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American Legion Online Update legion@em.legion.org

https://em.legion.org/q/143Ood3heSkzL3uP2qS4J/wv

June, 2022

Service Officer: Harlan Helseth

Badger Honor Flight!

WW II: December 7, 1941- December 31, 1946

Korean War: June 25, 1950 – January 31, 1955

Vietnam War: February 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975

If you served ANYWHERE at ANY TIME, in ANY BRANCH, and in ANY COMPONENT (Active, Reserves, or National Guard) during the above dates you are considered a Veteran of that war/conflict. In addition, have never flown on any Honor Flight Network flight.

 

April 2021

Veterans News:

Did you know Gulf War-era veterans now account for the largest share of all U.S. veterans, having surpassed Vietnam-era veterans in 2016, according to the VA’s 2018 population model estimates?

VA estimates for 2021 indicate there are 5.9 million American veterans who served during the Vi-etnam era and 7.8 million who served in the Gulf War era, which spans from August 1990 through the present.

Did you know the share of the U.S. population with military experience is declining? In 2018, about 7% of U.S. adults were veterans, down from 18% in 1980, according to the Census Bureau. This drop coincides with decreases in active duty service members. Over the past half-century, the number of people on active duty has dropped significantly, from 3.5 million in 1968, during the mili-tary draft era, to about 1.4 million (or less than 1% of all U.S. adults) in today’s all-volunteer force.

Did you know currently, about nine-in-ten veterans (89%) are men, while about one-in-ten (11%) are women, according to the VA’s 2021 population model estimates? By 2046, the share of fe-male veterans is expected to increase to about 18%. The number of female veterans is also pro-jected to increase slightly, from around 2 million in 2021 to approximately 2.2 million in 2046. The number of male veterans, on the other hand, is projected to drop from about 17 million in 2021 to around 10.3 million in 2046.

 

 

October, November, December:  No Information

August, 2019:

Contact Information for Vernon County Service Officers:

Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 0830-1630

402 Courthouse Rd., Viroqua, WI 54665

James (Jim) Young

jyoung@vernoncounty.org

Office Phone: 608-637-5327

Office Fax: 608-638-2327

Office Cell: 608-782-2777

Crystal Knoll

crystal.knoll@vernoncounty.org

Office Phone: 608-637-5323

Office Fax: 608-638-2327

Office Cell: 608-606-0550

Like us on Facebook!

Website: www.vernoncounty.org/VET/index.htm

 

Congress and the White House agree to expand definition of war eras to include all who served since Dec. 7, 1941.

More than 1,600 members of the U.S. Armed Forces were killed or wounded in periods of time not designated as war

eras since the end of World War II. The newly signed Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service

Act of 2019 – The LEGION Act – honors those veterans, their spouses and descendants, extending membership eligibility

in The American Legion Family to hundreds of thousands who had previously been excluded. The LEGION Act

offers American Legion membership eligibility to any U.S. military veteran who served at least one day of active military

duty since Dec. 7, 1941, and was honorably discharged or is serving now. The act also affects membership in the

American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion, expanding eligibility for those groups, as well.

 

 

November 2018, December, 2018, January, 2019, February, 2019, March, 2019, April, 2019, June, 2019, July, 2019:  No information

May, 2019:  Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall

This is coming to Holmen for public viewing May 8-11th, on McHugh Road frontage of the Holmen High School.

You can have a private moment at the wall if you want, but this needs to be coordinated with people in charge. I can

help you with this if you want?! The executive committee is recommending to the body to volunteer on the morning

of Tuesday, May 7th and early morning of Sunday, May 12th. On May 7th we can help set-up flags (with other area

volunteers) on both sides of McHugh Road from main street to Hwy 35/53. It will be approximately 550-600 American

flags. Then on Sunday morning, May 12th, we can help remove these flags. Transportation to these work days

will be arranged at our regular meeting, call me for more details!

Any questions regarding the wall can be directed to Willie Stokes, (815) 543-0128 or e-mail at wildeacres@charter.net.

 

October 2018: Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young & Crystal Knoll) 608-637-5323

(veterans@vernoncounty.org)

https://www.facebook.com/Vernon-County-Veterans-Service-Office-244550219077062/

If PTSD has a presence in your life, there are many options, including the Veterans Crisis Hotline at

1-800-273-8255 (Press 1), your County Veterans Service Office or the VA. The Tomah VA has a Combat Veteran

PTSD Residential Program for veterans to stay at the VA to receive counseling and treatment. To inquire more about

this program or to sign up for this program, please contact your CVSO or the VA at 608-372-1758.

September 2018:  If PTSD has a presence in your life, there are many options, including the Veterans Crisis Hotline at

1-800-273-8255 (Press 1), your County Veterans Service Office or the VA. The Tomah VA has a Combat Veteran PTSD Residential Program for veterans to stay at the VA to receive counseling and treatment. To inquire more about this program or to sign up for this program, please contact your CVSO or the VA at 608-372-1758.

If anyone has need of disaster relief, the American Legion has a Disaster Relief Fund that is available for members in good standing, to include Auxiliary members. Since most everything at Post 116 was destroyed, applications are available at the Vernon County Veterans Service Office.

August 2018: Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young & Crystal Knoll) 608-637-5323 (veterans@vernoncounty.org)

https://www.facebook.com/Vernon-County-Veterans-Service-Office-244550219077062/

If PTSD has a presence in your life, there are many options, including the Veterans Crisis Hotline at

1-800-273-8255 (Press 1), your County Veterans Service Office or the VA. The Tomah VA has a Combat Veteran PTSD Residential Program for veterans to stay at the VA to receive counseling and treatment. To inquire more about this program or to sign up for this program, please contact your CVSO or the VA at 608-372-1758.

Pass along to fellow veterans

Veteran Tickets Foundation, wanted to let you know about their great organization. They give out free event tickets to all kinds of things all across the country.

Stuff like football, baseball, soccer, basketball, concerts, zoo passes, plays and more!

You can sign up using the following link. http://www.VetTix.org/ref/252926 When you do, and verify your service you will get an additional 15 VetTix Lottery Coins to start off with!

July, 2018: Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young & Crystal Knoll) 608-637-5323 (veterans@vernoncounty.org)

https://www.facebook.com/Vernon-County-Veterans-Service-Office-244550219077062/

If PTSD has a presence in your life, there are many options, including the Veterans Crisis Hotline at

1-800-273-8255 (Press 1), your County Veterans Service Office or the VA. The Tomah VA has a Combat Veteran PTSD Residential Program for veterans to stay at the VA to receive counseling and treatment. To inquire more about this program or to sign up for this program, please contact your CVSO or the VA at 608-372-1758.

June, 2018:  Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young & Crystal Knoll) 608-637-5323 (veterans@vernoncounty.org)

https://www.facebook.com/Vernon-County-Veterans-Service-Office-244550219077062/

If PTSD has a presence in your life, there are many options, including the Veterans Crisis Hotline at

1-800-273-8255 (Press 1), your County Veterans Service Office or the VA. The Tomah VA has a Combat Veteran PTSD Residential Program for veterans to stay at the VA to receive counseling and treatment. To inquire more about this program or to sign up for this program, please contact your CVSO or the VA at 608-372-1758.

 

May, 2018:  Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young & Crystal Knoll) 608-637-5323 (veterans@vernoncounty.org)

https://www.facebook.com/Vernon-County-Veterans-Service-Office-244550219077062/

If PTSD has a presence in your life, there are many options, including the Veterans Crisis Hotline at

1-800-273-8255 (Press 1), your County Veterans Service Office or the VA. The Tomah VA has a Combat Veteran PTSD Residential Program for veterans to stay at the VA to receive counseling and treatment. To inquire more about this program or to sign up for this program, please contact your CVSO or the VA at 608-372-1758.

