PCs & PJs - Work From Home Opportunities

I'm sorry this is so late today but I had an appointment at the VA today and well, it took a little bit longer than I thought.  But that's a story for another day.  Today I would like to share with you some viable work at home and entrepreneur opportunities for veterans and their spouses.  The list below is from militarybenefits.com.

I did check Xerox and Uhaul and they both have remote positions open.  Other companies include Dell Amazon, Discover Bank, Aetna and Humana.  Also take a look at "The Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) and Work from Home Jobs – Over 200 companies have pledged to expand employment opportunities for military spouses through the MSEP."

Today I received an email from AT&T and they have a new program where they have pledged to hire 20,000 veterans by 2020.  You can watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZOwGdWbaYs&sns=em.

I hope that this information has been helpful.

As always, thank you for your support.

TTYL - Be blessed!!

Work for a Major Corporation – Companies like Xerox offer work from home opportunities including customer care, administrative support, data entry, software programming and much.  The even have a program called Heroes@Home that seeks qualified veterans and military spouses.  Uhaul and many other corporations have opportunities as well.

Prepared Meals/Dinners – Cook meals for neighborhood families and optionally deliver for families that don’t have time to cook on their own every night. The best part is that you can set the frequency such as daily, every Thursday night or several times a week. The profits can add up quickly, for instance if you have 15 families/orders at $30 a meal that’s $450 less your food cost. Plus, your families dinner is cooked and ready as well. Take it to another level with parent and kids meals, healthy, organic and/or gluten free.  For more information read “How to Start a Meals to Go Business“.

Travel Agent – If you love to travel you can partner with an accredited host agency to plan travel for others.  American Express has many work at home positions available and so do many other travel agencies.

Call Center Representative – An emerging trend is “home shore” representatives and companies like Alpine Access are specifically offering employment to military spouses.

Medical Transcriptionist – Transcribe recorded messages from medical professionals to written medical documents.

Recruiter – Get affiliated with a Human Resource recruiting agency and work independently from home.  There are thousands of them.

Teach or Tutor Online – Companies such as Kaplan, Tutor.com and many others offer positions as tutors and online instructors.  Typically the same qualifications and educational requirements need to be met as traditional tutors and teachers.

Article Writing – Write articles about your travels at different duty stations. On base magazines and military websites are often times looking for these articles, especially in OCONUS areas.

Freelance Work – Try websites such as Elance.com and Odesk.com that connect people with companies that pay for personal assistance, data entry, article writing, graphic design, translators and much more.

Start a Blog – Blog writing can be fun and profitable while writing about things you love.  Once successful you can join blog networks such as BlogHer to further increase your income and have a successful website such as ArmyWife101.  Some of these military wives make thousands of dollars every month.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE!!!

Yesterday I said that I would talk about at home jobs for veterans, but as those of you who read my blog on a daily basis know, I am prone to shift course depending on what I read or think about throughout my day.  I did share with you about the services that are offered through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014, as well a link to learn more, www.doleta.gov/wioa, and to find your local office.

However, as I was thinking about one of the biggest barriers I had to employment when coming out of the military it had more to do with who I was and how I interacted with others than on actually being able to find a job.  I’ve been out for quite a few years now so I have assimilated somewhat to the life of a civilian.  To this day I still can’t carry my purse on my right shoulder.  I’m so used to keeping that hand free for saluting. JAs I thought about when I first came out of the military I started to remember some of the things that people would say to me regarding my behavior.  Some of the things they noticed were small, such as the way I walk, shoulders straight, some of them were a lot more serious and had a larger impact on my ability to hold onto a job.

I remember one of my first jobs when I came out was working at the American Red Cross in Virginia Beach, VA, as a temporary employee.  I had made friends with a young lady and over the course of time we because quite close.  One day we were out to lunch and she just stopped and looked at me.  I asked her what was wrong and what she said had a profound effect on me.  She looked me in the eyes and asked me, “Why is it that you cuss so much?  You really don’t have to say those types of words to get your point across.”  I was truly dumbfounded.  Having been in the Navy, I literally cussed like a sailor.  It never occurred to me that this type of language was unacceptable because it was pretty much second nature for me to pepper my speech with a few well-placed cuss words.  I’m not going to say that this was the moment I used my last cuss word, but it was the moment that I became more aware of the differences between military and civilian life.  I truly think this was one of the reasons that when the job I was doing became permanent they didn’t offer it to me, even though they all felt that I was doing a great job.

While that may seem a petty reason to some of you, as it has been shown in study after study, being able to fit into the culture of a company is very important.  You either adapt, change the culture, or leave the company.  When I first came to my current company we had an open position that we were interviewing for.  One of the interviewees was an ex-Army guy and the other was not.  After we completed the interviews I wanted to go with the ex-military guy but the other two in the room did not.  They felt that he was too rigid and didn’t have much of a sense of humor or personality, both of which are very important for the job that we were recruiting for.  I tried to explain to them that he was conducting himself in the manner of a disciplined, career soldier.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t get them to change their minds.  They ended up hiring the other guy and firing him after only a couple of months.  Unfortunately, all too often veterans are passed over because of the perception of employers, and those characteristics that are unique to us.   

