VFW VA Post 9835 - Warrenton, VA

Join the VFW VA on Face Book

Posted at 05:46 PM on Thursday, July 29, 2010 by post9835

Please help us spread the word by joining our new Fan Page and telling all your FB friends.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Veterans-of-Foreign-Wars-VFW-Virginia/144810682200654

You can use the following trick that helps you invite all your friends at one time without you having to click on them one at a time if you wish

It can be applied to any fan page.

To invite everyone you will want to copy the following code:

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javascript:elms=document.getElementById('friends').getElementsByTagName('li');for(var fid in elms){if(typeof elms[fid] === 'object'){fs.click(elms[fid]);}}

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Then go to VFW VA fan page....click on "Suggest to Friends" ...it will open your friends box....then paste that code in top address bar and hit enter...give it a sec and it should highlight everyone...then hit send invitations

The top top address bar where you type in web addresses
it will seem strange but it works.

Thanks for all you do.

Retroactive Stop Loss Pay Deadline Approaching

Posted at 01:53 PM on Monday, July 26, 2010 by post9835

Those eligible must submit a claim by Oct. 21, 2010.

The 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act established Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP), providing $500 for each month/partial month served in stop loss status. Service members, veterans, and beneficiaries of servicemembers whose service was involuntarily extended under Stop Loss between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009 are eligible for RSLSP.

To receive this benefit, those who served under stop loss must submit a claim for the special pay. Throughout the year, the services have been reaching out to servicemembers, veterans and their families through direct mail, veteran service organizations, and the media. But there is still money left to be claimed, and the deadline is approaching. The average benefit is $3,700.

Get more information

“Victory for Vets” Golf Tournament

Posted at 04:58 PM on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 by post9835

Golf Tournament

Saturday, August 7, 2010, 9 a.m.

Lakeview Golf Club

4101 Shen Lake Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

(540) 434-8937

FAX: (540) 442-7421

Email: lakeviewgolf@gmail.com

Tournament will be a Foursome Captain’s Choice

Tournament will be a Foursome Captain’s Choice with Regular, Senior, and Junior Flights

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3^rd places in each flight, plus…

• Closest to pin contests
• Closest drive to fairway centerlines
• Longest putts made on select holes
• Other fun awards and many door prizes
• A fully catered luncheon for all sponsors, guests, and players

Individual entry fee $100
Foursome team fee $400
Junior entry fee $25
Junior foursome team $100

Sponsor a junior team – we’ll find the players!

Individuals who enter can be placed with a competitive team according to your estimated current handicap.

[Flyer]

VFW Applauds New PTSD Claims Decision

Posted at 12:51 PM on Monday, July 12, 2010 by post9835

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 12, 2010 - The national commander of America's largest combat veterans organization is applauding the Department of Veterans Affairs for eliminating a requirement for veterans to explicitly prove that a traumatic event directly caused their post-traumatic stress.

"From this point forward," wrote VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki in a statement released today, "VA will not require corroboration of a PTSD stressor related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity, if a VA doctor confirms a diagnosis of PTSD and the stressful experience recalled by the veteran adequately supports that diagnosis."

Thomas J. Tradewell Sr., the national commander of the 2.1 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and its Auxiliaries, called the VA secretary's decision to ease PTSD claims requirements a sea-change in the mindset of the VA. It follows numerous other decisions that increased the list of presumptions for diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure; increased services and programs for women veterans, veterans who reside in rural areas as well as the homeless; and reduced the size of the claims form from 23 to 10 pages. Tradewell said even the VA's outreach to patients possibly exposed to improperly sterilized equipment at a small number of its hospitals reflects the department's proactive, veterans' first attitude.

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Operation Uplink's 4th of July Free Call Day!

Posted at 08:06 PM on Saturday, July 3, 2010 by post9835

This July 4th, troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait can call the U.S for free for a full 24 hours in honor of Independence Day, courtesy of Sport Clips, beginning at 12:01AM July 4, 2010 and ending at 11:59PM July 4, 2010 (Eastern Standard Time).

