HOMEPAGE VetCorps

In Their Own Words: Veterans Conservation Corps

2010-04-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

Former cavalry scout Michael Farnum pulls up invasive plants. (Photo: George Cavallo)

NISQUALLY, Wash. – Across the nation, states and non-profits are stepping up to fill gaps in care for returning soldiers and sailors. One program under the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs uses nature to help heal the wounds of war. The Veterans Conservation Corps attempts to unite two different public goals. One is to help returning vets with PTSD and other issues. The other, to help the environment. Correspondent Tom Banse caught up with a group of recently discharged soldiers and sailors. They were hacking away at a hillside choked with brambles near Nisqually, Washington. On this Earth Day, here they are in their own words.

< Listen to the story

20th annual Spring Rebuilding Day

2010-04-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, April 24th, Rebuilding Together Seattle and its supporters will celebrate 20 years of Spring Rebuilding Day, also known as National Rebuilding Day. RTS volunteers will join 64,000 other volunteers from 200 affiliates throughout the nation, completing approximately 3,000 projects in one day.
In 2009, RTS completed 25 projects with the support of over 800 volunteers. In April 2010, volunteers will complete roughly 30 projects with the help of 1,000 volunteers.
RTS welcomes several new sponsor groups to our event, including top sponsors Greenpoint Technologies (Kirkland, WA), Howard S. Wright (Seattle), and returning sponsor, Perkins Coie, LLP (Seattle). “Perkins Coie is happy to support RTS,” said Perkins Coie representative, John Edwards. “We always make someone's house more livable, and leave with a deep sense of accomplishment.”
Most notably, The Center for Spiritual Living (CSL) will celebrate its 14th year of partnership with RTS. In 2009, 70 volunteers from the CSL helped repair St. Francis House in the International District.
RTS looks forward to a very successful 2010 event! For more information on our 20th Annual Spring Rebuilding Day, please contact the RTS Office at 206.682.1231.

What is the Washington Access Fund?

2010-03-25T11:36:00.000-07:00

The Washington Washington Access Fund is a 501(c)(3)nonprofit, Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) established by and for people with disabilities in Washington state. Washington Access Fund provides low-interest loans and other financing services to help individuals with disabilities obtain the technologies and business equipment needed to live independently and to succeed at school, at work, at play and in the community. Click here to learn about Borrower Survey results and CCTV Renter Survey results.

http://www.washingtonaccessfund.org/loans/telework_loans.php

Earth Day Event at Washougal Oaks Natural Area

2010-03-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

Veteran Conservation Corps

The Washington Department of Natural Resources is partnering with the Veterans Conservation Corps (VCC) for an Earth Day volunteer workday at Washougal Oaks Natural Area. On April 17th members of the VCC and the public will gather at one of the largest remnant Oregon white-oak forests in Western Washington to help pull invasive English ivy. Volunteers will also help plant native shrubs in areas where the invasive Himalayan blackberry has been controlled. This work will help protect the rare oak ecosystem and the species that depend on it. The site protects habitat for the rare slender billed white-breasted nuthatch, a bird that is found mostly in oak forest and is known from only three locations in Washington. Several rare plant species are also protected on the site.

The mission of the VCC is to give veterans opportunities to work in habitat conservation projects. The VCC is administered by the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs and has partnered with hundreds of partners across Washington on similar restoration projects.

The DNR Natural Areas Program is the single largest conservator of native ecosystems, plant communities and habitat for rare species in Washington. Currently, the program protects more than 132,000 acres in 83 natural areas throughout the state.

For more information contact DNR natural areas manager Carlo Abbruzzese at (360) 575-5056, Doug Robberson at (360) 909-2999, Wade Enos (WSU - Vancouver) at (369) 487-9270, or Alex Strong (Clark College) at (503) 975-7318.

Veteran’s Take Dragons Head On

2010-03-12T11:44:00.000-08:00

It is a brisk morning as Veterans congregate near the fire pit before the challenge begins, unaware of what is about to come. It will be a day of learning and adapting to new challenges presented; a day to learn about communication, trust, personal accountability, and leadership; a day to learn about you and other veterans as a community. The event took place at the Waterhouse Center in Monroe, WA. Amidst the trees, brush, and wildlife was a series of courses which were designed to challenge groups to work together, communicate, and lead one another to face their fears. Veterans from all branches of the military, volunteers who are personally connected to service members, and Vet Corps members participated in the challenges presented.
The River Task required all persons to cross a theoretical alligator infested river by swinging on a rope and all land on the same 3’x3’ platform on the same side. As if this isn’t a challenge in itself, they also had to carry across a full bucket of water without spilling a drop. Fourteen people are difficult to fit on a 3’x3’ platform, especially when they are swinging across on a rope. Leadership was apparent as individuals took charge of the situation to ensure each person arrived safely on the opposing side. Veterans on the platform would catch others and link arms to ensure nobody fell off. The military training and team work allowed the group to successfully complete the task quickly and efficiently.
The goal of the wire challenge was to have every person successfully walk across the wire and through obstacles without falling in less than thirty minutes. This required trust and concern for every other individual at all times. The focus was impeccable and the course was completed in fifteen minutes. This was characteristic of the Vet Corps program. Through the course it was important to move yourself forward, while still helping those behind you. The Vet Corps program is a group of veterans that assist fellow veterans with their transition into civilian life. The veterans work on moving their lives forward to becoming civilians, while having concern and providing help to others just beginning their transition.
Each challenge presented was designed to teach a valuable lesson that can be carried into everyday life. The Dragon Challenge was the biggest obstacle presented. Standing on a 50 foot high platform each member was strapped into cables one by one and asked to jump off and glide to the ground on a zip line through trees and the wilderness. The fear of letting go and jumping was described before-hand by the course leader as a metaphor for a dragon, whose name is fear, that must be accepted before it can be confronted and overcome. Jaime, an AmeriCorps member, stood at the top slowly confronting her fears with encouragement from others. After ten minutes of confronting the zip line, she was finally able to accept her personal dragon and leapt from the platform.
After a long day of challenges and working together the group debriefed on lessons learned. Veterans strengthened communication, leadership skills, and trust. Most importantly, veterans learned to move forward through their struggles and that they need to accept the obstacles before they can properly overcome the struggle at hand. Each veteran learned about their personal skills and how to apply the skills learned into everyday life. They understand where they are at with their transition, but will not forget to help other veterans along their path.

