Welcome to District 12 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of California.
Our Motto is " Hit the Ground Running!" (Phase Two!)
District 12 covers five counties; San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz,San Benito, and Monterey. These counties are in Northern California, beginning just south of San Francisco in San Mateo county to as far south as King City in Monterey county. Total mileage from the farthest post in the north to the farthest post in the South is approximately 150 miles.
We currently have 25 posts, 10 Ladies Auxiliaries and 1 Mens Auxiliary
The Appearance of Political, Product or Service Advertising on this Network is for Informational Purposes Only and Should not be Construed as an Endorsement.
Posted at 08:47 AM on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 by dist12
Recommended Mailing Dates to APO/FPO Addresses
WASHINGTON — For military service members stationed around the globe, holiday gifts are a big morale boost. To help the families and friends of U.S. military personnel, the Postal Service offers a discount on its largest Priority Mail Flat Rate box.
The recommended mailing date for the most economical postage to overseas military installations, including Iraq and Afghanistan, is Nov. 13.
Mail sent to overseas military addresses is charged only domestic mail prices. The domestic mail price for the Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box is $13.95, but for packages to APO/FPO addresses overseas the price is reduced to $11.95. Additional discounts are available for customers printing their Priority Mail postage labels online at Click-N-Ship.
Flat-Rate boxes are free at any Post Office, or can be ordered online at shop.usps.com. Postage, labels and customs forms can be printed online any time using Click-N-Ship.
The Postal Service continues to show support to those serving in the armed forces by offering free Military Care Kits, designed specifically for military families sending packages overseas. The mailing kits can be ordered by phone by calling 1-800-610-8734 and asking for the Care Kit. Each kit includes two “America Supports You” large Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes, four medium-sized Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes, six Priority Mail labels, one roll of Priority Mail tape and six customs forms with envelopes.
For online ordering of the Large Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate boxes featuring the “America Supports You” logo and APO/FPO addressing block, Click here. More information about mailing letters and packages to military destinations is available online at Supporting Our Troops.
“Mailing holiday gifts to service members early will help insure that a piece of home arrives in plenty of time to make the celebration complete," said Pranab Shah, vice president and managing director, Global Business.
To ensure delivery of holiday cards and packages by Dec. 25 to military APO/FPO addresses overseas, the Postal Service recommends that mail for service members be entered no later than the mailing dates listed below. Mail addressed to military post offices overseas is subject to certain conditions or restrictions regarding content, preparation and handling. APO/FPO addresses generally require customs forms. To see an online table of updated APO and FPO addresses and mailing restrictions by individual APO/FPO ZIP Codes, Click here, select “Pull-Out Information” and click on “Overseas Military/Diplomatic Mail.”
Posted at 07:12 PM on Saturday, September 26, 2009 by dist12
In This Issue:
1. Health Care Victory for Veterans
2. VFW Testifies on Bills
3. House VA Subcommittee Hearings
1. Health Care Victory for Veterans: Key House leaders have agreed to offer an amendment that will put to rest any concerns that VA health care will change under the nation health care reform debate. VFW has been in talks with House VA Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) and Ranking Member Steve Buyer (R-IN) on this important issue. The amendment being offered will ensure that veterans enrolled in VA are automatically deemed as having qualified health care coverage, and also allow veterans using VA health care to purchase other types of insurance through the health insurance exchanges. VFW will continue to monitor health care reform legislation in the House and Senate.
Posted at 09:51 AM on Monday, August 10, 2009 by dist12
In This Issue:
1. VFW Protects Health Care Programs
2. Vet Bills Update
3. New GI Bill Benefit Begins
4. Senate Hearing on Disability Compensation
5. Congress on Recess
1. VFW Protects Health Care Programs: VFW is working closely with House leadership to ensure national health care reform legislation does not change the way veterans, military retirees and their families receive their health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs or the military's TRICARE program. Key VFW-supported amendments adopted by the House include:
Exclude TRICARE from all reform movements;
Exclude VA health care from all reform movement, and maintain the VA secretary's current authority to operate the organization as he deems appropriate.
Give veterans using VA health care the option of purchasing additional insurance under the new national health care plan. This would expand, not restrict, health care coverage available to them and their families;
VFW will continue to work closely with Congress to ensure that neither VA nor TRICARE are adversely affected under the national health care reform proposal. We have also received assurances from the President that veterans and servicemembers will be safeguarded under any bill passed by Congress.
