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DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE




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Information Central for Marine Vets and Their Families


Bureau for Veterans Affairs

Pennsylvania State Veterans' Commission

Please visit our website and see what Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à www.paveterans.state.pa.us

Click on the links above for ongoing info for PA Veteran's. Check back often.


5 March 2010

Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans. If you have any items you’d like to pass on for inclusion in the next digest, please send them to Chris Nelson, Office of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs, at cnelson@state.pa.us or FAX 717-861-8589. Please feel free to forward this digest to others. 

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DFAS LAUNCHES WOUNDED WARRIOR PAY WEB SITE – The Defense Finance & Accounting Office recently launched a tool to help wounded warriors and those who are medically retired due to disabilities to understand how their retirement pay, Department of Veterans Administration compensation, and Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) are determined. Visit the site at http://www.dfas.mil/militarypay/woundedwarriorpay.html

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COMMISSIONERS HEAR VA CLINIC UPDATE - Representatives of two Veterans organizations addressed the Wayne County Commissioners Tuesday to give an update on the progress of a proposed Veteran’s medical clinic in the Honesdale area. (read more)

PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR HUNTS FOR HEALING’S SPRING GOBBLER EVENT -  Hunts for Healing is actively seeking wounded warriors to participate in their upcoming Spring Gobbler event, scheduled for May 9. If you would like to participate, please contact Mindy Piccotti at (570) 869-1233 before March 9.

LOCAL MARINE IS LAID TO REST - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Larry Michael Johnson was laid to rest Saturday after the 19-year-old Scranton native died more than a week ago in Afghanistan as he was defending America. (read more)

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DUTY CALLS RETURNING VETS TO A READJUSTMENT DRILL - Sgt. Ronald E. Bird Jr. spent yesterday at a National Guard "drill," but battle exercises and military training had nothing to do with it. (read more)

PHILADELPHIA RECRUITMILITARY VETERAN JOB EXPO TO BE HELD MARCH 11 from the Pottstown Mercury - Veterans will be able to interview with national, regional, & local employers at the RecruitMilitary Opportunity Expo, to be held Thursday, March 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park. More than 300 veterans are expected to attend this special event intended to help our recently returning troops and other veterans and service members, and their spouses with employment, entrepreneurship, and educational opportunities. This event is produced in cooperation with HireVetsFirst, a unit of the United States Department of Labor; The American Legion; Purple Heart Services; and the Military Spouse Corporate Career Network.

HUNDREDS SHOW THEIR HEARTS FOR SOLDIERS WITH DONATIONS - Thanks to the generosity of countless donors and the work of more than a dozen veterans and their associates, more than 100 National Guard soldiers — including many from the area — will take toiletries, snacks and other supplies with them on their next deployment. (read more)

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LOCAL VA WORKER'S BRIGHT IDEA WINS CONTEST - A Pittsburgh man's idea for speeding up military veterans disability claims has earned him special recognition. (read more)

ATTORNEY PROPOSES VETERANS COURTS - An?attorney representing an Iraq War veteran suggested Tuesday that the Cambria County Court consider setting up a veterans court with special programs to assist defendants such as hers. (read more)

HEARING HELD OVER VETERANS' COURT PROGRESS - Pennsylvania has the fourth highest number of veterans in the United States, and Allegheny County has the most veterans in the state. (read more)

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TREASURE TROVE ILLUMINATES VFW HISTORY - It looks like a thick, square saltine, without the salt or the perforations, and it's engraved with "MARINES U.S." (read more)

CPAC EXPECTED TO OPEN IN 2012 AT VA HOSPITAL - Although the timeline has changed for opening a Consolidated Patient Account Center at the Lebanon VA Medical Center, the bottom line is still the same. (read more)

28TH DIVISION ASSOCIATION BENEFIT DINNER PLANNED - The Pennsylvania National Guard 28th Infantry Division Association is having its first benefit dinner on April 30, 2010 at the Letort View Community Center at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle. This year’s dinner is from 6 to 10 p.m. and features live music, hors d'oeuvres, appetizers, and Yuengling Lager on draft; as well as an opportunity to meet the guest speaker and see historical Pennsylvania Civil War artifacts. Keynote Speaker, Captain F. W. “Bill” Rohm, US Navy, Retired and the author of “No Braver Man,” will tell the story of the 16th Pennsylvania Cavalry and recount the highlights of the battle at Reams Station when his great grandfather, Ferdinand F. Rohm, Chief Bugler, 16th Pennsylvania Cavalry saves the life of James Addams Beaver, who later becomes Governor of PA, and for which Rohm was awarded the Medal of Honor. Tickets are a donation of $55 for an individual or $100 per couple. For more information call SGT Damian Smith at 717-861-2464, Walt Chmiola at 717-652-1663, Carolyn Malfara at 717-320-3121 or visit www.28thInfantryDivisionAssoc.org.

WEST PENNSBORO EXPECTS PROGRESS IN VETERANS MEMORIAL CONSTRUCTION - Substantial progress is expected by the end of 2010 on a veterans memorial planned for West Pennsboro Township Park. (read more)

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VA TO REOPEN GULF WAR FILES - The Veterans Affairs Department says it's preparing to re-examine the disability claims of what could be thousands of Gulf War veterans suffering from ailments they blame on their war service. (read more)

HEALTH PANEL BEGINS PROBING IMPACTS OF BURN PITS - An Institute of Medicine panel this week began its investigation into possible links between illnesses being reported by Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans and contractors and their exposure to burn pits there. (read more)

FOR SOLDIERS, SINGLE MOTHERHOOD BECOMES ANOTHER BATTLEFIELD - The latest flurry of attention toward gays in the military shows that the question of who gets to be a soldier, and why, is sometimes unavoidably moral. So let's ask that question about another group of soldiers who haven't attracted as much talk but should: mothers, many of them single, in combat boots -- and combat zones.  (read more)

BILL WOULD PROTECT SURVIVORS FROM FORECLOSURE - Surviving spouses of service members killed in Iraq or Afghanistan would be guaranteed one year of protection against the foreclosure or forced sale of their homes under legislation introduced Tuesday by Rep. Frank Kratovil Jr., D-MD. (read more)

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE SHOWS PROMISE FOR WOUNDED WARRIORS - Movie-goers have seen the concept play out time and time again on the big screen. Sinister Borg drones reconstitute missing digits and limbs before their eyes in the “Star Trek” series. Alien Jack Jeebs in “Men in Black” regrows his head after it’s damaged or blown off. (read more)

MILITARY STEPS UP BATTLE AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT - The military is addressing the problem of sexual assault, but more needs to be done, officials acknowledged in testimony before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee recently. (read more)

CALL OUT FOR VETERANS DAY NATIONAL POSTER NOMINATIONS - Do you have an idea for a national Veterans Day poster? If so, the Veterans Day National Committee wants to hear from you. The committee is seeking submissions for the 2010 national Veterans Day poster. The poster is distributed to VA and military installations around the world. It also graces the cover of the official program booklet for the Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. A selection committee will convene in May 2010 to review submissions and select a finalist. The final poster must be 18”x24” at 300 dots per inch, but please scale down submissions to 9”x12” and submit electronic versions as jpg images or PDF files via e-mail to vetsday@va.gov. Alternatively, send copies of artwork or a CD with artwork files to: Department of Veterans Affairs (002C), 810 Vermont Ave., NW, Washington, D.C., 20420. Please do not send originals. The deadline for submissions is May 1, 2010. To view Veterans Day posters from previous years, please visit http://www.va.gov/vetsday and click on “Poster Gallery”.

MILITARY LEADS MENTAL HEALTH CARE TRANSFORMATION - The United States is in the middle of a “cultural transformation” in mental health treatment led by the Defense Department and the military services, the department’s top mental health expert told a congressional panel today. (read more)

NEW PUSH TO PROTECT CUSTODY RIGHTS OF TROOPS - An Ohio lawmaker who has been blocked four times in his efforts to pass legislation to protect deployed service members from losing custody of their children has launched a new two-pronged effort to try to get his proposal into law. (read more)

WEB SITE OFFERS SINGLE ACCESS POINT FOR WOUNDED WARRIORS - The federal departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor and Defense unveiled an improved Web site for wounded warriors. (read more)

WARS FORCE U.S. MILITARY TO REVIEW BAN ON WOMEN IN COMBAT – U.S. commanders are taking a second look at policies that bar women from ground combat, as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have thrust female soldiers into the thick of the fight. (read more)

UNITED STATES MINT RELEASES COMMEMORATIVE COIN HONORING DISABLED VETERANS - The United States Mint has officially released the 2010 American Veterans Disabled for Life Silver Dollar, the first commemorative coin issued in 2010. The coin was officially launched by the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation yesterday at a reception at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C. (read more)

VETERANS OWED ‘STOP-LOSS’ SPECIAL PAYMENT MUST APPLY TO RECEIVE IT from Army OneSource Family News - About 185,000 veterans forced by wartime “stop loss” orders to serve on active duty beyond their approved separation dates are due a retroactive special payment of $500 for each extra month they served. However, these veterans must apply by October 21, 2010 to receive the extra money which was set aside in appreciation for the extra time they had to serve. Through December 2009, only about 15,000 veterans and current members had applied for “Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay.” The average lump sum payment made to eligible Army veterans so far is $4,500. That suggests an average stop-loss period of nine months, considerably longer than required by any other service. To read more, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/StopLossPay.

DOD TRAINS THOUSANDS TO HELP MILLIONS WITH REGISTRATION TO VOTE from Army OneSource Family News - The Defense Department’s Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) began training voting assistance officers at military bases worldwide recently.  Thousands of voting assistance officers will help an estimated six million uniformed and overseas citizens vote absentee this year. DoD and Department of State directives require a voting assistance officer at the unit level and at every embassy and consulate to facilitate this effort. Because the law has changed significantly since last year, voters need to be aware that they will not automatically receive ballots from absentee ballot applications submitted in previous years.

TRICARE INTRODUCES NEW BENEFIT from Army OneSource Family News - TRICARE introduced several new programs recently to include the TRICARE Assistance Program (TRIAP), which provides short-term professional counseling assistance. TRICARE's new Extended Care Health Option (ECHO), which provides benefits for eligible Family members diagnosed with extraordinary physical or psychological conditions. For information about TRIAP and other behavioral health resources, visit the TRICARE Mental Health Resources Center. For more information on TRICARE's new dental program and pharmacy benefits, visit the TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program website at http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/ADDP and the TRICARE Pharmacy Program webpage at http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/TRICARE.

TOOLKIT HELPS ANSWER SERVICE MEMBERS’ HEALTHCARE QUESTIONS from Army OneSource Family News - One in five service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan suffers from major depression or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to the Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. To help service members affected by a behavioral or other health condition, TRICARE created the Toolkit for wounded, ill, and injured service members. The Toolkit is located at http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/TRICAREWII and is a good resource for wounded service members seeking information about healthcare.

VETS, HOMELESS DOGS PAIRED, AND BOTH BENEFIT from Army OneSource Family News - Pets2Vets pairs homeless pets with combat veterans, law enforcement/emergency personnel, and those affected by post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Pets2Vets was started by an Air Force senior Airman who, after returning home from Iraq, struggled with his own experience. He went to a pit-bull rescue facility and adopted a puppy. Through his own success, he started the group. This group has made two or three matches a week since October. The group’s objective is to assist our nation's heroes and their Families with rehabilitation through pet therapy, save sheltered pets from being euthanized by providing them with homes, and to raise public awareness of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To learn more about this group, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/VetsDogs.

OPERATION HOMELINK from Army OneSource Family News - Operation Homelink provides refurbished computers to the spouses or parents of junior enlisted (E1-E5) U.S. deployed service members, enabling email communication with their loved ones deployed overseas. To date, the nonprofit organization has partnered with corporate donors to link 3,200 deployed Soldiers with their Families using Internet-friendly computers. Regardless of where computers are sent, they are provided to units that are scheduled to deploy overseas in the next 90 days. Operation Homelink does not accept individual requests for computers. For more information, visit the Operation Homelink website at http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/OperationHomelink.

NOMINATE A DAD from Army OneSource Family News - Nominate a Dad for the 2010 National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) Military Fatherhood Award. National Fatherhood Initiative will be accepting nominations for the 2010 Military Fatherhood Award, presented by Lockheed Martin, starting on Tuesday, January 19 at 12 p.m., but NFI will only be accepting the first six hundred nominations. To learn more, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/NominateDad

VA AND DOD EXPAND FEDERAL RECOVERY COORDINATORS - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced they will be hiring five new Federal Recovery Coordinators (FRC). This will make 20 FRCs helping to coordinate care for our Nation’s most severely wounded, ill, or injured service members, veterans, and their families. (read more)

MORE INFORMATION ON FREE DOD VACCINE from Army OneSource Family News - DoD is allowing eligible beneficiaries to visit a TRICARE retail network pharmacy to receive three types of vaccines: the Seasonal flu, the H1N1, and pneumonia vaccine. There will be no cost to the beneficiary. This expanded coverage is available to all TRICARE beneficiaries eligible to use the TRICARE retail pharmacy benefit. This new benefit even allows TRICARE for Life beneficiaries to qualify for these free vaccines. DoD recommended that beneficiaries call their TRICARE retail pharmacy. The reason for the call is that vaccine distribution by a pharmacist is dictated by state law. The pharmacist must be certified to provide the vaccine and not all pharmacists have become certified. The state also dictates what vaccines can be given and to whom. This means this benefit may vary across the nation. When you call the pharmacy, ask the manager “Do you participate in the DoD vaccine program?” “Which vaccines can you administer?” “Will the pharmacist be available to give the vaccine?” and, “Do you have the vaccine(s) in stock?” A list of participating TRICARE retail network pharmacies is at http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/Pharmacy. You can also call Express Scripts at 877-363-1303. Remember, all other vaccines must still be administered in your primary care office or authorized clinic to be fully covered by TRICARE’s preventive health services cost-share waiver. For more information, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/Vaccines.

TRICARE EXPANDS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE OPTIONS from Army OneSource Family News - TRICARE has made the valuable treatment option of psychiatric partial hospitalization available to more beneficiaries by streamlining its certification procedure for this type of behavioral health care. Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) at TRICARE-authorized hospitals are now considered TRICARE-authorized providers and no longer need a separate certification. Freestanding PHPs, however, must be certified and be participating TRICARE providers. To learn more, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/BehavioralHealth.

ANALYSIS PROGRAM FOCUSES ON PREVENTING COMBAT INJURIES - Every time a service member is killed or wounded in combat, it sets off a sweeping process aimed at identifying what happened, who perpetrated it and how it might have been prevented -- and instituting changes to reduce the likelihood of it being repeated. (read more)

PENTAGON FOCUSES ON BRAIN TRAUMA - Troops caught near a roadside blast will be pulled out of combat for 24 hours and checked for a mild traumatic brain injury, even if they appear unhurt or say they are fine, according to a treatment policy the Pentagon is planning to release. (read more)

VA PSYCHOLOGIST ON PTSD AND THE MENTAL HEALTH 'STIGMA' - Awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder has increased in recent years, giving Americans a clearer understanding of what some veterans have to fight against every day. (read more)

AMERICAN LEGION DEBUTS VIDEO from Military.com -The American Legion has a brand new video available that targets the younger generation and tells The American Legion story in just under four minutes. "A Pledge to Service" presents the Four Pillars of the American Legion and ends with a call to join The American Legion either through the American Legion website at http://www.legion.org/ or at "your nearest American Legion post." The new video is currently available on The American Legion website and will be available free in mid-March on a DVD by request to pr@legion.org or by calling (317) 630-1253. Click here to also view the video on YouTube.

