VNN is a television channel developed for Veterans, largely by Veterans that is available 24/7. It includes entertainment, education, inspiration, and Veteran news.
Learn More at
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/71792/veteran-news-network-television-for-veterans-by-veterans
or Watch at https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Veteran+News+Network
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Effective Jan. 1, 2020
According to the Department of Defense, starting Jan. 1, 2020, all service-connected Veterans, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war (POW), and individuals approved and designated as the primary family caregivers of eligible Veterans under the Department of Veterans Affairs Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) can use commissaries, exchanges, and morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) retail facilities, in-person and online.
For more information regarding these privileges and access to military installations, visit http://www.militaryonesource.mil/expanding-access
Who is eligible Jan. 1, 2020?
Veterans, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, and Veterans with 0-90% service-connected disability ratings.
(For former service members who have not yet sought disability compensation from VA, visit https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/)
Medal of Honor recipients and Veterans with 100% service-connected disability ratings are already eligible under existing DOD policy.
Caregivers
On Jan. 1, individuals approved and designated as the primary family caregiver of an eligible veteran under the PCAFC will be eligible for these privileges.
For information about primary family caregivers in the PCAFC, visit https://www.caregiver.va.gov/.
Required credentials For Veterans
On Jan. 1, Veterans eligible solely under this act who are eligible to obtain a Veteran Health Identification Card must use this credential for in-person installation and privilege access. The card must display the Veteran's eligibility status (i.e., PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW or SERVICE CONNECTED). Apply here: https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vhic/index.asp.
Veterans eligible solely under this act who are not enrolled in or are not eligible to enroll in VA health care, or who are enrolled in VA health care, but do not possess a Veteran Health Identification Card will not have access to DoD and Coast Guard installations for in-person commissary, exchange, and MWR retail privileges, but will have full access to online exchanges and American Forces Travel.
Medal of Honor recipients and Veterans with 100% service-connected disability ratings are eligible for DoD credentials under DoD policy.
For Caregivers
Eligible caregivers will receive an eligibility letter from VA's Office of Community Care.
If you are a primary family caregiver under the PCAFC and lose your eligibility letter, please call 1-877-733-7927 to request a replacement. Please allow two weeks for processing.
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Veterans and Primary Family Caregivers who are eligible and want to take advantage of in-person benefits must have a Veterans Health Identification Card, or VHIC. Primary Family Caregivers must have an eligibility letter from VA's Office of Community Care.
Veterans must be enrolled in the VA health care system to receive a VHIC. To enroll, you can complete an application for enrollment in VA health care by telephone without the need for a signed paper application. Just call 1-877-222-VETS (8387) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Eastern.
VHIC card
To read the full story please follow this link
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/68479/veterans-need-vhic-for-in-person-commissary-military-exchange-and-mwr-access/
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Traveling Veteran Coordinator
If you are enrolled in health care with VA, you will receive the same care while traveling as you would at home. A Traveling Veteran Coordinator will help coordinate with the alternate facility, but you need to tell your care team about your plans before you travel.
Follow this link to read the rest of the story https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/67572/traveling-veteran-coordinator/
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New Disability Claims Tool
This new self service tool dramatically simplifies the process of submitting disability claims.
The platform help Veterans provide clear and complete information which speeds up the adjudication time for Veterans to receive a claims decision.
I placed a link below to watch the YouTube videos on how to do this just copy and paste it into any browser but I highly recommend you see a DAV Service Officer to help you thru any claim.
https://youtu.be/dPuBrD-0niU?list=PLt_058CfeU2oqhqiIcbbYPgWPOY5fucl-
Vietnam Veterans eligible to receive lapel pins
More than 11,000 commemorative partners conduct events in their local communities throughout the year to recognize Vietnam Veterans and their families. Vietnam Veterans are eligible to receive a lapel pin during these events or may contact a commemorative partner to find out details on the next event.
Learn More at
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/67922/vietnam-veterans-families-honored-thanked-program/
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New Disability Claims Tool
This new self service tool dramatically simplifies the process of submitting disability claims.
The platform help Veterans provide clear and complete information which speeds up the adjudication time for Veterans to receive a claims decision.
I placed a link below to watch the YouTube videos on how to do this just copy and paste it into any browser but I highly recommend you see a DAV Service Officer to help you thru any claim.
https://youtu.be/dPuBrD-0niU?list=PLt_058CfeU2oqhqiIcbbYPgWPOY5fucl-
Vietnam Veterans eligible to receive lapel pins
More than 11,000 commemorative partners conduct events in their local communities throughout the year to recognize Vietnam Veterans and their families. Vietnam Veterans are eligible to receive a lapel pin during these events or may contact a commemorative partner to find out details on the next event.
