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| September 2023
Volume XV Issue 9
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| The Pact Act -- Presumptive Medical Conditions
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The Pact Act -- Presumptive Medical Conditions
21 Aug 2023
Military.com | By Amanda Miller
The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that "potentially millions" more veterans or their survivors could be eligible to receive health care
or financial compensation for toxic exposure-related medical conditions newly considered presumptive under the PACT Act, said Steve Miska, PACT Act transitional executive director.
The law's presumptive aspect "gives us the opportunity to automatically assume, that by virtue of a veteran having this condition, it must be due to their service," Miska told Military.com. "That is a game changer in terms of how veterans historically have had to file a claim" for PACT Act conditions: "Not only did they have to prove that those conditions were manifesting, but they also had to prove the service connection."
The law added what Miska described as 23 new "buckets of conditions," amounting to more than 330 medical conditions altogether. Some of the buckets contain, for example, a number of types of cancers.
Whereas in the past, the VA approved about 25% of claims related to burn pit exposures, the
rate was about 78.6% for PACT Act claims in the first year, Miska said.
The PACT Act presumes a service connection -- provided the veteran served in a certain place at a certain time -- for the following conditions related to toxic exposures from burn pits, contaminated water at Marine Corps bases in North Carolina, and the Vietnam-era chemical defoliant, Agent Orange.
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Here are some upcoming events:
Thursday, September 7th, 2023: Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #333, monthly meeting. Board meets at 6:30 p.m. General membership meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at the Kearsing-Edwards American Legion, Post #1600, 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970.
Meeting is also available through Zoom link --
Topic: Ray Furlong's Zoom Meeting
Time: September 7th, 2023 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89202249387?pwd=MWtFSGl3SjNCZWI3Q0VsMXZpY29SZz09
Meeting ID: 630 567 5618
Passcode: 980722
One tap
mobile
+16465588656,,89202249387#,,,,*513221# US (New York)
+13126266799,,89202249387#,,,,*513221# US (Chicago)
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 630 567 5618
Passcode: 980722
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kAooTO4Vk
Friday, September 8th, 2023: Veteran’s Game Day Social Luncheon: On September 8th (Friday) from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the Community Center Town of Clarkstown - Auditorium located at 31 Zukor Road, New City, New York 10956. All Veterans and their spouses, Caregivers and Gold Star families are welcome to join us to play games including BINGO and TRIVIA for prizes. It’s time to come out, get together, socialize, eat lunch and have fun!
This event is provided free of charge by Vet to Vet. There is plenty of parking available and the auditorium is very large with plenty of room for folks to spread out and maintain social distance if they choose to do so. Doors open at 10:45 am. RSVP: Required for Lunch! Call and reserve your seat early as we need a proper head count to order the catered meal. Please contact Izzy Quintana at email iquintana@vettovetrc.org or call 845-587-6497 to reserve a seat or if you have further questions.
Saturday, September 9th, 2023: Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 120 Meeting
Kearsing-Edwards American Legion Post #1600, 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970
This message is to let you know our
September meeting is being held on the second week of the month due to the Jewish High Holidays. We will be meeting on September 9, 2023 10:00 am at the Kearsing Edwards Legion Post. If the weather is good, we will meet on the back deck as there is a function that will be going on in our regular meeting room. If the weather is not conducive for a good meeting we will meet upstairs in the Legion meeting room. At our meeting we will talk about the September 29 Gold Star Remembrance at the Gulf War Monument 10:00 am. We will also practice folding the flag. Hope to see all of you at our opening meeting for the season.
Howard Goldin Commander, MOPH Chapter #120
Saturday, September 9th, 2023: All Veterans are Welcome…
Middletown ELKS Lodge Veteran Stand Down -- 48 Prospect St. Middletown, New York
Saturday, September 9th,
2023
Opening Ceremony, Registration & Bag Giveaway will begin at 9:45 am
For more information please contact Stand Down Coordinator, Teresa Mayer at 845-826-6844 or terrymayer11@icloud.com.
Sunday, September 10th. 2023: Nyack Street Fair -- Stop by and say hello to the VVA #333 volunteers.
