http://www.tampa.va.gov/TAMPA/features/Long_Awaited_Parking_Garage_Opens_November_21_2011.asp

Long Awaited Parking Garage Opens November 21, 2011

The James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital’s long-awaited 1,500-space parking garage will open to patients and visitors on November 21, 2011; a celebratory ribbon cutting ceremony was held on the November 15, 2011. And for many, this was a great reason to celebrate.

Built in 1972, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital is one of the country’s busiest VA hospitals with a bustling medical campus that sees about 4,000 outpatient visits a day and more than one million outpatient visits a year. With so many visitors on the land-locked, highly urban Tampa site, parking close to the hospital is exceedingly difficult to find—and has been for many years.

“Our Veterans, staff, visitors and community partners have waited almost 25 years for a parking garage,” said Kathleen Fogarty, the hospital’s new director. “It couldn’t open soon enough.”
Currently, the hospital has about 2,181 on-site parking spaces with an additional 400 available at University Mall about three miles from the hospital with shuttle service provided. However, when the new six story garage opens, the hospital’s on-campus spaces will increase to almost 3,700.

Besides additional parking, these spaces will help ease traffic flow around the crowded campus providing patients, employees and visitors quicker, easier access to the main hospital and outlying facilities.

The garage is Phase I of a major expansion of the hospital’s Polytrauma Center which includes a two-story, 150,000 square-foot addition to be built over the main therapy area of the current Spinal Cord Injury Center. This new state-of-the-art healthcare center adds 56 beds and will consist of polytrauma and multi-purpose rehabilitation wards. Scheduled completion of the polytrauma expansion as well as renovation of existing areas is planned for early 2013.

Support grows in Congress for Guard seat on JCS

Free eats: One way restaurants are saying ‘thanks’ this Veterans Day

Everyone knows there’s no such thing as a free lunch.

Well, for most anyway.

If you’re serving — or have served — in uniform, you’re free to enjoy plenty of free chow this Veterans Day, which falls on a Friday.

In fact, with a little planning, you could be feeding for free the entire Nov. 11-13 weekend.

Start with light brunch at Subway and then head to Texas Roadhouse for lunch.

When you’re ready for dinner, grab a free appetizer and a tasty beverage at Outback Steakhouse before heading over to Applebee’s or Chili’s for one of their many free dinner options.

Did we mention it’s all free?

Still hungry?

Enjoy more free meal deals through the weekend and cap it all off Nov. 14 over at the Golden Corral.

Most deals are open to all active or reserve military and vets. Remember to have some form of military ID or a DD-214 to prove you’re not a poser, and be sure to call ahead to check on availability in your area.

Some franchise owners don’t feel the Veterans Day free-meal love as much as others. Sure, it’s a free country, but maybe they haven’t heard that freedom isn’t free.

The U.S. Supreme Court has voted to grant review and decide the constitutionality of the Stolen Valor Act (18 U.S. Code Sec. 704) in the case of the fake "Medal of Honor recipient," fake "Marine," fake "American Legion member," former Tri-County Water Board politician in Southern California, and current incarcerated felon on conviction for fraud, Xavier Alvarez. (U.S. vs. Xavier Alvarez, USSC No. 11-210)

Alvarez brazenly boasted publicly that he was a former Marine and Medal of Honor recipient to boost his career as a minor Democratic Party politician, and decked himself out in a fake Army (not Marine) dress uniform with a chest full of medals which he didn't earn -- because he never served a day.

To read more click on the link http://www.newswithviews.com/Lloyd/rees122.htm

http://www.military.com/benefits/content/veteran-state-benefits/state-veterans-benefits-directory.html

State Veteran's Benefits Directory

===============================================

http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/20111027a.asp

Kevin Watson is the assistant police chief at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Muskogee, Okla.

He is also the Captain of “Team VA” which helped raise $6,000 for multiple sclerosis (MS) research by riding their bicycles 150 miles from Tulsa to Oklahoma City.

Kevin loves the ride, enjoys representing VA and is happy to do his part in the fight against MS.

Over 28,000 Veterans with multiple sclerosis receive care annually from VA.

After Kevin had gastric bypass surgery, he started riding to lose weight.

“I wanted a way to reach Veterans and show our pride for what VA does and the MS ride was a great match, plus it’s for a great cause.

“One of our Team members had MS and he helped bring it into perspective of being more than just a bike ride.”