~ Brianne Leimbach

Vet Corps Program Helps Veterans Overcome Nightmares

2010-03-02T10:19:00.000-08:00

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs has implemented a new program called Vet Corps. This program provides numerous benefits to veterans and their families from job searches to helping them sleep at night.
Green River Community College holds a Vet Connect meeting the first Wednesday of every month to get veterans together so they know they are not alone in their daily struggles; however, on February 3rd the Vet Connect meeting was anything but ordinary.
Licensed Psychologist Diane Nakamura spoke about Beverly Ann Dexter’s new method that could help veterans overcome PTSD driven nightmares. Simply stated, the method is called No More Nightmares. The program is not meant to work in one night, but is a practiced skill that can help change unsettling dreams into visions of success. She emphasized that there is no such thing as a bad dream and that dreams are not meant to be analyzed.
The planned dream intervention teaches veterans to stay asleep during the nightmare, but to learn how to create a bridge in their mind that will allow the dream to end successfully. The dream intervention does not have to be realistic, but could be anything from ordinary to magical. Each person is different and must learn what type of intervention works for them. The intervention is not meant to change the dream, but to continue in the desired manner. By writing down the dream or feelings from the dream and the intensity, veterans can then return to the same situation the following evening and continue with the story line that they control rather than being controlled by their mind and memories.
The speech hit home for every veteran in the room. She was able to connect with them and provide a new alternative that will eliminate one of their many daily struggles. This is one way that the Washington State Vet Corps program is helping many veterans and shows the potential to help more of those who have sacrificed so much for every American.

~Brianne Leimbach

PTSD's best friend, a service dog is helping veteran

2010-02-16T13:11:00.000-08:00

WENATCHEE -- Life has become calmer, safer and less stressful for Chris Goehner since he paired up with Pele.

Goehner, 25, a Wenatchee Valley native attending Central Washington University in Ellensburg, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. It's something he picked up while serving two tours as a Navy corpsman attached to a Marine Corps emergency room unit in Iraq. He worked as a medic in Kuwait and Iraq in 2004 and 2005, before being diagnosed with PTSD and discharged in 2006.

Pele is his service dog. Since November, the two have become inseparable.

Goehner is one of only 21 Iraq War veterans suffering from PTSD who have been paired with service dogs since the military recently started a new program to try to help soldiers with the disorder.

Pele was trained for the program by an organization called Puppies Behind Bars. The nonprofit organization uses prison inmates to train service dogs in several New York regional prisons.

The military began tests in 2008 to see if the dogs could help PTSD victims.

Pele, a 20-month-old golden retriever/ Labrador retriever mix, accompanies Goehner to his classes, when he goes to the store or mall and when he goes out to dinner. Pele sleeps in his bedroom at night, guarding his rest from haunting nightmares of bomb attacks and shot and blown-up soldiers.

"Pele is my little Marine. He watches my back," said Goehner, referring to the Marines who offered him protection when he was working close to the battle in Iraq.

Since getting Pele, Goehner said he's slept better than he has in three years. He's been able to take a nap for the first time since leaving the military. He can go into a crowded place with less fear that he's going to be attacked or shot at. He's not as unnerved by loud noises that remind him of shellfire and isn't constantly filled with anger and ready for a fight.

Goehner can't say enough about how Pele has already changed his life.

"A lot of that anger I had has gone away. It had to. You have to use positive reinforcement with a dog. Anger doesn't work for him," he said.

Pele is a calming focus point when Goehner goes out in public places that previously made him nervous. By directing his attention to the dog, he said he can forget about the things he used to worry about.

And Pele does watch his back. It's one of more than 90 commands the dog has learned. He'll move in between anyone who tries to come up to his master.

Goehner credits Pele for vast and quick improvement with his insomnia, for helping him become more stable and responsible.

Rebecca Murch

2010-02-16T12:33:00.000-08:00

Rebecca Murch with VetCorps-Americorps is serving at the VA Hospital in Seattle assisting a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with patients/veterans.

Each week she meet with about 6-8 different veterans that are enrolled in the VA's Compensated Work Therapy program. These veterans have, or currently are, suffering from drug/alcohol addictions and/or mental health issues and find it hard to maintain or obtain employment. Many of the veterans have combat service either in Vietnam, Gulf War or our current conflict in Iraq/Afhanistan, and as a result suffer from PTSD, depression, etc. Again, which are obstacles that make it difficult for them to maintain or obtain employment.

She meets with the Veteran to assist them with developing a resume, teach them job searching strategies in today's job market, assist them with practicing for interviews, assist with applying for Federal jobs and teach some basic computer skills as needed to perform the before mentioned tasks.

