Coming Home: U.S. Servicemembers - 2012 by GDW Designs inK

Wounded Nature – Working Veterans National Military Appreciation Month Veterans Expeditions – Taking it to the Limit The Power of Prosthetic Art VA Budget Tops $140 Billion Civil Rights for Servicemembers Veterans Green Jobs – Helping Veterans & Communities

ON THE EDUCATION FRONT: Y 2012 Yellow Ribbon Tuition Table Ten Tips For College Veterans Y Post 9/11 GI Bill 2.0 Y Student Veterans of America Y Boost Earnings Through Education Y More…

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Letter from the Editor National Military Appreciation Month Operation Gratitude Veterans Green Jobs – Transitioning into the Civilian Workforce By Dr. Bill Doe, CEO, Veterans Green Jobs, U.S. Army Veteran Wounded Nature – Working Veterans CWT – VA Program Matches Vets and Employers VA Participates in Settlement with Mortgage Banks VA Career Expo – Opportunities for Veterans By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.

Resources for Today’s Veterans VOW To Hire Heroes Act of 2011 New Online Tools for Veteran Job Seekers New Law Increases Insurance Coverage for Veterans The Power of Prosthetic Art By Gabrielle Wood Support Our Troops Through Education University of Central Missouri

COMING HOME

Photo: Airman 1st Class Christopher Boitz, USAF

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We were there when you landed on the northern coast of France. We were there when you returned to the Philippine shore. We were there when you fought in Korea and Vietnam. We were there when you rolled across the deserts of Iraq. We were there then. We will always be there.

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eterans Expeditions – Taking it to the Limit V By Chris Kassar 56 Civil Rights for Servicemembers 60 VA Budget Request Tops $140 Billion 66 Returning Servicemembers and Healthcare 70 Mobile Vet Centers: Reaching Out in Rural Areas 72 Advisors Help with Adjustment to Civilian Life By Army Sgt. S. Patrick McCollum  74 Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors 82 United States Air Force Announces New ROTC Detachment at Yale

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Veterans Identification Card Filing a VA Claim Veteran Credit Counselors Offer Free Help By Karen Jowers A Business Degree Columbia College Helping Military Students Transition to Civilian Workforce VetSuccess – Bringing VA to Student Veterans

COMING HOME

Photo: Airman 1st Class Corey Hook, USAF

A team of 60,000 answering the same call. In all 50 states, Siemens is putting America’s heroes back to work.

Answering our nation’s toughest challenges takes teamwork. At Siemens, we help strengthen America’s security, power its cities and care for its patients. And we’re counting on leaders with the technical skills, character, courage and fortitude it takes to triumph over any challenge. Qualities which America’s military veterans have in abundance.

Last year, Siemens reserved 10 percent of all open positions in our clean-technology industries exclusively for veterans. This year, we're committing to hiring another 300 veterans across our Energy, Industry, Healthcare, and Infrastructure & Cities businesses. Somewhere in America, our team of more than 60,000 employees spends every day creating answers that will last for years to come.

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Photo: Sr Airman Christina D. Kinsey, USAF

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Veterans Education Assistance Program 2012 Yellow Ribbon Tuition Table VA Reimbursement â&#x20AC;&#x201C; National Testing Program University of Nebraska Education Wherever You Are Ten Tips For College Veterans Boost Earnings Through Education Post 9/11 GI Bill 2.0 University of Mary Degrees For Military, Civilian Careers School is in Session: Deployed Soldiers and Education Opportunities Syracuse University Student Veterans of America Park University

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From The Editor

recently went to see the movie, ‘Acts of Valor’. It’s the one with the Navy Seals not only playing roles for the film, but, in essence demonstrating for the audience, and the dumbfounded, such as myself, what it is that they actually do. It was some pretty scary stuff. There were lots of bullets flying and neato-keen military equipment and spy-like big-boy toys. I was impressed. Not only at the skill, determination and downright cojones of these men and women, but also in that, they could and do go home to their families and conduct business as usual, as if they were simply returning from the office after a hard day. It really broadened my perspective and increased my already total respect for men and women in uniform. While most of us have a surface comprehension of what it is they do, it was certainly an eye-opener to witness it unfolding on the big screen. I do understand that not everyone gets to go out on a mission and then return home for a backyard BBQ in a week’s time, but now there is a greater appreciation of what our servicemembers’ face as they wake up and start their days in foreign lands, surrounded by people who just want them dead. With the stand-down and return of our men and woman, not only is there such a sense of relief falling across the homes of so many American families, but also a greater sense of responsibility. What our servicemembers have endured, all in the name of freedom, our freedom, boggles the mind. I have said in more than one of my letters, that I could not do what they do. And, after seeing that movie, I know for sure, that not many can. It’s not just the fighting and the danger, it’s the mind-set of being able to put it all behind you and go back to your civilian friends and family and have a beer and a laugh and act like none of it ever happened, all in an effort just to keep everyone from worrying themselves to pieces over you.

COMING HOME

That has to be the hardest part; dealing with the insanity of war, in silence. It’s this last thought that has me so saddened and frustrated by the circumstances that have put our people in these situations. How can anyone expect our servicemembers to simply come home and meld back into society without first ridding them of all that haunts them in their heads? Were it not for so many businesses and organizations reaching out to our newest of Veterans, there would be nearly no hope. As it is, decompression is a long, long process. Of all the stories I’ve read about 20 and 30-something year old men and women; their biggest struggle is being able to let go of what’s stuck in their minds. Dealing with what they’ve seen and had to do in the name of freedom is far more troubling than what they’ve physically endured. My request is that for every one person who reads this letter, make an effort to reach out to two servicemembers in your community. Acceptance, a smile and a helping hand can go a long way for someone who is feeling at their wit’s end. It’s a struggle to put your life back together when you’ve been light years away fighting to stay alive, fighting for a cause; fighting to keep what you left at home, in tact. If you own a business, hire a Veteran. If you volunteer, include a VA hospital. If you see a servicemember in the grocery, in their uniform, in addition to thanking them for their service, shake their hand and ask them if there’s anything you can do for them. We are all in this together. We have to be. There’s no other way to bring so many men and women home and have it all work out, without effort, from everyone.

U. S . S E R V I C E M E M B E R S Publisher

LaFayette Marketing Group, Inc. 503 Althea Road • Belleair, FL 33756 Ph: 727-531-5090 • Fx: 727-524-3073 www.lafayettemarketinggroup.com www.us-servicemembers.com

John D. Kerin President

Gabrielle D. Wood Editor-in-Chief

Karry Thomas Art Director

Lori Dawson Web Master

Account Executives Chris McCormick • Johnny Menth Catherine Richmond • Elizabeth Sellars Jennifer Simmons Special Thanks to:

Carolyn Blashek, Operation Gratitude; Linda Lidov, Veteran Green Jobs; Nick Watson, Vet Expeditions; Rudy Socha, Wounded Nature – Working Veterans; and Dan Horkey, GTOPI.

Photography provided by:

Senior Airman Christina D. Kinsey, USAF; Senior Airman Gina Chiaverotti, USAF; Airman 1st Class Corey Hook, USAF; Kemberly Groue, USF; Master Sgt. Paula Aragon, USAF; Sgt. Laura Fuerst, USA; Scott M. Ash, USAF; Senior Airman Thomas Trower. USAF; Senior Airman Christopher Hubenthal, USAF; Senior Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, USAF; Tech. Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey , USAF; Nan Wylie, USAF; Sgt. Justin Naylor, USA; Sgt. Justin Naylor, USA; Jason Kelly, USA; Sam Shore, USA; Cpl. Trisha Betz , USA; Spc. Anita VanderMolen , USA; Senior Master Sgt. Jessica D’Aurizio ; USA; Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jonathan Pankau, USN; Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle D. Gahlau, USN; Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Toni Burton , USN; Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Corbin J. Shea , USN; Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Heimbuch , USN; Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley , USN; Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew C. Haws, USN; Cpl. Jo Jones, USMC; Kristen Wong, USMC; Cpl. Bryan Nygaard, USMC; Cherie Cullen , DoD; Joan D. Williams, CIV DLA DC; Dept. of Defense; Dept. of Veteran Affairs, Dept of Homeland Security; U.S. Army; U.S. Marine Corps; U.S. Navy; U.S. Air Force; U.S. Coast Guard; Library of Congress and G.D. Wood, GDW Designs, ink. Photos courtesy of DefenseImagery.mil. Use does not imply or constitute Department of Defense endorsement of this organization, its views, products, services or advertisers.

COVER PHOTO:

Dog tags of the late Staff Sgt. Brian Spinks hang from his flack vest during his memorial Jan. 28, 2010 by Senior Airman Alexandra M. Longfellow, USAF. Copyright © 2012 LaFayette Marketing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of editorial or images in whole or part is strictly prohibited without written permission from publisher. LaFayette Marketing Group, Inc., assumes no responsibility for advertisements or claims made therein. The publisher expressly disclaims any liability for inaccuracies or omissions of information contained herein whether occurring during the publication of such information for publication or otherwise. All trademarks, service marks, logos and registered trademarks are the sole property of respective owners.

G.D. Wood Editor-in-Chief

Disclaimer: Neither the Department of Defense nor any other component of the Department of Defense, nor any other government or military bodies have approved, endorsed or authorized this product or promotion, service or activity.

We Support Military Veterans Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS), one of the largest, most respected acute care and behavioral health management companies in the United States, supports military veterans who give of themselves to ensure our rights, liberties and freedom. Because of your dedication and diligence, we are free to pursue new opportunities. If you are a veteran or about to complete your military service, see what career opportunities UHS has available to you in the healthcare industry. Visit our website at uhsinc.com

UHS is an equal opportunity employer UHS is a registered trademark of UHS of Delaware, Inc., the management company for Universal Health Services, Inc., and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Universal Health Services.

Photo: Senior Airman Gina Chiaverotti, USAF

U.S. Servicemembers... 12

COMING HOME

Coming Home

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Terms and Conditions: Offer of one weekend day free applies to the time-and-mileage charges only of the third consecutive day of a minimum three-consecutive-day rental on a compact (group B) through full-size, four-door (group E) car. Maximum rental period is five days. Taxes, concession recovery fees, vehicle license recovery fee, customer facility charges ($10/contract in CA) may apply and are extra. Optional products such as LDW ($29.99/day or less) and refueling are extra. Weekend rental period begins Thursday and car must be returned by Monday 11:59 p.m. or a higher rate will apply. A Saturday night keep is required. Offer cannot be used for one-way rentals; one offer per rental. Offer may not be used in conjunction with any other coupon, promotion or offer except your BCD discount. Offer valid at participating Budget locations in the contiguous U.S. (excluding the New York Metro area) and Canada. An advance reservation is required. Offer may not be available during holiday and other blackout periods. Offer subject to vehicle availability at the time of reservation and may not be available on some rates at some times. For reservations made on budget.com, free day will be applied at time of rental. Renter must meet Budget age, driver and credit requirements. Minimum age may vary by location. An additional daily surcharge may apply for renters under 25 years old. Renter must present proof of U.S. Government affiliation at the time of rental. Rental must begin by 12/31/2012.

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Photo: Cpl. Bryan Nygaard, USMC Pictured: Petty Officer Third Class Michael Soto

23 million U.S. Military Veterans – 9 million are 65 or older. 1.7 million are younger than 35.

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We’re committed to providing the degree programs you need to succeed. At University of Phoenix, we want you to excel in the field you’re passionate about. That’s why we provide a wide range of online and campus programs, including Business, Criminal Justice, Information Systems, Education, Health Administration, and Psychology. So now you can pursue your military career while preparing for your life in the civilian world.

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University of Phoenix is a fully accredited university and longtime member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC). No Federal or Marine Corps endorsement of advertisers or sponsors is implied. The University’s Central Administration is located at 1625 W. Fountainhead Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85282. Online Campus: 3157 E. Elwood St., Phoenix, AZ 85034. © 2012 University of Phoenix, Inc. All rights reserved.

Pictured: Airman 1st Class Carina Sharpe

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Photo: Staff Sgt. Valerie Smith, USAF

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s a nation, we observe and participate in various national cultural and social awareness events through mass media attention and educational curriculum. However, we have not allocated appropriate recognition of the most important presence in the world today, an entity that impacts each and every American in a significant way, the Armed Forces of the United States of America. National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM), as designated by Congress, provides a period encompassing both the history and recognition of our armed services with an in-depth look at the diversity of its individuals and achievements. It allows Americans to educate each generation on the historical impact of our military through the participation of the community with those who serve encouraging patriotism and love for America. This month gives the nation a time and place on which to focus and draw attention to our many expressions of appreciation and recognition of our armed services via numerous venues and also to recall and learn about our vast American history. National Military Appreciation Month (May 2012) includes Loyalty Day (1st), Military Spouse Appreciation Day (11th), VE Day (8th), Armed Forces Day (19th), and Memorial Day (30th). This very important month honors, remembers, recognizes and appreciates all military personnel; those men and women who have served throughout our history and all who now serve in uniform and their families as well as those Americans who have given their lives in defense of our freedoms we all enjoy today. It recognizes those on active duty in all branches of the services, the National Guard and Reserves plus retirees, veterans, and all of their families â&#x20AC;&#x201C; well over 90 million Americans and more than 230 years of our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. How It All Began National Military Appreciation Month started as a simple idea; to gather America around its

COMING HOME

Shauna Fleming

of A Million Than

military family to honor, remember, recognize and appreciate those who have served and those now serving. In its 14th year, volunteers continue to work for the preservation of May as National Military Appreciation Month. The first legislation was in the United States Senate in 1999 designating May as National Military Appreciation Month. With the support and sponsorship of Senator John McCain, (R-AZ) and Representative Duncan Hunter, (R-CA) of San Diego and over 50 veteran service organizations, this important and timely legislation was set forth. In April 2004, more comprehensive legislation was passed by unanimous consent of both Houses of Congress, H. Con. Res. 328, that May is National Military Appreciation Month, urging the President to issue an annual proclamation calling on the American people to recognize this special month of May through appropriate ceremonies and events. Instrumental to achieving these results from early on is Duncan Munro, MSgt USAF (Ret) of Virginia who serves as National Events Coordinator and supports the website. Michael Fleming from Los Angeles works diligently as the Public Relations and Media Contact to promote and encourage participation worldwide. In addition, Rita Whaley Thompson, Executive Director of Time for America, walked the halls of Congress helping to pass the initial legislation and lastly, Alice Wax, NMAM

Executive Director, is the Founder who worked for passage of related legislation. Additional kudos goes to Shauna Fleming of A Million Thanks who served for four years as National Spokesperson and continues to appear on radio and television shows. She visited to the Oval Office while working on her own goal of collecting 2.6 million letters of appreciation for our troops through A Million Thanks. Other military support organizations embracing NMAM include Shop APO FPO.com, Rebels With A Cause, Armature Radio Military Appreciation Day (ARMAD) and The Thank You Foundation. Our military has played a major role in the development of our country chronicled through their unbending honor, their dedication to duty and their love of country. Because most holidays commemorating historical military events have become little more than three-day weekends lacking focus on their original purpose, this month is needed to remind us of the sacrifices and the history we as Americans have been privileged to participate in throughout the past 230 years. Through appropriate means and incentives, Federal, State, and local governments and private sector entities are invited to participate in this special month and to encourage everyone to sponsor and participate in programs via multiple venues, giving the nation a time and place upon which to focus, draw attention, and express our appreciation and thanks to our military family. Due to military deployments worldwide protecting our national interests, Americans are being asked to serve. Employers are being asked to accommodate lengthy absences by key employees. Our military represents the highest caliber of professionalism and technology. We ask them to willingly risk their lives on a moments notice; should we not willingly and openly recognize their contributions and their sacrifices as well? GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES!

You served US. Now we’re here to serve YOU.

Western New England University is proud to support the GI Bill and The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program. Most students enrolling under the Yellow Ribbon Program will be able to attend Western New England University tuition free.

Experience the Western New England University advantage: • Small classes and individual attention • On-campus Air Force and Army ROTC programs • Full- and part-time programs, many courses online • Online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree completion program • More than 40 undergraduate programs • Advanced degree programs in Business, Criminal Justice, Engineering, and Law • Earn your master's in Accounting (MSA), Business Administration (MBA), or Engineering Management online • ABA accredited law programs (day or evening)

Application fee waived for all veterans. Transfer-friendly policies for nontraditional educational experiences, including courses and training obtained through the Armed Services. To explore your options and assess your transfer credits, contact our Admissions Office at 413-782-1321 or email: learn@wne.edu.

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HELP US SEND 100,000 CARE PACKAGES TO U.S. MILITARY THIS YEAR

HERE ARE TEN EASY WAYS TO HELP! CONTRIBUTE TO OUR CARE PACKAGES SUPPORT OUR ORGANIZATION 1 WRITE LETTERS! We need Letters, Letters and more 5 BUY or SELL on eBay: Sellers can designate 10‐100% Letters! Please include your address or e‐mail in each letter so the recipient can write back, if they choose.

of auction proceeds to Operation Gratitude.

6 DONATE a car, truck, or other vehicle to support 2 DONATE your Easter and Halloween Candy! Operation Gratitude through Cars for US Troops by visiting www.carsforustroops.org or calling toll‐free 3 MAKE hand‐knitted or crocheted Scarves and Hats. 1‐800‐333‐0606. 7 SHOP at the Operation Gratitude Store ‐ every 3 4 SEND New 15” Stuffed Animals and 6” Beanie items purchased pays to send another care package. Babies, Webkinz or Trolls! We send the large ones as (www.CafePress.com/OpGratitude). “Battalion Buddies” to Military kids when their parent deploys. Service members give the small ones to kids in 8 RECYCLE Old Cell Phones & Ink‐Jet cartridges: war zones. Smiles all around! Operation Gratitude receives cash! Contact GRC Recycling at 1‐877‐744‐3601 or info@grcrecycling.com Ship all donations to: 9 VISIT our Great Ideas page for creative ways to PERATION RATITUDE support Operation Gratitude and send additional care 17330 Victory Boulevard packages (www.OperationGratitude.com/ideas.php) Van Nuys, CA 91406 10 DONATE financially online or by check. Each ATTN: Item Donations Operation Gratitude package costs $15 to send and a We only accept delivery of items at the following times: donation of any amount is greatly appreciated. • PATRIOTIC DRIVE: March 15th thru May 5th • HOLIDAY DRIVE: September 15th thru December 5th For more information, visit us on the web at www.OperationGratitude.com For donation and volunteer information, email OpGrat@gmail.com or call (818) 909‐0039

FACEBOOK.COM/OPERATIONGRATITUDE TWITTER.COM/OPGRATITUDE Operation Gratitude is a 501 (c) (3), volunteer‐based organization that sends care packages addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed overseas. Our mission is to put a smile on a service member’s face and to express to all troops the appreciation and support of the American people.

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Veterans Green Corps crews conduct land conservation and stewardship projects.

Transitioning into the Civilian Workforce:

By Dr. Bill Doe, CEO, Veterans Green Jobs, U.S. Army Veteran

Helping Veterans, Communities and the Environment

eterans who served on active duty in the post-9/11 era believe their military experience has helped them get ahead in life, and that it has helped them prepare for a civilian job or career. Unfortunately, those facts are at odds with reality when one considers the actual employment numbers among recently returning veterans. The U.S. Department of Laborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summary report for 2011, just released in

COMING HOME

March 2012, showed that the unemployment rate for Iraq and Afghanistan-era veterans averaged 12.1 percent in 2011, and exceeded 30 percent among those veterans in the 18-24 age category. While the labor statistics indicate that overall veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; unemployment, incorporating all generations of employable veterans, hovers around nine percent, the statistics for our younger generation of veterans is more dire. The challenges of finding a job in the current economy are expected to become more

difficult: In addition to the two million who have served since 9/11, more than one million service members are projected to leave the military before 2016. But the good news amidst all of these dismal statistics is that these younger veterans have many places to go to seek help in finding their path toward employment, thanks to the promise of support from people and nonprofit organizations that have expressed a dedication to helping our military veterans get back to work. Veterans Green Jobs, a 501 c 3 nonprofit

based in Denver, Colorado, is one of the groups working to transition veterans into the civilian workforce and “put more boots on the ground,” one veteran at a time. The mission of Veterans Green Jobs is to engage, transition and connect military veterans with meaningful employment opportunities that serve our communities and environment. The nonprofit, founded in 2008, believes that by working in partnership with employers and training providers, it can equip veterans with transferable skills, tools and resources they need to maintain their sense of service, give back to their community, and contribute to a healthy, sustainable and secure future for all.

All Photos: Vetera

e volunteer or manager of th Andy Garza is flo arehouse. W n ee Gr Go program for the

n Green jobs

Green Jobs – And Why Veterans Are a Good Match Veterans Green Jobs defines the “green” sector as career fields related to energy efficiency and conservation; renewable and clean energy; green construction and building; natural resources and conservation; environmental remediation and response; and sustainable agriculture. These areas offer long-term economic, social and environmental benefits to the nation and our communities, and help us to achieve energy independence and security. Veterans are not only uniquely suited to do these jobs – employers need veterans to fill them. Green industries and employers are a fast growing and important sector of our economy – and there is evidence that the nation as a whole is in support not only of helping this sector grow, but making sure veterans get opportunities

to find jobs in these sectors. In President Obama’s State of the Union address in January 2012, he said that the country must make a commitment to creating sustainable jobs for veterans and expanding the clean energy sector. He announced incentives to hire veterans as first responders, and proposed the development of a conservation program that would put veterans to work “protecting and rebuilding America.” Opportunities for green jobs, in the six sector areas Veterans Green Jobs primarily serves, continue to grow. More companies are being called upon to install solar energy technologies, and increase energy efficiency in residential, industrial and commercial industries. The demand for outdoor conservation work, including wildland fire mitigation and wildland fire fighting, is increasing amongst federal agencies. Veterans Green Jobs is determined to help former service members get first pick at these jobs. Military veterans have a strong work ethic, a team-oriented approach, transferable soft and technical skills, an ability to adapt to adverse conditions, and a desire to continue giving back to their communities and the nation. Additionally, veterans possess many technical skills achieved through their military training and operations. For example, the military has been a leader in the implementation of sustainable energy practices and renewable energy products, including waste disposal, recycling, and field-based solar panels in Afghanistan. For veterans, taking care of our country’s natural resources and environment is a continuation of their military service. They aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty continuing to serve America. And most of all, veterans can play a valuable leadership role in promoting and executing sustainable practices for all sectors of the economy. Programs on the Ground Since 2008 Veterans Green Jobs has offered training and employment programs for over 400 veterans who have gained skills, hands-on experience and certification to prepare them for the civilian workforce. And while the organization has directly employed more than 50 veterans in its energy efficiency service program serving income-qualified households in Colorado, Veterans Green Jobs’ vision reaches much further than hiring veterans directly. Its vision is to connect thousands of veterans with employers who have job openings and are ready to hire. U . S . S er v icemem b ers

professional associations (e.g. Greg Snyder staffs Veterans Green Jobs’ west coast office to in the construction industry), recruit veterans for outdoor conservation training. and networks (such as veterans groups and militaryenvironmental groups), that serve as connecting points to greater networks of employers. Veterans Green Force The path to easing Veterans Green Force is a new outreach, veteran unemployment won’t recruitment and placement program exclusively necessarily be simple or fast; designed for military veterans. It matches veterans who don’t already have veterans’ military experience and interests to the the required skills will need skills needed by green sector employers, links to be trained, or may need them to training and educational programs, coaching on ways to translate and connects them with available jobs. their military skills into assets The initiative’s goal is to connect with civilian employers can use. 1,000 veterans through job fairs, networking But there are incentives to events, military bases and other venues – and encourage employers to step place 30 percent, or 300, of them into full-time up to the plate and provide the needed resources – and jobs – green sector jobs by mid-2013. Knowing that to veterans who are ready and it can’t accomplish this goal alone, Veterans willing to work. Specifically, Green Jobs will rely on strategic partnerships a number of new financial with private businesses, government agencies, incentives add a bonus that nonprofit organizations, professional Veterans Green Corps makes hiring veterans a rewarding option. associations and higher education institutions Veterans Green Corps evolved out of the idea In November 2011, new tax credits were that provide jobs and/or training programs to to create a service model that would engage included in the American Jobs Act and signed military veterans. veterans in restoration work to conserve our into law by President Obama. These include To get there, the Veterans Green Force country’s public lands. Launched in 2009 in the Returning Heroes Tax Credit, a new hiring program is talking with a growing list of smallcooperation with the Southwest Conservation tax credit that will provide an incentive for to mid-size employers in the green industries, Corps of Durango, Colorado, this program businesses to hire unemployed veterans, and the such as Namaste Solar in Colorado. It is also Wounded Warrior Tax Credit, which will double focuses on training and preparing veterans with working collaboratively with conservation the existing tax credit for long-term unemployed the skills and certifications needed to get jobs agencies and federal agencies to place veterans veterans with service-connected disabilities. in the natural resources field. in outdoor conservation transition programs, These incentives offer an attractive Veterans Green Corps works with leading to full-time employment with federal starting point for green employers who are conservation agencies and federal public land and state land management agencies. But the eager to hire veterans – and want to experience agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, the overarching strategy is to work with a host of the financial benefits of doing so. organizations with broader reach, such as the Bureau of Land Management, State Parks and U.S. Chamber of Commerce, local chambers, other government organizations, which hire the veteran crews for a variety of conservation projects. In turn, the program offers military veterans positions on seasonal service crews performing outdoor conservation, fire mitigation and energy-related projects. These crews earn a modest living stipend while gaining certification, on-the-job training and work experience that positions them to compete for land management, wilderness firefighting and other green careers. Since its launch, Veterans Green Corps has trained an annual average of 175 former servicemen and women and has deployed them for projects throughout the western U.S. The program has expanded into eight western ado. lor Co t states thanks to partnerships with California es hw ut so rd day’s work in Veterans end a ha Conservation Corps, Nevada Conservation Veterans Green Jobs’ current programs – and the building blocks that have taken the nonprofit to its position today as the largest nonprofit focused exclusively on putting veterans to work in the green sector – are highlighted below.

