As the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for certain benefits.
Find out more: www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/
#shorts #veterans #vabenefits
Newsfeeds from various internet sources
Glen Bell engineered a way to pre-make hard-taco shells in large quantities, with less mess and faster, like hamburgers were sold.
In trying to cure his addiction, Lt. Col. John Pemberton created not only a $260 billion business but an entire global industry.
As the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for certain benefits.
Find out more: www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/
#shorts #veterans #vabenefits
While you're busy learning where the coffee machine is, how to submit expense reports and what to wear in a Zoom meeting, it's important to avoid making classic mistakes that can paint you in a negative light.
Tune in as VA Secretary Denis McDonough announces a new mission statement for the Department of Veterans Affairs - LIVE from the Women in Military Service for America Memorial (WIMSA) in Arlington, Virginia TODAY at 2:00pm EST
WASHINGTON - Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced an updated version of its 1959 mission statement. The new mission statement is: 'To fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.'
Is there a perfect time to leave the military? Yes. Timing matters. Before you figure out your perfect year, consider the benefits and costs of leaving the military in each decade of your life. Find the transition resources you need and the Veteran Employment Master Classes that were designed to help you find the right job fast.
Cave Creek Arizona Post 34 member and Army veteran Scott French is helping his post promote The American Legion’s Be the One suicide prevention initiative with the available resources on betheone.org. French shares how his post downloaded the trifold Be the One brochure and customized it for Post 34 events such as its yoga program; downloaded the wallet cards and placed them in small bags with Be the One wristbands that the Auxiliary unit had made to hand out; and downloaded the Be the One banners to hang in the post.French explains how you can do this as well in the video here.
The Senate voted March 16 to advance legislation that would repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for the Use of Military Force (AUMFs), formally ending the Gulf and Iraq wars and reasserting Congress’ authority to declare war, which The American Legion has long supported. The bipartisan legislation advanced by a 70-27 vote, this includes two yes absentee votes. A final passage on the bill will likely be next week.Following the vote, The American Legion held a press conference with Sens. Todd Young, R-Ind., and Tim Kaine, D-Va., who have led the bipartisan effort to repeal the 1991 and 2002 AUMFs. The two senators have raised concerns over the use of military force without congressional authorization and pushed to reassert the role of Congress in authorizing military action. “I want to thank all of The American Legion leaders who are here and all around the country who have stood strong with
American Legion Post 13 in Albuquerque, N.M., will host its eighth annual Operation Hiring Heroes employment event on April 26.The event in conjunction with the New Mexico Workforce Connection will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the post, 1201 Legion Road NE in Albuquerque.Active duty, veterans, military spouses, and all job seekers are encouraged to attend. In addition to a range of employers, each of whom have 10 or more job openings available, veteran resources will be available. Those include Department of Veterans Services, Veterans Affairs, Vet Center, Forward Flag and Disabled American Veterans.
In late 2021, then-American Legion Department of South Carolina Commander Ron Price visited a Veterans Benefits Live event taking placing in Wilmington, where he saw staff from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), veterans service officers and veterans needing benefits assistance meeting face to face in a setting that allowed the veterans to be awarded a disability rating or increase on the spot.He came away impressed and shared what he saw with then-Department Adjutant Nick Diener and Price’s first vice commander, Jeff Jarvis. Wanting to see the impact of the event himself, Jarvis accompanied Price on a visit to a similar Veterans Benefits Live event coordinated by American Legion Post 67 in Cary, N.C. “That’s when I realized there was no embellishment (on the part of Price) there,” said Jarvis, who was elected department commander last June. “I saw the veterans they were helping. I stood at the exit door
Video footage released Thursday by U.S. European Command shows a Russian fighter jet buzzing past a U.S. Reaper drone above the Black Sea multiple times, before colliding with the aircraft.The 42-second video depicts a Russian Su-27 aircraft trailing an unmanned MQ-9 aircraft that was operating within international airspace. The incident, which occurred Tuesday morning, involved two Russian Su-27s, one of which struck the propeller of the MQ-9, causing U.S. forces to bring the drone down in international waters.The video was recorded by a camera angled at the rear of the surveillance aircraft, which captured the incoming Russian fighters dumping fuel on the drone as it passed on two occasions. The video then goes grainy after the second pass, indicating some kind of collision.While intercepts between U.S. and Russian military aircraft have happened repeatedly in recent years, the incident marked the first known collision. It set off a diplomatic firestorm between two
When the pandemic hit in the spring of 2020, face-to-face interactions came to a standstill. This prompted the American Legion Department of Wisconsin to quickly adapt its in-person Legion College. So that October, the Department of Wisconsin Legion College went virtual. And the success is evident in the number of virtual graduates. Nearly 800 people have attended a virtual Wisconsin Legion College class – this includes 21 Auxiliary members, 18 Sons of The American Legion members and 13 members from other departments. “There have been really good benefits to going virtual,” said Bob Shappell, dean of Wisconsin Legion College and the department’s National Executive Committeeman. “We are very proud of our college here in Wisconsin. And our philosophy is that we think every Legionnaire, Legion Family member, can come through the college and should.”Wisconsin took its Legion College course material and converted it to virtual. Its core curriculum includes three
The best way to make a lot of money in video games is probably to be either a professional esports player or become an instantly recognizable Twitch streamer.
Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced its 2023 goals for preventing and ending Veteran homelessness.
The American Legion’s “I Pledge Allegiance” comic book is the last one to be updated as part of the Legion’s Rally Around the Flag campaign to instill pride and respect for the American flag. The other two comic books that have been recently updated for purchase include “Our Country’s Veterans” and “Our Country’s Flag.” “I Pledge Allegiance” is a fun, interactive activity book for elementary students that educates on why we recite the Pledge of Allegiance, what each word means and why our flag is important. A group of classmates follow a bald eagle named Abe as he shares these answers, and explains much more such as why we have 50 stars and 13 stripes and how to recite the Pledge properly (hand over heart, etc.). For activities, the comic book features an American flag for kids to color, a set of pictures that asks students to put an X where people
American Legion Post 876 in Sherburne, N.Y., is passionate about the Legion’s Be the One suicide prevention initiative and wanted to support it through a fundraiser. Unit 876 President Donna Purdy had the idea to host a sip and paint event with the community where proceeds would benefit Be the One. For two hours on Feb. 23, more than 45 community members painted cardinals on a canvas while sipping their favorite drink, enjoying each other’s company and raising over $1,000 for Be the One. Putting his artistic skills to the test was Department of New York Commander Dave Riley, who attended the event with his wife Laurie. “We had a great time; it was the first time each of us had ever done anything like that,” said Riley, who shared that the host of the sip and paint said it was the largest one she has ever coordinated. “Post Commander
In 2022, the Department of Veterans Affairs set a goal of finding permanent housing for 38,000 homeless veterans nationwide. The VA exceeded that goal, permanently housing 40,401 veterans.Among the local VA’s helping surpass the goal was the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS). CAVHS’ goal was to permanently house 158 veterans; instead, the system provided 225 permanent housing placements to homeless veterans, 142% of its goal.“This goal was achieved through the hard work and dedication of our VA Day Treatment Center’s Homeless Programs staff, our grantees and contractors and our valued community partners,” said Dr. Margie Scott, Medical Center Director. “The progress we are seeing with eliminating homelessness among veterans in our 46-county catchment area shows that we have the right solutions.”Permanent housing placements provided by VA staff and community partners included apartments or houses that veterans could rent or own, often with a subsidy to help make the housing
As U.S. military veterans, we know the value of service.Unfortunately, too many young people today do not. Worse yet, they are getting crossed signals from their peers, and even some adults.Recruitment numbers are alarmingly down across the branches of service. Army Maj. Gen. Johnny Davis told The American Legion’s Veterans Employment & Education Commission last August that a variety of reasons can be blamed. One that stands out to me is a term we are hearing often today – “propensity to serve.”That means young people simply are not aware of enough good reasons to take the oath. And at a time when industry, academia and government are all in competition for the best and brightest – a “war for talent,” it has been called – we need to work harder to promote those good reasons.At the Washington Conference in late February, Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Stephen Lightfoot asked Legionnaires to
Johnathan M. Lubecky has been through some dark times. Dark enough to attempt to take his own life five times. But thanks to being treated by methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), Lubecky says those days are behind him.Lubecky, who now serves as the Veterans & Governmental Affairs Liaison for the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies’ Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC), was part of a presentation on MDMA-assisted treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) delivered to The American Legion’s TBI/PTSD/Suicide Prevention Committee during the organization’s Washington Conference. MAPS PBC is focused on developing and commercializing prescription psychedelics to bring better treatments to those living with mental health conditions. Lubecky believes the company’s MDMA efforts have saved his life. After first serving in the U.S. Marine Corps in the late 1990s, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2003, being medically retired as a sergeant in 2009. His service included deploying to active combat zones in
Since 2012, the American Legion Department of New Jersey has hosted 16 stand downs for homeless and at-risk veterans and managed 972 homeless cases.But department officials know addressing the homeless veteran issue isn’t simply a case of finding shelter. There’s the need to find steady employment. There are those who are in the criminal justice system. And there’s the mental health issues that can often lead a veteran to the streets.“Our homeless are three times as more prevalent to commit suicide as those not (homeless),” said Bob Looby, chairman of the department’s Employment, Homeless and Education Committee. “Now if that’s not a direct connection…”As part of a roundtable discussion on homeless veterans at February’s Washington Conference, Looby urged those in attendance to follow up when working with homeless veterans in their communities.“After every stand down, after every resource fair, you must get on the phone and call that person (or
What makes a Veteran friendly community? Most will tell you it takes support from non-profits, interest from government officials, the backing of regional employers, and a whole lot of hard work. That’s what Community Veteran Engagement Boards (CVEB) do across the country – they bring everyone together to solve local challenges for Veterans and their families.
