15 March 2017
Prepared and distributed monthly to Veterans and supporters of those who served
Special Events
- Invitation: Vietnam Veterans Day 2017
A Vietnam Veterans Day 2017 commemoration will be held Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at the Garfield Heights Civic Center at 5407 Turner Road, Garfield Heights, OH 44125. The program will begin with a social hour at 6 PM followed by the 7 PM program.
The ceremony is sponsored by Equal Honor for All in partnership with Greater Cleveland Veterans Memorial Inc., Joint Veterans Council of Cuyahoga County and hosted by the City of Garfield Heights and Mayor Vic Collova.
Although an RSVP is not required, it will be helpful for a refreshments count: info@equalhonor.org or (216) 456-2220 with name, telephone, and number attending.
- Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center Events Calendar
http://www.cleveland.va.gov/calendar.asp
- Ohio Veterans Memorial Park Events Calendar
http://www.ovmp.org/
- The Veterans Service Commission will have a representative in the following Cuyahoga County Public Library branches on selected dates 9 AM – 3 PM to assist Veterans will filing for VA benefits, temporary financial assistance and transportation (bus tickets) for VA appointments.
- North Olmsted Branch
- North Royalton Branch
- Solon Branch
- South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch
See the following link for further information: http://vsc.cuyahogacounty.us/en-US/home.aspx
The Cleveland Department of Aging presents the 28th annual Senior Day Wednesday, May 24, 2016 at Cleveland Public Hall. For more information, www.cleveland-oh-gov/aging
- Cleveland Tank Plant Homecoming Military Show and Swap Meet
The International Exposition (I-X) Center and the Military Vehicle Preservation Association announced the 42nd annual MVPA International Convention will be held in conjunction with the Cleveland Tank Plant Homecoming Military Show and Swap Meet June 22-24, 2017 at the I-X Center.
www.IXClevelandTankShow.com
- Annual Veterans Day Ceremony and Parade
The City of Cleveland will partner and host the annual Veterans Day ceremony and Parade on Friday, November 10, 2017
Job Opportunity
City of Westlake / Patrol Officer Examination: an entry level examination for Patrol Officer will be administered by the City of Westlake April 1, 2017. Please share the following with our fellow veterans. http://www.cityofwestlake.org/DocumentCenter/View/4487
Cuyahoga County Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument Groundskeeper
C:\Users\mflask\Documents\March 2017 Posting for Grounds Keeper Position.doc
News
Message from VA Secretary Dr. David Shulkin
I am grateful to President Trump and to members of Congress for entrusting me with the privilege of serving Veterans and the dedicated employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs as your secretary. It is my highest professional honor.
Together, we’ll ensure our nation’s obligation to provide care and benefits to those “who shall have borne the battle” and fulfill our institutional I CARE Values: integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect and excellence.
That obligation and those values are sacred to me, first, as an American – a beneficiary of the service and sacrifices of Veterans and their families who defend our uniquely American freedoms and opportunities. They’re also sacred to me because my father served the nation as an Army psychiatrist, and both my grandfathers were Army Veterans. My paternal grandfather served as chief pharmacist at the VA hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, and as a young doctor, I trained in VA hospitals. So, serving the nation and serving Veterans is a family tradition.
It was a privilege to serve as VA’s Under Secretary for Health over the past year and a half. Now, I look forward to continuing our collective efforts across the department and our country to deliver the care and services our Veterans need and deserve. Among many critical efforts already underway, we will continue building on significant progress increasing access for Veterans, preventing suicide, addressing unique needs of women Veterans, supporting Veterans’ families and caregivers, continuing to drive down the disability backlog and Veteran homelessness, and pursuing necessary legislation to reform the outdated appeals process and for other critical legislative priorities.
With the support of the president, Congress, Veterans, their service organizations, and the American people, we – the dedicated employees of VA – will continue to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise.
