Category Archives: Veterans’ Spouses, Partners & Families

Information for husbands, wives, partners and families of combat soldiers, Marines and veterans.

Veteran Pals, Veterans Events, Veterans Global, Veterans' Spouses, Partners & Families

Happy Veterans Day At Laffs Comedy Club

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Now ladies and gentlemen of the TucsonCitizen.com this is funny stuff. This salute to veterans has been sitting here all day in a draft form. So,I will share some humanity with you… It is possible that the Marine Corps Birthday was a bit too spirited, therefore effecting the memory of Grampa! I just now realized that I did not post it,as I have had more phone calls today inbound and outbound, with cheers for Vets then ever in personal history. What a treat. What respect. Respect is good for the soul. Makes me feel energized and appreciated. I do hope one day we can celebrate the “Last Warrior.” Is it possible?

Join us tonight at Laffs for a show entitled “Comics for Courage” that benefits the Wounded Warrior Project. Show time 7pm. Suggested donation $12. You know what is funny? They don’t have any Marines on stage. They don’t know us huh? So my one liner;You know why there is no such thing as a former Marine?….. you can’t reverse a lobotomy!!

Veteran Legislative Update, Veterans Benefits, Veterans' Spouses, Partners & Families

OBAMA LAUNCHES MAJOR EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE

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The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

November 09, 2009

President Obama Launches Major Veterans Employment Initiative
Initiative Would Transform Federal Government into Model of Veterans Employment

Washington, DC – Today, the White House announced the launch of an initiative that is designed to transform the federal government into the model employer of America’s veterans. This evening, President Obama will be joined by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry to sign an Executive Order on the Employment of Veterans in the federal government, which establishes the Veterans Employment Initiative for the Executive Branch. The Initiative underscores to federal agencies the importance of recruiting and training veterans, aims to increase the employment of veterans within the Executive Branch, and helps recently hired veterans adjust to service in a civilian capacity.

“Honoring our sacred trust with America’s veterans means doing all we can to help them find work when they come home so they never feel as if the American Dream they fought to defend is out of reach for them and their families,” said President Obama. “But this initiative is about more than repaying our debt for their courageous service and selfless sacrifice. It’s also about continuing to fill the ranks of federal employees with men and women who possess the skills, dedication, and sense of duty that Americans deserve from their public servants. And few embody those qualities like our nation’s veterans.”

The Executive Order creates an interagency Council on Veterans Employment that will advise the President and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management on the veterans’ employment initiative. The Council will be chaired by Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki. OPM Director John Berry will serve as the Vice Chair and Chief Operating Officer of the Council.

“Veterans have shown unmatched dedication to public service,” said Secretary Shinseki. “They offer leadership and technical skills that are in high demand, whether in the public or private workforce. Not only does this initiative present an opportunity for Veterans to serve their Nation once again, the Nation will benefit from the education and training Veterans received in the Armed Forces. I am looking forward to working with Secretary Solis and Director Berry to achieve the objectives of this initiative across the federal government.”

“Veterans are an important part of our nation’s past, present and future. They deserve our full support as they reintegrate into the civilian workforce,” said Secretary Solis, “In signing this Executive Order, President Obama underscores his Administration’s commitment to our military men and women, and keeps us squarely on the path to achieving the goal of good jobs for everyone.”

“President Obama strongly believes in honoring the service of our veterans and he sees this initiative as an opportunity to put some real muscle behind that promise,” said Director Berry. “The strong sense of patriotism and public service held by members of our armed forces doesn’t leave them when they exit from active duty. It benefits our government to seize this opportunity to utilize their skills and dedication to service. The Veterans Employment Initiative will help our federal agencies identify qualified veterans, clarify the hiring process for veterans seeking employment with the federal government, and help our veterans adjust to civilian life once they are hired.”

The Order also establishes a Veterans Employment Program office within most federal agencies. These offices will be responsible for helping veterans identify employment opportunities within those federal agencies, providing feedback to veterans about their employment application status, and helping veterans recently employed by these agencies adjust to civilian life and a workplace culture often different than military service.

In addition, the Office of Personnel Management will issue a government-wide strategic plan that will focus on creating leadership commitment and an infrastructure in each agency to promote continued skills development and employment success for veterans. The strategic plan will also include marketing strategies aimed at agency hiring managers as well as veterans and transitioning service members.

“This Executive Order reflects the shared commitment across the Obama administration to hiring American veterans,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Veterans play a vital role in the Department of Homeland Security’s mission to protect the nation, which is why we have pledged to grow our veteran workforce to more than 50,000 Department-wide by 2012.”

