VETERANS CHRONICLE JULY 2021
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 905, Field Training Preparation Squadron, is hosted at Washington State University in Pullman. The program has a teaching agreement with the University of Idaho, and crosstown agreements with Whitworth University and Lewis-Clark State College. COURTESY OF DETACHMENT 905 PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Air Force ROTC program lands at Whitworth SEE STORY ON PAGE 5
Page 2
Friday, July 16, 2021
The Spokesman-Review
VETERANS CHRONICLE
WHO IS
UNCLE SAM? By Ruth Aresvik
VETERANS NET HELP CORRESPONDENT
I asked my 13-yearold granddaughter if she had ever heard of Uncle Sam? Pause. " U h m m m . Ma y b e. I mean, I've heard it from somewhere." The average American might connect Uncle Sam to his appearance on Army recruitment posters, or the representation of the United States, such as "I owe Uncle Sam $2,000 in taxes." The actual figure of Uncle Sam dates from the War of 1812, which sparked a new sense of belonging and national loyalty. According to the website Legends of America (legendsofamerica. com), the term Uncle Sam is said to have been derived from a man named Samuel Wilson, who was born in Massachusetts and, at the age of 15, served in the American Revolution. After the war, he settled in the town of Troy, New York, where he and his brother, Ebenezer, began E. and S. Wilson, a meatpacking facility. Wilson was a man of great fairness, reliability, and honesty, who was devoted to his country. He was well liked, and local residents began to refer to him as
"Uncle Sam." During the War of 1812, the demand for meat supply for the troops was badly needed. Secretary of War, William Eustis, made a contract with Elbert Anderson Jr. of New York City to supply and issue all rations necessary for the United States forces in New York and New Jersey for one year. Anderson ran an advertisement on Oct. 6, 1813, looking to fill the contract. The Wilson brothers bid for the contract to fill 2,000 barrels of pork and 3,000 barrels of beef for one year, and won. Situated on the Hudson River, their location made it ideal to receive the animals and to ship the product. At the time, contractors were required to stamp their name and where the rations came from onto the food they were sending. Wilson's packages were labeled "E.A. - U.S.,” which stood for Elbert Anderson, the contractor, and the United States. When an individual in the meatpacking facility asked what it stood for, a worker joked and said it referred to Sam Wilson, "Uncle Sam." A number of soldiers who were originally from Troy also saw the designation on the bar-
rels and, being acquainted with Sam Wilson and his nickname, felt proud that Wilson was feeding the army. The local newspaper soon picked up on the story, and Uncle Sam eventually gained widespread acceptance as the nickname for the U. S. federal government. An endearing story, but is it truth? As many legends, the precise origin of the Uncle Sam character is unclear. Regardless of the actual source, Uncle Sam immediately became popular as a symbol of an everchanging nation. As for the iconic Army recruitment poster, credit goes to James Montgomery Flagg. As written in The Vintage News, Flagg was appointed New York State military artist. His famous Uncle Sam image first appeared on the cover of the July 6, 1916, issue of Leslie's Weekly magazine, with the headline "What are YOU doing for preparedness?" Flagg used a modified version of his own face for Uncle Sam, and veteran Walter Botts provided the pose. Flagg repurposed the painting for the U.S. Army the following year and it was reprinted again during World War II. Flagg's Uncle Sam
JAMES MONTGOMERY FLAGG ILLUSTRATION/LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
A World War I United States Army recruitment poster featuring Uncle Sam. inspiration most likely came from a similar 1914 British poster designed by Alfred Leete, which depicted Lord Kitchener, the British secretary of state for war, pointing and saying "Your country needs YOU". Flagg made a total of 46 propaganda posters and agreed to paint a portrait of anyone who contributed $1,000 to
the Liberty Bond war effort. Four million copies of his classic Uncle Sam recruiting poster were plastered on billboards across America during World War I. This skinny, scowling and a bit scary bearded Sam, with his commanding pointer finger, would become one of the most recognizable images of the century.