April 2018:  Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young & Crystal Knoll) 608-637-5323 (veterans@vernoncounty.org)

https://www.facebook.com/Vernon-County-Veterans-Service-Office-244550219077062/

Are you 55 years old or older? Do you experience low income or unemployment? Do you reside in Crawford, Dane, Grant, Green, Iowa, La Crosse, Lafayette, Richland or Vernon Counties? Are you looking for employment? SER-Jobs For Progress has been working with employers and potential employees, helping gain access to a US Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration program called Senior Community Service Employment Program. They look specifically for older workers to help train potential employees on new job skills needed in today’s work-place. The SCSEP has helped older workers find productive, unsubsidized jobs for more than 40 years. For more information, contact Bonita Platta, an Employment and Training Specialist for SER SCSEP - Madison Region. Phone number: 608-826-1059. E-mail address: bplatta@ser-national.org. Website: www.ser-national.org.

Mailing address: 6320 Monona Dr., Suite #309, Monona, WI 53716.

Also there is a Veterans Outreach and Enrollment Day from 10am to 3pm May 10th at Viroqua Legion Post 138.

March, 2018:  Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young & Crystal Knoll) 608-637-5323 (veterans@vernoncounty.org)

https://www.facebook.com/Vernon-County-Veterans-Service-Office-244550219077062/

Were you in the Navy or have you ever been interested in Navy ships? On Thursday, August 23rd, there will be a mini bus trip to Dubuque, IA to tour the USS LST 325. This LST (Landing Ship, Tank) is an amphibious vessel deigned to land battle-ready tanks, troops and supplies. This will be the first time ever that this ship will have sailed up the Mississippi River this far north.

Admission for the tour is $10.00, mini bus ride is $7.00. WWII Veterans get to tour the ship for free.

If you are interested, call the Aging and Disability Resources Center of Vernon County at 608-637-5201 or 1-888-637-1323 for reservations or for more information.

You are responsible for your own lunch and any purchases or services.

Thank you!

You may recall that in December our Post received a $1500.00 check from Mr & Mrs. James Onshus to be directed to wounded warriors in Vernon County. Roger Mathison and I had a conversation with Vernon County Veterans Service Officer Jim Young in January, & he stated he often gets emergency situations for veterans that he doesn’t always have the funds to cover from his funds. On February 27, our Post received a plea for help from the Veterans Service Office. Jim had an Iraq veteran, two tours of duty, 100% disabled, with traumatic brain injury. The veterans’ wood stove was no longer serviceable, and they were using two electric space heaters for heat. The veteran has a wife and a 14 month old child. The contractor recommended a new pellet stove would be the way to go for a cost of $2000.00. Your officers texted each other and agreed Roger would hand deliver the check to Viroqua for $1500.00 the same day. The County made up the difference and the veteran has heat and is very, very grateful.

A special thank you to the Onshus family and everyone involved.

 

February, 2018: Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young & Crystal Knoll) 608-637-5323 (veterans@vernoncounty.org)

https://www.facebook.com/Vernon-County-Veterans-Service-Office-244550219077062/

A new organization is available in Vernon County for Veterans who need assistance. They are called VetsNet, Wisconsin Veterans Network. They are available to ANY Veteran and their families, no matter the discharge type, to help in times of crisis. The Vernon County VSO will be working with the Aging and Disabilities Resource Center to get a listing of resources in the area that VetsNet can co-op with. To contact VetsNet you may call them at (414)-257-3624 between 9am and 4pm, e-mail them at info@wisvetsnet.org or check out their website http://wisvetsnet.org.

 

January, 2018: Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young & Crystal Knoll) 608-637-5323 (veterans@vernoncounty.org)https://www.facebook.com/Vernon-County-Veterans-Service-Office-244550219077062/

There will be a Veterans Benefit Bonanza in La Crosse at the Radisson Hotel, 200 Second Street South, on March 8th, 2018 from 11:00am to 7:00pm. This event will have numerous vendors from all aspects of Veterans’ benefits all in one location for Veterans to get information.

There is also a VA Veterans’ Benefit Fair being held on March 10th, 2018, at Viroqua American Legion Post 138, 120 N. Rusk St., from 10:00am to 3:00pm. This event is about the VA and everything that they do.

Vernon County Aging and Disabilities Resource Ccenter and the Veterans Service Office are looking into a trip to Dubuque, IA on August 23rd to tour the USS LST 325, a WWII Tank Landing Ship and the last of its kind. WWII Veterans get in free. Admission is $10 for 18 and older, ages 6-17 $5, and 5 & under are free. Small children will have to be carried as there is no accommodations for strollers. The VSO is trying to get a feel for interest in the county to determine feasibility of organizing a trip to tour the ship. More information may be found at www.traveldubuque.com/groups/uss-lst-325/.

 

December, 2017: Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young & Crystal Knoll) 608-637-5323 (veterans@vernoncounty.org)

https://www.facebook.com/Vernon-County-Veterans-Service-Office-244550219077062/

The Vernon County Veterans Service Office will be increasing some of the costs of travel to VA sanctioned appointments. Current costs are: La Crosse=$5, Tomah=$10, Madison=$20, other location’s costs disclosed at the time of the appointment.

As of February 1st, 2018 the costs will increase for VA sanctioned appointment trips to La Crosse and Tomah. New rates will be: La Crosse=$10, Tomah=$15, Madison=$20. If your VA appointment is in another location, the cost per trip will be given to you upon notification of the Vernon County Service Offices of your VA sanctioned appointment.

Note: The Veterans Service Office ONLY provides travel to VA sanctioned appointments, which includes Veterans Choice appointments. Some veterans who have numerous or continuously ongoing appointments may see different charges based upon their situation.

 

November 2017 addition: Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young & Crystal Knoll) 608-637-5323 (veterans@vernoncounty.org)

https://www.facebook.com/Vernon-County-Veterans-Service-Office-244550219077062/

If any veteran is in need of a wheelchair, the Vernon County Veterans Service Office has 6 in several different sizes and there is no cost to the veteran.

The Tomah VA has implemented 3 programs which are getting rave reviews from Veterans using them. The M.O.V.E. program is for Veterans who would like assistance with weight gain or loss and healthy eating. You need to see your Primary care VA physician to be enrolled. There is an intensive Diabetic program to help those with diabetes better manage their disease. It is a unique program in that it uses a group and individual dynamic. Veterans in the program love this new dynamic. You also need to see your Primary care VA physician to be enrolled. The last is something that is not being done anywhere else in the VA community and that is called PAIN University. This is a program is where Vets who are dealing with chronic pain can get help and treatment to reduce their pain. It couples therapy with instruction and understanding of the problem. Again see your primary care VA physician to be enrolled.

 

October 2017 addition: Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young & Crystal Knoll) 608-637-5323 (veterans@vernoncounty.org)

https://www.facebook.com/Vernon-County-Veterans-Service-Office-244550219077062/

Ihle Memorial Bench

Orlin and Lauren Ihle came to the Regular Post Meeting on September 20th to discuss placement of a memorial bench for Ozzie and Annette. A motion was made and approved for the placement on Legion property in the vicinity of the retaining wall next to the Veterans Memorial. A committee will be formed to formulate a strategy for future memorials such as this so that there is a plan in place for such dedications. If anyone is interested in being on this committee, please contact Gary Hess.

 

September, 2017: Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young & Crystal Knoll) 608-637-5323 (veterans@vernoncounty.org)

https://www.facebook.com/Vernon-County-Veterans-Service-Office-244550219077062/

VA Unveils Claims Submission Option That Promises to Complete Claims Within 30 Days

On September 7th, as part of the VA’s continued efforts to improve timeliness of services for Veterans and their families, the VA unveiled the Decision Ready Claims (DRC) initiative, a disability claims submission option with accredited Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) that promises to deliver faster claims decisions to Veterans and their families.

The DRC initiative is a collaborative effort between the VA and VSOs to help Veterans receive faster decisions on disability claims, according to VA Secretary Dr. David Shulkin. According to Shulkin, the VA will work closely with VSOs to make sure they are properly trained in the new process and are given the tools they need to participate successfully in the program on behalf of the Veterans that they serve.

