Fort Drum Survivor Outreach Services

09/02/2020

Survivor Outreach Services - Tennessee

Information regarding the next Dine & Dial event with Mark Dunlop.

08/28/2020

The Post-9/11 GI Bill, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Impact of COVID-19 on Education Benefits

Legislative changes allow VA to pay education benefits regardless of the fact that a program has been converted from resident training to online training. For GI Bill students enrolled in converted courses (including situations where the school is offering hybrid training [combining online and resident training] or where the school is offering the student the option to choose online training in lieu of resident training), they will continue to receive housing allowance payments at the resident training but only until December 21, 2020.

If a student is enrolled solely online on December 22, 2020, VA will have to reduce housing payments to the online rate effective that date (this means the student will not owe back the resident rate housing received prior to December 22, but will receive a reduced housing payment starting in January 2021 and continuing until the student resumes resident training).

08/28/2020

Survivor Outreach Services - Tennessee

You are invited to the VA/DoD Survivors Forum to be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, from 9:00AM to 12:00PM EST.

Dial-in information will be sent at a later date by email once you RSVP. Please send online attendance requests by Monday, September 14, 2020, to Craig Zaroff at [email protected] with the following information:

1. Confirmation of attendance
2. Current title and/or organization

Event hosted by:
VA | Outreach & Stakeholders Engagement
1722 I St. NW | Washington, DC 20006

08/07/2020

Operation Homefront

Today is #PurpleHeartDay. Join us in honoring the estimated 1.8 million brave service members who have received the nation's oldest military award for their sacrifices in defense of our nation.

07/31/2020

Defense Finance and Accounting Service - DFAS

Great news about SBP School Certifications: new form, new process, less paperwork! Want to get on the new easier, annual plan with no school signature or transcript needed? Send us a new DD Form 2788 using the form dated May 2020. Then, if nothing changes in your status, you won’t need to send another form until next year! Find out how: www.dfas.mil/schoolcerts

07/31/2020

Surviving Family Members:
10th Mountain Division Gold Star Family members - If you have relocated can you please contact my office so we can update the information. Thank you.
Survivor Outreach Support Coordinator - Fort Drum

07/28/2020

Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Do you know the most popular benefit in your state ⁉️
If not, check them all out here: https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/76439/veterans-benefits-2020-popular-state-benefit/

07/27/2020

Operation Homefront

Still time to register for many of our 2020 Back-to-School Brigade® distributions! Log in to my.operationhomefront.org (MyOH), find the location closest to you, click register and fill out the form.

If you do not have a profile in MyOH, you will need to create one before you can register. Be sure to fill out the event profile part and please do not use .mil email addresses.

A complete list of locations can be found on our event page here https://goo.gl/DjmjMj

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken extra steps to ensure the safety of you—the families we serve—as well as that of our volunteers and staff. We will be following all local, federal, and CDC guidelines and practicing social distancing with drive-through or appointment-only distribution events this year.

If you need assistance, our team stands by to help.

Please note that this event is for DEERS enrolled military dependent children only who will be in Kindergarten through 12th grade for the 2020-2021 school year.

Thank you to our national sponsors Dollar Tree, SAIC, CSX and Nike for helping us serve America's military kids as they get ready to go back to school. #BTSB2020

07/27/2020

Snowball Express

Sharing News on the Status of Snowball Express 2020
"Dear Gary Sinise Foundation Snowball Express Supporters,
We hope this email finds you and your family safe and well. We are writing to inform you that we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Snowball Express Annual event at WaltDisney World Resort due to the on-going safety concerns of the COVID-19 Pandemic. This decision was not made lightly, and our number one concern is the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
While we will not be able to meet in person this year, we are working through some options for the families to gather virtually. The opportunities for volunteers will be limited this year, so we appreciate your patience, and we look forward to seeing you next year."
For more information visit
https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/snowball-express/

Gary Sinise Foundation Snowball Express serves the children of fallen military heroes. In 2017, Snowball Express became an official Gary Sinise Foundation…

07/23/2020

Military OneSource

Military OneSource is committed to providing more opportunities for the military community and greater public to learn how the nation honors and recognizes the families who have sacrificed so much to the cause of freedom. Find out more: https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Features/Story/Article/2246026/understanding-the-significance-of-the-gold-star/.