Posted at 10:32 AM on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 by dist12
WASHINGTON, August 4, 2009 - The national commander of the 2.1 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and its Auxiliaries called this week's implementation of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill a significant milestone for military servicemembers, their families and the entire country.
"The original World War II GI Bill opened higher education to the masses and produced U.S. presidents, scientists, scholars, and captains of industry who were directly responsible for America's tremendous era of growth and prosperity in the second half of the 20th century," said Glen M. Gardner Jr., a Vietnam veteran from Round Rock, Texas.
"The new 21st century GI Bill will provide today's warrior with that same access to a first class education, and it's all due to the leadership and determination of Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.)," he said.
"The VFW is proud to have been an early supporter of his landmark legislation through the advocacy work of our Washington Office on Capitol Hill and the grassroots efforts of our members in every congressional district. Education changes lives, which in turn strengthens families and our communities and nation. We are proud to have helped this bill become reality."
Posted at 09:15 PM on Sunday, June 7, 2009 by dist12
In This Issue:
1. House Committee Marks up Vet Bills
2. Healthcare Bill for Women Veterans Cleared
3. House VA Committee Hearings
4.Japan Apologizes to American POWs
5. McHugh Tapped for Army Secretary
1. House Committee Marks up Vet Bills: Several VFW-supported bills cleared their respective subcommittees this week. All of the bills now move to the full committee for consideration.
HR 952 would expand the meaning of combat with the enemy to mean active duty service in a combat theater during a time of war not just during actual combat. The bill aims to shorten the claims process for many veterans suffering from psychological injuries.
HR 2270 would establish a compensation fund for certain WWII veterans who were not eligible for readjustment benefits. Those eligible would receive a monthly payment of $1000
HR 1037 would authorize $10 million annually to implement a five-year pilot program to expand work-study activities for veterans on campuses.
HR 1098, The Veterans' Worker Retraining Act of 2009 would increase educational assistance for veterans pursuing internships or on-the-job training. It also increased the monthly training assistance for eligible veterans and their dependents under the Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance program.
HR 2180 would waive housing loan fees for veterans with service-connected disabilities called to active duty.
HR 1821, The Equity for Injured Veterans Act of 2009 would extend VA's Vocational Rehabilitation program to 15 years following discharge or release from active duty. It also authorizes single parents participating in the program up to $2000 a month for child care services.
For more information on any of the bills cleared visit the House VA website at: http://veterans.house.gov/
Posted at 05:56 PM on Saturday, May 30, 2009 by dist12
In an open letter, VFW Commander-in-Chief Glen Gardner is urging his 1.6 million members to help OEF/OIF veterans cope with the stresses of war.
Dear Comrades:
There is an enemy in our midst that is having a devastating effect on our servicemen and women in the field and at home. That enemy is stress.
Since 9/11, more military personnel and veterans have committed suicide than the total dead from both wars in Iraq and Afghanistan combined, and this tragedy is occurring despite the best of intentions and programs offered by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. That is because the need has overwhelmed the capacity of government and civilian mental health centers. It's also because some people simply refuse to admit they need help.
After incurring 11 suicides since the beginning of the year, the 101st Airborne Division commander at Fort Campbell, Ky., ordered a three-day standdown of activities this week so that his soldiers could refocus on the mission of healing themselves and each other.
This is a very positive initiative, but more needs to be done to overcome the stigma that's unfortunately attached to seeking help, which Army Secretary Pete Geren called a significant challenge to the culture of the Army that places "a premium on strength: physically, mentally, emotionally."
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen even asked his military leaders to set an example for lower ranking personnel. "You can't expect a private or a specialist to be willing to seek counseling when his or her captain or colonel or general won't do it," he said.
Since then, general officers as well as sergeant majors have admitted publicly to mental health counseling. And even though few of them would be seen manning remote outposts, and still fewer would be at risk of being separated from the military due to "preexisting personality disorders," their personal testimonials do help to lessen the stigma attached to seeking help.