I came across an organization that is doing great work to help veterans transition into civilian life and gain employment.  Their websites are PatrioticHearts.org and HirePatriots.com.  Please visit them to see if there are any services they offer that may be of assistance to you.

Also, if anything I am saying is helping or hurting you please leave me a comment.  I appreciate all feedback whether it is positive or negative.

As always, thank you for your support.

TTYL- Be blessed.

I NEED A JOB!!!

I remember when I first got out of the Navy that I didn't give working with the Federal Government a single thought.  I actually started looking for jobs in the private sector and was blessed to get a great job with Frito Lay.  Unfortunately, when I left Virginia and moved to Georgia, Frito Lay didn't have anything available that matched my skillset.  Somehow I ended up working with AT&T, Publix Supermarket, and Wachovia Bank (now Wells Fargo).  I truly had no idea what I wanted to do.  By the time I realized that I would really love a Federal job it was too late.  My little veterans points didn't do much to help me get in, even though I am still trying.  Currently, 1 in 3 Federal employees are veterans so it may be a bit easier for me now.

In the meantime, I applied for a job that I had no idea what it was.  All I knew was that it was a County job and I liked the idea of working for my local County.  Imagine my surprise when I found that it was the perfect fit for me.  I now had a job that would allow me to help others, while also preparing me for that coveted Federal job I'm going to get soon.  :-)

I don't know how many of you have ever heard of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014.  It has been around for several years with different names but now it is known as WIOA.  Under this act we are given funds to assist individuals with getting back to work.  And as veterans you will receive "priority of service".  The act also has several programs that help you go back to school.  This is really good for those of you who may have skills in a certain area but are not certified.  You can also complete your Bachelors degree if you are within 2-years of completion.

We also work with youth between the ages of 16-24 who are unemployed or under-employed.  If they don't have their high schoool diploma or GED we can help them study for those, as well as pay for the test. We can also help adults in obtaining their GED as well.

I work in the Business Services side.  I work with businesses who have open positions and I assist them in filling those positions.  We offer them On-the-Job training opportunities, where we reimburse them a portion of an individuals salary, and we can help them train their current workers, as long as they are upskilling them.

The great part about this program is that it is totally free to the participant.  Of course there are eligibility requirements but if you are unemployed, under-employed, or have been laid off from your job through no fault of your own, you are pretty much assured of being eligible.  Here is the link to the website if you want to learn more - https://www.doleta.gov/wioa/.  This is a Federal program so it is available in all states and United States territories.  You can Google your local WIOA office to locate the one closest to you.

We also work very closely with the State Department of Labor offices.  They also offer employment assistance.  There are Local Veteran Employment Reps (LVERS) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists (DVOPS) onsite.  In my current role I send them the open jobs that I get and they forward the information to the qualified veteran.

I would encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities if you find that you are having a hard time obtaining employment.  There are some great resources out there but many people just don't know where to go to find them.

Tomorrow I'm going to share with you some great work at home jobs.  These are great for those of you who are unable to leave your home or if you just want to earn some additonal income.

As always, thank you for your support.

TTYL - Be blessed!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Today I would like to take this time to wish each and every one of you a wonderful and happy THANKSGIVING!!

While this is a specific day set aside for giving thanks, I truly believe that every day that we are allowed to wake up is a day to give thanks.  I know that some of you, and myself on some days, waking up means waking up to pain.  Whatever your pain is, whether it be mental or physical, know that you are not alone and that there are those of us who pray for your strength everyday.

I started this blog as a means to share information about various veteran programs and benefits but it has evolved into so much more.  I have learned so much about the struggles of others and how what I think is a big deal is really just a drop in the bucket compared to those of you whose stories I've had the opportunity to read.

I know that sometimes it gets hard to see the good when there is so much bad in our lives.  As I shared before I suffer from fibromyalgia and one of the symptoms is depression.  Some days I wake up with such a heavy cloud of depression over my head that I don't know how I'm going to get enough energy to get out of the bed, let alone make it through the whole day.  Now, I have to be open and honest here, I do have reasons to be sad.  Not everything in my life is going as smooth as I would like it to go and I know that some of you have these same types of issues going on in your life.

How do I move past this?  Believe me it is not simple but it is essential.  In order for me to move forward I have to find those reasons that make me want to go on.  When the cloud of depression weighs heavy, before I even get out of the bed, I take the time to go through my mind and list all of the positive things in my life.  And I know that some of you may think that you don't have anything positive but I promise you that you do.  If you are able to read this post then that means you are alive, you have access to a computer or smart phone, you have shelter, you have your sight, and you have your right mind.  There are so many others who didn't wake up or who did and have no idea where they are.

So today, on this day of Thanksgiving I challenge each of you to come up with those things in your life that put a smile on your face.  And if you can't think of anything, know that despite what it looks like I am praying for you, and I have some really powerful prayers.  So even if you don't believe in prayer, believe that there will be a better day for you if you just hold on.

As always, thank you for your support and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

TTYL - Be blessed!!

THEY HEARD MY CRY!!!

