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Military Report for This Week
HAIRY
Member Posts: 23,606
Below is the complete version of this week's Military Report. Print it, circulate it, and make sure your colleagues and friends keep up with the latest military benefits updates.
VA Urges Caution After Theft of Data
Veterans Affairs officials have announced the theft of personal information on up to 26.5 million veterans. However, VA Secretary R. James Nicholson stressed there's no indication the information is being used for purposes of fraud. Although the compromised data includes names, Social Security numbers and birthdates of veterans separating from the military since 1975, it doesn't include health or financial records. Military.com will keep you apprised of any further developments. For more information, read the full article at Military.com. http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,98150,00.html
Deal of the Week: 6% Off & Free Domestic Shipping
Save on our incredible selection of books, DVDs and CDs: Over one million titles in stock and ready to ship! Start Shopping Now! (Offer is valid through the URL provided only. Not valid in retail stores.) Find this great discount and more at the Military.com Discount Center. http://benefits.military.com/misc/DC/DealIndex.jsp
Legion Fights Attempt to Tap Social Security Benefits
The American Legion has authorized its national commander to take all "appropriate actions, with other organizations or singly, up to and including authorizing litigation," to ensure that the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission does not attempt to erode veterans disability benefits by offsetting them with the Social Security disability system. The Veterans Disability Benefits Commission is considering whether Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) should or should not be included in its analysis of benefits provided under current federal laws to compensate veterans and their survivors for disability or death attributable to military service.
How do you feel about this action? Let your public officials know how you feel! http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=8716506&type=CO
Legion Supports War Memorial Cross
The American Legion has joined San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders in asking President Bush to exercise his power to take over the Mt. Soledad War Memorial Cross in San Diego into federal custody. For the past seventeen years, numerous legal attempts have been made to remove the cross because it sits on city property. Meanwhile, the American Legion is conducting a campaign in support of the Public Expression of Religion Act (PERA), H.R. 2679 which would remove the authority for judges to award taxpayer monies in attorneys fees cases involving litigation against religions icons and veterans memorials. For more information on the Mt. Soledad Cross, visit http://savesoledad.com/.
How do you feel about this action? Let your public officials know how you feel! http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=8777981&type=CO
Summary of Veteran Education Benefits
The centerpiece of armed services educational benefits is the GI. Bill. There is one GI Bill for Active Duty Members and Veterans in which you may earn up to $1034 per month for school/training. The GI Bill for Reservists has a reduced benefit, with up to $297 per month for school/training. Click here to see a full summary. http://education.military.com/money-for-school/education-benefits-in-military
Next Steps You have two steps to getting started on your education goals. The first is to find scholarships - it is never too early to begin looking for money for school. The second step is to use the Military.com "School Finder" to get free information from fully accredited "military family friendly" colleges and universities that are eager to serve the education needs of military families.
Scholarships - http://aid.military.com/scholarship/search-for-scholarships.do
School Finder - http://schools.military.com/schoolfinder/search-for-schools.do
Mannheim Steamroller Joins VFW Project
From now through July 31, American Gramaphone and Mannheim Steamroller will feature a special offer to Veterans of Foreign Wars members and supporters during the Memorial Day and Fourth of July holiday season. "American Spirit," the CD from Mannheim Steamroller that celebrates the splendor of the United States and features new recordings of patriotic songs, will be on sale Mannheim's website at http://www.mannheimsteamroller.com/index2.html or by calling 1-800-446-6860 (M-F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. central time) for a special price of $9.98 plus shipping and handling cost ($4.50). A portion of the purchase price will be donated to the VFW Foundation for the VFW's Military Assistance Program and Veterans Service Program.
Featured Job: Health Care Careers
Banner Health has excellent health care opportunities across many specialties in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, and Wyoming. http://s0b.bluestreak.com/ix.e?hr&s=1427505&n=Insert_Time_Date_Stamp_Here
Military HR Employment and Wellness Symposium
This is an exclusive military employment opportunity event, that you can't afford to miss, only for U.S. Armed Forces personnel, Veterans, and only their immediate family members may participate. The Symposium will be held on June 2nd, 3rd & 4th, 2006, from 8AM to 4:30pm everyday, register today. http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http://www.pmsilink.com/Symposium2K6/1-B-03-RegistrationProcess.aspx&code=VRmilhrwellness_ctr
New Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder, like any other psychological trauma, is difficult to diagnose, and often, even more difficult to treat. But a team of psychotherapists at the North Chicago VA Medical Center's PTSD Treatment Clinic is finding that a somewhat physical procedure may indeed offer some success. Physically, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is as simple as a therapist waving a hand in front of a patient's face, but it is what happens at the psychological level that is much more complicated and controversial. EMDR is currently endorsed under the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a treatment of "significant benefit."
