news for veterans
HONOR FLIGHTS
The following is from our Post comrade, Chis Gunn. If you would like to show gratitude for the sacrifices made and support veterans, there are many ways to make it happen. Sometimes even a small gesture can have a big impact. The best way to honor our veterans is encouraging them to honor themselves. This is one of the best ways to make a difference to our WWII and Korean Veterans. Help us locate WWII and Korean War Veterans in our County of San Diego. As you know, Honor Flight San Diego is the nonprofit organization that takes our most senior veterans and terminally ill veterans to Washington, D.C. for a 3-day trip of a lifetime. The trip is funded by generous donors so there is no cost to the veteran. Having an Honor Flight hub in San Diego has afforded us the opportunity to get so many deserving men and women on this trip. We are blessed to still have WWII and Korean War Vets in the county but we are having a tough time finding them to let them know about the trip. Many other Honor Flight hubs in other parts of the country have moved on to Vietnam era but we know there are senior veterans here, we just have to find them. We are trying to reach these men and women to get them on this trip before they can no longer travel. If you'd like to know more about Honor Flight San Diego, you can go to this website at: www.honorflightsandiego.org or go to the official Facebook page at: @HonorFlightSanDiego
Direct them to me and I will make this a reality. christopher.gunn@sdcounty.ca.gov
EXPANDED USE OF COMMISSARY
The Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs combined efforts to allow Commissary and Exchange use beyond its current patron base. Starting 1 January 2020, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, all service-connected disabled veterans and caregivers enrolled in the VA's Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers program will be permitted to shop there. Newly eligible veterans and caregivers will also have access to all Department of Defense and Coast Guard MWR retail activities, including: entertainment, clubs, recreational lodging and resorts, special interest activities, bowling, golf, restaurants, marinas, equipment rental, movie theaters, vehicle storage, kennels, AmericanForcesTravel.com and more. Current restrictions and upcoming changes include the following: DOD civilians cannot use the Commissary and Exchange. Any veteran can shop at the Exchange online, but it does not mean they have in-store privileges. Currently, active duty servicemembers, their dependents and retirees can only shop there. Newly eligible patrons are encouraged to go to the visitors' center at the military or DOD installation they plan to use their new privileges at to register their credentials. Veterans must bring their Veteran Health Identification Card and caregivers must bring their eligibility letter that will be sent out via mail by the VA. They must also present picture identification that meets the REAL ID Act requirements, such as a valid state driver's license or passport.
FINANCIAL GRANTS
Financial grants from Unmet Needs. www.vfw.org/assistance/financial-grants. 866-789-6333. Unmet Needs helps military families that have unexpected financial difficulties as a result of deployment or other military related activity or injury. The program provides financial aid grants of up to $1500 to assist with basic life needs in the form of a grant - not a loan - so no repayment is required. VA ANNOUNCES NEW WEB SITE FOR VETERANS -The VA debuts a welcome kit to guide Veterans to earned benefits and services. The kit, created by the Veterans Experience Office, is now available on www.Vets.gov and will soon be sent to all separating Service-members as part of VA's existing "welcome home" process.
VA HEALTH ELIGIBILITY
VA provides a Medical Benefits Package to all enrolled Veterans. This comprehensive plan provides a full range of preventive outpatient and inpatient services within VA health care system. Also, once you enroll in the VA's health care system, you can be seen at any VA facility across the country. If you have not yet enrolled for VA Medical Benefits, even if you feel you may not take advantage, your enrollment assures funding for VA medical care for those who will need and use it. Start here - VA health care web site
VETERANS CRISIS LINE
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is unique because all of our members have served overseas in a combat zone. Our nation is in debt to all of those who served, and we understand that returning home and reintegrating into society can cause stress in many aspects of life. Because of this, VFW is participating in a campaign with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to increase awareness of the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 and Press 1) Or go to the web link, VFW Crisis Line.