Last week I did a post about finding the good in the individuals who are tasked with providing customer service to us, through the Veterans Administration.  This was aimed at both those in the medical side, as well as the benefits side.  A friend and fellow vet posted that she couldn’t think of anything and to me this was really sad.  And for this particular person to say this really says a lot about our VA services.  She is one of the most kind-hearted people I know and always seeks to find the good in everyone and every situation.

Well hopefully today I will give her at least a small glimmer of hope that there are those who really have a heart for serving veterans.  Those who are closes to me, and some who aren’t, know that I am a writer.  And when I say writer, I’m not talking about blogs, books, poetry, or anything of that sort.  I’m talking about writing to let someone know that I did not receive the level of service that I feel that I should have.  I have written to the White House, the Secretary of Veteran Affairs, Robert McDonald, and to the local VA Director here in Atlanta. 

Now one would think that just writing to the Director would get you some response, but alas that is not so.  The quickest turn around I have received is from writing to the White House and to Secretary McDonald.  And while this is not a political statement, I do want to share that Secretary McDonald has made his email public (robert.a.mcdonald@va.gov), I’m not so sure that this will be the case when a new Secretary is appointed, so I suggest you send your requests to him immediately.  You will usually get a response from someone within 5-10 business days.

That is an excellent segue into what I want to share with you today.  I wrote to Secretary McDonald on November 7, 2016 because I was getting some shady, in my opinion, responses to my disability claims.  Shady is code word for “denied” (lol).  Anyway, I received a call from Kimberly Robinson yesterday and when I say she was a breath of fresh air, I truly mean it.  I missed her first call and before I could even call her back, after listening to her message, she was calling me again.  Mind you it was already 4:50pm and she knew that she would be speaking with me for a while.  She was so funny because she told me that this is what she does best and she just loves talking and helping people.

We actually stayed on the phone for about 30-minutes.  She took time to go through my claims and to explain to me what I could and should have done better.  She gave me all of the options that I had to get a better rating.  She also explained to me that even though the descriptions for your back are separate, they group them together when doing the rating.  This kept throwing me off because I didn’t understand that and I knew that my pain was in my entire back, and not just my lower back, which my initial rating is for.  That doesn’t make sense to me so my next goal is to try to get some change in how ratings are done.  If anyone is interested in joining me please let me know.

As always, I tend to drift a little but I’m back now.  As I was saying about Ms. Robinson, she explained many things about the claims process that I didn’t know.  She also told me that because it has been less than a year that I can do a “reconsideration” instead of doing a Notice of Disagreement” (NOD) and eventually an Appeal.  She is sending me all of the information that I need and she also advised that I go to a private doctor to have them fill out my DBQ.  I will keep you all posted on how that goes.  She’s also sending me all of her contact information and told me that I can call and email her personally.

While I appreciate all of the help that she is giving me the one thing about her that stood out the most was when she said to me, “Don’t worry.  There are still some of us who truly want to help”.  This gives me hope that eventually the good will spread and we will all get those who truly want to help.

As always, thank you for your support.

TTYL – Be blessed.

Oh yeah, I’m going to write a letter regarding the great service I received from Ms. Robinson today.  I'm an equal opportunity writer!!!

DO THEY KNOW?!!

Do they know that every morning it is a struggle for me to get up because of the pain in my back and entire body?  Do they know that if I don’t take at least 3, 200mg tablets of Ibruprofen before going to bed that the above struggle becomes next to impossible?  Do they know that I have to drive with a pillow behind my back because the pain is so great, beginning in my neck and ending at my lower back?

Do they know that you have had to have your knees, hips, and other joints replaced because of injuries you suffered while protecting their country, freedom, and liberty?  Do they know that sometimes you just want to end it all because of the horrors that you have had to witness on their behalf and that PTSD is real?  Do they know…?

My mind was so disturbed after I watched a video of a police officer who harassed a disabled veteran for parking in a handicapped parking spot because in his “informed” opinion, the veteran did not look disabled.  Mind you he had the disabled veteran license plate so I’m not sure exactly what else he needed.  The police officer approached him and had the nerve to tell him that because he walked up to the store and back that he wasn’t disabled.  He even got so angry with the veteran that he slapped his phone out of his hand for recording him.  You can hear the veteran letting him know that he was in an IED explosion while serving in the Middle East and the officer still continued to harass him.

While this is an extreme case, and luckily the officer is facing charges, incidents like this happen all the time.  I was actually thinking about getting the disabled veteran tag but this type of behavior gives me pause.  I don’t understand why there are those who assume that because you aren’t missing a limb or are in some other way visibly disabled that you aren’t.  Please don’t take this as a slight to those of you who have experienced the pain and anguish of losing a part of yourself, or that I am making light of it.  I truly appreciate your sacrifice and thank you from the bottom of my heart.  My point here is to simply point out that there are those of us who on the surface may not look like we have been designated as disabled, simply because you can’t see it.

