Thank You, Pacific Institute (Part 2) and DAV Chapter 23 (West Seattle)

Navy Veteran Ron Bryant
Tests the Chair for Quality
Before Making the Delivery

The Pacific Institute donated a beautiful massage chair to the Old Solders' Home in Orting. This like-new chair was welcomed with glee by the patients and staff alike.
Volunteers from DAV Chapter 23 (West Seattle) transported the chair using their personal vehicles. It was a long drive but well worth it!
TPI, a world leader in developing human potential, has been supporting Veterans And Friends of Puget Sound since our inception, and their continuing support means a lot.
Many Washingtonians have no idea that we support a home for retired or disabled veterans. While funds are always limited, we can be proud of the contributions we as a state are making to their dignified retirement.
Thank you TPI and thank you DAV!

Port Angeles: The Captain Joseph House for Gold Star families

The Captain Joseph House is a Port Angeles bed and breakfast that hosts five-day retreats for grieving military families. Betsy Schultz is converting a century-old cottage to commemorate the 36-year-old son she lost on May 29, 2011, when an explosion killed him and two fellow Green Berets in Central Afghanistan.
Read more at Mother of fallen soldier builds Olympic Peninsula retreat for grieving families, Tacoma News Tribune, May 24, 2015.

GI Bill Students: Resident-Rate Requirement Waived Temporarily

VA Press Release

VA Secretary Waives Resident-Rate Requirements of the Choice Act through December, 2015
Ensures Continued GI Bill Benefits for Students While States Work to Comply with New Law
WASHINGTON – In order to make it easier for Veterans and their families to receive their GI Bill benefits where they choose, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has used his authority to waive the provisions of Section 702 of the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 (Choice Act). This action will ensure all GI Bill® students are able to continue training at their chosen institutions. Under Section 702, VA must disapprove education programs at public institutions for Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty (MGIB-AD) benefits if a school charges certain individuals tuition and fees in excess of the resident rate for terms beginning after July 1, 2015.
VA recognizes that the time allotted for states and territories to comply with Section 702 of the Choice Act is challenging for some states and schools due to the process required to make legislative and/or policy changes. This limited waiver by Secretary McDonald covers programs that are not in compliance for all terms beginning prior to January 1, 2016, in order to allow time for non-compliant states and territories to make the requisite legislative and policy changes. VA is requesting all currently non-compliant states and territories to submit their plans to become compliant to VA, through their State Approving Agency, no later than June 15, 2015.
“Our military members and their families make sacrifices that require them to pack up and move with little notice,” said Bob McDonald, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “They shouldn’t be penalized after they leave military service by burdensome residency requirements. This waiver will allow students to continue receiving the GI Bill benefits they’ve earned as states work to comply with this important law.”
VA has provided technical assistance to numerous states and many have reached compliance. A list of states that are in compliance is posted on the GI Bill website. VA will update the list as states become compliant.
In general, the resident-rate provisions of the Choice Act cover Veterans, as well as their spouses and children, using Post-9/11 GI Bill or MGIB-AD who live in the state where they are attending school and who enrolled within three years of the Veteran’s qualifying discharge. To remain approved, schools must charge tuition and fees at the resident rate to these covered individuals. For more information on GI Bill resident-rate requirements and to see which states comply, visit the GI Bill website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/702.asp. Updates will also be posted on the GI Bill Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/gibillEducation.

From http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2700

Veterans Voices Magazine March/April 2015

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs bimonthly magazine, Veterans Voices Magazine is available online now. Click here.

Volunteer Opportunities: Washington State Veterans Cemetery

You can help the veterans and their families at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery (located 3 miles west of Fairchild Air Force Base). The staff is recruiting volunteers in the following categories:

• Taps Bugler Trumpet or bugle. 
• Honor Guard, Rifle Honors Team Help provide veterans rifle salute. 
• Ladies and Gentlemen of the State Veterans Cemetery Offer condolences to next-of-kin on behalf of the Governor and the military family.
• Cortege Driver Usher family and guests from designated parking area to the committal shelter for services.
• Minister Lead committal services in prayer.  
• General Volunteers There are many other ways to volunteer. 
• Photographer  Photograph Special Events (Memorial Day, Wreaths Across America).

Please contact the Cemetery staff for additional information or to coordinate training. 
Washington State Department of Veteran's Affairs
1-800-562-2308
1102 Quince St SE
PO Box 41150
Olympia, WA 98504-1150

San Juan County Veterans Assistance Fund

Most Counties in Washington State have their own programs for supporting veterans. This week we look at San Juan County.

The San Juan County Veterans Assistance Fund provides emergency services to indigent veterans, their dependents, widows, widowers, and/or orphans. The Veterans Advisory Board provides timely service to eligible individuals when assistance from other agencies is considered inappropriate or time requirements are constrained. The intent of the SJC VAF is not to replace assistance from any other agency, and assistance is granted on a “case by case” basis only. Eligible individuals may receive assistance for the following:

• Food 
• Rent or Mortgage Payments 
• Utilities 
• Medical and Dental 
• Burial or Cremation

The VAB may also make referrals to other agencies; interview applicants in person or by telephone; provide basic counseling or job counseling; act as a liaison with landlords, utility companies, etc; establishing and maintaining a good rapport with vendors who accept vouchers from the VAF; cooperate with federal, state, county, and city officials in regards to veterans assistance to assure proper operation of the VAF as established by the VAB and SJC government.

To apply for assistance, print out and fill out the Veterans' Assistance Form, and then Send completed form with supporting documents to your local VAB representative; or mail to County Council, 350 Court St. Friday Harbor; WA 98250, or email to veterans@sanjuanco.com.

For More help and information, see their web pages.

May 20: VA 2k Walk And Roll - You Are Invited!

All Veterans and Friends of Veterans are invited to put on their walking shoes or fire up their wheelchairs and join in the fifth nationwide VA2K!
This annual Walk and Roll of approximately 1.2 miles encourages us all to step up our fitness level and support homeless Veterans with donated food and clothing items.
Last year, more than 25,000 people participated at 172 VA locations. Why not join us this year?
Where/When: 
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
11:30 am

• American Lake: Start at the Canteen
• Seattle Division: Start at Southern Courtyard 
• Elsewhere Across America: Check with your local VA Hospital.

For More Information

• Puget Sound Area: Call Public Affairs at 206-764-2317
• Everywhere: See http://www.publichealth.va.gov/va2k/

Volunteer at May 30 Veterans' Fair in Tacoma!

