FW: Mental Health Resources for Veterans on AVVA

i have also added this to the list on the left side of our blog

Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2013 15:58:26 -0400

Subject: Mental Health Resources for Veterans on AVVA
From: melissa@reingoldassociates.com
To: questions@chapter17lasvegas.org

Hi

A couple of weeks ago I emailed you about Make the Connection, which provides extensive resources for Veterans suffering from mental health conditions.  Make the Connection also features video testimonials from Veterans from all eras and branches and VA approved treatment and support resources.  I believe these resources would be a good addition to the your resources listed on http://www.chapter17lasvegas.org/resources.html.

Let me know if I can answer any questions or provide you with additional information on these valuable resources for Veterans. 

Thanks,

Melissa Schaff

PS – To add Make the Connection images or banners to your site, download them at: http://maketheconnection.net/resources/spread-the-word

I've added the paragraph below in case you would like language to describe the link:

Make the Connection provides personal video testimonials and resources to help Veterans discover ways to improve their lives. The site also provides informational resources on mental health conditions such as PTSD and depression, and symptoms of problems such as drug and alcohol abuse.

FW: Elks Veterans day breakfast

From: rserge1@outlook.com
To: grumpiebob.navy1969@blogger.com; grumpiebob.alp76@blogger.com
Subject: FW: Elks Veterans day breakfast
Date: Sat, 28 Sep 2013 07:43:07 -0700

Thank You

Robert Serge

VVA 17 Member

Blog Master

---

From: vva17fstvice@live.com
To: rserge1@outlook.com
Subject: FW: Elks Veterans day breakfast
Date: Fri, 27 Sep 2013 20:16:08 -0400

to see the flyer just click on link below

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B11axbziSq-EOTFtNjV2NFZ0bTQ/edit?usp=sharing

Good morning all, The Kingman Elks are having their annual veterans day breakfast Sunday, November 10th at 8:00 AM. I have attached the flier to this email and ask that you post it where appropriate. Thanks for all you do for veterans and their families. Dorn Patrick Farrell President Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council P.O. Box 4463 Kingman, AZ. 86402 928-753-5239

FW: By military, for military

Thank You

Robert Serge

VVA 17 Member

Blog Master

> Date: Wed, 25 Sep 2013 17:15:22 +0000
> Subject: By military, for military
> From: kara@aafmaafacts.com
> To: rserge1@outlook.com
>
> Hi
>
> As a leading blogger on the issues facing the military community and its families, you are well aware of the uncertainties our active and veteran service members are feeling at this time – particularly from the threat of downsizing. Many military members across our country will be making hard choices in the days ahead that could have a permanent impact on the financial security of their families.
>
> No one who has honorably served this country should be forced to decide between quality of life for their families and their long-term financial security. And yet, that's what many will be asked to do when they will have to opt to pay for higher-cost commercial life insurance or to go without. And this is but one of the many choices these folks will have to make about retirement, survivor benefits and more.
>
> I know about these choices. I work for AAFMAA, a mutual aid association created by members of the military for members of the military. We provide low-cost life insurance, survivor services, and financial planning to those who risk everything for this country.
>
> Unfortunately, too few of them know about AAFMAA, and that's why I am writing you today.
>
> This is not a sales pitch. All I'm asking of you, as a trusted voice with the ear of military families, is to share the AAFMAA story on Vietnam Veterans of America Chapters and let your readers know that someone is watching out for them. They do have a choice. Then, they can decide if and how AAFMAA might be able to help.
>
> I want to keep this email short, so I have created a website with some basic details, history and facts about AAFMAA. Please have a look and feel free to borrow any information you think might be helpful on your blog in making sure our military families are as safe and secure as our nation:
>
> www.aafmaafacts.com
>
> Please let me know if you have any questions or need more information. If you are able to blog on about this, please let me know. I'd love to share a link with AAFMAA's 90,000+ members.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Kara

Rock the 2nd

   

Rock the 2nd!!
A CELEBRATION OF OUR SECOND AMENDMENT!!

