VFW WI Post 9202

VA News - Week of November 17, 2008

Posted at 10:18 AM on Friday, November 21, 2008 by Darrell

VA Expands Protections for Veterans with Missing Paperwork

Posted at 10:13 AM on Friday, November 21, 2008 by Darrell

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) [Monday] announced special procedures for processing claims from veterans, family members, and survivors whose applications for financial benefits from VA may have been mishandled by VA personnel.  

These special procedures come after an audit by VA's Inspector General found documents waiting to be shredded at some of VA's regional offices that, if disposed of, could have affected the financial benefits awarded to veterans and survivors.  

"I am deeply concerned that improper actions by a few VA employees could have caused any veterans to receive less than their full entitlement to benefits earned by their service to our nation," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.  

"In rectifying this unacceptable lapse, VA will be guided by two principles -- full accountability for VA staff and ensuring veterans receive the benefit of the doubt if receipt of a document by VA is in question," he added. 

VA worked with the six largest veterans service organizations in developing these special new procedures.  The procedures will assist veterans and survivors in establishing that an application or another document was previously submitted to VA, but was not properly acted upon by VA and was not retained in the veteran's records.   

The special procedures cover missing documents submitted by a veteran or other applicant for VA benefits during the 18-month period between April 14, 2007 and October 14, 2008.  

VA will process any missing applications or evidence resubmitted under these special procedures as if the document had been originally submitted on the date identified by the claimant.

Read more

VA SECRETARY ANNOUNCES MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT RAISE

Posted at 03:25 AM on Friday, November 21, 2008 by Darrell

POST ACTION REPORT DATA SUMMARY NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

Posted at 10:07 AM on Thursday, November 20, 2008 by Darrell

Your Post Action Report submissions are now available to view online.

A new Post Action Reports Summary may be viewed by clicking on the COMMUNITY SERVICE SUMMARIES link found on the main page of all Wisconsin VFW Webcom Blog sites.

All data entered on the new automated Online Report Form through the E-Forms link will appear each time the Summary Report is updated from now on. (At least weekly.)

Post Officers are reminded that the best way to report Post Activities is through the new Online Report Form.

Reports submitted on forms from prior years will not be accepted for filing. Please refer to the 2008/2009 Wisconsin VFW Program Guide for instructions and details on the current form.

Use of the earlier e-Filing version of the 2008/2009 manual form is discouraged. If you downloaded that and continue to use it, please expect significant delay in posting your entries.

Post Action Reports submitted by regular mail using the manual form may take up to 6 weeks for processing. You are strongly advised to designate a member of your Post with computer access to enter your information through the new system.

Thank you for all you do for Veterans and the VFW of Wisconsin. Report your activities promptly and accurately to receive full credit!

VFW GIFT CARDS --- It's Time You Checked Them Out!

Posted at 10:54 AM on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 by Darrell

November Newsletter

Posted at 01:51 PM on Monday, November 17, 2008 by Darrell in Newsletter

The November newsletter is available for reading or printing all or part of the newsletter.  Some of the highlights in the letter are as follows:

• Minutes of the October Meeting
• Dues
• Annual Awards Banquet
• Chaplains Corner
• Potential Benefits for Those in Financial Distress
• Comrades on Active Duty
• New Law on Veterans Saluting the Flag
• VFW Gift Card Program
• Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen Essay Winners

To access the newsletter CLICK HERE:

VFW Washington Weekly - November 14, 2008

Posted at 07:08 AM on Saturday, November 15, 2008 by Darrell

NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE SERVICE
1. Navy to Design New GI Bill Software

NATIONAL SECURITY & FOREIGN AFFAIRS
1. JPAC Goes to India
2. Military Healthcare Online Town Hall Meeting
3. Reserve Component Mobilization

NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE SERVICE

1. Navy to Design New GI Bill Software: A navy command center in Charleston, SC, has been chosen to design the new GI Bill software which VA will use to implement its education benefits.  The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) has experience with sophisticated software that can perform some of the complex calculations that are required under the new law.  The benefit rollout is scheduled for Aug. 1, 2009.  The new education benefit will pay full tuition up to the cost of the most expensive four-year public college or university in the state where a service member or veteran attends school.  It also pays a living stipend based on zip code and other fees for the student veteran.  SPAWAR is still awaiting funding from VA in order to begin the initial stage.

