 Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs August 21, 2006
This Issue: n News of the Week o State And County Governments Launch Veterans’ Outreach Kiosks o DFAS Reminds Customers to Update Pay Account Status o DoD to Host Freedom Walk o Walter Reed Builds Amputee Patient Treatment Annex o A Guide for Families of Wounded Service Members o Change to the Servicemembers Group Life Insurance Program o Disabled Retiree Back Pay Update o Justice Department Presents Web Site to Explain Military Rights o Disabled Vet Jobs o Program Provides Disabled Veterans Job Placement, Training o VA Will Provide Credit Protection Against Identity Theft n News from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs n 2006 Veteran Organization Convention Schedule n Florida Job Fair Information n Veterans Bills - 2006 Legislative Session Report n Supporting Veterans n State Veterans’ Homes Program n Links and References n Editor’s Note
News of the Week
State And County Governments Launch Veterans’ Outreach Kiosks
Kiosks aim to improve outreach to more veterans.
TAMPA – The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) and the Pinellas County Tax Collector’s Office launched the state’s first Veterans’ Information Kiosk today at the Mid-County Tax Collector’s Office on Starkey Road. The kiosk is part of a pilot program that will soon include six additional units.
“This is truly a win/win situation where county and state governments are collaborating to improve services to veterans,” said FDVA Executive Director Rocky McPherson. “Many Florida veterans have not applied for VA benefits, and so the aim of the kiosks is to inform more veterans and their spouses of available benefits.”
The kiosks will enable veterans and their spouses to request information regarding disability, medical, and education benefits, State of Florida benefits, State Veterans’ Homes, and veterans’ employment. There is also a map locating Florida service offices.
”We are proud to be a partner in service with the FDVA helping Florida’s veterans and their families, particularly to the large number of veterans that enrich the population of Pinellas County,” said Pinellas County Tax Collector Diane Nelson. Florida is home to the second largest veteran population in the nation and has the fastest growing veteran population among the states. The “over 65” veteran population is the highest in the nation. FDVA helps Florida veterans, their families and survivors improve their health and economic well being through quality benefits information, advocacy, education and long-term health services. For more information on benefits and assistance available to Florida’s veterans, you may log onto the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Web site at www.FloridaVets.org.
DFAS Reminds Customers To Update Pay Account Status
The Defense Accounting and Finance Service (DFAS) is reminding all military retirees and annuitants to review their retirement or annuitant pay account status to ensure all information is up-to-date.
DFAS relies on current personal information to provide the highest level of customer service. Officials emphasize that it's imperative that retirees notify the agency as soon as possible about any change in marital or family status, beneficiaries, mailing address and bank account information.
This ensures that the individual's retirement pay is processed correctly and on time. If beneficiary information needs to be updated, customers can access the new Designation of Beneficiary form online at http://www.dod.mil/dfas/retiredpay/beneficiarycard.html.
Changes to much of a retiree's pay account can be made via myPay https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx or by calling the Retired/Annuitant Pay Customer Service Center at 1-800-321-1080. Retirees may also send an e-mail via myPay or by regular mail to:
DFAS U. S. Military Retirement Pay P. O. Box 7130 London, KY 40742-7130.
Any account changes must be completed and submitted by the end of November 2006 in order to be effective for the end-of-year processing (1099R's, RAS's, etc.). This includes both retired and annuitant pay accounts.
DoD to Host Freedom Walk
Thousands of Americans across the country will be commemorating the fifth anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11 in Freedom Walks across America.
The Defense Department will hold the second annual "America Supports You" 'Freedom Walk' in Washington, D.C., 7:30 p.m., EDT, Sunday, Sept. 10, the night before the five-year anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. Individuals interested in walking in the Washington, D.C. 'Freedom Walk' must register to participate at the "America Supports You" Website by 10 a.m., EDT, on Sept. 8, 2006. Persons interested in starting their own 'Freedom Walk' can register it on "America Supports You" Website and download the 'Freedom Walk' planning guide. For a complete list of DoD-sponsored events to mark Sept. 11, check the "America Supports You" Website for updates.
Walter Reed Builds Amputee Patient Treatment Annex
By Gerry J. Gilmore American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2006 - A temporary medical annex being constructed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here will provide better facilities for wounded troops undergoing post-amputation care, a senior official said today.
A 30,000-square-foot addition is being built onto Walter Reed's general medical facility building, said Charles Scoville, a physical therapist and future director of the annex, which will be called the U.S. Army Amputee Patient Care Center.
When completed, the annex will improve "the capabilities to return our soldiers to the highest level of function," Scoville, a 54-year-old retired Army colonel, said.
Groundbreaking for the facility began about two weeks ago, Scoville said, with completion slated by October 2007. The annex will provide better facilities and equipment as well as much-needed additional room, he said.