Rebecca told me; "It has been very rewarding personally, as I tend to meet with a Veteran more than once, therefore I get to see them develope and be able to utilize the skills that I have taught them. Hopefully the skills that I am teaching them will help them to go on to have more productive and rewarding lives themselves. It is a great honor to me as well to be able to serve my fellow veterans!!"

"Helping veterans - one veteran at a time"

Free Tax Help for Military Families

2010-02-02T09:36:00.000-08:00

Beginning January 18th, 2010, Military OneSource will offer military families the opportunity to use the customized H&R Block At Home® income tax program (formerly known as TaxCut) at no charge. There will be a special link to the H&R Block product at www.militaryonesource.com; wait until that link is posted and use it to create your tax account. A simple interview process will walk you through the return process, allowing complete electronic filing of federal and up to three state tax filings electronically.
Military OneSource notes the following on its Web site: “Do not go to the public H&R Block Web site to create a user account. If you create your account on the H&R Block Web site instead of through the Military OneSource site, the H&R Block system will treat your account as a public account. This means that you will receive the public version of the product instead of the customized Military OneSource product. The public version of H&R Block At Home® is not the same as the customized Military OneSource product, and it is not free. If you create an account through the H&R Block Web site, the H&R Block system will treat your account as a public account even if you access the account in the future through the Military OneSource site. To avoid this problem, please wait until the link is posted to the Military OneSource site.”

Tax consultations by phone will also be offered for free at 1-800-342-9647. And Military OneSource has a variety of educational materials that may be accessed by going to its Web site, clicking on “Find Information,” and then clicking on “Money Management.”
BBB Military Line will have more tax information in its February newsletter. Don’t forget that most military installations provide a Tax Center where you can have your taxes prepared for free by an IRS-trained volunteer!

1/13/2010
Scholarships Available for Spouses of Wounded or Fallen Service Members Applications accepted online through January 31
The National Military Family Association is now accepting applications for its Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program for spouses of wounded or fallen service members. Scholarships are awarded to military spouses to obtain professional certification or to attend post secondary or graduate school... Applications will only be accepted online at www.militaryfamily.org/scholarships and must be submitted by midnight January 31, 2010. Spouses of uniformed service members (active duty, National Guard and Reserve, retirees, and survivors) of any branch or rank are eligible to apply.

12/09/2009
Tax statements coming next week on myPay
Annual tax statements soon will be distributed to service members, military retirees, annuitants and federal civilian employees who are paid by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service — but they will be available electronically up to two weeks earlier to DFAS customers with myPay accounts.The first W-2s, 1099Rs and 1099-INTs, along with retiree and annuitant annual account statements, will start becoming available on Dec. 16, DFAS says. The first wave of forms — Retiree Annual Statements and Retiree 1009R forms — will be mailed that day.

10/2/2009
Homeowner assistance program now under way
A program to help military homeowners caught in the downturn of the housing market started processing applications Wednesday, sources said, with the publication of the implementing rules in the Federal Register.About 4,300 homeowners have applied for assistance under the expanded Homeowners Assistance Program, which was signed into law Feb. 17 with $555 million in funding. Eligible are people on permanent change-of-station orders, wounded warriors, surviving spouses and those affected by base realignment and closure actions.

The above news items were obtained from these excellent BBB websites:

http://www.bbb.org/us/Military/

http://www.bbb.org/us/Military/News/

http://www.bbb.org/us/Military/Newsletter/

Also see these websites:
http://www.bbb.org/us/storage/16/documents/Military_Families_Final.pdf
http://www.bbb.org/us/Military/Links/

REAL FINANCIAL HELP AVAILABLE
I found a excellent service today that is called AMERICAN FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS, which is a division of the North Seattle Community College Foundation. They receive funding through various agencies of the Federal Government, Washington State, and other groups. They offer mostly free services to those who need them. There are some small fees for some services. They offer the kind of help that you can’t get from the VA, or Family Service/Readiness Center.
They are located in Bremerton, WA. They work with you over the phone, e-mail, and regular mail. I called them this morning because I needed help, and felt like the sky was falling. I asked a lot of straight questions, and receive very good answers. I feel much better about my situation now.
http://www.myfinancialgoals.org/ 1-888-864-8699

Time to Start Paying VA Back?

2010-01-29T10:10:00.000-08:00

On Saturday Jan. 23, VA posted the following letter on their website. Although the letter is light on details, one thing is clear, those of us who received the “cash advance” on our GI Bill payments will soon begin paying VA back as the VA begins “recovering” the advance payments.

The letter is posted here in its entirety.

VA Letter:

WASHINGTON - The Department of Veterans Affairs is beginning the process of recovering advance payments made available during the fall 2009 semester to Veterans and service members who applied for education benefits.

“The advance payments were a huge success and helped thousands of student Veterans during the first days of the historic Post-9/11 GI Bill focus on studies and not their finances,” said Keith Wilson, Director of Education Services at VA. “Now, we can get to the business of closing the books on advance payments and focus on supporting Veterans for the spring semester.”

VA will begin sending out notification letters this week explaining the repayment process.

In October VA instituted an advanced payment process for all eligible students who were currently enrolled in an institution of higher learning for the fall 2009 term to ensure that all Veterans and eligible students were able to focus on their academic studies and not be burdened with financial concerns. As part of that process, a web portal was established to allow electronic submission for advance payment. Advance payments were also made on-site at VA offices around the country. At that time student Veterans were told that advance payments would be deducted from future benefit payments.

In collaboration with the Department of Defense, VA will also notify active duty service members who may have mistakenly applied for the advance payment of their options for returning un-cashed checks or reimbursing deposited funds.