Saturday, September 21st
During day 2 of the Wild Fest at the Rio Hotel and Casino
Gates open at 11am

PRINT THIS PAGE FOR ONE FREE RAFFLE TICKET

Print this email and bring it with you to the Wild Fest box office to receive one free raffle ticket.

WeAreLiberty.org/rockthe2nd
www.NVFAC.org

Come join the Nevada Firearms Coalition and the American Liberty Coalition at the Nevada Wild Fest in celebration of our gun rights! All day drawings for guns, ammunition, gear and gift certificates from local firearms dealers and ranges!!

Wild Fest will feature carnival rides and midway, food, drinks, and live entertainment. Tickets to the Wild Fest can be purchased at the door ($10). Check out NevadaWildFest.com

PLUS

Special Guest Speakers: Judge Jim Gray & Wayne Allyn Root

Performance by Danielle Bradbery, winner of NBC's The Voice in 2013

Add 'Rock the 2nd' time and location to your calendar with this QR-code.

UPCOMING EVENTS

CHAPTER YARD SALE OCT 5- 8 AM-3 PM
come set up a table and sell your unwanted
items-small donation to setup requested

POWWOW-OCT 26-27 SUNSET PARK
come support the Intertribal Council and 
Chapter 17

CHILI DINNER-NOV 2 - 5 PM-RSVP to
Mike Giancola by Oct 29 so we know how much 
to prepare-please call 396-2338

VETERANS DAY AT THE HOME IN BOULDER CITY -wear your colors

HOLIDAY BAZAAR-NOV 23-8 AM-3 PM

THANKSGIVING DAY AT THE HARD
ROCK- everyone welcome to help 
wear your colors

dedication day

check this out

BensenVietnamBuildTeam2013

Checkout this link below Its on the build in Vietnam. there pictures of the team and there project


https://www.facebook.com/BensenVietnamBuildTeam2013

I also but a link on the left side of blogs i fellow

VVA ELECTIONS RESULTS

(just click on link below for post  )


https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B11axbziSq-EcU8zMF9DTVJXeEk/edit?usp=sharing

EX Board meeting and chapter meeting

This is just to remind everyone that there is no meetings for August 2013 See everyone in Sept. And as you can see I have been updating our blog 

veteran hand salute

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B11axbziSq-EMmxxS09oRTh1b2s/edit?usp=sharing

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B11axbziSq-EX3lPSVdXV25JN0U/edit?usp=sharing

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B11axbziSq-EZXpENzNHakptcXc/edit?

usp=sharinghttps://docs.google.com/file/d/0B11axbziSq-ET1p6cENyVng1dmc/edit?

usp=sharinghttps://docs.google.com/file/d/0B11axbziSq-EaG83OEE1YTN5aWc/edit?usp=sharing

From: Bob Griffith [ mailto:bob.griffith@comcast.net]

Military salute by veterans at flag ceremonies

The U.S. Code was amended by Congress in 2008 to authorize the military salute for veterans and members of the armed forces when not in uniform. Yet, today, Congresss’ patriotic intention to acknowledge our veterans service and sacrifice remains disappointingly unfulfilled. There are 25,000,000 veterans and to see a person rendering the hand salute is a very uncommon occurrence. 

We need to change that! Our citizens want our veterans to be standing tall, together, rendering a proud salute in full recognition of their service to the nation. The attached letter clarifies the reasons that we do not, to date, see saluting veterans everywhere. Moreover, it identifies the plan to promote the Veteran Salute program, primarily through the cooperation of the major sports networks. This is not a plan for the future but one in place now to be implemented completely in the next several months. 

As an important veterans support organization, your help is needed to help realize the goal. Please, 

1. Print out the attached letter Veteran Salute Program for details of Veteran Salute.

2. Email the attached Concurrence Statement to veteransalute@comcast.net 
    by July 31st, 2013; it will be used to support our appeal to the sport franchises.

