All veterans are reminded that the fastest way to inquire and secure the benefits you have earned is by visiting your local County Veterans Service

Office. A listing of these offices is available at www.cacvso.org or on CalVet’s website at www.calvet.ca.gov/resources/database.aspx

REMINDER

newsletterDECEMBER 2010

insideVeterans Services

Ventura Vet Home

Upcoming Events

p.2

p.9

p.10

Social Media and YouTubeGovernor Schwarzenegger and the

California Department of Veterans Affairs through its Operation Welcome Home initiative has partnered with six-time UFC Heavyweight Champion of the World Randy Couture to reach out to recently returning veterans and connect them with the benefits and services they have earned.

“If we are going to reach out to the new generation of veterans who grew

CALVET USES NEW TECHNOLOGY TO REACH OUT TO RETURNING VETS

CALVET SPIRIT AWARD

GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGER PRESENTS GOLD STAR FAMILY LICENSE PLATES TO THREE FAMILIES WHO LOST SONS IN IRAQ

The Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo was the big winner in the Inaugural CalVet Spirit Award. There was a tie for second place between the Veterans Services Division at headquarters and the California Veterans Home, Ventura.

It was very hard selecting the best because all were “So Great,” said Undersecretary Rocky Chavez. The submissions clearly show that we have very talented and enthusiastic people that work for Veterans.

On December 9 Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger joined California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) Secretary Roger Brautigan and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Director George Valverde to present the first three Gold Star Family License Plates to the families of three men killed in the line of duty.

Continued on page 2 >>

Continued on page 2 >>

veterans services

2

“The Gold Star Family License Plate is a reminder to all of us of those who have lost their lives while defending ours, and of their families who face each day without their loved ones,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “I am grateful to all who made this license plate possible, and may we never forget the courage, bravery and sacrifice of those in the Armed Forces.”

The Governor presented the first three Gold Star Family License Plates to Mike Anderson, whose son Mike Anderson Jr. was killed in Iraq on December 14, 2004; Kevin and Leianne Graves (photo on cover), whose son Joey Graves was killed in Iraq on July 25, 2006; and to Dianne Layfield, whose son Travis Layfield was killed in Iraq on April 6, 2004.

“This is a recognition that is worthy of our efforts and is a small token for the families who have given so much to protect our nation our freedom,” said Secretary Brautigan. “I am honored to have played a small part in this process.”

“The Gold Star Family License Plate is an honor to those families whose family members paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said DMV Director George Valverde. “The California DMV is proud to join with the Department of Veterans Affairs in making this recognition possible for thousands of families throughout California.”

The Gold Star Family License Plate was creates when the Governor signed SB 1455 by Senator Dave Cogdill (R-Modesto) and Senator Jeff Denham (R-Merced) in 2008, which enables family members who have lost an active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces in current and prior wars to obtain a Gold Star Family License Plate honoring the sacrifices their families have endured. This legislation directed the DMV to

design a new license plate to be made available to Gold Star families. Under the provisions of the bill, the cost of setting up the program was to be covered by private donations collected by CalVet. The Department reached the designated amount of $300,000 in donations and direct pledges this past November. As a token of the state’s appreciation for their sacrifice, the legislation provides a special waiver of some fees for Gold Star families obtaining the plate.

Originally established after World War I, the Gold Star has come to symbolize the sacrifice a family makes when someone in their family is killed in the line of duty while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Gold Star License Plates include, on the left side, a Gold Star on a blue field surrounded by a wreath of small white stars; along the bottom of the plate, the words “Gold Star Family” in gold on a blue field; on the right corner, an image of a small folded American Flag.

up with computers and the internet, we have to capitalize on those technologies to make sure they know about the services and benefits they have earned,” said Roger Brautigan, Secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs.

In a new Public Service Announcement released this month on YouTube and Facebook, Randy Couture encourages veterans to connect with their benefits by signing up for information through Operation Welcome home at the Facebook page. The video can be viewed on YouTube (www.youtube.com/operationwelcomehome) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/operationwelcomehome).

Mobile AppAdditionally the Department

implemented a new mobile application for the Android platform smart phones that allows veterans to sign up for Operation Welcome Home and to get information about the closest resource for services and benefit assistance. The mobile app can be found in the official Android Market and online at www.appbrain.com, search ‘CalVet’.

Since the Governor launched Operation Welcome home the CalVet Department through its nine regional teams statewide, has connected with more than 34,000 veterans and made more than 54,000 referrals to services and benefits including 17,302 for employment benefits, 13,801 for education benefits, and more than 5,000 referrals for mental health related to PTSD and TBI.

