Utah Veterans Voice, May 2016

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Transcript of Utah Veterans Voice, May 2016

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    elpful Links pg. 3

    pcoming Events pg. 3

    ther News pg. 10 & 11

    AQs pg. 14

    rectors Messsage pg. 2

    utreach Calendar pg. 17

    Honor of Memorial day pg. 12 & 13

    egional News UDVMA pg. 8

    he Utah Air Show pg. 9

    etnam Pinning Ceremonies pg. 6

    A Updates / Tools pg. 7

    pg. 4–5Newshe

    WORLD WAR II/KOREAN WAR • VIETNAM WAR • COLD WAR/PEACETIME • GULF WAR/OIF/OEF • FAMILY

     JUNE 25TH & 26TH | 8:00 AM @ H

    U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds

    Utah ranks top ve forVeterans unemployment rate pg.5

    http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_7/veterans.utah.govhttp://veterans.utah.gov/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_7/veterans.utah.govhttp://veterans.utah.gov/

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    Wow! It really is amazing what can be accomplished by working together for a common purpose, which is kind o what we all learned while serving in the military...Let me give some examples, and end with a challenge. As described in a later article, the veteran unemployment rate in Utah dropped to 2.6% this past month (fth best inthe nation), which is an amazing accomplishment, considering that just a few years ago the rate was over 7%. At thattime, a coalition came together comprised of the business community, state agencies, transition assistance professiona

    and federal partners who said we can do it better in Utah by connecting veterans with companies who are looking to

    hire. Dropping over 4% is remarkable. There is more work to do, and we won't stop until all veterans who desire to work have jobs, but we are well on the way. The value of working together example one.

    Next, many of you may have heard about or participated in various events across the state honoring Vietnam veter-ans which occurred in late March and early April. It was fantastic to see so many people there to say thank you and

     welcome home. Pins, books and DVDs were presented to Vietnam War time period veterans. The books and movieare tremendous. The sponsors of the books and DVDs are names that we all know well - Gardner, Sorenson, Miller,Questar, Merit Medical and the State of Utah. Ms. Sharlene Hawkes with Remember My Service was a force in gettingit done and all of the production stas for both eorts were terric. Veterans organizations helped organize the eventsespecially Dennis Howland from VVA. Bottomline, once again it shows that by working together, we are able to honorthose who served at a very dicult time in our history in a very meaningful way.

    Coming up in May will be Utah's second annual Veteran Owned Business Summit (May 13th) which is an outcome ofthe Veteran Owned Business Partnership that began in October 2014. The partnership is a result of listening to vet-erans who want to own or start their own business and bringing resources together to help them succeed. The part-nership includes the SBA, SCORE, GOED, Salt Lake Chamber, Salt Lake County and others. The summit was sucha success last year that the veteran attendees asked for it to be done again. An example of working together at federal,

    state, local, public and private levels, to respond to needs.

    OK, now for the challenge...while there are great programs and amazing benets that meet the needs of many veter-ans, we simply struggle at times to reach vets or when we do, they say they don't need it. I think sometimes pride getsin the way - they don't want to take it away from someone else who may need it more - or that it wasn't useful yearsago, so why would today be any dierent. Sometimes that may be true, but the services are there to assist veterans who have served our great country. So, if you are a veteran and know another veteran who needs something, please get them connected and reach out to someone who can help. The same thing for family members - if you have a vet in your family, talk to them, ask them about their service, and encourage them to connect with someone who can deter-

    mine what they may be eligible for, whether it be education or employment or disability claims or health care or menta wellness or shelter or recognition or camaraderie. We are here to help, but we need your help.

    Lastly, I hope to see many of you across the state at one event or another over the next several months. In May there

    is Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day, and in June we have veteran service organization annual meetings and the Air

    Show at Hill Air Force Base and then right into Independence Day in July. Great time to be in Utah!

    Thanks for allowing us to serve you.

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    Helpful Links

    Outreach, Websites, Claims Assistance, Events, and Resources

    COORDINATION OF VETERANS

    SERVICES 

    veterans.utah.gov/coordination-of-

    veteran-services

    CLAIMS ASSISTANCE CALENDAR

    veterans.utah.gov/outreach-calendar

    CALENDAR OF EVENTS

    veterans.utah.gov/events-calendarRegister your information with the

    Veterans Information System:

    uvisreg.utah.gov/vtsreg/public/Register

    UTAH DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AND

    MILITARY AFFAIRS 

    veterans.utah.gov

    MAY

    Friday – 13 May • 0830 - 1500

    Veterans Business Conference

    • SLCC Larry H Miller Campus, SandyRegister: http://business.slchamber.com/events/details/utah-veteran-business-conference-2016-5895