There is no nobler mission. There is no higher calling
VA Secretary: ‘It’s time to stop beating us up’
WASHINGTON — Veterans Affairs Secretary Dr. David Shuklin said he’s tired of the constant “berating” of his department and thinks the negative reports may be hurting veterans access to care. “It breaks down their confidence in the system,” the new Cabinet secretary said in a department podcast released Friday morning. “I worry there are people who need help who don’t come to us because they hear this narrative in the community. “I’m looking for a fair and accurate balance, and I really believe Read the full story
VA to provide mental health care to Veterans with ‘bad paper’ discharges
The Department of Veterans Affairs will begin making mental health care services available to veterans with less-than-honorable discharges who urgently need it, VA Secretary David Shulkin told lawmakers Tuesday night. “We are going to go and start providing mental health care to those with other-than-honorable discharges,” Shulkin testified to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. https://www.stripes.com/news/us/va-to-provide-mental-health-care-to-veterans-with-bad-paper-discharges-1.457504#.WMEac_0o7IW
VA needs a 10 percent budget boost to meet Vets’ needs
Veterans Affairs officials needs a 10 percent boost in funding next year to meet the medical and program needs on the department, according to a coalition of outside advocates. The fiscal 2018 Independent Budget for VA — budget recommendations for the department compiled annually by researchers from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America — calls for an $8 billion boost in the department’s budget next year. http://www.militarytimes.com/articles/va-independent-budget-increase-fiscal-2018
U.S. military marches forward on green energy, despite Trump
President Donald Trump and his top advisors have often scoffed at government support of green energy. His chief strategist called it “madness.” Read the full story
Watch the Emotional Applause for a Navy SEAL Widow at President Trump’s Address to Congress
TIME: Caryn Owens was cheered by lawmakers Read the full story
Organization aims to help veteran’s spouses when they return home
http://www.cleveland19.com/story/34667549/shelby-saturday-pkg-web-script
Parma WWII veteran receives French medal of honor
A Parma veteran of the Second World War recently received the Knight of the Legion of Honor medal from the French government. Read the full story
What’s in the VA secretary’s 10-point plan to reform his department?
WASHINGTON — In appearances before veterans groups this week, Veterans Affairs Secretary Dr. David Shulkin is outlining his 10-point plan for reforming department operations and offerings, with a heavy emphasis on VA medical improvements.The plan is separate from the 10-point VA plan President Donald Trump unveiled on the campaign trail last summer, but includes some of the same themes of accountability and a more customer-service focus for department employees. It also includes several Read the full story
Mansions a tribute to our military
Freedom is not free. Too many in today’s society trivialize this truth.
http://worriersanonymous.org/Share/Mansions.htm
Ohio Legislation signed into law by Ohio Gov Kasich Dec 19, 2016
Am. Sub. SB 199 (Uecker, Gardner) specifies that an active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces: (1) does not need a concealed handgun license to carry a handgun concealed if the member is carrying valid military identification and documentation of successful completion of specified firearms training; and (2) may be sold or furnished a handgun if the member has received specified firearms training; prohibits a business entity from having a policy that prohibits a concealed handgun licensee from transporting or storing a firearm in the person’s motor vehicle; modifies the prohibition against carrying a concealed handgun onto institutions of higher education, day-care facilities, aircraft, certain government facilities, public areas of airport terminals, and school safety zones; allows a sheriff to use concealed handgun license fee revenue to purchase ammunition and firearms; and authorizes certain children’s crisis care facilities to maintain firearms.
Service, not war, saluted at National Veterans Memorial & Museum being built in Columbus
Construction of the new National Veterans Memorial & Museum continues in downtown Columbus, with a 2018 opening anticipated for the facility designed as a salute to all U.S. veterans throughout history. Read the full story
Grieving Army Widow Meets Her Husband’s Coffin on Airport Tarmac in Emotional Video
The moment between a grieving military widow and her husband’s coffin was captured on camera Read the full story
Remembering Lt. Gen. Hal Moore: Read the moving eulogy delivered by his eldest son
Editor’s note: This is the eulogy for retired Lt. Gen. Hal Moore, as delivered by his eldest son, H. Gregory Moore, during services on Friday, Feb. 17, 2017. H. Gregory Moore provided the text to Army Times. Before I speak about my father, on behalf of all of his children and grandchildren, we wish to say thank you to Auburn and to St. Michael’s Church for all your care, devotion, and support. This is perhaps our family’s one last time to embrace all of you in thanks. Read the full story
WWII Navy Officer Who Helped Rescue Kennedy Dies at Age 97
The WWII Navy officer who guided his warship into Japanese territory to rescue future President John F. Kennedy and his crew has died at age 97, his daughter said Sunday. William “Bud” Liebenow died from pneumonia complications, said Susan T. Liebenow of Arlington, Virginia.
