Post Webcast Responses Thank you for submitting questions to the DVS We Owe You
Webcast! Please note that some of the responses to your questions are still under
review. Those responses will be posted as soon as they become available. If you
find that the responses to your questions are not complete--either those posted
here or those answered during the live webcast, please contact
mdvs@massmail.state.ma.us.
Policy and Legislation
Benefits
Health Care
Employment
Education
Housing
Military Service Issues
General Questions
General Comments / Suggestions Submitted during the Webcast:
Policy and Legislation
What effect will the current economic situation in the State have on veteran's benefits
in the next year or so?
Answer: Veterans' benefits for financial assistance, food, housing, clothing, employment,
and medical and burial assistance will not be affected by the current economic situation.
Those benefits are protected by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 115.
The Commonwealth is committed to serving veterans and maintaining our reputation
as the Nation's leader in providing state benefits and services to veterans and
their families. In fact, over the last year Governor Patrick has had to institute
two 9C spending cuts across state government due to reduced revenue projections
and in both of those cases, no program or services for veterans was cut at all.
The FY2010 state budget that is currently being debated recognizes the fiscal challenges
presented to the state by the severe economic downcycle we are now experiencing.
To that end, the new budget will most likely call for a targeted reduction of funding
for administrative and program support in the Department of Veterans Services accounts.
However, neither the Governor nor the legislature wishes to see any Veterans programs
or services be reduced or eliminated and we are all working together in partnership
with our many veterans advocates to help identify how we will continue to serve
our veterans and families during these trying economic times.
Is there current state legislation to have the State Gold Star Annuities NOT be
counted as income for subsidized housing?
Answer: Not at the present time. Recommend that you contact your local legislator(s)
to be aware of what legislation is being filed on this issue.
I would like to see some more benefits extended to the Congressional Medal of Honor
Winners Association next time they have a convention in Massachusetts. Is there
anything I can provide as an individual to these members while they are staying
here in Massachusetts?
Answer: Thank you for your offer. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society held
its annual meeting in Boston in 2001 and 2007. The outpouring of patriotism and
support from the general public and financial support from the business community
was overwhelming. We would love to come back but there are no plans to do so immediately.
By the way, just for information, those who have been awarded the MOH are called
"recipients", not "winners".
What can be done about being able to use my military ID as a valid form of ID here
in MA? Shouldn't my federal military ID be a good form of ID and if so, shouldn't
postal and other employees be trained to accept these types of IDs?
Answer: In many cases a federal ID is always an acceptable form of ID. As you did
not describe the circumstances where this incident took place it would possibly
be that this was an isolated incident? Changing policies could be accomplished through
special legislation. You may wish to contact your local legislator for assistance
with drafting and filing such legislation.
Why doesn't the VA crack down on the phony VA assistance groups peddling annuities
to unsuspecting veterans? These groups, who are not even accredited by the VA's
own accreditation program, pose as legitimate VA assistance groups who help veterans
for free. What they really do is sell them annuities; worse yet, the annuities are
from substandard companies. We see these groups making presentations at senior centers,
nursing homes, libraries, assisted living residences, etc.
Answer: Many of these companies are in fact legitimate businesses. This is one area
where the Veterans' Services Officer can assist you through his own outreach. Our
Attorney General's office is very serious about any phony charities or illegitimate
businesses. We recommend that any groups who host these events do thorough research
on the companies before allowing them to present to Veteran populations. Any Veterans
who have concerns should contact their Veteran Service Officers.
With deployments and other missions tasking the Army National Guard and reserves,
why is there only one Welcome Home bonus? If a troop is deployed in harm's way that
troop should get a bonus every time he/she returns off duty.
Answer: All previous and existing bonus program awards have been a one-time award
for serving a specific conflict regardless of the number of deployments. There is
one exception to this, if you served in Bosnia or Kosovo and received a $500 bonus,
and then deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, you may receive another $500 not to exceed
total of $1000 for this conflict. You could contact your local legislators to see
if there are any other provisions being considered at this time.
Has there been dialogue with the VA, the EOEA, the outreach workers, the COA, concerning
the possible tax relief programs for Veterans? For example, Alabama has no taxes
for the 80-year-old veteran, and Rhode Island has a "freeze" program.