If you have experienced this type of bias I am truly sorry.  As with everything the only thing we can do is educate those around us because unless they have X-ray vision they have know idea what is going on inside of another's body.  I read stories everyday about the pain that you all are suffering and how difficult it is just to make it through the day. And to have someone belittle or accuse you of faking, when they have never experienced what you are feeling, is adding insult to injury.  I think I’m going to create a t-shirt that says something like, “Careful around magnets – I’ve got metal replacement parts” or “Don’t Feed the Angry, Disabled Vet”.  Please don’t take me seriously.  I’m just trying to add a little humor to a situation where there truly is none.

As always, thank you for your support.

TTYL – Be Blessed!!

IT'S MY HOUSE, AND I LIVE HERE!!

For many the dream of home ownership is just that, a dream.  However, our military service has earned us a little something that will give us an edge in obtaining a loan.  The VA home loan process, for me, was pretty simple.  The mortgage company I used, Veterans United, did pretty much everything for me, including obtaining a copy of my benefit letter.  If you want to get a copy for yourself you can download it from eBenefits.

While I am in no way referring anyone to Veterans United I can say they were much better than the lenders I used when I purchased my first home with an FHA loan.  They were courteous and gracious throughout the process and returned every phone call and email and made sure I knew everything that was going on.  They recommended a realtor to me who turned out to be a really great person.  While you can use your own realtor, if you use theirs you get a “thank you” payment, depending upon the amount of the loan.  For me it was $200 and I received it within two weeks of my loan closing.

They are also the epitome of “ease of use”.  All documents were esigned so there was no need to return anything and less of a delay.  Even before my loan closed I received a doormat with my name on it and a t-shirt that said “Proud Veteran Homeowner”.  Of course their name is on the back so there is some free advertising going on every time I wear it.  They also take you if you have at least a 630 credit score.  Quicken Loans is also a good lender but they require a 640.   The VA does not require a minimum credit score and will guarantee the loan based on the lenders requirements.  The VA does have certain stipulations on what shape the home has to be in and this is something that your realtor will be able to inform you of.

Before making any major purchase it is best to do your homework and decide if you can truly afford a home.  You won’t be able to call the maintenance man every time something breaks down or goes wrong.  It’s also a good time to invest in the free classes offered by Home Depot and Lowes as this can help you save on some smaller, less intense repairs by doing them yourself.

 Also, please be aware that even though you don’t have to put any money down you may still have to pay some monies at closing, depending on the amount of the closing costs.  I actually had to bring $2500 to my closing, so make sure you ask your lender about these as well.  You will also have to pay for your inspection, appraisal (included in closing costs), and your earnest money.  I had to put down $1000 earnest money but this is added in at the closing.  Also, if you have student loans they will need to be in deferment or forbearance for at least a year out from the scheduled closing date.

One more thing that I learned is that as the buyer you have the right to choose your closing attorney.  I didn’t know this and my realtor didn’t tell me and we used the seller’s closing attorney.  WORSE experience ever and it took forever to get the information filed with the County. 

For those of you who are on the road to home ownership I wish you the best and I hope this helps.

As always, thank you for your support.

TTYL – Be Blessed.

DON'T FORGET THE GOOD!!

One thing that I’ve noticed in life is that bad news travels so much faster than good news.  This is true as well when it comes to the type of service we receive.  Especially when it’s from someone or some organization that we feel should do much better.  If I’m honest with myself I can say that I am one of those who will report bad service, but will just accept good service as my due. 

Anyone who really knows me knows that I will write a letter about something that I disagree with before I can even get back to my car good.  And unfortunately for them, the Atlanta VA is my main target.  And because I’m an equal opportunity writer, this is for both the medical and benefits side.  My son jokingly refers to me as a “snitch” but I guess in the grand scheme of things that’s exactly what I am.

The problem I am facing today is that while I will report on both sides of the VA, I am not an equal opportunity snitch when it comes to reporting good and bad service.  I guess when I leave the VA with a smile it doesn’t make my fingers itch, like it does when I leave with some choice words in my head.  And Lord knows there have been plenty of those days.  And the sad part is that I have only been using the VA for the last couple of years and for me to have as many bad experiences as I have doesn’t make sense.

Now, I don’t want you to think that they are 100% bad.  Otherwise I would not continue to go as I do have 100% company paid private insurance.  I just like having all of the departments I may have to visit all in one place, even though the lab in the hospital has the LONGEST wait time ever.  Um, sorry, I digress.  I’m talking about the good today.  I guess old habits are hard to break. J

I recently needed a mammogram and before I could hang up the phone good the Choice representative was calling me to schedule it.  They made the appointment so fast I didn’t get my membership card until after it was done.  I also have the nicest Occupational Therapist a person could have, Brenda Tucker.  If you’ve had any interactions with her you will always remember how well she treated you.  She is really good about allowing me to come in earlier than my appointment if my time permits.

While those are just a couple of times I’ve received really great service, I have too many more to put in this little old blog of mine.  One that I do want to share before I go is Secretary of the Navy Robert McDonald.  I have written him several times and each time he or someone from his staff has responded to my inquiry.

So today, I challenge each of you to come up with something good that the VA has done and share it.  If a person gave you great customer service, let their manager or supervisor know.

As always, thank you for your support.

TTYL- Be blessed.