Veterans who choose to submit their claim under DRC can expect to receive a decision within 30 days from the time the VA receives the claim. VSOs will ensure all supporting evidence is included with the claim submission. This advance preparation by the VSOs allows claims to be assigned immediately to claims processors for a quick decision.

DRC was first implemented May 1, 2017, at the St. Paul Regional Office and is now available at all VA regional offices. While the DRC is currently limited to claims for increased compensation, and requires Veterans to work with VSOs, the VA’s goal is to expand the types of claims accepted under the initiative and allow Veterans other ways to submit their claims under DRC.

DRC is another key step in aggressively modernizing the VA’s benefits delivery to Veterans in a fully digital operating environment. With electronic claims processing as a foundation, the VA’s innovation will improve service to Veterans, their families and survivors.

August, 2017: Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young & Crystal Knoll) 608-637-5323 (veterans@vernoncounty.org)

The Senate passed the "Forever GI Bill" legislation recently that is the largest expansion of veterans educational benefits in a decade. With senators’ unanimous consent, the bill moves to President Trump’s desk to become law. This will end a 15-year limit for veterans to use their educational benefits, restore benefits to veterans whose schools abruptly close and fix a Pentagon deployment authorization that has kept about 5,000 reservists from accumulating earned educational benefits.

The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 -- named after the Past American Legion National Commander -- was introduced July 13 in the House, passed through the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on July 19 and approved in the House as a whole with a 405-0 vote on July 25. It was introduced in the Senate on July 20 and passed through the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on July 26.

There were many hurdles to negotiate earlier this year, such as how to fund the $3 billion that the measure is expected to cost in the next 10 years. This measure is a combination of 18 different bills and negotiations had broken down between veterans organizations and Congress. But veterans organizations would not let this go and reignited the momentum for GI Bill Expansion by contacting Congress and Senate members and urging action on this measure.

The bill has widespread support among veterans and higher education organizations. It has been dubbed the "Forever GI Bill" because it removes the 15-year deadline to use educational benefits. That restriction will be gone for veterans who were discharged on or after Jan. 1, 2013. The bill also eliminates "Post-9/11" from the GI Bill’s title.

July, 2017: Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young & Crystal Knoll) 608-637-5323 (veterans@vernoncounty.org)

The WDVA has changed how the process goes for getting the Wisconsin Property Tax Credit for qualifying veteran or their surviving spouses. The new form is WDVA 2096 and it does need to be signed by an accredited service officer in order for it to be submitted. So qualifying veterans or surviving spouses can stop in and see us or any Wisconsin County Veteran Service Officer to get this paper work taken care of.

June, 2017: Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young & Crystal Knoll) 608-637-5323 (veterans@vernoncounty.org)

The Milwaukee County Zoo invites all military members and veterans to their annual Military/Veterans Family Day on Sunday, July 2, 2017 from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Enjoy free zoo admission and parking. There will be a Veterans Ben-efit Expo at the US Bank Gathering place from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Admission tickets will be available from May 30 until June 30. Active duty military and veterans residing in Wisconsin can pick up their tickets at their local County Veterans Service Office. Contact Jim Young or Crystal Knoll at 608-367-5323 for information on ticket pick-up. Tickets are required for admission and are available for immediate family only, with a limit of 10 tickets per family.

The Milwaukee County Zoo is located at 10001 W. Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226.

MAY, 2017: Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young & Crystal Knoll) 608-637-5323 (veterans@vernoncounty.org)

If PTSD has a presence in your life, there are many options, including the Veterans Crisis Hotline at

1-800-273-8255 (Press 1), your County Veterans Service Office or the VA. The Tomah VA has a Combat Veteran PTSD Residential Program for veterans to stay at the VA to receive counseling and treatment. To inquire more about this program or to sign up for this program, please contact your CVSO or the VA at 608-372-1758.

April 2017:  Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young) 608-637-5323 (veterans@vernoncounty.org)

A veterans service officer (VSO) is an individual who advocates for veterans benefits. They should never take an action which they believe to have a negative impact on the veteran or family of the veteran. The VSO is also responsible for being proficient in the areas of customer service, technical knowledge of regulation and law as it pertains to VA matters, and proper disposition of claims and appeals. This is a valuable resource for all veterans in order to wade through the intimidating maze that can be the Veterans Administration.

March 2017:Vernon  County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young) 608-637-5323

Congratulations to Tami Saleska on the new position that she has accepted in the Barron County Veterans Service Office! We are going to miss you here in Vernon County, but since there are more veterans in Barron County, we know you are going to do a fine job taking as good of care for them as you did for us!

THE AMERICAN LEGION, DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN SERVICE OFFICE

We assist with compensation, pension, appeals, education, vocational rehabilitation, home loan guarantee and death benefits. Additionally we assist with obtaining records, awards and decorations, discharge upgrades and answer ques-tions of general nature pertaining to veteran’s programs. We work with your County Veteran’s Service Officer to pro-cess your claims and represent you at Regional Office and Board of Veteran’s Appeals Travel Board hearings.

If you need assistance you may contact us at:

VA Regional Office

5400 W National Ave. RM#164

Milwaukee, WI 52314

(414) 902-5722

Fax (414) 902-9401

Department Service Officer james.fialkowski@va.gov

Veterans Service Representative bryan.gorski@va.gov

Veterans Service Representative mitchell.woytych@va.gov

Veterans Service Representative michael.french@va.gov

Veteran Service Representative maynard.perszyk@va.gov

Veteran Service Representative kurt.goeller@va.gov

Additional Links:

Federal VA Benefits Information www.va.gov

Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Information http://dva.state.wi.us/

February, 2017:  Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young and Tami Saleska) 608-637-5323

On February 2nd, Governor Scott Walker announced his appointment of Daniel Zimmerman to serve as the secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA). Mr. Zimmerman is a retired lieutenant colonel and mili-tary intelligence officer with 25 years of service in the United States Army. Governor Walker’s appointment of Mr. Zimmerman is effective immediately.

"Dan’s career is defined by public service," Governor Walker said. "Wisconsin’s veterans deserve the best care and services possible, and with Dan’s experience in the military and government, I know he will serve as a tireless advo-cate for Wisconsin’s veterans."

Governor Walker is directing Mr. Zimmerman to immediately conduct a thorough assessment of the operations at Wisconsin’s veterans homes and to schedule regular discussions with the County Veterans Service Officer Associa-tion and veterans service organizations.

"We serve some of our most vulnerable veterans at our veterans' homes, and I expect nothing short of the best when it comes to the care of these patriots," Governor Walker continued. "Improving communication between the WDVA and veterans service organizations and officers will also be a priority for Dan."

Mr. Zimmerman is a decorated combat veteran, having received the Bronze Star Medal twice and the Meritorious Service Medal five times. He holds a master’s degree in Homeland Security from American Military University in Charles Town, West Virginia, and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.

"‘Serving those who have served’ will be our guiding principle at WDVA. It will be engrained in every action we take," Mr. Zimmerman said. "I thank Governor Walker for trusting me to lead the department. I’m ready to get to work."

Since his retirement from the active Army in 2008, Mr. Zimmerman has worked as a training consultant for U.S. Na-tional Guard Bureau and as an exercise officer and threat planner at Wisconsin Emergency Management, Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs. He is also the vice president of the Ripon Area School District Board of Education, chairman of Big Hills Lake Management District, and serves as president of two non-profit charitable organizations. He resides in Ripon with his wife and four children.

January 2017: Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young and Tami Saleska) 608-637-5323

Tomah VAMC Notifies 592 Veterans of Screening

TOMAH, Wis. - The Tomah VA Medical Center is notifying 592 Veterans they are eligible to obtain free screenings for possible infections due to lapses in established infection control procedures that occurred in the Dental clinic with a single provider from October 2015 through October 2016.

