Heroes Today needs your help to reach out to the veterans in Chester,PA. The establishment of the Chester Chapter of Heroes Today began in September 2010. Our goal is to empower the veterans in the City of Chester and surrounding communities by offering employment assistance, family outreach/referrals, peer to peer support groups and various other services to help improve quality of life.
Please help us with a small donation to show your support by clicking on the link. http://bit.ly/fVJ7aG
When I first caught wind that the AirForce was testing for Spice, and, those that tested positive would be subject to UCMJ and adminstrativly discharged from service it blew my mind. I said to myself, what the heck is Spice? This then took me on a journey to learn more about this new era drug that sounds like something that needs to be in someones kitchen.
I cruised various sites and looked at multiple descriptions and facts about the drug spice. I was very shocked at some of what I read about this new drug. What I found out was that Spice is slang for synthetic cannabis.
It was once an actual brand but has become shorthand for a wide variety of similar products. It’s a mixture of herbs that have had synthetic cannabinoids sprayed on them. One of these cannabinoids is called JWH-018 and was invented in a lab to help with pain. The point of experimenting with cannabinoids was to eliminate the effects of cannabinoids that create a “high” while maintaining the pain relief effects. With JWH-018, this did not happen – actually JWH-018 is very potent, more potent than many forms of marijuana.
One of the reasons Spice has taken off in popularity is that JWH-018 can be made easily by combining a few commercial products. Its first non-lab use was in Asia, where it became an aid for plant growth. Much of the Spice you see in the United States still comes from manufacturers in Asia. Its purpose in the United States is quite different though – it is smoked by people for a high that is still legal federally and in most states.
Spice is marketed in the U.S. as “incense.” This is to prevent it from having to adhere to regulations were it can be labeled as a medicine or “smokable product.” It usually comes in a little pouch. The ingredients listed on the pouches do not always reflect what’s actually inside the pouch.
Typically Spice is smoked the same as marijuana would be. Its many names and brands are: Algerian Blend, Genie, k2, Smoke, Chill X, Sense, Yucatan Fire, Spice Diamond, Spice Silver, Spice Gold.
What are your thoughts on Spice?
I cruised various sites and looked at multiple descriptions and facts about the drug spice. I was very shocked at some of what I read about this new drug. What I found out was that Spice is slang for synthetic cannabis.
It was once an actual brand but has become shorthand for a wide variety of similar products. It’s a mixture of herbs that have had synthetic cannabinoids sprayed on them. One of these cannabinoids is called JWH-018 and was invented in a lab to help with pain. The point of experimenting with cannabinoids was to eliminate the effects of cannabinoids that create a “high” while maintaining the pain relief effects. With JWH-018, this did not happen – actually JWH-018 is very potent, more potent than many forms of marijuana.
One of the reasons Spice has taken off in popularity is that JWH-018 can be made easily by combining a few commercial products. Its first non-lab use was in Asia, where it became an aid for plant growth. Much of the Spice you see in the United States still comes from manufacturers in Asia. Its purpose in the United States is quite different though – it is smoked by people for a high that is still legal federally and in most states.
Spice is marketed in the U.S. as “incense.” This is to prevent it from having to adhere to regulations were it can be labeled as a medicine or “smokable product.” It usually comes in a little pouch. The ingredients listed on the pouches do not always reflect what’s actually inside the pouch.
Typically Spice is smoked the same as marijuana would be. Its many names and brands are: Algerian Blend, Genie, k2, Smoke, Chill X, Sense, Yucatan Fire, Spice Diamond, Spice Silver, Spice Gold.
What are your thoughts on Spice?
Air Force officials began drug testing Airmen Feb 22nd to determine whether they are using Spice. Spice users are subject to prosecution under the UCMJ.
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Officials with the Department of Veterans Affairs say servicemembers should expect to see some important benefit changes to the Post 9-11 GI Bill.
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Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan, will appoint an investigator to determine the facts of issues raised in a Rolling Stone magazine article that appeared today.
The article alleges that Army Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV used information operations officers in an attempt to influence distinguished visitors to his command, NATO Military Training Mission Afghanistan.
