Disabled American Veterans Chapter #23

COVID-19 vaccine will arrive at our medical centers in the coming days. Our teams have been hard at work planning for this important vaccine and are ready to begin vaccinations of our health care personnel and long-term care inpatients, in accordance with CDC guidelines, as soon as they arrive. We want you to be ready when you are offered the vaccine.... To learn more about COVID-19 Vaccine at VA and how you can stay informed, please visit https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/ or talk with your care team.

COVID-19 Test Basics My HealtheVet and COVID-19 testing results COVID-19 cases are surging across the country. More people than ever are getting tested. Do you know about the different tests available? To better understand how these tests work and their main differences, we’ve listed some of the COVID-19 test basics, with help from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ... Learn more about COVID tests and viewing results online in My HealtheVet

GUN TRUCKS OF VIETNAM on Smithsonian Channel how U.S. Soldiers built their own deadly gun trucks...

Florida Department of Elder Affairs YtencsStegirponrdedautuye aft s8:ro0ret1 hrtrdoaAsM Have you read the latest issue of the Elder Update? Check out page 20! The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs announces the 2020 Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide, which is now available in print and online! Visit FloridaVets.org/resources/va-benefits-guide Read more articles here! http://www.elderaffairs.org/.../2020/ElderUpdate_October.pdf

The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs tSponhfsor7gedh Florida Voters! #Amendment6 helps spouses of older combat veterans with service connected disabilities retain their earned property tax discount upon the passing of the veteran. At present, the earned benefit dies with the veteran. Help close this loophole. #FLVets #veteransupport #vote

Your local AdventHealth Centra Care is your easiest source for COVID-19 testing. All locations now have rapid tests and more appointment availability, so you can get in. Get tested - and get your results today.

Your new benefit amount will be available in December. Approximately 70 million Americans will see a 1.3 percent increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2021. We will mail Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) notices throughout the month of December to retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries, SSI recipients, and representative payees. Want to know your new benefit amount before your notice arrives? Starting in earl...y December, you will be able to securely view and save your Social Security COLA notice online via the Message Center inside my Social Security. Benefit amounts will not be available before December. Make sure you are signed up for notifications from the my Social Security Message Center by choosing email or text under Message Center Preferences. With convenient access to your COLA notice online, there’s no need to contact us to get your new benefit amount. Log in to your personal my Social Security account today and sign up for notifications

VA claim (C&P) exam resumption Resuming in-person C&P exams At the beginning of April 2020, as concerns about COVID-19 infections increased and the President declared a national emergency, VA suspended its in-person medical disability examinations for its compensation and pension (C&P) programs. On May 28, 2020, VA resumed in-person C&P exams in locations where it was safe to do so. VA has since expanded these in-person examinations to other locations based upon local COVID-1...9 risk assessments. We will contact you If you require an in-person C&P exam and live in or near a resumed location, a VA contract medical exam provider will contact you. To learn more, view or download our VA Claim Exam Resumption FAQ/fact sheet. Below are the locations where we’ve resumed in-person exams.

All C&P Exam Locations Now Open VA has partnered with specialized contract examiners to resume in-person Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams related to disability benefits at their designated contract facilities and not at VA medical facilities. Your local VA Medical Center (VAMC) will still conduct VA medical appointments and testing related to your health care. Specific safety requirements are still in place for Veterans' health. While specialty exams are only performed whe...n it is safe, certain areas have allowed removal of personal protective equipment (PPE) in order to complete the appointment. Final C&P exam location has reopened Through a joint collaboration with VA contract medical examiners, VA has opened its final location in central Alabama to create a 100% re-opening of locations now scheduling in-person C&P exams for disability compensation claims. For more information regarding locations in your area, please visit: https://benefits.va.gov/compensation/claimexam.asp.