Liebenow was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and was a new college graduate when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941. He joined the Navy and volunteered for service on the fast, small and heavily armed attack vessels called PT boats.
http://www.newsmax.com/US/US-Obit-Kennedys-Rescuer/2017/02/26/id/775680/
Military exchanges will be open to honorably discharged veterans
Starting in November, honorably discharged veterans will be able to access the online stores of military exchanges like the one on Redstone Arsenal. The new benefit will not apply to the actual brick-and-mortar stores, but veterans will be able to shop at any service’s exchange website. The online benefit will be available on Veterans Day, November 11.
“AAFES is honored to offer this well-deserved benefit to those who raised their right hands, took the oath and served our Nation with honor,” said AAFES Director/CEO Tom Shull. “There are many generations of service members who have not been properly recognized for their sacrifices. The Veterans Online Shopping Benefit (VOSB) acknowledges their service and welcomes them home.”
The exchanges will use information provided by the Defense Manpower Data Center to verify whether or not a veteran is eligible. According to AAFES, if a veterans records are incomplete, they will need to register through the VA.
While an honorably discharged veteran will be able to use the benefit, there are no plans to extend it to their dependents. The benefit was the proposal of AAFES Director/CEO Tom Shull in 2014.
“AAFES, along with its sister exchanges, is ensuring America’s veterans are honored for their service and recognized as Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors for life,” he said in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming our veterans home this Veterans Day and every day thereafter.”
Attention Military Veterans: The Social Security Administration is awarding prior military service men and women credit towards their SSA earnings! You don’t get it automatically, you have to apply. For a certain period, you get $300 each quarter of a year you served in active duty or reserve.
Here’s the link: Retirement Planner: Special Extra Earnings for Military Service
Did you know
Joseph Wapner, a television personality and People Court Judge who died February 26, 2017 served our country in the Pacific during WWII and was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Volunteerism
Here are some great opportunities to put your military experiences to work benefiting others in need.
- Project GreenCare for Troops: a national 10-year old program that provides free lawn, landscape and snow removal services for military families and veterans with a service-related disability needs your support. There are more than 225,000 military personnel deployed in 150 countries and 3.6 million veterans with a service-related disability needing day-to-day household and lifestyle assistance.
Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops and SnowCare for Troops provides complimentary basic year maintenance, and snow and ice removal services to military families and disable Veterans. For more information contact Ki Matsko at 888.611.2955 or kimatsko@projectevergreen.org
- The American Red Cross’ unwavering commitment to members of the U.S. military, its veterans and their families continues to grow and develop more than a century after Clara Barton first recruited nurses to support the U.S. Army. Today, the Red Cross is meeting the needs of a changing military and expanding services to veterans. Red Cross support of military members and their families enhances morale and contributes to increased operational capability in several ways. New volunteers: visit https:redcross.org/neo Click on “volunteer” tab.
- Cleveland Municipal Court’s Veterans Treatment Docket needs volunteers – preferably military veterans to help Veterans transition to a successful life. If you are interested in volunteering to help our veterans successfully re-enter civilian life, please contact Derek Moore at (216) 664-4712 or via email at moored@cmcoh.orgfor additional information.
