Vets & Military Families Monthly News Summer 2014

8/12/2019 Vets & Military Families Monthly News Summer 2014

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1Paid for by Grassroots Action TeamNot authorized by any candidate or candidates committee.

Grand Rapids, MI 49525

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military.

Thank you for your service to this country.

Vets & Military

Families Monthly

News Summer 2014

MCRMC Update-Interim Military

Compensation System ReportFrom: RAO Bulletin July 2014 (Lt. James EMOTichacek, USN (Ret) Associate Director, Retiree Assis-tance Office, U.S. Embassy Warden & IRS VITA BaguioCity RPPSC 517 Box RCB, FPO AP 96517 Tel: (951)238-1246 in U.S. or Cell: 0915-361-3503 in the Philip-pines. Email: [email protected] AL/AMVETS/DAV/FRA/NAUS/NCOA/MOAA/USDR/VFW/VVA/CG33/DD890/AD37 member)

On 3 JUL, the Military Compensation andRetirement Modernization Commission (MCRMC) issued

a 358-page interim reportahead of the release of its final

findings expected in February 2015. The MCRMC wasestablished by the Congress in 2013 to study all aspects ofmilitary compensation and tasked to suggest reforms thatwill ensure the long-term viability of the all-volunteerforce, foster recruitment, sustain retention and modernizemilitary compensation. The interim report makes noformal recommendations and instead focuses on providingbackground information on the current militarycompensation system.

The report attributes military personnel costgrowth in the past 20 years to inflation (particularly

medical inflation), policy changes counteracting recruitingand retention challenges, and personnel funding to support

13 years of war. In addition, the establishment of severalnew benefits for servicemembers and veterans (i.e., thePost

-9/11 GI bill) has contributed to the growth. More

importantly, the MCRMC found that regardless of thereasons behind this growth, military compensationfunding has consistently represented roughly 30 percentof the DoD budget; however, the report also stipulatedthat this does not necessarily provide evidence of fiscalsustainability. The MCRMC interim report makes it clearthat the commissioners believe that a broader discussionof federal spending levels is necessary to ensure theviability of the all-volunteer force. The commission isundertaking a comprehensive review of existingcompensation programs to provide a full and nuanced

understanding of what it takes to sustain needed forcelevels during all levels of conflict and economicconditions. This includes pay, retirement, health benefitsand quality of life programs.The interim report does not reveal the leanings of theMCRMC. Its still unclear if the commission will proposedrastic compensation reforms in its final report. Your canread moreabout the commission at http://www.moaa.org/mcrmc and provide your own feedback to the commis-sioners at http://www.mcrmc.gov/index.php/public-comments. The interim report can be accessed at http://www.mcrmc.gov/index.php/reports. [Source: MOAA

Leg Up Jul 3, 2014 ++]
http://www.mcrmc.gov/public/docs/reports/MCRMC-Interim-Report-Final-HIRES-L.pdfhttp://www.mcrmc.gov/public/docs/reports/MCRMC-Interim-Report-Final-HIRES-L.pdfhttp://www.moaa.org/mcrmc/http://www.moaa.org/mcrmc/http://www.moaa.org/mcrmchttp://www.moaa.org/mcrmchttp://www.moaa.org/mcrmchttp://www.mcrmc.gov/index.php/public-commentshttp://www.mcrmc.gov/index.php/public-commentshttp://www.mcrmc.gov/index.php/public-commentshttp://www.mcrmc.gov/index.php/public-commentshttp://www.mcrmc.gov/index.php/public-commentshttp://www.mcrmc.gov/index.php/public-commentshttp://www.mcrmc.gov/index.php/public-commentshttp://www.mcrmc.gov/index.php/reportshttp://www.mcrmc.gov/index.php/reportshttp://www.mcrmc.gov/index.php/reportshttp://www.mcrmc.gov/index.php/reportshttp://www.mcrmc.gov/index.php/reportshttp://www.mcrmc.gov/index.php/public-commentshttp://www.mcrmc.gov/index.php/public-commentshttp://www.mcrmc.gov/index.php/public-commentshttp://www.mcrmc.gov/index.php/public-commentshttp://www.moaa.org/mcrmchttp://www.moaa.org/mcrmchttp://www.moaa.org/mcrmc/http://www.mcrmc.gov/public/docs/reports/MCRMC-Interim-Report-Final-HIRES-L.pdf


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Some Useful LinksAir Force Times

www.airforcetimes.comNavy Times

www.navytimes.comMarine Corps Times

www.marinecorpstimes.com

Army Times

www.armytimes.comMilitary Times

www.militarytimes.comTRICARE

www.tricare.milAmerican Legionwww.legion.org

Veterans of Foreign Warswww.vfw.org

AMVETS

www.amvets.orgThe DAV

www.dav.orgDepartment of Defense

www.dod.govMilitary/Veterans Report

www.militray.comThe Pentagon Channel

www.pentagonchannel.milVeterans Administration

www.va.gov

Military Order of the Purple Heartwww.purpleheart.org

If anyone has a site

they would like to have

added to this growing list

please let us know!

