Page 17 – Military Connection

Beekeeping for Veterans – Relief in an Unlikely Place

February 26, 2021/in Community News

Veterans are finding relief for anxiety, depression, and PTSD-related symptoms in an unlikely place: Beehives.

In 2014, Army Vet Eric Grandon joined West Virginia’s Veterans and Heroes in Agriculture Program. After a few years, he began keeping beehives of his own. Today Grandon has over 100 hives with over 5 million (yes, you read that right!) bees.

There are a few intrinsic similarities between working with the hives and military experience. Beekeeping is regimented and methodical, and the bees themselves work in harmony, as a team, towards a single goal. Those who have become involved in beekeeping often find they are experiencing an improvement in social connections as well as a decrease in PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms.

Grandon has found beekeeping therapy to be so valuable that he now trains other veterans how to care for hives as well. And he’s not the only one sharing the practice with military vets. Several VA chapters across the country have comparable programs and many non-profits are establishing beekeeping grants for veterans, too.

For instance, Heroes to Hives offers a veteran-specific program which begins with a free online training course available to any veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard and dependents of those persons. The in-person instruction takes place at designated sites in Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska.

Want to try your hand at beekeeping? Check out some of these programs designed specifically for servicemembers and their families.

A Veteran’s Guide To Starting A Tech Enterprise

February 25, 2021/in Employment, Entrepreneurship, Jobs

There are several guiding steps for veterans starting a tech enterprise. If you have experience operating and repairing high-tech military equipment, this can be a great opportunity for you.

Nike’s COVID-19 Donation to the VA

February 24, 2021/in Community News

Nike Air Zoom Pulse // https://news.nike.com/news/nike-air-zoom-pulse

Nike’s COVID-19 Donation to the VA

In 2019, Nike designed a shoe, the Air Zoom Pulse, specifically for healthcare workers. In 2020, Nike surprised nearly 3,800 VHA nurses, those who have been on the frontline battling the pandemic since it started, with a pair of these innovative new shoes.

Some were sent to VHA Disaster Emergency Personnel System volunteers who are working in COVID hot spots. Some were delivered to specific healthcare workers who have been implementing innovative care solutions at their home facility.

According to Nike, the fit, cushioning, and traction systems of the Air Zoom Pulse work synergistically to secure the foot in hospital conditions. The company describes the shoe as “the traditional clog made athletic.” Its smooth surface is even designed for easy cleaning – something we all know is necessary in a medical setting.

Nike’s COVID-19 VA donation was included as part of a large-scale donation of nearly 30,000 pairs of Air Zoom Pulse sneakers to healthcare systems throughout the country. The VHA donation was coordinated by the VA’s Secretary Center for Strategic Partnerships (SCSP) as well as the Veteran Canteen Services (VCS), Office of Nursing Services, Voluntary Services, and the Office of General Counsel. They developed a distribution plan involving 123 VA medical facilities.

“Nike has always believed in the outstanding values and character found in the Military, and we are thankful to those who serve – and those who serve them. We hope they know how grateful we are for their care of our Veterans.” – BJ Pendergast, – Special Field Systems Global Category Director for Nike.

VHA nurses, and their feet, certainly appreciate the gesture.

What Changed in Army Grooming Standards?

February 19, 2021/in Army, Community News

What Changed in Army Grooming Standards?

There are few occupations with grooming and appearance regulations as stringent as those the various branches of the military have. The army grooming standards change on February 24^th marks a push to “promote diversity and inclusion.” The new standards will supersede those outlined in the grooming and appearance chapter of Army Regulation 670-1 until the next scheduled revision.

These updates started with a 17-soldier panel, which while diverse in rank, unit, age, background, career field, and race, was comprised mainly of women. A few subject matter experts were a part of the process as well and included Army dermatologists, an Army psychologist, and an Army equal opportunity (EO) advisor.

So, what are the new Army Grooming Standards? Here is an overview of the most notable changes:

Minimum hair length – minimum hair length requirements have been removed all together. Any soldier can have hair as short as they’d like. This allows men to shave their heads shorter than ¼” and, of course, allows women to shave their heads to begin with.
Multiple hairstyles – the basic rule of thumb will be that all hairstyles must maintain a neat and professional appearance and cannot impede the use of headgear or other equipment. The lifting of restrictions on width and spacing of braids, cornrows, twists, and locks will provide some flexibility for soldiers opting for these styles.
Ponytails – ponytails will be allowed as an alternative to a tight bun.
Highlights – highlights will be permitted, as long as they are not in an unauthorized color such as blue or orange.
Earrings – female soldiers can now wear small earrings with their ACU.
Nail polish – additional pigments have been added to the list of permitted nail polish colors, and males will be allowed to wear clear polish, if desired.

On top of the updated standards, the Army has taken steps to replace potentially offensive and subjective language within the written grooming regulations. Words such as Fu Manchu, dreadlock, eccentric, and faddish will no longer be a part of the official army grooming standards.

Additional descriptions of revised Army Grooming Standards can be found here.

