American Veterans (AMVETS), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) push the Obama Administration and Congress to extend the proposed Federal budget to $68 billion for Veterans Health Care and Benefits.

So far, the 2013 Independent Budget Report has $64 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)for veterans health issues, but according to the veterans organizations, that is not nearly enough to meet the needs. According to the Associated Press (via the Observer-Dispatch), the increase recommended by these groups is 10.6%.

However, 2013 Independent Budget Report is on the upcoming docket for Congress. Essentially, the Report is up for debate, discussion and a vote in front of Congress, so there is room for negotiation.

What the Independent Budget Report is, above all, are directions for the Administration and Congress to follow in order to meet the needs of America's veterans. At the core, the Independent Budget Report stipulates how the money allotted to the VA is spent, as advised by veterans' groups, the Administration and Congress.

The silver lining for the veterans organizations is the fact that the spending limit was increased for the VA. Though the main allocation of the funding in the Report was for veterans' health, there is spending growth for combating unemployment and homelessness in the veteran community .

Along with health issues, the biggest concerns for the veteran population have everything to do with our country's current economic status. Unemployment and homelessness, unfortunately, go hand-in-hand, and to fully address this issue, the veterans' organizations recognize the need to open the purse strings.

Despite this promising increase of spending for veterans' health, the major concern for these top veterans organizations is in maintaining consistent, quality health care. Recent changes in the VA health care system has left some veterans out in the cold, and the proposed increase by the veterans' groups in spending for the 2013 Independent Budget hopes to address that potential short-fall.

Contact your Congressional representative and urge them to increase the budget by $4 billion to fully address the health issues facing our veterans. Find your U.S. Senator or Representative here.

Employers of Veterans

As of today, the IRS published additional information for employers who have hired veterans in 2011. There is a tax credit available for such employers. Depending on the business structure, the credit is worth up to $9,600 per veteran employee (for-profit businesses) and $6,240 per veteran employee (non-profit organizations and other tax-exempt businesses).

There is a change to the filing: previously, employers had 28 days to file form 8850, but under the new rules, employers have until June 12, 2012 to fill out the form for any employees hired between November 22, 2011 and May 22, 2012.

According to the IRS, after May 22, the previous 28 day rule applies once again.

Active Duty Service Members

The IRS, for Federal Tax purposes, deems United States Armed Forces as any member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and any branch “controlled” by the Secretaries of Defense. The Merchant Marines and American Red Cross do not fall under this category, but may qualify for separate tax benefits if they have been working in a combat zone.

An entire list of tax credits, breaks and information for active duty service members can be found at theIRS, including details about the First-Time Homebuyer Credit and Military Combat Personnel Economic Stimulus Payments.

Additional Information and Tips

Unfortunately, there are individuals and companies out there that prey on the uninformed during tax time. Veterans, active duty service members and their families are at a higher risk of these scam artists

• Everyone must pay taxes, and if someone tries to convince you otherwise, then it is a scam.
• The IRS provides free help for tax preparation services.
• Beware of tax services, companies and individual tax preparers that are not vetted by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). If you choose to use a third-party to prepare your 2011 taxes, work with an accredited service. If you are unsure whether the service you would like to use is reliable and trustworthy, run the company name or individual through BBB.
• Never sign a blank tax return, regardless of who prepares it. This is a scam.
• Watch out for fake IRS forms. There are people out there that prey during tax time in order to steal identities.
• The IRS also warns of that if the tax service “sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” If you come across a tax scam, then report it directly to the IRS by filling out Form 3949-A and to the BBB.

According to the DVNF, the overriding concern is not necessarily paying monthly bills, but preventing homelessness. Since DVNF's inception, combating homelessness among veterans is the organization's top priorities.

The number of veterans and disabled veterans in low-income or subsidized housing has increased recently, and with that increase, many veterans are often just one unpaid bill away from eviction. Further, homelessness among veterans has also dramatically escalated since the early 2000s, especially among the Iraq and Afghanistan veteran population.

Though these “emergency” grants are a temporary fix, it prevents another growing problem among low-income veterans: payday loans. Payday loan centers offer quick money to desperate people at exorbitant fees, and perpetuate the poverty cycle.

The economic pressures hit the veteran population the hardest. More veterans are struggling to stay in their homes than ever before, and this is the reason behind the DVNF's “emergency” grant program. Each grant application is reviewed on an individual basis, often dependent on the type of need requested and how many individuals are in the household.

