American River College Association of Student Veterans

Priority for Veterans and Eligible Spouses to Nursing Program

2010-04-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

Admission Priority for Veterans and Eligible Spouses:
This may pertain to students who applied to the Fall 2010 Nursing Program and are veterans or eligible spouses. Read this PDF document in its entirety for criteria! Do not call our office regarding your eligibility. Call the Veterans office at 484-8135 if you have any questions.

GI Bill Break Pay Regs

2010-04-27T09:35:00.001-07:00

I looked on the VA's FAQ page for more details about the break pay and ended up having to call them to get all of my questions answered. I wanted to share my findings:

VA does NOT pay over the break in the following situations:
-The break is MORE than 56 days
-The terms either BEFORE or AFTER are shorter than the break
-The student changes schools and the break is MORE than 30 days
-The student changes schools and programs
-Training time prior to the break is less than 1/2 time (rate of pursuit is less than 50%)
-The student is on active duty
-The school does not operate on term, quarter, or semester basis
-Enrollment in non-standard terms is not consecutive.

VA also doesn't pay break pay if:

-You specifically state that you don't want payment for the break. You must make the request BEFORE VA actually authorizes payment for the break.
-Your entitlement will run out during the break.
-You withdraw from all courses or discontinue training during the term preceding the break.

Additionally, I called to ask how the rate of the break pay is determined: it is based on the preceding term.

Message on Recoupment of Emergency GI Bill Payments from Student Veterans of America

2010-02-23T11:19:00.000-08:00

February 10, 2010

TO: Student veterans and school administrators,
Student Veterans of America has worked closely with the VA over the last
year in monitoring the implementation of the Post 9/11 GI Bill, ensuring that your
voice was heard and your education came first. Today, we want to update you on
the recoupment of the emergency payments so that you are well informed and can
make the best decision for you and your family.

Last semester the implementation of the Post 9/11 GI Bill was quite difficult
for a number of student veterans and their families due to the delay in receiving
tuition, book, and housing benefits. In light of the problems that the VA was having
in issuing payments, the VA began issuing advanced payments on October 2nd
through both their website and local Regional Offices.

A total of 122,392 payments were made in a sum of $355.4 million dollars for
all educational programs. These payments were an advance of money that was part
of an individual veteran’s benefit package, and were never intended to be a grant
program. Recipients were required to acknowledge that they understood that the
payment must be repaid and that the money would be recouped from a future VA
Benefit payment.

The VA has now ended the Advanced Payment program, and will begin
recouping the funding that was distributed. They began sending out letters to all
recipients the week of January 25th, and another round of letters will be sent
between now and February 19th from the VA Debt Management Center providing
options for reimbursing the VA for the advanced payments. If a veteran does not
contact the Debt Management Center within 30 days, the VA will deduct $750
from monthly housing payments beginning April 1st, 2010 and for the next four
months.

What you should do:
• First, make sure that you received all of your owed payments for the Fall
2009 Semester. Compare the funds you received with what you believe you should
have gotten, including books, housing, and enlistment kicker payments. Remember,
no money was held because of the advanced payment in the Fall 2009 semester, so
you should be fully paid up. If you have a question about any payment, or do not
believe you have been paid in full, please call the VA at 1.888.GIBILL.1 or email
us at gibill@studentveterans.org
• If you received an advanced payment from the VA, examine your finances for
the next few months, and what you anticipate receiving from the VA, and decide if
you can afford to have $750 taken from four months of payments. If the answer is
yes, you need not do anything.
• If you received an advanced payment and cannot afford $750 to be taken
from your monthly payments, it is imperative that you contact the VA and arrange
an alternate payment plan. Note that the VA has indicated that all $3000 will be
recouped within one year.
• Contact your School Certifying Official to discuss the accuracy of your
payments, as well as other financial options that may be available to you.
• The recoupment of advanced payments will not affect tuition and fee
payments to your school.
• If, at any time in this process or in the future, you are not able to reach the
VA, you receive inaccurate information, or you feel that you have not been paid
properly, do not hesitate to contact SVA at gibill@studentveterans.org
Please feel free to contact me at any time if you are having issues, or you would
like to get involve with SVA’s Legislative efforts.

Very Respectfully,
Brian Hawthorne
Legislative Director
brian.hawthorne@studentveterans.org

Veterans Needs Assessment Survey

2010-02-03T12:59:00.000-08:00

The VA is requesting input from veterans to identify what they view their most critical needs are so that they can better serve them. This data will be used to help the department better address the identified needs.

Visit the VA website: wwww.cdva.ca.gov, review the Governor’s message and complete the Veterans’ Needs Assessment survey online.

The survey can be submitted online or downloaded and mailed to CDVA, c/o Veterans Services Department, 1227 O Street, Sac., Ca. 95814 In completing the survey, veterans are not required to identify themselves. As the survey indicates, email addresses will not be shared with anyone outside of the department. The data received in for departmental use and will not be shared.

White House Internships for Veterans

2010-01-29T15:48:00.000-08:00

2010-01-16T20:13:00.000-08:00

California's Operation Welcome Home

2010-01-07T14:49:00.000-08:00

California’s Operation Welcome Home

Question
What is the mission of Operation Welcome Home?

Operation Welcome Home seeks to directly connect with the 30,000 annually returning California veterans to ascertain their needs and connect them with the services that can help them transition successfully from the combat zone to their community and to help them transfer their highly-trained military skills into the civilian workforce. This operation, one of the most comprehensive streamlining services in the state, will break down government silos that will allow veterans straightforward and easier access to benefits and services.

Question
What state department will oversee and orchestrate California’s Operation Welcome Home?

The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) will oversee and orchestrate a proactive and comprehensive statewide collaborative outreach effort designed to connect California’s veterans with services already available to them and benefits they have earned as a result of their service.

Question
What Veterans will benefit from California’s Operation Welcome Home?

The outreach effort will target California’s most recently discharged veterans, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) veterans from active military and National Guard Reserves veterans who are most at risk while transitioning from military to civilian life; however all veterans will benefit from California’s Operation Welcome Home.

Question
Is anything else unique about California’s Operation Welcome?

The initiative is especially unique because it is the first in the nation statewide effort to connect recently returning veterans to services and benefits which they are already entitled to but are tied up in government silos, or in many cases, veterans simply don’t know where to look. This unprecedented collaboration of federal, state and local efforts to make housing, healthcare, employment, education and other services easier to access and proactively connecting with all veterans returning to California, the state will be better equipped to track returning veterans, report tangible results.

Components for Service Delivery

Question
What tools will be utilized to connect with veterans under California’s Operation Welcome Home?

The primary resource for initiating veteran contacts and identifying their needs is CDVA’s recently developed Veterans Reintegration Management System (VRMS), which will be the key tool for connecting with California’s most recently discharged veterans and for ensuring the success of California’s Operation Home initiative.

Question
How will the CVSO be connected with returning veterans?

EDD’s Transition Assistance Program instructors will have distributed the VRMS forms to all military personnel attending TAP classes at their 24 TAP sites throughout California, collect the completed forms and forward them to CDVA. This collection of referral information is the critical catalyst to initiating the contact process. CDVA loads the contact information into its data base and forwards that information to the appropriate EDD regional Directors, CVSO and OIF/OEF coordinators.

Question
How does the Veterans Reintegration Management System (VRMS) work?

The primary resource is the Veterans Reintegration Management System (VRMS) which will be used in connecting veterans and CVSO’s. It is an automated process that has already allowed the CDVA to reach out to nearly 5,000 veterans about their benefits. CDVA uses the VRMS data to pass veterans data to its partners at the EDD, USDVA and to the CVSO. This coordinated effort will provide outreach efforts to assist veterans with resources in: job placement, unemployment benefits, housing assistance, healthcare, education and VA benefits.

CalVet Corps/EDD Team
Question
What is the CalVet Corps and what is the purpose of the CalVet Corps?

The CalVet Corps is a coalition of people from government, nonprofit organizations and volunteer groups. Working in collaboration, the CalVet Corps will directly contact California’s combat veterans individually at least three times in the first year of military separation. Furthermore, they will focus on initial contact efforts and getting veterans services and unemployment benefits, and will recruit and coordinate at least 1,000 community volunteers. Each Regional Team will host CalVet Corps members to ensure adequate member training, veteran outreach coordination and individual veteran follow up and will be headed up by a CVSO in partnership with County Mental Health Directors.

Question
What is the CalVet Corps EDD Team?

The Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), through the Employment Development Department (EDD), will hire 325 limited term employees, who shall be veterans, beginning in January 2010. They will be trained by EDD and CDVA to be proficient in Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims assistance and veteran benefit referrals. EDD team members will assist unemployed veterans in filing initial claims to ensure continuity of income for veterans as they transition into the civilian labor force. Team members will serve as veterans first point of contact and ensure veterans is evaluated for unemployment insurance and re-employment services, as well as assess the veterans need for other services and aid in referring veterans to those service providers.

Question
What is the CalVet Corps Volunteer Team?

CDVA is applying to California Volunteers (CV) 2010 to receive funding for 52 AmeriCorps members who will improve, expand and enhance veteran services outreach statewide. Through their service at the community level, they will make a difference for veterans service members, veteran families and community-based veterans service providers, by closing the gap between what is needed and what is available and by attempting to enlist 1,000 community volunteers to assist in accomplishing California’s Operation Welcome Home mission.

Question
What kinds of volunteers are you looking for?

We are looking for all kinds of volunteers. Those who can professional or provider care services to those who are can help provide transportation assistance to veterans. Our goal is to get the entire community involved and geared toward helping veterans at all levels of need and services.

Regional Outreach Teams

Question
What is a Regional Outreach Team and who do they consist of?

Operation Welcome Home consolidates the efforts of governmental agencies and departments, non-governmental entities and volunteer organizations into nine Regional Outreach Teams allowing the CDVA to build a network of outreach coordinators that will directly touch veterans throughout the state. Each team will meet the individual needs of area veterans adjusting themselves around the community by partnering with: The labor and Workforce Development Agency; California Volunteers; Mental Health Professionals; County Veterans Service Officers; The US Department of Veteran Affairs; and the network of community organizations.

Implementation Period, Timelines and Duration

Question
When is the official kickoff of California’s Operation Welcome Home?

The kickoff will occur immediately after the Governor’s State of the State address on January 6, 2010.

Question
Is the VRMS system already up and running?

Yes, the VRMS system is in fully functional operation.

Question
When will information regarding California’s Operation Welcome Home be available on the internet?

The CalVet Corps stand alone web page and CDVA’s web portal will be up and running by January 6, 2010.

Question
When will the job descriptions currently being developed by LWDA/EDD/CDVA be available?

The various job descriptions will be available by January 6, 2010.

Question
When will LWDA/EDD begin the hiring process and when will training begin?

The hiring process will take place in January 2010 and training will begin in February 2010.

Distribution of Staff

Question
How will the distribution of staff be determined and how does that impact the Regional Outreach Teams?

CalVet Corps EDD Team staff will be disbursed into regions/areas of California under EDD supervision, based on density of the veteran population. CalVet Corps volunteers and AmeriCorps and VISTA members will be placed at some CVSO local offices, and other locations where they could work side by side with other community-based veteran service partners.

Benefits and Anticipated Outcomes

Question
How will the new technology showed in California’s Operation Welcome Home change the way veterans receive services and benefits?

These new web-based information retrieval and distribution programs are on the cutting-edge of veterans service outreach providing real-time information with multiple follow-up methods, and detailed reporting. By combining the new information systems and the CalVet workforce it will begin to help create a “high-tech & high-touch” veteran outreach model that will be a “best-practices” model that can be replicated in other states across the country.

Question
What are some pragmatic benefits that make California’s Operation Welcome Home a vital resource from recently discharged veterans?

• Real-time distribution and tracking of veteran contact information.
• CalVet Corps EDD Team will improve veteran access to unemployment insurance benefits, and re-employment services.
• Feedback on CalVet Corps EDD Team performance, through the submission of monthly performance reports detailing the number of veteran contacts provided by the TAP class instructors, updated information, and program referrals. Data will be gathered to the extent possible using existing reports and data systems.
• CalVet Corps Volunteer Team will expand and enhance service delivery, of all veterans services through an “expanded delivery model” and through improved working relationships with local regional collaborative partners.
• CalVet Corps Volunteer Team will also serve as a local partner for veteran services coordinated through a new USDVA national “24 hour - Veterans Services Hotline. “
• CalVet Corps Volunteer Team will deploy 52 voluntary corps member workforce statewide, assigning them to serve in nine separate Regional Collaborative Partnerships.
• CalVet Corps Volunteer Team will use 29 county placements sites as a base of operations, designed to serve and assist each county within their respective Regional Collaborative Partnership.
• CalVet Corps Volunteer Team will directly interface with the local USDVA, HUD, LWDA, State, County, and other faith-based and non-profit care providers and agency representatives to create a common link for all veterans outreach services at the local level.
• CalVet Corps Volunteer Team will use several web-based utilities with veteran-specific information (PARIS, VRMS and Student Veteran Databases), which will help to expand, enhance, and improve the level of services currently provided. These new web-based systems will change how veteran outreach information is communicated, tracked and reported.

Every Day is Veteran's Day at the CSU

2009-12-08T16:17:00.000-08:00

Information from SFSU webpage: http://www.sfsu.edu/outreach/VAevent/

Every Day is Veteran’s Day at the CSU
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Jack Adams Hall, Cesar Chavez Student Center
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA 94132

Be our guest and:
- find out about the program of services, benefits offered by the CSU and local community service providers
- receive a preliminary review of your Fall 2010 CSU Mentor application at the campuses
- network with other students with a military background
- meet veteran service representatives dedicated to helping veterans

Planned Activities
- 0900-1000 Continental breakfast and information fair
- 1000-1200 Presentations on new G.I. Bill, transition issues, benefits, services provided to veterans who are students
- 1200-1300 Lunch and information fair
- 1300-1500 Applicants meet with their CSU campus Admissions and Veterans staff to confirm CSU eligibility, benefits, credits, etc.

Special Accommodations
To request disability accommodations, please contact the Disability Programs & Resource Center at 415/338-2472 (voice/TTY) or e-mail: dprc@sfsu.edu at least two weeks prior to the event.

2nd Annual Small Wonders Gift Drive

2009-12-08T10:17:00.000-08:00

The Traumatic and Acquired Brain Injury Support group (TABIS) and the American River College Association of Student Veterans (ASV)teaming up again in support of the Children's Reveiving Home of Sacramento. We are asking for unwrapped new toys, games and/or appropriate clothing for ages infant - 18 years old. A drop box is located in the DSPS office. We can also pick up your donation if needed. Call Barb Westre at 484-8382 or email westreb@arc.losrios.edu.

Employment Report from VetJobs

2009-12-02T11:34:00.000-08:00

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market's second-biggest gains after healthcare were in temporary help services, as employers who couldn't invest in full-time staffers turned to part-time labor instead. In October, 34,000 employees entered the workforce in new temporary jobs. Seasonal jobs occupy the second and third spots. Retail work, including store manager and associate, ranks No. 2, and UPS driver helper is No. 3. Despite last year's meltdown on Wall Street, financial specialists are back in demand. Financial advisors rank fourth on the Vault.com list, and financial analysts make the No. 9 spot. Here are the top ten spots

1) Registered Nurse - Salary: $55,000 to $90,000
2) Retail (including store manager, assistant store manager and retail sales associate) - Salary: Sales associates earn $15,000 to $30,000, while store managers can bring home as much as $80,000.
3) UPS Driver Helper (seasonal) - Salary: Part-time driver helpers receive hourly rates of $9.50 or more, depending on their locations.
4) Financial Advisor - Salary: Compensation varies according to the client base. Private bankers, who work with wealthy clients, can earn seven figures.
5) Occupational Therapist - Salary: $50,000 to $75,000
6) Sales (including sales representative and sales and marketing representative) - Salary: $30,000 to the high six figures.
7) Customer Service Representative - Salary: $25,000 to $40,000
8) Controller - Salary: $130,000 to $290,000
9) Accountant - Salary: $75,000 to $90,000
10) Financial Analyst - Salary: First-year analysts at top investment banks can earn six figures including bonus.