    Saturday – 14 May • 1000 - 1600

    American Legion Post 90's Chili Cook-Off

    • St. George Town Square

    Saturday – 21 May • 1930

    Armed Forces Day Concert

    • Gallivan Center Downtown SLC

     Thursday – 26 May • 0700 - finish

    Veterans Memorial Golf Scramble• Hubbard Memorial Golf Course, HAFB

     Thursday – 26 May • 1100 - 1500

    Hero2Hired Job Fair

    • Davis Conference Center, Layton UT

    Friday – 27 May • 1900 - 2030

    Honoring Utah's Fallen

    • University of Utah Union Ballroom,

    Salt Lake, UT

    Monday – 30 May • 1000 - 1100

    State of Utah Veterans & Military Affairs

    Memorial Ceremony

    • Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bluffdale

    UT

    Monday – 30 May • 1000 - finish

    American Legion Post 90's Memorial Day

    Service

    • St. George Cemetery

    Monday – 30 May • 0900 - finish

    American Legion Post 142 Memorial Day

    Service

    • Sun River Honor Park

    JUNE

    Saturday - 4 June 1200 - 1700Utah Fallen Warrior Rememberance

    • Ft Douglas Military Museum

    Saturday - 11 June 0900

    VFW Convention

    • Airport Double Tree Hilton Hotel SLC, UT

     Tuesday – 14 June • 0000 - 0030

    Flag Day, Freedom Festival Flag

    Retirement Ceremony

    • Macy's Parking Lot, Provo

    16-18 June

    Disabled American Veterans Convention

    • Comfort Inn - Ogden, Utah

    Saturday - 18 June 1200 - 1700Ft Douglas Day

    • Ft Douglas Military Museum

    24, 25, & 26 June

    Legion Convention

    • Uinta Conference Cntr. Vernal, UT

    Saturday - 25 June

    Car Show

    • Central Veterans Nursing Home, Payson

    Saturday & Sunday –

    25-26 June • 0800 - 1700

    Utah Air Show: Warriors Over the Wasatch• Hill Air Force Base, Utah

    Monday - 27 June -- 2 July

    The National Veterans Wheelchair Games 

    • SLC, Utah http://wheelchargames.org 

    Upcoming Events — veterans.utah.gov/events-calendar 

    http://veterans.utah.gov/coordination-of-veteran-services/http://veterans.utah.gov/coordination-of-veteran-services/http://veterans.utah.gov/outreach-calendar/http://veterans.utah.gov/events-calendar/https://uvisreg.utah.gov/vtsreg/public/Registerhttp://veterans.utah.gov/http://business.slchamber.com/events/details/utah-veteran-business-conference-2016-5895http://business.slchamber.com/events/details/utah-veteran-business-conference-2016-5895http://business.slchamber.com/events/details/utah-veteran-business-conference-2016-5895http://business.slchamber.com/events/details/utah-veteran-business-conference-2016-5895http://business.slchamber.com/events/details/utah-veteran-business-conference-2016-5895http://wheelchairgames.org/http://wheelchairgames.org/http://veterans.utah.gov/events-calendarhttp://veterans.utah.gov/events-calendarhttp://veterans.utah.gov/events-calendarhttp://veterans.utah.gov/events-calendarhttp://wheelchairgames.org/http://business.slchamber.com/events/details/utah-veteran-business-conference-2016-5895http://business.slchamber.com/events/details/utah-veteran-business-conference-2016-5895http://business.slchamber.com/events/details/utah-veteran-business-conference-2016-5895http://veterans.utah.gov/https://uvisreg.utah.gov/vtsreg/public/Registerhttp://veterans.utah.gov/events-calendar/http://veterans.utah.gov/outreach-calendar/http://veterans.utah.gov/coordination-of-veteran-services/http://veterans.utah.gov/coordination-of-veteran-services/

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     By Crystal Young  75th Air Base Wing Public Aairs

    3/25/2016- HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- The Hill AFB celebrated the graduation of the rst group of Solar ReadyVets in a ceremony held March 25 at the landing. Program Manager Capt. Joshua Tate said the program certied 18participants who have mostly indicated a desire to stay and work in the solar industry in the local area. Solar ReadyVets is the conuence of two government initiatives, the SunShot Initiative and the SkillsBridge Initiative, that seek totrain and place service members transitioning to the civilian workforce into the solar energy industry.

    Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Deputy Secretary of the U. S. Department of Energy thanked the graduates for theirparticipation in the pilot program that will help determine how the Presidential goal of helping more than 700,000 veterans nd jobs after leaving service will be met. In conjunction with the Department of Energy and solar partnersin the community, the course was delivered by the Salt Lake Community College at Hill Air Force Base and included

    condensed online coursework on the solar industry and hands-on training designing, installing and troubleshootingsolar circuits and panels.

    The Salt Lake Community College program is among the rst programs in the nation able to work with the DOD toallow servicemembers to use their GI benets to pay for courses that lead to solar industry certication. Information gathered from the course participants will be used to evaluate the course and help optimize collaboration between

    partner organizations before the next course is underway.

     

    Newsin the

    First Graduating Class of Solar Ready Veterans

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     By DWS Press

    Newsin the

    SALT LAKE CITY - The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released theirannual report showing the unemployment rate for veterans. Utah's jobless

    rate for all veterans improved from 4.9 percent in 2014 to 2.6 percent in2015. Only four other states had a lower rate than Utah.

    "Utah benets from a strong partnership between multiple agenciescollaborating to comprehensively serve veterans," said Gary Harter,executive director of VMA. "We focus on supporting veterans, their family

    members, and those currently serving in the military to ensure they know of all the benets available for them becauseof their service to our country."

    Veterans labor force statistics are generated from BLS's monthly Current Population Survey. Utah's WorkforceServices works closely with the Department of Veterans and Military Aairs (VMA) to ensure supportive services are

    available to all veterans in Utah. These services to veterans include specialized workshops, programs that help applyskills obtained through military training to private sector occupations (the ACE program), and proactive outreach to veterans currently receiving unemployment insurance.

    "We are pleased to see the improved year-over veterans unemployment rate," said Jon Pierpont, executive director atthe Department of Workforce Services. "We are committed to implementing strategies that help all veterans obtainemployment."