Because of current space limitations, Scoville said, amputee patients at Walter Reed have to negotiate sometimes-crowded hospital hallways for exercise. The annex, he said, will eliminate that concern, giving patients a dedicated area for recovery training and exercise.
Walter Reed's amputee care facility mostly treats wounded soldiers, as well as some Marines transferred from the National Naval Medical Center, in Bethesda, Md. Walter Reed's daily amputee care caseload averages eight to 10 inpatients and around 75 to 100 outpatients, Scoville said. The facility admits 10 to 15 new patients each month.
Walter Reed is to close in 2011 as part of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Act. Amputee recovery services at Walter Reed will be moved into a new joint medical facility to be built in Bethesda. Other Walter Reed-based medical care will be transferred to a new hospital to be constructed at Fort Belvoir, Va.
The amputee treatment annex is considered a transitional facility that will operate "as long as Walter Reed is on this campus," Scoville said.
Our Hero Handbook: A Guide for Families of Wounded Service Members
Our Hero Handbook is a guide to walk wounded Service members and their families from day one through recovery, transition, and beyond. The resource is intended not only for the wounded and their families, but also for all branches, military units, Family Readiness Groups, and Military Treatment Facility personnel. The handbook is produced by MilitaryHOMEFRONT, the official Department of Defense web site for reliable Quality of Life information designed to help troops and their families, leaders and service providers. Their Web site can be found at: http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/
Change to the Servicemembers Group Life Insurance Program
Public Law 109-233, the Veterans Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006, has resulted in a change affecting Servicemen’s Group Life Insurance. Currently, service members who have SGLI coverage and are totally disabled when they separate from service can apply for an extension of their SGLI coverage for up to one year with no premium cost.
Public Law 109-233 extends the maximum free coverage period from one year to two years and is retroactive to one year prior to enactment. As a result of this change, the two year SGLI disability extension is available to veterans who meet all of the following conditions: were discharged on or after June 15, 2005; had SGLI coverage at the time of separation; and have been totally disabled continuously since their date of separation from service.
To apply for this extension or to receive additional information, veterans should visit the VA Insurance web site at http://www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/SGLI/sglidisabled.htm or call toll free 1-800-419-1473.
Disabled Retiree Back Pay Update
The departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs expect to disburse some $500 million in back payments to as many as 120,000 military retiree recipients of Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) or Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP).
Individual amounts will vary because of differences in rank, disability amount, and the length of the retroactive period. VA is expected to fund 60% of the $500 million and DoD the remaining 40%. Some retirees could get payments from both the VA and DFAS. Retirees should receive a letter of explanation from the VA. [Source: Armed Forces News 11 Aug 2006]
Justice Department Presents Web Site to Explain Military Rights
By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2006 - The Department of Justice has launched a Web site to protect servicemembers' rights, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzalez said yesterday.
Gonzales, speaking to the Disabled American Veterans annual convention in Chicago, said the Justice Department has made it a priority to enforce civil rights laws for American servicemembers. “The law recognizes that although we can never thank you enough for your service, we can take away some of the worries that soldiers might face when they are deployed,” he said in prepared remarks.
The government promises that servicemembers’ jobs will still be theirs when they come home and that they cannot be discriminated against by their employers because of their military service. The U.S. vows that servicemembers will be able to vote and that their vote will be counted. And it promises that servicemembers “will have procedural protections in civil actions, like lawsuits or property re-possessions, when serving overseas.”
The Justice Department Web site, www.servicemembers.gov, outlines the rights servicemembers have under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
Disabled Vet Jobs
Disabled veterans are participating in a new virtual program that not only pays them for training on their home computers, but places them in jobs that allow them to work from home. The veterans are earning in the range of $15 to $22 an hour, with benefits, working from home in the information industry.
They are trained for jobs such as market researchers, data managers, hot-line responders, Web site order processors, help-desk managers, customer care and service coordinators, administration and billing clerks. Training consists of 15-weeks 600-hour program of web based, on-line classroom and practical training. Students report in to the virtual classroom each morning, and as the instructor presents the material, he or she will stop if any of the students have a question.
The training, accredited by Northern Virginia Community College, pays $11 an hour for a total of $6,600. At the conclusion of the training program, each veteran trainee will have a thorough understanding of a very complex, VOIP predictive dialing web-based system that is utilized world-wide. About 100 veterans who have completed the training so far have all been placed in jobs with companies such as The Home Depot, FedEx, JetBlue, Dell Computer, and financial services company PNC. The program is provided by the nonprofit Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation.
To qualify, a veteran must have a disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and a copy of his or her DD-214. A Purple Heart award is not required. Those involved in the program range from veterans of the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, to the Korean War, age 19 to 74. To complete the training, a high-speed Internet connection is needed.
