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Index
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VETERANS OF WARS
BENEFIT
Little-known benefit aids
veterans of wars
Those who serve during conflict are eligible for up to $19,000 a year
BY PAULA BURKES
Published: February 8,
2009
(See full article with
links at URL
http://newsok.com/article/3344150
.)
A little-known veterans’
benefit for long-term care expenses is available to wartime veterans and
their spouses. But the benefit is being overlooked by thousands of
families, industry observers say.
The Special Pension for
Veterans’ Aid and Attendance pays up to $1,644 a month, $19,736 annually,
toward assisted living, nursing homes or in-home care for veterans 65 and
older who served at least 90 days and one day during wartime — stateside
or overseas. Veterans and their spouses can receive up to $23,396 annually
and spouses of deceased veterans, $12,681.
Yet, an estimated $22
billion a year goes unclaimed, said
Don Soard, a volunteer
with Operation Veteran Aid in
Oklahoma City. In 2007,
only 134,000 seniors nationwide received the benefit, which was
established in 1952.
"Literally hundreds of
thousands don’t even know about it,” Soard said. "Due to incomplete
information, many disqualify themselves on income or assets or find the
paperwork too burdensome.”
Streamlined process
Soard helps families
complete the necessary forms, so that approval comes in four to six
months. The process is streamlined for vets who are blind or have memory
issues and widows with medical needs, he said. Most applicants qualify and
payments are retroactive, Soard said. The few who are denied on excessive
liquid assets can seek financial advice to qualify, he said.
Soard started his
volunteer mission two years ago, following the deaths of two family
members who served in WWII.
"If they’d known about
this benefit, they’d have a much better quality of life in later years,”
he said. "Without it, many vets are forced to go on
Medicaid.”
Oklahoma is one of nine
states where the welfare program doesn’t cover assisted living costs.
Assisted living often can be an alternative to a nursing home when 24-hour
skilled care is not an absolute need, said
Willie Ferguson,
executive director of Legend at Rivendell in Oklahoma City.
"But if someone just has
Social Security and a small pension, it’s not enough to live here,”
Ferguson said.
According to a 2008
MetLife survey, assisted
living in Oklahoma averages $2,346 a month, while nursing homes cost $153
a day for a private room.
Of 73 Legend residents,
nine receive the veterans’ special pension, including
Tom Bowen, 77, of Moore.
"Until I toured this
operation, I had no idea the benefit was available,” said Bowen, a retired
engineer technician from the
Federal Aviation Administration
who served stateside during the Korean Conflict. Bowen recently moved
into the Legend facility following several mini strokes and a diagnosis of
short-term memory loss.
"It’s been pretty hard
trying to handle expenses on my own and being able to replace savings,”
said
Marie Bowen, his wife of
57 years. Finding a nearby facility and learning about the special
veterans’ pension has been a godsend, she said.
RAFINO FINANCIAL REPORT – OCT 2008
RAFINO TREASURER’S REPORT
REUNION
2008 – 5 OCTOBER 2008
CHECK BOOK BALANCE ON HAND AS OF DATE OF $ 8,081.66
CLOSE OUT OF PREVIOUS BIENNIAL AUDIT
(Prior to 2 Oct 06 Reunion Business Meeting)
INCOME
$ 24,619.56
DUES $
10,290.00
DONATIONS $ 1,160.00
FEES $
14.00
NET FROM CD’S TO CHECKBOOK $ 3,620.51
REUNION 2006 ‘ADVANCE’ RETURN $ 1,700,00
REUNION 2006 CLOSEOUT $
7,835.05
EXPENSES $ 30,321.46
RAFINO REPORTS $ 10,068.92
WEBMASTER IF REPLENISHMENTS $ 4,284,65
MISC TREASURER EXPENSES $ 132.77
RAFINO CHALLENGE COIN $
1,212.00
DONATION TO FC MUSEUM $
1,000.00
REUNION 2008 ADVANCE $
500.00
INCREASES TO CD PRINCIPAL $ 13,123.12
CHECK BOOK BALANCE ON HAND AS OF 20 SEPTEMBER
2008 $ 2,379.76
(Close of current audit prior to 5 Oct 08 Reunion
Business Meeting. See attached audit report.)
