Vet-to-Vet:   Special Events
THE ROCKLAND COUNTY JOSEPH P. DWYER
VETERAN PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM
WEEKLY WELLNESS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES FOR VETS

VA News Editor’s note: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Veterans should verify the information with the organization offering.

Every week, VA sends a newsletter that is jam-packed with resources like free concert tickets, health care and claims benefits information, workout programs, national park passes and Veteran discounts on hundreds of services.

VA makes no endorsements of privately offered resources, but we share them to generate awareness of all that’s available to the Veteran community.

Here are the Top 10 most popular Veteran resources from 2024:

1. Veteran discounts available year round
This is a list of Veteran and military discounts that are good year-round and updated as we learn of more. These discounts are shared so Veterans, military members, their families, caregivers and survivors are aware of all resources available to them.

2. Physical fitness resources to ignite a healthier future
Regular exercise provides a sense of routine and discipline, which helps with adaptation outside the military environment. Fitness contributes to long-term health, helps manage stress and improves overall quality of life. Here are some popular fitness resources for Veterans to get started on the road to a happy, healthy you.

3. Everything you need to know about VA urgent care services
Many Veterans may not be aware of life-changing benefits they’ve earned—and deserve—through military service. This outreach kit about VA urgent care services includes flyers, social media graphics and suggested corresponding language, radio public service announcements (PSA), newsletter content and a sample blog post to help you spread the word.

4. Veteran travel 101: Applying for travel reimbursement
If you do need a face-to-face appointment, you may incur a cost to travel to see a provider. Did you know you may be eligible for reimbursement of some or all of those travel expenses? VA’s travel reimbursement program can help.

5. Check your Veteran Health Identification Card
The Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) is not required to receive VA health care, but it is beneficial to quickly check in for your VA appointments. Learn how to renew your VHIC online.

6. Buddy Finder provides a faster method to find former service friends
Togetherweserved.com (TWS)’s Buddy Finder was created specifically to help Veterans find those they served with. The site has more than 2.3 million members in five separate service branch websites, and TWS has possibly reconnected more Veterans than any other site or organization.

7. DOD Installation access simplified: Three updates for Veterans and caregivers
Veterans and eligible caregivers now have easier access to Department of Defense (DOD) installations. The updated process announced by VA and DOD in November 2024, and has streamlined enrollment and access to installations. More information can be found in DOD’s fact sheet.

8. VA improves access to claims information
VA’s Claim Status Tool allows Veterans to view the status of their VA claims online using their VA.gov login. This tool displays which claims are in process and identifies any actions Veterans need to take. It also gives Veterans the ability to review recent claim activity.

9. Veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards during service now eligible for VA health care
In one of the largest-ever expansions of Veteran health care, all Veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards during military service—at home or abroad—are now eligible for VA health care.

10. Disaster assistance and resources for Veterans
For the latest updates and information, visit VA’s Disaster Help website. As we face natural disasters like tornados, wildfires and historic flooding, it’s important for Veterans and their families to know that VA is here to help. In the wake of a disaster, here are some resources available to you.

For further information and to view links to these 10 Resources, visit the VA News Website at:
https://news.va.gov/137949/best-of-2024-top-vetresources-year/?utm_source=feature&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=VetResources&utm_id=29JAN2025

• Learn new ways to take care of you this year.
• Make new connections with fellow caregivers by logging in at your convenience.
• Achieve New Year's resolutions by setting weekly goals and receiving support.

Lee Zeldin confirmed to lead Trump's Environmental Protection Agency

The Senate voted Wednesday afternoon to confirm Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6367954357112

President-elect Donald Trump’s EPA pick, Lee Zeldin, a former New York congressman, pledged to protect both the environment and the economy while strictly interpreting the nation’s clean air and water laws.

The Senate voted on Wednesday to confirm former Rep. Lee Zeldin to head the government's leading agency on environmental rules and regulations.

President Donald Trump tapped Zeldin, who previously served as a congressman from New York's 1st Congressional District from 2015 to 2023, to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under his administration. During his tenure in Congress, Zeldin, an Army Reserve lieutenant colonel, launched a campaign for governor in New York, when he trailed only five percentage points in the largely Democratic state.

Zeldin underwent a confirmation hearing earlier this month, when he was questioned on climate change by members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.