Learn More at
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/67922/vietnam-veterans-families-honored-thanked-program/
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(Military.com) A major change to a popular Department of Veterans Affairs program means the family caregivers of Vietnam, Korea and World War II veterans may qualify to get paid for their help and have access to caregiver training, mental health services and counseling and more.
The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers underwent an expansion Oct. 1 affecting qualifying veterans who need around-the-clock care from a loved one.
Learn more at : https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/10/06/va-expands-caregiver-stipend-cover-eligible-vietnam-korea-and-world-war-ii-veterans.html?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=EBB%2010.07.20&utm_term=Editorial%20-%20Military%20-%20Early%20Bird%20Brief
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There are plenty of benefits that come with starting a business, including having more flexibility and freedom with your schedule. For many individuals, however, the process of becoming an entrepreneur is a bit intimidating because it comes with so many questions.
The good news is, there are several opportunities and resources available for veterans these days that can make the path a little easier to travel. Start by reaching out to local businesses that are veteran-owned so you can network; forging a connection with a company like CLR Marine will give you some support as you start your journey. Then, think about how you can protect your business and grow your ideas at the same time.
Start with a sustainable idea
There are tons of business ideas out there, but only one will be perfect for you and your specific needs and skills. If you have the time and patience, you can build a company from the ground up based on something you enjoy doing, such as woodworking or baking. However, you might consider looking into a franchise, which includes benefits such as built-in branding that already has a customer following and a handbook for daily business operations. This is a great way to ease into the business world because it takes some of the pressure off your shoulders.
Look for funding
Once you have an idea of what sort of business you want to start, it’s time to look for funding. There are several resources available for veterans, but there may only be a few that are right for you. Decide whether you want to look for a loan or a grant, then do some research on which ones you qualify for. Keep in mind that some grants may depend upon the size of your business and whether you plan to have employees, while others factor in your years of service or whether you are living with a disability. It’s also important to note that there are many other resources available to help you cut down on costs and save money throughout the year.
Get some benefits
One resource available to all business owners is the formation of an LLC, or Limited Liability Company. This is a great way to add some protection to your company as well as some tax benefits, as Florida LLC owners aren’t required to pay state taxes on their business income. There are some other tax requirements, however, so it’s essential to find out the rules and regulations that are specific to the state of Florida. Read over the specific steps and guidelines for forming an LLC, and consider using a formation service that can help you get through the process with no issues.
It’s important to stay organized during this process, so create an area to safely file paperwork related to your business. Keep it separate from your personal files so there will be no confusion come tax-time.
Expand your education
One final consideration to make when you’re ready to start a business is how to expand upon your education. As a veteran, you already have an advantage in the business world due to your leadership skills and the ability to adapt to change, so now might be the time to focus on learning more about building a successful website or how to create a marketing plan. There are plenty of free educational opportunities for veterans online, including business classes and workshops, but you can also connect with other small business owners to learn how they’ve handled getting set up. Look for networking opportunities on social media and research more about how to create targeted ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to reach more customers.
Starting a business can be stressful, but you can minimize frustration by giving yourself plenty of time to set things up. By getting all your ducks in a row and staying organized, you can bring your business plan to fruition.
Ready to get in touch with CLR Marine? Fill out the contact us form or call 877-275-2576.
Kelli Brewer
DeployCare.org
Photo via Pexels
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A $2.2 trillion COVID-19 relief package unveiled Wednesday by the House contains $2.2 billion for the Department of Defense and military services and an additional $613 million for the Department of Veterans Affairs for costs related to pandemic response.
Read the Rest of the story at:
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/09/30/heres-whats-22-trillion-covid-19-relief-proposal-veterans-and-military.html?ESRC=eb_201001.nl
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WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today it is working directly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and U.S. Treasury Department to ensure delivery of ‘Economic Impact Payments' to Veterans and survivors who receive Compensation and Pension (C&P) benefit payments from VA without additional paperwork or IRS filings.
The ‘Economic Impact Payments,' authorized by the Treasury Department under the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, will be issued automatically to recipients of non-taxable VA benefits who did not file annual income tax returns for 2018 or 2019. VA and the IRS have been collaborating since the passage of the CARES Act to ensure Veterans receive their EIP.