Contact us anytime

at [email protected]

Thank

you for

your Support!

Law grants tuition aid to

National Guard members

By Associated PressLANSING Gov. Rick Snyder has signed a law re-establishing a state-based tuition assistance program formembers of theMichigan National Guard.

It will cover 100 percent of tuition and fees, up to $4,500a year. The state had a similar program for a decade thatended in 2009 because of budget cuts and expanded fed-eral education benefits after the Sept. 11, 2001, terroristattacks.Supporters say Michigan's program will help soldierswhose tuition and fees aren't fully covered by a similarfederal tuition-assistance program. It's expected to costMichigan about $4.7 million in the next fiscal year.Snyder signed the bill Tuesday during an event at theMichigan National Guard Joint Force Headquarters inLansing.

A Note From: Lest We Forget

Speakers BureauThis notice from LWF is to inform the reader of

the development of a Lest We Forget Speakers Bu-reau. Since our organization has conducted three year-long courses at Lake Michigan College, we have manytopics and many qualified speakers to present infor-mation from WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, and ourinvolvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.

We have developed formats for school childrenof all ages, and for veterans organization. Whatever theevent we will gladly produce the correct format Wewould be glad to present any topic of interest to anygroup.

As coordinator, I will be glad tohelp with the choices of presentationsand help with planning.

Gary C. LulenskiCoordinator Speakers Bureau

269-428-3442

Freedom is never more than one generationaway from extinction.

We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream.It must be fought for, protected,

and handed on for them to do the same.

~Ronald Reagan
http://www.airforcetimes.com/http://www.airforcetimes.com/http://www.navytimes.com/http://www.navytimes.com/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/http://www.armytimes.com/http://www.armytimes.com/http://www.militarytimes.com/http://www.militarytimes.com/http://www.tricare.mil/http://www.tricare.mil/http://www.legion.org/http://www.legion.org/http://www.vfw.org/http://www.vfw.org/http://www.amvets.org/http://www.amvets.org/http://www.dav.org/http://www.dav.org/http://www.dod.gov/http://www.dod.gov/http://www.militray.com/http://www.militray.com/http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/http://www.va.gov/http://www.va.gov/http://www.purpleheart.org/http://www.purpleheart.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.purpleheart.org/http://www.va.gov/http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/http://www.militray.com/http://www.dod.gov/http://www.dav.org/http://www.amvets.org/http://www.vfw.org/http://www.legion.org/http://www.tricare.mil/http://www.militarytimes.com/http://www.armytimes.com/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/http://www.navytimes.com/http://www.airforcetimes.com/


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Veterans have a New

Weapon in their Arsenal

of Job-Seeking Tools.Members of all branches of the U.S. Armed

Forces face a unique set of challenges when separatingfrom service and transitioning into the civilianworkforce. In the best of times, acclimating to a newcivilian environment after years of immersion in apredictable and structured military profession posesdifficulties.

However, these are most certainly not the best oftimes.Our economy has been weakened by governmentalspending, generating budgetary deficits considered bymany economists to be unprecedented in the recordedhistory of the United States.

Corporations once thought to be too large tofail are failing in record numbers, and a weak labormarket is generating unemployment numbers whichhavent been this high since the Carter Administration inthe 1970s. To make matters worse, policy decisions by

the Obama Administration are generating so muchuncertainty that businesses are freezing their plans forexpansion and hiring.

While this discouraging scenario plays out on thenational stage in our mainstream media, military veteranand author Michael I. Kaplan has recently published acutting-edge book he believes will provide sensibleanswers to this problem.

Based on the 5-STAR reviews his book iscurrently earning on Amazon.com, many militaryveterans who have read his book believe hes correct.

Kaplans book, The Prior-Service Entrepreneur,

was just released in January 2014 and is already beinghailed as a valuable resource by veterans who have readit. Kaplans writing style is refreshingly direct and to the

point, offering military veterans an unapologeticassessment of the employment outlook and a unique set of

proven solutions which allow them to succeed in thecivilian workforce.

His extensive background spans more than 25years in government professions and entrepreneurship,experience which he believes allows him to see both sidesof the military mindset / civilian workforce equation.This is my opportunity to give back to a community that

gave me so much, states Kaplan, and what took me 25years to learn I can teach back to military veterans in 266pages.