Top Ten White Collar Jobs

This information comes from Forbes.
1) Commercial Lending Director, average annual pay in 2009: $128,600 Year-to-year change: -1.4%, best-paying industry: Banking & financial services
2) General Manager, average annual pay in 2009: $118,300 Year-to-year change: -2.6%, best-paying industry: Manufacturing & distribution
3) Engineering Director, average annual pay in 2009: $116,700 Year-to-year change: +3.3%, best-paying industry: Services
4) Finance Director, average annual pay in 2009: $111,200 Year-to-year change: +4.2%, best-paying industry: Utilities
5) Information Systems Director, Average annual pay in 2009: $108,800 Year-to-year change: +1.1%, best-paying industry: Utilities
6) Operations Director, average annual pay in 2009: $108,200 Year-to-year change: +3.4%, best-paying industry: Banking and financial services
7) Information Security Director, average annual pay in 2009: $106,700 Year-to-year change: +1.6%, best-paying industry: Manufacturing & distribution
8) Controller, average annual pay in 2009: $105,800 Year-to-year change: -1.2%, best-paying industry: Utilities
9) Accounting Director, Average annual pay in 2009: $104,500 Year-to-year change: +3.8%, best-paying industry: Banking & financial services
10) National Sales Manager, Average annual pay in 2009: $104,100 Year-to-year change: -3.2%, best-paying industry: Utilities

5. America's Slowest-Growing White-Collar Paychecks

Want to make the most you can without actually running a company? Watch out for these jobs. They are the five white collar jobs below C-level with the slowest pay growth--or greatest pay loss--over the last five years, according to the research firm Compdata's Compensation Survey 2009, which amasses data from almost 5,000 companies. The figures are for base pay and do not include bonuses, options, expenses and other additional compensation.

1) Mortgage Lending Director, average annual pay in 2009: $95,400
Five-year change: -11.8%, best-paying industry: Banking & Financial Services
2) Development Officer, average annual pay in 2009: $102,400
Five-year change: -7.6%, best-paying industry: Nonprofit
3) Nursing Services Director, average annual pay in 2009: $93,200
Five-year change: +0.5%, best-paying industry: Health Care
4) Plant Engineering Manager, average annual pay in 2009: $85,300
Five-year change: +1.5%, best-paying industry: Services
5) Advertising and Public Relations Manager, average annual pay in 2009: $73,200
Five-year change: +2.7%, best-paying industry: Utilities

6. America's Fastest-Growing White-Collar Paychecks

1) Finance Director, Average annual pay in 2009: $111,200
Five-year change: +35.0%, best-paying industry: Utilities
2) General Accounting Manager, Average annual pay in 2009: $77,000
Five-year change: +16.3%, best-paying industry: Utilities
3) Engineering Director, Average annual pay in 2009: $116,700
Five-year change: +14.0%, best-paying industry: Services
4) Marketing Director, average annual pay in 2009: $102,300
Five-year change: +12.3%, best-paying industry: Manufacturing & Distribution
5) Controller, average annual pay in 2009: $105,800
Five-year change: +11.6%, best-paying industry:

2009-11-16T16:54:00.000-08:00

ARC Veterans Day 2009 (31 photos), by Kolin Williams

2009-11-14T13:23:00.001-08:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

ARC Veterans Day Events - Mon, Nov 9

2009-11-03T11:49:00.000-08:00

ARC Veterans Day Celebration 9NOV 10-3:00pm

2009-10-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

American River College to Host Veterans Day Celebration and Fair

November 9, Sacramento

The American River College Association of Student Veterans (ARCASV) is hosting their first ever Veterans Day celebration on campus on Monday November 9, 2009. This event will be the largest gathering of veteran’s services in the history of the campus. Activities include club and college leadership speaking, veteran’s service provider information booths, and fundraising barbeque. Military recruiters will also be on site to provide entertainment and information for initial entry as well as reenlistment. In attendence will be: VA Patient Advocate, VA Minority Veterans Program, Army One Source, Inter-City Services, VA Mental Health Outreach, Sacramento State Vet Program, Howe Vet Center, Kaplan University, William Jessup University, CA Dept. of Rehabilitation, US Army Reserve, and others.

About the American River College Association of Student Veterans
American River College is one of the largest community colleges in California in terms of student population, and has over 700 veterans using educational benefits on campus. The ASV provides a safe environment for student veterans to help one another facilitate the transition from military service to the college community by creating a positive social network based on fellowship, mentorship, and camaraderie.

Visit us on the web at: www.associationofstudentveterans.com

Free Meal for Veterans and Active Duty Members Nov 8 & 11

2009-10-22T12:04:00.000-07:00

McCormick and Schmick's Seafood (nice place with great food) is offering veterans a free meal on Sunday, November 8. They have locations in Sacramento and Roseville. Please present proper identification to your server when you areseated. Proper ID includes VA card, VFW card, American Legion card, dischargepapers, DD214 or other Veterans ID. Please note that in an effort to accommodate as many Veterans as possible, many restaurants will not be able to seat parties larger than 6.

http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/featured-promotion/Veterans-Appreciation-Day\.aspx

Free Meal from Applebee's!In recognition of your service to our country, all veterans and active dutymilitary personnel are invited to eat free at Applebee's Neighborhood Grill &Bar Restaurants this Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009.As you may recall, Applebee's launched a pilot program last year on Veterans Dayoffering free entrees to military service personnel and veterans. Because the response was so overwhelmingly positive, Applebee's is extending the invitation throughout the country this year. We would appreciate your help in spreading the word. Please help us share details across your various communication channels. All U.S. veterans and active duty military with proof of current or former military service will eat free at all Applebee's nationwide on Veterans Day,Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009. Proof of service includes: U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S.Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, photograph in uniform or wearing uniform.

2009-10-08T21:06:00.001-07:00

Military.com posting

Vets Have Trouble Cashing Emergency GI Bill ChecksSo far the biggest glitch in the VA GI Bill Emergency Payment process is that several veterans find it hard to cash their GI Bill advance payment checks. In some cases it was a matter of bank policy to hold funds until the check clears. This is further complicated because the checks are handwritten US Bank checks, which may have seemed odd to the banks.

Issuing Emergency Education Checks in Sacramento

2009-10-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

We will begin issuing hard copy emergency education benefit checks from our Sacramento office on Saturday, October 3rd, from 8-12:00pm and during the week from 8-4:00pm.

Any veteran who can wait 3-7 days to receive a check in the mail should use the website link found at www.va.gov. If a veteran can not wait 3-7 days they can collect a hard copy check from our Oakland or Sacramento locations.

2009-09-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki today announced further outreach to Veteran-students eligible for a special emergency payment of their education benefits. Veterans can now apply online beginning Oct. 2. Veteran-students can also request courtesy transportation to VA regional benefits offices.

“Our Veterans went the extra mile for their country,” Shinseki said. “One of our top priorities in transforming VA is to be, first and foremost, the advocate for Veterans.”

Last week Shinseki announced that on Friday, Oct. 2, VA’s 57 regional benefits offices will begin providing on-the-spot emergency payments up to $3,000 to students who have applied for their education benefits but who have not yet received a government payment.
Citing the distance many Veterans would have to travel to apply in person at a VA benefits office, Shinseki announced Veterans can also apply online at www.va.gov, starting Oct. 2. The online application will guide Veterans through the process to supply needed information. Shinseki noted that online applicants will receive their emergency payments through the mail after processing.

“VA is adapting to meet the financial needs of our Veteran-students who are on campus,” Shinseki said. “They should be focusing on their studies, not worrying about financial difficulties.”

Students without their own transportation can also request free van service, provided by volunteers, to carry them to the nearest benefits office. To obtain this service, Veterans would have to call their nearest VA medical center and ask for the “Volunteer Transportation Coordinator.” Transportation will be on a first-come, first-served, space-available basis. Veterans can find a map and list of medical centers at http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?dnum=1.

Whether traveling by personal vehicle or volunteer van, VA officials suggest students check their mail boxes and banking accounts before leaving home, since some Veterans will find their checks have already arrived. VA would like to recognize the volunteers and Veterans Service Organizations for partnering with the Department to ensure that Veterans’ needs are met.
The emergency checks are an advance on each student’s education benefits, and the amount will be deducted from future benefits payments. Checks will be written at the regional offices for Veterans who bring a photo ID and evidence of their enrollment. VA officials emphasize that $3,000 is the maximum payment, with many Veterans receiving smaller payments based upon their likely monthly education benefits.

A map and list of the participating VA regional benefits offices is available on the Internet at http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?dnum=3. The most updated information regarding VA issuing emergency checks will be available at VA’s web site www.va.gov starting Oct. 1.

Applications from approximately 25,000 Veterans are currently being processed for Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit payments to students or schools.

Emergency GI Bill checks starting 02OCT09

2009-09-28T08:08:00.001-07:00

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has authorized checks for up to $3,000 to be given to students who have applied for educational benefits and who have not yet received their government payment. The checks will be distributed to eligible students at VA regional benefits offices across the country starting Oct. 2, 2009.