Caldwell's command is responsible for training Afghan soldiers and police. Afghan and NATO plans call for Afghan security forces to take over lead responsibility for security in their nation by the end of 2014.
The investigation "is not focused on any particular person other than determining the facts and circumstances that were raised in that story," said Pentagon spokesman Marine Corps Col. Dave Lapan.
The article alleges an information operations team was ordered to prepare dossiers on visiting distinguished visitors, including senators, congressional representatives and senior military officers.
Citing the pending investigation, Lapan would not comment on the specifics of the article, but speaking generally, he said, violations would depend on the circumstances.
"On the face of it, it doesn't have to be [a violation]," he said. "It's the actions, not just the assignment."
What is being done with information and how it is used determines if there is a violation, the colonel said. This would be the same no matter who compiled the information, he explained, be it a public affairs officer, a protocol specialist, a legislative affairs officer or an information operations officer.
The investigation will determine what actions took place and if any of them were inappropriate or illegal, Lapan said.
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The article alleges that Army Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV used information operations officers in an attempt to influence distinguished visitors to his command, NATO Military Training Mission Afghanistan.
Caldwell's command is responsible for training Afghan soldiers and police. Afghan and NATO plans call for Afghan security forces to take over lead responsibility for security in their nation by the end of 2014.
The investigation "is not focused on any particular person other than determining the facts and circumstances that were raised in that story," said Pentagon spokesman Marine Corps Col. Dave Lapan.
The article alleges an information operations team was ordered to prepare dossiers on visiting distinguished visitors, including senators, congressional representatives and senior military officers.
Citing the pending investigation, Lapan would not comment on the specifics of the article, but speaking generally, he said, violations would depend on the circumstances.
"On the face of it, it doesn't have to be [a violation]," he said. "It's the actions, not just the assignment."
What is being done with information and how it is used determines if there is a violation, the colonel said. This would be the same no matter who compiled the information, he explained, be it a public affairs officer, a protocol specialist, a legislative affairs officer or an information operations officer.
The investigation will determine what actions took place and if any of them were inappropriate or illegal, Lapan said.
READ MORE>>
The U.S. military's top officer arrived here today during his swing through the Middle East to meet with Kuwaiti officials and participate in ceremonies marking the 20th anniversary of Operation Desert Storm that liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is slated to attend a grand military parade tomorrow featuring U.S., Kuwaiti and coalition forces. Mullen will join 22 presidents, 64 heads of state and other senior officials attending the ceremonies.
Air and maritime displays and wreath-laying activities are planned, culminating a month-long commemoration that also marks Kuwait's 50 years of independence.
U.S. Central Command and its components are participating in the festivities, with Third Army and U.S. Army Central leading the support. The parade will feature Army soldiers, tactical vehicles and helicopters. The Washington-based 3rd U.S. Infantry, "The Old Guard," will march and carry the colors of Operation Desert Storm units, Army Central Command officials said.
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Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is slated to attend a grand military parade tomorrow featuring U.S., Kuwaiti and coalition forces. Mullen will join 22 presidents, 64 heads of state and other senior officials attending the ceremonies.
Air and maritime displays and wreath-laying activities are planned, culminating a month-long commemoration that also marks Kuwait's 50 years of independence.
U.S. Central Command and its components are participating in the festivities, with Third Army and U.S. Army Central leading the support. The parade will feature Army soldiers, tactical vehicles and helicopters. The Washington-based 3rd U.S. Infantry, "The Old Guard," will march and carry the colors of Operation Desert Storm units, Army Central Command officials said.
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Navy Secretary Ray Mabus and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick D. West recognized actor, comedian and former sailor Bill Cosby as an honorary chief petty officer in a ceremony yesterday at the U.S. Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center.
"Bill Cosby is not just a comedian and an actor -- although he's pretty good at both -- he's also been a tireless advocate for social responsibility and education and a constant friend to the Navy," Mabus said. "Last year was the highest compliment I've ever received –- being made an honorary chief petty officer, and now Dr. Cosby –- you're about to get the same honor."