Continue reading
Posted at 10:47 AM on Monday, May 18, 2009 by dist12
In This Issue:
1. VA Appropriations Update
2. House VA Committee Hearings
3. Merchant Mariner Bill Passes House
4. GI Bill Registration Update
1. VA Appropriations Update: In testimony before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki reaffirmed the Administration's support for advanced appropriations, a VFW top priority goal. Advanced appropriations would ensure funding for veterans healthcare is sufficient, timely and predictable for all who use the system by funding the system one year in advance. H.R. 1016 and S. 423, sponsored by House VA Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) and Senate VA Chairman Daniel Akaka (D-HI), respectively, still needs your support. VFW asks you to contact your legislators and urge them to co-sponsor these critical bills. To send a message to your legislators, visit the VFW website at: http://capwiz.com/vfw/issues/alert/?alertid=13251881.
Posted at 09:35 AM on Monday, March 16, 2009 by dist12
In This Issue:
1. Third-Party Collection Proposal a Reality
2. VFW Testifies on FY 2010 VA Budget
3. House Small Business Hearing
4. VA Celebrates 20th Birthday Sunday
1. Third-Party Collection Proposal a Reality: VA Secretary Eric Shinseki confirmed in House and Senate VA Committee testimony Tuesday that the Administration's FY 2010 VA budget is considering a proposal to bill veterans with private insurance for their service-connected disability treatments. Although some committee members questioned the proposal, only three voiced their outright objections to it: Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking minority member Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), and Rep. Michael Michaud (D-ME). VFW joins them in adamantly opposing any attempt to pass healthcare costs on to wounded and service-connected disabled veterans. Billing a veteran's private insurance could lead to higher premiums and make it difficult for veterans and their families to obtain or retain their health insurance, as well as discourage employers from hiring disabled vets. The VFW is asking all of its members as well as all Americans to contact the White House and their congressional delegations to urge them to stop this budget proposal.
To send a message to the White House, go to: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
To send a message to your members of Congress, go to: http://capwiz.com/vfw/issues/alert/?alertid=12844211
To read the VFW press release, go to: http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.newsDtl&did=4952
Posted at 08:29 AM on Monday, March 2, 2009 by dist12
1. FY2010 VA Budget Released
2. GI Bill Hearing
3. FY2010 Defense Budget Released
4. HASC Hearing on Military Personnel
5. Dover Media Ban Lifted
1. FY2010 VA Budget Released: President Obama released a fiscal year 2010 budget outline Thursday for the Department of Veterans Affairs that contains a sizeable increase in veterans discretionary funding to a total of $55.9 billion, which is about $5.5 billion more than the current funding level. The president's proposal is in line with what the VFW is calling for in the Independent Budget. The budget proposal includes additional funding to allow more veterans to enroll in the VA system, and targets access issues, especially for rural veterans. It would also expand concurrent receipt of disability compensation and retirement pay for highly disabled veterans who are medically retired from the service. The VFW does have one note of concern that is being tracked down, and that's to determine if the budget anticipates charging a service-connected disabled veteran's private health insurance for service-connected disability care. If true, the VFW will fight this proposal vigorously. More information will be relayed as full budget details become available.
For more on the VFW co-written Independent Budget, go to: www.independentbudget.org.
To view the FY10 budget proposal for the VA, go to: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/assets/fy2010_new_era/Department_of_Veterans_Affairs.pdf.
Posted at 10:29 AM on Saturday, February 21, 2009 by dist12
In This Issue
1. Support Needed for Advance Funding Bill
2. Final Stimulus Includes Funding for VA
3. Afghanistan Force Deployment
1. Support Needed for Advance Funding Bill: Senate VA Committee Chairman Daniel Akaka (D-HI) and House VA Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) reintroduced advance funding legislation last week that is a VFW priority goal. The bill, "Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009," currently has 10 cosponsors in the Senate for S. 423, and 18 cosponsors in the House for HR 1016, but many more are needed to get the bill moving. Please contact your senators and representatives and ask them to sign-on to the bill. Remind your elected officials that advance funding will enable the VA to better serve all veterans using the system.