The strategy outlined by Kaplan is simple and easy tounderstand. The Prior-Service Entrepreneur provides atactical advantage to military veterans transitioning intothe civilian workforce, Kaplan explained to us,

because it cuts through the business jargon and helps

the reader to understand both their actual and symbolicvalue to Corporate America. It touches uncomfortable

topics others avoid, and provides veterans creative solu-tions the mainstream tends to ignore.

Is this book only for veterans who wish tobecome entrepreneurs? Absolutely not, says Kaplan,but military personnel are uniquely suited for that

task. What most veterans dont realize is that the skillsets required to be successful in entrepreneurship are

identical to those theyll need to be competitive andsuccessful within any corporation in America.

Veterans have a new weapon in their arsenal ofjob-seeking tools: The Prior-Service Entrepreneur. Orderyour copy of the book today and be better prepared to

transition into the civilian workforce successfully.

Links for Michael I. KaplanWebsite: www.michaelikaplan.comLinkedIn:http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkaplan4pmg/Email: [email protected]

More Information on the next page:
http://www.michaelikaplan.com/http://www.michaelikaplan.com/http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkaplan4pmg/http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkaplan4pmg/http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkaplan4pmg/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkaplan4pmg/http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkaplan4pmg/http://www.michaelikaplan.com/


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Military veterans transitioning into the civilian

workforce are facing a wide range of unique challenges

in 2014. A depressed economy, constricted labor market

and employers who struggle to understand how skills

obtained in the military are transferable to civilian jobs

are only the tip of the iceberg. Veterans will need to

possess unique insights and skill sets well beyond those

currently discussed within mainstream hiring circles.

Michael I. Kaplan, a veteran of the U.S. Army

and an entrepreneur with 25-years of experience creating

and developing small business ventures, brings a

powerful and unique perspective to the veteran

employment equation. Kaplan has revealed his proven

strategies in a book written for participants in all phases

of the employment process: veterans, military spouses,

corporate recruiters, job-board administrators, members

of veteran support organizations (VSOs) and advocacy

groups.Preparing military veterans to seek employment

is critical but its only the first step in a complex process

with many equally important components. Once hired,

the veteran candidate must be successfully retained and

developed over the long-term. Kaplans process of

self-assessment, prioritization and conducting an

effective inventory of skills speaks directly to this issue.

While this thought-provoking book does put

particular emphasis on entrepreneurship, Kaplan argues

convincingly that the skills and mindset needed to besuccessful in pursuing the path of a Vetrepreneur are

identical to those required to secure and maintain

employment in Corporate America. Veterans who

possess the skills proposed by Kaplan can transition

seamlessly into the civilian workforce, and then again

into entrepreneurship if they choose to do so.

Military veterans are uniquely conditioned to be

successful in the civilian workforce. Michael I. Kaplans

book, The Prior-Service Entrepreneur, will provide

military veterans and those who support them with a

distinct competitive advantage in their pursuit of

realizing that success.

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/The-

Prior-Service-Entrepreneur-Experience-Profitable/

dp/1494949172/ref=sr_1_1?

ie=UTF8&qid=1389783490&sr=8-

New Nonprofit in Michigan to

Help Veterans, Soldiers and

Families

Created by a Veteran for Veterans,Soldiers and their Families

Metamora, MI, August 1,

2013: Suits for Soldiers is anew nonprofit in Michigan, butavailable nationwide. We arelooking to help Veterans,Soldiers and their families witha variety of services and as wegrow, increase the services thatwe provide. The initial serviceswe will be offering are: cloth-ing for interviews and jobs,

mentoring, resume writing and review, interviewassistance, local job connections, education counseling,

VA education benefits help and connecting Veterans withrealtors and mortgage professionals who are familiar withworking with Veterans. Our goal by the end of the year isto have a place with computer access where those whoneed our services can come and get clothing, improvetheir resumes and apply for jobs, get face to face mentor-ing from local business professionals, take classes and gettraining that will improve skill sets to get them ready forgainful employment.

There are many programs currently out there thatoffer similar services, but at times are overwhelmed bythe number in need of help. Suits for Soldiers would like

to be another option for Veterans, Soldiers and theirfamilies. There can never be enough resources for themen and women who have served our country. Withoutthese heroes who have sacrificed their families andthemselves, we would not be able to be as free as we aretoday.

Suits for Soldiers is asking for the help of thosein the television, print and social media to spread theword of our organization, so that we can grow and notonly help in Michigan, but reach out to more states andthose who are in need of help. Each Veteran we helptouches the lives of so many!!!