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"Bill Cosby is not just a comedian and an actor -- although he's pretty good at both -- he's also been a tireless advocate for social responsibility and education and a constant friend to the Navy," Mabus said. "Last year was the highest compliment I've ever received –- being made an honorary chief petty officer, and now Dr. Cosby –- you're about to get the same honor."
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People whose military service was involuntarily extended or whose retirement was suspended between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009, have until March 4 to file for retroactive payments of $500 for each month of their extended service under the “Stop Loss” policy.
The deadline ends the second extension for eligible people to apply to receive the retroactive pay.
“This is a timely payment for services already rendered,” said Lernes "Bear" Hebert, the Defense Department’s director of officer and enlisted personnel management. “It’s a no-strings-attached program -- one where they fill out a simple form and attach a few documents [to show] their service.”
Each service branch will work with potential applicants to determine eligibility, he added.
The program also applies to beneficiaries who lost loved ones in the ultimate sacrifice during their service, Hebert said.
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The deadline ends the second extension for eligible people to apply to receive the retroactive pay.
“This is a timely payment for services already rendered,” said Lernes "Bear" Hebert, the Defense Department’s director of officer and enlisted personnel management. “It’s a no-strings-attached program -- one where they fill out a simple form and attach a few documents [to show] their service.”
Each service branch will work with potential applicants to determine eligibility, he added.
The program also applies to beneficiaries who lost loved ones in the ultimate sacrifice during their service, Hebert said.
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Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs Dennis M. McCarthy presented the 2010 Department of Defense Reserve Family Readiness Awards winners today at the Pentagon.
The award recognizes the National Guard and Reserve units, one from each of the Reserve components, with the best programs to support their families. Representatives from each unit received a plaque as well as a cash award from the Military Officers Association of America. The cash awards will be put toward the further enhancements of family support programs.
This year’s winners are:
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The award recognizes the National Guard and Reserve units, one from each of the Reserve components, with the best programs to support their families. Representatives from each unit received a plaque as well as a cash award from the Military Officers Association of America. The cash awards will be put toward the further enhancements of family support programs.
This year’s winners are:
- Army National Guard – 1484th Transportation Company, Green, Ohio. Unit Commander: Capt. Angela L. Bailey
- U.S. Army Reserve – 354th Military Police Company, St Louis, Mo. Unit Commander: 1st Lt. Angela Smith
- U.S. Marine Corps Reserve – 3rd Battalion, 24th Marines, Bridgeton, Mo. Unit Commander: Lt. Col. Christopher T. Watkins
- U.S. Navy Reserve – Seal Team Eighteen, Virginia Beach, Va. Unit Commander: Cmdr. Joseph Rehak
- Air National Guard – 157th Air Refueling Wing, Newington, N.H. Unit Commander: Col. Paul Hutchinson
- U.S. Air Force Reserve – 439th Airlift Wing, Chicopee, Mass. Unit Commander: Col. Robert R. Swain
- U.S. Coast Guard Reserve – Maritime Safety Security Team, Los Angeles/Long Beach, Calif. Unit Commander: Lt. Cmdr. Timothy J. Margita
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eBenefits is your one-stop shop for online benefits-related tools and information. This portal is designed for Wounded Warriors, Veterans, Service Members, their families, and their caregivers.
VISIT WEBSITE >>
VISIT WEBSITE >>
Reductions in end strength for the Army and Marine Corps beginning in 2015 will be conditions-based, and can be tailored if required when the time comes to implement them, defense leaders told Congress today.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the House Armed Services Committee they support plans to reduce ground forces end strength. The plan factors in the drawdown of all U.S. forces in Iraq by the year’s end, and a reduction of forces in Afghanistan, Gates told the panel.
“A big assumption in this is that we have a very much smaller presence in Afghanistan at the end of 2014 than we do now,” he said. “And I think you will know as early as the end of 2012 [or] beginning of 2013 whether that is going to happen.”
Gates and Mullen said the plan also supports continuing efforts to increase “dwell time” at home stations between deployments.