Posted at 03:18 PM on Friday, February 13, 2009 by dist12
In This Issue:
1. Advance Funding Bill Reintroduced
2. Senate Holds VA Appeals Process Hearing
3. FY 2010 Independent Budget Now Online
4. TRICARE for Retired Reserve
2. Senate Holds VA Appeals ProcessHearing: The Senate VA Committee held a hearing to examine ideas that could improve the timeliness of claims at the appeals level, as well as the relationship between the Board and the Court. According to witnesses, the complexity of the appeal process adds months and sometimes years to the timeliness of a decision, and increases the workload at every level. One witness said about 100,000 appeals were generated from the VA's 824,844 claims decisions in 2007. In 2009, it is estimated 132,000 appeals will be created from the 942,700 claims decisions VA will make this year. Members of the Committee questioned the need for drastic changes to include a military style "surge" to decrease claims decisions. Other ideas discussed were holding federal workers more accountable for errors, and shortening deadlines for filing and ruling, to include reducing the amount of time a veteran has to appeal a case. For more on the hearing, visit the Senate committee website at: http://veterans.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?pageid=16&release_id=11839&view=all.
Posted at 11:11 PM on Sunday, February 1, 2009 by dist12
In This Issue:
1. VFW Testifies on Veteran Priorities
2. New FY2010 Independent Budget Available Tuesday
3. Army Recalls Body Armor
1. VFW Testifies on Veteran Priorities:
Tuesday: VFW participated in a House VA Committee roundtable discussion on legislative goals for the 111th Congress. The group of 36 organizations discussed five issues of concern: advance appropriations for veterans' healthcare, fixing disability compensation, improving mental health, implementing the new GI Bill on Aug. 1, and smoothing the transition from military to civilian life. Another topic of concern was that of allowing veterans to qualify for VA healthcare during these hard economic times. VFW asked Congress to ensure that VA's eligibility waiver program -- which allows VA to consider economic hardship such as the loss of a job when determining health care eligibility -- is applied fairly throughout the country so that those who need VA can access it.
Posted at 09:07 AM on Wednesday, December 24, 2008 by dist12
Anyone who has worn a uniform overseas knows this is the most difficult time of year to be separated from family and friends.
"It is easy to say 'let us remember our troops' during the Christmas season, but how many of us really understand the painful nobility of this sacrifice?" Bruce Kluger asked in USA Today last Christmas. "For those on active duty in the Middle East, the business of battle knows no holiday."
I could not have possibly said it better. But this writer did not stop there. "Equally heartbreaking—and incomprehensible—is the wrenching vacuum that war inflicts on families on the home front," he wrote.
Christmas celebrations in Afghanistan and Iraq are, by necessity, subdued. More quality food, special church services and private thoughts of loved ones usually constitute this most beloved of holidays in the war zone. Yet these gestures never seem to be enough.
On Dec. 25, 2007, McClatchy News Service was one of the few media outlets to report on the troops directly from the field. At Patrol Base Warrior Keep in southwest Baghdad, two of its reporters interviewed soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, to sample their sentiments.
"If I didn't feel like this is where I needed to be, I think it'd be horrible," Chaplain Eric Light told them. "Our holidays are so tied to our families, it's nearly impossible to re-create them here."
What we can do as veterans is to remind those around us of the emotional importance of this time of year to the troops thousands of miles from home. After all, they are "honoring our nation with their service while fighting wars whose consequences have nothing and everything to do with the humanity at the heart of the holiday," Kluger aptly pointed out.
While we are keeping them in our thoughts, let's not forget the other GIs on far-flung fronts that never make newspaper headlines. From Kosovo in the Balkans to South Korea in Northeast Asia, tens of thousands of Americans maintain lonely vigils. Still others prowl the seas, protecting our shores from afar. Their missions should never be taken for granted or forgotten.
The debt of gratitude we owe the tiny percentage—less than 1%—of Americans who bear the burden of our freedom can probably never be adequately paid. But the least we can do is to give them more than a passing thought. As we enjoy Christmas revelry, keep in mind that someone in uniform is making that possible. Chances are that it might even be a family member. If so, you need not be reminded of the sacrifices being made.
As the mother of one Afghanistan soldier said, "Each American should remember during this season that our soldiers are fighting the battle over there so we can be safe here at home."
In that spirit, let my wife, Jean, and me wish all veterans a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a great New Year.