Free Call Days are available at more than 800 MWR internet cafes using SPAWAR located on military installations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.

Dialing Instructions for Soldiers Overseas:
To place a call, use regular dialing procedures using your SPAWAR prepaid PIN, if you do not have a PIN number, you can obtain one from the cafe manager. You will hear the sponsor announcement informing you that your call is FREE.

Feedback is welcomed and encouraged from participants!
uplink@vfw.org
www.operationuplink.org

Vote YES! for tax relief for 100% disabled veterans

Posted at 02:56 PM on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 by post9835

The following question will appear on the November 2, 2010 ballot:

Shall the Constitution be amended to require the General Assembly to provide a real property tax exemption for the principal residence of a veteran, or his or her surviving spouse, if the veteran has a 100 percent service‐connected, permanent, and total disability?

What does this mean?

The proposed amendment would require the General Assembly to pass a law exempting from local taxation the principal residence owned and occupied by any veteran with a 100% service‐connected, permanent, and total disability. The veteran’s surviving spouse could continue to claim the exemption so long as he or she does not remarry and continues to occupy the home as his or her principal residence.

When would this constitutional amendment take effect?

If passed by the voters in November, the exemption will take effect July 1, 2011.

Real Estate Tax Relief for 100% Disabled Veterans - FAQ

Posted at 02:48 PM on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 by post9835

Real Estate Tax Relief for 100% Disabled Veterans

FAQs

On November 2, 2010, voters will be asked to vote on a proposed amendment to the Virginia Constitution to provide real estate tax relief for 100% service‐connected disabled veterans. If approved, local governments
would grant real estate tax exemptions without means testing to veterans with a 100% service‐connected disability rating. This is the final step in a three‐step process to amend the state constitution. The amendment
passed unanimously in both houses during the 2009 and 2010 legislative sessions. This year’s bills were sponsored by Senators Puller and Reynolds (SJ13), Delegate O’Bannon (HJ33), Senator Puller (SB31) and Delegate O’Bannon (HB149).

Why does this proposal require a constitutional amendment?

It requires a constitutional amendment since this exemption creates a special class of exemptions.

What does the constitutional amendment process require?

A State constitutional amendment requires that the General Assembly pass the proposed amendment two consecutive years as well as passage by voters. The proposed constitutional amendment will be placed on the ballot this November.

Don’t some localities already grant tax exemptions for disabled veterans and the elderly?

Yes, many localities already grant real estate tax exemptions to disabled veterans and the elderly.

Does this exempt 100% service‐connected disabled veterans from paying real estate taxes on vacation homes
or rental property?

No. This exempts the qualifying veteran from paying real estate taxes only on owner‐occupied property used as the sole dwelling of the veteran.

How many 100% service connected disabled veterans live in Virginia?

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reported that 7,358 Virginia veterans had a 100% service‐connected disability rating as of May 2009. Most of these veterans are concentrated in Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and the Richmond area.

Does this proposal have the support of the Veterans Service Organizations?

Yes! This is the top priority in 2010 for the 23 veterans service organizations represented on the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations (JLC). Combined, these organizations have more than 250,000 members.

What can I do to help?

Vote “yes” in November for the real estate tax exemption for 100% service‐connected disabled veterans and encourage your family and friends to vote “yes” as well. Veterans rated as 100% disabled continue to suffer from disabilities incurred during active military service to our Nation and the Commonwealth.

When would this constitutional amendment take effect?

If passed by the voters in November, the exemption will take effect July 1, 2011.

