November 1 , 2009
Veterans News, By Edward G. Aulman
County Plans Stand Down
County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi has announced that November 23, 2009 will be the date of the 11th Homeless Veterans Stand Down in Nassau County. Held at the New York State Armory at 63 Babylon Turnpike in Freeport, the Stand Down will offer veterans hair cuts, clothes, a hot meal and counseling from 25 federal, state, county and local agencies. The Stand Down is open from 10AM to 2PM and volunteers are needed. Call Pat Yngstrom to volunteer at 516-572-8457.
USS New York Welcome Salute
The USS New York - made in part with steel from the remains of the World Trade Center - will be in New York City through November 11, 2009. There will be opportunities for the general public to visit the USS New York on the following dates/times: Wednesday, Nov 4 -10 am to 4 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 5 -1 to 4 p.m.; Sunday, Nov.8 -9 a.m. to noon; Monday, Nov. 9 -9 a.m. To 4 p.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 10 -9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Wednesday, Nov. 11 -9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those wishing to tour the ship should arrive early as the lines may be long (especially on Sunday, Nov. 8). Enter at West 26th Street and 12th Avenue, bring a photo ID and wear comfortable shoes.
Military and Veterans Eat Free at Applebee’s
In recognition of service to our country, all veterans and active-duty service members are invited to eat free at Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar Restaurants this Veterans Day. Personnel can arrive in uniform, or provide other proof of service with: U.S. Uniform Services ID card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired ID card, current Leave and Earnings Statement, veterans’ organization card, or photograph in uniform.
NY Islanders Military Appreciation Day
The New York Islanders will be hosting their annual Military Appreciation Game on November 7 at 7:00PM vs. the Atlanta Thrashers. Pre-game static displays and military-themed entertainment are planned throughout the game.
H.R. 1016 is the LAW
H.R. 1016 has been signed by President Barack Obama. The law has made the biggest commitment to veterans in over 30 years. The law, called the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act goes on to fully fund the Veterans Administration and does so for two years instead of one.
Stop Loss Pay Due Some Servicemen/women
Former and retired members of the military who were held on active duty against their will are entitled to $500 per month for any time between September 11, 2001 and September 30, 2009. This is a new law expires October 21, 2010.
Service members must provide documented proof they were stop lossed with their claim. Family members of deceased service members should contact the appropriate military service for assistance in filing their claim. For the Army, go to www.stoplosspay.army.mil. For Navy email NXAG_N132C@navy.mil. For Marine Corps go to www.manpower.usmc.mil/stoploss or email stoploss@usmc.mil. For the Air Force please visit www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/stoploss. Call the Veterans Service Agency for additional information.
Three New Disease Added to Agent Orange List
Relying on an independent study by the Institute of Medicine, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Erick K Shinseki decided to establish a service-connection for Vietnam Veterans with three specific illnesses based on the latest evidence of an association with the Herbicides referred to Agent Orange. The illness affected by the recent decision are: B-cell leukemia’s such as hairy cell leukemia; Parkinson’s disease; and ischemic heart disease. In practical terms, Veterans who served in Vietnam during the war and who have a “presumed” illness don’t have to prove an association between their illness and their military service. This presumption simplifies and speeds up the application process for benefits. Veterans suffering from any illness should talk to a Veterans counselor.
Northport Pays for Volunteers
A Gulf War I veteran is needed at the VA Medical Center in Northport to participate in a sleep study. The patient will be given no drugs nor will the patient be stuck with needles. The patient does have to be healthy, a Gulf War I veteran and willing to sleep in the sleep lab at Northport for two nights for $500. If interested contact Avram R. Gold, Md. 631-261-4400 x 7696 or by email at: avram.gold@va.gov.
Spc. Daniel A Fuentes Memorial Scholarship Fund
Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. to 8: p.m. will be the Spc. Daniel A. Fuentes Memorial Scholarship Bowling Fundraiser at Farmingdale Lanes. For just $20 per person, pizza & soda, 3 hours of bowling, a camo color wrist bard, and a sweepstakes in included. Lane sponsorships are available for $100. For Reservations, Lane Sponsorships or Sweepstake Donations contact Nancy Fuentes 516-491-9156 nancy@creativeplanningevents.com or Jim Santora 917-502-4128 jim.santora@jiblanes.com. If unable to attend you can still support by addressing your donation to: Daniel Fuentes Memorial Scholarship Fund, Attn: Mrs. Susan Lyons, Island Tress High School, 59 Straight Lane, Levittown NY 11756.
Salute to Veterans at Cradle of Aviation
The Cradle of Aviation Museum will honor all veterans and current military personnel during the entire month of November with a series of special events and activities. Wednesday, November 4th at 7:30 pm Shaun Weaver will deliver the story of his father, Ted Weaver who as a B-24 pilot was shot down over the Netherlands during World War II. This is and exciting story of the brave Dutch civilians who risked their lives to shelter Ted from the Nazis. Admission is free, but seating is limited, to reserve your seat please call 516-572-4066.
Wednesday, November 18th at 7:30 pm Andrea Davide will talk about the final mission of Major Tommy McGuire, Medal of Honor recipient and name sake of McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. Admission is free but seating is limited, reserve your seat by calling 516-572-4066.
Every Saturday during the month the Cradle will be showing “ Classic” aviation films from 1pm to 4pm, free with Museum Gallery Admission. The films include Blue Max, Command Decision, Dive Bomber, and 12 O’clock High.
