The Kauai Vet Center announces a Women Veterans Conference from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Kauai Veterans Center. The purpose of this conference is to discuss needed aid and assistance, and identify resources available to women
The Kauai Vet Center announces a Women Veterans Conference from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Kauai Veterans Center.
The purpose of this conference is to discuss needed aid and assistance, and identify resources available to women veterans.
The opening ceremony will be followed by informational briefings from multiple experts from the Veterans Health and Benefits Administration and Workforce Development.
Admission is free to all interested veterans and lunch will be provided. For more information, contact Romy Castillo at 246-1163.
New survey to assess needs of Hawaii’s women veterans:
In an attempt to identify the unique needs of Hawaii’s estimated 14,000 women veterans, the state of Hawaii has formed a statewide Military Women Veterans Task Force. The many issues of concern include the high rate of military sexual trauma (MST) experienced; adequate health care; high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); joblessness; homelessness.
Surveys are being widely distributed and the information collected will be provided to VA health care providers and others who work with women veterans to help identify their concerns. Surveys are available online (http://dod.hawaii.gov/ovs/hawaii-military-womens-survey/) or may be picked up and dropped off at the Kauai Office of Veterans’ Services. (Respondents are not required to provide any personal information.) Completed surveys must be returned by Sept. 16.
Veterans identification:
Beginning Oct. 1, veterans will be given the option of having the word “Veteran” annotated on newly issued motor vehicle operator permits. The purpose of this special distinction is to permit veterans to readily show proof of eligibility for veterans discounts offered by various businesses and restaurants.
Gold Star Mother’s Day:
In 1936, Congress designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day … a day to recognize and honor those who have lost a son or daughter while serving the United States Armed Forces. In the words of our president, “In our city centers and our bustling parks, monuments stand dedicated to visionary leaders and singular moments in the life of our republic. But in empty seats at family dinners and folded flags above the mantle, we find the constant thread of our nation’s character — the truth that America endures because it is home to an unbroken line of patriots willing to lay down their lives for the land they love. As we honor the men and women who gave their last full measure of devotion, we hold close the families left behind.”
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Tony Elliott, of the Kauai Office of Veterans’ Services, can be reached at 241-3348.