In September 1961, the U.S. Congress recognized Samuel Wilson as "the progenitor of America's national symbol of Uncle Sam." Wilson died at age 88 in 1854, and was buried next to his wife Betsey Mann in the Oakwood Cemetery in Troy, New York, the town that calls itself "The Home of Uncle Sam."
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Page 3
VETERANS CHRONICLE VETERANS CHRONICLE A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW JULY 16, 2021
VETERANS HELP NET Don Walker Bryan Bledsoe
on the third Friday of every month to increase awareness about veteran issues and to help veterans find hope and help.
MANAGING EDITOR Theresa Tanner
To share a veteran story or information about resources for veterans, please contact info@ veteranshelpnet.com or visit www.VeteransHelpNet.com.
ART DIRECTOR Anne Potter DIRECTOR OF SALES Scott Baumbach Veterans Help Net partners with The Spokesman-Review to publish Veterans Chronicle
For advertising information, please contact advertising@ spokesman.com or (509) 4595095. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent of the publisher.
IN THIS ISSUE Who is Uncle Sam?...........................................................................................2 Hey Veterans, Did You Know?.......................................................................4 Whitworth students can enroll in Air Force ROTC classes...................5 Getting help shows strength..........................................................................6 Women Veterans Day.......................................................................................7 Myths and facts about PTSD..........................................................................8 Secure your survivor benefits........................................................................8 Veterans By the Numbers...............................................................................9 Agent Orange facts...........................................................................................10 Veterans Rapid Retraining Assistance Program......................................11
Friday, July 16, 2021
Page 4
Friday, July 16, 2021
The Spokesman-Review
VETERANS CHRONICLE
HEY VETERANS, DID YOU KNOW … ? … There are five ways to apply for VA health benefits?
Option 1: Apply Online at www.va.gov/health-care/ apply/application/introduction. Option 2: Apply by phone by calling the toll-free hotline at (877) 222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET to get help with your application. Option 3: Apply by mail filling out an Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ), available to download at www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/10-10EZ-fillable.pdf, and send the completed form to: Health Eligibility Center 2957 Clairmont Rd., Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30329 Option 4: Apply in person your nearest VA medical center or clinic. Bring a signed Application for Health Benefits (link in Option 3) with you. Option 5: Apply with the help of a trained professional, like a Veteran Service Officer (VSO). These trained professionals can help you navigate applying for health care benefits, and their services are free. For local help, see the “How Can I get Help?” on page 5. After you’ve applied for VA health care, you will get a letter in the mail from the VA to let you know if your application has been approved. You should hear back in less than one week. If more than a week has passed, don’t apply again. Instead, call our toll-free hotline at (877) 2228387 to check your application status.
... You can get hearing aids at the VA?
To receive hearing aids through VA, you must first register at the Health Administration/enrollment section of the VA Medical Center of your choice. The following documents are usually needed at the time of registration: • A copy of the veteran's DD214 • Driver's license • Health insurance information (if available) There are several ways to enroll: • In person at any VA Medical Center or Clinic • Online by filling out the Form 10-10EZ at www.va.gov/ health-care/how-to-apply/. • By mailing a completed Form 10-10EZ to the Medical Center of your choice (please be sure to sign your application or it cannot be processed for enrollment) Once registered (or if already registered), you may schedule an appointment at the Audiology and Speech Pathology Clinic for an evaluation of your hearing. The audiologist will make a clinical determination on the need for hearing aids and/or other hearing assistive devices. If hearing aids are recommended and fit, the hearing aids, repairs, and future batteries will all be at no charge to you, as long as you maintain VA eligibility for care.
… The VA will cover the cost of eyeglasses in some instances?
