News briefs of interest for Kaua‘i veterans Kaua‘i Veterans Honor Guard needs volunteers For 25 years, dedicated members of the Kaua‘i Veterans Honor Guard have placed duty above personal sacrifice to ensure that the honorable service of Kaua‘i’s veterans is
News briefs of interest for Kaua‘i veterans
Kaua‘i Veterans Honor Guard needs volunteers
For 25 years, dedicated members of the Kaua‘i Veterans Honor Guard have placed duty above personal sacrifice to ensure that the honorable service of Kaua‘i’s veterans is remembered at their passing. Sharply dressed and standing proudly for all to see, this dedicated group of volunteers has stood silently offering dignity and comfort to the grieving family of more than 1,000 veterans. To ensure this Kaua‘i tradition continues, veteran volunteers are needed to fill the ranks left by our aging members. Weapons, ammunition, uniforms and cleaning, meals and transportation are provided. Anyone interested in sharing a few hours, a few times each month, is asked to call the Kaua‘i Office of Veterans Services at 241-3348.
Kaua‘i Remembers Armed Forces Memorial Foundation
The next meeting will be held on March 29 at 5 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Office of Veterans’ Services. The agenda will include Armed Forces Day and Flag Day activities. POC: Tony Elliott, Ph: 241-3348.
VA’s ‘month-of-death’ benefit for eligible surviving spouses
If you are a surviving spouse of a veteran who was receiving VA compensation or pension benefits at the time of death and the death occurred after Dec. 31, 1996, you may be eligible to receive a one-time “month-of-death” benefit payment for the month of the veteran’s death. Unfortunately, veterans do not always inform VA of changes in their marital status, so a surviving spouse may not have been notified of benefit eligibility. Surviving spouses are encouraged to contact the Survivors’ Call Center: 1-800-749-8387 to determine eligibility. The Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST. Inquiries may also be submitted through the Internet at http://www.vba.va.gov/survivorsbenefit.htm.
Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay
Veterans, including members of the Reserve Components, former and retired members who, at any time between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2008, served on active duty while their enlistment or period of obligated service was extended, or whose eligibility for retirement was suspended may be eligible for $500 per month (tax-exempt) for each month or any portion of a month during the period specified above that the member was retained on active duty as a result of application of the Stop Loss Authority. The cut-off date for the submission of claims is Oct. 21, 2010. Survivor’s of veterans who died while serving on said active duty are also eligible for this compensation. For assistance, contact the Kaua‘i Office of Veterans Services at 241-3348.
Military retiree dental coverage available for purchase
The TriCare Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) offers premium-based cost share dental coverage for retired service members who receive retirement pay, “gray area” retired National Guard and Reserve members who are entitled to (but not yet receiving) retirement pay, Medal of Honor recipients, and their eligible family members. Visit www.trdp.org and click “Prospective Enrollees” for more information on rates and benefits.
Revisit Korea Program
The Korean Veterans Association of the Pacific is coordinating a “Revisit Korea Program” planned for May 10-15. Hawai‘i resident veterans who served from June 15, 1950 to Oct. 15, 1954 are eligible to participate. Veterans pay 50 percent of the airfare from Hawai‘i to Korea. The Korean Government will sponsor all expenses while in Korea including lodging, meals and travel. Space is limited to the first 65 American veterans (and one accompanying family member) who apply. Applications must be received NLT 5 April 2010. POC: Dr. Shon at (808) 487-0674 or Mr. SongKap So at (808) 255-8298.
Vehicle tax exemption for Hawai‘i’s military
Until recently, only non-resident service members assigned to unit’s based in Hawai‘i were exempt from non-commercial vehicle weight taxes and fees. State law now extends this same exemption to Hawai‘i residents who are members of the military including the National Guard, Coast Guard and Reserves. According to Governor Lingle, “This law is intended as one small way to show our gratitude and support for Hawai‘i’s military and their families for all they do to serve our nation and protect our state.” Contact the County Motor Vehicle Registration Office for more information.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig Disease, a disease that results in death within two to five years of diagnosis, is now a presumptively compensable illness for all veterans with 90 days or more of continuous active service. In addition to compensating the veteran, survivors are also eligible for certain benefits. Veterans with a medical diagnosis of ALS are encouraged to contact the Kaua‘i Office of Veterans Services at 241-3348 for more information.
• SgtMaj Tony Elliott USMC (Ret) is a member of the Hawai‘i Office of Veterans Services on Kaua‘i.