    For more information about BLS data, visit http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/vet.pdf .

    To learn more about veteran employment services, visit http://jobs.utah.gov/jobseeker/veteran.html . Additionalinformation about benets and other services for veterans, visit http://veterans.utah.gov/ .

    ranksTopfor

    Veterans Unemploymentrate

    5

    http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/vet.pdfhttp://jobs.utah.gov/jobseeker/veteran.htmlhttp://veterans.utah.gov/http://veterans.utah.gov/http://jobs.utah.gov/jobseeker/veteran.htmlhttp://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/vet.pdf

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    Pinning Ceremony

    "Welcome Home!" These

    words echoed across Utah at

    ceremonies held to recognize

    and thank military veterans

    who served during the Vietnam

    War time period. Over 1,500 people participated in events held in Ogden,

     Layton, Salt Lake City, Sandy, Provo, Ce-

    dar City and St. George. At each event, those

    military veterans who were in uniform from 1955-

    1975 were presented with a Vietnam Veteran Lapel

     Pin, the commemorative book "A Time to Honor"

    and a DVD of the feature documentary "The Jour-

    ney Home." Spouses of the veterans in attendance

    also received a spouse

    commemorative pin. Other

     events will be planned over

    the next 9 to 12 months.

     Please visit our Website to find

    locations of events and other pick-up locations : www.

    veterans.utah.gov/statewide-

    ceremonies-honoring-vietnam-military-

     service-and-spouses/  

    Vietnam Commemorations Recap 

      We want to thank all of the many partners who

    have made the book, DVD and ceremonies possible.

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    Veterans can now work directly with VA to resolve debt collection issues resultingfrom inappropriate or delayed Choice Program billing. In step with MyVA’s eorts tomodernize VA’s customer-focused, Veteran-centered services capabilities, a Com-munity Care Call Center has been set up for Veterans experiencing adverse creditreporting or debt collection resulting from inappropriately billed Choice Programclaims. Veterans experiencing these problems can call 1-877-881-7618 9 a.m. – 5p.m. ET for assistance. To read the full article Click Here.

    VA announces Community Care Call Center to help Veterans with billing 

    Combat Veterans Get Telephonic Health Care Application Option

    The Department of Veterans Aairs (VA) announced today that it has amended itsenrollment regulations to allow Veterans to complete applications for enrollmentin VA health care by telephone without the need for a signed paper application.The change is eective immediately for Combat Veterans and will be eective July5, 2016, for all Veterans. For more information, Veterans can contact the HealthEligibility Center Enrollment and Eligibility Division toll free at 1-855-488-8440.To read the full article Click Here.

    G.I. Bill Comparison Tool

    The G.I. Bill Comparison Tool provides key information about college aordabilityand value so beneciaries can choose the best education program for their needs.https://www.vets.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool 

    Enter which typ of GI Bill you are using and the school you are interested in. Yourestimated tuition and fees, housing allowance and book stipend will be generated.

    WEAMS Public

     A new feature at VA.GOV is the Web Enabled Approval Management System(WEAMS), a public site located at:http://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/buildSearchInstitutionCriteria.do

    Search functions allow you to view college programs, non-college degrees, andOJT Apprenticeship programs to include approved ight programs in all states andterritories.

    VA Updates / Tools

    http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/26380/va-announces-community-care-call-center-help-veterans-choice-program-billing-issues/http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2766https://www.vets.gov/gi-bill-comparison-toolhttp://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/buildSearchInstitutionCriteria.dohttp://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/buildSearchInstitutionCriteria.dohttps://www.vets.gov/gi-bill-comparison-toolhttp://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2766http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/26380/va-announces-community-care-call-center-help-veterans-choice-program-billing-issues/

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    Regional News UDVMA

    Northern Utah Region Report

    The Northern Utah Service Area is made up of the Davis. Weber, Box Elder, Cache, Rich, Morgan and the western

    part of Summit Counties. The response to special events and appointments for claims has been impressive.

    This Region has some very dynamic Veteran Organizations that have been helping with ensuring that Veterans andfamily member get the support and information that they need. Outreach eorts from the Utah Department ofVeterans and Military Aairs (UDVMA) have increased the amount of time spent in the Region, and the number ofplaces that Veterans and family members can get personalized one-on-one attention for claims and information. Whileit is not the desire to do one-on-one home visits for those who cannot go to scheduled areas, our Department has beenassisted by the “Area Aging” representative to arrange home meetings and accompany UDVMA sta.

    For futher information there is an Outreach Calendar and contact information per regional manager available on our

    Website (  veterans.utah.gov  ) 

    Southern Utah Region Report

    The SUU vet center welcomed Veterans Coordinator, Caleb Vadnais, and the reopening of the Southern UtahUniversity Veterans Support and Resource Center (VRC) after remodel. This was all done by a grant given be-tween the Student Veterans of America (SVA) and The Home Depot. While they didn’t gain more space, they gainedeciently. There is now a formal reception area with conference room, separate from the study lounge for privacy. TheVeteran Resources and Support Center is in the Sharwan Smith Student Center.

     Also, Dixie State University welcomed former DSU student Army Ranger Kris “Tanto” Paronto. The Co-Author of

    “13 Hours” and one of the principle gures of the September, 11 2012 attack on the US Consulate in Benghazi, Lybia.Paronto entertained the crowd with a rst hand perspective of the events and making of the Feature lm. The Univer-sity Honored him with a display of his 1992 Football jersey and team picture. Furthermore, to support our Veterans atDixie State University, the Veterans club and administration have successfully collaborated a new Veterans Memorial

    more central on campus. The memorial will anchor the new agship trio style agpoles (Rendering Trio Flag 1).  