Below are the ways in which you can find Suitsfor Soldiers on the web:www.suitsforsoldiers.orgwww.facebook.com/suitsforsoldiersTwitter: @suitsforsoldier

Thank you,Scott FaderSuits for Soldiers
http://www.amazon.com/The-Prior-Service-Entrepreneur-Experience-Profitable/dp/1494949172/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389783490&sr=8-1&keywords=The+prior-service+entrepreneurhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Prior-Service-Entrepreneur-Experience-Profitable/dp/1494949172/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389783490&sr=8-1&keywords=The+prior-service+entrepreneurhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Prior-Service-Entrepreneur-Experience-Profitable/dp/1494949172/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389783490&sr=8-1&keywords=The+prior-service+entrepreneurhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Prior-Service-Entrepreneur-Experience-Profitable/dp/1494949172/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389783490&sr=8-1&keywords=The+prior-service+entrepreneurhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Prior-Service-Entrepreneur-Experience-Profitable/dp/1494949172/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389783490&sr=8-1&keywords=The+prior-service+entrepreneurhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Prior-Service-Entrepreneur-Experience-Profitable/dp/1494949172/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389783490&sr=8-1&keywords=The+prior-service+entrepreneurhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Prior-Service-Entrepreneur-Experience-Profitable/dp/1494949172/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389783490&sr=8-1&keywords=The+prior-service+entrepreneurhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Prior-Service-Entrepreneur-Experience-Profitable/dp/1494949172/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389783490&sr=8-1&keywords=The+prior-service+entrepreneurhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Prior-Service-Entrepreneur-Experience-Profitable/dp/1494949172/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389783490&sr=8-1&keywords=The+prior-service+entrepreneurhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Prior-Service-Entrepreneur-Experience-Profitable/dp/1494949172/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389783490&sr=8-1&keywords=The+prior-service+entrepreneurhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Prior-Service-Entrepreneur-Experience-Profitable/dp/1494949172/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389783490&sr=8-1&keywords=The+prior-service+entrepreneurhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Prior-Service-Entrepreneur-Experience-Profitable/dp/1494949172/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389783490&sr=8-1&keywords=The+prior-service+entrepreneurhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Prior-Service-Entrepreneur-Experience-Profitable/dp/1494949172/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389783490&sr=8-1&keywords=The+prior-service+entrepreneurhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Prior-Service-Entrepreneur-Experience-Profitable/dp/1494949172/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389783490&sr=8-1&keywords=The+prior-service+entrepreneurhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Prior-Service-Entrepreneur-Experience-Profitable/dp/1494949172/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389783490&sr=8-1&keywords=The+prior-service+entrepreneurhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Prior-Service-Entrepreneur-Experience-Profitable/dp/1494949172/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389783490&sr=8-1&keywords=The+prior-service+entrepreneurhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Prior-Service-Entrepreneur-Experience-Profitable/dp/1494949172/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389783490&sr=8-1&keywords=The+prior-service+entrepreneurhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Prior-Service-Entrepreneur-Experience-Profitable/dp/1494949172/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389783490&sr=8-1&keywords=The+prior-service+entrepreneur


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6/16



The World War I Memorial

FoundationFrom: www.wwimemorial.org

In March 2008, Frank Buckles, the last survivingAmerican veteran of World War I, visited the District ofColumbia War Memorial, on the National Mall inWashington DC. He observed that this peaceful, secluded

memorial, dedicated in 1931 as a memorial to the 499residents of the District of Columbia who gave their livesin that war, sits neglected and in extreme disrepair, andthat there is no national memorial to World War I. Mr.Buckles issued a call for the restoration and re-dedicationof the D.C. memorial as a National and District of Co-lumbia World War I Memorial.

The World War I Memorial Foundation wasformed to make Frank Buckles dream a reality. Themission of the Foundation is to advocate and raise fundsfor the re-dedication of the DC War Memorial as anational World War I memorial, dedicated to all those

Americans who served in the Great War.In 2014 the world will mark the centennial of

World War I. Nearly 5 million Americans served duringthe war, and 116,516 Americans died in defense ofdemocracy overseas. Americas support of its allies inWorld War I marked the first time in this nations historythat American soldiers went abroad to defend foreign soilagainst aggression --and it marked the true beginning ofthe American century.

Yet while the later conflicts of the 20th century -World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War --rightfully have national memorials on the National Mall,

there is no such memorial to the Great War, eventhough more Americans gave their lives in World War Ithan in Korea or Vietnam. The D.C. memorial, which isalready located adjacent to those other memorials, is themost fitting site for a national World War I memorial.