07/23/2020

TRICARE

Don't forget to join us for "CHAT with TRICARE," a LIVE Facebook Q&A on Thursday, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM ET. You can ask your questions and get answers in real-time about "catch-up" vaccines and vaccines schedules. 💉 ❔ 💬 #TRICAREChat

07/23/2020

John Jay College Office of Military & Veteran Services

All military, veterans, and other students affected by the Post-9/11 GI Bill should read the information found in the flyers below about the consolidation of Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits that go into effect on August 1st. #Military #Post911 #GIBill #Veterans #VA

07/23/2020

Defense Finance and Accounting Service > RetiredMilitary > manage > changeofaddress

Defense Finance and Accounting Service > RetiredMilitary > manage > changeofaddress

The official website of the Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS)

07/21/2020

1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division

1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division

The 1st Brigade Combat Team presents a video series to #RememberTheFallen. This month, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice throughout July's past. May they never be forgotten. #ClimbToGlory

07/21/2020

VetXL: Families Together Q&A with VA and community partners to provide information and responses from experts on Veteran family resources | RallyPoint

VetXL: Families Together Q&A with VA and community partners to provide information and responses from experts on Veteran family resources | RallyPoint

The Department of Veterans Affairs and our community partners at Health and Human Services, Cohen Veteran Network, American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network, ARCHANGELS, Rosalyn Carter Institute, Transition Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Walmart Military Programs, Elizabeth Dol...

07/21/2020

How to Apply - Folded Flag Foundation

Gold Star Families - Take a look at the Folded Flag Foundation https://www.foldedflagfoundation.org/how-to-apply/
This organization is a 501(c)3 that provides educational scholarships and support grants to the spouses and children of the U.S. military and government personnel who died as a result of hostile action or in an accident related to U.S. combat operations.

Scholarships HOW TO APPLY EducationalScholarships The scholarship application period for the 2020-21 school year is now closed. We are currently reviewing all applications and will be providing responses by mid-July. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we made the difficult decision to forego offering sum...

07/21/2020

Defense Finance and Accounting Service - DFAS

Did you know there’s a new easier, annual plan with no school signature or transcript needed? New form, new process, less paperwork! You can get on the annual plan by sending us a new DD Form 2788 using the new form dated May 2020. Then, if nothing changes in your status, you won’t need to send another form until next year! Find out how: www.dfas.mil/schoolcerts

07/09/2020

The Next Dine and Dial: Financial Educational Calls for Military Survivors will be Wednesday, July 15th, 2020 8:00 pm Eastern (7:00 pm Central)
The Dine and Dial: Financial Educational Calls for Military Survivors are organized by Fort Leonard Wood - SOS Financial Counselor Mark Dunlop.
The Call number is (1-605-475-5910; Access Code 7681905#); the call originates from Ft. Leonard Wood Survivor Outreach Services. (*6 mutes or unmutes the call) and is a joint venture between the financial counselors from the Ft. Leonard Wood SOS program, and other locations.

06/23/2020

Changes Coming Soon for Some TRICARE Select Retired Beneficiaries | TRICARE

Changes Coming Soon for Some TRICARE Select Retired Beneficiaries | TRICARE

Starting on Jan. 1, 2021, TRICARE Select Group A retired beneficiaries must pay monthly enrollment fees in order to maintain their TRICARE health coverage. This is a change, and the first time this beneficiary group will pay enrollment fees.