VA discontinued advance payments via the website portal following the conclusion of the fall 2009 semester. VA is currently processing approximately 7,000 education benefits daily, up from an average of 2,000 at the beginning of the fall 2009 term. As of January 22 the Department has processed more than 105,000 of the approximately 132,000 spring enrollments received. Since the inception of the historic new program last year, VA has paid out more than $1.3 billion in education benefits, and opened the door to higher education to more than 183,000 Veteran students.

Veterans Conservation Corps

2010-01-28T09:47:00.000-08:00

Veterans Conservation Corps in Washington State...Therapeutic Transition, Green Job Training and Valuable Conservation

Veterans Conservation Corps is sprouting in Washington state and being developed for expansion to additional states. This decompression time provides vets with new skills, stress management and new stateside friends. And their generous donation of volunteer time improves our homeland environment at the same time. Win-win-win-win...!

http://www.californiagreensolutions.com/cgi-bin/gt/tpl.h,content=3149

Thousands Of Vets Could Get Benefits Upgrade

2010-01-26T10:12:00.000-08:00

Thousands Of Vets Could Get Benefits Upgrade

By Kimberly Hefling, Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- The military has agreed to expedite a review the records
of thousands of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans discharged with
post-traumatic stress disorder to determine whether they were improperly
denied benefits.

The agreement stems from a judge's order in a class action lawsuit
originally filed by seven combat veterans who alleged the military
illegally denied health care and other benefits to those discharged
because of the disorder during a six-year period that ended Oct. 14,
2008.

Legal notices are currently being mailed to about 4,300 veterans
informing them that they can "opt-in" to the lawsuit until July 24 to
participate in the expedited review. Attorneys for the veterans estimate
that millions could be paid to veterans under the agreement, with some
veterans receiving hundreds or more dollars in increased monthly
benefits.

The National Veterans Legal Services Program was to discuss the suit at
a press conference Monday.

Former Army Sgt. Juan Perez, 36, of Owosso, Mich., said the resolution
of the suit filed in 2008 in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims was a
relief. Perez, a father of five who did two tours in Iraq, said he
struggles with migraine headaches and an eye injury related to a head
injury sustained in Baghdad. He also has nightmares and takes medication
for his mood related to PTSD.

Since he left the military, he said he and his wife were laid off from
their jobs and declared bankruptcy, in part because of medical bills
from the birth of his two youngest kids.

"I'm glad that they are finally moving forward and reevaluating the
soldiers that need to be reevaluated and doing the right thing," Perez
said. "It's been kind of a struggle not only for myself but a lot of
individuals that didn't get what they were supposed to get in the first
place."

PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop after a terrifying event
where the person was physically harmed or felt threatened. Symptoms
range from flashbacks to problem drinking.

The lawsuit addresses the issue of the disability rating given by the
military to veterans discharged with PTSD. Each of the seven plaintiffs
was given a rating of 10 percent or less.

The law requires the military to assign a disability rating of at least
50 percent to those discharged for PTSD, said Bart Stichman,
co-executive director the National Veterans Legal Services Program, a
nonprofit organization that represents the veterans. Since October 2008,
the military has given the 50 percent rating to those discharged with
PTSD, Stichman said.

The higher rating ensures that the veteran receives lifelong monthly
disability payments, free health care for the veteran and the veteran's
spouse, as well as health care for the veteran's minor children.

If a veteran qualifies for a higher disability rating, they may receive
back pay as well as reimbursement for health care expenses.
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Clover Park Tech

2010-01-26T10:10:00.000-08:00

Announcement for Outreach to Minority and Women Veterans Project

2010-01-21T16:04:00.000-08:00

The King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is pleased to announce the release of an RFP for its Outreach to Minority and Women Veterans Project. DCHS is accepting proposals from agencies to provide outreach services to connect minority and women veterans to veterans’ benefits, services and other resources in a culturally appropriate manner. The purpose of this project will be to locate, identify, engage and refer minority and women veterans and their families, to veterans benefits, services and resources, and other regional housing, health and human services available to them, providing advocacy and follow-up as needed. Agencies will be expected to develop or expand their knowledge of issues facing veterans and their families; to retain and report performance measures; and to follow-up with clients once a referral has been made. Collaborative, inter-agency proposals will be accepted. All applications need to be received by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 19, 2010...

Link

SCC's MLK Day Food Drive tops 25,000 lb. Goal

2010-01-21T10:39:00.000-08:00

Question: Can a group of Shoreline Community College students who find inspiration in the words and example of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., collect 25,000 pounds of donated food in just one day?

Answer: No, they can collect 26,233 pounds in one day, add to the total the next day and then donate it all to local food banks

The project involved putting donation sites and volunteers in front of nine participating grocery stores across the north end of King County on Monday, Jan. 18, 2010. While the project was coordinated through the Center for Service Learning, Caldwell also worked with SCC Veterans Center coordinator Jonathan Phillips and student Ava Munson, who serves in student government as Minister of Social Justice. A number of college administrators and staff also volunteered for the project...

Link

UWB, CCC students participate in Day of Service

2010-01-19T09:42:00.000-08:00

To celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and take part of the MLK Day of Service, students from UW-Bothell and Cascadia helped with projects around Bothell on Saturday Feb 16th.

Highlights of note:

200 volunteers including staff, students and faculty at Cascadia and UWB planted 500 seedlings at Juanita Woodlands; removed yards of blackberry brambles at Blythe Park; visited three senior centers in Bothell; assisted a foster care home with yard and house chores; donated 200 food items to Greater Bothell Parent Resource Center; decorated 100 additional food bags; wrote messages in 75 cards for Children's Hospital; did prep work for the mural that will be completed at Maywood Hills Elementary by Cascadia art students later this quarter; and participated in MLK Day reflection activities. Also, on day of the MLK Holiday, 20 people gathered to participate in dialogue with Bothell Mayor Lamb and attend the march through downtown Bothell.

