Shinseki: “Voice of Survivors” Will Strengthen Existing Programs
WASHINGTON -- To strengthen the programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the survivors of the nation’s Veterans and military personnel, the Department has staffed an office to serve as their advocate, with a charter that includes creating or modifying programs, benefits and services.
“Taking care of survivors is as essential as taking care of our Veterans and military personnel,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said. “By taking care of survivors, we are honoring a commitment made to our Veterans and military members.”
The office serves as the primary advisor to the secretary on all issues affecting the survivors and dependents of deceased Veterans and service members. It will monitor VA’s delivery of benefits to survivors, make appropriate referrals to VA offices for survivors seeking benefits and explore innovative ways of reaching survivors who are not receiving the VA benefits for which they are eligible.
VA benefits for eligible survivors include educational assistance, home loan guaranties, health care insurance and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, a monthly payment to the survivors of some people who die on active duty and some seriously disabled Veterans.
More than 554,000 spouses, dependents and other survivors of Veterans are receiving VA benefits. That figure includes nearly 5,000 spouses of World War I Veterans, 90 spouses and 94 children of Spanish-American War Veterans, and two children of Civil War Veterans.
The establishment of this office was authorized in the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2008.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Grand Chef de Gare October Travel and Thoughts.
Salute Voyagers,
I hope this finds you well.
First, There is a large untapped source of members at most of our American Legion Posts. They are the SAL and Auxiliary members, who because of the Legion's restriction on dates of service they are not eligible for membership. If they are suitable and are eligible for membership in La Societe. All you need to do is ask.
I have invited two SAL members to become Voyagers. They could not join the Legion because their service was between eligibility dates. They joined the SAL because they wanted to be a part of a Veterans organization. They were both excited that they could be members of La Societe based on thier own service. I was also talking to an Auxiliary member who expressed the same interest. Let's get out there and work these veterans!
Second, these are my anticipated travel plans for October. I will be at these Promenade's barring illness or other catastrophic events.
~ 28 Sep 09, VL 671, Post 71, Oakland
~ 4 Oct 09 3rd Cheminot, AL Post 70, Easton, MD Lunch 12 noon, cheminot 1 p m
~ 9 Oct 09 VL 1297, AL Post 47, Havre de Grace, MD 8 p.m.
~ 13 Oct 09 VL 122, AL Post 64, Salisbury, MD 7:30 p.m.
~ 16 Oct 09 VL 651, AL Post 42, Hagerstown, MD 7:30
~ 27 Oct 09 VL 155, AL Post 223, Sykesville MD, 7 p.m.
Third, thanks to Grand Chef de Gare (Passe) Norm Covert for an awesome newsletter. I hope that we can encourage more of our membership to turn out.
Fourth, It was suggested by Pete Esker that we talk to local Posts about being receptive to Voyagers using the Post as guests. Not withstanding the Past bad blood, most are not aware of this. The benefit for the Post is more income and this provides a tangible benefit to the Voyager.
Still in Service!
Bob Ouellette
Grand Chef de Gare
I hope this finds you well.
First, There is a large untapped source of members at most of our American Legion Posts. They are the SAL and Auxiliary members, who because of the Legion's restriction on dates of service they are not eligible for membership. If they are suitable and are eligible for membership in La Societe. All you need to do is ask.
I have invited two SAL members to become Voyagers. They could not join the Legion because their service was between eligibility dates. They joined the SAL because they wanted to be a part of a Veterans organization. They were both excited that they could be members of La Societe based on thier own service. I was also talking to an Auxiliary member who expressed the same interest. Let's get out there and work these veterans!
Second, these are my anticipated travel plans for October. I will be at these Promenade's barring illness or other catastrophic events.
~ 28 Sep 09, VL 671, Post 71, Oakland
~ 4 Oct 09 3rd Cheminot, AL Post 70, Easton, MD Lunch 12 noon, cheminot 1 p m
~ 9 Oct 09 VL 1297, AL Post 47, Havre de Grace, MD 8 p.m.
~ 13 Oct 09 VL 122, AL Post 64, Salisbury, MD 7:30 p.m.
~ 16 Oct 09 VL 651, AL Post 42, Hagerstown, MD 7:30
~ 27 Oct 09 VL 155, AL Post 223, Sykesville MD, 7 p.m.
Third, thanks to Grand Chef de Gare (Passe) Norm Covert for an awesome newsletter. I hope that we can encourage more of our membership to turn out.
Fourth, It was suggested by Pete Esker that we talk to local Posts about being receptive to Voyagers using the Post as guests. Not withstanding the Past bad blood, most are not aware of this. The benefit for the Post is more income and this provides a tangible benefit to the Voyager.
Still in Service!
Bob Ouellette
Grand Chef de Gare
Monday, September 21, 2009
ALERT: VA Patient Care Scam
The VA has received reports that veterans are being contacted by a "Patient Care Group" that claims it is helping to administer the VA's prescription medicine program. "Patient Care Group" is saying the VA recently changed its pharmacy billing procedures, therefore a personal credit card number is now required for prescription payments in advance of filling those prescriptions.
This is a scam! Do not provide credit card information over the phone to anyone who claims to represent the VA! The VA has not changed their pharmacy procedures, and they do not ask veterans to disclose personal financial information over the phone. If you should receive such a call, do not give them any information.
Tell them you are busy and try to get a name and callback number. Report that information to your local police.
This is a scam! Do not provide credit card information over the phone to anyone who claims to represent the VA! The VA has not changed their pharmacy procedures, and they do not ask veterans to disclose personal financial information over the phone. If you should receive such a call, do not give them any information.
Tell them you are busy and try to get a name and callback number. Report that information to your local police.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
