Military News
|
Reservists Report Job Problems
Associated Press | November 08, 2007
WASHINGTON - Strained by extended tours in Iraq, growing
numbers of military reservists say the government is
providing little help to soldiers who are denied their
old jobs when they return home, Defense Department data
shows.
The Pentagon survey of reservists in 2005-2006,
obtained by The Associated Press, details increasing
discontent among returning troops in protecting their
legal rights after taking leave from work to fight for
their country.
It found that 44 percent of the reservists polled
said they were dissatisfied with how the Labor
Department handled their complaint of employment
discrimination based on their military status, up from
27 percent from 2004.
Nearly one-third, or 29 percent, said they had
difficulty getting the information they needed from
government agencies charged with protecting their
rights, while 77 percent reported they didn't even
bother trying to get assistance in part because they
didn't think it would make a difference.
"This is shameful because Iraqi bullets and bombs
don't discriminate. Yet reservists face job
discrimination here in America after serving in war,"
said Paul Sullivan, executive director of Veterans for
Common Sense.
Legal experts say the findings might represent the
tip of the iceberg. Formal complaints to the Labor
Department by reservists hit nearly 1,600 in 2005 - the
highest number since 1991 - not counting the thousands
more cases reported each year to the Pentagon for
resolution by mediation.
And a bump in complaints is likely once the Iraq war
winds down and more people come home after an extended
period in which employers were forced to restructure or
hire new workers to cope with those on military leave,
they said.
Among the survey's findings:
-About 23 percent of reservists reported they did not
return to their old jobs in part because their employer
did not give them prompt re-employment or their job
situation changed in some way while they were on
military leave.
-Twenty-nine percent of those choosing not to seek
help to get their job back said it was because it was
"not worth the fight." Another 23 percent said they were
unsure of how to file a complaint. Others cited a lack
of confidence that they could win (14 percent); fear of
employer reprisal (13 percent), or other reasons (21
percent).
-Reservists reported receiving an average of 1.8
briefings about their job rights and what government
resources were available. This is down slightly from the
2.0 briefings they reported getting in 2004.
"Most of the government investigators are too willing
to accept the employer's explanation for a worker's
dismissal," said Sam Wright, a former Labor Department
attorney who helped write the 1994 discrimination law
protecting reservists.
"Some of it is indifference, some of them don't
understand the laws involved," Wright said. "But the
investigators establish for themselves this impossibly
hard standard to win a case. As a result, reservists
lose out."
Under the law, military personnel are protected from
job discrimination based on their service and are
generally entitled to a five-year cumulative leave with
rights to their old jobs upon their return. Reservists
typically file a complaint first with a Pentagon office,
the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR),
which seeks to resolve the dispute informally.
If that effort fails, a person typically can go to
the Labor Department to pursue a formal complaint and
possible litigation by the Justice Department.
A report by the American Bar Association as early as
2004 noted problems in which the government was "not
seen as an aggressive advocate for the returning
veteran." A presidential task force chaired by former
Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson earlier this
year found that agencies could do a better job of
educating troops and veterans. The report did not
address government enforcement of the law.
Just ask Ret. Marine Lt. Col. Steve Duarte, who won a
court judgment of more than $430,000 from Agilent
Technologies Inc. in March 2005 after turning to a
private lawyer after losing his job. Duarte was a senior
consultant when he was mobilized twice from October 2001
to April 2002 and from November 2002 to July 2003.
When Duarte returned from the second mobilization,
Agilent did not reinstate his previous position but
assigned him to a special project. He soon received a
poor job evaluation that differed from previous positive
reviews and was terminated four months later.
Duarte said he contacted the Pentagon and Labor
Department, both of which turned him away. Labor
Department lawyers allegedly said he didn't have a case
unless he specifically heard his employer say they were
terminating him for military reasons.
"I am not a lawyer, but I expected various government
agencies like ESGR and the Department of Labor to help
me," Duarte said in documents provided to the Senate
Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee, which is
reviewing the Labor Department's practices.
"I felt as though they were on the side of the large
corporations," he said.
Eileen Lainez, a Pentagon spokeswoman, said: "We
carefully consider information our members provide, and
we actively work to develop solutions where needed." The
Labor Department has said it has been working to better
educate troops and veterans about their rights.
Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., who chairs the Senate
Health Committee, said he was troubled by the findings.
He said he plans legislation to hold agencies
accountable by requiring them to collect and release
employment data.
The Labor Department currently releases an annual
report on employment complaints to Congress, but the
figures do not include Pentagon data. The report, which
is due to Congress on Feb. 1, has yet to be released
this year. |
August 28, 2007
ATTENTION GOVERNMENT
CONTRACTORS
OFCCP Changes Veterans Recruiting Requirements
The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs has
stiffened requirements for Government Contractors in a new
ruling effective September 7th, 2007. Do you conduct business
with Government agencies? Is your company in compliance? Are
you doing all you can do to consider, recruit and hire
military veterans? Your government contract may depend on it.
Contact your PatriotJobs.net
Representative Today at 951-526-2336
OFCCP makes new
rules on veterans that goes into force on September 7, 2007
The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) is
publishing a new set of regulations to implement the
amendments to the affirmative action provisions of the Vietnam
Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (``VEVRAA'')
that were made by the Jobs for Veterans Act (``JVA'') enacted
in 2002. The JVA amendments raised the threshold dollar amount
of the Government contracts that are subject to the
affirmative action provisions of VEVRAA, changed the
categories of veterans protected by the law, and changed the
manner in which the mandatory job listing requirement is to be
implemented. The final regulations published today apply only
to covered Government contracts entered into or modified on or
after December 1, 2003. The existing VEVRAA implementing
regulations found in 41 CFR part 60-250 will continue to apply
to Government contracts entered into before December 1, 2003.e
Household Goods Delays in Europe
The Army's Installation Management Command-Europe is
experiencing the highest household good demand surge in more
than a decade, which is causing many originally-requested
pick-up dates in June and July to be rescheduled on a date
later than requested. Customers are asked to (1) not make any
financial commitments based upon their requested pick-up date;
(2) remain flexible with the alternate pick-up dates that are
offered; (3) ensure they have confirmed their household goods
pick-up date before they make other plans; (4) accept a
pick-up date in mid-July or August; (5) be prepared to wait a
little longer for their goods to be delivered once their
arrive at your next duty station.
Navy Rescinds Degree Requirement
The Chief of Naval Operations has rescinded the requirement
for chief petty officers to have an associate degree to be
eligible for advancement to senior chief. This policy revision
shifts the focus from education as a requirement for
advancement to E8 to education as an important consideration
in selection for advancement. Master Chief Petty Officer of
the Navy (SW/FMF), Joe R. Campa Jr., emphasized that revising
this policy should not be viewed as the Navy backing away from
its commitment to education. For information on advanced
education programs, visit your local Navy College Office or
the (https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/) Navy College Program
website. For more information on the Naval Education and
Training Command, visit its (https://www.netc.navy.mil/)
website.
Applicants Sought for Naval History Scholarship
Applications are being sought for the Samuel Eliot Morison
Naval History Supplemental Scholarship Program for the
academic year 2007-2008. The scholarship provides a $5,000
cash award to one active-duty commissioned officer of the U.S.
Navy or Marine Corps who is already pursuing graduate study in
history, international relations, or a related field.
Applicants should submit a letter of application via their
commanding officer to the Senior Historian, Naval Historical
Center (NHC), 805 Kidder Breese Street, SE, Washington Navy
Yard, D.C., 20374-5060. Applications must be received no later
than July 15, 2007. For more information, visit the (http://www.history.navy.mil/prizes/prize3.htm)
Scholarship's webpage.
National Veterans Wheelchair Games
More than 500 American veteran heroes with physical
disabilities will converge on Milwaukee June 19 - 23 to
participate in the 27th National Veterans Wheelchair Games.
More than 20 veterans injured in current conflicts in
Afghanistan and Iraq will join veterans from the Gulf War,
Vietnam and other conflicts in 17 competitive events. The
Wheelchair Games are open to all U.S. military veterans who
use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord
injuries, certain neurological conditions, amputations or
other mobility impairments. For more information, visit the
(http://www.wheelchairgames.va.gov/) Games website.