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Corps, Utah Conservation Corps, Montana Conservation Corps and Student Conservation Association. Additionally, Veterans Green Jobs has hired a West Coast outreach and placement associate to recruit military veterans for outdoor conservation work throughout California and parts of Nevada, and staffed an office in Sacramento with the California Conservation Corps to pursue this work in early 2012. The rewards of getting veterans into the outdoors are exemplified by the words of Mike Bremer, a veteran of the U.S. Army who served as an infantryman in Iraq: “It’s been a lifechanging experience. At fire camp, the training was incredible, and we’ve had great instructors. Everything has been so thorough. I just wanted a new career. It was a chance to help out my community, and those types of jobs have always been pretty fulfilling – they help you sleep well at night.” Through his experience with Veterans Green Corps, Bremer completed fuels mitigation projects, pile burning, and area burns – receiving high ratings in chainsaw safety training and wildland fire fighting and behavior classes. He later secured a job with the U.S. Forest Service as a wildland firefighter and sawyer for the San Juan National Forest, describing it as “the best job I have ever had.” Bremer was named Corpsmember of the Year by the Corps Network in 2012. Home Energy Efficiency – And More Upgrades to Come Since 2009, Veterans Green Jobs has provided free energy efficiency services to an average of 1,200 homes per year in Colorado. With energy efficiency upgrades ranging from energy audits to insulation, appliance repair and replacement, and air-leak sealing, these services help residents save on their utility bills while increasing comfort and safety year-round. Veterans Green Jobs has hired veterans and civilians to perform this work in concert under a contract with the Colorado Governor’s Energy Office. As a direct-hire initiative, this program has served as an employment model that Veterans Green Jobs hopes other organizations, whether they are government agencies, private companies or nonprofits, will follow. The services are beneficial to communities who can’t otherwise afford to upgrade their homes – and the ability to provide these services helps veterans feel they are making a meaningful contribution. Scot Heminger, a combat veteran of Iraq and the U.S. Army, has found his job as a field administration coordinator for the 26

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A technician inspects a home furnace, ensuring the heating system is running at maximum efficiency and safety.

organization’s San Luis Valley Weatherization Services program to be a life-changing experience compared to his tour in Iraq. “Iraq is hot, miserable and dirty. There was hurt everywhere I looked. Now I’m doing something productive that positively affects people’s lives on a daily basis, and that is very fulfilling. It feels good to contribute in ways that make other people feel good, not the other way around,” he says. In 2012, Veterans Green Jobs will be exploring opportunities to expand its residential energy efficiency services to Coloradans. In collaboration with the national Green and Healthy Homes Initiative along with several government partners and other nonprofits, Veterans Green Jobs plans to offer home energy efficiency, health and safety upgrades, and solar installation – with plans to hire veterans to complete this work. The organization is also pursuing joint ventures with private companies to offer services in exchange for a fee to Colorado households as part of a pilot initiative, with hopes to expand to other states if the program is successful. Go Green Warehouse As a nonprofit organization reliant on donations, sponsorships and other external funding, Veterans Green Jobs is always vulnerable to funding fluctuations. To help create a sustainable future for its training and employment programs, Veterans Green Jobs opened the Go

Green Warehouse in 2011. The Go Green Warehouse is a discount home improvement materials store whose proceeds directly benefit Veterans Green Jobs’ programs. Open to the public and situated in a 40,000-square-foot facility at the organization’s headquarters location in Denver, the Go Green Warehouse sells new and used materials ranging from appliances and furniture to sinks, paint supplies and doors, at deeply discounted prices. Reusing these materials keeps them out of the landfill, which is a quality the store employees place a high value on. Scott Willingham, a U.S. Army veteran and the Go Green Warehouse’s cashier and social media expert, describes himself as “adamant about waste and consumption.” He says that being in the military opened his eyes to mass consumption and the destructive quality that has on the environment. By Willingham’s estimation, the Go Green Warehouse anticipates an annual 20,000-ton reduction of material in the landfill as a result of selling its products – a prediction in which he takes great pleasure. “I dedicate my life to conservation and preservation of our planet Earth. This job is a good way for veterans to give back,” he says. A Continuation of Service Veterans returning home from service are looking for meaningful employment opportunities. They are seeking a chance to contribute to a healthy and sustainable future for our country’s children and families. On a mission to help veterans get back to work, Veterans Green Jobs invites all Americans to make this their mission too. Learn more at www.veteransgreenjobs.org.

A weatherization technician insu lates a client’s crawlspace – m aking the home more energy eff and comfortable icient and lowering ut ility bills.

Data Sources: Pew Research, U.S. Dept. of Labor

Gratitude isn’t enough.

That’s why the University of Iowa offers unique opportunities for veterans. • A leading public university and a Fiske Guide “best buy” • Resident undergraduate tuition

for vets

• Top-notch health care, disability, and career services • A Servicemembers Opportunity College and Yellow Ribbon School • Named to G.I. Jobs’ and Military Advanced Education’s 2012 list of Military Friendly Schools

veterans.uiowa.edu

Photo: G.D. Wood

ounded Nature – Working Veteran’s is the only organization utilizing veterans and water based vessels to clean up the environment, provide first stage employment opportunities for veterans, and educate the public on a year round basis. The genesis of our houseboats honoring the various branches of the military and our missions came prior to the gulf oil spill. The number of rescued birds, sea turtles, and sea mammals that had ingested plastic items had increased dramatically. We investigated why it was occurring and how to fix it. We discovered that none of the clean-up non-profits wanted to work on the rural beaches and estuaries because of the travel time and cost required to get to and from each clean-up location. Another reason given was that it was difficult to generate publicity since most media companies would not send their reporters to rural clean-up areas. Our proposal solves both problems. Our houseboats can be stationed immediately offshore or beached right at the clean-up area (depending on tides) delivering workers and supplies in and out of the work area in small crafts. The media will be invited to live aboard for a day or two at no cost to the media company. Wounded Nature – Working Veteran’s will have five new houseboats moving up and down the East Coast attending port festivals, visiting military bases, and cleaning beaches. Each ship will represent one of the branches of the military and have its own sponsor and sponsor branding including that of the military branch each houseboat represents. 28

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Beach Cleanup Our employees will all be trained for proper handling of plastics, trash, medical waste, oil and chemicals. There is a strong need for this work to be done. Plastic waste, previously thought to be indestructible, has since been found to break down within a year of the trash hitting the seawater. It is critical to wildlife and the oceans to remove as much plastic as possible annually. Currently most beaches and rivers adjacent to major cities are staging annual cleanups through the use of volunteers and efforts organized by various non-profit groups. However, the areas most important to wildlife: the isolated beaches, bays, and estuaries are not being cleaned up on an annual basis. These are crucial birthing areas for endangered and threatened species. The constant accumulation and breakdown of plastics in these critical areas builds up high toxicity levels, and kills generations of future wildlife. Wounded Nature is stopping this toxic buildup, educating the public, and saving wildlife in the process.

Disaster Relief Wounded Nature houseboats are shallow draft vessels making them ideal vehicles to deliver equipment, supplies, and personnel to areas that are inaccessible by land. As well, our houseboats can transport large quantities of fresh water that can be taken ashore quickly, and transport people in and out of remote and isolated areas. This is critical when the people who stay behind during a hurricane suddenly need to be rescued because the storm has shut down all of their utilities or their residence is severely damaged. Wounded Nature’s houseboats are equipped to sleep and feed the rescue and safety forces aboard during the cleanup phase immediately following a disaster.

Educating the Public Wounded Nature’s publicity will educate people about the need for keeping our beaches, estuaries, and oceans clean. Our blogs, press releases, and media appearances will repetitively stress these points. Wounded Nature’s staff will appear at zoos, aquariums, and schools around the country talking to members and visitors about the need for recycling, and the impact that discarded trash has on the environment.

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Marine Research During each segment of our trips we can offer one billet to someone working in marine research. This could include a scientist, student, aquarium curator, or book author. The researcher will have the ability to research the areas we are cleaning, the waterways along our route, or any other tangent area so long as the research conducted will not negatively impact our schedule. Our goal is to become affiliated with colleges and universities that offer marine science programs. In that way, we can offer internships related to our clean-up work, and come full circle in generating public interest and awareness on a national basis. Veteran Reintroduction This is not our core mission but a vital component to carry out our missions. Wounded Nature will hire prequalified veterans through the Veterans Administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job assistance program. These workers will be hired as temporary workers for 120 days. We will utilize veterans with and without any service related medical problems and injuries. Hired veterans who have service related medical problems will have already completed their rehabilitation treatments and are deemed by their medical team fit for work. Wounded Nature will provide these veterans with their first civilian paycheck. This is the final and most important step in the recovery and transition process for these veterans. It signals the start of their transition

into civilian live and the end of a difficult and painful journey for many. The veterans will spend the first two days being trained about boat life, safety rules, and clean-up procedures. They will regain confidence and comfort with civilians as they participate in public relations and educational events with the Wounded Nature staff.

Rewards of the job Each veteran will perform a number of tasks exposing them to a number of disciplines. These disciplines include manual labor, environmental remediation, wildlife rescue, maintenance, ship and boat handling, public relations, community relations, social media marketing, event planning and hosting, cooking, and marine research. If you are a recently discharged veteran located in South Carolina or moving to the state and interested in joining our crew for 120 days, please contact the Charleston, SC Veterans Administration office at (843) 577-5011. 30

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If you would like to learn more and support Wounded Nature â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Working Veterans, please visit their web site at www.WoundedNature.org WoundedNature.org is an IRS approved 501c3 non-profit charity.

OUR MISSION: YOUR EDUCATION.

At Eastern Washington University, it is our mission to ensure that you get the most out of your GI Bill. › Designated by G.I. Jobs magazine as a Military Friendly School for 2012

› Designated as a Partner for Veterans

Supportive Campuses by the state of Washington

› More than 100 fields of study to choose from › Opening new Veterans Resource Center in July 2012 to address the personal and academic needs of active-duty and former military personnel, their spouses and dependents.

www.ewu.edu • 509.359.6200

ompensated Work Therapy (CWT) is a Department of Veterans Affairs vocational rehabilitation program that endeavors to match and support Veterans in competitive jobs. This is a program for Veterans who have suffered setbacks and wish to regain control of their lives. Compensated Work Therapy offers counseling, training and assistance to those who qualify.

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CWT programs strive to maintain longterm quality relationships with business and industry to promote employment opportunities for Veterans with physical and mental disabilities. Veterans are placed in jobs after the CWT employment specialists consult with companies regarding their specific employment needs. The CWT program was designed to provide a structured evaluation of work

Photo: Sgt. Laura Fuerst, USA

VA Program Matches Vets and Employers

potential, improve work behaviors, and prepare the Vets to return to the work force. Preparing rĂŠsumĂŠs, developing interview techniques and completing job applications are important skills participants learn in the program. Being able to return to work is a high priority among veterans of every age, according to Dr. Anthony Campinell, Director of VAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Therapeutic and Supported Employment Programs.

AF Paula Aragon, US . Photo: Master Sgt

• State of the art vocational rehabilitation services • Job matching and employment supports • Vocational Case Management • Work site and job analysis • Consultation regarding assistive technology • Reasonable accommodation • Guidance in addressing Americans with Disabilities Act regulations compliance Dr. Campinell points out that, “A unique discovery in the program evolved when VA medical center staff saw individuals in the CWT program turn into very successful employees and then hired them when openings came up at the medical center. It’s

“We help Veterans find jobs they’re interested in and help guide them in that process. And we help train them to be successful in that job,” Dr. Campinell explains. “VA doctors refer Veterans into the CWT program. CWT employment specialists discover the Veterans’ interests and strengths and skills, find a likely employer, and then engage the employer and the Veteran with a work opportunity. Clinicians understand that helping somebody go back to work contributes to their health and their future.” The program helps identify problems the Veteran may be having while working and then bring that problem back to his or her treatment team, primary physician or psychiatrist. The doctor can then adjust the Veteran’s treatment or the CWT employment specialist can modify the workplace situation. Dr. Campinell adds, “The CWT staff, along with the Veteran, negotiates with the employer on possible changes in their workplace arrangement. CWT staff members also work with employers to develop jobs not previously available at an employment site that meets company needs and capitalizes on the skills, talents and interests of individual Veterans. The CWT Program works with employers to hire Veterans as company employees through CWT’s Supported Employment program or to have Veterans at the worksite in a temporary, nonemployee status through CWT’s Transitional

CWT programs strive to maintain long-term quality relationships with business and industry to promote employment opportunities for Veterans with physical and mental disabilities. Work program. “This is a great deal for the Veteran and the employer because the employer doesn’t have to pay all the costs of hiring somebody and they don’t cover health care or life insurance. They just pay an hourly rate,” Dr. Campinell adds. More than 400 formerly homeless Veterans with disabilities were hired in 2010 and more than 20,000 Veterans are in the transitional work program every year. Across VA there are 169 CWT programs providing vocational services for 60,000 Veterans with mental and/or physical limitations. As Dr. Campinell notes, “The CWT program is a clinical approach based on research that says this is one of the best ways for disabled people to find work. The unemployment rate among people with disabilities is 70 to 80 percent, and one of the best ways to give somebody an identity, besides being disabled, is giving them a job.” The professional Compensated Work Therapy staff provides:

like a stepping stone”. “Veterans are interested in working for VA because there’s something about working in the VA that Veterans, including myself, find important. There’s a level of respect that exists in our system already and they appreciate that. And the appreciation is not just financially. Having a job is an extremely positive experience, it changes the Veteran’s self-image.” Typically, CWT programs are located within VA medical centers in most large metropolitan areas and many smaller communities. Information on the program is available at www.cwt.va.gov or by calling (800) 355-8262. In some locations CWT is also known as Veterans Industries. “This program helps remove the stigma of going to the doctor,” Dr. Campinell concludes. “Nobody in the program sees themselves as ill, they see themselves as workers. Work doesn’t cure mental illness, but it sure makes you feel better.” U . S . S er v icemem b ers

VA Participates in Settlement with Mortgage Banks

he Department of Veterans Affairs announced its participation in the largest state-federal legal settlement in history that deals with problems within the mortgage industry. “Through this historic settlement, VA has ensured that Veterans, Servicemembers, and National Guard and Reserve members will continue to receive every possible opportunity to retain their homes,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. VA joined with the Department of Justice, a coalition of state attorneys general and other federal agencies in the settlement. The nation’s five largest mortgage servicers have agreed to this landmark $25 billion settlement that addresses past mortgage loan servicing and foreclosure abuses, provides

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substantial financial relief to borrowers, and establishes significant new homeowner protections in the future. In addition to cash payments to avoid litigation, the banks also agree to undertake other activities, such as principal forgiveness, interest-rate-reduction refinancing, and forbearance during unemployment. The settlement also enhances protections available under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and provides additional assistance when Servicemembers are forced to sell their home at a loss due to reassignment to another location. “VA will continue its oversight of lenders and servicers to ensure that Veterans and Servicemembers are able to enjoy the benefits of VA’s home loan program, including access to ‘no down payment’ loans and assistance in retaining their homes should they encounter payment difficulties,” added Under Secretary for Benefits Allison A. Hickey. VA has always provided assistance to Veterans and Servicemembers who experience trouble paying their mortgage, whether they have a VA loan or not. Depending on the situation, VA’s loan specialists can intervene on a Veteran’s behalf to help pursue homeretention options such as repayment plans, forbearances and loan modifications. To get help, Veterans and Servicemembers – even those without a VA guaranteed loan – may call a national toll-free number, 1-877827-3702 to speak with VA loan specialists

who will provide information about the process of obtaining a VA-guaranteed home loan, or assistance in retaining their home loan or avoiding foreclosure. Information about the VA Home Loan Guaranty program is also available online at www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans. To see videos of Veterans who reached out to VA and were able to keep their homes or avoid foreclosure, please visit www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/ alt-foreclosure.asp. Since 1944, when home loan guaranties were first offered under the original GI Bill, VA has guaranteed more than 19.4 million home loans worth $1.18 trillion. VA helped over 72,000 (83 percent) Veterans who were in default on their VA guaranteed loan avoid foreclosure in FY 2011, a 10 percent increase from FY 2010. This assistance resulted in a 30 percent reduction in foreclosures over the same year. VA’s foreclosure rate for the last 14 quarters and serious delinquency rate for the last 11 quarters have been the lowest of all measured loan types, according to a survey by the Mortgage Bankers Association.

We Want You When your service comes to an end, our commitment continues.

www.careers at healthnet.com •

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VA Career Expo

Provides Opportunities for Veterans By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr., American Forces Press Service

Staff, walks er Army Chief of K. Shinseki, a form ic exposition Er d ry an ta ir fa cre r Se ree Veterans Affairs m-sponsored ca ra og pr te sector ts” iva Ve pr r d fo 6,400 public an ly through the “VA ar Ne . 12 ans. 20 , D.C., Jan. 18 ing to hire veter in Washington, were present seek ion reg tic lan At the midemployers from

DOD all photos:

Army Sgt. 1st Cla

ss Tyrone C. Ma

rshall Jr.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki, a form through the “VA er Army Chief of for Vets” progra Staff, walks m-sponsored ca in Washington, reer fair and expo D.C., Jan. 18, 20 sition 12 . Ne arly 6,400 public employers from the mid-Atlantic and private secto region were pres r ent seeking to hi re veterans.

h the “VA for Vets” aff, walks throug St of ief Ch y 00 public and m 2012. Nearly 6,4 seki, a former Ar n, D.C., Jan. 18, tary Eric K. Shin to cre ng Se hi s. irs as fa W an Af in ter s ve Veteran d exposition ing to hire red career fair an were present seek program-sponso id-Atlantic region m e th m fro rs ploye private sector em 36

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he Department of Veterans Affairs continues to answer President Barack Obama’s call for more employment opportunities for veterans, stated Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki during a January 2012 “VA for Vets” career fair and exposition that provided thousands of potential job opportunities for veterans. “Many veterans will have the opportunity to walk out of this event with a job offer,” he said. “Others will leave with a second interview lined up for that final hiring decision.” The event included the opportunity to prepare resumes on site and receive training on how to participate in a job interview. Shinseki lauded the president and First Lady Michelle Obama for being “staunch advocates for veterans for the past three years.” “In 2009, President Obama issued an executive order to increase veteran employment in the federal government,” he noted. “Today, veterans make up fully one-third of VA’s workforce, and we have increased that goal to 40 percent. We expect to make that in the next several years.” Mary Santiago, VA’s director of veterans employment services, said about 6,400 public and private employers participated in the career fair and expo, and that the event was the first of its kind to bring all of the units that help veterans together under one roof. “So it’s not only a career fair, it is an expo providing the services to all of our veterans all in the same place,” she said. Shinseki pointed out the “VA

for Vets” program is the first veteran recruitment, retention and reintegration tool created in the federal government designed to help hire and keep veterans as part of the country’s workforce. “The idea is simple,” he said. “Who better to help veterans than fellow veterans?” Santiago, a nine-year Army veteran who once worked with former Secretary of State Colin L. Powell when Powell was an Army general, explained how the program helps veterans by building off their military experience. “We’re taking the experiences that they’ve Veterans receive assistance with had as veterans – extensive retrieving and up fair and exposit dating personn ion in Washing el documents at ton, D.C., Jan. 18 experiences – and applying Atlantic region “VA for Vets” prog , 2012. Nearly 6,4 were present for ram-sponsored 00 public and pr potential on-th career them to positions that they ivate sector em e-spot hiring of ployers from th veterans. e midcan step in and just start doing the next day,” she said. Veterans, she noted, come to the Santiago said the unique career fair job market fully trained. from the private sector,” she added. provides a multitude of job opportunities, “The biggest issue we find right now Veterans such as Marie Allen, ranging from intelligence analysts and is translating their military skills to ‘civvy who served six years in the active program managers to staff assistants speak,’ as we call it,” Santiago said. Army followed by eight more in the and medics. “It’s unbelievable the wide “Our program ‘VA for Vets’ allows them to Army Reserve, attended the career fair variety of jobs we are offering, especially do that through our system and through and expo hoping her experience and our coaches.” flexibility would help her to walk away with a job. “Whatever I can get a job in doing, I’m flexible,” Allen said. “And I have some experience. I’m a jack of all trades.” Allen said she was previously unaware of many of the programs VA offers and didn’t realize she was eligible to apply for those benefits until she attended the career fair. “This is more in-depth, and that is what I really need. I’m glad that it is available and accessible to us,” she said. “So I’m really looking forward to finding out more things that are available to me. I can’t wait. I’m excited.” Santiago said the program’s goals are clear. “Our mission here is a simple one: make sure that every veteran that she is serves, listens as Army and in Re e red tiv so ac e on comes here walks away knowing that th -sp in m r Vets” progra years of service d the e during a “VA fo a combined 14 ye ten th at plo wi to em an ts irs ter ve fa ve of Af a s they’ve been helped,” she said. “What Marie Allen, e of thousand ent of Veterans 12. Allen was on from a Departm Atlantic region. 20 , idion m 18 at e n. m th Ja or m inf C., fro D. given we say here is, ‘Veterans, you have done hington, r employers position in Was c and private secto career fair and ex nearly 6,400 publi to ss ce ac your job. Now let us do ours.’”  th wi fair and expo career

