Having problems receiving your Disability benefits?
This author was able to overcome the hurdles for her father and has written a 36-page booklet explaining how to do it. To obtain a copy of the booklet, mail a money order for $20
to:
Debra Holbrook
C/O Benefit Booklet Courtesy of The News Herald News
P.O. Box 40 (May 27th, 2005 edition)
Flat Rock, MI 48134
Did you know that elderly widows and widowers of retired or honorably separated military officers are eligible to live at Air Force Village I in San Antonio,Texas?
The Villages are three retirement communities in San Antonio whose primary purpose is to care for surviving officer & spouses of ALL branches of the service who need a secure, comfortable and dignified place to live.
They also have a Fellowship Fund that can help meet the financial needs of widow(ers) of retired Air Force officers who do not have adequate financial resources to cover their living or health-care expenses.
NO qualified widow orwidower is ever turned away due to inability to pay.
The identity of the people who receive assistance is kept strictly confidential.
The toll-free number to the Air Force Village Foundation is 800-762-1122.
Wayne County Soldiers & Sailors Relief Service Group
(Veterans & spouses of deceased veterans)
Information: 313-224-8163
MICHIGAN VETERANS TRUST FUND EMERGENCY GRANT FUND
(Veterans and spouses of deceased veterans)
Information: 313-899-1162
Website: www.michigan.gov/dmvaSee below for even more assistance!
Wounded Warrior Project
Website:www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Provides the following programs:
1. Grants to VA Hospitals to purchase life-enhancing and life-saving equipment
(Healthcare for Heroes)
2. Provides money to organizations dedicated to providing affordable housing to veterans
(Housing for Heroes)
3. Provides used adapted vans donated to or purchased directly by the organization. Additionally, they may assist in adapting a vehicle for a veteran who meets certain financial guidelines (Vans 4 Vets)
Wounded Warrior Project starts at the beds of the severely injured as they undergo treatment
and rehabilitation at the Dept. of Defense facilities and throughout their rehabilitation.
To be eligible the veteran must be an honorably discharged veteran of the United States military and have a severe physical disability which leaves him/her in a wheelchair. Also, the veteran's income must fall within the poverty guidelines established by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs for a single person or family.
Veterans Haven Inc.
4924 S. Wayne Road
Wayne MI 48184
Phone: 734-728-0527
Email: vetshaven@gmail.com
Website:www.vetshaveninfo.org
Veterans Haven provides housing, food, clothing, medical supplies and medical equipment, education and employment resources.
Help for Michigan disabled Veterans (including those with developmental disabilities and mental illness) with shelters, housing and more!
Michigan Ability Partners
16136 Eureka
Southgate MI 48195
Phone: 734-246-5800
OR
3810 Packard
Ann Arbor, MI 49108
Phone: 734-975-6880
info@michiganabilitypartners.org
Veterans Integrated Service Network
(VISN) 11
PO Box 134002
Ann Arbor, MI 48113
Phone: 734-930-5950
Website: www.va.gov
State Regional Office
VA Regional Office
Patrick V. McNamara Building
477 Michigan Ave.
Detroit MI 48226
Phone: 1-800-827-1000
Website: www.va.gov
VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
2215 Fuller Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: 734-769-7100
Website:www.va.gov
Dearborn Vet Center
2881 Monroe Street
Suite 100
Dearborn MI 48124
Phone: 313-277-1428
Website:www.va.gov
John D. Dingell VA Medical Center
4646 John R
Detroit MI 48201
Phone: 313-576-1000
Website: www.va.gov
Detroit Vet Center
4161 Cass Ave.
Detroit MI 48201
Phone: 313-831-6509
Website:www.va.gov
Pontiac VA Outpatient Clinic
950 University Dr.
Pontiac, MI 48342
Phone: 248-409-0585
Website:www.va.gov
National Cemeteries in Michigan
The federal Department of Veterans Affairs currently has two national cemeteries in Michigan.
Military Order of the Purple Heart Paralyzed Veterans of America
441 Goddard Road 1233 McNamara Building
Wyandotte MI 48192 477 Michigan Avenue Detroit MI 48226-2584
Phone: 313-961-9583
Did you know there are well-known businesses (such as Little Caesars Pizza) who will help you start a new franchise for just a FRACTION of what it normally would cost? For ex. Little Caesars will give up to $10,000 in benefits toward starting a new Little Caesars franchise AND service-disabled veterans are eligible for up to $68,000 for starting a franchise. A typical Little Caesars store costs $175,000 to $300,000 to build and equip.
