Veterans claiming a service-connected disability resulting from a secret military mission now have assistance in verifying their participation. A VA liaison officer is now assigned to work directly with U.S. Special Operations Command historian at MacDill AFB, Fla. The liaison
Veterans claiming a service-connected disability resulting from a secret military mission now have assistance in verifying their participation.
A VA liaison officer is now assigned to work directly with U.S. Special Operations Command historian at MacDill AFB, Fla. The liaison officer is a full-time employee of the VA and has access to records involving special operations units including Army Rangers, Army Special Forces, the Army’s 160th Aviation Regiment, Navy SEALs, Air Force Special Operations and Marine Corps Special Operations and Reconnaissance units.
Once located and sanitized the information is provided to the VA Regional Office handling the veteran’s claim. Veterans will only have direct contact with the liaison if more information is needed to track down records. Claims from veterans who say they took part in an intelligence operation run by the Defense Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency or other government organization can also be researched by the VA liaison officer if a classified mission is involved. (Source: http://www.armytimes.com/benefits/health/military-special-operations-va-benefits-111610w/)
Happy Birthday National Guard
For 374 years, the proud members of the National Guard have distinguished themselves as a unique yet vital part of our Total Force, continually embodying their motto: Always Ready, Always There.
From the front lines of the American Revolution to the treacherous passages of northern Pakistan and Afghanistan, they have come from every state and territory, standing shoulder-to-shoulder and flying wingtip-to-wingtip with their brothers and sisters in arms. Whenever our nation has called, the National Guard has answered. And for every citizen-warrior who serves, there is a family, an employer and a community who must also make sacrifices. Together, they demonstrate one of our country’s greatest attributes: the shared sense of responsibility and commitment that has enabled our nation to meet its greatest challenges throughout our history. On this, your 374th birthday, your fellow veterans salute you.
Lump of coal
The Senate has rejected a plan to provide another $250 stimulus payment to Social Security annuitants and disabled veterans.
The combination of the economic downturn and a lack of COLA increases in 2010 and 2011 have made life very difficult for many of the 58 million seniors and disabled veterans who would have benefited from this bill.
Senate leaders cited the need for an economic stimulus as rationale to provide billions in tax cuts for millionaires, extend benefits for the unemployed, and implement a payroll tax cut for most workers. Apparently, they see no irony in increasing the deficit by hundreds of billions of dollars spent on their own favorite causes labeled “stimulus programs,” while labeling other similar initiatives as deficit-busters. (Source: MOAA Legislative Update – 12/10/10)
Bill’s passage unlikely
The Merchant Mariner “Belated Thank You” bill (S. 663) continues to face difficulty in the Senate. Despite passage in the House and more than 50 Senate co-sponsors, the bill to honor the brave service of Merchant Mariner Veterans of World War II stands in limbo and the window of opportunity for Senate passage is fast closing. (Source: NAUS Weekly Update – 12/10/10)
‘Wives Day’
A Senate resolution has designated Dec. 18, 2010, as “Gold Star Wives Day,” a day to recognize the contributions of the members of the Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. The group of about 10,000 members provides services, support and friendship to the widows and widowers of military personnel who died on active duty or from service-connected disabilities. (Source: American Forces Press Service)
Help Kaua‘i’s hungry
Sponsored by the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank and Kaua‘i Agricultural Initiatives, the “Plant a Row Program” encourages gardeners, farmers, individuals, schools, businesses, clubs, and others to grow just a little extra produce for donation to our hungry neighbors.
The “Gleaning Program” assists in the gathering of existing unused bounty (such as mangoes) from your yard, property or farm that would otherwise go to waste and sharing it with the needy. For more information on getting involved in either of these worthwhile programs, contact Kelvin Moniz, director of food resources, at 246-3809 ext. 102 or 652-4737.
Change in contact info
Veterans and widows receiving monetary benefits from the DoVA are responsible for informing the VA of any change of address or contact phone number. To report a change, call 1-800-827-1000. Veterans receiving medical care from the Kauai VA Medical Clinic (CBOC) should call 246-0497. Veterans receiving treatment from the Kauai Mental Health Clinic (Vet Center) should call 246-1163.
• Tony Elliott can be reached at the Office of Veterans’ Services by calling 241-3348.