“Many have expressed concern that Veterans and their beneficiaries would be overlooked during the distribution of Economic Impact Payments from the CARES Act simply because they don't file an annual tax return,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “This collaboration will ensure our Veterans receive CARES Act payments without any additional action or paperwork required.”
Economic Impact Payments will be automatic for non-tax filing VA beneficiaries. For VA beneficiaries who filed a Form 1040 for 2018 or 2019, those payments will also be automatic. No further action is needed. They can track the status of their payments on the Get My Payment tool on IRS.gov. For non-tax filing VA beneficiaries, please note their information will be loaded on this tool within the next few weeks.
For VA beneficiaries who didn't file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 and have a dependent, there is a special step they need to take, and the sooner the better. They should visit the Non-Filer: Enter Payment Info Here tool on IRS.gov. By quickly taking steps to enter information on the IRS website about them and their qualifying children, they can receive the $500 per dependent child payment in addition to their $1,200 individual payment.
VA recognizes that many non-tax filing beneficiaries have already begun using the IRS' EIP payment portal to provide the necessary data to IRS to receive their EIP. There will be no interruption to payments being processed using the IRS portal, and Veterans with internet access are encouraged to continue providing information and track their EIP through the IRS portal.
For those who do not have access, or choose not to use the IRS portal, their EIP will be processed without further action on their part.
While no date for distribution has been set at this time, VA is securely sharing necessary beneficiary data with Treasury which will allow Treasury to begin issuance of Economic Impact Payments.
For more information on CARES Act ‘Economic Impact Payments, visit: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know
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Many veterans and their families face unique challenges, and while it’s kind to thank veterans for their service, advocating for them and their families on different levels can help provide a different degree of tangible support they need. The US Department of Veterans Affairs is a good resource to start with. Senior vets who live alone are also in need of support just as much, if not more so, than those residing in family units. You can also support veterans by patronizing veteran-owned businesses, like CLMarine.com.
Veteran And Military Family Challenges
A career in the military impacts a service member's whole family. From deployments and frequent relocations to combat-sustained physical injuries and emotional needs, military families juggle a wide range of issues. Reintegration into civilian life can be particularly tricky. Of course, all veterans and their families are different, and there are no one-size-fits-all approaches when it comes to how best to support them. According to the National Council On Family Relations, open and honest dialogue about needs and ways to support is a good starting point.
Access To Resources
While there are a number of community and government resources available for vets and their families, there can be waiting lists, red tape, and a lot of levels of bureaucracy to wade through to access them. As such, making yourself available to help compile documentation, track down resources, access information, and make appointments can be a big stress reliever. Some vets are eligible for home modifications, and others qualify for home loans and specialized medical care. The National Veterans Foundation offers access to a wealth of information and resources on varied topics related to veterans’ needs.
Mental Health Resources
Unfortunately, many vets develop mental health issues following their time in the service and can be at high risk for depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, and even suicide. It’s not just illegal drugs to be on the lookout for - some vets become addicted to prescription pain medications originally prescribed to treat injuries sustained in combat. Warning signs to watch for include hoarding or hiding medication, clumsiness or memory loss, irritability and mood swings, withdrawing from friends and family, and suicidal ideation.
Successful Reintegration
Most veterans receive exceptional degrees of training in the military, and many skill sets can be applied to jobs in the civilian world. You can help vets create resumes, get familiar with job boards, or even connect to hiring firms or companies that actively recruit veterans. You can also help by performing mock interviews, making referrals, and writing letters of recommendation. You can even be an advocate on a larger scale, encouraging local companies to consider direct outreach to vets through local VA facilities and groups.
Advanced Education
Some veterans may prefer to get training or education that prepares them to pursue a new line of work. According to Student Veterans of America, you can help them determine if they qualify for special tuition programs and assist with exploring different education and career paths. They don’t even have to be physically on campus to pursue a degree - in fact, online degree programs offer great flexibility and provide the chance to work at your own place and learn from virtually anywhere. Online programs have extensive offerings and are often less expensive than traditional college environments.
Sometimes, the greatest support you can provide to a veteran or a military family is to be a shoulder to lean on, allowing them to voice their challenges, fears, frustrations, and concerns. While there are myriad resources and information available, every vet and their family are unique individuals with their very own experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Your willingness to be an advocate can go a long way.