The Veterans Resource Fair at the Tacoma Dome (May 30, 2015) needs YOU to volunteer!
Help provide our Veterans community of the Puget Sound area (Pierce, King, Kitsap, and Thurston County's) with a FREE Veterans Resource Fair that will have providers for the following sections: ·

• Community Services 
• VA Benefits 
• Legal Services 
• Homeless Services/ At Risk 
• Educational Benefits 
• Medical Screenings and Dental Resources 
• Jobs/Apprenticeship/Training and vocational opportunities
• Female Veterans Resources 
• Active Duty Transition Assistance 
• Financial Education/ Assistance 
• Housing and home ownership 
• Justice System Related Reintegration Services 
• Disability Claims/ Benefits 
• Widows/ Widowers Benefits.

No one is receiving any salaries, fee's, or anything of that nature from this event. It is being done with the time and sweat of Volunteers, a few unemployed and retired Vet's, and others that care.
If you or someone you know is interested in helping us out either to set up for the event (Friday, May 29, 9-1pm) or at the event itself (May 30), please sign up here

Learn more here: http://theveteransresourcefair.us

What are Veterans Treatment Courts?

From "Justice for Vets"

Veterans across the nation are volunteering in Veterans Treatment Court and coming to the aid of their fellow veterans who are struggling with substance abuse and/or mental health conditions. In this gripping documentary short, Justice For Vets brings you face to face with the volunteer veterans of the Orange County Veterans Treatment Court. Learn how they are once again serving their nation and witness the transformation brought about by a community that won't give up on its veterans. 

To learn more about Veterans Treatment Court visit www.JusticeForVets.org.

Learn more at http://www.justiceforvets.org/

Lewis County Veterans' Relief Fund

Most Counties in Washington State have their a program for supporting veterans. This week we look at Lewis County.

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The Lewis County Veterans' Relief Fund helps veterans and Veterans' spouses with a limited contribution towards:

• Funeral expenses 
• Utilities 
• Rent.

Eligibility:

• Honorable Discharge
• Income Eligibility:
• 1 Member Household = less than $1,354 per month or $16,245 per year. 
• 2 Member Household = less than $1,821 per month or $21,855 per year. 
• 3 Member Household = less than $2,289 per month or $27,465 per year. 
• 4 Member Household = less than $2,756 per month or $33,075 per year. 
• 5 Member Household = less than $3,224 per month or $38,685 per year.
• Applications will be accepted by appointment only. 
• All applications are reviewed and determination is made on a case by case basis. 

To Apply:

• Complete this application
• Gather documentation: 
• DD214 (honorable discharges only) 
• Washington State Driver's License or Picture ID 
• Proof of Washington residence for one year 
• Spouse's ID or Marriage Certificate Birth certificate for all dependents 
• Proof of income (check stub or bank statement) OR Lack of income (if you have no income you will need to prove it, example: income tax return/bank statement). 
• Utilities or funeral expenses: Original bill to be paid for 
• Rent : Must have a W-9 (provided by the County upon request) and a copy of the rental agreement, signed by the landlord. A relative of the veteran does not qualify as a bona fide landlord. 
• Call the Veterans' Benefits Specialist, 360-740-1417, to schedule an appointment to submit your application. 

More Information:

• Call 360-740-1417, 360-740-1223 or 1-800-562-6130
• See http://lewiscountywa.gov/veterans-services

Free Online Course: Military Culture: Core Competencies for Health Care Professionals

VA News This Week

Military Culture: Core Competencies for Health Care Professionals is a free online course for community health care providers helping health care professionals seeking to better treat Veterans and Servicemembers.

The eight-hour, online course covers a variety of topics through interactive features, video vignettes, case examples and treatment planning scenarios. Each of the four modules within the course was developed using research, surveys and extensive interviews with Servicemembers and Veterans.
The Course is sponsored by the departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Defense (DoD),  through the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) Training Finder Real-time Affiliated Integrated Network (TRAIN).

For more information about the course, visit http://www.DeploymentPsych.org/Military-Culture.

Skagit County Veterans Assistance Program

Most Counties in Washington State have their a program for supporting veterans. This week we look at Skagit County.

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In Skagit County Veterans Assistance Program provides assistance for emergency needs, referrals, and advocacy to low-income veterans, their dependents, widows, widowers, and orphans. Its goal is to assist you through a temporary financial hardship.

Help is available with food, gas, rent, utilities, medication, clothing, and in other appropriate areas. Because of limited program funding, the program focuses its efforts on providing help when there are no other resources available. Each year, Veterans Assistance helps about 200 veteran households.
 
Eligibility: 
The Veteran must

• Have honorably served on active duty for more than 180 days for other than training purposes Have resided in Washington State for the last 12 consecutive months 
• Be indigent - the gross income of the veteran and all household members must be below 150% of the Federal Poverty level guidelines.

Required Documentation: 

• DD 214 Discharge Certificate 
• Washington State Identification or Driver's License 
• Dependent's: Marriage license and birth certificates for each child 
• Income: Award letters from VA, DSHS, Social Security, Employment or Unemployment stubs
• Lease agreement or Mortgage statement 
• Current Utility Bill.

Contact:
330 Pacific Place
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Phone: (360) 416-7585
Fax: (360) 416-7599
Website: www.communityactionskagit.org
E-mail: info@communityactionskagit.org
For more information, see http://www.communityactionskagit.org/District/Department/13-Veterans-Assistance

April 25: ANZAC Day in Fremont

Celebrate the noble sacrifice of veterans, both ANZAC (Australia, New Zealand Army Corps) and America, on the 100th anniversary of the ANZACs Battle of Gallipoli in World War I.
Celebrate our veterans in Aussie-style with a beer (available for purchase) and a biscuit, hear the ANZAC history, watch some Aussie Rules Football, and learn about donating disaster kits to military families through American Preparedness, a veteran-owned community service business.
When/Where:
Saturday April 25, 2015
2pm-5pm
LTD Bar + Grill
309 N 36th St
Seattle, WA

VA Expands Choice Program Eligibility - Eligibility To Use Driving Distance

April 24, 2015 VA Press Release:

In order to expand eligibility for the Veterans Choice Program, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced that it will determine eligibility for the Veterans Choice Program based on the distance between a Veteran’s place of residence and the nearest VA medical facility using driving distance rather than straight-line distance. This change has been published in the Federal Register and is effective immediately.
“VA is pleased to announce the distance calculation change from straight-line to driving distance for the Veterans Choice Program,” said Secretary Robert McDonald.  “This update to the program will allow more Veterans to access care when and where they want it. We look forward to continued dialogue with Veterans and our partners to help us ensure continued improvements for Veterans’ to access care.”
 The change from straight-line to driving distance roughly doubles the number of eligible Veterans.  Letters are being sent to the newly eligible Veterans to let them know they are now eligible for the Veterans Choice Program under this expansion. If a Veteran does not remember receiving a Veterans Choice Card or has other questions about the Choice Program, they can call (866) 606-8198.
Effective immediately, VA is also changing the mileage calculation for beneficiary travel. The change will ensure consistency in VA’s mileage calculations across the two programs. The beneficiary travel calculation will now be made using the fastest route instead of the shortest route.
 For more details about the department’s progress and related information, see www.va.gov/opa/choiceact/factsheets_and_details.asp.