Answer: Massachusetts does offer real estate tax abatements to certain qualifying
disabled veterans under M.G.L.c 59 s. 5 clause 22,A,B,C,D,E and they also offer
tax relief to certain eligible elders. I recommend you check with your town assessor's
office and contact your local VSO.
How about Veterans Services creating an Army Community Covenant partnership with
the VFW?
Answer: This may have been accomplished last year at the Army Community Covenant
signing at the State House. Please contact the Department of Veterans' Services
if you have further questions or suggestions on this matter.
Benefits
It is my understanding that for the next three or four years "Social Security Disability"
recipients as well as "Totally Disabled Veterans" (100% Permanent and Total status)
will not be getting any cost of living raises and there will be no $2,000.00 Massachusetts
yearly annuity for 100% ers; BUT, the premiums for Medicare A&B will RISE above
the now present $94.00 per month and the yearly Medicare "deductible" will also
rise. Is there any truth to that?
Answer. With regards to the $2000 Annuity, there are no plans to reduce the state
annuity of $2000 for 100 percent disabled veterans or Gold Star Families.Response
under review in terms of the Social Social Security Question.
I just got out of the military last month. How do I go about getting help paying
rent for a new apartment and looking for employment options?
Answer: There are no programs specifically for veterans to help paying rent except
Chapter 115 if you meet eligibility requirements. I would suggest the veteran go
first to your Veteran service officer. Another suggestion would be the RAFT Program
through the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). If you find
yourself at risk of becoming homeless you can also inquire at one of the Housing
Consumer Education Centers throughout the Commonwealth. More information about the
RAFT Program can be obtained at www.mass.gov/ dhcd. In addition if you are electing
the Post 9/11 GI Bill there is a housing allowance based on the grade of E5 for
the city in which your school is located. For employment you should maximize the
resources of the Transition Assistance Program and the services of your local career
center.
As a Vietnam veteran who served in country but not in combat, I have always felt
that veteran's benefits were really for those vets who saw combat. How do you reach
out to guys who served but were not in combat, and encourage them to at least explore
their benefits and get over the "guilt" of not having been a combat veteran.
Answer: The intended recipient for C115 benefits should
contact the local VSO in the city or town where he or she resides to make a determination of eligibility.
How are benefits given to the homeless veterans in rural areas who may have been
disenfranchised many years ago when returning home from Vietnam?
Answer: The VSO can assist the veteran seeking funding in the rural area where the
veteran resides. The intended recipient for C115 benefits should
contact the local VSO in the city or town where he or she resides
to make a determination of eligibility
Why can't I get any type of support for my child in college? My ex-husband is a
disabled vet, yet they say because he was not injured in the service I cannot get
any financial help he received via disability.
Answer: Some of this response is under review. However, if you are not receiving
child support you may wish to contact the Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement
Division. However, if you are seeking scholarship information for your son's education
you may want to check with some of the service organizations such as American Legion
or VFW—
From the American Legion website at
http://www.legion.org/programs/resources/scholarships
:
"The cornerstone of The American Legion's Education Assistance Program is its scholarship
and financial aid guide This 152-page booklet, updated annually, is a complete financial
aid reference guide for veterans, veterans' dependents and members of The American
Legion family.
Need A Lift? contains:
- Federal and state veterans' benefits
- Possible scholarships for veterans and their dependents
- Possible scholarships for Legionnaires and their families
- "Tips" on how to apply for admission to college and assistance with the financial
aid process
- A comprehensive listing of colleges and universities, to include: basic information
on tuition, room and board cost, and admission and financial aid deadlines
- Information on careers and a bibliography of resource materials
- To search and print entries found in Need A Lift? for free, go to: www.needalift.org
or
To receive a copy of "Need A Lift?" Send a $4.95 check or money order to:
Need A Lift? National Emblem Sales P.O. Box 1050 Indianapolis, IN 46206
For Credit Card Orders Only Call 1-888-453-4466 "
and
The VFW Scholarship Program at http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=cmty.levelc&cid=1836&cfid=25609660&cftoken=46029286
Additional scholarship information is provided at the end of this Q and A document.