To qualify for VA coverage of eyeglasses, one of the following statements must be true: • Have a compensable service-connected disability (a disability linked to your military service for which you’re
receiving VA disability payments), or • Are a former prisoner of war (POW), or • Were awarded a Purple Heart, or • Receive benefits under Title 38 United States Code (U.S.C.) 1151, or • Receive an increased pension based on your being permanently housebound and in need of regular aid and attendance Or, you must have at least one of these issues: • Vision problems caused by an illness – or the treatment of an illness – for which you’re receiving VA care, like: • Stroke • Diabetes • Multiple sclerosis • Vascular disease (diseases that affect your blood vessels) • Geriatric chronic illnesses (long-lasting illnesses that affect the elderly) • Vision problems caused by an injury – or the treatment of an injury – for which you’re receiving VA care, like: • A reaction to prescribed medicines • Cataract surgery or other surgeries of the eye, ear, or brain • Traumatic brain injury or polytrauma (injuries to more than 1 body part or organ, often caused by a blast) • Functional impairment (parts of your body that don’t work as well as they should) or cognitive impairment (a
problem with memory or thinking skills) that’s severe enough to make it hard for you to do everyday tasks • Vision and/or hearing loss (called dual sensory impairment) that’s severe enough to interfere with your ability to take an active role in your own health care – and eyeglasses would help to reduce the impact of your impairment For more information, contact the prosthetic representative at your nearest VA medical center or clinic. To find the nearest facility, see the “How Can I Get Help” on page 5.
… Burial at sea is an option for veterans?
Burial at sea is a means of final disposition of remains that is performed on United States Navy vessels. The committal ceremony is performed while the ship is deployed. Therefore, family members are not allowed to be present. The commanding officer of the ship assigned to perform the ceremony will notify the family of the date, time, and longitude and latitude once the committal service has been completed. The average amount of time, for burial at sea, is 12 to 18 months, once the remains/cremains are received at the port of embarkation. For additional information on program requirements, eligibility and contact information go to www.mynavyhr. navy.mil/Support-Services/Casualty/Mortuary-Services/ Burial-at-Sea/.
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Page 5
Friday, July 16, 2021
VETERANS CHRONICLE
HOW CAN I GET HELP?
Every county and state has a Veteran Affairs office to answer questions about benefits and provide assistance. There are also other useful resources for veterans in the Inland Northwest.
GO ONLINE VA.gov
The Department of Veterans Affairs website has resources on every topic relevant to veterans. KATHY PLONKA/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Army ROTC cadets from Gonzaga University and Whitworth University carry their gear after riding in a Chinook helicopter after landing at Luger Field at Gonzaga University on Sunday, April 22, 2018. A Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter was used to fly cadets to Camp 7 Mile for their Spring Field Training Exercise.
Agreement will allow Whitworth students to enroll in Air Force ROTC classes Whitworth University and Washington State University’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 905 have signed a crosstown agreement that will allow Whitworth students to enroll in Air Force ROTC classes offered on WSU’s Pullman campus. A crosstown agreement allows students to enroll full time at their institution of choice while simultaneously taking Air Force ROTC classes at a university that hosts a training detachment. Whitworth will provide students with transportation to WSU once a week for required aerospace classes and leadership labs. Any student can apply to be in the ROTC. If they meet minimum requirements, they will be enrolled in 100-level aerospace courses. Students can earn an ROTC scholarship while in high school or in college. If a full-tuition ROTC scholarship is earned, Whitworth will also provide a full room-and-board scholarship. An ROTC cadet who contracts with the Air Force will earn a commission as a second lieutenant upon graduation. “As an Air Force veteran, being able to bring Air Force ROTC to Whitworth is very exciting to me,” said Phil Labrie, assistant director, Military & Veterans Outreach. “With Fairchild Air Force Base being so close and a large Air Force community here in Spokane, this partnership
makes perfect sense. We have an amazing opportunity to produce officers for the Air Force that will lead our country with the same principles that support Whitworth’s mind-and-heart education.” Whitworth also has an Army ROTC program that develops and commissions officers for the United States Army. This program is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Army, Gonzaga University and Whitworth and can be completed alongside any academic major or program. Most ROTC classes and events are hosted at Gonzaga University with the Bulldog Batallion. Whitworth is proud of its relationship with veterans and are pleased that the support provided to these students has been recognized by some of the nation’s top military and news publications. Viqtory Media has named Whitworth a Military Friendly School® with bronze distinction for the past two years, and U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked Whitworth among the top universities in the region, naming Whitworth No. 2 in the West for Veterans for 2021. For more information on Whitworth’s ROTC programs and how to enroll, visit www.whitworth.edu/cms/academics/ rotc-programs/index.htm, or contact Labrie at (509) 777-3302 or plabrie@whitworth.edu.