U . S . S er v icemem b ers

Resources for Today’s Veterans

mployment and training services are provided to veterans of the United States Armed Forces through a nationwide network of approximately 3,000 One-Stop Career Centers. The U.S. Department of Labor has implemented Priority of Service for veterans and eligible spouses in all qualified job training programs. This page offers resources for both the veteran job-seeker and employment and training program providers. Resources for Veterans Seeking Employment and Training The Key to Career Success campaign is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor through the Career One-Stop Pathways to Career Success Web site at www.careeronestop.org/ MilitaryTransition/. The Key to Career Success campaign connects veterans and transitioning service members with high quality career planning, training, and job search resources available at local OneStop Career Centers.

of Take advantage 38

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able to you. t resources avail

the employmen

To access information on One-Stop Career Center locations in your state or throughout the nation, visit America’s Service Locator Web site at www.servicelocator.org or call 1-877-US-2JOBS or 1-877-872-5627. The Hire Vets First Web site: http://hirevetsfirst.dol.gov/ provides comprehensive career information for hiring veterans of the United States Armed Forces. The Career One-Stop Portal brings together five on-line tools into a single site to assist veterans transitioning into civilian occupations. From www.careeronestop.org/militarytransition/ veterans will find tools to: • Match Military Experience to Civilian Occupations Portal matches by MOC code, key word search or menu search. • The Get Credentials, Certifications, and Licenses Portal helps veteran job-seekers with credentials that document and verify workplace skills, knowledge, and experience and translate military skills and experience into credentials to obtain civilian skills. • The Write a Resume Portal will help a veteran job-seeker format a resume. • The Disabled/Injured Veterans Resources provides resources for veterans who are wounded or disabled, and • Find Local Services will help a veteran jobseeker locate additional services available to veterans. Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) provides veterans, reservists, and National Guard members with information on the rights and benefits associated with securing employment. www.dol.gov/vets DOL Veterans’ Opportunities provides information about how DOL supports the Veterans Hiring Initiative along with links to jobs and resources at DOL and other federal agencies. www.dol.gov/dol/jobs/ veterans.htm National Resource Directory (NRD) is an online partnership for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them. The NRD

rbin J. Shea Spc 3rd Class Co Photo: Mass Co mm

provides information on, and access to, medical and non-medical services and resources across the country to help them reach their personal and professional goals as they successfully transition from recovery to community living. www. nationalresourcedirectory.org USERRA Resource Guide provides employers and reservists with a clearly written, simplified guide to the USERRA law. Under this law, a person who leaves a civilian job to perform military service (voluntarily or involuntarily) may be entitled to return to his or her civilian job after discharge or release from his or her military obligation if the service member meets basic eligibility criteria. www.dol.gov/elaws/userra.htm Key To Career Success for Transitioning Veterans connects veterans and service members with high quality career planning, training, and job search resources available at local One-Stop Career Centers. www.careeronestop.org The TurboTap portal provides transition resources that can be accessed before, during, or after your military to civilian transition – whenever you need them! This portal will allow you to build a resume online, conduct job searches, and plan other transition activities. www.turbotap.org America’s Career InfoNet (ACINet) provides a wealth of information to help your transition/job search process. Watch one of over 450 career videos to get an idea of what a job entails; learn what education, knowledge, skills, and abilities are needed for over 900 different occupations; find typical wages and employment trends across occupations and industries by locality, state, or nationwide; search for employer contact information; use a variety of career tools to help you make decisions on employment goals; and much more! www.acinet.org

Vets Resource Connection provides information and resources related to employment, reemployment, training, education, and benefits for our nation’s veterans. nvti.cudenver.edu

america’s

heroes at work America’s Heroes at Work is a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) project that addresses the employment challenges of returning service members living with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Designed for employers and the workforce development system, this Web site is your link to information and tools to help returning service members affected by TBI and/or PTSD to succeed in the workplace – particularly service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. www.americasheroesatwork.gov

Small Business Administration’s Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) is dedicated to serving the veteran entrepreneur by formulating, executing, and promoting policies and programs of the agency that provide assistance to veterans seeking to start and develop small businesses. www.sba.gov U.S. Office of Personnel Management Veterans Information contains information for job-seeking veterans, veterans currently employed by the federal government, and federal human resources specialists. This site will assist individuals in determining a veteran’s special rights and privileges for federal civil service employment. www.opm.gov U . S . S er v icemem b ers

VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 Comprehensive Legislation to End Veteran Unemployment

ccording to the Labor Department, there are 3.4 million job openings right now in the United States. Yet, many employers are finding that workers do not have the skills or training they need to qualify for them. There are nearly 900,000 unemployed veterans in the United States – a staggering

figure. The latest Department of Labor unemployment report shows that in October 2011, the average unemployment rate among all veterans was 7.7% and 12.1% for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Equally troubling, veterans between the ages of 35 and 64, the group with the highest financial obligations and the fewest available VA education and training options, continue to

make up nearly two-thirds of all unemployed veterans. Overall, nearly one in twelve of our nation’s heroes can’t find a job to support their family, don’t have an income that provides stability, and don’t have work that provides them with the confidence and pride that is so critical to their transition home. On November 2011, Congress passed, and the President has signed into law, the

Sen. Patty Murray, (D-WA), and Rep. Sanford Bishop, (D-GA),

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Photo: White House

law. Pres. Obama signs bill into

of Labor to take a hard look at how to translate military skills and training to civilian sector jobs, and will work to make it easier to get the licenses and certification our veterans need. • Veterans Tax Credits: The VOW to Hire Heroes Act provides tax credits for hiring veterans and disabled veterans who are out of work. The VRAP offers 12 months of training assistance to unemployed Veterans. To qualify, a Veteran must:

VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011. Included in this new law is the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) for unemployed Veterans. The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and the Department of Labor (DoL) are working together to roll out this new program on July 1, 2012. The new program will provide retraining for Veterans hardest hit by current economic conditions. The “VOW to Hire Heroes Act” is bipartisan, bicameral, comprehensive legislation that would lower the rate of unemployment among our nation’s veterans. This bill combines provisions of Chairman Miller’s Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act - which passed the House on October 12, 2011 - (H.R. 2433; Report #112-242), and Chairman Murray’s Hiring Heroes Act (S. 951; Report #112-36), and veterans’ tax credits into a comprehensive jobs package that will aggressively attack the unacceptably high rate of veterans’ unemployment by: • Expanding Education & Training: To begin moving veterans out of the unemployment lines, the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 provides nearly 100,000 unemployed veterans of past eras and wars with up to 1-year of additional Montgomery GI Bill benefits to qualify for jobs in high-demand

sectors, from trucking to technology. It also provides disabled veterans who have exhausted their unemployment benefits up to 1-year of additional VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefits. • Improving the Transition Assistance Program (TAP): Too many service members don’t participate in TAP and enter civilian life without a basic understanding of how to compete in a tight job market. Therefore, the VOW to Hire Heroes Act makes TAP mandatory for most service members transitioning to civilian status, upgrades career counseling options, and job hunting skills, as well as ensures the program is tailored to individuals and the 21st Century job market. • Facilitating Seamless Transition: Getting a civil service job can often take months which often forces a veteran to seek unemployment benefits. To shorten the time to start a federal job after discharge, this bill allows service members to begin the federal employment process by acquiring veterans preference status prior to separation. This facilitates a more seamless transition to civil service jobs at VA, or the many other federal agencies that would benefit from hiring our veterans. • Translating Military Skills and Training: This bill also requires the Department

• Be at least 35 but no more than 60 years old • Be unemployed (as determined by DoL) with special consideration given to Veterans who have been unemployed for more than 26 weeks • Have an other than dishonorable discharge • Not be eligible for any other VA education benefit program (e.g.: the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Assistance) • Not be in receipt of VA compensation due to unemployability • Not be enrolled in a federal or state job training program The program is limited to 45,000 participants during fiscal year 2012, and to 54,000 participants from October 1, 2012, through March 31, 2014. Participants may receive up to 12 months of assistance at the full-time payment rate under the Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty program (currently $1,473 per month). Applications will be submitted through DoL and benefits paid by VA. DoL will provide employment assistance to every Veteran who participates upon completion of their program. Participants must be enrolled in a VA approved program of education offered by a community college or technical school. The program must lead to an Associate Degree, Non-College Degree, or a Certification, and train the Veteran for a high demand occupation. Furthermore, the VOW to Hire Heroes Act is completely paid for and does not increase the deficit. For more information go to www.gibill.va.gov/ benefits/other_programs/vow.html U . S . S er v icemem b ers

New Online Tools for Veteran Job Seekers

Secure Access to Military Records, Skill “Translators”

Photo: Jason Kelly, USA

using an enhanced version of the Blue Button. This new capability is the latest addition to a growing suite of job-hunting tools that were announced by President Obama on November 14, 2011. “The President and Secretary Shinseki have shown real leadership on Veterans Employment,” said Dr. Peter L. Levin, chief technology officer at Veterans Affairs. “The White House has been instrumental in guiding this public/private initiative to meet the needs of Veterans, and with

Photo: Nan Wylie,

USAF

eterans now have on-demand access and can download official data about their military training and experience, which can be used to help them find jobs and continue their careers. Their service data can be uploaded to job search and networking sites to help identify employment opportunities. “Savvy employers look to Veterans for the excellent training and unique experiences they bring to the civilian workforce,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “Now, Veterans can have state-of-the-art access to official data about their military service that we will help them land meaningful jobs.” The new program was launched on December 3, 2011 and allows Veterans to use the VA’s online My HealtheVet portal (www. myhealth.va.gov) to see official information about their military service, including deployment data, in-uniform experience, and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes which define the type of work performed and skills learned during their tour of duty. Veterans can electronically download that information to their personal computers by

promoting web-based services that help Veterans find jobs. With their MOS codes, Veterans can more easily substantiate that they possess the skills needed by employers.” Several industry partners have signed up to create – or have even already implemented – third-party applications that can read military specialties or classification codes in Blue Button format, automatically translate those codes into civilian descriptions, and identify openings and other resources for Veterans, Levin added. Military job information available to Veterans under this program will depend on discharge or retirement date. • All Veterans discharged after 1980 will see military specialty or classification codes; • Some Veterans discharged between1975-1980 will see military specialty or classification codes; • Some Gulf War Veterans may see combat pay and deployment periods; • All Post-9/11 Veterans will see combat pay and deployment periods Veterans enrolled in VA health care can access their military service information through My HealtheVet. Veterans who have not yet signed up for My HealtheVet access can register for a My HealtheVet account at any VA medical center by completing a one-time identity-verification process to help assure their data privacy.

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s of January 2012, some Veterans covered under the Veterans Group Life Insurance program (VGLI) now have the opportunity to increase their coverage to the current maximum coverage under the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program. “Currently, 70 percent of the Veterans covered under VGLI are under age 60, have less than $400,000 of coverage, and will greatly benefit from this law change,” said Allison A. Hickey, Department of Veterans Affairs under secretary for benefits. Under the Veterans’ Benefits Act of 2010, enacted on Oct. 13, 2010, Veterans can increase their coverage by $25,000 at each five-year anniversary date of their policy to the current legislated maximum SGLI coverage, presently, $400,000. To date, approximately 21 percent of eligible Veterans have taken advantage of this opportunity, resulting in nearly $113 million of new coverage being issued. The VGLI program allows newly discharged Veterans to convert their SGLI coverage they had while in the service

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maximum coverage of $400,000, Request the additional coverage during the 120-day period prior to each five-year anniversary date, and Be less than 60 years of age on the five-year anniversary date of his or her coverage.

Eligible Veterans are notified of this opportunity a week before the start of the 120-day period prior to their anniversary date, and twice more before the actual anniversary date. to a civilian program. Before enactment of this law, Veterans could not have more VGLI than the amount of SGLI they had at the time of separation from service. For example, those who got out of the service prior to Sept. 1, 2005, when the maximum SGLI coverage was $250,000, were limited to $250,000 in VGLI coverage. Now on their first fiveyear anniversary, these Veterans can elect to increase their coverage to $275,000. On their next fiveyear anniversary, they can increase the coverage to $300,000, and so forth. The additional coverage can be issued regardless of the Veteran’s health. To be eligible to purchase this additional coverage, the Veteran must: • •

Have active VGLI coverage, Have less than the current legislated

For more information about VA’s Insurance Program or other VA benefits, go to www.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000.

A former membe r of the 128th Ai r Refueling Wing Wisconsin Air Na (ARW ), tional Guard, up dates his Veteran Life Insurance (V ’s Group GLI) paperwork.

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Visit us at www.newyorklife.com/cominghome or call 1-866-365-3137 CODE: NS0454 to learn more. ÂŠ 2012 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010 EOE M/F/D/V

The

Power of

Prosthetic By Gabrielle Wood

Art

“It’s funny that I used to get upset when people would stare at my prosthesis but now with this Superman and Flash artwork people will be astonished. Great company and great work. I am very pleased.” – Michael, Retired Veteran (Provided by Indiana VA Hospital)

“My pride goes up every time people see it and the reaction is ‘Oh! WOW! Is that cool!’ I chose to have a Marine Corps Emblem and my dates of service on my prosthetic to show everyone that I have served and I am very proud of it. GTOPI.com offers a unique one of a kind product and that is just what I wanted.” – Mark, Ret. USMC (provided by Durham, NC VA Hospital)

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Photo: Gabrielle D. Wood

s home office.

Dan Horkey in hi

ife can change in an instant. It’s what we do with those changes that make up the rest of what life has to offer. For Dan Horkey, life changed forever for

him in 1985. It was a motorcycle accident. It was devastating. It was life changing. He could no longer be on the job working in construction, being on-site, and in the thick of the family business. When he recovered, it was a new life for him learning to walk again. Learning to cope with what life had handed him. Learning to live without half a limb. Sitting behind a desk, learning to run the business. The accident cost him more than just his leg; it cost him his self-image, his confidence, his world, as he had known it. So much to manage in this new world;

physically healing, mentally dealing. More than he had bargained for when he set out that day for a bike ride. A lifetime of change occurred in just a few short minutes. Dan did what most would expect. Feelings of sadness and questioning the future filled many of his days. The rest of his time was spent learning to function again, to handle normal tasks. They say time heals all wounds. And, with time, he learned to live a new life as this new man. He learned to overcome the depression and move on, again, but it was all in good time. When he began his post-accident journey, he really just wanted to feel normal again, to feel like himself again, and mostly, to be treated by others as if nothing had changed. The prosthetic leg he now depended upon he kept hidden under long pants, the foot covered at all times with a

sock and shoe. The initial goal was to walk again, without a limp, so that no one would know that he was somehow different. Four years of working toward that goal, four years of periodic re-fittings for his prosthesis, and lots of practice gave Dan the outcome he was looking for, he was a master at walking again, just like everyone else. Yet, there is still something about knowing that you are different that stays with a person. Dan knew. And, even though stranger’s didn’t know, he knew that there was a man made part of him, something that he couldn’t live without, but was still somehow bothered by having to live with. It had been 20 years since his accident and he’d moved on with his life, moved away from the family construction business and was working as a prosthetic technician for a company in Tacoma, WA. It was there that he happened upon a roll of flame ensconced material, and in that U . S . S er v icemem b ers

“Dan, I want to thank you and your guys for the outstanding work you did on my leg. Being able to sport my Vietnam Army Airborne Ranger tattoo has made me less self conscious about the leg.” – Bob, US Army Airborne Ranger Vietnam (provided by Georgia VA Hospital)

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VA Hospitals across the U.S. and the VA will cover 100% of the cost. The VA Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service believes that Veterans using devices such as artificial limbs or wheelchairs should have the options available to have it look as they want it to as it is such a critical part of their daily lives. And, while most of us would equate the loss of a limb with that of war, or military service, there are others to consider. Dan has worked with children as young as five years old who are just entering school and experiencing life for the first time outside the protective walls of their homes and families. By removing the stigma of having a prosthesis and replacing it with the sense of individualism, Dan has, in essence given people the greatest gift one can give, a strong sense of self. He knows from his own experiences that the hardest thing to recover from is your loss of self-esteem. By creating an environment of interest he has created a world for amputees in which they feel unique, rather than damaged. However, with all the hard work he has put into his business and the dream of restoring pride to people who have survived a devastating accident or life threatening illness, there is still a struggle for him to survive in the business world. With the downturn in the economy, Dan’s hopes for success become dampened once in a while. He still works from his home office, and employs artists on a contract basis rather than as employees. It’s not been easy

Kitsap Sun API Oc t 2008

Dan with his pr osthetics.

Photo: Courtesy

moment, the wheels began to turn, and, essentially, the concept of prosthetic art was born. Dan Horkey laminated the fiery flames to his prosthetic and unveiled his leg for the world to see. What had once been a source of indignity was now one of pride. “My prosthetic became a subject of conversation, and from that, myselfconfidence and self-esteem went up. The way I felt made me want to bring the world of color and custom art to other amputees.” Dan has converted the process of healing into his life’s path, his life’s work. From the tragedy emerged a different man, and the future he is now living. He founded Global Tattoo Orthotic Prosthetic Innovations (GTOPI) in 2008. His company creates artwork for prosthetics for amputees. The artwork is customized, and reflective of the person who wears it, much like someone’s tattoo, there is personal meaning, sometimes obvious in content, like the Marine Corps emblem, sometimes more covert, and of meaning only to the wearer. The patent-pending methods entail a unique process that utilizes custom painted automotive finishes and then airbrushing or hand-painting the design of choice. “My finishes are safe for children and adults, proven durable and of professional quality,” says Horkey. “They are similar to what is used for custom jobs on hot rods and motorcycles. What I’m offering for prosthetics vastly expands the options beyond the laminated fabric choices that are currently available.” Additionally, he is also working on perfecting the current fabric choices and offering custom printed designs on fabric and vinyl. This will make a person’s design interchangeable should they require a change in prosthetic or have more than one limb that they use. This second method will increase the cost effectiveness of his products to allow a greater percentage of amputees to take advantage of his services. Since 2008, GTOPI’s work has created prosthetic designs for wounded warrior soldiers at WRAMC and BAMC, as well as Veterans from all over the U.S. that have contacted him independently. In 2009 he became a VA contractor allowing him to offer custom airbrush art, simple custom vinyl images, painted or chrome finishes all considered custom restoration to veterans. Veterans can make their request through all

to stay afloat, but he’s not willing to give up on something he understands in a very personal way is such an important endeavor. Dan’s ultimate goal is to one day be linked to clinics and hospitals that offer prosthetic services. The patient will simply sit at a computer station, log onto the GTOPI website, shop for the design of their choice and through the magic of technology, place the order through their Prosthetist, who will fit their prosthetic and have it decorated and ready for pick up, all within a week’s time. He knows his company is far more than just a business, that generating revenue is not the only reason life has taken him on this path. He’s found a way to restore a person’s life by not only sharing in their stories of pain and discouragement, but also in providing a road to recovery for the soul, the heart of a person who has seen their lives turned upside down and experienced a physical loss that cannot be reversed. Dan’s hope is that he can reach the masses who will be able to help him launch a full-scale attack and get his business into a facility where he will be able to ramp up his production, employ veterans and amputees and grow a business that deals in the restoration of dignity and pride. He has lived through the loss, and now he’s looking at the other side with hope and optimism. For more information about prosthetic art visit www.gtopi.com or call (360) 895-1976. U . S . S er v icemem b ers

Support Our Troops Through Education

estled in Warrensburg, Mo., about a 10-minute drive west of Whiteman Air Force Base, the University of Central Missouri takes pride in its long-standing relationship with the men and women who serve the United States. Although many WAFB personnel make up the student body at UCM through their enrollment in traditional and Internet-based courses, the university’s support for the military extends well beyond the local base. In fact, UCM has announced several exciting new opportunities that will aid active duty, reservists, guard, and veterans of all five branches with their education. Such opportunities exist within a myriad of online class offerings and complete degree programs that meet the demands and needs of military personnel, through new initiatives such as a Military Tuition Package, and a facility on campus dedicated to those who serve. During Veterans Day 2011, UCM officially opened its new Military and Veterans Success Center, located on the lower level of the Elliott Union. This new facility allows the

university to assist military and veteran students to be successful in their education by providing individual and group study areas, computer work stations, and dedicated staff. It also assists veterans who want to transition from the military into civilian careers by furthering their college education. The local veterans’ representative has an office within this new facility, as well as the newly appointed Director of Military and Veterans Services. In addition to this dedicated facility, the university offers a new financial incentive for military personnel to use their education benefits through the recently established Military Tuition Package. It exempts benefit-eligible individuals enrolled at UCM from mandatory general fees, which are not supported by military tuition assistance, while still allowing

them the same privileges on campus as other students. This means access to the new Student Recreation and Wellness Center, athletic and entertainment events, the library, and many other opportunities. The package also exempts them from the application fee, the new student fee, and parking permit fees. The tuition package is available to benefit-eligible, degreeseeking active duty members in all branches of the military, their spouses and dependents for a maximum of 36 months. The tuition package also applies to benefit-eligible degreeseeking Veterans up to 10 years after their last honorable discharge from the service. As a “Military-Friendly” campus, UCM understands the need for classes that are flexible and convenient for individuals who may be called to duty on foreign soil. Online degree opportunities in criminal justice, rural and family nursing, industrial management, general studies

and much more allow military men and women to continue their studies without interruption. There’s also an opportunity to take advantage of the world famous Dale Carnegie Course® at convenient locations around the world. To learn more about educational opportunities available to those who serve, contact the School of Graduate and Extended Studies at 877-SAY-UCMO Ext. 2 or visit ucmo.edu/vets. 50

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Choose Red

to turn action into education. You are a highly trained soldier with skills that lend themselves to the professional world in unique ways. The University of Central Missouri始s online degree programs allow you to turn your military expertise into a natural fit in the workforce. Now UCM始s Military Tuition Package makes it possible to earn your degree online at your convenience. Channel your experience into your education now. Learn more about UCM始s online degree options at ucmo.edu/ucmonline.

Online degrees offered: Bachelor of Science

Crisis and Disaster Management (completion program) Occupational Education (completion program) General Studies individualized major, minor RN to BS in Nursing

Master of Science

Aviation Safety Criminal Justice Educational Technology Elementary Education Industrial Management Kinesiology Sports Management Occupational Safety Management Library Science Rural Family Nursing - Nurse Educator

UCM Military and Veterans Success Center

Taking it to the Limit: Veterans and Active-duty Soldiers Tackle Ice, Regain Camaraderie. By Chris Kassar

Thomas Carroll, a military veteran and amputee tackles a frozen waterfall in Ouray, CO. 52

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reath. Swing. Smack. Breath. Swing. Smack. Brian Fountaine appears calm as he dangles precariously from a rope and methodically works his way up an imposing wall of vertical ice. He swings each axe and digs in the spikes on his feet smoothly and proficiently despite the fact that he has never done this before today. From a distance, Fountaine appears no different from any other crazy climber tackling the frozen waterfalls of Cathedral Ledge; a closer look reveals that Fountaine is, in fact, very different than most. Six years ago, he lost both lower legs while serving our country in Iraq. Sergeant Fountaine has not let this stop him from living life to its fullest. On the contrary, he, like many military veterans who took part in a recent ice-climbing clinic in North Conway, New Hampshire, enjoys continuing to push his limits in the outdoors. “Facing personal challenges like rock climbing or ice climbing gives you a whole new sense of confidence and purpose that you can bring back to everyday life,” says Fountaine who also rides mountain bikes and sky dives. “Getting out here and having a common goal with other vets – people who have shared similar experiences and understand what I’m going through - is awesome. It makes me realize I can do anything and motivates me to do more and to be better.” In February and March 2012, Veterans Expeditions (VetEx) and Paradox Sports forged a unique partnership to bring a diverse team of military veterans and active-duty soldiers from a variety of conflicts including Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam to scale the frosty cliffs of New Hampshire’s White Mountains and the icy waterfalls of Ouray, CO. Their purpose stretched far beyond learning to climb or reaching the top; they pushed themselves to re-gain a sense of self, to grow and to experience the camaraderie prevalent in the military experience. “In the military, you get used to being part of something bigger and when you get out, you’re thirsty for that,” says Nick Watson a former Sergeant in the Army Rangers and co-founder of Veterans Expeditions. “Events like this one fill a need by getting veterans outside to work together and be active with like- minded people so they can experience that feeling of being part of a team again. Creating a support network that remains intact beyond the mountains can really help with the transition back into civilian life.”

