VFW OK District 9

Richard L. Eubank is new VFW National Commander

Posted at 04:37 PM on Thursday, August 26, 2010 by dist9

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Aug. 26, 2010 – America’s largest organization of combat veterans has elected a Vietnam War veteran to head the 1.5 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

Richard L. Eubank, now a resident of Eugene, Ore., was elected VFW National Commander on Aug. 26, 2010, during the VFW’s National Convention held Aug. 20-25, in Indianapolis, Ind.

During his acceptance speech Eubank, who served with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1967-1987, pledged his support to help the organization’s state and local leaders in fighting for our troops and veterans. “Just let me know how I can use the influence of this position to help you at the local level…any combat unit worth its salt will take their objective and accomplish their mission. I want warriors who are willing to go into battle with me. For those that do not wish to wage war for our veterans, please stand aside and let us pass through,” he stated.

When emphasizing the need for new members, Eubank asked the mostly Vietnam-era audience to compare their roles within the organization to rifles and bullets. “Everyone at this convention is a rifle, and so are the thousands of others back in your home states and [VFW] Departments, Districts and Posts. You are the leaders…but every rifle needs bullets, and that’s our membership – and from one grunt to the many warriors in this room-you can never have too many bullets…every program and service we provide takes rifles to do the legwork and bullets to provide the support.”

During the Vietnam War Eubank served as a field radio operator with the 1st and 3rd Marine Division. His military decorations include the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V device, Good Conduct Medal with 5 Stars, Vietnam Service Medal with 5 stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry Medal among others.

Eubank joined the VFW in 1988 at Post 10165 in Cameron Park, Calif., and is currently a Life Member of Post 4084 in Ridgecrest, Calif. He has served in elected and appointed positions at the Post, District and Department (state) including Department Commander in 1999 – 2000. He earned distinction by achieving the Triple Crown; All American Commander honors at the Post, District and Department levels. He has served on numerous national committees.

During his yearlong term, Eubank will log thousands of miles across the globe to promote the VFW, veterans' issues and quality of life initiatives for active-duty, Reserve and Guard members. By the time the commander's term ends, he will have visited every state and numerous overseas areas.

Also elected were Richard L. DeNoyer, senior vice commander-in-chief, of Middleton, Mass., and John E. Hamilton, junior vice commander-in-chief, of Jacksonville, Fla.

Watch video here: http://www.livestream.com/vfw_us/video?clipId=pla_bb956bfa-490f-48d3-a1c9-c0a564b5fab7

AGENT ORANGE RESOURCE AND MATERIALS

Posted at 11:38 AM on Saturday, August 21, 2010 by dist9

VA has developed newsletters, fact sheets and other materials for Veterans, the public and health care providers about the health effects of Agent Orange exposure. In addition, at VA\'s request, the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine produces reports reviewing the research on Agent Orange. * Newsletters – Agent Orange Review for Vietnam Veterans * Fact Sheets – Agent Orange Briefs * Brochure – Agent Orange Information (In English and En Español) * Handbook - Agent Orange Health Registry Program * Clinical Education Guide – Vietnam Veterans and Agent Orange Exposure (Veterans Health Initiative) * Poster * Reports - Vietnam Veterans and Agent Orange (Institute of Medicine Committee)

Thanks a Million Campaign

Posted at 11:53 AM on Monday, August 9, 2010 by dist9

Have you thanked a Veteran today? Here's your chance. We are looking for a million ways to thank our Veterans and our Troops for their service to our Country. Thank a hero, past, present, future. You can share your story, idea or inspiration here.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thanks-a-Million/143909055638425

VA REMOVES ONLINE SIGNATURE REQUIREMENTS

Posted at 04:42 PM on Friday, August 6, 2010 by dist9

The VA has removed the signature requirement for veterans who electronically submit an online 10-10EZ “Application for Health Benefits.” The initiative will reduce the time it takes to evaluate online applications \"by days, if not weeks,\" said VA Secretary Eric Shinseki. Previously, veterans filling out online applications were required to print a copy, sign it, then mail it. For additional information, go to www.va.gov/healtheligibility or call VA’s toll free number at 1-877-222-VETS (8387). The online form is available at https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/.

STOP LOSS PAYMENTS END IN 2011

Posted at 04:38 PM on Friday, August 6, 2010 by dist9

Stop-Loss to End March 2011: The Pentagon expects the involuntary military service extension program called \"Stop-Loss\" to be eliminated by March 2011. More than 15,000 personnel, mostly Army, were impacted at the peak of the controversial program in 2005. Today, the monthly number has shrunk to about 4,000. Defense Secretary Robert Gates declared last year that the practice had to end, saying it was \"breaking faith\" with those who volunteered to serve. Right now the Pentagon is trying to reach about 100,000 former service members who were stop-lossed between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009. They are due $500 for every month they were kept beyond their initial separation date, but they must apply before the reimbursement program ends Oct. 21. The VFW is asking its members, Posts and friends to spread the word. The average benefit paid exceeds $3,500. For more information and to apply, go to www.defense.gov/stoploss. If you are in this group go to www.defense.go/stoploss today.

Retroactive Stop Loss Pay Deadline Approaching

Posted at 01:53 PM on Monday, July 26, 2010 by dist9

Those eligible must submit a claim by Oct. 21, 2010.

The 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act established Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP), providing $500 for each month/partial month served in stop loss status. Service members, veterans, and beneficiaries of servicemembers whose service was involuntarily extended under Stop Loss between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009 are eligible for RSLSP.

To receive this benefit, those who served under stop loss must submit a claim for the special pay. Throughout the year, the services have been reaching out to servicemembers, veterans and their families through direct mail, veteran service organizations, and the media. But there is still money left to be claimed, and the deadline is approaching. The average benefit is $3,700.

Get more information

PTSD CHANGES

Posted at 05:59 PM on Thursday, July 8, 2010 by dist9

The government is making it easier for combat veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder to receive disability benefits. The Veterans Affairs Department plans to announce Monday it will no longer require veterans to prove what might have triggered their illness. Instead, they would have to show that they served in combat in a job that could have contributed to post-traumatic stress disorder. Veterans advocates and some lawmakers have argued that it sometimes could be impossible for a veteran to find records of a firefight or bomb blast. They also have contended that the old rule ignored other causes of the disorder, such as fearing a traumatic event even if it doesn\'t occur. That could discriminate against female troops prohibited from serving on front lines and against other service members who don\'t experience combat directly.

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