Information on Little Caesars franchise opportunities can be found at www.littlecaesars.com.
For information on VetFran, the International Francise Association program, go to www.franchise.org.
For information about the Center for Veterans Enterprise, go to www.vetbiz.gov OR call 866-584-2344.
Motor City Chapter of the Women Marines Association
70274 Campground
Romeo MI
Phone: 586-752-9421
Website: www.jocokyroots.com/usmc.htm
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund-Tuition Grant Program
A program administered by the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund provides payment for the education of the children of a veteran who is totally disabled from service-incurred causes, was killed in the line of duty, has died subsequently from a service-related disability, was totally disabled before death from a service-connected illness or injury, or who is listed by the federal government as missing in action in a foreign country. Recipients must be attending a postsecondary education institution in Michigan. Information and application forms are available from your cunty Veterans Affairs office or on the Internet athttp://www.va.gov
Soldiers Relief Commission
In some counties, emergency relief grants are available to Michigan veterans who do not meet Michigan Veterans Trust Fund criteria. Funds are limited, so the commission makes an effort to refer veterans who are eligible to other sources of financial assistance. Contact your county Veterans Affairs office.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Vet Centers
If you are a veteran or a spouse of a veteran who wants to learn more about post-traumatic stress, call your nearest V.A. Medical Facility OR contact one of the Vet Centers listed below:
Dearborn Vet Center Detroit Vet Center
2881 Monroe Street 4161 Cass Avenue
Dearborn MI 48124 Detroit MI 48201
Phone: 313-277-1428 ext. 553Phone: 313-831-6509
Grand Rapids Vet Center
1940 Eastern Avenue SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Phone: 616-243-0385
The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Website is http://www.ncptsd.va.gov
Veterans Housing Program--Volunteers of America (Homeless Veterans)
The Veterans Housing Program has greatly expanded housing and other community resources to an underserved population. Veterans may participate in the program for 18 months and are offered the following services: case management, individual and group counseling, referrals for substance abuse and medical treatment, budgeting assistance, job interviewing and placement and anger management. Upon graduation, aftercare services are offered for six months.
Eligible participants must be a homeless veteran and have at minimum a general discharge under honorable conditions. In Lansing, Volunteers of America operates a 50-bed overnight emergency shelter for men. For more information about the Veterans Housing Program, please contact:
Daleth Jean-Jules MSSW, CSW
Program Coordinator
430 N. Larch Street
Lansing, MI 48912
Phone: 517-484-4414, ext. 119
V. A. Center for Women Veterans
Some of the services for women veterans are Center for Women Veterans, Outreach for Women Veterans, Health Care for Women Veterans, Sexual Trauma Counseling and Comprehensive Health Care Centers located at www1.va.gov/womenvet/
Additional Monetary Assistance:
Army Emergency ReliefAir Force Aid Society
http://www.aerhq.org http://www.afas.org
You can obtain additional information at these sites or by contacting the Selfridge Community Services office at 1-586-307-4514. This office provides financial counseling and assistance for service members who are currently on active duty.
The Michigan National Guard Family Fund
was created to assist Air and Army National Guard families who experience financial difficulties with temporary emergency financial assistance, and to fund programs and training to maintain and improve the quality of life of our Michigan National Guard families. The fund provides for up to a $500 grant to soldiers and airmen and their family members who encounter financial hardships. An application must be submitted with the necessary documentation. For an application form, go tohttp://www.michguard.com
Michigan's Opportunities for Veterans Employment (MOVE)
MOVE, part of the Dept. of Labor and Economic Growth, identifies, contacts and recruits veterans separating to Michgan for employment opportunities that match their qualifications and career interests. The program seeks to meet the staffing needs of the business community in Michigan with veterans re-entering civilian life after a single term or after retiring from the armed forces. The toll-free number is 1-800-455-5228 OR visithttp://michigan.gov/veteranjobs
State of Michigan Re-Employment Rights for Veterans
In 2002 the Michigan Legislature enacted a law to strengthen the Michigan law regarding
re-employment of employees after military service. Get more information at http://michigan.gov/veteranjobs or call the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Growth-Bureau of Workforce Programs and speak to a veterans employment representative at 1-800-455-5228.