May 7: Forks Stand Down

All Veterans and immediate family are welcome to this event hosted by West End Veterans/Voices For Veterans

• Hot Breakfast/Hot Lunch 
• Employment Services Benefits 
• Counseling Housing Assistance 
• Haircuts 
• Legal Aid Health 
• Screening–Medical & Dental 
• Free Clothing/Bedding/ Hygiene Kits & Outdoor Equipment 
• Free transportation—through Clallam and Jefferson Transit Buses

When/Where:
Thursday, May 7, 2015
09:00 to 15:00
Forks Elks Lodge
941 Merchants Rd
Forks, WA 98331
(360) 374-2524
ALSO:

• Port Townsend July 27, 2015
• Port Angeles October 1, 2015

Open to ALL Veterans:

• Homeless veterans
• Veterans in need but not homeless
• Immediate dependent family members. 

For information & transportation call: Tammy 360/417-2383 Paul 360/640-0296 VFW 360/302-1285
More Information (PDF)

Clallam County Veterans Relief Program

Most Counties in Washington State have their own programs for supporting veterans. This week we look at Clallam County.

The Clallam County Veterans Relief Program provides limited emergency assistance to eligible veterans and their dependents.
Who is served: 

• Applicants must meet income criteria, residency requirements, and employment of employability restrictions as dictated by Clallam County policy 950 in addition to the following: 
• Veteran, Widow, Widower, Domestic Partner or Dependent of Veteran 
• The Veteran must have honorably served on active duty for more than 180 days, for other than training purposes.
• Must have completed first enlistment or be medically discharged under honorable conditions.
• The Veteran must have resided in Washington State for the last 12 months and currently reside in Clallam County. 
• The gross income of the veteran and all household members must be below 150 percent of the poverty guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Types of help:

• Food 
• Rent/Housing 
• Utilities 
• Medical/Prescriptions 
• Referral to other social services.

Are you in a different county? See the county-by-county map of veterans services.

National Park Passes And Veterans

Our National Park Service does not have a pass specifically for veterans. However, many veterans qualify for one of the other discount passes offered as part of our pass program.

•  If you have a permanent disability you may qualify for an Access Pass. This is a free lifetime pass that you may obtain in person from a participating Federal recreation site or office or by mail.
• If you are 62 or older you qualify for a $10 Senior Pass. You can buy a Senior Pass in person from a participating Federal recreation site or office or by mail or at this online store for an additional fee. The disability requirements for the Access Pass are not based on percentage of disability. To qualify for the Pass the disability must be permanent and limit one or more major life activities. Some examples of acceptable documentation include a document issued by the Veteran's Administration. Learn more here.

Volunteer Opportunity: Alcohol Cravings & Problems Study

Help your fellow veterans and maybe help yourself!
A research study needs volunteers to examine if the medications prazosin and naltrexone can help with alcohol cravings and use.
You may be eligible if: 

• You are a Veteran and have current alcohol problems
• You want to stop drinking or cut down to safe levels
• You have been drinking alcohol during the last month
• You have a telephone
• You have a stable place to live.

Your participation is over an 8-week period and involves:

• At the Seattle VA: screening, enrollment and final assessment
• At America Lake or Seattle VA: Weekly study visits
• Psychiatric interviews and questionnaires
• Two separate blood draws
• Taking study medications (prazosin, naltrexone, or placebo) 3 times daily for 6 weeks
• Completing brief telephone assessments for 8 weeks.

You will be paid up to $344 for your time and effort

For more information call Robbie at 206-277-4872.

Share this information with any veteran who might be seriously interested!

Free Passes to "The Water Diviner" April 21

Get your free passes here:
https://www.wbtickets.com/main/movie_landing/VFVSTldEMjE%3D
Title:
The Water Diviner - free passes
When/Where:
Tuesday , April 21, 2015
7:00pm Regal Thornton Place Stadium 14 + IMAX
301 N.E. 103rd St.
Seattle, WA 98125
(Have your pass ready to show at the door)
Description:
This movie is about Australian farmer Joshua Connor, who, in 1919, goes in search of his three missing sons, last known to have fought against the Turks in the bloody Battle of Gallipoli.
Arriving in Istanbul, he is thrust into a vastly different world, where he encounters others who have suffered their own losses in the conflict: Ayshe, a strikingly beautiful but guarded hotelier raising a child alone; her son, Orhan, who finds a friend in Connor; and Major Hasan, a Turkish officer who fought against Connor’s boys and who may be this father’s only hope.
Connor must travel across the battle-scarred landscape to find the truth…and his own peace.
I was offered these passes free, and share them with you!
More Information

Thank You Pacific Institute!

The Pacific Institute donated six cartons of books to be distributed at Puget Sound Health Care System last Sunday.
As the photo shows, there is a huge demand for books for inpatients and outpatients alike.
TPI, a world leader in developing human potential, has been supporting Veterans And Friends of Puget Sound since our inception, and their continuing support means a lot.
Thank you TPI!

Female Veterans: Get Paid for VA PTSD Study

If you are a woman who has served in the U.S. Military, and you may have PTSD, you may be eligible for a research study that will pay you $100 for 7 hours of light work, being interviewed and assessing a web-based PTSD program.

The money is easy, but the important part is that you will be helping develop a tool that will help your fellow veterans.

If you are interested, call 206-277-4328.

And feel free to print out the poster and give it to your friends: 

Bellingham - Growing Veterans Research Study Wants You!

Growing Veterans has partnered with researchers at Seattle University to help us determine the levels of psychological and social well-being experienced by vets who are working with this veterans-to-farms program.

This study is the first to examine the effects of participating in farming activities on veterans' psychological and social well-being. It uses a smartphone app.

