Dear All,
Just got this off of the net and hope that some of this information can be useful to our returning OIF/OEF Vets...
Sinc,
Paul Lyons,
Pres.
Desert Storm Justice Foundation, Inc.
An update on Veterans' benefits
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Did you serve in Iraq or Afghanistan? Are you returning from active duty? There is afemale support group where women can share their experiences with other service women at the Brockton VA Women's Health Center.
Richard A. Caldwell
V.S.O.
VA Improves "My HealtheVet" Web Site
Harnessing the power of the Internet, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is improving its Web-based system for providing health care information to its patients. Under the latest improvement to VA's "My HealtheVet" Web site, veterans will be able to update personal information and record medical data such as prescriptions. A capability that was recently added to the site allows veterans to record their personal information and medical data - including emergency contacts, health care providers sand insurance, prescriptions, tests and allergies - in a private, secure Internet environment. Eventually, veterans will be able to receive their medical records from VA online. Check out the site on the Internet at www.myhealth.va.gov.
'Space A'
Space-available travel, the military's version of "Have seat, can fly" within the states, will remain available to military families and retirees beyond the one-year test deadline.
The program, which began in April 2003, expanded "Space-A" travel to active-duty military dependents and retirees traveling within the continental United States.
The extension will allow the test to continue while the Office of the Secretary of Defense completes its evaluation of the program, according to Air Force Lt. Col. Darcy Lilley, air transportation division chief, Ait Mobility Command.
"Space-A" is a privilege originally offered to members of the uniformed services to travel on aircraft under the control of the DOD when space is available. When a military flight's mission, cargo and number of passengers allows for extra seats, these seats become available.
Prior to the test, regulations prohibited family members from flying space available within CONUS. This privilege was available only to active duty and retired military personnel.
Under the testing, active-duty dependents and retirees can only take advantage of Space-A when their sponsors accompany them on the flights.
Burial in a national cemetery
Gravesites in DVA national cemeteries cannot be reserved in advance so retirees/veterans desiring burial need to preplan by indicating their wishes in a memorandum to family and having the required military information handy. If you do not have a copy of your DD214 record of Service or WWII discharge, now is the time to obtain one. Drop into my office to determine if I have a copy or can get you a copy on line. If I can not we can write to or you can write to the National Personnel Records Center, 9700 Page Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63132-5100 and request a copy. This takes a number of months. The DVA will provide a gravesite, graveliner, headstone or marker, Presidential Memorial Certificate, U.S. Flag, perpetual care of the gravesite and will open and close the grave at no cost to the family. The family must pay other funeral services including transportation of remains. A
burial and plot allowance is paid to those veterans receiving VA disability compensation. Call 1-800-827-1000 for more specific information. Once you have your pre-plan and certificate of service it might be wise to give a file copy to your undertaker or keep a copy, on file, locked in my office in the town hall.
Family services
Family Services is looking for volunteer sewers and knitters for the Layette and Stripes Program. Your beautiful handmade quilts, afghans and sweaters along with purchased items are given to every new baby born to a military family stationed at Hanscom AFB. Sewers are needed to sew on new rank for junior enlisted personnel. If you have talent in these areas and would like to show your support to our airman and their families, please call Kathy at (781) 377-3436. All material are reimbursed.
Female veterans
Did you serve in Iraq or Afghanistan? Are you returning from active duty? There is a FEMALE support group where you may share your experiences with other service women at the Brockton VA Women's Health Center.
Through open discussion, learn to:
Re-adapt to civilian life.
Identify symptoms of PTSD and other related issues steming from combat or military service.
Learn to successfully navigate the VA health system.
Lend emotional support to your peers.
Develop a valuable social network.
Join with groups every Wednesday, from 1:-2:30 pm.
Call: Heather Sarabia, Social Work Intern @ Brockton VA Women's Health Center, 508-583-4500 ext. 2793 |
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Paul Lyons <dstorm_vet_101st@...>
g_w_vet_101st
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