March 13, 2007

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

VA Under Fire

The revelations at Walter Reed Army  Hospital in Washington, D.C. of poor and unsanitary living conditions for some recovering Iraq War veterans has focused national attention on both the Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Veterans Affairs

(VA).  Supporters of the Presidents Iraq policy and non supporters alike are calling for investigations.  Congress, DOD and the VA are reacting by setting up high level reviews and the media  is following and often leading the story.

As of yet no VA Medical Center has been compared to Walter Reed for providing less then the best care for veterans old or new.  The VA will actually be  increasing its services to Nassau County veterans by adding a VET Center in late 2007.  The Federal Government is however asking the VA to do more with less in that part of the VA that handles claims for disability, pension and funeral benefits.

Iraq War veterans are getting priority service for claims adjudication at the VA Regional Offices.  They deserve this service the same way they deserve a ticker tape parade down Broadway.  No veteran should feel that their contribution was not appreciated by their government or their neighbors.  The VA Benefits Administration is trying to handle a surge of 150,000 new claims while dealing with a back log of claims of 600,000.  Widows and veterans in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and at home are waiting up to a year before the VA can decide their claims for pension.  Some burial claims are taking as long.  Claims for presumptive conditions are taking twice as long as in the past. The VA needs to hire more people to handle this surge of claims or bring back enough retirees to get control of the situation.

UVO  Plans Legislative Breakfast

Ken Cadieux, 1st Vice President of the United Veterans organization of Nassau County has announced that the UVO will host a Legislative Breakfast on Sunday, April 22, 2007 at Tun Tavern inside the 1st marine Corps District, 605 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY.  Tickets are $15 which includes a traditional Marine breakfast.  Contact Ken at 516-536-3796  or online gcadieux@optonline.net.

Golden Age Games

Veterans who are also senior athletes should consider participating in the Golden Age (55+) Games in Houston Texas in the last week of August 2007. For more information call Lisa Harris at the VA Medical Center 631-261-4400x 2497 or contact her at lisa.harris@med.va.gov. (Steve Bohn)

Small Business Exhibition Fair

If you want to sell your goods or services to the federal government try to attend the Small Business Exhibition Fair on Thursday, April 25, 2007 from 9:00am to 1:00pm at 26 Federal Plaza (Duane Street Entrance), NYC  6th Floor Conference Center. You must bring a photo ID and be registered.  Please register at: www.gsa.gov/r2smallbusiness right hand side under GSA Events. (John Narciso)

VA to Hire 100 Vets

VA Secretary Jim Nicholson has announced that 100 combat veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan will be hired to ensure a smooth transitioning for wounded service members to VA health care facilities throughout the nation.  These new employees will also be trained to assist veterans applying for financial benefits.  Interested veterans should contact the New York State Department of Labor Vets program at 516-934-8508.

New Day and Time for “Veterans News”

Beginning in April and running through September 2007, “Veterans News” the UVO Public Access Television Show will be seen at 12:30  every Wednesday afternoon on  Cablevision Channel 20.

ROA Fighting for New GI Bill

The Reserve Officers Association and the Reserve Enlisted Association have joined in calling for enhancements to the Montgomery GI Bill.  The role of the reserve and National Guard has changed dramatically since 911 and the GI Bill should change to reflect the contribution of the citizen soldiers.  (Senators Schumer and Clinton have endorsed changes to the GI Bill.) For info on the Reserve Enlisted Association call 202-646-7715.  For the Reserve Officers Association call Joe Reale at 516- 244-4304.

Suffolk County Stand Down

Homeless and needy veterans will get valuable services on April 20, 2007 at the Suffolk County Homeless Veterans Stand Down on the Brentwood Campus of the Suffolk Community College in the Health, Sports, and Education Center. Beginning at 9:00am veterans will be able to apply for federal, state and local benefits. Private agencies will also be there to assist veterans in need of health, financial, educational, and housing and employment services.

Construction/Electrician Opportunities

The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for the Electrical Industry of Nassau & Suffolk Counties is again accepting applications for their 5 year Apprenticeship Program.  For information on this Helmet to Heard Hat program contact J.A.T.C. at 631-434-3939. 

Summer Job Fair

New York State is looking for summer workers both full time and part time.  A Summer Job Fair is scheduled for Friday April 27, 2007 from 10:00am to 3:00pm at Faith Baptist Church, 145 No. Franklin Street, Hempstead, NY 11550.

1st Marine Division Luncheon

Heroes of Iwo Jima and Okinawa will be remembered on Saturday March 31, at the Stewart Thomas Manor in Farmingdale at a luncheon between 1200 and 1700. Cocktail hour, open bar and sit down dinner is scheduled with entertainment provided by Chris Patti.  Call Ed Farah for tickets 516-735-1202.

Military Order of the Purple Heart

Nassau County has over 35 different veterans’ organizations with posts in every community. One organization limits its membership to those veterans who have received the Purple Heart.  If you own that medal and would like to meet fellow recipients   the MOPH meets every third Friday of the month at 8:00pm at the Hicksville VFW 320 South Broadway, Hicksville, NY.  Call Conrad Steers 516-822-5913 for info.

Heroes