APARTMENTS AVAILABLE AT AF VILLAGE from Military.com - Air Force Enlisted Village officials are reaching out to people interested in moving to the retirement communities, Bob Hope Village and Teresa Village, by waiving certain fees. Located near Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field, the Air Force Enlisted Village provides a safe, secure and dignified place for indigent surviving spouses of retired Airmen. Two-bedroom upstairs apartments are available at Teresa Village. Advance fees are being waived for new residents who sign a lease at Bob Hope Village or Teresa Village before April 15. Contact the admissions office at 850-651-9422 to discuss eligibility requirements, or visit the Air Force Enlisted Village website at www.afenlistedwidows.org.

VA BEGINS ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN from Military.com - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a two-month, nationwide advertising campaign to assist student Veterans and service members applying for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Text messaging ads will also link student Veterans to VA. By texting "GIBILL," Veterans will then be directed to follow three steps to apply. VA also developed a hip pocket guide and checklist with helpful tips to assist Veterans and service members in the application process. Information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill, as well as VA's other educational benefit programs, is available at VA's website at www.gibill.va.gov, or by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1 (or 1-888-442-4551).

ORGANIZATIONS ASSIST WOUNDED MARINES from Military.com - The Veterans of Foreign Wars, in conjunction with the Wounded Warrior Regiment at Quantico, VA, has agreed to assist recently discharged Wounded Warriors. Any former Marine who has a claim pending at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or wants to file a claim with VA will be referred to a VFW service officer near them who will be happy to discuss their claim and how to obtain the most correct decisions possible from VA. If you have filed a claim with VA, or want to file a claim, send your name, county and state where you live, along with a daytime phone number to 1marine@VFW.org.

NEW CHANCE FOR TROUBLED VETS - Soldiers often face substance abuse or crime-related issues when returning from the frontlines. As David Martin reports, one judge wants to help distressed war heroes find a second chance back home. (read more)

HOMEOWNERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM EXPANDS from Military.com - In 2009, the Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) was expanded to provide assistance to wounded service members or Department Of Defense (DOD) civilians reassigned due to medical or rehabilitation purposes or retirement due to their disability; surviving spouses of the fallen; BRAC 2005 impacted homeowners, and service members undergoing a permanent change of station during the mortgage crisis. A new component now allows the program to assist qualified applicants in the direct sale of their homes in two specific ways: reimbursement at closing and government acquisition. For a straight private sale - where the applicant does not have the funds to close - HAP may help. For more information, visit the Homeowners Assistance Program website at http://hap.usace.army.mil/ or contact your local HAP Field Office that can be found here http://hap.usace.army.mil/Contact.html.

IWO JIMA PHOTOGRAPH STILL INSPIRES from Military.com - February 23, 1945 marks the day that Sgt. Michael Strank, Cpl. Harlon Block, Pfcs. Ira Hayes, Franklin Sousley, Rene Gagnon and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class John Bradley raised a flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Photographer Joe Rosenthal captured the photograph of five Marines and one Sailor raising an American flag that has remained a symbol of pride for sixty-five years. A memorial depicting the second flag raising is located in Washington D.C. and stands as a reminder of all Marines who have served since the founding of the Marine Corps. For more information on Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, visit the History of the Flag Raising on Iwo Jima website at http://www.montney.com/marine/iwo.htm and listen to Captain Dave Severance Talk About the Battle of Iwo Jima and Raising the Flag at http://feeds.radioamerica.org/rd-bin/rdfeed.mp3?Veterans&cast_id=9849.

WOUNDED MARINES WANTED FOR ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY JOBS - The program assists wounded Marines in transitioning to new careers and help them develop professional skills, on-the-job experience, and confidence in an environment mentored by leading media industry leaders. Graduating Marines will acquire professional certification in specific skills and also receive Union membership in the International Alliance of Theatre Stage Employees (IATSE) and job placement if and when they need to be medically retired. The Center began teaching its inaugural class in the new 5,000 square-foot San Diego facility in January 2008. The first class of students is planning to graduate on March 20, 2008. (read more)

US VETS RETURN TO IWO JIMA FOR 65TH ANNIVERSARY - Dozens of U.S. veterans, now in their 80s and 90s, returned to the remote volcanic island of Iwo Jima on Wednesday to mark the 65th anniversary of one of World War II's fiercest battles. (read more)

HIRE HEROES PAIRS VETERANS WITH JOB RECRUITERS - After Hire Heroes USA founder John Bardis met veteran Justin Callahan - who lost a leg when he served in Afghanistan - playing basketball, he got the idea to start Hire Heroes USA. (read more)

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·         March 3 – 7: Hunts For Healing Bird/Coyote Hunt; Hunts for Healing, 1479 Coburn Hill Road, Laceyville, PA

·        March 8: PA 7th Congressional District Veterans' Summit; 6:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Ridley High School, 901 Morton Avenue, Folsom, PA 

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VETERANS’ NEWS AND VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE PA OFFICE FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

Please visit our website and see what Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à www.paveterans.state.pa.us

 



The Pennsylvania Veteran Newsletter - March 2010

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26 February 2010

Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans. If you have any items you’d like to pass on for inclusion in the next digest, please send them to Chris Nelson, Office of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs, at cnelson@state.pa.us or FAX 717-861-8589. Please feel free to forward this digest to others. 

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GRANT WRITER TRAINING AVAILABLE - Public Resources will be hosting several training sessions for organizations interested in applying for the VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program (GPD). These trainings are focused on both new organizations as well as those with experience writing grants. The morning portion of the training is for anyone new to grant writing and/or the GPD program. The afternoon portion of the training is for more experienced grant applicants. All trainings are offered free of charge. However registration is required. For more information or to register for any of these trainings visit www.publicresources.org.

VIETNAM ‘VIRTUAL WALL’ ONLINE – Find details about those killed during the Vietnam War. Includes background information and location on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial: http://www.virtualwall.org/iStates.htm 

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HONORING A VIETNAM VETERAN - Forty-four years ago Thursday, a Lackawanna County native was one of the first women killed in the Vietnam War. Now people in her hometown of Dunmore are planning a lasting tribute to the Army lieutenant. (read more)

SCRANTON MARINE KILLED - Lance Cpl. Larry M. Johnson, 19, of Scranton, Pa., died February 18 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

AUBURN MAN HONORS CIVIL WAR VETERANS - An Auburn man's interest in military history and genealogy led him to a forgotten church cemetery in a hilly section of the borough. (read more)

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VA FACILITIES OPEN DOORS FOR IRAQ VETERANS - Veterans Affairs medical centers in Coatesville and Philadelphia are preparing to open their doors and welcome hundreds of recently returned combat Veterans to the VA health care system. (read more)

VETERANS BREAKFAST RESCHEDULED from the Public Spirit Willow Grove Guide - Due to last week’s snow storm, state Rep. Bernie O’Neill’s veteran’s breakfast has been rescheduled for March 3 from 11 a.m. at Warminster VFW Post 6493, Louis Drive in Warminster. The breakfast is being held for all veterans who reside in the 29th Legislative District which includes Solebury, New Hope and parts of Warminster, Warwick, Buckingham, Upper Southampton townships. Guest Speakers at the breakfast will include, Brig. Gen. Scott D. Wagner, Deputy Adjutant General of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and Daniel Fraley, Director of Bucks County Military Affairs. For more information, contact (215) 441-2624.

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VA RESEARCHER CO-EDITS MOMENTOUS TEXTBOOK - February 22, 2010 – Rory Cooper, Ph.D., founding director of the Human Engineering Resource Laboratory (HERL) at VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) and VA senior research career scientist co-edited a recently released textbook that provides a significant update to the field of rehabilitation. (read more) 

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION MEMBERS HONORED WITH FIVE-STAR AWARD - The Five-Star Award is the highest award a member of the Sons of the American Legion (SAL) can receive, and Saturday, Saltsburg's SAL squadron will see not just one, but eight members procure the honor. (read more)

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PROJECT RUNNER SEEKS HOUSING VOLUNTEERS IN ERIE AREA - An ultrarunner who is undertaking a cross-country run in honor of fallen veterans of the Iraq War is seeking hosts in the Erie area for three nights in September. (read more)

FREE WORKSHOP FOR VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESSES from the Erie Times-News - The Pennsylvania Department of General Services and the PA Veterans Business Advocates Committee will present a free workshop for veterans who own businesses. The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the Yehl Ballroom of Gannon University's Waldron Business Center at 124 W. Seventh St. in Erie. For more information, contact Kathryn Waters-Perez at (717) 783-3119.

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WOUNDED WARRIOR ADVOCATE JOINS LEBANON VA STAFF - A Wounded Warrior program advocate has been added to the Lebanon VA Medical Center staff to assist soldiers returning from Iraq & Afghanistan. (read more)

MURTHA REMEMBERED AT FUNERAL AS VETERANS' ADVOCATE - Congressman John Murtha was remembered at his funeral Tuesday as a patriot, a fighter for his constituents and for veterans, a consummate politician and a family man able to separate work from his personal life. (read more)

PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATORS WORK ON BILL THAT WOULD ASSIST VETERANS CLUBS IN FRANKLIN COUNTY, ELSEWHERE - Franklin County veterans got a promise last week from state Rep. Todd Rock, R-Waynesboro, and a challenge from the local legislator. (read more)

PLAQUE SOUGHT FOR PENN SQUARE - The Soldiers & Sailors Monument at the center of Lancaster city was built to honor local Union veterans of the American Civil War. (read more)

LOCAL WWII DOCUMENTARY DEBUTS IN BEDFORD COUNTY - The Bedford County Visitors Bureau will release an original film, “Bedford County Veterans – WWII” at the Pitt Theater in downtown Bedford, PA.  This feature length documentary will show at the theater from February 19th through the 25th.  It will educate and entertain viewers with personal accounts of the events that affected every member of our community during WWII. (read more)

PENNSYLVANIA GRANTS AVAILABLE TO PROVIDERS OF TRAINING - The state Department of Labor and Industry is seeking applications for $10 million in grants from service providers interested in helping to create training opportunities for veterans, dislocated workers and youth. (read more)

HISTORICAL SOCIETY SEEKS VETERANS FOR ORAL HISTORY ARCHIVE from the Sentinel - Time has taken such a toll on the Greatest Generation, a local organization has launched a campaign to preserve the memories before they fade. The Cumberland County Historical Society is searching for World War II veterans from Cumberland County who would be willing to share their stories for an oral history archive project. If you are a veteran or know a veteran who could participate, contact Pat Ferris at (717) 798-4647 or the CCHS at (717) 249-7610.

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MILITARY RETIREES VOLUNTEER FOR ACTIVE DUTY - Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines get extra hands on deck through this volunteer program. (read more)

BUSINESS SCHOOLS TAP VETERANS - Five years ago, Augusto Giacoman was commanding about 30 soldiers and leading raids in Iraq. Now he spends his days in classrooms alongside former bankers, engineers and other civilians earning a master's in business administration. (read more)

SERVICE HELPS TO LINK EX-MILITARY M.B.A.s - For military veterans in business school, making the transition to the corporate world often means navigating the uncharted terrain of résumé writing and networking. (read more)

TASK FORCE VOWS SHARPER FOCUS ON SOLDIER SUICIDES - The number of suspected soldier suicides increased for the first month of this year, and the Army’s head of suicide prevention vowed today to sharpen the focus on combating the problem. (read more)

“INNOVATION INITIATIVE” UNDERWAY FOR HEALTH RECORDS IMPROVEMENTS - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki launched the “Veterans Health IT Innovation Initiative,” an employee-based Health Information Technology (HIT) competition to spur VA’s transformation into a 21st Century organization that is Veteran-centric, results-oriented, and forward-looking. (read more)

PETZEL SWORN IN TO HEAD VETERANS HEALTH CARE SYSTEM - Dr. Robert A. Petzel has taken the oath of office as the Under Secretary for Health within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), stepping up to lead the nation's largest integrated health care system. (read more)

RUSSIAN MUSEUM HONORS US WWII VET - An exhibit opened in Russia on Thursday on the life of an American veteran believed to be one the few soldiers to fight for both the U.S. and the Soviet Union in World War II. (read more)

DAV, VA TEAM UP TO SEND DISABLED VETS TO SPORTS CLINIC - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Disabled American Veterans want to give injured veterans a chance to enjoy life again. (read more)

WAR DOGS REMEMBERED, DECADES LATER - Maybe it was the sound of the wind cutting through the wire. Perhaps he caught a small vibration with his keen eyes. Or it could have been a slight difference in the air's smell. (read more)

SHINSEKI: US WILL FIX BROKEN VA DISABILITY SYSTEM - Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki said he's making it a top priority this year to tackle the backlog of disability claims that has veterans waiting months — even years — to get financial compensation for their injuries. (read more)

IWO JIMA VETS OBSERVE BATTLE’S 65TH ANNIVERSARY - Dozens of veterans of the Battle of Iwo Jima and their families gathered at the National Museum of the Marine Corps here today to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the iconic World War II battle. (read more)

WWII FEMALE PILOTS GETTING CONG. GOLD MEDAL - Deanie Bishop Parrish wanted to fly, and she wanted to serve her country. (read more)

DoD PUTS SPOUSE CAREER ASSISTANCE ON HOLD - The Pentagon program that picks up some of the tab for military spouse career education has come to a halt, officials say. (read more)

HELP IMPROVE THE NATIONAL MALL from Military.com - The National Park Service is welcoming comments from the public on improving the National Mall in Washington, DC. The planning team has developed a set of five management alternatives that describe different visions for how the National Mall could be managed. Your comments are welcome at http://www.nps.gov/nationalmallplan/Public%20Comment.html. The comment period is open until March 18, 2010. More information on the future of the National Mall is available on the National Park Service website at http://www.nps.gov/nationalmallplan/ParkCommunications.html.

MARINES SIGN AGREEMENT WITH TAPS from Military.com - The Marine Corps Casualty Assistance program has formalized its long-standing relationship with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) by signing a Memorandum of Agreement, which allows closer coordination between the two groups. TAPS was founded in 1994 and is recognized nationally as a leading provider of comfort and care to anyone who has suffered the loss of a military loved one, regardless of the relationship to the deceased or the circumstances of the death. For information on TAPS, visit the TAPS website at www.taps.org or call the toll-free crisis line at 800-959-TAPS. For information about the Marine Corps Causality Assistance Program, visit the Manpower and Reserve Affairs website at www.manpower.usmc.mil and click the link for Causality Assistance.

LEGION PROJECT NEEDS MORE VOTES from Military.com - The American Legion's Operation Comfort Warriors is competing for a $250,000 grant to be awarded by Pepsi Cola, Inc. More than 700 charities are competing for grants, which are determined by the number of votes received at its website. The top two vote getters will receive grants. The American Legion's Operation Comfort Warriors is currently running second in the overall voting. Visitors can cast their votes here once a day until Feb. 28.

VFW CONFERENCE TO BE STREAMED LIVE from Military.com - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) will stream live its National Legislative Conference, March 6-10, on the VFW website at www.vfw.org. Streaming will begin with the Voice of Democracy Parade of Winners at 6:00 p.m. (EST) on March 7. A delayed stream of VFW Commander-in-Chief, Thomas Tradewell's testimony on Capitol Hill will also air the afternoon of Tuesday, March 9. In addition to streaming the segments live, all events will also be available on demand on the VFW website. For up to the minute information, video clips and pictures from the VFW National Legislative Conference join us the VFW on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VFWFans!