Helmets to Hardhats
A free program that helps transitioning military, guardsmen, and reservists find great careers. The program works with the 15 building and construction trade unions to list construction careers and works with qualified employers to list all other types of careers. Here you can list your skills online to be viewed by potential employers and view employment and training opportunities throughout the U.S. Visit the website athttp://www.helmetstohardhats.org/home.jsp
Michigan Rehabilitation Services
Veterans with disabilities should also investigate the State of Michigan Rehabilitation Services program administered by the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Growth. Services may be available to supplement USDVA allowances for vocational rehabilitation in cases of special need or for placement, tools, and equipment. Employment servicesmay also be available to veterans whose disabilities are not service-related. Information is available toll-free at 1-800-605-6722 or
1-888-605-6722 (TTY) OR visit the website at www.michigan.gov/mrs
Commission on Disability Concerns mcdc@michigan.gov
PLEASE ALSO CHECK UNDER THE "DISABILITY RESOURCES" WEBPAGE OF THIS SITE!
Project HERO (Homes Eliminated of Restrictiions and Obstacles)
A NEW pilot program to help faciliatate home imporvement projects for disabled veterans.
Founded by the International Code Council Foundation that taps the efforts of building safety officials, design professionals and contractors. The group helps to install ramps, lower doorknobs and complete other needed fixes, as well as to handle more complicated projects such as room additions. Michigan is the FIRST state to offer a statewide program! To submit an application for assistance, visit www.michigan.gov/dlegand click on"Project H*E*R*O" in theSpotlight Section. For futher information, contact Dan Dykstra, assistant coordinator for the Michigan Project H*E*R*O effort, at 517-241-8804 orddykst@michigan.gov
Disabled Veterans International
PO Box 9242
Toledo Ohio 43697
Email: sherry_burden@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.dvi-online.org
OperationHeroforHire.com houses a customized online information center with examples of military-to-civilian resumes, interview tips, important links and more. You can find out how to draw parallels between skills acquired in the military and those required in civilian positions.
O*NetOnLine.com is a Website that has a specialized tool that enables veterans to align DOT or MOC codes with similar civilian jobs. Veterans can find sample job titles, tasks, skills and related occupations.
When developing your resume, be sure to list specific accolades and accomplishments from military and civilian occupations, so employers can see how skills were put in action!
The following companies make it a point to hire veterans!
1. Home Depot
2. General Electric
3. Sprint Nextel (this company has a career military vet who heads up Sprint's veteran recruitment program and they have a pay differential program, veteran support network and other military service benefits!)
If you can read this webpage, THANK A Teacher!
If you can read this webpage in English, THANK A VET!
AMERICA.........Home of the Free, because of the BRAVE!
Sewing Group
10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. every 2nd Monday of the month. Volunteers to make different items for
the V. A. Hospital.
NO sewing experience necessary!
Christ the King Lutheran Church Southgate MI
Phone: 734-282-7611
VETERANS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE DIPLOMAS!
To provide special recognition for the service of military veterans of WWII and the Korean Conflict, a 2001 Michigan law authorizes Michigan school districts to award high school diplomas to WWII and Korean veterans. The veteran must be 65 years of age, or, if deceased, have reached the age of 65 by the date of death; before graduation from high school, the veteran enlisted or was drafted into the U.S. armed forces between December 16, 1940 and December 31st, 1955 (Korean Conflict); when enlisted or drafted, the veteran was enrolled in a high school, and did not subsequently graduate from high school, the veteran was honorably discharged from the service. Contact your local school district's Superintendent's office!
Challenge Aspen
Challenge Aspen has a team of talented volunteers who help those with mental (including Traumatic Brain Injuries) or physical handicaps enjoy a winter camp experience. They also have summer camps which offer art, drama, music and summer sports like fishing, swimming, horseback riding and whitewater rafting. There will be two special camps for disabled veterans and for newly injured soldiers in August and September of 2007!! Scholarships are available!!!
For more information call 970-923-0578 or visitwww.challengeaspen.com
Detroit MI 48226 Must be over 18 and drug-free for the transitional housing.
Phone: 313-993-4700
Website: www.drmm.org
"Veterans Independence Program" (V.I.P.) helps vets with transitional housing.
FREE Legal Services for Veterans!