At the end of Fiscal Year 2008, there were approximately 480,000 veterans working within the federal government.

For more information, visit: www.fedshirevets.gov

Uncategorized, Veteran Pals, Veterans' Spouses, Partners & Families

Happy Birthday Marine Corps!

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234 years of Semper Fidelis;Always Faithful. Happy Birthday fellow Marines. The title cannot be inherited. Nor can it be purchased. You and no one alive can buy it for any price. It is impossible to rent and cannot be lent. You alone and our own have earned it with your sweat. blood and tears. You own it forever’ the title ‘United States Marine.”

Be safe Marines. Mike Brewer/ 7th Marines/ 1st Marine Air Wing.

Politics, Veteran Pals, Veterans' Spouses, Partners & Families

Salpointe High School Honors Veterans

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Salpointe Catholic High School
Home of the Lancers

Please join us for our annual Veteran’s Day Mass
in honor of all Veteran’s and those Salpointe alumni who died in active military service.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009
7:15 a.m.
Salpointe Chapel (campus map)
1545 E Copper St
Tucson, AZ

Reception to follow in the Carmelite Conference Room.
Please share this invitation with family members and friends.

The Gregory W. Stewart – Vietnam 1968 Memorial Plaque
Remembering Salpointe’s Alumni Who Died In Active Military Service
Frederick X. Bir ’56 – California 1964
Joseph P. Moclair, Jr. ’60 – Connecticut 1963
James R. Cronin ’65 – Vietnam 1967
John J. Roberts ’65 – Vietnam 1967
John A. Delozier ’66 – Vietnam 1968
Timothy M. Harrington ’66 – Vietnam 1968
John E. Malone ’62 – Vietnam 1968
William J. Whitehead ’58 – Vietnam 1968
Paul Bourret ’63 – Spain 1970
William A. Pahissa ’65 – Vietnam 1970
Hugh J. Shevlin ’67 – Vietnam 1970
Michael J. Paulsen ’68 – Vietnam 1970
Timothy E. Sullivan ’68 – Vietnam 1970
James L. Feeney ’64 – Sea of Japan 1974
Peter M. Brady ’70 – North Carolina 1979
David A. Barba ’75 – Arizona 1981
Alfred M. Espinoza ’84 – Philippines 1988
John W. McClure ’70 – Texas 1995
Gilbert Munoz ’93 – North Carolina 2005
Rest In Peace, Lancers

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Health, Politics, Veterans' Spouses, Partners & Families

Wounded Troops Face Too Much Bureaucracy

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How do you support our troops?
How do you support our troops?
Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Monday that troops injured in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan continue to face too many bureaucratic hurdles. Paperwork alone for them can be “frustrating, adversarial, and unnecessarily complex,” Gates said. Gates spoke at a mental health summit with Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. By appearing publicly together, they sought to reinforce their commitment to tackling veterans’ health issues and the stigma associated with seeking mental health care. Among U.S. troops who have fought in the recent wars, Gates says brain injuries and mental health ailments are “widespread, entrenched and insidious.”

This is the way we support our troops? By causing frustration and adversity? The stigma associated with mental health issues exists not only among active duty military, but perhaps even more importantly, it exists in a very big way in the public. Yes, it’s difficult to understand the issues of combat veterans, but we MUST understand them, for the sake of those who put their lives on the line for our country, and for the hope of a future without war.

Support our troops by educating yourself about post traumatic stress.

Veteran Legislative Update, Veterans Benefits, Veterans' Spouses, Partners & Families

Veterans Legal Service

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I read at least 20 veteran publications combing for material that I deem helpful to the largest population of veterans. Many of the press releases I get are from the Catholic War Veterans, and they are quite good and chock full of practical help. While my Blog has never been retail, it does appear that this lawyer and his promotional narrative may well be of assistance to our readers and family members. It is a shame that we do not have more Attorneys in Arizona trained in Veteran Law. It seems a bit odd to have such a dearth, as are veteran population per capita is quite high. The lawyers whose resume follows, appears to know his game.

I am writing to introduce myself and to provide you with information on my background and Veteran’s law practice. I represent Veteran’s who have been denied benefits by the Board of Veterans’ appeals. Additionally, I assist Veteran’s who are victims of medical malpractice and serious personal injury. Our VA appellate representation is done on a pro bono basis, at no charge to the Veteran or spouse. Please feel free to call me with any questions.

The Veterans Law Firm

Peter J. Meadows, P.A.