Photo: The Late Frank Buckles during his 2008 visit to

the Washington D.C. World War I Monument.

What is ESGRFrom: www.esgr.mil

ESGR, a Department of Defense agency, wasestablished in 1972 to promote cooperation and under-standing between Reserve Component Service membersand their civilian employers and to assist in the resolutionof conflicts arising from an employee's military commit-ment. ESGR is supported by a network of more than4,800 volunteers in 54 committees located across all 50states, the District of Columbia, Guam-CNMI, the U.SVirgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Volunteers, hailing fromsmall business and industry, government, education andprior military service bring a vast wealth of experience toassist in serving employers, service members and theirfamilies. Together with Headquarters ESGR staff and asmall cadre of support staff for each State Committee,volunteers work to promote and enhance employersupport for military service in the Guard and Reserve.

ESGR has served our country for 40 years, devel-oping and promoting a culture in which all Americanemployers support and value the military service of theiremployees serving in the Guard and Reserve. These

citizen warriors could not defend and protect us at homeand abroad without the continued promise of meaningfulcivilian employment for themselves and their families.ESGR has continued to adapt to meet the needs of ourReserve Component members, their families and Ameri-cas employers by joining forces with a network of othernational, state and local government and professionaltrade organizations as together, We All Serve!
http://www.wwimemorial.org/http://www.wwimemorial.org/http://www.esgr.mil/http://www.esgr.mil/http://www.esgr.mil/Contact/Local-State-Pages/Michigan.aspxhttp://www.esgr.mil/http://www.wwimemorial.org/


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9/16



National Gold Star RegistryFrom: Wendy Lynn Day

(www.goldstarfamilyregistry.com)The National Gold Star Family Registry is the

first comprehensive database of the United States fallenHeroes and their families ever developed. The Registrynot only affords family members the opportunity topublicly remember their loved one, but serves as ahistorical log of our Nations true Heroes. By providingeducational resources and personal accounts, the Registryensures that future generations may know who these

brave Americans werenot only how they died, but,more importantly, how they lived.The information in the Registry is compiled from

a number of different public sources including theDepartment of Defense and the National Archives.Adhering to Department of Defense guidelines forfamilies who receive the Gold Star Pin, the Registryonly includes the names of Heroes who have given theirlives on the battlefield.

From the Vietnam Wall in Washington, DC, tothe countless war memorials on courthouse lawns, theUnited States is peppered with stone monuments honor-ing those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Thesetreasures are powerful, but access is limited bygeography, and names inscribed in stone dont tell theHeroes full story. The National Gold Star FamilyRegistry serves as a 21st Century monument, utilizing thelatest in internet technology to memorialize those samemen and women in a whole new way.

How the Registry BeganThe National Gold Star Family Registry is a

project of Military Families United, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to Honorthe Fallen, Support Those Who Fight, and Serve TheirFamilies. Through various events held for Gold StarFamily members, Military Families United recognized aneed for families to be able to share the stories of theirHeroes with the world. In the beginning, familiesattending these events wrote their stories in a notebook toshare with other Gold Star families, this concepteventually took the form of the virtual memorial.

First launched in 2010, the Registry has beencontinually upgraded with the latest in technology andresources. This 21st Century memorial ensures thatanyone anywhere can honor and remember the Heroeswho have laid down their lives in defense of freedom.Whether they gave their life in Iraq, Afghanistan,Vietnam, Korea, WWII, or another conflict, the Registryis a place to ensure their memory will live on.

About Military Families UnitedMilitary Families United is a not-for-profit 501(c)

(3) charitable organization whose mission is to Honor theFallen, Support Those Who Fight, and Serve TheirFamilies. We are a national coalition of Gold Star andBlue Star families, veterans, and patriotic Americans whoshare a deep appreciation for our men and women inuniform and support them in their mission to keepAmerica safe. Founded in 2005 to provide an avenue for

military families to remind the nation of the importanceof supporting our military and the mission they have beengiven , the organization expanded to provide charitableprograms offering families direct support. Through aportfolio of unique services, events, and advocacyprograms, the organization seeks to ensure that futuregenerations of Americans will never forget the sacrificesof our courageous military.

The MPVA MissionFrom: www.michiganpva.orgMPVA is celebrating its 50th year of service in Michigan. It

is a chapter of the national Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), operating according to the standards and practicesestablished by the PVA.

MPVA is, however, a separate 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The Michigan programs, services, education,and outreach conducted here are made possible by local volunteers, partners, sponsors, and donors.