WHY YOU GOTTA TREAT ME SO BAD?!!!

As I pondered on the way that we are sometimes treated at our local VA facilities, I wondered exactly what could the problem be.  Why is it that there are those who seem to treat us as if they are doing us a favor by even deigning to speak with us?  This made me think about why I got into the type of work that I currently do.  I do a lot of thinking - J. 

Currently I work with the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014.  Under this act we have various programs that assist individuals in getting back to work including training and job placement.  We also help employers offset the cost of training new employees.  I chose this type of work because I was once laid off and I went into a State office and they too treated me as if they were doing me a favor.  They looked at me as if to say just because I was laid off I don’t deserve good service and I “MUST” somehow be beneath them in this old human food chain.  Right then and there I made up my mind that I would work in an area that would allow me to be of service to those who are in need.  Not just any old service, but some gold star, world class service.  Heck, I even got my undergrad degree in Counseling and Human Services, but then I realized that may not be the right move for me.  I’d probably spend more time on the couch than the people I was trying to help.  I’m just a little bit too empathetic for my own good.

So back to these individuals who treat us as if we are a burden to them.  I’ve always thought that the only way to solve a problem is to treat the problem and not the symptom.  What is it in these individuals that cause them to behave the way they do because the way they treat us is only a symptom.  Is it because they think that we are beneath them or is it just a simple matter of proper training?  In my job we hear a lot about “soft skills”.  This is one of the things employers say many employees are missing today.  It is just the basics such as showing up to work on time, dressing appropriately, staying off cellphones, working with others, and those types of things.  I truly believe that if the VA were to conduct soft skills training with their employees many of the issues we encounter would go away. 

I also believe that as users of these services that we have to understand that the people we encounter may not have a problem with us but may have other things going on in their lives that again, translates into bad customer service.  Is that an excuse for bad behavior?  No it isn’t but sometimes we have to just be patient with one another.  I always try first to smile and be polite even when I’m greeted in a less than friendly manner.  Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.  For those times it doesn’t, that’s when I pull out my trusty computer and send an email to someone. 

I don’t know the answer to the question, but I do know that there is always a way to get a questioned answered.  Write, Write, Write, until we are all treated fairly.

As always, thank you for your support.

TTYL – Be blessed.

CAN YOU HEAR ME!!!

Just like the young lady above, this is how I feel when I’m trying to get the Atlanta VA Medical Center to hear me.  It boggles my mind that the people there just don’t seem to want to take the time to do their jobs – which is to help veterans.  Now, let me make it clear that I don’t get this kind of behavior from all of the departments at the VA, just one in particular, okay maybe two.

Just to give you some back story on what I’m about to share with you, in January I injured my ankle.  I went to the emergency room and the doctor didn’t want to do x-rays.  For some reason he felt that I should just take his expert opinion.  I did explain to him that the reason I wanted the x-rays is because in 2011, I had broken the same ankle.  He told me, and I quote, “America is the only country where a patient can tell a doctor what they want”. Really?  Needless to say I did write him up.

Now fast forward to July.  I went to Podiatry because my ankle is still giving me problems.  They gave me a couple of ankle braces and told me to do the ice and heat thing.  Didn’t work.  Now it’s November and I sent them three emails through the secured messaging system.  Can anyone guess how many they have replied to?  Yep, you got it – none.  I even called and left a couple of messages on their voicemail and they still haven’t replied. 

This is what’s on their website in regards to what to do if you have an issue contacting them:

            “To all our Customers, we've taken steps to improve our phone system but we need your help to continue the process.  Whenever you call an Atlanta VAMC phone number and experience trouble getting through, please post on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/AtlantaVAMC the specific issue you encountered - unanswered calls, full voice mail box, dropped and missed calls - along with the phone number and the day and time of your call.  This feedback will help us take immediate corrective action.  Thank you for your support.”

So here’s the kicker.  YOU CAN’T POST on their Facebook site.  You can comment on a post that’s already there but you can’t post yourself.

Oh yeah, we also have a Patient Advocacy number to call.  It should be called the “Patience Advocacy” line because you truly have to have patience to hang on and wait for someone to answer.  I waited a little over an hour and no one ever picked up.

So then I tried a third method.  This is the Inquiry Routing & Information System (IRIS).  Here is the link - https://iris.custhelp.com/.  I just did this so I don’t know if it’s going to work but they are supposed to route your complaints to the VA center you choose and you should get an answer within 5 business days.  I’ll be sure to keep you posted.

I don’t know if any of you are also experiencing these types of delays but there has to be a way to make things better.  I for one am open to your suggestions.  Unlike the VA, I do hear you.

As always, thank you for your support.

TTYL – Be blessed.

HAPPY VETERANS DAY!!!

To all my brothers and sisters who found it not a burden to support this great country that we call home I wish you the best Veterans Day possible.  Please use the link below to find a list of the many Veterans Day offers that are extended to you because of your service.  Unfortunately, I have to work so most of them will be over by the time I get off.  I have also included a brief history of what Veterans Day is all about and how it came to be.  On this day in history I salute you all.  TTYL – Be blessed.

http://www.military.com/veterans-day/veterans-day-military-discounts.html?ESRC=vetday.se

A Brief History of Veterans Day

Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.'" As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.