Graduate of Florida State University

Graduate of Washington and Lee University School of Law

Member of the Florida Bar

Member of the Bar of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

Member of the Bar U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

Member of the National Organization of Veterans Advocates

Member of the Veterans Law Section of the Federal Bar Association

Mission Statement

Our Mission is to provide high quality legal representation to veterans and their families, where the Board of Veterans’ Appeals has denied a veteran’s claim within the previous 120 days or who have been the victim of medical malpractice or grievous personal injury.

The Veterans Law Firm

1314 E. Las Olas Blvd. Suite1088 Fort Lauderdale , FL 33301

Ph: (800) 868-2813 Fax: (800) 868-2815

Veterans Appeals
Before the U.S. Court of Appeals
for Veterans Claims

At Peter J. Meadows, P.A. we work with Veterans who have appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. We will pursue Veterans’ claims vigorously in order for our Veterans to receive the benefits, which they have earned and to which they are entitled.

We are able to represent Veterans from every state in the country. No matter where a Veteran lives, we can represent him or her before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims in Washington D.C.

Our representation of Veterans is provided without charge. Instead, our firm seeks compensation from the government under the Equal Access to Justice Act. We use our inside knowledge of the Veterans appeals process to aggressively manage an appeal. We promise to keep our clients informed of the progress of the appeal. The Veteran can be fully confident that we take the best interests of our clients very seriously.

We are also happy to assist in matters relating to:

· Medical Malpractice

Experience Matters

The veteran’s appeals process can be intimidating. Mr. Meadows served as a law clerk intern to Chief Judge Kenneth B. Kramer of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and as an appellate attorney with the Appellate Litigation Group of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the General Counsel. His Veteran’s appeals experience and knowledge can help bring positive results following years of frustrating denials. We want veterans to enjoy the benefits, which they have earned and to which they are entitled. Mr. Meadows’ ten years of VA and Veterans law experience is yours to help win your claim.

Veteran Pals, Veterans Events, Veterans' Spouses, Partners & Families

Nam Jam 2009

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Nam Jam 2009
Nam Jam 2009
Tucson Chapter 106 of Vietnam Veterans of America presents:

The 22nd Annual

NAM JAM

November 7, 2009
Kennedy Fiesta Park
9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

FREE Parking & Admission
Beer Sales Start at Noon
Bike Show & Poker Run with Los Vatos South Siders Tucson

PARTICIPATING BANDS

The Rowdies
Angel Perez & Band
Blue Horse Blues Band
Sarge Lintecum
Dirtnap
Bobby Soto & Los Recuerdos
Steel Ribbon
Vicki Nelson presents The Veterans

For further information, go to www.TucsonNamVets.org

Veteran Legislative Update, Veteran Pals, Veterans Global, Veterans' Spouses, Partners & Families

Veterans Make Great Teachers

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A recent study of a 15 year-old Defense Department Program that has the intent of training and placing veterans in teaching positions showed some very encouraging results. A Florida schools study showed that students who completed the Troops to Teachers program, scored higher in reading and math, compared to teachers of the same subject, in the same school and with the same experience.

Troops to Teachers, has placed some 11.500 teachers since 1994. About 82% of the veterans turned teachers are men compared to about 25% of teachers nationwide. Some 40% of these teachers are minorities.

Several States have seen a doubling in the enrollment in the Troops To Teachers program.

The graduates of this program receive a $5000 stipend to pay for their education, and those who elect to teach in ‘High Need” Schools can get another $10,000.00 bonus.

For more information,access www.proudtoserveagain.com

I cannot imagine a more creative way to allure young men and women to the teaching profession. Kudos, to the creator of this program.

My former English teacher at Rincon High School 64′ , was a retired Army Col. named Leo Croteau. He was the most inspiring teacher I had ever encountered. His son Dave Croteau and I speak of him often to this day.

Many of our nations notable writers were both teachers and novelists and veterans of war. Kurt Vonnegut, Norman Mailer, William Manchester, William Buckley, William Styron, Ernest Hemingway for a few. All were warriors first. It clearly broadens your perspective on humanity and affords a depth for students that may not get such richness elsewhere.

Health, Veteran Pals, Veterans Global, Veterans' Spouses, Partners & Families

Vietnam Veterans Fast A Dying Breed

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Dog tags
Dog tags

These are indeed some very sobering statistics. As a combat veteran of Marine Corps having served in Vietnam, I have always known that we seem to have a mortality clock that ticks a bit faster than then that of the standard for insurance actuaries. Might any of our readers speculate about why this may be? I have a few observations, but I will let you all go first.

This isn’t good news for us “in country vets”…. Like I always said ….we died in ‘Nam , just haven’t fallen over yet….Too bad all the imposters don’t die just as quick or quicker.