Monday, September 11th, 2023: Suffern Village Hall - Always Remember 9/11
Please join us on Monday evening, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. as we as a community continue to Always Remember 9/11. Ceremony will be held outside Suffern Village Hall, and
a BBQ will follow. Please reach out with any questions. Thank you,
Cathy Mills, Recreation Director
Village of Suffern -- 61 Washington Avenue, Suffern, NY 10901
Phone: 845-357-7943
Email: cmills@suffernny.gov
http://www.Suffernny.gov
Monday, September 25th, 2023: From 9:30 to 10:30 am - "Thank You For Your Service" Radio Live : Mark Woods Jr., Director of Veteran Peer Services Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program, is on the airwaves hosting a radio show on WRCR 1700 AM. The show will air once a month on the 4th Monday at 9:30 a.m. Veterans can call in and ask questions about Veterans issues. The call-in number is: 845-429-1700. Mark will discuss Veteran issues and events in and around Rockland County. Please tune in to the show on 4th Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. on WRCR 1700 AM radio or access the show live on WRCR's website: https://www.wrcr.com. You can also access previously recorded episodes/podcasts on the following link:
https://www.bridgesrc.org/programs-services/vet2vet/ or https://open.spotify.com/episode/43jD5NLPAPdTQdi9tz5Ngp .
For further information, get in touch with Mark Woods, Jr.Director of Veteran Peer Services, Joseph
P. Dwyer Peer Support Program, “Vet to Vet” Email: Mwoods@vettovetrc.org / (Office) (845) 624-1366 ext 104 / Cell (845) 521-9440
Tuesday. September 29th, 2029: Gold Star Mothers Ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. Haverstraw Bay Park, Gagan Road, Haverstraw, New York at the Iraq / Afghanistan Memorial.
Saturday, September 30th, 2023: Moscarella Post 199 invites you to attend their Anniversary Dinner Dance Celebration scheduled for Saturday, September 30th, 2023 from 6PM until 11PM. It will take place at the New York Country Club located at 103 Brick Church Road, Spring Valley NY 10977. It will include a Cocktail Reception with Jazz music, Short American Legion
Service, Dinner and Live Entertainment by Valarie Adams & The Dimensions Band. Dinner consists of classic ceasar salad and main course of a plated duet peppercorn crusted chateaubriand seared beef tenderloin and lemon butter salmon fillet. Includes assorted soft drinks and juices. Cash bar available throughout the event. Cost is a donation of $75 per person. RSVP is requested no later than September 20th, 2023.
To make reservations or get further information, please contact Peter Medina at email petermedina47@yahoo.com or by telephone at 845-641-6899. Peter requests that individual Post CDRs or Adjutants provide a list of names of each member and spouse attending. This will help him in logging guest/attendees in his ledger, since he will not have tickets. Instead he will arrange placement cards for seating and keep your group together.
For God and Country -- Ismael (Izzy) Quintana, American Legion Nyack Post 310 - CDR
RCAL Judge Advocate
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| SGTs Time - - Topic: Financial Resources
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SGTs Time -- September 11th, 2023 at 12:00 noon.
Topic: Financial Resources
Join us for the next edition of SGTs Time. These monthly virtual presentations are open to all eras of Veterans, genders, and caregivers. Come to learn and ask questions!
Our next iteration of SGTs Time will be on Monday September 11th @ Noon (adjusted one week due to the Labor Day Federal Holiday).
The Bronx Vet Center will host its next Sergeant’s Time presentation on SEP 11th @ Noon. This month we will be speaking about: Financial Resources for Veterans.
Learn About a Variety of Financial Resources:
• Federal, State,
and Local Programs
• Financial Assistance Programs
• Free Financial Coaching for Veterans
• Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP)
Sergeant’s Time
September 11th, 12:00pm - 1:00pm, virtually via Webex
Financial Resources for Veterans
Click Here to Register: Sergeant's Time - September 11th, 2023 at
12:00 noon
If the above link won’t work on your browser try to cut and paste the full URL below:
https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/veteransaffairs/k2/j.php?MTID=t8b1b2c25ce54ab05fd65fd69c43d4aba
Marco A. Bongioanni, MSEd. -- Readjustment Counseling Therapist -- U.S. Army Veteran
Bronx Vet Center, 2471 Morris Ave - Suite 1A, Bronx, NY 10468 -- office (718) 367-3500
fax (718) 364-6867 Email: marco.bongioanni@va.gov
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| Vietnam Veterans Chapter #333 Monthly Meeting
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Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #333 -- monthly meeting is held on the first Thursday of each month, at Kearsing-Edwards American Legion Post #1600, 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York 10970. The Board will meet at their usual time of 6:30 p.m. with full membership meeting to start promptly at 7:30 p.m. Veterans from all eras are welcome.