What type of medical benefits can I get when my Medicare doesn't pay? What kind
of senior services can I get to make sure my medication are taken and on time day?
Answer: You should visit your local VSO and fill out an application for chapter
115 benefits. In most cases if the senior has an income and is over budget they
will still be eligible for medical only benefits.
How much life insurance can I get now at 81?
Answer: This is dependent upon whether or not you currently have life insurance,
and, if so, what type of insurance you currently have. This response is also under
review.
Why are the MGL 115 (5) and 108 CMR (6.02) Asset Table for the maximum assets allowed
not in line with MassHealth asset limits? While MassHealth asset limits for single
veterans are set at $4000 and that for the applicant and spouse at $6000, the Veterans'
Benefit asset limits have been $1600 for a single Veteran and $3200 for a Veteran
and spouse, provided life insurance is present. The asset table has been at the
lower rate for years and has had no COLA increases over time.
Answer: Those are the asset limits for Mass Health Buy-in program, Those are not
the asset for Mass health standard. The buy-in program only reimburses the Medicare
part b deductible. Masshealth assets are $2000.00 and not a penny over $3000 for
a married couple. Many of our clients do not have life Insurance as the cost is
prohibitive for them. The asset limit is $3200.00 and $7000.00, respectively, without
life insurance.
At what point do Veteran's Services Officers provide information regarding property
tax abatement and GS license plate information directly to all family members who
have had their family member killed while serving?
Answer: When the family is ready—some families are ready to speak with a VSO earlier
than others, and the VSO tries to be sensitive to this and allow families time to
grieve before discussing benefits. Meanwhile, the Service's Casualty Assistance
Officer needs to attend to the families' needs and maintain communication with the
family and VSO. The VSO should make contact with the family at the funeral services
and insure to follow up afterward.
I have appealed to the veteran's administration on my father's behalf to resolve
an Aid in Attendance issue since 2008 with no resolution. How can I resolve this
matter?
Answer: Response under review.
If state funding cuts force my Veteran Outreach Center to close, where can I go
to get help with VA claims and assistance in finding programs that I need?
Answer: The VSO, DAV and the American Legion in the veteran's area can assist with
VA claims. Also, you can contact any of the other 31 providers on our web site to
find programs that suit your needs. www.mass.gov/veterans
I am 100% total and permanent. Will my TBI rating increase my compensation? Allotment?
(???)
Answer: Response under review.
Health Care
Why are active duty Military Members who have additional insurance coverage charged
first, then Tricare is charged? This has resulted in active duty members being in
turn charged by the additional insurance agencies, when in fact if they did not
carry the additional insurance they would not be charged.
Answer: Active Duty Service members should not being using anything but TRICARE
Prime while they are on active duty. Active Duty Family Members with outside health
insurance HI (i.e. Blue Cross/ Blue Shield, etc..) have their claims paid by the
OHI then TRICARE and they should not have any co pays unless the OHI allowable is
higher than TRICARE's. For more information on Tricare, contact Kathleen Vorse at
Kathleen.J.Vorse@healthnet.com or Tel: 781-266-5980
What is the status of the DoD's electronic standardization of medical service records
to shorten VA Comp Claim processing?
Answer: Response under review.
How is the VA dealing with the budget crisis that is obviously affecting levels
of care throughout the country?
Answer: Response under review.
Why was the VA phone system revamped? It is now very inefficient and difficult to
use especially for a Veteran suffering with PTSD.
Answer: Response under review.
Employment
I heard that there are a lot of job opportunities for veterans with security clearance
(since it costs companies a lot of money to have someone get clearance). How would
we find out about opportunities available in Massachusetts?
Answer: Jobs requiring security clearances would typically be in the federal government
or with federal contractors – most likely defense contractors. This site http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/
lists all federal jobs in the country. You can narrow your search by state or region.
Federal contractors are required to list their jobs with the career center system.
Your local career center will have info on contractors that are in the area and
hiring. Contact the local One-Stop Career Center Veterans' Representative, or go
to MA Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development/Division of Career Services Job Bank
and search by keywords-http://web.detma.org/Jobseeker/jb1a.asp (my search using
keywords "security clearance" on 6/22/09 yielded 16 pages of results), also try
www.usajobs.com for Federal job postings.