PRINCIPAL VALUE OF CURRENT CD’S = $25,000.00
(Does not include accrued CD interest from 6/28/08)
IMPREST FUND ADVANCE TO WEBMASTER = $1,000.00
(Replenished as of 9/8/08)
RAFINO TOTAL ‘NET WORTH’ IS $ 28,379.76 (+
accruing CD interest).
Respectfully submitted, Dave W. MIKKELSON
Note: The RAFINO books were audited by Bruce
KIMERY who found everything in order and found no exceptions. A copy
of the audit is on file with the Treasurer.
Medal of Honor
Ceremony
Mike Monsoor, a Navy
EOD Technician, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously
for jumping on a grenade in Iraq, giving his life to save his fellow
Seals.
During Mike Monsoor's funeral in San Diego, as his coffin was being moved
from the hearse to the grave site at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery,
SEALs were lined up on both sides of the pallbearers route forming a
column of two's, with the coffin moving up the center.
As Mike's coffin passed, each SEAL, having removed his gold Trident from
his uniform, slapped it down embedding the Trident in the wooden coffin.
The slaps were audible from across the cemetery.
By the time the coffin arrived grave side, it looked as though it had a
gold inlay from all the Tridents pinned to it. This was a fitting send-off
for a warrior hero.
RIVIERE IS COMMANDANT
Commandant Stephen J. RIVIERE
TO: Financial Management Leaders,
As your 36th FM Commandant and Chief of the Regiment, I wanted to
take a few minutes to send a short note to let you know that we had
another historic event in our Corps - "The Change of Commandant Ceremony"
at Fort Jackson, SC on 20 June 2008. COL Billy SMITH relinquished
leadership of the FM School and Regiment to me. It was a wonderful event
shared by many FM Soldiers (both past and present), Civilians and
Families. We were honored to have 5 past Commandants in attendance -
BG(R) SCEARCE, COL's (R) NEILL, DOWDEN, WATKINS, and SPEER as well as
many other Distinguished Visitors and guests from the field, Fort
Jackson and the Columbia Community. For those of you who were able to
attend, thank you for adding to our ceremony with your presence. For
those that were not able to be there, I have attached a few pictures so
that you can witness this great event.
I am humbled and honored to serve as your Commandant and Chief of the
Corps. It is my desire to work closely with each of You - our Senior
Leaders at ASAFM&C,TRADOC, FORSCOM, USAREUR, USFK, USASOC, CASCOM, USASSI,
USAFINCOM, DFAS, Treasury, FRB, and Warriors in the Field (Soldiers,
Civilians and Families) as we chart our FM path in a Transforming Army. I
want to build on our Successes and leverage the skills and expertise of
all Components (AC, USAR, and NG) as we execute the "One Army
 Team
Concept" in Support of the Global War on Terrorism.
Finally, I want to leverage the skills, experience, and resources of
our Retired Community thru RAFINO and RAFINCO. We are all proud members
of the FM Family and working together I believe we can accomplish any
mission. I look forward to working with each of you in the years ahead.
I pledge my best efforts and total commitment as your FM Commandant and
Chief of the Regiment.
COL Rose WALKER,
Acting CG, USASSI passes the Colors to COL Stephen RIVIERE as
COL Billy SMITH & CSM Thomas BROWN look on.
"The Change
of Commandant Ceremony" at Fort Jackson, SC on 20 June 2008
2008 Stimulus Payments
Facts About the
2008 Stimulus Payments
2008/04/07 00:00:00 Information from MOAA.