VA Helps Fight Obesity, Diabetes
VA recently announced the launch of a national campaign called MOVE (Managing Obesity/Overweight for Veterans Everywhere) to help veterans and their families tailor their diets and exercise programs toward a healthy lifestyle. Patients enrolled in VA's health care program can complete an interactive on-line questionnaire about their health status, nutrition and exercise. Users then receive a custom report with health information and instructions for follow up with the staff of a VA medical center. People not enrolled in VA's health care program can also log onto the MOVE website at http://www.move.va.gov/ and answer the 23 questions for an individualized report giving suggestions for changes in eating and exercise habits.
VA Makes Record Home Loan Guaranty
An Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran from Texas was the recipient of the 18 millionth home loan guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. VA-guaranteed home loans are made by banks and mortgage companies to veterans, servicemembers and eligible reservists. With VA backing a portion of the loan, veterans can receive a competitive interest rate without a down payment, making it easier to buy a home. On Jan. 1, 2006, the VA loan guaranty limit for no-down payment loans was increased to $417,000. The previous ceiling was $359,650. More information about VA home loan benefits is available on the Web at http://www.homeloans.va.gov or by calling 1-800-827-1000.
VA Volunteers Mark 60th Anniversary
In April 1946, former General of the Army Omar Bradley, then head of the Veterans Administration, convened a meeting of veterans groups and welfare organizations to establish a national plan for volunteer assistance at VA facilities. Today, the office that was created to oversee the volunteers assisting at the agency's facilities now has about 140,000 volunteers on its rolls, with 94,000 contributing more than 13 million hours last year. Volunteers assist hospital staff. They work in nursing homes, hospital wards, clinics, recreational activities, end-of-life care and many other programs. They also work in national cemeteries and benefits offices. For more information on volunteering for the VA, visit the VA Voluntary Service website at http://www1.va.gov/volunteer/.
Medicare Part D Options
The American Legion wants you to know that even though the initial enrollment period for Medicare Part D has passed, you may still have the opportunity to enroll in a 2006 prescription drug plan. The American Legion has a solution that offers a wide range in savings and benefit options intended to meet individual needs. To learn more about your options, just call the American Legion toll-free number 1-800-811-5376, (TTY: 1-800- 730-9550) 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., seven days a week.
VA Urges Caution After Theft of Data
Veterans Affairs officials have announced the theft of personal information on up to 26.5 million veterans. However, VA Secretary R. James Nicholson stressed there's no indication the information is being used for purposes of fraud. Although the compromised data includes names, Social Security numbers and birthdates of veterans separating from the military since 1975, it doesn't include health or financial records. Military.com will keep you apprised of any further developments. For more information, read the full article at Military.com. http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,98150,00.html
Deal of the Week: 6% Off & Free Domestic Shipping
Save on our incredible selection of books, DVDs and CDs: Over one million titles in stock and ready to ship! Start Shopping Now! (Offer is valid through the URL provided only. Not valid in retail stores.) Find this great discount and more at the Military.com Discount Center. http://benefits.military.com/misc/DC/DealIndex.jsp
Legion Fights Attempt to Tap Social Security Benefits
The American Legion has authorized its national commander to take all "appropriate actions, with other organizations or singly, up to and including authorizing litigation," to ensure that the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission does not attempt to erode veterans disability benefits by offsetting them with the Social Security disability system. The Veterans Disability Benefits Commission is considering whether Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) should or should not be included in its analysis of benefits provided under current federal laws to compensate veterans and their survivors for disability or death attributable to military service.
How do you feel about this action? Let your public officials know how you feel! http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=8716506&type=CO
Legion Supports War Memorial Cross
The American Legion has joined San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders in asking President Bush to exercise his power to take over the Mt. Soledad War Memorial Cross in San Diego into federal custody. For the past seventeen years, numerous legal attempts have been made to remove the cross because it sits on city property. Meanwhile, the American Legion is conducting a campaign in support of the Public Expression of Religion Act (PERA), H.R. 2679 which would remove the authority for judges to award taxpayer monies in attorneys fees cases involving litigation against religions icons and veterans memorials. For more information on the Mt. Soledad Cross, visit http://savesoledad.com/.
