MilitaryConnection.com Archives

Military Connection: Deaths Not Linked to VA Wait: By Debbie Gregory

September 4, 2014/in Archived Blogs

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released a memorandum saying that investigators have found no proof that delays in care caused any deaths at a VA hospital in Phoenix. The investigation was ordered in response to an allegation that eventually helped uncover a troubled health care system, where Veterans waited months for appointments while employees falsified records to cover up the delays.

In February, every major news outlet in the country announced that as many as 40 veterans died while awaiting care at the Phoenix VA hospital. The news sparked outrage from Veterans and the general public, alleging that the VA wasn’t fulfilling its duties. The scandal that ensued prompted the resignation of retired Army General Eric Shinseki, who was then-secretary of the VA. Three Phoenix VA Hospital executives were fired. The ordeal also prompted Congress to approve a bill that allotted $16.3 billion in additional spending to reform the department.

The allegations were put forward to Congress by Dr. Samuel Foote, who had worked for the Phoenix VA for over 20 years before retiring in December, 2013. Dr. Foote accused VA leaders in Arizona of collecting bonuses for reducing patient wait times. But that bonus-worthy statistics only came about as a result of data manipulation, rather than improved service for Veterans. Dr. Foote believes that up to 40 patients died while awaiting care.

For months now, the VA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) has been investigating the delays. The inspector general runs an independent office within the VA. The final report of the investigation has not been issued. But the OIG recently shared a draft report of its findings with VA officials.

In a written memorandum about the report, VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald said, “It is important to note that while OIG””s case reviews in the report document substantial delays in care, and quality-of-care concerns, OIG was unable to conclusively assert that the absence of timely quality care caused the death of these veterans.”

The VA is expected to continue to try to improve its track record for timeliness and quality of care. The $16.3 billion Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 is expected to help with those efforts by staffing more health care professionals, opening new facilities, and allowing Veterans facing long wait times to seek private care.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Deaths Not Linked to VA Wait: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: CA “VETERAN” Driver’s License: By Debbie Gregory

September 4, 2014/in Archived Blogs

For the better part of the last two years, California state law makers have been pushing to get AB 935 enacted. On August 25, 2014, AB 935 passed in the California State Senate by a vote of 32-0. The bill is just waiting on Governor Jerry Brown to sign it into law. The support of Veterans and advocacy groups is crucial now to let the governor how important this bill is to the Veterans of California.

AB 935 is a measure that would give Veterans the option to have the word “VETERAN” on the face of their CA state driver’s license or ID card. Approving the bill would require the California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA DMV) to work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers. In a joint mission, they would need to formulate an efficient method to accurately verify a Veteran’s military service, for the purpose of putting the designation on their ID card. The Veteran designation would be voluntary, and include a one-time fee, not to exceed $15, to cover the cost of the verification process. While applying for their new driver’s licenses or renewals with the Veteran designation, Veterans would also be given the option to have their name and address sent to the VA, so that California Veterans could receive notifications and benefits information from the VA.

California Veterans may be losing out on $400 million in federal benefits because so many Veterans aren’t aware that the benefits exist, or that they were eligible for them. If signed into law, AB 935 could lead to an increase of up to $750 million per year in federal Veterans benefits to California’s Veterans.

Having the “VETERAN” designation will also serve to help Veterans prove their service to retailors who offer discounts. Most stores and restaurants in California only offer discounts to active duty personnel because they are in possession of a Military ID, and can prove their affiliation. Unless they are retired or in the Reserves, most Veterans surrender their Military IDs when they separate.

All California Veterans and supporters are being asked to contact Governor Brown’s office to inform him that you want him to support AB 935. The best way to contact the governor is by email at https://govnews.ca.gov/gov39mail/mail.php. Be sure to select AB 935 in the dropdown menu for “Please Choose Your Subject.” The following template is provided to make it easier:

My name is __________. I am a California Veteran who strongly supports AB 935 which will allow for a “VETERAN” designation on the CA driver’s license.

