May 10 , 2006

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

Jobs and Education Fair

County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi has announced the third annual  Veterans, Active Duty, Reserves and National Guard Jobs and Education Fair sponsored by the Nassau County Veterans service Agency at the College Center Building at Nassau County Community College.  Open from10:00 am to 2:00 pm on June 2, 2006.  A DD 214, veteran’s membership card or military ID is necessary for admission.  For directions and a map call the VSA at 516-572-8452.

Homeless Veterans Stand Down

“In the military a stand down is a time to relax and regroup, while plans are made for the future. Our stand down is an opportunity for veterans in need to get help from other veterans and several levels of government,” said County Executive Tom Suozzi.  On Saturday, July 8, 2006    American Legion Post # 390, Hempstead is the host of Nassau County’s fourth Homeless Veterans Stand Down.  Needy veterans will enjoy a BBQ while getting the opportunity to meet with federal, state, and local government and not for profit agencies that can help veterans.  Island Harvest is providing the food but donations of summer clothes and suit cases are needed.  Volunteers are welcome.  Contact Pat Yngstrom at 516-227-8731.

Home Help for Deployed and Disabled Veterans

Rebuilding Together Long Island, Inc.  a non profit, non sectarian organization of volunteers has been helping low income homeowners with electrical, plumbing, wall repair, weather stripping, lock-smithing, carpentry, painting, glazing and construction of wheelchair access ramps.  Families who have a bread winner  deployed in the War on Terror and are having problems  keeping up with household repairs and returned disabled veterans unable  do the work themselves should contact Marine veteran Sol Goldstein at 516-541-7322 for an application. 

Marine Helicopter Demonstration at Eisenhower Park

As part of Fleet Week Saturday, May 27, 2006 several CH 46 U.S. Marine helicopters will conduct a demonstration at Eisenhower Park at the kite field near parking lot 6 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.  The public is welcome to board the "choppers". 

Tricare Increase Not Likely This Year

April 26, 2006 the House Armed Services military personnel sub committee voted unanimously to reject the Presidents proposed doubling of Tricare Prime enrollment fees for senior enlisted retirees and a 300% increase for officers.  However increases in co-payment charges for prescriptions are still open for discussion.

Veterans Disability Benefits Commission Update

Chairman General Terry Scott has asked Congress for clarification of the Commissions mission.  Charged by Congress and the President to study whether a veteran’s disability or death should be compensated and at what level if any, the chairman wants to know if the committee can review the issue of Social Security Disability and veterans benefits. 

Happy Birthday U.S. Army and Old Glory

June 14, 2006 is the 231 birthday of the U.S. Army.  June 14 is also the anniversary of the official adoption of the American flag by the Continental Congress in 1777.  President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first nationwide Flag Day in 1916 but it was Harry Truman who made Flag Day an annual event.   Flag Day is an appropriate day to examine your American flag.  If it is worn out drop it off at a near by American Legion or VFW Post for proper disposal.

Small Business Resource Day

Helping service disabled and veteran owned small businesses discover Federal Government procurement opportunities and other veteran programs and services is the purpose of  a workshop on Wednesday June 21, 2006 at 26 Federal Plaza, New York City (Duane Street Entrance) 6th Floor Conference Center.  You must pre register at www.gsa.gov/r2smallbusiness. (Look under “GSA Events” on the right side of the screen on the website.)  Questions: Call 212-264-8265 or email r2.sbuc@gsa.gov.  Free but bring a photo ID and a copy of this notice. All small businesses welcome.

Work Outdoors!

County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi has announced that the County Parks Department is looking for spring, summer and fall help. Job categories include golf course attendants, park workers and museum interns and lifeguards. Minimum starting salaries begin at $8.00 per hour.   Applicants must be at least 16 years old, are current residents of Nassau County, and have lived in the county for at least one year. Fingerprinting is required.  Pick up an application at the Human Resources Office at the Facilities Management Building in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow or request an application at nassaucountyparksjobs@nassaucountyny.gov.

Run for USS New York

The U.S. Navy is building the USS New York  LPD-17 amphibious transport   with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center.  A 5K race is being sponsored by the Marine Corps League to purchase a silver set for the ship. Applications for the race that will be held at Eisenhower Park on August 6, 2006 can be picked up at the Veterans Service Agency 1425 Old Country Road, Building H, Plainview, NY 11803.

Thank You

Here are five more heroes of the Veterans Service Agency. These individuals have never asked for recognition but week after week they donate their time to drive disabled veterans to doctor appointments in Northport and Plainview.  Cliff Doering from   Hicksville has been driving for 14 years.  Guy Cullen from Syosset has been driving for 5 years.  Jean Quinn of Syosset has been a dispatcher for the last 4 years.  Tom Banks of Massapequa Park has been driving 14 years.  Bill Farrar driver and dispatcher for 12 years has just retired.