DVNF's individual grants may be used for rent or mortgage, and for “essential” utilities, such as heating, water, electric and waste. Applications must include DVNF's financial request form, copies of bills, copy of the veteran applicant's DD214 form and signed consent form. Further, DVNF encourages veterans to work with a caseworker from a local Veterans Affairs office ( VA) or any Veterans Service Organization (a list can be found at the VA). Cover letters are required with every application, and if a cover letter is written on the behalf of an applicant by a caseworker from the VA or VSO, it speeds up the grant review process.

Many local and state veterans' departments also offer emergency grants to help alleviate household costs. Check with your local VA for availabilities.

Only two of the sixteen top contenders for the Oval Office have military experience – Representative Ron Paul and Texas Governor Rick Perry. Rep. Paul served in the United States Air Force as a Flight Surgeon in the 1960s. Governor Perry also served in the US Air Force, flying C-130s and was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1977.

Not since the election of Teddy Roosevelt in 1944 has there not been more military veterans vying for President.

Echoing what most voters are seeing is the online political hub, Politico: “Americans are likely to cast their votes in the first presidential race in nearly 70 years where neither major party nominee has ever worn the nation's uniform.” And, as Politico points out, our standing President, who is seeking another term, does not have military experience.

What has changed, then?

Perhaps the lack of military experience in the majority of the 2012 Presidential candidates is partly because of the evolution of our nation's military to an all-volunteer core. Perhaps this change is due to what American voters are looking for in their Commander-in-Chief. Perhaps those individuals with sights set on the Oval Office are different than those who have sought the Pennsylvania address in the past.

What is also interesting is that since 9/11, our country has been at war. In December, our country formally ended the war in Iraq, but we still have troops on the ground in Afghanistan. As a nation, during times of war and during times of peace, we have always leaned towards having a President that has had military experience.

However, 2012 is a big election year, not only for the Presidency but for Congress, state offices and local positions. It might just be that the majority of the front-runners for President are the exception, not the rule.

Many veterans opt for public office because it is a natural extension of their military experience. Being a public servant, though on a different front altogether, requires the same sense of honor, duty and bravery. These characteristics overflow in veterans, and often make for strong public servants.

In its achievements, the VA has:

• found housing for 33,000 veterans
• updated the requirements for substance abuse treatment, and
• monitored carefully the progress of mental health of veterans

All of these factors, along with the downturn in the economy, contributed to the sudden and rapid increase of homeless veterans.

This ambitious project targets veterans who have found themselves habitually without a roof over their heads, veterans who pose an imminent risk of homelessness and those who are newly homeless.

Besides the VA, there are many local, state and national programs that help combat homelessness in veteran groups, including Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army. However, the VA does offer grants to these organizations dedicated to help homeless veterans.

But, another question that naturally arises when talking about homeless veterans is that, why are there so many to begin with? Are we, as a nation, abandoning these brave souls, or is there something else going on?

Ambitious or not, the VA's five-year project of ending homelessness actually does more for the veterans' community than just provide stable and consistent housing. The program tackles the underlying issues that cause the homelessness in the first place: substance abuse and mental health issues, both stemming from time in the service.

That is not the case for the Iraq War, so it seems.

For some, since there is still another war going on in Afghanistan, big, nation-wide celebrations are a bit premature. There are still men and women fighting and dying.

However, others believe that to honor the end of the Iraq War does not necessarily mean that our thoughts and prayers are not with those service men and women in Afghanistan, and that their sacrifice isn't any less important just because their conflict isn't over yet.

Furthermore, it may also be a distinction between the two different administrations that have overseen both the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. President Bush, for example, took many opportunities to celebrate the achievements in the wars. It is the thought, however, that President Obama is taking a more conservative point of view when it comes to celebrating the end of the Iraq War.

Professor of military history Don Mrozek of Kansas State University via The Huffington Post echoes this thought, “It's going to be a bit awkward to be celebrating too much, given how much there is going on and how much there will be going on in Afghanistan.”

Celebrations for end of war have pervaded our nation's hearts and minds for centuries. However, larger, more prolific celebrations that require approval and permission from the federal government will not happen, as of yet.

Smaller, more intimate, community-oriented parades will pop up across the country as the troops return from Iraq. These smaller celebrations will also honor the duty, bravery and sacrifice veterans of the conflict added.