“Students should be focusing on their studies, not worrying about financial difficulties,” Secretary Shinseki said. “Education creates life-expanding opportunities for our Veterans.”

Starting Friday, Oct. 2, 2009, students can go to one of VA’s 57 regional benefit offices with a photo ID and a course schedule to request advance payment of their education benefits. Because not all these offices are located near students, VA expects to send representatives to schools with large Veteran-student bodies and work with Veteran Service Organizations to help students with transportation needs.

A list of those VA regional offices is available at www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/offices.asp.

“I’m asking our people to get out their road maps and determine how we can reach the largest number of college students who can’t reach us,” VA’s Under Secretary for Benefits Patrick Dunne said. “Not everyone has a car. Not everyone can walk to a VA benefits office.”

Although VA does not know how many students will request emergency funds, it has approximately 25,000 claims pending that may result in payments to students.

The funds VA will give to students now are advance payments of the earned benefits for education. This money will be deducted from future education payments.

VA officials said students should know that after this special payment, they can expect to receive education payments on the normal schedule -- the beginning of the month following the period for which they are reimbursed.

“This is an extraordinary action we’re taking,” said Shinseki. “But it’s necessary because we recognize the hardships some of our Veterans face.”

More than 27,500 students have already received benefits for housing or books under the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, or their schools received their tuition payments.

Sacramento Stand Down 2009

2009-09-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

Six of us made it to the Stand Down this year. Kolin, Fred, Jessica, Johnny, Michelle and Christian. After we rolled up the flatware in napkins, we served the homeless vets, scrambled eggs and ham, pancakes and syrup. Jessica really heaped on the eggs and ham!

0700 is awfully early to be somewhere and think clearly. Someone tried to get a word about the website. . . oh well ; (

New GI Bill, same old bureaucratic delays -- latimes.com

2009-09-24T14:41:00.001-07:00

New GI Bill, same old bureaucratic delays -- latimes.com

Posted using ShareThis

BBQ News

2009-09-18T07:08:00.001-07:00

The BBQ went well!

We made money!

Many more have discovered the ARC Vets Club is on campus!

Here are a few pictures.

The rest are on the Yahoo Group.

Upcoming Events

2009-09-16T21:10:00.001-07:00

Things are happening now!

We had an incredibly productive meeting today. If you didn't attend you really missed it.

We are getting ready for the Veteran's Day event on Wednesday, November 9th. There will be numerous vendors there such as Vets4Vets, the Coming Home Project, possibly a Hummer blasting music, The Soldiers Project and many more participants are contributing to the event. Joe Chacon is doing a fantastic job of heading up the media coverage.

Other events coming up are the Stand Down this coming week end at BSA Camp Pollock, 1501 Northgate Blvd. Sacramento, CA.

Then the Returning Home event on Friday, September 25th will be held at Sacramento City College.

Those who missed the meeting - missed out on free River Cats tickets for the playoffs this Friday! And an application for a $500 scholarship was passed out too!!!

Should have been there!

Secretary Shinseki Moves to Simplify PTSD Compensation Rules

2009-09-08T16:10:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON (Aug. 24, 2009) - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K.
Shinseki announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking steps to assist Veterans seeking compensation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

"The hidden wounds of war are being addressed vigorously and comprehensively by this administration as we move VA forward in its transformation to the 21st century," said Secretary Shinseki.

The VA is publishing a proposed regulation today in the Federal Register to make it easier for a Veteran to claim service connection for PTSD by reducing the evidence needed if the stressor claimed by a Veteran is related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. Comments on the proposed rule will be accepted over the next 60 days. A final regulation will be published after consideration of all comments received.

Under the new rule, VA would not require corroboration of a stressor related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity if a VA psychiatrist or psychologist confirms that the stressful experience recalled by a Veteran adequately supports a diagnosis of PTSD and the Veteran's symptoms are related to the claimed stressor.

Previously, claims adjudicators were required to corroborate that a non-combat Veteran actually experienced a stressor related to hostile military activity. This rule would simplify the development that is required for these cases.

PTSD is a recognized anxiety disorder that can follow seeing or experiencing an event that involves actual or threatened death or serious injury to which a person responds with intense fear, helplessness or horror, and is not uncommon in war.

Feelings of fear, confusion or anger often subside, but if the feelings don't go away or get worse, a Veteran may have PTSD.

VA is bolstering its mental health capacity to serve combat Veterans, adding thousands of new professionals to its rolls in the last four years. The Department also has established a suicide prevention helpline
(1-800-273-TALK) and Web site available for online chat in the evenings at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Veterans

IBM Aids Returning Veterans

2009-08-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

Posted by Paul McDougall on July 22, 2009 12:04 PM

IBM has teamed up with American Corporate Partners to provide career development and mentoring services for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's a laudable effort in its own right, and makes a lot of sense given the hi-tech nature of today's military.

Under the plan, IBM will provide mentoring services in five cities—New York, Washington, Raleigh/Durham, Denver, and San Francisco. IBM has engaged On Demand Community to provide additional, online resources. ODC operates Web sites that offer training, skills assessment, and other educational content.
The program matches up mentors with their protégés on a one-to-one basis in particular cities. The pairs are encouraged to spend about 4 hours per month together for a year discussing the practical aspects of business and career development.

Spouses of vets who were killed or severely wounded in action are also eligible to participate.
"This will be a real boost to our program because IBM employees are innovators and role models in the business world who have community service in their DNA," says ACP founder Sid Goodfriend.
IBM should benefit too. Many veterans have received superior training in hi-tech fields such as communications, computer programming, logistics, and electronics. And, of course, these men and women know a thing or two about performing under stress. Put it altogether and you have some excellent job candidates.

"The addition of American Corporate Partners gives IBM volunteers another opportunity to share their wisdom," says Gary Ambrose, IBM's VP for the U.S. Department of Defense. Ambrose is a retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.

ACP is run by retired generals and political figures, including George Shultz, Paul Wolfowitz, and Bob Dole. Vets can apply to participate in the program at the organization's Web site. http://www.acp-usa.org/

Kind regards, Bobbi Park, Northern California RepresentativeCalifornia Statewide Collaborative for our Military and their Families
916-409-0462 or 530-388-8074

What can a student veteran association do for you?

2009-08-06T10:19:00.000-07:00

All college and university campuses should begin preparing for the increased number of student Veterans that will be attending their schools in the future.
As these men and women return to campus they are going to need a support system to help them succeed. One of the most successful support systems for these students is a Student Veteran Association on campus. This is just one way of helping them to succeed and bring them one step closer to a college education.
Does your campus have a Student Veteran Association? If not, below are a few reasons why a Student Veteran Association should be set up on your campus:

1. Peer-to-peer support for the returning Veterans on campus. This creates a tight knit community on campus for all returning Veterans. There is no better way for students to adjust to campus than with students who have recently experienced combat as they have. These Veterans need to be surrounded by people who understand what they have encountered in the past.

2. Main point of contact for all student Veterans. This point of contact should be either a faculty member or a member of administration who oversees all operations associated with the Veteran services at the University/College. This point of contact will be working closely with all student Veterans on campus. They will work with admissions, disability services, financial aid, housing, the counseling center, and the registrar's office to help these students better adjust to their life on campus.

3. A Freshmen Vet-Orientation should be set up specifically for returning Veterans. The Student Veteran Association should arrange for an Orientation program that helps this student population to become familiar with the Veteran-specific resources on campus, to get to know the staff who is most educated and understanding of their needs, and perhaps, most importantly, to allow them to recognize other Veteran students.

4. Proper awareness training should be provided for all faculty members and staff. The faculty members and staff need to be aware of the issues that these student Veterans are facing as well. Training needs to be put in place so they know how to reach out to their students and give them the support they need.

5. Increased awareness of Veteran-specific resources available to them on campus. For example, given that returning Veterans are usually in their early or mid-twenties, they typically do not want to be living with those freshmen who are 18 or 19 years old and right out of high school. So, this will help them find housing where other student Veterans live and consider grouping them together or nearby one another when requesting housing on campus.

It is very important for returning Veterans to have a strong support system in place when they return to school. Every University/College wants their students to succeed by graduating and having a Student Veteran Association in place will help them get one step closer towards their goal of graduating.

It is also important for their classmates to understand what these Veteran students are going through. It would be a good idea to have a key note speaker talk about his/her experiences while in combat with several guest students giving their insights on their experiences. Many students at the age of 18 haven't made executive decisions, experienced cultural differences, or gone out of the country and they don't understand what these Veterans have encountered. The student Veterans shouldn't feel alienated and by all means they should not be treated any different than other students on campus.