According to Ken Smith, the program director for the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation, they are preparing to train another 350 veterans who have applied from all over the country. Those interested should call (800) 720-9596 or go online at www.purpleheartfoundation.org/job_training.asp. to fill out the On-line Application.
For additional information contact ksmith@purpleheartfoundation.org. [Source: NavyTimes by Karen Jowers Aug 6]
DoD to Host Freedom Walk
Thousands of Americans across the country will be commemorating the fifth anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11 in Freedom Walks across America.
The Defense Department will hold the second annual "America Supports You" 'Freedom Walk' in Washington, D.C., 7:30 p.m., EDT, Sunday, Sept. 10, the night before the five-year anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. Individuals interested in walking in the Washington, D.C. 'Freedom Walk' must register to participate at the "America Supports You" Website by 10 a.m., EDT, on Sept. 8, 2006. Persons interested in starting their own 'Freedom Walk' can register it on "America Supports You" Website and download the 'Freedom Walk' planning guide. For a complete list of DoD-sponsored events to mark Sept. 11, check the "America Supports You" Website for updates.
Program Provides Disabled Veterans Job Placement, Training
To qualify, a veteran must have a VA assigned disability rating, and a copy of his or her DD-214. A Purple Heart award is not required. For more information, call the Purple Heart Service Foundation at 1-800-720-9596 or visit http://www.purpleheartfoundation.org/job_training.asp.
The VA Will Provide Credit Protection Against Identity Theft
News from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Announces First Broadcast of Creative Arts Festival - WASHINGTON – Americans nationwide will have the opportunity to see the talents of veterans from across the nation this fall with the first syndicated television broadcast of the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. (8/10/06)
VA Secretary Announces Agreement on Data Breach Analysis - WASHINGTON -- Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson today announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has entered into an agreement with a company that will provide free data breach analysis services to VA to ensure that information contained on computer equipment stolen in May from a VA employee’s home – and later recovered by law enforcement – was not compromised. (8/9/06)
Subcontractor Notifies VA of Missing Computer with Vet Files - WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced that a subcontractor, hired to assist in insurance collections for VA’s medical centers in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, has informed the Department that a desktop computer containing personal information on some veterans is missing from the company’s offices. (8/7/06)
2006 Veteran Organization Convention Schedule
Florida Job Fair Information
Job fair information from the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation is available on-line at: http://www.floridajobs.org/onestop/os_job_fairs.html
Veterans Bills - 2006 Legislative Session Report
SB122 HB 373 (Sponsored by Senator Mike Fasano and Representative Gayle Harrell) Free undergraduate tuition at state colleges and universities for Florida recipients of the Purple Heart and other combat-related decorations superior in precedence to the Purple Heart. Eligible recipients must be current Florida residents and have been so at the time of the action when their combat decoration was earned. This legislation recognizes Floridians who have distinguished themselves in battle by offering significant educational benefits, leading to a college degree and an improved quality of life for the veterans and their families.
HB 573 SB 1342 (Sponsored by Senator Mike Bennett and Representative Gus Bilirakis) Building Permit Fee Waiver for Certain Disabled Veterans - This bill waives county and municipal building permit fees for 100 percent permanently and totally disabled veterans who are Florida residents when improving access and convenience for activities of daily living to their dwelling. Florida has the largest population of seriously disabled veterans in the country, which means this bill potentially affects 15,200 permanent and total disabled veterans. It addresses an issue of fairness by adding all resident dwellings to this fee waiver rather than limited to mobile homes, which is current law.
HB955 SB 1370 (Sponsored by Senator Burt Saunders and Representative Bill Proctor) Relating to waiving the residency requirement for admission into a State Veterans Nursing Home (SVNH) - Grants the authority to the Executive Director of the FDVA to waive state residency for admission into SVNH to otherwise eligible veterans from other states who are evacuees from the state where that Governor has declared a state of emergency. In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Florida was asked to provide Nursing Home admission to veterans from out-of-state. Florida Law had heretofore prohibited admission of non-Florida residents.
HB 1065 SB 2034 (Sponsored by Senator Cary Baker and Representative Stan Jordan) Relating to educational benefits for spouses of KIAs and 100 percent permanent and total disabled Florida veterans - Provides for free tuition at state colleges and universities for the un-remarried, dependent spouse of certain veterans who are Florida residents and who were residents of Florida for one year prior to the action which resulted in their eligibility. Offering educational benefits to the spouse of a Florida veteran who was killed in action or is 100 percent permanent and total disabled as a result of military service is an expression of tribute from a grateful state. It is a lasting expression of gratitude for past sacrifices and an offer of hope for a brighter future.