Perhaps, the question that remains is whether when the conflict in Afghanistan is over, will there be celebrations, parades and ceremonies for both wars?

The reason for this sharp increase is simple: there are more women in combat today than ever before.

According to the United States Census, in 2010, there are nearly 1.8 million female veterans, and according to CNN, the number of women serving has “doubled in the last 30 years.” Further, more women are serving in combat positions than in any other prior conflict.

So, with the combined, sharp increase of both women serving in the military and women serving in combat positions, there isn’t any surprise that there is a rise in reported PTSD cases among women.

Nearly 20% of military women, including veterans and active duty, have been diagnosed with PTSD in recent years. Unfortunately, these numbers correspond to the number of military men diagnosed during the same time period.

Though, there has been an incredible amount of copy, news stories and reports about the dangers of PTSD, especially among veterans and active duty service members, what the real concern is that the number of reported PTSD diagnoses are, in fact, low.

For many veterans and those still serving, there is an unnecessary stigma attached to a PTSD diagnosis, and because of that, they are less likely to seek proper medical treatment.

Even more, the symptoms and signs of PTSD are often mistaken for normal, general anxiety and issues that result from transitioning back into civilian life.

Further, PTSD isn’t a physical injury, which makes it all the more difficult for veterans and active duty service members to acknowledge that there is something else going on.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), PTSD may occur in individuals that have experienced a traumatic event, including combat. Symptoms and signs may not even occur until weeks or months after the event.

It is important for all of us to keep talking about PTSD and other psychological injuries our brave men and women receive while they serve our country. And, that’s what this new article from CNN does: it keeps us talking.

This Wednesday marks the 70^th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks.

The assault on Pearl Harbor was unprecedented and widespread. Lasting for nearly two hours, the Imperial Japanese Navy unleashed a military fury that virtually caught the United States off-guard.

According to PearlHarbor.org, over 3,500 people lost their lives, along with 188 aircraft and countless vessels. 1,247 military personnel were wounded and 57 civilians were caught in the crossfire.

Out of the nearly 60,000 active duty military personnel stationed at and around Pearl Harbor at the time of the attack, only 3,000 are alive today. In a statement released honoring the dedication and sacrifice of the military on Pearl Harbor, the Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki reaffirmed the VA’s continued commitment to “ America’s greatest generation,” a moniker signifying all of the men and women who served bravely during World War II.

The decision to bomb Pearl Harbor’s naval base was more of a defensive strategy by the Imperial Japanese Navy. Instead of desiring to provoke the United States to officially join World War II, Japanese military officials used the bombing as a preventative means. Essentially, they didn’t want the United States to meddle in their war efforts in Asia.

This “infamous” day marked the United States official entry into the then global war, joining efforts on both the European and Pacific fronts.

As we all celebrate, honor and remember the service and sacrifice our military made on that fateful day in 1941, let us not forget that those events lead to the deaths of nearly 400,000 United States service members with 700,000 wounded.

On the 70^th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, its important for us, as a nation, to give thanks and honor to those brave souls. Spend some time immersing yourself in the fascinating stories and accounts of those who were there atNational Geographic. Reeducate yourself on the timeline of the attack at the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. Or, consider donating to an organization that supports medical research for Navy veterans with mesothelioma from their time spent on naval vessels manufactured with asbestos.

However you chose to honor December 7, remember that the events that took place forever changed the face of not only our country but also the world as we know it.

U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the committee, charged George J. Opfer, Inspector General of the VA, to take a considered and serious look into the allegations brought forth before the panel.

Possibly the most severe allegations brought up during testimony in front of the Senate committee is that some VA medical staff are focusing on meeting Department-wide goals instead of providing thorough mental health care for each veteran with combat-related psychological issues.

Essentially, VA staff is fudging with the numbers so that it appears they are meeting goals set for veterans seeking care for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

As a VA standard, any veteran seeking medical attention for PTSD must receive treatment in 2 weeks of being first evaluated. This shocking testimony came from Michelle Washington, a coordinator of PTSD services at Delaware based VA center.

According to Ms. Washington, the problem is scarce staffing at these facilities . In short, without proper staff, veterans seeking medical care for PTSD and other psychological issues stemming from their time in the service face a considerable delay. The staff at VA facilities are blocked by both a VA-wide requirement of providing proper care in a certain period of time after initial evaluation and the lack of staff to provide this follow-up care.