- Needed: ‘A few good mentors’: The Cuyahoga Common Pleas Veteran Treatment Court (VTC) is a judge-monitored treatment program for military veterans. A key component of the program is volunteer Veteran Mentors who volunteer their time to help veterans re-adapt to civilian life. For more information visit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1NiwCZ_V-9iTF8wYXhqcE4yWm8/view?usp=sharing
Employment Opportunities / Links
Veteran Job Search Assistance: If you know a Veteran or Military Spouse who could benefit from FREE, UNLIMITED job search coaching, please have them visit www.gunnyret.com to schedule a “First Call”.
Ohio National Guard Employment Enhancement Support: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6KQApfHm1pGbnByRGlTNEhyUlU/view?usp=sharing
Free, Unlimited Military Veteran Job Search Coaching: provided by www.gunnyret.com
VA JOBS Home: http://www.va.gov/jobs/
Ohio.gov: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/ohio/default.cfm?clearSearch=1
Cleveland: http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/CityofCleveland/Home/Government/CityAgencies/HumanResources/OpenPositions
USAJobs: https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans
MilitaryJobs.com: http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs
Ohio Federal Government Jobs: http://federalgovernmentjobs.us/job-location/ohio-oh.html
Stars and Stripes; Veteran Job Center: http://veteranjobs.stripes.com/
USERRA: The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects service members’ reemployment rights when returning from a period of service in the uniformed services, including those called up from the reserves or National Guard, and prohibits employer discrimination based on military service or obligation. The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) administers USERRA
Information Links
Welcome to MyVA.COM. . . . getting it right from the start
Enrolling for VA care is a life-changing decision for Veterans. Choosing your health care provider is a leap of faith that will impact your entire life. “Welcome to MyVA” (W2MyVA) starts that relationship right with a welcoming call from an informed, service-oriented VA representative.
http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/30277/welcome-myva-getting-right-start/
Cleveland American Veterans Association: http://www.cava4vets.org/
Veteran Service Commission Meetings – are open to the public. The Commissioners encourage members of the Veteran Community to come and see how the Cuyahoga County Veteran Commission works and the benefits available to our Veterans. The meetings are held at the Commission offices at 1849 Prospect Avenue, Suite 150, Cleveland, Ohio 44115 at 9:30 AM the first and third Wednesday of each month.
Free Parking: The Veterans Service Commission reserved parking spaces in the lot just East of our building (on Prospect Avenue). The lot has signs posted noting they belong to the Veterans Service Commission. This will allow veterans to park for free.
Peer Advisors for Veteran Education: Representatives from more than 40 colleges and universities have come together to learn ways to support student Veterans who face two significant changes simultaneously: transitioning from the military to civilian life and the transition from the military to academia. Neither of these is easy. Read more at www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/29879/new-va-partnership-expands-power-of-peer-support-among-student-veterans/
Get connected with V.E.T.S Program: The Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland is sponsoring a series of job preparedness, career development, financial literacy and computer training workshops. The program is designed to help veterans overcome barriers in order to transition from military life, prepare to compete for jobs in the civilian labor force.