Why is the transition from military service to civilian employment so difficult?
Answer: There are several answers to this question. What veterans have learned and
done in their service is often transferable to marketable civilian skills; but to
begin those skills need to be translated (demilitarized, so to speak). The veterans'
reps in the career centers can help. The other key is to channel the determination,
motivation and energy veterans can bring to an employer in an assertive – not aggressive
- manner. Employers want the veterans' skills and abilities. In many cases, these
skills exceed those of the employer's current staff, even those with decades of
experience. Other times transition may be difficult for a number of reasons, from
psychological to social, and these impact immediately on a range of issues from
economic well-being, job finding, to locating housing. Support networks radically
change when moving from a military to civilian status, and depending on the length
of time away on active duty and the level of contact maintained with prior supports
and cohorts, a whole new social network may need to be formed, and as well existing
relationships will need to be renegotiated with remaining friends and family members.
If on active duty for an extended period-those returning to civilian life are often
off-schedule with prior friends (high school friends may have completed college,
obtained career-level jobs, gotten married, bought a house, had children, etc. vs.
a veteran returning to start anew maybe by starting college). A veteran's experiences
also impact on the way life is viewed even when returning to the earlier familiar
environment. While many military experiences are positive and society is welcoming
returning veterans, there is still an adjustment in finding where one "fits-in"
upon return. In addition to the career center, supports are also available thru
the VET Centers, the Operation Total Warrior Reintegration Program for Reserve Components,
the Local Veterans' Employment Representative and Disabled Veteran Outreach Professional
at the One Stop Career Centers, and the Veterans' Representatives on college campuses,
the SAVE team and of course…your local VSO..
What are you doing to help returning Vets who want to start or improve their existing
businesses?
Answer: There are non profit groups, chambers of commerce, and economic development
organizations that can help an aspiring entrepreneur develop a business plan and
search for funding support. These are usually local or regional in nature. Try starting
with the chamber, and on to the economic development folks. There are limited entrepreneurial
programs in workforce development at this time, however there are several initiatives
underway to assist with this. We refer many Veterans to the Small Business Administration's
Veterans' Representative, Ray Milano, at 617-565-8417. Also suggest going to the
VA's Vetbiz site at www.vetbiz.gov. There are also helpful links at www.hirevetsfirst.gov.
From SBA link
http://www.sba.gov/localresources/district/ma/MA_VETERANS_RESOURCES.html "The mission
of the Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) is to maximize the availability,
applicability and usability of all administration small business programs for Veterans,
Service-Disabled Veterans, Reserve Component Members, and their Dependents or Survivors.
To visit the OVBD website go to:
http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/ovbd/index.html
Below are several resources that may be useful to veteran business owners. Office
of Veterans Business Development - National Guard and Reservists http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/reservists/index.html
Loan Programs for Veterans
http://www.sba.gov/patriotexpress/index.html
http://www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/militaryreservistsloans/index.html
A Veterans Business Development Officer is located in every SBA District Office
to help you prepare and plan for your entrepreneurial adventure. In Massachusetts,
contact Ray Milano at 617-565-8417 or raymond.milano@sba.gov.
They may also want to contact:
Northeast Veterans Business Resource Center Inc. P.O. Box 52113 Boston, Massachusetts
02205 (617) 938-3933 Info@nevbrc.org www.nevbrc.org
Center for Women and Enterprise www.cweonline.org
For National Guardsmen: www.guardsupport.org
Would it be better to volunteer/join an existing organization/ agency or start another
non-profit that may offer services that are already available?
Answer: If you feel that any of the existing veteran's organizations is not meeting
your needs or not responding to your suggestions, then establishing a new veteran's
organization might be a solution. There are currently a few new veteran's organizations
that are forming or underway for various reasons, one of which might be to address
specific concerns or issues not being met.
Why does the Veteran have a preference status of less than 3%, while minorities
have a 3% preference and women-owned businesses have a 5% preference?
Answer: Veterans' preference is covered in Chapter 31, Massachusetts General Laws
for jobs within state government, cities, and towns. Preference is also mandated
in federal regulations for federal employment and with federal contractors. The
question appears to apply to affirmative action, not preference. Also see response
to question #32 below.
