Erie County Veterans Service Agency

01/17/2021

Army to review thousands of discharges of veterans who suffered from traumas

Army to Review Discharges related to Trauma

https://www.stripes.com/army-to-review-thousands-of-discharges-of-veterans-who-suffered-from-traumas-1.658241?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Stars+and+Stripes+Emails&utm_campaign=Daily+Headlines

The Army will review thousands of discharge records of veterans affected by military sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and other behavioral health conditions following a class-action lawsuit, the service announced Tuesday.

01/17/2021

This day in 1946 the United Nations Security Council held its first meeting at Church House, Westminster, in London, England.

http://internationalbillofhumanrights.com/UNITED%20NATIONS%20SECURITY%20COUNCIL.html

01/16/2021

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

VA resumes overpayment notifications while continuing relief options for Veterans

https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5597

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

01/16/2021

Print out your VA Welcome Kit | Veterans Affairs

10 New VA Resource Guides for Veterans and Their Families

https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit/

Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you’ve earned.

01/16/2021

Math Teach Scholarship for Veterans

Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, NY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8B6px80dI9Q&feature=youtu.be

Rocco Grassi
877-Mercy-Go
[email protected]
www.mercy.edu

01/16/2021

Find VA Locations

Find a VA facility near you.

https://www.va.gov/find-locations?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=VAntage??

Find a VA medical center, clinic, hospital, national cemetery, or VA regional office near you. You can search by city, state, postal code, or service. You'll get wait times and directions.

01/16/2021

1969 – President Johnson established the Meritorious Service Medal per Executive Order No. 11448.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meritorious_Service_Medal_(United_States)

01/15/2021

This day in 1953 John Foster Dulles, prior to taking office as the new secretary of state, testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that US foreign policy must strive for the “liberation of captive peoples” living under communist rule.

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/dulles-calls-for-liberation-of-captive-peoples

01/14/2021

Post 9-11 Veterans can find new team with fire corps - VAntage Point

Veterans: Join the Fire Corps

Post-9/11 Veterans, up to age 35, can apply for a 10-month intensive training program in fuels reduction, fuels management, & wildland firefighting. The program is now open & runs January 10 – October 8, 2021.

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/79687/post-9-11-veterans-can-find-new-team-fire-corps/

Post 9-11 Veterans looking to find a new team have a unique opportunity through the Southeast Conservation Corps Veterans Fire Corps.

01/14/2021

TAC Talks #2: Transformation Twenty-One Total Technology Next Generation (T4NG) - VAntage Point

Interested in contracting with the federal government?

This five-episode series with the Technology Acquisition Center, covering proposal evaluations, innovation, debriefs and more.

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/79385/tac-talks-2-transformation-twenty-one-total-technology-next-generation-t4ng/

In this second episode of TAC Talks, the VA TAC talks about the Transformation Twenty-One Total Technology Next Generation (T4NG) contract.

01/14/2021

This day in 2005 Army SPC Charles Graner Jr., the reputed ringleader of a band of rogue guards at the Abu Ghraib prison, was convicted at Fort Hood, Texas, of abusing Iraqi detainees. He was later sentenced to 10 years in prison.

https://www.haaretz.com/1.4687755

01/13/2021

1893 – U.S. Marines land in Honolulu, Hawaii from the USS Boston to prevent the queen from abrogating the Bayonet Constitution.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overthrow_of_the_Hawaiian_Kingdom

01/12/2021

1962 – Operation Chopper, the first American combat mission in the Vietnam War, takes place.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Chopper_(Vietnam)

01/11/2021

This day in 1988 World War II Medal of Honor recipient Gregory “Pappy” Boyington died in Fresno, Calif., at age 75.

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/ghboying.htm

01/10/2021

This day in 1995 the Pentagon announced that 2,600 US Marines would be deployed to Somalia for Operation United Shield to assist in the final withdrawal of UN peacekeeping troops from Somalia.

https://www.dvidshub.net/audio/50728/marine-minute

01/09/2021

Series highlights Desert Storm Veterans for 30th anniversary - VAntage Point

Desert Storm Veterans 30th Anniversary Series

Over 2.2M US SM's served during the era & an estimated 694,550 deployed to the Gulf. Appox. 1.68M Veterans from that era are still alive. January 2021, VA will profile them in this series.

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/75651/series-highlights-desert-storm-veterans-30th-anniversary/

During January 2021, VA will profile Veterans and experiences through print and video stories for Desert Storm’s 30th anniversary.

01/09/2021

Borne the Battle: Top 8 Most Popular Interviews of 2020 - VAntage Point

Most downloaded Borne the Battle podcasts of 2020
The names on the list may surprise you.

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/82844/borne-battle-top-8-popular-interviews-2020/

This 2020 year-end bonus episode of Borne the Battle features short clips from the eight most downloaded episodes of 2020.

01/09/2021

This day in 1945 GEN Douglas MacArthur & the American 6th Army land on the Lingayen Gulf of Luzon, another step in the capture of the Philippine Islands from the Japanese, which they had controlled since May 1942.

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/united-states-invades-luzon-in-philippines

01/08/2021

Support to Veteran caregivers during COVID-19 - VAntage Point

No-cost, short-term aid for caregivers

VA & Elizabeth Dole Foundation expand Respite Relief for Military & Veterans Caregivers: help with companionship, cooking, exercising, grooming, light housekeeping, mobility assistance, transportation, & more.

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/77676/support-veteran-caregivers-covid-19/

Partnership between VA and Elizabeth Dole Foundation offers 40,000 hours of free home health care to more than 1,600 Veteran caregiver families.

