August 8, 2008

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

POW/MIA Candle Light Vigil

County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi has announced that the county will host the POW/MIA Recognition Day candle light ceremony on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at Veterans Plaza in Eisenhower Park at 7:00 pm.

Job and Benefit Fair at Cradle of Aviation

Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan  are encouraged to attend a “Jobs/Education and Benefits Fair to be held at the Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., in Garden City on Saturday September 20, 2008 from 10:00 am to 2:00pm.  County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi announced that recruiters for United Parcel Service, NY City Fire Department, MTA, North Shore Health System and other employers will be on hand along with NYS Department of Labor, VA Regional Office and Veterans Business Outreach Office.   Over 3,000 Nassau County Residents have served in the military since 9/11.

Emergency Room to be Named for Lt. Michael P. Murphy

Long Island’s Medal of Honor recipient Michael P. Murphy will have the Emergency Department of New Island Hospital in Bethpage named for him.  To help finance the improvements at this not- for- profit community based hospital a 5K Run and Walk will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2008 at 9:00am at the Bethpage State park Polo Field.  For further information on New Island Hospital and this all-important cause please go to: www.newislandhospital.org for on-line registrations/donations.  Applications are also available at the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency 516-572-8452.

Long Island Rock Bands in Support of Military Personnel, on August 30

Four of Long Island’s most popular bands (Code Anchor, Sick as Monday, Johnny Bhive and 5North) and special guest Blake Ian will perform at Eisenhower Park’s Lakeside Theatre on Saturday, August 30, in a concert to support military personnel around the world, announced Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi.  The free concert, which will be hosted by WBAB-FM's "Fingers," begins at 6 p.m. and will be Webcast to overseas troops via Playgroundz.net. At the concert, the USO will be accepting donations of items for care packages for the troops (DVDs, phone cards, etc.). The USO has been the bridge between the American public and the US military for over 65 years, and today delivers its programs and services at more than 130 locations around the globe. Representatives from the USO will be present at the concert to receive donations. Best Buy will be donating items at the concert.

Do It Yourself VA

If you are really good at do it your self and some people really are, then the following news release from the Department of Veterans Affairs will be of interest to you. “WASHINGTON (July 16, 2008) - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that on-line applications are now accepted from veterans, survivors and other claimants filing initial applications for disability compensation, pension, education, and vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits without the additional requirement to submit a signed paper copy of the application. 

Effective immediately, VA will now process applications received through its on-line application website without the claimant's signature.  The electronic application will be sufficient authentication of the claimant's application for benefits.  Normal development procedures and rules of evidence will still apply. Claimants seeking compensation, pension, education, or vocational rehabilitation benefits can apply electronically ( www.va.gov/onlineapps.htm ) without the constraints of location, postage cost, and time delays in mail delivery.” 

You know what they say about a lawyer who represents him/her self.  He/ she has a fool for a lawyer.  Consider the statement that “Normal development procedures and rules of evidence will still apply…”  If you don’t know what those rules are the long process (six months to three years) could take even longer.  Call the Veterans Service Agency 516-572-8452 for assistance.

Ruling Expands Opportunities for Vets in Federal Law Enforcement

According to Dan Friedman, Assistant Director US Department of Labor VETS Program a recent decision from the Merit Systems Protection Board could open hundreds of federal jobs in law enforcement and other areas to veterans who were denied employment due to missing the maximum age requirements.  If you were denied a federal job because you just missed the age requirement   your rights under the 1944 Veterans Preference Act, the 1998 Veterans Employment Opportunities Act or the 1994 Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act may have been denied.  Call Dan Friedman at 212-352-6184 if you think this may have happened to you.   The Nassau County Bar Association will provide pro bono legal services for Iraq/Afghanistan veterans who need legal help in this area of law. Call 516-747-4832.

Employer Looking to Hire Vet

Pool Service Technician Wanted - Commercial Pool Company with customers in the New York metropolitan area is seeking a pool service technician. A background in pools, plumbing or electrical is a plus! Our office is located in Carle Place. Must be a self-starter with clean New York State driver’s license. Incentives   and salary commensurate with experience. Fax  resume to 516-620-4577 or email it to help@911pools.com. Job Requirements: PC literate with basic computer skills and experience. Strong communication skills enjoy working with customers and problem solving situations. 

Air Force Association Events

Visit the American Airpower Museum Labor Day Weekend August 30 – September 1 and see a Tent Display sponsored by the Air Force Association.  September 20 is Civil Air Patrol Field Day at 106 Rescue Wing in Westhampton Beach, NY and on October 4 the AFA will conduct the   Jubilee of Liberty Medal Ceremony, at the American Legion Hall 22 Grove Place Babylon, NY.

Not Ready for College?

The New GI Bill is worth over $60,000.  New York State will pay an additional $4,300 per year for combat veterans.  Some veterans will not take advantage of this benefit because they don’t feel ready for a classroom education.   LaGuardia Community College, in Long Island City has a Veterans Upward Bound Program funded by CUNY Research Foundation that is free to recent veterans and offers College Prep.  and GED courses and a support network designed to help veterans enter the academic world.  For information call 718-482-5386.

Willing to Travel for Federal Jobs?

 Federal Protective Service is posting a vacancy announcement for Physical Security Specialist (LESO) on www.usajobs.gov These are GS-7/9 Law Enforcement positions with the Federal Government. Go to www.usajobs.gov and click to search, then in "refine search" box type in: FPS Physical Security Specialist. Then look for the vacancy announcement for your cities.

Army Esprit DeCorps

The U.S. Army through the Freedom Team Salute Program and their Volunteer Ambassadors is attempting to individually recognize and honor all U.S. Army Veterans.  By completing a simple application Army Veterans will receive a letter and Citation from the secretary of the Army and the Army Chief of Staff.   Also included will be an official U.S. Army Insignia Pin and display Decal.  For information contact Al Julia at almer@optonline.net.