Veterans in Construction Electrical

2010-01-08T09:48:00.000-08:00

About Veterans in Construction Electrical (VICE)

The Puget Sound Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (PSE-JATC) is offering career opportunities in the highly skilled trade of electrical construction. In cooperation with NECA and IBEW local 46, PSEJATC has created and launched a new training program for US military veterans returning from active duty. “VICE” is a 14 week intensive training program for selected veterans with an aptitude for the electrical industry. PSEJATC is proud to assist transitioning veterans enter into an exciting career within the electrical construction industry.

http://www.viceforvets.org/Veterans_In_Construction_Electrical/HOME.html

Textbook Publisher to Rent to College Students

2010-01-05T13:21:00.000-08:00

In the rapidly evolving college textbook market, one of the nation’s largest textbook publishers, Cengage Learning, announced Thursday that it would start renting books to students this year, at 40 percent to 70 percent of the sale price.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/14/education/14textbook.html?_r=1&em

Dependable Strengths Training for Vets - FREE!

2010-01-04T21:29:00.000-08:00

We have been able to secure a no-cost training opportunity for student veterans to be offered at Edmonds Community College on January 22 from 8-12:00.

Dependable Strengths (DS) was created by Bernard Haldane who worked extensively to help military personnel back in 1945 transition from military to civilian life. The Dependable Strengths Articulation Process has since become part of the alumni placement process for the Harvard Business School and has been taught around the world in China, South Africa, South Korea, Japan, and England with college and university students, k-12 system, prisons and prisoners, major corporations and employees, unemployed workers and the list goes on. Haldane, now deceased, has a quote that best summarizes the work:

“Because you’re unique, there’s something you are better at than anybody else. You have a unique pattern of Dependable Strengths…when you know the core skills of your pattern, you have power over how they are developed, combined, and applied. Then you gain job security, resilience, employability, focused energy, new possibilities and more.”

While the training typically occurs over a 2 day period, this training consists of an initial four hour session followed by another if participants want one one. The cost is usually around $750 for the full training and the trainers also bill something like $600/day. The DS crew wants to honor the service of our vets and this training is at no cost to them. So far there are 10 enrolled for the class with a maximum of 20.

All those interested should contact Peter Schmidt at peter.schmidt@edcc.edu

XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL

2009-12-14T23:15:00.001-08:00

If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq . You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services. How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! It is FREE and it only takes a second. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them. This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you. Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do. We can never say enough thank you's. Thanks for taking to time to support our military!

Q and A - Post 911 Bill

2009-12-14T13:23:00.000-08:00

The new post 9/11 G.I. Bill allows you to let your dependents use this benefit.

2009-12-14T13:07:00.000-08:00

Student veterans struggle as they wait for GI Bill benefits

2009-12-14T12:53:00.000-08:00

Jason Andrade, 35, is a senior in photojournalism at Metropolitan State College of Denver. He's still waiting after filing for GI Bill benefits in early May. Some struggling students may face eviction from their apartments, a Metro State official said. (Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post)

Read more: http://www.denverpost.com/news/frontpage/ci_13510567#ixzz0ZhNXniNt

Veterans Affairs at the Subcommittee

2009-12-07T10:56:00.000-08:00

GW student and Iraq war veteran Brian Hawthorne testified before Congress Thursday in front of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs at the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity's Education Roundtable.

http://media.www.gwhatchet.com/media/storage/paper332/news/2009/12/07/News/President.Of.Gw.Veterans.Testifies.Before.Congress-3846657.shtml

Requesting Outside Opinions

2009-12-04T11:44:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

I have been relatively quiet for awhile. I have been fisting the SOP manual for my transitional housing project. I have come to a point where I have a draft version that I thought would be excellent to introduce to you. If you have time and are interested I would greatly appreciate you viewing the document, answering a short feedback form and let me know how it looks.

I want to know how feels to Vets, the language of the SOP is purposely non-standard. It is 29 pages so it will eat up your print cartridges like no other, but i certainly look forward to any suggestions and opinions. I have a thicker skin than most so if it totally blows, let me know.

The link for the SOP Manual

The Link for the SOP Feedback form

Also if you would leave a comment below letting me know you have accepted this task it help my anxiety, thanks.

President Obama Launches Major Veterans Employment Initiative

2009-12-03T23:02:00.000-08:00

A governmentwide Council on Veterans' Employment will be chaired by Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. The order calls on each federal agency to establish a veterans employment program office designed to help veterans get through the maze of paperwork as they apply for positions in the federal work force and mandates that agencies train personnel specialists on veteran employment policies. [more]

via: whitehouse.gov

Projects

2009-12-03T20:26:00.001-08:00

Thanks to all of you who are getting involved in projects, please keep up the good work and send in your project reports so we can get them logged, Mark

CWU veterans center now open to students

2009-12-02T22:14:00.000-08:00

by Erin Snelgrove
Yakima Herald-Republic

ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- Student veterans now have access to a new Veterans Services Center at Central Washington University.

The center officially opened last week in Room 463 of the Psychology Building. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, CWU President James Gaudino, First Gentleman Mike Gregoire and John Lee, director of the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, spoke on the center's importance. [More]

via: Yakima Herald

Give a Day, Get a Disney Day!