Learn more at: https://department.va.gov/veterans-experience/community-playbook/
LEARN HOW YOUR PLANNED GIFT CAN HELP THE AMERICAN LEGIONWhat are the key factors to consider when retiring abroad? My spouse and I will soon be retiring and are interested in moving outside the United States.Whatever your reasons for aspiring to retire abroad – a lower cost of living, a better climate or a desire for adventure – it is important to do your research and learn everything you can about the country you are interested in. Here are some different tips and tools to help you make an informed decision.Researching tools If you are deciding where to retire, use your preferred online search engine to find websites that provide articles, information and the top retirement destinations abroad. Considerations to keep in mind when choosing your location include cost of living, climate, health care, housing, visas and infrastructure.Once you pick a country or two that interests you, seek out a
Twenty veterans and AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” filled American Legion Post 34 in Cave Creek, Ariz. “Two minutes! Buckle up baby, put on your seat belts,” post member Scott French bellowed to the barefoot men and women standing on yoga mats. This is not your ordinary yoga class. “It’s for old-gray haired guys, covered in tattoos, riding Harleys that never would be caught dead doing yoga,” explains French, a 90% disabled veteran who served in the U.S. Army’s 2nd Infantry Division during the 1980s. Instead of downward dog pose, there is a peeing dog move. In fact, there are no poses. No mentions of butterflies, pigeon pose or savasana. Instead there are moves and techniques like touchdown, screaming eagle and diamond cutter. Like yoga, they are designed to move the body and relax the mind. Unlike yoga, songs from Metallica, ZZ Top, Van Halen and others funnel more energy into the packed hall. This is DDPY, a
“Air Force” Ken Corigliano, who was among the first troops in Afghanistan in 2001, is a professional athlete in multiple endurance sports, author of a book called “State of Being” and suffers from a rare sensory ailment.He is the guest on this week’s American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast, hosted by Jeff Daly and Ashley Gutermuth, newly named Air Force Spouse of the Year.Corigliano, who also enlisted as a crew chief on an MC-130E and deployed to Uzbekistan in 2002, received a field commission to attend college and commission as an officer. Before his deployment he was doing a training ride on his bike when he was hit by a car.“I had a near-death experience,” he said, explaining his rare traumatic brain injury. “All my senses got rewired.” It’s TBI with resultant synesthesia, which allows him to use all his senses at once. He tastes what he hears and hears
VA Secretary Denis McDonough with a special message.
LIVE from the Women in Military Service for America Memorial (WIMSA) in Arlington, Virginia.
Thursday, March 16th, 2023
2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
With his father, a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, turning 100 in late February, Jim Thompson wanted to have some active-duty Marines show up for the party. When he ran into some initial snags, the younger Thompson turned to social media to get some assistance.It worked, thanks in part to a Department of Washington Legionnaire who was notified of the situation and responded immediately. The result was on Feb. 24 at the Rockwood South Hill retirement campus in Spokane, both active-duty and Marine Corps veterans were in attendance to honor Donn Thompson. The veteran also received almost 200 birthday cards from across the country, had a proclamation read in his honor and witnessed a mini-parade complete with a World War II jeep and American Legion Riders in sub-freezing temperatures.“The response was incredible, and it was just so heart-warming for my dad,” Jim Thompson said. “My dad’s like a
1. The South Korean and U.S. militaries launched their biggest joint exercises in years Monday while North Korea said it tested submarine-fired cruise missiles in an apparent protest of the drills it views as an invasion rehearsal. North Korea’s launches Sunday signal the country likely will conduct provocative weapons testing during the U.S.-South Korean drills that are expected to run for 11 days. Last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered his troops to be ready to repel rivals’ “frantic war preparation moves.”2. U.S. Space Forces Korea, just three months old and the newest command in the Space Force, is finding a clear role amid new threats from North Korea, according to its commander. Early missile detection is an integral part of the U.S. military’s defense of its 28,500 troops stationed on the peninsula, particularly with just 60 miles separating North Korea and Osan Air Base, where U.S. Space Forces Korea,
Eighteen-year-old Kyffin Simpson is one of the new faces with Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) this year. The Cayman Islands native began racing at age 9 and won the 2021 Formula Regional Americas Championship, taking first in seven of the series’ races. Kyffin was signed to a multi-year development role with Chip Ganassi Racing, and his No. 21 HMD Motorsports Indy Lights team receives driver mentorship, race strategy and engineering support from CGR through their Road to Indy program. He’ll compete in the Indy NXT Series.Prior to the season, Simpson spoke with American Legion Social Media Manager Steven B. Brooks about his inaugural season with CGR and representing The American Legion’s “Be the One” suicide-prevention initiative branding that will be featuring on his car at times this season. The American Legion: What does this opportunity with Chip Ganassi Racing mean to you?Simpson: It’s huge. I get to work with all of them,
March 29 is designated as National Vietnam War Veterans Day and is set aside to pay special tribute to the 9 million Americans who served during the Vietnam War era, to the 58,000 names memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and to those who never received the recognition they deserved when they returned to America from war.March 29, 1973, is the day U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam was disestablished and the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. Also on that day, Operation Homecoming was completed when the last of 591 U.S. prisoners were released and returned to the United States.American Legion posts are supporting efforts to honor these veterans, along with other ceremonies held across the nation. The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration page has a variety of resources to promote National Vietnam War Veterans Day events. If your post is hosting an