Click here to read more

VA News - Week of November 10, 2008

Posted at 01:52 PM on Friday, November 14, 2008 by Darrell

Supreme Court to Rule in Spring on Monuments Issue

Posted at 03:24 PM on Thursday, November 13, 2008 by Darrell

The United States Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling before next summer on a case which could have far-reaching impact on veterans memorials.

Earlier this week, the VFW, along with all other major veterans organizations, filed a brief asking the court to overturn an Appeals Court decision requiring governmental bodies to accept all types of monuments.  (See press release, Watch press conference )

Military Mail Must Include Name; Mail to 'Any Servicemember' Won't Be Processed

Posted at 01:23 PM on Thursday, November 13, 2008 by Darrell

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2008--Walter Reed Army Medical Center officials want to remind those individuals who want to show their appreciation through mail to include packages, letters, and holiday cards addressed to 'Any Wounded Soldier' or 'A Recovering American Soldier' that Walter Reed cannot accept these packages in support of the decision by then Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Transportation Policy in 2001. This decision was made to ensure the safety and well being of patients and staff at medical centers throughout the Department of Defense.

In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting "Any Service Member" or "A Recovering American Soldier" letters or packages. Mail to "Any Service Member" that is deposited into a collection box will not be delivered.

If you would like to send a letter to military personnel visit a VFW post in your area for assistance. Find a VFW post in your area

The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes also have a program supported by DoD to accept cards and distribute them to servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Click here to learn more.

Walter Reed Army Medical Center will continue to receive process and deliver all mail that is addressed to a specific individual.

My Vetwork: Calling all Comrades!

Posted at 01:20 PM on Thursday, November 13, 2008 by Darrell

VFW is proud to announce a 21st century communications tool designed to reach out to those we serve. VFW invites you to join MyVetwork, which was  launched Veterans Day, is a free online community, created specifically for active-duty military, retired military, veterans, military families and VFW supporters.   

Designed by VFW member John R. Campbell, a former Marine and Vietnam veteran,  MyVetwork facilitates an information exchange with those who share similar experiences and interests.  Connections can run the gamut—from lighthearted and entertaining, to deep and meaningful exchange--bringing our veterans community together in ways simply not possible before.

MyVetwork allows VFW to easily create our own online groups, relevant to our interests and individual skill sets.  It can be used for both social and professional networking, a service not previously available within the veterans’ community. And if you’re interested in mentoring younger veterans, MyVetwork facilitates that, too. 

We are asking you to help populate the community—the more who sign on, the more valuable our exchange will be. Go to  http://www.myvetwork.com  and create your profile, which takes about 3 minutes.  Check out the VFW group.  You are encouraged you to share it throughout your departments and create a subgroup for your own department, post or other special interest groups.

VFW would like strong representation on the site, set to launch this Veterans Day, so please take advantage of this opportunity to revolutionize the way we serve our veterans and stay connected to one another!

If you have any questions or would like assistance creating a group for your Department or Post contact Gloria Montgomery (VFW Communications) at gmontgomery@vfw.org.

Click here to hear John Campbell’s interview on VFW’s The National Defense: http://vfwnationaldefense.blogspot.com/2008_10_26_archive.html

Gloria Montgomery
VFW Communications
816-968-2740
http://www.vfw.org

VETS CAN HAVE FREE TICKETS TO BADGERS/CAL POLY GAME NOVEMBER 22ND!

Posted at 09:02 AM on Thursday, November 13, 2008 by Darrell

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and the UW Athletic Department have announced that a limited number of FREE tickets has been set aside for Veterans to attend next Saturday's (Nov 22nd) UW BADGERS game against the CAL POLY MUSTANGS at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison.

To put your name in for these free tickets, print out and complete the Ticket Form and fax it to the UW Athletic Department. Complete instructions are on the form.

CLICK HERE to access the form. You will need Adobe Reader installed on your computer to print this form. If you don't have this free pdf reader, click the Adobe logo, below.