New Jersey Considers Veterans Bill
The New Jersey Assembly passed a bill that would extend civil
service credit to any disabled veteran who served in the
United States Armed Forces, regardless of whether the nation
was at peace or at war. The measure (ACR-96) would require
voter approval on the November ballot to permit all disabled
veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces,
including those who did not serve during a time of war, to
receive civil service hiring preference. The bill now heads to
the Senate in New Jersey for further consideration.
How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/dbq/officials/)
Let your public officials know how you feel!
Coping with Relocation Shock
Here are some tips on adjusting to a new environment after
relocation: (1) sign up for a welcome or base indoctrination
class; (2) use the Military Assistance Programs Relocation
Station; (3) make sure your family has a detailed map of the
new city, which you can print out at MapQuest; (4) take some
time out from unpacking by using a guidebook to explore the
local area; (5) enjoy the anonymity for a while by waiting to
become involved in the community; (6) keep in touch with old
friends and family members; (7) do not over-commit while the
family is still learning its way around; (8) understand that
there will be periods of sadness--this is normal; (9) realize
that adjustment takes time.
VA Consolidated Mail-Out Pharmacy Enhanced
With mail-out pharmaceuticals for veterans already a $3
billion annual operation for the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA), the department made a major expansion in its
future capability with the dedication last week of a new
building and improved production system for the Dallas VA
Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy. VA's seven consolidated
mail-out pharmacies are in Boston; Charleston, S.C.; Chicago;
Dallas; Leavenworth, Kan.; Nashville, Tenn., and Tucson, Ariz.
These pharmacies dispense 75 percent of all VA prescriptions.
Most pharmaceuticals are mailed out directly to the patients
within 48 hours of the mail-out pharmacy receiving the
prescription.
TriWest Supports Guard, Reserve
TriWest Healthcare Alliance has announced the launch of an
online resource center designed specifically for members of
the National Guard and Reserve. TriWest's Guard and Reserve
Resource Center was developed with a virtual library of
information for West Region TRICARE beneficiaries serving in
the National Guard and Reserve, their families and leadership.
TRICARE is the health care program for the military
administered by TriWest Healthcare Alliance throughout its
21-state West Region. For more information about TRICARE
benefits, visit (http://www.triwest.com/) www.triwest.com
Air Force Unveils New Online Tool
The Air Force Doctrine Center has unveiled a new tool that
makes it easier to reference and search operational-level
doctrine. Known as (http://www.doctrine.af.mil/afdcprivateweb/AFDD_Page_HTML/megapub.htm)
MegaPub, the new tool offers easy access to the complete
library of Air Force Doctrine Documents, or AFDDs. The
document, compiled and searchable within a single Adobe
Acrobat PDF file, is organized with the most recently approved
doctrine documents displayed first but it also highlights
AFDDs under revision. More information on Air Force Doctrine
is available at the (http://www.doctrine.af.mil/afdcprivateweb/)
Doctrine Center website and on the (http://www.doctrine.af.mil/afdcprivateweb/myhierarchv1.htm)
Doctrine Hierarchy webpage.
Disaster Muster Tool Helps Sailors, Families
Hurricane season is here, and the Navy has some tools to make
sure Sailors their families are accounted for in a disaster.
The Disaster Muster Tool (DMT) pulls muster information from
multiple sources and is designed to conduct a central
accounting of the affected area. The goal is to quickly
account for all Navy personnel and their families, including
civilian employees, to ensure their well-being and, if need
be, plan for their safe evacuation. After a disaster, commands
will take muster, however some Sailors and civilians may
become separated from their commands during the incident. They
can call the Customer Service Center at NPC at 1-800-U-ASK-NPC
and report their status.
Be Prepared for Hurricane Season
TRICARE is urging its beneficiaries to prepare now for
hurricane season by packing all of your health related items
in a waterproof emergency kit that includes: (1) copies of
each family member's uniformed services ID card, Medicare
card, other health insurance card, and medical records; (2)
listings of each family members prescription medications,
allergies, doctors names and phone numbers; (3) phone numbers
of your regional contractor, Medicare, Express Scripts and
emergency contacts; and (4) a properly-stored 30-day supply of
all prescription and nonprescription drugs for each family
member. For more information, visit TRICARE's (http://www.tricare.mil/DisasterRelief/index.cfm)
Disaster Relief webpage.