2009-11-30T13:36:00.001-08:00

There are so many reasons to celebrate – birthdays, anniversaries, reunions - or any of life's most special moments. But this year, Disney Parks is celebrating the good things people do for their communities. In 2010, Disney wants to inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service to a participating organization in their communities and in exchange for their service they will receive a free one-day admission to a theme park at Disneyland® Resort or Walt Disney World® Resort. Starting January 1, 2010, go to www.disneyparks.com to search for volunteer opportunities; many will be projects that entire families can participate in together.

If you have any questions about participating in this campaign, please refer to the resources provided at http://www.disneyparks.com. Thanks

H.R. 1401: VET Corps Act of 2009

2009-11-24T13:56:00.000-08:00

H.R. 1401: VET Corps Act of 2009

3/9/2009--Introduced.

VET Corps Act of 2009 - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to direct the Corporation for National and Community Service to establish the Veterans Engaged for Tomorrow Corps (VET Corps), composed of veterans, retired military personnel, and their family members to: (1) help veterans, retired military personnel, and their family members obtain training, certification, or access to education or employers and otherwise to serve their communities through national and community service programs; (2) support existing outreach efforts to inform veterans about available services and benefits; (3) act as a clearinghouse for persons desiring to serve the veteran population; (4) coordinate with other departments and agencies to identify and address existing and future needs and challenges of veterans; and (5) provide veterans with opportunities to adjust to civilian life. Allows individuals to serve as VET Corps members for up to 24 months. Outlines VET Corps membership requirements and authorized benefits while performing or participating in VET Corps projects. Directs the Corporation to make grants to veteran service organizations, nonprofit organizations, federal agencies, state or local governments, or institutions of higher education for establishing, operating, and supporting VET Corps projects.

Veterans Expeditions at Outward Bound

2009-11-23T10:45:00.000-08:00

Outward Bound
http://www.outwardbound.org/index.cfm/do/cp.veterans

Adventure and challenge, solitude, reflection, and renewal, the wilderness has always symbolized a new beginning - a place for discovery and fulfilling adventure. The Outward Bound program for Veterans provides an opportunity for camaraderie and has proven to be a powerful tool helping veterans readjust after leaving the combat zone.

Through generous funding by the Military Family Outdoor Initiative Project, a joint partnership of The Sierra Club and The Sierra Club Foundation, The Anschutz Family Foundation, and The Disabled American Veterans we are offering fully underwritten Outward Bound programs to Veterans. This is a tremendous opportunity for adventure and self-discovery to our veterans of combat operations in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) and Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom). We have over 20 years serving our nation's combat veterans through a long partnership with the Disabled American Veterans organization, where we have offered enriching wilderness expeditions specifically designed for war veterans at no cost to the participants.

Our newest programs offer numerous wilderness adventures exclusively for war veterans, and are fully funded for all participants, to include their roundtrip stateside travel costs between home and the excursion site. Our goals include helping participating veterans build a supportive community with other war veterans; facilitating discussions on readjustment and transition challenges; and re-energizing and reinvigorating our veterans' spirits with adventures and challenges in the beautiful outdoors.

Need Furniture For Your Veteran Organization?

2009-11-19T08:44:00.000-08:00

Housing for Homeless Veterans (HHV) has been given 1600 rooms of Hotel/Motel furniture and are making this available to all Veteran oriented organizations for FREE. Approx value= $280,000.

The furniture will become available January 10, 2010. Please not that shipping & handling is not included but available through a third party.

For more information contact:
anthonyhhv@hotmail.com
(702) 292-7171

Veterans Day Brings Focus on Volunteerism

2009-11-18T17:11:00.000-08:00

A coalition of nonprofit groups today announced a campaign to unite civilian and military organizations in community-service projects to help military personnel, veterans, and their families — and described more than 30 specific projects, The Chronicle of Philanthropy reports.

Resume Critique

2009-11-17T13:54:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a resume critique and/or mock interview practice:

HR Professionals from an East King County company will be providing resume critiques and mock interviews for Veterans on November 19th from 1 pm to 4 pm.

For more information and to be signed up, please contact Kevin at 425-861-3746 or Sarah at 425-861-3704.

If you are interested in a Mock interview you will need to email in the potential job that you are interesting in interviewing for and your resume.

If you are interested in a résumé critique please email your resume to Sarah Rimbaugh once your have received your appointment time. srimbaugh@esd.wa.gov

Sarah Rimbaugh
WorkSource Redmond
srimbaugh@esd.wa.gov
www.go2worksource.com
www.wa.gov/esd/redmond/

Honoring student veterans

2009-11-17T13:42:00.000-08:00

Honoring student veterans

Memorial pays homage to those who make the transition 'From Boots to Books'

By Tony Dondero
Enterprise reporter

Troy Montgomery completed two tours of duty in Iraq and one in Turkmenistan before he enrolled in Edmonds Community College to prepare for a career in mechanical engineering.

While it's not always an easy transition from military life to school, veterans like Montgomery, 28, have found a way to support each other.

Montgomery is the president of Club Vet, a campus group founded in fall of 2008, which supports students who have served in the military.

This year the group designed, commissioned and raised money for a monument to honor veterans past, present and future. The idea originated with previous Club Vet president Timm Lovitt, who graduated from EdCC and currently attends Seattle University. A dedication ceremony held Nov. 5 in Brier Hall featured guest speaker Michael Reagan, a Perrinville resident and Vietnam veteran who has drawn portraits of more than 1,900 members of the armed forces who have died in recent conflicts.

The monument, “From Boots to Books,” is located on a hilly green space west of Brier Hall. Artist Roger Robert Wheeler of the Fremont Fine Arts Foundry of Seattle is working on the final piece, a bronze sculpture of a pair of boots stacked on a pile of books. A wax prototype currently sits on top of the stone base. The base, worth $2,000, was donated by Michael Homchick Stoneworks of Kenmore. Homchick's father was a World War II veteran.