There are approximately 2 million veterans living in California today and every year approximately 30,000 new veterans return home to this state. The purpose of Operation Welcome Home is to connect those returning veterans to the services and benefits that they have earned through their honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States. The California Department of Veterans Affairs provides services to veterans through state-run veterans homes, through its farm and home loan program and through its advocacy division that represents and advises veterans as they work through the benefits process of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

<< Continued from cover

<< Continued from cover

veterans services

3

VETERANS LEADER DONATES MILITARY HISTORY BOOKS TO FRESNO STATE

HELPING OUR HEROES EARN A HIGHER EDUCATION

By Dr. Gary Rice

The military history selection at Henry Madden Library at California State University, Fresno grew considerably when retired Air Force Sgt. Bill Dietzel cleaned out his hangar and donated 500 books.

Dietzel is the publisher and editor of Veterans Magazine and the organizer of the annual Veterans Day Parade in Fresno. He has been active in local, state and national veterans community affairs for 30 years.

Dietzel’s decision to scale back his collection was good news for the library.

“These are new books for the most part,” said David Tyckoson, associate dean of the Madden Library. “The donation definitely enhances our military history collection.”

Dietzel’s generosity means that money earmarked to buy some of the volumes in his collection can be used to purchase other books, Tyckoson added.

Dietzel decided to make the donation while assisting with lining up veterans for the California War Veterans Oral History Project, which is housed at the Madden Library. He will be recognized as a donor in a plate in each book.

Tyckoson said the library welcomes donations of books and other items, but recommends potential donors first contact the library to discuss suitability and need.

For more information, contact Tyckoson at (559) 278-5678 or davety@csufresno.edu.

Approximately 2.3 million veterans reside in California and of those about 350,000 are eligible to receive G.I. Bill benefits to help cover the cost of their education.

As home to the most veterans in the United States, California has created a host of programs to encourage veterans or current servicemen and women to take advantage of the state’s wealth of postsecondary educational options, such as the California State University.

The CSU serves veterans, active-duty military personnel and their dependents with a variety of services and initiatives. The CSU is a leader in the statewide Troops to College initiative that provides advice to veterans, reservists and dependents of service disabled or deceased veterans on completing and filing VA claim forms for federal and state education assistance programs. Through the Veteran Affairs Coordinators at each campus, the CSU is able to assist individuals with special registration procedures required for students who are sponsored under one of the VA Fee Waiver programs.

Some key provisions of Troops to College include:• All active-duty military personnel

stationed in California and their dependents are eligible for waiver of non-resident fees while attending as an undergraduate and for one year while attending graduate studies within the CSU.Servicemembers who remain in California after discharge from active duty may also be eligible for a waiver of non-resident fees.

• Active-duty servicemembers may use Department of Defense tuition assistance and other educational benefits at all CSU campuses.

• Servicemembers who have a California “home of record” are eligible to pay California resident fees regardless of current duty station or assignment.

• Dependents of service-connected disabled veterans may be eligible for waiver of systemwide fees while attending any CSU campus.

As part of the ongoing effort to support servicemembers in gaining a higher education, the CSU has developed professional science programs for veterans and military personnel.

The CSU has launched a Veterans Initiative as part of its leadership in Professional Science Master’s (PSM) programs. The purpose of the initiative is to make the PSM Degree and Certificate programs available to veterans, active duty military and other members of the military community. The programs build upon the skills of military personnel who have backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields and prepare them for employment in high demand science and technology positions in the civilian sector.First published in the CSU Leader

veterans services

4

DISABILITY EVALUATION STREAMLINEDThere are a couple of programs created to ease medical separation and speeds

benefit payments for servicemembers too wounded, sick or injured to stay in the military will expand to all military medical sites across the services by October 2011. These new programs bring together USDVA (VA) and military medical separation processes while servicemembers are still on active duty. Under the new system, wounded, ill or injured servicemembers receive medical evaluations by VA-certified doctors using VA guidelines, while Department of Defense (DOD) officials use these exams to determine if a servicemember is able to continue in uniform. For servicemembers, the process is faster—with only one set of examinations to complete.

The Pre-Discharge Program is a joint VA and DOD program that affords service members the opportunity to file claims for disability compensation up to 180 days prior to separation or retirement from active duty or full-time National Guard or Reserve duty (Titles 10 and 32).