FYI - Florida September 11 Patriots Day QuadA Social Fri Sept 11 Join the AAAA also known as QuadA The Army Aviation Association of America in a social that observes the COVID-19 requirements. It’s great to network and socialize with with friends and business associates. The social meetings are sponsored each month by industry partners - ICE this month. End the hectic workweek and start the weekend off well from 5:30 8:30 at Frogger’s Grill & Bar, 27 Alafaya Woo...ds Blvd, Oviedo, 32765. The admission fee of $10 covers beer and wings for yourself. This is a fund raising event for the chapter and a 50/50 raffle is held to provide funds for the chapter Scholarship Fund. The CFL AAAA Chapter has been supporting Army Aviators and their families since 1985 with support to the community, our membership, and to our local military Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and civilians. This support includes education related to Army aviation, scholarship awards, and growth through well planned social and professional activities. Info: Facebook or CFLQuadA@ gmail .com Brevard County Memorial Tribute Fri. Sept 11 - Combined Patriot Day 9/11/2001 Ceremony with Veterans Memorial Center and NYPD ret Police and Fire Organizations at Veterans Memorial Center Outside (5:30 - 6:30). Includes Music, special events and talks by 9/11 NYPD and FPD survivors along with Sheriff Wayne Ivey, RADM Wayne Justice USCG, ret. and others as we reflect on that day and the many sacrifices that followed because of 9/11. COVID-19 compliance required. 400 South Sykes Creek Pkwy / Merritt Island, 32952. Office 321-453-1776

IRS reopens deadline for veterans who missed coronavirus stimulus checks Leo Shane III Veterans Affairs officials are reminding families who missed out on some coronavirus stimulus checks last spring that they have a few more weeks left to claim that cash.... In a social media post Friday morning, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie urged veterans who think they may be eligible for the money to contact the Internal Revenue Service and see if they are owed any money. At issue are payments of up to $500 per dependent child for disabled veterans who do not typically meet the threshold for filing annual income tax returns. The money was part of a massive emergency spending package pass in the spring designed to offset financial losses due to the coronavirus pandemic, then in its initial months. After Congress approved one-time payouts of up to $1,200 per person, the IRS struggled to get those stimulus checks to some veterans whose current address and bank account information was not up-to-date in their systems. The agency eventually partnered with VA officials to use some veterans benefits records to help with that challenge, but could not identify all of the individuals who may have been eligible to receive the additional $500 child payments along with the other stimulus payouts. IRS officials set up a special registration site for veterans and other Americans who don’t regularly file annual tax returns, but set a cutoff of early May to apply. Agency leaders said individuals who missed out on that deadline would have to wait until spring 2021 to receive the money as part of next year’s income tax returns. But late last week, IRS officials reopened the application process. Veterans who missed out on the child credits now have until Sept. 30 to register, with payouts expected to be delivered by mid-October.

An Important Message about Wearing Masks The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to recommend all individuals wear masks in public or when around people who don’t live in the same household to stop the spread of COVID-19. VA requires masks to be worn while on our campuses and in our facilities. This is especially true for people with lung diseases like asthma, emphysema and COPD because they may be at greater risk of severe complications and even death from COVID-19.... The American Lung Association, among others, indicate wearing a mask does not significantly affect oxygen or carbon dioxide levels. Individuals who have trouble tolerating a mask due to claustrophobia or anxiety can lessen these feelings by progressively wearing the mask for longer periods of time to adjust. They can also try different kinds of masks to find one that fits better or is more comfortable. Patients can speak with their health care provider about other options that may be available but still provide an acceptable level protection. It is important to note that masks with breathing valves do not offer protection but rather allow for the spread of the virus. If patients arrive on campus with this type of mask, they will be required to wear a VA issued one. Thank you, The VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8) - Providing exceptional VA health care services to Veterans in Florida, South Georgia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands

Important Information about Mail Order Prescription Medications During the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, Veterans may have noticed increased shipping times for mail order prescriptions as more Americans are using delivery options. Re-order medication refills as early as possible. Refill requests can be made as soon as you receive a prescription. We encourage Veterans to sign up for USPS Informed Delivery and UPS MyChoice both are free services that notify you when pack...ages are on the way. You may also order and track certain prescriptions in MyHealtheVet. Thank you for your service to our country, and for choosing VA Pharmacy. - Your Friends at the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8) - providing exceptional VA health care services to Veterans in Florida, South Georgia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands

News & Announcements Dear Veterans, As one of the many safety measures taken, Veteran Service Organization (VSO) offices located throughout all of the Orlando VA Healthcare Systems sites of care have been working remotely.... This action is to best protect you and to limit the risk of exposure while still ensuring you receive the help offered by the VSO offices. Please find below a list of VSO offices offered throughout our healthcare system and the current remote contact information (Leave a message with your name and contact information): Disabled American Veterans 1 (888) 604-0234 Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs 407-631-0021 Orange County Veterans Service 407-836-8990 Paralyzed Veterans of America 407-631-1835 Veterans of Foreign Wars 407-631-1828 Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to best commit to your safety and health. Stay safe, Your OVAHCS Team

https://youtu.be/oYE_unBFxuU

VA resumes in-person C&P exams: What you need to know The COVID-19 pandemic halted VA’s practice of in-person C&P exams. Now, in select locations across the country, these disability compensation and pension exams have resumed. Naturally, Veterans have been asking not only where we are conducting exams, but what they are and who is completing them.... What is a C&P exam? For some Veterans, the C&P exam is a critical component of the VA disability claim process. Though not all Veterans need or receive an exam, it’s one of the ways VA evaluates the disability or medical condition a Veteran claims was caused or aggravated by active service. And for those already receiving compensation, a C&P exam is how VA evaluates changes to that existing service-connected disability. Veterans are able to submit an electronic claim at VA.gov by attaching Acceptable Clinical Evidence (existing medical documents). Others can take advantage of a Tele-C&P exam. But for many claims, VA will need to conduct an in-person C&P exam using a VA contracted medical examination provider. Veterans need not worry about selecting which is right for them: VA will determine the type of exam that it needs. VA will notify you of what is needed and where, if necessary, to report. For disability compensation Disability compensation exams help VA determine if your disability is related to your military service or if your existing service-connected disability rating should be updated due to changes in your condition. For pension For pension claims, which are for wartime Veterans with non-service-connected disabilities and their survivors, this exam documents the level of disability experienced by the Veteran, regardless of whether the condition is related to military service. The examination is not a care appointment The C&P examiner will only perform an examination necessary to evaluate disabilities claimed in your compensation or pension application. They will record the findings and provide them to a VA claims processor to complete the claim process. A C&P exam is not the same as a healthcare appointment. You won’t receive treatment or medicine from the provider, but you will get your VA claim well on its way to completion. If VA determines that you require a C&P exam to complete a claim, don’t worry, one of our medical examiners will reach out to you to get your in-person exam scheduled. Work with them. Even during COVID-19, we are scheduling and safely conducting exams all over the country through the assistance of contracted medical facilities established to ensure the safety of Veterans and providers.

News & Announcements Room Service Dining at James J. Peters VAMC 07/29/2020 11:40 AM EDT... Room Service dining is now available at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center! Patients have the option of ordering freshly cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner from a restaurant-style menu.

2020 National POW/MIA Recognition Day poster

DAV is proud to share that this week, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to force the VA to add bladder cancer, hypothyroidism and Parkinson’s-like symptoms to the list of conditions presumed linked to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. http://dav.la/238

VISN 8 Clincial Contact Center VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center Veterans who require immediate urgent care services can call the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center at 1-877-741-3400 for 24/7 support. This service is not to be confused with emergency services. For more information about the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center, please visit www.visn8.va.gov/ccc.asp.

