March 18^th, 2006 Veteran’s Corner

From the Desk of the Sarge:

John A. Banks, MSgt, USAF/R-Ret.

Greetings and Salutations Veterans and Chapter Membership. We are now into the month of March. One third of the year 2006 has already passed. Wow, where did the time go? Let’s start off with a bit of inspiration. “A War Fighting Legacy” People are often surprised at the similarities between combatants of today, yesterday and even a hundred years ago. From the psychology of combat motivation to the ubiquitous refrain of “hurry up and wait” the life of a Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman has changed very little despite significant advances in technology. To be sure, the legacy of the war fighter has as much to do with what hasn’t changed as it does with what has. Unity of purpose a sense of shared sacrifice, and a common day-to-day experience creates an enduring bond among Americans in uniform, the strongest of which exist in a war zone. “Courtesy - Jack L. Rives, Major General, USAF, Deputy Judge Advocate General”.

Bulletins: Kudos, are to be given to Vinnie (President), Jay (Vice-President) and the board members who were kind enough to fund a Federal Veterans benefits hand book. This book contains a wealth of information. The information is relevant, up to date and presented in an easy to read format, which will most assuredly answer many of your unanswered questions. You are encouraged by the Sarge to please take note and apply as you see fit.

Additionally contained within the first flyleaf of the handbook is a series of telephone numbers for the California Veterans Association. This is entirely different from the federal program, with its own particular worthwhile issues. In some cases the programs do overlap. However, I have found that the Cal-Vet program more often then not goes on to enhance the federal program. It is suggested that depending upon where you reside that you utilize that respective office. That is not to say you cannot use any of the other offices listed.

* For those of you who entered the military from the state of California, you will find there are a number of separate programs of significance one is entitled to. If the Veteran him/her is unable to take advantage of the benefit then their spouse and or children may very well be the recipient/s of this benefit. Again the Sarge says please note and take advantage of your hard-earned benefits.

Trivia Response-February

a. Brigadier General, Benjamin O. Davis Sr., United States Army.

 b. General Benjamin O. Davis Jr., United States AirForce, 1^st. Commander of the Tuskegee Airman

* The Veterans Administration culture has changed significantly in recent years. Where the veteran use to be predisposed to prove his/her claim for a need, it is now on the shoulders of the veteran’s administration to help the veteran achieve this benefit. The Sarge says regardless of past feelings and or hear say, give the new and improved organization a chance. There are several of us who can speak as to how the change has been beneficial.

* Female Veterans are an integral part of our military. “Just ask my wife” a Technical Sergeant in the United States Air Force Reserve. They serve in all aspects of our armed forces. Their duties and responsibilities are as noteworthy as their male counterparts. The Veterans Administration has finally acknowledged that specific programs were and are needed for lady veterans. With this acknowledgement. It is incumbent upon the veteran to seek out and take advantage of those offerings. For a web site on this, please check the handbook, and see the attachments.

* A question was recently posed as to how a veteran could reacquire their certificate of eligibility for a home loan, if for some reason it was lost, misplaced.etc. With this months letter (see attach.) is the application itself for such a venture. In addition check the handbook and it will provide you with the necessary phone number under home loans as to what else is needed with that application in order to have your certificate reissued. In this day and age, wherever you can get a break take advantage of it. If not for you, then for your spouse and/or off springs.

* Drug RX. How many of you know that drugs for a host of ailments (smile) can be gotten from the veterans administration at a reduced amount, especially for you retirees. It may be worth the travel to a veteran administration hospital, or at the very least the contacting of one telephonically. Further FYOI Loma Linda Medical Center and the Veterans Administration Hospital (adjacent to) work hand in hand on veteran issues. Just ask somebody (smile)!

* For you Reservists and National Guardsman please be attentive to the attached letter from the Secretary Labor insofar as re-employment goes. For the most part employers are honoring your commitment of back to work for a job well done, with any and all promotions being given. In those rare instances where it’s not here is a resource place for you to go to get help. After all you didn’t send yourself to war, but you did an outstanding job while you were there.

* Veterans the Sarge offers these words of encouragement regarding government employment. All things being equal he would ask that you present veterans and returning veterans give serious thought to employment as a civilian civil servant. In this time of serious cut backs, down sizing, lost of benefits and pension loss the federal government is an outstanding entity. Almost any field of expertise can be found under government jobs.com.  The good news is your military time is an asset and can help with retirement in the longevity aspect. What does it cost to check it out?

Trivia-?: Of the many personal character traits of General George S. Patton, what was the common knowledge of the driving force for him and his career. (Hint). Spiri-ual-ty.

Who is General Peter Pace?, what position does he presently occupy in the military?, and what unique aspect does he bring to that position.

HooRah

Each one, Reach one --- Each one, Teach one