Also, VVA 333 will hold their 35th Anniversary Celebration at the usual monthly meeting on Thursday, October 5th, 2023. The Chapter welcomes current, former and
prospective VVA members to join us that evening. It will be held at the Kearsing-Edwards American Legion Post #1600, 20 Station Road, Pomona, New York starting at 7:30 p.m. For further information, contact VVA #333 President, Ray Furlong via email: Rayfur845@aol.com.
At our recent Chapter meetings we presented over 25 scholarship awards. 14 were presented to our members' Grandchildren. We also presented scholarships to children in the schools in which we presented our Vietnam Memories program led by Howie Goldin. We make
a presenatation in the schools as in Felix Festa and Nanuet High School. The children participate in a contest to write letters, drawings or whatever they choose of our event and we choose the winners. Their parents and teachers are present at the meeting with the children. It was a very special evening. At Septembers meeting we will be presenting 5 scholarships to RCC students, these are all special nights. We have added 7 new members in recent months as we continue to grow as a Chapter. During the past year we have developed a 529 Scholarship program for our members' Grandchildren. Our Chapter participates in many local Street Fairs and the St Patrick's Day Parade in Pearl River.
Upcoming September meeting -- Topic: Ray Furlong's
Zoom Meeting
Time: September 7th, 2023 at 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89202249387?pwd=MWtFSGl3SjNCZWI3Q0VsMXZpY29SZz09
Meeting ID: 630 567 5618
Passcode: 980722
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,89202249387#,,,,*513221# US (New York)
+13126266799,,89202249387#,,,,*513221# US (Chicago)
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 630 567 5618
Passcode: 980722
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kAooTO4Vk
And check out VVA #333 website created and maintained by Debby Frank. Here is a link to lots of great information such as: V.A. Info, Officers and Past Presidents, Fallen Heroes, Our Members Then, Members in Action, Veteran of The Year, RockVets Newsletters, Watchfires, Pig Roast. Then, under the Column "MORE" on the upper far right side, Momentos at The Wall, Handcycles Program, 529 Educational Program, Merchandise, Jerry Donnellan -- Founder of Chapter 333, Scholarships, Applications, Gene Sullivan Service Award, VVA National Convention, 30th Anniversary of Chapter 333, Street dedication
ceremony for one of Rockland's KIAs, James Margro, and so on. Much thanks to Debby Frank for maintaining the website.
Also, for those who have not done so yet, please send a picture of yourself in uniform so Debby can add it to the VVA website. Send photos to EJF308@aol.com.
The VVA #333 website address is: http://vva333.com
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| Joseph P. Dwyer Vet-to-Vet Events and Activities
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Vet-to-Vet: Special Events
THE ROCKLAND COUNTY JOSEPH P. DWYER
VETERAN PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Dwyer Vet-to-Vet Events and Activities
MEDITATION - Weekly - (M, W & F) - 9-9:30 am. Class elicits deep relaxation and helps reduce stress and
anxiety with experienced Instructor Brett Cotter (Stress is Gone Founder and Author of 3 Keys To Managing PTSD). Online virtual event you can experience via Zoom. Meeting ID 983 8404 0455; Passcode: join or Click here for link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/98384040455?pwd=djE3VGhUTDJzRU1HMEJ6bnJxa3E2QT09
VETERANS WALKING CLUB - Weekly - (Wednesdays) - 9:30 am at PALISADES CENTER. Meet in front of BRIDGES, 2nd Floor, next door to Autobahn Indoor Speedway. We will walk between 45 minutes to an hour. Join a fast pace group, slow pace group or walk at your own pace for however long you want. The mall offers us a comfortable indoor venue regardless of the weather outdoors where we can gather together in camaraderie and get some fitness and exercise while we get
walking !
