at the Phoenix VA Health Care System. Whistleblowers and the House Committee on Veterans Affairs have said as many as 40 veterans might have died while waiting for appointments at the Phoenix system. Griffin's office has already reviewed 17 of these cases and has not found a single instance of a patient death because of excessive wait time. Testimonies, statements, and a video of the hearing are available on the (http://www.veterans.senate.gov/hearings ... are-051514) U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs website.
PBS Mini Series on Soldier's Return
The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) recently debuted a new documentary miniseries entitled "Coming Back With Wes Moore", which will air consecutive Tuesdays on most PBS stations. The host, Wes Moore, is an Army captain who served in Afghanistan. The three episode series tells the story of Wes Moore's search for answers to some of the most difficult questions related to returning from war and follows the lives of several soldiers. The next installment of the series airs May, 27, 2014 at 8 p.m., ET, on most PBS stations. Please check your local television listings for exact air dates and times in your area. For more information, (http://www.pbs.org/coming-back-with-wes-moore/home/) visit the Coming Back With Wes Moore webpage.
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Nearly one million cases of mental health conditions in servicemembers were documented between 2000 and 2011. The Defense Centers of Excellence (DCOE) for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury is leveraging this month's recognition to relay four key messages: "Psychological health is essential to one's health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover. Resources abound in the area of military mental health. A range of issues such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, stress, grief, relationship problems, and sleep difficulties can often be treated effectively in primary care. To learn about the signs, symptoms and treatment of psychological ills, contact the DCOE Call Center at 1-866-966-1020. Anyone in a psychological crisis should call the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Vet Hiring Conference in Raleigh
Whether you are a veteran or wounded warrior looking for a job or an employer looking for qualified candidates, the 4th Annual Wounded Warrior Hiring and Support Conference is the place to be May 28-29 in Raleigh, N.C. The first day, May 28, is employer-focused, with sessions designed to share best practices and innovative ways to recruit, hire, train and retain our nation's wounded warriors and veterans. Day two, May 29, features a career fair for employers to connect with veterans and wounded warriors. For more information and to register, (http://www.navsea.navy.mil/WWemployment/default.aspx) visit the Conference website.
$100k Family Protection: Only $7 a Month
Protection for less. Get $100,000 Coverage from only $0.25 a day. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... rvr0526.nl) Could your family afford their lifestyle if something happened to you?
A Promise Kept
The American Legion reports that as Americans prepare for Memorial Day it is comforting to know that our friends in Europe continue to care for those American troops who never made it back across the Atlantic. At cemeteries in Britain, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy and The Netherlands, America's sons rest gravesites European families have adopted. There are 124,909 American war dead buried at cemeteries in Europe--30,921 from World War I and 93,238 from World War II. For more information, read the article on the (http://www.legion.org/landingzone/222358/promise-kept) American Legion website and visit the (http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials) American Battle Monuments Commission website.
The Meaning of Normandy
Army Colonel Keith Nightengale writes in the American Legion Magazine: Presidents, prime ministers, royalty and a panoply of civilization will assemble on the week of June 6 to commemorate that profoundly historic event and pledge fealty to its spirit and sacrifice. The beaches will be serenaded by bands, banners, pomp and circumstance... But the real meaning of Normandy and what happened there on June 6, 1944, will live on in the rural towns and villages of the Cotentin Peninsula, where the invasion is more than an annual date to circle on the calendar. Read Colonel Nightengale's article on the (http://www.legion.org/magazine/222401/meaning-normandy) American Legion website.
Save Up to 60% in TRICARE Costs
The AMRA TRICARE Supplement saves money and time. The TRICARE Supplement Plan for individuals and families protects you when out-of-pocket health care expenses rise. (http://offers.military.com/i/tricare/in ... rvr0526.nl) Find out more.
Courage Awards & Benefit Dinner
Join the Wounded Warrior Project as they honor Wounded Warriors, their families, and their most influential supporters on May 29, 2014 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. (http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/co ... media.aspx) Click here to learn more about the event or reserve your seat now by visiting (http://wwpcourageawards.org) wwpcourageawards.org.
