VA Flu Shots

To receive a flu shot, you must be enrolled in the VA healtcare system. Here is a link to enroll for VA medical health benefits. We should be encouraging our veterans to enroll in the Va healthcare system, even if they do not receive care now. If they ne ed services in the future, they will already be in the system. Please forward as necessary. https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/

Free Flu Shots Available for Enrolled VeteransDate: Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:23:19 -0400

Influenza is more than a bad cold; it is a serious disease. Thirty-sixthousand people die from the flu every year. Influenza can causepneumonia, and is especially dangerous for the elderly and people withchronic diseases. The VA recommends that all veterans aged 50 or over,and those with long term medical conditions or weakened immune systems,receive the flu vaccine annually. All of our primary care clinicsthroughout the VA Maryland Health Care System are currently providingfree flu shots. You do not need an appointment to receive a free flushot, just visit your local VA facility during the days/hours listedbelow.

The flu shots are only available for veterans enrolled with theVA Maryland Health Care System.

Walk-In Flu Shot Clinics:

• *Baltimore VA Primary Care Clinic, 10 N. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD:Monday - Friday from 8 am - 4 pm
• *Baltimore VA Lobby Clinic, 10 N. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD: Monday- Friday from 8 am - 3 pm
• *Perry Point VA Primary Care Clinic, Perry Point, MD: Monday - Friday from 8 am - 3:30 pm
• *Glen Burnie VA Clinic, 808 Landmark Drive, Suite 128, Glen Burnie, MD:Monday - Friday 8am - Noon and 1 pm - 3 pm
• *Fort Howard VA Clinic, 9600 North Point Road, Fort Howard, MD: Monday -Friday from 8 am - 3:30 pm
• *Loch Raven VA Clinic, 3901 The Alameda, Baltimore, MD: Monday - Friday from 8:30 am - Noon and 1 pm - 3:30 pm
• *Cambridge VA Clinic, 830 Chesapeake Drive, Cambridge, MD: Monday and Wednesday from Noon - 4 pm, and Friday 9 am - 3 pm
• *Pocomoke VA Clinic, 101 Market Street, Pocomoke City, MD: Thursdays from 9 am - 3 pm

Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinics:

• *Perry Point VA Primary Care Clinic Parking Lot, Perry Point, MD: October 3, 2009, from 9 am - 1 pm
• *Glen Burnie VA Clinic Parking Lot, 808 Landmark Drive, Suite 128, Glen Burnie, MD: October 3, 2009, from 9 am - 12 pm
• *Loch Raven VA Clinic Parking Lot, 3901 The Alameda, Baltimore, MD: October 10, 2009, from 9 am - 12 pm
• *Baltimore VA Medical Center Parking Garage, 10 N. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD: October 17, 2009, from 9 am - 1 pm

For general information about the Flu Shot Clinics, please call the FluVaccine Information Line at 1-800-463-6295, ext. 7273. For medical advice, please call the Telephone Care Line 24 hours a day, seven days aweek, by dialing 1-800-865-2441.

Recognizing 8 Signs of Terrorism

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano joined Colorado Governor Bill Ritter yesterday to unveil “Recognizing 8 Signs of Terrorism”—a video produced with DHS grant funding designed to educate Colorado citizens about the shared responsibility of recognizing signs of terrorist activity.

“The vigilance of individual citizens is critical to protecting our country from the threat of terrorism,” said Secretary Napolitano. “This video provides essential information on how to identify the warning signs and emphasizes the vital role of such assistance in state and local law enforcement’s counterterrorism efforts.”

“Eight years after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, it's important to remember the United States is not immune from the atrocities of international terror attacks. Even in Colorado, we need to be prepared to prevent and respond to these types of horrific events,” said Governor Ritter. “Secretary Napolitano’s charge to empower the public with knowledge is a key component in creating prepared and vigilant communities across America. I encourage all Coloradans to see the video ‘Recognizing 8 Signs of Terrorism’ at the CELL because we all have the power to make a difference when we are prepared.”

Under the DHS State Homeland Security Grant Program, the Colorado Office of Homeland Security awarded $30,400 for the creation of the video, which was narrated by John Elway and Kim Christiansen and produced through a partnership between the Colorado Office of Homeland Security, the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the Colorado Information Analysis Center (CIAC) and the Center for Empowered Living & Learning (The CELL)—a non-profit institution dedicated to addressing the global threat of terrorism.

The announcement came during Secretary Napolitano’s trip to Denver, where she joined Governor Ritter on a tour of the CELL.

While in Denver, Secretary Napolitano also joined Attorney General Eric Holder, Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Robert Mueller and Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Gil Kerlikowske to participate in the National Association of Chiefs of Police Conference.

To view the video, visit www.thecell.org <http://www.thecell.org/> .

VA Staffs Office for Survivors of Vets, Service Members

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.

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

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.

VA Launches 10-Year Health Study of Recent Veterans

In summer 2009 the Department of Veterans Affairs is launching one of the largest scientific research studies ever undertaken on the health of recent Veterans - the "National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans." Findings from this questionnaire-based study of 60,000 Veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere will provide insight on the long-term health of these Veterans.

Additional information can be found at: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/research/epidemiology/newgenerationhealthstudy

At the Cross Road

Fellow Voyagers,

Welcome to another year as a proud member of La Societe! Today we are at a cross roads. As a Voyager you already know that The Forty & Eight is committed to charitable and patriotic aims. Our purpose is to uphold and defend the United States Constitution, to promote the well being of veterans and their widows and orphans, and to actively participate in selected charitable endeavors, which include programs that promote child welfare and nurse's training. As Locale 265’s Chef de Gare I appreciate your continued support.

There is another area of concern that I would like to address. That area is membership. Although our Locale reached our goal of 100%, we only brought in 2 new members last year. As a Grand however, we achieved only 87.77% of our goal. It is the responsibility of every Voyager to recommend at least 1 new member each year.

As you know La Societe has changed its constitution to allow for any honorably discharged veteran to become a member. While you may feel that this may seem to trivialize our membership it does not. Nominees must still be voted on, the worthy individuals will be elected and the others will be blackballed. There are many worthy veterans who did not serve during a period of conflict. Did we have a say when we were sworn in to the Armed Forces whether or not there would be a conflict? No, but we did sign on to go if asked to. The fact that they served in peacetime allowed those who followed to achieve so much in war time. These service men and women are excluded by other veteran organizations such as, The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. I am pleased that we do not.

I am entrusting each Voyager to nominate at least 1 worthy member before November 31st. A copy of the new application form is enclosed with this letter.

For more information on dealing with and recruiting members from different Generations visit Locale 265s Blog at http://voiture265.blogspot.com/

La Societe des Quarante Hommes at Huit Chevaux will continue to be an independent, by invitation, honor organization of male and female U. S. veterans