GENTLE YOGA - Weekly - (Wednesdays & Fridays) - 7-8 pm & again on (Sundays) 10-11:15 am. Virtual session via Zoom. Yoga is extremely beneficial for your physical and mental health. Instructor Mira Stangl is a 500 hour Yoga-Alliance Certified Teacher With Extensive Training in PTSD and Restorative Yoga. If interested in attending email iquintana@vettovetrc.org. Then you'll be registered to get invitations to each session.
QIGONG - Weekly - (Thursdays) from 9-10 am. (Ancient Chinese Exercise). Gentle meditative exercises based on the cultivation and refinement of Universal Life Energy known as Qi. Practicing this exercise reduces pain, stress and
anxiety, improves physical fitness and improves immune function and vitality. Instructor Norman Galinsky, MFA has over 36 years experience in the art. If interested in attending or have questions, contact Izzy Quintana at email: mailto: iquintana@vettovetrc.org
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| Women Veterans and Health Care
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Women Veterans and Health Care Information
Health care is an inevitable need for all. Women Veterans have unique physical, mental and spiritual needs that can be met through VA health care. Yet only 44% of women Veterans are currently enrolled in VA health care.
Health care decisions can be overwhelming, and
women Veterans might ask themselves “Where do I start?” The following guide gives useful tips on how to be informed about VA health care as a woman Veteran.
Attend the VA Women’s Health Reengagement Training (heaRT)
The VA Women’s Health Reengagement Training (heaRT) teaches women Veterans about their health services available at VA. In a single training session, women Veterans learn how to apply for and use the VA health services they earned and deserve. The trainings are offered virtually and in person on a variety of dates and times to accommodate various time zones and personal schedules. All women Veterans, whether or not they are enrolled in VA health care, are welcome to attend a VA Women’s heaRT session. Visit the VA Women’s heaRT website to register for a training session.
If you have any questions
related to VA Women’s heaRT, please reach out to the training team via email: info@womensheart.info.
Download the VA Women’s heaRT Handbook
https://www.womensheart.info/_files/ugd/1525eb_20227a8226c4422e9c1ee8c6af6df759.pdf
The VA Women’s heaRT team offers this handbook containing extensive information about VA health care services for women Veterans. The handbook gives women Veterans
in-depth details about:
- Women Veterans and VA health care
- Understanding VA
- VA health care
services
- Enrolling in VA health care
The handbook is a great resource for women Veterans who have questions about a specific VA health care service or want to learn about what services are available to them. Using the training handbook, as well as attending one of the VA Women’s heaRT sessions, provides women Veterans with the optimal knowledge to confidently navigate the VA health care system. To download the digital training handbook, as well as other supplemental information for women veterans, visit the VA Women’s heaRT website here:
https://www.womensheart.info/training-materials
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| Pets for Vets Program Starts in September
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Pets for Vets Program Rolls Out in Rockland
Thanks to the Rockland Business Assn and Bridges in Rockland County for the news about this terrific program! Pets For Vets Program Rolls Out In September With Help Of A $20,000 Grant
Two Rockland County nonprofits are joining ranks to make life better for two vulnerable populations: military veterans and shelter animals.
Pets for Vets, a joint effort by Hi Tor Animal Care Center in Pomona and Joseph P. Dwyer Peer To Peer Support
Services/BRIDGES in West Nyack, plans to match dogs and cats with military veterans to serve as companion animals. By all accounts, animals improve most people’s lives, especially those who experience hypervigilance, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). And shelter animals impacted by rejection, abandonment, and institutional life, have also suffered, but thrive when they find their “forever” person. The joint effort will be geared to finding the right match, with guidance and financial assistance for the first year.
Pets tend to make just about anybody happy but taking home a cat or dog is a serious commitment. Utilizing a $20,000 grant for year one, Hi Tor will work with Joseph P. Dwyer/BRIDGES to select the right cat or dog and match the pet with the right veteran. The flexible program is structured in such a way that Vets can foster or adopt – and they can return the animal to Hi Tor if the arrangement is not successful. Hi
Tor will provide up to $1,000 per dog and $500 per cat for a year to cover food, supplies and veterinary care, as needed.
“Many of the veterans we assist are in their 70s, some are widowed,” said Mark Woods, Jr., Director of Joseph P Dwyer Peer To Peer Support Services at BRIDGES. “There are a lot of lonely veterans, and it breaks my heart to see animals in the shelter. So this is a homerun for the animal community and the veteran community.”
