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

“Candlelight Evenings” at Old Bethpage Village

One of Long Island’s grandest holiday traditions, “Candlelight Evenings” at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, will take place December 15-16 and 26-30, from 5-9:30 pm with the added attraction this year of a crafts fair, announced County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi.

The village will feature a Hallmark card setting of flickering candles inside historic homes, a Magic lantern show brass band quartet, traditional American dancers, reading of classic holiday children stories, a bonfire in the village’s crossroads and hot mulled cider and ginger cookies.  For information call 516-572-8400.

VA Offers Mini-Med School

A free health education program for veterans, families, visitors and staff is being conducted at the VA Medical Center in Northport.  Completion of 5 courses earns a participant a Graduation Diploma.  Classes are scheduled to meet at 1:30-2:30 pm in building 200, conference room A1-5. Dates and topics:  January 10, CPR for friends and family; January 17, Basic First Aid; January 24  Self Care via the Internet-My Healthy Vet; February 7, Strategies for Managing Stress; February 14, Tools for Wellness; March 6, Happy Feet.

Santa Brings Joy to Military kids

Larry Sklar and a bunch of elves from the Jewish War Veterans and dozens of volunteers from the Nassau County Parks Department joined Santa on December 8 at Contiack Park Ice Skating Rink to bring the holidays to hundreds of children of our local military families.  Many of the families have a mom or dad overseas.

More Loans for Veteran Business Owners

New York State has more money to lend veterans.  New York State comptroller Thomas P. DeNapoli and the New York Business Development Corporation have announced the availability of $5 million in below market fixed rate small business loans up to $150,000 for returning military veterans.  Interest rate is set at U.S. Treasury plus 1.5 percent.  Interested veterans can call John Narciso at the Veterans Business Outreach Program, SUNY Farmingdale 631-370-8891 or john.narciso@farmingdale.edu or call New York Business Development Corporation at 1-800-923-2504.

VA Secretary Correction

In last month’s “Veterans News”, I reported that Paul J. Hunter was confirmed as the new Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.  In fact Paul J. Hutter was named the new General Counsel, not Secretary. As of today Gordon H. Mansfield is still the Acting Secretary.  President Bush has nominated Lt. Gen. James B. Peake, retired Army Surgeon General, to the position of Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Diabetes Report

The VA released a report in November stating that 25% of all VA patients are living with diabetes. While “Veterans News” has often reminded Vietnam veterans that service in Vietnam is a presumptive cause of this disease and others the new report suggests that it is important for our older vets to get tested for the disease.  Many reservists and national Guardsman in their 40s and 50s are being activated for the war in Iraq/Afghanistan.  If the disease is discovered while on active duty or within 12 months of discharge the veteran is eligible for monthly compensation and life long medical treatment.

Shingles Vaccine Available through TRICARE         

Shingles is a painful viral disease that affects more than one million Americans every year. More than half of those cases happen in people age 60 or older.The CDC recommends a single dose of shingles vaccine for everyone age 60 and older.

In a shingles prevention study done by the Veterans Administration Cooperative Trial, run by Dr. Michael Oxman out of the University of California, San Diego, Zostavax was more than 50 percent effective in reducing the incidence of shingles and more than 60 percent effective in reducing some of its associated symptoms. Even in people who suffer from the disease, most of those who were vaccinated experienced less pain.

Beneficiaries who receive the shingles vaccine after October 19, 2007, must have vaccinations administered in a provider’s office. Zostavax is covered under the TRICARE medical benefit and is not reimbursable under the pharmacy benefit. Beneficiaries with coverage or claims questions should contact the TRICARE regional claims processor found on their beneficiary explanation of benefits (EOB) notice, or if living overseas contact the local TRICARE Service Center or the TRICARE Area Office for the area in which they live.

From: TRICARE News Release 13 November 2007

Governor Appoints New Veterans Director

Governor Eliot Spitzer has appointed Retired Army Colonel James D. McDonough as Director of the state’s Division of Veterans Affairs replacing George Basher.  McDonough, a graduate of the State University of New York at Plattsburg, has Masters Degrees from Indiana State University and the United States Army War College. A veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he served as Battalion Commander of the 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment in Fort Bliss Texas and previously served as a Professor at the United States Military Academy.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) News

What’s a veteran to do when his community is overwhelmed with a natural or man made disaster?   Not much unless the veteran is trained to help.  CERT teams are growing all over Nassau County and they are bringing life saving information to our communities.  If you want to be prepared to protect your family first and community next and to be part of the solution not the problem consider joining CERT.  Veterans make good members.   Basic training starts January 29, 2008 at the Mid Island Y/JCC 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview.     Doors open at 6:30 pm class begins at 7:00pm ending at 10:00 pm.  Eight classes will be held during January, February and March covering topics such as What is CERT, Medical, Light Search and Rescue, Fire Suppression and more. Call 516-573-0636 or go on line www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/OEM/CC/CERT/