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

New York and Nassau County to Work on Outreach

Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi and State Division of Veterans Affairs George Basher have announced that Nassau County would be the first county in the state to receive the names and addresses of all veterans discharged since September 11, 2001. With proper safeguards in place Nassau County will be able to do direct outreach to the estimated 4,500 veterans who have served since 9/11. Working with the Veterans Service Agency will be the Nassau County Bar Association, the Cradle of Aviation, The Rosen Family Wellness Center of Long Island Jewish Health System, Peninsula Counseling, Central Nassau Guidance, the VA Medical Center Northport and the Department of Veterans Affairs New York Regional Office and 1800flowers.com and the New York State Department of Labor.

Free Flights to WWII Memorial

The Honor Flight Network has booked 57 seats on a round trip one day flight from Islip Macarthur Airport to Washington, DC on October 13, 2007. World War II veterans who have never seen their national monument will be treated to free air fair and escorted free bus transportation to and from the National World War II Memorial and other near by monuments in the capitol.

Applications for the trip are available on line at www.honorflight.org or by calling the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency. The completed application must be mailed or faxed to the Honor Flight, Inc. headquarters in Springfield OH.

This is first come first fly so apply now. The Honor Flight program depends on donations but the World War II veteran and his family is prohibited from donating. Escorts especially medically trained escorts are welcome and encouraged to join the trip but will be asked to pay.

Shingles Vaccine Available to VA Patients

A vaccine for shingles, which Department of Veterans Affairs researchers helped develop, is available to veterans who are patients at VA medical facilities. VA physicians will offer the vaccine to patients with appropriate medical conditions, usually those who are 60 years of age or older and have a healthy immune system. A single dose of the vaccine offers protection against shingles.

Employers Hiring Veterans

New York Institute of Technology Old Westbury and MTA, New York City Transit are both looking to hire veterans. The jobs at NYIT include tuition and the jobs at the MTA start at $18 per hour $26.92 per hour after 36 months. For information about the college jobs contact Ellen Garrison 516-873-5681 or e mail egarrison@oysterbay-ny.gov. For the city bus job call 718 566-JOBS. A $40 application fee must be submitted with the MTA application.

Nassau County Homeless Veterans Stand Down

Nassau County will once again host a Homeless Veterans Stand Down for its residents on Monday, November 19, 2007. The location is the New York State Armory on Babylon Turnpike in Freeport. The hours of operation are 10 AM till 2 PM. Free hair cuts, HIV screening and medical attention, showers and clean underwear and socks. A food pantry and clothes closet is provided as well as a chance to talk to service providers from Federal, State and County and private agencies.

American Legion and VFW Legislative Breakfasts

Sunday October 14, 2007 the American Legion will host a Legislative Breakfast at the Dutch Broadway School located at 1880 Dutch Broadway, Elmont, NY. Breakfast begins at 9:00 am. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased by mail. Send your check to PDVC Peter Holowecki 70 Liberty Ave. Mineola, NY 11501-3422. Make checks payable to Nassau County American Legion earmarked Legislative Breakfast.

The Nassau County VFW will host their Legislative breakfast on October 28 at 9:00am at the Albertson Post 155 Searingtown Road. Call 516 681-4406

Northport VAMC Hosting Combat Veterans Information Day

Saturday September 29 from 10:00am -2:00pm representatives of the VA Medical Center, Long Island Vet Center, VA Regional Office and New York State Department of Labor, and County Veteran Service Agencies will explain their services and provide personal counseling to family members and veterans of the Iraq/ Afghanistan War. Location Building 200 room A1-5.

Department of Parks and Recreation Plan Party for Military Families

Plans are under way for the annual Holiday Party for the children of our Nassau County active duty families. Parks employees dress up as elves and Santa Clause somehow always finds time in his busy schedule to arrive on time.

Any good hearted Santa who would like to help out with goody bags, prizes or donations of toys is asked to call Cindy Gillen 516-572-0396.

Combat Related Special Compensation Easier

Military retirees (20 years active or active and reserve) have been reluctant to file for disabilities because in the past a disability award would offset their military retirement. The Department of Defense has made it easier for military retirees who were injured in combat or in training that simulates combat to receive both.

Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) provides tax free compensation a military retiree can receive in addition to his/her regular military retirement pension. A retiree with a 10% or more VA rated disability can apply for CRSC by calling 1-866-281-3254 or go on line at www.crsc.army.mil (military security certificate necessary to access web site).

Military retirees who have disabilities related to their service should contact the Veterans Service Agency 516-572-8452.

Hofstra University Remembers Veterans and Vietnam

The Hofstra Veterans Alumni Association is hosting the presentation of colors at the Hofstra vs. William and Mary football game November 3, 2007 at the Uniondale Campus. All veterans’ organizations are welcome to bring their colors. Color Guars will get free admission to game. Contact Office of Alumni Relations 516 463-6636.

Vietnam will be remembered at Hofstra on October 13 at 8:00pm and October 14 at 2:00pm. A play “The Remembered” by Elliott Levine and based on a book by Michael Sofarelli will be presented at the Adams Playhouse. Tickets can be purchased by calling 516 463-6644.