3. Begin planning efforts to disseminate information to your membership

Congress did its job by mandating the military salute privilege for our veterans. Now it is time for us to implement the change. Please join other veteran organizations in encouraging our veterans to exercise the distinct privilege of rendering the military salute at flag ceremonies. These saluting veterans will enrich our traditional flag ceremonies for generations to a grateful nation.

Robert E Griffith
CDR, USNR(Ret)
2190 Lake Shore Circle
Arlington Hts, IL 60004
veteransalute@comcast.net 
847 380-0462
July 19, 2013

Endorsements: Rep. Jeff Miller, Chairman, House Committee on Veterans Affairs; Senator Mark Kirk; Senator Richard Durbin; Rep J. Schakowski

Veteran Service Organizations

Air Force Assn; Air Force Sergeants Assn; American Legion; Amer Ex-Prisoners of War; Amer GI Forum of the U.S.; Amer Military Retirees Assn; AMVETS; Disabled American Veterans; Fleet Reserve Assn; Iraq/Afghanistan Vets of America; Korean Veterans of America; Korean War Veterans Assn; Marine Corps League; Mil Order of the Purple Heart; Military Officers Assn of America (MOAA); Natl Assoc for Uniformed Services; Naval Enlisted Reserve Association; Navy League of the United States; Non Commissioned Officers Assn; Paralyzed Veterans of America; Reserve Enlisted Association; TREA; USCG Chief Petty Officers Association; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Veterans of Vietnam War; Vietnam Veterans of America; Wounded Warriors

VA update FYI

VA Public Affairs <VAPublicAffairs@va.gov>

Recent VA News Releases

To view and download VA news releases, please visit the following Internet address:

                                http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel

VA Has Converted Over 30 Percent of Disability Claims into Digital Files

165 Million Pages Have Been Scanned and Uploaded to Help Transform Paper-Based Claims Process to Digital Environment

WASHINGTON(July 18, 2013)—The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has reached another milestone in its disability claims transformation process – over 30 percent of the current disability claims inventory is now digital and accessible to claim raters in VA’s electronic claims processing system, which has now been fielded ahead of schedule at all 56 Regional Offices across the country. This effort is a key part of transforming outdated paper processing into an electronic system that is delivering disability claims decisions for Veterans more quickly. In addition, all incoming paper claims are transformed into digital records for electronic processing using VA’s new claims processing software and electronic repository.

“A key element that slows our process is the thousands of tons of paper documents we handle each year related to Veterans’ claims,” said Undersecretary for Benefits Allison A. Hickey. “While we continue to expand our ability to process claims electronically, we still have to handle those we receive in paper form— the Veterans Claims Intake Program (VCIP) is our answer to this and helps us move into a fully digital environment.”

On Sep. 28, 2012, VA established the VCIP program to maximize the use of electronic intake for all claims, creating digital, searchable files. The document conversion service, part of VCIP, has now been implemented at all 56 VA regional claims processing offices across the country. VCIP is a capability that enables high-speed document scanning to help VA end its reliance on paper-based claims.  With VCIP, a new paper claim that is received at a regional office is recorded in VA’s electronic claims processing system—called the Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS)—and shipped to one of three document conversion locations to be scanned and converted into digital images.  The document images, which are made keyword searchable in the conversion, are placed into a VBMS electronic folder for use by the VA employees who work the Veteran’s claim. 

Digital conversion improves processing timeliness by eliminating paper folder transport, reducing manual data entry, streamlining the review of medical records, and standardizing correspondence with Veterans and beneficiaries. To date, VA has converted more than 165 million pages of claims documents to digital images, and continues to add over 1 million images into VBMS every day.

“Finding a key piece of evidence in a thick paper file folder takes time,” said James Thomas, a claims specialist at the Salt Lake VA Regional Office. “With digital claims records, we can find all the key information related to the claim with a key stroke.”

At the same time, VA is working closely with the Department of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Service Organizations to urge Veterans and separating Servicemembers to file their disability claims electronically and, when possible, to file a Fully Developed Claim through the joint DoD/VA online portal, eBenefits (www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits).  Registered eBenefits users with a Premium account can file a claim online, track the status, and access information on a variety of other benefits, including pension, education, health care, home loan, and vocational rehabilitation and employment programs.  Additionally, eBenefits users can take advantage of 50 self-service features that both VA and DoD have made available.