The best year for “Team VA” was 2009 when the team raised over $11,000 for Oklahoma MS Research.

Born and raised in Muskogee, Kevin is an Army and National Guard Infantry Veteran of seven years, including a tour in Iraq, and has been with VA for 15 years.

Proof that hard work and dedication do pay off, he started with VA as a temporary Kitchen employee, joined the police force in 1998, and moved up the ranks to Assistant Chief of Police Service.

Allowing that not every day on a bike is filled with splendor and glory, Kevin admits that, “One day I had a sore back, so I stuck a heat pad on my back at the beginning of the ride and forgot about it.

“At about mile 68, I remembered it because it slipped down into my butt cheeks and was still pretty hot.

“I ripped it out and threw it down. I did not look at the guy behind me.”

The “Oklahoma MS 150 Bike Tour” is the states’ single biggest event to raise money and awareness for MS research. Anyone interested in participating can start here at the link to Team VA.

Kevin explains his motivation by saying, “Without Veterans I wouldn’t have my freedom. Without Veterans I wouldn’t have my life.

“I am just a small part of the big picture but when you come to Muskogee, it’s easy to see that my team of riders and officers strive daily to put Veterans first and support the Muskogee VA’s motto of Excellence Starts Here.”

Home Depot 9/11 Commemoration This is a wonderful opportunity for Service Members that meet the criteria.The Home Depot Foundation is running a special program to commemorate the
10th anniversary of 9/11. From 11 Sep 11 through Veteran's Day (11 Nov 11),

Home Depot is offering to conduct work projects on military member's
personal homes.

Home Depot will provide the materials, labor and contractors. Projects will
include repairs and installations. If there are any questions, please make
contact through the website below.

The priority is as follows:

- Wounded warriors returning from combat & disabled veterans

- Members returning from deployment

- Members with special needs (either themselves or Family members)

- All others

http://homedepotfoundation.org/

Keeping in mind that Polk County is larger than the State of Rhode Island ;-), many Veterans, who live in the southeast part of the County, may not make the 45 minute drive to Lakeland for the Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 5th.. But they can still participate in a patriotic event by helping the Elks raise money for Florida Veterans on Nov. 5th, (12-4 PM) at the Lake Wales Elks Lodge # 1974.

Thank you

Sincerely,

==========================================================================

Veterans Industries, it is a :Work Shop: at the James A. Haley hospital that creates various items for sale.  They make coins and they do a lot of embroidery work, make banners, pen sets and much more.  All proceeds go to assisting Veterans in need, they operate as a non-profit.  

Check it out:  http://www.operationamericanpride.org/html/james_a__haley_veterans_indust.html

This has been verified through our contacts at the James A Haley VA Hospital as legitimate.

PCVC Postmaster.

==========================================================================

VA to Help Build Women Veterans Communities and Networks

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs opened registration on July 8 for a women Veterans forum that will address the quality of VA health care, the provision of benefits for women, and ways for VA to continue improving access to the care and benefits for women Veterans.

“The VA forum will bring advocates for women Veterans together to learn about VA services and to share valuable information with each other,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “The forum will also give Veterans’ advocates the tools they need to help build women Veterans networks and communities throughout VA.”

Shinseki and VA department heads will attend the forum on July 28 at the Women’s Memorial in Arlington, Va.

Because of anticipated demand, available seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and confirmed registrants will be notified by email once registration is filled. Registration—through the Center for Women Veterans by e-mail at 00W@va.gov -- closes when either all seats are filled or no later than July 16. 

The Forum will run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with morning presentations and an afternoon information marketplace in which participants are invited to move through the gallery and gather resources and materials provided by VA program offices, Veterans Service Organizations and advocacy organizations. There will also be an afternoon screening of the updated “Lioness” documentary film. 

VA’s women Veterans health conference held earlier in the month will help inform the Forum with the most up-to-date information available from VA’s health care system.

Presentations from the event will be made available online. Feedback about this event and announcements on future events will be available to Forum participants. For more information contact the Center for Women Veterans at (202) 461-6193 or by e-mail at 00W@va.gov. 

VA has undertaken major initiatives to transform the department to meet the unique health care needs of women Veterans and provide the best quality care at every VA medical center.  In addition, the agency is working to shorten the delays for claims processing, improve access to VA health services for minority and rural Veterans, end Veteran homelessness, and ease the transition back to civilian life. 