The Marine Corps leadership fully supports reducing the Corps’ end strength when it completes operations in Afghanistan, Gates said. Both Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James F. Amos and his predecessor, retired Gen. James T. Conway, believe the current Marine Corps is “both too large and too heavy to fulfill its traditional missions going forward,” the secretary said.
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Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the House Armed Services Committee they support plans to reduce ground forces end strength. The plan factors in the drawdown of all U.S. forces in Iraq by the year’s end, and a reduction of forces in Afghanistan, Gates told the panel.
“A big assumption in this is that we have a very much smaller presence in Afghanistan at the end of 2014 than we do now,” he said. “And I think you will know as early as the end of 2012 [or] beginning of 2013 whether that is going to happen.”
Gates and Mullen said the plan also supports continuing efforts to increase “dwell time” at home stations between deployments.
The Marine Corps leadership fully supports reducing the Corps’ end strength when it completes operations in Afghanistan, Gates said. Both Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James F. Amos and his predecessor, retired Gen. James T. Conway, believe the current Marine Corps is “both too large and too heavy to fulfill its traditional missions going forward,” the secretary said.
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Secretary of Defense Robert Gates says, if Congress fails to pass the 2011 federal budget soon, DoD operations could fall into crisis.
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VIEW VIDEO >>
African Americans fought against Communism during the Korean War of 1950-53 to protect the rights of individuals, even as their own civil rights were denied at home, the Defense Department’s top equal opportunity official said here yesterday.
Speaking during a Pentagon ceremony to honor African American veterans of the Korean War, Ronald M. Joe, acting director of the Office of Diversity Management and Equal Opportunity, said America now remembers the contributions of African American veterans during the war sometimes called “The Forgotten War” or the “The Forgotten Victory.”
“Yours is a distinguished generation in the history of African American military service,” Joe said to a group of seven Korean War veterans in attendance. “You belong to a legacy older than the Declaration of Independence, one that includes the legendary service of the Massachusetts 54th in our Civil War, the Buffalo Soldiers in the West, the 92nd Division and the Tuskegee Airman of World War II.”
For too long, he said, the service of African Americans during the Korean War was forgotten, “but it should be clear to all of you that you are forgotten no more.”
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Speaking during a Pentagon ceremony to honor African American veterans of the Korean War, Ronald M. Joe, acting director of the Office of Diversity Management and Equal Opportunity, said America now remembers the contributions of African American veterans during the war sometimes called “The Forgotten War” or the “The Forgotten Victory.”
“Yours is a distinguished generation in the history of African American military service,” Joe said to a group of seven Korean War veterans in attendance. “You belong to a legacy older than the Declaration of Independence, one that includes the legendary service of the Massachusetts 54th in our Civil War, the Buffalo Soldiers in the West, the 92nd Division and the Tuskegee Airman of World War II.”
For too long, he said, the service of African Americans during the Korean War was forgotten, “but it should be clear to all of you that you are forgotten no more.”
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It has been a long wait for WWII veteran, Ernie Wagner, to receive the nations 2nd highest medal - the Distinguished Service Cross.
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SEE VIDEO>>
Injury and pain may be considered just a consequence of the job for many soldiers, but the medical professionals at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center here are striving to help wounded soldiers manage their pain so they can continue their Army careers.
"We've definitely seen a steady increase in the incidence of acute and chronic pain within the military population. Just in the nature of their jobs and what they do every day, soldiers are at a greater risk for developing chronic pain," said Dr. Richard Erff, chief of the CRDAMC Pain Clinic. "Helping soldiers manage their pain presents some challenges for us, but we have been successful in helping them experience appreciable relief."
The International Association for the Study of Pain defines chronic pain as pain that persists beyond the typical three-month healing time. Chronic pain can result from injury or surgery and is severe enough to disrupt normal functioning. Many acute or less severe pain issues transition into chronic conditions that require a comprehensive approach to treatment.
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"We've definitely seen a steady increase in the incidence of acute and chronic pain within the military population. Just in the nature of their jobs and what they do every day, soldiers are at a greater risk for developing chronic pain," said Dr. Richard Erff, chief of the CRDAMC Pain Clinic. "Helping soldiers manage their pain presents some challenges for us, but we have been successful in helping them experience appreciable relief."
