Volume 1, Issue 2
800-858-2677 or www.Facebook.com/CTNGFamilies
WEEKLY BULLETIN
CT NATIONAL GUARD SERVICE MEMBER AND FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER
3 February 2014
HAPPY FEBRUARY!!! Thanks to those who have provided input on our new “Weekly Bulletin!” We have received some great feedback on our new publication and will continue to provide you with any updates, benefits, special offers and services that might be helpful to you. I f you have a request, just ask! Please continue to share this information with your Unit distribution list and to receive instant updates, “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CTNGFamilies. If you have any questions or require assistance with a Family Readiness or Family Assistance issue, please contact our office at 1-800-858-
DATES TO REMEMBER ASAP: STRONG BONDS RESERVATIONS! Less than 10 spots are available!!! TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014: Parent Support Group Meeting begins at 1830 Armed Forces Reserve Center 375 Smith Street, Middletown WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014: PTSD Seminar from 1830-2000 (Room 317 A/B) Armed Forces Reserve Center 375 Smith Street, Middletown
VA Loan Benefit: Own Your Home + Tax Write Off The VA home loan is available to Service Members, veterans, and some surviving spouses. It can be used for a number of purposes, including purchasing or building a new home or specially adapted housing, refinancing a current mortgage, repairing or improving your existing home, or installing home efficiency measures. In the VA Loans section you will find reference information on the VA Loan program, financial advice on how to best use your benefit, and up-to-date news coverage for Service Members and veterans regarding their guaranteed home loan benefit. Program Benefits The VA program won't deny a loan based solely on a low credit score, and most lenders don't tier interest rates for better scores. The VA program usually looks at only the previous 12 months of credit history, unless bankruptcy, a tax lien or a collections situation factors into your situation.
The VA home mortgage loan doesn't require a down payment. This can save consumers up to 20 percent of the loan value when compared to a conventional loan. Borrowers can often refinance to a lower rate within the VA program without re-qualifying for the program through the VA Streamline Refinance Loan.
You can begin the application process at any lender that offers a VA home loan. At some point, you'll be required to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility. This document will verify that you're qualified for the program and outline your benefits level. Potential borrowers can go online to https://vip.vba.va.gov to apply for the program and obtain their COE.
Disney Deal Days! Make those memories more magical! At this time of year, many of our Service Members and Veterans take advantage of the military discounts offered by Walt Disney World. Who wouldn’t want to visit beautiful Florida during fabulous February in Connecticut?! So whether you’re a regular Disney World voyager or are contemplating visiting, make sure you check out this link http://www.military.com/discounts/disneydiscounts-for-military-families.html to review some of the more stand out special offers and discounts that Disney offers.
For example, did you realize The Disney Armed Forces Salute program also applies to Disney Resort hotels, where military members can get select rooms at 30-40% off the normal rates?! So whether you are visiting Epcot Center or just want to take a few “selfies” with Cinderella, be sure to research what deals and discounts are available to you and remember your Military I.D.