01/08/2021

This day in 1967 16,000 US soldiers from the 1st & 25th INF DIV, 173rd Airborne BDE, & 11th Armored CAV REG join 14,000 So. Vietnamese troops to mount Operation Cedar Falls. This offensive, the largest of the war to date.

https://www.historycentral.com/Vietnam/cedarfalls.html

01/07/2021

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Managing VBA Performance & Results

VA Under Secretary for Benefits, Paul Lawrence, Ph.D.

10- 29 2pm ET

Register online to receive a reminder about the webcast!

https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDEwMDEuMjgwMzAyNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iZW5lZml0cy52YS5nb3YvYmVuZWZpdHMvc3Rha2Vob2xkZXIuYXNwIn0.fQsv85c6tpVgKhbP-DuwODmahQ-N8I2_YepB_M75tbk/s/553476825/br/86224533642-l >

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

01/07/2021

Rediscovering My Purpose

Veterans describe how treatment helped them rediscover their purpose

https://www.maketheconnection.net/stories/876/?utm_source=lnks.gd&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=vetresource&utm_content=stories-876

Watch Veterans and their family members share real stories of strength and recovery, find useful information and local mental health resources, and explore ways to show your support.

01/07/2021

This day in 1953 in his final State of the Union address before Congress, President Harry S. Truman tells the world that that the US has developed a hydrogen bomb.

http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/presidents/harry-s-truman/state-of-the-union-1953.php

01/06/2021

Helen Viola Jackson, America’s last known Civil War widow, dead at 101

Helen Viola Jackson, America’s last known Civil War widow, dead at 101

https://nypost.com/2021/01/06/helen-viola-jackson-last-known-civil-war-widow-dead-at-101/

America’s last known Civil War widow has died at age 101. Helen Viola Jackson, who had been living in Webco Manor Nursing Home in Marshfield, Missouri, died on Dec. 16, the Sons of Union Vete…

01/06/2021

Fiduciary Accountings Submission Tool creates a "FAST" way to process your fiduciary claims

FAST Assists Fiduciaries

VA's fiduciary program protects Veterans & their beneficiaries who are unable to manage their financial affairs. Learn how the FAST Tool makes the accounting process easier for Fiduciaries.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUoc0Wb1Ntk

VA Pension and Fiduciary Service is proud to announce a new tool called the Fiduciary Accountings Submission Tool (FAST) to help fiduciaries electronically s...

01/06/2021

1978 – The US returns the Crown of St. Stephen to Hungary. The US had taken custody of it following World War II.

https://hu.usembassy.gov/embassy/budapest/embassy-history/return-holy-crown-st-stephen/

01/05/2021

VA’s Women’s Health Transition Training brings information to transitioning service women - VAntage Point

Women’s Health Transition Training

Transitioning from service? She Wears the Boots podcasts offers tips from women who have served and who have experience with VA services. Learn what VA can do for you.

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/82521/vas-womens-health-transition-training-brings-information-transitioning-service-women/

In 2020, the Women’s Health Transition Training program taught more than 150 training sessions to installations across all military branches.

01/05/2021

1972 – United States President Richard Nixon orders the development of a Space Shuttle program.

https://history.nasa.gov/stsnixon.htm

01/04/2021

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

VA Expanded Assistance for Family Caregivers

Expanded benefits from VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers: training, respite care, counseling, technical, travel, financial stipend, & health care.

https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/support_benefits.asp

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

01/04/2021

Top Veteran Resources of 2020 - VAntage Point

Top 20 VetResources in 2020

Access to military exchanges, national parks, free audio books, internet discounts, even free flights... this is one list you want to check out!

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/82885/top-veterans-resources-2020/

The top Veterans resources of 2020 includes discounted internet, free hunting licenses, audiobooks, National Parks access, even access to commissaries.

01/04/2021

This day in 1965 in President Johnson's State of the Union, reaffirms his support of So. Vietnam in fighting communist aggression. He noted that US has helped them for 10 years, “Our own security is tied to the peace of Asia.” (See 13:21-15:04 in video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uou8EppdfAM

01/03/2021

VA WNY Healthcare System announces new Travel Self-Service System to reimburse eligible Veterans/beneficiaries for travel for VA medical appts.

Veterans can submit & track reimbursement claims using a secure portal.

https://eauth.va.gov/accessva/

Eligibility: https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay/

01/03/2021

Series highlights Desert Storm Veterans for 30th anniversary - VAntage Point

Desert Storm Veterans 30th Anniversary Series

Over 2.2M US SM's served during the era & an estimated 694,550 deployed to the Gulf. Appox. 1.68M Veterans from that era are still alive. January 2021, VA will profile them in this series.

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/75651/series-highlights-desert-storm-veterans-30th-anniversary/

During January 2021, VA will profile Veterans and experiences through print and video stories for Desert Storm’s 30th anniversary.

01/03/2021

VA Burial and Memorial Benefits Quick Start Guide now available - VAntage Point

Veteran Memorial Benefits

VA burial benefits can help Service members, Veterans, & their families plan & pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery.

Quick Start Guide

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/74992/va-burial-memorial-benefits-quick-start-guide/

Call EC VSA 858-6363 to learn more.

The VA Burial and Memorial Quick Start guide summarizes VA benefits and services for end of life planning for Veterans and their families.

01/03/2021

This day in 1777 GEN Washington defeats British GEN Cornwallis. Washington repulsed a British attack in Trenton by evacuating his position, circling around the British, & attacking them at Princeton. This victory led to increased morale & enlistment.

https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battles-of-trenton-and-princeton