June 13, 2007

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

County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi reminds everyone that June is a busy month for veterans.  June 14th is not only Flag Day but also the 231st Birthday of the U. S. Army. Veterans will be remembering their own at the dedication of 550 names on the Walls of Honor at Eisenhower Park on Saturday, June 16 at 11:00 am and  Korean War Veterans will also be conducting  a ceremony in Eisenhower Park this month. Enjoy the summer, enjoy the Park and remember our servicemen and women overseas.

Korean War Vets Remember the start of the Korean War

Members of the Nassau County Korean War Veterans Association will conduct a military ceremony on Saturday, June 23, 2007 at Veterans Plaza in Eisenhower Park at 10:00 am to mark the beginning of the Korean War.  That war started on June 25, 1950 and a peace treaty has never been signed.  American and South Korean troops still patrol the border.

Attack on Fort Totten

The US Army may do to Fort Totten what no enemy has ever been able to do.  According to Col. Robert Braverman, A.U.S. (Ret.) Chairman , Media Relations Committee 77th Infantry Division Reserve Officers Association (77 IDROA), the Army has made a Transformation Decision that will downgrade and relocate the 77th Regional Readiness Command, 800th MP Brigade, 301 Area Support Group, 340 MP Company, 320 Chemical Company and the 344th Combat Support Hospital.  It is the position of the 77 IDROA that this reversible decision would hurt the security of New York City, and hurt recruitment and retention in the reserve.  For a fact sheet concerning the planned closing of Fort Totten contact Col. Braverman at brave3@aaahawk.com or 516-623-5714

Michael Amante Helping Veterans

Amante Salutes America, Inc., a New York State Not-For-Profit Corporation has been created to produce an album, “Amante Salutes America”, that will provide financial support to organizations benefiting disabled veterans.  On December 9, 2007 Michael Amante will perform at the North Fork Theatre in Westbury and a portion of the proceeds will benefit DAV Chapter 76 National Amputation Foundation.  For information contact Don Durando at 516-642-7586.

Increased Risk of Prostate Cancer Recurrence

Veterans exposed to Agent Orange have a 48% chance of the cancer recurring after surgery than  veterans not exposed to the defoliant used widely during the Vietnam War,  according to a recent report from the Augusta Veterans Affairs Medical Center.  Vietnam veterans are reminded that exposure to Agent Orange can lead to prostate and other cancers and other diseases.  The VA provides free medical care to exposed veterans and disabilities payments up to $2,471 per month are possible.  Call the Veterans Service Agency 516-572-8452 for help with a claim.

New York Regional Office Delays

While nationally the Department of Veterans Affairs says it is processing the average claim in 177 days, the New York Regional Office is taking 266 days to process an average claim due to years of hiring freezes and an increase in retiring employees.  Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are getting priority service and the seriously disabled get their cases expedited, but pension, burial (non combat) and routine requests for administrative changes are taking longer than 266 days.  Call the Veterans Service Agency to submit a complete well-developed claim that can avoid some of the delays.

Reservist Tax Break

Military reservists called to active duty can receive payments from their individual retirement’s accounts, 401(k) plans and 403(b) tax sheltered annuities, without having to pay the early-distribution tax, according to the Internal Revenue Service.  The newly-enacted Pension protection Act of 2006 eliminates the 10% early-distribution tax that normally applies to most retirement distributions received before the age of 591/2. The new law provides relief to reservists called to active duty for at least 180 days or for an indefinite period. (NYS Division of Veterans Affairs FYI May 25, 2007).

DOD vs. VA

Despite all the new attempts at “Seamless Transition” many veterans are discovering what we have known for some time.  The military will often release or medically retire a service person with a disability rating far less than he/she is entitled to under the VA disability rating tables.  While attempts are being made to improve the transition from military to civilian life, many (especially Guard and reserve members) are leaving the military with a poor understanding of their rights, benefits and even their disabilities.  One vet we recently helped was given a 20% disability by the Army following a vehicle crash in which he suffered Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).  A few months later this unemployed homeless vet was living in his car.  Good teamwork between the VA Medical Center Northport, the VA Regional Office New York and the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency resulted in this vet receiving a 100% disability rating, retroactive payment for six months and regular medical care.

Vets helping Vets

The Small and Disabled Veterans Owned Business Network is holding a Convention August 8-10, 2007 in West Point. The convention promises to offer informative seminars, meetings with key buyers, and numerous business networking opportunities. Contact www.elitesdvob.org or call toll free 1-877-430-3889.

Military Reservists Family Fund

The United Way of Long Island’s Military Reservists Family Fund was created to support military reservists and their immediate family members residing in Nassau and Suffolk Counties during times of deployment/activation to a combat zone. The Fund provides direct financial assistance, as well as referrals to available local resources to help stabilize a family during the deployment period and for up to one year upon return from combat.   For more information contact Elizabeth Eberhart at 631-940-3712 or eeberhardt@unitedwayli.org.

Golf Outings

The Long Island State Veterans Home Golf Classic will be held Thursday September 20, 2007 at the Hamlet Willow Creek Golf and Country Club Mt Sinai, NY. The Long Island State Veterans Home is a 350 bed skilled nursing facility with an Adult Day Care Program available to all honorably discharged veterans. Service connected disability is not a requirement for admission. Call the Community Relations Department at 631-444-8615 for more information.       

The 1st Annual Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation of Long Island Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, October 15, 2007 at the Nassau Country Club in Glen Cove. Contact Chuck Mansfield at 631-288-2803 or chuckmans@aol.com for further information.

Emergency Management News

The Nassau County Office of Emergency Management is offering Community Emergency Response Team Basic Training this summer and fall. CERT courses will be offered in Freeport through August, September and October and in Glen Cove beginning in October. Trained CERT members are called out to assist first responders when the county faces natural or man made emergencies.  Many veterans are signing up and many more are welcome.  Contact 516-573-0648 for more information.

Heroes

Thanks to an unknown benefactor, CW Post Campus of Long Island University this coming fall is offering a full scholarship to any Marine veteran of the Iraq/Afghanistan War.  This generous gift comes from a Marine veteran.  Contact Lisa Mulvey at 516-299-2263.  (The current GI Bill only pays for about half of a college education on Long Island.)