The International Association for the Study of Pain defines chronic pain as pain that persists beyond the typical three-month healing time. Chronic pain can result from injury or surgery and is severe enough to disrupt normal functioning. Many acute or less severe pain issues transition into chronic conditions that require a comprehensive approach to treatment.
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Monday is Valentine’s Day and Heroes Today want’s to help you send the one you love that special gift. Choose from fresh flowers from Pro Flowers, hand-dipped chocolate strawberries from Shari’s Berries or a personalized gift from Red Envelope!
Heroes Today receives a $10 donation from each order. Just follow the link http://www.causes.com/valentines/271316?m=b8472ba0 and start shopping.
Heroes Today receives a $10 donation from each order. Just follow the link http://www.causes.com/valentines/271316?m=b8472ba0 and start shopping.
Active duty service members, retirees, and their families benefit every day from the Military Health System’s commitment to care. From online mental health resources to research initiatives that determine health risks to the communication efforts that inform on the most up-to-date medical news, the MHS is an organization dedicated to keeping every current and retired service member healthy and strong.
Use the links below to take advantage of your military health benefits. Get the care you need and deserve!Getting Your TRICARE Benefits
- TRICARE Benefit Information
- TRICARE Dental Programs
- TRICARE Pharmacy Program (Express Scripts)
- Access DEERS (TRICARE eligibility)
- Find a Military Treatment Facility (MTF)
- Contact TRICARE
- TRICARE Resources Fact Sheet (PDF)
Mental and Behavioral Health Care
24/7 Help for PTSD and TBI24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week outreach center for information and resources about psychological health, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI).inTransition
inTransition is a voluntary program to support you as you move between health care systems or providers if you are currently receiving mental health care. A personal coach, along with resources and tools, will help you during this transition period. You’ll have what it takes to make your transition a success.
TRICARE Assistance Program (TRIAP)
Internet-based resource provides access to assistance counselors available for confidential, private discussions about what's going on in your life, including: stress management (work, family, personal), family difficulties and pressures, family separations/deployments, relationships and marital issues, parent/child communication, and self-esteem.
More Resources
Veterans Health Care (VA)VA health benefits are open to all Veterans. Family members may also be eligible to receive benefits.
Transition Assistance Program
Help and resources for service members and families making the switch from military to civilian life. Available to all active duty and Guard/Reserve personnel and their families.
Military OneSource
Military OneSource helps you with just about any need - education, relocation, parenting, stress, and much more. Available by phone or online, service is provided free for active-duty, Guard, and Reserve service members and their families.
The unemployment rate for OEF/OIF veterans soared to 15.2 percent in January—the highest rate recorded since the Bureau of Labor Statistics began tracking this data in 2006. This number follows the already staggering 11.5 percent OEF/OIF veteran unemployment rate in 2010, compared to 9.4 percent for the rest of the country. More worrying still is how much worse the situation could get. Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced in January that he intends to slim down the Army and Marines by 2015. This in addition to the planned drawdowns in Iraq and Afghanistan, will create a flood of new veterans facing serious employment challenges.
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Psychological health is among the military’s most critical and most promising areas of medical treatment, the Defense Department’s assistant secretary for health affairs said today.
Speaking at the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury’s Warrior Resilience Conference in Arlington, Va., Dr. Jonathan Woodson said nearly 10 years of war has caused an “immense” emotional toll on service members and their families.
“The work is heartbreaking and difficult, and progress is uneven and slow,” he acknowledged to an audience that included health care providers, researchers, officers and noncommissioned officers, and family members.
But, Woodson said, the military has made unprecedented gains in the treatment and prevention of “the invisible wounds of war,” and offers promise for more gains.
Woodson, a brigadier general in the Army Reserve, is a medical doctor and combat veteran who recently assumed his duties as the Pentagon’s top medical official. Since taking the post, he said, he has become even more optimistic about the military’s ability to prevent and treat psychological and emotional disorders in the future.