The Economic Stimulus Payment is an additional
payment from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to help kick start the
economy. From the questions we have received here at MOAA, there is a bit
of confusion about how the program works. Especially confusing is the part
that deals with tax-free income and filing a return when one usually is
not required to do so.
In a nutshell, the amount of your stimulus payment
depends on your filing status and how much income tax you pay, as long as
your income is under the income limits.
* For single filers, the following applies:
-
Single filers can receive up to $600.
-
Those with an Adjusted Gross Incomes (AGIs) above
$75,000 get reduced benefits.
-
At AGIs of $87,000 and above, there is no payment.
* The following applies to married filers:
-
Married filers (no children) can receive up to
$1200.
-
Parents can get an additional $300 per child under
age 17.
-
AGIs above $150,000 receive reduced payments.
-
At AGIs of $174,000 and above, there is no payment.
It is not possible to use your tax-free income to get
a larger stimulus payment. To qualify for a stimulus payment, you must
have all of the following:
-
$3,000 in annual income (taxable or tax-free
income);
-
a Social Security number; and file income taxes for
2007.
Once you meet these basic criteria, there are two
types of filers for the payment: those with taxable income who pay income
taxes; and those who don’t normally file taxes due to tax-free income.
First, taxable income filers should file taxes as
they normally would. Nothing else needs to be done. If you also have
tax-free income, do not add it to your return unless you need to use the
tax-free income to reach the $3,000 minimum qualifying income requirement.
Your stimulus payment is based on your actual tax paid. For married filing
jointly (no children), if you pay less than $600 in taxes, you will get
$600. If you pay between $600 and $1,200 in taxes, you’ll get a payment
equal to the amount of you tax paid. If you pay over $1,200 in taxes,
you’ll get $1,200. Do not add your tax-free compensation to the taxable
income on your return. Tax-free income does not add to your tax burden.
For single filers, the same process applies to you, but payments will
range between $300 and $600.
Second, if all or most of your income is tax-free,
and you do not normally file income taxes, you must file this year to get
the stimulus payment. The instructions for filing are at
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=179203,00.html. You may use
tax-free income to qualify for only the $3,000 minimum income requirement
to receive the minimum stimulus payment. Filers in this category will
receive the smallest payments of $300 for individuals and $600 for married
filers.
Do not attempt to combine taxable and tax-free income
to receive a larger payment. The stimulus payment is not based on the
amount of your income, taxable or tax-free, so there is no benefit gained
trying to enhance your income amount. Tax-free income does not add to your
tax liability.
Finally,
recognize the stimulus payment is based on the amount of tax you pay. For
more information, visit the IRS’ Web site at:
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=177937,00.html.
DFAS Retired Pay Newsletter – March
2007
The
newsletter has changed! Due to recent security changes by several DoD
sites, we have reformatted the newsletter to a text version so that it is
compatible for all users. Many customers are unable to view the previous
version of our newsletter because these new security restrictions do not
allow it to be displayed correctly in some mailboxes. We still host the
articles on our servers where, via the links below, you will still enjoy
the appearance you are accustomed to in your internet browser. This step
adds a measure of protection against various threats to your email inbox.
We apologize for the short notice for this change and we thank you in
advance for your patience.
Director's Corner
Welcome to the first issue of the DFAS Retired Pay Newsletter in 2007.
Included in this issue you will find a number of helpful articles,
including an update on the VA Retro program and how TRICARE is making it
easy for retirees to pay their TRICARE Prime enrollment fees by
establishing a monthly allotment from their retirement pay. You'll also
uncover some additional information on TRICARE, along with pertinent Web
sites, to help in your health care efforts. Please read more from
Director Karl Bernhardt by using the following link:
http://www.dod.mil/dfas/dfasnewsletters/retpay/february07/Directors.htm
VA Retro Update
The Disabled Military Retiree Retroactive Pay program, commonly called VA
Retro, is well underway. Eligible retirees are those receiving either
Combat- Related Special Compensation (CRSC) or Concurrent Retirement
Disability Payments (CRDP) and have been awarded a retroactive disability
rating increase by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) since their
date of initial entitlement. For more information about the VA Retro
program, please follow the link below:
http://www.dod.mil/dfas/dfasnewsletters/retpay/february07/VA.htm
TRICARE Prime reminds retirees of a convenient payment option
TRICARE makes it easy for retirees to pay their TRICARE Prime enrollment
fees by establishing a monthly allotment from their service retirement
pay.