Health department offering free COVID-19 testing by appointment. The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County is offering free, #COVID19 testing by appointment. To make an appointment, people should call the location where they’d like to be tested between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Appointments are being scheduled through Friday, Aug.7. Testing will be available by appointment at these locations, weather permitting: 1845 Holsonback Drive Call 386-274-0500 and press #. 421 S. Keech Street Call 386-871-3364 Anyone may get tested. Symptoms are not required. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to provide consent for testing. The health department will be using the (PCR) swab for testing. People tested also will be offered a plain white face covering, while supplies last

For helpful information and tips on how you can be prepared for hurricane season, please visit the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network’s VA Sunshine Healthcare Network’s Hurricane Tips for Veterans For helpful information and tips on how you can be prepared for hurricane season, please visit the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network’s Hurricane Tips for Veterans and Families webpage at: https://www.visn8.va.gov/hurricane_tips.asp and download our comprehensive hurricane preparedness guides available in English and Spanish.

VA offers debt relief to Veterans through year’s end WASHINGTON The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced its commitment to extend debt relief to Veterans adversely impacted by COVID-19 to the end of 2020 by suspending certain debt collection actions. The department recognizes Veterans and beneficiaries are still being greatly impacted by the coronavirus prompting the extension of financial relief.... Veterans and their families should be focused on their health and safety during the pandemic, said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. VA is taking action to give those with pending debts greater flexibility during these challenging times. VA is suspending all actions on Veteran debts under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Treasury Department. This includes the suspension of collection action or extending repayment terms on preexisting VA debts, whichever the Veteran prefers. For benefit debts, Veterans should contact the VA Debt Management Center at 1-800-827-0648. For health care debts, Veterans should contact the Health Resource Center at 1-866-400-1238 or https://www.pay.gov for payments

As the Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) works to keep your safety the top priority, certain preventative measures are in place (As listed below). These measures include a health screening entering the facility, along with practicing the social distance guidelines of maintaining a six-foot separation between you and others where possible to reduce COVID-19 exposure. To best abide by the recommendations, Audiology will no longer be able to offer walk-in services until fur...Continue reading

What Is the IRS Timeline for Sending Stimulus Checks? Lawmakers released an estimated schedule for payments by paper check and direct deposit If you're checking your mailbox or bank account for your coronavirus stimulus payment several times a day, you're not alone: Much of the nation is, too.... Unfortunately, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) wouldn't divulge its exact schedule for sending stimulus payments to all eligible Americans via direct deposit, paper check or Direct Express debit card. (We asked.) We can, however, share an estimated timeline as of April 16 released by the Ways & Means Committee, the chief tax-writing committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. The IRS declined to confirm the accuracy of the timeline. (We asked.) Because the stimulus program has generated many questions, the IRS has an extremely helpful set of answers to frequently asked questions. It’s updated frequently, too. Among the newest information: The IRS may have sent your stimulus check to an account you don’t recognize. This could be because you chose to have a refund anticipation loan, or because you had your refund loaded onto a debit card provided by your tax preparer. In some cases, your stimulus check may have gone to the bank account associated with those refund settlement products, as the IRS calls them. If so, the bank will reject the stimulus payment, and the IRS will mail a check to the most recent address it has on file. If you’re getting an error message from the IRS Get My Payment tool, make sure you enter your address in exactly the same way as you entered it on your tax return. If you filed your address as 123 Winesap Street, Appleton, WI, the tool may reject your entry if you put in 123 Winesap St. If you think the amount of your stimulus check is incorrect, you can claim the additional amount on your 2020 tax return. Those who receive Veterans Affairs or Supplemental Security Income who didn’t file a 2019 or 2018 tax return have until Tuesday, May 5 to use the non-filers tool to add dependents. You’ll get $500 added automatically to your payment for each qualifying child under 17.

VA, SSI recipients with eligible children need to act by May 5 to quickly add money to their automatic Economic Impact Payment; ‘Plus $500 Push’ continues Special alert for VA, SSI recipients who don’t file a tax return and have dependents IR-2020-81, April 24, 2020...Continue reading

the Mission Act Benefit: Urgent care thru Mission act outside VA can be contacted at 844-698 2311.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 1 hr The IRS recently announced that Veterans and their beneficiaries who receive compensation and pension (C&P) benefit payments from VA will receive a $1,200 Economic Impact Payment with no further action needed on their part. The Treasury Department, not the VA, will make these automatic payments and timing on the payments is still being determined.... If VA beneficiaries have children who qualify, an extra step is needed to add $500 per child onto their automatic payment of $1,200 if they didn't file a tax return in 2018 or 2019. They can quickly register by visiting the "Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info" link below or on IRS.gov. By quickly taking steps to enter information on the IRS website about them and their qualifying children, they can receive the $500 per dependent child payment in addition to their $1,200 individual payment. If beneficiaries in these group do not provide their information to the IRS soon, they will receive their $500 per qualifying child at a later date, depending on when they complete the registration process. https://www.irs.gov/coro/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here

