UPDATE! Disabled License Plate for Veterans
Last year we reported that the Secretary of State was no longer honoring disabled veterans with Disabled Veterans License plates unless they had a physical disability that prevented them from walking a specified distance. This meant that all the veterans who are disabled for reasons other than not being able to walk, are going to lose their license plates with the wheelchair logo on it. To compensate, the Secretary of State's Office created another plate without the wheelchair logo. They then submitted a bill to the Illinois legislature making parking free for the new license plate. That bill failed to pass. That means that essentially, the Secretary of State has taken away license plates for all disabled veterans disabled for other than physical reasons.
CVO has strongly protested this action and is working to get the bill to make parking for disabled veterans free in the next session of the Illinois Legislature. We will keep you posted on our progress.
Fundraiser Dinner, Show and Dance for the Coalition of Veterans Organizaitons
When: Saturday, April 9th, 6 to 10 PM
Where: Irving Park Lutheran Church
4057 N. Harding in Chicago
(1 block N of Irving Park,
1 block E of Pulaski)
FREE PARKING IN
CHURCH LOT (Pulaski and Belle Plaine)
(CTA Blue Line; Irving Park exit
Irving Park #80 Bus, Pulaski #53 Bus)
—————————
Food: Prepared by
Chef Charles 'Smudge' Coleman
Entertainment:
Blues by Bobby 'Slim' James and his
Variety
Blues Band. Plus DJ Calvin Perry
Cost: All this for just
$20 Ticket Donation
FOOD-FUN-MUSIC-PRIZES
and much, much, more...
For more information: email Bruce Parry at bruce@coalitionofvets.org
Make checks payable to CVO. All donations to CVO are tax-deductible. CVO is a 501(c)3 organization that educates veterans and the public needs.
DOWNLOAD FLYER
JPEGJanuary 25, 2011
CVO Mayoral Forum on CAN TV
These are the dates for the broadcast of the CVO Mayoral Forum.
- Sunday, January 30th at 5:00 PM on CAN TV 19
- Wednesday, February 2nd at 9:30 AM on CAN TV 19
- Friday, February 11th at 12:00 PM on CAN TV 21
Please pass this on and watch the broadcast of the CVO Mayoral forum on CAN-TV
Mayoral Candidates attending January 22 Forum
The following candidates will attend the forum on Jan 22nd:
- Miguel Del Valle - more info about this Candidate
- Fenton Patterson
- Jay Stone - more info about this Candidate
- Tyrone Carter
Disabled License Plate for Veterans with PTSD
The following is what is going on with license plates for veterans with PTSD. The Coalition of Veterans Organizations (CVO) discussed this at our December 18th membership meeting and came to the following conclusions.
The Secretary of State has decided that the wheelchair logo should and will be reserved for those with physical disabilities that keep them from walking any distance. Restriction of these plates to people (including veterans) with physical disabilities will mean that those without physical disabilities will not be able to use the special "handicapped parking" places reserved for those with the wheelchair logo. The wheelchair logo, however, will now be available to veterans with physical disabilities less than 100 percent, so more veterans will be getting Disabled Veterans license plates with the wheelchair logo.
Additionally, the Secretary of State will be issuing a new Disabled Veterans License Plate without the wheelchair logo. This will be for those disabled veterans whose disability does not keep them from walking any distance. This would include those with hearing loss, visual restrictions, and PTSD, as well as other disabilities. In short it will NOT be a PTSD license plate. The Secretary of States' office will actively pursue a bill to be passed by the State Legislature exempting these Disabled Plates without the wheelchair logo from paying for parking. So these plates will still not have to pay for parking, but will not be able to use the "handicapped parking" spaces reserved for those who can't walk well. We expect the bill to pass by the end of spring, 2011.
CVO has considered these policies and believes that these are reasonable compromises and a reasonable solution to the problem at hand. We have decided to support the Secretary of States' position on this.
Please let me know if you have questions or feedback.
Thank you.
Bruce Parry
CVO Chair
Chicago Mayoral Candidate's Forum on Veterans Affairs
Saturday, January 22, 2010
10 AM - Noon
Montford Point Marine Association
7011 S Vincennes in Chicago
The purpose of this educational forum is to inform veterans and the public how each of the candidates understands veterans issues in Chicago and to allow the candidates themselves to hear and understand the concerns of veterans.
- All Candidates for Mayor of Chicago are invited.
- Hear the Cadidates speak on Veterans Affairs in Chicago
- Present your views on Veterans needs in Chicago
Sponsored by Coalition of Veterans Organizations
More Information?