It’s a Catch-22.

The fudging of the numbers is because of this: staff books the first, required follow-up appointment after the initial evaluation, and must push back the appointment because of the scarcity of staff. They meet their goals of scheduling the first appointment in the required period, but then the veterans seeking mental health care lose.

More than the lack of staffing, the most serious problem is that many veterans who have had their appointments rescheduled no longer feel motivated to seek any additional treatment. Especially with veterans with PTSD, this move is extremely hazardous.

Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, Founder and President of the non-profit Give an Hour, also testified in front of the Senate panel to the disastrous impact of when a veteran is not offered proper mental health treatment.

“[W]e are already seeing the consequences of the failure to identify and provide treatment to those OIF/OEF [Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom] veterans in need as they come home from war.” Dr. Van Dahlen continues by citing that in the veteran population, there has been a drastic increase of homelessness and divorce over the past 10 years.

It is the hope that the investigation that Senator Murray charged Inspector General Opfer with will rectify these major issues.

To help you on your way to gift-giving greatness, here are a handful of ideas for that special someone. Holidays are meant for family, and sending the right gift will make your stationed loved one even brighter.

Great gift ideas:

• Create a photo album of your best photos (try Snapfish)

· An electronic tablet loaded with games, books and magazine subscriptions

· DVD collections of classic movies, new television shows and old favorites (like House M.D., The Wire or check out Time Magazine’s “All-Time TV Shows” for ideas)

• New paperback or audio books

· Good, old-fashioned board games like Monopoly, Scrabble or Life

• A scrapbook highlighting the past year’s events
• Framed photos
• Collection of your children’s art or school work
• Prepaid cell phones, calling cards or a pre-paid Skype account to stay in touch
• Video games
• A high-tech flashlight, watch or sunglasses
• Digital camera with a printer

· An iTunes gift card so that they can get music, movies and television shows

Overseas shipping regulations to keep in mind:

· Never write the destination country as a part of the address because it may delay delivery and may increase your shipping charges

· All overseas military shipping must be through the United States Postal Service

· Avoid any hazardous materials (like guns or alcohol) and always check your shipping location for any additional restrictions

· Remove batteries from all electronic devices and don’t send batteries separately in the package

· Package all boxes securely and must not weigh more than 70 pounds

· Print address clearly instead of writing in script or cursive

· Don’t use “recycled” boxes to ship, especially those that have names of products or businesses, and if you must use “recycled” boxes, cover them in brown shipping paper

• Ship packages as early as possible

Remember, the last day to ship packages to military overseas is Saturday, December 17 . This ensures a Christmas delivery. Check with the United States Postal Service for more details and locate your nearest Post Office.

To find military postal codes for your overseas family member, visit Operation Home Front for a complete listing. Always make sure you have the complete military address including an APO/FPO.

Connections, bonds and a sense of belonging are what all of us crave, and those without, get the full weight of their absence. According to the Huffington Post, even the best of us are affected by loneliness during the holidays.

For veterans without family and friends to celebrate with are oftentimes affected more negatively than the rest of us.

It’s important for everyone – regardless of economic status, zip code, religious affiliation, political leaning and profession – to have a place among family and friends, where there’s love, respect and value.

For veterans and active duty service members that aren’t blessed with these necessary ties are the most vulnerable this time of year. Their sacrifice, dedication and bravery, all in the name of what we all value the most, goes unappreciated and unrecognized without family, friends and neighbors to celebrate with.

During this season, we need to pull ourselves out of the seemingly perpetual haze of gift-buying and fancy parties, and truly remember what the holiday season is all about. We need to celebrate those closest to us and honor those who we’ve never met, but have touched our lives, nevertheless.

Everyone – family and strangers, alike – have made our world a better place.

And, above all things, it’s important to teach our children to give back and give selflessly. After all, that’s what our veterans did and our active duty men and women do for us everyday. Without our veterans (and active duty service members, of course), we wouldn’t have been able to celebrate the holiday season so freely.