What is available in the non-profit sector for veterans?
Answer: The best source for non-profit position vacancies can be found with assistance
from the local career center veterans' representative.
I retired in March from the ANG. Can I get into an on-the-job training program in
a technical field?
Answer: Resources for training and education are available through the local career
center. As with all other programs, veterans' receive priority of service. The veteran
will proceed through the eligibility process; and will be considered first for available
funding.
Does the Commonwealth consider a Veteran-owned business in the same way it considers
minority and women-owned businesses?
Answer: Veterans are not considered a minority business in Massachusetts. They used
to be --however, the previous administration changed that and it currently is the
case. Representative Spillane has filed legislation that would change this (see
HB 3400 for more information).
What is the law regarding the hiring and then retaining Veterans for public sector
employment in Massachusetts? And if the law states that Veterans have preference,
what criteria does the Veteran have to meet if PTSD is involved? Will PTSD hinder
his/her preference.
Answer: Massachusetts laws are clear regarding preference for veterans' in general,
and disabled veterans in particular. The veteran must be able to perform the job
for which hired; and has protection under the applicable affirmative action laws
for hiring and retention.
If a service-connected injury ends a promising career as a police officer, is there
assistance other than the VA disability pay?
Answer: There is VA Voc Rehab training, also the State MA Rehab, or the One-Stop
Career Center may have other training options or opportunities, and may be able
to offer career counseling. Depending on the veterans' disability there may be other
compatible or related careers, such as an Emergency Dispatcher or employment within
State Dept. of Correction or Detention Services, where a veteran's disability may
be easily accommodated.
Education
If you attended the Air Force Academy are you still eligible to receive scholarship
money for graduate programs?
Answer: Response under review.
What, if any, benefits are available to vets who contributed to the Montgomery G.I
bill, have been discharged more than 10 years and have not previously applied?
Answer: Response under review.
If I applied for the post 9/11 GI BILL in the beginning of June, is there a way
to know how long it will take to process?
Answer: Response under review.
What options are available for the OIF and OEF vets who have since retired to gain
education benefits under the reformed GI Bill?
Answer: Response under review.
The 36 months threshold of benefit associated with the reformed GI Bill is being
used to deny GWOT veterans the new, significantly increased educational benefit
that they have most certainly earned. Is there any opportunity for concessions in
the future to include these seasoned or career soldiers/veterans in the new GI Bill?
Answer: You did not state if you have used any of your previous GI Bill benefits
under previous chapters, or if you are still serving. 36 months must have been completed
after 9/10/2001 which is the maximum to receive 100% of the education benefit available.
If you served less the 36 months then it is done on a tier level and you would receive
partial benefit based on time served. If you are eligible for the old GI bill which
you paid into ($1,200.00) you can make the election to accept the new GI bill instead.
This is an irrevocable election and once made cannot be changed. If you already
received the 36 months of benefits under the old GI bill you still maybe eligible
for an additional 12 months under the new GI bill because the maximum allowable
education benefit is 48 months. I would contact the office in Buffalo at 1-888-442-4551
to determine what if any eligibility you have remaining or visit with your school's
Vet Representative.
I once was told that lawmakers were trying to add family members to the GI Bill.
I do not intend to use my education benefits, but would I be able to pay for my
wife to finish school? I am a two-tour Iraq veteran with the National Guard. I am
currently discharged, and receiving a service connected disability.
Answer: The Post-911 GI Bill does have a provision to transfer your benefits to
family members. However, you should speak with a representative to make sure you
have looked at all the options available. You may contact the VA GI Bill Office
in Buffalo at 10888-442-4551, visit the website at www.gibill.va.gov. Since you
were in the National Guard you may also contact their education office at 508-233-6652.
Why doesn't the newly reformed GI Bill apply to retired soldiers who served in Iraq
and Afghanistan?
Answer: Response under review..
Can you give some general information on the rights and benefits of student veterans?
Answer: Every State College has a veterans' representative on campus to assist with
applications for benefits such as GI Bill and other tuition assistance programs.
There are also organizations for veterans on some campuses. There are several Student
Veterans of America chapters in Massachusetts and the organization is nationwide.