Over 47 other states and Puerto Rico already have provisions for a Veterans license and it is time for California to make this available to its Veterans.

This bill will assist California’s Veterans learn what federal benefits they may be eligible for.

Sincerely,

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While email is preferred, suporters of AB 935 can also phone the governor’s office at (916)-445-2841, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, M-F.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: CA “VETERAN” Driver’s License: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Hypersonic Missile Fails: By Debbie Gregory

September 3, 2014/in Archived Blogs

Over the past several years, the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command has been developing an Advanced Hypersonic Weapon, designed to have the capability of traveling at speeds over 3,840 miles per hour.

The Defense Department has been developing the Advanced Hypersonic Weapon as a non-nuclear missile that could quickly strike targets anywhere in the world. In 2011, during the first test of the missile, it traveled 2,500 miles in 30 minutes.

In the early hours of August 25, 2014, the Army conducted its latest test of the Advanced Hypersonic Weapon from the Kodiak Islands in Alaska. This test was not as successful.The DOD released the following statement:

“Shortly after 4 a.m. EDT, the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, as part of the Defense Department”s Conventional Prompt Global Strike technology development program, conducted a flight test of the Advanced Hypersonic Weapon from the Kodiak Launch Complex in Alaska.Due to an anomaly, the test was terminated near the launch pad shortly after lift-off to ensure public safety. There were no injuries to any personnel.Program officials are conducting an extensive investigation to determine the cause of the flight anomaly.”

It was reported by local news in Alaska that witnesses who saw the test claimed that the rocket appeared to be out of control.

The Army has yet to make a statement about the future of the Advanced Hypersonic Weapon program, or what led to the termination of the launch.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Hypersonic Missile Fails: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: LA Vet Home Gets Iconic Gifts: By Debbie Gregory

September 3, 2014/in Archived Blogs

The residents of the Veterans Home of California, West Los Angeles are getting an amazing gift from one of their own. Phil Stern, WWII Veteran, Award winning photojournalist, and capturer of iconic images, has donated 95 of his photographs to the facility.

Stern was already a working photographer in New York City when the United States entered WWII. Stern enlisted in the Army as a combat correspondent. Stern volunteered for the 1^st Ranger Battalion, becoming one of the heralded “Darby’s Rangers.”

Staff Sgt. Stern performed his service to the country by capturing the images of American soldiers during their moments of peril, fortitude and triumph. As a Ranger in North Africa, Stern’s images from the middle of the fierce fighting earned him a reputation for bravery, even among soldiers and other combat correspondents. Staff Sgt. Stern became a “Purple Heart Cameraman” when he was wounded in North Africa. Being a Ranger, Stern attempted to rejoin his unit, but the Army discharged him because of his injuries. Stern worked for Stars and Stripes for the remainder of WWII.

After the war, Stern relocated to Southern California and began working as a photographer for magazines such as Look, Life and Colliers. Stern also worked as a cameraman for feature films in Hollywood. His winning personality, talent as photographer, and Ranger spirit endeared him to Hollywood’s elite.

Stern took some of the most iconic photographs of the biggest stars of Hollywood during the golden age of film. Stern’s images of Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Audrey Hepburn and John Wayne are some of the most recognized photographs throughout the world.

Stern is now a resident of the Veterans Home of California– West Los Angeles. His gift, as well as the number of photographs, are in honor of the Veteran’s 95th birthday.

On Saturday, September 6, 2014 at the Veterans Home of California– West Los Angeles Stern’s photography will be unveiled at a birthday celebration. Special guest speakers, Director Brett Ratner and Gisele Schmidt from the Fahey/Klein Gallery, will help honor Stern’s remarkable career.

Also at the celebration, a trailer of “Phil Stern: Eyewitness,” a documentary of his life currently in production, will be on view along with two screenings of the 50-minute Italian documentary “Phil Stern: Sicily 1943, The War and The Soul” produced for the 70^th anniversary of the Sicily Invasion in 2013.