Thanks to our Veterans Every War Has an End: Upholding Veterans Day

Posted at 10:43 AM on Monday, November 10, 2008 by Darrell

An Editorial by VFW National Commander Glen Gardner

Remembering America's warriors is often an afterthought for many Americans. It's about time Nov. 11 is paid its proper respect.

Veterans Day, once a widely celebrated holiday, is increasingly forgotten by many Americans. One need only look at the poor turnouts at ceremonies on Nov. 11. With the percentage of citizens who have worn a uniform rapidly declining, appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans is correspondingly diminishing.

To help counter this trend, VFW has long promoted Veterans Day as an opportunity to educate the public as to the meaning of this significant time each November. This task can best be accomplished by explaining the five "Ws."

Click here to read the rest of C-i-C Gardner's editorial

U.S. Marine Corps Birthday

Posted at 09:40 AM on Monday, November 10, 2008 by Darrell

VFW Commander-in-Chief's message regarding the Marine Corps birthday:

Semper Fi!
Happy Birthday, Marines!

On November 10, we celebrate the 233rd year of rich tradition and spirit of the U.S. Marine Corps. From the "Halls of Montezuma, to the Shores of Tripoli," our "Soldiers of the Sea" have gallantly served our great nation for 233 years. First to land and first to fight, the Corps has demonstrated battle after battle, the heroism and dedication of its Marines.

In 1921, Marine Corps Commandant, Major General John A. Lejeune, wrote "In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term 'Marine' has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.

There is a special spirit and connection that exists for every man and women who have worn the uniform of the "Few and the Proud." The 2.1 million members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Auxiliaries proudly salute you today for your sacrifices and for your dedication to duty and service to country.

Glen Gardner
Commander-in-Chief
Veterans of Foreign Wars

---

VFW Washington Weekly - November 7, 2008

Posted at 09:06 PM on Sunday, November 9, 2008 by Darrell

In This Issue:
1. 2008 Election
2. IB Releases Critical Issues for 2010
3. 2009 Retired Pay COLA
4. Lower Tricare Reserve Select Premiums
5. Guard/Reserve Debt Relief Act of 2008

1. 2008 Election

The 2008 election is one for the history books, with 136.6 million people, or 64.1% of eligible voters turning out. This exceeds the previous records of 122.3 million voters in 2004 and 63.8% of eligible voters in the 1960 elections. The Democratic Party also extended its majority lead in both the House and Senate, despite a few races that have yet to be decided. VFW congratulates everyone and looks forward to working with them when the 111th Congress convenes in January. VFW remains steadfast in our fight to increase VA funding and to help those transitioning from active duty to veteran status. Linked here are VFW's 2009 Legislative Priority Goals, which are the result of resolutions adopted at the 109th VFW National Convention. We ask that you become familiar with them. Any grassroots action that you take to educate your legislators on them will benefit all us all.
For a list of the 2009 priority goals, go to: http://www.vfw.org/legislative/2009prioritygoals.pdf.
To sign-up to receive our VFW Washington Weekly e-newsletter and join our advocacy team, go to: http://capwiz.com/vfw/mlm/signup/

Read more Washington Weekly

ZABLOCKI CHRISTMAS PARTY NEEDS YOUR $UPPORT!

Posted at 12:01 PM on Sunday, November 9, 2008 by Darrell

November Meeting

Posted at 04:24 PM on Saturday, November 8, 2008 by Darrell in Next Meeting

Comrades on Active Duty

Posted at 02:30 PM on Saturday, November 8, 2008 by Darrell in Post News

The following is a short article on active duty members of this Post who are stationed in Germany.

To view or print the article CLICK HERE:

VA News - Week of November 3, 2008

Posted at 12:19 PM on Saturday, November 8, 2008 by Darrell

Veterans Day 2008: A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Posted at 12:05 PM on Saturday, November 8, 2008 by Darrell

On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States.

From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the jungles of Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, brave patriots have protected our Nation's ideals, rescued millions from tyranny, and helped spread freedom around the globe. America's veterans answered the call when asked to protect our Nation from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists, and militaries the world has ever known. They stood tall in the face of grave danger and enabled our Nation to become the greatest force for freedom in human history. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have answered a high calling to serve and have helped secure America at every turn.

Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their quiet courage and exemplary service. We also remember and honor those who laid down their lives in freedom's defense. These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit. On Veterans Day, we remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty, and their dedication. Their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us today as we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world.