In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress -- at the urging of the veterans service organizations -- amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

In 1968, the Uniforms Holiday Bill ensured three-day weekends for federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. Under this bill, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holiday on its original date. The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on Oct. 25, 1971.

Finally on September 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of Nov. 11, beginning in 1978. Since then, the Veterans Day holiday has been observed on Nov. 11.

Ain't Nothing To It But To Do It

The picture above is of a young lady named Aimee Copeland.  You may have heard about her story.  On May 1, 2012, Aimee was injured while zip lining on a homemade zip line that she and some friends found in the woods.  What she first thought was just a serious injury to one leg, ended up being a disease that would require amputation of her whole left leg, partial amputation of her right leg, and amputation of both of her hands.    What Aimee didn’t know was that when she fell into the water, a flesh-eating bacteria had found its way into her open wound.  And because the doctors did not detect it for a while, it had time to make its way throughout her body.

Now, 4-years later I had the pleasure of hearing her speak about her journey back to wholeness directly from her.  It really put life into perspective for me.  Although I do have my own issues I still have the ability to walk on my own and I still have the use of both of my hands.  To look at this young lady and see how much she has accomplished is mind boggling.  Not only has she completed the degree that she was working on when she was injured but she has gone on to also complete her Master’s degree and is in the process of opening a non-profit dedicated to assisting young amputees.  She is also employed fulltime and enjoys doing motivational speaking as well.

The thing that I want to be the takeaway from Aimee’s story is that she could have given up.  She could have let what happened to her define her and become her legacy but instead she chose to “Just Do It”.  Even though she came close to death a few times during her struggle to get where she is now she made a choice to fight and not give up.  She took advantage of the services that were available to her to make her life better.  She utilized her strong support system to lift her up when she felt like giving up. 

Is everyday a good day for her?  Of course it isn’t.  She shared that she still has those days when she just can’t understand why it had to happen to her, but she also knows that it did happen to her and that there’s no going back.  She can either choose to wallow in her situation or she can choose to make the most of it.  This is the way I want those of us who are struggling from our various conditions to choose to look at life.  Even though we know that as veterans, we have been through and seen things that no one should have had to witness, that we are stronger than our circumstances and that we CAN get through what we are experiencing. 

So today, please know that “Ain’t Nothing To It But To Do It”!!!  Do what it takes to bring you out of your dark place, just as Aimee has done.  Oh yeah, before I go I just want to share that through this experience she has met the love of her life.  He is there for her and supports her no matter what.  JUST DO IT!!!

As always, thank you for your support.  See you on Monday and have a great weekend.

TTYL – Be blessed.

The Sun Will Shine Again

Let me begin this by saying I am by no means an expert in PTSD and depression.  What I am is someone who has found that if one is to ever feel better or to get better you have to admit that you have a problem.  Honestly, I am not someone who is very open about my feelings and my circumstances.  My family says that I am one of those people who they can never tell what's wrong because I don't wear my emotions on my sleeve.

Today, that is about to change.  After reading the posts of some of my fellow veterans I am hoping that by sharing what is going on with me, and what steps I have taken to help me with these feelings it can help someone else.  Although, I don't have PTSD, I do have my bouts with depression.  I suffer from a disease known as fibromyalgia and one of the main symptoms of this disease is depression.  There is still some confusion as to whether fibromyalgia causes depression or whether depression causes fibromyalgia.  At this point I don’t really care which causes which.  All I know is that my body is constantly in pain and there are days that I don’t want to get out of the bed.

I have suffered from this condition for about 6 years now, but lately the depression episodes have gotten more frequent.  The funny thing is, I don’t feel I have anything to be depressed about and that is one of the ways that lifts the fog from my mind and heart.  Even though there are times when my money is short, and my bills are long; my body hurts so bad that the only way I can get up is by popping a couple of ibuprofen; my son is currently incarcerated; and I really need a new job, I know there are others who are suffering so much more than I am.

Let me be honest and put this out there now, I love the Lord.  God is my source and without Him I don’t know where I would be.  I know there are many of you that don’t believe in Him, but I choose to believe and I pray that the peace that He gives to me will also be transferred to you.  I never ask anyone to believe what I do and even though you may not I continuously pray on your behalf.  When I feel the weight of depression coming down on me I instantly begin to look around at the many blessings that I do have, compared to the problems.

As of today I don’t feel as if I need to speak with anyone but I promise if I did there would be no shame in my doing so.  I would do it in a heartbeat.  For those of you who are suffering in silence and feel you are alone, know that you are not, and know that someone is praying on your behalf.  If you are able to get services through the VA do so now.  Don’t let your pain overcome you and make you believe that there is no room for the sun to shine in your life.  Remember when things are darkest in your life, the SON will rise and shine for you.

As always, thank you for your support.  TTYL-Be blessed.

Where are the Federal Jobs Going?