Check www.studentveterans.org to find a chapter near you or consider starting one
of your own.
Exactly how many classes need to be taken in a classroom setting to be eligible
for the housing allowance?
Answer: Response under review.
Can I pass my 100% free tuition to any state school on to my children? Answer: No.
The State tuition program does not have this option, this is an option currently
available under certain circumstances with the Post 9-11 GI Bill.
Housing
I just got out of the military last month. How do I go about getting help paying
rent for a new apartment and looking for employment options?
Answer: There are no programs specifically for veterans to help paying rent except
Chapter 115 if you meet eligibility requirements. I would suggest the veteran go
first to your Veteran service officer. Another suggestion would be the RAFT Program
through the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). If you find
yourself at risk of becoming homeless you can also inquire at one of the Housing
Consumer Education Centers throughout the Commonwealth. More information about the
RAFT Program can be obtained at www.mass.gov/ dhcd. In addition if you are electing
the Post 9/11 GI Bill there is a housing allowance based on the grade of E5 for
the city in which your school is located. For employment you should maximize the
resources of the Transition Assistance Program and the services of your local career
center.
Employment options-check with One-Stop Career center at www.mass.gov/dwd and ask
to speak with a Veterans' representative (DVOP or LVER), or another helpful site
may be http://www.hirevetsfirst.gov/ and check for information under the "Veteran
Zone". There are helpful job search sites through MA Dept. of Labor and Workforce
Development/Division of Career Services Job Bank-http://web.detma.org/Jobseeker/jb1a.asp,
also try www.usajobs.com for Federal job postings, or for state jobs at www.mass.gov/hrd.
How are benefits given to the homeless veteran in rural areas who may have been
disenfranchised many years ago when returning home from Vietnam?
Answer: The VSO can assist the veteran seeking funding in the rural area where the
veteran resides. See also response to question #12.
If state funding cuts force my Veteran Outreach Center to close, where can I go
to get help with VA claims and assistance in finding programs that I need?
Answer: See # 19.
Military Service Issues How do you deal with the issue of multiple deployments to
combat areas for service personnel who are now faced with not just one exposure
to danger but two or three exposures? Who helps these folks when out in the field?
Answer: There are multiple factors that help mitigate or exasperate multi- trauma
exposures. Sometimes the person harbors issues related to a previous deployment
that may cause increased trauma related exposure symptoms and may lead to a diagnosis
of PTSD. Others have the gift of resiliency and are able to recovery from trauma.
The US Army has a multi-layer approach to support soldiers prior to deployment,
during deployment, and afterwards. Particularly during deployment, the military
has medical personnel with behavioral health specialty throughout a theater of operation.
Service members are allowed confidential access to these personnel. These personnel
provide counseling, psychotropic medication, and respite to help soldiers process
trauma and deal with results. In addition, the military has number of skilled chaplains
who offer immediate comfort and spiritual solace.
Are there adequate mental health services in the field and is there any stigmatization
if a serviceman or woman seeks these services? Confidentiality is paramount in providing
these kinds of services, especially if there is the slightest chance these services
are part of the personnel file, and despite the policies and procedures in place
to protect confidentiality, stuff gets out and that's a problem.
Answer: There are adequate measures to provide support of the vast majority of personnel
in combat theater with confidential treatment. However, military officials are notified
when a soldier shows signs of suicide, homicide, or a profound risk to themselves
and others. This is in keeping with standard operating procedures in behavioral
health treatment in settings throughout the US.
How do I go about seeking information about items left in the combat zone?
Answer: Servicemembers should speak with their immediate chain of command to determine
what the process is to retrieve personal affects. In the event that the service
member is unclear of military chain of command, he/she can request inquiry with
the services' Office of the Inspector General.
General Questions
Can VSOs get a copy of this webcast to play on our local cable TV stations?
Answer: Ultimately, yes. The webcast was broadcast on NECN Sunday June 21st at 80m
EST and again on Wednesday June 24th at 2 AM EST. It will be available at Comcast
on Demand, and we are working to get it uploaded to MASSTV so that it can be downloaded
by all Cable Access TV Stations.