Montgomery, who joined Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8870 in Lynnwood after completing his service, gave presentations to various veterans groups in the area to raise funds for the monument. About $3,000 was raised to finance the building of the monument, which will cost about $5,000 total to build. Some college employees, including the American Federation of Teachers #4254 in Edmonds, also donated.

Meanwhile, Club Vet continues to support veterans from all walks of life. Hossam Basha, a Fulbright exchange student from Egypt and member of the Egyptian military, was among those on hand for the ceremony.

Martin Spani, a Marine who served during the Cuban missile crisis and Vietnam, also came to support the cause. Spani has taken fire science, first aid and CPR classes at Edmonds. Spani's VFW Post added 22 new members this year.

“It's a great program,” Spani said after the ceremony. “It's great to see the vets are getting some recognition from the college.”

West Central Spokane Graffiti Abatement - October 24th

2009-11-16T11:08:00.000-08:00

Jetty Island Planting-Nov 14th

2009-11-15T14:01:00.001-08:00

Hire America's Heroes

2009-11-13T11:16:00.000-08:00

Hire America's Heroes is dedicated to sharing and promoting sponsor corporations' best practices and success strategies by which America's military service members, upon transition from active duty, are welcomed into the corporate workforce.

These best practices cover: transition from military to corporate culture, corporate recruiting topics, hiring and on-boarding practices, and strategies for retaining military hires in the corporate workforce.

Hire America's Heroes reaches out to the entire military family which includes spouses and Wounded Warrior care-givers.

http://www.hireamericasheroes.org/

CWU veterans center now open to students

2009-11-13T09:04:00.000-08:00

by Erin Snelgrove
Yakima Herald-Republic

ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- Student veterans now have access to a new Veterans Services Center at Central Washington University.

via Yakima Herald-Republic

Free Cinamon Roll French Toast at Ruby's Diner

2009-11-10T22:01:00.000-08:00

Click on the picture for a full size coupon you can print out!

Free on Veterans Day

2009-11-09T15:38:00.000-08:00

- Free Day at National Parks, Forests on Veterans Day, Nov. 11
http://www.bayareaonthecheap.com/free-day-at-national-parks-forests-veterans-day-nov-11/

APPLEBEE'S: Veterans get a free entree when they show proof of military service on Veterans Day (Wednesday, November 11).

Brown Bear Car Wash is proud to honor veterans and service personnel on Veterans Day with free car washes at all our tunnel car washes. This program is designed to show our support and gives us a unique opportunity to say "thank you" to people who sacrifice for our freedom. http://www.brownbear.com/veteransday/

Free Krispy Kreme Doughnuts for Veterans and Military Personnel on Veterans Day!

Job Far

2009-11-06T12:40:00.000-08:00

Veteran Job Fair@ Renton Work Source Office

500 SW 7th Street #100Renton, WA 98057
November 10th, Tuesday10am - 12pm OR 12PM - 2PM

Call or e-mail Gregory Lindvig to register;253-8041132glindvig@esd.wa.gov

Brown Bear Car wash

2009-11-06T11:17:00.000-08:00

Dear Veteran,
Brown Bear Car Wash is proud to honor veterans and service personnel on Veterans Day with free car washes at all our tunnel car washes. This program is designed to show our support and gives us a unique opportunity to say "thank you" to people who sacrifice for our freedom.
Veterans Day is Wednesday November 11, 2009. We hope this small gesture will increase support for veterans throughout the business community as well as create enthusiasm and patriotism in our workforce.
Just identify yourself as a current or former member of the military to the wash attendant and we will wash your car at no charge.
We know that Freedom is not free. November 11, 2009 is an opportunity for Brown Bear Car Wash to show united support for veterans by offering all military personnel a free car wash on Veterans Day.
Respectfully, Victor OdermatPresident

http://www.brownbear.com/veteransday/

The History of Veterans Day

2009-11-06T11:13:00.000-08:00

The History of Veterans Day

Did you know that most Americans confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day? Learn the history of Veterans Day.

What Do You Know About Veterans Day?

http://www.military.com/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day.htm

Free Dental Care

2009-11-04T15:31:00.000-08:00

Free Dental Care

Nov 25, 2009 - Nov 25, 2009 08:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Free Dental Care Day for Disabled Veterans and their Family Caregivers

Eligibility:
Service Disabled Veterans & their Family Caregivers
Proof of Eligibility: NSC/Class II
Have no dental insurance
Date: Wed, Nov 25th, 2009Time: 8:00am to 3:00pm
Place: 22516 SE 64th Pl, Issaquah, WA 98027
Other pampering services and goodie bags provided
Call Dr. Theresa Cheng, (425) 392-8992 for an appointment. Limited availability
http://www.nvf.org/events/item.php?id=176

The Soldiers Project

2009-11-04T11:02:00.000-08:00

The Soldiers Project

We are a group of licensed mental health professionals who offer free psychological treatment to military service members (active duty, National Guard, Reserves and veterans) who have served or who expect to serve in OEF and/or OIF.

http://www.thesoldiersproject.org/

2-1-1

2009-11-03T16:31:00.000-08:00

Here's a resource for you all: 2-1-1. Students in need of anything…look for resources to help with short term loan for utilities, housing, etc. can call 2-1-1 (kind of like 911) and speak to someone that will find the appropriate resource for them and connect the student with it…

This is a bit like the crisis center. The Crisis Center is putting in a bid for a King County grant to get a special phone number specific to veterans because they have seen an increase in veterans calling. They have a website too at www.crisisclinic.org

Engineering and Science grant with specific veterans focus

2009-11-03T15:54:00.000-08:00

The Innovations in Engineering Education, Curriculum, and Infrastructure (IEECI) program supports research that addresses three aspects of engineering education:

How students best learn the ideas, principles, and practices to become creative and innovative engineers, and how this learning is measured.
How to more effectively translate successes in engineering education research into widespread practice with consideration of curriculum, student learning, innovation models, and cyber-learning technology.
Implementation of programs for students supported by the GI Bill.