The infection risk is low and limited to patients of a single clinician. VA is contacting potentially affected Veterans by phone and mail to explain the situation. Screenings for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV are being offered at no cost to the Veteran. Should an affected Veteran test positive, VA will provide the necessary care and treatment without charge.

A Communication Center is available to enable Veterans to ask questions. Those dental patients affected may call 1-888-598-7793 seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Special arrangements have been established to provide notified Veterans with a safe, easy, and private environment to obtain follow-up testing. The Clinic is in Building 400 Room # 1054 on the Tomah VA Medical Center Campus and will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon (excluding holidays). This clinic will be open until December 22, 2016. Notified Veterans are requested to call the number above for an appointment.

The Tomah VA Medical Center emphasizes that screening is strictly precautionary. There is no indication any pa-tients have contracted an infection.

After discovery of the risks taken by a single clinician the clinician was immediately removed from patient care. A fact-finding was ordered by the Acting Medical Center Director, which was completed on October 31, 2016, Clini-cal staff at the facility continues to review relevant patient records and will conduct validation studies to ensure all Veteran records are thoroughly inspected and verified

December Veterans Service Office (Jim Young and Tami Saleska) 608-637-5323

Tomah VAMC Notifies 592 Veterans of Screening

TOMAH, Wis. - The Tomah VA Medical Center is notifying 592 Veterans they are eligible to obtain free screenings for possible infections due to lapses in established infection control procedures that occurred in the Dental clinic with a single provider from October 2015 through October 2016.

The infection risk is low and limited to patients of a single clinician. VA is contacting potentially affected Veterans by phone and mail to explain the situation. Screenings for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV are being offered at no cost to the Veteran. Should an affected Veteran test positive, VA will provide the necessary care and treatment without charge.

A Communication Center is available to enable Veterans to ask questions. Those dental patients affected may call 1-888-598-7793 seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Special arrangements have been established to provide notified Veterans with a safe, easy, and private environment to obtain follow-up testing. The Clinic is in Building 400 Room # 1054 on the Tomah VA Medical Center Campus and will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon (excluding holidays). This clinic will be open until December 22, 2016. Notified Veterans are requested to call the number above for an appointment.

The Tomah VA Medical Center emphasizes that screening is strictly precautionary. There is no indication any pa-tients have contracted an infection.

After discovery of the risks taken by a single clinician the clinician was immediately removed from patient care. A fact-finding was ordered by the Acting Medical Center Director, which was completed on October 31, 2016, Clini-cal staff at the facility continues to review relevant patient records and will conduct validation studies to ensure all Veteran records are thoroughly inspected and verified.

Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young and Tami Saleska) 608-637-5323

Let us keep Tami Saleska in our thoughts and prayers as her mother Linda Engh passed away Wednesday morning, September 14th.

November Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young and Tami Saleska) 608-637-5323

VA to expand coverage for contaminated Camp Lejeune drinking water

The Department of Veterans Affairs expects up to 15,000 seriously ill veterans who served at Camp Lejeune, N.C., be-fore 1988, when base drinking water was contaminated, to be helped by a faster-track compensation process proposed last month. Eight medical conditions afflicting vets who served at Lejeune from Aug. 1, 1953, through Dec. 31, 1987, are to be presumed the result of exposure to carcinogens and other harmful chemicals that fouled base water systems. The proposed "presumptive" diseases are: kidney cancer, liver cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma, scleroderma, Parkinson's disease and aplastic anemia/myelodysplastic syndromes.

More information for Camp Lejeune veterans and survivors is online at: Caution-www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/camp-lejeune/. VA continues to review Camp Lejeune claims. However, for claims that would be denied under current regulations, decisions are being stayed until new regulations are made final.

American

Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young and Tami Saleska)

Operation Badger Base

A celebration of military Service will take place in Madison, Wisconsin August 11-14 on the grounds of Harley

Davidson of Madison and Ho Chunk Gaming Madison, 6200 Block of Mill Pond Road. The mission of Operation

Badger Base is to welcome home, promote healing and recognize the service and sacrifice of Veterans from all wars,

their families, friends and community. ALL activities, exhibits and performances are FREE and open to the public.

Operation Badger Base is a 501-(c)(3) Non-profit fiduciary partner with Mental Health America. All event profits will be distributed to benefit Wisconsin Veterans.

Operation Badger Base Events include:

The Wall That Heals - A scale replica of the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. There is also a Learning Center and Museum that will be open 24 hours per day.

A full-sized replica of the Tom of the Unknown Soldier memorial in Washington, DC.

Wisconsin Veterans Museum Exhibits featuring photographs and artwork from the museum collection.

Quilts of Valor award presentations.

Opening and Closing ceremonies, daily commemorative recognition of veteran service and sacrifice.

Native American Veterans Day on Friday, August 12 with dignitary speakers and performances by Wisconsin’s eleven tribes.

Daily military bugle calls, wreath presentations and bagpipe performances.

On-site veterans organizations for help with benefits, counseling and referrals.

FREE daily live performances on the Ho Chunk Gaming Stage.

Food and Beverage for purchase.

Wisconsin American Legion Riders motorcycle escort of The Wall That Heals to the event site.

For More information, go to www.operationbadgerbase.com.

Homeless Veterans Benefit from New Program

The "Welcome Home Veterans Pilot" is an innovative approach to use Federal Low Income Home and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds to provide housing and/or energy assistance to Veterans and spouses of deceased veterans experiencing homeless or at risk of homelessness in all 72 counties and seven Tribes of Wisconsin. Time period: May 31, 2016 – September 30, 2016. Veteran and/or spouses of veterans must meet the eligibility income guidelines. WHEAP identifies a veteran as anyone who has served or is serving in the US Military, to include National Guard or Reserve.

Eligible veterans or spouses of deceased veterans meeting the income limits can go to the following entry contacts to complete the appropriate paperwork. County Veteran Service Office, Continuum of Care Agencies, or the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP) specialists that serve 49 counties.

What the Program Can provide: (Case by Case situation): Security Deposit and First Month of Rent, Utilities and arrears (Electric, Gas & Propane) (Crisis Assistance), Eviction notice and arrears (Crisis Assistance)

If in doubt if someone qualifies or not, contact your local WHEAP agency or the Home Energy Plus Help Desk via (608) 267-3680 or heat@wisconsin.gov.

The success of this program along with federal funding opportunities will further determine if there is a future need to continue the program into the next Federal Fiscal Year.

Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young and Tami Saleska)

Dreams for Veterans

Your help sharing this program with veterans in need enables us to fulfill their final dreams. Dreams range from basic need items (like a working appliance or mobility scooter) to bedside reunions, final vacations with family, meetings with personal heroes or reconnecting with aspects of former military service.

Dream recipients are U.S. military veterans 18 years of age or older with a life expectancy of 12 months or less.

Dreams for Veterans collaborates with America’s hospice professionals and veterans organizations in all 50 states to meet the unique needs of our nation’s veterans.

Get involved. There are many ways to get involved including referring applicants, helping to make dreams come true, or donating time or resources to Dreams for Veterans. Dreams for Veterans is a program of Dream Foundation.

Refer a veteran and make a dream come true. www.dreamfoundation.org/veterans or 888-4DREAMS

Heroes With Hearing Loss

Designed to raise awareness and initiate meaningful dialog about shared hearing loss experiences among veterans, their families and friends – the Heroes With Hearing Loss program is a platform of engagement, providing insightful solutions and successful lifestyle-focused results.

For more information: call toll-free 800-974-1517, visit www.HeroesWithHearingLoss.org,

Email: info@HeroesWithHearingLoss.org

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-5323.

 

Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young and Tami Saleska)

The VCVSO has a limited number of tickets available at the office for Military Veterans Family Day at the Milwaukee County Zoo.