Free Transportation for D-Day Veterans
According to the U.S. Embassy in Paris, the Government of France is offering to provide D-Day veterans and a guest round-trip transportation from Paris to Normandy, and lodging and meals and transportation while in Normandy for the 70th Anniversary of Operation Overload in June. If you can attend, please email the following information as soon as possible to Chuck Steiner at VFW Post 605 at (mailto:cjsteiner@aol.com) cjsteiner@aol.com: (1) full name, age, home address of veteran (including home/cell phone and email); (2) indicate if a D-Day, or Normandy campaign, or World War II veteran; (3) escort or guest's name (if more than one, so indicate); (4) special needs (e.g., wheelchair); and (5) dates of planned attendance (arrival to and departure from France)
Stericycle is Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with Stericycle. As global leader in critical and custom services for healthcare organizations and commercial businesses 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 ... =vr0526.nl) Read More.
House Passes Bill with Pay Raise Intact
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a $601 billion defense bill that would spare cuts to military (http://www.military.com/benefits) benefits next year, despite a veto threat from the White House and major areas of disagreement in the Senate. The House voted 325-98 in approving its version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015, which sets policy goals and spending targets for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. The bill would give troops, with the exception of general and flag officers, a 1.8 percent (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay) pay raise.
(http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014 ... raise.html) Read the full story on Military.com.
Veteran's 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 ... =vr0526.nl) Learn More.
VA Offers GI Bill Tool
The Department of Veterans Affairs has a new website which makes it easier for service members trying to decide how to best use their Post-9/11 GI Bill to calculate benefits and learn more about approved colleges, universities and other training programs. (http://benefits.va.gov/gibill/comparison) The GI Bill Comparison Tool website provides key information about college affordability and brings together information from more than 17 different online sources and three federal agencies, including the number of students receiving VA benefits at each school.
For more information about GI Bill programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... -bill.html) Military.com website.
Buy or Refi this Summer with Your $0 Down VA Loan Benefit
Now is the time to use your VA Loan. You don't have to pay PMI or have a large down payment. Plus you can get financing up to $417,000. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0526.nl) Use your VA Loan Benefit today.
(http://www.military.com/money/va-loans?ESRC=mrvr0526.nl) Interested in finding out more about the VA Loan?
Shinseki Vows Action
In recent testimony before the U.S. Senate's Committee on Veterans Affairs, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki assured a full and open disclosure process and action in response to allegations about misconduct involving patient care at VA facilities. Responding to allegations of appointment scheduling manipulation in Phoenix, Shinseki reiterated his commitment to taking all necessary actions to identify and fix the issues and strengthen veterans' trust through a timely and thorough VA Inspector General review. Testimonies, statements, and a video of the hearing are available on the (http://www.veterans.senate.gov/hearings ... are-051514) U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs website.
Legion Reports on VA's Smoking Gun
The American Legion reports that a Department of Veterans Affairs memorandum written four years ago warned that "inappropriate scheduling practices" were being used at some VA medical facilities "in order to improve scores on assorted access measures." These practices were sometimes referred to as "gaming strategies." The document, dated April 26, 2010, was written by William Schoenhard, who then served as VA's deputy under secretary for health operations and management. The nine-page memo lists several specific scheduling practices to avoid.
(http://www.legion.org/documents/pdf/gam ... system2010 memo.pdf) Click here to view the nine-page memo on the American Legion website.
VA Says Wrongdoing Not Yet Verified
The acting inspector general for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Richard Griffin, said at a recent Senate hearing that no evidence had been found so far of patient deaths attributed to long wait times at the Phoenix VA Health Care System. Whistleblowers and the House Committee on Veterans Affairs have said as many as 40 veterans might have died while waiting for appointments at the Phoenix system. Griffin's office has already reviewed 17 of these cases and has not found a single instance of a patient death because of excessive wait time. Testimonies, statements, and a video of the hearing are available on the (http://www.veterans.senate.gov/hearings ... are-051514) U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs website.