The National Science Foundation will provide 35 to 40 awards. Approximately 10 Area 1 grants are anticipated and approximately 25 to 30 awards are anticipated in Areas 2 and 3. The funding amount will be $150,000 to $400,000. The total anticipated funding in fiscal year 2010 for projects associated with this announcement is $8.5 million. Funding is contingent upon availability of appropriations. Area 1 projects will be funded at a level ofup to $400,000. Area 2 or 3 projects will be funded at a level of up to $150,000, but projects involving multiple universities may apply for grants of up to $200,000 Deadline: 2010-01-20; 2010-03-30...

Click here for more info. And here. And here.

(via: ScienceCareers.org)

October for VetCorps Spokane

2009-11-03T13:41:00.001-08:00

Cameron, Janette and Brian building a roof on an educational shelter at Turnbull National Wildlife

Seth and Cameron hustling wood. As you can see it's a big shelter

John making a cut while Seth and Cameron stand about. Power tools!!!

Cameron putting his time in

Seth working hard

A group of us watching Seth work hard

These are just a few pictures of the VCC working with the community making a difference!

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants-Veterans Appreciation Day

2009-11-02T20:54:00.000-08:00

For the 11th straight year, McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants will host its Veterans Appreciation Event on Sunday, November 8, at participating restaurants across the country. As part of the celebration, McCormick & Schmick's will offer U.S. military veterans a complimentary entree in appreciation for their service to our country.

Hopelink's Build a Kit Oct 16

2009-10-21T14:25:00.000-07:00

Hopelink’s Build a Kit event October 16th
The City of Kirkland’s Office of Emergency Management, in coordination with Hopelink to Build-A-Kit event for Kirkland Hopelink clients. This event will provide free, 3-day emergency preparedness kits for Hopelink clients and allow them the opportunity to learn what goes into a kit, and why. Gordy and George volunteered to work at a kit station and fielded preparedness questions.

2009-10-19T15:06:00.000-07:00

Special "Start Your Business Class" for Veterans.

The Kitsap Veterans Assistance Program has contracted with WashingtonCASH www.washingtoncash.org to provide training to 60 Kitsap County veterans. The first class is full with 24 veterans plus some of their significant others. The course is 2.5 hours, one day a week, for ten weeks.

If you are interested in signing up for the next session starting in January, email me your name, mailing address, and phone number.

Cheers,
Leif

Leif A. Bentsen, Human Services plannerCoordinator, Kitsap County Veterans Assistance ProgramCoordinator, Kitsap County Council for Human RightsOWDC Healthcare AllianceKitsap County Department of Personnel and Human Services614 Division Street, MS-23; Port Orchard, WA 98366Telephone 360.337.4883

Energy Awareness Month

2009-10-17T12:07:00.001-07:00

Secretary Shinseki has announced a new Green Routine campaign to kick off Energy Awareness Month at the VA. The campaign is designed to increase the awareness among VA employees of their environmental impact as individuals and as members of the federal government. As part of the campaign, we have a new website that gives provides energy-saving resources, tips, articles and more...

(via: va.gov)

Should you go back to school?

2009-10-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

Should you go back to school? School is a serious proposition. Consider these eight questions before going back to school.

- Going Back to School

Veterans’ Education Video

2009-10-05T12:56:00.000-07:00

Emergency Education Benefit Payments

2009-10-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

The Veterans Affairs Department said Friday it would begin issuing emergency checks of up to $3,000 to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans whose payments under the new GI Bill have been delayed.

Tens of thousand of veterans from the recent wars have been waiting for payments under the newly enacted Post 9/11 GI Bill, which was the largest expansion of education benefits since World War II.

Veterans can also apply online at http://www.va.gov/, starting Oct. 2.

Easing From Combat to Classroom

2009-09-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

During his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, Sgt. Chris Day made a habit of wearing a Terps T-shirt under his uniform. He planned to enroll at the University of Maryland as soon as he got out of the Army.

Story :
Easing From Combat to Classroom
From Combat to the Classroom

September 11 National Day of Service

2009-09-15T13:54:00.000-07:00

Kara - Clover Technical College

Matt - Forks TA - VetCorps

ED - What time is lunch?

Frank, Gordy & Mark

Institute for Community Leadership;
Day of Service Projects planting trees
http://www.icleadership.org/

Gov. Gregoire signs MOU

2009-09-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

Gov. Gregoire signs MOU to promote educational assistance program for veterans.

OLYMPIA – OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire on Thursday, Sept. 10 (10 a.m.) joined the state’s military, veterans and higher education agencies in signing a Memorandum of Understanding to affirm a combined commitment to helping veterans and their families succeed in their higher education and training goals.

Gregoire also administer the oath of service to AmeriCorps members serving in the Veterans Corps. Through this new initiative, national service will be a strategy that many campuses in our state use to create a culture that supports and encourages veterans’ academic success as they transition from military to civilian life.

“Our goal is to connect every Washington veteran with the benefits they earned,” said John Lee, director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.