Air Force Board Seeks Nominations
The annual Air Force Reserve Development Education Designation
Board (RDEDB) will convene in November to select Reserve
officers for in-residence developmental education schools for
the 2008-2009 academic year. Course descriptions for all
schools along with instructions, criteria and deadlines to
submit application packages can be found at the (http://arpc.afrc.af.mil/forcedevelopment/training/rdedb.asp)
Air Force Personnel Center website. To assist the Development
Teams, officers are asked to build a Reserve Officer
Development Plan ( (https://afrctools.afrc.af.mil/fdp/z_career_dev.asp)
RODP) identifying their career goals. For more information,
Airmen can call DSN 926-6396, 303-676-6396 or 800-525-0102 and
ask for the military training branch.
Learn to Prevent, Treat Indoor Mold
Mold can be found both indoors and outdoors. It invades homes
through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air
conditioning systems. Mold infestations can usually be seen
and smelled. For more information on identifying, preventing,
and treating mold indoors, visit U.S. Army Center for Health
Promotion and Preventive Medicine's (http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/mold/)
Mold webpage, the Environmental Protection Agency's (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldguide.html)
Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home, the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's (http://www.cdc.gov/mold/)
Mold webpage, and the CDC's (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/mold/protect.asp)
Protect Yourself from Mold webpage.
Army Leave Program Reaches Milestone
The U.S. Army's and U.S. Central Command's Rest and
Recuperation Leave Program reached a milestone recently by
serving the 500,000th participant since the program's
inception Sept. 25, 2003. Approximately 420 servicemembers fly
home from the war zone on R&R leave daily as they take part in
the R&R Leave Program. There is no cost to the Soldier for the
roundtrip airfare, nor is the Soldier charged any leave time
while in transit to or from their vacation destination. The
R&R Leave begins when Soldiers arrive at the commercial
airport nearest their leave destination. For updates and
additional information, visit the (http://www.armyg1.army.mil/WellBeing/RRLeave/index.HTM)
USCENTCOM R&R Leave Program website.
Access the Servicemember Benefit Calculator
The (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//benefits.military.com/reg/Veterans-Benefits.do&code=MR_061807_Benefits_Calc)
Military.com Benefit calculator is designed to quickly and
easily connect you with your benefits information based on
your service and status. Get started to find Federal, State
and National Guard benefits, plus Special Military Discounts.
Tuition Assistance Overview
Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (TA) is a benefit paid to
eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and
Coast Guard. Congress has given each service the ability to
pay up to 100% for the tuition expenses of its members. Each
service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated
service, application process' and restrictions. This money is
usually paid directly to the institution by the individual
services. TA is not a loan; it should be viewed as money you
have earned just like your base pay.
Deployed Soldiers Can Retain Uniforms
A temporary change to Army uniform policy now allows
active-duty Soldiers to retain the Army Combat Uniforms they
were issued prior to deployment into combat zones. Active Army
Soldiers may retain their ACUs issued through OCIE guidance as
listed on their OCIE clothing record until permanent change of
station, expiration of term of service or retirement,
whichever occurs first. Redeploying Soldiers from all
components who will end their term of service must turn in
ACUs to their home station, or demobilization clothing issue
points. Questions on OCIE-issued ACUs may be addressed to
Shirley Bryant-Harper at (703) 614-0956 or Col. Rebecca Samson
at (703) 693-9957.
Pentagon Channel Features Wounded Warriors
A new Pentagon Channel documentary, "Finding Their Way,"
revisits wounded warriors in their recovery to see how they
are doing. While vastly improved care has resulted in far
fewer fatalities than was the case in prior wars, it has also
forced many servicemembers to face lives with missing limbs
and other significant physical and emotional wounds that in
past wars would have seemed insurmountable challenges. The
Pentagon Channel wanted to see how these wounded warriors are
"Finding Their Way." The documentary will air on the channel
over the next four weeks. It is also currently available via
podcast and video on demand at the (http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/)
Pentagon Channel.
Suicide Risk Doubles Among Veterans
Researchers in Portland, Ore. have found that the risk for
suicide doubles among white, male veterans. Mark S. Kaplan,
Ph.D., of Portland State University, and his colleagues have
reported in the July issue of the Journal of Epidemiology and
Community Health that the risk of suicide was greatest among
those with few friends or family who had chronic medical or
psychiatric conditions. The authors concluded that the
findings have substantial public health implications and
healthcare facilities outside the VA system that serve
veterans should recognize the increased risk of suicide in
this population. The study was funded by the National
Institute of Mental Health.