If you're a veteran and could use some help from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, call 313-596-0262. The Law School is becomming the first law school in the state to offer freelegal assistance to veterans across Michigan. And rather than asking the veterans, many of whom have disabilities, to travel to downtown Detroit for their services, , the school's lawyers and law students will make house calls using an RV-turned office.
Website: www.law.udmercy.edu
The James and Dorothy Stanton Foundation Scholarship, for U.S. Armed Forces veterans from the Iraq or Afghanistan wars, as well as their children and spouses, are available for those who wish to attend Macomb Community College.For information, contact the college'sFinancialAid Office at 586-445-7228.
Honor Flight Michigan is a non-profit organization that is focused on sending WWII Veterans to see their Memorial in Washington DC FREE OF CHARGE! There is an urgency for this task since the national WWII memorial was not opened to the public until 2004 and the Veterans are all 80-102 years old with time running out!
Contact: OR
Honor Flight Michigan, Inc. Pride and Honor Flight
PO Box 237 4302 Cornwell Lane
Royal Oak, MI 48068-9998 Whitmore Lake, MI 48189
Phone: 248-744-0286 Phone: 734-426-8931 OR 734-323-9800
Please see the above website to make donations towards this effort also.
Many Veterans and their dependents are not aware that there are different types of pensions available no matter how old you are!
Parents DIC: A monthly benefit paid to parents of veterans who die in service or as a result of a service-connected disability. There are qualifying income limits and the amount available is based on the parent's monthly income.
Death Pension: A monthly benefit paid to unmarried surviving spouses and dependent children of wartime veterans whose death is not due to a service-connected disability. There are qualifying income limits and the amount payable varies based on the amount of other income. There is no age limit!
Veteran Pension: Dependent on the Veteran's monthly income...designed to bring Veterans up to a basic standard of living. There is no age limit!
Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit: Wartime veterans and surviving spouses who have in-home care or you live in nursing homes or assisted-living situations and are incapable of self-support and in need of regular personal assistance.
Project VetAssist (www.vetassist.org) a free online service, guides vets or their survivors applying for the VA Improved Pension program. Or email info@VetAssist.org.
Volunteers of America Veterans Housing Program
430 N. Larch Street
Lansing MI 48912
Phone: 517-484-4414, ext. 119
The Veterans Housing Program has greatly expanded housing and other community resources to a significantly underserved population. Veterans may participate in the program for 18 months are offered the following services: Case management, individual and group Counseling, referrals for substance abuse and medical treatment, budgeting assistance, job interviewing and placement and anger management. Upon graduation, aftercare services are offered for 6 months. Eligible particpants must meet the following criteria: Homeless male veteran & minimum of general discharge under honorable conditions.
Veterans of Modern Warfare
16945 12 Mile
Roseville MI 48066
Phone: 586-776-9810
Open to current Active-Duty members of the National Guard, Reserve and Coast Guard along with any veteran who served at least 1 day from 8-2-1990 (the start of Operation Desert Storm).
1st Michigan Chapter is the Roseville Chapter with 2 more to follow in Holly and Ann Arbor shortly.
Quilts of Valor Foundtion
Email: lindat@devlingroup.com
Website: www.govf.org
A non-profit group dedicated to comforting injured veterans.
Homes for Our Troops
Phone: 248-504-9843 Dan Higgins
Email: michiganfot@yahoo.com
Website: www.homesforourtroops.org
A 501 (c)3 charity that builds and renovates houses for disabled veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan,providing these services at no cost to the veterans.
VFW National Home for Children
Phone: 800-424-8360
Website: www.vfwnationalhome.org
Currently collecting UPC codes from Campbell soup products in order to buy another van for the home....send yours in!
Patriot Express Pilot Loan
Phone: 313-226-6075
Website: www.sba.gov/patriotexpress
Available to active-duty service members as well as veterans and their spouses.The Small Business Association is making the Patriot Express loan available through its network of participating lenders across the country. These loans, which are available in amounts up to $500,000 can be used for most business purposes, including start-up, expansion, equipment purchases, working capital, inventory or business-occupied real estate purchases.
AND
Military Reserve Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Up to $1.5 million that can be used to help reservists prepare their businesses before they leave. They can also be used to help manage their businesses while they are gone.
"Returning Veterans Tuition Assistance"
Western Michigan University
Veteran's Dept.