REMEMBERING AFRICAN-AMERICAN VETERANS from Military.com - During February, we honor the achievements of over 41 million Americans of African heritage. The Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) reports that Joshua Williams was the first African-American veteran patient. He was admitted to the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, which is now the Dayton, Ohio, VA Medical Center, in March of 1867. To learn more about Joshua Williams, visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs website at http://www1.va.gov/health/African-American1.asp.

NAVY HERO AWARD NOMINATIONS from Military.com - On Sunday, May 30, 2010, CBS will televise Operation Heroes, a program that will honor one service member from each military branch, one firefighter, one police officer, and one civilian. This Memorial Day, prime-time broadcast will be hosted by Wayne Newton. Awardees will be recognized for choosing to put the safety, well-being, and lives of others before their own. Individual Naval Commands are encouraged to submit nominees for consideration via e-mail to the Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (point-of-contact YNCM SHAWN NEWCOSTE at SHAWN.NEWCOSTE@NAVY.MIL ) no later than March 15, 2010. For more information, read NAVADMIN 050/10.

BLUE STAR FAMILIES RAISE AWARENESS from Military.com - Blue Star Families (BSF) was formed in December 2008 by military spouses in an effort to raise awareness of the challenges of military family life among civilian communities and leaders. BSF includes family members of all branches of service, including National Guard and Reserve, as well as veterans and civilians. The organization has representatives at more than 70 bases around the world and provides both online and physical chapter-based communities. For more information, visit the Blue Star Families website at www.bluestarfam.org.

VA EDUCATION CALL CENTER AGAIN OPERATING FIVE DAYS A WEEK - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced that the Education Call Center, closed on Thursdays and Fridays over the past two months, is again operating five days a week. (read more)

VA BEGINS NATIONWIDE GI BILL ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN TO REACH STUDENT VETERANS AND SCHOOLS - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced a two-month, nationwide advertising campaign to assist student Veterans and service members applying for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. (read more)

STRUGGLING FEMALE WAR VETS - As Russ Mitchell reports, female Veterans are facing a tough battle after they return home. (read more)

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CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VETERANS’ NEWS AND VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE PA OFFICE FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

 


19 February 2010

Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans. If you have any items you’d like to pass on for inclusion in the next digest, please send them to Chris Nelson, Office of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs, at cnelson@state.pa.us or FAX 717-861-8589. Please feel free to forward this digest to others.

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NATIONWIDE VETERAN MENTORING PROGRAM AVAILABLE - American Corporate Partners (www.acp-USA.org) is a nationwide mentoring program which is matching employees from some of the largest corporations and universities in the country with Iraq and Afghanistan veterans for the purpose of mentoring, networking and career counseling. ACP is dedicated to helping veterans transition from the armed services to private enterprise. Participation is free. Some of America's finest corporations are supporting ACP's efforts, including General Electric, IBM, News Corporation, PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble. 

HOUSE BILL 692 PASSES - Designates the bridge on U.S. Route 6 over Potato Creek at Smethport, McKean County, as the POW/MIA Memorial Bridge; designates State Route 120 in the Borough of Emporium as General Joseph T. McNarney Memorial Boulevard; designates the bridge on U.S. Route 6 over Allegheny River at Liberty Township, McKean County, as the Lt. Colonel Richard J. Berrettini Memorial Bridge; designates the Main Street Bridge carrying U.S. Route 6 at Segment 260, offset 0711, over the Allegheny River in Coudersport Borough, Potter County, as the Potter County World War II Veterans Memorial Bridge; and designates the Gay Street Bridge on State Route 113, which crosses French Creek in the Borough of Phoenixville, Chester County, as the Veterans Memorial Gay Street Bridge.

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BRIDGE NAME WILL BE 'REMINDER OF LOCAL HEROES' - The Pennsylvania Senate unanimously passed legislation last week that officially renames Phoenixville's Gay Street Bridge the Veterans Memorial Gay Street Bridge. (read more)

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PENNSYLVANIA NATIONAL GUARD COMMANDER RECEIVES LVC AWARD - As the adjutant general of Pennsylvania, Maj. Gen. Jessica Wright commands 19,000 soldiers and airmen of the Pennsylvania National Guard as well as 3,000 civilian employees. (read more)

PENNSYLVANIA GRANTS AVAILABLE TO PROVIDERS OF TRAINING - The state Department of Labor and Industry is seeking applications for $10 million in grants from service providers interested in helping to create training opportunities for veterans, dislocated workers and youth. (read more)

FT INDIANTOWN GAP OEF-OIF CLINIC OPENS from the Pottsville Republican-Herald - The Lebanon VA Medical Center, in continued partnership with Fort Indiantown Gap, has opened a VA Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Outreach Clinic at the Gap. The clinic eliminates travel time for Pennsylvania's rural OEF/OIF veterans by providing health care services concurrent with their tour of duty at the Gap. "The main objective of this clinic is to increase accessibility and visibility of VA services for our Pennsylvania National Guardsman that served in Iraq and Afghanistan," Robert Callahan Jr., director of the Lebanon VA Medical Center, said in a press release. The medical center shares space with the Gap's medical clinic, operating two days per week supported by five new VA employees, which include a primary care provider, social worker, enrollment specialist and nurses. Veterans are able to enroll at the outreach clinic, receive their initial health screening and receive primary care and social work services. "Lebanon VA wants to ensure that all OEF/OIF veterans are well informed of their VA health care benefits, including their ability to access five years of VA health care benefits for any possible deployment-related injury or illness, along with a number of other services upon their return home," Gretchen Roberts, OEF/OIF program manager, said in the release.

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STUDY SUGGESTS MORE VETERANS MAY BE HELPED BY TALKING ABOUT KILLING - The act of killing is as fundamental to war as oxygen is to fire. Yet it is also the one thing many combat veterans avoid discussing when they return home, whether out of shame, guilt or a deep fear of being misunderstood. (read more)

OPERATION COMFORT NEEDS YOUR VOTE from Military.com - The American Legion family has raised more than $300,000 to purchase comfort items for U.S. troops recovering in hospitals and warrior transition units around the globe as part of their Operation Comfort. Now the Legion has an opportunity to nearly double what has been raised so far. Pepsi Cola is offering a $250,000 grant to the top two charities (based on votes) as part of its  Pepsi Refresh Everything project. There are 729 charities competing and as of Feb. 1, Operation Comfort Warriors is 21st in votes. The American Legion is asking people to go to the Pepsi RefreshEverything website and vote. The refresh everything grant can make a difference in the lives of hundreds of our disabled troops.

PTSD TREATMENT STILL LACKING FOR VETERANS - U.S. veterans continue to meet barriers as they seek treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, researchers say. (read more)

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·         February 19: ARRA Forum For Veteran-Owned Businesses; 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Forum Building Auditorium, Commonwealth Avenue & Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA

·         February 24: Professional Diversity Career Fair; 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Sheraton Suites Philadelphia Airport, 4101 Island Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 

 


12 February 2010

Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans. If you have any items you’d like to pass on, please send them to our Office for inclusion in the next digest. The contact information is at the bottom of this message. Please feel free to forward this to others.

CENSUS WORKERS STILL NEEDED - Thousands of clerks, census takers, crew leaders, supervisors and crew assistants will be needed this spring to complete the final operation for the decennial census.  The part-time, temporary jobs offer good pay, flexible hours, paid training and the ability to work close to home. The pay ranges from $8.75 to $19.25 per hour depending on the area and the position.  Approximately 28,000 people will be hired across Pennsylvania. Applicants are required to take and pass a test, must be 18 or older, and pass a background check. Preference is given to veterans and U.S. citizens.  More information, including a practice test, is available at this web site:  www.2010censusjobs.gov or by calling the toll-free jobs number at:  1 866-861-2010.  Interested parties should call the toll-free number to learn about the testing schedules in their area. Applicants receive between five and ten points for veteran status.

MILITARY SPOUSE CAREER ADVANCEMENT ACCOUNTS (MyCAA) - The Department of Defense (DoD) Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program provides up to $6,000 of Financial Assistance for military spouses who are pursuing licenses, certificates, credentials or degree programs leading to employment in Portable Career fields. Spouses of DoD Active Duty members and activated members of the National Guard and Reserve Components are eligible to apply. For more information, visit http://www.militaryonesource.com/MOS/FindInformation/Category/MilitarySpouseCareerAdvancementAccounts.aspx

BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS LAW JOURNAL - Did you know that the Board of Veterans’ Appeals publishes a law journal? The Veterans Law Review, founded by Board Chairman James P. Terry, encourages frank discussion of relevant legislative, administrative, and judicial developments in veterans’ benefits law. The 2nd volume of the Veterans Law Review is slated for national distribution later this month. For more information, including guidelines for submitting an article for the 3rd volume of the Veterans Law Review, visit http://www4.va.gov/vbs/bva/lawReview_MailCopy.htm

NEW VIDEOS ONLINEThere are new videos on the Video Highlights portion of our web site. Click here to view them.

FREE SAT/ACT TEST PREPARATION PROGRAMS AVAILABLE NOW - eKnowledge Corporation is a leading provider of interactive learning products. Through a special donation program supported by the DOD and a group of NFL players, eKnowledge is donating FREE SAT/ACT Test Prep programs to military families and veterans. To date, eKnowledge has delivered more than 100,000 programs to military families worldwide. The total value of the donation is now over $20 million. Contact Lori Caputo at eKnowledge at loricaputo@eknowledge.com and request your materials.

VA BEGINS SALUTE TO VETS WEEK - Vince Riccardo, acting chief of voluntary services at the local VA, said the 32nd annual event is aimed at showing appreciation and “getting the word out” to war veterans of the services available to them during the national Salute to Veterans Week. (read more)

VIETNAM VETS OFFERED FREE MEALS – Members of chapter 678 of the Vietnam Veterans of America are being offered free meals from three restaurants in the Poconos in honor of Vietnam Veterans Day. In addition, they will receive some other donated gifts from local businesses. Vietnam Veterans Day is on March 29. Other veterans organizations may also have observances planned.

JUNIOR HUNTER PROGRAM LAUDED - The Youth Sportsmen’s Club of the Polish American Veterans, Plains Township, was recognized by the Pennsylvania Game Commission last week for its contribution to first-time junior hunters. (read more)

 

FREE CLASSES FOR VETS from the Philadelphia Daily News - The Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service & Education Center is offering free training to veterans in computer technology and welding. Call 215-923-2600, ext. 45 or 29, for information. The programs are being run in conjunction with the Philadelphia Workforce Development Corp.

PLANNING BEGINS FOR 2011 VETERANS WHEELCHAIR GAMES IN PITTSBURGH - Planning has already begun for the National Veterans Wheelchair Games that will be held in Pittsburgh in August 2011. (read more)

SALUTE TO VETS PLANNED BY VA PITTSBURGH HEALTHCARE SYSTEM - During the week leading up to Valentine's Day, the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System will show love for its patients. (read more)

VIETNAM VETERANS GROUP PLANS ROAST FOR EX-LAWMAKER - Ed Wojnaroski Sr. of Johnstown, former state representative from the 71st Legislative District, will be the target of a roast being organized by Johnstown-based Laurel Highlands Chapter 364, Vietnam Veterans of America. (read more)

RESTORED ESPY POST IN CARNEGIE A TREASURE TROVE OF HISTORY - Union Army Capt. Thomas Espy has long lain in an unmarked grave. But a photograph of his determined face still casts a forceful presence in the Carnegie veterans post that bears his name. (read more)

BLOOMFIELD VETERAN MADE SURE COMRADES TREATED WELL - Pat Sergi spent a lifetime showing his respect for the men and women who fought for their country. (read more)

WAR AND VETERANS ORGANIZATION SEEKING TO UPDATE RECORDS - With increasing military deployments to all corners of the world and veterans of past wars now being cared for by family members or in nursing homes, members of the War and Veterans Inc. organization is seeking to update their records to ensure no one is missed as they prepare for the first holiday package shipment for 2010 and other programs. (read more)

CARDS BEING COLLECTED FOR VETERANS - The Washington County Veterans Affairs office is collecting Valentine's Day cards for veterans at the three Veterans Administration hospitals serving western Pennsylvania. (read more)

 

VETS REACT TO NEWS OF REP. MURTHA'S DEATH - Veterans at the VA Hospital in Altoona say Rep. John Murtha helped them when no one else could. (read more)

VETERAN PRESENTS FLAG TO LVC - In May 2009, Michael Bixler should have graduated from Lebanon Valley College with a degree in history. (read more)

SEND VETERANS SOME LOVE - World War II veteran George Mixell wants people to have a heart this Valentine’s Day. (read more)

  

VA LAUNCHES OPEN GOVERNMENT WEB SITE WITH IT DASHBOARD - The Veterans Affairs Department  debuts VA.gov/Open today, its new Web page that highlights ongoing VA open government initiatives to improve transparency and public engagement. (read more)

VA OFFICIALS TOUGHEN SMALL BUSINESS RULES - Veterans Affairs Department officials have finalized the eligibility requirements for businesses to get a verified status as a veteran-owned small business, which entitles them to compete for certain set-aside contracts. A rule published in the Feb. 8 Federal Register explains the requirements and examination procedures. (read more)

NEW TRICARE HANDBOOK AVAILABLE from Military.com - The new TRICARE Standard and Extra handbook is now available to all TRICARE Standard beneficiaries. The 68-page handbook includes information on accessing routine, urgent and emergency care, as well as TRICARE's prior authorization and referral requirements. The "TRICARE Standard Handbook: Your Guide to Using TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra" is available now on the TRICARE Smart Site.

NEW TOOL TO HELP WOUNDED WARRIORS - The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) recently launched their latest tool to help medically retired wounded warriors understand how their retirement pay, disability compensation, and Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) pay rates are determined. Called the “Medical Disability Retired Pay Income Estimator,” the tool coupled with a detailed online PowerPoint tutorial can help explain how the combined post-retirement income payment rates are determined. (read more)

PRESIDENT SIGNS VETERANS ACT from Military.com - President Barack Obama recently signed the Veterans' Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2009. The new law will enable the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reimburse veterans enrolled in VA health care for the remaining cost of emergency treatment if the veteran has outside insurance that only covers part of the cost. Previously, VA could reimburse veterans or pay outside hospitals directly only if a veteran has no outside health insurance. 

SENATE COMMITTEE APPROVES VA BILL from Military.com - The U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs recently approved comprehensive legislation to respond to potential environmental hazard exposures on military installations, expand efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, and strengthen VA health care.  Chairman Akaka's military exposure legislation would provide care for individuals exposed to environmental hazards at Camp Lejeune and Atsugi Naval Air Facility, and set up a national response for other potential military installation exposures.  More information on the approved bills is available on the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.

US TO REPAY VETERANS from Military.com - The United States government will repay $7.4 million to military veterans whose tax refunds and benefits the government improperly withheld between 2001 and 2008 to recover debts from charge and credit cards they used to buy uniforms and other items at military bases. A federal judge in San Francisco on Thursday preliminarily approved a civil-court settlement in the case in which the government has agreed to repay up to $10,000 each to 6,715 former members of the armed forces. The class action complaint filed with the court is available in .PDF format at the Public Citizen website.