Sunday, July 3, 2016--9:00 am to 5:00pm--Milwaukee County Zoo--1001 W. Blue Mound Rd--Milwaukee, WI 53226--1-414-771-3040

Tickets can be picked up at the office – Mon. to Friday 8:30 to 4:30pm – 402 Courthouse Sq., Viroqua, WI 54665 Phone 608-637-5323. Please pass along to other veterans if you know of any.

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-5323.  See here! for PDF file to download!

Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young and Tami Saleska)

Sheriff John B. Spears would like to invite everyone to attend the Law Enforcement Police Memorial Service on Tues-day, May 17th, 2016 at 10:00am.

The service will be held in front of the Sheriff’s Office at 1320 Bad Axe Court in Viroqua, Wisconsin.

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-5323.

 

Pass along to fellow veterans Veteran Tickets Foundation, wanted to let you know about their great organization. They give out free event tickets to all kinds of things all across the country.

Stuff like football, baseball, soccer, basketball, concerts, zoo passes, plays and more!

You can sign up using the following link. http://www.VetTix.org/ref/252926 When you do, and verify your service you will get an additional 15 VetTix Lottery Coins to start off with!

January 2016: Free Ski Jumping For Legionnaires!

Are you looking for a really unique, fun winter event in one of Wisconsin’s most scenic locations? How about some-thing filled with thrills for participants - but that is safe for spectators? Something that you could see at the Winter Olympics - if you could get a ticket? And it’s something that’s FREE FOR VETERANS and their families! That event will happen on February 5th and 6th at the Snowflake Ski Club near Westby, WI - 25 miles southeast of La Crosse. That is when over 25 male ski jumpers from Norway, Finland, Poland and across the US will gather to compete in the 93rd Annual Snowflake Ski Jumping Tournament. All jumps will be on a "118 meter hill" – meaning the hill meets the same engineering specifications that are used in Olympic competition. Competition will begin at 7 PM Friday evening - jump-ing at night with lighting will add an exciting and unique venue! Saturday’s competition will begin at Noon. Once again, the Ski Club with the assistance of Logistics Health Incorporated (a LaCrosse based company that processes med-ical claims for many active duty military personnel and veterans) is admitting all veterans and their spouses at no charge upon display of a DD Form 214 or your American Legion membership card. Check out the following web site for pic-tures, a map, admission fees and an exciting YouTube video: www.snowflakeskiclub.com.

January 2016: Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young and Tami Saleska)

What is the role of a veterans service officer? (taken from an article in a National Legion publication)

A veterans service officer (VSO) is an individual who advocates for veterans benefits. They should never take an action which they believe to have a negative impact on the veteran or family of the veteran. The VSO is also responsible for being proficient in the areas of customer service, technical knowledge of regulation and law as it pertains to VA matters, and proper disposition of claims and appeals. They too should be empathetic, understanding and helpful.

I commonly group misconduct by VSOs into two sections: illegal and unprofessional. It is very rare that a VSO willingly executes an illegal action so I will focus on some issues which may constitute unprofessional conduct. These actions can include not filing a claim in a timely manner, unprofessional conversation with a client, and willfully submitting fraudulent evidence or documentation.

It is very important when seeking a professional VSO that you take several factors into consideration. First, verify that the service officer is accredited by a veterans service organization, such as The American Legion. Second, if a VSO attempts to charge you money for services rendered, either covertly or overtly, they should be reported to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Third, you should make an appointment with the prospective representative to explain your case and get a feel for how well they do their job. If you are not satisfied, find another VSO that you feel comfortable with. The VSO is your lifeline to VA benefits, and you must ensure that they are providing everything you deserve.

It is important to The American Legion that all of our accredited VSOs are competent, capable and professional. As an American Legion department service officer (DSO), one of our duties is to assure wholesome and professional service to veterans who have honored us by allowing us to represent their interests with VA. If you experience what you believe to be substandard service, you should contact the DSO for your state and file a written complaint.

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-5323.

<Novermber 2015: Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young and Tami Saleska)

Flag Display Cases available at the Vernon County Veterans Service Office

Constructed of rich mahogany colored hardwood and inserted with thick glass each dis-play case holds up to a 5’ x 9.6’ cotton flag. A die-cast, gold-plated United States Armed Forces medallion is centered onbod a bevel-cut double-mat. Easy open back panel and felt lined, scratch resistant bottom. Available with or without a 5’ x 9.6’ embroidered cotton Interment flag which is identical to those manufactured for the Veterans Admini-stration. Manufactured in the U.S.A. Outside dimensions:

26" x 13" x 3.5". The cost is $30.00 for the regular ones and $40.00 for Military specific ones.

The La Crosse Stand Down will be a one day event on October 29th from 8am to 3pm, which will be held at the Logis-tics Health Incorporated (LHI), Cargill Room, Front Street South, La Crosse, WI. Free services for Veterans in need, hot lunch served, employment services, medical assistance, housing referrals, social services, VA benefits, haircuts, toilet-ries, flu shots, clothing, boots and shoes, sleeping bags, jackets, gloves, hats. Questions, call (800) 872-8662 ext.64201.

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-5323.

Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young and Tami Saleska)

Share the Warmth - Sure, it seems strange to be talking about keeping warm with the weather we have had recently, but it is time to think about the cold weather and our veterans who may need some help keeping warm this year. We will be collecting donations of new and "Very Gently Used" Items for our veterans throughout the State of Wisconsin. The items we are looking for are as follows: Coats, Hooded Sweatshirts, Hats, Gloves, Warm Socks, Fleece Wear, Boots, Hand & Foot Warmers.

Appleton Harley Davidson & Wausau Harley Davidson have graciously allowed us to set up donation boxes at their locations for NEW ITEMS ONLY. For those who wish to donate "Gently Used Items" that have been cleaned, you can contact the members listed below to make arrangements.

In the Southwest part of the state contact John Curran at jcurran516@aol.com

Please be sure these items are gently used, cleaned and ready to be given to our Veterans.

For anyone wishing to make a cash donation we will be happy to do the shopping for you. Please make checks payable to Patriot Guard Riders-WI and in the memo line write Share the Warmth.

Please send your donation to the following address. Patriot Guard Riders-Wisconsin, 148 Kings Court, Dodgeville, WI 53533.

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-5323.

Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young and Tami Saleska)

Heroes with Hearing Loss - Designed to raise awareness and initiate meaningful dialog about shared hearing loss experiences among veterans, their families and friends – the Heroes with Hearing Loss program is a platform of engagement, providing insightful solutions and successful lifestyle-focused results.

These phones are free of charge for veterans with hearing loss, hearing aid compatible. Must have internet and phone line. Appli-cations are available at the office in Viroqua.

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-5323.

Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young and Tami Saleska) and other Military Information

Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young and Tami Saleska)

Dreams for Veterans

Your help sharing this program with veterans in need enables us to fulfill their final dreams. Dreams range from basic need items (like a working appliance or mobility scooter) to bedside reunions, final vacations with family, meetings with personal heroes or reconnecting with aspects of former military service.

Dream recipients are U.S. military veterans 18 years of age or older with a life expectancy of 12 months or less.

Dreams for Veterans collaborates with America’s hospice professionals and veterans organizations in all 50 states to meet the unique needs of our nation’s veterans.

Get involved. There are many ways to get involved including referring applicants, helping to make dreams come true, or donating time or resources to Dreams for Veterans. Dreams for Veterans is a program of Dream Foundation.

Refer a veteran and make a dream come true. www.dreamfoundation.org/veterans or 888-4DREAMS

Heroes With Hearing Loss

Designed to raise awareness and initiate meaningful dialog about shared hearing loss experiences among veterans, their families and friends – the Heroes With Hearing Loss program is a platform of engagement, providing insightful solutions and successful lifestyle-focused results.

For more information: call toll-free 800-974-1517, visit www.HeroesWithHearingLoss.org,

Email: info@HeroesWithHearingLoss.org

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-5323.

Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young and Tami Saleska)

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. To commemorate the month, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is encouraging Veterans, along with their families and friends, to visit and view recovery journey stories on the website, MakeTheConnection.net.

