July 12, 2007

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

Heroes

Dorine Kenney whose son Jacob S. Fletcher was killed in Iraq, established the Jacob’s Light Foundation in January 2004.  Since then this Not-for-Profit organization has sent 86,500 pounds of items, letters and personally requested necessities to American Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Her organization has also been cited in the Congressional Record. For information contact: www.jacobsprogram.org or 631-332-2867.

The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Headquartered in Smithtown, NY has created a free program for service dogs for amputees from the War in Iraq/Afghanistan and other wars. CEO Wells Jones said the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind has been providing guide dogs, free of charge, to wounded Soldiers since it was founded in 1946.  Contact 1-866-VETDOGS or www.guidedog.org/vetdogs.htm.

Fred S. Sganga, Executive Director Long Island State Veterans Home Stony Brook is a hero again for navigating the transfer of 30 Adult Day Care Slots from St. Albans to Stony Brook.   This will enable the Suffolk-based Veterans Home to open a Day Care facility for veterans with Alzheimers in Nassau County.

Joel Girsky, President of Jaco Electronics who is hosting a big BBQ for our returning veterans this summer.

Disabled Vets Training for Air Traffic Controllers

The VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment offices are accepting applications for Air Traffic Controller and technicians installing air traffic equipment.  Disabled veterans should apply for Voc Rehab at the veterans Service Agency or by looking in to www.vetsuccess.gov.

Distinguished Service to Veterans Award

County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi will be presenting the Nassau County Distinguished Service to Veterans Medal   on August 4, 2007 to Past American Legion County Commander Robert Tom Riordan; United Veterans Organization President LTC Joseph Reale (USA Ret.); Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter 82 President Carl Johnson;  Jewish War Veterans Homeless Veterans Advocate Larry Sklar; and VFW Commander Frank Maltese.  The medals will be presented at the Salute to Veterans Concert staring Gary Pucket and the USO Troupe of Metropolitan NY at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park at 6:45PM.   Also planning to be at the Salute will be the Merchant Marine Academy cannon squad, The Classic Car Club of Metropolitan New York and the Long Island Military Vehicle Club.

GI Bill Gap

In some parts of this great land the $38,000 GI Bill benefit for education will pay for a lot of college expense if not all.   Living expenses, however are not covered as they were after World War II.  On Long Island that $38,000 will get the veteran about half way through Hofstra or Adelphi.  To save money, some veterans  will start their education at Nassau Community College. The GI Bill funds go a lot farther at Stony Brook University and SUNY Farmingdale as well.

 Most veterans today are applying for the GI Bill on line directly to the VA, often while they are still on active duty. That is a good idea but don’t forget to talk to a County Service Officer,  because he or she can help you apply for extra money available from New York State and provide information about scholarships for veterans. 

New York Career Fair

Military.com is sponsoring a Career Fair Tuesday, August 28, 2007  from 11:00 AM-3:00PM at the Radisson Martinique on Broadway Hotel 49 West 32nd Street, NY, NY 10001.  To pre-register and get more information go to www.military.com/careerfairs, search New York Career Fair, select “Careers”, select “August 28, 2007”.

Burn Center Foundation

Friends of the Burn Center Foundation Committee will host a benefit on August 18, 2007 5-10PM at the Sunrise Detachment Marine Corps League Club House and Beer Garden 99 Iwo Jima Blvd (New York Ave.) Massapequa, NY. Golden Lancers Drum and Bugle Corps, Big Daddy’s Cajun Style Cookout and DJ Chris Patti are featured. Call 516-314-8653 for tickets.

VAMC Billing Issues

Confused about your VA Medical Center statement?  According to a VA press release, “Trained and Friendly” VA Health Revenue Center staff in Topeka, KS will assist you with you billing questions.  Call 1-888-440-9587.

Veterans Employment Resource

USAJOBS is the official job site for the federal government and has a new section for veterans.  For information go to www.usajobs.opm.gov.

Patriot Express Loans for Veterans

Contact John A. Narciso, Business Advisor (and Navy Vet) at the NYS Small Business Development Center at Farmingdale State College for information on the new SBA Patriot Express Initiative. Loans with the lowest interest rates available are made for veterans, active duty members eligible for TAP, Reservists and National Guard members.  The loans can be used for start up, expansion, equipment purchases, working capital, inventory or commercial real estate. Contact John at 631-370-8891 or at john.narciso@farmingdale.edu/sbdc.

PTSD News

According to a story in June 4 issue of the Marine Times DOD is now reporting that 40% of our combat veterans are reporting mental health concerns.   The Nassau County Mental Health Association is proposing a Veterans Mental Health Alliance to bring together private mental health providers, VA facilities, veterans’ leaders, active duty and reserve organizations and local government officials to understand the scope of the local problem and to make sure that the veterans get the right help at the right time.  Sounds like a good idea.

Locally we have  support from  the Long Island Vet Center 631-661-3930, VA Medical Center 631-261-4400, Rosen Family Wellness Center (LIJ) 516-562-3260, Peninsula Counseling Center 516-569-6600.

Veteran Runners

There may not be many Veterans News  readers that enjoy a good 26.3.mile run now an then as I do, but most of you should consider entering the Marine Corps 9/11 Run/Walk being held on September 9, 2007 beginning at 9:00AM at the Blydenburg Suffolk County Park in Hauppauge, NY.  This 5K ( about 3 miles) run/walk will fund a sterling silver engraved serving tray from Tiffany and Co. listing all the names of the service men/women killed in action from Long Island since 9/11.  The tray will be placed on the USS New York a Navy Combat Ship built in part from steel from the World Trade Center.

25 Years at the Wall

The Vietnam Veterans of America is presenting the 25th Anniversary Parade in celebration of the construction of the Vietnam  Memorial  on Saturday, November 10, 2007. For participation in the parade contact 1-800-VVA-1316 x 151 for an application.

POW/MIA Candle Light Vigil