There are about 1.8 million women Veterans among the nation’s total of 23 million living Veterans. VA estimates women Veterans will comprise 10.5 percent of the Veteran population by 2020. 

#   #   #

==========================================================================

My name is Ashley Ammen and I am with the Veteran’s Affairs Network Office in Bay Pines

VISN 8 and the James A Haley Veterans Hospital will be co-hosting a faith-based outreach event on Saturday, July 31st from 11AM to 2PM at the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 4311 W San Miguel Street in Tampa, Florida.   Though this event will be featured as a Health/Employment Expo we are also interested in including agencies that offer veteran services and would be interested in distributing materials or information during the event.  Set up will be at 10AM and tables, tablecloths and chairs will be provided.  If you are interested in having your agency participate, please send me an email directly.   

Please note that although the outreach is being hosted at the Episcopal Church, it is not limited to the Episcopal faith. 

The event will be promoted community-wide.  Once again, please let me know if you are interested or if you have any questions. 

We appreciate your participation and hope to see you on July 31st! 

Thank you, Ashley _________ 

==========================================================================

http://www.floridastateparks.org/thingstoknow/annualpass.cfm#discountsforveterans

DISCOUNTS ON ANNUAL ENTRANCE PASSES FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Effective July 1, 2010 Florida’s state parks will provide discounts on or free Annual Entrance Passes to those who currently serve or have served in the United States military branches, veterans with service related disabilities and surviving spouses of members of the US military who have fallen in combat.

The discounted Florida State Parks Annual Entrance Pass is only available for purchase at any Florida State Park staffed ranger station. The free annual pass can only be obtained at a staffed ranger station. View list of staffed ranger stations.

Effective July 1, 2010 the Florida Park Service shall provide discounts on the purchase of Annual Entrance Passes to persons who present satisfactory written documentation which demonstrates their eligibility:

• 25% discount on Annual Entrance Passes for active duty and honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces, National Guard or reserve units of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard who present proof of eligibility.

  Satisfactory written documentation to prove eligibility includes:

  • Current military identification card showing the bearer as active duty, reserve or retired member of a branch of the Department of Defense, or
  • Personal identification (i.e.: driver license) and
  • Most recent DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, showing the named individual’s Character of Service as Honorable, or
  • Other current official documentation from the Department of Defense, or one of its branches, naming the bearer as active duty, reserve, veteran or retired military.

• Free for Life Family Annual Entrance Passes for honorably discharged United States veterans who have service-connected disabilities.

  Satisfactory written documentation to prove eligibility includes:

  • Personal identification (i.e.: driver license) and
  • Most recent DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, showing the named individual’s Character of Service as Honorable, or
  • Other current official documentation from the Department of Defense, or one of its branches, naming the bearer as veteran, or retired military, and
  • Current official documentation from the Department of Defense, or one of its branches, naming the bearer as having sustained a service-related disability.

• Free for Life Family Annual Entrance Passes for surviving spouses of deceased members of the United States Armed Forces, National Guard or reserve units of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard who have fallen in combat.

  Proof of spouse having fallen in combat and proof of spousal relationship are required.

  • Personal identification (i.e.: driver license) and
  • The final DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, showing the date of death as the same date as the date of separation, and,
  • Marriage certificate or license, or death certificate showing the bearer as the spouse of the military member who has fallen in combat.

And for those who travel to our National Parks - http://store.usgs.gov/pass/access.html

==========================================================================

Center for Independant Living may have funds to help Disabled Veterans with Ramps,

Beverly of the Center for Independent Living, (863) 413-2722 may have funds that could be provided for disabled veteran ramps and provide employment services

click here to download Barry McCaffrey Report PDF

==========================================================================

U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center - Survey

Historical Programs

Click here to open November 2008 Advisor PDF

==============================================

Public can give AAFES gift cards

10/7/2008 - DALLAS (AFNS) -- By simply logging on to a Web site or calling a toll-free number, any American can now give Army and Air Force Exchange Service gift cards to military families worldwide.

"We're not even charging to ship these cards," said Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm, AAFES' senior enlisted adviser. "Whether the AAFES gift card is sent down the street or overseas, shipping is free.

AAFES gift cards can be redeemed at base and post exchanges worldwide by active-duty troops and their families, as well as military retirees.