SURVIVING SPOUSES FIGHT TO END “WIDOWS’ TAX” - For a decade, war widows in matching yellow suit jackets and hats quietly and persistently have knocked on Capitol Hill doors seeking an end to the "widows' tax," a government policy that deprives them of benefits from their husbands' military service. (read more)

VA PRODDED TO GIVE MORE AID TO FEMALE VETERANS - Kristine Wise remembers driving from San Diego to Victorville, Calif., to visit her brother and seeing haunting messages on the freeway signs. Instead of the speed limit or the miles to the next town, she envisioned: Beware of Snipers. Watch Out for Bombs. 40 miles to Baghdad. Death Ahead. (read more)

VA MORE SMOOTHLY PROCESSING NEW GI BILL - The Veterans Affairs Department is more efficiently cutting checks for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to attend college this semester, following a rocky rollout last fall that left veterans so cash-strapped there was concern some wouldn't re-enroll. (read more)

 

·        February 19: ARRA Forum For Veteran-Owned Businesses; 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the Forum Building Auditorium, Commonwealth Avenue & Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VETERANS’ NEWS AND VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE PA OFFICE FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

Please visit our website and see what Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à www.paveterans.state.pa.us

CHRISTOPHER L. NELSON

MARKETING AND VETERANS INFORMATION

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

Phone: (717) 861- 6979

Toll Free: (800) 547-2838

Fax (717) 861 - 8589

 


5 February 2010

Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans. If you have any items you’d like to pass on, please send them to our Office for inclusion in the next digest. The contact information is at the bottom of this message. Please feel free to forward this to others.

VA NEEDS WOMEN VETERANS’ INPUT - On Feb 8th the first meeting of the women's committee on Women Veterans Health issues will meet. This is an appointment by the President and Secretary of Veteran's Affairs. This is a chance to try and have voices heard and correct some issues that women may have with their care. Interested veterans can email Valerie Cortazzo at uz2bface@verizon.net before the meeting takes place.

INTERVIEWS FROM THE 2009 WHEELCHAIR GAMES - Over 500 of our nation’s heroes competed in this 29th Annual event taking place this year in Spokane, Washington. The first of these events was held in San Antonio Texas in 1988 and has now evolved into a week-long celebration that offers a multitude of competitions and entertaining special events, including the team sporting events. These Games are presented each year by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) with a VA medical facility and PVA chapter collaborating to host this exciting event. (read more)

TRAINING GRANTS UP FOR GRABS IN PA - Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor & Industry put $10 million in grants up for grabs this week for the creation of training programs that get veterans, dislocated workers and youth into the work force. (read more)

FREELAND MAN EARNS HONORS IN VETS' CONTEST - Robert Rushalk decided to enter the first Local Creative Arts Competition through the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre mostly because he wanted to perform for other area veterans. (read more)

CONCERT FOR A CAUSE BENEFITS VETERANS - This year, the event (set for April 22 at the Woodlands Inn & Resort) and album proceeds benefit United Way veterans programs that help local veterans and men and women serving overseas. (read more)

 

VA FACILITIES OPEN DOORS FOR IRAQ VETERANS - Veterans Affairs medical centers in Coatesville and Philadelphia are preparing to open their doors and welcome hundreds of recently returned combat Veterans to the VA health care system. (read more)

PHILADELPHIA VA PLANS NATIONAL SALUTE TO VETERANS - Veterans in the City of Brotherly Love will be honored and thanked for their sacrifices Feb 8-14, during annual National Salute to Veterans activities at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. (read more)

VETERANS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM TO SPONSOR VETERAN RUNNERS - Veterans Leadership Program (VLP) is going to sponsor runners for the Pittsburgh Marathon as a fundraising initiative. The expectation is that runners will help raise funds for VLP. VLP helps many of our regions most vulnerable veterans, and does wonderful and essential work. VLP’s registration code for the Pittsburgh Marathon is: VETERAN2010. This is the registration code runners use so they won't be charged to run in the race. If for some reason you have already registered but want to run for VLP, contact Al or Annette at (412) 481-8200 or email mercera@vlpwpa.org or romaina@vlpwpa.org as soon as possible and the Marathon may refund your money. Then, you can re-register under the VLP charity number. Remember, runners don't have to run the entire marathon...teams can run legs or portions of the race.

DOCUMENTARY WITH PENNSYLVANIA VETS AWAKENS VIETNAM DEMONS - Army Sgt. Lamont B. Steptoe came home to Pittsburgh after fighting in the jungles of Vietnam and bought a gun. (read more)

CARDS BEING COLLECTED FOR VETERANS - The Washington County Veterans Affairs office is collecting Valentine's Day cards for veterans at the three VA hospitals serving western Pennsylvania. (read more)

MONROEVILLE RESIDENT HOPES CALENDAR FUNDS WWII MEMORIAL - While good soldiers only fade away, a Monroeville resident is trying to ensure that anyone who cares to remember them will have a place to do it. (read more)

FLAG-TOTING MAN PUTS BOOTS ON GROUND TO HONOR MILITARY - Since late 2006, Ronzio has hoisted Old Glory while hiking along Route 40 and Route 119. While sweating under the summer sun or shivering through the winds of winter, he's steadily racked up all those miles in recognition of the sacrifices of the country's military members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. (read more)

 

ACCUSED GRAVE MARKER THIEF COULD FACE UP TO 90 YEARS - Now facing 40 counts of “desecration or sale of venerated objects,” the Meadville man charged with allegedly selling approximately 100 brass markers stolen from veterans’ graves as scrap metal waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday before Meadville Area Magisterial Judge William Chisholm. (read more)

 

NEW WOMEN'S HEALTH CLINIC OPEN AT LEBANON VA MEDICAL CENTER - Lebanon VA Medical Center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new women veterans’ health clinics and renovated primary care areas on the fifth floor of Building 17. (read more)

HONOR BUS PREPARES TO LEAVE IN APRIL, STILL NEEDS VOLUNTEERSMechanicsburg Middle School is seeking WWII veterans to host on an Honor Bus trip to Washington DC to the WWII Memorial. They are also looking for volunteers and sponsors. Visit www.honorbus.org for more information. Interested veterans and volunteers can contact Beckie Lacey at 717-691-4560, ext 7011 or email honorbus2009@gmail.com.

FAYETTEVILLE MARINE KILLED - The Department of Defense announced the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Lance Cpl. Michael L. Freeman Jr., 21, of Fayetteville, PA, died Feb. 1 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

RE-ENACTORS WANTED FOR ARMED FORCES DAY CELEBRATION IN HARRISBURG – The Armed Forces Day Committee is looking for historic military re-enactors for an exhibit to take place during the Armed Forces Day celebration on Harrisburg’s City Island on May 15. Groups or individual participants are welcome. Contact Mike Randazzo at (717) 605-2448 or email at michael.randazzo@navy.mil.

PENN STATE HELPS MILITARY AND VETERAN STUDENTS EARN DEGREES - Senior Airman Kimberly DeLong of Oklahoma City, Okla., is making the Air Force her career, but she also wants a college degree to enhance her knowledge and skills. Enter Penn State, which offers a grant-in-aid and other financial aid to military students. For DeLong, the Penn State grant, coupled with Air Force tuition assistance and the Post-9/11 GI Bill, is enabling her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business online through Penn State’s World Campus. Her only cost is books. (read more)

STATE ADJUTANT GENERAL TO RECEIVE LVC HONOR - Lebanon Valley College will present its 31st Founders Day Award to Pennsylvania's Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Jessica L. Wright, later this month. (read more)

FLAGS LOWERED IN HONOR OF FAYETTEVILLE'S FREEMAN - Flags across Franklin County and Pennsylvania's state capitol complex in Harrisburg were lowered to half-staff Wednesday in honor of Lance Cpl. Michael L. Freeman Jr., who died Monday of combat wounds in Afghanistan. (read more)

 

STUDY SHOWS DEPLOYMENTS’ IMPACT ON ARMY WIVES - Army wives whose husbands deploy seek mental health services at a higher rate than others, and the longer the deployment, the greater the impact, according to a new study. (read more)

LAST U.S. VETERAN OF WORLD WAR I TURNS 109 - The last surviving U.S. veteran of World War I, former Cpl. Frank Buckles, turns 109 on Monday and is still hoping for a national memorial in Washington for his comrades. (read more)

GREAT LAKES NAVAL MUSEUM RECOGNIZES BLACK VETS - The Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum is recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans who served in the military. (read more)

BLASTS TO THE BRAIN: THE NEW WARTIME EPIDEMIC - If World War I brought shell shock, and the Vietnam War introduced the world to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are etching a new entry in the lexicon of battlefield medicine: blast injury. There have been more than 80,000 detonations of improvised explosive devices in Iraq in the past six years, accounting for more than 60 percent of American and coalition-force casualties and the deaths of thousands of Iraqi civilians. (read more)

2010 COLA FOR RETIRED PAY - The CPI dipped below 4 percent in the first two quarters of FY2009 and was still in negative numbers at the end of the fiscal year. Due to the negative CPI in FY2009 there will be no COLA increase for retirees in 2010. (read more)

EYE GLASSES FOR RETIREES - All retirees, even TRICARE for Life recipients, may receive one pair of standard issue glasses each year from the Naval Ophthalmic Support and Training Activity.  Visit the NOSTRA website and select the "How to Order:  Retirees" link for more information.  Family members and surviving spouses are not entitled to NOSTRA support. Learn more about TRICARE vision benefits at the TRICARE beneficiary portal. (read more)

PTSD VETS WIN RETIREMENT DEAL - More than 4300 Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans who were diagnosed in service as suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, but got low military disability ratings, have won an agreement with the Department of Defense to upgrade those ratings retroactively to 50 percent. (read more)

TRICARE INTRODUCES NEW BENEFITS from Military.com - TRICARE introduced several new programs in 2009. The TRICARE Assistance Program (TRIAP) provides short-term professional counseling assistance. For information about TRIAP and other behavioral health resources, visit the TRICARE Mental Health Resources Center. TRICARE's new Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) benefits for eligible family members who are diagnosed with extraordinary physical or psychological conditions. For more information on TRICARE's new dental program and pharmacy benefits, visit the TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program website at www.addp-ucci.com and the TRICARE Pharmacy Program webpage at www.TRICARE.mil/pharmacy.

HOUSE AND VETERAN GROUPS DISCUSS PRIORITIES from Military.com - The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs recently met with 40 veterans service organizations to discuss priorities for the second session of the 111th Congress. Committee Chairman Bob Filner detailed the priorities of the Committee which include ensuring adequate VA budgets for the next two years. Following the passage of advance funding legislation, Congress will approve a budget for Fiscal Year 2011 and 2012.  Filner also discussed the need to reconcile health care and benefits legislation with the Senate.  Participants discussed the priorities of each of the 40 different veteran advocacy organizations.

IMPROVEMENT FOR VET CLAIMS COMING from Military.com - Chairwoman Stephanie Herseth- Sandlin (D-SD) convened the first hearing of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs' Economic Opportunity Subcommittee in 2010 to assess the progress of implementing the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.  The hearing provided an opportunity for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to present clear details about the VA's schedule for designing, developing, and implementing the educational benefits promised to veterans as required by Public Law 110-252. More information on the hearing is available on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website. Prepared testimony for the hearing and an audio recording of the hearing is also available.

VA OVERSIGHT HEARING from Military.com - The House Veterans' Affairs Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee recently conducted a hearing to evaluate the social work case management which is essential to coordinating complex components of care for polytrauma patients and their families.  The hearing focused on how the Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) cooperate to support wounded veterans during the transition process and the specific specialized services offered to injured veterans who are transitioning to civilian life. More information on the hearing is available on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs website.

VA TO RECOVER GI BILL ADVANCE PAYMENTS from Military.com - The VA is beginning the process of recovering advance payments made available during the fall 2009 semester to veterans and service members who applied for education benefits. VA officials began sending out notification letters last week explaining the repayment process. VA also will notify active-duty service members who may have mistakenly applied for the advance payment of their options for returning uncashed checks or reimbursing deposited funds. For more information, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) GI Bill website.

CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE from Military.com - Crane Co and Canine Companions for Independence have teamed up to help qualified veterans find new hope through their service dog program. Through their Wounded Veterans Initiative, Canine Companions for Independence provides assistance dogs to veterans with physical disabilities resulting from military service. The dogs and vets are matched together, based on a number of factors and then they attend a two-week intensive training program where they learn how to work together. Crane Co. provides the funds for training. For more information on the Wounded Veterans Initiative, visit the Canine Companions for Independence website.

AMERICAN LEGION OFFERS NURSING SCHOLARSHIP from Military.com - Applications are available for the American Legion's $3,000 Eight and Forty Lung and Respiratory Disease Nursing Scholarship for registered nurses. The deadline to apply for the nursing scholarship is May 15. Selections will be announced July 1. For more information or to request an application packet, contact your local Eight and Forty Scholarship chairman or write to The American Legion, Attn: Eight and Forty Scholarships, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. For more information, visit the American Legion website.

FALLEN HEROES PROJECT DISPLAYED from Military.com - The Fallen Heroes Project by portrait artist Michael G. Reagan is now on display at the Arlington National Cemetery Visitors Center. The project is a poster series displaying collages of portraits that Reagan has hand-drawn. A combat veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and a portrait artist for more than 30 years, Reagan has drawn more than 2,000 portraits free-of-charge for families who have lost a loved one in either Iraq or Afghanistan. For more information, visit the Fallen Heroes Project website. More information about the Cemetery is available on the Arlington National Cemetery website.

CAREGIVER ACCESS FOR MIL FAMILIES - Military families now have free access to an online network of quality caregivers who can assist with everything from babysitting to dog walking. (read more)

WHITE HOUSE SEEKS $125 BILLION FOR VETERANS IN 2011 - To expand health care to a record-number of Veterans, reduce the number of homeless Veterans and process a dramatically increased number of new disability compensation claims, the White House has announced a proposed $125 billion budget next year for the Department of Veterans Affairs. (read more)

BLIND SOLDIER BECOMES COMPANY COMMANDER - Soldier, infantryman, Airborne Ranger, combat diver, mountain climber, skier, tri-athlete, surfer, husband and father are just a few words to describe Army Capt. Scott M. Smiley. (read more)

VA USING TECHNOLOGY TO GIVE VETERANS ACTIVE ROLE IN THEIR HEALTH CARE - As an indication of how broadly the Department of Veterans Affairs seeks to share information, the Phoenix Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System recently had a homeless veteran on “national call” so he could share with others how he uses My HealtheVet. The myhealth.va.gov Website is available to active-duty military personnel and veterans, their families and caregivers as a repository of health information and an electronic personal health record that allows veterans an active role in their health care. (read more)

PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION -- NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH - In the centuries since African Americans first arrived on our shores, they have known the bitterness of slavery and oppression, the hope of progress, and the triumph of the American Dream. African American history is an essential thread of the American narrative that traces our Nation's enduring struggle to perfect itself. Each February, we recognize African American History Month as a moment to reflect upon how far we have come as a Nation, and what challenges remain. This year's theme, "The History of Black Economic Empowerment," calls upon us to honor the African Americans who overcame injustice and inequality to achieve financial independence and the security of self empowerment that comes with it. (read more)

NFL STARS AND VETS SUPPORT INJURED SERVICE MEMBERS - Scientists, researchers and former NFL players have joined together to raise awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and brain injuries, a spokesman for the Defense Department “Real Warriors” program said today. (read more)

BUDGET REQUEST INCREASES WOUNDED WARRIOR SUPPORT - Calling health care for wounded warriors a top Defense Department priority, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff urged Congress today to support the request for $2.2 billion in the fiscal 2011 defense budget to improve treatment and other services. (read more)

NEW STAMPS HONOR 4 NAVY VETERANS - From admiral to mess attendant, four sailors who distinguished themselves are being honored with new U.S. postage stamps. (read more)

BIOFEEDBACK BEING USED TO HELP VETS SUFFERING FROM PTSD - U.S. soldiers returning from war now use biofeedback to help deal with post-traumatic stress disorder. People suffering from chronic pain often find relief in biofeedback. Even athletes are using biofeedback to gain better control over their bodies. (read more)

STUDY MEASURES TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY - Scientists at the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center and a professor at Columbia University are working on a collaborative study measuring brain damage on traumatic brain injury patients. (read more)

INSURANCE COMPANY EXTENDS RESOURCES TO HELP VETERAN’S LAUNCH THEIR OWN BUSINESS - Accredited’s Veterans Program is the first initiative in this industry to help honorably discharged men and women join the ranks of small business owners by launching and managing their own bail bond agencies. Accredited is proud to provide resources, tuition assistance and business tools to help veterans pursue this exciting and rewarding career path. This innovative program is being launched primarily in Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania, but the outreach can be extended to all 50 states, depending on their needs. (read more)

SEARS ONCE AGAIN SUPPORTS U.S. MILITARY VETERANS BY TEAMING UP WITH AMVETS FOR 'OPERATION BLANKET' - With the final months of winter upon us and some of the coldest temperatures yet to be faced, it is important for Americans to remember those who do not have a warm home, 23 percent of whom are military veterans(1). At a time when these veterans need help the most, Sears is rallying support for them. Today the retailer announced it has teamed up with AMVETS to support "Operation Blanket," a program created to collect blankets that will be distributed to military veterans. (read more)

 

  • February 8 – 14: VA National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans; VA Medical Centers nationwide participate in this event 
  • February 12:  ARRA Opportunities for Veteran Owned Businesses; 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the Army Experience Center, 1921 Franklin Mills Circle, Philadelphia, PA 

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VETERANS’ NEWS AND VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE PA OFFICE FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

Please visit our website and see what Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à www.paveterans.state.pa.us

CHRISTOPHER L. NELSON

MARKETING AND VETERANS INFORMATION

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

Phone: (717) 861- 6979

Toll Free: (800) 547-2838

Fax (717) 861 - 8589


The Pennsylvania Veteran Newsletter - February 2010

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29 January 2010

Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans. If you have any items you’d like to pass on, please send them to our Office for inclusion in the next digest. The contact information is at the bottom of this message. Please feel free to forward this to others.