CLMarine.com is a veteran-owned business that specializes in boating, fishing, and outdoor sporting activity products, supplies, and services. Visit the site to learn more, or contact the company for more information.
Written by; Rhonda Underhill
Photo by Pixabay
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As a new small business owner, you have the opportunity to staff your company with skilled individuals who deserve extra care from their communities. Military veterans sacrifice a great deal during service and go through a major adjustment when they come home. With this guide, you can consider giving back by hiring veterans for your business.
Start With Business Best Practices
First, you have to create a strong business if you are going to hire anyone. Start by addressing some business best practices. For example, most small businesses register as limited liability companies. An LLC registration comes with many benefits, including tax advantages, liability protection for your personal assets, minimal paperwork, and flexibility. Every state regulates registration differently. Therefore, when you go online to use a formation service, be sure to check your state laws first.
The best way to establish your company culture is by creating an employee handbook. If you want it to be a PDF, you can make it look professional. Trying to edit a PDF can be frustrating. You typically have limited ability to edit. However, you can use a free PDF to Word converter to change it into a Word document for editing. You upload the PDF, convert it, make edits, and save it as a PDF again.
Find Jobs They Would Excel In
Given the skills that veterans obtain in their military careers, you can find positions in your business where they can excel. For example, a military supply store similar to CLR Marine could use veteran employees with extensive knowledge about the products you sell. For veterans without higher education degrees, they could transition well into a security position. Veterans with degrees often find good management positions because of their experience in leadership. For example, if you need a project manager, military personnel are detail-oriented and responsible on the job. They have experience placing team members and assessing problems.
Enjoy the Benefits
As a business owner, you also get to enjoy the benefits that veterans can bring to your company. For example, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a business deduction provided to employers for hiring veterans. You can also access salary reimbursement, subsidies from training, and free assistance. Research shows that veterans typically have a strong work ethic and an advanced understanding of technology. The salary reimbursement benefit comes from the Special Employer Incentives program, which allows employers to get money back for certain supplies, training, and equipment needed for veterans to do their jobs.
Help Foster Their Success
There is pride in knowing that you are helping a veteran. They gave so much, many of them sacrificing time with their families, to serve a cause. As a business owner, you can offer them a steady income and a way to take care of their loved ones. You could also offer them access to higher education through government programs and help them improve their lives through training and promotion opportunities. Ultimately, it creates a company image that you can benefit from as well.
Part of hiring veterans is establishing a company culture that promotes care. As the business owner, you have the opportunity to support military veterans by offering them a mutually beneficial position in your company. Keep an open dialogue with your staff so you can learn more about what they need and what they can provide your business.
Wriiten and submitted by Kelli Brewer
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Restrictions lifted on military honors at national cemeteries.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has lifted restrictions that halted committal services and the rendering of military honors at its 143 cemeteries since March 23. The restrictions were imposed as a measure to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Veterans Initiative Needs Your Help
Objects taken from the battlefields of Vietnam are more than souvenirs or war trophies. Maps, stories, after-action reports, pictures, military items may have a story that could result in finding the location of missing war dead. Can you help?
Contact the Veterans Initiative at:
Veterans Initiative
Vietnam Veterans Of America
8719 Colesville Rd., Suite 100
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
e-mail vi@vva.org
https://vva.org/
Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) is a publicly funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. Most of these Veterans have sustained injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed while defending our country, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents out of every dollar spent has gone directly to our program services for Veterans. HFOT builds these homes where the Veteran chooses to live, and continues its relationship with the Veterans after home delivery to assist them with rebuilding their lives.
Learn More at https://www.hfotusa.org/
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On May 7, 1975, President Gerald Ford announced that the Vietnam era was over.
There were no parades welcoming us veterans home. Many of us veterans were scorned and criticized for our role in the war. We became isolated and felt alone which just kept getting worse as the years went by for some of us. Most of us are healing now.
In 1978, VVA was founded with the principle that never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.
Today we stand strong with over 600 local Chapters and 87,000 members aligned in support of veterans and their families. VVA members and supporters know what returning veterans face, and we remain committed to upholding and advocating for veterans, their families and communities, as well as those serving in harm’s way.
In 2017 Vietnam veterans finally gained national recognition with a dedicated day in their honor.
Each year, on March 29, our country observes National Vietnam War Veterans Day, commemorating the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam and I hope you will join us in thanking and honoring us Vietnam veterans for their service and sacrifice.
Help the VVA help us, learn more at: https://vva.org/who-we-are/history/
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