Veterans Benefit from Maryland Scholarships
A new state scholarship program in Maryland makes scholarships
available for veterans of the Iraq or Afghanistan wars, their
spouses and their children. Eligible applicants must be
accepted at a four-year Maryland college or a two-year program
and maintain at least a 2.5 grade-point average. Awards vary
and cover 50 percent of tuition and fees at an applicant's
chosen institution, with this year's average scholarship
amount at $5,360. Students can use the scholarship monies for
five years of full-time study or eight years of part-time
study. For more information, visit the (http://www.mhec.state.md.us/financialAid/ProgramDescriptions/prog_vaic.asp)
Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship
Program website.
Command Recruiting Reservists
U.S. Joint Forces Command, with headquarters in Norfolk, Va.,
is recruiting 240 reservists to serve in Standing Joint Force
Headquarters Core Element teams. The command needs reservists
in grades E-7 to O-6 from all components. Those accepted for
the unit would be on-call and be ready to report within 48
hours and deploy within 72 hours of notification. To be
selected, reservists must have a secret clearance and be
eligible for top secret. Ideally, officials would like
reservists to have taken joint professional military education
courses and have experience at large joint headquarters. For
more information on the Standing Joint Force Headquarters Core
Element, visit its (http://www.jfcom.mil/about/fact_sjfhq.htm)
website.
Power Wheelchairs for Veterans
ClickOnHealth works with Medicare and your secondary insurance
providers to get you a new Power Wheelchair at little or not
cost. They will take care of all the details and work directly
with your doctor to find the wheelchair that's best for you.
You won't be bothered with confusing insurance paperwork and
they offer free home delivery. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//www.clickonhealth.com/power_wheelchairs/%3Fvendor_id%3D178%26campaign_id%3D239&code=VR_061807_WheelChair)
Get more info here.
TRICARE Redesigns Website
Obtaining information is going to get easier for TRICARE
beneficiaries as they will soon be able to access TRICARE
information tailored for them through the new My Benefits
portal. Upon entering the My Benefits portal, beneficiaries
will answer a few questions about themselves including their
military status, where they live and their TRICARE health
plan. By answering these three questions, content is tailored
to meet their needs. Beneficiaries will no longer have to wade
through webpages of content to find the information that
pertains to them. The TRICARE Website currently has an
(http://www.tricare.mil/overview/) online demo of the new
portal available.
DoD Bone Marrow Donor Program
The DoD Marrow Donor Program adds more people to the National
Bone Marrow Donor Registry than any other organization. One of
the program's benefits is that there is no registration cost
for military members and government employees. Anyone who
would like to hold a bone marrow drive can contact the DoD
Bone Marrow Donor Center at 1-800-MARROW-3. For more
information, including a schedule of upcoming bone marrow
drives, visit the C. W. Bill Young DoD (http://www.dodmarrow.com/)
Bone Marrow Donor Center website.
Naval War College Seeks Program Applicants
The Naval War College (NWC) Fleet Seminar Program will be
offered in 20 regional locations for the academic year
2007-2008. The program delivers Navy and joint intermediate
level professional military education and is available to
officers and selected command master chiefs. There is no
tuition fee, and course materials are provided on a loan
basis. All applicants must have previously earned a
baccalaureate degree. The deadline for applications is June
30, 2007, and all applicants will be advised of their
enrollment status by mid-August 2007. For more information,
and to submit an application, visit the Naval War College of
Distance Education's (CDE) (http://www.nwc.navy.mil/admissions/fsp.aspx)
Fleet Seminar Program webpage. s.
Navy Seeks Doctoral Applicants
The Navy is seeking officers as applicants for the Doctoral
Studies Program for 2008. Doctoral degrees are available in
Naval Construction, Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering,
Combat Systems (Acoustics), and Oceanography. Applications
should be submitted no later than Oct.1, 2007 to Office of
Admissions, Code 01C3, Naval Postgraduate School, 1 University
Circle HE-022, Monterey, CA 93943--5100. For more information,
telephone Lt. Terrence Jones, Graduate Education Placement
Officer-COMNAVPERSCOM (PERS-440B) at (901) 874-4056/DSN: 882.