The four components of the Pre-Discharge Program are:• BenefitsDeliveryatDischarge(BDD)• QuickStart• DisabilityEvaluationSystem(Pilotprogram)• SeriouslyInjured/VerySeriouslyInjured(SI/VSI)

Find an advocate, either a County Veteran Service Office or Veteran Service Organization, fill out a VA Form 21-22 and complete the new two page VA Form 526c, Pre-Discharge Compensation Claim and submit it with your service treatment records (originals or copies) to the VA location nearest to you.

The pilot program has been operating in 27 sites. For more information, visit www.army.mil/standto/archive/2010/03/05/ .

veterans services

Operation Welcome Home:www.veterans.ca.gov

Support: www.gwtvetsinneed.org

Relief:www.afrtrust.org

Job Fair:www.military.com/career-expo/

Assistance:www.jointservicessupport.org

Veterans & Families:www.veteransandfamilies.org

CHECK OUT OUR SOCIAL NETWORKS!

COMMITTEE ADVANCES VETERAN BILLS

Tired of being on hold, getting the run-around, not getting the answer you wanted, or just being in the dark about your claim?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions eBenefits is your solution. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has made things easier to find out the status of your claim and to view other documentation and correspondence from the VA.

eBenefits provides two main services. It’s a catalog of links to information on other websites about military and Veteran benefits. And it provides a personalized workspace called My eBenefits which gives quick access to all the online tools now integrated into eBenefits - tools that let you do things like apply for benefits, download your DD 214, and see your benefits status online.

Service members, Veterans, and family members can register for eBenefits, which affords access to the secure features in My eBenefits and allows the portal to be personalizedtotheuser’sneeds.YoumustbeenrolledintheDefenseEnrollmentEligibilityReportingSystem(DEERS)tocreateanaccount.

For more information and for enrollment visit www.ebenefits.va.gov.

eBENEFITS

The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, led by Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA), recently approved two bills. H.R. 3949—the Veterans Small Business Assistance and Servicemembers Protection Act of 2009—(1) would include amending the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to improve the equitable relief available for servicemembers called to active duty, including allowing greater flexibility for family cell phone plans, rental leases, and motor vehicle leases when a servicemember has changed duty stations or been deployed. H.R. 1168 would authorize living stipend and moving assistance to veterans who have been unemployed for at least 4 months, who are not eligible for training or education under VA, and who are enrolled in a U.S. Department of Labor re-training program.

5

veterans services

6

NEW NATIONAL CEMETERY OPENING

BUYERBEWARE!

California now has nine National Cemeteries with the opening of the Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego officially opened on November 22, 2010 providing its first burials of Veterans and family members at the new facility.

“This is a special day for California’s Veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans AffairsEricK.Shinsekiinapreparedstatement. “By building a national shrine in San Diego, we will provide a final resting place and lasting tribute to the men and women who have faithfully served our Nation.”

“San Diego is home of some of the highest concentrations of veterans in the state, and it is fitting that the newest National Cemetery is located in this great community that has such a long and strong history with the U.S. Military and our veterans,” said Undersecretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs Rocky Chavez.

Military honors at the opening ceremony included a rifle salute and the playing of “Taps.” Acting USDVA Undersecretary for Memorial Affairs Steve Muro gave remarks and was joined by CalVet Undersecretary Chavez, USDVA and local officials in the interment of cremated remains. Casket burial options will be available in early 2011.

The 313-acre Miramar National Cemetery will offer in-ground gravesites for caskets and cremated remains as well

as a columbarium, providing a full range of burial alternatives to approximately 235,000 Veterans in the San Diego County area. Nearby Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery closed to casket burials in 1966, although it stays active with casketed interments of family members of those currently interred and inurnments of cremated remains. Riverside National Cemetery, located approximately 90 miles from San Diego, was until now the nearest national cemetery offering full burial options.

When completed, the first phase of construction will include approximately 11,500 casket gravesites; 4,900 in-ground cremation sites; 10,000 columbarium niches; an administration building and maintenance complex; two committal service shelters; and a public assembly area. The project will also incorporate systems for water distribution, roads, utilities, signs and landscaping.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the Internet at www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at (800) 827-1000. To make burial arrangements at the time of need at any VA national cemetery, call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at (800) 535-1117. Additional information about the Miramar National Cemetery is available by calling the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery office at (619) 553-2084.

Hucksters are now promising older veterans that they can get instant eligibility for additional VA benefits if they purchase certain financial products through them.

The scam involves getting an unsuspecting veteran to transfer retirement assets into an irrevocable trust so the family appears to be impoverished. That helps the family meet eligibility requirements for a VA pension and related programs.