VFW Washington Weekly - June 25, 2010

Posted at 01:44 PM on Friday, June 25, 2010 by post9835

 In This Issue:

1. Senior Officer Changes

2. South Korean Presidential Thank You

3. Senate Discusses Military Suicides

4. House VA Committee Hearings

5. U.S.-Russia Joint Commission Update

6. WW I Marine Identified

7. Help VFW Win $250,000 Grant

 

1. Senior Officer Changes: The president on Wednesday nominated U.S. Central Command commander Gen. David Petraeus to replace Gen. Stanley McChrystal as overall commander of coalition forces in Afghanistan.  The action was based on an in depth magazine article in which McChrystal and his senior staff were portrayed as being publicly insubordinate towards the White House and senior administration and diplomatic officials.  "I welcome debate, but I won't tolerate division," said the president.  Petraeus' nomination requires Senate confirmation.  A replacement for Petraeus at CENTCOM has yet to be named.

 

2. South Korean Presidential Thank You: Today marks the 60 anniversary of the start of the Korean War, and the Republic of Korea wants to personally thank every veteran of that war for their service and sacrifice on behalf of South Korea's freedom.  According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, almost 1.8 million servicemen and women served in-theater during the three-year war that resulted in 33,739 combat deaths and more than 103,000 woundings.  A letter signed by South Korean President Lee Myung-bako is available online at http://eng.koreanwar60.go.kr/apply.asp or by writing to: U.S. Branch, ROK 60th AKW Commemoration Committee, 2450 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008.

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The American Veteran - June 2010 Edition

Posted at 06:30 PM on Friday, June 18, 2010 by post9835

VFW Washington Weekly - June 18, 2010

Posted at 06:18 PM on Friday, June 18, 2010 by post9835

In This Issue:
1. VFW National Commander Meets With President
2. House Subcommittee Meets on Claims Backlog
3. Senate VA Committee Discusses Rural Healthcare
4. Help VFW Win a $250,000 Grant
5. Pearl Harbor Sailor Identified
6. Four Vietnam MIAs Identified

1. VFW National Commander Meets With President: VFW National Commander Thomas J. Tradewell Sr. met with President Obama yesterday to discuss issues of importance to America's veterans, servicemembers and their families.  He thanked for the president for signing into law advanced appropriations for the VA and family caregiver legislation, and also expressed VFW concerns about the high military suicide rate, the huge VA claims backlog, unemployed veterans, and burial accountability problems that recently surfaced at Arlington National Cemetery.  "It was good meeting and I am grateful for the opportunity, because it is clear that the president shares our concerns to make things right, as does the first lady, and the vice president and Dr. Jill Biden," said Tradewell.  A VFW press release is at http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=5515.

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Gun Show & Flea Market July 3, 2010

Posted at 07:17 AM on Monday, June 14, 2010 by post9835

8 AM – 5 PM
POST 6000
204 Hair St.
Narrows Virginia
Post Phone: 540-726-3123

Contact: Lee Thompson
304-753-4579

Help the VFW "Return the Favor"

Posted at 11:01 AM on Monday, June 7, 2010 by post9835

VFW Washington Weekly - June 7, 2010

Posted at 10:53 AM on Monday, June 7, 2010 by post9835

In This Issue:

1. VFW Victorious in Protecting DOD, VA Healthcare Programs

2. VA Creates Homeless Vet Hotline

3. Help VFW Win a $250,000 Grant

4. Afghanistan Now America's Longest War

5. Defense Budget Update

6. Vietnam MIA Identified

 

1. VFW Victorious in Protecting DOD, VA Healthcare Programs: The president's signature last week on H.R. 5014 ended a two-month battle that only the VFW waged to ensure all DOD and VA healthcare programs for all beneficiaries were recognized as meeting minimum essential coverage standards under the new national healthcare law.  H.R. 5014 recognizes all VA healthcare programs provided to more than 8 million beneficiaries.  H.R. 4887, signed into law April 26, recognizes all military Tricare and nonappropriated-fund healthcare programs for more than 9 million beneficiaries.  The battle began when House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) revealed just days before a full House vote that national healthcare legislation only recognized Tricare for Life as meeting standards, and excluded a half dozen other Tricare programs, as well as the NAF healthcare plan.  A closer review of the 2,400-page document revealed that not all VA healthcare programs were recognized either, to include those provided to widows and dependent children.  Whereas many in Washington chose to believe that the intent of the new law would not impact DOD or VA programs, the VFW knew differently, because bill language becomes the law of the land, and because the intent of the 111th Congress will carry little weight in the 125th Congress, when the nation's focus has moved on to other priorities.  The new national healthcare law had to be fixed, not for what it provided, but for what it omitted, and "The VFW is proud to have taken the lead on this issue on behalf of all of America's veterans, servicemembers and their families," said VFW National Commander Thomas J. Tradewell Sr.  "It's a prime example of what we do as advocates here in the Nation's Capitol."  To read the VFW press release, go to http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=5498.