Watson and Stacy Bare, a former Army Captain and Bronze Star recipient, founded Veterans Expeditions to give all veterans, regardless of any existing or perceived mental or physical disability, an opportunity to create a new focus in life. Outdoor adventures that push individuals physically and mentally and require teamwork allow veterans to build community, develop skills and find the camaraderie that is often missing in post- military life. “Being out here climbing with other vets really brings back the camaraderie from the military,” says Robert Hayes, a former Corporal in the Marine Corps who served two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and is now in college in Denver. “I mean - Johnny and I sat on a hillside together and got shot at by the Taliban… so when he’s belaying me, I trust him and know he has my back out here. This trust also works with other vets who had similar experiences.” Motivated by the belief that time in the outdoors eases the transition back to civilian life, VetEx and Paradox joined forces to create an opportunity for soldiers to build community and

reconnect with the lands they served to defend. Over 18 veterans a day commit suicide and many others turn to substance abuse and violence to cope with the overwhelming difficulties faced after service. Through programs like this, some are finding a different way. “After you get out, you come back you don’t relate to people as well because you’ve spent the majority of your adult life serving in the military, ” says John Krueger a former Corporal in the Marine Corps who served two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. “Getting out here and climbing with other vets who have similar experiences to you really helps with the transition because you can relate to them more,” explains Krueger who was recently honorably discharged from the military and now goes to school full time in Denver. “Creating functioning outdoor and expeditionary teams is where we excel at Veterans Expeditions,” explains Watson. “That includes partnering with other organization like Paradox Sports and working together to teach veterans new outdoor skills or to perfect existing skill sets. It also includes selecting veterans to create highly functioning back country teams so we can tackle more challenging peaks like Mt. Logan.” In 2014, VetEx plans to bring a team of Canadian and

“I came out here this weekend and I knew I was going to get it done. I was going to climb this sheet of ice come hell or high water,” says Brian Fountaine, a former Army Sergeant . Brian lost his lower legs from an IED during his second tour in Iraq but makes it look easy on the ice.

U . S . S er v icemem b ers

Veterans Expeditions brought together a diverse group of vets to climb in Ouray, CO.

the anchor. In a group where excuses would have been understandable I didn’t hear any.” Veterans Expeditions is a Colorado-based non-profit that uses wilderness challenges to connect all veterans, create community and raise awareness. Our work supports the reintegration of veterans into society and empowers them to overcome the challenges many face following military service. Our expeditions allow participants to bear powerful witness to society and one another about their own military experiences, regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, or time of service. www.vetexpeditions.com.

and walked away inspired by the brave men and women who have given so much for our freedom. US veterans up the remote Mt. Logan, Canada’s highest peak that soars to 19,551 feet. Building bridges from the veteran to non-veteran community was also an important component of the ice climbing clinics. Ending the isolation often felt by veterans and increasing community understanding and support can help in addressing the struggles many veterans face. Members of the community watched awestruck

“I’ve been teaching ice climbing off and on for 10 years, and never in that time have I climbed with a large group where EVERYONE made it to the top,” says Erik Eisele, a guide and reporter who spent time embedded in Iraq and Kuwait. “Today, however, I watched 20 people ignore missing limbs, leave their wheelchairs, forget IED and RPG attacks that forever changed their lives and just climb. Not one person failed to reach

Paradox Sports is a Colorado-based non-profit that takes people with disabilities into the outdoors. Paradox Sports envisions a world where people of all backgrounds and abilities can pursue a life of excellence through human-powered outdoor sports, regardless of physical disability or limbcount. We see a future where everyone is able to pursue their dreams because they have the opportunities, support and the adaptive equipment necessary to do just that. www.paradoxsports.org Chris Kassar is a freelance journalist, conservation biologist and guide from Boulder, CO. She writes about environmental issues, outdoor adventures and believes that time in the outdoors can transform people.

Robert Hayes and John Krueger, former Corporals in the US Marine Corps belay a climber in Ouray, CO. 54

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“My mission is education; my alliance is Simpson.” –Senior Airman Cameron Gamble, USAF ASPIRE Degree-Completion Student

Take your next steps at simpson university’s beautiful northern California campus or online: • Undergraduate • Degree-Completion • Graduate Studies • Seminary Wherever you are on your educational journey, we have a program to help you accomplish your goals.

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proud pArTICIpANT of The YELLOW RIBBON pROgRam

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heim, USMC

l. Michael Peters

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USN nifer Villalovos,

icer 1st Class Jen

Civil Rights for

Servicemembers

Photo: Scott Air Force Base

embers of the armed forces make great sacrifices in order to protect our nation. Recognizing these sacrifices, Congress has enacted a number of laws specifically designed to protect the civil rights of servicemembers, both while they are on active duty and after they return to civilian life. These laws ensure that servicemembers will be able vote while they are stationed overseas, return to their civilian employment after completing their service and have certain civil financial protections while on active duty. Additionally, servicemembers who have been injured during their service and return to civilian life with a new disability have civil rights guaranteed by the law. This brochure provides a brief explanation of the civil rights of servicemembers, as well as information about how to learn more or to file a complaint if you believe your rights have been violated. Employment The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects the civilian employment rights of servicemembers and veterans. Among other things, under certain conditions, USERRA requires employers to put individuals back to work in their civilian jobs after military service. If you are eligible for reemployment, you must be restored to the position and seniority- based benefits that you would have attained or, in some cases, a comparable job, had you not been absent from work to perform military service. USERRA also protects servicemembers from discrimination in the workplace based on their military service or affiliation. An employer may not terminate you or deny you initial employment, retention in employment, promotion, or any other benefit of employment because of your status as a servicemember. An employer also may not retaliate against you or any other person for asserting, or assisting with the assertion of, USERRA rights. USERRA also entitles you to the right to continue your existing employer-based health plan coverage for up to two years while in the military, and to reinstate your health insurance once you are reemployed. Additionally, upon reemployment following a period of absence for uniformed service, the employer must treat you as not having had a break in service for

purposes of participation, vesting, and accrual of benefits in pension plans. If you are enrolled in a contributory plan, you are allowed, but not required, to make up missed contributions to the plan or elective deferrals, and receive the employer’s match, if any. Servicemembers who believe that they have been victims of employment discrimination based on their military service may file a complaint with the Department of Labor (DOL) or file their own lawsuit in federal or state court. It is important that you file a complaint with DOL or consult with a private attorney as soon as possible. To file a complaint under USERRA, contact your nearest Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) office, which you can locate by visiting www. dol.gov/ vets/aboutvets/contacts/main.htm, or calling DOL at 1-866-4USADOL (487-2365). DOL will investigate the complaint and may attempt to voluntarily resolve the complaint. If DOL cannot resolve the complaint, upon the complainant’s request, DOL will forward to the complaint to the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.

as rental agreements, security deposits, prepaid rent, eviction, installment contracts, credit card interest rates, mortgage interest rates, mortgage foreclosure, civil judicial proceedings, automobile leases, life insurance, health insurance and income tax payments. The types of relief provided under the law include: • Reducing the rate of interest for debts incurred before entering active duty to 6 percent; • Protecting servicemembers against default judgments, evictions, mortgage foreclosures, and repossessions of property; • Giving servicemembers the ability to terminate residential and automobile leases. If you think your rights under the SCRA may have been violated, you should contact your nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program office to see if the SCRA applies. Dependents of servicemembers can also contact or visit local military legal assistance offices where they reside.

Financial Protection for Servicemembers The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), formerly known as the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act (SSCRA), is a federal law that provides a range of relief to active duty servicemembers. The law’s purpose is to postpone or suspend certain civil obligations so that members of the Armed Forces can focus their full attention on their military responsibilities without adverse consequences for them or their families. It covers issues such

U . S . S er v icemem b ers

Office locations may be found at http:// legalassistance.law.af.mil/content/locator.php. In order to have your SCRA case reviewed by the Department of Justice, you should first seek the assistance of your military legal assistance office. If that office cannot resolve the complaint, it may choose to forward the complaint to the Department of Justice. Voting The right to vote is among our most basic and cherished civil rights. Enacted in 1986, the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) protects the right of servicemembers to vote in federal elections regardless of where they are stationed. This law requires that states and territories allow members of the United States Uniformed Services and merchant marine, their family members, and United States citizens residing outside the United States to register and vote absentee in elections for Federal offices. UOCAVA was expanded significantly in 2009, when Congress passed the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act to provide greater protections for servicemembers, their families and other overseas citizens. Among its key provisions, UOCAVA, as amended by the MOVE Act, allows qualified servicemembers and overseas citizens to: • Register to vote and request an absentee ballot simultaneously on a single federal form. • Request and receive voter registration and absentee ballot applications and blank absentee ballots by electronic transmission, such as by fax or email. • Have their timely-requested ballots sent to them no later than 45 days before an election for federal office (subject to certain conditions). • Track the receipt of their absentee ballots through a free access system.

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• Use a “back-up” ballot, called the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB), to vote for federal offices if they have made a timely application for, but have not received, their regular ballot from their home state or territory, subject to certain conditions. The FWAB is available at military installations and embassies worldwide, and an official on-line version of this ballot and instructions are available on the Defense Department’s voting website. The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) in the Department of Defense actively monitors the voter registration and absentee voting opportunities provided to members of the Armed Forces, and assists servicemembers and their families to facilitate their participation in the voting process. If you have a question or believe you have been denied any of the rights guaranteed by UOCAVA, you can contact the FVAP with the details, and FVAP can forward the relevant information to the Department of Justice for assessment. The United States Attorney General is authorized to enforce UOCAVA and the Department of Justice has filed suits against states that fail to comply with their requirements. The FVAP website provides detailed information about voting procedures and materials. The website can be found at www.fvap.gov. You can also contact the FVAP at: Federal Voting Assistance Program Department of Defense, 1777 North Kent Street, Suite #14003, Arlington, VA 22209 E-mail: vote@fvap.gov, U.S. Toll-free: 800438-VOTE (8683) Americans with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or the ADA, gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities. The ADA prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life – to enjoy employment opportunities, to purchase goods and services, and to participate in State and local government programs and services. Modeled after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, the ADA is an

“equal opportunity” law, not a benefit program entitling you to specific services or financial assistance because of your disability. The ADA uses different standards than the military and the Department of Veterans Affairs in determining disability status. The ADA covers people with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities such as walking, speaking, lifting, hearing, seeing, reading, eating, sleeping, concentrating, or working. Major life activities also include the operation of major bodily functions such as brain, immune system, respiratory, neurological, digestive, and circulatory functions. Businesses and State and local government agencies must take reasonable steps to make it possible for people with disabilities to be their employees or customers. For more information about protections under the ADA, visit www.ada.gov, or call the ADA information line at: 800-514-0301 (voice) 800-514-0383 (TTY) A brochure describing the rights of servicemembers under the ADA in more detail can be found at www.ada.gov/servicemembers_ adainfo.html. U.S. Department of Justice To enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States according to the law; to ensure public safety against threats foreign and domestic; to provide federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime; to seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior; and to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans. Civil Rights Division Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez, U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, 950 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20530, Phone: 202-5144609 TTY: 202-514-0716, www.servicemembers.gov

The UniversiTy of findlay

recognized The University of Findlay salutes your service by our participation in the Yellow Ribbon program. At UF, you can choose from nearly 60 undergraduate degrees and 10 graduate and professional programs, some entirely online! • Flexible programs to fit your needs. • The University of Findlay has been named a Military Friendly School for 2012 by G.I. Jobs magazine. • UF is among the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s veterans as students. • UF will provide up to $8,900 per veteran, per academic term, for any qualifying veteran, to assist with educational expenses, and the Veterans Administration will match UF’s contribution.

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Keyword: sTUdenT veTerans admissions@findlay.edU 1-800-548-0932

VA Budget Request Tops $140 Billion for Veterans Programs 60

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ith more than 1 million active-duty personnel scheduled to join the ranks of America’s 22 million Veterans during the next five years, President Obama has proposed a $140.3 billion budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs. The budget proposal, which must be approved by Congress, would fund services for newly discharged Veterans, continue the drive to end homelessness among Veterans, improve access to benefits and services, reduce the disability claims backlog, improve the VA’s collaboration with the Defense Department and strengthen the information-technology program that is vital for delivering services to Veterans. The budget request includes $64 billion in discretionary funds, mostly for medical care, and $76 billion for mandatory funds, mostly for disability compensation and pensions. If approved by Congress, the new spending levels would support a health care system with 8.8 million enrollees and growing benefits programs serving nearly 12 million Servicemembers, Veterans, family members and survivors, including the eighth largest life insurance program in the nation; education benefits for more than 1 million Americans; home loan guarantees for more than 1.5 million Veterans and survivors; plus the largest national cemetery system in the country. Here are highlights from the President’s 2013 budget request for VA. Medical Care The President’s proposed budget seeks $52.7 billion for medical care, a 4.1 percent increase over the $50.6 billion approved by Congress for the current fiscal year, and a net increase of $165 million above the advance appropriations level already enacted for FY 2013. For the next fiscal year, VA estimates 6.33 million patients will use VA for health care. About 610,000 of those patients will be Veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The budget request also would provide: • •

$403 million for the gender-specific health care needs of women Veterans, improving their access to services and treatment facilities; $6.2 billion for mental health, a 5.3 percent increase in funding over the current level, making possible increased outreach and screenings, expansion of innovative technologies for self-assessment and symptom management of post-traumatic stress disorder, and enhancements to programs that reduce the stigmas of mental health;

•

Funding in VA’s major construction account of $396.6 million is provided to continue construction of new medical facilities at Seattle, Dallas, St. Louis and Palo Alto, Calif. Since enactment of the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act in 2009, VA includes an advance appropriations request for medical care in the Budget submission. Included in today’s spending request is $54.5 billion for FY 2014, which begins Oct. 1, 2013. This request for advance appropriations will support nearly 6.38 million unique patients and fulfill our commitment to Veterans to provide timely and accessible high-quality medical services. The Administration will

Photo: Tech. Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey, USAF

•

$7.2 billion for long-term care, meeting VA’s commitment to provide long-term care in the least restrictive and most clinically appropriate settings, such as non-institutional programs that serve a daily population of about 120,000 people; $583 million in direct appropriations for medical research, which receives another $1.3 billion from other sources, with emphasis on research for traumatic brain injury, suicide prevention, PTSD and genomic medicine; $792 million to support the activation of health care facilities, including new hospitals in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Denver and Orlando, Fla.

review the initial advance appropriations request in the FY 2014 budget cycle.

Veterans to work on projects to restore America’s lands and resources.

Veterans Job Corps The 2013 budget proposes $1 billion over five years for a Veterans Job Corps, a new effort to leverage skills Veterans developed in military service for a range of jobs protecting and rebuilding America’s public lands. The initiative would put up to 20,000

Disability Pay, Pensions In the next fiscal year, VA projects it will receive about 1,250,000 claims for Veterans disability benefits. This is a 4 percent increase from the 1.2 million projected for this fiscal year. Shinseki noted that today’s claims from Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, on average, total 8.5 disabilities per Veteran, a rate nearly double that for claims by Veterans of earlier eras and a substantial increase in the workload for VA employees who administer the benefits system. By 2013, the budget projects no more than 40 percent of compensation and pension claims will be more than 125 days old, a significant cut from the 60 percent of claims exceeding that mark this year. Other improvements funded by the new budget include:

Photo: Kristen Wong, USMC

•

A new case-management operating model that moves less complicated claims more quickly through the system; U . S . S er v icemem b ers

Photo: Dept of VA

•

Additional eBenefits self-service features that allow registered Servicemembers, Veterans and their families to apply for benefits and manage certain aspects of their benefits accounts online; Publicly available electronic medical questionnaires that allow private physicians to provide VA with exactly the information needed for Veterans claims for disability compensation; and National implementation of a system for processing disability claims that

will have all of VA’s regional offices, working in a digital, near-paperless environment by the end of 2013. Veterans Homelessness The proposed VA budget for fiscal year 2013 contains nearly $1.4 billion for programs that prevent or treat homelessness among Veterans. This is an increase of 33 percent, or $333 million, over the 2012 level, continuing the Department’s steady progress toward ending Veteran homelessness by 2015.

In the past year, the number of Veterans homeless on a given night has declined from 76,300 in 2010 to about 67,500 in 2011. By emphasizing rescue and prevention, the budget request envisions driving down the numbers to 35,000 by the end of fiscal year 2013. Some specific efforts funded in the new budget are: •

•

$21 million to provide 200 coordinators who will help homeless Veterans with disability claims, housing problems, job and vocational opportunities, and problems with the courts; $300 million to provide grants and technical assistance to community non-profits to maintain Veterans and their families in their current housing or to get them rapidly into housing; Provide grants and per diem payments to community-based organizations offering transitional housing to 32,000 homeless Veterans; and Build upon the recent success of a VA hiring fair in Washington, D.C., which drew about 4,000 Veterans and has led to about 500 hiring offers to date.

Education Program The Post-9/11 GI Bill will help pay the educational expenses of more than 606,000 Servicemembers, Veterans, family members and survivors during the next fiscal year. Over the past two years, VA has 62

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UPGRADE YOUR EDUCATION. Earn one of 34 Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees or a certificate in a specific area. You can do it all online and affordably. Your tuition assistance benefit of up to $250 per credit hour will cover our undergraduate tuition of $174 per credit hour, our graduate tuition of $235.50 per credit hour and over half of the MBA tuition of $400 per credit hour.

WE WANT YOU TO SUCCEED.

We offer personal advising, online tutoring and a writing center for our 5,000 online students. Your educational upgrade is a click away. A dedicated VA representative and a Military Student Success Specialist are right here to help you get started and keep you on track. See why U. S. News & World Report has recently ranked Fort Hays State University online programs so highly, and why we’ve been named a “Military-Friendly” school five years consecutively by G. I. Jobs and Military Advanced Education.

FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY

Forward thinking. World ready. For more information, contact Todd Churchill, Military Student Success Specialist, 785-628-5541 (direct), tjchurchill@fhsu.edu www.fhsu.edu/virtualcollege

successfully deployed a new IT system to support processing of Post-9/11 GI Bill education claims, and has seen a dramatic improvement in the timeliness and accuracy of its processing program during the same period. A separate funding increase of nearly $9 million would expand the “VetSuccess on Campus” program from 28 campuses to 80, serving approximately 80,000 Veterans. The program provides outreach and supportive services during their transition from the military to college. Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment The budget request for 2013 would provide $233 million, a 14 percent increase over 2012, to administer VA’s vocational rehabilitation and employment program. The increase is focused on expanding services to wounded, ill and injured Servicemembers to ease their transition to the civilian sector. Program participants are expected to increase from 108,000 in 2011 to 130,000 next fiscal year.

Information Technology The 2013 budget proposal includes $3.3 billion for information technology, a $216 million increase over the current budget. VA operates one of the largest consolidated IT organizations in the world, supporting over 300,000 VA employees and about 10 million Veterans and family members who use VA programs. About 80 percent of the IT budget supports the direct delivery of health care and benefits to Veterans and their families. The Department will build upon its unparalleled success rate of 89 percent

on-time delivery of IT milestones by continued improvements in support of access to health care, ending Veterans homelessness and improved benefits delivery. VA will implement the integrated Electronic Health Record with Department of Defense, easing the transition from active status to the VA health care system by upgrading electronic health records for all Veterans to a single, common platform. IT funding will enable VBA’s transformation to a digital and near paperless environment using the Veterans Benefits Management System, decreasing claims processing times by 50 percent, while VA’s telehealth programs will take advantage of new IT technologies, increasing VA’s ability to provide health care to Veterans in remote locations.

Photo: DEPT OF

National Cemeteries Fiscal year 2013 will see $258 million for operation and maintenance of VA’s system of 131 national cemeteries if the budget proposal is accepted. The budget supports

the initial implementation of a new policy to establish a national cemetery presence in eight rural areas. Funding in VA’s Minor Construction budget request would finance $58 million for land acquisition, gravesite expansion and columbaria projects. Also included in the budget request is funding for online mapping of gravesite locations from the IT account. With a funding request of $46 million, VA will continue its partnership with the states by funding the construction, expansion and improvement of state Veterans cemeteries, while continuing its support to Veterans cemeteries on tribal lands.

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Returning Servicemembers

(OEF/OIF/OND)

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Photo: Mass Comm Spc 2nd Class Kyle D. Gahlau, USN

Photo: Wright-P atterson AFB

our service has earned your access to enhanced VA health care benefits. In order to take advantage of these benefits, OEF/OIF/OND Veterans need to enroll in VA’s health care system. Don’t delay, apply today! Veterans who served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998 are eligible for an extended period of eligibility for health care for 5 years post discharge. Under the “Combat Veteran” authority, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides health care services and community living care for conditions possibly related to military service and enrollment in Priority Group 6, unless eligible for enrollment in a higher priority group to: Combat Veterans who were discharged or released from active service on or after January 28, 2003, are eligible to enroll in the VA health care system for 5 years from the date of discharge or release. The 5-year enrollment period begins on the discharge or separation date of the service member from active duty military service, or in the case of multiple call-ups, the most recent discharge date. Combat Veterans, while not required to disclose their income information, may do so to determine their eligibility for a higher priority status, beneficiary travel benefits, and exemption of co-pays for care unrelated to their military service.