With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor America's veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2008, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 9 through November 15, 2008, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to support and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

VA Marks Veterans Day 2008

Posted at 11:40 AM on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 by Darrell

WASHINGTON (Nov. 5, 2008) - During Veterans Day, Nov. 11, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake calls on Americans to recognize the nation's 23.4 million living veterans and the generations before them who fought to protect freedom and democracy.

"While our foremost thoughts are with those in distant war zones today, Veterans Day is an opportunity for Americans to pay their respects to all who answered the nation's call to military service," said Peake. "Participation in Veterans Day can be as simple as putting out the porch flag or reminding youngsters of the story of a relative who served in the military."

As part of the national Veterans Day observance, Peake will join White House and military officials and leaders of the major veterans organizations at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery at 11 a.m.

From stirring parades and ceremonies to military exhibits and tributes to distinguished veterans, major national observances also are scheduled at 33 sites in 20 states, serving as models for communities to follow in planning their own observances.

A guide to these major activities is included on VA's Veterans Day Web page at http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/ under "Regional Observances." The page includes a variety of resources, including a teacher's guide, a poster gallery and links to information about the Arlington National Cemetery ceremony.

Other commemorative activities range from sports events, restaurants offering discounts to military members and individual veterans wearing their military medals in public during the day as a gesture of pride in service.

The American Veteran - November Edition

Posted at 11:08 AM on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 by Darrell

LTC Chris Engen: Eau Claire,WI

Posted at 10:51 AM on Tuesday, November 4, 2008 by Darrell

Find more videos like this from DVIDS on My VFW WebCOM

Sends out a Thanksgiving Greeting from Camp ECHO, Iraq to his family, hometown and throws in a Go Packers!

Source: DVIDS Hub's ThanksGiving Greetings

Grassroots 2008 November Survey

Posted at 08:37 AM on Monday, November 3, 2008 by Darrell

Last Month's Survey

Last month, [the VFW] asked "Do you think the Presidential candidates are talking enough about veterans' issues?"

Almost 300 people responded, with the majority—almost 94 percent—asserting that Sen. McCain and Sen. Obama are not spending enough time discussing their plans for veterans. They want to see more time spent discussing veteran health care and how they will care for those troops coming home.

While some recognize other issues, like the economy, have taken precedent, veterans’ affairs and other issues at home will need to be addressed before November.

• "They are just talking about how and when to use the Armed Forces, not how to take care of them for doing their job."
• "They talk about it, but they are not saying what they are going to do for us, e.g., like increase the pay or benefits for the vets."
• "Seems the economy is the big thing now. Once that is settled, they need to address these issues."
• "Veterans' issues are not bringing the troops home. But what are we going to do for the troops when we bring them home? The issues that we as veterans should be concerned with are that of benefits with teeth, like health care (long-term care for the wounded), job security, training, good record-keeping from the battlefield to the steps of home. Benefits for the widows and orphans of veterans. Our battle cry should be 'America's Veterans First.'
  

Click here to read more responses.

VFW Washington Weekly - October 31, 2008

Posted at 02:19 PM on Friday, October 31, 2008 by Darrell

In This Issue:

NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE SERVICE
1. New GI Bill gets Navy IT Help
2. Hand Salute now Law
3. Get Out and Vote

NATIONAL SECURITY & FOREIGN AFFAIRS
1. WWII MIA Identified
2. Reserve Component Mobilization

NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE SERVICE

1. New GI Bill gets Navy IT Help: The VA has asked the Department of Navy to help in the development of an updated system to process educational benefits under the new "Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act (PL 110-252).  According to VA Secretary James Peake, the Navy's Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command will build a system to process educational benefits for veterans, as outlined in the new law.

Benefits under the new system go into effect Aug. 1, 2009.  VBA currently processes educational claims for 500,000 veterans.  VFW believes that VA may have to temporarily double the number of claims processors to manage the manual workload, in addition to overseeing the benefits for veterans attending school under older versions of the GI bill until the new electronic system is in place.  In a recent GI Bill implementation oversight hearing, the VFW insisted that GI Bill benefits be managed and delivered in a proper, accurate and timely manner.

Read more

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