VA.gov/welcome-kit
The VA Welcome Guide
covers all types of benefits and services available for veterans, new recruits, active service members and their families.
DAV9.com
Based in Post Falls, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 9 Fort Sherman shares links and information to both local and national help organizations for veterans.
Explore.VA.gov/benefitsnavigator Explore VA benefits and discover which ones you and your family may be eligible to receive.
IN PERSON
BY PHONE
1117 N. Evergreen Rd., Spokane Valley, WA (509) 477-3690 Apply for emergency services, or have any benefits or service questions answered by 5 Veteran Service Officers (VSO) and staff.
(509) 477-3690
Spokane County Regional Veteran Service
North Idaho Veteran Services and Benefits Office
120 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls, ID (208) 446-1092 Meet with a VSO or staff for help with VA benefits enrollment, claims or other veteran needs.
Goodwill Support Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
130 E. Third Ave., Spokane, WA (509) 828-2449 SSVF helps homeless veterans and their families find housing and connects veterans with other support organizations.
Spokane County Regional Veteran Service North Idaho Veteran Services and Benefits Office 120 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls, ID (208) 446-1092
Veteran Crisis Line
1 (800) 273-8255, press 1
North Idaho Crisis Center (208) 625-4884
Washington or Idaho 2-1-1
Dial “2-1-1” for health and human resources referrals. If you don’t know who to call, VA has a new “Single Access Point” phone number to all VA contact centers 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411)
Page 6
Friday, July 16, 2021
The Spokesman-Review
VETERANS CHRONICLE
GETTING HELP SHOWS STRENGTH
Army veteran finds hope in her young daughter Courtesy of Make the Connection
MAKETHECONNECTION.NET
Nicole spent more than a decade in the U.S. Army. Throughout de ployments to Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa, she never really expected to be in danger because she worked in human resources and finance. “When you deploy, you think, ‘Oh, I have a desk job. I don’t have to worry about all this stuff,’” she explained. A few years into her Army service, Nicole found herself divorced and a single mother. She continued to serve, it was tough leavbut ing her toddler daughter, Amina, with relwas atives while she deployed overseas. Over time, the separation wore on Nicole. By the she was deployed time to a new post in Afghanistan, Nicole hadn’t seen or spoken with her daughter for six months. It was the longest they had ever been apart, but Amina was never far from her mind. Nicole recalls her c h a l l e n g e s wo r s e n i n g following a specific, traumatic event that occurred when she was assigned to escort a group of bankers to replenish an ATM. Before she reached them, three suicide bombers attacked along her path.
MAKE THE CONNECTION
Nicole, an Army veteran, was diagnosed with PTSD and adjustment disorder following her return from deployment. “The explosion actually made my ears bleed,” she said. “You could see body parts even everywhere.” But then, Amina was on her mind. “I thought that we could possibly die, and I wouldn’t see my little girl again. That was the scary part.” When Nicole returned to the U.S. and was required to have a mental health evaluation, she was diagnosed with PTSD and adjustment disorder. “That was really hard for me, and especially explaining it to my fambecause my grandily, ma’s old school. You know, she really didn’t be-
“
Seek help. There’s no shame in it. It just shows that you’re strong enough to face what you’re dealing with, and you don’t have to do it alone.” Nicole, Army veteran lieve in that sort of thing. She’s like, ‘Oh, you’ll be fine.’ You know, ‘Shake it off.’” But, as Nicole learned, “this isn’t something you can shake off.” spoke about her She feelings with her commander, her chaplain friend, and finally with
mental health providers. As she recalls, “I realized that I was struggling when I actually had thoughts of killing myself. That's how miserable I was.” Nicole visited her psychiatrist once or twice a week to vent her feelings and work through her
challenges, including hypervigilance: “I noticed when I came back that I’m not really fond of large crowds of people,” she said. “I have to know where the exits are at all times. I don’t like my back facing the door.” After leaving the military, Nicole also developed new hobbies that she found therapeutic, like crafting, writing and painting. And she found peace of mind in spending time with Amina as she grew up, taking her to the park or teaching her new things, like riding a bike. To d a y, i f N i cole ever needs support,
she has a doctor nearby who can help. “Whether you think you have an issue or not, go see someone,” she said. “If nothing’s wrong with you, that’s totally fine, but some people don’t do that and they end up hurting themselves or someone else when it could have been prevented.” “Seek help,” she added. “There’s no shame in it. It just shows that you’re strong enough to face what you’re dealing with, and you don’t have to do it alone.” Sound like someone you know? Find local help in “How Can I Get Help?” on page 5.