If you live in the North Puget Sound region of WA and would like to get involved, this is a great way to start! For more information, contact Thomas Renteria at 719.388.6361 or tr5renteria@gmail.com.

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Growing Veterans combines veteran reintegration with sustainable agriculture- creating a holistic solution to fighting the multitude of issues the veteran population faces and simultaneously empowering our fellow vets to strengthen the incredibly important sustainable agriculture movement. For veterans, GV create opportunities for personal and professional development. Supporting each other through the transition from military to civilian life, we offer social support and refer each other to local and national resources that help aid in the transition.
We work with the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, the Bob Woodruff Foundation, the Farmer Veteran Coalition, and The Mission Continues in order to provide as many opportunities to our vets as possible. Opportunities include employment, professional volunteerism, internships, fellowships, and AmeriCorps positions.

For community members, Growing Veterans provides a means for veterans and the community to work alongside each other. By sowing seeds in the fields together, we also sow lasting friendships and help bridge the gap between the military veteran and civilian populations. A day on the farm with our vets removes previously held stereotypes and shows our community that veterans are assets and allies in the sustainable agriculture movement.

Do you facebook? "Like" their page for more news.

Mason County Veterans' Assistance Fund

Most Counties in Washington State have programs for supporting veterans. This week we look at Mason County.

Mason County's Veterans' Assistance Fund helps eligible indigent and suffering veterans or family members with certain expenses. The Veterans' Advisory Board oversees the Fund. 
Eligibility: 

• Honorably discharged veteran or eligible family member of a veteran who meets the definition of veteran as defined by law. 
• "Indigent and suffering": under the current poverty level as defined by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
• Resident of the Mason County for at least ninety (90) days. 
• Applicant must present proof of residency and income. 

How to Apply: 

• Telephone a Veterans' Service Officer to schedule an eligibility appointment and find out what documents to bring.
• Shelton: Memorial Hall, 210 West Franklin Street. Phone: 360-426-4546 Business hours are Monday - Wednesday 9 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 4 PM or by appointment.
• Belfair: North Mason County Resource, 140 NE SR 300. Phone: 360-552-2302. Business hours are Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; On Wednesdays, the office is open until 6:30 p.m. 

Funding: 

• Disbursed to indigent veterans and their families or the families of those deceased not to exceed $800 per applicant per calendar year, not to exceed two years, unless the indigent veteran qualifies for additional funds. 
• After one year of waiting, the veteran may reapply for further assistance with proof of eligibility. (Exceptions: burial and catastrophic expenses) 
• Assistance shall be granted only for the following: 
• Past Due Rent or Mortgage 
• Past Due Utilities; electric, water or Natural Gas 
• Needed Food Items 
• Needed Fire Wood or Propane. 

See Also:  Veterans' Case Management Contract for Mental Health and Chemical Dependency 
Mason County Sales and Use Tax for Mental Health and Substance Abuse services funds a contract with Mental Health Professionals, LLC. The Veterans' Case Manager is Leon Huggins-Richard who works with veterans and their family members/dependents who are experiencing difficulties. Leon works to assist the veteran with family stability, well-being, education/training, financial management, and employment/career management issues. This service is free to eligible clients. Please call (360) 451-0900 to set up an appointment with Leon.Are you in a different county? See the county-by-county map of veterans services.

Choice Program Eligibility Expansion - Mileage Calculation Changed

The Veterans Choice Program is a new, temporary benefit that allows Veterans to get health care in their communities rather than waiting for a VA appointment or traveling to a VA facility. The law as passed by Congress said that Veterans were eligible if, among other things, they were more than 40 miles from a VA facility. This caused a problem: many veterans who had to drive more than 40 miles to a VA facility were not allowed to use the Choice Program because "as the crow flies" it was under 40.

Veterans and their friends spoke up, and loudly. In March 2015, VA changed the calculation from straight-line distance to the more reasonable actual driving distance. VA will use a commercially available product to figure out the driving distance.

The result of this change is that about twice as many veterans will now be able to use the program.

If you are a veteran and want to use the Veterans Choice Program, call 1-866-606-8198 to check your eligibility and to schedule an appointment. If you have previously called and were turned down even though your driving route is more than 40 miles, why not try calling again?

If you think 40 miles is the wrong amount of mileage, contact your political representative. Congress makes the rules that VA implements.

PTSD Coach App

The PTSD Coach App was designed for Servicemembers and Veterans who have, or may have, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
This App provides readily available tools to manage PTSD-related symptoms and stress and supports Servicemembers and Veterans with self-assessments, symptom-tracking capabilities, educational materials, and coping skills to address and monitor stress.
Available on the App Store
Get it on Google Play
Features: 

• Follow App-recommended suggestions based on their self-assessment scores; 
• Chart their scores over time and print or email the graph; and 
• Depending on their scores, the App will suggest ways for managing stress. The App offers healthy coping mechanisms, educational materials and links to resources.

If their self-assessment scores indicate they may have PTSD, and if they are VA patients, the App can be used to share the scores with your VA health care team. If the score is severe and you are not a VA patient, the App will provide options for seeking professional treatment. This App is not meant to replace in-person visits or other forms of communications with your VA care teams. In case of a health emergency, call 911 or your local VA medical center immediately.
More Information

The Veteran Vision Project

The Veteran Vision Project documents the diverse lives of veterans through semi-surreal portraits of themselves as they see themselves and as they choose to be seen.
Photographer Devin Mitchelle goes into their homes, and let them choose their props, costumes, poses, and who is featured with them in the photos.
If you are a military veteran and would like to be photographed, go to www.veteranvisionproject.com and click on "REGISTER"


If you pre-order the book through kickstarter, you can help make it include more veterans from more places.

County Programs

Most counties in Washington State have programs in support of veterans.

• King
• Kitsap
• Mason
• Pierce
• Snohomish
• Spokane
• Thurston
• Whatcom
• Yakima

Mason County's Veterans' Assistance Fund

Most Counties in Washington State have their a program for supporting veterans. This week we look at Whatcom County.

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Mason County's  Veterans' Assistance Fund helps eligible indigent and suffering veterans or family members with certain expenses, overseen by the Veterans' Advisory Board.
Eligibility:

• Honorably discharged veteran or eligible family member of a veteran who meets the definition of veteran as defined by law.
• The county defines "indigent and suffering" to mean the current poverty level as defined by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
• Applicants must be a resident of the Mason County for at least ninety (90) days.
• Applicant must present proof of residency and income.