Other guests expected to attend include several descendants of the elite fighting unit, Darby’s Rangers. All of the 95 donated photographs will be displayed throughout the Veterans Home during the celebration and will remain as part of a permanent gallery.

The event is being sponsored by Phil Stern, the Veterans Home of California, West Los Angeles and the West Los Angeles Veterans Home Support Foundation.

“This is an amazing gift to the residents of the Veterans Home of California – West Los Angeles from one of their own,” said Coby Petersen, Deputy Secretary, Veterans Homes of California. “Phil Stern’s 60-year career provides an extraordinary look back at a distinctive time in American cultural history. We are honored to have this magnificent collection grace our walls.”

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: LA Vet Home Gets Iconic Gifts: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Lower Loan Rates for Troops: By Debbie Gregory

September 2, 2014/in Archived Blogs

On August 26, 2014, the Obama Administration announced a new initiative that will make it easier for active-duty service members to achieve the dream of home-ownership. For potential homeowners, the decision to buy a home is one of the largest financial decisions they will ever make.

The 2203 Service members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) already makes active duty military members eligible for home loan interest rates capped at 6%. But the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that many men and women in uniform don’t benefit from SCRA because they are unaware of the benefits, or are put-off by the red tape.

President Obama announced a plan to have five of the country’s largest mortgage lenders join the federal government to make the process easier and more accessible to service members. The companies have agreed to increase the frequency in which they check DOD databases to see whether their customers are entitled to unclaimed benefits, which would save the service members money.

According to White House officials, Bank of America, Quicken Loans, Citi Mortgage, Wells Fargo Bank, and Ocwen Loan Servicing are participating in the program.

“We’re announcing a new partnership in which some of America’s biggest banks and financial institutions will simplify the process, proactively notify service members who qualify for lower rates and make it easier to enroll,” Obama said at the American Legion National Convention. “In other words, we’re going to help more of our troops and military families own their own home without a crushing debt.”

It is expected that the partnership could help tens of thousands of military families save money on their mortgage rates.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Lower Loan Rates for Troops: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: New way to Help Wounded Vets by Joe Silva

September 2, 2014/in Archived Blogs

As a Veteran, I feel fortunate to live in a time when the American public truly appreciates our military Veterans. Americans feel an even greater responsibility in providing for wounded Veterans, those whose lives will never be the same as a result of their service and sacrifice.

The average citizen who wants to do more for wounded Veterans and their families may not know where to donate or how to help. There are numerous organizations working to improve the lives of our military, once they have completed their service. One non-profit that I can highly recommend is Heels on the Ground (HOTG).

HOTG co-founder Allison Hughes is a former Army Blackhawk pilot, current MBA student, and mother of two rambunctious little boys. Allison is also the primary caregiver for her husband, Special Forces Officer Breg Hughes. In May, 2012, MAJ Hughes was critically wounded, receiving 3rd degree burns to 50% of his body in an IED strike while serving in Afghanistan. Hughes spent four months in the hospital, including two months in the ICU.

Hughes partnered with former Army officer Katherine Malavenda, a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience working with military families. This Veteran dynamic duo created HOTG with the mission to “improve and enrich the quality of life for caregivers of America’s wounded soldiers by providing local support networks, workshops and holistic retreats.”

The non-profit provides continual support for caregivers, often spouses and family members of wounded war Veterans. HOTG guides caregivers through the healing process, while empowering them to maintain their own well-being so that they can thrive in the face of their challenges. As the caregivers thrive, so will those around them.

Through personal experience and education, Allison and Katherine have recognized that caregivers, like their charges, face enormous pressures and make tremendous sacrifices. Yet there are few options and resources for caregivers. HOTG firmly believes that the benefits of peer support groups, education, personal goal setting, meditation, relaxation and physical wellness can greatly improve a caregiver’s ability to cope with stress. HOTG’s holistic approach combines these methods to promote health and well-being within the caregiver community.