*********

In case you haven’t been paying attention these past few decades after you
returned from Vietnam , the clock has been ticking. The following are some
statistics that are at once depressing yet in a larger sense should give you a HUGE SENSE OF PRIDE.

“Of the 2,709,918 Americans who served in Vietnam, less than 850,000 are estimated to be alive today, with the youngest American Vietnam veteran’s
age approximated to be 54 years old.”

If you’re alive and reading this, how does it feel to be among the last
1/3rd of all the U.S. Vets who served in VietNam ?!?!? …don’t know about
you guys, but kinda gives me the chills, considering this is the kind of
information I’m used to reading about WWII and Korean War vets…

So the last 14 years we are dying too fast, only the few will survive by
2015…if any.. If true, 390 VN vets die a day so in 2,190 days from today,
lucky to be a Vietnam veteran alive….. in only 6 years..

These statistics were taken from a variety of sources to include: The VFW
Magazine, the Public Information Office, and the HQ CP Forward Observer –
1st Recon April 12, 1997.

INTERESTING CENSUS STATISTICS. THOSE TO CLAIM TO HAVE “been there”:
1,713,823 of those who served in Vietnam were still alive as of August,
1995 (census figures).

During that same Census count, the number of Americans falsely claiming to
have served in-country was: 9,492,958.

As of the last Census taken during August, 2000, the surviving U.S.
Vietnam Veteran population estimate is: 1,002,511. This is hard to believe,
losing nearly 711,000 between ’95 and ’00. That’s 390 per day.

During this Census count, a huge number of Americans falsely claimed to have
served in-country .  (fact check note by Mike Brewer. I do not concur with this figure. The only qualifier may be that there is a misunderstanding about what “In Country” means.  There are tons of  “Era Vets” who are categorized  as Vietnam Veterans, which is sort of true, but they are Vietnam ERA Vets, and never left the United States. There census number is quite high, but I do not think it is this high.)

Politics, Veteran Legislative Update, Veterans Benefits, Veterans' Spouses, Partners & Families

GI Bill Update

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Subject: GI Bill Update – Transportation Assistance

Secretary Shinseki Announces Ability to Sign Up for Emergency Education Benefit Payments on VA Web-Site this Friday

Vans to Help Veteran-Students

WASHINGTON (Sept. 30, 2009) – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki today announced further outreach to Veteran-students eligible for a special emergency payment of their education benefits. Veterans can now apply online beginning Oct. 2. Veteran-students can also request courtesy transportation to VA regional benefits offices.

“Our Veterans went the extra mile for their country,” Shinseki said. “One of our top priorities in transforming VA is to be, first and foremost, the advocate for Veterans.”

Last week Shinseki announced that on Friday, Oct. 2, VA’s 57 regional benefits offices will begin providing on-the-spot emergency payments up to $3,000 to students who have applied for their education benefits but who have not yet received a government payment.

Citing the distance many Veterans would have to travel to apply in person at a VA benefits office, Shinseki announced Veterans can also apply online at www.va.gov, starting Oct. 2. The online application will guide Veterans through the process to supply needed information. Shinseki noted that online applicants will receive their emergency payments through the mail after processing.

“VA is adapting to meet the financial needs of our Veteran-students who are on campus,” Shinseki said. “They should be focusing on their studies, not worrying about financial difficulties.”

Students without their own transportation can also request free van service, provided by volunteers, to carry them to the nearest benefits office. To obtain this service, Veterans would have to call their nearest VA medical center and ask for the “Volunteer Transportation Coordinator.” Transportation will be on a first-come, first-served, space-available basis. Veterans can find a map and list of medical centers at http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?dnum=1.

Whether traveling by personal vehicle or volunteer van, VA officials suggest students check their mail boxes and banking accounts before leaving home, since some Veterans will find their checks have already arrived. VA would like to recognize the volunteers and Veterans Service Organizations for partnering with the Department to ensure that Veterans’ needs are met.

The emergency checks are an advance on each student’s education benefits, and the amount will be deducted from future benefits payments. Checks will be written at the regional offices for Veterans who bring a photo ID and evidence of their enrollment. VA officials emphasize that $3,000 is the maximum payment, with many Veterans receiving smaller payments based upon their likely monthly education benefits.

A map and list of the participating VA regional benefits offices is available on the Internet at http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?dnum=3. The most updated information regarding VA issuing emergency checks will be available at VA’s web site www.va.gov starting Oct. 1.

Applications from approximately 25,000 Veterans are currently being processed for Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit payments to students or schools.

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