    Central Utah Region Report

     All partners are continuing to work hard for all the Veterans, Service Members and family members of all who have

    served. In the area The “Utah County Veterans Community Council” is held every 3rd Thursday of every monthat 11 am, Public is welcome (51 S. University Ave., Provo Utah 84604.)

    Utah Valley University Veterans Center is open and running to assist those seeking their education. We also continue

    to coordinate with the “Veterans Owned Business Partnership” program as well as coordinating with “Hero2Hire´ Em-ployers and Support of the Guard and Reserve. One of our successes in the area has been with the “Veterans TreatmentCourt: As of March we have graduated 5 Veterans. This program is specic in helping Veterans in the Court system andconnecting them with services to be successful.

    For further info contact www.veterans.utah.gov  

    http://veterans.utah.gov/http://www.veterans.utah.gov/http://www.veterans.utah.gov/http://veterans.utah.gov/

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    O

    nce again Northern Utah is preparing for the largest event in the State of Utah. Crowds of over 650,000 people,coming from more than 5 states surrounding Utah, will ll the ight line to experience the action. Kids of all ages

    are excited and counting down the days because it’s almost here and it’s free, The Hill AFB Warriors Over the Wasatch Air Show and Open House.

    On June 25th and 26th the United States Air Force will once again host the 2016 Warriors Over the Wasatch OpenHouse and Air Show. Taunted as one of the largest military shows in the nation, acts from all of the country and the world will be bringing their talents to the local air force base.

    Such names as Kirby Chambliss who ies for Red Bull, Melissa Pemberton, top female pilot in the world, Buck Roet-man, Gary Rower, the Army Golden Knights, The Air Force Thunderbirds, and the Breitling Jet Team from France willperform just to name a few and will thrill and excite for 2 full days of ying and fun.

    Static displays of planes from World War II through the newest F-35 will be on display for people to see and explore. Inaddition, you can learn even more but uploading the Air Show APP to your smart phone for free. The WOW app will guide you through trac, parking availability, weather, lost and found, description of static air craft and give you theability to watch the pilots as they y their program right in front of your eyes.

    This is the event of the year that no one should miss! Mark your calendar and prepare yourself for lots of fun, excite-ment, and great food at this year’s Warriors Over the Wasatch Air Show and Open House.

    Hill AFB Warriors Over the Wasatch Air Show

    The Utah Air Show

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    In Other News

    SGT Josh Hansen US Army (retired) and His Choice to Continue Mission

     After two tours in Iraq with the US Army, losing six men in combat, and getting wounded in action in Fallujah, I fellinto a major depression. The injuries I received during the war were a traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stressand chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain. I isolated myself at home, sitting on the couch watching tv, and sunk deeper

    into depression. My family life was suering because of it. I was overweight and very unhealthy. I felt like I didn't have purpose in life and I was a burden on those around me.

    My physical, mental, and emotional challenges increased the more I sat around doing nothing physical. It was so easy t

    tell my wife "I can't do that, my injuries from the war hurt too much". The truth was depression was ruling my life and  would use any excuse to stay home and not be active. The less active I was the more my body hurt. 

     After losing four military brothers to suicide, I knew I needed to make a change in my life. We were all leaders in the

    military, and even though we are no longer active military, I realized we are still leaders and can still make eorts to takcharge and help other Veterans. This was my oportunity. At 45lbs overweight, considered obese in the VA system, andon cholesterol medications I made the choice to start my healing process by adjusting my nutrition, health, and well-ness. I started by walking around the block. When I started making better nutrition choices I had more energy and by

    exercising my sore muscles and joints began to feel better. I still live in chronic pain and depression, but I no longer letit control my life.

     In August 2014 my wife, Melissa, and co-founder, Laura Cantin, and I started Continue Mission, a 501(c)(3) non-protorganization. Our goal is to help all era Veterans with service connected physical and mental trauma as they continue on

    their path to healing and enjoying life again. We provide events that give our Veterans an opportunity for getting out ofthe house and participating in nature, recreation, and camaraderie with their Brothers and Sisters in Arms. We call ourregistered Veterans the CM Family. Our events include cycling, mountain biking, hiking, disc golf, cross country ski-ing, alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, plus more. We consider family an important part of the healing process

    and hold family events for our Veteran’s spouses and kids. We also take an active role in suicide prevention and mentalhealth awareness.

     

    To get involved please email us at [email protected]. Please visit our website at www.continuemission.org  andFacebook page at www.facebook.com/continuemission.

     By Sgt. Josh Hansen

    http://www.continuemission.org/http://www.facebook.com/continuemissionhttp://www.facebook.com/continuemissionhttp://www.continuemission.org/

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    In Other News

    Under the expert guidance of Representative Lynn Hemingway, HB 135 passed both houses of the Utah Legisla-ture and was signed by Governor Gary R. Herbert. HB 135, titled "State Parks Fee Exemption Amentdments",instructs the Board of Parks and Recreation to create, by rule, a program that will provide free admission to all Utah'sstate parks for all Utah veteran's who have a 50% or greater service related disability.

    The Board of Parks and Recreation is currently creating the program and is working on rules and policies that willinstruct the Division of Parks and Recreation on how the pass will be distributed. It is anticipated that the Board willadopt those rules during its May meeting, and that the passes will be available for distribution by the rst of July, 2016.More Information will be provided as it becomes available.