How to Celebrate the Season by Giving Back to Our Veterans

• Instead of unwrapping mounds of gifts, take your family to your Veteran Affairs (VA) hospital to spend some time with veterans, spreading holiday cheer.
• Contact your local church and offer to drive veterans to services.
• Bring a homemade pie or other holiday dessert to you local VA hospital (always check with the VA staff beforehand).
• Ask your family and friends to donate to a veteran’s charity or an organization that supports active duty service members in your name instead of buying a gift.
• While you’re rummaging through your old holiday decorations, instead of putting out the out-of-date wreaths and garlands in the trash, donate them to a veterans’ organization so that they can create a festive atmosphere at their facility.
• Volunteer at a soup kitchen that helps homeless veterans.
• Donate a living holiday tree to a VA hospital or a veterans’ residence. Your simple, living gift will remind the men and women everyday that you care about them.
• Round up your children and have them sing carols and holiday songs to veterans.
• Donate gently used coats, scarves, gloves, boots and sweaters to veterans in need. Check out your local USAgain or Goodwill for locations.

“Make the Connection” is a website devoted to the unique needs of veterans.

Primarily, “Make the Connection” encourages veterans and families to share their stories, experiences and lessons gained from their lives during and after service.

As much support and information that is available to these dedicated men and women, sometimes it isn’t enough. Sometimes veterans don’t know that there is help, resources and services out there. Sometimes veterans want to talk to or hear from other veterans that have been there, too.

That’s where “Make the Connection” comes in.

The Department of Veterans Affairs aims to have “Make the Connection” be the one-stop resource for all veterans.

Veterans will learn about service-related conditions such as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, alcohol or drug dependency, traumatic brain injury and anxiety disorders. In addition, “Make the Connection” provides a comprehensive listing of the warning signs and possible symptoms accompanying most common emotional, psychological and physical conditions linked to active duty service.

It is the hope that with this thorough resource, friends, family and veterans themselves will be able to detect any medical issue early and receive proper treatment, considering that psychological disorders developed from service often go undiagnosed. The website also provides a complete listing of medical treatment centers available to veterans.

Also, “Make the Connection” provides information on other troublesome issues that many veterans face, including transitioning back into civilian life, job training and education, homelessness and financial concerns.

However, above all else, “Make the Connection is a safe place for veterans to share their experiences, challenges and triumphs while connecting with others who may be facing similar issues. Essentially, the website is an unrelenting, unapologetic, “no-holds-barred” take on what it is to be a veteran in today’s world.

In the end, the VA hopes that by creating a one-stop resource for all veterans, they will be able to shed some much-needed light on some critical, yet dark issues.

For additional support and resources dedicated to veterans and their families, check out:

• The Wounded Warriors Project
• The American Legion
• Voice of a Veteran
• Hire Heroes USA
• A Soldier’s Perspective

Homelessness among veterans is a solvable problem. Fortunately, there are many advocates, friends and communities of supporters that are continuously fighting this epidemic, simply because they understand that homelessness isn’t an endgame for veterans.

From the worn out soles of those pounding the pavements, spreading the word about homelessness to allies in all levels of government, these efforts are paying off. Across the board, numbers of homeless veterans are down, but not completely eliminated. It is the hope of these advocates that homelessness among veterans can and will be eradicated.

But, first, understanding the underlying causes and what the risks are for homelessness is the key to truly combating the problem.

Why are veterans more likely to be homeless than civilians are? 

Homelessness is an extremely complicated and emotional issue. However, there are some unique reasons for homelessness among veterans that other groups may not face. In addition, for those reasons, veterans are more likely to be homeless than civilians are.

Here are just a handful of reasons why veterans are more prone to being homeless:

• Difficulty adjusting back to civilian life
• Insufficient support system in place
• Lack of employment opportunities and specialized training programs
• Physical and mental health issues stemming from their time in the serve
• Addiction issues
• Not knowing of or having access to specialized transition services, programs and organizations

What are the risks of chronic homelessness?

The biggest overall risk for homeless veterans is not receiving proper health care, especially for veterans with service related injuries. In fact, without treatment, some veterans may worsen their condition or succumb to their injuries. Most of the health issues veterans face from their time in the service are entirely treatable, manageable, and in some cases, curable. Though rare, some veterans face more difficult illness, including malignant mesothelioma due to service time asbestos exposure.

What can I do to help combat homelessness among veterans?