The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), the U.S. Coast Guard,
and the U.S. Public Health Service deducts the retirement pay allotment.
More information about TRICARE can be found here:
http://www.dod.mil/dfas/dfasnewsletters/retpay/february07/TRICARE.htm
Concurrent Retirement Disability Payments Increase
Concurrent Retirement Disability Pay (CRDP) is a phased-in restoration of
the retired pay deducted from military retirees' accounts due to their
receipt of Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) compensation (reflected on
Retiree Account Statements as the "VA waiver"). Additional CRDP
information can be found here:
http://www.dod.mil/dfas/dfasnewsletters/retpay/february07/CRDP.html
Tax Season Survival Guide
With tax deadlines approaching, retirees should have their 2006
information and forms ready to go. Retired Pay Account Statements (RAS)
and 1099Rs are posted to myPay (https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx) for
quick and easy access. For retirees who do not have a myPay account or
have requested hardcopy documents, these forms were mailed on schedule in
December. For retirees who have not received their end-of-year statements
and tax forms, several options exist to request DFAS reissue them. Please
read more about important tax information at the following link:
http://www.dod.mil/dfas/dfasnewsletters/retpay/february07/Tax.html
To get your own letter log into myPay using the link below https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx
RAFINO Financial Report – 2 OCT 06
RAFINO TREASURER’S REPORT
REUNION 2006 – 2 OCTOBER 2006
CHECK BOOK BALANCE ON HAND AS OF DATE OF $ 8,577.09
PREVIOUS AUDIT, 5 OCTOBER 2004 [Excluding CD’s]
(Prior to 11 Oct 04 Reunion Business Meeting)
INCOME $14,098.01
DUES $ 8,560.00
DONATIONS $ 1,550.00
REUNION 2004 CLOSEOUT $ 3,810.35
CD INTEREST $ 130.98
FEES/REFUNDS $ 46.68
EXPENSES $14,593.44
RAFINO REPORTS $ 5,759.29
WEBMASTER IF REIMBURSEMENTS $ 2,507.00
DONATIONS FROM RAFINO $ 1,500.00
MISC TREASURER EXPENSES $ 127.15
REUNION 2006 ADVANCE $ 1,700.00
INCREASE CD PRINCIPAL $ 3,000.00
BALANCE ON HAND AS OF 16 SEPTEMBER 2006 $ 8,081.66
Close of last audit prior to 2 Oct 06 Reunion Business Meeting.
PRINCIPAL VALUE OF CD’S = $13,000.00
Accrued CD interest as of 6/20/06 = $613.66 – not recorded as income
IMPREST FUND ADVANCE TO WEBMASTER = $1,000.00
(Will include unrecorded expenses to date)
RAFINO TOTAL ‘NET WORTH’ IS $ 22,695.32 as of this report.