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Meaning of Memorial Day

Posted at 07:09 AM on Monday, May 31, 2010 by post9835

A message from VFW National Commander Tradewell...

It's a sacred day to all war veterans: None need to be reminded of the reason that Memorial Day must be commemorated. But what about the general public, and more important, future generations? Do most non-veterans really recognize the importance of the day honoring their fellow Americans killed in war?

Judging from what Memorial Day has become-simply another day off from work-the answer is a resounding no. Perhaps a reminder is due, then. And it is the duty of each and every veteran to relay the message.

Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance. America's collective consciousness demands that all citizens recall and be aware of the deaths of their fellow countrymen during wartime.

Far too often, the nation as a whole takes for granted the freedoms all Americans enjoy. Those freedoms were paid for with the lives of others few of us actually knew. That's why they are all collectively remembered on one special day.

This should be regarded as a civic obligation. For this is a national debt that can only be truly repaid by individual Americans. By honoring the nation's war dead, we preserve their memory and thus their service and sacrifice in the memories of future generations.

They came from all walks of life and regions of the country. But they all had one thing in common—love of and loyalty to country. This bond cemented ties between them in times of trials, allowing a diverse lot of Americans to achieve monumental ends.

We remember the loss of loved ones, a sense of loss that takes group form. In essence, America is commemorating those who made the greatest sacrifice possible—giving one's own life on behalf of others.

Means of paying tribute vary. Pausing for a few moments of personal silence is available to everyone.

Attending commemorative ceremonies is the most visible way of demonstrating remembrance: Placing flags at gravesites, marching in parades, sponsoring patriotic programs, dedicating memorials and wearing Buddy Poppies are examples.

Whether done individually or collectively, it is the thought that counts. Personal as well as public acts of remembering are the ideal. Public displays of patriotism are essential if the notion of remembering war dead is to be instilled in youth.

As America's older war veterans fast disappear from society's landscape, there are fewer and fewer standard-bearers left to carry the torch of remembrance. Such traditions will live on only if there is a vibrant movement to which that torch can be passed.

Now, more than in past years, the enduring relevance of Memorial Day should be clearly evident. With two wars under way, the public has no excuse not to remember.

This much is owed to the more than 5,400 Americans who have died thus far in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Mojave War Memorial Cross Stolen; Reward Offered

Posted at 11:01 AM on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 by post9835

VFW Press Release:

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2010 - The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. learned yesterday that the cross-shaped veterans' memorial in the Mojave Desert was torn down Sunday night by someone or persons with no respect for the dead or the nation's laws.

"This was a legal fight that a vandal just made personal to 50 million veterans, military personnel and their families," said VFW National Commander Thomas J. Tradewell, Sr. "To think anyone can rationalize the desecration of a war memorial is sickening, and for them to believe they won't be apprehended is very naive.

"The memorial will be rebuilt and the vandals will be caught and prosecuted in federal court, since the crime occurred on government property," said Tradewell, a combat-wounded Vietnam veteran from Sussex, Wis. "We hope this horrible act will highlight the importance of resolving this case quickly so that the memorial and land can be transferred to the VFW so that the service and sacrifice of all American war dead will be properly recognized and honored, as originally intended by a group of World War I VFW members 76 years ago."

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