The mission of Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America is to enhance the lives of veterans with spinal cordinjury or disease as well as all citizens with disabilities, by advocating for civil rights, assuring quality health care,supporting continued research and education, and encouraging independence and healthy living through various health,sports and recreational programs. MPVA shall continue striving to remain at the forefront of both veterans benefitsservices and disability rights, while working toward a better quality of life for all American citizens.
http://www.michiganpva.org/http://www.michiganpva.org/http://www.michiganpva.org/


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11/16



MICHIGAN AIR NATIONAL GUARD

HISTORY BOOKSThe Michigan Air National Guard Historical Association created a three volume set of history books covering theperiods 1926-1996. A fourth volume covering the years 1996 to 2006 is in production and should be available soon.

Volume 1 covers the period 1926 to 1976-Cost: $1.00Volume 2 covers the period 1976 to 1986-Cost: $4.00Volume 3 covers the period 1986 to 1996-Cost: $1.00

Volume 4 covers the period 1996 to 2010-Cost: $6:00 Full color $35.00

If you wish to purchase one or more of these volumes or are interested in more information, please contact MAGHA at

Phone: 586-239-6768, Fax: 586-239-6646, Email: [email protected]

MANGBANGFrom: Eugene (Gene) A. Simon

-

Command Chief Master Sergeant USAF (Retired) & Matthew X. Hauser

As you may have seen in past editions of the newsletter, MANGBANG has been one of our sources. We arethankful for the source and so we just wanted to pass the information along for MANGBANG in case anyone isinterested in joining the Michigan Air National Guard Historical Association.

You can contact Lou Nigro if you are interested. We think it is a worthwhile investment-it supports the historyof the Michigan Air National Guard and his monthly publications are very informative.

For those who want to view it on our website (www.selfridgeairmuseum.org,http://www.selfridgeairmuseum.org), Lt Col Lou Nigro, MI ANG (Ret) Executive Director, Selfridge Military AirMuseum Email: [email protected]

Need a RideForm: www.dav.org

Because so many sick and disabled veterans lack transportation to and from VAmedical facilities for needed treatment, the DAV operates a nationwide TransportationNetwork to meet this need.

Through the Transportation Network, DAV volunteers drive sick and disabled

veterans to and from VA medical facilities for treatment. The Transportation Network is aclear example of veterans helping veterans. The DAV stepped in to meet a substantialcommunity need when the federal government terminated its program that helped manyveterans pay for transportation to VA medical facilities. The DAV has 189 HospitalService Coordinators around the country who coordinate the transportation needs fordisabled veterans.

Use the DAV Hospital Service Coordinator Directory to contact your nearest HSC for information orassistance. Please remember that the DAV Transportation Network is staffed by volunteers; therefore, it is unable tocover every community. We hope we can help you. Locate your nearest VA Medical Center

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military.Thank you for your service to this country.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.selfridgeairmuseum.org/http://www.selfridgeairmuseum.org/http://www.selfridgeairmuseum.org/http://www.selfridgeairmuseum.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.dav.org/http://www.dav.org/http://www.dav.org/volunteers/documents/HSCDirectory.pdfhttp://www.dav.org/volunteers/documents/HSCDirectory.pdfhttp://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash=1http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash=1http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash=1http://www.dav.org/volunteers/documents/HSCDirectory.pdfhttp://www.dav.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.selfridgeairmuseum.org/http://www.selfridgeairmuseum.org/mailto:[email protected]


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13/16



Brain Injury

Association of

MichiganFrom: Rick Briggs, Major, USAF (Ret)

The Brain Injury Association of Michigan

(BIAMI) Veterans Program utilizes numerous types ofoutdoor activities to gather Veterans and currentlyserving military personnel together for a little R&R.These special events are almost always free for thetroops depending totally on the kind donations of spon-sors and donors. In addition to being a great way to sayThank you for their service, these activities serve asthe mechanism to get the troops to open up a little ifthey are having post-deployment issues. Frequentlywe find that in the comfortable confines with otherswho have been there, done that they tend to be morereceptive to learn about Invisible Wounds says Rick

Briggs the Program Manager, both PTSD and TBI aretreatable if they seek the proper help. To find outmore about these activities, or to donate to theirVeterans Program, please make out checks to BIAMIVeterans Program and send them to 7305 Grand RiverSuite #100, Brighton, MI 48114 or contact RickBriggs at [email protected] or call him (810) 229-5880 or visit www.biami.org.

About the Brain Injury Asso-

ciation of Michigan (BIAMI):BIAMI is celebrating its 30th Anniversary as it

continues to strive to provide persons with a brain injuryand their families, healthcare professionals, and thegeneral public with the resources necessary to enhancebrain injury awareness, education, prevention, andsupport. BIAMI is also fields the first and only dedicatedVeterans Program staff within the Brain Injury Associa-tion of America.