The Rockland County PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program is operated through BRIDGES and supported by the Rockland County Department of Mental Health and Rockland County Veteran Service Agency. Named to honor the memory of an Iraq war hero from Mount Sinai, NY, the Dwyer Program provides Vet-to-Vet support among Veterans who experience PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The free program is available to veterans, members of the Armed Forces, Guard, and Reserves and their families regardless of
service dates, discharge status or dependency status.
Medical experts say having a dog can help suppress unwanted symptoms of PTSD, such as hypervigilance, agitation, and restlessness. It can also help decrease emotional numbness, through the development of bonding relationships. Pets can even help bring the veteran back to the present during a flashback just by moving, barking, or nudging with a paw, experts believe.
The goal of the Pets for Vets program is to create comfort and partnership between owner and animal. H Tor will use a thorough interview process to ensure the needs of the veteran are met and that the animal is well-suited for the transition from shelter to a new home. Shelter staff will screen applicants, contact landlords, veterinarians (if applicable) and personal references.
Hi Tor will cover the cost of necessary medical and emergency care for the first year. The shelter will facilitate medical appointments for non-emergency issues
and arrange for emergency veterinary care with a local 24-hour emergency facility. Microchipping animals will be mandatory.
The animal shelter is willing to take back or exchange an animal if the relationship isn’t thriving.
“The current management team at Hi Tor recognizes the power of collaborating with local organizations like BRIDGES , and working together with our non-profit partners to better serve our community,” said Maryann Goldman, coordinator of special projects at Hi Tor Animal Care Center in Pomona. “The Pets for Vets program will not only allow us to find homes for more animals in need but harnesses the powerful resource of our Rockland County veterans who have dedicated their lives to serving, and who deserve the love, companionship, and gratitude of a rescue dog or cat to join their family as a companion animal.” Numerous studies support the benefits of having a pet around. Most suggest that stress levels decrease while performing
difficult tasks if you have a furry friend by your side. The CDC suggests owning a dog can lower your blood pressure, particularly for those with high-risk hypertensive conditions, which can
be caused by stress. Having a dog brings you outdoors more frequently, offering exercise that’s good for the heart and for lowering blood pressure. It’s also been said that people who own pets, in particular men, have lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides than those without pets. A study from the American Stroke Association found that owning a cat makes you 30 percent less likely to develop a stroke. In the study, 4,435 participants were followed and after taking account of factors such as smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure, half of the participants that owned cats were less likely to develop strokes.
Woods also mentioned the high rate of veteran suicide. “Having an animal gives someone a sense of purpose,” said Woods. “An animal needs
you. It might slow down someone who is thinking about suicide.”
Joseph P. Dwyer /BRIDGES plans to roll out the program at its September 8 monthly meeting at Zukor Park. A representative from Hi Tor will be at the event to introduce the shelter, and some shelter animals, and to field questions.
Michele P. Green
District Coordinator for Workforce
Development & Business Relations
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| Become a 9/11 Day of Service Champion
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Become a 9/11 Day of Service Champion: On the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, we honor those who serve our country and join with them to serve our communities to make a difference for our neighbors in need and to rekindle the spirit of unity and service that swept our nation after that tragic day.
Americans of all ages and backgrounds are again invited to join and lead community service projects to honor the lives and service of those we lost on September 11, 2001. These civic champions will reach across party lines to seek
opportunities to serve with neighbors and strangers alike to build important bridges in their communities. Projects will range from food drives and home repairs to neighborhood cleanups and disaster preparation activities, and more. Show your support in honoring 9/11 Day by becoming a champion.
All 9/11 Day Champions Commit To:
- promoting 9/11 Day in their marketing channels and to their networks;
- listing 9/11 Day volunteer opportunities in AmeriCorps Volunteer Search tool; and/or
- using our social media toolkit to join the national conversation.
All 9/11 Day Champions Will Receive:
- invitations to 9/11 Day planning webinars;
- access to AmeriCorps national marketing materials;
- opportunity to invite AmeriCorps leadership to your volunteer event; and
- an exclusive 9/11 Day champions badge for you to post on your website.
Become a champion: https://americorps.gov/serve/volunteer/911-day/911-day-champions
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Welcome to the VA Podcast Network
Learning new things while staying entertained has never been easier for America’s Veterans. The VA Podcasts Network offers a diverse selection of top-quality podcasts made with a Veteran community in mind.