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Speaking at the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury’s Warrior Resilience Conference in Arlington, Va., Dr. Jonathan Woodson said nearly 10 years of war has caused an “immense” emotional toll on service members and their families.
“The work is heartbreaking and difficult, and progress is uneven and slow,” he acknowledged to an audience that included health care providers, researchers, officers and noncommissioned officers, and family members.
But, Woodson said, the military has made unprecedented gains in the treatment and prevention of “the invisible wounds of war,” and offers promise for more gains.
Woodson, a brigadier general in the Army Reserve, is a medical doctor and combat veteran who recently assumed his duties as the Pentagon’s top medical official. Since taking the post, he said, he has become even more optimistic about the military’s ability to prevent and treat psychological and emotional disorders in the future.
READ MORE>>
The Veterans Affairs Department is launching the first of a series of new and enhanced services supporting family caregivers of seriously ill and injured veterans.
President Barack Obama signed the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 legislation in May, authorizing VA to establish a wide range of new services to support certain caregivers of eligible post-9/11 veterans.
“Caregivers make tremendous sacrifices every day to help veterans of all eras who served this nation,” Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said. “They are critical partners with VA in the recovery and comfort of ill and injured veterans, and they deserve our continued training, support and gratitude.”
In addition to the new benefits and services for eligible veterans who were disabled in the line of duty since Sept. 11, 2001, VA also will begin providing enhanced benefits and services to caregivers of veterans of all eras who already are enrolled in VA care, including:
-- Access to VA’s toll-free Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274;
-- Expanded education and training on caring for Veterans at home;
-- Other support services such as counseling and support groups and referral services; and
-- An enhanced website for caregivers.
Some of the new benefits of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act are restricted by law to the caregivers of the most seriously ill and injured post-9/11 veterans. Those additional benefits include:
-- A monthly stipend;
-- Health care coverage;
-- Travel expenses, including lodging and per diem, while accompanying veterans undergoing care;
-- Respite care; and
-- Mental health services and counseling.
VA will report to Congress in the future on the feasibility of expanding the enhanced services to family caregivers of veterans of all eras, officials said.
While some of these enhanced benefits are available now, many of the other significant newly enacted benefits will require the issuance of regulations. These additional benefits include monthly stipends, pay for travel costs, medical coverage, training, counseling and respite care designed to prevent institutionalization of veterans whenever possible.
The law requires detailed regulations for determining eligibility, designating and approving caregivers, and providing stipends and health care coverage to primary family caregivers. The complex process required to implement these regulations will provide veterans, caregivers and the public the opportunity to provide comments before those regulations are finalized.
“VA has supported caregivers of veterans of all eras for almost eight decades,” said Deborah Amdur of VA’s Care Management and Social Work Service, “and we know from our experience and research that veterans are best served when they can live their lives as independently as possible surrounded by caring family and friends.”
Each VA medical center has designated caregiver support coordinators who will assist eligible veterans and caregivers in understanding and applying for the new benefits. VA also has a caregiver support website, http://www.caregiver.va.gov/, which will provide general information once final regulations are published, officials said.
READ MORE>>
President Barack Obama signed the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 legislation in May, authorizing VA to establish a wide range of new services to support certain caregivers of eligible post-9/11 veterans.
“Caregivers make tremendous sacrifices every day to help veterans of all eras who served this nation,” Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said. “They are critical partners with VA in the recovery and comfort of ill and injured veterans, and they deserve our continued training, support and gratitude.”
In addition to the new benefits and services for eligible veterans who were disabled in the line of duty since Sept. 11, 2001, VA also will begin providing enhanced benefits and services to caregivers of veterans of all eras who already are enrolled in VA care, including:
-- Access to VA’s toll-free Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274;
-- Expanded education and training on caring for Veterans at home;
-- Other support services such as counseling and support groups and referral services; and
-- An enhanced website for caregivers.
Some of the new benefits of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act are restricted by law to the caregivers of the most seriously ill and injured post-9/11 veterans. Those additional benefits include:
-- A monthly stipend;
-- Health care coverage;
-- Travel expenses, including lodging and per diem, while accompanying veterans undergoing care;
-- Respite care; and
-- Mental health services and counseling.
