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

Merchant Marine Bonus, Act Now!

County  Executive Thomas R. Suozzi has announced that the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency is prepared to assist World War II Merchant Marine Veterans applying for the New York State Merchant Marine Bonus.  The program authorizes a one-time payment of $250 to the eligible veteran or his un-remarried surviving spouse.  To be eligible a veteran must have been a member of the US Merchant Marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) who served aboard a merchant or public vessel in ocean-going service and engaged in qualified service between December 7, 1941 to August 1945, received a satisfactory discharge, has not received a bonus for service in any other branch of service, and was a resident of New York State for 6 months prior to active service.  This program ends July 18, 2008. Apply now or lose the benefit by July 18.

UVO Legislative Breakfast

Budget cuts are in the news everyday.  Schools, hospitals, local governments, home owners are all worried about the economy.  Veterans have their own list of concerns including support for the medical care and education benefits of our new veterans and pension claims for our ageing veterans.  Sunday April 20, 2008 the United Veterans Organization is hosting a legislative breakfast at Tun Tavern, in the 1st Marine Corps District Headquarters  605 Stewart Avenue Garden City.   Breakfast starts at 0800 the conversations with our elected leaders start at 0900.  For tickets call Tom Riley at 516-868-8607.

VA Extends Medical Enrollment

Combat veterans who served since November 11, 1998 now have 5 years to enroll for care at a VA Medical facility.  Once enrolled they can receive health care for the rest of their lives although they may be required to make copayments.  Combat veterans who served between November 11, 1998 and January 16, 2003 and who never took advantage of the VA heath care system have until January 27, 2011 to qualify and enroll for free care.  Veterans with service-related disabilities or a purple heart have no time limit to apply for benefits.  Care for the service-connected disability is always free.  Call the Veterans Service Agency 516-572-8452 or VA Medical Center 631-261-4400 for questions or enrollment applications.

Career Fairs for Veterans

Hire Vets First is hosting two career fairs in March.   The Northern New Jersey Career Fair will be held March 19 from 1100 to 1500 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, NJ.  To register go to:
www.recruitmilitary.com/brochures/03-19-08_northernnewjersey_candidate.pdf

The Long Island Career Fair is on March 20, 1100 to 1500 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, NY.  To register and see a list of employers go to:
www.recruitmilitary.com/brochures/03-20-08_longisland_candidate.pdf

Nassau County is conducting a Veterans Benefit Fair at the Cradle of Aviation on March 17 from 0900 to1300.  No registration is necessary.   Verizon, National Grid, North Shore LIJ, 1800flowers.com and the MTA will join federal, state and local agencies to provide applications and services.

Improved Educational Benefits for Reservists

The Nassau County Veterans Service Agency just received a flyer from the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs outlining  five changes to the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP).  Since almost half of our Long Island Iraq/Afghanistan veterans are reservists who have served multiple tours of duty these new improved benefits will be of interest.  Call us at 516-572-8452 and we will send you a copy.

New Vet Center for Hicksville

A February 2007 Department of Veterans Affairs press release reported that the VA is ahead of schedule with its expansion Vet Center program.  The goal of the VA is to have 232 Vet Centers which provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to returning combat veterans and their families by the end of 2008.  New Vet Centers have opened in Binghamton, Middletown, Watertown and Manhattan and the VA has decided to place a fifth New York Vet Center in Hicksville later this year. 

Combat veterans seeking help for psychological distress are urged to call the Northport VA Medical Center Combat Office 1-800-444-0001 or the Long Island Vet Center in Babylon 631-661-3930.

Non-VA private counseling is also available at the Family and Children’s Veterans Resource Center, Hicksville 516-935-6858; Rosen Family Wellness Center at North Shore LIJ 516-562-3260; Catholic Charities, Freeport 516-623-3322; Central Nassau Guidance, Hicksville 516-822-6111; or Peninsula Counseling Center, Woodmere 516-569-6600.