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Page 7
Friday, July 16, 2021
VETERANS CHRONICLE
The origin of Women Veterans Day
At left: Flora Belle Reece, a former veteran who served as a WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots), stands by a plane March 22, 2014, at the Inaugural LA County Air Show at the William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster, Calif.
Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin. There are currently almost 2 million women veterans in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Territories/Foreign, according to VA. We’re working hard to ensure that women veterans are treated with the respect and dignity they have earned and deserve. To help achieve that goal, VA Secretary Dennis McDonough has made it clear since assuming his new role that all VA staff, patients, families, caregivers, survivors, visitors and advocates must feel safe in a workplace free of harassment and discrimination. The Center for Women Veterans was established by Congress in November 1994 by Public Law (P.L.) 103-446 to monitor and coordinate VA’s administration of health care, benefits and services, and programs for women veterans. CWV serves as an advocate for a cultural transformation (both within VA and in the general public) in recognizing the service and contributions of women veterans and women in the military, and to raise awareness of the responsibility to treat women veterans with dignity and respect. The Center is promoting cultural transformation to #BringWomenVeteransHome2VA with initiatives such as: I AM NOT INVISIBLE (IANI), 2021 Women Veteran Trailblazers, naming of VA Spaces after women Veterans, and partnerships with many internal and external partners. Women Veterans Day is not a separate day for women veterans, it is a tribute to a groundbreaking day when women were acknowledged as essential to the war efforts and could serve in the regular armed forces.
tion in California, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York,
Missina Schallus is a Navy Veteran and the communications manager for VA’s Center for Women Veterans.
By Missina Schallus
VANTAGE POINT CONTRIBUTOR
Women Veterans Day, also referred to as Women Veterans Recognition Day and Women Veterans Appreciation Day, is the anniversary of the day the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act (pub.L. 80–625, 62 Stat. 356) was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman on June 12, 1948. Prior to then, only women nurses could serve in the regular and reserve forces during peacetime. But why do we even need a Women Veterans Day? Women have served in America’s wars and conflicts throughout America’s history and performed many jobs, playing vital roles in the American Revolution, serving as soldiers, raising morale, and spying on the enemy. More than 400 women fought in the Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War. During World War I, about 35,000 women officially served as nurses and support staff, such as the Hello Girls, formally known as the Signal Corps Female Telephone Operators Unit. In World War II, 140,000 women served in the Women’s Army Corps (WACs) performing critical jobs, such as military intelligence, cryptography and parachute rigging. In August 1943, Women in the Air Force (WAF) and Women's Flying Training Detachment (WFTD) merged into a single unit for all women pilots and formed the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), who flew more than 60,000 miles in two years. During this time, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was formed as the first and only all Black Women Army Corps unit to be deployed overseas during WWII. Their nickname was “Six-Triple Eight” and their motto was “No Mail, Low Morale.”
NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Above: WACs from the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion take part in a parade in Rouen, France, on May 27, 1945, following a ceremony honoring Joan of Arc.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Today there are still many women veteran history lessons to be taught. The first Women
Veterans Day was celebrated on June 12, 2018, and is currently a state-recognized commemora-
Page 8
Friday, July 16, 2021
The Spokesman-Review
VETERANS CHRONICLE
Secure your survivor benefits
MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT VETERANS AND PTSD
Courtesy of National Center for PTSD and Real Warriors
Myth: Veterans can never recover from PTSD.
Fact: Treatment for PTSD is effective, and veterans do recover and lead full lives. Even though PTSD treatments work, most people who have PTSD don't get the help they need. Getting help early can significantly improve your symptoms, but it’s never too late to get help. PTSD can recur, but treatment can make you feel in control and give you tools to cope. What you can do: If you know a veteran who is ready to get help, visit PTSD: Decision Aid (www. ptsd.va.gov/apps/decisionaid/) to learn about effective PTSD treatment options and begin treatment.
Other websites like Make the Connection (maketheconnection. net) and About Face (aboutfaceveterans.org) feature videos about veterans talking about treatment. Friends and family may also want to contact Coaching Into Care (www.mirecc.va.gov/coaching/), a national telephone service of the VA that provides information and support for family members and friends who are seeking care or services for a veteran.
Myth: Talking about it always helps. If I can just get them to open up, things will be better.
Fact: Talking about traumatic events can be difficult for anyone and not always helpful. Sometimes the best thing is to give your veteran some space and not pressure them to talk. Everyone is different as to what they can tolerate and some-
times talking about the trauma is best left to a professional therapist, who can also provide coping skills for dealing with it. Sometimes veterans don’t talk about it with family and friends because it’s just too painful or they don’t want you to have the same thoughts and nightmares in your head. What you can do: Pay attention to your veteran's body language and other nonverbal cues. Avoid giving advice; sometimes you just need to listen nonjudgmentally and with empathy. You might hang out or try another activity while talking, like walking, which sometimes makes it easier to open up. For tips on listening and communication with your veteran, please call Coaching Into Care at (888) 823-7458, available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT. Looking for local help? See “How Can I Get Help?” on page 5.
A VA Survivors Pension offers monthly payments to qualified surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of wartime veterans who meet certain income and net worth limits set by Congress. For a spouse to receive Death Indemnity Compensation (DIC) VA Benefits, a serviceconnected disability or one presumptive of military service must be listed on the death certificate as a primary cause of death or a contributing cause of death. Be sure the person that will sign the veteran’s death certificate (at the funeral home or a medical person at a hospital) is aware of any and all service-connected disabilities that could have caused or contributed to the veteran’s death. This will help the spouse file a successful claim to receive VA benefits after the veteran’s death. You should not wait until the veteran dies to start your quest for survivor benefits! To make sure you get the benefits earned and deserved, make sure you have your paperwork in order and the death certificate is completed as noted above. To get additional information or help, go to www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/ or seek help for the resources listed in “How Can I Get Help?” on page 5.
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Page 9
VETERANS CHRONICLE
VETERANS
BY THE NUMBERS
By Jennifer Schultz
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF STATE LEGISLATURES
Most Americans will never serve in the military or step foot on a battlefield, but many feel an obligation to support those who have. Veterans Day was a holiday created to honor all those who have served in an American war. It began as Armistice Day, on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the cessation of hostilities in World War I – the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Over 100 years later, the U.S. still counts a large population of veterans, a great many of whom are struggling to find a job, housing or health care. Thanking veterans for their service can go a long way, but many feel we owe them and their families more. Let’s start by identifying who our veterans are and where they live. There are 18.8 million veterans living in the U.S. today, 7.6 percent of the population. They are predominantly male (91.6 percent), though the number of female veterans is on the rise. Veterans tend to be older than nonveterans. This reflects the characteristics of veterans who served during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam era, all of whom are now over 55 years old. Veterans who served during these war periods accounted for more than 45 percent of the total veteran population in 2015, according to the U.S. Census Bu-
LOCAL VETERANS STATISTICS
Spokane County
Between 45,000 to 50,000 veterans live in Spokane County, which equates to 9-10% of the population. Nearly 10,000 have a service-connected disability.
