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

Suozzi Announces Updated  Veterans Web Site

"Returning veterans form Iraq and Afghanistan are encouraged to visit the Nassau County website for valuable information from the county’s Veterans Service Agency said County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi on August 9, 2007 at the Cradle of Aviation in Garden City.  Our new veterans should visit www.nassaucountyny.gov  and click on County Departments, then select Veterans Services.  Valuable information about medical services that veterans could lose if they do not apply for it within two years of discharge is available, along with information about, jobs, training, education, scholarships, tax exemptions, and compensation.

Specialized Training Free for Veterans and Dependents

1800flowers.com, a nearly billion dollar company located in Carle Place, has begun a program to train veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan in topics dealing with resume building,  interview skills, and sales skills (beginner to advanced).  Job opportunities, both part-time and full-time are also available if the veteran has the necessary qualifications. 1800flowers.com is also providing PC/Technical training, partnering with New Horizon’s Learning Centers located on Long Island and the NYC metropolitan area.  There is no cost and is viewed by 1800flowers.com as a way of saying thank you to our veterans. Dependants of veterans in the Long island area are also eligible.  If interested, please contact Neil Halloran, Director Fresh University, 1800flowers.com Email:Nhalloran@1800flowers.com.

New Air Force Medal

The Air Force has created the Air Force Combat Action Medal for members who were engaged in air or ground combat off base, in a combat zone, including those who were under or engaged hostile forces with direct and hostile fire.  The award is retroactive to 9/11/01, and includes posthumous awards.  Airmen should contact their local military personnel flight, and veterans can request an updated DD 215 at the veterans service Agency.

Golf/Dance/Run

The first annual Long Island Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Golf Outing will be held on October 15, 2007 at the Nassau Country Club, Glen Cove, NY. Contact chuckmans@aol.com for information.

The Marine Corps Birthday Ball is November 9, 2007 at the Chateau Briand, Westbury, NY. Contact Jim MacMillan at 516-510-9523 for more information.

The Marine Corps 911 Walk /Run is Sunday, September 9,  2007 at Blydenburgh Suffolk County Park beginning at 0900. Contact marinecorpsrun@optonline.net for more information.

VA Suicide Hot Line

1-800-273-8255 is the new toll free 24/7 suicide prevention hot line, which connects to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Veterans and military personal are asked to select #1 and a trained person from the Department of Veterans Affairs picks up the phone within a few seconds.  This national operation is conducted out of Rochester, NY.

The VA announced in June that it was hiring new suicide prevention counselors to work in all 153 medical centers.

Personality Disorder Discharges

Change in Flag Code

On June 29, 2007, President Bush signed in to law the Army Specialist Joseph P. Micks Federal Flag Code Amendment of 2007. Governors of states will now have the authority to order flags flown at half-staff on both state and federal office buildings within that state for service members killed while on active duty.

A Better Home Loan Program for Veterans

The Federal Government offers veterans a Home Loan Guaranty Program that makes it easier to buy a home if you can find a participating lender. The VA guarantee helps protect lenders from loss if the borrower fails to repay the loan.

Another option veterans should consider is the “Homes for Veterans Program” offered by the State of New York Mortgage Agency and the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs. The Homes for Veterans Program offers: Fixed interest rates .05% below  the standard  below market SONYMA interest rate; closing cost assistance; no borrower points; requires 1% of home purchase price from borrowers funds the remaining 2% can come from a gift or other acceptable sources.  For more information contact www.nyhomes.org or call 1-800-382-HOME.

New York now joins five other states that offer home loan assistance to veterans that is better than the federal program.

More Money Available for Veterans Business Loans

Loans of up to $150,000 at interest rates of 1.55% above Treasury are available to honorably discharged veterans and members of the Guard and Reserve. This new money comes from the New York State Common Retirement Fund and participating banks of the New York Business Development Corporation.   This program is in addition to the Patriot Express Loan Program announced last month by the Small Business Development Center at Farmingdale College. The Patriot Express Loan program has already made 20 loans; the largest was $350,000.  Call John Narciso at 631-370-8891 for  information.

Vietnam Veterans of America Household Goods Program

If it works and you hate to throw it out, donate it to the VVA pick up program.  They take clothing, house & kitchen wares, linens, shoes, small appliances, some furniture, toys, books, baby items, bikes, stereos, radios, portable TVs, tools and jewelry.  For more information or to arrange a pickup, call 631-582-0242.

Community Emergency Response Team

The next CERT class starts August 27, 2007 at the Freeport Fire House, 15 Broadway, Freeport at 6:30 pm. Learn how to protect yourself and others in an emergency. For more information contact the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management at 516-573-0648.