October 13, 2007

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

7th Veterans Stand Down

County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi has announced the 7th Veterans Stand Down in five years hosted by the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency.  This Veterans Stand Down will be conducted on November 19, 2007 at the New York State Armory, 63 Babylon Tpke., Freeport, between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.  A Stand Down is a military term for the break time between combat operations, and is designed to help veterans in need. The Stand Down brings together the Department of Veterans Affairs and medical counselors plus a host of other federal, state and local agencies who can help veterans secure earned benefits, find a job or find food and shelter.

The Stand Down is financed by a $5,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor Veterans Education and Training Program and donations from the Plainview and Massapequa Park Veterans of Foreign War. One hundred and fifty volunteers from 20 veterans’ organizations and the Verizon Pioneers provide the work force. Food is provided by Island Harvest, professional catering services provided by De Bono Catering of Rockville Centre, entertainment provided by Chris Patti, tents provided by Atwell Bros., haircuts provided by Roberto’s Barber Shop, Merrick.   To register as a volunteer please call 516-572-8452.

Job Fair

The third annual New York Times Salute Our Heroes Veterans Career Fair and Job Expo is scheduled for Tuesday November 6, 2007 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.  Veterans must pre register and arrive with a resume in hand.  For more information and to pre register go to www.nytimes.com/saluteourheroes.

Heroes

Don Schwartzburt is participating in a 109-mile bike riding event on November 17, 2007 called the El Tour De Tucson.  He is peddling in honor of his father Al Schwartzburt who was a Disabled Veterans Transportation  Program volunteer for the Veterans Service Agency for several years before he died of Lymphoma in 2006.  A donation can be made by going to www.active.com/donate/tntliny/don.

New Ground is a non-profit independent agency located at 211 Fulton Avenue in Hempstead, and they are seeking to provide long term housing and case management for     homeless veterans who are in recovery.  Their goal is to help veterans find full time employment and gain self-sufficiency. Call Kathleen Coletta 516-564-4764

1800Flowers.com

1800flowers.com located in Carle Place, has begun a program to train veterans returning form Iraq & Afghanistan in topics dealing with resume building, interview skills and sales skills (beginner to advanced). Job opportunities, both part time and full time are also available if the veteran has the necessary qualifications. The company is also providing PC/Technical training partnering with New Horizon’s Learning Centers on Long Island and the NYC metropolitan area.  There is no cost to the veteran and is viewed by 1800flowers as a way of saying thank you to the veterans. Dependents of active duty service members on Long Island are also eligible.  Contact Neil Halloran, Director Fresh University at Nhalloran@1800flowers.com.

GI Bill Increase

The GI Bill benefit for 36 months of college education is now worth $39,636, an increase of $1,101 over last year.  While this benefit will not get you through four years of college, at most Long Island schools it is a very good start.  Our new veterans should know that New York State will provide an additional $8,000 if they choose a college or university in the state.  Almost half of our veterans do not take advantage of the GI Bill and the benefit expires 10 years after discharge.  New vets should talk to a veteran’s counselor at 516-572-8452.

New State Laws to Bring Benefits to Veterans and Families

Three new laws have been passed by New York State but the enabling administrative procedures are not in place yet to deliver the benefits.

On July 18, 2007 Governor Spitzer signed the Merchant Marine World War II bonus law.  Sometime after April 1, 2008 Merchant Marine Veterans who served in a combat zone during World war II will be entitled to a $250 bonus, and un-remarried surviving spouses are also eligible for the bonus.  The New York State Division of Veteran Affairs, 5 Empire State Plaza, Suite 2836, and Albany, NY 12223-1551 is accepting names and addresses of those requesting an application.

Recently enacted, but not yet in place, is a law that will provide an annual annuity to gold star parents.  A $1,000 maximum annuity will be paid annually to the parents of veterans.  Income restrictions apply, and the application process has not yet been established.

Tax exemptions on real estate have been limited to war time veterans in New York State until Governor Spitzer signed S 4697 in September.  The bill would give localities the option of giving a 10 or 15% tax exemption to Cold War veterans.   Governor Spitzer noted however that there were several aspects of the bill that made it difficult to administer.  The legislature must take action to correct the issues the governor has specified.  Expect action after election day.

Veterans Disability Benefits Commission Report

For two and a half years the President’s Veterans Disability Benefits Commission has been holding hearing around the country and generally making many veterans organizations nervous.  The commission’s 544-page report is done and they have proposed 113 changes to the VA benefit system.  To read it yourself go to www.vetscommission.org.

Great Web Site

www.nassaulegion.org is not just for members of the Nassau County American Legion.  While it certainly has information for members it is a great way to keep track of many items of interest to all veterans in Nassau County.  Congratulations to Webmaster Ken Cadieux.

Flu Vaccine at VA Medical Center

Joseph Sledge, Public Affairs Officer at the VA Medical Center, Northport has announced that a Walk In Clinic is open at the medical center Wednesdays 8:30-11:30 am and Fridays 1:30-3:30 pm at Quad 2F of the Pavilion in building 200. The shots are for enrolled veterans only.  To enroll at the VAMC call 631-261-4400.

Veteran Day Celebrations

Sunday, November 4, 2007 Veterans Plaza, Eisenhower Park 10:00 am and at 2:00 pm at Long Island National Cemetery.

Saturday November 3, 2007 The World War II Art of George Withers 2:00 pm Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, West Hills, NY 11746 631-427-5240