The VETS Program is in collaboration with the Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network (MAGNET), Cuyahoga Valley Careers Center, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Veterans Program
Read it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1NiwCZ_V-9iQzJERUUwdThPaG8/view?usp=sharing
VAntage Point: the official blog of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/subscribe/
311VET – new app answers general VA benefits questions http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/23378/311vet-new-app-answers-general-va-benefits-questions/
Cuyahoga Community College Veteran Upward Bound Program: Since 1973, VUB has provided comprehensive educational support services to eligible U.S. military veterans interested in pursuing a college degree or certificate. Services include academic enrichment classes, math and English tutors, assistance with applying for federal student aid, and transition into a college or university of their choice. All services are no cost to the veteran. For information call 216-987-4938 or visit www.Tri-C.edu/vub
Amputee Recreational Support Group of Central Ohio: http://www.arsgcoh.org/ regularly schedules recreational activities for amputees – Veterans and non-Veterans, including Yoga for Amputees, shooting events, and recreational swimming. For more information, contact Robert Hass at (614) 288-5105 or Amputee@columbus.rr.com
Department of Defense Media Center: http://www.dma.mil/
Veterans Business Support Center: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1NiwCZ_V-9iS0NiUjQ3cnFLTE0/view?usp=sharing
Ohio National Guard Employer Advisory Council: The ONG Employer Advisory Council was developed to provide military-friendly employers with useful resources and guidance to help them success with military retention and recruitment initiatives. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1NiwCZ_V-9ibUNOOGo2S2gybWc/view?usp=sharing
USS COD: http://USSCOD.org
Columbus Honor Flight: www.honorflightcolumbus.org
Honor Flight Cleveland: www.honorflightcleveland.com
Veterans Crisis Line: 1 800 273 8255
Women of Hope, Inc: www.womenofhopeoh.org
Chase Bank Support for Veterans: www.ChaseMilitary.com
Justice for Veterans: http://www.justiceforvets.org/
Google for Veterans: http://www.googleforveterans.com/
Military Memorabilia Donations: www.ohiohistory.org/militarycall
Ohio Veterans Memorial Park: http://www.ovmp.org/
Cold War Recognition Certificate: the Cold War Recognition Certificate is a recognition certificate awarded by the Secretary of Defense to all U.S. Armed Forces personnel and qualified federal government civilian personnel who faithfully and honorably served the United States anytime during the Cold War era, which is defined as September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991. Anyone who served in the military or the Federal Government during this period is authorized to receive the certificate.
Congress established the Cold War certificate in Section 1084 of the fiscal 1998 National Defense Authorization Act. The Department of Defense designated the Department of the Army as the executive agent for the Cold War Recognition Certificate program. http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/genmedals/ht/coldwar.htm
Veteran Resources: http://www.veteransresources.org/
Cleveland VA Regional Benefit Office: http://www.benefits.va.gov/cleveland/
VetBiz.gov Home: http://www.vetbiz.gov/
Joint Veterans Council of Cuyahoga County: www.jvcocc.org
Equal Honor for All: www.equalhonor.org
Greater Cleveland Fisher House: The Goal of the Greater Cleveland Fisher House Organization is to raise $7,000,000 for the construction of a Fisher House (there are currently 62 houses in operation across the US, Germany, and England) that will be located on the grounds of the Louis Stokes VA Hospital in Cleveland, the third largest VA hospital in the US. http://greaterclevelandfisherhouse.org/
Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center: http://www.cleveland.va.gov/?wvsessionid=fe802c6620da402484b74ac24a5f1650
Greater Cleveland Veterans (GCVM) Memorial: www.clevelandvetsmemorial.org
GCVM Honor Roll: The Citizens of Cuyahoga County have served the nation well, and paid a heavy price. When America needed defenders the men and women of Greater Cleveland have answered the call. From 1899 to 2014, a span of 115 years, 5,552 patriots of the county have fallen in military service during time of war. Search the honor roll: http://www.clevelandvetsmemorial.org/GCVM-honor-roll-search.asp
My HealtheVet: www.myhealth.va.gov
Rewards for Justice Website: The Rewards for Justice program continues to be one of the most valuable U.S. Government assets in the fight against international terrorism. Established by the 1984 Act to Combat International Terrorism, Public Law 98-533, the Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security. http://www.rewardsforjustice.net/english/most-wanted/all-regions.html
Locating Veterans and Service Members: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/locate-service-members.html
National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics: http://www.va.gov/vetdata/
Military News: www.military.com
The American Legion: http://www.legion.org/
Veterans of Foreign Wars USA: http://www.vfw.org/
Stars and Stripes Veterans Link: http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans
Air Force Times: http://www.airforcetimes.com/
Army Times: http://www.armytimes.com/
Marine Corps Times: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/
Navy Times: http://www.navytimes.com/
Defense News: http://www.defensenews.com/
Veterans Benefits Administration: http://www.vba.va.gov/
GI Bill website: http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/
Veteran Resources: http://www.veteransresources.org/
Explore VA Benefits: www.explore.VA.gov
Ohio VFW: http://www.ohiovfw.org/
Ohio Legion News: http://ohiolegionnews.com/
National Marine Corp Business Network: http://www.nmcbn.com/