Each podcast specializes on a different topic and covers gripping content that no Veteran should want to miss out on. Just click on the podcasts and listen to the wealth of knowledge that awaits to be heard. This week's podcast is Borne the Battle #284: Empowering Veterans with the VA Health and Benefits App. On this week's episode of Borne the Battle, host Pablo Meza spoke with Rachel Han from VA's mobile app team, who shared how VA is using apps as a digital bridge connecting Veterans to VA's benefits and services.
And don't forget Dwyer Vet-to-Vet Podcasts: Thank You for Your ServiceThank You for Your Service is a monthly
podcast focusing on Veteran issues in and around Rockland County NY and beyond. Each episode will focus on different veteran issues, have special guests, and call-in questions. The show airs live on the 4th Monday of every month at 9:30 EST on 1700 AM WRCR radio. It is also available live via the WRCR website www.wrcr.com and Spotify. To access previous and current podcasts, view this link: https://www.bridgesrc.org/programs-services/vet2vet/
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| Free Yoga, Fitness, and Meditation Programs for Veterans
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Free Yoga, Fitness, and Meditation Programs for Veterans. Online, any time, any place, any device. Welcome to YFM. We're committed to fostering mind/body health through workouts that combine strength and cardio training with yoga and meditation. With hundreds of classes to choose from, and new classes launching every week, we have something for people at every fitness level. Now, all veterans have access to our programming for free. We hope you'll join us. And we thank you for your service. Join YFM for Veterans. As mentioned in earlier conversation, pls see the link to the Yoga, Fitness, Mindfulness workshop. https://www.yfm.tv/pages/veterans
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| Faces of Freedom -- Those Who Defend Our Country
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Faces of Freedom -- Oral Histories and Portraits of the Men and Women that Defend Our Country
I never served in the military, and I never had to make the sacrifices US military veterans have made. I decided I wanted to do something to show my gratitude to our veterans and I began my project which I call Faces of Freedom.
The project consists of interviews and photographs. I meet with veterans, record
their personal history, and take their photo. I print the photo in black and white, frame it and present it to each veteran at no charge. The interview covers each veteran’s life before, during and after their time in the service. Each veteran has the opportunity to make any changes to their bio before it is finalized. I make no money from this project and the photos are free to each veteran.
Currently these photos and bios appear on my website www.facesoffreedom.us. They also appear on my Facebook page and the photos and stories of the WWII veterans have been sent to the National WWII Museum for their archives. There are currently 80 interviews and photos on the
website. I hope to make this into an exhibit for universities, high schools, community centers, libraries, etc. to help increase awareness of the 3% of the population who is doing the heavy lifting so the rest of us can enjoy all that this country has to offer.
Every veteran has a story. Some stories are about combat, some are about funny memories, some stories are sad, and some are about things accomplished after their military service. All are about service to country and making sacrifices.
You have a story and I want to tell it to the rest of the people in the United States. Let’s pick a date and get together to record your history and tell it to our fellow citizens.
Regards,
Walter Schuppe
Avon, CT
Phone: (860) 558-1072
E-mail: walter11_22@yahoo.com
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| Book Proceeds Benefit Disabled Veterans
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Please check out Vietnam veteran Roy Tschudy's book, "Endless." Roy is a past President of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #333, and writes about a variety of experiences that our Vietnam vets encountered. As with all good books, be prepared to experience a lot of emotions with this: you will be intrigued, angry, surprised, maybe shed a tear or two, and laugh out loud at some of the shenanigans in this enjoyable tale of fact, fiction and myth. All proceeds of "Endless" go to help veterans. The book is available in paperback or Kindle edition from Amazon:
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VA Hudson Valley is hiring and enrolling! Our Veterans deserve the best and we need your help to deliver that care for them. Please share with your networks!Hiring: We currently have 100+ job vacancies posted on our USAJOBS page, available USAJOBS -
SearchThese include clinical and non-clinical roles at our campuses in Montrose and Castle Point, as well many of our 7 clinics throughout the Hudson Valley. Applicants can review the great VA benefits we offer, to include, compensation, leave flexibilities, student loan forgiveness, health care benefits and retirement benefits.Some of the jobs we need filled urgently are:- Nurse, including all Specialties – Montrose Campus
- Medical Support Assistant - Montrose and Castle Point locations
- AC Mechanic – Castle Point Campus
Always accepting applications for Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurse and Certified Nurse Assistant. VA wants to hear from you! If you have questions about any of the above positions, please contact Timothy.McGuigan@va.gov or call 503-307-0193.
