Upcoming planned events • Veterans Round-up Lunch: July 4 (Wednesday), 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kaua‘i Veterans Center, Lihu‘e • Veterans Day Parade: Nov. 10 (Saturday), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kapa‘a Ball Park, Kapa‘a • Veterans Day Celebration: Nov.
Upcoming planned events
• Veterans Round-up Lunch: July 4 (Wednesday), 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kaua‘i Veterans Center, Lihu‘e
• Veterans Day Parade: Nov. 10 (Saturday), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kapa‘a Ball Park, Kapa‘a
• Veterans Day Celebration: Nov. 11 (Sunday), 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery, Hanapepe
• Veterans Christmas Party: Dec. 9 (Sunday), 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kaua‘i Veterans Center, Lihu‘e
For more information, call 246-1135.
SSA resumes mailing annual earnings statement
Due to an avalanche of complaints, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has resumed mailing annual earnings statements.
The statement provides annual social security earnings and benefits information, and includes estimates for disability and survivors benefits.
SSA will continue to offer online access for working individuals ages 18 or older at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement/.
Get help verifying claims involving secret missions
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 in Florida.
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 officer if more information is needed to help 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: www.armytimes.com/benefits/health/military-special-operations-va-benefits-111610w/
VA, DOL introduce training Program for unemployed veterans
The Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) offer unemployed veterans ages 35 to 60 the opportunity for retraining for in-demand jobs.
The program provides 12 months of training assistance equal to the monthly full-time payment rate under the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty program (currently paying $1,473 per month).
Participants must be enrolled in a program approved for VA benefits that is offered by a community college or technical school. The program must lead to an associate degree, non-college degree or a certificate.
The program is limited to 45,000 participants between July 1 and Sept. 30, 2012, and an additional 54,000 participants from Oct. 1, 2012, through March 31, 2014.
DOL will provide employment assistance to every veteran who participates upon completion of their program.
Applications are being accepted now on a first-come, first-served basis.
To learn more about the program, eligibility, and important dates visit http://benefits.va.gov/vow/education.htm or call Audrey Lee at Kauai’s Workforce Development Office at 274-3056.
Long-term study on Gulf War-era veterans continues
For the third time since the 1990-91 Gulf War, VA researchers have begun contacting Gulf War-era veterans as a part of a long-term study of their health.
Researchers want to learn about how the health of these veterans has changed over time, and about the natural history of long-term conditions like unexplained multi-symptom illnesses.
Veterans were previously contacted for a baseline survey in 1995 and a follow-up survey in 2005.
This continuing VA effort studies a group of approximately 15,000 Gulf War veterans and 15,000 veterans who served elsewhere during the Gulf War.
Veterans will be asked about health issues that affect them, including chronic medical conditions such as cancer, neurological, respiratory and immunological conditions, as well as general health perceptions, functional status, chronic fatigue syndrome-like illness, unexplained multi-symptom illness and women’s health.
Substance abuse treatment available on Kaua‘i
The Kaua‘i VA Medical Clinic (CBOC) offers substance abuse counseling and treatment to veterans enrolled in the VA Medical Care Program.
All services are confidential and group and individual sessions are available. Smoking cessation is also offered.
POC: Paul Ochoa, Addictions Therapist, 246-0497.
Tai chi, Q1 gong classes offered
Veterans, learn how to relax, reduce blood pressure and maintain good health by attending tai chi classes at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center each Thursday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. To sign up, call 246-1163.
What is My HealtheVet?
My HealtheVet is a web-based website that gives veterans information and tools to improve their health.
Enhanced program features are added as they become available.
To register and set up your own personal access account, visit the Kauai CBOC (Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Free wireless Internet access, computer usage available
The Kaua‘i Veterans Center Lounge located on Kapule Highway now provides this new service to the Kaua‘i veteran community, including those veterans visiting our island.
State-of-the-art computers are for in-center use only and have printing capability.
The lounge is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or call 246-1135 to reserve a time convenient for you.
Veterans discount at Home Depot
Check out next month’s Veterans Corner to learn about the veterans discount program offered by Home Depot.
• SgtMaj Tony Elliott USMC (Ret) is a member of the Hawai‘i Office of Veterans Services on Kaua‘i.
