April 15, 2005

County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi has announced that August 6, 5005 will be Salute to Veterans Day at Eisenhower Park. The County Executive will present five residents with the Distinguished Service to Veterans Award. Nominations for the award will be accepted from any business, social, civic or veterans organization that serves veterans. Applications can be requested by calling 516-572-8452.

Following a ceremony that recognizes the county's 25,000 Vietnam veterans the "RETURN" the Ultimate Beatle Tribute Band will perform in concert at the Harry Chapin Memorial Lakeside Theatre. A cannon salute performed by the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy opens the proceedings at 6:45 PM.

Stand Up for Military Families

Military family members with a son, daughter, mother or father serving overseas are invited to a "Stand UP" on May 2, 2005 at the Oceanside Knights of Columbus Hall. The event will feature a free dinner and one on one counseling with Tricare, Deers, VA, and local health providers, Red Cross Video Connect, Commissary and many more organizations able to help military families. For free tickets call 516-572-8452.

Jobs and Education Fair

Veterans, Reservists and active duty are welcome to attend a Jobs/Education Fair at Nassau Community College on May 27, 2005 from 11:00AM -3:00 PM. A DD214 or service ID card is necessary for admission. Call 516-572-8452 for directions.

Marine Band at Eisenhower Park

A US Marine Band will be in concert July 12, 2005 at Eisenhower Park's Harry Chapin Memorial Lakeside Theatre (parking lot 6) at 7:30 PM.

More Bad News about VA Budget

The 110% increase in prescription drugs and the imposition of a $250 enrollment fee for some veterans may not be the worse consequence if Congress adopts the proposed VA budget. Fred Sganga, Executive Director, Long Island State Veterans Nursing Home in Stonybrook has told me that the 129 State Veterans Nursing Homes caring for 29,000 veterans will lose 80% of their support from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Almost $6 million would be lost at the Stonybrook facility forcing the Long Island Veterans Home to close.

Agent Orange

Vietnam veterans with questions or concerns about Agent Orange should contact the VA's Gulf War/Agent Orange Helpline. The national toll-free telephone number is 800-749-8387. A great deal of information is also available on line at www.va.gov/agentorange.

Concurrent Receipt is Not Complete

Good news is that a retiree rated 100% by VA does not have to wait 9 years to see the benefit of Concurrent Receipt. Military retirees rated 50-90% will see their benefit phased in over 9 years. The bad news is for retirees who are rated 100% because unemployability. The Department of Defense admits that they are confused about the intent of the 2005 Defense Authorization Act on this matter and may ask Congress to clarify the issue.

Retirees rated 10-40% combat related disabled should contact the Veterans Service Agency at 516-572-8452 for assistance gaining the CRSC benefit.

Mandatory Funding not a Dead Issue

Mandatory funding of VA Health Care programs may seem unlikely to pass this year. Washington seams to be looking for ways to reduce veterans' benefits. However H.R. 515 has secured 64 co-sponsors and is supported by every major veteran's service organization.

Vietnam Veterans Reunion

The Northeast USA Vietnam Veterans Reunion Association is holding a reunion July 29-31, 2005 at in Freehold New York. For information go to home.twcny.rr.com/nevietvets.

Blinded Veterans to get 2.7% Annuity COLA

Honorably discharge war time veterans who are legally blind from any cause even if not related to their war time service are eligible to receive from New York State an annuity of $1,000 per year. Until now this benefit was a fixed amount. Governor Pataki signed a bill last year that ties the annuity to an amount equal to the increases granted by the Department of Veterans Affairs for compensation and pension payments. Blinded wartime veterans should contact the veterans Service Agency 516-572-8452 for an application.

Military Commissary Benefit May be Reduced

According to Air Force Retiree News the Congressional Budget Office is suggesting reducing the savings military shoppers enjoy at the on base supermarkets from 30% to 20% over local off base shopping.

POW/MIA Survivor Scholarship

National Forty and Eight the Honor Society of the American Legion is offering a scholarship based on academic performance and financial need to former POWs those listed as Missing in Action (MIA) their spouses, children and grand children. For information write to Voiture Nationale, 777 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1170

Veterans News New Time and Day

The United Veterans Organization of Nassau County television program Veterans News has moved to Thursdays at 7:30PM. We are still on Cablevision channel 20 at least until one of the major networks wants to pick up our show.