For further information, contact Timothy J McGuigan, MS, HR Senior Consultant, VA Hudson Valley HCS -- (503) 307 0193. VISN2HRSBUHudsonValley@va.govThe Department of Civil Service: The following examination announcements have been updated and added to our public website. When filing your online application, please be advised that technical assistance is available Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please be advised that you will need a personal NY.gov ID to apply for Department of Civil Service examinations. If you do not have a personal NY.gov ID, please create an account. Here are some of the employment opportunity
examinations coming up -- please view this link for further description of each position: Open-Competitive Examination Announcements for:Promotion Examination AnnouncementsContinuous Recruitment ExaminationsThe Department also accepts applications for most continuous recruitment examinations on an ongoing basis, with no application deadline.- Continuous Recruitment Examinations -
https://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/public/cr.cfmHELP Program – No Examinations RequiredThe Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement (HELP) Program temporarily removes the civil service exam requirement for more than 100 direct care, health and human services titles across State agencies for a 12-month period. To be eligible for jobs in the HELP program, candidates must meet the jobs’ minimum qualifications and any other conditions of employment. Candidates should visit the HELP Jobs Portal and use the candidate portal to apply for jobs in the HELP program.
Check out HELP Jobs Portal here: https://www.cs.ny.gov/help/Veterans Employment and Training Services (VETS) Resources for Veterans
The Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) is committed to helping America's veterans and separating service members by preparing them for meaningful careers, providing employment resources and expertise, and protecting their employment rights.https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/4624FedEx Independent Service Provider
FedEx is looking to hire full time and part time drivers to deliver and pickup packages from Blauvelt, NY. Full time schedule is Monday – Friday and part time schedule has weekend positions available. Must be over 21 years old, have a clean drivers license, and be able to pass physical and drug tests. Background checks are also required.
Salary for full time starts at $700 per week. Please contact 201-724-7781 to see if you qualify.
Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction of the Veterans Administration:
The link below lists current positions have been announced for the Office of Acquisition, Logistics and Construction (OALC). This is not a complete listing of all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) vacancies and may not include all positions announced for OALC. You may access VA recruitment information on the VA Jobs site at this link: https://www.va.gov/jobs/
If you wish copies of announcements listed below, please contact the individual identified in the specific announcement. Here is the link to the OALC Job Listings:
https://www.va.gov/oalc/career.asp
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Rockland County Marine Corps League regularly receives donations of handicap assistance equipment for disabled veterans from people who want to help. The
donated equipment is available for free to military veterans and their families. The items include the following:
- Motorized Wheelchairs
- Manual Wheelchairs
- Oxygen Generator
- Walkers
- Bath Chairs
- Transfer Benches
- Braces
- Crutches
- Canes
If you have need of any of this equipment, contact the folks at the Rockland
County Marine Corps League - 845-323-8774.
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RockVets Monthly Newsletter
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RockVets is an Outreach program of New York Vets, Inc., a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization established in 1992, to advocate for those who have worn the uniform of the U.S. Military, no matter where or when they served. The volunteers at New York Vets / RockVets publish this monthly e-newsletter. We welcome your thoughts, questions, and feedback. E-mail: NewYorkVets@gmail.com.We are not affiliated with any government agency such as the Veterans Administration, Rockland County Government, nor the Veterans Service Agency of Rockland.Each month, our newsletter reaches more than 1800
local veterans or those who care about veterans' interests. Please use this forum to let veterans know of any information, resources, links or events they might enjoy. Send information to NewYorkVets@gmail.com or send us a note through our website: https://newyorkvets.org. Thank you for passing this newsletter along to other veterans.
Our Mailing AddressNew York Vets, Inc. / RockVetsP.O. Box 387Tomkins Cove, New York 10986 Pat McGladeCo-Founder / Director
Website: http://newyorkvets.org
RockVets Newsletters: New York Vets / RockVets NewslettersEmail: mailto:NewYorkVets@gmail.com
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