Make the Connection is a national awareness program operated by VA aimed at reducing the negative perceptions and stigma associated with seeking mental health care. Through the Website, Veterans and their loved ones hear from hundreds of other Veterans who may be experiencing similar challenges, learn strategies for support and recovery, along with local resources available through a resource locator.

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-5323.

Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young and Tami Saleska)

On August 7, 2014, President Obama signed into law the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146) ("VACAA"). Technical revisions to the Choice Act were made on September 26, 2014, when the President signed into law the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-175).

In March 2015, VA announced the expected expansion for eligibility for the Veterans Choice Program by changing the calculation used to determine the distance between a Veteran’s residence and the nearest VA medical facility from a straight line distance to driving distance.

Summary

One of the current eligibility criteria for the Veterans Choice Program is based on the distance calculation using the straight line distance from a Veteran’s home to the nearest VA medical facility. Under VA’s plan for expansion, this criterion will change to the driving distance calculation between the Veteran’s home and the nearest VA medical facility.

For example: Under the new distance calculation, a Veteran who lives less than 40 miles, straight line distance, from the nearest VA medical facility, but who needs to physically drive more than 40 miles to get there would be eligible for the Veterans Choice Program. Under the previous straight line distance calculation, this Veteran would not be eligible for the Program unless they were waiting for an appointment longer than 30-days from their preferred date or the date determined to be medically necessary by their physician.

VA is expanding the eligibility determination in order to increase Veterans access to high quality, timely healthcare. VA looks forward to continued collaboration with Veterans and our partners to ensure the success of the Veterans Choice Program.

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-5323.

Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young and Tami Saleska)

I would like to make you aware of the Wisconsin Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit. This program provides a refundable property tax credit for the primary residence (in state) and up to one acre of land via the state in-come tax form for eligible veterans as certified by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. The credit is equal to the property taxes paid during the year on the veteran’s or un-remarried surviving spouse’s principal dwelling in Wiscon-sin.

If you meet the following qualifications you are eligible to apply for this benefit:

100% Disabled VA Veteran

You have remained un-remarried since your husband’s/wife’s death AND

your husband/wife was a resident of the state of Wisconsin for at least the five years prior to his/her death AND

you pay property taxes for a primary residence in Wisconsin.

If you qualify, I would like to encourage you to contact this office for more information and assistance in applying.

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-5323.

Pass along to fellow veterans La Crosse Area Veterans Mentor Program - Heard in the news lately about a veteran that needs some help? The La Crosse Area Veterans Mentor Program (LAVMP) is there to help fellow veterans receive necessary services to enable them to reach their potential as productive members of their Wisconsin Hometown Community. Want to be a mentor to a fellow veteran in need? It doesn’t take a lot of time, just desire! Interested? … Call the La Crosse Area Veterans Men-tor Program at (608) 785-6420, or visit its website at www.lavmp.org. Never Leaving a Fellow Veteran Behind.

Tomah V.A.M.C. - There is a real need for the following donations at the Tomah VA Medical Center and King Veter-ans Home. Gripper Socks, T-Shirts, Velcro Shoes, Sweat Pants and Sweat Shirts preferably size large, x-large, and xx-large, Craft Supplies, Construction Paper, Markers, Colored Pencils, Canvas Boards, and Non-Toxic Acrylic Paints.

Upcoming Dates at King Veteran Home: Sunday, March 29th - Vietnam Veterans Day; Sunday, May 11th - Open House from 10am-3pm; Sunday, June 31st - American Legion and Auxiliary King Day; June 8th through June 14th - Veteran Week at the American Legion Camp; May 20th - 9am-11:30am, Fishing Contest for patients at the Tomah VA Medical Center pier put on by the American Legion.

How to Report VA Healthcare to the IRS this Tax Season:

 VA Healthcare enrollees, as well as spouses and surviving spouses enrolled in CHAMPVA, will be required to verify their healthcare coverage to the IRS this tax season. Questions are beginning to roll in to the CVSO office about how to report VA Healthcare and CHAMPVA coverage to the IRS in order to prevent a tax penalty under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obama-Care. The official answer to the question above is: "Beginning in 2015, VA will send Veterans and eligible beneficiaries a letter and IRS form 1095B which will provide the details of the health care coverage provided by VA for the previous year. As required by law, VA also will notify the IRS." To find more answers on your VA/CHAMPVA Healthcare and the ACA, go to: http://www.va.gov/health/aca/FAQ.asp

Comfort Warriors gives 100% of donations back

The American Legion’s Comfort Warriors gives 100% of donations to the hospitals and to individuals needing assis-tance from their wounds.

This is not to be confused with the Wounded Warrior Project. The following information is from a recent email (not sure everything is true, but it should entice you to investigate before making a donation).

"I recently pointed out in an article that I thought it was obscene that the executive director of Wounded Warriors is paid well over $300,000-a-year. I also wondered how the group could afford to advertise as extensively as it does on Fox News.

But, I recently received an email from Dr. Richard Stiso that exposed exactly how the charity spends the money it re-ceives from patriotic Americans. According to Guidestar, a group that investigates charities, the Wounded Warrior Pro-ject might as well be run by the Mafia. In 2012, the WWP received an astronomical $154,958,901, with a measly $4,857,084 going out in grants to veterans’ organizations and $671,194 to individuals. That means that the group only used 3.5% of the money it received for the purpose intended.

In the meantime, the Officers, Directors and Trustees hauled in $15,415,666 million, with Employee Benefits ($2,226,457), Office Expenses ($12,451,303), Travel ($4,086,509), Promotional Items ($4,055, 567) and something called Outside Services ($20,915,404) accounting for roughly 50% of what’s listed as "Overhead Expenses."

Pass along to fellow veterans:

 Veteran Tickets Foundation, wanted to let you know about their great organization. They give out free event tickets to all kinds of things all across the country.

Stuff like football, baseball, soccer, basketball, concerts, zoo passes, plays and more!

You can sign up using the following link. http://www.VetTix.org/ref/252926 When you do, and verify your service you will get an additional 15 VetTix Lottery Coins to start off with!

The Vernon County Veteran Service Office is happy to announce that a Veteran Mentor Program has been established, and they are in the process of looking for volunteers to mentor other veterans in their time of need. All volunteers will have to attend a 3 hour class that will be given at the Vernon County Veteran Service Office at a later date. All volun-teers are preferred to have military experience. Please contact Tami Saleska at 608-637-5323 for more information or to volunteer.

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-5323.

Thanks for your support of Camp American Legion. 2015 is looking to be a great year. More information on Camp American Legion, and an application can be gotten off their website – wilegion.org/ click on Camp American Legion logo and go from there.

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-53

Please keep in mind when posting on social media:

Our friends at the FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a warning to current and former military members to review their social media accounts and avoid posts that might attract attention from the group calling itself the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL) and its supporters.

The FBI and DHS notes that the Islamic State group already has publicly encouraged attacks against law enforcement and military Service members.

The bulletin includes a concern that ISIS members are "spotting and assessing" individuals in the U.S. who they believe may be interested in carrying out attacks on US soil against members of the U.S. military.

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-5323.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced that the "Road to Veterans Day" initiative, announced on September 8th by Secretary Robert A. McDonald, has resulted in significant progress for Veterans over the past 3 months. During that time, VA has taken deliberate actions to improve service delivery for Veterans, re-build trust, increase accountability and transparency and put the department on the path to long-term excellence and re-form. For access to the full "Road to Veterans Day" report, see: http://www.va.gov/…/publ…/RoadtoVeteransDay_ActionReview.pdf

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-5323.

