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Veterans and Military Information: Coon Valley American Legion Post 116 |
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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.
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
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*: 10,400Iraq 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
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