• Receipt of combat tax exemption, imminent danger or hostile fire pay Health Benefits Under The “Combat Veteran” Authority • Medical care and medications provided for conditions potentially related to combat service • Enrollment in Priority Group 6 unless eligible for enrollment in a higher priority group • Full access to VA’s Medical Benefits Package What Happens After The Enhanced Eligibility Period Expires? Veterans who enroll with VA under this authority will continue to be

enrolled even after their enhanced eligibility period ends. At the end of their enhanced eligibility period, Veterans enrolled in Priority Group 6 may be shifted to a lower priority group depending on their income level, and required to make applicable co-pays. What About Combat Veterans Who Do Not Enroll During Their Enhanced Authority Period? For those Veterans who do not enroll during their enhanced eligibility period, eligibility for enrollment and subsequent care is based on other factors such as: a compensable service-connected Photo: Mass Comm Spc 3rd Class Matthew C. Haws, USN

Who’s Eligible? Veterans, including activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, are eligible if they served on active duty in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998, and have been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. Documentation Used To Determine Service in a Theater Of Combat Operations • Military service documentation that reflects service in a combat theater, or • Receipt of combat service medals, and/or U . S . S er v icemem b ers

mig, USAF Class Jennifer Ro Photo: Airman 1st

disability, or the Veteran’s financial circumstances. For this reason, combat Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply for enrollment within their enhanced eligibility period, even if no medical care is currently needed.

er Hub Photo: Sr Airman Christoph

enthal, USAF

Co-Pays Veterans who qualify under this special eligibility are not subject to co-pays for conditions potentially related to their combat service. However, unless otherwise exempted, combat Veterans must either disclose their prior year gross household income OR decline to provide their financial information and agree to make applicable co-pays for care or services VA determines are clearly unrelated to their military service. Dental Care Eligibility for VA dental benefits is based on very specific guidelines and differs significantly from eligibility requirements for medical care. Combat Veterans may be authorized dental treatment as reasonably necessary for the one-time correction of dental conditions if: • They served on active duty and were discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable from a period of service not less than 90 days and • The certificate of discharge or release does not bear a certification that the Veteran was provided, within the 90-day period before the date of such discharge or release, a complete dental examination • Appropriate dental service and treatment indicated by the examination to be needed and • Application for VA dental treatment is made within 180 days of discharge or release under conditions other than dishonorable) Additional Information Additional information is available at the nearest VA medical facility. Veterans can also call VA toll-free at 877-222-VETS (8387). Certain Veterans may be eligible for more than one Enrollment Priority Group. In that case, VA will always place you in the highest Priority Group that you are 68

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lliams, CIV Photo: Joan D. Wi

DLA DC

Photo: Cpl. Jo Jon ms, D CIV DLA DC

VA forms. Find out where your local VA OEF/OIF Team is located. 5 Years of Cost Free Health Care – OEF/OIF combat Veterans can receive cost free medical care for any condition related to their

Photo: Joan Willia

Going Back to School – VA pays benefits to eligible Veterans, reservists and active duty service members to support your continuing education goals, including for on-the-job training, apprenticeships and non-college degree programs. Learn about the Post 9/11 GI Bill today. Finding a Job – You’ve served your country, now you are ready for a new challenge. What do you want to do next? Get help finding and securing a job, browse career opportunities, or learn more about working at the VA. How Do I Get Help – Am I eligible? VA regional offices can help you with completing and filing the right

es, USMC

eligible. Under the VA Health Benefits Package, the same services are generally available to all enrolled Veterans. Once enrolled, you will receive a personalized Veterans Handbook, which will detail your VA health benefits and provide important information concerning your access to VA health care. Have you recently returned from military service? Now is the time to take advantage of the benefits VA offers OEF/ OIF Veterans. Here are just a few of the programs VA offers:

service in the Iraq/Afghanistan theater for five years after the date of their discharge or release. Enroll in VA health care today! 180-Day Dental Benefit – OEF/OIF combat Veterans may be eligible for one-time dental care – but you must apply with 180 days of your separation date from active duty. Find Family Support at Vet Centers – If you have served in ANY combat zone, local Vet Centers can help you and your family with readjustment counseling and outreach services – for free. U . S . S er v icemem b ers

Mobile Vet Centers: m L-R: Ken Farber, nter Roll-Out – Fro . VA Mobile Vet Ce rt A. Petzel, M.D be (D-OH), and Ro Sherrod Brown

Reaching Out in Rural Areas

hen a VA Vet Center is miles from your home, it’s a long drive to access its many services. When those Rep. Mullery gree ts Fran Wolman services come to you on wheels, life and Gary Steele the VA Mobile Ve during a visit by terans Center at the Larksville, OH gets a little more convenient. American Legio n. The VA deployed 20 additional Mobile Vet Centers (MVCs) on January 4, 2012 from the production facility tables fit-for-two, and couches allow for either of Farber Specialty Vehicles near Columbus, individual or small group counseling sessions. Ohio, to increase access to readjustment For emergency situations, the vehicle counseling services for Veterans and their comes with a medical exam table, a defibrillator families in rural and underserved communities (AED), first aid kit, beds, a shower, refrigerator, across the country. microwave, and a long list of amenities useful “Mobile Vet Centers allow VA to bring in severe situations. the many services our vet centers offer Veterans These customized vehicles travel to to all communities, wherever they are needed,” communities to extend VA’s reach to Veterans, said VA Under Secretary for Health Robert A. service members and their families, especially Petzel, M.D. “VA is committed to expanding those living in rural or remote communities. access to VA health care and benefits for The vehicles also serve as part of the VA Veterans and their families, and these 20 emergency response program. new vehicles demonstrate that continued The 20 new, American- made vehicles commitment.” will expand the existing fleet of 50 Mobile Mobile Vet units are equipped as “offices Vet Centers already providing outreach and on wheels,” with the capacity to provide counseling services. The 50 mobile vet centers emergency support for natural disasters. were also manufactured by Farber Specialty Each motor coach houses a satellite dish that Vehicles. In fiscal year 2011, mobile vet centers connects to communications and audioparticipated in more than 3,600 federal, state, visual equipment, six phone lines, a fax line, and locally sponsored Veteran-related events. notebook computers, four encrypted computer The VA contract for the 20 mobile vet centers lines and WiFi gear. totals $3.1 million. Two dividers separate the motor coach into During the launch event, Petzel also private counseling rooms. The cushy blue seats, announced that Farber Specialty Vehicles 70

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recently won a competitive bid to produce 230 emergency shuttle vehicles for VA over the next five years. The shuttles will provide routine transportation for patients in and around various metro areas during normal operations, but convert to mobile clinics that will facilitate the evacuation of patients and their care teams during disasters and emergencies. The VA contract for the 230 emergency shuttles totals $53.5 million. The 20 New Mobile Vet Centers will be based at: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Birmingham, AL San Diego, CA Atlanta, GA Western Oahu, HI Cedar Rapids, IO Evanston, IL Indianapolis, IL Baltimore, MD Pontiac, MI Kansas City, MO Jackson, MS Greensboro, NC Lakewood, NJ Reno, NV Stark County, OH Lawton, OK Ponce, Puerto Rico Nashville, TN Washington County, UT Green Bay, WI

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Advisors Help with Adjustment to Civilian Life By Army Sgt. S. Patrick McCollum, National Guard Bureau

ow do I file a VA claim? How do I get enrolled in the VA system and get an appointment? What’s the difference between TRICARE Reserve Select and TRICARE Prime health plans? These are just some of the questions many Guardmembers returning to civilian life from deployment ask. Helping them get answers to these types of questions are people like 72

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retired Air Force Master Sgt. Jeffrey Unger of the Wisconsin National Guard, a Transition Assistance Advisor.  “If they go through the process, if they hit barriers or they incur challenges they don’t know how to address, they contact their TAA,” said Unger. Started in May 2005, the TAA program provides a professional in each of the 54 states and territories to serve as the statewide point of contact to assist servicemembers in accessing Veterans Affairs benefits and healthcare

services. Most of these professionals are like Unger: retired servicemembers or disabled veterans who have been through the benefits process and who know beforehand what works and what doesn’t. Guardmember spouses also make up of the TA ranks, said Alex Baird, the deputy surgeon for NGB’s Warrior Support program, which manages the TAAs. All of them, said Baird, know the process so that Guardmembers can get the benefits they’re entitled.

Photo: Mass Comm Spc 2nd Class William Heimbuch, USN

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Bronson Bell and Cpl. Ryan Bancroft, sign up for the Veteran’s Individual Training Assistance Link (VITAL) program with Dawn Espley, a VITAL program coach, in Portsmouth, VA. The program provides wounded veterans with federal civil service jobs and education advancement opportunities when they separate from the service.

want to look into that,’ and all different kinds of stuff,” Love said. “He set me up with different groups like the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) that I didn’t know anything about.” The transition assistance didn’t stop there. Having been around the military for a while, the TAAs have knowledge and contacts that can help young Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen manage their careers. “He asked me what was going on and I said I’m trying to find a different unit,” said Love. “He made one phone call and the next thing you know I was in a different unit.” TAA help is not limited to Guardmembers. Unger worked with an 84-year-old World War II veteran that faced large medical bills from multiple surgeries. He had injured himself falling out off a plane in 1944. Unger learned that the vet had never filed a service-connected disability claim with the VA, which would have entitled him to additional benefits. “I got him connected with his local veterans service officer,” Unger said. “We got a claim filed with the veteran’s benefits association. About four months later he received notification that he was now 100% totally- and permanently-disabled as a result of his service. And we literally changed his standard of living that day.”

TAAs hone their skills through constant training. “The benefits change, the benefits become more complex,” said Baird. “We do ongoing training, monthly. We do annual training where the VA comes in with us.” The monthly training is in the form of a conference call where the TAAs bring up problems to the group to be solved by others with the same experience or, in some cases, the VA representative. “Our monthly teleconferences are almost like a walking library,” said Unger. “Say [the problem] is home loans or life insurance or it’s the GI bill or it’s a disability claim. Whatever it may be, we get the experts on the line with us and we get an opportunity to go one-on-one with [them].” For Unger, helping returning veterans is a fulfilling way to spend his retirement. “To know that when you hang up that phone, or to know that when they walk out of that office, or when you leave an event, you know in your heart that you did a veteran well … there is no better feeling than to know you’ve helped somebody like that.” For more information on the finding a Transition Assistance Advisor program, go to www.taapmo.com

Photo: Larry Sommers, WI Dept

of Military Affairs

That starts, first and foremost, with understanding what benefits can be received. TAAs can help Guardmembers receive disability compensation, healthcare through TRICARE, Veterans Administration enrollment, education benefits and other entitlements. “You would be absolutely astounded as to how many veterans and their families do not understand what their benefits are or how to get access to them,” Baird said. Unger assisted the transition of Spc. Demond Love, a cannon crew member with Wisconsin’s Company C, 1-121st Field Artillery. His vehicle was hit with an Improvised Explosive Device Iraq. Back home, he was broadsided by questions. “I would have come back and I wouldn’t have known where to start,” Love said. “I was completely dumbfounded. I didn’t know what benefits I was eligible for, I didn’t know where to start anything. I just would have been left in the wind.” He was not. Thanks to the efforts of Unger and others, Love found a job and applied for VA benefits he wouldn’t have known about. “I would just call Jeff and he would tell me, ‘you’re also eligible for this, and ‘you might

Wisconsin National Guard transition assistance advisor Jeff Unger counsels Capt. Dan Hanson, his wife Jen, and their children Mit ch, Jake, and Liz, at his offi ce.

U . S . S er v icemem b ers

Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors 74

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Photo: Mass Comm Spc Seaman Jonathan Pankau, USN

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Jason Snider, from Brownsburg, Ind., studies in the library aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4). Snider is taking a college level English course given by the Navy College Program for Afloat College Education.

he following provides a summary of VA educational and training benefits. Additional information can be found at www.gibill.va.gov or by calling 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888442-4551).

Post – 9/11 GI Bill Eligibility: The Post- 9/11 GI Bill is a new education benefit program for servicemembers and veterans who served on active duty on or after Sept.11, 2001. Benefits are payable for training pursued on or after Aug. 1, 2009. No payments can be made under this program for training pursued before that date. To be eligible, the servicemember or veteran must serve at least 90 aggregate days on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, and remain on active duty or be honorably: 1 Discharged from active duty status; 2 Released from active duty and placed on the retired list or temporary disability retired list; 3 Released from active duty and transferred to the Fleet Reserve or Fleet Marine Corps Reserve; 4 Released from active duty for further service in a reserve component of the Armed Forces.

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Education and Training

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Veterans may also be eligible if they were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability after serving 30 continuous days after Sept. 10, 2001. Generally, servicemembers or veterans may receive up to 36 months of entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Eligibility for benefits expires 15 years from the last period of active duty of at least 90 consecutive days. If released for a service-connected disability after at least 30 days of continuous service, eligibility ends 15 years from when the member is released for the service-connected disability. If, on Aug.1, 2009, the servicemember or veteran is eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill; the Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve; or the Reserve Educational Assistance Program, and qualifies for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, an irrevocable election must be made to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. In most instances, once the election to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill is made, the individual will no longer be eligible to receive benefits under the relinquished program. U . S . S er v icemem b ers

USA re, Photo: Sam Sho

s Robert Hulsebu tired Sgt. 1st Clas Re d an t, lef , rey aj. Randy Co y program. U.S. Army Sgt. M ent and disabilit ncurrent retirem co e th t ou ab k spea

Based on the length of active duty service, eligible participants are entitled to receive a percentage of the following: 1 Cost of tuition and fees, not to exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher education (paid directly to the school); 2 Monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for housing payable to a military E-5 with dependents, in the same zip code as the primary school (paid directly to the servicemember or veteran); 3 Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1000 per year (paid directly to the servicemember or veteran); and 4 A one-time payment of $500 paid to certain individuals relocating from highly rural areas. * The housing allowance is not payable to individuals on active duty and to those pursuing training at half time or less.

Benefits may be used for any approved program offered by a school in the United States that is authorized to grant an associate (or higher) degree. Call 1-888-442-4551 or visit www.gibill.va.gov for information about attending school in a foreign country. If entitlement to the Post-9/11 GI Bill was the result of transferring from the Montgomery GI Bill; the Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve; or the Reserve Education Assistance Program, recipients may also receive Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for flight training, apprenticeship or on-thejob training programs, and correspondence courses. Individuals serving an aggregate period of active duty after Sept. 10, 2001 can receive the following percentages based on length of service: Transfer of Entitlement (TOE): DOD may offer members of the Armed Forces on or after Aug.1, 2009, the opportunity to transfer benefits to a spouse or dependent children. DOD and the military services must approve all requests for this benefit.

Active Duty Service

Maximum Benefit

At least 36 months

100%

At least 30 continuous days and discharged due to serviceconnected disability

100%

At least 30 months < 36 months

90%

At least 24 months < 30 months

80%

At least 18 months < 24 months

70%

At least 12 months < 18 months

60%

At least 6 months < 12 months

50%

At least 90 days < 6 months

40%

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Members of the Armed Forces approved for the TOE may only transfer any unused portion of their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits while a member of the Armed Forces, subject to their period of eligibility. The Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program was enacted to potentially assist eligible individuals with payment of their tuition and fees in instances where costs exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher education. To be eligible, the student must be: a veteran receiving benefits at the 100% benefit rate payable, a transfer-of-entitlementeligible dependent child, or a transfer-ofentitlement eligible spouse of a veteran. The school of attendance must have accepted VA’s invitation to participate in the program, state how much student tuition will be waived (up to 50%) and how many participants will be accepted into the program during the current academic year. VA will match the school’s percentage (up to 50%) to reduce or eliminate out-ofpocket costs for eligible participants. Work-Study Program: Veterans and eligible transfer-of-entitlement recipients who train at the three-quarter rate of pursuit or higher may be eligible for a work-study program in which they work for VA and receive hourly wages. Students under the work-study program must be supervised by a VA employee, and all duties performed must relate to VA. The types of work allowed include: 1 VA paperwork processing at schools or other training facilities. 2 Assistance with patient care at VA hospitals or domiciliary care facilities. 3 Work at national or state veterans’ cemeteries. 4 Various jobs within any VA regional office. 5 Other VA-approved activities. Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship: This scholarship entitles children of those who die in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, to use Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Eligible children: • are entitled to 36 months of benefits at the 100% level • have 15 years to use the benefit beginning on their 18th birthday • may use the benefit until their 33rd birthday

PL 111-377, “Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010” On Jan. 4, 2011, President Obama signed into law the “Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010”. A summary of the changes is outlined below. Effective now but not payable until October 1, 2011: The Post-9/11 GI Bill is expanded to include Active Service performed by National Guard members under title 32 U.S.C. for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the National Guard; or under section 502(f ) for the purpose of responding to a national emergency. Effective March 5, 2011: Active duty members pursuing a degree at more than half-time are limited to the net cost for tuition and fees prorated based on the eligibility tiers (40%-100%) previously established for Veterans. Effective August 1, 2011: The new law simplifies the tuition and fee rates for those attending a public school and creates a national maximum for those enrolled in a private or foreign school • All public school in-state tuition and fees are covered • Private and foreign school costs are capped at $17,500 annually • The Yellow Ribbon Program still exists for out-of-state fees and costs above the cap Allows VA to pay MGIB (chapter 30) and MGIB-SR (chapter 1606) “kickers”, or college fund payments, on a monthly basis instead of a lump sum at the beginning of the term Prorates housing allowance by the student’s rate of pursuit (rounded to the nearest tenth) • A student training at a rate of pursuit of 75% would receive 80% of the BAH rate Break or interval pay is no longer payable under any VA education benefit program unless under an Executive Order of the President or due to an emergency, such as a natural disaster or strike. • This means that when your semester ends (e.g. December 15th), your housing allowance is paid for the first 15 days of December only and begins again when your next semester begins

Photo: Sr Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, USAF

• are not eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program

(e.g. January 10th) and is paid for the remaining days of January. • Students using other VA education programs are included in this change. Monthly benefits will be pro-rated in the same manner. • Entitlement that previously would have been used for break pay will be available for use during a future enrollment. Allows reimbursement for more than one “license or certification” test (previously only one test was allowed). Allows reimbursement of fees paid to take national exams used for admission to an institution of higher learning (e.g., SAT, ACT, GMAT, LSAT) Allows those who are eligible for both Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (chapter 31) benefits and Post-9/11 GI Bill (chapter 33) benefits to choose the Post-9/11 GI Bill’s monthly housing allowance instead of the chapter 31 subsistence allowance. Effective October 1, 2011: Allows students to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for – • Non-college degree (NCD) programs: Pays actual net cost for in-State tuition and fees at public NCD institutions. At private and foreign institutions, pays the actual net costs for in-state tuition and fees or $17,500, whichever is less. Also pays up to $83 per month for books and supplies. On-the-job and apprenticeship training: Pays a monthly benefit amount prorated based on time in program and up to $83 per month for books and supplies.

• Flight programs: Per academic year, pays the actual net costs for in-state tuition and fees assessed by the school or $10,000, whichever is less. This limit is applicable to flight programs at both IHLs and non-IHLs. • Correspondence training: Per academic year, pays the actual net costs for in-state tuition and fees assessed by the school or $8,500, whichever is less. Allows students on active duty to receive a books and supplies stipend. Educational and Vocational Counseling Services: Refer to Chapter 10, “Transition Assistance”, for detailed information on available services. Montgomery GI BilL Eligibility: VA educational benefits may be used while the servicemember is on active duty or after the servicemember’s separation from active duty with a fully honorable military discharge. Discharges “under honorable conditions” and “general” discharges do not establish eligibility. Eligibility generally expires 10 years after the servicemember’s discharge. However, there are exceptions for disability, re-entering active duty, and upgraded discharges. All participants must have a high school diploma, equivalency certificate, or have completed 12 hours toward a college degree before applying for benefits. Previously, servicemembers had to meet the high school requirement before they completed their initial active duty obligation. Those who did not may now meet the requirement and reapply for benefits. If eligible, they must use their U . S . S er v icemem b ers

benefits either within 10 years from the date of last discharge from active duty or by Nov. 2, 2010, whichever is later. Additionally, every veteran must establish eligibility under one of four categories. Category 1: Service after June 30, 1985 For veterans who entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985, did not decline MGIB in writing, and had their military pay reduced by $100 a month for 12 months. Servicemembers can apply after completing two continuous years of service. Veterans must have completed three continuous years of active duty, or two continuous years of active duty if they first signed up for less than three years or have an obligation to serve four years in the Selected Reserve (the 2x4 program) and enter the Selected Reserve within one year of discharge. Servicemembers or veterans who received a commission as a result of graduation from a service academy or completion of an ROTC scholarship are not eligible under Category 1 unless they received their commission: 1 After becoming eligible for MGIB benefits (including completing the minimum service requirements for the initial period of active duty); or 2 After Sept.30, 1996, and received less than $3,400 during any one year under ROTC scholarship.

1 Convenience of the government – with 30 continuous months of service for an obligation of three or more years, or 20 continuous months of service for an obligation of less than three years 2 Service-connected disability 3 Hardship 4 A medical condition diagnosed prior to joining the military. 5 A condition that interfered with performance of duty and did not result from misconduct 6 A reduction in force (in most cases). 7 Sole Survivorship (if discharged after 9/11/01) Category 2: Vietnam Era GI Bill Conversion for veterans who had remaining entitlement under the Vietnam Era GI Bill on Dec. 31, 1989, and served on active duty for any number of days during the period Oct. 19, 1984, to June 30, 1985, for at least three continuous years beginning on July 1, 1985; or at least two continuous years of active duty beginning on July 1, 1985, followed by four years in the Selected Reserve beginning within one year of release from active duty. Veterans not on active duty on Oct. 19, 1984, may be eligible under Category

Lip ster Sgt. David H. Photo: Senior Ma

p, USAF

Servicemembers or veterans who declined MGIB because they received repayment from the military for education loans are also ineligible under Category 1.

If they did not decline MGIB and received loan repayments, the months served to repay the loans will be deducted from their entitlement. Early Separation from Military Service: Servicemembers who did not complete the required period of military service may be eligible under Category 1: If discharged for one of the following:

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2 if they served three continuous years on active duty beginning on or after July 1, 1985, or two continuous years of active duty at any time followed by four continuous years in the Selected Reserve beginning within one year of release from active duty. Veterans are barred from eligibility under Category 2 if they received a commission after Dec. 31, 1976, as a result of graduation from a service academy or completion of an ROTC scholarship. However, such a commission is not disqualifying if they received the commission after becoming eligible for MGIB benefits, or received the commission after Sept.30, 1996, and received less than $3,400 during any one year under ROTC scholarship. Category 3: Involuntary Separation/ Special Separation For veterans who meet one of the following requirements: 1 Elected MGIB before being involuntarily separated; or 2 were voluntarily separated under the Voluntary Separation Incentive or the Special Separation Benefit program, elected MGIB benefits before being separated, and had military pay reduced by $1,200 before discharge. Category 4: Veterans Educational Assistance Program For veterans who participated in the Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) and: 1 Served on active duty on Oct. 9, 1996. 2 Participated in VEAP and contributed money to an account. 3 Elected MGIB by Oct. 9, 1997, and paid $1,200. Veterans who participated in VEAP on or before Oct. 9, 1996, may also be eligible even if they did not deposit money in a VEAP account if they served on active duty from Oct. 9, 1996, through April 1, 2000, elected MGIB by Oct. 31, 2001, and contributed $2,700 to MGIB. Certain National Guard service members may also qualify under Category 4 if they: 1 Served for the first time on full-time active duty in the National Guard between June 30, 1985, and Nov. 29, 1989, and had no previous active duty service. 2 Elected MGIB during the nine-month window ending on July 9, 1997; and 3 Paid $1,200.

mas Trower, USAF n Tho Photo: Sr Airma

lette nior Airman Nico U.S. Air Force Se ents em uir nt of the req Mason, 60 perce r field ree ca s m ste sy ion for her informat ter hours rned three semes identifier and ea of the Air ge lle Co ity mun towards a Com agement an health services m Force degree in lad, Iraq. Ba se Ba t in at Jo while stationed

Payments: Effective Oct. 1, 2010, the rate for full-time training in college, technical or vocational school is $1,426 a month for those who served three years or more or two years plus four years in the Selected Reserve. For those who served less than three years, the monthly rate is $1,158. Benefits are reduced for part-time training. Payments for other types of training follow different rules. VA will pay an additional amount, called a “kicker” or “college fund,” if directed by DOD. Visit www.gibill.va.gov for more information. The maximum number of months veterans can receive payments is 36 months at the fulltime rate or the part-time equivalent. The following groups qualify for the maximum: veterans who served the required length of active duty, veterans with an obligation of three years or more who were separated early for the convenience of the government and served 30 continuous months, and veterans with an obligation of less than three years who were separated early for the convenience of the government and served 20 continuous months. Types of Training Available: 1 Courses at colleges and universities leading to associate, bachelor or graduate degrees, including accredited independent study offered through distance education. 2 Courses leading to a certificate or diploma from business, technical or vocational schools. 3 Apprenticeship or on-the-job training for those not on active duty, including 80

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self-employment training begun on or after June 16, 2004, for ownership or operation of a franchise 4 Correspondence courses, under certain conditions. 5 Flight training, if the veteran holds a private pilot’s license upon beginning the training and meets the medical requirements. 6 State-approved teacher certification programs. 7 Preparatory courses necessary for admission to a college or graduate school. 8 License and certification tests approved for veterans. 9 Entrepreneurship training courses to create or expand small businesses. service members). Accelerated payments for certain high-cost programs are authorized. Work-Study Program: Veterans who train at the three-quarter or full-time rate may be eligible for a work-study program in which they work for VA and receive hourly wages. Students under the workstudy program must be supervised by a VA employee and all duties performed must relate to VA. The types of work allowed include: 1 VA paperwork processing at schools or other training facilities. 2 Assistance with patient care at VA hospitals or domiciliary care facilities. 3 Work at national or state veterans’ cemeteries

4 Various jobs within any VA regional office. 5 Other VA-approved activities. Educational and Vocational Counseling Services: Refer to Chapter 10, “Transition Assistance”, for detailed information on available services. Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program Eligibility: Active duty personnel could participate in the Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) if they entered active duty for the first time after Dec. 31, 1976, and before July 1, 1985, and made a contribution prior to April 1, 1987. The maximum contribution is $2,700. Active duty participants may make a lump-sum contribution to their VEAP account. For more information, visit the Web site at www.gibill.va.gov. Servicemembers who participated in VEAP are eligible to receive benefits while on active duty if: 1 At least 3 months of contributions are available, except for high school or elementary, in which only one month is needed. 2 And they enlisted for the first time after Sept. 7, 1980, and completed 24 months of their first period of active duty. Servicemembers must receive a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable for the qualifying period of service. Servicemembers who enlisted for the first time after Sept. 7, 1980, or entered active duty as an officer or enlistee after Oct. 16, 1981, must have completed 24 continuous months of active duty, unless they meet a qualifying exception. Eligibility generally expires 10 years from release from active duty, but can be extended under special circumstances. Payments: DOD will match contributions at the rate of $2 for every $1 put into the fund and may make additional contributions, or “kickers,” as necessary. For training in college, vocational or technical schools, the payment amount depends on the type and hours of training pursued. The maximum amount is $300 a month for fulltime training. Training, Work-Study, Counseling: VEAP participants may receive the same training, work-study benefits and counseling as provided under the MGIB with the exception of preparatory courses.