I know I was going to write about the eligibility for the VA Mortgage program but something else was tugging at my attention today.  I have read so many posts about how hard it is for our veterans to get positions with the Federal Government, including the Veterans Administration office.  As I do everyday I check the usajobs.gov site to see what is going on.  Imagine my surprise when I saw a post for twenty-five (25) recent college grads to join the VA.  This is under a program called the "Pathways Program".  It is defined as this:

"The Pathways Programs offer clear paths to Federal internships for students from high school through post-graduate school and to careers for recent graduates, and provide meaningful training and career development opportunities for individuals who are at the beginning of their Federal service. As a student or recent graduate, you can begin your career in the Federal government by choosing the path that best describes you and where you are in your academics."

Now, I personally have no problem with our government offering pathways to employment for our High School and recent graduates.  What I do have a problem with is the number of openings that are going to these individuals.  The 25 is for the VA only.  There are positions available in hundreds of Federal agencies and departments.  I don't know if I'm right for feeling this way, but as someone who has tried over and over again to get into a Federal position this does bother me.

However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for some of our veterans, who have separated within the last six years:

"Recent Graduates Program: dynamic, two-year career development program for recent graduates who completed a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate within the last two years. In addition, students who graduated after December 2010 qualify to apply until Summer 2014, and veterans whose military service obligations prevent them from applying within this period have up to six years after degree or certificate completion to apply.  So to those of you who have been trying and trying, and have completed a degree and are within 6 years of separation, this may be an option for you.

I will be back on track tomorrow, unless something else catches my attention. :-)  

As always, thank you for your support.  TTYL - Be blessed.

HOMEOWNERSHIP 101

Is Homeownership Right for You?

This week and next week we are going to focus on homeownership and how the VA can assist you with your needs.  Today, I am just sharing a high-level overview of the various types of homeowner programs offered by the VA.  Tomorrow we will focus on eligibility requirements.

The VA will provide a home loan guaranty benefit and other housing-related programs to help you buy, build, repair, retain, or adapt a home for your own personal occupancy.

VA Home Loans are provided by private lenders, such as banks and mortgage companies. VA guarantees a portion of the loan, enabling the lender to provide you with more favorable terms.

Purchase Loans help you purchase a home at a competitive interest rate often without requiring a down payment or private mortgage insurance. Please know that just because you don’t have to pay a down payment does not mean you won’t need any money at closing.

Cash Out Refinance loans allow you to take cash out of your home equity to take care of concerns like paying off debt, funding school, or making home improvements.

Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL): also called the Streamline Refinance Loan can help you obtain a lower interest rate by refinancing your existing VA loan.

Native American Direct Loan (NADL) Program: helps eligible Native American Veterans finance the purchase, construction, or improvement of homes on Federal Trust Land, or reduce the interest rate on a VA loan.

Adapted Housing Grants: help Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability purchase or build an adapted home or to modify an existing home to account for their disability.

Today I’m going to keep it short because I’m giving you a chance to rest up before we really dig in on tomorrow.

As always, thank you for your support. TTYL – Be blessed!!

Cheater, Cheater, Pumpkin Eater

Yesterday I read a post from a fellow veteran that just bothered me to my core.  It was a scathing rebuke against the one of the Facebook veterans' assistance groups that I belong to.  In his post he called out the website for teaching people how to cheat the VA out of money through their disability claims.  In his view the site promoted cheating and dishonesty.  He also felt that it was rude of those individuals who have received 100% to post it.  In his eyes they were bragging and rubbing it in the faces of those who were still struggling to get their 100%.

Of course I see things totally differently.  For me these groups are great at assisting individuals with their legitimate claims.  They offer advice, assistance, and comfort to those who are struggling with their claims.  They also offer a place for those who are suffering in their pain on a daily basis to share their accomplishments.  I have read about individuals who have overcome alcoholism, as well as those who suffer from anxiety and have finally been able to leave their homes, even if it's just for a short period of time.

And to those who have the audacity to screenshot their 100% I say thank you for sharing and thank you for the encouragement.  You see, there are many of us who are still working to get where they are.  And, believe me their stories aren't fairy tales.  Many of them have fought for years to get to this point and in my humble opinion I think it is wonderful for us to be able to celebrate these milestones with them.  They give me hope that if I keep going I will eventually get what I deserve and that the pain I suffer everyday has a purpose to it.  While I don't know if I want to get to 100% because that means I'm in some way serious pain, to those who have it and deserve it, I say, "It's about time".

Now does this mean that no one is going to take advantage of the advice that is given and use it to cheat the system? Of course it doesn't.  But does this mean that just because there are some that are going to cheat the system that these types of groups should be stopped and thereby ending the resources that those of us who aren't going to cheat the system receive?  To that I say a resounding "NO".  I appreciate the time that my fellow veterans take out of their day to help me and offer suggestions that may work for me.  As a blogger I appreciate the various stories that they tell because it gives me more information to share with my readers.

To those who do cheat the system I would offer you a word of caution.  The VA is cracking down on frauds and when you are caught, the possibility of prison looms heavily.  I recently read a story about a man who cheated the VA for years.  He pretended that he was going blind and even went so far as to face his eye exams.  Now he is serving two years in Federal prison and has to pay back over $650,000.  Now I don't know about you but my freedom is priceless.