Legal Help for VeteransFrom: James G. Fausone

Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC is a law firmlocated in Northville, Michigan. We have a nationalpractice representing veterans on veterans disabilityclaims. This representation occurs at the United StatesCourt of Appeals for Veterans Claims, the Board ofVeterans Appeals and regional offices. We have helpedveterans collect over $10,000,000 in retro and futurebenefits. Over the last decade, LHFV has become atrusted name in the legal community for providing legalservices to veterans and lecturing at law schools, barassociationsand community events.

Members of the Legal Help for Veterans practicegroup are former service members who bring not onlylegal expertise but an understanding of service and duty.The members of the group have medical and administra-tive backgrounds as well as finely honed legal skillsdeveloped over twenty years of practice and experi-ence. We have represented thousands of veterans andcurrently have over 650 active clients.

For more information about the organization andabout legal help for veterans and for contact informationwww.legalhelpforveterans.com and found on Twitter,Facebook and YouTube. Our telephone number is

800.693.4800. Our blog discusses current issues facingveterans and the VA.

Typically our clients are enlisted men andwomen who served post Korea. The Vietnam vet is stillthe one with the most common problems. These includeAgent Orange related disabilities, PTSD, psychiatricororthopedic injuries. Othervets often have hearing loss,military sexual trauma or tinnitus. We are now seeingIraq and Afghanistan vets with TBI. Many vets do noteven begin the disability claim process until many yearsafter service. The trigger may be unemployability andthe need for benefits. With a million claim back log at

VA, it is a slow and confusing process and manypeople

need professional help establishing the proper diagnosisand service connection. That is what Legal Help forVeterans, PLLC has been doing for clients for years.

We would like to express our appreciation to all of thefighting men and women in the United States

Military. Thank you for your service to this country.
mailto:[email protected]://www.biami.org/http://www.legalhelpforveterans.com/http://www.legalhelpforveterans.com/http://www.legalhelpforveterans.com/http://www.biami.org/mailto:[email protected]


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For more information please visit www.supportamericanvets.organdwww.grassrootsationteam.org.More details coming soon.

The Grassroots Action Team was created in order to advocate for Veterans and others about issuesconcerning mental health parity and physical health. We will be doing this first and foremost by educatingpeople and making sure they are aware of the issues. Then we will make sure our leaders in Washington and atthe State level are aware of the issues and vote in favor of our Veterans. We will keep the pressure on to make

sure programs that are already in place as well as any new programs helping veterans are in fact implemented.If you would like to make a donation or have ideas and/or suggestions for us please write to our

President, Hank Fuhs, Lt. Col., United States Air Force/ANG/USAF Reserves (ret.) at 3848 Leonard St. NE,Grand Rapids, MI 49525 or email him [email protected]@grassrootsactionteam.org.

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States

http://www.supportamericanvets.org/http://www.supportamericanvets.org/http://www.grassrootsationteam.org/http://www.grassrootsationteam.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.grassrootsationteam.org/http://www.supportamericanvets.org/


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Rep. Jim StamasCommittee Chair

Welcome to the Military andVeterans Affairs and HomelandSecurity Committee. The committee'sregularly scheduled meeting time isWednesday at 9:00am in room 308 ofthe House Office Building inLansing. I welcome citizens to

contact me or other committee members regarding billsor proposals our committee is addressing. Individualsneeding special accommodations to participate in acommittee meeting may contact my office to request the

necessary assistance.

Military and Veterans Affairs

and Homeland Security

Committee Members

Jim Stamas(R) Committee Chair, 98th DistrictRay Franz(R) Majority Vice-Chair, 101st DistrictGail Haines(R) 43rd DistrictKenneth Kurtz(R) 58th DistrictTom Hooker(R) 77th DistrictDale Zorn(R) 56th DistrictJoseph Graves(R) 51st DistrictHarvey Santana(D) Minority Vice-Chair, 9th DistrictGeorge Darany

(D) 15th District

Dian Slavens(D) 21st DistrictBrian Banks(D) 1st DistrictHenry Yanez(D) 25th DistrictPhil Cavanagh(D) 10th District

Ben Cook,Committee Clerk517-373-2002

Two Great Sources for Veterans/Military Legislative Updates in Washington D.C.