    Utah State Park Passes

    Don'tBeAVictimbe aware of pension poaching scams

    The U.S Department of Veterans Aairs (VA) pensions and disability payments exist to help wartime Veterans and theirsurvivors. Individuals and organizations are available to help you le a VA pension and disability claim, includingappeals, free of charge. Local organizations that will help you free of charge include, but not limited to:

    • American Legion • Disabled American Veterans

    • Military Order of the Purple Heart • Veterans of Foreign Wars

    • Utah Department of Veteran and Military Aairs

     A searchable list of VA-accredited representatives in the State of Utah, including Veterans Service Organizations, agents,

    and attorneys, is available at the VA website:  www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp, or from a link on our depart-

    ment website:  veterans.utah.gov/va-benets-claims-assistance. Per Utah Code (71-13), any individual or business oering to

    assist you in applying for benets or on appeals must disclose in writing on UDVMA Form-1 the requirement for them to be

    accredited by the VA. Veteran Service Organizations are exempt from this disclosure requirement as all of their claims and

    pension assistance is oered free of charge.

    BE AWARE

    Be cautious if someone oers to move your assets around for you to qualify for VA pension. This type of scam is most often

    directed towards Veterans and family members who do not actually qualify for VA pension. You could be required to repay

    these benets to the government. Examples of possible pension poaching scams:

    • Organizations that cold call, charging money for assisting with a VA pension claim, and take credit card information

    • People who charge as much as $6000 upfront to represent claimants before VA, with a percentage of any eventual backpayment from VA as a portion of the ultimate fee

    If in doubt contact us and we will help you: 801-326-2372 or [email protected]  

    http://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asphttp://veterans.utah.gov/va-benefits-claims-assistancehttp://[email protected]/http://[email protected]/http://veterans.utah.gov/va-benefits-claims-assistancehttp://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp

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    Remembering,By Bob Welsh

    They hover as a cloud of witnesses above this Nation.

    Henry Ward Beecher

    On the 30th of May 1868, a crowd of 5,000 gathered at Arlington National Cemetery for the rst Decoration Dayexercises. Before strewing owers upon the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate dead, the crowd listenedto an address by then-Gen. James A. Gareld (who would become the 20th President in 1881) which explained whaDecoration Day was all about and why it should be commemorated. The following is only the briefest selection of wha was a rather lengthy speech:

     I am oppressed with a sense of the impropriety of uttering words on this occasion. If silence is ever golden, it must be here beside th

     graves of fteen thousand men, whose lives were more signicant than speech, and whose death was a poem, the music of which can

     never be sung…. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and thei

    virtue…. I love to believe that no heroic sacrice is ever lost; that the characters of men are molded and inspired by what their father

     have done; that treasured up in American souls are all the unconscious inuences of the great deeds … from Agincourt to Bunker Hill…

    The voices of these dead will forever ll the land like holy benedictions. What other spot so tting for their last resting place as thi

    under the shadow of the Capitol saved by their valor? Here, where the grim edge of battle joined; here, where all the hope and fear an

     agony of their country centered; here let them rest, asleep on the Nation’s heart, entombed in the Nation’s love! 

    In Honor of Memorial Day

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    In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson ocially declared Waterloo N.Y. the birthplace of Memorial Day. The day is nowobserved in every state on the last Monday in May since Congress passed the National Holiday Act of 1971. Then, toensure the sacrices of America’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000 Congress passed and the Presi-dent signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” which encourages all Americans to pause whereverthey are at 1500 hours local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have diedin service to the nation.

    Let us always remember and never forget, those who sacriced the most for us to live free.

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    FAQs

    14

    ?The Veterans Administration's 800number is difficult to get throughto. How do I contact someone withthe Veterans Administration?The published number for the Veterans Administration is 1-800-827-1000. Contacting thisnumber can be frustrating with long hold times,extensive phone tree options, and worst of all beingdisconnected after waiting. Calling between 05:00p.m. to 07:00 p.m. increases the opportunity to

    speak to a live person. Another option is to callafter 07:00 p.m. andschedule a telephoneappointment withthe VA. Thetimes scheduledare based onEast Coast time(09:00 a.m. Utahtime is 11:00 a.m.East Coast time).

    How can I receivefull militaryretirement andVA disabilitycompensation?Concurrent Receipt or Concurrent Retirement andDisability Pay (CRDP) is a benet managed throughthe Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)that allows qualied military retirees to receive fullmilitary retirement and VA disability compensation.This law phases out the VA disability oset, thusmilitary retirees with 20 or more years of serviceand a 50% (or higher) VA rated disability will nolonger have their military retirement reduced by theamount of their VA disability compensation. Thisprogram is run by the Department of Defense; it is

    not a VA program. If you are qualied for concurrenreceipt, you should have automatically received andincrease in your military retirement.

    Under these rules, you may be qualied for CRDPif…

    • You are a regular retiree with a VA disabilityrating of 50% or greater.

    • You are a reserve retiree with 20 qualifying

     years of service, who has a VA disability rating of50% or greater and who

    has reached the ageof retirement. (Inmost cases theretirement agefor reservists is60, but certainreserve retirees

    may be eligiblebefore they turn

    60. If you are amember of the Ready

    Reserve, your retirementage can be reduced belowage 60 by three months for

    each 90 days of active service you have performed during a

    scal year.)

