April 23, 2004

One thousand active duty, eleven thousand reservists, and the 300,000 veterans from the Brooklyn Navy Yard to Montauk Point are invited to attend Nassau County's first ever Jobs and Education Fair at Nassau Community College on Friday May 28, 2004. Forty employers, ten colleges and business schools have signed up. The Fair is open from 10:00AM to 3:00PM call 516-572-8452 for directions.

World War II Veterans Remembered

The Nation will recognize the contributions of the greatest generation on Saturday, May 29, 2004 in Washington DC. Hundreds of thousands of World War II veterans with their families are expected to witness the dedication by President Bush of the National World War II Memorial. Locally there are two ways to get involved with this historic event. The Department of New York, American Legion is planning a major reenactment of the excitement of Times Square on VE and VJ day with entertainment and other activities from 11:00AM to 2:00PM. At 2:00PM the jumbo TV screens in Times Square will show live the dedication of the Monument from Washington.

Our own Cradle of Aviation in Garden City is also hosting an event that begins at 1:30 PM. World War II Veterans will receive a certificate of appreciation from County Executive Thomas Suozzi prior to a large screen TV viewing of the events live from Washington. The actual dedication ceremony is scheduled to conclude at 3:15 PM. Free tickets must be reserved for the Cradle of Aviation by calling 516-572-8452.

Jobs in Iraq

Areoteck DOD is looking for qualified individuals for a one year contract to work in Iraq with the Department of Defense. Interested candidates must be able to commit to a one year contract in a highly dangerous area, have a resume, pass a background check, drug screening, physical examination, and have a valid passport (or be able to obtain one). For information call 1-800-497-1322.

Labor Supports Veterans

The Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties has put a welcome mat out to returning veterans of the War on Terrorism. " Helmets to Hard Hats" is a program designed for the recently returned veterans to use their military experience to land a job in the construction trades. Call Angela De Vito at 631-951-3315.

Homeless Veterans Report

According to the VA the number of Homeless Vietnam Veterans outnumber the number of servicemen killed during the Vietnam War. One third of Homeless men are veterans. Some 8,000 homeless veterans are estimated to live in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The Nassau County Veterans Service Agency has been conducting an outreach program to find these veterans offer them a place to stay, medical care, and help them get back to work. In the last 9 months the Veterans Service Agency has interviewed 225 homeless veterans, has found housing for 26 and jobs for 13. The majority of homeless veterans in Nassau County are not on the street. They are living with, friends or family. If you know such a veteran let him or her know how to reach the Veterans Service Agency at 516-572-8452.

Secretary of Defense Wants to Close Bases

According to Lt. James Tichacek, Director, Retirees Activities Office, "In a report to Congress SECDEF Donald H. Rumsfeld certified that the military has about 24% of excess base capacity to support the armed forces. The Army has the most that need to be closed (about 29%) followed by the Air Force (about 24%) and the Navy/ Marines( about 21%). Hello! Some one tell the Secretary that in fact we may just have an Army and Marine Corps that is too small not bases that are too big!

VA Seeks to Reduce Benefit

According to the Marine Corps Times," President Bushes budget request for 2005 includes an odd proposal to prevent veterans from using the VA home loan program more than once. Active Duty members would still be able to use the loan program multiple times while serving." According to the Marine Corps Times the mortgage industry has long griped about lost business when veterans make repeated use of the home loan program. Other negative changes in the proposed 2005 VA budget include a $250 user fee for category 7 &8 veterans and an increase to $15 for the prescription co pay.

Webb Access to DD214

Lost discharge papers can cause serious problems for veterans and their families. In the past the only way to get a copy of those records was to see a veterans counselor, fill out an application and wait up to 6 month to a year for a reply. A new on line process is now available . Veterans and next of kin may access an application at vetrecs.archives.gov/. Note there is no www. In the address.