U.S. OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT LAUNCHES WEBSITE FOR HIRING VETERANS – The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) launched a new web site for hiring veterans and for veterans who are looking for employment. http://www.fedshirevets.gov/

QUIT SMOKING NOW FOR FREE - Starting Monday, Jan. 25, 2010, the PA Department of Health is providing free nicotine patches to help Pennsylvanians who are trying to quit tobacco. Individuals interested in receiving a free NRT kit must call the PA Free Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Quit coaches will ask whether callers have any medical conditions that would rule out the safe use of nicotine patches. The kit includes a four-week supply of nicotine patches, as well as, other information to help make the quit attempt successful. Those who qualify must be willing to enroll in the Quitline coaching program and set an actual quit date. For more information, visit www.determinedtoquit.com.

VA HOMELESS GRANTS AVAILABLE - The VA Homelessness Grant and Per Diem NOFAs were posted in the Federal Register yesterday. Go to www.va.gov/homeless and the NOFAs and the applications can be downloaded directly by interested parties. Both NOFAs have targets for women Veterans and for programs on tribal lands.

PA HERO WALK 2010 PREPARATIONS BEGIN – Preparations have begun for the Pennsylvania Hero Walk, scheduled to take place on June 12, 2010. Supporters are being asked to help this year in several ways: Organizing community walks to generate awareness, Fund raising dinners, selling HERO WALK T-shirts, finding potential sponsors, and donating online or through the mail. More information is available online at www.paherowalk.org.

AMVETS LADIES PRESENT GIFTS TO VETERANS - AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Post 59 of Hanover Township participated in the annual Voluntary Service Holiday Gift Program for veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Plains Township. (read more) 

STUDENTS CONTRIBUTE TO VETERANS’ ENTERTAINMENT - The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Plains Township has received donations of videocassette recorders, movie tapes, music CDs and books from the Student Action Committee of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce. (read more)

VFW HOOPS PROGRAM HELPED PAL GET STARTED 52 YEARS AGO - The Hazleton Police Athletic League, in which thousands of city youngsters played basketball over the last 52 years, got off the ground when it was combined with a program founded by a veterans' organization. (read more)

 

VETERAN MENTORS NEEDED FOR PHILADELPHIA VETERANS COURT – The first Information session for Mentors working with defendants of Veterans Court will be held, Monday, February 8, 2010 at the Criminal Justice Center Jury Selection Room 101, 1301 Filbert Street, Philadelphia from 5:30 to 8:00 PM. Pizza and soda will be served. Interested persons should contact Janet DiTomasso at (215) 683-7275 or by email at Janet.DiTomasso@courts.phila.gov.

REST IN HONOR: FIRST INTERMENTS CONSECRATE NEW WASHINGTON CROSSING NATIONAL CEMETERY - On Wednesday afternoon, the cremains of seven deceased veterans and one spouse were interred during a somber and dignified ceremony at the new Washington Crossing National Cemetery. (read more)

BUTLER MEDICAL CENTER HELPS RESERVIST WHO 'FELL THROUGH THE CRACKS' - Army Spc. Matthew Onestar never shirks a challenge -- he looks for them. On Jan. 6, however, he faced the greatest challenge of his life: spending an entire night homeless, sleeping under a tree. (read more)

PA TO GET FIRST FISHER HOUSE FOR RELATIVES VISITING SOLDIERS IN VA CARE - From across the country, families of veterans who are receiving medical treatment and rehabilitation at the Oakland facility of the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System travel here to be near their loved ones. (read more)

HOMELESS VETERAN GETS PROPER BURIAL - Ray Vivier had been an adventurer, a Marine veteran who explored the country from South Carolina to Alaska, the father of five children. (read more)

 

MORE CHARGES PROMISED FOR ACCUSED GRAVE MARKER THIEF - The preliminary hearing scheduled for Monday for the Meadville man charged with allegedly selling approximately 100 brass markers stolen from veterans’ grave sites in Greendale Cemetery as scrap metal is now expected to take place within the next week to 10 days. (read more)

 

VETERANS’ STORIES NEEDED - The Silver Spring Township Veterans Memorial Committee is looking for veterans to share their stories and experiences with a new generation of Americans.  Through interviews, veterans' history will be preserved and their memories kept alive. The committee has teamed with Cumberland Valley School District and the Army archives at Carlisle Barracks to preserve the stories and memories of local veterans.  They seek military veterans of all services and any time period, but especially World War II veterans.  Interviews will be conducted by select students as part of their studies.  This is part of an effort to raise a veteran's memorial to promote service to the community and sacrifice beyond self.  Veterans, or anyone nominating a veteran, who would like to share their experiences with future generations should contact Clarence Bouchat at bouchatc@hotmail.com or Terri Martini at 766-0178.  More information is available at: www.sstveteransmemorial.com.

VA MEDICAL CENTER OPENING HEALTH CLINIC AT FORT INDIANTOWN GAP - The Lebanon VA Medical Center will open an outreach clinic Friday at Fort Indiantown Gap that will serve veterans who have recently returned from deployments. (read more)

AREA SOLDIER BRINGS HOME A SPECIAL GIFT - An area soldier brought a special gift home from Iraq for the residents of the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home. (read more)

GAP UNIT HONORS VETERANS AT FUNERALS - Spc. Timothy Wright and Staff Sgt. Timothy Heisey waited, backs stiff, arms by their sides, at the position of attention for the funeral party to arrive last weekend. (read more)

DEPLOYED SOLDIERS FINISH THEIR COLLEGE EDUCATIONS ONLINE - Bombs often exploded a half mile away from Technical Sgt. Christopher Swisher’s tent at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. (read more)

MOURNERS HONOR HERO - Ron Anderson was never in the military. But that didn't stop the senior pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Altoona from taking a lead role in an organization dedicated to honoring service men and women. (read more)

VFW MEMBERS IN COURT TO SUPPORT CLUB MANAGER - Supporters, many of them in their former service uniforms, filled the gallery of the courtroom in support of Don Hershey, manager of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1599. He was found guilty last year of violating Pennsylvania's Small Games of Chance law and is appealing the conviction. (read more)

OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS FROM YORK HELP LEAD THE WAY - The Way Outfitters provide remarkable opportunities to disabled and terminally ill children and military veterans. (read more)

PA'S CIVIL WAR FLAGS NEED CASH FOR UPKEEP - Forty-nine years after they had last carried them in battle, the surviving flag bearers from Pennsylvania's Civil War regiments again hoisted their unit's colors and marched through Harrisburg in a light rain. (read more)

PENNSYLVANIA MARINE WHO SAVED COMRADES GETS BRONZE STAR - A Marine credited with saving the lives of about a dozen of his comrades in Afghanistan has been honored after death with a Bronze Star with Valor. (read more)

 

VA, DOD DISCUSS SUICIDE RESEARCH, SCREENING - As Veterans Affairs and Defense Department officials gathered at a conference Jan. 12 to discuss what research tells them about suicide in the military, a young Army captain stood up to ask a question: “What can we do at the unit level? That’s the only reason my commander sent me here.” (read more)

INTEREST GROWS IN CREATING EDUCATION CENTER AT VIETNAM MEMORIAL - Momentum is growing for the campaign to build an Education Center at the Vietnam Memorial Wall. In September 2009, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund launched a National Call for Photos, to gather pictures of the more than 58,000 men and women whose names are on The Wall. There is also a new Web site dedicated to the Education Center, where you will find everything you need to start a local Call for Photos campaign. Click here to visit www.buildthecenter.org. By telling the stories behind every name, the Education Center will help visitors understand the courage, sacrifice and devotion of those who fell, those who returned, and those who waited.

VA SECRETARY SHINSEKI HELPS VETERANS AT VA MEDICAL CENTER HOMELESS STAND DOWN - At the VA Medical Center in Washington, D.C., (DCVAMC), Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki joined hundreds of volunteers in support of homeless Veterans in our Nation’s capital.  (read more)

ARMY NEWS NOW AVAILABLE VIA IPHONE from Military.com - Soldiers and others can now read the latest Army news on their iPhones. The new iPhone application is available for free from the iTunes application store or by visiting the Army.Mil Mobile website. The new application provides access to both Army video and still imagery. Users of the iPhone application have access to the Army Live Blog, Twitter feed, and Facebook page. Podcasts of the greatest moments of Soldiers Radio News are also available.

AIR FORCE RESTRICTS PORTAL ACCESS from Miitary.com - Air Force computers are restricting access to the Air Force Portal to only users with a common access card or valid public key infrastructure certificate. Air Force Knowledge Now began restricting access to CAC/ PKI users Jan. 1, and Air Force Personnel Center officials will begin restricting access to only CAC/PKI users Jan. 28. This PKI/CAC restriction will impact regular off-base users such as Air National Guard, Reservists, Department of Defense contractors and other home users. The restriction means Airman will access these Web portals with better security of their account identity and with fewer usernames and passwords to maintain.

GEICO OFFERS STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS from Military.com - GEICO is sponsoring two free registrations for women college students ages 18-35 to attend the Business and Professional Women's (BPW) Foundation's Policy and Action Day 2010. Students should submit their name, age, email, educational institution, major and two-three sentences about "What a Successful Workplace Means to Me" to policy@bpwfoundation.org. Deadline for submission is February 12, 2010. For more information, visit the BPW Foundation's website.

TRICARE SOCIAL MEDIA from Military.com - TRICARE is taking the plunge into social media channels and networks like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr to uncover what issues matter most to its beneficiaries around the world. TRICARE is active on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr, and is getting ready to launch a new media center Web page in March, 2010. The media center will include TRICARE news and links to TRICARE's social media channels. It will also allow beneficiaries to "share" benefit information with their friends and families online. For more information, visit TRICARE's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TRICARE, or Twitter account at www.twitter.com/TRICARE.

AIR FORCE TO HIRE DISABLED STUDENTS from Military.com - Air Force organizations have the opportunity to begin hiring students March 17 for temporary, funded positions as part of the 2010 Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities. Students who work in the temporary positions during the summer have their salaries paid by the Department of Defense with funding for the program running May 15 through Sept. 30. Air Force organizations interested in participating in the program should contact their local civilian personnel office for more information. For more information on the program, visit the Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities website at www.wrp.gov.

REPORTER EXPLORES LINK BETWEEN WARZONE BURN PITS AND VETERAN ILLNESSES - A number of U.S. service members have fallen ill after returning home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some believe their ailments are caused by exposure to toxic open-air burn pits located at military bases throughout the warzone. Journalist Matthew LaPlante discusses his three part series, "Sickened by Service," which ran this month in The Salt Lake Tribune. (read more)

SCIENTISTS SAY SCANNER CAN DETECT PTSD IN VETERANS - Post-traumatic stress is estimated to afflict more than 300,000 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, but until now, it's been labeled a "soft disorder" -- one without an objective biological path to diagnosis. (read more)

OFFICIAL NOTES HEALTH SYSTEM’S ‘AMAZING’ IMPACT - The Defense Department’s Military Health System has never played a clearer or more important role in the security of the nation, the assistant secretary of defense for health affairs said today. (read more)

VA TO BEGIN RECOVERY OF GI BILL ADVANCE PAYMENTS - The Veterans Affairs Department is beginning the process of recovering advance payments made available during the fall 2009 semester to veterans and service members who applied for education benefits. (read more)

LIVE AMERICAN LEGION WEBCASTS from Miltary.com - More American Legion events and activities than ever before will be streamed live on the American Legion website this year. The Commander's Call at the 50th Annual Washington Conference - expected to include speeches to Legionnaires from some of the nation's top elected officials - kicks off the schedule on March 2 from Washington, D.C. Also new this year will be live webcasts from American Legion Boys Nation and portions of the American Legion's 92nd National Convention from Milwaukee. A list of upcoming webcasts is available on the American Legion website. All of the live Web presentations can be viewed free of charge by visitors to the American Legion website.

FIRST LADY ANNOUNCES FAMILY PROGRAM BUDGET BOOST - President Barack Obama's fiscal 2011 budget request calls for a record $8.8 billion for military family support programs, First Lady Michelle Obama told military spouses today at Bolling Air Force Base here. (read more)

MILITARY FAMILIES GAIN ACCESS TO FREE, ONLINE TUTORING - The Defense Department has launched a free, online tutoring service for service members and their families. (read more)

CAREGIVING STRAINS FAMILIES OF VETERANS WITH SEVERE INJURIES - Kevin Kammerdiener's mother, Leslie, takes care of his every need, which would be fine if he were in preschool. (read more)

"FAMILIES AT EASE" PROGRAM EXTENDS HAND TO VETERANS' FAMILIES - VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia, PA and Durham, NC have begun a pilot program for families of Veterans who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan. Learn more at VA’s home page at http://www.va.gov/.

ASTRONAUT VISITS WARRIOR TRANSITION BRIGADE - An astronaut who has logged more than 950 hours in the space shuttles Discovery and Atlantis visited service members at Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s Warrior Transition Brigade. (read more)

FIGHT OVER TAINTED WATER CENTERS ON HEALTH CARE - A decades-old dispute over exposure to contaminated ground water at Camp Lejuene, N.C., exploded Thursday before a Senate committee into a battle over whether the Veterans Affairs Department or Defense Department should be responsible for providing health care for affected families and ended with a threat to freeze all of the Navy Department’s civilian leadership nominations. (read more)

 

·         January 30 – 31: Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program; 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Eastonina, 90 Kunkle Drive, Easton, PA

·         February 2 – 3: National Capital Region (NCR) Wounded Warrior Hiring and Support Conference; 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA

·         February 4: Coffee, Conversations, and Connections; 8:00 to 10:00 AM at the Giant Community Center, 3301 Trindle Road, Camp Hill, PA

·         February 5: In Memory Day Service; 10:00 AM at the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial, Washington, D.C

  

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VETERANS’ NEWS AND VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE PA OFFICE FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

Please visit our website and see what Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à www.paveterans.state.pa.us

CHRISTOPHER L. NELSON

MARKETING AND VETERANS INFORMATION

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

Phone: (717) 861- 6979

Toll Free: (800) 547-2838

Fax (717) 861 - 8589

 


22 January 2010

Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans. If you have any items you’d like to pass on, please send them to our Office for inclusion in the next digest. The contact information is at the bottom of this message. Please feel free to forward this to others.