• Volunteer your time and skills with a non-profit dedicated to helping homeless veterans get back on their feet
• Start a letter writing campaign to your local members of Congress urging them to increase funding to the Department of Veteran Affairs and other veterans’ organizations
• If you’re a business owner or in a decision-making position in your office, consider establishing a veterans-only internship or job training program
• Lobby your local officials to streamline the process of getting a homeless veteran into housing and look to "Housing Placement Bootcamp" for ideas
• Work with your family, friends and community at addressing what the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness deems as the "The Top 9 Things You Can Do Right Now" to solve the homelessness epidemic

One of the best ways to celebrate Veterans Day is to continuously advocate for better healthcare and treatment for our veterans and our active duty service members. We need to provide them with the same care that they showed us in protecting our rights, country and beliefs. President Obama summed up this thought in his annual Presidential Proclamation for Veterans Day by reminding everyone “to keep the promises we have made to all who have answered our country's call.”

Our veterans deserve cutting-edge medical treatment for injuries sustained during their time of service. However, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the American Legion and other veterans’ organizations are continuously advocating on behalf of veterans for better healthcare.

However, it isn’t as widely known as other service-related injuries or disabilities, but some of our service men and women were exposed to asbestos while on duty and later developed mesothelioma. Depending on where our service members are stationed, many are unwittingly and continuously exposed to mesothelioma because structures that have asbestos-related products remain in use.

Sadly, mesothelioma is a destructive disease that attacks the lining or the pleura surrounding the lungs, heart and stomach.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common diagnoses of this disease. Through the inhalation of loosened asbestos particles (paint, drywall, sealants and piping, to name a few products), the bits of asbestos become lodged in the lung, chest cavity and surrounding tissue.

Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases are extremely devastating, and often don’t show signs or symptoms until years or even decades after exposure. These diseases require a long incubation period.

However, like other types of mesothelioma – peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma – early detection is key. Though the prognosis for mesothelioma is dire, early detection, especially for individuals at high risk – a history of asbestos exposure – ensures that treatment begins swiftly.

Veterans, Asbestos and Mesothelioma

Unfortunately, too many veterans are suffering from mesothelioma and other lung diseases because of their time in the service, especially those who worked on Navy shipyards, vessels and warehouses.

However, many veterans were subjected to asbestos while on duty simply because of where they were stationed. Up until the late 1970s and early 1980s, asbestos was a very common and prolific compound in building materials, used in various structures. Many of our service members stationed here or abroad were inadvertently and unintentionally exposed to asbestos.

How to Celebrate Veterans Day

Especially on Veterans Day, it’s important to honor the memory, service and dedication of our brave men and women. What we have today is because of what they did for us.

So, what can you do to celebrate Veterans Day?

Keep the dialogue going about mesothelioma and other service-related diseases so that we can ease the suffering of our veterans and work towards medical breakthroughs in treatment. Just because asbestos isn’t used anymore doesn’t mean that it doesn’t pose a serious threat.

In 1926, seven years after President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11, 1919 as the country’s first Armistice Day, signaling the end of World War I, the United States Congress asked current President Calvin Coolidge to honor November 11 with proper celebrations.

In the late 1930s, there was a strong campaign to turn November 11 Armistice Day into a National Holiday honoring all veterans, not just those who served in World War I.

How to Celebrate Veterans Day

If you’re a Veteran, then one of the best ways to honor your time served along with honoring other brave Veterans is to wear all of your military decorations and medals. The Department of Veterans Affairs encourages all Veterans do this because it’s a great way to show your on-going patriotism and national pride. Wear your medals out with pride and let them speak for your time in the service.

Though it’s a little known tradition, but eating a ravioli dinner on Veterans Day is a common way to celebrate the day. Dating back nearly 90 years, President Woodrow Wilson invited several thousand veterans to eat ravioli at the White House because he understood that many service members craved a home cooked meal.

So, consider taking a ravioli dinner over to your local VA health center, and share a small meal with those who sacrificed for our country. Or, consider preparing ravioli meal for your family and talk with your children about the importance of Veterans Day.

Other great ways to celebrate Veterans Day this year include:

• Write a letter to a soldier

• Lay a wreath or flowers on military monuments

• Fly an American Flag at your house

• Donate money, items or time to a Veterans’ organization

• Wear a poppy pin on your lapel

Veterans Day Discounts

Many retail and restaurant chains offer a Veterans Day discount on goods and services. In the past, such companies like Applebee’s, Home Depot and Lowe’s offer a discount on Veterans Day and often continuing through the weekend.

Another great way to celebrate Veterans Day is a trip to one of our National Parks. This year, the National Park Service is offering free admission to all parks from November 11 -13.