Be 'Red Cross Ready'
How can you prepare for something as devastating as an
earthquake or tsunami? The best way is to be "Red Cross Ready"
by having a disaster kit, making a plan and being informed.
"If you need to leave the house, where is your family going to
meet?" says Jane Dustman of the Yokota Air Base Red Cross
office. "The other thing is to be prepared to have your
information, such as birth certificates and legal wills,
available where you can carry them out with you." If an
earthquake or tsunami happens in your area, send an e-mail to
your family saying that the disaster did not impact you and
that you are safe. For more information on being Red Cross
Ready, visit the (https://www.redcross.org/) Red Cross
website.
Military Homefront Aids Relocation
The Department of Defense website (http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/portal/page/itc/MHF/MHF_HOME_1?section_id=20.40.500.400.0.0.0.0.0)
Military Homefront gives detailed information on the major
military installations for use by servicemembers and their
families during a permanent change of station (PCS) move. Most
of the installations within Military Homefront have maps of
the base showing the barracks and military housing for
families. You will also find information about services
available on the installation, the local community, education,
employment, medical & dental, Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR)
events, relocation services, support services, child and teen
services, survival tips for those new to the military, and
special events on the base.
Forecasters Predict Active Hurricane Season
National Hurricane Center (NHC) officials predict this year's
Atlantic hurricane season to have a 75 percent chance of being
an "above average" season. NHC forecasters predict the 2007
Atlantic hurricane season will have 13 to 17 named storms, of
which seven to 10 could become hurricanes and three to five of
these could become Category 3 or higher major hurricanes. The
Atlantic hurricane season, which began in June 1, continues
through Nov. 30, 2007. For information on hurricane
preparedness, visit the (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/family_plan.shtml)
National Hurricane Center's Family Disaster Plan webpage and
the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive
Medicine's (http://usachppm.apgea.army.mil/news/hurricaneresources.asp)
Hurricane Preparedness and Response Resources webpage.
College Offers Free Courses to Veterans
Queens College in Flushing, New York is offering free courses
in its Continuing Education Program to veterans returning from
Iraq and Afghanistan. Courses are offered in real estate,
computers and technology, health care, music, art, insurance
licensing, photography, writing, speech and more. Tuition
costs of any of the courses that are not covered by the
Veterans Administration will be offered free of charge to the
veterans through this summer and 2008. Space is limited, but
the college is reserving at least two seats in each course for
qualified veterans on a first-come, first-served basis. For
more information, visit the (http://qcpages.qc.cuny.edu/CEP/cep/index.htm)
Queens College Continuing Education Program website.
Student Aid Application Deadline Nears
The upcoming deadline for submitting federal student aid
applications is due July 2, 2007. Submitting an application
for federal student aid may qualify some students for benefits
such as the Pell Grant and Stafford Loan which can supplement
some military educational benefits such as Navy Tuition
Assistance (TA). To apply for federal student aid, students
must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA),
which can be filled out online at the (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/)
Federal Student Aid FAFSA website. The application is lengthy
and requires tax return information, so students are
encouraged to have their most recent W-2s handy. Students much
fill out a new FAFSA each fiscal year.
Wisconsin May Scale Back Tuition
Lawmakers in Wisconsin are moving to scale back a fast-growing
tuition program for Wisconsin veterans by eliminating the
provision for free graduate school and a lifetime to use the
aid. Their plan would force universities and technical
colleges to raise tuition or make cuts to other programs to
accommodate the veterans who are enrolling in greater numbers
than expected. The program was signed into law by Wisconsin
Gov. (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=31791) Jim Doyle on
Memorial Day in 2006 and guaranteed free tuition to any
Wisconsin veteran who enrolled in public universities starting
in fall 2007. Currently, a program that reduces tuition by 50
percent still remains in effect.
Commissaries Pull Contact Lens Solution
Commissaries worldwide have been directed to discuss all
Complete MoisturePlus contact lens solutions manufactured by
Advanced Medical Optics of Santa Ana, Calif. due to a link to
acanthamoeba keratitis, which is caused by a parasite.