VA will report to Congress in the future on the feasibility of expanding the enhanced services to family caregivers of veterans of all eras, officials said.
While some of these enhanced benefits are available now, many of the other significant newly enacted benefits will require the issuance of regulations. These additional benefits include monthly stipends, pay for travel costs, medical coverage, training, counseling and respite care designed to prevent institutionalization of veterans whenever possible.
The law requires detailed regulations for determining eligibility, designating and approving caregivers, and providing stipends and health care coverage to primary family caregivers. The complex process required to implement these regulations will provide veterans, caregivers and the public the opportunity to provide comments before those regulations are finalized.
“VA has supported caregivers of veterans of all eras for almost eight decades,” said Deborah Amdur of VA’s Care Management and Social Work Service, “and we know from our experience and research that veterans are best served when they can live their lives as independently as possible surrounded by caring family and friends.”
Each VA medical center has designated caregiver support coordinators who will assist eligible veterans and caregivers in understanding and applying for the new benefits. VA also has a caregiver support website, http://www.caregiver.va.gov/, which will provide general information once final regulations are published, officials said.
READ MORE>>
Unemployed veterans, wounded warriors, reserve-component service members and their spouses searching for jobs can find one-stop shopping at a Web portal designed just for them.
Operated by the Army Reserve, the military-friendly Employee Partnership of the Armed Forces at http:www.EmployerPartnership.org lends assistance not only to those looking for a job, but also to public and private employers who are ready to hire former service members and help to support the troops, said Maj. Gen. Keith L. Thurgood, deputy chief of the Army Reserve.
“It’s all about connecting supply and demand,” Thurgood said.
Employers are attracted to veterans because they are highly skilled leaders from the finely tuned military atmosphere, the general explained.
“That’s the crux of the program,” Thurgood said. “It’s a mutually beneficial program where the employer gets someone who’s drug-free, understands collaboration, [and] can think strategically and act at a tactical level to get the job done.”
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Operated by the Army Reserve, the military-friendly Employee Partnership of the Armed Forces at http:www.EmployerPartnership.org lends assistance not only to those looking for a job, but also to public and private employers who are ready to hire former service members and help to support the troops, said Maj. Gen. Keith L. Thurgood, deputy chief of the Army Reserve.
“It’s all about connecting supply and demand,” Thurgood said.
Employers are attracted to veterans because they are highly skilled leaders from the finely tuned military atmosphere, the general explained.
“That’s the crux of the program,” Thurgood said. “It’s a mutually beneficial program where the employer gets someone who’s drug-free, understands collaboration, [and] can think strategically and act at a tactical level to get the job done.”
READ MORE>>
A video news magazine designed to inform veterans, their families and their communities about the services and benefits they have earned through their service to America.
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The National Guard is helping to handle logistics during Super Bowl 45 this Sunday in Dallas, Texas.
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VIEW STORY>>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2, 2011 – Heroes Today needs your help! We (http://www2.guidestar.org/organizations/26-1075032/heroes-today.aspx) have an opportunity to win the $5,000 prize that GuideStar USA, Inc., the leading source of nonprofit information, and KIMBIA, a group that empowers nonprofits and other organizations to increase giving, are making available through their Winter 2011 GuideStar-KIMBIA Nonprofit Giveaway. This generous gift could help us accomplish our mission, specifically reaching out to the veterans and the families of those veterans that are in distress.
“We know we are incredibly fortunate to have a passionate and committed constituency,” said Fred Johnson founder of Heroes Today. “If every supporter would take the time to write a review, we know we could be a contender for the GuideStar-KIMBIA Nonprofit Giveaway and could do great things with the prize money.”
Reviews will show our donors and other stakeholders that we are making an impact, are working effectively toward our mission, and are benefitting our cause. Anyone with firsthand knowledge about us who is not a paid employee of Heroes Today— donors, volunteers, board members, recipients of our services—can write a review about us on GuideStar. Your review will appear in our profile on both GuideStar and GreatNonProfits, GuideStar’s partner that makes it possible to write and post reviews.