Help your student Veterans adjust to their life on campus by starting a Student Veteran Association. Remember, listen to the veterans and learn what works best from your students. The Aurora Foundation is working to help provide more support for those student Veterans on campus.

Suzanne Jackson
The Aurora Foundation

Obama Administration and the State of California Fix Post 9/11 GI Bill Tuition Glitch

2009-08-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

Obama Administration and the State of California Fix Post 9/11 GI Bill Tuition Glitch

Veterans Will Now Have Standardized Access to Private, Graduate and Out-of State Schools in California Under Yellow Ribbon Program

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced today a joint solution has been reached between the State of California and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) concerning how tuition and fees are determined. The new definition will allow for standardized application under the new Post 9/11 GI Bill and the accompanying Yellow Ribbon program.
“The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an important part of fulfilling our promise to the men and women who have served our country so honorably,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said. “This solution will allow all Veterans who want to attend a California school the same benefits as any other Veteran across the nation.”
The Post-9/11 GI Bill educational benefit authorizes VA to pay the actual tuition and fees charged by a university up to the maximum in-state tuition and fees charged by the most expensive public university in the state.
In interpreting the statute in its implementing regulation, VA determined that it must set separate state maximums for tuition and fees, as opposed to a single combined total.
In California, public schools have traditionally charged no tuition but relatively high fees. Thus a student attending private school in California would receive much less of a basic tuition benefit under the Post 9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon program than students at private schools in other states.
Recently, California’s public universities introduced a new billing line item, “Educational Fee/Tuition.” VA has determined that, under its existing regulations, the Department can consider this new billing line item as “tuition” for the purposes of calculating the state’s maximum payments.
“As a result of this interpretation, the maximum basic benefit VA can pay in California will increase, dramatically reducing the “gap” to be made up by California schools under the Yellow Ribbon agreement,” added Under Secretary for Benefits Patrick W. Dunne.
In California alone, approximately 80 schools have entered into more than 235 agreements for the 2009-2010 school year. The new maximum, in-state tuition amount for California public institutions is now $287 per credit hour.
Over 1,100 colleges, universities and schools across the country have entered into more than 3,400 “Yellow Ribbon” program agreements with VA to improve financial aid for Veterans participating in the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Yellow Ribbon program, a provision of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, funds tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. Institutions can contribute up to 50 percent of those expenses, and VA will match this additional funding for eligible students.
The Yellow Ribbon program is reserved for Veterans eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100 percent benefit level. This includes those who served at least 36 months on active duty or served at least 30 continuous days and were discharged due to a service-related injury.

Meeting Minutes 29JUL09

2009-07-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

Meeting Minutes 28JUL09

Bowling night will be held this Sat at AMF Marti Gras Lanes at 5:30pm.

We had five people in attendance at this meeting and decided that we will continue to meet through the summer.

Veterans Day: Christian (Vice-pres) bought up the idea of using a JROTC platoon that he knows to do the Color Guard for that day. He also said that they can throw rifles too! Christian is going to take the lead in setting that up. We also talked about the possibility of having someone sing the National Anthem and doing a flag raising ceremony at 8am. Those two things still need to be worked on.

Joe (Treasurer) visited the local recruiting offices to see what they had to offer to spice up our fund raisers. The big rock wall was one of the main attractions mentioned. We needed to find out what type of access they would need to bring it in, insurance issues, and whether or not having recruiters at our functions would be appropriate. We decided that we were ok with having recruiters around due to the fact that there are always people asking us about or actually joining the military during our fundraisers. In addition, since our club is open to active duty also, recruiters seemed to be ok. Finally, we talked about trying to get the Marines Hummer.

We also did a lot of talking about events for the Fall. Joe has set up a fantasy football league through yahoo and Jess is looking into getting us free tickets to the Rivercats – hopefully coordinating with the CSUS vet club so we can go together. There was also discussion about setting up a softball team to play at Fair Oaks Park and doing an opening day football party on Sept 13 at a local sports viewing pub. The exact dates and times are TBA.

Finally, we discussed T-shirts. Joe will follow up with the veteran here on campus that does printing and such about prices, colors, and options. Barb Westre (co-advisor) will also be doing a quote for us using the people she has used for the TABIS group.

Bowling Night Sat 1AUG at 5:30pm

2009-07-29T16:07:00.000-07:00

Bowling night at AMF Marti Gras Lanes in Citrus Heights. The fun will start at 5:30pm so show up early for refreshments. We have two lanes reserved and will bowl for as long as we want to. Rates for games are 4.75 per person and 4.25 for shoes. There are group discounts available however. The bowling ally is located at 4800 Madison Ave right by ARC (916) 332-7150. Hope to see you there!

Job Fair at Mather Hospital 18Aug

2009-07-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

I just got word of a job fair at Mather Hospital 18AUG09. This particular job fair is for those that are interested in learning about the opportunities available through the Department of Veterans Affairs. At this job fair you can learn how to find VA jobs, apply for them, and what VA jobs you may qualify for. The event will be from 1230-430 on the first floor of the main hospital at Mather - room 650. I encourage all veterans to take a look at what the VA has to offer. In my experience these jobs can be well paying and suited to make the most of you military experience.

Fliers are posted at the Veterans Service counter and the veterans bulletin board in Student Services.

Meeting Minutes

2009-07-24T04:42:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

The Association of Student Veterans is ready for action this fall. We have finalized the first official logo and soon we will have business cards and stationary that our advisor Kolin can communicate with. How exciting!

We voted to amend our constitution to change the membership qualifications for the club. . Previously to become a member with voting privileges, you must attend 2 meetings and 1 event. Now it is either attending 2 meetings and 1 event OR attending 4 meetings in one semester. Their will be a sign in sheet from now on at every meeting as we will be keeping a data base of the attendees.

We discussed reestablishing connections with the Sac State Veteran’s Club. Hopefully their new officers and members will join us August 1st for bowling at the Mardi Gras Bowling Alley, at 4800 Madison Ave
Sacramento, CA 95841-2519 - (916) 332-7150 Time: TBA soon!

One of our valued members has transferred to San Jose State this fall. Amy R is majoring in Forensic Science. We will really miss her because she was instrumental in making the first year of the club a success, as she solicited donations for the barbeque fund raisers. Thank you for your efforts and congratulations on your success Amy. Keep checking the Yahoo group and the blog!

The majority of the meeting that occurred on the 22^nd was devoted to the future plans of the next web site for the club. It will be ready by our next upcoming event, which is The Welcome Day on September 9^th. We do need your help though. Any member who have pictures - - - PLEASE up load them to the Yahoo Groups asap. We need them for the next website.

Oh and don’t forget about the Veteran’s Day Info Fair in November!

Former ARC Veteran Saves Woman!

2009-07-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

Veterans eligible for cell phone discounts

2009-07-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

The Arizona Republic newspaper reports that military veterans and active-duty personnel are eligible for significant discounts on cell phone plans - if they know to ask. Most veterans are unaware of the potential savings on their monthly cell phone bills. Monthly military discounts range from 15 percent on Verizon Wireless plans to 10 percent off - and no activation fee - on T-Mobile agreements. Alltel, Sprint and AT&T offer similar discounts. While not everyone knows about the discounts, those who do say that getting the companies to register them for the cheaper plans is no easy task. Most services require a military identification card, veteran identification card or military discharge papers as proof of veteran status. Some companies require online registration to get the discount. Many companies, including Verizon, also offer discounted plans for customers 65 and older.

Many Activated Guard Members are left out of new GI Bill

2009-07-11T09:12:00.000-07:00

Source: fra.org

By Tom Philpott

Because Sgt. 1^st Class Tom Simpson of the Maryland Army National Guard has served on active duty almost continually since the 9/11 attacks, he believed he had earned Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and would be able to transfer them to his 18-year-old daughter who is attending college this fall.

But when full details of the new GI Bill were released in early May, Simpson got a jolt. He isn’t eligible. So his daughter has had to pass on her first choice, New York University, for a college costing $20,000 less a year.

Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Bill Scully believed until just two weeks ago that his final two years on active duty, before he retired in November 2003, qualified him for 80 percent of the new GI Bill benefit.

Scully too was mistaken, and he has cancelled plans to continue to pursue a degree in religious studies online through Liberty University.

Like Simpson and Scully, thousands of National Guard members will soon discover, if they haven’t already, that they are the victims, at least temporarily, of a flaw in the new GI Bill. It limits eligibility to Guard members based on what federal law was used to order them to active duty.