    • You are retired under Temporary EarlyRetirement Act (TERA) and have a VA disability

    rating of 50% or greater.• You are a disability retiree who earned

    entitlement to retired pay under any provision oflaw other than solely by disability, and you have aVA disability rating of 50% or greater.

    For more information please contact the DefenseFinance and Accounting Service (DFAS) at

    1-800-321-1080.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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    15

    MILITARY BANKING

    In the field you served with loyalty, honesty and commitment. You should expect the same from your

    bank. Zions Bank is proud to offer value-added military banking products and services. It’s our way of

    saying Thank You for the amazing service you provided to our country.

    For more information, visit any Zions Bank financial center; call Military Banking Customer Service at

    888-673-3380; Military Lending at 800-510-4598; or visit zionsbank.com/military .

    WE SERVE THE VETERANS WHO

    HAVE SERVED AMERICA

    http://zionsbank.com/militaryhttp://zionsbank.com/militaryhttp://zionsbank.com/militaryhttp://zionsbank.com/military

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    16

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    17 

      To guarantee admission. Walk-ins welcome but space not

    This “FREE” Hero2Hired Job Fair is for Guard and Reserve Servicemembers, Active

    Duty Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses. This event is “FREE” for

    both employers and job seekers. Free parking is also available.

    Selected Veterans Benefits Providers and Employment Specialists will also be

    available to answer questions and provide assistance.

    Additionally a “Job Fair Preparation Workshop” will be conducted at the Utah

    National Guard Browning Armory, 625 E 5300 S, Ogden, UT on May 11, 2016.

    Call (801) 432-4242 for workshop registration information.

    This “FREE” Hero2Hired event is being conducted by the Utah Veterans and

    Military Employment Coalition, the Utah Committee for Employer Support of the

    Guard and Reserve (ESGR), the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs,

    the Utah Department of Workforce Services, the Salt Lake, Davis, and Ogden-

    Weber Chambers of Commerce, the Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment

    and Training Service (DOL VETS) and many other local partners.

    For event registration questions call (801) 432-4536 or (801) 432-4492

    EM P LOY E R S MUST R E G IST E R AT :  

    www.jointservicessupport.org/Reg/83M816

     

    JOB S EE KE RS RE GI ST E R T O D AY O N L INE  

    www.jointservicessupport.org/Reg/13H723 

    Hero2Hired Job FairDavis Conference Center

    1651 N 700th W

    Layton, Utah

    Thursday - May 26, 2016

    11:00 am to 3:00 pm

    https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Events/EventRegistrationRequest.aspx?Id=c969437d-661d-4d8c-8499-b8909e2268c0https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Events/EventRegistrationRequest.aspx?Id=d5badc64-0bfb-4db2-9aeb-f05ad7948e21https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Events/EventRegistrationRequest.aspx?Id=c969437d-661d-4d8c-8499-b8909e2268c0https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Events/EventRegistrationRequest.aspx?Id=c969437d-661d-4d8c-8499-b8909e2268c0https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Events/EventRegistrationRequest.aspx?Id=c969437d-661d-4d8c-8499-b8909e2268c0https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Events/EventRegistrationRequest.aspx?Id=d5badc64-0bfb-4db2-9aeb-f05ad7948e21

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    18

    2nd Annual Veterans Business Conference, May 13, 2016Back by popular demand, we are proud to oer this conference to help veteran entrepreneurs and business owners

     with the resources they need to be successful in the marketplace. Please join us and learn about the keys to becominga successful Veteran-Owned business, other local and national resources, and how to connect with other entrepreneursand business owners. Be one of the rst 200 people to register for this event and receive a free copy of Larry H. Miller"Behind the Drive: 99 Inspiring Stories from the Life of an American Entrepreneur."

    **For more info on the tentative agenda and schedule or if you are interested in attending/sponsoring the event pleaseclick on this link:  http://business.slchamber.com/events/details/utah-veteran-business-conference-2016-5895

    News You Can Use

    Mark your calendars for the last week in June. If you

    are a Veteran interested in participating or a member

    of the community wanting to volunteer please visit:

    http://wheelchairgames.org/

    Wheelchair games clinics and training are happening right now.

    For more information contact Recreation Therapist HeatherBrown at 801-582-1565 ext. 1559.

    National Veteran Wheelchair Games in SLCare Fast Approaching! By Jill Atwood, Salt Lake Regional Medical Center 

    We need volunteers and fans to fill the stands in support of these

    extraordinary Veteran Athletes — get involved today!

    http://business.slchamber.com/events/details/utah-veteran-business-conference-2016-5895https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/ap?AP=683668531&OR=1http://www.wheelchairgames.org/https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/ap?AP=683668531&OR=1http://business.slchamber.com/events/details/utah-veteran-business-conference-2016-5895http://business.slchamber.com/events/details/utah-veteran-business-conference-2016-5895

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    Outreach Calendar

    A Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is scheduled to be at the location on the day and time indicated. Be advisedthat unforeseen events may cause the VSO to cancel a visit. Please verify this by calling the Utah Department ofVeterans and Military Affairs (UDVMA) at 801-326-2372 or by visiting the UDVMA website: http://veterans.utah.

    gov/outreach-calendar/.

    Addresses per location are listed on pages 16 and 17...