Phone: 269-387-4115 Brenda Hamlyn
Offers veterans a free semester following their discharge or leave from active-duty.
It will cover tuition charges not covered by other tuition-specific programs. A Veteran should apply within 6 months of his/her deployment and must begin taking classes within the six-month period. If the student is applying for a summer session, they can defer the RVTA to the Fall semester if they would like to. You can receive the RVTA only ONE time.
Vets MUST be eligible for VA benefits.
Underwater Warriors
PO Box 2117
Fort Campbell, KY 42223
Website: underwaterwarriors.org
This charitable, nonprofit group helps wounded servicepeople through an innovative wellness program based on the sport of scuba-diving. Injured soldiers and their family members experience the theraputic freedom of diving in a safe pool setting.
Uncle Sam Program
Optometric Institute and Clinic of Metropolitan Detroit
3044 W. Grand Boulevard Suite 1-253
Detroit MI 48202
Phone: 313-872-2060
Email: OICMD@OICMD.org
Website: http://optometricinstitute.org
The "Uncle Sam Program" will cover a percentage (up to 100%) of the cost for eye examination and ophthalmic materials, based on individual cases, for military veterans. No referral is necessary by those requiring care and only proof of military service is required for service.
Veterans who serviced in Operation Eduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom can apply for these scholarships.
Veterans who need Disability Ramps for their homes, can apply to receive one FREE thru the V.A. no matter their age or the reason they became disabled. You must have an examination by a V.A. doctor in order to receive a prescription and ramp from the V.A.
The Social Security Commission expeditates Social Security claims (beginning 10-1-2001)
who were wounded on active-duty. Go to www.ssa.gov/woundedwarriors
Health Care for Homeless Veterans
John B. Dingell VA Medical Center
Detroit MI 48201
Phone: 313-576-1000, ext. 3763
Contact Person: Frances E. McGivern, Coordinator
A nationwide project of the V.A. designed to assist homeless veterans in obtaining transitional support for re-entry into community life. Those eligible include homeless vets in shelters or on the streets with discharge other than dishonorable. If in service after 1980, must have served for at least 24 months active-duty, except vets who served in the Persian Gulf during the war.
Services include: medical and psychiatric evaluations, education and counseling in health care/veteran benefits/substance abuse/and social integration, assistance for vets applying for VA compensation and pension or VA disability, referrals for transitional housing, follow-up services at the VA Medical Center, case management, information about the Dept. of Veterans Affairs and community resources.
Veterans and their family that care for them, are entitled to FREE Respite Care each year! The Veteran MUST have been in the military during wartime (please be aware that many prior "conflicts" or "police action" wars are now classified as "wartime" so that veterans may access benefits!)
If the Veteran is being cared for at home, they are entitled to 30 HOURS of free respite per year....this may be taken in any increment. A few days at once, several hours a day, etc. If the Veteran is being cared for in a nursing home or Assisted-Living, they are entitled to 30 DAYSeach year. Please call 734-769-7100 in order to apply for these benefits!
Michigan Wood Carvers Association Eagle Cane Project
Website: www.miwca.com
About 300 members of the Michigan Wood Carvers Association are donating their time to make Eagle head cane toppers on canes for injured veterans. The tradition of giving canes to wounded soldiers dates to the Civil War.While some state carving groups will give canes only to soldiers with combat injuries or who have received Purple Hearts, the Michigan association has made canes for military members with noncombat injureis. They also want to honor soldiers who have been killed during the war, though they haven't had any requests yet. The canes have carved eagle heads and the soldier's story is burned onto the shaft, such as the soldier's name, rank and unit, date of injury and the names of the artisans who made the cane.They also affix decals of the American flag, the Purple Heart and the branches of the military.
Affirmative Action Register
Phone: 800-537-0655
Email: aareeo@concentric.net
Website: http://www.aar-eeo.com
The National EEO Recruitment Publication directed to females, minorities, Veterans, and disabled persons. Check this publication to find professional job openings across the country!
Marine For Life
Phone: 888-435-7645
Website: www.m4l.usmc.mil/start.aspx
Provides transition assistance to Marines who honorably leave active service and return to civilian life. It also supports injured Marines and their families.