Although the VA doesn’t examine a veteran’s asset history when determining eligibility, Medicare does. If a veteran has transferred assets to secure eligibility, that veteran’s benefits could be jeopardized. The greater concern, however, is that the new trust created typically contains investments that are inappropriate for older veterans since they can take a decade or longer to generate income.

Before making any kind of investment, check the sales agent’s record by contacting the California Department of Corporations at (866) 275-2677 or by visiting www.corp.ca.gov.

To get reliable information about how to qualify for veterans benefits, contacting the California Department of Veterans Affairs, Operation Welcome Home at (800) 952-5626 or visit www.veterans.ca.gov.

veterans services

7

EDUCATING OUR COUNTRY’S LEADERSBy Stephanie TharaCalifornia State Univesrity,Office of the Chancellor

The California State University (CSU) takes pride in being able to have a campus in every region of the state and close to nearly every military base in California. In 2009, the CSU instituted a statewide initiative where a total of 115 slots across all 23 campuses will be reserved for active duty or veteran service members. Eachslotguaranteesadmissiononthebasisofeachveteran’scommanders’recommendations. As part of the CSU’s Troops to College initiative, each of the 23 campuses has veteran service representatives dedicated to helping veterans and active-duty personnel take advantage of the university’s incredible opportunities and to make full use of their benefits.

Many CSU campuses offer student veteran groups, along with unique amenities and events, including:

San Diego State University: On Nov. 4, SDSU opened its expanded Veterans Center, which now serves more than 1,000 veteran, active-duty and reservist students and about 600 military dependents. While SDSU opened the first Veterans Center in the CSU system two years ago, the increasing student-veteran population outgrew the location. The center now includes a Veterans Administration (VA) office, making SDSU the first university in California and the second in the nation to have a VA office on campus. In addition to the Veterans Center, the university also houses the Troops toTeachersandTroopstoEngineersprograms,thefirston-campusresidenceforstudent-veterans in the country and the VetSuccess program.

California State University, Sacramento: CSUS is home to organizations such as the Student Veteran Organization (SVO). SVO offers a non-political environment where university veterans, active duty personnel, reservists, families and others can meet, share information and plan activities. It is designed to emulate the camaraderie military personnel experienced while in the service. Also, the university has a Veterans/ROTC Alumni Chapter, which aims to make a positive difference for student veterans through creating a fraternal and service oriented environment that assists military members and their families. The chapter offers professional and social networking opportunities, develops scholarship opportunities for student

veterans and their families and promotes community awareness on the issues veterans face.

California State University, Fullerton: CSUF maintains groups like the Student Veterans Association (SVA), which assists student veterans in successfully transitioning from military service to university life through camaraderie, networking and advocacy. SVA not only serves as a go-to resource for university knowledge, but as a support group to all servicemembers. In honor of Veterans Day, CSUF’s SVA and Veteran Student Services recently saluted campus veterans with a “Wall of Heroes,” showcasing photos of those who have served or are currently serving in the military. Similarly, CSUF hosts weekly “veteran lunch get-togethers” to act as a forum for discussing veteran issues, share information, build connections and encourage student veterans. The university has luncheons twice a week; one for all veterans and one specifically for women veterans.

First published in the CSU Leader

veterans services

8

SERVING THOSE WHO SERVEThrough the programs and

exceptional comradeship that each campus Veteran Affairs Office establishes, many CSU campuses have been able to be a home away from home for student veterans. The campuses have been commended by a variety of military media for thoroughly assisting servicemembers in obtaining a higher education and integrating them into the community and university life.

Among the 23 campuses offering high-quality education for military personnel, the following universities were ranked among G.I. Jobs Magazine’s “Military Friendly 2011 List.” The list honors the top 15 percent of colleges and universities that are doing the most to embrace America’s military members and veterans as students. The magazine polled more than 7,000 schools nationwide, examining criteria such as efforts to recruit and retain military and veteran students, results in recruiting military and veteran students and academic accreditations.

• California Maritime Academy• California State University, San Marcos • California State University, Bakersfield • California State University, Chico • California State University, Fresno • California State University, Long Beach • California State University, Monterey Bay • California State University, Northridge • California State University, Sacramento• California State University, San Bernardino• Humboldt State University• San Diego State University

MilitaryTimesEDGErankedthefollowingcampusesinits“BestforVets Colleges: 2010” list:

• Cal State San Bernardino• Cal State San Marcos• CSU, Chico• Long Beach State• San Diego State

The magazine surveyed 4,000 colleges, evaluating each college’s financial assistance, academic flexibility, campus culture and support services for student veterans. The list ranked 100 universities, listing CSU campuses as five of only 13 colleges in California to receive the prestigious distinction.

