At least 2,000 Nassau County residents are standing up for us in Iraq and Afghanistan today. The Veterans Service Agency is working with family support groups and local social service and government agencies to conduct a Stand Up for Military Families this spring. Family members will be invited to attend a reception at which time representatives of Department of Defense, TRICARE, family support groups, local health care systems, VA and veterans organizations will offer services and information. Military School Fair

The Headquarters of the First Marine Corps District 605 Stewart Ave. Garden City will be the location of a Military Schools and Programs Fair March19, 2005 from 1:00-5:00PM. West Point, Annapolis, The Air Force and Merchant Marine Academies plus military colleges and universities with ROTC programs will send representatives to provide information.

VA OJT

Veterans who chose not to use their GI Education benefits may be eligible for VA approved on the job training (OJT) or an apprenticeship program. Veterans may receive a monthly VA check for up to two years. Call the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs, Bureau of Veterans Education (212) 564-8414.

Civil Air Patrol Wants Retirees

The Civil Air Patrol, the auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force is looking for senior members to join in its many missions including homeland defense. You don't have to be a pilot. Emergency services, training, mentoring of cadets, education, community outreach, media relations and administrative responsibilities are some of the tasks to be filled. To locate the nearest squadron go on line to www.cap.com.

VA Awards Contracts

$7.2 million will go to the Center for Restorative and Regenerative Medicine in Rhode Island for research on "biohybrid" limbs that use human tissue and space age technology to assist amputees.

PricewaterhouseCoopers has been awarded a $9.6 million contract to do a study on how to "modernize " 18 VA Medical facilities through out the country.

Rare Pneumonia Found Among US Soldiers in Iraq

A rare and sometimes deadly pneumonia has hit 18 U.S. Soldiers in Iraq and medical investigators are at a loss to explain why. The cases were discovered between March 2003 and March 2004. Researchers from Walter Red Medical Center said two of the soldiers died from the rare illness called acute eosinophilic pneumonia.

Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund

The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund provides financial grants and other assistance to marines and sailors injured while serving our nation. Contact www.semperfifund.org/about/ for information.

PTSD Payments Climb

In 1999 the VA compensated 122,070 veterans with monthly checks for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). By 2004 that number increased to 217, 893. By wars, the increases are 58% World War II, 85% Korean War, 78% Vietnam, and 140% Gulf War veterans.

Veterans who think they may be suffering from PTSD at any age are encouraged to contact the Vet Center in Babylon at (631) 661-3930. The Vet Center also offers bereavement counseling for immediate family members of any diseased combat veteran of any war. The Veterans Service Agency (516) 572-8452 is able to assist veterans apply for a PTSD rating or any other compensation or pension claim.

Personal Military History

When you were a young "boot" or sailor just back from your first cruise did you buy a Navy Cruise book or a Platoon Book. If you really want to see how good you looked then a Cruise or Platoon book is a good place to look. The Navy Department has a collection of old cruise books on line at www.history.navy.mil/library. For ships still in commission you can write to the public affairs officer of that ship and ask if any books are left over. You can find the ships mailing address at www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/ships/list/ship-fpo.html in the Ships list. Marines looking for a Platoon Book can write to MCRD Museum Historical Society, 1800 Henderson Ave., PO Box 400085, San Diego, CA 92140-0085 or Parris Island Historical & Museum Society PO Box 5202, Parris Island, SC 29905.

New Leadership on House Veterans Affairs Committee

I wish Representative Steve Buyer well as the new Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, but his announced intentions to reduce the number of veterans eligible to use the VA health care system is not what the veterans deserve.

Cell Phones for Soldiers

The Nassau County American Legion and the State Veterans of Foreign Wars are collecting cell phones for Soldiers and Marines serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Bring your unneeded cell phones to your neighborhood veterans post.

VA Home Loan Increased

Veterans will now be able to get no-downpayment loans of up to $359,700. The previous ceiling was $240,000. Banks willing to provide this service can verify the veteran's eligibility through a computer link to the Department of Veterans Affairs.