Respectfully submitted, Dave Mikkelson, Treasurer
Web Sites for Veterans
Board of Veterans' Appeals http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/
CARES Commission http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/
CARES Draft National Plan http://www1.va.gov/cares/page.cfm?pg=105
Center for Minority Veterans
http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/Center for Women
Veterans http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/
Center for Veterans Enterprise http://www.vetbiz.gov/default2.htm
Clarification on the changes in VA healthcare for Gulf War Veterans
http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000016.html
Classified Records - American Gulf War Veterans Assoc
http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000011.html
Compensation Rate Tables, 12-1-03
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm
Department of Veterans Affairs Home Page http://www.va.gov/
Directory of Veterans Service Organizations
http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=view
Disability Examination Worksheets Index, Comp
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/index.htm
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/
Environmental Agents http://www1.va.gov/environagents/
Environmental Agents M10
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1002Establishing
Combat Veteran Eligibility
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=315EVALUATION
PROTOCOL FOR GULF WAR AND IRAQI FREEDOM VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE
TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU)
http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHandbook1303122304.DOC
EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR NON-GULF WAR VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL
EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU)
http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHANDBOOKNONGW130340304.DOC
Fee Basis, PRIORITY FOR OUTPATIENT MEDICAL SERVICES
AND INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=206Federal
Benefits for Veterans and Dependants 2005
http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf
Forms and Records Request http://www.va.gov/vaforms/
Geriatrics and Extended Care http://www1.va.gov/geriatricsshg/
Guideline for Chronic Pain and Fatigue MUS-CPG
http://www.oqp.med.va.gov/cpg/cpgn/mus/mus_base.htm
Guide to Gulf War Veterans' Health
http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/VHIgulfwar.pdf
Gulf War Subject Index
http://www1.va.gov/GulfWar/page.cfm?pg=7&template=main&letter=A
Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses Q&As
http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/GWIllnessesQandAsIB1041.pdf
Homeless Veterans http://www1.va.gov/homeless/
HSR&D Home http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/
Ionizing Radiation http://www1.va.gov/irad/
Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom Veterans VBA
http://www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/M10 for spouses and children
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1007M10
Part
III Change 1
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1008M21-1
Table of Contents http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/M21_1.html
Mental Health Program Guidelines
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1094Mental
Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers
http://www.mirecc.med.va.gov/
MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Centers of Excellence
http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
My Health e Vet http://www.myhealth.va.gov/
NASDVA.COM - National Association of State Directors
http://www.nasdva.com/
National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
http://www.nchpdp.med.va.gov/postdeploymentlinks.asp
OMI (Office of Medical Inspector http://www.omi.cio.med.va.gov/
Online VA Form 10-10EZ https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/
Persian Gulf Registry
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1003Persian
Gulf Registry Referral Centers
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1006Annual
Report To Congress, Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Research 1999
http://www1.va.gov/resdev/1999_Gulf_War_Veterans'_Illnesses_Appendices.doc
Annual Report To Congress, Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses
Research 2002
http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/gulf_war_2002/GulfWarRpt02.pdf
Phase I PGR
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1004Phase
II
PGR
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1005Policy
Manual Index http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/eds/edsmps.htm
Project 112 (Including Project SHAD) http://www1.va.gov/shad/
Prosthetics Eligibility
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=337Public
Health and Environmental Hazards Home Page
http://www.vethealth.cio.med.va.gov/
Public Health/SARS http://www.publichealth.va.gov/SARS/
Publications - Manuals
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/publications.cfm?Pub=4
Publications and Reports
http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/pubs_individual.cfm?webpage=gulf_war.htm
Records Center and Vault Homepage
http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/default.htmlRecords Center and Vault
Site Map http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/sitemap.html
REQUEST FOR AND CONSENT TO RELEASE OF INFORMATION FROM CLAIMANT'S RECORDS
http://www.forms.va.gov/va/Internet/VARF/getformharness.asp?formName=3288-form.xft
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses April
11, 2002
http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Minutes_April112002.doc
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses
http://www1.va.gov/rac-
gwvi/docs/ReportandRecommendations_2004.pdfResearch and Development
http://www.appc1.va.gov/resdev/programs/all_programs.cfm
Title 38 Index
Parts 0-17 http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?
sid=5601440f9a028e2b353f1be27d4535d2&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv1_02.tpl
Part 18 http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?
