Monthly Archives: January 2013

Veterans Benefits

GI Bill Fairness Act

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This is a pretty big deal, given that it was not so long ago that banks were getting kick backs on student loans. The loans for out -of -state veterans were bigger, therefore the respective schools were making more money on the backs of our veterans. It was kind of like an academic institutionalized Amway.

GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act of 2013

Week of January 28, 2013

The Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs recently introduced bipartisan legislation (H.R. 357) that would require state operated schools to charge veterans in-state tuition rates even though they may not be residents of the states where the schools are located. The requirement would apply to state schools which have programs which are eligible for Department of Veterans Affairs education programs under the GI Bill. This move could help veterans save thousands in out-of-pocket tuition expenses.

Veterans Benefits

Honoring Arizona's Indian Vietnam Veterans

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To Arizona Vietnam Veterans, Indian Vietnam veterans, families & friends:

The Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, the Arizona Military Museum, and the Heard Museum  is proud to host an event Honoring Arizona’s Indian Vietnam Veterans. 

DATE:  May 25, 2013   Sign in 6:30 pm for table seating. Program begins at 7:00pm 

LOCATION:  Heard Museum, 2301 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004

SEATING: Limited to 250 and seating will be assigned to those who respond first

ATTIRE: Business/casual or Army Class A or service equivalent, military decorations

COST:  FREE

 

This event is for all who desire to honor Arizona’s Indian Vietnam veterans and is part of the 50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War activities whose first stated objective is:

To thank and honor veterans who served in the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.

The event includes a Color Guard, a Native American Drum Group, special blessings, short speeches, videos, TAPS, a special presentation to Arizona’s Indian Vietnam veteran warriors, and catered refreshments.

Native Americans have one of the highest records of service in the Vietnam War, per capita, of any ethnic group. A majority of these men enlisted, and a disproportionate number served in combat units—airmobile, infantry, armor, airborne, and artillery. Their distinctive cultural value of the proud warrior tradition compelled them to serve.

We look forward to seeing many Indian Vietnam veteran warriors, their families, and friends at this event. The Heard Museum’s Steele Auditorium can hold only 250 attendees, so mail your completed RSVP form back ASAP.  Your name must be on our list for you to attend.  If you have any questions call Joe at 520-868-6777.

 

Colonel Joey Strickland, USA (Ret.), Director         

                        Arizona Department of Veteran Services

                            

Colonel Joseph E. Abodeely, USA (Ret.)

                        Director, Arizona Military Museum

 

Marcus Monenerkit

                        Heard Museum

Veterans Benefits

Vet to Vet

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Okay, yeah a little trite for some…I don’t think I have ever posted a copy of one of these mega emailings, or any such thing, but this one has a bit of levity, and what the hey, its still the New Year. Be well Veterans of America!

 

Vet to Vet

 

When a Veteran leaves the ‘job’ and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are pleased, and others, who may have already retired, wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know.

1. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times.

2. We know in the Military life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet.

3. We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life.     We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is.

These are the burdens of the job.     You will still look at people suspiciously, still see what others do not see or choose to ignore and always will look at the rest of the Military world with a respect for what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing.

Never think for one moment you are escaping from that life.     You are only escaping the ‘job’ and merely being allowed to leave ‘active’ duty.

So what I wish for you is that whenever you ease into retirement, in your heart you never forget for one moment that you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known.

NOW… Civilian Friends vs. Veteran Friends Comparisons:

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you’re too busy to talk to them for a week.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years, and will happily carry on the same conversation you were having the last time you met.
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Have cried with you.
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it’s yours.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that’s what the crowd is doing.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will stand by you no matter what the crowd does.
—————————————————
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for a while.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Are for life.
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences…
VETERAN FRIENDS: Have shared a lifetime of experiences no citizen could ever dream of…
—————————————————
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will take your drink away when they think you’ve had enough.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say, ‘You better drink the rest of that before you spill it !!’     Then carry you home safely and put you to bed…
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CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will ignore this.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will forward this.
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A veteran  – –  whether active duty, retired, served one hitch, or reserve is someone who, at one point in their life  – –  wrote a blank check made payable to ‘The Government of the United States of America ‘ for an amount of ‘up to and including my life’.

From one Veteran to another, it’s an honor to be in your company.     Thank you for your service to our country and defending the freedoms we enjoy.

Life is neither a spectator sport, nor a dress rehearsal.

 

Veterans Benefits

Warning Regarding "Veteran Affairs Services"

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Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen,

From the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
Please disseminate widely.

VA Warning: “Veterans Affairs Services”

Organization Not Affiliated, Getting Vet IDs.

The Office of the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has
requested dissemination of the following :

An organization called Veterans Affairs Services (VAS) is providing benefit
and general information on VA and gathering personal information on veterans.
“This organization is not affiliated with VA in any way.

[The organization described itself at its web page at:
http://www.vaservices.or/g/us/index.html ]

VAS may be gaining access to military personnel through their close
resemblance to the VA name and seal. Our Legal Counsel has requested that we
coordinate with DoD to inform military installations, particularly
mobilization sites, of this group and their lack of affiliation or endorsement
by VA to provide any services. In addition, GC requests that if you have any
examples of VAS acts that violate chapter 59 of Title 38 United States Code,
such as VAS employees assisting veterans in the preparation and presentation
of claims for benefits, please pass any additional information to Mr.
Daugherty at the address below.

Michael G. Daugherty,
Staff Attorney,
Department of Veterans Affairs,
Office of General Counsel