CHAMPVA Pay is an app for your mobile device and PC, designed to help you and your health care provider determine what CHAMPVA can pay. With CHAMPVA Pay, the answer is right at your fingertips.

VIETNAM VETERANS

Free Legal Advice Clinic for Veterans Thurs. 12 Dec - Seminole County Bar Association, Legal Aid Society provides a Free Legal Advice Clinic for Veterans every 2nd Thursday of the Month from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, at the Seminole County Public Library, 215 N Oxford Road, Casselberry. No appointment necessary. Questions concerning family law or a housing law matter? Come meet with the experienced staff and volunteer attorneys to get answers to your legal questions. For more information call Carolina Hernandez, Pro Bono Coordinator, Seminole County Legal Aid, Inc., 407-834-1660 ext. 113 or coordinator@ scbalas .com

Veterans need VHIC for in-person Commissary, Military Exchange, MWR access Expansion to start Jan. 1, 2020 The Defense Department has announced expanded Commissary, Military Service Exchange and MWR access Jan. 1 and established a standard for physical access to military installations. Veterans and Primary Family Caregivers who are eligible and want to take advantage of in-person benefits must have a Veterans Health Identification Card, or VHIC. Primary Family Caregivers must... have an eligibility letter from VA’s Office of Community Care. Veterans use VHICs for identification and check-in at VA appointments, but will also use them for base access under the new program. Veterans eligible solely under this act who are eligible to obtain a Veteran Health Identification Card must use this credential for in-person installation and privilege access. The card must display the Veteran’s eligibility status (i.e., PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW or SERVICE CONNECTED). Veterans eligible solely under this act who are not enrolled in or are not eligible to enroll in VA health care, or who are enrolled in VA health care, but do not possess a Veteran Health Identification Card will not have access to DoD and Coast Guard installations for in-person commissary, exchange, and MWR retail privileges, but will have full access to online exchanges and American Forces Travel. Medal of Honor recipients and Veterans with 100% service-connected disability ratings are eligible for DoD credentials under DoD policy. See more

OPEN HOUSE INVITE

May 10, 2019 Military Spouse Appreciation Day

Avoid the confusion - Just a bit of a reminder - There is a difference between veterans and military. Sometimes people get confused that veterans were once active military but they are not officially serving anymore. And our military who are serving now and will one day be veterans. Retired veterans served a specified required time in service. All military retirees are veterans but not all veterans are military retired. Veterans Day honors all persons who once were ...in the military - especially the living. Formerly known as Armistice Day after WWI 11/11/11 Eleventh day of the Eleventh month at the Eleventh hour. It is always proper and appreciated to thank our military personnel past and present! Armed Forces Day is the third Saturday in May - it was established in 1950 to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force Days. That is a day to pay tribute to men and women who ARE currently serve the United States’ armed forces. Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in the military; Observed on the last Monday in May. See more

