June 12, 2008

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

5 Veterans to be Recognized by County Executive

County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi has announced that five Nassau County veterans will be recognized on August 2, 2008 at the Salute to Veterans Concert at Eisenhower Park.   Robert Kohler, Commander of the Vietnam War Veterans Association a resident of North Bellmore; Jean Quinn of Syosset, Commander of the Eugene Smith American Legion Post 175; Lawrence Pinto of North Merrick - an Iwo Jima survivor; World War II Jewish War Veteran Harry Krieger of Syosset; and Vincent Long, a World War II Marine veteran from Hempstead, will receive the “Distinguished Service To Veterans Medal” during a ceremony at the Harry Chapin Theatre at 6:45 PM.

Following the ceremony will be concert featuring the USO Troupe of Metropolitan New York, Randy and the Rainbows, Risky Business and the Charisma Boys.

Jobs and Training for Disabled Veterans

Disabled veterans are eagerly sought by an industry very short of skilled technicians: the watch repair business is growing as the demand for high price luxury watches continues to grow.  Scholarship money and voc-rehab benefits are available to veterans who would like to learn the highly specialized skill.  Eleven schools nationwide offer degrees in the field and apprenticeship positions are available. For more information go to www.vetwatchtraining.org or call Susan Musman at 516-316-6443.

Hypertension linked to Agent Orange

In a recent release, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies determined that limited or suggestive evidence exists that exposure to Agent Orange can lead to the development of high blood pressure (hypertension).   The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has not yet added hypertension to the list of presumptive conditions or diseases caused by exposure to Agent Orange, but this report from the IOM requires the VA to consider adding hypertension to the list.  The American Legion has recommended that in-country Vietnam veterans who develop hypertension file a claim for the disability now.  Contact the Veterans Service Agency 516-572-8452 for assistance.

 Library Supports the Troops

Since 2006, the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library has been collecting supplies and shipping them to Soldiers and Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan, and 1,138 packages were sent as of March this year.  Checks for postage made out to “For our Soldiers” can be mailed or dropped off at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library at 999 Old Country Road, Plainview, 11803.  More information about the program and a list of requested items can be found at www.anysoldier.com or call Renee Zeichner at 516-938-0077.

Local Veteran Mental Health Concerns

At a recent address to the Veterans Health Alliance of Long Island at the Nassau County Mental Health Association, New York State Director of Veterans Affairs James McDonough said that 63% of New England National Guard Iraq/Afghanistan veterans were showing signs of mental distress.  Other studies revealed last year indicate the potential for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder may be as high as 30% for veterans with combat experience.  Finding it hard to fall asleep,  being emotionally “detached “ from family and friends, trying to order people around, being inappropriately angry with others, driving too fast, drinking to much alcohol, feeling guilty about buddies who were killed or wounded may be signs of PTSD.  Returning veterans should contact the VA Medical Center Northport 631-261-4400 or the Long Island Vet Center 631-661-3930 or the Nassau County Vet Center 516-572-8452 if they are experiencing any of these symptoms. The Veterans Health Alliance of Long Island (516-504-HELP) can also recommend some non-VA not-for-profits that also offer PTSD services.

Adelphi University Offering Workshop on PTSD

Not all veterans who suffer from PTSD display all the symptoms described in DSM-IV, which is the manual that describes the criteria for all mental conditions but failure to get the right treatment may lead to development of a chronic condition.  Adelphi University is hosting a workshop on these issues July 16, 2008 with the focus on reintegrating the veteran within his family and social structure.  Karen J. Bbert, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Coordinator of Post-Deployment Mental Health Services at the Milwaukee VA Medical Services is the presenter. Registration is $115. Call 516-877-4343 for registration form.

Avis Wants to Buy from Vets

Avis Budget Group is interested in conducting a matchmaker with a local veteran- owned business to satisfy their GSA contract obligations. A veteran-owned business that might meet the needs of Budget Truck Division maintenance and repair should contact John Narciso, NYS Veterans Business Outreach Center 1-877-875-VETS or veterans@nyssbdc.org.

Vietnam Night

Saturday June 21, 2008 6:00pm until… Bring your Vietnam memorabilia. The Dress Code: In-Country clothing (if it fits) casual. Sunrise Detachment Marine Corps League, 99 Iwo Jima Blvd., Massapequa, NY.  $20 admission charge.

Boot Camp for Veteran Entrepreneurs

Syracuse University is offering an entrepreneur boot camp for disabled veterans for this summer.  Classes are filled on a first come first enrolled basis.  Go to http://whitman.syr.edu/ebv/ for information on this completely free program.

Heroes

The Patriot Guard Riders (GR) is a motorcycle organization that provides honors at military and veteran funerals, “welcome home” services for our latest veterans and escort missions.  Originally created to protect grieving families from the crazies who picketed some military funerals, the PGR has become a recognized part of many patriotic events.  Locally the PGR has responded to 6 veteran funerals and 19 military support and escort missions since January 1, 2008.   PGR has 142,226 members.  Interested contact NYPGR@aol.com.

New Education Benefits and Scholarships

Readers of “Veterans News” know that New York State now offers combat veterans almost $9,000 per year on top of the GI Bill to go to school.  Pace University now offers a 50% scholarship to Iraq/Afghanistan veterans who qualify for admission and Sessions Online Schools of Art and Design just announced $1 million in scholarships for disabled veterans. Contact www.sessions.edu.

Really Big Army Show

The Army’s most popular outdoor ceremonial program will be presented at Marine Park (Fillmore Avenue and Stuart Street) in Brooklyn on June 28 at 6.p.m.  The annual “Twilight Tattoo” features Soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) troop units and ceremonial units- The Old Guard Fife and Drums and the U.S. Army Drill Team; The U.S. Army Band Blues and vocalists from the U.S. Army Downrange and the U.S. Army Chorale.   Bleacher seating is on a first come, first-seated basis.  For more information on group reservations, contact the Fort Hamilton Public Affairs Office at 718-630-4783 or www.hamilton.army.mil.

Navy League

This is a quiet and distinguished group of men and women that meet every month for lunch at the 56th Fighter Restaurant in Melville.  These Navy, Marine and Coast Guard veterans have or had very interesting careers and their war stories rival the best told at any VFW post.  If you would like to join this  very professional  Long Island Council of the Navy League of the United States call Thomas Matteo 631-549-0200.

Change in New York State Flag Code