SB (SJR) 194 HB (HJR) 631 (Sponsored by Senator Mike Fasano and Representative Ray Sansom) Requires counties to reduce property taxes for disabled veterans 65 years of age or older commensurate with the percentage of their “service-connected” disability. To apply, one would have to be a current Florida resident and have joined the service from Florida. This legislation would change the Florida Constitution; therefore it will be placed on the November ballot for a statewide referendum. This bill honors elder Florida veterans, many on a fixed income, for their service in combat by providing a practical, financial expression of our appreciation. This may help veteran home owners to continue living in their homes for an extended period of time.
Supporting Veterans
License Plates support Florida Veterans’ Homes
Your purchase of the "Florida Salutes Veterans" or one of the recently approved Army, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard Military Service license plates helps people who need it most, when they need it most. The entire $15 surcharge goes into a Trust Fund for the Operation and Maintenance of critically needed Veterans' Homes in Florida. A portion of the Marine Corps License Plate also supports the State Veterans’ Homes Program.
Headstones and Markers
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a government headstone or marker for the grave of any deceased eligible veteran in any cemetery around the world. For all deaths occurring before September 11, 2001, the VA may provide a headstone or marker only for graves that are not marked with a private headstone.
Spouses and dependents buried in a private cemetery are not eligible for a government-provided headstone or marker. Flat markers in granite, marble, and bronze and upright headstones in granite and marble are available. The style chosen must be consistent with existing monuments at the place of burial. Niche markers are also available to mark columbaria used for inurnment of cremated remains. Paralyzed Veterans of America's Fishing Boat at MacDill AFB Marina
Veterans who use wheelchairs and their families may have the free use of a pontoon fishing boat at the MacDill AFB Marina in Tampa. Just pay for the gas. The 24' 'Miss Beverly' is equipped with a wheelchair ramp, a 75 HP Mercury outboard motor and has additional safety features for mobility-impaired individuals. Volunteers are available to meet and greet and escort users through the MacDill Entry Gate and pilot the boat. For boat reservations, call the Marina at: (813) 828-4983. For a list of volunteers and their phone numbers, call the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter in Tampa at: (813) 935-6540.
This boat was donated to MacDill by the Paralyzed Veterans of America. MacDill maintains the boat and allows veterans and active duty personnel to use the boat, free of charge. The only criteria for free use is that one or more members of the boating party MUST have a mobility impairment, i.e., must be a wheelchair-user.
Guard and Reserve Personnel Activated During Wartime May Be Eligible For VA Home Loans after 90 Days of Service
VA officials report that there has been a large increase in VA home loans to National Guardsmen and Reservists in recent years. Some guard and reserve personnel may not be aware that being on active duty actually reduces the time it takes for them to become eligible for the loans. Normally, guardsmen and reservists must serve six years before becoming eligible for a VA Home Loan, but that requirement changes to only 90 days of service when they have been called to active duty during wartime. The best way to find out if one qualifies would be to submit an application for a certificate of eligibility to one of two VA Eligibility Centers. The Center in Winston-Salem, NC handles states east of the Mississippi River and the Los Angeles center handles states west of the Mississippi. Click here for more information. [http://www.homeloans.va.gov/] Source: VFW Military update
Disaster Preparedness
Follow the link to www.FloridaDisaster.org to navigate to disaster preparedness information for essential hurricane preparedness information.
State of Florida Nursing Homes
Take a virtual tour of a State Veterans' Nursing Home. The tour includes ten 360 degree fully interactive pictures. No additional software is required to view these images, simply click on the desired picture and the tour begins.
Links and References for Veterans
Click here for a copy of Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide.
Ask Benefits Questions Via E-MAIL: For specific Compensation and Pension benefits questions and local regional office issues, the contact list is by state and geographical area of jurisdiction.
Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents (Current Edition) - The current edition of this booklet lists the variety of federal benefits available to veterans and their dependents. Selecting the link above will allow you to download the booklet as a PDF file in English or Spanish.
La versión en Español de el folleto "Beneficios Federales para los Veteranos y sus Dependientes", el cual explica la variedad de beneficios disponibles para los veteranos y sus dependientes, se encuentra disponible en versión PDF al presionar aquí.
VA - 13 Years as a Cabinet Department - Website contains informational material regarding VA's history as a Cabinet Department
VA State Summary for Florida - Current information is March 2006.
Florida Veterans Mobile Service Center - The Florida Veterans Mobile Service Center utilizes a state of the art 40-foot van equipped with two exam rooms, as well as facilities for dental care, to travel the state performing intervention with homeless veterans who live in rural encampments. This mobile unit offers a unique opportunity to provide homeless veterans immediate assistance of food and clothing, health screening and assessment, VA benefit determination and counseling, as well as assessment of housing, mental health, substance abuse, employment, educational and vocational needs.
Issues and Action: Federal Veterans Issues
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