How to Apply: 
Telephone a Veterans' Service Officer to schedule an eligibility appointment and find out what documents to bring to the appointment. There are two Veterans' Service Offices:

• In Shelton
  Memorial Hall
  210 West Franklin Street
  Phone: 360-426-4546
   Business hours are Monday - Wednesday 9 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 4 PM or by appointment.
• In Belfair
  North Mason County Resource
  140 NE SR 300.
  Phone: 360-552-2302.
  Business hours are Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; On Wednesdays, the office is open until 6:30 p.m.

For more information, see http://www.co.mason.wa.us/ac/veterans/index.php

VA Mobile Health Summary of Care App

The VA Mobile Health Summary of Care App allows Veterans and their Caregiver to view specific parts of your VA electronic health record on your mobile device(s).

This App, one of the Apps featured in the VA Mobile Health Family Caregiver Pilot, helps you and your Caregiver organize various aspects of your health care information and gain an overarching understanding of your needs and progress. With the Summary of Care App, you are able to receive and view your VA medical information – including lab results, medications, allergies, information on past and upcoming appointments, progress notes related to clinic visits, hospital discharge notes, radiology results, and more – in one place and from the convenience of your mobile device(s). You are able to customize your Summary of Care App to see self-entered data as well as records from your health care teams about current medical diagnoses. Provider-recorded information includes clinical notes from appointments and discharge details after hospitalization. You will also be able to view lab results and graph the data over time to monitor your progress.
In addition, you can use the Summary of Care App to store and view information, such as:

• Demographics (phone numbers, addresses, next of kin information) 
• Vitals (height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, pain) 
• Medications list (history, instructions, quantity remaining, status of refills) 
• Allergies 
• Past and future appointments 
• Lab results 
• Progress notes related to clinic visits 
• Hospital discharge notes 
• Surgery history.

This App is not meant to replace communication and/or in-person appointments with your health care team. If you have non-emergency questions about the information in your Summary of Care, Secure Message your health care team or call your local VA Medical Center.
More Information

Apply Now for National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic

PRESS RELEASE:
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is accepting applications from Veterans interested in participating in the 2015 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic.
The 2015 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic will be held Sept.13-18 at the VA San Diego Healthcare System in San Diego, California. The annual event is expected to attract Veterans from all over the country who have sustained a variety of injuries ranging from traumatic brain injury and polytrauma, to spinal cord injury or loss of limb.
“I encourage every Veteran who may be eligible to take advantage of this opportunity,” said VA Secretary Robert McDonald. “There is rehabilitative power in leading an active lifestyle and learning new skills and activities.” The National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic represents VA’s continued commitment to offer adaptive sports and recreation therapy as an integral part of a successful rehabilitation program.
The deadline to apply for the 2015 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic is May 1.
For more information or for an application, visit www.summersportsclinic.va.gov

Thank You Pegasus Book Exchange!

Pegasus Book Exchange in West Seattle has donated several hundred books this year to the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System (and it's barely March!)
This is family-owned used bookstore in West Seattle specializing in paperback fiction, with large selections of mystery, science fiction/fantasy, horror, literature/classics, kids' books, young adult, and romance, plus spirituality, psychology, cookbooks, and tons of other things!
They are not doing it for the publicity, but if you're at the Alaska Junction, you might drop in and say "thanks!"

What Makes Your VA Doctor GREAT? Tell Us!

What makes your VA Doctor great?

There's a lot of great doctors giving wonderful service, and NOW is the time to speak up and give your doctor credit. Make your comment at https://www.facebook.com/vapugetsound or put something in the ballot boxes throughout the hospital. If you don't see one, ask at the Information Desk at the south entrance, or any volunteer in a green vest.

Get your comments in by March 16.  National Doctor's Day is March 30 and don't we all want to have our greatest doctor recognized?

Your doctor helps you - so now you can repay the favor!

March 27: Seattle - Vietnam Veteran Welcome Home Ceremony

Skyway VFW Post 9430 invites you to a Vietnam Veteran Welcome Home Ceremony on March 27th at 7421 S 126th St, Seattle, WA.
Vietnam Veterans will be introduced by name and branch of service, be presented a special Vietnam Veteran coin from VFW Post 9430, walk the red carpet isle of honor to be welcomed home by all in attendance with signs, handshakes, and hugs. There will also be a cake cutting ceremony. Guest speaker from Joint Base Lewis McChord Adopted unit.
For more information, please contact
Chad Hassebroek
vfwmember@yahoo.com
580-704-7995

Whatcom County Veterans Program

Most Counties in Washington State have their a program for supporting veterans. This week we look at Whatcom County.

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The Whatcom County Veterans Program offer temporary financial assistance when appropriate, and connection to other services. The Program is a point of entry to local, state and federal benefits and services.
Location and hours: 
Veterans Program Office
509 Girard Street, Lower Level
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 715-7453
Appointments are preferred, however walk in hours are available 9:00 am - Noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm - Monday through Friday.

Services:

• Temporary Financial Assistance 
• Housing Assistance 
• Burial Assistance 
• Health Services 
• Compensation & Pension 
• Social Service Programs 
• Legal Assistance 
• Employment Assistance 
• Transportation.

The Program also list a dozen additional  Community Resources  at its webpage.

Finally, programs like these need Veterans to serve on their Veterans Assistance Board: http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/boards/veterans_advisory_brd.jsp. Why not join the effort to help you fellow veterans?

March 12: Mount Vernon VA Town Hall!

The Student Center
Has Free Parking!

All Veterans are welcome to attend and ask questions of VA Puget Sound staff at the Town Hall Meeting!
This Means You!
When/Where:
Thursday, March 12, 2015
18:00 to 20:00
Gary Knutzen Cardinal Student Center
Cardinal Multi-purpose Room Skagit Valley College
2405 E. College Way
Mount Vernon, WA
Map It!

March 17: Yakima - VA Town Hall Meeting

Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center invites you to a Town Hall for Veterans, family members and the public to provide feedback on VA operations and recommendations for VA programs.
Come Tuesday, March 17, 2015 from 1 pm to 2:30 pm to VFW Post 379, 118 S 5th Ave, Yakima, WA 98902.
The event's motto is "It's your VA - Tell Us What You Think".

An Easy Way To Help Veterans Take Care Of Themselves

Imagine you're a veteran who's lost the use of an arm. How would you cook for yourself?