Get Your VA Health Record Quickly and Easily You can get your VA health information whenever and wherever you have a computer or mobile device and an Internet connection with a My HealtheVet Premium account. Having access to information from your VA health record can help you manage your health, avoid medical errors, and save time. What are the benefits of using My HealtheVet to get information from your VA health record?... Access your VA health information conveniently from the comfort of home. Share your VA health information with community providers, family or other caregivers. Prevent you from having unnecessary tests and/or procedures. Save your precious time, especially in cases of an emergency. Review what was discussed at your health care visits. You have options! My HealtheVet offers you three options for reviewing and sharing information from your VA health record. VA Blue Button Report: Customize your request for information by choosing the date range and types of information you want to view, such as lab results and progress notes. This option gives you access to current and historical information, self-entered information and DoD Military Service information. VA Health Summary: Get a summary of your VA health information, such as allergies, health conditions, medications, laboratory tests, and more, to share with community (non-VA) providers or other applications. Note: You are not able to choose the information included in the summary. VA Medical Images and Reports: Access your Radiology studies such as X-rays, MRIs or CT scans. You can download and share these images and reports with your providers, including non-VA providers. Get Started: STEP 1: Log into My HealtheVet with your Premium account. STEP 2: On the home page, select STEP 3: Select the type of report that you need. STEP 4: Follow the steps on the next page. STEP 5: Get your data by selecting your preferences to view, download or print. You can still request medical record information from your VA facility Release of Information Office. If you have questions about information in your health care records, contact your health care team to discuss. Protect Your Health Information You are responsible for protecting the personal information you print or download. To learn more, read this article 'Protecting Your Personal Health Information.'

Flag at half-staff The president of the United States has issued a proclamation for the flag to be displayed at half-staff in honor of the victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting. Flags are to be lowered to half-staff through sunset on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Military Discounts on Apparel and Accessories From Local Retail Shops From local shops to national chains, a range of clothing and accessories stores offer special prices and deals for military personnel. Get some great discounts from these participating companies: Bass Pro Shops: Eligible military members receive a 5 percent discount every day on select products and Cabela’s gear with a valid military ID. Champion: Military personnel and veterans get 10 percent off.... Big 5 Sporting Goods: Active-duty and reserve military personnel, retirees, and veterans receive a 10 percent discount on their in-store purchase. Foot Locker: Qualified military personnel can get a 20 percent discount off most purchases on Footlocker.com. Michaels: Get 15 percent off your purchase including sale items every day with a military ID. MLBshop.com: Military personnel and first responders, along with their spouses and close family members, get a 15 percent discount on their purchase. NBA Store: Military service members receive a 15 percent discount on their order. Nike: Receive a 10 percent discount at Nike.com and at Nike stores as an eligible military member. NFL Shop: All eligible military personnel enjoy a 15 percent discount to use when purchasing products on NFLShop.com. Under Armour: For eligible military personnel, the sports retailer offers a 10 percent discount with verification. See more

Nov. 12: Vietnam Traveling Wall coming to St. Augustine

T-Shirt for Troops Giveaway Wed. Oct 17 - 11am - 1:30pm at the Orlando VA Medical Center Veterans Canteen, 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827. The nonprofit organization is coming to give Marvel t-shirts made for Veterans. Come get your free custom t-shirt! Info www. tshirts4troops .org Breast Cancer Awareness Walk Wed. Oct 17 - Breast Cancer Awareness events will take place at various VA care sites. Today: Clermont Outpatient Clinic, 805 Oakley Seaver Dr, Clermont, ...Continue reading

Viet Nam Veterans Breakfast Club

FYI, Pass it on:...

Vietnam War 50th Commemoration in Broward County The Miami VA Healthcare System, Congressman Ted Deutch and Broward Veterans Coalition will be hosting a Vietnam War 50th Commemoration event at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 20 in the Tamarac Community Center Auditorium. The address is 8601 W. Commercial Blvd. Tamarac, FL 33351. All Vietnam and Korean War Veterans in attendance will receive a lapel pin, a token of the nation's thanks. No registration required.... For questions about the content of this message, please contact the Miami VA Healthcare System's Office of Public Affairs at 305-575-3399 or email [email protected]. See more

Fly your American flags this weekend and for Memorial Day/weekend. If they are torn, tattered or fade you may take them to any veteran service organization post for proper retirement.