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Air Force Secreta ry Michael Donl ey and Richard Levin, Pr esident of Yale Un iversity.

the development of our future leaders, and today’s agreement with Yale University will help the Air Force produce officers needed for tomorrow’s challenges.” Yale will be one of only two Ivy League universities to host Air Force ROTC on campus. In recent years, Yale students have been able to take Air Force ROTC courses at the University of Connecticut in Storrs. This year, two Yale graduates completed that program, and were commissioned as Second Lieutenants. The University of Connecticut’s ROTC detachment will continue to operate after the Yale detachment opens. Votes by the Yale College faculty on May 5 paved the way for the re-establishment of ROTC on its campus, and the Yale Corporation, the University’s governing board, voted its approval on May 24, 2011. A survey conducted by the Yale College Council last fall found that an overwhelming majority of Yale College students support having ROTC on the Yale campus. Yale’s connections to the military have been long-standing. Yale President Ezra Stiles led more than half of the student body to take on the overwhelming Redcoat troops in 1779 when the largest flotilla ever to enter Long

Ash, USAF

.S. Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and University President Richard C. Levin signed an agreement today to establish an Air Force ROTC detachment at Yale. Classes for cadets will begin on campus in New Haven in the fall of 2012. In addition to Yale College students, the Yale detachment will enroll students from other universities in the state that participate under cross-town arrangements to take the ROTC program at Yale. The Yale Air Force detachment will be one of two new ROTC units to open at Yale in 2012, joining Naval ROTC, whose return was announced by U.S. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and President Levin in May. The new detachment represents a homecoming, as one of the first Air Force ROTC programs established after World War II began at Yale in 1947. “I am honored that Yale will host an Air Force ROTC detachment,” Levin said. “Yale students will make great contributions to the Air Force, as they do in whatever career they choose. I am pleased that the Air Force has taken this important step to make it easier for the most talented young men and women who aspire to leadership in our military to gain a Yale education. In my view both the military and Yale will benefit from this relationship.” “The Air Force’s most critical assets are our Airmen, who have dedicated themselves in service to a cause greater than themselves,” said Lt. Gen. David S. Fadok, commander of Air University, the parent organization of Air Force ROTC. “We take very seriously

Photo: Scott M.

Photo: Tech. Sgt. John Orrell, National Guard Bureau

United States Air Force Announces New ROTC Detachment at Yale

Island Sound attacked New Haven. Twenty-five Yale graduates served as Generals for the Union Army during the Civil War, and almost 9,500 Yale graduates and students served in World War I. During World War II, the campus was largely given over to the military, and over 20,000 soldiers, sailors and marines were trained on campus at Yale. In addition to basic training, Yale hosted the Army Specialized Training Program, the Navy’s V-12 program, the Army Air Forces Technical Training School, and a Military Intelligence School.   Yale was a pioneer in ROTC. Soon after the enactment of the National Defense Act of 1916, which authorized ROTC units at universities, Yale immediately joined and its unit was over-subscribed by Yale College students. In 1916, a group of Yale undergraduates formed the First Yale Unit, considered to be the first naval air reserve unit and the first aerial coastal patrol unit. Yale University also recently renewed its commitment to the Yellow Ribbon scholarship program for veterans who have seen active duty since September 11, 2001. PRESS CONTACT: U.S. Air Force: Joel Harper, Major, USAF 703-695-0640

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A part-time job in the Air Force Reserve made a difference. It gave me the time and financial support to continue my education and begin a civilian career. It’s ideal because I wanted to continue to serve but stay close to home. And I discovered the Air Force Reserve is offering signing bonuses up to $20,000. If you’ve served in any branch of military, you can join the Air Force Reserve without repeating Basic Training. I kept my rank as well as the sense of service and teamwork I’ve learned to love. Best of all, I now serve my country from where I choose to live.

Text CHAT to 71212 to reach an advisor* • 800-237-8279 • AFReserve.com/Prior Scan the QR Code with your smart phone for AFR news, events and information * M e s s a g e a n d d a t a r a t e s m a y a p p l y. Te x t C H AT t o 7 1 2 1 2 t o i n i t i a t e a n S M S c o n v e r s a t i o n w i t h a n A i r F o r c e R e s e r v e a d v i s o r. Te x t S T O P t o 7 1 2 1 2 t o o p t o u t . Te x t H E L P t o 7 1 2 1 2 f o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n . T h i s p r o g r a m e m p l o y s o p e r a t o r s w h o a r e p a i d t o p a r t i c i p a t e i n c h a t . H o u r s o f operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 10:00 pm EST. See program terms and conditions and privacy policy at http://sms.afreser ve.com.

Veterans

he Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides eligible Veterans a Veterans Identification Card (VIC) for use at VA Medical Facilities. The VIC Card protects the privacy of Veterans’ sensitive information, as it no longer displays the Social

Security Number or Date of Birth on the front of the card. The VIC Card will only display the Veteran’s name, picture, and special eligibility indicators – Service Connected, Purple Heart and Former POW, if applicable, on the front of the card. Only Veterans who are eligible for VA medical benefits will receive the card. How To Receive A VIC Once the Veteran has their picture taken for the VIC Card at the VA Medical Facility, the card will be mailed to the Veteran within 7-10 days after the Veteran’s eligibility has been verified. To ensure the VIC Card is received at the appropriate address, it is important that the Veteran’s address is verified and the correct address is entered in the VistA computer system. If the U.S.

Identification Card Postal Service cannot deliver the card, it will be returned to the facility where the Veteran requested the card. Purpose Of VIC The card is only for the purpose of identification and check-in for VA appointments. The VIC Card cannot be used as a credit card or an insurance card, and it does not authorize or pay for care at non-VA facilities. Veterans should safeguard their VIC Card similar to other identification cards that contain personal information. Security of VIC Veterans are warned to keep their VIC Card safe and secure. Some bar code readers, including those available as applications on cell phones, can scan the bar code on the back of the card, and reveal the Veteran’s name and social security number. This could make the Veteran subject to identity theft if the card is lost or stolen. What To Do If The Card Is Lost Or Stolen Veterans should contact the VA Medical Facility where they took their picture to request a new card be re-issued. Since the photo is retained, there is no need for the Veteran to go to the VA to retake a picture for the card. Identifying information such as name and other information will be asked to assure proper identification of the caller. Replacement Of The Old VIC The new VIC Card was introduced in 2004 to reduce Veteran vulnerability to identity theft and to demonstrate the VA’s commitment to securing the confidential personal information of enrolled Veterans. Veterans with the old and outdated version of the VIC Card (which displays the Social Security Number and the Date of Birth) must replace the card with the new card. Veterans with the old card should report to their local VA Medical Facility to have a new card issued. What To Do With The Old VIC? The old VIC Card should be disposed of in a secure manner by cutting up the card or shredding the card. What Should The Veteran Do If They Do Not Receive The Card In The 7-10 Day Timeframe? The Veteran should contact the local VA Medical Facility where the card was requested or call VA at 1-877-222-VETS (8387). Does The VIC Have Other Users? The card cannot be used as a credit card or an insurance card and it does not authorize or pay for care at non-VA facilities.

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Photo: Mass Comm Spc 2nd Class Toni Burton, USN

f you believe that you have been harmed in anyway through your military experience, you have the right to file a claim for treatment and compensation with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A claim can be filed at any time and there is never a charge to file a claim. You can submit your claim to any VA office or medical center on VA Form 21-256. It can also be done by mail, after requesting the appropriate forms from the VA or the RAO. Most telephone directories will list the nearest VA facilities under “US Government.” Or, you can get most information online at: www.va.gov. Assistance of a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) may also be sought. In fact, it is encouraged. All major veterans’ organizations (American Legion, VFW, AMVETS, etc.) have service officers authorized by the VA to act on behalf of the veteran. In addition, many state and county government agencies have VSO’s. Once again, there is never a charge for the assistance of the VSO. If you feel that your claim is not being handled properly, you should not hesitate to find a different VSO to assist. In some cases individuals other than veterans can use VA services. Veterans who live in foreign countries other than the Philippines file their claims with the Washington Regional Office (WRO) at 1120 Vermont Avenue N.W. Washington D.C., DC 20421. If the WRO feels your claim is valid they will order an exam. It is the responsibly of claimants residing overseas to meet the exam date and travel to the location designated at their own expense. The Philippines is the only VA regional Office overseas and handles disability claims for veterans residing in the Philippines only. If the WRO feels your claim is valid they will order an exam. On rare occasions at the request of veterans outside the RP the PRO will attempt to conduct Compensation and Pension examinations. However, it becomes complicated because the ordering of the exam must come to PRO from the WRO and coordinating a response from that office has historically been difficult. The normal procedure is for WRO to arrange for the exam through the US Embassy in the country where the veteran is residing. The results of the exam are returned to the WRO and adjudication of the claim takes place back there. If for some reason the exam is to be coordinated through the PRO the only reimbursement you would receive is for your travel expense within the Philippines. Retirees are encouraged to establish their eligibility by enrolling with the VA. With the cutbacks in Military Treatment Facilities (MTF) and

Filing a

VA Claim

the uncertainty of TRICARE services, VA should always be considered in your fall back plans. There will be a Means Test. Amazingly, less than one-third of eligible veterans and retirees use the VA. Document List for Filing a Claim Following is a list of documents and information you will need as part of a claim for VA benefits. Even if you cannot obtain all of the information right away, you should still submit your claim. • DD-214 (Sometimes called: Report of Separation, Military Record of Service, or Enlistment Record • Marriage Certificate (if currently married) • Divorce papers or death certificate for all prior marriages of either the veteran or spouse/widow(er) • Birth certificates for all children being claimed as dependents (includes children in school between 18 &23, helpless children of any age, and all children under 18- whether natural, adopted, or step children) • Veteran: Doctor’s statement (should make reference to medical findings, treatment, diagnosis, and prognosis) Widow(er): Should submit veteran’s death certificate instead of a doctor’s statement • Social Security number for each family member • Income data for each family member: ( ) Social Security award letter (or exact amount of check/payment) ( ) Interest statements or account books from banks, credit union, etc. ( ) Amount of company or union pension benefits before any deductions

( ) Unemployment benefits (including dates for first and last checks) ( ) Sick pay or disability pay including Workman’s Compensation (also provide dates for first and last checks ( ) Life insurance proceeds ( ) Earnings from employment ( ) Net income from business operation or rental income (may be asked to show expenses and gross income information) ( ) Amount of SSI benefits awarded ( ) FIA (Department of Social Services) assistance (includes ADC and General Assistance) ( ) Any other income source (e.g., Land Contract, Savings Bonds, Stocks, Money Certificates, IRAs, 401-Ks, Royalties, trusts, etc.) • Current value of savings accounts, real estate (excluding home), or non-essential personal property • NOTE: All documents (especially DD-214) should be either originals or certified copies, if possible. A claim may be filed without all of the required documents; however, all of the above information relevant to the claim will be needed before a decision can be made on your claim. Claims received without full information may take longer to process or be denied until the information is received. Claims based on non-service-connected disability or death generally require active duty during a recognized wartime period. Veterans Administration Nationwide Benefits Information 1-800-827-1000

Veteran Credit Counselors Offer Free Help By Karen Jowers

nonprofit team of certified credit counselors who are also military veterans will help troops, veterans and their families tackle credit card debt and other financial problems, such as home foreclosures. The counseling, as always, is free, and is offered by CredAbility, a nonprofit credit counseling and education agency that serves clients nationwide and is a family of Consumer Credit Counseling Service agencies. To schedule an appointment, call toll-free 888-417-3253. The new team of counselors, according to CredAbility officials, has personal experience with unique situations that cause financial strain for military personnel and their families – during service and after they leave. “We believe that they will feel more confident discussing their financial concerns with a counselor who is not only an experienced, certified credit counselor, but who has also served in the military,” said Phil Baldwin, CredAbility’s chief executive officer, in a statement announcing the new program. CredAbility is accredited by the Council on Accreditation and is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. Seven veterans who are professional counselors are participating in the program for service members and veterans. “We offer different counseling services based on the financial needs of the person contacting us,” said Scott Scredon, a spokesman for CredAbility. “For example, a person with heavy credit card debt will speak with a certified budget/debt counselor, while those struggling to make their mortgage payments will speak with a housing counselor who specializes in foreclosure prevention.” This will add another option for those in the military community, said Scredon. There are a number of options available for those in the military community for free credit counseling, on military bases and through MilitaryOneSource; sometimes those resources

refer service members and their families to nonprofit credit counselors, through a partnership with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. But there are few free financial resources for veterans and their families, especially from organizations with professional counselors who are veterans, according to CredAbility officials, which is one reason they decided to create this specialized counseling and education team. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, the CredAbility Network is a national network of agencies, serving consumers in-person in North Georgia, Central and South Florida, Central Mississippi and East Tennessee. CredAbility is a national nonprofit credit counseling agency that provides 24/7 service to people in financial need in all 50 states, plus Guam, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, by telephone and online. In addition, in-person counseling is available through a branch network of more than 25 offices located across the southeastern United States. CredAbility is a family of Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) agencies, which includes: • CCCS of Greater Atlanta • CCCS of Central Florida and the Florida Gulf Coast • CCCS of East Tennessee • CCCS of Central Mississippi • CCCS of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast of Florida • CCCS of Upstate South Carolina Branch office locations include: GEORGIA • CredAbility Headquarters-Atlanta * • Atlanta (downtown) • Atlanta NW (Cumberland area) • Decatur • Douglasville • Duluth (Sugarloaf area)

• Gainesville • Rome • Stockbridge FLORIDA • Boca Raton • Deltona • Fort Myers • New Port Richey • Orlando • Port St. Lucie • Sarasota • Stuart • Tampa • West Palm Beach MISSISSIPPI • Jackson SOUTH CAROLINA • Greenville • Greenwood (inside Britton & Associates, Inc.) • Spartanburg TENNESSEE • Johnson City • Knoxville • Maryville/Alcoa * Denotes branch locations that do not offer in-person counseling. In-person counseling & education services are available at all other locations by appointment only. Appointments for in-person counseling at any location can be made by calling 800-2512227, or online at www.CredAbility.org. CredAbility is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit community-service agency that provides confidential budget counseling, money management education, debt management programs, bankruptcy counseling and education and comprehensive housing counseling. CredAbility is a nonprofit credit counseling agency. They are not a loan company and do not lend money.

The mission and main focus of CredAbility is to help people in financial distress move from crisis to control, by providing compassionate service and innovative, yet practical solutions. They see themselves as a financial emergency room, creating hope and inspiring lasting change. 88

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IS OUR MIDDLE NAME. Cory Will | GySgt, USMC | Student, School of Security & Global Studies Our military roots run deep. From Camp Pendleton to Afghanistan, AMU is dedicated to educating those who serve. With access to quality courses, unrivaled support, and a book grant for undergraduates, we stand behind our communityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; 60,000 military members strong.

Some photos courtesy of the DoD.

MILITARY

Business Degree Photo: Mass Comm Spc 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, USN

U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, greets Army Staff Sgt. Shasha Maria-Martin, during the 2011 commencement at Florida State University.

re you a strong communicator who is good at leading, organizing, and working with a team? Do you enjoy solving challenging math problems and working with numbers? Are you skilled at working on a computer? In today’s competitive business world, these qualities and more are essential for success. If you answered yes to the questions above, you’re probably considering, or should consider, majoring in business. Business students today can expect a balanced and broad-based education that focuses on a lot more than business related courses. As a freshman and sophomore, you will take mostly arts and science classes including: calculus, psychology and/or sociology, economics, computers, writing workshops, oral and written communications, accounting, and statistics. Your professional business education generally begins junior year, and includes a set of core courses in areas such as finance, management and organizational behavior, marketing, and operations management. The rest of your junior and senior year courses will focus on your specific business major (e.g., finance, accounting, or management), electives, and a course in business policy in which you apply all the subjects you have studied in order to solve actual business problems. 90

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ess prepares you Majoring in busin ty of settings. to work in a varie

Understanding Your Career Choices What can you do with a business degree? Plenty! Majoring in business prepares you to work in a variety of settings including business, government, and nonprofit. Most students who graduate with a business degree go to work immediately after graduation in jobs such as: • • • • • • • •

Entry-level manager Human resources specialist Assistant product manager Market researcher Public relations representative Systems analyst Securities salesperson Financial analyst

Only 10 to 15 percent go directly to graduate school. Most work for two or more years before applying to a graduate program, and when they do, it is usually for a master’s of business administration (M.B.A.). With all these career choices, it’s important to think about your specific

interests, skills, and preferences. Practical experience, such as internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer positions during your college years can help you figure out what type of work setting and industries are most interesting to you. Some colleges and universities offer internships, in which business majors may earn academic credit while getting firsthand business experience. The Pros and Cons of the Business Major If an M.B.A. is your goal, there are a few things you should know as you decide what to major in. First, business schools will accept students from any major. There are some requirements, but these can be fulfilled outside of a business major. Second, graduate business schools generally prefer applicants who’ve completed a broad, well-rounded, and challenging curriculum, with no one major preferred over another. More important are grades, college achievements, and strong standardized test results. With this in mind, you may want to take advantage of your college years as a time to explore subjects unrelated to business. On the other hand, while a business major will not guarantee you acceptance into an M.B.A program, it will provide a focused education and the knowledge you need to succeed in areas that interest you. It will also help prepare you for the GMAT (the business school entrance exam) – though, like students in any major, you will have to study for this exam. Business majors are also sometimes able to complete an M.B.A. program more quickly than other majors. Still another advantage to majoring in business is the balanced curriculum that includes a mix of liberal arts and business-oriented courses. This combination of courses provides you with the tools, skills, and knowledge for your first job following graduation, while also giving you an opportunity to explore areas of interest. So whether you decide to major in business or not, there are many paths that can lead you to the same goal, you just need to decide which is best for you.

If you want to advance your business career, you’ll have to earn our stripes. Get your master’s degree online from The Florida State University College of Business and get an edge in the ever-changing business world. Choose one of our flexible programs, and you can further your education without ever setting foot on campus. You’ll receive the same innovative business education offered by our traditional degree programs, because our online programs are taught by the same world-class faculty who teach on campus. That means a cutting-edge curriculum and individual attention from professors who will challenge and inspire you to shape the future of business.

Learn more about our online master’s degree programs at graduatebusiness.fsu.edu.

Elliott Junco, FSU MBA 2010

Columbia College helping military students transition to the civilian workforce for nearly 40 years

any colleges claim to be military-friendly institutions that allow military students and their families to earn a college degree affordably and at their own pace. Columbia College doesn’t claim to be military-friendly. With its stop-and-go flexibility for sudden deployments, classes that can be taken on base or online and spouse and family discounts, it is military-friendly. The college began educating military service members in 1973 and today about one-quarter of Columbia College’s 30,000 annual student population is comprised of military service members, military dependents or veterans. One half of the college’s 35 campuses are on military bases, including one in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The college offers more than 800 online courses that can be accessed anywhere, anytime, and offers benefits such as a 20-percent military spouse tuition discount. Columbia College has been recognized by such institutions as: • Military Advanced Education (MAE). MAE says Columbia College sets the gold standard for serving those who serve or have served our country. MAE invites thousands of institutions each year to share their military-friendly practices and very few are honored as top military institutions. • G.I. Jobs magazine has singled out Columbia College as military-friendly year after year. based on being a Department of Veterans Affairs approved institution for GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon benefits, military and veteran enrollments, transfer credit policies, flexible learning and tuition benefits. “We recognize the sacrifice that service members and their spouses make every day for this country,” says Mike Randerson, 92

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Tyrone Whitehea

Howard Daniels

Mike Randerson

vice president for Adult Higher Education at Columbia College and a retired Air Force colonel. “That’s why we offer innovative ways to make earning a college degree easier and more affordable for service members and spouses.” Columbia College also is a: • Yellow Ribbon Program participant • GoArmyED and eArmyU partner • Member of the Navy’s Distance Learning Partnership program • Participant in the Air Force and Marine Corps academic portals • Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) Distance Learning Education participant • Charter member of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium and the SOC Degree Network System. Tyrone E. Whitehead, chief warrant officer, and a 2009 graduate from Columbia College-Coast Guard Island, Alameda, Calif., says having a degree from Columbia College helped in his promotion. “The online and classroom instruction provided flexibility and greatly assisted with the management of competing demands of both home and work,” Whitehead said. He hopes his degree, along with accounting courses, will help him transition to the civilian workforce. Howard Daniel, spent 30 years in the Navy and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2007 and an MBA in 2009 at Columbia College-Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas. His Columbia College degree helped him in his transition: he is now an equal employment opportunity (EEO) assistant with the Veterans Administration North Texas, Dallas. For more information on how Columbia College can help you achieve promotion and civilian success, go to www.ccis.edu/military/.

