July 4, 2008

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

Spouses to be Recognized at “Salute to Vets”

County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi has announced that the spouses of several of our service men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan will be honored at the “Salute to Veterans Concert” at Eisenhower Park on August 2, 2008 at 6:45PM.  Also being recognized will be five individuals who have distinguished themselves for their outstanding service to veterans. 

The New York Military Vehicles Club will display their vintage collection and the USO will open a show featuring Randy and the Rainbows, Risky Business and the Charisma Boys.  Special recruiting teams from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard will be on hand to display some of their equipment and to sign you up.

New Vet Center

County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi was also very pleased to announce that the federal government has placed a new Vet Center in the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency in Plainview.   The Vet Center provides confidential readjustment counseling services for veterans who have served in war and hostilities from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, the Persian Golf, Bosnia and Kosovo and the Global War on Terrorism.  Readjustment counseling can address the trauma of war and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and issues related to war zone service that impact marriage, family, employment and the return to civilian life.  Bereavement counseling is also available to family members of military personnel who die in service to their country.  Call Jeanne Morrison, MSW Tuesday and Thursday at 516-572-8452. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 631-661-3930.

New Education Benefit Good but Not Great

All the press lately about the GI Bill for the 21st century is a little misleading.   True, the benefits have been improved, but the bill does not match the benefits provided for our World War II veterans back in the late 1940’s.   If today’s veteran can get into a state college, the benefits will pay for just about everything - including books and living expenses. Additionally, the veteran now has 15 years to complete his education. However, the money is not enough to pay for tuition and housing at a private college.  The new GI Bill goes in to effect on August 1, 2009.

New York State is helping with tuition assistance of up to $4,287 (not $9,000 as I reported last month in “Veterans News”) per academic year for combat veterans.  This state benefit is available to all combat veterans who served since February 28, 1961 and were discharged under honorable conditions.  Recent veterans can use the state benefit in conjunction with the Montgomery GI Bill.   Contact the Veterans service Agency for applications.

Part Time Jobs

School costs not covered by your VA benefits?  Need a part-time job?  UPS and FedEx want to hire veterans.  Both companies are looking for part-time truck loaders and both offer tuition assistance and other benefits.  UPS will conduct a hiring briefing and accept applications at the Veterans Service Agency, 1425 Old Country Road, Plainview, NY on July 24, 2008 at 10:00am.  You can call David Viskewich, UPS Recruiter, at 631-451-8356 (evenings).

 FedEx asks that you apply in person at 160 Grumman Road West in Bethpage M-F 9a-2p or at 700 Hicksville Road, Bethpage Tuesday-Saturday 9AM-2PM.

Cold War Tax Exemption

Veterans who did not serve during a period of war may soon be entitled to a tax exemption in Nassau County.  June 17, 2008 the New York State Assembly and Senate passed legislation enabling Nassau County to opt into the Cold War Tax exemption program.  The Governor is expected to sign the bill soon, then the County Legislature gets the opportunity to adopt the exemption.  Call the County Assessor’s office 516-571-1500 for an application. 

Korean War Veterans Federally Chartered

On June 17, 2008 the Korean War Veterans Association won a battle they have been waging since 2003: to be recognized by the Congress of the United States.  Congratulations Graybeards!

Golfing for Veterans

The children of Marines disabled or killed in action will benefit from the 2nd Annual Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Long Island Golf Tournament scheduled for September 22, 2008 at the Nassau County Country Club in Glen Cove.  $375 includes brunch, refreshment on the course, cocktails and dinner. $275 for active duty.  Contact Chuck Mansfield 516-741-1443.  Lt. General James F. Amos, USMC will be the Guest of Honor.

The Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University will benefit from the success of its 7th Annual Golf Classic September 18, 2008 at the Hamlet Willow Creek Golf & Country Club in Mt. Sinai.  For more information contact Jonathan Spier 631-444-8615

Civil War RE-Enactments

Union and Confederate troops will descend on Old Bethpage Village Restoration on July 19-20 to reenact a skirmish during the fierce Battle of Second Bull Run.  The skirmishes will take place both days from11:00am-noon and 2:30-3:30pm. Volunteers from both “armies” will demonstrate drill, musket firing and even fiddle music from noon to 4:00pm each day. Participating will be company H, 119 NY Volunteer Historical Association; Fourteenth Brooklyn Regiment, N.Y.S.M., Co.E; the 9th and 57th Virginia Infantry Associations and the 30th Virginia Infantry.  If you want to know who wins you have to show up. Call 516-572-0200 for more information.

More on Agent Orange

A new disease has been recognized by the VA as a presumptive condition caused by exposure to Agent Orange.  Veterans suffering from primary AL Amyloidosis and who served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 can now receive medical care and compensation from the VA with out having to prove a service connection.  That connection is now accepted by the VA.

Hypertension, however, a condition identified by the Institute of Medicine as having a possible connection to exposure to Agent Orange, has been rejected by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs as a presumptive condition.   Twelve illnesses are now presumed by the VA to be service connected by service in Vietnam.  Call the Veterans Service Agency if you know a sick Vietnam veteran.

Mortgage Problems

The VA is offering the help of financial counselors to assist veterans avoiding foreclosures.  The VA can attempt to pursue repayment options, forbearance, and loan modifications that would allow a veteran to keep a home.  To obtain help call 877-827-3702.  You do not need a VA Home Loan to qualify for this help.

Gambling Problems

According to Thomas R. Kenney Gampro Program 17% of veterans undergoing PTSD have a pathological gambling problem.  The Pederson –Krag center 55 Horizon Drive, Huntington, NY 11743 offers a comprehensive gambling outpatient treatment program. Call 631-920-8053 or contact www.gampro.com  for details.

Intrepid is Coming Home

Bill White, President of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum has announced that the Intrepid will be back at Pier 86 in Manhattan and open for business on Saturday November 8, 2008.  $100 million was spent repairing and improving the vessel and we are looking forward for “her” return.

Soldier Ride

The 1st Precinct Brotherhood of the Suffolk County Police is sponsoring “Soldier Ride”, a rehabilitative cycling program for severely injured service men and women.  Several dozen of these Wounded Warriors will be cycling form Babylon Town Hall to Cedar Beach in Wantagh on July 25, 2008.  Kick-off ceremony begins at 9:00 AM.  Come out and cheer or even better, cheer and become a sponsor.  For more information go to www.1stprecinctbrotherhood.com and click on “charitable events”.

Marine Corps 9/11 Run Walk

A 5K Run /Walk to benefit the Long Island Wounded Warrior programs is being hosted by the Suffolk County Marine Corps League. Registration for the September 6, 2008 event at Blydenburgh Suffolk County Park is conducted on line at:  start2finish.com.

End of an Era for Army Unit