ARMED FORCES DAY

C-123 Aircraft Agent Orange Exposure List

Veterans Day 2018 National Veterans Day Poster Contest Calling all artists! The 2018 National Veterans Day Poster Contest is underway. Each year the Veterans Day National Committee publishes a commemorative Veterans Day poster. The poster is selected from artwork submitted by artists nationwide and is distributed to VA facilities, military installations around the world across cities and town in our nation. It also serves as the cover of the official program for the Veterans ...Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery. Over the years these posters have illustrated the rich history of our country's service men and women. The poster clearly reflects our pride and patriotism in saluting Veterans while providing the thematic artistry for the year. 2018 marks the Centennial Commemoration of the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. The theme for the 2018 Veterans Day Poster is: The War to End All Wars. The origin of Veterans Day came from Armistice Day. Poster guidelines, submissions must: Be 18 x 24 at 300 dots per inch, scale down submissions to 9x12. Submissions are not restricted to human centric presentations, such as a joint color guard. Imagery of American icons, monuments or scenery can qualify, for example, the American flag. Representative of the Veterans serving during World War I. The Committee may select a particular submission but ask the artist to make modifications to the original design. Additional changes may be required prior to printing. Include sufficient information to demonstrate that the image is the work of the artist and is not copyrighted material (i.e. photos and concepts). To view examples of past winning submissions visit: www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/gallery.asp. Submit electronic versions as jpg images or PDF files by email to [email protected] or send copies of artwork on a CD with artwork files to: Veterans Day National Committee (002D) Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20420 The deadline for submissions is 1 April, 2018. The Veterans Day National Committee will convene a selection sub-committee in May 2018 to review submissions and make a final selection. Questions? - the Veterans Day Coordinator at [email protected]

Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day on March 29 of each year. The State of Florida officially recognized this date in 2014. On that day in 1973, the last combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam and the last prisoners of war held in North Vietnam arrived on American soil. Though there is some debate, March 29 is generally viewed by some as a more appropriate date than a previously recognized March 30. source:Cathy Haynes Member/volunteer/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations

FYI Veterans Choice Program Thames, Joseph (Miami VA) ... What is the Veterans Choice Program? The Veterans Choice Program is a new program to improve Veterans’ access to health care by allowing certain Veterans to elect to receive health care from contracted providers outside of the VA. Who is Eligible? A Veteran who Has to wait more than 30 days for an appointment Residence is more than 40 miles away from nearest VA Hospital or VA Clinic Excessive or Burdensome circumstances traveling to the nearest VA How do I get started? Your VA doctor will order the consult Can I call my Non VA doctor to make an appointment? No, please call the Veterans Choice Program at 1-866-606-8198 to set up an appointment. Veterans will be guided on the follow up process needed by the CHOICE Health Net administrators. Billing Issues? Call Choice VA at 1-866-606-8198 How to contact the Choice Program? Veteran’s Choice Program - 1-866-606-8198 Miami CHOICE Number - 305-575-7471 Secure Messaging - MIAMI VA CHOICE PROGRAM Link www.va.gov/opa/choiceact

VA VIDEO CONNECT Thames, Joseph (Miami VA) Greetings Veterans,... The Miami VA has a new Telehealth service called VA Video Connect which is a new VA solution that enables you, the Veteran to virtually meet-up with your VA healthcare providers, in a virtual medical room, using encrypted video to ensure the session is secure and private. It allows you, the Veteran to see and talk with your healthcare team from anywhere. If you have a SMART Phone, IPAD, I-Phone or mobile device with internet connection and video capability, it may be possible for you to connect with your health care team through a VA Video Connect web link. If interested in using this technology, let your provider know and he/she will contact the Miami VA Telehealth Service for follow up.

Calling all veterans in the Tampa Bay area! Recruit Military will host a job fair Jan. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Armature Works. To register, visit RecruitMilitary.com/Tampa.

