May 1, 2010

Awardees Reception Medals

The Veteran Service Agency would like to make contact with these veterans: George Baco, Louis Carmen, Ernest Desetto, Artis Ealy, Harry Finkelstein, Walter Hitzegrad, Edward Seringer and Carver Upchurch. They have been awarded medals of recognition and never received them. If you have any information on these veterans please contact Scott Castillo at (516)572-8451 or scastillo@nassaucountyny.gov

Nassau County Service to Veterans Award

Anyone wishing to recognize an outstanding veteran or civilian who contributed above and beyond to the veterans’ community can submit the Distinguished Service to Veteran Award application and resume of their candidate to the Patrick Yngstrom, Veteran Service Agency Blg, H, 1425 Old Country and Plainview NY 11803. Requests are due by Tuesday June 1, 2010. You can obtain an application @ the VSA or we can email you any application.

“Welcome Back Warriors” Project

The unemployment rate of Iraq and Afghanistan-era veterans has risen from 10.2 percent in 2009 to 14.7 percent in March of 2010. In response, Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano introduced the “Welcome Back Warriors” Project. WBW is committed to providing returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with assistance in transitioning back into the civilian world. The project is divided into three elements: which include employment opportunities, information of education entitlements, and veteran administration claims. Contact: Scott Castillo (516)572-8451 Email: scastillo@nassaucountyny.gov

Newly VA Recognized Diseases with AGENT ORANGE

Well over 100,000 veterans were exposed to herbicides while serving in Vietnam. As a result, these diseases have recently been recognized by the VA as service connected.

  • B cell Leukemia’s- Cancer which affects B cells, such as hairy cell leukemia
  • Ischemic Heart Disease-Disease characterized by a reduce supply of blood
  • Parkinson’s Disease- Symptoms that include trembling of limbs, face & impaired balance

Contact VSA to place a VA claim.

Newly Adjudicating Claims - Service in the Gulf War Asia

Veterans who served in the Gulf War are now eligible to file a claim if the veteran is experiencing the qualifying chronic disabilities. These include two distinct categories: (1) “Un-diagnosed illness” and (2) “medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness.”

Contact VSA to place a VA claim.

SCAM GROUP - Veterans Support Organization

Please beware of a fraudulent group called the Veteran Support Organization. This group is operating on Long Island, stating that they are Veterans, which they are not. This group is scamming constituents for donations at supermarkets. Authorities were notified, but they are still collecting money. Please be on guard. To report any information concerning this group contact County Clerk Mark Bonilla at 516-661-9680.

Website: http://www.veteranssupportorganization.org

Albany grant will help veterans become entrepreneurs

The Small Business Development Center at the State University of New York is among ten centers to receive federal grants that will help them increase entrepreneurial assistance to veterans. The local center is based at the University at Albany, and is receiving funds for the second year.

Website: http://blog.timesunion.com/business/albany-grant-will-help-veterans-become-entrepreneurs/19025/

Stop-Loss for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Update

Stop Loss is available at $500 per month to all OEF/OIF veterans who were held back on active duty between September 11, 2001 and September 30, 2009. The deadline to submit a pay claim is October 21, 2010. You can file a claim for retroactive Stop Loss payment at the Nassau County Veteran Service Agency, please contact Scott Castillo at (516)572-8451 or scastillo@nassaucountyny.gov

Helping Veterans on Long Island

Semper4Soldiers is a 501(c) 3 tax exempt, small non profit organization providing help to the disabled, needy veterans and their families on Long Island, NY. Semper4Soldiers’ primary goal is to provide assistance for families in need of groceries, clothing, utility bill payments, transportation fees, and any other necessary livable expenses.

Contact: Carlos Espinoza P.O. Box 468 Glen Cove, NY 11542. Phone: 516-606-6056, Email: semper4soldiers@aol.com 

Website:http://www.semper4soldiers.org/

Veterans Service Agency Internship

For veterans and college students pursuing careers in social work, the VA offers internship. Responsible veteran and students with a passion on veterans issue can apply. Contact: Patrick Yngstrom at Veteran Service Agency.

Memorial Day Flag Request

Although the Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale provides the majority of gravesite flags for Memorial Day observances, there have been shortages. With the county’s fiscal crisis the cemetery and the Veterans Service Agency expects to be short again this year. Veterans’ organizations wishing to secure flags for the honoring of veterans’ graves should send us a letter. The count request for each post submitted last year will be minimized. Please submit your request by May 15, 2010 addressed to Veterans Service Agency. Bldg H. Plainview, NY 11803

Veterans Education:
Free College Prep Program for Vets

Complete a high school diploma, take vocational training courses, and prepare for college-level course work for free through The Long Island Educational Opportunity Center (LIEOC) College prep program. Open to all veterans Contact: Margaret Pettit 631-420-2512 /631-434-3740 ext. 21

Email: margaret.pettit@farmingdale.edu Website: www.farmingdale.edu/lieoc.

Private tutoring and Live Homework Help

The U.S. Department of Defense has announced that, effective immediately, it is paying for unlimitedTutor.comservice (private tutoring and Live Homework Help) for all active duty military service members, reservists, National Guard personnel on active duty in a deployed status, and DoD civilians in a deployed status. The program covers all military dependents, including spouses and children.

Websites: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=57732

http://www.tutor.com/press/press-releases-2010/20100126

Honor a Love One

Donate a brick in memory of parents, children, grandchildren, your spouse, or friends. Your 6”x9” brick will inscribe with your own personal message and placed on the Memorial Garden walkway. Call the Veteran Service Agency for an application or contact: Vietnam Veteran of America at (631) 751-1813; Website: www.vva11.org

Veterans Events

POW’s-MIA Service Remembrance: Saturday April 24 at 1:30 p.m. St. Francis De Chantal, 1309 Wantagh Ave, Wantagh: Contact: Tom Bennet (516) 437-6248

Post #1749 Ladies Auxiliary Gala Breakfast Fundraiser: Sunday, April 25th from 10:00am to 1:00 p.m. at 1298 Newbridge Rd, N. Bellmore, NY. Tickets cost $6. Contact Hilda Jordan (516) 333-4835 by April 19th.

American Military Timeline: Saturday and Sunday, May 15th and 16th 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Old Bethpage Village Restoration 1303 Round Swamp Road For information call (516) 572-8400 or visit Website: www.nassaucountyny.gov/parks

The “Moving Vietnam Wall”: Thursday, June 10th –June 14th @ Greis Park in Lynbrook

Korean War Breakfast: to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Korean War held on Thursday June 17th 9:30 a.m. @ Marriot Hotel in Melville, NY. Veterans from all wars should attend.

Legislative Breakfast: The Nassau County Council, Veterans of Foreign Wars @ Albertson Post 5253, will host on Sunday October 24, at 9:00 AM @ 155 Searingtown Road, Albertson For information call Ken McDonough 516-681-4406.

Newsletter Request

Veterans wishing to receive their newsletter via e-mail, please send request to dturner@nassaucountyny.gov


Happy Memorial Day