Photo: Glenn Fawcett, DoD

A launched the “VetSuccess on Campus” pilot program to ease service members’ transition from active duty to civilian life in June 2009. With the introduction of the Post-9/11 GI Bill in August 2009, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of Veterans returning to colleges to prepare for employment. These Veterans are faced with a challenging economy, escalating unemployment rates, and transition from military to college life. The VetSuccess on Campus program places a vocational rehabilitation counselor on campus to provide resources and support to all Veterans, Veteran dependents, and active duty service members. In addition to the VRC, outreach coordinators from VA’s vet centers are also on-site to provide peer-to-peer counseling and referral services as needed. The VRC and outreach coordinators are available to address the unique needs of student Veterans, some with severe disabilities, providing a wide range of rehabilitation and personal adjustment counseling to remove barriers and facilitate completion of education programs and entrance into employment. The VRC also provides vocational testing, career and academic counseling, and makes

Bringing VA to Student Veterans

Active on a growing number of college campuses, the VetSuccess on Campus program supports Veterans transitioning from military to college life.

appropriate referrals for more intensive health services, including mental health treatment through VA medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics, or vet centers.

VetSuccess on Campus counselors are knowledgeable of all VA programs and benefits and are able to assist Veterans in effectively resolving any VA benefit issues. For student Veterans who need

VetSuccess: Promoting a Successful College Experience The transition back into civilian life can be a challenge. For service members who take on the added complexities of pursuing higher education, there’s a lot to manage. To ease this transition, VA initiated the VetSuccess on Campus pilot program. The program’s goal is to ensure the coordinated delivery of benefits to student Veterans and promote a successful college experience. Started in June 2009 at the University of South Florida, the pilot program provides benefits assistance and counseling. It offers guidance to select a career goal and related classes and to understand the various VA benefits. Assistance is provided in person and right on campus so Veterans can complete their college education and prepare to enter the labor market in viable careers. A vocational rehabilitation counselor and vet center outreach coordinator are assigned to be the on-campus face of VA. VRCs provide vocational testing, career and academic counseling, and readjustment counseling services to ensure Veterans receive the support and assistance needed to successfully pursue their 94

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educational and employment goals. Both the VRC and outreach coordinator are available to refer Veterans for more intensive health services, including mental health treatment, through VA medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics or vet centers. On-campus access to counselors ensures that Veterans have information and support personally, medically and academically. In January 2010, the VetSuccess on Campus program was expanded to two additional campuses – San Diego State University and Cleveland State University. With the success of all three sites, five additional sites were opened in the fall of 2010, at the Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, Texas A&M-Central Texas, Salt Lake Community College and Arizona State University. Since the inception of the pilot, many other schools have expressed interest in the program. Deployment to nine more campuses in fiscal year 2012 will focus primarily on schools with student Veteran enrollment greater than 800.

Study at the only New York City university ranked in the top 50 “veteran friendly” colleges and universities by Military Times EDGE magazine.

For more information, call our Veterans Entry Adviser, Anne Treantafeles, at (212) 636-6602.

Fordham was one of the first universities in the country to commit to full participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which removes any financial obstacles between eligible post-9/11 service members and a Fordham education. And today, even in the face of a new national cap, we have reaffirmed our Yellow Ribbon commitment to cover all tuition and mandatory fees for eligible post-9/11 veterans and dependents. That guarantee applies to any of our three campuses and to any of the 10 schools to which you are admitted.

Rose Hill • Lincoln Center • Westchester

www.fordham.edu/vets Fordham is proud to be a Yellow Ribbon University.

eeo/aa

employment assistance, the VRC assists with services to help secure suitable employment, including services available through VA, on campus, and other local community and government-sponsored programs. Job placement assistance and coordination with local disabled veterans outreach program specialists and local veterans employment representatives are also offered. The University of South Florida was chosen as the first pilot site, and has approximately 1,200 student Veterans using VA benefits. According to the VetSuccess on Campus counselor, Jeanine Frederick, “There are so many ways to reach out and connect with Veterans.” In the fall of 2010, Frederick organized three Veterans Outreach Expos, presented

USF’s first Veteran Success course, and provided benefits information during Veteranspecific events such as the Salute to Black Veterans, as well as a kick-off event to support the university’s first Veterans Week. In between events, Frederick meets with student Veterans to answer benefits questions and provide referrals for legal aid, non-VA dental services, and assistance through charitable organizations. “Like the name implies,” noted Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service Director Ruth Fanning, “VetSuccess is aimed at helping Veterans become successful in their educational and career endeavors.” “Veterans come armed with military experience,” said Frederick, “but do not always have the degree to land the best jobs. Preparing for a career in today’s market requires a well-rounded approach with a concrete employment objective.” Her advice was welcomed by student Veteran Elizabeth Mueller, who met with Frederick during her Veteran Success class at USF. “I had a general sense of what to do but had no idea how to get there,” Mueller said. With the guidance of Frederick, Mueller participated in vocational and educational

Veterans Get the Most from Their Educational Benefits Eligible Veterans and transitioning service members have a variety of educational benefits available to them. To use them, Veterans must sort through their options and decide which career path to take and which benefit is the best fit. This is where Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment can help. The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program provides free career testing and counseling. These services assist Veterans in selecting a career goal that meets their interests, aptitudes and needs. Veterans can also meet with a counselor to resolve any barriers to training or employment. If a Veteran faces a severe disability, the counselors provide a direct referral to VA’s VetSuccess, or Chapter 31, program, and VA medical facilities as needed. Who can receive free educational and vocational counseling? • Transitioning service members (six months prior to discharge from active duty) • Veterans discharged from active duty one year ago or less • Veterans or qualified dependents who receive any VA educational benefit Service members and Veterans are encouraged to register with eBenefits to gain access to online benefits-related tools and information. To register, visit www.ebenefits. va.gov. 96

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counseling. “It was a team approach,” said Frederick. Through a partnership agreement, Mueller completed vocational testing, exploration, and a knowledge, skills and abilities course through the vocational rehabilitation department at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa. Mueller’s employment goal of human resources manager was solidified during follow-up appointments. After she completed a four-year tour with the Air Force working in Security Forces, Mueller began taking classes at USF in the fall of 2010. She admitted that, like many students, she picked a major but was uncommitted to the potential employment outcome. According to Mueller, the guidance and direction she received through VetSuccess on Campus gave her clarity on her career objective and enlightened her with information related to other benefits. “Having one person to go to has been very beneficial,” she added. “VetSuccess has radically changed the way we serve Veterans here at USF,” said Dr. Larry Braue, director of the USF Office of Veterans Services. “VetSuccess has enabled us to implement a ‘one-stop-shop’ concept. Veterans don’t have to leave campus to get the support they need. “Jeanine Frederick has taken VetSuccess to a whole new level,” he added. “Her enthusiasm and incredible work ethic have been a blessing to our office and to our Veterans. Our Veterans can count on Jeanine to get them answers and nearly always fix their problems. This has been an incredibly successful collaborative effort and should be the model for all VetSuccess on Campus programs.” Braue believes the VetSuccess on Campus program will continue to spread across the country. Frederick has worked for VA for more than 10 years and has been committed to top-notch customer service from the start. “VetSuccess on Campus is customer service,” she said. “We bring VA to the Veterans. We provide face-to-face contact with Veterans and their families to show them we care.” Other VetSuccess locations include San Diego State University, Cleveland State University, Arizona State University, Salt Lake Community College, Texas A&M UniversityCentral Texas, Community College of Rhode Island, and Rhode Island College.

Rising higher Capt. Paul Hoff knows what it takes to succeed in the U.S. Air Force: Perseverance. Dedication. Leadership. And he knows a place to learn those skills, whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a new high school graduate, a veteran or a dependent: Texas State. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a place where you can soar, no matter how high your goals.

www.txstate.edu

A member of The Texas State University System

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Montana Stat e Univer S ity Committed to

veteran StUdent SUcceSS Montana State University in Bozeman is proud to be designated a military friendly school by G.I. Jobs magazine. Students, faculty and staff enjoy a challenging and collaborative atmosphere that fosters innovation, exploration and creativity in a spectacular Rocky Mountain setting. MSU support for veteran students: • Participation in the Yellow Ribbon program for 100 percent eligible post 9/11 GI Bill recipients, including MSU’s new Aviation Program • Orientation and a University Seminar class for veterans to help with the transition into higher education • A Veteran Support Center dedicated for student veterans • A variety of veteran focused programs across campus We invite you to explore the many options offered at MSU.

apply online at: www.montana.edu 1-888-MSU-catS

Veterans Education Assistance Program

VEAP Sees Your Investment... and Doubles It. o, you’re not seeing double; the VA has a program that increases your educational savings 2 to 1. It’s called Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP). VEAP is available if you made contributions from your military pay to participate. Your contributions are matched $2 for $1 by the Government. It’s that simple, and that generous. You can use these benefits for degree, certificate, correspondence, apprenticeship/on-the-job training programs, and vocational flight training programs. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher training may also be available. Even certain work-study programs and tutorial assistance can be eligible for benefits. VEAP simply adds double-the-dollars based on what is already in your educational savings plans. You just can’t get those kinds of odds anywhere else. Use It Or... Now that you’ve got a healthy benefit saved up for your education, it’s up to you to use it. Benefit entitlement is 1 to 36 months depending on your number of monthly contributions. You have 10 years from your release from active duty to use your VEAP benefits. If there is entitlement not used after the 10-year period, the portion remaining in the fund will be automatically refunded. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements: • Entered service for the first time between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985; • Opened a contribution account before April 1, 1987; • Voluntarily contributed from $25 to $2700; • Completed your first period of service; and • Were discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable. Make sure your selected program is approved for VA training. If you are not sure, the VA will inform you and the school or company about the requirements. Leverage Your Future With VEAP If you are currently on active duty and wish to receive VEAP benefits, you must have at least 3 months of contributions available. You can change your mind and formally request a refund of your contributions. VEAP can leverage your education savings to catapult you into your future. 100

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Rates Tuition rates under the new GI Bill are determined differently than under the old GI Bill. For example, if you live in Florida and plan to go to school there, you will need to know what the most expensive school in Florida is. The rate paid by the new GI Bill is equal to Florida’s resident tuition plus any mandatory fees. In Florida, the maximum tuition rate payable by the new GI Bill is $43,660. Don’t forget that if you’re attending full-time, you may qualify for a housing allowance, too. You can attend any school in Florida, either public or private, and you can also attend school through an online degree program. To find the rate for your state go to www.gibill.com/benefits/ veterans-veap/ then click on your state from the provided map.

Welcome Home to the Men and Women of the United States Military HAWAI‘I PACIFIC UNIVERSITY Get where you want to go with HPU’s military friendly education programs Off Island Advising mcponline@hpu.edu 808-687-7072 Graduate Advising mcpgrad@hpu.edu 808-687-7070

• Traditional classroom and online degree programs • Regionally Accredited Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees • Flexible course scheduling and formats • Free evaluation of transfer and military training credits • Military spouse scholarships

Veteran’s Benefits va@hpu.edu 808-356-5222

www.hpu.edu/military • 1-866-CALL-HPU Regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). A member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC), GoArmyEd, and Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership (NCPDLP). Hawai‘i Paciﬁc University admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, gender, age, ancestry, marital status,sexual orientation, veteran status and disability.

Yellow Ribbon Program Maximum In-State Tuition & Fees

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he following table sets forth the final figures that have been confirmed by State Approving Agencies in accordance with VAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s statutory requirement to determine the highest in-state, undergraduate, public tuition as specified in 38 USC 3313(c)(1)(A). This information has no relationship to, and should not be compared with, average costs of tuition and fees of public institutions within any state commonly referred to when considering educational options.

What factors were considered when determining the tuition and fees listed? All undergraduate program costs were taken into consideration to determine the highest in-state maximum tuition per credit hour and the maximum fees per term. These figures may include program tuition for high cost programs such as flight courses taken as part of a degree requirement or undergraduate pharmacy, nursing, and engineering charges.

State

Maximum Charge per Credit Hour

Maximum Total Fees per Term

Maximum Charge per Credit Hour

Maximum Total Fees per Term

Alabama

$ 329.17

$ 20,787.00

Nebraska

$ 251.00

$ 1,589.55

Alaska

$ 170.00

$ 19,455.00

Nevada

$ 156.75

$ 4,072.46

Arizona

$ 725.00

$ 15,000.00

New Hampshire

$ 1,003.75

$ 5,197.00

Arkansas

$ 210.15

$ 1,774.78

New Jersey

$ 468.66

$ 7,962.00

California

$ 391.75

$ 2,264.75

New Mexico

$ 229.40

$ 6,104.00

Colorado

$ 529.50

$ 45,774.25

New York

$ 1,010.00

$ 12,293.00

$ 606.63

$ 2,293.40

$ 464.46

$ 25,686.00

Connecticut

$ 543.00

$ 2,660.50

North Carolina

Delaware

$ 425.33

584.00

North Dakota

District of Columbia

$ 265.83

310.00

Ohio

$ 508.25

$ 15,134.00

$ 188.60

$ 15,058.05

Florida

$ 295.00

$ 43,660.00

Oklahoma

Guam

$ 190.00

Oregon

$ 407.00

$ 25,669.00

Georgia

$ 505.00

$ 15,440.00

Pennsylvania

$ 934.00

$ 6,110.00

Hawaii

$ 316.00

$ 1,325.70

Puerto Rico

$ 90.00

$ 376.00

$ 5,187.00

$ 829.00

$ 2,798.00

249.00

525.00

Idaho

$ 273.00

$ 2,428.24

Rhode Island

Illinois

$ 629.75

$ 16,367.00

South Carolina

Indiana

$ 338.50

$ 13,063.00

South Dakota

$ 99.80

$ 25,685.00

$ 270.00

$ 13,426.00

$ 1,549.00

$ 12,130.00

Iowa

$ 343.66

$ 17,222.00

Tennessee

Kansas

$ 420.05

$ 50,752.96

Texas

Kentucky

$ 456.30

$ 11,235.00

Utah

$ 238.70

$ 85,255.00

$ 512.00

$ 5,106.00

Louisiana

$ 473.00

$ 2,884.70

Vermont

Maine

$ 345.00

$ 5,500.00

Virgin Islands

$ 125.00

Maryland

$ 471.86

$ 16,308.00

Virginia

$ 353.50

$ 3,969.50

Massachusetts

$ 340.00

$ 20,793.50

Washington

$ 430.00

$ 9,648.00

$ 268.67

$ 4,276.67

$ 673.00

$ 30,963.00

Michigan

$ 1,001.00

$ 19,374.50

West Virginia

Minnesota

$ 450.00

$ 37,808.00

Wisconsin

Mississippi

$ 584.75

805.00

Wyoming

$ 99.00

$ 4,335.00

Overseas

$ 439.69

$ 13,713.88

Missouri

$ 373.00

$ 11,898.00

Montana

$ 205.40

$ 13,646.00

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706.00

Table last updated January 2012.

Take Advantage of Your Service Benefits â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

Get the Education You Deserve

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Freedom ad 2012:Layout 1 2/1/2012 2:47 PM Page 1

Invest in Yourself Education at Wayland increases your potential.

n Associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees n ONLINE bachelor’s degree n ONLINE master’s degrees in: n Management n Christian Ministry n Public Administration (justice or government administration, homeland security) n Education (certification or professional studies) n English n History n Earn credit for work experience, training, military education n Affordable tuition and low fees n Four 11-week terms each year n Face-to-face classes in evenings, and on weekends n More than 200 classes offered online each term for flexible scheduling Let us help you seek your dreams for the future through a higher education degree!

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www.wbu.edu

VA Reimbursement Plan National Testing Program

Fees VA will NOT Reimburse include:

hile the GI Bill offers many advantages to new students, you should be aware of what the VA does and does not cover when it comes to testing and administrative fees when you’re looking to continue your education. What Tests are Approved? • SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) • LSAT (Law School Admission Test) • GRE (Graduate Record Exam) • GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) • AP (Advanced Placement Exam) • CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) • ACT (American College Testing Program) • DAT (Dental Admissions Test) • MAT (Miller Analogies Test) • MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) • OAT (Optometry Admissions Testing) • PCAT (Pharmacy College Admissions Test) • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

ional of all the educat Take advantage . fer of l has to benefits the GI Bil

• Fees to take pre-tests (such as Kaplan tests) • Fees to receive scores quickly • Other costs or fees for optional items that are not required to take an approved test.

VA will reimburse a person for required test fees.

• DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) • ECE (Excelsior College Examinations) What Test Fees Does VA Reimburse? While VA will reimburse a person for required test fees, VA has no authority to reimburse a person for any optional costs related to the testing process. Test fees that VA will reimburse include: • Registration fees • Fees for specialized tests • Administrative fees

Does every applicant for a national test need to have filed an original claim for benefits? Yes. Every applicant for reimbursement for a national test must have filed an original application for chapter 30, 32 (or sec. 903), or 35 at some point and have been found eligible. Is there a particular form that must be submitted to receive reimbursement? No. The best way to claim the benefit is to submit the following: • Copy of your test results • Signed note or a signed VA Form 21-4138, Statement in Support of Claim, stating that you are requesting reimbursement for the cost of a national test. The following information is required: • • • • •

Name of the Test Name of the organization offering the test Date the person took the test Cost of taking the test Signed statement authorizing release of your test information to the VA

General Rule Regarding Receipts: You do not normally have to submit a receipt or proof of payment for the cost. However, in certain instances, it is necessary to submit this evidence. These situations are the following: • DSST Tests (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) • Certain situations regarding the CLEP, MAT, and PCAT tests NOTE: if you cannot provide a copy of the test results, request duplicate test results from the testing organization For more information go to www.gibill.va.gov/pamphlets/testing.htm

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THANK YOU

FOR YOUR SERVICE. NOW WE WANT TO SERVE YOU. • With 18 campuses and a strong online program, Bryant & Stratton College offers you and your family a personal, career-focused education wherever you’re stationed. • Our degree programs in business, healthcare, technology and the legal field are approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and we have special on-site military coordinators to help guide you through registration and beyond. • Convenient day, evening, weekend and online classes help active-duty, reserve and veteran personnel fit college into their lives. • A variety of scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available for those who qualify, including special “Salute To Spouses” Scholarships at select campuses. Ask for details. • Our lifetime career advisement will help you find a position when you graduate. • Servicemember Opportunity Consortium (SOC) College

Veteran Helpful Campus Locations New York Albany • Buffalo • Amherst • Orchard Park • Greece • Henrietta • Syracuse • Liverpool • Ohio Cleveland • Eastlake • Parma • Akron • Virginia Hampton • Virginia Beach • Richmond • Wisconsin Milwaukee • Wauwatosa • Bayshore Online Education

To learn more, visit us at: http://www.bryantstratton.edu/admissions/military.aspx or connect with us on Facebook at: facebook.com/bryantandstratton

Bryant & Stratton College Personal Education. Lifetime Success.® Since 1854

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the programs, and other important information, please visit our website at www.bryantstratton.edu/disclosures.

University of Nebraska Education Wherever You Are

ounded in 1869, the University of Nebraska is a traditional “brick and mortar” school that has long been a leader in offering access to a high-quality education to students around the world. Through the programs offered by its four campuses, online students can choose from more than 100 degree and certificate programs, from bachelor degree completion to doctoral level. New Criminal Justice Programs to Advance Your Career The newest online offerings from the University include a BS in Criminal Justice, and Bachelor of General Studies with concentration in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Both options are designed as degree completion programs and accept over 60 transfer credits. A highlight of the BSCJ degree is the internship which provides hands-on experience in the field, and is completed at a location convenient to the student. “Faculty work hard to help students get the most out of our program. Past internship placements included the U.S. Marshals, Interpol and NCIS,” says University of Nebraska at Kearney professor Julia Campbell. The Criminology and Criminal Justice concentration is one of eight online options within the BGS, a highly flexible and military-friendly degree. “For students with credits from a number of institutions and military training, the BGS is ideal,” explains David Cassiday, Distance Education Manager at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. “Our advisers work with military students to maximize their prior education and training.”

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The University also offers an online master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice, as well as a specialization in Criminology and Criminal Justice within its NASPAA-accredited Master of Public Administration. Four Campuses, One Website To better serve online students, the University of Nebraska Online Worldwide pulls together all the online programs of the University into a central resource. “It’s important to choose an online program that fits your life and meets your career and academic goals,” says Mary Niemiec, Director of Online Worldwide. “Through Nebraska Online Worldwide, students have access to key information that will aid them in making an informed decision.” The Online Worldwide website allows students to search for their program of interest, and view information on courses, tuition, faculty, and admissions.

Nebraska Strengthens Its Service to Military and Veterans Added to the University’s strong tradition in distance education excellence, is its commitment to military and veteran students and their families. This spring, a new Military and Veteran University Services Office will serve as a vital resource to University of Nebraska at Omaha students. The office is a one-stop location where students can access services specifically designed for active military and veterans; this includes GI Bill assistance, transfer credit, in-processing checklist, and mentoring program, among others. The office is accessible to students with any sort of military affiliation, even if they are only considering applying to UNO. UNO was recently named the 9th “Best for Vets” school in a nationwide review by Military Times magazine. The University of Nebraska is a SOC and Yellow Ribbon school, and features offices at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska.

You’ve been shaped into a leader. Now shape your career to match with a bachelor’s or advanced degree from the University of Nebraska. With Online Worldwide, you’ll find a military-friendly environment with access to the same respected professors, thought-provoking curricula and resources as students on campus. Embark on the mission of a lifetime, apply at online.nebraska.edu/mission. Online degree programs include:

Technology Engineering Languages Education

Allied Health Professions General Studies Political Science Criminal Justice

Business and Public Administration Information Security/Assurance And Many More

Accomplish your personal mission.

Proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Photo: courtesy U.S. Navy

Ten Tips For College Veterans These tips are courtesy of the National Association of Veterans’ Programs Administrators (NAVPA).

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Start by Applying. Whether you are a first time college student or a transfer student, you must fill out an application. Go to the school’s website to find the requirements and deadlines. Provide transcripts and test scores as needed and your DD-214 for credits you might have earned while in the service. Take a tour of the campus—either on the web or in person. If you don’t know where you want to go, try the school finder at www.military.com or the “education” tab on GIJobs.com to get started. Meet the School Certifying Official. Find the Veterans Office on campus and introduce yourself. You will be asked to provide various documents and complete different forms so your enrollment can be certified to the VA. Get Your GI Bill benefits. There are many different programs and a wide variety of education benefits offered by the VA, such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill (including Transfer of Benefits), the Montgomery GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, to name a few. Additionally, individual states offer varying opportunities to National Guardsmen (some of the benefits come with different levels of eligibility). Whether you are a reservist, in the National Guard, or on active duty, you should check the VA website or discuss your benefits with the school’s certifying official. You can find a wealth of information – as well as the application for benefits – at the GI Bill website.

COMING HOME

Apply for Financial Aid. All students can apply for financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by going to www.fafsa.gov/. This aid can be for grants, loans and/or work-study. Apply for Scholarships. There are many types of scholarships available based on merit, academics, or athletics, as well as private and general scholarships by area of interest. Some schools offer scholarships specifically for veterans. You just have to look. Check school websites and always remember: do not pay for any scholarship application. Find a Place to Live. The key to being placed in housing is making sure you indicate you are a veteran on all forms. By doing so, you may be able to select a roommate from the beginning. Otherwise you might be assigned to a room with traditional students (just out of high school), which can be awkward with your recent military experience. Many colleges have housing set aside for veterans; make use of it. Get an Advisor. Every student is assigned to an advisor. Some schools have advisors specifically for veterans; smaller schools may not, but curriculum is standard for majors at each school. Interaction with the advisor will assist you in developing a suitable educational plan, making your course selections, and determining your major. This person will get to know you and empower you in decision-making skills in education, career, and life choices.