V.A. Issues New Medical Marijuana Policy For Military Veterans Tom Angell , Contributor Doctors with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs still can't recommend medical marijuana, but they are being encouraged to talk more about it with military veterans....Continue reading

Veterans Can Now Schedule Appointments Online New Online Appointment Scheduling Service Integrated with My HealtheVet Veterans at more than 100 VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) across the country are now able to request or schedule certain types of appointments online through My HealtheVet.... What does this mean for you? If you have VA health care benefits, you can schedule or request some of your VA health appointments online if: You have one of these two types of free VA accounts: My HealtheVet Premium Account or DS Logon Premium Account You are scheduling your appointment with a VA medical facility that accepts online scheduling. Check to see if your VA Medical Center offers online scheduling . What types of appointments can I schedule online? You can schedule a primary care appointment at a participating VA facility where you have had a primary care appointment in the last two years. You may also be able to schedule specialty appointments, such as outpatient mental health, optometry, and audiology, at participating facilities. What if my facility or appointment type is not supported? If your facility does not currently participate in online scheduling, please know that we are working to expand access to additional medical centers. We are also working to add additional appointment types. If you need to make an appointment immediately, you can still call the VA health facility where you want to receive care.

VA Suspends Applications for New ID Cards Tuesday, December 12, 2017 5:56 PM... Military.com 5 Dec 2017 By Amy Bushatz The Department of Veterans Affairs has suspended applications for its new veteran identification card program due to a large number of applicants, according to a notice on its website. The new, free ID card was ordered by Congress in 2015 as a way to give veterans proof of service at businesses without carrying a copy of their DD-214 forms. The VA a week ago rolled out the online application for the card for all honorably discharged veterans, but the system appeared to immediately face technical problems. Tests by at least two Military.com reporters accessing the site with their own VA logins and military service credentials encountered repeated errors. One was able to successfully complete the process despite multiple rejections and system timeouts. Currently, however, veterans who look to apply for the card are instead told they need to come back later.

On the 76th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, Gov. Rick Scott has directed flags be flown at half-staff Thursday in honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. With more than 65,000 World War II veterans in Florida, FDVA salutes their selfless service and remembers those who were lost during the Pearl Harbor attack.

FYI 5 deals for troops, veterans that didn't end on Veterans Day By: Military Times staff ... 1. Lowe’s. Active-duty service members, retirees and veterans can get a 10 percent discount in store and online if they sign up online for the Lowe’s personal shopping card. The MyLowes account will be linked to the discounted pricing and can be used by the entire household. More details here. 2. MGM Resorts. The MGM Resorts Military & Veterans Program, or MVP, is available to all active duty, guard, reserve and retired military members, veterans and spouses of eligible military personnel. Deals include 10 percent off hotel rooms at 17 resorts nationwide (including plenty in Las Vegas and MGM National Harbor, outside Washington, D.C.) as well as select food and beverage discounts. More details here. 3. Nike and Under Armour. Pick your elite workout brand and save thanks to these year-round discount programs; Nike’s offering 10 percent off, while Under Armour’s deal, as of Nov. 13, remained at 15 percent from its Veterans Day promotion. 4. Caesars Entertainment. Active, reserve and retired military members, and their spouses, are eligible for the Total Rewards SALUTE card, which offers special discounts in addition to a 10 percent cut on room rates at nearly 40 U.S. locations, including Las Vegas and Atlantic City, New Jersey. The card also qualifies users for all the benefits of Total Rewards Platinum-tier members, which includes some airfare and cruise discounts, access to show tickets before the general public, and other benefits. More details here. 5. Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops. Two different approaches by these outdoor giants: Cabela’s offers a 5 percent discount every day (details here), while Bass Pro Shops offers 10 percent, but only in stores and for one week each month, beginning on the 15th (details here). Be sure to check the sites before you shop to see if you’re eligible and for lists of products that aren’t covered by the deals.

VVA Chapter 1048 General membership Meeting

Offices/Businesses Closed Fri Nov 10 - In observance of Veteran’s Day, many government offices/businesses will be closed including banks and post offices. Call ahead to verify.

United States Marine Corps 242th birthday November 10 - Thank a Marine, past or present, for your freedom!

Flag at half-staff President Trump has issued a proclamation for the United States flag to be displayed at half-staff until sunset, Nov. 9, 2017, as a mark of respect for the victims of the tragedy in Sutherland Springs, Texas.