December 23 , 2009
Veterans News, By Edward G. Aulman

Nominee

Dr. Robert Petzel  has been nominated by Pres. Barack Obama for VA undersecretary of health. “ I have a reputation for candor,” Petzel said, promising to speak up within the administration if he felt medical budgets were to low and also be blunt with Congress about his personal assessment of funding..

Annual Tribute to James D.  McNaughton

The  5th Annual Tribute to James D McNaughton who died in Iraq almost five years ago will be held at Mulcahy’s Pub & Music Hall 3232 Railroad Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793 from 1: 00 pm to 8:00 pm on January 23, 2110.  A $20 cover charge covers prizes, giveaways, music, drink specials and much more.  For more information contact Vinny at 631-745-3813 or visit www.jimmymcnaughton.com.

Schumer Announces Mobil Clinic

Senator Charles E. Schumer announced final Congressional passage of a $100,000 grant that would create a Long Island legal advocacy clinic for veterans.  Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center will use the funds to create a legal advocacy clinic for veterans to help with a myriad of legal issues and obstacles to obtaining benefits to which veterans are entitled, including insurance, housing, education, education, family issues, and jobs.  The bill now goes to President Obama for his signature.

Stop-Loss Pay Update

If you still have not received your pay for the Stop Loss period relax.  Software and manpower issues have resulted in a slow down in payments.  If you were held on active duty between September 11, 2001 and September 30, 2009 the government owes you $500 per month. The deadline to submit a pay claim is 21 October 2010.  A Claim for Retroactive Stop Loss Payment is available at the Veterans Service Agency or you can contact the service you were a member of directly.  Army https://www.stoplosspay.army.mil. Navy: Email to NXAG_N132C@navy.mil. Marine Corps: https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/stoploss. Air Force: www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/stoploss.

Study of Vietnam Era Female Veterans

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki   announced that the Department Of Veterans Affairs is launching a comprehensive study of women Veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War to explore the effect   of their military service upon their mental and physical health.

The study represents to date the most comprehensive examination of a group of women Vietnam Veterans, and will be used to shape future research on women Veterans in future wars. 

Women comprise 7.8 percent of the total Veteran population and nearly 5.5 percent of all Veterans who use VA health care services.  VA estimates women Veterans will constitute 10.5 percent of the Veteran population by 2020 and 9.5 percent of all VA patients.

Red Cross Hockey for the Troops

For $3,000 dollars you can send 100 military members and military families to see the Islanders take on the Hurricanes February 6, 2010.  You and a guest will join us in a luxury suite during American Red Cross Night.  You will also receive 10 complimentary vouchers which can be used at any weekday game. Your company will also be recognized on the Islands scoreboard and press releases February 6.  Gift opportunities also exist at the $1,500 and $500 level.  Contact The American Red Cross 195 Willis Ave, Mineola, NY 11501 or call 516 470-9390 for questions.

Charities Helping Vets

The American Institute of Philanthropy issued a report card of the leading charities. The following charities  received an  “A” based on fundraising costs  and percentage of money  spent on charitable activities: Air Force Society, Armed Services YMCA of the USA, Army Emergency Relief,  Fisher House Foundation, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, National Military Family Association,  Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

Korean War Anniversary Tour

Since 1975, the Republic of Korea has been inviting Korean War Veterans, and family members, to return on a subsidized visit to thank them for their sacrifices the saved their country from Communism.  The Korean government pays for hotel rooms, meals and in country tours and for the first time the ROK government is planning on subsidizing the air fare. The dates of the trips have not yet been published but the phone number for registration has.  Call 800-722-9501 for information.

Outward Bound Free Trips

Outward bound, a 45-year old non-profit outdoor, adventure-education organization is looking for OEF and OIF Veterans, interested in participating in fully-funded reintegration wilderness expeditions.  Adventures are physically, mentally and emotionally stimulating and work to build the self-confidence, trust, and communication skills necessary to successfully return to their families and communities following war time service.  All expenses paid.  Veterans will not be responsible for cost of expedition including round-trip stateside transportation to course site.  Paid for by the Sierra Club and the Sierra Club Foundation. Call 1-866-669-2362 x 8387 and go to their website http://www.outwardbound.org/index.cfm/do/cp.veterans