April 11, 2007

Veterans News, By Edward G. Aulman, Director
Nassau County Veterans Service Agency

Will The VA Pay My Non VA Medical Bills?

VA may authorize veterans to receive care at non-VA health care facilities when needed services are not available at the VA health care facility.  Non-VA care must be authorized by VA in advance.  Emergency Care in non-VA facilities is provided as a safety net for veterans under specific conditions.  You are eligible for payment consideration, if the non-VA emergency care is for a service connected condition or, if enrolled at a VA Medical Center, you have been provided care by a VA clinician or provider within the past 24 months and have no other health coverage.  Also, it must be determined that VA health care facilities were not feasibly available; that a delay in medical attention would have endangered your life or health, and that you are personally liable for the cost of services.  VA will not pay for care beyond medical stabilization at which time the veteran can be transferred to a VA facility.  Time limits apply.  Call the VA Medical Center, Northport Fee Basis Unit at 631-261-4400 x 2535 for information.

Marine Golf Outing

The 2nd Battalion 25th Marines Alumni Association is hosting its 1st Annual Golf Outing at Cherry Creek Woods Golf Course in Riverhead on May 11, 2007. Proceeds will go to provide comfort to the families of deployed members in need, care packages for deployed Marines, and scholarships. Contact John Farley at john.farley@marines2-25alumni.org.  

Salute to Veterans

County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi invites everyone to enjoy the annual “Salute to Veterans” concert at Eisenhower Park on August 4, 2007.  Special recognition will be made of our nation’s newest armed forces recruits from Long Island. The USO Troupe of Metropolitan New York and the Pershing Rifles of Hofstra University will kick off a Gary Pucket concert.  The excitement begins at 6:45 pm.

Wounded Soldier Hot Line

The U.S. Army has instituted a Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline (1-800-984-8523). Any active duty, Guard or reservist who has been wounded in the current war or has family member who has unresolved medical issues can call the hotline to register their complaints to Army leadership.

United Veterans Organization Events

On Sunday, April 22, 2007, the UVO will host a Legislative Breakfast at Tun Tavern 605 Stewart Avenue in Garden City. Breakfast begins at 8:30AM and the presentations and discussions with local elected leaders begin at 9:00AM. Contact Ken Cadieux at (516)536-3796 for information.

The Annual UVO Memorial Day Ceremony will be conducted on Sunday, May 27, 2007 at Eisenhower Park’s Veterans Plaza.  Veterans are asked to arrive with their color guards at 10:00am for the service that begins at 10:30am.  The Tuskegee Airmen and the 4th Marine Division Association are expected to unveil new monuments.  Contact Tom Riley 516-868-8607 if you would like to bring your Color Guard.

Live to Ride Free

On Sunday, May 27, 2007 the Hicksville VFW will be hosting a “Bike Run” from their post at 320 Broadway in Hicksville to Long Island National Cemetery and back to Hicksville.  This all-day motorcycle event will include Bike Show Trophies, Refreshments, Vendors, Live Music and Veterans benefit information. Contact Dan @ 516-578-1079

Free Non-VA Counseling for PTSD

North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System is offering a number of mental health services that includes PTSD counseling for law enforcement officers and members of the military. For information contact the Rosen Family Wellness Center at 516-562-3260.

Hofstra University Veterans Association

Hofstra has been producing military officers since it was a cow college in 1946. Some of those first ROTC graduates have returned to Long Island  and were honored at the 51st Annual Pershing Rifles Alumni dinner in March 2007.  The organization supports the ROTC students of today and hosts a Salute to Veterans football game in November.  To learn more contact Paul Farinella pffarin50@hotmail.com.

Cradle of Aviation Family Festival

The Cradle of Aviation, Long Island Children’s Museum, and Firefighters Museum will join on May 5th and 6th to offer one price ( $10) for admission  to all three museums. Admission includes hands-on kite and rocket making, bird feeders, wall murals, planes, fire trucks and moon buggies, games, puppets and more.

Long Island Senior Games

Many veterans are registering for the 2007 Long Island Senior Games, which runs from May 29 to June 3, 2007. Badminton, Basketball 3 on 3, Billiards, Bocce, Bowling, Cycling, Fencing, Golf, Horseshoe, Orienteering, Pickleball, 1500M (Technical and Non- Technical), Race Walk, Racquetball, 5K Road Race, Shuffleboard, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Table tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball are most but not all of the events to choose from.  Events are held at Suffolk Community College, Eisenhower Park, Timber Point Golf Course and Robert Moses State Park.  For registration and information contact information 631-261-9114

 POW/MIA EVENTS

The Nassau County Counsel of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will conduct a non- denominational POW/MIA service at St. Francis De Chantal Church, 1309 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh on Saturday April 21, 2007 at 12 noon. Veterans organizations are encouraged to bring their colors.