"With the economy the way it is, now is not the time to haphazardly guess what someone needs to brighten their day or pay extra money for shipping," said Chief Helm. "AAFES gift cards not only eliminate all shipping costs, but also put the power of choice in the hands of the spouse waiting for the return of a loved one, retiree trying to make the best of a turbulent economy, or servicemember far from home.

"All that needs to be sent is a lightweight plastic card that can be redeemed for a movie, phone call home or even gasoline for a much deserved weekend getaway," Chief Helm said.

Besides exchange gift cards, any American also can send a gift certificate that can be redeemed through the exchange's mail order catalogs or Web site.

"The gift certificates are perfect for Reserve and Guard families that may not live close to a brick and mortar exchange," said Chief Helm.

AAFES gift cards and gift certificates, up to $500, can be sent by any American who calls (877) 770-4438 or logs on to www.aafes.com. Online visitors can click on the "Gift Cards/Certificates for our Troops" link under AAFES Community Connection on the home page.

Gift certificates are sent to individual servicemembers (designated by the purchaser) or distributed to "any servicemember" through the Air Force Aid Society, American Red Cross, Fisher House Foundation Inc., Navy-Marine Corps Relief, USO or Soldiers Family Assistance Center. (Courtesy of AAFES News Service)

==============================================

Click here to open 2007 Stimulus PDF

==============================================

Below is a link to a Power Point Presentation,
The Evolution of Europe during WWII.

Very interesting.

If you don't have MS Power Point Click on the MS Office Logo to download a View Only Copy (Free)

click here to view WWII Europe Maps

Click MS Logo for a free download of

MS Power Point Viewer

==============================================

This is an excerpt from page 35 of the July issue of the American Legion magazine.   www.legion.org

VETERANS, TROOPS CAN ALWAYS SALUTE

A change to Section 9 of the U.S. Flag Code written into the Defense Authorization Act this year now gives veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces the authority to render a salute to the flag, whether or not they are in uniform or wearing identifying veteran apparel such as an American Legion cap.

All others present remove any headwear, face the flag and place their right hand over their heart.

Headwear should be held to the left shoulder, leaving the right hand over the heart. 

These acts are to be conducted anytime there is a hoisting or lowering of the U.S. flag, whenever it passes.  Citizens of foreign countries should stand at attention.

Also, this from page 34:

U.S. FLAG CODE is federal law, providing rules for proper display, treatment and respect for Old Glory.  No committee of Congress has sole authority over the flag.  No government agency controls its place in society.  There are no flag police.  The U.S. Flag Code essentially belongs to the people, and its enforcement is most often conducted through education.  The code has been modified many times over the years, including 2008, when military personnel and veterans were given authority to salute the flag even when not in uniform.

The question has arisen, is it now proper for a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces to render a salute during the Pledge of Allegiance?  I believe that the correct response to that question lies in the text of the Pledge itself.  Does the Pledge not say, "I pledge allegiance to the FLAG of the United States..."?  That, to me, means that we are pledging to Old Glory, that sacred symbol that represents all of the best qualities that our nation stands for and has always stood for.  It doesn't imply that we are offering our pledge to Mt. Rushmore -- for instance -- no matter how revered that national treasure may be.  It is, in its own words, a pledge to the FLAG!

Therefore, it is the conclusion of many that the intent of the revision must be that Veterans are given the authority to salute during the Pledge of Allegiance, just as they are during "the hoisting or lowering or the U.S. Flag, whenever it passes."

Whether or not Veterans, not "in uniform or wearing identifying veteran apparel..." are authorized to render a salute during -- for example -- the playing of TAPS is, I believe, subject to interpretation.  Bottom line is this, who among us would ever deny a Veteran the lifelong right to salute? 

I feel that the test should be fairly simple:  Is the Veteran, by rendering a salute, displaying proper respect during an appropriate occasion?  Afterall, isn't that the very definition of a salute -- as display of respect?  As for myself, I will proudly and tearfully salute during the blowing of TAPS -- regardless of my attire -- and will continue to question any man's authority to deny me that right.  If you agree, congratulations; you earned it!

Freedom isn't free...

The entire text of the U.S. Flag Code is available online.

www.legion.org/national/americanflag/flagcode 

The entire text of the U.S. Flag Code is available online.

www.legion.org/national/americanflag/flagcode 

==============================================

Below is a handy list of phone numbers.

Military Points of Contacts

Military POCs (Word 97-2003 Doc)

Click the MS Office Logo for a free

Excel Viewer download

==============================================

January 16, 2008