06/11/2020

Defense Finance and Accounting Service - DFAS

Find out about the big changes to SBP School Certifications! The DFAS Director of Retired & Annuitant Pay will be talking with Military OneSource live on Facebook at 12 noon EDT today! Watch live via the link below, or check back after it's over to watch the replay.

https://www.facebook.com/military.1source/

05/22/2020

10th Mountain Division

Mountain Soldiers, please take a moment to check out the 10th Mountain Division command team's message to the force.

#ClimbToGlory!

05/21/2020

05/21/2020

Sharing:
Watertown Vet Center, Jefferson County, NY
Bereavement Counseling for families who experience an active duty death

05/18/2020

News from The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Education Service:
The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Education Service is pleased to announce that it now has a dedicated phone line for GI Bill beneficiaries who are a surviving spouse and child of an active duty service member who died in the line of duty and need assistance with their education benefits.
Starting on May 11, 2020, a child or surviving spouse can contact the Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551 and select Option 5.
A highly trained agent with specialized training in survivor benefits will be ready to assist the caller with their education benefits or survivor-related resources. Agents will be available Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST

05/13/2020

DAV

During the Month of May, America recognizes the service and sacrifice of our military servicemembers and family. To the Children of Fallen Patriots, your bravery in the face of loss, symbolizes the strength of our nation. Together, we will endure.

05/13/2020

Defense Finance and Accounting Service - DFAS

Great news for college (and high school) students who receive military Survivor Benefit Plan annuity payments!

College students will now certify annually instead of each term, students will no longer need a school official signature or school documentation when they certify, and the school certification form is shorter and simpler. Plus, you can upload your completed form online!

Find out more: http://go.usa.gov/xvvPe

05/12/2020

Defense Finance and Accounting Service - DFAS

Retirees/Annuitants: Still Need a 1099-R mailed? Don’t wait on hold, use our easy-order telephone self-service (Call 800-321-1080, option 1, option 1, then option 1) or online AskDFAS form (http://go.usa.gov/xpMBK) to request your tax documents.

05/12/2020

Tuesday's Children

Thank you to all who attended Getting Your Foot in the Door!, which was a virtual career advancement workshop hosted via zoom. Participants learned various strategies and interview skills to help them present their best self to employers.

More virtual career advancement workshops coming up! Sign up now for Navigating the College Process on Wednesday, 5/13 at https://www.tuesdayschildren.org/event/collegeprocessworkshop/.

05/07/2020

re.mil

Please look at the most recent (May 2020) changes implemented by DFAS for School Certification Forms. Also sign up for a MyPay Account to make the process easier:
https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/survivors/School-Certifications/

05/05/2020

Defense Finance and Accounting Service - DFAS

DFAS.mil is updating. On May 4th, the website will feature an updated design but with the same information many military members, federal civilian employees, and military retirees and annuitants have come to rely on.

05/01/2020

Armed Forces Day Parade

As most of you know...the Armed Forces Day parade in Watertown has been cancelled this year. We look forward to participating next May 2021.

Saturday, May 16, 2020 is Armed Forces Day
It is a Day we should be gathering, celebrating, and recognizing all who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces, but we can’t because now we are engaged in another kind of war.

So on this Day let us Thank all our American Heroes engaged in fighting this Pandemic: the doctors, the nurses, the medical support personnel, all essential workers, and our Armed Forces who serve during these trying times.

THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO

We hope in May of 2021, to again be able to gather, celebrate, and recognize the tremendous efforts of ALL who have defended this country in so many different ways.

Please remember to fly the American flag that weekend.

05/01/2020

New House bill would grant Gold Star families access to commissary, base recreation

New House bill would grant Gold Star families access to commissary, base recreation

The families of fallen service members could gain access to on-base benefits such as the commissary and recreation facilities through a House bill introduced recently.

04/09/2020

The next Dine and Dial April 15, 2020

04/09/2020

Department of Defense Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO)

04/03/2020

Remembering our Gold Star Spouses this
Sunday, April 5, 2020.