Freedom Team Salute
Website: www.freedomteamsalute.com
This organization recognizes Army vets and current service members, including those in the Reserve and National Guard. Anyone can nominate a veteran. The program also provides a way for active-duty soldiers to acknowledge the people who have supported them, including parents, spouses and employers. Recipients receive a pin, certificate and a letter of thanks.
NOTE:
Click directly on the agency's
logo to be taken directly to that site!
Salute American Heroes
100 Broadway
Ossining NY 10562
Phone: 914-432-5400
Website: www.saluteheroes.org
Offers several programs such as Homes For the Wounded,
Kids Camps, Family SupportNetwork, and Emergency Financial Aid (paysfor utilities, mortgage & rent, groceries, car payments including deposits and repairs, home repairs, air travel & lodging, school supplies & clothing, medical bills & co-pays and loans).
N.E.A.D.S.
PO Box 213
West Boylston MA 01583
Phone: 978-422-9064
Website: www.NEADS.org
Service dogs for deaf & disabled Americans including theCanines for Combat Vetsprogram.
Look under the "Disabled Resources" webpage for many more similiar programs!
Allen Park Martial Arts Center
7318 Park Ave.
Allen Park MI 48101
Phone: 313-928-5288
Dr. Matthew Gonzalez, a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist ownes the Center and wants to use his business as a way to alleviate some of the stress experienced by children of Vets. The center will provide martial arts scholarships to children (ages 3 to 14) of soldiers serving in Iraq or Afghanistanwho have died or become significantly disabled as a direct result of combat deployment.
Freedom Team Salute
Phone: 703-325-4002
Website: www.freedomteamsalute.com
The Freedom Team Salute Campaign gives active-duty soldiers a chance to commend veterans, plus honor their spouses, parents and other family members or anyone who has supported them, such as a local Pastor (Members of the National Guard and Army Reserve can commend their employers as well). Also, any American can nominate either a living discharged veteran for his or her service to the country or as an Army supporter. Freedom Team Salute offers an Ambassadors program for getting people involved at the local level, and it recently expanded efforts to work with various veterans organizations.
Vacations for Purple Heart Vets!
Website: www.vacationsforveterans.org
Former Marines Peggy & Chris Carr of Mason Neck, VA have established this service that connects Purple Heart veterans with homeowners who will donate a week at their vacation properties for free!
MOBILE COUNSELING CENTERS
The first of a fleet of 50 new mobile counseling centers for the Dept. of Veterans Affairs-Vet Center program, was put into service with the remainder scheduled to be activated over the next three months. Each vehicle will be assigned to one of VA's existing Vet Centers, enabling the center to improve access to counseling by bringing services closer to veterans. One of these new mobile counseling centers will be based in Escanaba. The 38-foot motor coaches, which have spaces for confidential counseling, will carry Vet Center counselors and outreach workers to events and activities to reach veterans in broad geographic areas, supplementing VA's 232 current Vet Centers, which are scheduled to increase to 271 facilities by the end of 2009. Vet Centers, operated by VA's Readjustment Counseling Service, provide non-medical readjustment counseling in easily accessible, consumer-oriented facilities, addressing the social and economic dimensions of post-war needs. This includes psychological counseling for traumatic military-related experiences and family counseling when needed for the veteran's readjustment.
IMPROVED VA HOME LOAN PROGRAM FOR VETS
Veterans with conventional home loans now have new options for refinancing to a Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) guaranteed home loan. These new options are available as a result of the Veteran's Benefits Improvement Act of 2008, which the President signed into law on Oct. 10th, 2008. For more information, or to obtain help from a VA Loan Specialist, veterans may call VA at 1-877-827-2702 OR visit www.homeloans.va.gov.
V.A. OUTREACH FOR AVOIDING HOME FORECLOSURES
The V.A. is reaching out to veterans--both those who use the home-loan guaranty program and those who don't--to take advantage of their guaranties to keep people in their home. To obtain help from a VA financial counselor, veterans can call VA toll-free at 1-877-827-3792. Information about VA;s home loan guaranty program can be obtained at www.homeloans.va.gov.
Social Security for Vets
Anyone who's had active-duty service prior to January 2002 and planning for retirement, qualifys for a higher Social Security payment because of your military service if you were active-duty anytime from 1940-through 2001 (the program was done away with in January 2002). More info can be found at http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htm. This is something to put in your files for when you apply for Social Secuirty down the road. It is NOT just for retirees BUT for anyone who has served on active-duty prior to January 2002. THIS BENEFIT IS NOT AUTOMATIC, YOU MUST ASK FOR IT!