Marine for Life

New York City was the location of a recent organizing meeting of a national program called Marine for Life.   Organized by Marines for Marines it is a networking community designed to help Marines (no longer on active duty) find jobs.  For information go to www.m4l.usmc.mil.   A video link is also available at www.fox16.com/mediacenter/?videoId=30094.

Emergency Volunteers

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is continuing to grow in Nassau County.  Trained CERT volunteers can provide vital services in the absence of emergency responders whose arrival may be delayed or preempted by the severity of a specific situation.  The American Legion has adopted a state wide policy of encouraging veterans to join a CERT team.   You can help your community in a natural or man made emergency if you are trained to work with your local Office of Emergency Management.  CERT training begins in the West Hempstead on April 1, 2008 at the West Hempstead Fire House and in the Town of North Hempstead on May 6, 2008 at the Clinton G. Martin Town Park in New Hyde Park.  For information and an enrollment application call 516-573-0648 or oemcert@nassaucountyny.gov.

Q-8 Alumni Association

The Alumni Association of Hofstra University ROTC graduates are having their 52nd Annual Company Dinner on March 29, 2008 at the Plainview Holiday Inn. Interested graduates should call 917-685-9299 or www.prq8alumni.com.

Taste of Mineola for the Troops

The Mineola Chamber of Commerce is hosting a  “Special Salute to Our County’s Veterans” at their 3rd annual “Taste of Mineola” March 27, 2008 at the Jericho Terrace, 249 Jericho Tpke., Mineola.  20 local restaurants will offer a wide variety of their foods, desserts, wines and even a martini bar.  Proceeds benefit local charities and local soldiers serving in Iraq who will receive care packages.  Tickets available by calling 516-746-3944 x1 or on line at www.mineolachamber.com.

VA Studying Sleep Disorders

Veterans of the First Gulf War are invited to participate in a study about sleep.   Whether you have sleep problems or not, you are welcomed and compensation is offered for your time.  If interested contact Dr. Mohammad Amin 631-261-4400 x 2469.

Economic Stimulus Payment

Veterans who are not required to file a federal tax return because of low income must file a 2007 tax return in order to receive the economic stimulus payment. To qualify for payment you must have an income of at least $3,000, have a valid social security number and cannot be claimed as a dependant on another taxpayer’s return.  File form 1040A and complete only your name, social security number and block 14a.  Write “Stimulus Payment” across the top of the form.

Electrical Apprenticeships Available

Veterans are encouraged to apply for the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (J.A.T.C.) 5 Year Apprenticeship Program for Construction Electrician and Electrical R4epairer.  For information call 631-434-3939.

POW/MIA Services

The annual VFW POW/MIA memorial service will be April 5, 2008 at St. Francis DeChantel Church in Wantagh at 1300.

The American Legion Post 160 and VFW Post 372 are sponsoring a POW/MIA Remembrance Service on April 12, 2008 at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Chapel, Kings Point with a brunch following at the Babson Center.  RSVP Jim Barton 516-484-4471.

Was Saint Patrick a Veteran?

History does not tell us that St. Patrick has any connection at all to a certain New York Regiment.  However the Fighting 69th a New York Regiment that traces its history back to the Civil War consisted at that time almost entirely of Irish immigrants.  A very old Civil War “veteran” of the 69th will be at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration on Sunday March 9 and 16 from 11:30am to 4:00pm.  Other features of this 19th century St. Patrick’s celebration include a “Grand Limerick Contest”, traditional Irish music and dance, magic lantern show, shamrock hunt, and Irish food.  For more information call 516-572-8400.

Veterans News New Time and Channel

“Veterans News,” the best commercial free 30 minutes on public access television is moving to cable channel 115 for the period April to September 2008.  The show produced by the United Veterans Organization of Nassau County will be broadcast every Thursday at 7:30 pm.  The Town of North Hempstead and the Villages of Malvern, South Floral Park, and Lynbrook will continue to broadcast the show at various times on their government access channels.