Simply click the images to view the site.
http://www.house.mi.gov/MHRPublic/CommitteeInfo.aspx?comkey=235http://www.house.mi.gov/MHRPublic/CommitteeInfo.aspx?comkey=235http://www.house.mi.gov/MHRPublic/CommitteeInfo.aspx?comkey=235http://www.gophouse.com/welcome.asp?District=098http://www.gophouse.com/welcome.asp?District=098http://www.gophouse.com/welcome.asp?District=101http://www.gophouse.com/welcome.asp?District=101http://www.gophouse.com/welcome.asp?District=043http://www.gophouse.com/welcome.asp?District=043http://www.gophouse.com/welcome.asp?District=058http://www.gophouse.com/welcome.asp?District=058http://www.gophouse.com/welcome.asp?District=077http://www.gophouse.com/welcome.asp?District=077http://www.gophouse.com/welcome.asp?District=056http://www.gophouse.com/welcome.asp?District=056http://www.gophouse.com/welcome.asp?District=051http://www.gophouse.com/welcome.asp?District=051http://009.housedems.com/http://009.housedems.com/http://015.housedems.com/http://015.housedems.com/http://021.housedems.com/http://021.housedems.com/http://001.housedems.com/http://001.housedems.com/http://025.housedems.com/http://025.housedems.com/http://010.housedems.com/http://010.housedems.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://veterans.house.gov/http://veterans.senate.gov/mailto:[email protected]://010.housedems.com/http://025.housedems.com/http://001.housedems.com/http://021.housedems.com/http://015.housedems.com/http://009.housedems.com/http://www.gophouse.com/welcome.asp?District=051http://www.gophouse.com/welcome.asp?District=056http://www.gophouse.com/welcome.asp?District=077http://www.gophouse.com/welcome.asp?District=058http://www.gophouse.com/welcome.asp?District=043http://www.gophouse.com/welcome.asp?District=101http://www.gophouse.com/welcome.asp?District=098http://www.house.mi.gov/MHRPublic/CommitteeInfo.aspx?comkey=235http://www.house.mi.gov/MHRPublic/CommitteeInfo.aspx?comkey=235http://house.michigan.gov/committeeinfo.asp?lstcommittees=military+and+veterans+affairs+and+homeland+security


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16Paid for by Grassroots Action TeamNot authorized by any candidate or candidates committee

Stand Up For Veterans-They Stood Up For US-The DAV

In ClosingThank you for your service to our country. It

is truly the men and women like you who make thisnation great, and we must never forget that.

Thank you to everyone for all the help youhave given us with the newsletter. We have been ableto reach more people because of your help. Comparedto when we first started, the amount of input and ideaswe receive has increased greatly. For that we are verythankful. If you have anything you would like to share,any questions, or have an article idea, please let meknow.You may contact us anytime at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Matthew X. Hauser and Lt. Col Hank Fuhs

We would like to express our appreciation to all of thefighting men and women in the United States


Lest We Forget-A Clip from Hank Fuhs

Lt. Col., USAF, Ret, ANG

(Just Click the Link Below)I Fought For You

News From American Legion Post 341American Legion Post

341 is seeking the names oftroops that are deployed to acombat zone so that we cansend them large package of

goodies and that their namesand address should be sent tothe address below.

Also post 341 is alwaysseeking new members pleasecontact Robert at the same address if interested.

American Legion Post 341Sr. Vice Commander

Robert P. Goulet6130 Nicholas

West Bloomfield, MI

[email protected]

Coordinator-

Matthew X. Hauser

Contributors-

Don AlsbroRick BriggsHelen Budd

Sen. Patrick Colbeck

Sam CottleRep. Kurt Damrow

Matt DavisDavid Duenow

Vicki DunlopMark EddyKeith Famie

James G. FausoneRep. Ray FranzSean M. FurrDenny Gillem

Robert GouletDr. Jack GrenanJohn Haggard

Larry HarrDan Heckman

Dale HemphillJohn Hess

Norma HouseySec. of State Ruth Johnson

James JulianAdrian KeoghAdele Krovsky

Bill Langbehn

Merridy LewisGary C. LulenskiClaude McManus

Chad Miles

Louis NigroRoger Rosenberg

Sid RubinEugene (Gene) A. Simon

Phil SmithSherry Swann

Tim PascarellaBob Tidmore

Rep. Fred UptonMaureen VanHooserPublisher-Hank Fuhs

Staff & Contributors

American Legion Post is in looking for current military members to send carepackages to. Please contact Robert Goulet if you know of any military memberwho might like something. Please see News From American Legion Post 341

below for more information. Thank you very much!

In Memory of Gary Lillie
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgYLr_LfhLohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgYLr_LfhLomailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgYLr_LfhLomailto:[email protected]

Vets & Military Families Monthly News Summer 2014

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Transcript of Vets & Military Families Monthly News Summer 2014