VETERANS' RESOURCE GUIDE
A supplement to the Whidbey News-Times
2017
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Veterans Resource Guide 2017
Disabled American Vets in need of volunteers The Disabled American Veterans Chapter 47 in Oak Harbor is committed to providing top-notch service to island veterans. This nonprofit does more than just provide rides for veterans. It also helps veterans file VA disability claims and on occasion will even make house calls to do so, according to Steve Deavilla, the Chapter commander. The DAV receives no federal money, helps veterans with their disability caused by military service and also assists their families as well. The chapter’s service officers are trained in giving assistance. In fact, it is a requirement the CSOs have some kind of disability rating as well so they know what they are talking about when it comes to dealing with the VA. They have been there and done that themselves. One of the biggest advantages
“On occasion CSOs will go out of their way and make house calls to help veterans complete their claim. In 2016 we spent just as much time behind the wheel as in 2015 shuttling veterans down to Seattle." Don Dubois, chapter service officer
the DAV offers is rides to and from the VA Hospital in Seattle. The DAV van service has multiple pickup locations along the I-5 Corridor which includes: Haggen's in Oak Harbor, Soundview Shopper, Guemes Island Ferry, Anacortes Park and Ride, Farmhouse Inn, Mount Vernon Train Station and on occasions in Stanwood and Marysville, according to Deavilla. "CSOs with their combined experience in years here at the DAV total approximately 75-80 years of CSO Service, said Don
Dubois, a chapter service officer. “On occasion CSOs will go out of their way and make house calls to help veterans complete their claim. In 2016 we spent just as much time behind the wheel as in 2015 shuttling Veterans down to Seattle.” This is not at all possible without volunteers to which the DAV is currently in need of, Deavilla said. "We're in need of chapter service officers and drivers. “Anyone interested in volunteering can come contact me at the Oak Harbor office.” Deavilla said drivers can
choose the days they can and want to drive and service officers receive free training. Those already familiar with the DAV, please note that office hours have changed. The DAV is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 12-4 p.m. Friday. Veterans and dependents are seen as walkins only and no appointment is needed. Due to the first-comefirst-served nature of service, the DAV says it is a good idea to make a call to make sure a service officer is available that day since they are volunteers and sometimes need to leave early. The DAV is currently located in the rear of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7392 at 3037 Goldie Road in Oak Harbor. They can be reached at 360682-2945.
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Veterans Resource Guide 2017
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South Whidbey Lions Club
We Serve!
The Lions Club of South Whidbey provides hearing and sight services to disadvantaged community members. The club is committed to serving the South Whidbey community through service projects such as assistance with the disabled veterans fishing program, litter pickup, installing flag poles and beautification of common areas with planting of trees and shrubs. Please join us! Photo by Michael Watkins
US Navy Petty Officer Third Class Arielle Morgan sings the National Anthem to kick off a 2016 Veteran's Day Program in Oak Harbor.
WHIDBEY VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER Mission: Connect, Serve, and Educate Veterans and their Families Information and Referrals, Assistance with obtaining VA and other Benefits, Support Groups, Community Events & Programs
Lunch meetings held at 11:30am on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at M-Bar C Ranch, 5264 Shore Meadow Road, Freeland For more info: 360.331.3150 or visit swhidbeylions.org
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WVRC Welcomes, Honors Veterans, their Families and Communities Please call for hours, services, and ways to get involved.
360.331.8081 www.whidbeyvrc.org 14096 Hwy. 525 Bayview • PO Box 85, Freeland, WA 98249
Donations to WVRC, a 501c3 organization, are tax deductible
5589 Harbor Ave., Ste. C Freeland 360-331-3353 Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
499 NE Midway Blvd., Ste. 2 Oak Harbor 360-240-9610 Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm LOC ALLY OWNED
The American Legion Post 141 A nonprofit Veteran’sOrganization
We are veterans just like you. We care about America, our fellow veterans, our families and our children. As members of our Post, we continue to serve our God, our Country and our Community. Your Post needs you now! Our Legionnaires participate in many annual community activities such as parades, memorials, dedications, etc.
Some events hosted by American Legion South Whidbey Post 141~
Auction & Benefit for Burned Children Recovery Foundation Silent Auction/Raffle Benefit
Annual Blessing of the Bikes First Sunday in May Blessing at Noon with a Ride to follow & BBQ
Independence Celebration First Saturday in July
Veteran’s Day Service
Every November 11am Bayview Cemetary, followed by a potluck at the post.