VA is continuing to implement several initiatives to meet Secretary Shinseki’s goal to eliminate the claims backlog in 2015.  In May, VA announced that it was mandating overtime for claims processors in its 56 regional benefits offices to increase production of compensations claims decisions, which will continue through the end of FY 2013.  In June, VA announced that under an initiative launched in April to expedite disability compensation claims decisions for Veterans who have a waited a year or longer, more than 65,000 claims nationwide – or 97 percent  of all claims over two years old in the inventory – had been eliminated from the backlog.

Today, VA’s total claims inventory remains at lower levels not seen since August 2011 and the number of claims in the VA backlog – claims pending over 125 days – has been reduced by nearly 12 percent since the “oldest claims first” initiative began.

VA continues to prioritize disability claims for homeless Veterans, those experiencing extreme financial hardship, the terminally ill, former Prisoners of War, Medal of Honor recipients, and Veterans filing Fully Developed Claims, which is the quickest way for Veterans to receive a decision on their compensation claim (http://www.benefits.va.gov/fdc/).

Claims for Wounded Warriors separating from the military for medical reasons will continue to be handled separately and on a priority basis with DoD through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES).

Veterans can learn more about disability benefits, and register and/or upgrade to a free Premium account on the joint Department of Defense/VA web portal eBenefits atwww.ebenefits.va.gov.

vva chapter 17

U.S. Navy Corpsman Finally Laid to Rest

Welcome Home - Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Michael B. Judd

http://www.navy.mil/ah_online/ftrStory.asp?issue=3&id=75404

VVA Chapter 17

 Hi Everyone

As of today, this Thursday July 18th the following funerals are scheduled for 8:40 at the Southern Nevada Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Buchanan Blvd, Boulder City, 89005. These funerals are for Veteran’s that have no one. This week’s people scheduled are:

From the Air Force:   Gary Harris

From the Army: Scott Noerr

    From Unknown branch:  James Nenan

As a side note, for anyone interested in riding over together, we will meet for breakfast at IHOP diagonally across the street from Sam’s town on Boulder Hwy around 6:50. It will be KSU at 7:50 to head to BC.

      Also next week will be our anniversary.  We will have been doing the Thursday Internments now for a year straight and I just want to thank everyone so much for caring.

Thank you Bob Donaghy

Some Thoughts on Veterans Assistance from vva1076

 

please open and read ( click on link below)


https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B11axbziSq-EejVaTk43YlkzaEk/edit?usp=sharing

VVA CHAPTER17

you can check out VA updates (by clicking the link below)



https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B11axbziSq-EampFMVY2T2tObEk/edit?usp=sharing

this is must watch be proud

This is good - VERY GOOD!

WOW---what a fantastic song and video------gotta make you proud to be an American!!------Pass this one on and on!!!

America - New Song!

Enjoy....! WOULD BE NICE TO KEEP THIS ONE MOVING THROUGH OUT OUR COUNTRY!!!!!

 

                        http://www.youtube.com/v/6TPgJSZf5Vw?

 

VA info on benefits

check this on VA Benefits sent to from chapter 106 out of Tucson AZ.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B11axbziSq-ERlgxblVsMkh1Q0U/edit?usp=sharing

For your info and I respectfully request you disperse this info to All Veterans, Subject: DSO at North Clinic

The Disabled American Veterans, Department of Nevada now has a Department Service Officer located at the VA North Clinic, address is 916 West Owens Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89106.

 

The DSO is Mark Melton, his office is in Room 363, phone number is (702) 791-9000, ext. 15859.  His days and hours at the West Owens Ave., location are Monday-Friday 0800-1130. First come first served no appointments.

 

Richard Walker

Adj. DAV Dept. of Nevada

vva info national convention

  

The overflow hotel for the convention.  