    May 2016

    Mon Tue Wed Thu

    2 3 4 5

    9 10 11 12

    16 17 18 19

    23 24 25 26

    • Price 1000 - 1500 • Logan 0800 – 1000

    • Cedar City 0900 – 1030

    • Ogden WVH 1100 – 1600

    (appt. required)

    • St. George 1200 – 1430

    • Ogden DWS 0800 – 1100

    • Provo DWS 0830 – 1430

    • Payson Veterans Home

      0900 – 1500 (appt. req.)• Farmington 1130 – 1230

    • Clearfield 1300 – 1400

    • HAFB 1430 – 1600

    • Blanding 0930 – 1100

    (appt. required)

    • Ivans Veterans Home

    0900

      – 1500 (appt. required)

    • Moab 1230 – 1430

      (appt. required)

    • Blanding 0930 – 1100

    • Roosevelt 1000 – 1430

    • Moab 1230 – 1430

    • Ogden WVH 0800 – 1600

    (appt. required)

    • Provo 0830 – 1430

    • Cedar City 0900 – 1030

    • St. George 1200 – 1430

    • Ivins 0900 - 1500

    • Payson 0900- 1500

    • Logan 0800 – 1000

    • Provo Courthourse

    0900 - 1500

    • Ogden WVH 1100 –1600

    (appt. required)

    • Cedar City 0900 – 1030

    • St. George 1200 – 1430

    • Payson 0900- 1500

    • Beaver 0900 – 1000

    • Ivans Veterans Home

    0900

      – 1500 (appt. required)

    • Panguitch 1130 – 1230

    • Kanab 1400 – 1500

    • Ogden DWS 0800 – 1100

    • Provo DWS 0830 – 1430

    • Payson Veterans Home

      0900 – 1500 (appt. req.)

    • Farmington 1130 – 1230

    • Clearfield 1300 – 1400

    • HAFB 1430 – 1600

    • Fillmore 0900 - 1000

    • Price 1000 – 1500

    • Vet Center SLC 1015

    – 1230• Delta 1100 - 1200

    • Nephi 1330 - 1430

    • Ogden WVH 0800 – 1600

    (appt. required)

    • Cedar City 0900 – 1030

    • St. George 1200 – 1430

    • Payson 0900- 1500

    • Provo Vet Ctr. 0830 – 1430

    • Payson Veterans Home

      0900 – 1500 (appt. req.)

    • Richfield 0930 – 1030

    • Manti 1200 – 1330

    • Payson Veterans Home

      0900 – 1500 (appt. req.)

    • Richfield 0930 – 1030

    • Manti 1200 – 1330

    • Beaver 0900 - 1000

    • Panguitch 1130 - 1230

    • Kanab 1400 - 1500

    http://veterans.utah.gov/outreach-calendar/http://veterans.utah.gov/outreach-calendar/http://veterans.utah.gov/outreach-calendar/http://veterans.utah.gov/outreach-calendar/

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    Outreach Calendar Continued...

    ADDRESSES:

    • Beaver (875 North Main St.)

    • Blanding (544 North 100 East)

    • Cedar City (176 East 2nd North)

    • Clearfield (1290 East 1450 South)

    • Delta (44 South 350 East)

    • Farmington (28 East State St.)

    • Fillmore (75 West Center St.)

    • Hill AFB (RAO, Building 430)

    • Kanab (468 East 300 South)

    • Logan (180 North 100 West)

    • Manti (55 South Main St.)

    • Metro DWS (720 South 200 East)

    • Midvale (7292 South State St.)

    • Moab (457 Kane Creek Blvd.)

    • Nephi (625 North Main St.)

    • Ogden DWS (480 27th Street)

    • Ogden Wahlen Veterans Home

    (1102 North 1200 West)

    • Panguitch (665 North Main St.)

    A Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is scheduled to be at the location on the day and time indicated. Be advisedthat unforeseen events may cause the VSO to cancel a visit. Please verify this by calling the Utah Department ofVeterans and Military Affairs (UDVMA) at 801-326-2372 or by visiting the UDVMA website: http://veterans.utah.gov/outreach-calendar/.

    June 2016

    Mon Tue Wed Thu

    1 2

    6 7 8 9

    13 14 15 16

    20 21 22 23

    27 28 29 30

    • Fillmore 0900 – 1000• SL Vet Center 1015 – 1230

    • Price 1000 – 1500

    • Delta 1100 – 1200

    • Nephi 1330–1430

    • Ivans Veterans Home

    0900 – 1500 (appt.

    required)

    • Blanding 0930 – 1100

    (appt. required)

    • Moab 1230 – 1430 (appt.

    required)

    • Ogden WVH 0800 – 1600

    (appt. required)

    • Logan 0800 – 1000

    • Cedar City 0900 – 1030

    • St. George 1200 – 1430• Payson 0900- 1500

    • Ogden WVH 0800 – 1600

    (appt. required)

    • Provo Vet Ctr. 0830 –

    1000

    • Cedar City 0900 – 1030

    • St. George 1200 – 1430

    • Ivins 0900 - 1500

    • Payson 0900- 1500

    • Ogden WVH 0800 – 1600(appt. required)

    • Logan 0800 – 1000

    • Cedar City 0900 – 1030

    • Provo Courthouse 0900

    – 1500

    • St. George 1200 – 1430

    • Ogden WVH 0800 – 1600

    (appt. required)

    • Cedar City 0900 – 1030

    • St. George 1200 – 1430

    • Payson Veterans Home

      0900 – 1500 (appt.

    required)

    • Richfield 0930 – 1030

    • Manti 1200 – 1330

    • Beaver 0900 – 1000

    • Panguitch 1130 –

    1230

    • Kanab 1400 – 1500

    • Provo Vet Center

    0830 - 1430

    • Beaver 0900 – 1000

    • Ivans Veterans Home

    0900 – 1500 (appt.

    required)

    • Panguitch 1130 – 1230

    • Kanab 1400 – 1500

    • Richfield 0930 – 1030

    • Manti 1200 – 1330

    • Blanding 0930 – 1100

      (appt. required)

    • Roosevelt 0900 – 1430

    • Moab 1230 – 1430

      (appt. required)

    • Ogden DWS 0800 – 1100

    • Provo DWS 0830 – 1430

    • Payson Veterans Home

      0900 – 1500 (appt. req.)