Finally, to the person who wrote the post mentioned above, whatever it is that is causing you to have such negative thoughts, I pray it is removed from you.  Facebook groups are a great resource and I'm sure the number of honest individuals in them far out way the fraudulent ones.

As always, thank you for time and support.

TTYL on Monday. - Be blessed.

Speedy Claims Review

When I filed my first claim I could not believe how long it took them to finally resolve it.  It actually took so long that I wrote to the President, and that was the only way that it was resolved as fast as it was.  And yes, I write to the President quite often regarding issues with the Veterans' Administration and even though it says he only answers a certain amount of them, I have always gotten a response.  I also write to the Secretary of the VA, Robert A. McDonald.  His email is robert.a.mcdonald@va.gov.  I write to him now because I get a quicker response.

Sorry, I digress, Today, I want to share an experience that happened to me yesterday.  Everyday I check eBenefits to see where they are in completing my claim.  For several weeks, on the status page, (see below), in the update field it read "Requested Documents Date Past Due".  I checked the documents page and it said that they had the documents but they were just waiting to be reviewed.  Just as an FYI what you see now is the status after I did what I'm going to tell you about next.

If you click on the claim date it opens up and displays all of the claim information.  I had always noticed a box in the upper right hand corner which said that if I had submitted all of my documentation and there was nothing outstanding that I could get my claim completed sooner by submitting a request.  So guess what?  Yes, you got it.  I submitted my claim and now everything has changed, (see below).

As you can see from the above screenshot my claim will be decided by November 4, 2016.  The previous dates were between January - February of 2017, and the message in the upper right hand corner has changed to reflect this.

I caution you when using this option though.  Be SURE that you have submitted all of your documentation and that you have attended all doctors appointments, otherwise you may lose out in your haste for a quick resolution.

I will keep you posted on how it goes and as always, thank you for your support.

TTYL - Be blessed!!

Utilizing Your Local Benefits

Yesterday I told you about this great group that I belong to on Facebook, Veteran 2 Veteran Info.  One of the members had written a post about how he gets $2000 from the state of Massachusetts just for being a 100% disabled veteran.  Really?!!! Because I am always one to take advantage of any types of benefits that are offered I immediately went to the Georgia Department of Veteran’s Affairs website to see what they offered.  I am only 10% but there are things there for me as well.  I have a list of things below, however they are for the state of Georgia.  I advise you to go to your State’s website and see what else is offered.  More information on the services listed below can be found at veterans.georgia.gov.

State Homestead Tax Exemptions

Abatement of State Income Taxes

Ad Valorem Tax on Vehicles

Business Certificate of Exemption

Veterans’ Driver’s Licenses - A veteran is entitled to a free veteran’s driver’s license if he/she

meets the Georgia residency requirement, and if the veteran has a discharge under honorable conditions from the armed forces of the United States for service during a recognized period of war or conflict.

National Guard Driver’s Licenses - Any member of the Georgia National Guard or Reserve who is in good standing and has completed at least one year of satisfactory service is eligible for a free National Guard Driver’s License.

Personal Identification Cards/Veterans’ ID Cards - A veteran who meets the eligibility and residence requirements for a free veteran’s driver’s license and still cannot obtain one may be eligible for a free veteran’s ID card.

License Plates - Commemorative Service License Plates - Anyone who served during active military combat is eligible for a free commemorative service license plate if he/she is Georgia

resident on active duty or a veteran with a discharge from the armed forces of the United States under honorable conditions.

Disabled Veterans’ License Plates - A veteran is eligible for a free disabled veteran’s license plate ifhe/she is a Georgia resident, has qualifying service in the armed forces of the United States, and meets the disability requirements.

Employment Preference

A 5-point credit is extended to war veterans employed by the State of Georgia. A 10-point credit is extended to veterans employed by the State of Georgia with a VA service connected disability of 10 percent or more.

Handicapped Parking

If a disabled veteran’s license plate from Georgia, or any other state, is properly displayed on the veteran’s vehicle, the veteran is authorized to park in parking areas designated for the handicapped without obtaining special handicapped parking area permits.

Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses

State Park Entrance Fee Reduction

Vital Statistics - Veterans, dependents, or veterans’ organizations, may obtain copies of marriage, divorce, birth, and death documents without charge through GDVS, provided the copies are to be used for establishing disability or death claims, and the request is in writing.

Veterans Education & Training - The Veterans Education & Training Division of the Georgia

Department of Veterans Service is designated as the State Approving Agency to administer VA On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Apprenticeship Training Programs for the state of Georgia.

State War Veterans Homes

State Veterans Memorial Cemeteries

I would also recommend you check the websites of special attractions and businesses in your area.  Home Depot and Lowe’s offer a 10% discount to veterans.  I’ve found that Lowe’s requires you to be service connected but Home Depot just needs proof you’re a veteran. 

In Georgia, you get into the Atlanta Zoo for free, get a 10% discount at Sky View, and you get 20% off at the Georgia Aquarium.  It’s worth doing a little research because there are tons of businesses that want to thank you for your service, by giving you a discount.

As always, thank you for your support.

TTYL- Be blessed.