The Occupational Therapy Program at the Seattle VA Hospital teaches about 10 veterans a week how to prepare meals with their new capabilities, using regular food from local stores.
It's a practical way to help veterans help themselves, but it has a problem: the ingredients aren't funded.
You can help!
Only $5 covers the raw ingredients for an average lesson. You can give that now at the Food 4 Veteran Therapy Cooking campaign (hosted onthe internet by GoFundMe.)
Contribute as much or as little as you like. Together, we will raise $500 to cover the next 10 weeks of classes, and then evaluate our success.
All of the money from your donation (minus about 8% that "gofundme" takes for its web hosting and credit card processing fee) will go to buy grocer gift cards donated to the OT Program for this purpose; Veterans And Friends of Puget Sound does not peel off anything for overhead.
Join us! You will be feeding one of our veterans, but more importantly, you will help him or her learn to take care of themselves!
Learn more and take action at http://www.gofundme.com/nmp2lg

March 7: Rainier Beach - Growing Veterans at Seattle Tilth’s Urban Farm

"Through service we can honor
those who have fallen
 and regain our sense
of purpose back home"

You can join Growing Veterans at Seattle Tilth’s Rainier Beach Urban Farm for a day of environmental restoration at the intersection of urban agriculture.
This Saturday (March 7, 2015) 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, volunteers will work on channel stabilization, removing invasive vegetation, and preserving the valuable ecosystem services that wetlands provide. Wear waterproof footwear and dress for the weather.
Register at http://growingveterans.org/event/seattle-tilth-outpost-1st-saturdays/

Download Your Own VA Medical Records - Free!

Have you ever need to remember what year you had surgery or the name of that hard-to-pronounce prescription you’re taking?  Or maybe you'd like an easier way to keep track of your appointments or how stable your blood sugar levels have been lately.
The new My HealtheVet’s Blue Button  lets you see, print, download and store information from your personal health record (PHR) - everything in one place for you to see when you want.
Your downloadable PHR can show you:

• Information for emergency contacts, health care teams and insurance providers 
• Over-the-counter medications, allergies, military health history, medical events and lab tests
• Daily records in your diet and physical activity (exercise) journals 
• Recorded Vitals & Readings (blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, heart rate, body temperature, weight, pain level, etc.) 
• Military service information from your VA and/or DoD records 
• Prescription history.

With the Blue Button, you can:

• Download your Personal Health Record to share with your family and personal doctor, if you wish.  
• Get it as your choice of a simple text file or a fancier PDF
• Pick a date range, if you don't want the whole thing
• Limit the categories of information you wish to include. 
• Monitor your vital signs and use the journals to track your diet and physical activity. 
• If you get care from VA, you can set your preferences so that some VA and/or DoD records feed into your VA Blue Button copy of your PHR, such as your military service information.

This is all voluntary, but it costs you nothing if you choose to sign up. Why not sign up today?

Veterans Choice Program - Take the Eligibility Quiz!

Here's more about the new Veterans Choice Program

• You can take the Eligibility Quiz at http://va.gov/opa/choiceact/
• You can call the VA Choice Hotline at 866-606-8198
• You can check out the VA Puget Sound Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/vapugetsound

March 28: Silverdale - Military Appreciation Day

Silverdale hosts its annual Military Appreciation Day And Information Fair Saturday, March 28, 2015, 11am - 4pm at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds.
 This yearly event is brought to the community by the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee. Each year, there are over 100 organizations that attend to serve the military, veterans and their families by providing services and resources.
The event also offers a wider variety of features, such as fun, games and entertainment for military children, and assistance for veterans.
More information (Printable Poster PDF).

Yakima County Veterans Program

Most Counties in Washington State have their a program for supporting veterans. This week we look at Yakima County.

Yakima County Veterans Program has a long tradition of helping veterans and their families. It has three main programs:

The Veteran’s Relief Fund  assists qualified indigent Veterans and their family with temporary emergency assistance for:

• Food 
• Utilities 
• Transportation 
• Rental assistance 
• Eviction prevention 
• Burial expenses 

The fund is not an entitlement and is used in conjunction with other available resources in the community. Participants must have:

• Veteran verification 
• Yakima County residency 
• Low income status 
• Emergent need.

The Yakima County Veterans Incarcerated Program helps incarcerated Veterans in the Yakima County Department of Corrections facilities and other municipal jails within the county reduce recidivism and successfully reintegrate into the community. Services that may be provided:

• Case management 
• Reentry planning 
• Legal advocacy 
• Essential needs 
• Medical treatment 
• Mental health treatment 
• Chemical addiction treatment 
• Veteran administration benefits 
• Housing 
• Employment and other identifiable needs 

Homeless Outreach and Services seeks to end to homelessness among Veterans in our county,  and also works to prevent homelessness as well as advocate for affordable housing for Veterans and their families

For More help and information, see their web page.

There is also a nongovernmental Yakima County Veterans Coalition, which is not formally related but worth checking out.

Military Commercial Drivers License Skills Test Waiver in Washington State

Are you a recent veteran thinking of becoming a commercial driver?
In Washington State, you can waive the Commercial Driver License (CDL) skills test if you were employed within the last 90 days in a military position requiring the operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV).
This waiver allows a qualified service member to apply for a CDL without skills testing. CDL knowledge (written) test(s) cannot be waived.
There is, of course, paperwork to fill out. Why not start now?

The Million Veteran Program (MVP) Needs You!

Call (866) 441-6075 to Join!

Everybody knows your health and illness is connected your genetic heritage - but we don't know enough about how. Why does a drug work on one veteran and not on another? Why does the same physical trauma affect the brain of one veteran differently than another? How can we prevent some illnesses in the first place?
We need a huge database of veterans - one million volunteers - to figure this out.  That's the Million Veteran Program (MVP)!
If you join the Million Veteran Program, it won't help you right away, and maybe you personally will never get a direct benefit. But you will be a part of an army of one million, and everyone adds something!
MVP needs you!
When you volunteer for MVP, you will

• Fill out surveys about health and health-related behaviors; 
• Provide a blood sample, containing DNA and other substances that will be stored for future genomic analyses
• Allow secure access to VA and VA-linked medical and health information, including past and future health records
• Agree to future contact.

That's it - that's all! Volunteering for the MVP army does not change your Veterans' access to health care or benefits. But when MVP starts solving medical problems for your fellow veterans, you will be a part of it.

To join, (866) 441-6075 or stop by the MVP Clinic at your VA Hospital.
Learn More.