Those activated under Title 10 to serve under the command and control of the president for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are eligible for the new GI Bill after 90 days’ deployed. If they serve 36 month cumulative months under Title 10, after Sept. 11, 2001, they get full GI bill benefits.

But the time that Guard members have spent activated under Title 32, -- responding to domestic emergencies or to homeland security missions, or serving fulltime under the Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) program -- will not be count toward Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility.

Excluded are Guard members called up to protect the homeland during Operation Noble Eagle after the 9/11 attacks, as well as Guard members activated to respond to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and 6000 called up for Operation Jump Start to bolster border security with Mexico in 2007-2008.

“Title 32 active duty status means they are on active duty, paid by the federal government but they still technically come under the command and control of the governor,” said Peter Duffy, deputy legislative director of the National Guard Association of the United States. “Much of what the Guard does domestically and even some overseas tours are done on Title 32 status. And although it takes members away from families, and it involves some risk, and it has them doing what counterparts in the active force are doing domestically, it still doesn’t give them [GI Bill] benefits. It’s a big, big gap.”

The original draft of a proposed GI Bill last year excluded all reserve components members. During hurried negotiations to find a more acceptable bill, Congress left out Title 32 Guard members. A Defense official confirmed that the department plans to offer a legislative fix with its 2011 budget.

Data from the Army National Guard and Air National Guard show that 75,098 Army Guard members and 2,460 Air Guard members will not be entitled to the new GI Bill without a legislative fix, says the Government Accountability Office in a July 6 letter report detailing recent gains in Reserve and Guard compensation.

Duffy said his association has been told by the staff of Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.), who led last year’s push to enact a Post-9/11 GI Bill, that Webb is aware of the glitch and how it impacts Title 32 Guard members. He intends to lead the push for corrective language sometime after Aug. 1 when the new GI Bill takes effect. Duffy said he would expect any move to eliminate this inequity for Guard members to be applied retroactively back to 9/11.

Webb and other lawmakers appear to be heeding a plea from VA officials not to make any changes to the enormously complex education benefit this year that might interfere with the program’s start in August.

Guardsman Simpson, 45, said “the beauty of Title 32 active duty is that it’s federally funded but it leaves the Guard under the control of governors. That’s how they get around the Posse Comitatus Act” which otherwise prohibits military involvement in domestic law enforcement.

After 9/11, Simpson said, he was among “large numbers of the Guard put on active duty under Title 32 to provide security in airports, power stations, bus terminals -- wherever governors deemed there to be critical infrastructure or important public safety concerns.”

And, for the past four years, he has remained on active duty under Title 32 in a fulltime AGR position.

“I’ve got soldiers who have worked here [at the Maryland Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters in Reisterstown] four or five years on Title 32, and perhaps spent a year on Title 10 orders,” Simpson said. “Yes, they have some eligibility [for new GI Bill benefits] but it’s a sliding scale, with 36 months needed to be the full ride. So, except for what I believe is the inequity of the GI Bill, they should be entitled to far more for their time.”

Scully, 53, spent his last years in the Air National Guard with the 126^th Air Refueling Wing at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Having 80 percent of the new GI Bill, he said, “would have made continuing my education affordable.” It was “a huge disappointment” to learn in late June that his final two years in the AGR after 9/11 did not make him eligible.

Getting his degree “wasn’t something I needed to do,” Scully added. “However, at my pay grade you become accustomed to being concerned with other folks. And I know there are a lot of folks out there who were counting on this GI Bill for future employment and [Guard] promotion opportunities.”

“If this GI Bill had been written only for those who served in combat, or for those who served overseas, I would have no issue with it whatsoever. But Title 10 folks who never left the United States are getting this benefit, and the Title 32 guy, doing that same job, isn’t.”

To comment, e-mail milupdate@aol.com, write to Military Update, P.O. Box 231111, Centreville, VA, 20120-1111 or visit: www.militaryupdate.com

Meeting Minutes for July 8, 2009

2009-07-09T20:21:00.001-07:00

We are growing! This week we had seven people at the meeting.

Items discussed:

Logo - We are almost there folks!!! We have a basic prototype and should be ready for business cards and stationary by the end of the Summer semester.

Looking for chair people to:

Organize fundraisers – Melisa we need you!!!!

Activities – social events like rafting, bowling, partying, a concert etc….

ICC Representative – Fred Olivas is seriously considering this position

Organize Out Processing events for our returning soldiers.

Qualifications of membership are being reconsidered. Presently, to become a member with voting privileges, you must attend 2 meetings and 1 event. Next meeting we are going to be creating an amendment to our constitution to change that to either attending 2 meetings and 1 event or attending 4 meetings in one semester. The Secretary will have a sign in sheet from now on at every meeting and will be keeping a data base of the attendees.

We continued discussions on the need for a One-Stop Veteran’s Office. We read the power point presentation from the first meeting to the President of the college. We discussed the possibility of the new officers preparing for another meeting with the President in the fall semester.

Congratulations to Joe Chacon for being elected to the Treasurer’s position. Joe was nominated by President Jessica Waskow and the motion was seconded by Vice President Christian Reynoso. First day in office he is already signing paperwork that officializes our status as a club on campus!

Joe has some great ideas. He stated that we really need to firm up our relationship with Sac State and stream line the process of transferring there from ARC. We also need to swap links with their site.

Website update: 60% of traffic to our site is first time visitors! Help increase our site rating by searching for ARCVETSCLUB all one word and no spaces. Then click one of the links on the results page.

Upcoming events – September 9^th BBQ and Veteran’s Day Info Fair in the Rose Marks Quad

VETERANS COMPENSATION COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT LEGISLATION SENT TO WHITE HOUSE

2009-07-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

Press Release

VETERANS COMPENSATION COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT LEGISLATION SENT TO WHITE HOUSE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following unanimous approval by the House and Senate,

Congress is sending S. 407, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment

Act of 2009 to the White House.

If approved by President Barack Obama, S. 407 would protect the value of

compensation for veterans and their survivors from potential inflation.

“Millions of disabled veterans and their survivors rely on monthly compensation,

and the value of their payments should be protected from potential inflation,”

said Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), author

of the bill.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics uses the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to measure

inflation. In the event that the CPI increases, S. 407 would direct the

Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2009, the rates of:

• Veterans’ disability compensation,

• Dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children, and

• Additional related benefits. The cost of living adjustment (COLA) is designed

to offset inflation. If the CPI increases, COLA for the above-mentioned

benefits would match the annual increase provided to Social Security recipients.

This year’s COLA rate has not been determined, and some predict that the CPI

will decrease this year.

In the event of a decrease in the CPI, veteran and survivor compensation will

remain at last year’s rate. For more information on the Consumer Price Index,

visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website,

www.bls.gov/cpi http://www.bls.gov/cpi

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=s111-407

http://veterans.senate.gov/press-releases.cfm?action=release.display&release_id=380f700a-6f69-45d0-8c80-72158ebd9285

http://www.veteransadvantage.com/news/VeteransCompensationCost-of-LivingAdjustmentAct2009.html

On Thu, 9 Jul 2009 08:02:22 -0400, YNCS Don Harribine, USN(ret)

Employment Pilot Matches Employers and Veterans with TBI and/or PTSD

2009-07-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

A pilot program is being implemented in Washington, D.C. to assist veterans with TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) or PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). The goal of the pilot is to help coordinate successful employment experiences for these veterans. Department of Labor (DOL) is managing this "learning lab" concept with support from others. Through the pilot, DOL will study, validate and disseminate best practices related to helping employees with TBI and/or PTSD succeed on the job. Workforce development professionals on the team will consult with organizations interested in employing veterans with TBI/PTSD, to match them with qualified veteran workers, provide ongoing support; and monitor experiences and track best practices.

For more information, visit the America’s Heroes at Work web site at http://www.myarmyonesource.com/news/2009/07/EmployPilot.

Seminar Helps Wounded Vets Start Businesses

2009-07-09T10:46:00.001-07:00

“Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities” is being offered to disabled veterans at five universities across the country. The privately funded program offers a week of in-person study with professors and business people and also includes a three-week online course and 12-month follow-up mentoring along with other support.

For further information, go to http://www.myarmyonesource.com/news/2009/07/Bootcamp.