It’s all to clear that many of our brothers and sisters in arms don’t return from the front lines with physical or psychological trauma. Nonetheless, every single veteran does need a little help getting back in to his or her “old” life.

For veterans, caregivers and loved ones alike, its critical to understand that transitioning takes time, patience and love. We need to tend to these three key elements – mind, body and purpose – to ensure that visible and invisible wounds are healed.

Remember that for each and every one of us, our minds and bodies must be healthy; we need to have a purpose in life and remain connected to our family, friends and community.

Mind

The most common invisible wounds that many of our men and women have to do with psychological and emotional trauma inflicted during their time of service. From Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder to depression, many veterans suffer in silence from these injuries.

Often, ensuring that the mind is well taken care of and healthy, in fact, helps the body heal faster and better from physical injuries. The National Center for PTSD offers resources and information not only for PTSD but also for other psychological trauma.

Body

First and foremost, any service-related injury, trauma or disability must to be the priority when it comes to healing the body. Along with the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are fantastic public and private organizations (like the Wounded Warrior Project) that devote their time, efforts and resources to helping veterans manage their service-related injuries.

Purpose

Every person needs to feel as though they’re adding value to the world. Having a purpose in life – whatever that is – is key to living a fulfilling life.

For most people, the purpose of their life – what they wake up for every morning – is taking care of their family, connecting with friends and working.

However, we forget that many veterans that have left military life have actually left their career and their job. Returning to their previous career or finding a new one is especially difficult for veterans, but critically important to their overall healing process.

Whether you’re looking to make sure that your donation is working the hardest for you or if you’re looking for a charity to help you out as a veteran, knowing which charities are reputable and responsible is key.

According to the American Institute of Philanthropy and Charity Navigator these are some of the highest rated veterans’ charities, organizations and non-profits around today.

Always do your research before donating to or working with a charity.

Armed Services YMCA of the USA

The Armed Services YMCA of the USA (ASYMCA) offers support services to active duty men, women and their families. Since the time of the Civil War, the ASYMCA has served the military, and today, works closely with the Department of Defense through food and childcare services, and educational training programs.

Fisher House Foundation

A unique Veterans’ and military organization, the Fisher House Foundation provides housing and lodging to military families who have a veteran under care at a VA medical facility. By providing the comforts of home, typically onsite of a VA medical facility, the Fisher House Foundation ensures that military families don’t have worry about the additional cost of being close to their veteran.

Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust

One of the most respected and reputable veterans and military charities is the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust. Founded to specifically help wounded and disabled veterans, the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust provides specialized services for veterans but also offers supportive resources for military families.

Operation Homefront

The Operation Homefront provides a wide variety of support services for military service members, their families and those who have been wounded in combat. From emergency services including financial aid, food and home repairs to long-term assistance, the Operation Homefront has helped over 160,000 military families.

Though many of us attribute anything from stomach illnesses to colds to the flu, the flu or influenza is actually a potentially deadly member of a virus family. Recently, the H1N1 flu epidemic not only caused many deaths but headlines across the world. The H1N1 is a strain of influenza and is no longer a major health threat.

Here’s everything that you’ll need to know about staying healthy during this flu season.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

·      Fever, shivers and/or the “chills”

·      Body aches and/or fatigue

·      Headache

·      Cough and/or chest congestion

·      Nasal congestion

If you develop these symptoms, stay home from work and limit contact with others. If your symptoms become worse, seek medical attention because a flu that’s left untreated may lead to pneumonia, bronchitis or other medical conditions.

What do I need to know about the flu shot?

The first line of defense against catching and spreading the flu is to get an annual flu shot. However, for veterans who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs, getting a flu shot isn’t usually an option because it may trigger an allergic reaction. If you have a mild or moderate egg allergy, check with your healthcare provider.

The shot doesn’t prevent the flu totally but helps your body produce antibodies that helps you fight off the infection if you’re exposed. Further, the shot doesn’t give you the flu because the shots don’t contain active or “alive” flu cells.

Since the flu mutates regularly, healthcare providers recommend an annual flu shot.

How can my family and I stay healthy this flu season?

·      Schedule a flu shot

·      Regularly disinfectant doorknobs, common surfaces and bathrooms

·      Drink plenty of fluids and maintain a healthy, balanced diet

·      Keep your body’s immunity healthy by reducing stress and getting adequate sleep

·      Keep tissues and hand sanitizer handy

·      Don’t share makeup applicators, toothbrushes or utensils

·      Wash or sanitize your hands regularly, especially after shaking hands and using the bathroom

·      Always cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing

·      Avoid touching your mouth, nose, eyes and ears

For more information on flu prevention, check with the Centers for Disease Control.