Track Your VA Mail Order Prescriptions Online

Most of the prescriptions you get from the VA can be sent to you by the VA Mail Order Pharmacy so you don't have to go pick them up yourself. Now there is a "Track Delivery" feature  to let you see when your VA prescriptions were shipped. It also shows which Service (UPS, US Postal Service, etc.) handling your VA prescription.

By using Track Delivery, you can track anything sent from the VA Mail Order Pharmacy, such as:

• VA medicine that was refilled or renewed 
• Wound care supplies 
• Diabetic supplies 
• Other products/supplies processed by the VA Mail Order Pharmacy. 

Some medicine requiring close patient follow-up are not sent through the VA Mail Order Pharmacy and so can not be tracked, but most can.

To use the Track Delivery feature, you need to sign up for a free Advanced or Premium My HealtheVet account. Why not Sign Up Today?

"Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1" Wins Oscar.

Each month, the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255) receives over 22,000 calls from military veterans, who account for 20% of all suicides in the U.S. each year.
An HBO Documentary on the Veterans Crisis Line was awarded the 2014 Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Short Documentary.
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If you are a veteran, or concerned about one, call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. See the website at http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Kitsap County Veterans Assistance Funds

Most Counties in Washington State have their a program for supporting veterans. This week we look at Kitsap County.

Kitsap Community Resources provides direct emergency assistance to qualified veterans. Funds are provided with Kitsap County Veterans Assistance Funds.
Temporary emergency assistance is available for: 

• Rent/mortgage assistance 
• Energy assistance 
• Assistance for food, transportation, medical and prescription costs, burial costs, and other approved needs 

Eligibility: Participants must:

• Income eligibility rules apply. 
• Have resided in Washington State for 12 consecutive months and in Kitsap County at the time of application. 
• Have served 120 days active duty and have an honorable discharge
• Sign up through local VFW or American Legion posts (see list here). 
• Bremerton/Silverdale VFW Post 239
  190 S. Dora Avenue
  360-377-6739 
• American Legion Post 68
  1240 Sheridan Road
  360-373-0233 
• Port Orchard VFW Post 2669
  736 Bay Street
  360-876-2669 
• Poulsbo American Legion Post 245
   (at theNational Guard Armory)
  19133 Jensen Way
  360-779-5456 
• Kitsap Community Resources
  845 8th Street
  Bremerton, WA 98337
  360.478.2301

More Information: 

• Kitsap County Veterans Assistance Program 
• Kitsap County Application Process (PDF)

For More help and information, see their web page.

Growing Veterans

"Growing Veterans"  is a veterans group with a different approach. From its website:
Our Mission: To empower military veterans to grow food, communities, and each other.
We combine veteran reintegration with sustainable agriculture- creating a holistic solution to fighting the multitude of issues the veteran population faces and simultaneously empowering our fellow vets to strengthen the incredibly important sustainable agriculture movement.
 Acknowledging the many issues that veterans face: unemployment, homelessness, suicide, divorce and depression – we believe that in most cases the root cause of these issues is isolation. Isolated from the peers they served with, from family and friends, from the community as a whole, it can be difficult for a veteran to remain resilient and get the proper support they need. Growing Veterans provides a place where veterans can get together in support of a positive and worthy cause, allowing them to experience an informal peer-support setting, while also encouraging them to use skills gained in the military or school to support the broader community.
While working in the fields we talk about our wartime experience, issues we’re having gaining access to the VA, struggles we face in school using the GI Bill, suicide, politics, medications… we even laugh and poke fun at each other, sometimes ruthlessly, because that’s what camaraderie is all about. After all, most of us are vets.

Not far from Mt. Baker and the San Juan Islands, our Main Farm serves as the cornerstone for all things Growing Veterans. Using our farm as the platform, we engage local veterans and community members- bridging the gap and providing an example of the amazing things we can accomplish when we work together.
At the beginning of 2014 we began piloting an innovative Outpost concept. By partnering with sustainable agriculture groups that are already doing great work in other areas, we are able to harness local veteran leadership and recreate the same type of opportunities for vets and community members that we provide on our Main Farm. Led primarily by volunteer leadership, our Outpost partners host Growing Veterans so we can use their site as a platform to engage local veterans and community volunteers and help strengthen their operations through our organizing leadership and volunteerism. Through this model, Growing Veterans is able to help strengthen local, sustainable agriculture and in turn, strengthen local economies. Look for these Outposts next season:

•  21 Acres- King County
• Seattle Tilth- King County
• Good GRuB- Thurston County
• Conversations being had with a few more!

Learn More at http://growingveterans.org/

NW Outdoor Vets

NW WA Outdoor Vets is a social network of NW Washington State military veterans who are passionate about the outdoors: this org is for fellow vets to connect up & enjoy NW WA!
It's a twitter feed - free of course - so if you're into the outdoors, check out https://twitter.com/NW_WA_OV

"Have You Ever Served in the Military" - Did Your Doctor Ask?

From Military.com:

"The American Medical Association has urged health care providers to ask patients if they have served in the military and to include that experience in their records.

"Military history will usually not be volunteered by patients if not specifically asked for," said former APA president Dr. Prudence Gourguechon. "However, serving in the military poses several additional challenges and stressors that can impact the overall health and mental well-being of military personnel and their families. This makes asking key questions about military experience vital to better serving their health needs."

"The VA treats over six million veterans ... but the majority of our veteran population does not go to the VA," said Joy Ilem, assistant national legislative director for Disabled American Veterans. "They end up going to the private sector, maybe they have their own insurance." But private sector doctors may not ask about military service and dig into what they veteran was exposed to, Ilem said.

So they may never know about injuries from Korean War service, chemical exposures from chemical warfare experiments, exposure to dioxins like Agent Orange in Vietnam, or to burn pit exposure during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Read the whole article here.
But more importantly, tell your doctor about your military experience! You may have been exposed to chemicals or other things affecting your health today. Speaking up now might help you find solutions to your health problems.

Student Veterans: Take Survey, Get Starbucks Card

Washington Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Training Support Center  is surveying Veteran Students. The first 200 to take this survey will get a Starbucks card. Why not you? Take the survey now!

More Information:

"It is very likely that student Veterans can be better served by higher education in WA State. For purposes of this survey, "veteran" refers to anyone who has served in the armed forces, National Guard, or Reserves. However, at this time neither the Veterans Training Support Center nor higher education institutions have the data to help understand the experiences, perceptions, and needs of veterans. Input from veterans is needed to help make the case for more and better-targeted resources and support.