FREE VETERANS EXPEDITIONS AT OUTWARD BOUND - Through generous funding by the Military Family Outdoor Initiative Project, a joint partnership of The Sierra Club and The Sierra Club Foundation, The Anschutz Family Foundation, and The Disabled American Veterans we are offering fully underwritten Outward Bound programs to Veterans. This is a tremendous opportunity for adventure and self-discovery to our veterans of combat operations in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) and Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom). We have over 20 years serving our nation's combat veterans through a long partnership with the Disabled American Veterans organization, where we have offered enriching wilderness expeditions specifically designed for war veterans at no cost to the participants. (read more)

PBS TO HIGHLIGHT CONTRIBUTIONS OF BLACK SERVICE MEMBERS – In February, PBS will air “For the Love of Liberty,” a documentary highlighting the contributions of black American service members dating all the way back to the American Revolution. Check your local listings for air dates/times. More information on the program can be found at: http://forloveofliberty.com

DONATIONS FOR FISHER HOUSE SOUGHT - For members of our Armed Forces, retirees, veterans and their families, the Fisher House program offers shelter and support during a medical crisis. Fisher Houses provide a comforting "home away from home" while a loved one is undergoing medical treatment in an unfamiliar environment. That special support is even more important when a family member is wounded or injured in military operations like Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom. By contributing to Fisher House Foundation, you can make a difference in the lives of America's service members, retirees, veterans and their families when needed most. To learn more about Fisher House Foundation, you can visit their web site at www.fisherhouse.org. Please use this link below to donate online quickly & securely: www.active.com/donate/AGSMforFisherHouse/GreaterHarrisburg

NORTHEASTERN PA SOLDIER KILLED - Sgt. 1st Class Michael P. Shannon, 52, of Canadensis, Pa., died Jan. 17, in Kabul, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.  He was assigned to Headquarters, 7th Army and U.S. Army Europe, Heidelberg, Germany. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

HOPS & BARLEYS HOSTS BENEFIT TO ASSIST VETERANS - A benefit event organized by Ronnie Williams to assist area military veterans was held recently at Hops & Barleys restaurant in Luzerne, which also made a donation to the effort. (read more)

KOREAN WAR VETERANS SEEK MEMBERS from the Pocono Record - The Korean War Veterans Association, Northeast Pennsylvania Chapter 109 is seeking new members. Any person who has seen honorable service in any of the armed forces of the United States, within Korea (Sept. 3, 1945, to June 25, 1950), within or without Korea (June 25, 1950 to Jan. 31, 1955), or within Korea from Feb. 1, 1955, onward, is eligible for membership. The chapter meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month, at the American Legion Post 927, Route 209, Gilbert. To join or for info, come to a meeting or contact John Howard at (570) 722-3027.

 

FLAG WAVES FOR THE FIRST TIME ABOVE WASHINGTON CROSSING NATIONAL CEMETERY - Holding back the tears, U.S. Navy World War II veteran Fred Caldwell, 84, raised the American flag for the first time over the Washington Crossing National Cemetery on Friday, Jan. 15. (read more)

REST IN HONOR: FIRST INTERMENTS CONSECRATE NEW WASHINGTON CROSSING NATIONAL CEMETERY - A quiet piece of land on Highland Road in Upper Makefield Township is now sacred ground. (read more)

NEW PROGRAM TRIES TO REACH MILITARY FAMILIES - Many soldiers returning from war struggle with mental health issues but are reluctant to seek treatment. The Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center is launching a new program that enlists the help of family members in getting vets into care.  (read more)

‘PITT'S BUCKET BRIGADE FOR HAITI’ ESTABLISHED - In an effort to help bring some long-term relief to the victims of Tuesday's devastating earthquake in Haiti, the University of Pittsburgh is organizing “Pitt's Bucket Brigade for Haiti” campaign. During the course of the next few weeks, 500 five-gallon buckets will be distributed throughout the University campus at offices and residence halls in an effort to collect hygiene products for the victims. (read more)

BOOK HELPS VETERANS DISCOVER HOW TO CLAIM BENEFITS - Working for years as an administrator in assisted living facilities and nursing homes, Joseph Scott McCarthy learned all about the mountains of sometimes mystifying paperwork veterans must complete to get benefits they deserve. (read more)

 

PENN STATE CLASS CAPTURES SOLDIERS' STORIES AS THEY RETURN FROM IRAQ - U.S. Marines veteran Matt Poth looked into the video camera and told a story about his time in Iraq that, until that point, only a few fellow soldiers had heard. It's hard for him to talk about watching a soldier die at the hands of a suicide bomber, and harder still to relay it to people who have never worn a uniform. (read more)

AMERICAN LEGION POST OFFERS BUS TOUR OF U.S. CAPITOL - American Legion Post 575, Valley View PA, is sponsoring a bus tour of our nation's capital. The tour will include the WWII Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, Korean War Memorial, the Changing of the Guard at The Tomb of the Unknown in Arlington National Cemetery and more. Everyone is welcome. For more information and registration please visit http://www.theplacetogo.com/oot510/

LEBANON VAMC DOCTOR PHONES IN HELP FOR HAITI - Dr. Hank Mackler has been traveling to Haiti on medical missions for 30 years. Mackler, chief of anesthesia at the Lebanon VA Medical Center in South Lebanon Township, said he has been to the impoverished Caribbean nation at least 35 times and knows many people who work in health care there. (read more)

PENNSYLVANIA MILITARY PERSONNEL CAN GET FINANCIAL AID THROUGH FAMILY RELIEF ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - After his Schuylkill County home burned in December, Sgt. Joseph Jordan needed help to get back on his feet. (read more)

SPEAKER SALUTES U.S.-KOREAN ALLIANCE - Bob Gerard would like very much to return to the place where people were trying to kill him barely 60 years ago. (read more)

 

US SEES INCREASE IN SUICIDE RATE OF YOUNG VETERANS - The suicide rate among men aged 18 to 29 years old who have left the U.S. military has gone up significantly, the government said Monday. (read more)

WOMEN'S SCARS OF WAR - When retired Army Staff Sgt. June Moss returned from Iraq, she had to explain to her children why she couldn't hug them. Any embrace longer than two seconds made her skin feel like it was on fire. (read more)

VFW CHIEF IN EASTERN CONNECTICUT: BEST SOLUTIONS FOUND IN BACKYARD - A Veterans of Foreign Wars national leader came to Eastern Connecticut this weekend and encouraged localized approaches to dealing with homeless veterans. (read more)

RETURNING US VETERANS SEE PAINFUL LEGACY OF VIETNAM WAR: LEFTOVER MINES AND BOMBS - A piece of shrapnel sliced Jerry Maroney's right leg. A bullet pierced Peter Holt's neck. Les Newell took a shot in the rump. (read more)

VA REPORTS NEW GI BILL NUMBERS from Military.com - The American Legion reports that the Department of Veterans Affairs recently released a report that says 164,144 individuals have enrolled in classes under the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, and 130,309 of them have received payments. Currently, the VA says it is paying about 4,500 students per day, and that it takes on average 47 days to process payments from the day the school certifies enrollment in VA. In all, 352,281 people have applied for a Certificate of Eligibility, and 292,896 have received one. They will receive funding when they enroll in a school. To improve the system, VA says it continues to review the process and streamline letters to veterans and their dependents who are attending school on their behalf.

VA CENTERS RECEIVE CERTIFICATION from Military.com - Department of Veterans Affairs announced that 15 of its medical centers have been cited by the Green Building Initiative for their efforts to achieve sustainable energy. As a federal agency, VA is required to have 15 percent of buildings incorporate sustainable practices by 2015 in accordance with Executive Order 13423. The recent Green Globe certifications raise VA's sustainable building inventory and contribute toward reaching the department's goals. The Green Globes system is an independent ratings based on environmental assessments.

AMERICAN LEGION CONTINUES GROWING from Military.com - On the way to breaking another membership record, all five Sons of The American Legion (SAL) regions exceeded their recruitment targets in 2009. The program, offered to descendants of wartime veterans eligible to join The American Legion, finished the year with 335,848 members. Membership in the American Legion Auxiliary is available to a mother, wife, daughter, sister, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, or grandmother of a member of The American Legion, or a deceased veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the listed war eras. Membership information and application materials for the SAL, American Legion or American Legion Auxiliary are available on The American Legion website.

VIRTUAL BURN TREATMENT from Military.com - National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" recently covered a new aspect of burn treatment being administered at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Some service members and veterans affected by burns are being distracted from their pain through the use of a virtual reality program called SnowWorld. Read more about BAMC's use of SnowWorld at NPR's website. For a look at this virtual treatment in action, view this video report from Fox 7 News, Austin, Texas.

APPLICANTS SOUGHT FOR DOD INTERNSHIP from Military.com -The Department of Defense is seeking applicants for a two-year, paid Military Health System Internship Program. Applicants generally need a Master's degree or two full years of progressively high-level graduate education and one year of specialized experience that equips them for the skills needed to perform the duties of the position. Positions are currently available in the Washington, D.C. area in human resources, information technology, management analysis, financial management analysis, and health systems analysis. Applications must be e-mailed by January 29, 2010. For more information, visit the Military Health System Blog webpage or call the MHS Human Capital Office (571) 296-2960.

NATIONAL HEALTH REFORM AND THE MILITARY - As House and Senate Democrats negotiate a final compromise national health care reform bill, military people across the nation -- and their advocates in Washington D.C. -- remain vigilant for side effects. (read more)

TWO STUDIES: PTSD IS CHEMICAL CHANGE IN BRAIN from Army Onesource Family News - Two new studies seem to provide more evidence that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chemical change in the brain caused by trauma — and that it might be possible to diagnose, treat and predict susceptibility to it based on brain scans or blood tests. To read more, go to http://www.myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/01/PTSD1.

DOGS HELPS SOLDIERS DEAL WITH PTSD from Army Onesource Family News - One in eight Soldiers returning from Iraq or Afghanistan reports symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Psychiatric service dogs have been assisting people who have a variety of mental illnesses for more than a decade; 10,000 such dogs are in use today. A survey by the Psychiatric Service Dog Society found that the trained dogs reduced post-traumatic stress symptoms in 82 percent of 39 patients surveyed. Forty percent said they used less medication, and many reported that their dogs could sense impending manic episodes and panic attacks, even before the patients did. The Army found those findings promising enough to allocate $300,000 to study the effects of pairing the dogs with Soldiers who have the stress disorder. To read more, go to http://www.myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/01/PTSD2.

GUARD, RESERVE TRICARE OPTIONS DURING TRANSITION TO CIVILIAN LIFE from Army Onesource Family News - TRICARE now offers many options for recently deactivated guardsmen, reservists and their Families to maintain their health during the transition from active duty back to civilian life. After serving in contingency operations for more than 30 days, deactivated guardsmen, reservists and their Family members are eligible to receive care through the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) for 180 days after deactivation. TAMP participants can choose TRICARE Standard or TRICARE Prime, if it is locally available. To learn more, go to http://www.myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/01/TRICARE.

FAMILY SUICIDE PREVENTION AND AWARENESS TRAINING from Army Onesource Family News - The U.S. Army created a Suicide Prevention Task Force in an ongoing effort to decrease the number of suicides in the Army. One of the goals of the task force is to increase the number of available training programs, to include one for Families. This Family training is strictly voluntary. To learn more, go to http://www.myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/01/Training.

DEFENSE COMMISSARY AGENCY (DECA) 2010 SCHOLARSHIP FOR MILITARY CHILDREN from Army Onesource Family News - Scholarship applications are now available in commissaries worldwide and online through a link at http://www.myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/01/Scholarship1 and directly at http://www.myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/01/Scholarship2. Since the program began in 2000, it has awarded $7.3 million in scholarships to almost 5,000 children of service members. Only dependent, unmarried children, younger than age 21 (age 23 if enrolled as a full-time student at a college or university), of active duty personnel, Reserve, Guard and retired military members, and Survivors of the Fallen may apply for a scholarship. Eligibility is determined using the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System database. The applicant must be planning to attend, or already be attending, an accredited college or university full time in the fall of 2010, or be enrolled in a program of studies designed to transfer directly into a four-year program. Applicants should prepare to submit an essay on the following topic: “You can travel back in time; however, you cannot change events. What point in history would you visit and why?” Applications are due to a commissary by close of business February 17, 2010. Each commissary with qualified applicants will have at least one scholarship awarded. To learn more, go to http://www.myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/01/Scholarship3.

NMFA JOANNE HOLBROOK PATTON MILITARY SPOUSE SCHOLARSHIP from Army Onesource Family News - Spouses of Soldiers, including active duty, National Guard and Reserve, retiree and Survivors, are eligible for the 2010 National Military Family Association (NMFA) Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship. Scholarships of up to $10,000 are available for military spouses to use to obtain GED or English as a Second Language (ESL) training; vocational training; professional certification; post-secondary; and graduate school. These scholarships assist with tuition, fees, and school room and board. NMFA sends funds directly to the accredited educational institution. In 2009, NMFA awarded more than three hundred scholarships. For more information or to apply for a scholarship, visit http://www.myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/01/Spouse.

NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE CHILDREN WELCOMED AT THE FIRST TEE CHAPTERS from Army Onesource Family News - In 2010, The First Tee will offer golf instruction combined with character and life skills education to children of National Guardsmen and Reservists living in communities across the country. The initiative is made possible as part of a two-year agreement with the DoD. The goal is to welcome at least 6,000 school-aged participants from military Families to The First Tee to participate in no-cost programs. Prior golf experience and equipment are not necessary. Trained coaches and staff at over 200 chapters of The First Tee offer a progression of lesson plans that creates a fun and safe learning environment. The curriculum fosters curiosity about the game of golf and teaches participants how to use the positive values inherent in the game at home, in school and in other areas of everyday life. For chapter locations or more information, Families should visit http://www.myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/01/FirstTee.

SPOUSE BATTLEMIND TELEPHONE SUPPORT GROUPS from Army Onesource Family News - The Army and DoD funded a research study administered by the Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center for the spouses of Service members who were deployed at least one time to Iraq or Afghanistan. Free confidential telephone support groups are one hour, one time a month for 12 months. Spouses learn ways to manage stress and solve problems related to reintegration, education about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and other common problems. For Information or to enroll, contact Spouse BATTLEMIND at 1-800-636-8262 X7485 or http://www.myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/01/Battlemind.

SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND RECRUITS WOUNDED WARRIORS - Due to advances in modern medicine, many wounded service members are returning to the fight or transitioning their experience to civilian employment. Naval Sea Systems Command wants them on board. (read more)

HALL OF REMEMBRANCE HONORS FALLEN TROOPS - Army Spc. Jonathan Emard, 20, was killed June 4, 2008, in Tikrit, Iraq, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using small-arms fire and hand grenades. (read more)

VA WINS NATIONAL AWARD FOR SAFE MEDICATION PRACTICES - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has won top national honors from the independent Institute for Safe Medication Practices for its excellence in preventing medication errors. (read more)

GI BILL LOOKS BETTER FOR SPRING, VA SAYS - Veterans Affairs Department officials appear to have a good jump on processing spring semester claims for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, and they hope that hiring more people, getting help from an outside contractor and convincing schools to submit enrollment information faster will avoid delays that plagued the program in the fall. (read more)

WOMEN VETERANS ASKED ‘WHO HAS TIME FOR THE FLU?’ - “Who has time for the flu?” is the question Women Veterans Program Managers (WVPMs) are asking women Veterans this flu season. A poster designed by the Women Veterans Health Strategic Health Care Group bearing this question was distributed to all WVPMs to kick off the vaccination season. WVPMs used the posters to spread the word about the importance of H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccinations, especially for new mothers and pregnant and lactating women—two of the groups at highest risk for complications from the flu. A survey conducted by Women Veterans Health Strategic Health Care Group found that of 72 responding facilities, 98.6% were engaged in outreach to pregnant and lactating women veterans. Many went beyond hanging posters—to calling patients, mailing reminders, and engaging in provider education. In Big Spring, Texas, Women Veterans Health staff advertised in the local paper and traveled to rural areas to distribute vaccinations. And the Long Beach, CA, facility partnered with local VSOs and held a baby shower at which new mothers and moms-to-be could get flu vaccinations. The event was a hit—two more baby showers are on the books for 2010. For more information on VHA programs on flu and on women veterans health, visit www.publichealth.va.gov.

VA REACHING OUT TO STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS TO SPEED BENEFIT PAYMENTS - In a coordinated effort to speed up the processing of Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefits this spring, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that it has been reaching out to student Veterans, service members, university officials and other partners to meet its commitment to an aggressive processing goal by Feb. 1, 2010. Feb. 1 is the first date spring payments are due and presently VA has processed over 72,000 of the approximately 103,000 spring enrollments received.  Since inception of the historic new program last year, VA has paid over $1.3 billion in benefits to more than 170,000 students. (read more)

COMBAT WOUNDS NOT THE LEADING CAUSE OF EVACUATIONS - American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan were more likely to be medically evacuated for health problems such as a bad back than for combat injuries, a new study says. (read more)

 

·         January 22 – 24: TBI Family Retreat; 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Camp Little J, Spruce Creek, PA

·         January 23 – 24: Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Event; 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Millersville University, 1 South George St, Millersville, PA

·         January 25 – 27: 28th Annual Healthsports Ski Classic; 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Hidden Valley Ski Resort, 1 Craighead Drive, Hidden Valley, PA

·         January 25: John Neely Blood and Bone Marrow Drive; 1:00 to 7:00 PM at Rochester VFW, 179 Virginia Avenue, Rochester, PA

·         January 26: Johnstown Job Fair; 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Hiram G. Andrews Center Seminar Theatre, 727 Goucher Street, Johnstown, PA

·         January 27: Office of Disability Employment Policy Listening Session; 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA

·         January 28: Jobs Gone Wild Career Fair; 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM at the Wachovia Center, 3601 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA

·         January 30 – 31: Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program; 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Eastonina, 90 Kunkle Drive, Easton, PA

 

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VETERANS’ NEWS AND VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE PA OFFICE FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

Please visit our website and see what Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à www.paveterans.state.pa.us

CHRISTOPHER L. NELSON

MARKETING AND VETERANS INFORMATION

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

Phone: (717) 861- 6979

Toll Free: (800) 547-2838

Fax (717) 861 - 8589

 


15 January 2010

Here’s a look at some of the current news events that will impact Pennsylvania’s Veterans. If you have any items you’d like to pass on, please send them to our Office for inclusion in the next digest. The contact information is at the bottom of this message. Please feel free to forward this to others.

CORRECTION – The bill that was mentioned in the PA CARES minutes is still only a draft at this point and has not been introduced into the legislature. It is not likely this bill will be introduced any time in the immediate future. The Pennsylvania Association of County Directors of Veterans Affairs is currently working with Senator Lisa Baker’s office on creating a bill that will outline the duties of a County Director of Veterans Affairs. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

VIDEOGAME PUBLISHER HELPS VETERANS FIND JOBS - Activision, the video game publisher behind the popular Call of Duty games, has recently started a non-profit organization called the Call of Duty Endowment.  This organization provides grants to groups aimed at helping veterans with career training and job placement. For more information, visit: http://www.callofdutyendowment.org/

GREEN JOBS TRAINING FOR RECENTLY SEPARATED VETERANS AVAILABLE NOW - Focusing on the expanding opportunities of Green Jobs, two non-profit veterans employment organizations have partnered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to manage a Veterans Workforce Investment Program (VWIP) that seeks to place veterans into environmentally-friendly jobs. A special emphasis for recruiting will target recently separated men and women from the US military and the PA National Guard. For more information in the Eastern part of the state go to:  http://www.impactservices.org/vet_services/employment.php. For more information in the Western part of the state go to:  http://www.vlpwpa.org/content.agent?page_name=HOME 

VA EMPLOYEES DO VOLUNTEER WORK - Employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Plains Township volunteer at the medical center and Community Living Center during their off-duty hours to show their appreciation to the patients and residents. (read more) 

VA CENTER RESIDENTS RECEIVE GIFTS FROM CRIME WATCH - The Plains Township Neighborhood Crime Watch donated holiday gifts for patients and residents of the Community Living Center at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Plains Township. (read more)

 

CINNAMINSON BUS STOP FOR VETS TO BE RELOCATED - The stop in Cinnaminson for the Veterans Bus Service is being relocated to the Shoppes at Cinnaminson on Route 130 at Cinnaminson Avenue beginning Feb. 2, county officials said. (read more)

NEW VA FACILITY MAKES CARE MORE CONVENIENT FOR LOCAL VETERANS - Since Rudy Cozad retired from the United States Air Force in 1972, he has driven more than 20 miles from his home in Cranberry to receive medical care at a Veterans Administration facility in Butler. (read more)

SIDNEY SINGER, FOUNDER OF VETERANS PLACE OF WASHINGTON BLVD DIES AT 84 - On Washington Boulevard in Larimer there stands a $2.5 million housing facility for veterans that almost everyone -- except Sidney Singer -- believes should have Mr. Singer's name on it. (read more)

 

PA MAN CHARGED WITH SELLING VETS' GRAVE MARKERS - A northwestern Pennsylvania man allegedly sold roughly 100 brass markers stolen from veterans' graves for scrap. (read more)

KOREAN WAR VETERANS SEEK MEMBERS from the Pocono Record - The Korean War Veterans Association, Northeast Pennsylvania Chapter 109 is seeking new members. To join, come to a meeting or contact Paul A. Warman, commander, at (570) 595-2885 for additional information.

 

VA CENTER REASSESSING SOLDIERS’ HEALTH - The effort, which will include about 700 soldiers by the time it ends today, is part of a Defense Department-mandated Post Deployment Health Reassessment. (read more)

FREE FAMILY RETREAT FOR VETERANS WITH TBI – Frontline ministries will be holding their first Family Retreat of 2010 at Camp Little J in Spruce Creek, PA, located near Altoona. Network, meet new friends, spend time with others dealing with similar issues and concerns, or spend time relaxing. Contact George Palmer for more information or to register at (814) 684-1515 or email flmin@msn.com.

ALTOONA MARINE KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN - The Department of Defense announced today the death of an Altoona Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Staff Sgt. Matthew N. Ingham, 25, of Altoona, PA died Jan. 11, along with two other Marines, while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Ingham, was assigned to 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

LEBANON VA IS PAVING THE WAY FOR OPENING OF NEW PATIENT ACCOUNT CENTER THAT WILL ADD 450 JOBS - Preparations are in the works for the Consolidated Patient Account Center that will bring an estimated 450 jobs to the Lebanon VA Medical Center by the end of 2011. (read more)

CHAMBERSBURG'S VFW POST 1599 HONORED - The Charles M. Nitterhouse Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1599, Chambersburg, is celebrating its 75th anniversary as the largest VFW post in Pennsylvania and the third largest in the United States. (read more)

VA REACHES OUT TO STRYKER BRIGADE MEMBERS - Hundreds of veterans who returned from Iraq last fall are getting special attention in Altoona this weekend. The program is part of a Veteran's Administration efforts to make sure returning members of the Pennsylvania National Guard have the support they need. (read more)

 

STUDIES SEEK BEST WAYS TO DRAW HOMELESS VETERANS INTO PRIMARY CARE - Stefan Kertesz, MD, MSc, vividly recalls a patient he saw at a homeless shelter in the 1990s. The man had a mood disorder and hypertension. Clinical guidelines and performance measures called for aggressively managing the blood pressure. But Kertesz sensed that if he were to go that route during their initial meetings, it would drive the man away and stifle their budding patient-doctor relationship. (read more)

ACTORS JOIN THEATER PROJECT TO AID COMBAT VETERANS – Actors from Broadway and television are performing in Washington as part of a theater project to help returning soldiers discuss the psychological effects of war and combat. (read more)

RIDING TOWARD RECOVERY: CAISSON HORSES HELP INJURED VETS GET ON WITH LIFE - A stronger blast, a little less luck, and the horse that Marine Sgt. Michael Blair is riding down an Arlington, Va., trail could easily be pulling his coffin. (read more)

INCREASE IN SUICIDE RATE OF VETS - The suicide rate among 18- to 29-year-old men who've left the military has gone up significantly, the government said Monday. (read more)

MILITARY MISCONDUCT MAY BE SYMPTOM OF STRESS DISORDER - In 2007, a high-ranking Navy doctor sent a sobering warning to colleagues: The service may be discharging soldiers for misconduct when in fact they are merely displaying symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. (read more)

TIME TO HONOR EMPLOYERS from Military.com - The Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is encouraging Guard and Reserve servicemembers to speak out and honor their patriotic employers. Guard and Reserve servicemembers can nominate their employers for the Patriot Award at the ESGR website at www.esgr.org and the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award at the Freedom Award website at www.freedomaward.mil. The Patriot Award recognizes all employers with a certificate and an accompanying lapel pin. The deadline for nominations for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is Jan. 18. It was created by the Department of Defense to publicly recognize employers that provide exceptional support to their National Guard and Reserve employees.

NEW "DOT MIL DOCS" PODCAST AVAILABLE from Military.com - Episode 91 of the Military Health System's (MHS) podcast Dot Mil Docs features Ron Horne, deputy director for the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), discussing TAP services provided to wounded warriors and other servicemembers preparing for transition to civilian life. Click here to listen. For more information on the Transition Assistance Program, visit www.turbotap.org.

TRICARE OFFERS SEASONAL VACCINES from Military.com - TRICARE beneficiaries who are eligible to use the TRICARE retail pharmacy benefit can now receive the seasonal flu, H1N1 flu and pneumonia vaccines at TRICARE retail network pharmacies at no cost. Other vaccines still must be administered in a doctor's office or authorized convenience clinic to be fully covered by TRICARE's preventive health services cost-share waiver. Beneficiaries should call their local TRICARE retail network pharmacy to make sure it participates in the vaccine program and has the vaccine in stock. To locate a participating retail network pharmacy, visit Express Scripts' TRICARE Pharmacy Program webpage at http://www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE or call Express Scripts at 877-363-1303.

BETTER MENTAL FITNESS WILL HELP PREVENT SUICIDE, SUTTON SAYS - Preventing suicide is more than simply recognizing the signs, it involves building strong community and individual support before the idea ever sets in, the Army's top psychiatrist and director of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury said here today. (read more)

VA SECRETARY SHINSEKI HONORED FOR PATRIOTIC SERVICE - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki was awarded the Gold Good Citizenship Medal by the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) during an honors dinner Jan. 9 at the Mount Vernon Inn.  The gala was hosted by the George Washington Chapter of the SAR. (read more)

VETS GET MORE TIME FOR HOME TAX CREDIT - Federal legislation extending the popular homebuyers tax credit has something extra for members of the armed forces serving overseas — more time. (read more)

MORPHINE FOUND TO HELP STAVE OFF PTSD IN WOUNDED TROOPS - More than 200 years after it was isolated from poppies, morphine remains one of medicine's best painkillers. But that isn't its only use. (read more)

COMMISSARIES PARTNER WITH DOD TO PROMOTE PSYCHOLOGICAL CARE FOR VETERANS, FAMILIES - Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Megan Krause had deployed to Iraq and returned without any injury, or so she thought. Marine Sgt. Josh Hopper had been wounded by a roadside bomb during his second tour to Iraq, but his scars ran deeper than even he could imagine.  (read more)

ARMY WORKS TO INCREASE SOLDIERS’ RESILIENCE - Army officials are trying to increase the resilience of soldiers and family members by increasing their physical, emotional, social, spiritual and family strengths. (read more)

VA, DOD EXPAND RANKS OF FEDERAL RECOVERY COORDINATORS - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the hiring of five new Federal Recovery Coordinators, bringing to 20 the number of professionals coordinating care for the most seriously injured service members. (read more)

OFFICIALS URGE MORE CARE FOR CAREGIVERS - The military needs to step up efforts to head off compassion fatigue among its caregivers, a National Guard official said here yesterday. (read more)

PENTAGON HONORS CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER’S LEGACY - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today challenged the Defense Department and all Americans to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy during a Pentagon observance in advance of the Jan. 18 holiday that marks the civil rights leader’s birth. (read more)

 

·         January 16 - 17: Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Event; 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Fort Indiantown Gap, Building 8-80, Multipurpose Room, Annville, PA

·         January 21:  ‘Vetwork’ Your Business: Networking at the Hub; 8:00 AM at The Hub, Cira Centre, 2929 Arch Street, Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA

·         January 22 – 24: TBI Family Retreat; 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Camp Little J, Spruce Creek, PA

·        January 23 – 24: Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Event; 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Millersville University, 1 South George St, Millersville, PA 

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST VETERANS’ NEWS AND VIDEO FOOTAGE ON THE PA OFFICE FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS WEB PAGE

Please visit our website and see what Pennsylvania does for its veterans!à www.paveterans.state.pa.us

CHRISTOPHER L. NELSON

MARKETING AND VETERANS INFORMATION

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

Phone: (717) 861- 6979

Toll Free: (800) 547-2838

Fax (717) 861 - 8589

 


News Release

Jan. 12, 2010

 

Philadelphia VA program reaches out to

Iraq, Afghanistan Veterans not currently in VA care

“Families At Ease”: 1-877-823-5261 weekdays 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center has launched a pilot program to help Veterans and their families get the assistance they need – and take advantage of the benefits they have earned.

The “Families At Ease” program is designed to enhance outreach to recently returned combat Veterans who are reluctant to seek help, or who may be unaware that they need it.  The program will include brochures, advertisements, posters and other outreach methods to encourage Veterans and families to contact a call center where they will receive more information. 

“The VA has a range of programs available for Veterans, and it’s really important for them to take advantage of what they have earned,” said Steven L. Sayers, Ph.D., who is leading the effort.  “We’re directing the campaign toward families because loved ones are often in the best position to see changes in the Veteran and influence him or her to seek help.”

Follow-up strategies include telephone consultation to the family member or Veteran regarding how to seek care, family member coaching to help motivate the Veteran toward evaluation or consultation, and encouragement to seek assessment or services.  It is a collaborative effort between VA medical centers in Philadelphia, Pa., and Durham, N.C. 

“Families At Ease” is the latest of many efforts by the VA to reach out to this new generation of combat Veterans, who receive five years of health care upon discharge or demobilization.  In 2009, Philadelphia VA staff members reached more than 4,000 Veterans and families at 50 gatherings such as Yellow Ribbon events, Veteran fairs, redeployment activities, and other forums.  The objective is to educate them and encourage them to take advantage of the benefits they have earned.