Many Colleges Sign on to GI Bill “Yellow Ribbon” Program

2009-07-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

More than 500 private colleges signed on to the “Yellow Ribbon” agreements under the new Post 9/11 GI Bill benefit, making these higher priced schools more affordable to veterans who qualify for admission. Many big name schools nationwide have decided not to enter Yellow Ribbon deals or offer special discounts to veterans, at least for the 2009-2010 school year, citing the complexity of Yellow Ribbon and GI Bill rules, administrative challenges faced by the school trying to keep pace with VA’s “fast tracking” plan and the current economic crisis, as reasons for not signing.

To learn more, go to http://www.myarmyonesource.com/News/2009/07/YellowRibbon.

DoD Announces Rules for Post-9/11 GI Bill Transferability

2009-07-09T10:42:00.000-07:00

DoD Announces Rules for Post-9/11 GI Bill Transferability With the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) now accepting sign-ups for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Department of Defense (DoD) is working to inform Service Members on its proposed policy regarding the bill's transferability provisions to help them decide if the new benefit is right for them. The DoD rules for Post-9/11 GI Bill transferability are as follows: Any enlisted or commissioned member of the armed forces serving on active duty or in the Selected Reserve on or after August 1, 2009 will be eligible to transfer their benefits - as long as they qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill in the first place and meet specific service requirements. Anyone who has retired or separated from the service before that date will not be entitled to transfer their benefits. Excluded reservists include members of the Individual Ready Reserve and Fleet Reserve. For more details regarding the Post-9/11 GI Bill, visit the Defense Department website at: http://www.myarmyonesource.com/News/2009/07/DefenseLink or the Department of Veterans Affairs website at http://www.myarmyonesource.com/news/2009/07/Post911.

Anonymous Survey on OIF/OEF Integration

2009-07-07T15:50:00.000-07:00

Hi OIF/OEF veteran,

I have been asked to forward this email on to our OIF/OEF veterans. Civic Enterprises, an independent, non-partisan, public policy firm that is conducting a survey of OIF/OEF veterans as a part of a project aimed at ensuring OIF/OEF veterans have the necessary support and opportunities within their communities. This survey is intended to provide an in-depth understanding of the perspectives of veterans in relation to their integration into community and civic life. It is completely anonymous and they do not ask for any personal or contact information whatsoever. This survey only takes about 8 minutes and the questions are aimed at gauging the existing level of civic interest and opportunities among veterans. From veteran to another, I would ask that you take the time to fully and honestly complete this survey as it will benefit us and veterans across the nation.To access the survey simply click on the link below or enter it into the URL of your internet browser.http://www.questionpro.com/akira/TakeSurvey?id=1278764Have a great summer!

Sincerely,
Catherine Morris
Veterans Counselor

SVA Chapter Highight: Mesa College San Diego

2009-07-06T14:45:00.001-07:00

The Student Veterans Union at Mesa College San Diego has begun to set up student veterans unions at the other schools in the San Diego Community College District, meeting with faculty and veterans officials at all three schools. They recently received the $100,000 grant from Wal-Mart and are working on forming focus groups of veteran students and faculty to discuss the proper uses of the grant.Mesa College, where the Student Veterans Union is headquartered has had four members elected to Associated Student Government Senate seats in our most recent elections. The four seats represent a third of the senate, a body which represents the interests of the 35,000 students which attend Mesa College each year. The SVU also was awarded " Most Improved Club of the Year", an award which encompasses all upstart clubs as well as all established clubs, as this was their first semester in existence. The SVU now has now formed a President's Advisory Committee in which three of its members meet with the President of Mesa College monthly to discuss items pertaining to veterans, active duty personnel and their families. Also, the newly formed Veterans Advisory Committee, now consists of a Representative of SVU, who is the only non-faculty member of the committee. The SVU will have tables at several veterans functions over the summer and is continuing to meet with the faculty, while simultaneously keeping the veteran students in the district informed of issues pertaining to them. -->

Be sure that the Post-9/11 GI Bill is the best for you!!

2009-07-06T14:33:00.000-07:00

Be sure that the Post-9/11 GI Bill is the best for you!!

The new GI Bill is a great piece of legislation, and is truly a breakthrough in veterans' educational benefits. However, not every veteran that has served since 9/11 is going to be best served by switching to the new program. It is very important to take a close look at what your total cost of attendance is (tuition, books, fees, housing, etc) and work with your VA Certifying Official to ensure that you are selecting the proper chapter for you. Remember that this is an irrevocable decision, and one that should only be made with the most current information.For example, Steven Neshkoff, a rising sophomore at Ferris State University, said he would save $8,000 by remaining under the old GI Bill for another two years, instead of claiming aid under the new bill. Once he exhausts those benefits, he will qualify for 12 additional months' worth of educational benefits offered under the Post-9/11 GI Bill-aid that he plans to take advantage of later on.

Meeting Minutes for July 1, 2009

2009-07-02T17:13:00.000-07:00

Wow! We had 10 people at our last meeting. We also had Nancy White, a licensed clinical Social Worker, from the Returning Veterans Outreach Education and Care Branch come by and spoke to our group. She is one of seven people who are committed to assisting the returning combat veterans readjust to civilian life. She gave us a very resourceful packet about Health Care Benefits that included an application for VA Health Care.

Other items she brought to our attention are that in the fall a new Vets Center is opening up in the Carmichael/Citrus Heights area. There is a Substance Abuse Program at Mather. Improvements are being made in the MST (Military Sexual Trauma) therapy groups. She also mentioned different classes that help combat veterans recover from the “Battle Mind Training” they received while in the military. Female Veterans who are in need of special assistance can contact Teresa Jones at 916-208-9791 who is the Woman’s Health Initiative Social Worker.

Nancy White knows how to help with changing your discharge status from “Other Than Honorable” to “Honorable”. Her contact number is 366-5455.

Honestly, there was so much information covered that you will have to stop by Kolin’s office and get the packet of information that was given out. It is worth the read.

Tom Barnwell spoke and announced that he was appointed as a Civilian Liaison for the US Army Reserve out of Roseville. He is responsible for organizing the Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day at ARC last semester. He intends on organizing the same kind of event in the fall and in the spring of 2010. He will keep us informed about his plans.

We discovered that there is a non-profit organization called The Veteran’s Community Support Network who meets at the Sacramento County Veteran’s Service Office on 19th Street. They meet every second Tuesday of the month from 2 pm to 4 pm at 2007 19th Street, Sacramento, 95818. You can call them at 874-6811 and ask for Jan Wold she is the President of the VCSN. They help veterans with special needs. Just call and find out what their criteria is.

We re-discussed the upcoming Welcome Day BBQ on September 9th and the Veteran’s Day Info Fair in November.

We are still figuring out an official logo. We may need to hire a professional.

Website update – we are in Google and Yahoo search engines now. 47% of the people who stop at our site are new visitors and stay an average of three minutes. We had two visits that came from Facebook. Not sure who is managing that, but keep up the good work. Our Web Ring is growing!

WEBSITE - associationofstudentveterans.com

BLOG - arcvetsclub.info

VA Reopening Health Care Enrollment to Thousands of Veterans

2009-06-29T09:05:00.001-07:00

WASHINGTON (June 19, 2009) - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which now has nearly 8 million Veterans enrolled in its award-winning health care system, is poised to welcome nearly 266,000 more Veterans into its medical centers and clinics across the country by expanding access to health care enrollment for certain Veterans who had been excluded due to their income.

"This incremental approach to expanding enrollment ensures that access to VA health care for a greater number of beneficiaries does not sacrifice timely access or quality medical care for those Veterans already enrolled in VA's health care system," Dr. Gerald Cross, VA's Acting Under Secretary for Health, said. "Over the next four years, we hope to provide enrollment to more than 500,000 Veterans."

Under a new regulation effective June 15, VA will enroll Veterans whose income exceeds current means-tested thresholds by up to 10 percent.
These Veterans were excluded from VA health care enrollment when income limits were imposed in 2003 on Veterans with no service-connected disabilities or other special eligibility for care. There is no income limit for Veterans with compensable service-connected disabilities or for Veterans being seen for their service-connected disabilities.

Veterans who have applied for VA health care but were rejected due to income at any point in 2009 will have their applications reconsidered under the new income threshold formula. Those who applied before 2009, but were rejected due to income, must reapply. VA will contact these Veterans through a direct-mail campaign, Veterans service organizations, and a national and regional marketing campaign.

Information about enrollment and an income and assets calculator are available at www.va.gov/healtheligibility. The calculator provides a format in which Veterans enter their household income, number of dependents, and zip codes to see if they may qualify for VA health care enrollment.