Kootenai County
Between 15,000 to 20,000 veterans live in Kootenai County, which equates to between 10 to 12% of the estimated 2018 population. Nearly 3,000 have service-connected disabilities. Over 25% of homeless men are war veterans. Among those are young men and women who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, who have debilitating injuries and have no place to go. reau’s American Community Survey. But veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan increase every year. In 2015, roughly one-quarter served during Gulf War era I (August 1990-August 2001) or Gulf War era II (September 2001 to present). Minorities made up 23.6 percent of the population in 2015. Like women, this group will increase greatly in the years to come. Veterans are generally better educated than nonveterans: 37.1 percent completed some college or an associate’s degree; 27.7 percent have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Veterans are also more likely to be married (59.8 percent vs. 47.8 percent). Not surprisingly, veterans live in every state and community in the U.S. Three states – California, Florida and Texas – have more than 1 million veterans. Another 10 states have more than 500,000 – Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Michi-
gan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington. Veterans make up 10 percent or more of the total adult population in six states – Alaska (12.5 percent), Virginia (10.8 percent), Montana (10.6 percent), Wyoming (10.2 percent), Maine (10 percent) and Hawaii (10 percent). (The American Community Survey did not collect data for Guam, but other sources report a sizable veteran population, as high as 20 percent.) With more veterans returning home, state legislatures can play an important role in ensuring they and their families receive the resources and information needed to make a smooth transition to civilian life. Jennifer Schultz is a senior policy specialist in NCSL's Environment, Energy and Transportation program. She staffs the NCSL Task Force on Military and Veterans Affairs.
Friday, July 16, 2021
Page 10
Friday, July 16, 2021
The Spokesman-Review
VETERANS CHRONICLE
What every veteran should know about Agent Orange (Part I) Learn the basics of VA’s Agent Orange benefits and care By Dr. Ralph L. Erickson VANTAGE POINT BLOG
1. Agent Orange was an herbicide and defoliant used in Vietnam Agent Orange was a blend of tactical herbicides the U.S. military sprayed from 1962 to 1971 during the Vietnam War to remove the leaves of trees and other dense tropical foliage that provided enemy cover. The U.S. Department of Defense developed tactical herbicides specifically to be used in “combat operations.” They were not commercial grade herbicides purchased from chemical companies and sent to Vietnam. More than 19 million gallons of various “rainbow” herbicide combinations were sprayed, but Agent Orange was the combination the U.S. military used most often. The name “Agent Orange” came from the orange identifying stripe used on the 55-gallon drums in which it was stored. Heavily sprayed areas included forests near the demarcation zone, forests at the junction of the borders of Cambodia, Laos, and South Vietnam, and mangroves on the southernmost peninsula of Vietnam and along shipping channels southeast of Saigon. 2. Any veteran who served anywhere in Vietnam during the war is presumed to have been exposed to
Part II
Part II will be published in a later edition. This article can be found in its entirety online at VeteransHelpNet. com.