    • Farmington 1130 – 1230• Clearfield 1300 – 1400

    • HAFB 1430 – 1600

    • Ogden DWS 0800 – 1100• Provo DWS 0830 – 1430

    • Payson Veterans Home

    0900 – 1500 (appt.

    required)

    • Farmington 1130 – 1230

    • Clearfield 1300 – 1400

    • HAFB 1430 – 1600

    • Price 1000 – 1500

    • Payson Veterans Home

      0900 – 1500 (appt. req.)

    http://veterans.utah.gov/outreach-calendar/http://veterans.utah.gov/outreach-calendar/http://veterans.utah.gov/outreach-calendar/http://veterans.utah.gov/outreach-calendar/

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    Please Note the Following:Blanding and Moab require appointments: Call 1-800-894-9497. The George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home, theCentral Utah Veterans Home – Payson, and the Southern

    Utah Veterans Home – Ivins require appointments. Call:Wahlen: 801-326-2372Ivins: 435-634-5220Payson: 801-465-5400

    21

    • Price (475 West Price River Dr.)

    • Provo DWS (1550 North 200 West)

    • Provo Courthouse (51 South

    University Ave.)

    • Provo Vet Center (1807 N. 1120 W.)

    • Richfield (115 East 100 South)

    • Roosevelt (140 West 425 South)

    • St. George (162 North 200 East)

    • VA Medical Center Salt Lake City

    (500 Foothill Dr.)

    • Vet Center Salt Lake City (22 West

    Fireclay Ave.)

    July 2016

    Mon Tue Wed Thu

    4 5 6 7

    11 12 13 14

    18 19 20 21

    25 26 27 28

    • Price 1000 - 1500 • Logan 0800 – 1000

    • Cedar City 0900 – 1030

    • Ogden WVH 1100 – 1600

    (appt. required)

    • St. George 1200 – 1430

    • Ogden DWS 0800 – 1100

    • Provo DWS 0830 – 1430

    • Payson Veterans Home  0900 – 1500 (appt. req.)

    • Farmington 1130 – 1230

    • Clearfield 1300 – 1400

    • HAFB 1430 – 1600

    • Blanding 0930 – 1100

    (appt. required)

    • Ivans Veterans Home

    0900

      – 1500 (appt. required)

    • Moab 1230 – 1430

      (appt. required)

    • Blanding 0930 – 1100

    • Roosevelt 1000 – 1430

    • Moab 1230 – 1430

    • Ogden WVH 0800 – 1600

    (appt. required)

    • Ivans 0900 – 1500

    • Cedar City 0900 – 1030

    • St. George 1200 – 1430

    • Provo Courthouse 0900

    - 1500

    • Payson Veterans Home

      0900 – 1500 (appt. req.)

    • Logan 0800 – 1000

    • Ogden WVH 1100 – 1600

    (appt. required)• Cedar City 0900 – 1030

    • St. George 1200 – 1430

    • Payson Veterans Home

      0900 – 1500 (appt. req.)

    • Beaver 0900 – 1000

    • Ivans Veterans Home

    0900  – 1500 (appt. required)

    • Panguitch 1130 – 1230

    • Kanab 1400 – 1500

    • Ogden DWS 0800 – 1100

    • Provo DWS 0830 – 1430

    • Payson Veterans Home

      0900 – 1500 (appt. req.)

    • Farmington 1130 – 1230

    • Clearfield 1300 – 1400

    • HAFB 1430 – 1600

    • Fillmore 0900 - 1000

    • Price 1000 - 1500

    • Vet Center SLC 1015 –1230

    • Delta 1100 - 1200

    • Nephi 1330 - 1430

    • Payson Veterans Home

      0900 – 1500 (appt. req.)

    • Richfield 0930 – 1030

    • Manti 1200 – 1330

    • Cedar City 0900 – 1030

    • St. George 1200 – 1430

    • Payson Veterans Home

      0900 – 1500 (appt. req.)

    • Richfield 0930 – 1030

    • Manti 1200 – 1330

    • Provo Vet Ctr. 0830 – 1430

    • Beaver 0900 – 1000

    • Panguitch 1130 – 1230

    • Kanab 1400 – 1500

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    WORLD WAR II/KOREAN WAR • VIETNAM WAR • COLD WAR/PEACETIME • GULF WAR/OIF/OEF • FAMILY

    the Utah

    VeteransVoice550 Foothill Drive, Suite 105 • Salt Lake City, UT 84113

    (801) 326-2372

    Cory Pearson, Editor • [email protected] J Alvarez, Designer • [email protected]

    Presorted Standa

    US Postage

    PAID

     SLC, UT

    Permit # 4621

    mailto:[email protected]://www.saltlakecity.va.gov/http://veterans.utah.gov/mailto:[email protected]://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_7/veterans.utah.govhttp://veterans.utah.gov/