In addition to applying online, Veterans may also contact VA's Health Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222 VETS (1-877-222-8387). Each VA medical center across the country has an enrollment coordinator available to provide Veterans with enrollment and eligibility information.

Military Youth Lock-in Needs Volunteers

2009-06-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

A fun and fantastic opportunity for your military children. The California National Guard Child & Youth Program is having an All-Night Event in Roseville for our children for ALL branches of the military on July 18th from 3pm to 9am. This is going to be a wonderful event for our children, however, volunteers are needed! If you would like more information on attending the event please call (916) 206-0549 and speak to SSGT Jneen Rice.

Volunteers!
We are seeking volunteers 25 years and older, or 18 years and older for military personnel, to
help with this event. Volunteers are required to complete a Live Scan background check and be
approved by the Northern California Regional Youth Advisory Team.
Contact Staff Sgt. Christina Colby, (916) 854-3433 or christina.colby@us.army.mil.

Compensation & Benifits Handbook - For Seriously Ill and Injured Members of the Armed Forces

2009-06-24T11:18:00.000-07:00

The most recent guide by the DoD and VA for seriously ill and injured vets. Chapters include: The Process of Becoming Eligible for Compensation and Benefits, Benefits, Non-Medical Support, Medical Support, and Transition and Retraining for Employment. The guide is 190 pages and over 5mb so its big and comprehensive.

http://www.directcon.net/lstanley/Compensation_and_Benefits_Handbook.pdf

2009-06-23T16:06:00.001-07:00

My first post from my cell phone....cool!

Rally Tomorrow to Support Terminally Ill Vet

2009-06-23T12:42:00.000-07:00

I just recieved an email informing me of a rally that will take place from 11-2at 8350 Fair Oaks Blvd Carmichael, Ca. 95608. This rally is in support of GaryLee Price, a Vietnam Veteran who lives in Sacramento. Gary has terminal cancedue to Agent Orange exposure and will only has a few months to live. I think weshould show our support and use our meeting time to go to the rally. What doeseveryone think?
Link to Gary's Story:
https://www.help-veterans.org/donation/index/program/deny

Below is the press release:

Veterans Administration Denys Claim of Vet Dying from Agent Orange ExposureLos Angeles, CA - June 18, 2009 – After a year of stalling, the VeteransAdministration has denied the benefits claim of Garry Lee Price, a VietnamVeteran dying of cancer, which VA doctors have told him was caused by hisexposure to Agent Orange.The Veterans Administration, the health services side of the organization,determined on April 24, 2008 that Garry's cancer was caused by his exposure toAgent Orange while serving in Vietnam. Garry is dying in a hospice inSacramento. He has a tumor the size of a softball growing out of the side of hisneck.Garry's terminal status, instead of spurring the administration to expedite hisclaim, gave them an extra reason to stall. And they did. For years, "deny,deny, until they die," has been a common refrain among the Veteran community todescribe what they see as the Veterans Administration's unspoken policy ofdragging their feet on claims processing until the Veteran applying dies. Then,the claim doesn't have to be paid. Garry and his wife Bonnie are the latestvictims of this policy. Video of Garry and Bonnie Price telling their story canbe seen at www.denydeny.org.When Gary dies, his widow will be faced with appealing the claim and restartinga process that could take years, while grieving over his loss. Due to hismedical condition, Garry has been unable to work for the last two years. Thefamily has had to sell most of their belongings to live. It is urgent thatGarry's benefits be awarded before his family suffers any more.The Veterans Administration's website states that Agent Orange related claimstake an average of 204 days, or about 7 months to process. It also states thattheir goal is to speed the processing of these claims to 74 days. Garry firstvisited the VA with completed disability claim forms in June 2008, after twoheart attacks and his cancer had kept him from earning income for almost a year.He was told that day by a VA claims representative that, since he was terminal,he should not bother applying, because the processing time would take longerthan he had to live. Discouraged, Garry left with the forms still in his hand.Garry sought help from the National Veterans Foundation who helped him file hisclaim, and in October 2008, mailed in the paperwork to the VA. In December 2008he received a form letter stating that his claim had been received. He was toldjust this week his claim was denied, one year after he first walked it into theVA offices.Garry Lee Price volunteered for the U.S. Army in November 1966 and served 2years 7 months and 4 days in the military, most of that time in Vietnam. He wasattached to a Special Forces unit and worked transporting sensitive documentsthrough areas with heavy Agent Orange spraying.He received an honorable discharge with the rank of Sergeant on June 17, 1969. During his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, VietnamCampaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Army CommendationMedal.The frustrating irony is that the medical side of the Veterans Administrationhas already determined Garry's terminal cancer is service-connected, and thatthe benefits side still denied Garry's claim. This is something that theNational Veterans Foundation has seen many times before in their work assistingVeterans in crisis. "It's like the left hand doesn't know, or really care, whatthe right hand is doing," says National Veterans Foundation President andFounder Shad Meshad. "The issue here is that, if the VA paid all the claimsthat are rightfully due, they'd go broke."Garry Lee Price served his country. He served overseas during war and, there,he was exposed to dangerous chemicals by his own people, chemicals that willprematurely take his life, possibly in the next few days. But the VeteransAdministration, following a policy of "deny, deny, until they die," doesn't seemto care enough to expedite his claim.How many more Garry Price type tragedies have to happen before the VA serves theneeds of those heroes who have guaranteed our freedom with their blood?

Free Tickets to Keith Urban July 23

2009-06-23T10:52:00.001-07:00

Looking for assistance in indentifying wounded and disabled veterans to join us for a Keith Urban concert at Arco Arena on July 23. We will have tickets for 5 veterans and their guests, total of 10. It should be a really great show. Look forwad to hearing from you.

Best regards,Kristy

Kristy J. Flynn
Founder & Executive Director
A Note of Thanks
(707) 685-0817

Low Cost Computers for Military Members

2009-06-23T09:25:00.001-07:00

A company in Shingle Springs called the A.C.T. Initiative (Affordable Community Technology) provides computers for military members with very low price computers. This program is made possible through a partnership with Microsoft that provides our military members and their families with low cost software licenses. The company collects surplus computer equipment from corporations and government agencies and then refurbish the newer computers with new Microsoft operating system software, as well as a full office suite and hundreds of educational games and utilities.

There is no minimum number of computers to order. It is as simple as filling out an order form and e-mailing/faxing it back to them or simply giving them a call and completing the order over the phone. I have posted the pdf form in our yahoo groups site.

This program is designed to supply high quality Microsoft refurbished computers to non profit organizations, government agencies, and the Military. They are pleased to support our Military organizations, our troops, Military families, and Veterans. With the support of Microsoft corporation they are able to offer a complete computer systems starting as low as $100. If you have any questions please give Ed Cancilla, President Argosy E-cycling, a call on his cell phone, (530) 363-8587.

VA Launches 10-Year Study of Veterans' Health

2009-06-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON (June 22, 2009) -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has initiated a large, long-term study to look carefully at a broad array of health issues that may affect Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) Veterans and their counterparts who served during the same time period. VA's "National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S.
Veterans" will begin with 30,000 Veterans deployed to OEF/OIF and 30,000 comparison Veterans who were not deployed.

"This study will help us fulfill President Obama's pledge to 'stand with our Veterans as they face new challenges' by enabling us to understand the health problems of our newest generation of combat Veterans," Dr.
Gerald M. Cross, VA's acting under secretary for health, said. "The study's findings will help us plan more effectively to provide the best care possible for these deserving Veterans."

The study will include Veterans who served in each branch of service, representing active duty, Reserve, and National Guard members. Women will be over-sampled to make sure they are represented and will comprise 20 percent of the study, or 12,000 women. A combination of mail surveys, online surveys, telephone interviews, and in-person physical evaluations will be used to collect data from the Veterans.

The study will compare the deployed and non-deployed Veterans in terms of chronic medical conditions, traumatic brain injury (TBI), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological conditions, general health perceptions, reproductive health, pregnancy outcomes, functional status, use of health care, behavioral risk factors (smoking, drinking, seatbelt use, speeding, motorcycle helmet use, and sexual behavior), and VA disability compensation. VA has contracted with an independent Veteran-owned research firm, HMS Technologies Inc., to collect the data.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for providing federal benefits to Veterans and their families. VA is the second largest of the 15 cabinet departments and operates nationwide programs for health care, financial assistance and burial benefits. The VA health care system operates more than 1,400 sites of care. Nearly 5.5 million people received care in VA health care facilities in 2008.