What actions can veterans take to recognize the support offered by civilians that
go beyond the norm to support service members, their families, and veterans? Is
there a program that embraces and recognizes this type of support in the Commonwealth?
Answer: There are several types of recognition at the local and state level in terms
of certificates of appreciation. In most military organizations there are certificates
and awards for civilians and other organizations who support the military. Thank
you for asking this question. There are so many organizations and individuals who
support our Veterans as their way of saying "Thank You", and it is good that you
want to show your thanks for what they do for veterans and their families every
day!
How do I subscribe to the newsletter?
Answer: To get your name on the Women Veterans' Network's mailing list, please send
your name, address, email address, and branch/era of service to: dvswomen@vet.state.ma.us.
Let us know you'd like to receive our newsletter and periodic emails and we'll put
you on the list. For questions, call 617-210-5781. For all our other newsletters
email mdvs@massmail.state.ma.us
I would like help in discussing my future plans as a Soldier, or a Veteran. I need
to keep busy, and would like to help those Soldiers coming home.
Answer: In terms of your military career, you should speak with your chain of command
or career counselor to see what would be the next best assignment or courses to
pursue to advance your career. If you are transitioning from the military be sure
to sign up for the transition assistance program. You can obtain TAP information
by going to www.turbotap.org. If you are in Massachusetts we also encourage you
to meet with your Transition Assistance Advisor. You can contact Mr. Steven Shepard
at 508-233-7259. And of course, be sure to visit with your local Veterans' Service
Officer who may have many ideas on how you can contribute to your local community.
As far as helping others, the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts is seeking
helpers for the PALS program, which is a new recreational and socialization program
for brain injury survivors: the Pals program matches brain injury survivors aged
16 and older, with peer-aged volunteers in their community for activities inside
and outside their home. Volunteers donate their time to play cards, board games,
go to dinner, see a movie, or simply spend time with survivors of brain injury who
have lost contact with their friends and face social isolation. Volunteers can specify
that they would prefer to spend time with a veteran, if they wish. For more information
contact the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts at www.biama.org The PALS
Program at the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts, BIA-MA.
All persons wishing to volunteer at the VA should contact the Voluntary Service
Dept directly. The point of contact is Michaelle St. Germain, 857-203-5135.
55. Does the state have services for traumatic brain injury in addition to the Veterans'
Administration?
Answer: We do collaborate with the VA. What would need to happen is that the individual
would have to apply for eligibility with the statewide had injury program(SHIP).
Once the eligibility is established a case manager will be assigned . The case Manager
will work with the VA to provide services and support to that individual. With regards
to services from the VA as well, we would collaborate with them, and look at what
they're already providing and if something is missing and we are able to provide
it and we have the funding provided we will certainly provide it if they are eligible.
We work in collaboration with all the agencies involved to insure complete services.
56. An unusually large number of veterans have died in these last 6 months. My concern
is for the spouses of these veterans. Many are now alone to cope with a new and
very different life. "Death due to natural causes" cuts off benefits! Spouses need
help instead of "natural causes" working as an out for the VA.
Answer: Please contact your local Veterans' Services Officer to make a determination
to receive guidance and assistance with filing for claims or benefits or appeals.
General Comments / Suggestions Submitted during the Webcast:
Comments:
There are scholarships available for veterans at Mount Wachusett Community College
www.mwcc.edu
A great website for scholarships and educational information is
www.mymilitaryeducation.org.
Please share this with the group; it has helped me out so much.
Some other links for Scholarships:
http://www.quad-a.org/scholarship.htm
www.fastweb.com www.scholarships.com (I think, the best.)
www.collegeboard.com www.fastaid.com
www.wiredscholar.com
http://www.btro.org/media/Remembrance_3.txt
Mass Military Heroes Fund,
http://www.massmilitaryheroes.org/,
a newly launched non-profit, can help local Gold Star families.
Mass Federation of Hospice and Palliative Care has a list of hospices in the state
that would provide bereavement to the families of veterans. The website is
http://hospicefed.org/.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) Provides services and support to
Survivors who have lost a servicemember. There is a lot of good information for
anyone who has lost a loved one. Visit the site at
www.taps.org or contact them
at 1-800-959-TAPS (8277)