GROUP RATES·      $ 79.00 – For Standard Rooms (2 double beds, queen or king beds) overlooking the city skyline and beautiful sunset
·      $ 99.00 – For Standard Rooms overlooking the St. Johns River
·      $ 129.00 – Junior Suites (king beds with sitting area including pull out sofa) with a River View
·      Rates do not include applicable state and local taxes which currently total 13%.
·      Hotel will honor group rates up to 2 days pre and post event dates.

RESERVATIONS:In order for your guests to make their individual reservations as conveniently as possible, please advise them to contact one of our Reservations Departments as shown below. It is important for group reservations to be received by our Reservations Department no later than 8/1/2013. After the cut-off date, reservations may not be accepted at the special group rate.

• Please request the group rate for the Vietnam Veterans of America / Overflow from Hyatt.   Reservations can be made at 888-233-9527
• In-House Reservations: (904) 398-8800 Ext. 4027 - Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.
• Crowne Plaza Worldwide: 1-800-227-6963 (1-800-2CROWNE) - After 5:00 pm or weekends.

Canceling your reservation after 72 hours prior to arrival or failing to show on your day of arrival will result in a charge that is equal to the first night’s stay to your credit card for each room reserved. Failing to call or show before 2:00 am after the first night of a reservation will result in cancellation of the remainder of your reservation.

PARKING FEES:Daily Attendees    Complimentary (normally $10.00/day)
Overnight Guests: Complimentary (normally $10.00/day)
Valet Parking:       $14.00/Day

For downtown transportation, the Skyway Express is available around town and across the river for COMPLIMENTARY; as well as the Water Taxi, (904)733-7782, for $3.00 - $5.00 per person each way. WAIVED SELF PARKING FOR THE VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA.   

Projected number of delegates in Jacksonville

Alabama                                                      29

Alaska                                                           4

Arizona                                                        20

Arkansas                                                       8

California                                                     50

Colorado                                                        2

Connecticut                                                    8

Delaware                                                        0

Florida                                                          61

Georgia                                                        15

Idaho                                                              3

Illinois                                                           34

Indiana                                                         22

Iowa                                                             10

Kansas                                                          4

Kentucky                                                     10

Louisiana                                                     26

Maine                                                            2

Maryland                                                     36

Massachusetts                                            15

Michigan                                                      45

Minnesota                                                    10

Mississippi                                                     7

Missouri                                                       20

Montana                                                        1

Nebraska                                                     no response

Nevada                                                        12

New Hampshire                                             2

New Jersey                                                  25

New Mexico                                                   4

New York                                                     75

North Carolina                                             22

North Dakota                                                 4

Ohio                                                             40

Oklahoma                                                    27

Oregon                                                        15

Pennsylvania                                               25

Puerto Rico                                                   4

Rhode Island                                                 9

South Carolina                                             17

South Dakota                                                 4

Tennessee                                                   47

Texas                                                           31

Vermont                                                         1

Virginia                                                         23

Washington                                                     7

West Virginia                                                 20

Wisconsin                                                      12

D.C.                                                                  1

TOTAL                                                         869

happy 4th of july VVA chapter 17 & 1076

Happy 4th of July!.... Let' s get this started ,NOW! So it will be out there on the fourth! I thought how many men like him had fallen through the years. How many died on foreign soil; how many mothers' tears?  How many pilots' planes shot down? How many died at sea? How many foxholes were soldiers' graves? NO, FREEDOM ISN'T FREE ! I heard the sound of Taps one night, when everything was still. I listened to the bugler play And felt a sudden chill. I wondered just how many times That Taps had meant 'Amen.'  When a flag had draped a coffin of a brother or a friend.  I thought of all the children, of the mothers and the wives, of fathers, sons and husbands With interrupted lives.  I thought about a graveyard At the bottom of the sea.  Of unmarked graves in  Arlington . NO FREEDOM ISN'T FREE Enjoy Your Freedom  and  God Bless Our Troops. When you receive this,  please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our servicemen.   Of all the gifts you could give a U.S. Soldier, prayer is the very best one.

Pray for those left behind