The goal of this project is to gather data that can better inform college officials of the baseline characteristics of their veterans, the process of transition to college, impacts of military experience on college performance, and to identify programs and services that can serve those who have been in the armed forces, guard, and reserves.

Completion of the following survey is entirely voluntary and your responses will be used only for the purposes stated above. Your survey responses will be kept confidential; only the research team will have access to your data and only aggregated results will be reported. Once the data set is completed, all individual identifiers will be removed. This study is being developed and sponsored by the Veterans Training Support Center and Columbia Basin College. You will be able to receive copies of the study results when it is completed.

At the end of February a coffee card will be mailed to you in a CBC envelope as a token of our appreciation for your participation. Thank you again for participating."

If you're a Washington State Veteran Student - take the survey now!

Pierce County Veterans Bureau

Most Counties in Washington State have their own programs for supporting veterans. This week we look at Pierce County.

The Pierce County Veterans Bureau provides emergency assistance with food, rent and utilities to qualified indigent veterans and family members. Limited assistance with medical and other miscellaneous services is also available on a emergency need basis. The Pierce County Veterans Bureau also offers the Incarcerated Veterans Reintegration program.
When: 
Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m.  - 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where:
925 Tacoma Ave S, Ste B
Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone (253)798-7449
Toll Free (800)992-2456
For More help and information, see their web page.

February 26: American Lake - Veterans Resource Fair

It's the 1st Building
On the Left

Title:
Veterans Resource Fair 
When/Where:
Thursday, February 26, 2015
13:00 to 15:00
American Lake
9600 Veterans Drive
Building 9 Auditorium
First building to the left when you arrive on campus.
Parking: 
To the right of Veterans Drive, behind the bus stop.
Parking Map
By:
Community Housing & Outreach Services

March 10: Seattle - Regional Contracting Forum

Are you a veteran who owns a contracting business?
Introduce your business to the Region’s largest government entities: King County, Port of Seattle, University of Washington, Sound Transit, Washington State Department of Enterprise Services, Washington State Department of Transportation, Washington State Office of Minority and Women's Owned Business Enterprises, Port of Tacoma, City of Seattle and others.
Attendees have the opportunity to meet government contracting representatives and network with contractors, consultants, and suppliers all at one event.
This is not a veterans-only event, but it's a free chance to present your business to some big buyers!
Title:
Regional Contracting Forum 
When/Where: 
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
08:00 to 15:00
Register:
http://www.kingcounty.gov/exec/BusinessDev/contractforum.aspx
It's free, but to get a table you MUST sign up in advance!
More Information And Registration

American Lake Veterans Golf Course: Volunteer Opportunities!

The American Lake Veterans Golf Course is made possible by a small army of volunteers who believe in the power of golf to heal, to create new possibilities, and to provide the fellowship and camaraderie of warriors.

As veterans learn that playing golf is possible, no matter what their disability, they regain their personal pride of accomplishment, of control, of success—even if it’s just a putt.

The American Lake Veterans Golf Course would not exist without its nearly 200 volunteers. No government funding exists for operation and maintenance of the course, and there is not one single paid employee. Volunteers, ranging in age from 23 to 92, give selflessly of their time to support our servicemen and women regaining hope and strength while playing the great game of golf.

Bound by one common purpose, former privates, retired generals and committed civilians— some with their own disabilities— come together to serve and assist America’s veterans.

Volunteer positions range from management to cutting grass and picking up range balls:

• Administrative / finance / clerical
• Barbeque cooks and helpers
• Check-in counter personnel
• Club repair
• Computer troubleshooting
• Course marshals
• Course starters
• Data entry
• General workman (range balls, etc)
• Grounds maintenance crew (includes grass cutting, sprinkler system, etc)
• Handyman / carpenter
• Janitorial
• Trainers / coaches / assistants
• Vehicle maintenance (mechanics).

Volunteers are eligible to join the golf course (otherwise only open to veterans) and will receive free membership after their first year, if they work at least 160 hours during that period (prorated amounts for interim hours). Grounds maintenance crew receives immediate free golf as an incentive to join a crew.

Interested volunteers may apply in person at the Volunteer Services office in building 9 at the American Lake VA Hospital in Lakewood or can go to http://www.volunteer.va.gov/index.asp and apply on-line. Learn More Here.

There are many volunteer opportunities throughout the VA hospital. All interested parties must fill out an application, be able to pass a federal government background security check and attend a short training session.

OIF/OEF/OND Veterans Needed for Study at VA Hospital. Get paid!

Male OFI/OEF/ONE veterans aged 21-40 are needed for a research study at that VA Puget Sound hospital, for which you will receive compensation.

That is: they will pay you to ask some personal questions, give you some memory tests, and take blood samples.

If you're interested, call the Study Coordinator at 206-277-1272.

This study is about hormones in your blood that affect sleep, mood, sex, learning and memory. If you're going to be visiting the VA Hospital anyway, why not get paid for it?

Veterans Choice Program - How It Works

Many Veterans will now have the option to receive non-VA health care rather than waiting for a VA appointment or traveling to a VA facility, according to the Official VA Website.

Veterans are eligible if any of these situations apply:

• You have been told by your local VA medical facility that you will need to wait more than 30 days from your preferred date or the date medically determined by your physician
• Your current residence is more than 40 miles from the closest VA health care facility
• You need to travel by plane or boat to the VA medical facility closest to your home
• You face a geographic challenge, such as extensive distances around water or other geologic formations, such as mountains, which presents a significant travel hardship. 

Important Notes:

• The Choice Program is completely optional on your part. If you are satisfied with your wait time at a VA facility, there is nothing you need to do at this time; you can change your mind later.
• Non-VA care is only covered by VA for medical needs which have been approved by your VA physician. VA may help you schedule appointments for other medical needs, but by law can cover only the cost of care related to your VA-approved health needs. 

Every Veteran is supposed to receive a letter and a Choice Card in the mail with details about the program. If you have not gotten this letter and Card, call  call the VA at 866-606-8198.

Veterans will be eligible for the program and receive cards in three phases:

• Veterans who may live more than 40 miles from a VA facility.
• Veterans who are currently waiting for an appointment longer than 30 days from their preferred date or the date determined to be medically necessary by their physician.
• All remaining Veterans enrolled for VA healthcare who may be eligible for the Choice Program in the future. 

To set up an appointment with a non-VA provider, call the VA at 866-606-8198.
This is a new program. There are always bumps in the implementation of anything new. If you advocate for yourself and for your fellow veterans by speaking up calmly and persistently when there is a problem - and also when you are happy with the way things are going - everyone will benefit.