First published in the CSU Leader

By Stephanie Thara, CSU Leader

veterans homesNEWS FROM OUR VENTURA

9

THE DAY I REMEMBERED PEARL HARBOR By Bill F.Ventura Veterans Home Resident

On December 7, 1924, I made my entrance into the world. Seventeen years later I was celebrating my birthday with my high school classmates. The radio was playing our favorite big band music, and suddenly a news flash broke in, and announced the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. We thought that such an announcement was another of Olsen Welles radio pranks.

The following day, December 8, 1941, President FDR presented this message to Congress: Yesterday, December 7th, 1941- A date which will live in infamy, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by theNavalAirForcesoftheEmpireofJapan. As Commanding Chief of the Anny and Navy, I have taken all measures necessary for our defense. We will always remember the character of the on slaughter against us... a portion of the message has been omitted in order to exemplify the true meaning of the president’s message.

Following an immediate Declaration of War against Japan and Germany, the United States responded in kind, and the war was quickly on two fronts, Asia andEurope.Bythetimeofthewar’sendin August 1945, the United Sates would have enlisted 16 million combatants of which there would be more than 360,000 casualties.

The song famous in 1942 was “Let’s remember Pearl Harbor as we go and meet the foe.” Beginning in 1945 Active Duty Military members were discharged and returned home to their loved ones.

The lyrics in the second stanza of “America The Beautiful” depicts the American way of life, ‘0 Beautiful for Hero’s Proved in liberating strife, who more than self their country loved and mercy more than life’.

VETERANS’ HOME GARDEN HISTORYBy Barbara Hill

The gardens have been planted just over a year, and already have a bit of history. My favorite picture of the gardens is one of Lynda standing on top in her sandals digging rocks out of the soil. I’m convinced the abundance of blooms and veggies in the raised beds is due to the time taken to improve the soil before we started.

The first things planted were artichokes, sugar snap peas and sweet pears. They were all tremendously successful with each artichoke plant producing over 60 ‘chokes’, the sugar snap peas so sweet, everyone passing by plucked a few to munch, and the sweet peas had to be picked every two days to keep up with the blooms.

Fresh beets, green beans, Al’s tomatoes, onions, herbs, peppers, kale, cucumbers, lettuce and spinach are some of our successes. We didn’t do as well with pumpkins and melons--no matter how much secret sauce Jerry used. Bob and Marie have been busy planting sweet peas for a repeat of colorful blooms for each table plus radishes, onions, carrots, beets and cauliflower to enhance the dinner salads. Al has also donated two avocado trees on the west side of the building. This is the start of our orchard.

The first five raised beds have been so much fun, we needed a sixth one.

The real estate community of Ventura County has been very generous and donated money for the materials to build a sixth bed as well as funds to buy soil to fill it and support the gardening efforts. Many have also come out to the site to weed and plant the gardens by the driveway. Many thanks to these caring individuals.

Jerry keeps adding to the flower beds, with Bob’s help, in addition to planting a forest out by the flag ceremony area. Someday we’ll be able to wander through the trees for a nature walk, and rest under the shade of countless trees. We’re going to need a hammock or two.

A memorial rose garden and an area of natives plants are being planned at the present. Michael Glenn of the U. S. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife will give a talk on December 10 to introduce the concept of supporting migrating birds and butterflies with this native plant habitat. We hope to turn the first shovel of dirt on these two gardens in January.

As I write this, I muse about how these small beginnings will influence the landscape for the enjoyment of the veterans living here now, and those to come in the future. When we plant a three foot tree, I envision it as it will grow, how we’ll decorate the two small Christmas trees recently planted when their stature becomes apparent to all and the beauty they add to our environment.

Enjoyknowingyouareallinvolvedincreating this history to be remembered for years to come.

eventsUPCOMING

staf

fCalVet NewsCalifornia Department of Veterans Affairs1227 O Street, Room 300Sacramento, CA 95814P (916) 653-2192F (916) 653-2611pao@calvet.ca.gov

Deputy Secretary for External AffairsJP Tremblay

EditorJP Tremblay

Graphic DesignersThomas MoralezAngela Slater

DECEMBERDECEMBER 25, 2010KNMF Veterans Personal Care DayDowntown LA Encampments and streets near sheltersLos Angeles, CA7:00 am - 11:00 amContact: Doris Nickelson(310) 545-2937

JANUARYJANUARY 3, 2011Edmond G. Brown Swearing in Ceremony as39th Governor of CaliforniaCalifornia State CapitolSacramento, CA

Note: To view more events, visit www.veterans.ca.gov/news.shtml