Commissary patrons who have this product at home should return
it to the store from which they purchased it for a full
refund. Consumers can report adverse events related to these
products to the Food and Drug Administration's (http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm)
MedWatch or call the company at 1-888-899-9183. Additional
information about the acanthamoeba infection is available from
the (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/acanthamoeba/index.htm)
CDC Website.
Air Force Centers Renamed
All Air Force "life skills support centers" are being renamed
"mental health clinics" effective immediately. It was
determined that the name "life skills" was confusing and did
not appropriately reflect the mission of providing mental
health services. The name change will be accomplished at Air
Force installations within a few months. Although the change
is immediate, practical details such as posting signs and
updating regulations will take some time.
Bill to Improve Care for Veterans
Responding to shabby treatment of wounded Soldiers at Walter
Reed Army Medical Center, a group of senators moved to boost
disability pay to those hurt in combat and improve care for
brain injury. The measure also would expand medical care and
counseling to family members and require better cooperation to
end red tape for disabled servicemembers moving from Pentagon
to Veterans Affairs care.
The measure would boost military severance pay for those
rated with less than 30 percent disability and eliminate the
current requirement that severance pay be deducted from
disability pay. It would also set up Pentagon pilot programs
that would give the VA a greater role in the evaluation
system, a major shift in how benefits are administered.
Senators Call for Prosthetic Research
U.S. Senators (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=202&lvl=C&chamber=S)
Daniel Akaka and (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=206&lvl=C&chamber=S)
Larry Craig - the top Democrat and top Republican on the
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs - have sent a joint
letter urging a substantial increase for medical and
prosthetic research within the U.S. Department of Veterans'
Affairs. Their letter was directed to the leaders of the
Senate Appropriations Committee, which has jurisdiction over
financing both military construction and projects impacting
veterans. "A robust research program is also essential if VA
is to match the needs of servicemembers returning from combat
who are suffering injuries that would have been fatal in
previous wars," the senators said.
VA Prosecutes Defrauders of Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently
prosecuted successfully several people who mishandled the
finances of veterans and family members unable to manage their
own affairs. The cases included a Los Angeles resident who
embezzling $1 million from veterans who were too disabled to
handle their own financial matters and the daughter and
son-in-law of an elderly Alaskan veteran with Alzheimer's
disease who diverted the veteran's compensation for personal
use. To report suspected fraud involving veterans benefits,
other crimes, fraud, waste or mismanagement in the VA, please
contact the Office of Inspector General Hotline at
1-800-488-8244 or email at (mailto:vaoig.hotline@forum.va.gov)
vaoig.hotline@forum.va.gov.
San Diego Air and Space Museum
Situated in the heart of San Diego's Balboa Park, the San
Diego Air and Space Museum offers active-duty servicemembers
and their family members a free look at the evolution of
aviation. Created in 1935 by the Ford Motor Company, the
museum's exhibits feature various aircraft from the Wright
Brothers first gliders to spacecraft from the Apollo missions.
The museum pays special tribute to some of the military's most
renowned aces and heroes. The museum is open daily 10 a.m. -
5:30 p.m. For more information call 619-234-8291 or visit
(http://www.aerospacemuseum.org/) www.aerospacemuseum.org.
VA Medical Centers Extending Hours
In order to provide more health care for more veterans,
especially mental health services, the 153 medical centers of
the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have been directed to
keep their doors open longer. The extended hours are mainly
based on the need to ensure VA's more than 9,000 mental health
professionals are available when veterans need them. The
Department of Veterans' Affairs has not specified what the new
hours will be. Visit the (http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash=1)
VA Facility Locator to find the nearest VA Health Care
Facility.
Mental Health Task Force Results
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates received the Department of
Defense Task Force on Mental Health results and forwarded them
to the Congress on June 14. The department will have six
months to develop and implement a corrective action plan.
"This report points to significant shortfalls in achieving
goals and taking care of our servicemembers and their
families," said Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of
defense for health affairs. "We will continue to address the
need for mental health care in order to reinforce our
commitment to providing the best care in the world to our
servicemembers and their families who deserve no less. How do
you feel about this issue? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=9887281&type=CO)
Let your public officials know how you feel!