There is added significance in the Philadelphia area as Pennsylvania and New Jersey National Guard soldiers recently returned in large numbers from Iraq and Afghanistan.  Philadelphia VA staff was on hand this fall at Fort Dix, N.J., to welcome them back and educate the soldiers on their VA health care benefits.

For more information about Families At Ease, contact the call center toll-free at 1-877-823-5261. 

The Philadelphia VA served more than 50,000 Veterans in 2009 and also operates outpatient clinics at Fort Dix, Gloucester County and Camden, N.J., Center City Philadelphia, and Horsham, Pa. – the Victor J. Saracini Community Based Outpatient Clinic.

 

Daniel Lasko, District Representative

US Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz (PA-13)

7219 Frankford Avenue

Philadelphia, Pa 19135

(215) 335-3355

(215) 333-4508 (FAX)

Daniel.Lasko@Mail.House.Gov

www.house.gov/schwartz


18 December 2009

Sponsorship Information for the 2011 National Veterans Wheelchair Games

Attached is a PDF of the information and sponsorship brochure that Paralyzed Veterans of America national office has put together. We will accept donations of any size, and we are working on the items that come along with donations under $7,000. 

We are also looking for organizations and individuals to volunteer, we will launch a web-site in the coming months for volunteers. The is also an Expo on the first day of the Games, and booths are available for a modest fee. 

Please, feel free to pass along to people you think may be interested in supporting the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Pittsburgh, 2011.

Click here to review the PDF file


The Pennsylvania Veteran Newsletter - January 2010

Click here to View




13 December 2009

Please review the attached letter from the Commonwealth Department of Labor and Industry and spread the word to your posts in the Philadelphia area and the Pittsburgh area about this Green Job training opportunity aimed at recently separated veterans.  This training is funded by a Veterans Workforce Investment Grant.

 For more information Click Here

Thank you

Rhakeem Favors

Impact Services Corporation 

Labor Coordinator

Veterans Labor Department

Office: 215-739-5774  5763

Fax:    215-739-6583

Mobile: 215-989-6368


Pennsylvania Heath Law Project

Veterans Health Administration
Posting Flyer


Click here to View the Flyer
Veterans Health Administration
Guide for Advocates


Click here to View the Guide

 

25 November 2009

The Pennsylvania Veteran Newsletter - December 2009

Click here for more info

 


Secretary Shinseki Details Plan to End Homelessness for Veterans

Five-Year Plan Unveiled at Homeless Summit

For more information Click Here


Coping With Deployments

Psychological First Aid for Military Families Course

For more information Click Here


November 9th
Soldiers and Sailors Grove Dedication Cememony for Specialist McGinnis





VA Military Updates

Click here to View

 

The Pennsylvania Veteran Newsletter - November 2009

Click here to View


16 October 2009

VA Deputy Highlights Bond between Defense and Veterans Affairs

Gould Addresses Senior Pentagon Leadership

WASHINGTON (Oct. 16, 2009) - An innovative, far-sighted partnership
between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of
Defense (DoD) will improve the health care system for Veterans and
dramatically change the way health care is delivered to all Americans,
according to Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs W. Scott Gould.

"The future will see VA and DoD working even closer together," said
Gould, "as we fulfill the President's requirement for a single Virtual
Lifetime Electronic Record that will support Veterans from their day of
induction to their day of interment."

Gould spoke Oct. 15 at the second annual DoD "Breakthrough Convention"
devoted to improving business practices in the nation's largest
government agency. 

Noting that VA's budget requirements are substantially affected by DoD's
strategic decisions and operations, he reassured the audience that the
President's proposed 2010 budget for VA addresses the issue and builds
on increases Congress added to the Department's budget in the last two
years.

VA's 2010 budget request for $113 billion would fund increased education
benefits for post-9/11 Veterans, health care for some Veterans who were
previously ineligible, more mental health and cognitive-injury services
-- especially in rural areas -- and upgraded technology for data
transmission and records. 

Gould said the long-term solution for correcting procedural delays that
affect Veterans is to redesign business processes and improve
information technology.  VA's new strategic plan, he said, is focused on
Veterans, with whom VA has an ongoing - sometimes, life-long -
relationship.

Employees have a natural desire to achieve client satisfaction, but
their ability to act on the desire can be diminished by poor systems,
policies or lack of training, Gould said.  VA's second-ranking executive
credited Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki with providing
the leadership to create an organizational culture of performance on
behalf of Veterans.


24 September 2009

The Pennsylvania Veteran Newsletter - October 2009

Click here for more info


15 September 2009

Keystone Paralyzed Veterans Awards Banquet in Gibsonia, PA

Deadline to register is September 23.

Click here for more info


14 September 2009

VA Special Health Registry Examination Programs

Click here for more info


31 August 2009

Please pass the word as this is a very important program.

 
Semper Fi,
Bill Taylor
 
 

VA's Suicide Prevention Program Adds Chat Service

New Service Expands Online Access for Veterans 

WASHINGTON (August 31, 2009) - The Suicide Prevention campaign of the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is expanding its outreach to all
Veterans by piloting an online, one-to-one "chat service" for Veterans
who prefer reaching out for assistance using the Internet. 

Called "Veterans Chat," the new service enables Veterans, their families
and friends to go online where they can anonymously chat with a trained
VA counselor.  If a "chatter" is determined to be in a crisis, the
counselor can take immediate steps to transfer the person to the VA
Suicide Prevention Hotline, where further counseling and referral
services are provided and crisis intervention steps can be taken. 

"This online feature is intended to reach out to all Veterans who may or
may not be enrolled in the VA health care system and provide them with
online access to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline," said Dr. Gerald
Cross, VA's Acting Under Secretary for Health. "It is meant to provide
Veterans with an anonymous way to access VA's suicide prevention
services." 


Veterans, family members or friends can access Veterans Chat through the
suicide prevention Web site (www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
<http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
> ).  There is a Veterans tab
on the left-hand side of the website that will take them directly to
Veteran resource information.  On this page, they can see the Hotline
number (1-800-273-TALK), and click on the Veterans Chat tab on the right
side of the Web page to enter.  

Veterans retain anonymity by entering whatever names they choose once
they enter the one-on-one chat.  They are then joined by a counselor who
is trained to provide information and respond to the requests and
concerns of the caller.  

If the counselor decides the caller is in a crisis, the counselor will
encourage the Veteran to call the Suicide Prevention Hotline, where a
trained suicide prevention counselor will determine whether crisis
intervention techniques are required. 

The pilot program, which has been in operation since July 3, has already
had positive results.  In one instance, the online counselor determined
that a Veteran in the chat required immediate assistance.  The counselor
convinced the Veteran to provide the counselor with a home telephone
number and then remained in the chat room with the Veteran while the
hotline staff called the number and talked to the Veteran's mother.  The
hotline counselor worked with the Veteran's mother to convince the
Veteran to be admitted to a medical facility for further treatment.  

"The chat line is not intended to be a crisis response line," said Dr.
Janet Kemp, VA's National Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the VA
medical center in Canandaigua, N.Y., where VA's trained counselors staff
the chat line 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  VA's suicide
prevention hotline is also staffed continuously.  

"Chat responders are trained in an intervention method specifically
developed for the chat line to assist people with emotional distress and
concerns," Kemp said. "We have procedures they can use to transfer
chatters in crisis to the hotline for more immediate assistance." 

Both Veterans Chat and the VA's Suicide Prevention Hotline have been
established under the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which was
established through collaboration between VA and the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the Department of
Health and Human Services.   

Since becoming operational in July 2007, VA's Suicide Prevention Hotline
has received more than 150,000 calls, resulting in 4,000 rescues. 

 


26 August 2009

The Pennsylvania Veteran Newsletter - September 2009

Click here for more info

 


26 August 2009

VA Cancels Contract with Texas Medical Center

Recent VA News Releases

To view and download VA news release, please visit the following Internet address: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel

VA Continues Gulf War Research, Cancels Contract with UTSW Medical Center

WASHINGTON (Aug. 26, 2009) - Citing persistent noncompliance and numerous performance deficiencies, the Department of Veterans Affairs

(VA) will not exercise the third year of a five-year, $75 million contract with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

(UTSWMC) to perform research into Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses (GWVI).

"Research into the illnesses suffered by Gulf War Veterans remains a priority for VA," said Dr. Gerald M. Cross, VA's Acting Under Secretary for Health. "As part of our commitment to this vital effort, we must make certain that our resources are used to support effective and productive research."

VA listed several reasons for not exercising the contract option, including UTSWMC's persistent and continuing noncompliance with contract terms and conditions and detailed documentation by the contracting officer of performance deficiencies. VA also noted that its Office of Inspector General documented severe performance deficiencies in a July

15 report and recommended that no further task orders be issued under the contract.

VA will meet with UTSWMC contract staff on today to provide guidance for completing work in progress and submitting adequate documentation to allow payment. UTSWMC will be allowed to fulfill task orders already in progress if it corrects all performance deficiencies. .

The decision not to continue the contract means VA's research program will be able to redirect funds to support additional research into GWVI.

In 2010, that research will include a genomic study to identify susceptibility factors and markers of GWVI; studies of similarities and differences with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia; studies of new diagnostic tests; identification of sub-populations of ill Gulf War Veterans; and studies of potential new treatments.

The redirected funding for these new VA research initiatives will be in addition to the substantial support VA already provides for GWVI

research--$7 million in 2008 and $4.8 million so far in 2009.


25 August 2009

Secretary Shinseki Moves to Simplify PTSD Compensation Rules 

WASHINGTON (Aug. 24, 2009) - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking steps to assist Veterans seeking compensation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  "The hidden wounds of war are being addressed vigorously and comprehensively by this administration as we move VA forward in its transformation to the 21st century," said Secretary Shinseki.  The VA is publishing a proposed regulation today in the Federal Register to make it easier for a Veteran to claim service connection for PTSD by reducing the evidence needed if the stressor claimed by a Veteran is related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.  Comments on the proposed rule will be accepted over the next 60 days. A final regulation will be published after consideration of all comments received.

 
Under the new rule, VA would not require corroboration of a stressor related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity if a VA psychiatrist or psychologist confirms that the stressful experience recalled by a Veteran adequately supports a diagnosis of PTSD and the Veteran's symptoms are related to the claimed stressor. Previously, claims adjudicators were required to corroborate that a non-combat Veteran actually experienced a stressor related to hostile military activity.  This rule would simplify the development that is required for these cases. 

PTSD is a recognized anxiety disorder that can follow seeing or experiencing an event that involves actual or threatened death or serious injury to which a person responds with intense fear, helplessness or horror, and is not uncommon in war. Feelings of fear, confusion or anger often subside, but if the feelings don't go away or get worse, a Veteran may have PTSD.


VA is bolstering its mental health capacity to serve combat Veterans,adding thousands of new professionals to its rolls in the last four years. The Department also has established a suicide prevention helpline (1-800-273-TALK) and Web site available for online chat in the evenings at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Veterans http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Veterans
 


20 August 2009

PA Legislator Wants Flag as National Symbol to Honor Fallen Soldiers

http://your4state.com/content/fulltext/?cid=67201


13 August 2009

Wounded In Action Artwork Submission Call

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons is conducting an art exhibit in conjunction with the organization’s 75th Anniversary. Please pass to any artists you may know. Submission deadline is October 15th. See attached flyer for details.

Click here of more info


29 July 2009

The Pennsylvania Veteran Newsletter - August 2009

Click here for more info


July 2009

From Combat to Connection - A Retreat for Women Veterans - 2009


28 July 2009

Post-9/11 GI Bill Information

From the VA’s website there are links to information concerning the Post 9-11 GI Bill. 

http://www.gibill.va.gov/Training/Pamphlets.htm

Pamphlets & Factsheets

Here you will find pamphlets, brochures, and information sheets relating to the GI Bill. Some of these documents require the free Adobe PDF Reader version 6.0 or above which may be obtained by clicking HERE

If you wish to order bulk copies of any pamphlets, please click HERE.
Post-9/11 GI Bill Information

Pamphlets for other benefits

These materials may be distributed freely.


16 July 2009

Letter to Governor Rendell from Commandant Dietrich

As many of you know the Auditor General recommended the next opening on the State Civil Service Commission be filled by a Veteran.

On 7 July 2009, Governor Rendell appointed Odelfa Preston Smith, a non-Veteran, to the State Civil Service Commission.  The Senate State Government Committee approved the nomination but did collectively sign a letter expressing their concerns. 

Attached please find the letter which is being forwarded to the Governor expressing our (Marine Corps League of Pennsylvania) concern with the appointment. 

V/r 

Leanna Dietrich, Commandant

Click the link below to read the letter that was sent:

Civil Service appointment letter


29 June 2009

The Pennsylvania Veteran Newsletter - July 2009

Click here for more info


10 June 2009

VA Medical Foster Home Program

Click here for more info


29 May 2009

The Pennsylvania Veteran Newsletter - June 2009

Click here for more info


11 May 2009

The Pennsylvania Veteran Newsletter - May 2009

Click here for more info


6 May 2009

Latest Post 9-11 GI Bill information

Click here for more info


5 May 2009

2009 Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, and Survivors

Click here for more info

Online version
http://www1.va.gov/OPA/vadocs/current_benefits.asp


11 April 2009

More misc. Veterans info you may find of value:

New Publications: Returning from the War Zone Guides

 The VA’s National Center for PTSD wants to make sure you are aware we now have new revisions of our Returning from the War Zone Guides available. One version is for Service Members and the other is for Family. They include narratives, color photos and live links to materials on our Web site.

These publications can currently be located at:

http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ptsd/index.asp

 Returning from the War Zone: A Guide for Families of Military Members (PDF)
Information to help military family members understand what to expect during the reintegration following time in a war zone, and to help them adapt back to home life with their loved one.

Returning from the War Zone: A Guide for Military Personnel (PDF)
Information to help military personnel understand what to expect when returning from a war zone, and to help them to better adapt back to home life.

An online interactive version of the Family Guide will also be available soon.


5 April 2009

Misc. Veterans info you may find of value:


30 March 2009

The Pennsylvania Veteran Newsletter - April 2009

Click here for more info


20 February 2009

CSH Homeless Veterans PSH Development Guidebook

Click here for more info


22 January 2009

The Lakeshore Foundation (program for severely injured military) in Alabama is offering free trips for 100% disabled OEF/OIF veterans. See flyers and attached application for more details.

Lima Foxtrot 2009

Operation Nightvision

US Paralympic Military Program

USP Military Sport Camp PreRegistration Form


12 January 2009

FSAFEDS: Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act (HEART Act)

Click here for more info


5 January 2009

2009 FAMILY UPDATE AND ANNUAL MEETINGS SCHEDULE

Click here for more info


28 December 2008

Veterans Compensation Benefits Rate Tables - Effective 12/1/08

Click here for more info


17 December 2008

Service Connected Disability Compensation for Exposure to Agent Orange

Click here for more info


08 December 2008

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) Program

Click here for more info


20 November 2008

VA Hardship Co-payment Programs

Click here for more info


16 June 2008

"Salute to our Veterans"

Folks,

Please see the attached flyer from Shades of Green, which is the resort

for military members located at Disney World in Florida. Eligibility

for use of this facility is open to all veterans in September and

January.

Click here for the flyer outlining this program

David E. Heiland

DMVA-VA

P-0-47 Fort Indiantown Gap

Annville, PA 17003-5002

Phone: (717) 861-2856

FAX: (717) 861-8589


09 June 2008

Click here for information on the Persian Gulf War bonus program


 


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"Once a Marine, Always a Marine"