sid=e7f228f056f66128a3cf40196efa0323&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv2_02.tpl
Title 38
Part 3 - Adjudication
Subpart A-Pension, Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity
Compensation
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/
t/text/text-
idx?c=ecfr;sid=0a5cc4e74c654c10874b651cc99ff1b4;rgn=div5;view=text;node=38%3A1.0.1.1.4;idno=38;cc=ecfr
Title 38
Pensions, Bonuses & Veterans' Relief
(also § 3.317 Compensation for certain disabilities due to
undiagnosed illnesses found here) [URL=
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-
idx?type=simple;c=ecfr;cc=ecfr;sid=89bb312d6d613680e34d4df4625d7f3b;region=DIV1;q1=gulf%20war;rgn=div8;view=text;idno=38;node=38%3A1.0.1.1]
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-
idx?type=simple;c=ecfr;cc=ecfr;sid=89bb312d6d613680e34d4df4625d7f3b;region=DIV1;q1=gulf%20war;rgn=div8;view=text;idno=38;node=38%3A1.0.1.1[/URL]
Title 38
§ 4.16 Total disability ratings for compensation based on
unemployability of the individual. PART 4-SCHEDULE FOR RATING
DISABILITIESSubpart A-General Policy in Rating
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-
idx?c=ecfr&sid=1b7e1c80768900fe79b3126a180a3da6&rgn=div8&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.1.98.11&idno=38
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims http://www.vetapp.gov/
VA Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/gwfs.html
VA Health Care Eligibility
http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/home/hecmain.asp
Veterans Legal and Benefits Information http://valaw.org/
VA Life Insurance Handbook - Chapter 3
http://www.insurance.va.gov/inForceGliSite/GLIhandbook/glibookletch3.htm#310
VA Loan Lending Limits and Jumbo Loans
http://valoans.com/va_facts_limits.cfm
VA MS Research http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
VA National Hepatitis C Program http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/
VA Office of Research and Development http://www1.va.gov/resdev/
VA WMD EMSHG http://www1.va.gov/emshg/
VA WRIISC-DC http://www.va.gov/WRIISC-DC/
VAOIG Hotline Telephone Number and Address
http://www.va.gov/oig/hotline/hotline3.htm
Vet Center Eligibility - Readjustment Counseling Service
http://www.va.gov/rcs/Eligibility.htm
Veterans Benefits Administration Main Web Page http://www.vba.va.gov/
VHA Forms, Publications, Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/
VHA Programs - Clinical Programs & Initiatives
http://www1.va.gov/health_benefits/page.cfm?pg=13
VHA Public Health Strategic Health Care Group Home Page
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/
VHI Guide to Gulf War Veterans' Health
http://www1.va.gov/vhi_ind_study/gulfwar/istudy/index.asp
Vocational Rehabilitation http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/
VONAPP online http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp
WARMS - 38 CFR Book C http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookc.html
War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center - New Jersey
http://www.wri.med.va.gov/
Welcome to the GI Bill Web Site http://www.gibill.va.gov/
What VA Social Workers Do http://www1.va.gov/socialwork/page.cfm?pg=3
WRIISC Patient Eligibility http://www.illegion.org/va1.htm
Iraqi Memorial
The statue was
made by an Iraqi artist named Kalat, who for years was forced by Saddam
Hussein to make the many hundreds of bronze busts of Saddam that dotted
Baghdad. This artist was so grateful that the Americans liberated his
country, he melted 3 of the fallen Saddam heads and made a memorial statue
dedicated to the American soldiers and their fallen comrades.
Kalat worked on this night and day for several months. To the left of the
kneeling soldier is a small Iraqi girl giving the soldier comfort as he
mourns the loss of his comrade in arms. It is currently on display outside
the palace that is now home to the 4th Infantry division. It will
eventually be shipped and shown at the memorial museum in Fort Hood,
Texas. (Editor: This fine item was sent to us by Curt Lee.)