State Department Relaxes Passport Requirements
Americans will not be required to have a passport to visit
Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda through Sept. 30,
2007 if they have applied for a passport and have not yet
received it. To travel to the above countries, you will need
(1) a receipt from the state department showing that you have
applied for a passport and (2) a government-issued photo
identification, such as a driver's license. Travelers who have
not applied for a passport should not expect to be
accommodated under this initiative. U.S. citizens with pending
passport applications can obtain proof of application at
(http://www.travel.state.gov/) www.travel.state.gov. This
accommodation does not affect passport requirements to visit
other countries. For more information, visit the (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_3254.html)
U.S. Department of State website.
Military Family Students Can Still Apply for Trip
A group that recognizes high school students whose lives are
affected by extreme circumstances is offering trips to the
nation's capital for teens with a deployed parent. The Student
Youth and Travel Association has extended of the deadline for
its Silver Lining Program to June 25. This summer's program
will take place here July 25-28. It's open to military
students ages 14-19 who have a parent serving abroad and who
have been affected by the Iraq war, according to an
association news release. Applicants must submit an essay,
video presentation, or other media that details how they've
demonstrated through their action, intention, or circumstance,
the desire to overcome an extreme circumstance with the
intention of creating a dramatic life change.
Completed applications can be mailed to the Student and
Youth Travel Association Youth Foundation, 3048 W. Clarkston
Rd., Lake Orion, MI 48362. Applications also can be faxed to
(248) 814-7150. More information and a program application can
be found on the (http://www.sytayouthfoundation.org/uploads/Scholarships/SilverLiningApplicationF.pdf)
Silver Lining Program Application Website.
Army Chaplains Benefits and Incentives
U.S. Army Chaplains serve both God and country by bringing
their unique gifts with which they are endowed by God, to the
Soldiers of our nation in the broad, challenging, diverse, and
ever changing environment of the Army. While the benefits and
pay of an Army Chaplain are often much better than what a
minister normally receives, the requirements and stakes are
much higher. As a part of the Army Strong family, you and your
family earn the right to countless lifestyle benefits and
privileges including: exceptional pay and allowances, 30 days
vacation annually, housing allowances, comprehensive health
care coverage for the entire family, up to $400,000 in life
insurance at low rates, uniform allowance, tax free shopping
and more. Your nation needs you.
AMVETS Operation DVD
AMVETS' Operation DVD collects new and used DVDs to distribute
overseas to U.S. military personnel. Americans can donate
their new and used DVDs, which will then be shipped to our
fighting men and women overseas. If you have DVDs to donate,
or want to make a donation for postage, write AMVETS,
Operation DVD, 1395 E Dublin-Granville #222, Columbus, OH
43229, or visit the (http://www.operationdvd.us/index.php)
AMVETS Operation DVD website.
War Wounded Underpaid
Disability compensation for veterans severely wounded in Iraq
and Afghanistan, particularly the youngest, is set too low,
creating a lifetime earnings gap with non-disabled peers,
according to a draft study on disabled veterans' incomes
prepared for the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission. The
same study found that disability compensation probably is set
too high for veterans who first begin drawing the disability
payments at age 65 or older, having already retired from
post-service careers.
This imbalance in disability compensation paid by the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was a point of contention
at a June 8 commission hearing. Congress created the
commission to examine the appropriateness of benefits being
paid to veterans and their survivors.
While some commissioners expressed satisfaction that
"average" VA compensation was adequate, and others challenged
the notion of elderly veterans being over compensated,
Commissioner Dennis V. McGinn, a retired Navy vice admiral,
said something must be done to raise compensation of younger
veterans.
ABCTE Announces Teacher Certification in U.S. History
ABCTE recently began accepting applications from individuals
interested in pursuing Passport to Teaching certification in
U.S. history. All candidates must prepare for and pass both
the teaching knowledge and U.S. history exams.
ABCTE has worked for almost two years to develop the
research-based U.S. history certification. The standards and
certification development process included participation from
leading teachers, education officials and U.S. history subject
area experts.
Individuals can (https://mypass.abcte.org/) enroll in the
program online to pursue the U.S. history certification
through Passport to Teaching. ABCTE is currently working with
several states to allow candidates to earn full state
certification with the U.S. History Passport to Teaching
certification program.
In addition to the new U.S. history certification, ABCTE
offers certification in elementary education, English,
mathematics, general science, biology, physics, chemistry and
special education.
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