DAV Veterans’ Benefits

February 18, 2021/in Charity, Military Programs, Military Veteran, Resources, Veterans Benefits

Military Veteran Program Highlight: Disabled American Veterans or the DAV. Learn more about how they provide services to Veterans in need.

When to Enroll for GI Bill as Peak Season Approaches

February 18, 2021/in Community News

When to Enroll for GI Bill as Peak Season Approaches

The GI Bill (Chapter 33) provides financial assistance to veterans enrolled in educational or job training institutions. You may qualify for the GI Bill if you served on active duty after September 10, 2001.

While GI Bill enrollment dates are flexible, it’s ideal to get your application started as soon as possible. Every year the VA sees two peaks in GI Bill applications. Dates of this peak are usually in September and February.

The VA works to process first time applications within 24 days, and re-enrollments in 12 days. However, the increased volume of applications during peak enrollment periods has the potential to impact processing times.

To ensure you receive your benefits as quickly as possible, the VA recommends enrolling for GI Bill benefits as early as you can. Don’t wait to sign up for your classes, and avoid changes to your course schedule, if possible. Additionally, make sure both your address and bank account information are always kept up to date via the GI Bill website, as incorrect information can delay payment.

Before you begin the GI Bill enrollment process, take some time to make sure you clearly understand your school’s procedures for certification. It’s also beneficial to get to know (and keep in touch with) your School Certifying Officials, since they can help you make adjustments to your application or other documentation, if need be.

Get More Information

Visit the GI Bill websitefor additional details.
Use the GI Bill Comparison Toolto learn about your school’s benefits.
Find out if you’re eligible for VA education benefits.
Learn how to apply.
Discover additional educational benefits available to veterans.

Free Tax Services for Veterans

February 17, 2021/in Community News

Free Tax Services for Veterans

Tax season is upon us, and the IRS continues to remind us that the most accurate and efficient way to file a tax return is to do so online. Bonus: online tax filings are the fastest way to get your refund, as well. Below you’ll find several resources that provide Veteran tax services for free.

Free Tax Services for Veterans

MilTax

Free tax services from Military OneSource and the Department of Defense. MilTax tax services include preparation and e-filing software which take into consideration the unique circumstances faced by many veterans. MilTax software is available from January 19^th through mid-October.

TurboTax Military Edition

Free e-filing for all enlisted active military and reservists is available through TurboTax Military edition. Simply enter your military W-2, verify your rank, and the discount will be applied when you file.

TaxSlayer Military Offer

The TaxSlayer Military offer allows veterans to file federal returns for free. This covers all tax situations without any restrictions.

Free Tax Services Unrelated to Military Service

In addition to TaxSlayer, TurboTax, and MilTax, Veterans may also qualify for other free online services unrelated to their military service.

VITA

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program offers free basic tax return preparation to individuals who may not be able to prepare taxes on their own. This includes those with limited income, disabilities, or who speak minimal English.

TCE

Tax Counseling for the Elderly also offers free basic tax preparation for those 60 or older. TCE specializes in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues.

Additional Veteran Tax Resources:

Many veterans are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit based on their current income.
Free Financial coaching is available through the Office of Service Member Affairs.
The Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act prevents taxing of one-time lump sum disability payments for combat-related injuries.
Visit the IRS Information for Veterans and Information for Members of the Military pages for additional resources.

The Battle of Iwo Jima Anniversary – Honoring Soldiers 76 Years Later

February 16, 2021/in Holidays & Events, Military History, Special Interest

And so, began the Battle of Iwo Jima. On February 19, 1945, after months of bombarding Iwo Jima via air, and three days of naval attack, the 4th and 5th Marine Divisions invaded the island.

Student Veterans of America National Conference 2021

February 11, 2021/in Community News

Student Veterans of America National Conference 2021

Not only is the Student Veterans of America NatCon the country’s largest conference for student veterans, it’s also the largest annual convening of post-9/11 veterans in the world. In response to COVID-19, this year’s event will be held virtually on February 19^th and 20^th. It will focus on best practices for thriving in the unprecedented circumstances in which we have found ourselves over the past year.

The event boasts a lineup of some pretty amazing speakers. The keynote will be delivered by entrepreneur and author, Gary Veynerchuck. The keynote panel includes Former Secretary of Defense, Dr. Robert Gates and CEO of Raytheon Technologies, Greg Hayes. And if that wasn’t great enough, the whole things will be hosted by Law and Order: SVU actress, Jamie Gray Hyder.

SVA serves to elevate the academic, professional, and personal lives of those who have served in the U.S. Military. Which is why NatCon is waiving the registration fee for a limited number of student veterans – so sign up soon!

The Student Veterans Conference is open to family members and military supporters as well. Registration provides access to speaker sessions, breakout groups, networking opportunities, Q&A, virtual social events, and more.

Register for SVA NatCon 2021 here, then visit their Facebook and Instagram pages to learn more about the awesome group of speakers and take a look at photos from past events.

Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers Receive COVID-19 Testing and Vaccinations

February 9, 2021/in Community News

In an important VA Covid 19 Update, the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), has announced that designated family caregivers are now eligible for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.