Vernon County Youth Government Day - November 5th

Thanks to all of the members that showed up for the Vernon County Youth Government Day! American Legion members from throughout Vernon County recite the Pledge of Allegiance, Wednesday, Nov. 5, with students participating in the 50th annual Vernon County American Legion Youth Government Day. The day began with students observing proceedings in the circuit courtroom and ended with lunch at the Viroqua Legion Hall, which was followed by Judge Michael Rosborough, Sheriff John Spears and District Attorney Tim Gaskell talking about their duties. High school students from Viroqua, Westby, La Farge, Brookwood and Hillsboro participated

Veterans Day Chicken-q - November 9th

Thanks to everyone who came and made the Veterans Day Chicken-q such a great success! Preliminary figures showed we made roughly $1,200.00.

Commander Hess:  A big thank you is in order to everyone who showed up at Coon Valley Elementary School, Westby High School and Norseland Nursing Home for Veterans Day. We had a lot of participation and the Honor Guard performed with precision!

We have Night At The Races coming up on November 20th at the VA in Tomah ..."

From the Adjutants Desk:

Thanks to the large contingent from Post 116 that showed up for the Annual Veterans Day activities at the schools! Front: Gary Hess, John Thurk, Charles Nelson, Wesley Guy

Middle: Stuart Peter-son, Don Kammel, Phil Humfeld, Francis Mathison, Larry Hass, Rolv Ihle

Back: Viki Lyn Burgemeister, Rod Ofte, Dan Hofslien, Roger Mathison, Gordy Hellwig

Sherman and Lois Olson attended the Veterans Day ceremony at UW-LaCrosse.

 

The VA Medical Center in Tomah will be hosting two drive through flu shot clinics in October. Veterans, VA volunteers and VA employees are invited to attend the event on Oct. 8 and 9 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you do attend the event, don’t forget your VA identification card. You will be able to stay in your car but make sure you wear clothing that allows you to expose your upper arm. For more information about the Tomah VA drive through flu shot, call Cindy Clay at 608-372-3971, ext. 64454.

DNR salutes our veterans!

Resident Purple Heart recipients can purchase a Conservation Patron license at a reduced rate (Resident - $10, Nonresi-dent - $161). In addition, a non-resident Purple Heart recipient may receive hunting, fishing and trapping approvals at resident rates. They also

Veteran’s Memorial Update and Information

The Coon Creek Area Veterans Memorial Committee is always looking for serviceperson’s who may be eligible for inclusion on the Veterans Memorial. If you think you are eligible, or if you know of anyone who should be eligible, please fill out or have the person fill out the information below and return it to one of the members of the Coon Creek Area Veterans Memorial Com-mittee. John Thurk, Don Kammel, Melanie Role, Rod Ofte, or Charles Nelson.

Flag Display Cases available at the Vernon County Veterans Service Office

Constructed of rich mahogany colored hardwood and inserted with thick glass each dis-play case holds up to a 5’ x 9.6’ cotton flag. A die-cast, gold-plated United States Armed Forces medallion is centered onbod a bevel-cut double-mat. Easy open back panel and felt lined, scratch resistant bottom. Available with or without a 5’ x 9.6’ em-broidered cotton Interment flag which is identical to those manufactured for the Veterans Administration. Manufactured in the U.S.A. Outside dimensions:

26" x 13" x 3.5". The cost is $30.00 for the regular ones and $40.00 for Military specific ones.

The La Crosse Stand Down will be a one day event which will be held at the Logistics Health Incorporated (LHI) 328 Front Street South, La Crosse, Wisconsin. We are hoping to have about 20-30 booths/tables for local community agencies. We will have a room with "give away" items for low in-come or homeless Veterans; this will include personal hygiene, clothing, shoes/boots, and jackets.

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-5323.

This is just a snippet concerning the DVA’s release of names and addresses.

Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young and Tami Saleska)

Veterans Benefits Expo – 21 August 2014 – 11:00am to 6:00pm @ Logistics Health Inc., 328 Front St. South, La-Crosse, WI 54601.------Services and resource available for state, local and federal Benefits------Determine eligibility to apply for state, local and Federal benefits------Connect with Local employment Reps------Navigate Educational Opportu-nities------Submit Military Records requests and discharge review------Learn about Wisconsin Veterans Homes and Cemeteries------Engage with the Federal VA Regional Office.

There will be 3 workshops presented throughout the day by Wisconsin Procurement Institute on Veterans starting their own business.

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-5323.

Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young and Tami Saleska)

Veterans Benefits Expo – 21 August 2014 – 11:00am to 6:00pm @ Logistics Health Inc., 328 Front St. South, La-Crosse, WI 54601.------Services and resource available for state, local and federal Benefits------Determine eligibility to apply for state, local and Federal benefits------Connect with Local employment Reps------Navigate Educational Opportu-nities------Submit Military Records requests and discharge review------Learn about Wisconsin Veterans Homes and Cemeteries------Engage with the Federal VA Regional Office.

There will be 3 workshops presented throughout the day by Wisconsin Procurement Institute on Veterans starting their own business.

Any Purple Heart recipient from Wisconsin is eligible to purchase the State Patrons hunting license at a cost of $10.00.

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-5323.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation project "Faces Never Forgotten" needs help obtaining missing photos of Vietnam veterans from Wisconsin. These photos will help complete an electronic "Wall of Faces" in the new education center at the Vietnam Memorial Wall.

Please check the wall’s website for friends and loved ones, and help with the effort to supply faces, that they may be "Never Forgotten". Simply go to http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/ and search for a name. Submit digital photos, or send to your local newspaper for submission.

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-5323.

The Military/Veterans Family Day at the Milwaukee County Zoo will be held on Sunday, July 6, 2014. Ticket distribution will not begin until May 27, 2014.

The Vernon County Veterans Service Office has requested tickets.

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-5323.

VA Home Loan Seminar - Viroqua VSO

There will be a VA Home Loan Seminar at 6:00pm on Thursday, May 1 at the Vernon County Veterans

Affairs Office, 402 Courthouse Square, Suite 100, Viroqua, WI 54665.

Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Vernon County Veterans Affairs at 608-637-5323.

Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young and Tami Saleska)

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 recently.

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 na-tional 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 Authoriza-tion Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14.

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-5323.

For each Sunday home game in 2014, the Brewers offer two FREE Terrace Level tickets to active and retired military personnel. The offer applies to all branches of the military service. Active and retired military personnel must present valid military identification which entitles them to two FREE Terrace Level tickets redeemable at windows 7-12 at Miller Park on the day of game only. This offer is based on ticket availability. Please contact the Brewer Ticket office directly at (414) 902-4000 for more information.

Show your military ID, VA ID or DD-214 no sooner than two hours before game time, at the ticket window under the clock tower (faces north, behind home plate).

Congratulations to Tami Saleska on being selected as the U.S. Air Force representative to the Fort McCoy Military Retiree Council. The Council represents military retirees residing in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan and Northern Illinois and serves as a link through the chain-of-command for issues concerning retiree benefits.

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-5323.

The address for the Veterans Service Office is 402 Courthouse Square, Banta Bldg. Suite 100, Viroqua, WI 54665. Office: (608) 637-5323 or (608) 637-5327. Fax: (608) 638-2327 Tami can also be reached via email at tami.saleska@vernoncounty.org

Vernon County Veterans Service Office (Jim Young and Tami Saleska)

USS Wisconsin (BB-64) to be celebrated at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum – 30 W. Mifflin St., Madison 53703 - on Thursday, April 24th at 7:00 P.M. The Museum is looking for those who served aboard the USS Wisconsin to attend and take part.

If you know of any crew members of the Wisconsin that served aboard her during WWII, Korea, Vietnam, or the Per-sian Gulf, please share this request with them and have them contact Kevin Hampton at (608) 261-5409 or Kevin.Hampton@dva.Wisconsin.gov

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska with any VSO questions at 608-637-5323.