MILITARY
SPOUSES - THE DIFFERENCE
(Editor: This article was
furnished by Honorary Colonel of the Finance Corps Roger SCEARCE, a
regular contributor to this web site and the RAFINO Report. We feel that the distaff side of the family deserves all the
credit that can be mustered in their behalf.
It is suspected that Spouses check the web site periodically.
Here is “one for the Gipper”, so to speak.)
Over the years,
I've talked a lot about military spouses how special they are and the
price they pay for freedom too. The funny thing about it, is most
military spouses don't consider themselves different from other spouses.
They do what they have to do, bound together not by blood or merely
friendship, but with a shared spirit whose origin is in the very essence
of what love truly is. Is there truly a difference? I think
there is. You have to decide for yourself.
Other spouses get
married and look forward to building equity in a home and putting down
family roots. Military spouses get married and know they'll live in
base housing or rent, and their roots must be short so they can be
transplanted frequently.
Other spouses decorate a home with flair and personality that will last a
lifetime. Military spouses decorate a home with flare tempered with
the knowledge that no two base houses have the same size windows or same
size rooms. Curtains have to be flexible and multiple sets are a
plus. Furniture must fit like
puzzle pieces.
Other spouses have
living rooms that are immaculate and seldom used. Military spouses have
immaculate living room/dining room combos. The coffee table got a
scratch or two moving from Germany, but it still looks pretty good.
Other spouses say good-bye to their spouse for a business trip and know
they won't see them for a week. They are lonely, but can survive.
Military spouses say good-bye to their deploying spouse and know
they won't see them for months, or for a remote, a year. They are
lonely, but will survive.
Other spouses, when a washer hose blows off, call Maytag and then write a
check out for getting the hose reconnected. Military spouses will
cut the water off and fix it themselves
Other spouses get used to saying "hello" to friends they see all
the time. Military spouses
get used to saying "good-bye" to friends made the last two
years.
Other spouses worry about whether their child will be class president next
year. Military spouses worry about whether their child will be
accepted in yet another new school next year and whether that school will
be in the worst city again.
Other spouses can count on spouse participation in special
events: birthdays, anniversaries, concerts, football games, graduation,
and even the birth of a child. Military spouses only count on each
other; because they realize that the Flag has to come first if freedom is
to survive. It has to be that way.
Other spouses put up yellow ribbons when the troops are imperiled across
the globe and take them down when the troops come home. Military
spouses wear yellow ribbons around their hearts and they never go away.
Other spouses worry about being late for mom's Thanksgiving dinner.
Military spouses worry about getting back from Japan in time for dad's
funeral.
And other spouses are touched by the television program showing an elderly
lady putting a card down in front of a long, black wall that has names on
it. The card simply says "Happy Birthday, Sweetheart. You would
have been sixty today". A military spouse is the lady with the
card. And the wall is the Vietnam Memorial.
I would never say military spouses are better or worse than other spouses
are. But I will say there is a difference. And I will say that
our country asks more of military spouses than is asked of their spouses.
And I will say, without hesitation, that military spouses pay just as high
a price for freedom as do their active duty husbands or wives.
Perhaps the price they pay is even higher. Dying in service to our
country isn't near as hard as loving someone who has died in service to
our country, and having to live without them.
God bless our military spouses for all they freely give. And God
bless America.
Author
unknown
WHY THE
AMERICAN FLAG IS FOLDED 13 TIMES
from notes of Mr. Max Beilke from DA Retirement Services
I've
known how the 21 gun salute was determined (adding the individual digits
of 1776), but only recently learned why the flag was folded 13 times when
it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow at the burial
of a veteran? Here it is:
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing
our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country
to attain peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens
trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time
of war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen
Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries may she always
be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we
pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and to the
Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with
Liberty and Justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the
Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her
enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our
republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the
shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother,
for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their
faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and
women who have made this country great has been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons
and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower
portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their
eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem
of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and
Holy Spirit.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us
of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust".