There is no charge for writing a reviewe, but you are limited to posting only one review for your organization.
About the Winter 2011 GuideStar-KIMBIA Nonprofit Giveaway The giveaway begins on February 1, 2011, and ends at 11:59 p.m. EDT February 28, 2011. The organization that has received the most number of reviews on http://www.guidestar.org/ and http://www.greatnonprofits.org/ during this period will win a grand prize of $5,000.
To write a review, please click on http://www2.guidestar.org/organizations/26-1075032/heroes-today.aspx.
For more information, see the official rules at: www2.guidestar.org/rxg/update-nonprofit-report/sweepstakes-official-rules.aspx. “Heroes Today is committed to the support of homeless veterans, Iraq/Afghanistan veterans and the families of those veterans. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our compassion to make a difference, our outreach has effectively restored self-sufficiency in the lives of the veterans we serve. To share in the experience, please visit our website and view our photos page and see the veterans that have been been empowered as a result of our support.”
News Contact: Frederick Johnson 1.888.330.3235
February 2, 2011 – Heroes Today needs your help! We (http://www2.guidestar.org/organizations/26-1075032/heroes-today.aspx) have an opportunity to win the $5,000 prize that GuideStar USA, Inc., the leading source of nonprofit information, and KIMBIA, a group that empowers nonprofits and other organizations to increase giving, are making available through their Winter 2011 GuideStar-KIMBIA Nonprofit Giveaway. This generous gift could help us accomplish our mission, specifically reaching out to the veterans and the families of those veterans that are in distress.
“We know we are incredibly fortunate to have a passionate and committed constituency,” said Fred Johnson founder of Heroes Today. “If every supporter would take the time to write a review, we know we could be a contender for the GuideStar-KIMBIA Nonprofit Giveaway and could do great things with the prize money.”
Reviews will show our donors and other stakeholders that we are making an impact, are working effectively toward our mission, and are benefitting our cause. Anyone with firsthand knowledge about us who is not a paid employee of Heroes Today— donors, volunteers, board members, recipients of our services—can write a review about us on GuideStar. Your review will appear in our profile on both GuideStar and GreatNonProfits, GuideStar’s partner that makes it possible to write and post reviews.
There is no charge for writing a reviewe, but you are limited to posting only one review for your organization.
About the Winter 2011 GuideStar-KIMBIA Nonprofit Giveaway The giveaway begins on February 1, 2011, and ends at 11:59 p.m. EDT February 28, 2011. The organization that has received the most number of reviews on http://www.guidestar.org/ and http://www.greatnonprofits.org/ during this period will win a grand prize of $5,000.
To write a review, please click on http://www2.guidestar.org/organizations/26-1075032/heroes-today.aspx.
For more information, see the official rules at: www2.guidestar.org/rxg/update-nonprofit-report/sweepstakes-official-rules.aspx. “Heroes Today is committed to the support of homeless veterans, Iraq/Afghanistan veterans and the families of those veterans. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our compassion to make a difference, our outreach has effectively restored self-sufficiency in the lives of the veterans we serve. To share in the experience, please visit our website and view our photos page and see the veterans that have been been empowered as a result of our support.”
News Contact: Frederick Johnson 1.888.330.3235
Although the below story was written to alert holiday givers, it rings true not matter what day or season. So we have dug into the archive to share it with you all again... Thank you Mr. Spencer for writing this story!
Spencer: Find legitimate veterans groups to support
What is it about a man in camouflage battle fatigues that makes people open their wallets and shower him with money?Whatever it is, a veterans charity group that recently opened an office in Prospect Park is hoping it works as well in Delaware County as it does in 16 other states.
The group is named Veterans Support Organization (VSO), the same initials used by Veteran Services Organizations, so accredited by the U.S. Veterans Administration.
The VSO, not to be confused with VSOs (or maybe that’s exactly the idea) is the brainchild of one Richard Van Houten, an eight-year U.S. Army veteran who now resides in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Van Houten’s brilliant idea: Take homeless, down-on-their-luck veterans, give them jars and a spiel and let them solicit donations from the public outside stores and supermarkets.
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