Heels on the Ground hopes to raise $50,000 to cover the cost of hosting 60 caregivers at their first retreat. The retreat will include wellness seminars and classes on stress management, yoga, and meditation. It will also give attendees the opportunity to establish support networks with those who share this common bond. The money will also help HOTG host webinars and establish local support chapters, live quarterly workshops and future retreats.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to say, “Thanks you for your service,” you have the opportunity to help wounded Veterans by supporting those who love and take care of these heroes 365 days each year. You can also help by spreading the word about Heels on the Ground by posting it on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

DONATE to HOTG here. You can also help by spreading the word about the Heels on the Ground campaign: Post about it on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: New way to Help Wounded Vets! By Joe Silva

Military Connection: Veteran Homelessness Down: By Debbie Gregory

September 1, 2014/in Archived Blogs

The U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), as well as the U.S. Inter-agency Council on Homelessness (USICH) recently issued a new national estimate of Veteran homelessness. Using data collected during the annual Point-in-Time Count, conducted in January, 2014, revealed that there were 49,933 homeless Veterans in America. This year’s number shows a 33% decline since 2010, when there were 74,770 Veterans reportedly living on the streets.

The VA, HUD, and USICH, as well as other local partners, have used evidenced-based practices like Housing First and federal resources such as HUD-VASH (the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing voucher program) to find stable housing for Homeless Veterans. Since 2008, the HUD-VASH program has assisted 74,019 homeless Veterans, and Veteran families who were in danger of becoming homeless.

The federal government has provided significant new resources to help communities pursue the goal of ending homelessness among Veterans. Strategically targeting these resources is resulting in communities making significant progress towards ending Veteran homelessness.

The federal government has created a goal to end Veteran homelessness by 2015. There are several policies and programs that are currently geared towards reaching the goal.

Using a Housing First approach and eliminating unnecessary prerequisites, the federal government has made progress in removing barriers and helping Veterans obtain permanent housing as quickly as possible. The government’s programs have found success through prioritizing the most vulnerable Veterans, especially Veterans experiencing chronic homelessness, for permanent supportive housing opportunities.

The utilization of rehousing interventions, including those made possible through the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, has aided Veterans who need short-term assistance to reintegrate back into our communities.

Government programs have also found success by increasing early detection efforts, and providing Veterans with greater access to preventive services. They have also been leveraging other housing resources that can help Veterans who are ineligible for some of the VA’s programs get into stable housing.

By closely monitoring their progress, and remaining committed to their goal, it is reasonable to believe that Veteran Homelessness could be eradicated in 2015. But it can only happen through continued government efforts and the support of the American people.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Veteran Homelessness Down: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Better Way to Research GI Bill: By Debbie Gregory

September 1, 2014/in Archived Blogs

On Thursday August 28, 2014, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the launch of an upgraded version of the GI Bill^® Comparison Tool.

Since its initial release in February if this year, the GI Bill Comparison Tool has been making it easier for Veterans, service members, and military dependents to estimate their GI Bill education benefits and learn more about their prospective school. The tool has provided key information about the school and its tuition prices, as well as data on graduation&amp, borrowing rates for individual colleges and universities. The information provided by the GI Bill Comparison Tool helps Veterans choose the best education program to meet their needs and available benefit.

The VA estimates that over the past 6 months nearly 350,000 people have utilized the tool on VA’s GI Bill website.

The upgraded version of the GI Bill Comparison Tool provides the same wealth of information, but with added data. Along with the information already provided by the original tool, the new version is equipped with a more comprehensive benefits calculator.

The new GI Bill Comparison Tool now offers Veterans the ability to click on an option that says, “How much am I going to get?” after typing in their eligibility information and the name of their school of interest. This new option offers a complete breakdown of cost. It shows how much your education benefit will pay you per month (specific to the school’s zip code), how much book stipend a student can expect to receive, and the total of what is “paid to you” for the year.