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the
appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served
under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served
under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and
shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the
rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.
By Anonymous
Take
out a one-dollar bill and look at it. The one-dollar bill you're looking
at first came off the presses in 1957 in its present design.
This so-called paper money is in fact a cotton and linen blend, with red
and blue minute silk fibers running through it. It is actually
material. We've all washed it without it falling apart. A
special blend of ink is used, the contents we will never know.
It is resistant and pressed to give it that nice crisp look.
If you look on the
front of the bill, you will see the United States Treasury Seal. On the
top you will see the scales for a balanced budget. In the center you have
a carpenter's square, a tool used for an even cut. Underneath is the Key
to the United States.
That's all pretty easy
to figure out, but what is on the back of that dollar bill is something we
should all know. If you turn
the bill over, you will see two circles. Both circles, together, comprise
the Great Seal of the United States. The First Continental
Congress requested that Benjamin Franklin and a group of men come up with
a Seal. It took them four years to accomplish this task and another two
years to get it approved.
If you look at the left hand circle, you will see a
Pyramid. Notice the face is lighted and the western side is
dark. This country was just beginning. We had not
begun to explore the West or decided what we could do for Western
Civilization. The Pyramid is uncapped, again signifying that
we were not even close to being finished.
Inside the capstone you have the all-seeing eye, and ancient symbol for
divinity. It was Franklin's belief that one man couldn't do it
alone, but a group of men, with the help of God, could do anything.
"IN GOD WE TRUST" is on this currency. The Latin
above the pyramid, ANNUIT COEPTIS means, "God has favored our
undertaking." The Latin
below the pyramid, NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM, means, "a new order has
begun." At the base of the pyramid is the Roman numeral for
1776. If you look at the right-hand circle, and check it carefully, you
will learn that it is on every National Cemetery in the United States. It is also on
the Parade of Flags Walkway at the Bushnell, Florida National Cemetery and
is the centerpiece of most heroes' monuments. Slightly modified, it is the
seal of the President of the United States and it is always visible
whenever he speaks; yet no one knows what the symbols mean.
The Bald Eagle was
selected as a symbol for victory for two reasons: First, he is not afraid
of a storm; he is strong and he is smart enough to soar above it.
Secondly, he wears no material crown. We had just broken from
the King of England. Also, notice the shield is unsupported.
This country can now stand on its own. At the top of that
shield you have a white bar signifying congress, a unifying factor. We
were coming together as one nation. In the Eagle's beak you
will read, "E PLURIBUS UNUM", meaning "one nation from many
people."
Above the Eagle you
have thirteen stars representing the thirteen original colonies, and any
clouds of misunderstanding rolling away. Again, we were coming
together as one. Notice what
the Eagle holds in his talons. He holds an olive Branch and
arrows. This country wants peace, but we will never be afraid to fight to
preserve peace. The Eagle always wants to face the olive branch, but in
time of war, his gaze turns toward the arrows.
They say that the
number 13 is an unlucky number. This is almost a worldwide belief.
You will usually never see a room numbered 13, or any hotels or motels
with a 13th floor. But, think about this:
13 original colonies,
13 signers of the Declaration of Independence,
13 stripes on our flag,
13 steps on the Pyramid,
13 letters in the Latin above,
13 letters in "E PLURIBUS UNUM",
13 stars above the eagle,
13 plumes of feathers on each span of the Eagle's wing,
13 bars on that shield,
13 leaves on the olive branch,
13 fruits, and if you look closely, 13 arrows.
And for minorities: the 13th Amendment.
Why don't we know this? Your children don't know this and
their history teachers don't know this. Too many veterans have given up
too much to ever let the meaning fade.
Many veterans remember coming home to an America that didn't
care. Too many veterans never came home at all.
Tell everyone what is on the back of the one-dollar bill and what
it stands for, because nobody else will.
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