14096 SR 525, Langley, WA 98260 www.southwhidbeypost141.com 360-321-5696
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Veterans Resource Guide 2017
Resource center providing a safe portal for veterans The Veterans Resource Center in Langley provides a safe portal through which returning combat veterans can build resiliency, increase access to and use of internal and external resources and reintegrate into family and community life. The center’s programs foster education and support for all participants. The center networks with existing veteran service organizations, community groups and churches to reach out to veterans and their families in need. It also provides information, referrals and advocacy services for veterans in need of medical and mental health services, disability and educational benefits. The center organizes the annual Stand Down event during the summer. The event is open to all veterans and their families, and offers free food, clothing, live music and access to VA experts who
can advise on medical, employment and legal matters. Weekly support groups are available for men and women at 5 p.m. Tuesdays and for women alone 5 p.m. Mondays. The center is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays at the Bayview American Legion, 14096 State Highway 525 inn Langley. Appointments are suggested but not necessary. Contact whidbeyvrc@ gmail.com or 360-331-8081. WVRC veteran services: n Peer support groups n Benefit application assistance n Veterans swim free program n Annual Stand Down event coordination n Help accessing discharge documents n Emergency&housing providers on site n Agency referral
Island County Services
Island County Veterans Services provides emergency financial assistance, case management and other supportive services to indigent veterans and their dependents. Financial assistance may consist of paying for rent or mortgage, utility bills that may be in arrears or at risk of being shut off. The office provides vouchers for food, fuel, work specific clothing and/ or school clothing and supplies for dependent children. It also provides assistance with Department of Veterans Affairs claims for compensation, pension, health care and all other VA claims. To qualify for financial assistance the veteran must: n Have served under honorable or general under honorable conditions. n Show an original or certified copy of a DD-214 or, if discharged prior to 1950, a Certificate of Discharge. n Have been a continual resident of Washington state for one year immediately prior to application and a resident of Island County at time of application. n Be able to provide proof of their identity and documentation of eligibility of dependents. n Be indigent or have income at 150 percent of poverty level. Contact Dana Sawyers, the coordinator for Veterans Services, at 360-678-7805 or email d.sawyers@co.island.wa.us
Thank you to all our Whidbey Island veterans for your service to our country!
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Veterans Resource Guide 2017
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Resources for Senior Veterans • Lunches at Senior Services of Island County Sites • Meals on Wheels throughout Island County • Information And Assistance • “Time Together” Adult Day Services • Classes, Events, Trips, Crafts & Games Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.
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Veterans Resource Guide 2017
Get involved with Whidbey veteran groups The A-3 Skywarrior Whidbey Memorial Foundation: A nonprofit organization established to provide the means and funds to place the A-3 aircraft on display at NAS Whidbey Island, as a memorial to those who flew it. Quarterly meetings at Flyers Restaurant. www.a3skywarriorforwhidbey. org American Legion: Provides services to local veterans and their families and to the community. Two posts on Whidbey: Post 129, Oak Harbor, 360-675-2411, and Post 141, Langley, 360-321-5696. Brothers-In-Arms Motorcycle Club - Puget Sound: This all veteran motorcycle club is dedicated to helping give back to the local community, and all those who have served past and present. For more information on the BIAMC log on to www.brothersinarmsmc-pugetsound.com. Or contact the Oak Harbor Chapter President Chris Gomes at 360-632-6590 Disabled American Veterans:
Chapter 47 is a nonprofit organization that provides needed assistance to active duty, retired, disabled veterans, veterans and their families, spouses and widows; chapter services officers available five days of the week. Walk-ins are welcome, no appointments necessary, at the Seaplane Base. 360-257-4801. Ladies Auxiliary Fleet Reserve Association: Unit 97 open to the wives and widows, mothers, sisters, daughters and granddaughters of active or retired members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Assists needs of Fleet Reserve Association, its members and their families. 360-6753414. The Whidbey Island Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (WICMOAA): The local affiliate of MOAA, which is open to all officers of the Uniformed Services of the United States. Chapter meetings are the second Thursday of the month at the Whidbey Island NAS Officers Club. 360-678-0983.
Navy League: Oak Harbor Area Navy League, chartered in 1956, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the American people and their government that the U.S. is a maritime nation and that our economy and defense depends upon the sea services. 360-720-8398 or www.oakharbornavyleague.org Navy Wives Club Whidbey Island No. 150: Chapter of the national organization that works to promote friendly, sympathetic relationships among spouses of enlisted personnel of the United Sea Services. Fosters fellowship among its members and the community. Meets the first Tuesday of every month in Building 22 on the Seaplane Base. 360-320-1954. PBY Memorial Foundation: Seeks to preserve the history of the PBY Catalina, which flew from the Seaplane Base in the 1940s, as well as other sea and land aircraft operating out of Whidbey Island. Displays Oak Harbor, Navy and other services memorabilia from World War II up to
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Veterans organizations on Whidbey continued the present. Displays a PBY aircraft that actually flew from NAS Whidbey Island. 360-240-9500 or www.pbymf.org Retired Officers' Wives: Strictly social organization. The group's purpose is to acquaint the wives of the retired officers in this area. 360-679-4527. VFW Auxiliary: Provides Veteran and family support through community service, youth activities, and legislation while promoting patriotism and
If you have a loved one who needs a little help with day-to-day activities but doesn’t want to lose the independence of living at home, give ResCare a call. We offer a complete range of in-home services that provide the care they need in the comfort of home.
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remembering our heroes. 360-6754048. www.vfwpost7392.org VFW Post 7392: Promotes civic responsibility, patriotism, supports youth scholarships and local programs, educational opportunities, and accredited service officers that work with VA benefits. 360-675-4048. www.vfwpost7392.org Whidbey Veterans Resource Center: Dedicated to serving veter-
881 SE Pioneer Way Oak Harbor,WA 98277 360.240.0044 Fax: 360.240.0084 5529 E. Harbor Ave, Freeland, WA 98249 360.331.7441
ans and their families. Programs include peer support groups, a summer sailing program and the annual Stand Down event. Services include assistance with benefit applications, on site and agency referrals, and help accessing discharge documents, emergency and housing providers. The center is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays at the Bayview American Legion, 14096 Highway 525, in Langley. Appointments are suggested but not necessary. Contact: whidbeyvrc@gmail.com or 360-331-8081.
To all of our Veterans: We thank you for your dedication, courage, and service to our country!
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