The new option goes even further by calculating the school’s tuition &amp, fees cost and comparing the cost against your benefit, ultimately providing Veterans with the “out of pocket cost” that they would have to pay, if they attended the school with their benefit.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay the entire tuition cost of a state school’s in-state tuition, or up to $20,235. Once that tuition cost is exceeded at a private college or out-of-state school, the rest of the tuition comes out of the Veteran student’s pocket. Knowing the information that the upgraded GI Bill Comparison Tool provides could save individual Veteran college students thousands of dollars each year.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Better Way to Research GI Bill: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: More Vets Getting Private Care: By Debbie Gregory

August 31, 2014/in Archived Blogs

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been significantly increasing Veterans referrals to private doctors, following the scandal over unacceptable patient wait times at numerous VA facilities and the allegations of falsified appointment records.

The VA’s reputation has been damaged by claims that multiple Veterans had died while waiting for treatment from the VA healthcare system. Some VA employees have been accused of covering up scheduling blunders. The scandal ultimately led to the resignation of formerVA Secretary Eric Shinseki and the eventual appointment of Robert McDonald.

Since the scandal broke, the VA has made nearly 840,000 referrals for Veterans to receive care from private doctors. This is an increase of over 166,000 referrals from the same period last year.

A $16.3 billion VA overhaul was recently signed into law by President Barack Obama. Approximately $10 billion is being allotted to pay private healthcare providers to treat Veterans who can’t get timely appointments at their local VA facility. The law also includes $5 billion to hire more doctors and other medical and mental health professionals.

At the National American Veterans (AMVETS) convention, McDonald told a group of Veterans that 1,000 new doctors, nurses and clerks were needed at the Phoenix VA hospital alone. And another 500 new doctors, nurses and clerks were needed at the VA facility in North Las Vegas.

“Until we get systems up to capacity, we’re expanding our use of private care and other non-VA health care to improve access for Veterans experiencing excessive wait times,” McDonald told the Veterans at the convention. “And we’re monitoring non-VA care to ensure Veterans receive the best that they deserve.”

The VA spent about $4.8 billion last year on medical care at non-VA healthcare providers. This factored to be about 10% of the health care costs for the Veterans Health Administration, the agency’s healthcare arm.

McDonald’s appearance at the AMVETS convention was part of a tour that has included stops at the Phoenix VA hospital, a disabled veterans’ convention in Las Vegas, and the VA’s Memphis medical complex.

With adequate funding from the government, vigilant attention from the new VA secretary, and the support of the American public, Veterans can look forward to significant improvement to the VA healthcare system and their privatized care through the VA.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: More Vets Getting Private Care: By Debbie Gregory

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Military Connection: F-15 Pilot’s Remains Found: By Debbie Gregory

August 30, 2014/in Military, Military Veteran

The remains of a Massachusetts Air National Guard pilot were found after a 30 hour search.

Lieutenant Colonel Morris “Moose” Fontenot Jr., who served with the 104th Fighter Wing, was flying an F-15C Eagle from Barnes Air National Guard Base, near Westfield, MA to Naval Air Station New Orleans in Louisiana. The jet was being flown there in order to receive an upgrade to its radar system.

Lt. Col. Fontenot reported an emergency while traveling at an altitude of over 30,000 feet above the Virginia-West Virginia border. About half an hour later, a civilian pilot reported seeing smoke in a heavily forested area nearby.

While there was no further word from Lt. Col. Fontenot, officials still held on to the hope that he was alive. A rescue attempt was launched, but was hindered by the location and terrain. On Thursday evening, searchers reached the crash site and found evidence that Lt. Col. Fontenot had not ejected from the aircraft. The cause of the crash is still under military investigation.

“Today was a tough day for the Massachusetts Air National Guard, as we learned we lost a great American, a warrior, a leader and most importantly a family member,” said Brigadier General Robert Brooks of the Massachusetts Air National Guard.

Lt. Col. Fontenot was a1996 Air Force Academy graduate, and a decorated pilot and former squadron commander, with over 17 years of experience flying F-15. Lt. Col. Fontenot completed multiple deployments to the Middle East, and earned several decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal.

Our condolences go out to the Fontenot family, and the Massachusetts Air National Guard.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.