Posted at 08:08 AM on Saturday, November 15, 2008 by dist12
NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE SERVICE
1. Navy to Design New GI Bill Software
NATIONAL SECURITY & FOREIGN AFFAIRS
1. JPAC Goes to India
2. Military Healthcare Online Town Hall Meeting
3. Reserve Component Mobilization
NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE SERVICE
1. Navy to Design New GI Bill Software: A navy command center in Charleston, SC, has been chosen to design the new GI Bill software which VA will use to implement its education benefits. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) has experience with sophisticated software that can perform some of the complex calculations that are required under the new law. The benefit rollout is scheduled for Aug. 1, 2009. The new education benefit will pay full tuition up to the cost of the most expensive four-year public college or university in the state where a service member or veteran attends school. It also pays a living stipend based on zip code and other fees for the student veteran. SPAWAR is still awaiting funding from VA in order to begin the initial stage.
Posted at 10:06 PM on Sunday, November 9, 2008 by dist12
In This Issue:
1. 2008 Election
2. IB Releases Critical Issues for 2010
3. 2009 Retired Pay COLA
4. Lower Tricare Reserve Select Premiums
5. Guard/Reserve Debt Relief Act of 2008
1. 2008 Election
The 2008 election is one for the history books, with 136.6 million people, or 64.1% of eligible voters turning out. This exceeds the previous records of 122.3 million voters in 2004 and 63.8% of eligible voters in the 1960 elections. The Democratic Party also extended its majority lead in both the House and Senate, despite a few races that have yet to be decided. VFW congratulates everyone and looks forward to working with them when the 111th Congress convenes in January. VFW remains steadfast in our fight to increase VA funding and to help those transitioning from active duty to veteran status. Linked here are VFW's 2009 Legislative Priority Goals, which are the result of resolutions adopted at the 109th VFW National Convention. We ask that you become familiar with them. Any grassroots action that you take to educate your legislators on them will benefit all us all.
For a list of the 2009 priority goals, go to: http://www.vfw.org/legislative/2009prioritygoals.pdf.
To sign-up to receive our VFW Washington Weekly e-newsletter and join our advocacy team, go to: http://capwiz.com/vfw/mlm/signup/
Posted at 09:55 PM on Thursday, October 30, 2008 by dist12
Staff Sgt. Bryan Spencer, Combat Logistics Battalion 5 Engineer Company operations platoon sergeant, briefs heavy equipment operators and combat engineers on the day's mission to level approximately 1,000 meters of berm along Wolverine Way, a road stretching from Camp Baharia to the outskirts of Fallujah, Iraq, Oct. 18, 2008. The Marines demolished five miles of berm along the road during about a week as part of a larger project to demilitarize Fallujah and turn control of the Fallujah area to Iraqi government control.
Date Taken: October 18th, 2008 Location: Fallujah, Iraq Photo and Story by: Cpl. Daniel Angel I Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd)
Posted at 12:25 PM on Thursday, October 30, 2008 by dist12
WASHINGTON (Oct. 30, 2008) -- Veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month.
"The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation's armed forces," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. "This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation's flag."
The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year's provision also applied to members of the armed forces while not in uniform.
Traditionally, members of the nation's veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization's official head-gear.
The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14.
The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008.
Posted at 12:42 PM on Thursday, October 16, 2008 by dist12
In This Issue:
NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE SERVICE
1. Election Day
NATIONAL SECURITY & FOREIGN AFFAIRS
1. President Signs Defense Bill
2. VFW Leaders Travel to Europe
3. Reserve Component Mobilization
NATIONAL VETERANS SERVICE
1. Retirees and Disabled Veterans Receive 5.8% Increase
NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE SERVICE
1. Election Day: The election is fast approaching (Nov. 4), so now is a
great time to volunteer to work at your local polling place or to
volunteer to provide transportation to others who may need help getting
to the polls. The VFW encourages everyone to be educated on the issues
and to exercise their constitutional right to vote. The October 2008
issue of VFW Magazine covered both presidential candidates and their
positions on issues important to veterans. That link is at http://www.vfw.org/resources/pdf/partyplatforms.pdf.
Read more Washington Weekly
Posted at 02:27 PM on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 by dist12
Washington, DC -Holiday gifts from home are a big morale boost for military service members stationed around the world. To help the families and friends of military personnel, the Postal Service is offering a discount on its largest Priority Mail Flat-Rate box.