Agent Orange For the purposes of VA compensation benefits, veterans who served anywhere in Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 are presumed to have been exposed to herbicides, as specified in the Agent Orange Act of 1991. These veterans do not need to show that they were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides in order to get disability compensation for diseases related to Agent Orange exposure. Service in Vietnam means service on land in Vietnam or on the inland waterways (“brown water” veterans) of Vietnam. 3. VA has linked several diseases and health conditions to Agent Orange exposure VA has recognized certain cancers and other health problems as presumptive diseases associated with exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service. Veterans and their survivors may be eligible for compensation benefits. • AL Amyloidosis: A rare disease caused when an abnormal protein, amyloid, enters and collects tissues or organs • Chronic B-cell Leukemias: A type of cancer which affects a specific type of white blood cell • Chloracne (or similar acneform disease): A skin condition that occurs soon after exposure to chemicals and looks like
larynx, trachea, and bronchus • Soft Tissue Sarcomas (other than osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, or mesothelioma) • A specific group of malignant of cancers in body tissues such as muscle, fat, blood and lymph vessels, and connective tissues If this information would be useful to a Vietnam veteran in your life, share this article with them and direct them to “How Can I Get Help?” on page 5.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
In this May 1966 file photo, a U.S. Air Force C-123 flies low along a South Vietnamese highway spraying defoliants on dense jungle growth beside the road to eliminate ambush sites for the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. common forms of acne seen in teenagers. Under VA’s rating regulations, it must be at least 10 percent disabling within one year of exposure to herbicides. • Diabetes Mellitus Type 2: A disease characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from the body’s inability to produce or respond properly to the hormone insulin • Hodgkin’s Disease: A malignant lymphoma (cancer) characterized by progressive enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen, and by progressive anemia • Ischemic Heart Dis-
ease: A disease characterized by a reduced supply of blood to the heart, that can lead to chest pain (angina) • Multiple Myeloma: A cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in bone marrow • Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: A group of cancers that affect the lymph glands and other lymphatic tissue • Parkinson’s Disease: A progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects muscle movement • Peripheral Neuropathy, Early-Onset: A nervous system condition that causes numbness, tingling, and muscle
weakness. Under VA’s rating regulations, it must be at least 10 percent disabling within one year of herbicide exposure. • Porphyria Cutanea Tarda: A disorder characterized by liver dysfunction and by thinning and blistering of the skin in sun-exposed areas. Under VA’s rating regulations, it must be at least 10 percent disabling within one year of exposure to herbicides. • Prostate Cancer: Cancer of the prostate; one of the most common cancers among older men • Respiratory Cancers (includes lung cancer): Cancers of the lung,
Dr. Ralph Erickson is an Army Veteran of the Gulf War (1990-91) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003). He retired with 32 + years active-duty service, during which he held a number of leadership positions to include: Commander of The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research; Command Surgeon, US Central Command; and Director, DoD Global Emerging Infections and Response System (DOD-GEIS). He is a board certified physician in Preventive Medicine and Public Health. He received his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), Masters of Public Health from Harvard University, and Doctorate of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Page 11
VETERANS CHRONICLE
VA expands GI Bill benefits to help veterans, employers fill ‘high demand’ occupations The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is preparing to launch the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) as part of its continued effort to support veterans seeking retraining and economic opportunities in response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The VA, in partnership with the Department of Labor, published a list of high-demand occupations. The list is available at benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/docs/ vrrap-high-demand-occupation-list.pdf and includes healthcare, education, media, engineering, and hightech opportunities. The new program, part of the American Rescue Plan, will allow qualifying veterans between the ages of 22 and 67 to receive up to 12 months of tuition, fees, and monthly housing allowance payments, based on Post-9/11 GI Bill bene-
fits. The VA will require educational institutions to commit to a participation agreement that will outline VRRAP requirements and specify which training programs are covered under VRRAP. For a program of education to qualify for VRRAP, it must be approved for GI Bill or VET TEC, not lead to a bachelors or graduate degree, and provide training for a high-demand occupation. The payment model for VRRAP tuition and fees (paid directly to the VRRAP education institution) is milestone based: • 50% when the veteran begins the program; • 25% when the veteran completes the program; • 25% when the veteran finds employment in the field of study. A list of schools participating in VRRAP can be
found online at benefits. va.gov/gibill/docs/ VRRAP_ApprovedEducationalInstitutions.pdf. The program is limited to a maximum of 17,250 participants and up to $386 million, or until Dec. 11, 2022. If you are aware of any GI Bill Beneficiaries who require assistance, please have them contact the Education Call Center at (888) 442-4551 between 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., Central Time, Monday-Friday to speak with a representative. To apply and find more information, visit www. va.gov/education/other-va-education-benefits/ veteran-rapid-retraining-assistance/. See “How Can I Get Help?” on page 5 to connect with local resources. Information courtesy Idaho Division of Veteran Services.
Friday, July 16, 2021
Page 12
Friday, July 16, 2021
The Spokesman-Review