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) update

The American Legion's mission, in part, is to represent your interests on Capitol Hill. As a nonprofit organization, we do not have the luxury of being able to influence lawmakers with campaign support, or the promise of bringing grants, contracts, or jobs to their districts. The only power we have is the power of voter voice – nearly 3 million voter voices, and that's where you come in. As you may know, we are currently working on getting the one percent military retiree Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) reduction provision of the recently passed budget repealed. This provision penalizes military retirees one per-cent of their COLA every year until they reach age 62. At that time, the provision adjusts their reduction to the full amount of their COLA, but doesn’t replace the lost income. Aggregated, this loss of income can be between $70,000 and $120,000 over the lifetime of the retiree. What we believe is happening now is congressional leaders are taking a lot of heat over the COLA issue, especially because they neglected to parse out the medically retired veterans who were separated from the military due to life-long catastrophic injuries. In an attempt to appear as if they are addressing the whole issue, it looks as if Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is planning on allowing an amendment to an upcoming bill that would address the COLA issue by only fixing it for medically retired veterans, leaving the rest of the retired veteran community, about 1 million retirees, to single handedly give the government back a portion of their retirement checks in order to help roll back the cost of se-questration. Most important to note is that this is the ONLY group being asked to give money out of their pockets that will never be returned.

Departments of Military Affairs and Veterans Affairs are partnering to distribute a special book to those veterans who served in that conflict.

"KOREA REBORN: A Grateful Nation Honors War Veterans for 60 Years of Growth". To commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War, the Wisconsin Departments of Military Affairs and Veterans Affairs are partnering to distribute a special book to those veterans who served in that conflict. "Korea Reborn: A Grateful Nation Honors War Veterans for 60 Years of Growth" is available for free to Korean War Veterans or family members as a gift of gratitude from the Korean government. The hardbound, full-color, 175 page commemorative is provided to honor these great veterans and the families for their service and sacrifice. These books are available at the Vernon County Veterans Service Office. These will be given to Korean War veterans at this time only, on a first come first basis, we initially received 20 books and have some left, but are expecting another order sometime in January 2014.

Please contact Jim Young or Tami Saleska at 608-637-5323.

Starting Monday, December 2, you may visit your local Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) service center to re-quest the Veteran Identifier be put on your Wisconsin Driver’s License. If it is not your regular renewal time you will be charged the $14.00 duplicate license fee. If it is your regular renewal time you will be charged the standard renewal rate. You will need a copy of your DD 214 and a WDVA 2241, this form can be gotten online or at your local Veteran Service Office. If you have any questions please call Jim or Tami at 608-637-5323.

VA is implementing a comprehensive national VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) to give enrolled Veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries the opportunity to purchase dental insurance through Delta Dental and MetLife at a reduced cost. Participation is voluntary. Purchasing a dental plan does not affect Veterans’ eligibility for VA dental services and treatment. VADIP opens November 15 for the purchasing of plans, with coverage beginning January 1, 2014. Covered services include diagnostic, preventative, surgical, emergency and endodontic/restorative treatment. Delta Dental and MetLife are offering multiple plans. Each participant pays the fixed monthly premiums for coverage and any copayments required, depending on the type of plan selected. Dependents of Veterans, except those eligible under CHAMPVA, are not authorized to participate in VADIP. Those individuals may be eligible for separate dental insurance coverage offered by these carriers.

Backlog of Disability Claims Reduced by 34 Percent since March. 93 Percent of Claims Over One Year Old Completed

WASHINGTON (Nov. 7, 2013) –The Department of Veterans Affairs has made significant progress in reducing the backlog of disability compensation claims – from 611,000 to 400,835 or 34 percent -- since peaking in March. One Million Now Benefit from Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Over $30 Billion in Benefits for Veterans, Service members, Families

WASHINGTON (Nov. 8, 2013) – The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that 1 million Veterans, Ser-vicemembers, and family members have benefited from the Post-9/11 GI Bill since the program’s inception in August 2009.

Flag Display Cases available at the Vernon County Veterans Service Office

Constructed of rich mahogany colored hardwood and inserted with thick glass each dis-play case holds up to a 5’ x 9.6’ cotton flag. A die-cast, gold-plated United States Armed Forces medallion is centered on a bevel-cut double-mat. Easy open back panel and felt lined, scratch resistant bottom. Available with or without a 5’ x 9.6’ embroidered cotton Interment flag which is identical to those manufactured for the Veterans Administration. Manufactured in the U.S.A. Outside dimensions: 26" x 13" x 3.5". The cost is $30.00 for the regular ones and $40.00 for Military specific ones.

VETERANS EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE

The Middleton VA is conducting a series of Workshops on Job Search Skills for Veterans and their family members with a focus on Federal Employment. Contact Jeanne Louther at (608) 256-1901 ext. 12976 or at jeanne.louther@va.gov.

Veteran’s Memorial Update and Information

The Coon Creek Area Veterans Memorial Committee is always looking for serviceperson’s who may be eli-gible for inclusion on the Veterans Memorial. If you think you are eligible, or if you know of anyone who should be eligible, please fill out or have the person fill out the information below and return it to one of the members of the Coon Creek Area Veterans Memorial Committee. John Thurk, Don Kammel, Melanie Role, Rod Ofte, or Charles Nelson.

Pension vs. Compensation. Pension is Income Driven. It is available to war time veterans, who are not able to work, with low incomes, and that are under the age of sixty-five. Compensation is for anybody with a service connected disability. WISCONSIN Resource Links

Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) 1-800-947-8387 – http://dva.state.wi.us

Funeral Honors – 1-800-947-8387 – http://dva.state.wi.us/Ben_funeralhonors.asp

WI Job Center, La Crosse, Job Service Veterans’ Representative – 1-608-785-9376

Madison VA Hospital – 1-888-478-8321 – http://www.madison.va.gov/index.asp

Tomah VA Hospital – 1-800-872-8662 – http://www.tomah.va.gov/index.asp

Tomah Homeless Veterans Programs – 1-800-872-8662, ext. 67768 –

http://www.tomah.va.gov/Homeless_Asstance_Resources.asp

La Crosse VA Clinic – 1-608-784-3886

La Crosse Vet Center – 1-608-782-4403

Retirement Services Officer, Ft. McCoy – 1-800-452-0923

VA Benefits: website: www.va.gov

Veterans Affairs update on Annual Eligibility Verification Report

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced that veterans will no longer have to complete an annual Eligibility Verification Report (EVR). This elimination will allow more than 100 VA staff to focus on the compensation claims backlog.

Completion of an EVR has been required annually of beneficiaries to ensure pension benefits are received. Now, VA will work with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify continued eligibility for pension benefits.

VA will send a letter to beneficiaries who currently receive pension that explains the changes and provides instructions on how to continue to submit their unreimbursed medical expenses.

Visit www.benefits.va.gov/pension for more information about VA pension benefits.

Interesting Tid-Bits  for Wisconsin Veterans

Estimates of Wisconsin's Veterans Population

Total number of veterans living in Wisconsin - 20113

407,624

Total number of wartime veterans living in Wisconsin

295,970

Total number of peacetime veterans living in Wisconsin

111,655

Total number of Women veterans living in Wisconsin

28,374

World War I veterans: 0

World War II Era veterans: 32,185

Korean War Era veterans: 43,436

Veterans of the Vietnam War Era (Feb. 21, 1961 - May 8, 1975): 138,761

Veterans of the Persian Gulf War Era (Aug. 2, 1990 - ): 90,193

Gulf War, Deployed*: 10,400

Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, Deployed**: 33,169

Notes: 1) "Era" service includes those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces anywhere in the world during the specified timeframe. 2) Veterans with service in more than one war and/or era are counted under each war and/or era. 3) Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VetPop2007, September 30, 2011. * Gulf War, Iraq War, and Afghanistan War deployed veterans are included in the Gulf War Era. ** Source for Iraq/Afghanistan data is U.S. Department of Defense: "Legal Residence/ Home Address for Service Members Ever Deployed as of December 31, 2011, Source: CTS Deployment File as of December 31, 2011" Source for all other data is U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs: http://www.va.gov/vetdata/Veteran_Population.asp