Take the CLEP. The College Level Examination Program is a series of exams you can take to test your college-level knowledge on what you have learned through on-the-job training, professional development, etc. There is a wide range of exams both general and subjective, worth up to six credits each. The cost of a CLEP exam is fractional compared to the cost of tuition and fees. It could assist in skipping general introductory courses, general education classes or could even demonstrate your ability in a foreign language. 9. Connect with Other Veterans on Campus. Veterans Centers are popping up on many campuses. They are the place to meet other veterans, to do peer-to-peer networking, to connect student veterans with resources, and to help you to get involved—or simply hang out. If there is no center on campus, start one. Student Veterans of America can assist you in forming a chapter at your school. Visit www.studentveterans.org. 10. Get Career Training and Develop Skills. Career services and job placement are available for you while getting your education. Résumé writing and mock interviews are offered. You can be placed in an internship or co-op program related to your career goal and earn college credits as well as a stipend or small paycheck. 8.

For more information go to www.gibill.va.gov/resources/student%5Fhandouts.

Texas Tech University oďŹ&#x20AC;ers services and support to help you navigate your college career. We are dedicated to becoming the university of choice for military personnel, veterans, and their families.

From here, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible. mvp.ttu.edu

mvp@ttu.edu | 806.742.6877

Boost Earnings Through Education

ow much is higher education worth in cold hard money? A college master’s degree is worth $1.3 million more in lifetime earnings than a high school diploma, according to a recent

report from the U.S. Census Bureau. The report titled “The Big Payoff: Educational Attainment and Synthetic Estimates of Work-Life Earnings” reveals that over an adult’s working life, high school graduates can expect, on average, to earn $1.2 million; those with a bachelor’s degree, $2.1 million; and people with a master’s degree, $2.5 million. Persons with doctoral degrees earn an average of $3.4 million during their working life, while those with professional degrees do best at $4.4 million. “At most ages, more education equates with higher earnings, and the payoff is most notable at the highest educational levels,” said Jennifer Cheeseman Day, co-author of the report. The figures are based on 1999 earnings projected over a typical work life, defined as the period from ages 25 through 64. 112

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Americans Staying In School Longer Along with the financial data, the report also shows that more Americans are staying in school longer than ever before. In 2000, 84 percent of American adults age 25 and over had at least completed high school and 26 percent continued to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher, both alltime highs. “Glass Ceiling” On Earnings Still Intact The report also shows that while more American women than men have received bachelor’s degrees every year since 1982, men with professional degrees may expect to cumulatively earn almost $2 million more than their female counterparts over their work lives. Glass ceiling aside, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that women who graduated from college earned about 76 percent more than women with only a high school diploma in 2004. Additional highlights from the report show: • In 1999, average annual earnings ranged from $18,900 for high school dropouts

to $25,900 for high school graduates, $45,400 for college graduates and $99,300 for the holders of professional degrees (medical doctors, dentists, veterinarians and lawyers). • Over a work life, earnings for a worker with a bachelor’s degree compared with one who had just a high school diploma increase by about $1 million for non-Hispanic Whites and about $700,000 for African Americans; Asians and Pacific Islanders; and Hispanics. • Currently, almost 9-in-10 young adults graduate from high school and about 6-in10 high school seniors go on to college the following year. A separate report released last year, “What’s It Worth? Field of Training and Economic Status: 1996,” said among people with bachelor’s degrees, those working full time in engineering earned the highest average monthly pay ($4,680), while those with education degrees earned the lowest ($2,802) in 1996.

My Degree. My Future. My Choice. SUNY Empire State College values my military experience and provides the support I need while completing my degree. As experts in military adult education, the college will help you make the most of your knowledge, skills and experience. Military and veteran specialists are there to guide you, while your faculty mentor works with you to develop an individualized degree plan that can lead to the career you’ve always wanted. • Credit for military training and experience • Pre-enrollment advising • Online worldwide and at more than 35 New York state locations • Affordable tuition

For Information: Call 888-372-3495 Visit www.esc.edu/military

Auburn University Executive MBA Programs In 21 months, Auburn University’s Executive MBA Program will enhance your leadership skills. Accredited, highly ranked and recognized worldwide as a leader in executive education, the Auburn EMBA combines innovative distance learning technologies with short on-campus residencies and an international study trip. It’s a challenging, but flexible program that can adapt to your schedule. “Auburn’s EMBA program has strengthened my ability to think quantitatively, analyze objectively, and lead effectively in an Army that needs flexible thinkers, adaptive staff officers, and strong leaders.” COL Meg Foreman Auburn EMBA Graduate

Learn from the best, study with the best, become the best. Distinguish yourself with an Auburn University Executive MBA.

www.AubEMBA.org or 1.877.AUB.EMBA

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Naylor Photo: Sgt. Justin

Mastering GI Bill 2.0

1. GI Bill 2.0. GI Bill 2.0 went into effect in 2011. Under GI Bill 2.0, students can receive tuition payments made directly to the school, a housing allowance and a book stipend.

Groue, USAF

2. Who is Eligible. Active duty Air Force, Navy, Army and Marine personnel, as well service members training overseas can use GI Bill benefits. Also eligible are Veterans with 90 days of active service after 9/11/2001. And, National Guard and Reserves members with three years of active duty service after 9/11/2001.

4. Select the Best Deal. The Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill programs differ in tuition benefits and other details. It’s up to you to get the best deal for your needs. Compare your GI Bill benefits to find out what will suit you best. 5. Your Documentation. Before you can apply for benefits, you must have a copy of your discharge papers. You’ll also need DD form 2384 if you are applying for the MGIB and documentation if you have made contributions to any buy-in programs. 6. Apply for Benefits. You can apply for your benefits before selecting a program. Fill out a Veterans Online Application (VONAPP) through the VA and select Form 22- 1990. 7. Enroll in School. The VA will send you a certificate of eligibility once your application is processed. If you are certain about which benefits you are eligible for, you can enroll before receiving this form. 116

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Photo: Kemberly

3. Choose a Qualified Program. If you have a school in mind, the school’s financial aid office can help you find out if the education and training program is approved for VA benefits.

Under the new GI Bill, your school will submit a claim directly to the VA for tuition and fees. 8. Receiving Your Allowances. If you select the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the VA will mail a check directly to you for a monthly housing allowance and a book stipend of up to $1,000 per semester. 9. Back to Class. Once your benefits are in order, you can focus on being a student. If you need help making the transition back to the classroom, reach out to other veterans in your school or contact organizations such as Student Veterans of America (www. studentveterans.org/). 10. Stay Up-to-Date. Changes to the GI Bill can impact your benefits. Stay up-todate about your benefits by taking advantage of your school’s financial aid office, networking with other veterans, and getting information from sources such as the VA, veterans’ service organizations.

Founded in 1978

University of Mary Degrees for Military, Civilian Careers

hroughout its history, the University of Mary has specialized in adult-friendly education programs. Today, with its participation in the Yellow Ribbon Education Enhancement Program, a provision of the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, U-Mary is also military-friendly. Since the Yellow Ribbon Program took effect, U-Mary has provided increased undergraduate and graduate tuition benefits to military veterans and service members that meet Veterans Administration qualifications. U-Mary offers unlimited enrollment in both its undergraduate and graduate programs through the Yellow Ribbon Program to serve all veterans who want an education based on Christian, Catholic and Benedictine values. “For many years, the University of Mary has offered graduate scholarships to active duty military and National Guard students, and the Yellow Ribbon Program makes a U-Mary education affordable to even more military students,” says Brenda Kaspari, vice president for enrollment services. “Enabling these men and women to earn their degree is one small way we can thank them for their service.”

• MBA, with concentrations in accountancy, energy management, executive, health care, human resource management and management • Nursing, with concentrations in nurse administrator, nurse educator and family nurse practitioner (blended online, on-site format) For over 50 years, U-Mary has made serving adults a priority. With that experience has come a keen understanding of the unique needs of adult learners, in terms of time commitment, class structure and approach. Classes are typically five to seven weeks in length, allowing some degrees to be earned in as few as 15 months. Programs are structured in a “cohort” format, in which students learn from each other in a group of adult student peers. U-Mary’s online degree programs are well suited to military and civilian careers. Military credits are accepted toward any of U-Mary’s bachelor’s programs: • Accounting • Business, with concentrations in human resources, management and marketing • Information Technology Management • Organizational Leadership • Nursing Master’s programs include: • Strategic Leadership • Project Management

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Faculty, leaders in their specialties with advanced degrees, and an individual academic advisor work closely with students to facilitate learning. The advisorfaculty team partners with each student to promote consistent communication, academic support and – most importantly – academic success. This all combines to make the University of Mary a “military friendly” school, with recognition including ranking among the Military Advanced Education Top Military Friendly Colleges and Universities for four straight years; 2008 North Dakota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Above and Beyond Award; and G.I. Jobs Military Friendly School for three years running. “U-Mary is committed to helping military personnel earn their degrees and create a brighter future for themselves and their families,” concludes Kaspari. For more information about the University of Mary’s programs, call 1-800-408-6279, ext. 8353, e-mail cade@umary.edu, or visit www.umary.edu/cade.

Values based. Accelerated. Online education. It’s a complicated world. Having ethical leaders is more important than ever before. At the University of Mary—a Christian, Catholic and Benedictine university— students are encouraged to seek the truth, to see themselves as whole and unique individuals responsible to God, and to become leaders in the service of truth. Earn a degree that will advance your military or civilian career. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees can be earned completely online, some in as few as 15 months. U-Mary has been honored as a military-friendly school by Military Advanced Education, ’07, ’08, ’09, ’10, and G.I. Jobs, ’10, ’11, ’12.

800-408-6279, ext. 8353 | www.umary.edu/cade CENTERS FOR ACCELERATED & DISTANCE EDUCATION

School is in Session:

Deployed Soldiers and Continuing Education Opportunities

Sgt. Marina Medford, a lab technician with 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Div., studies for a biology class while deployed at Camp Buehring, Kuwait.

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U.S. Navy Store Handler Seaman William Selmon takes his final exam for college credit during a Programs Afloa t College Educat ion (PACE) small business manag ement course. PACE provides Sailors with an opportunity to take college cla while forward de sses ployed.

The best way to improve yourself mentally is to take every opportunity to further your education that you can. It increases your mental flexibility and makes it easier for you to adapt to the quicksilver changes that are part and parcel of today’s Army. Soldiers that do this will, in the long run, not only be helping themselves but will also be helping me as a leader and the Army as a whole. Continuing your education is an opportunity to build yourself. You can go to your local Education Services Office and they can walk you through the easy application process for tuition assistance. Or you can also go to www. GoArmyEd.com and follow their step-bystep guide to applying. Even if you aren’t going to use your education to further your career in the Army, you should always remember that there is life after the Army and you can get better jobs in the civilian world when you are educated.

Photo: Mass Co

mm Spc 3rd Cla

ss Matthew Bookw alter

voluntary off-duty education programs. Soldiers take accredited college-level courses during their off-duty hours in support of his professional and personal self-development goals. Continuing one’s education is not limited, as with any college attendee, you begin by attaining an associate degree, and from there, working toward a bachelor’s degree and beyond is the goal of many in an effort to not only further their military careers, but also to better equip themselves for competing in the civilian world for jobs. Being able to take classes while deployed is a great opportunity of which all soldiers should take advantage. Education can often be the first step you take towards achieving one’s goals. Officers can also use the Tuition Assistance Program to get their postgraduate degrees. In today’s Army, it is of utmost importance for soldiers to improve themselves both physically and mentally. Photo: Sgt. Justin Naylor

ith the Army’s Tuition Assistance Program available to all active duty soldiers, many are taking the opportunity to further their education and get a degree while deployed. A large number of enlisted soldiers are taking classes, either online or at a base classroom, to further their education. Many soldiers are taking classes for promotion purposes or for their personal education goals. They are using their free time wisely to improve themselves while still focusing on continuing their mission. Due to the high deployment schedule in the Army, soldiers typically have trouble meeting classroom obligations when going for their degrees. The opportunity for them to take online courses while deployed instead of having to sit in a classroom means that they can complete their degrees easier and quicker. The Tuition Assistance Program provides financial assistance for

Do everything with a

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CONSUMER SCIENCES COUNSELING EDUCATION ENGINEERING FINANCIAL PLANNING HEALTH STUDIES LIBRARY SCIENCES

ONLINE LEARNING

BUSINESS

LL.M. PROGRAMS NURSING RESTAURANT AND HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT SOCIAL WORK

Whether you’re earning an undergraduate or graduate degree, The University of Alabama is committed to helping you achieve a degree of excellence through online learning. Success is a product of excellence. So is your degree. Online degree programs from a name you know.

Start earning your Degree of Excellence at www.BamaByDistance.ua.edu/ch or call toll-free 1-800-467-0227.

BamaByDistance.ua.edu/ch

yracuse University is designated as a military-friendly school and has a long history of commitment to our nation’s veterans. Following World War II, SU Chancellor William Pearson Tolley recognized the role that higher education could play in advancing our nation’s returning vets. Tolley served on the Presidential Committee of College Administrators, the body that drafted the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, the original GI Bill of Rights. He also announced SU’s “uniform admissions program,” which ensured all military personnel admission to SU upon their return from war. By the end of 1947, SU was ranked first in New York State and 17th in the nation, in veteran enrollment. Close to 10,000 vets flooded the SU campus, almost doubling the size of the student body overnight. During this time, a deep Universitywide commitment and tradition of serving veterans and their families began. The School of Information Studies at Syracuse University is proud to continue this tradition of support through the new Veterans Technology Program, underwritten by JPMorgan Chase & Co. This non-credit, certificate program is designed to build upon the knowledge and experience veterans gain during their military service and provide veterans with additional skills to increase their marketability in a technology or operations field.

Through online courses – that can be accessed from any location, at any time – veterans have the opportunity to gain an understanding and insight into the corporate culture of globally distributed companies. Veterans also receive an education in a specific technical or operations concentration of their choice, and where applicable, acquire the associated industry certification. Veterans begin their studies with the first, and only required, certificate of the program: Career Skills for Global Enterprises. This certificate is applicable to all veterans interested in working for a global, technology-driven company. Veterans then have the opportunity to continue their studies and acquire additional certificates in Microsoft Office and other technology or operations skill areas. The Veterans Technology Program is offered four times a year (January, April, July, and October), and the program lasts 6-16 weeks, depending on the individualized certificate path chosen by the student. All veterans and military personnel that have served on active duty post-9/11 are eligible to apply. Applicants may be from any branch of the military and are required at the time of enrollment to

iversity The Syracuse Un gtime. rin sp in campus

Class in a Quon set hut on the Syracuse Universi ty campus – 1946 .

have retired or separated from active duty, or have a scheduled separation date within six months of their session start date. Veterans are expected to commit, on average, 20 hours per week to the program. The Veterans Technology Program is presently underwritten by JPMorgan Chase & Co. and is free to all admitted veterans and military personnel who have served on active duty since 09/11/01. VET 1: Career Skills for Global Enterprises VET 1 addresses the cultural differences veterans face as they transition from the military to the corporate workforce – including differences in communication styles, decision making, and collaboration techniques. Topics covered under this certificate include: • GET a Career • Navigating the Corporate Environment • Communication and Collaboration in a Global Enterprise VET 2: Microsoft Office Fundamentals The VET 2 certificate enables veterans to gain proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint through basic and advanced level courses – skills essential for succeeding in today’s workforce. VET 3: Applied Education In VET 3, veterans acquire specific skill sets in an information technology or operations field and, if applicable, the associated industry certification. VET 4: Applied Practicum During the applied practicum, veterans have the opportunity to participate in short-term, faculty monitored, work-based learning experiences.

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Vet e r a n s t e c h n o l o g y P r o g r a m s y r a c u s e u n iVe r s i t y Be a Vet That Gets It The Veterans Technology Program offered by Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies will help you develop the professional and technical skills you need to be competitive as you transition from the military into a new career.

Acquire Syracuse University non-credit certificates and where applicable, industry certification in high-demand skill areas

Access online courses around the clock from anywhere

Receive personal advising from industry mentors, peer mentors and University advisors

Learn of new, available career opportunities

Free of charge to post-9/11 veterans and military personnel — underwritten by JPMorgan Chase & Co. You don’t need to use GI Bill benefits.

For more information: get-vet.syr.edu veteranscertificate@syr.edu

U . S . S er v icemem b ers

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Student Veterans of America

The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, the U.S. launched Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi

local student veteran organizations. Each of these independent groups could then join the umbrella coalition as a chapter, a tradition that continues today. Concurrently, SVA and a number of Veteran Service Organizations were advocating for an overhaul of the G.I. Bill to address the needs of the 21st Century student veteran. Six months after SVA’s founding and countless advocacy efforts, President George Bush signed into law the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. This new benefit was initially estimated to boost veteran enrollment by sixteen percent, thus increasing the need for SVA Chapters.

Freedom (Iraq). As OEF and OIF veterans returned home and started school, they found that their campuses were not providing adequate supportive services, much like their predecessors. As a result, a number of new student veteran groups formed. In an age of social media, these new organizations began to connect with one another nationally. The mature clubs helped the newly established groups develop by utilizing their time-tested models. In 2008, members from various chapters decided to improve, expand, and formalize this grassroots movement and Student Veterans of America was born. SVA was officially incorporated in January of 2008 to provide programs, resources, and support to the ever-evolving network of

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Travis Wright talks to a young Airman at his National Guard Bureau office. Wright mentors student veterans at George Washington University.

Photo: Staff Sgt. S. Patrick McCollum, National Guard Bureau

oday’s veterans face numerous obstacles in their path of attaining a college degree. These challenges range from a missing sense of camaraderie to feeling like an outsider amongst 18 year old traditional students to a lack of understanding by university faculty. When coupled with the visible and invisible wounds of war, a college degree can be an elusive goal for men and women returning from military service. Student Veterans of America (SVA) makes that goal a reality. SVA is a 501(c)(3) coalition of student veterans groups on college campuses across the globe. These member chapters are the “boots on the ground” that help veterans reintegrate into campus life and succeed academically. Each chapter must be an officially recognized student group by their university or college and provide a peer-to-peer network for veterans who are attending the school. Additionally, chapters often coordinate campus activities, provide pre-professional networking, and generally provide a touchstone for student veterans in higher education.

SVA Today From 2008 through 2010, SVA focused on expanding and supporting the network of chapters. This included assisting in the development of new chapters, while also supporting existing ones. The result was an astonishing growth rate for SVA. For example, SVA was founded with only 20 chapters and in 2011, SVA welcomed its 500th chapter. This rapid growth exceeded the organization’s capacity to offer optimal support to chapters and SVA’s leadership felt that that was unacceptable. Therefore, much of 2011, was dedicated to organizational restructuring and program maturation. This was done in conjunction with The Bridgespan Group, a non-profit consulting firm that was generously funded by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The end result of this process is a flexible, efficient operational model that will ensure SVA’s programs and resources have maximum impact in the lives of student veterans. Mission To provide military veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation. Vision All veterans will succeed in higher education, achieve their academic goals, and gain meaningful employment. For more information visit www.studentveterans.org

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Park University

ounded in 1875, Park University is a four-year, independent, nonprofit liberal arts institution with campuses nationwide and online. The University serves more than 22,000 graduate and undergraduate students a year at 40 campus centers in 21 states, 35 of which are on military installations. Park’s close relationship with the military dates back nearly a century. Today, Park is one of the leading providers of undergraduate education for the U.S. military. Each year, more than half of Park’s students are either military service, veterans or family members, making Park the sixth largest provider of college credit to military in the nation overall. Students at the University’s historic 700-acre flagship campus in Parkville, Mo., enjoy the amenities of a traditional university environment, such as on-campus housing, student clubs, intercollegiate athletics and intramural sports. While Park offers a traditional setting for learning, the University also provides quality educational

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opportunities in a variety of formats to meet the needs of students in traditional face-toface day or evening, as well as online classes. Park’s nationwide campuses and online programs are designed to bring the central campus experience to students worldwide in a collaborative, convenient manner. Park offers diverse undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs at an affordable cost, while also providing small class sizes and lessons from experienced faculty. A liberal arts education requires students to take classes across a wide range of disciplines, resulting in a well-rounded education. Students graduate from Park with a global perspective, a world of contacts and a deeper understanding of international relations and markets. Students are trained to think critically, communicate effectively and engage in lifelong learning. Park University truly recognizes the enormous contribution military personnel make to society and the sacrifices of military families. The University has been honored

numerous times for its military friendly culture. In October 2011, Park officially opened its Department of Military and Veteran Student Services, home of the Park Warrior Center, its new facility for student veterans. The Center provides information and resources for service members, veterans transitioning out of the military and family members who are students at all of the University’s campuses and online. Park has been consistently ranked by such publications as G.I. Jobs and Military Advanced Education for its dedication to America’s military service members and veterans as students. Park’s goal is always to offer students access to a quality education through convenient and affordable degree programs. In 2011, Park was ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the seventh “least expensive” private university/college in the nation and first in the Midwest for tuition and fees. Park also was the only Missouri-based private, not-for-profit school ranked on a Department of Education list of institutions with the “lowest net price.” The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. You are personally invited to visit one of Park University’s campuses and experience our commitment to members of the military and their families. For more information about how Park serves the educational needs of the military, visit www.park.edu/military or contact the Department of Military and Veteran Student Services at WarriorCenter@ park.edu or (816) 584-6530. For more information about admissions, visit www.park. edu/admissions, e-mail admissions@park.edu or call (877) 505-1059.

One reason. One journey. One future. Yours. At Park University, we’ve built a relationship with the U.S. military over four decades. We understand how to deliver non-traditional education for the military, veterans, their dependents and civilians at Park University. From our flagship campus in Parkville, Mo., our campus network extends to 40 military installations across the country and we developed one of the first and largest accredited online education programs in the country. We provide more than 300 individual courses that are offered five times throughout the school year.

Bringing the university experience to active duty personnel, veterans, dependents and civilians. • 40 campus centers nationwide • Classes offered face-to-face and online any where, any time • Associates, bachelors and masters programs • Scholarships and tuition discounts available

Contact Park today at (888) 702-4124 or visit us online at www.park.edu/military/yoursuccess Park University’s degree programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Call us today at (888) 702-4124. Or you can visit us online at www.park.edu/military/yoursuccess

Excellence in Education Since 1875.

Eastern Kentucky University honors your service and invites you to join over 1,000 military veterans and dependents by earning your degree with us. Here are a few things that await you at Eastern Kentucky University...

How Do We Rank? n

America’s Best Colleges – Forbes; U.S.News & World Report Military Friendly School – G.I. Jobs Magazine VetSuccess University – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs “Best for Vets” – Military Times EDGE Magazine A Servicemembers Opportunity College Member, Tillman Military Scholars Program

In 2011 our Veterans Education and Transition Support (VETS) organization published “The Journal of Military Experience,” a 135-page book containing stories, poems and artwork from 19 EKU students who served in the military. The publication garnered the organization Program of the Year honors by the Student Veterans of America.

Why EKU? Operation Veteran Success comprises an array of initiatives designed to help veterans transition back into civilian life by earning their degree. A few of the highlights of Operation Veteran Success are: No admission fee for undergraduate veterans In-state tuition for all out-of-state veterans n Maximum credit for military experience n Priority registration n Veteran-helpful withdrawal and re-admission policy n Vet-2-Vet sponsorship and EKU VETS support n Veteran-focused extracurricular activities n Veteran lounge n

Call 859-622-7686 or visit www.va.eku.edu for details on Operation Veteran Success.