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!