What does the VA offer veterans?

Check with your local VA health office to see whether they provide flu shots. Some are offering veterans flu shots free of charge. Unfortunately, veterans’ dependents and spouses aren’t eligible to receive flu shots from the VA.

To find a nearest healthcare facility that does provide flu shots, check here. Also, many neighborhood and chain pharmacies offer flu shots by appointment or as a walk-in, and many don’t require health insurance, though its recommended to check to see what’s covered and not.

Also, there are more veterans – from all peacetime and combat eras – online today than ever before.

Clearly, there are certain rules and regulations regarding whether active duty service members are allowed to carry or use mobile phones, devices or computers. Always respect and follow what you or your spouse is allowed to do while serving.

What are the benefits for being connected while serving?

For years, communication between active duty military and their families was limited to the occasional phone call home or handwritten letters.

Today, communications enable our service members to remain in touch – in real time, in some cases – with their spouses, children and friends.

With these technological advances, communications between our active duty service members can either be personal – a text between spouses – or public – blogging about every day life from the front lines.

Another benefit for being connected is that it’s a great way to rally support for the troops and veterans through live blogging, posting on personal websites or contributing to online forums. A great place to read blogs and stories from active duty members, and contribute your own personal story is at Active Duty: Soldier Blog Posts.

Further, spouses and children of active duty service members may find support online and connect with others going through the same thing. For example, Army Wives’ Lives and Wife of a Sailor offers opportunities for wives and significant others of active duty members to submit guest blogs about their experiences. Though this sort of connection isn’t as direct as a phone call or text message, it still is a valuable form of communication.

How are service members connected today?

·      Personal Websites and Blogs
If you’re interested in writing about your own active duty life, try free services like WordPress or Blogger.

·      Social Media
Today, the most popular social media networks include Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn. All are free to set up.

·      Skype

·      Instant Messaging

·      Texting

·      Email

·      Mobile phones

Find support, advice and resources for you and your family. Connect with other veterans from all branches and wars. Share stories, experiences and information.

Sometimes its better to talk with someone that’s going through what you’re going through even if they’re thousands of miles away.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

A highly respected organization, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America connects veterans to each other through their veterans’ only social networking site. IAVA’s online community also provides resources for veterans on mental health, financial and legal assistance and employment.

Veterans’ Children Online Community

Dedicated to providing support to children of veterans from earlier wars – World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War – the Veterans’ Children Online Community is a place to share stories and experiences as children of these veterans. The Veterans’ Children Online Community is a forum where these now adult children learn what their parents went through and how to cope together as a family.

Navy Veterans – A Social Network for Navy Veterans of the United States of America

Navy Veterans can connect through their personal Twitter, Facebook, Google or Yahoo! accounts to thousands of other navy veterans. Further, the social network posts news relevant to navy vets including health reports, what’s going on in today’s navy and recent medal awards. Navy vets may also post personal photos and learn about upcoming reunion events in their area.

Marine Corps – USMC Community

Marine Corps – USMC Community is a site “designed for Marines, by Marines” to link veterans and active duty members together. Gathering the most relevant information for Marine veterans, it’s a place where Marines share stories, participate in forums and post blogs and stories.

Coast Guard Combat Veterans Association

As a non-profit organization, the Coast Guard Combat Veterans Association provides scholarships, support and resources. Members connect through forums, where stories, experiences and advice are shared.

Social Media Networking Sites

Today’s veterans are far more connected online and technologically advanced than any other generation. Veterans from all combat and peacetime situations, as well as, active duty service members connect through Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Further, social media networking sites are the fastest growing way for veterans to join together. More veterans are joining social media sites today than other online veterans communities for its ease and simplicity.

Veterans don’t need to be a member of a veterans group in order to participate on these social media sites.

·      Navy Veterans Facebook

·      Navy Veterans on Twitter (@NavyVets)

·      Proud US Army Veterans Facebook

·      Transitioning Veterans Facebook

·      United States Air Force Veterans LinkedIn

·      United States Department of Veterans Affairs Facebook

·      Veterans For America Facebook

·      Disabled American Veterans Facebook

·      Vets Helping Vets Facebook