How do you feel about this action? Let your public officials know how you feel! http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=8777981&type=CO
Summary of Veteran Education Benefits
The centerpiece of armed services educational benefits is the GI. Bill. There is one GI Bill for Active Duty Members and Veterans in which you may earn up to $1034 per month for school/training. The GI Bill for Reservists has a reduced benefit, with up to $297 per month for school/training. Click here to see a full summary. http://education.military.com/money-for-school/education-benefits-in-military
Next Steps You have two steps to getting started on your education goals. The first is to find scholarships - it is never too early to begin looking for money for school. The second step is to use the Military.com "School Finder" to get free information from fully accredited "military family friendly" colleges and universities that are eager to serve the education needs of military families.
Scholarships - http://aid.military.com/scholarship/search-for-scholarships.do
School Finder - http://schools.military.com/schoolfinder/search-for-schools.do
Mannheim Steamroller Joins VFW Project
From now through July 31, American Gramaphone and Mannheim Steamroller will feature a special offer to Veterans of Foreign Wars members and supporters during the Memorial Day and Fourth of July holiday season. "American Spirit," the CD from Mannheim Steamroller that celebrates the splendor of the United States and features new recordings of patriotic songs, will be on sale Mannheim's website at http://www.mannheimsteamroller.com/index2.html or by calling 1-800-446-6860 (M-F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. central time) for a special price of $9.98 plus shipping and handling cost ($4.50). A portion of the purchase price will be donated to the VFW Foundation for the VFW's Military Assistance Program and Veterans Service Program.
Featured Job: Health Care Careers
Banner Health has excellent health care opportunities across many specialties in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, and Wyoming. http://s0b.bluestreak.com/ix.e?hr&s=1427505&n=Insert_Time_Date_Stamp_Here
Military HR Employment and Wellness Symposium
This is an exclusive military employment opportunity event, that you can't afford to miss, only for U.S. Armed Forces personnel, Veterans, and only their immediate family members may participate. The Symposium will be held on June 2nd, 3rd & 4th, 2006, from 8AM to 4:30pm everyday, register today. http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http://www.pmsilink.com/Symposium2K6/1-B-03-RegistrationProcess.aspx&code=VRmilhrwellness_ctr
New Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder, like any other psychological trauma, is difficult to diagnose, and often, even more difficult to treat. But a team of psychotherapists at the North Chicago VA Medical Center's PTSD Treatment Clinic is finding that a somewhat physical procedure may indeed offer some success. Physically, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is as simple as a therapist waving a hand in front of a patient's face, but it is what happens at the psychological level that is much more complicated and controversial. EMDR is currently endorsed under the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a treatment of "significant benefit."
VA Helps Fight Obesity, Diabetes
VA recently announced the launch of a national campaign called MOVE (Managing Obesity/Overweight for Veterans Everywhere) to help veterans and their families tailor their diets and exercise programs toward a healthy lifestyle. Patients enrolled in VA's health care program can complete an interactive on-line questionnaire about their health status, nutrition and exercise. Users then receive a custom report with health information and instructions for follow up with the staff of a VA medical center. People not enrolled in VA's health care program can also log onto the MOVE website at http://www.move.va.gov/ and answer the 23 questions for an individualized report giving suggestions for changes in eating and exercise habits.
VA Makes Record Home Loan Guaranty
An Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran from Texas was the recipient of the 18 millionth home loan guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. VA-guaranteed home loans are made by banks and mortgage companies to veterans, servicemembers and eligible reservists. With VA backing a portion of the loan, veterans can receive a competitive interest rate without a down payment, making it easier to buy a home. On Jan. 1, 2006, the VA loan guaranty limit for no-down payment loans was increased to $417,000. The previous ceiling was $359,650. More information about VA home loan benefits is available on the Web at http://www.homeloans.va.gov or by calling 1-800-827-1000.
VA Volunteers Mark 60th Anniversary
In April 1946, former General of the Army Omar Bradley, then head of the Veterans Administration, convened a meeting of veterans groups and welfare organizations to establish a national plan for volunteer assistance at VA facilities. Today, the office that was created to oversee the volunteers assisting at the agency's facilities now has about 140,000 volunteers on its rolls, with 94,000 contributing more than 13 million hours last year. Volunteers assist hospital staff. They work in nursing homes, hospital wards, clinics, recreational activities, end-of-life care and many other programs. They also work in national cemeteries and benefits offices. For more information on volunteering for the VA, visit the VA Voluntary Service website at http://www1.va.gov/volunteer/.
Medicare Part D Options
The American Legion wants you to know that even though the initial enrollment period for Medicare Part D has passed, you may still have the opportunity to enroll in a 2006 prescription drug plan. The American Legion has a solution that offers a wide range in savings and benefit options intended to meet individual needs. To learn more about your options, just call the American Legion toll-free number 1-800-811-5376, (TTY: 1-800- 730-9550) 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., seven days a week.