SNOWBALL EXPRESS!
Phone: 714-662-2033
Website: www.SnowballExpress.org
For families of those servicemembers who gave their life for their
county, an organization around the country (including Detroit)
that provides a fun-filled vacation for the children of these veterans.
Wives of fallen service members can connect through the Metro Detroit Chapter of Gold StarWives of America, Inc. at 586-777-1649 or by going to www. GoldStarWives.org
All Monroe County MI Veterans and their families:
Vietnam Veterans of America, Monroe County Chapter 142 is offering Cemetery plots/gravesites at Roselawn Cemetary in LaSalle, MI for any United States veteran. A veteran is any man or woman 17 or older who served or was currently serving in the U.S. military at the time of his/her death or had received an Honorable or General Discharge from said service. To receive the plot/gravesite, the following conditions must be met: #1. The veteran must be deceased. #2 There must be proof of U.S. military service (DD-214), #3 The family must show proof of residency in Monroe County at the time of entry into the service or proof of residency immediately after discharge from service and #4. The family must express/show a need for the gravesite/plot due to financial hardship. Although the actual site would be donated a no-cost for the veteran, Roselawn Cemetery does charge a fee for opening/closing of gravesites which would have to be paid by the veterans family. These sites do NOT have the ability to allow for a spouse or loved one to be buried next to them, so these sites are primarily for single, divorced or no spouse or family member co-located site needed. If all four of these conditions can be met, please contact Larry Richterat 734-735-9646 OR 734-242-0841 for further details.
Veterans and civilian support staff who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan and are now returning to civilian life, tackling job or career problems, or struggling with depression and anxiety, may find help through Eastern Michigan University's free counseling services.
Services also can be extended to family members. Counseling is provided by advanced graduate students. Faculty, who are licensed professional counselors and psychologists, will supervise all counseling. Call 734-487-4410.
Oakland University graduate students also provide free counseling through the School of Education and Human Services Counseling Center in Pawley Hall at the Auburn Hills campus, 2200 Squirrel Road. Call 248-370-2633.
Countless veterans life-threatening illnesses that are a result of exposure to asbestos, a material that was commonly used in hundreds of military applications, products, and ships primarily because of its resistance to fire. Unfortunately, asbestos diseases are not always recognized by the VA. The Mesothelioma Center is a leader in information on asbestos exposure and mesothelioma doctors.
The Mesothelioma Center provides a complete list of occupations, ships, and shipyards that could have put our Veterans at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases. In addition, they have thousands of articles regarding asbestos and mesothelioma and they have even created a veterans-specific section on their website in order to help inform veterans about the dangers of asbestos exposure.
Timothy Cavanaugh National Awareness Coordinator
Phone: 407-965-5755
Email: tim@asbestos.com
Website: www.asbestos.com
ALSO:
Douglas Karr
Veteran U.S. Navy
Email: dkarr@mesothelioma.com
Website: www.Mesothelioma.com twitter.com/douglaskarr AND
twitter.com/veteransblog
Represents a leading Internet resource for info about mesothelioma and a U.S. Navy veteran. Countless veterans were exposed to asbestos while aboard naval ships, while repairing military vehicles and aircraft and while residing in aging military housing.
Troops currently serving in Iraq are also at risk of asbestos exposure. The website
contains information on veteran-specific hospitals and medical centers and a database
of medical & legal resources for veterans.
There are NEW updated rules for Veteran's Hiring Preference. As a result the Commission has updated its information sheet about veteran's preference for employment with the State of Michigan. A copy of the updated information sheet is at http://www.michiganlegion.org/pdfs/vetpref.pdf. The change to the rule now permits a military retiree to qualify for veteran's preference for employment with the State of Michigan.
Help with filing claims with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs is available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays at the Community Policing Building, 1394 Cleophus in Lincoln Park for veterans, widows of deceased veterans and their dependents. For more info or to schedule an appointment, call 313-381-1852.
Soldiers returning home can have a hard time adjusting to civilian life but there are organizations that can help!
One such organization is Buddy-to-Buddy which partners returning soldiers with men and women who have already made the transition. You can get help for either yourself or a soldier you know by calling 1-888-22-BUDDY or 1-888-822-8339.
