A Survivors Guide to Benefits

http://preview.tinyurl.com/2lotk4    <--THIS IS A PDF

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Update:  First, how are you feeling "madwoman".  I read that you weren't up to par....hope you are better.  Flu was nasty back here.

Well, I am working FT now in sales for a recruiting agency here in Charleston....so I have little time to volunteer at the VA.  I was very happy to read that after inspection, the VA hospital here received top grades for overall cleanliness, efficiency, and customer service.  It's getting better all over, I hope.  It just took an unfortunate event to make it happen.

Also, in about 6 months, my family and I will be relocating to the West Coast.  Yes, going back to our home state (hopefully, CA), if not, then Colorado.  Starting all over yet again...lol.  No, not military...hotel business, lol.

Keep the peace, friends.....and blessings all around.

Nancy

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NOOOO come up to Oregon so we can do coffee and shmoozzz and window shop!!! Another move for you??? Oh the madness! I wish I could help, there is no fun in it, except the real thought to what one can do without to lighten the load! At least you can get rid of things and organize!  The best of luck to you Nancy. 

 I am soo much better now.

Funny, it took one look at the Walter Reed conditions to take notice of ALL Vet hospital conditions? Sad in a way, but I am so glad things are on the upswing. 'bout time!!!

Jacki

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Recently I have learned of a problem with the SBP and DIC systems which in many cases leave many families without any help at all. There are two bills being introduced into Congress to fix this but we need to show support. There are three petitions to show support of these bills but I'm having trouble finding anybody to sign them.

Support H.Res.1927

Support Senate Bill 935 P1

Support Senate Bill 935 P2

Any and all support will be appreciated.

Semper Fi,

Kell

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Support Senate version of NDAA 2008

Take Action!

The Senate finally passed its version of the National Defense Authorization Bill (H.R. 1585) by a vote of 92-3. The bill now moves to conference with the House to work out differences. The bill faces a possible veto by President Bush over an expansion of federal hate-crime laws, unrelated to national defense but stuck in regardless, if that provision makes it through the conference.

Among the many amendments added to the bill are several goals and items of imminent interest to retirees and their families. They include:
• The Lautenberg amendment to prohibit increases in TRICARE fees for FY2008 and articulate the sense of Congress that military health care is a crucial offset to the adverse conditions of service and that military people pay substantial premiums up-front in extended service and sacrifice over and above any cash fees.
• The Nelson amendment to eliminate the SBP/DIC offset and accelerate 30-year paid-up Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) coverage to Oct. 1, 2007.
• The Reid amendment providing full, immediate concurrent receipt to disabled retirees deemed "unemployable" by the VA retroactive to Jan. 1, 2005.
• An amendment by Sen. Lott concerning the Armed Forces Retirement Home. This amendment would prohibit "privatization" of the Home into a non-government charitable institution.
• The Chambliss amendment to reduce the Reserve retirement age by three months for each 90 days served on active duty since 9/11/01.
• The Lincoln amendment to authorize Guard or reserve members to use their mobilization GI Bill benefits up to 10 years after separating from the Selected Reserve.
• The McCain amendment that would increase the maximum annual points creditable for Reserve component retirement to 130 points (vs. 90) for 2007 and subsequent years.
• The Coleman amendment that would authorize paying increased reimbursements for mental health care if required to meet needs, and requiring a Pentagon report on military beneficiaries' adequacy of access to mental health services.

Additionally the Wounded Warrior Act was reinserted into the NDAA. This legislation addresses the care and treatment of our wounded warriors. It would:
• End the inconsistent ratings awarded for the same disabilities by DoD and the VA.
• Provide for seamless transition from DoD to VA care by requiring the Secretaries of the DoD and VA to develop a comprehensive plan.
• Authorize $50 million for improvements in diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of service members who have Traumatic Brain Injury or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
• Authorize medically retired (Chapter 61) with 50 percent disabilities and higher to receive active duty medical benefits for three years after leaving active service.
• Authorize VA and military health care providers to provide urgent and emergency medical care and counseling to family members.
• Extend eligibility for VA healthcare for combat veterans from two years to five years after discharge.
• Establish a joint DoD/VA program to develop and implement a joint electronic health record.
• Require Secretary of Defense to establish standards for housing for military outpatients and for military hospitals, clinics and specialty medical care facilities.
• Increase minimum severance pay to one year's basic pay for those separated for disabilities incurred in a combat zone or combat related operations, and six months basic pay for all others.
• Eliminate that severance pay be deducted from disability compensation for disabilities incurred in a combat zone or combat-related operations.

One provision that did not make the final bill as an amendment was the Clinton sponsored Postal Bill to provide vouchers for the families and loved ones of deployed troops in order to send free mail and packages to them. It is, however, in the House passed bill. Contact your elected officials and let them know that you want this small but important "Thank You" for our brave men and women in combat included in the final version of the NDAA.

We have had our hopes for Concurrent Receipt and other benefits, through amendments to NDAAs, dashed.

This year is likely to be no exception.

In the recent past, it has been the Republican leadership stripping our benefits out during the Conference Committee action.
Now is the time to mount a massive campaign to let the Democrats know that they and their claims of support of Veterans/Retirees are now under the microscope and we are looking for actions, not words. Democrats are now in charge of both houses and thus the Conference committee, and will be held responsible for what is done with the Senate amendments to NDAA-2008.

Now is the time for all Democrats to come to the aid of Veterans/Retirees, and to "Put their money where their mouths are". Get those Senate amendments retained in the final conference committee bill. This is the acid test. Tell them to, "Show that you really do support Veterans and Retirees."

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