Mail sent to overseas military addresses is charged only domestic mail prices. The domestic mail price for the largest Flat-Rate Priority Mail box is $12.95, but for packages to APO/FPO addresses overseas the price is reduced to only $10.95. Flat-Rate boxes are free at any Post Office, or can be ordered online at usps.com. Postage, labels and customs forms can be printed online any time using Click-N-Ship at www.usps.com/clicknship.
"Flat-Rate Priority Mail boxes offer the best bargain in holiday shipping," says Paul Vogel, managing director, Global Business and senior vice president. "The contents can be any weight for one low rate. If it fits, it ships."
The Postal Service continues to show its support by offering free Military Care Kits, designed specifically for military families sending packages overseas. The mailing kits can be ordered by phone by calling 1-800-610-8734 and asking for the Care Kit. Each kit includes two Priority Mail boxes, six Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes, eight Priority Mail labels, one roll of Priority Mail tape and eight customs forms with envelopes.
"The best support for the troops this holiday season is a gift that's on time, so mail before the deadline," Vogel advises.
As part of the $634 billion Continuing Resolution signed by President Bush yesterday, VA discretionary funding is increased $4.5 billion over last year, which meets Independent Budget recommendations for healthcare funding. The Independent Budget is a detailed analysis of VA operations that the VFW has co-authored for the past 22 years with AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans and the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
VA budget highlights include $3.8 billion for mental healthcare, $584 million for substance abuse programs, $510 million for medical and prosthetic research, $250 million to improve access for veterans in rural areas, and additional funding for homeless grants, the hiring of 2,000 additional claims adjudicators, and to raise the mileage reimbursement rate from 28.5 to 41.5 cents per mile.
“We are very grateful to the president and to congressional leadership for keeping to their pledge to take care of our veterans,” said VFW National Commander Glen Gardner, a Vietnam veteran from Round Rock, Texas. “And we hope the delivery of an on-time budget is the start of a trend that will continue into the next administration and Congress.”
Posted at 06:51 PM on Sunday, September 21, 2008 by dist12
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Salute during the playing of Taps in honor of their fallen comrade, Spc. Marques Knight, on Sept. 15, 2008, at a combat outpost in northeastern Afghanistan.
Posted at 12:48 PM on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 by dist12
WASHINGTON - The letter that appeared in a Soldier's mailbox promised an offer almost too good to be true: a home improvement loan approved by Congress and backed up by a government agency.
Officials at the Federal Citizen Information Center fear it's a scam targeting military members that uses the center's credibility to lure victims in.
An eagle-eyed Soldier notified the Federal Citizen Information Center after receiving the ad from the "Home Information Center" linked to post office boxes in Dallas and in Owasso, Okla. The letter included a reference to FCIC's Web site in an apparent attempt to show a federal endorsement.
"The thing that immediately sends up a red flag is the fact that [the advertisement] says these loans are approved by the U.S. Congress," said Mary Levy, director of consumer education and outreach in the FCIC's Office of Citizen Services. "Congress would absolutely never approve any particular home improvement loan." Source: DVIDS-Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System Read Full Story Here: Home Repair Scam Appears to Target Military Families
Posted at 11:55 PM on Monday, September 15, 2008 by dist12
From: "Phyllis Cale"
To: "_All State Depts"
:
Subject: Department of Texas
Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:58:37 -0500
MEMORANDUM
FROM
ALLEN F. "GUNNER" KENT
ADJUTANT GENERAL
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES
To: Department Adjutant-Quartermasters
Date: September 15, 2008
As you are aware, homes, businesses and land from Galveston Island to Port Arthur to Beaumont in Texas have been destroyed by Hurricane Ike. However at this time, we do not know if any VFW Posts were lost.
As a result of the devastation, the Department Texas has established a special fund to assist our members who have been evacuated and or suffered a loss due to the hurricane.
The Department of Texas is asking for our support. Please notify the Posts in your Department and ask them to contribute to this immediate relief effort. Monetary donations may be sent directly to;
Roy Grona
Adjutant-Quartermaster
Department of Texas Headquarters
8503 N IH 35
Austin, Texas 78753-5722.
Thank you for all you do for this great Organization.