Call the Coalition of Veterans Organizations at 773-243-2335 or email info@coalitionofvets.org
Candidates attending as of December 31, 2010
- Miguel Del Valle - more info about this Candidate
- Fenton Patterson
- Jay Stone - more info about this Candidate
- Tyrone Carter
Chicago Mayoral Candidate Jay Stone attending forum
Jay Stone is the first Candidate to confirm his attendance to the Chicago Mayoral Candidate Forum at Montford Point Marine Association on January 22.
More info on this Candidate:
Leo High School site of Veterans Observance on Friday, November 5th, 2010
Contact: Mr. Pat Hickey -Director of Development (773) 224-9600
When: November 5th at 11AM
Where: The Courtyard of Leo High School 7901 South Sangamon Street Chicago 60620
What: Leo High School, Leo Alumni Association welcomes all veteran to the Memorial Observance at the Leo War Memorial in the school' s courtyard. , Leo High School Principal Phil Mesina (USAF ret.) & Vice Principal Frank Wilson (USMC ret.) will direct the observance which features presentations by Veterans, wreath - laying by Richard Furlong, President of the Alumni Association.
Leo High School erected a memorial in 1965 to the many Leo men who have died serving America in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam and the Windy City Veterans of Chicago updated the engraved names and constructed permanent lighting for the memorial. Last year more than two hundred persons joined the 220 Leo students in honoring America' s war fallen.
Leo High School Speakers at War Memorial
- Principal Phil Mesina, USAF (ret.) and Vice-Principal Mr. Frank Wilson, USMC (ret.) call to Order
- Prayer by Father William McFarland (Leo ' 86)
- Leo Alumni President: Rich Furlong (ret.) recognizes and makes presentation to Pipe Major Mr. David McKee (Leo ' 46) for Ten Years of service in honoring Leo's Fallen Pipes?
- Color and Honor of the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines Posting of the Colors -Chicago' s own & Wreathe Laying by Leo Veterans.
- Cathy O'Connell sings Our National Anthem
- Leo Student Speech
- Cathy O'Connell sings God Bless America
- Taps Gun Salute and Dismissal
UPDATE! Illinois Secretary of State no more Vet Plates for PTSD
Last week we sent out an email stating that the Secretary of State's office was changing it's policy to eliminate Disabled Veteran license plates for those with PTSD and other mental illnesses (unless they also had a physical disability). We encouraged people to come to our meeting to discuss this.
The email was accurate and a copy got to the Office of the Secretary of State. The Secretary's office committed to changing the new policy so that PTSD veterans would be able to get the Disabled Veterans license plates. Secretary Jesse White is a veteran and thee office emphasized how supportive he is of veterans and stated that the policy would be changed.
The Secretary's office also committed to getting veteran input through CVO on developing an appropriate policy.
We're very glad that the Secretary remains committed to veterans on this issue and we stand ready to be of any and all assistance that we can be.
Bruce Parry
CVO Chair
Illinois Secretary of State no more Vet Plates for PTSD
The Secretary of State is administratively removing all those with 100% disability for PTSD and other mental disorders from receiving disabled veterans license plates. Come to the CVO meeting and protest this outrage!
The next meeting of CVO is on Saturday, October 23rd from 10 AM to 12:30 PM at Montford Point Marine Association, 7011 S Vincennes in Chicago.
We're also going to discuss having a forum on veterans affairs for the Mayoral candidates.
Invitation to Work with Warrior Writers
The Warrior Writers Project are inviting vets and fellow activists to help host, support and participate in upcoming Warrior Writers workshops and public events being planned for 2010.
Since its founding at the 2004 Veterans For Peace convention in Boston, Iraq Veterans Against the War has sparked many creative efforts that resulted in memorable public education projects, including Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan, Operation First Casualty street theater, Combat Paper and Warrior Writers. The latter two projects provide additional elements of art that have opened doors for veterans with views critical of the current wars to be presented in art galleries, museums, libraries, theaters and college classrooms.
Working together and on their own schedules, Combat Paper and Warrior Writers have presented workshops and public performances around the country. They also published a collection of veterans’ writings and art, Re-making Sense, and developed innovative, multimedia web sites: www.warriorwriters.org and www.combatpaper.org
The Warrior Writers Project aims to provide a vital public service, as stated on our web site: “There is a deep necessity for veterans to create when so much has been shattered and stolen. A profound sense of hope comes from the ability to rebuild and transform. Our workshops and events utilize (but are not limited to) writing, drawing, photography, papermaking and music. We also compile artwork into books, performances and exhibits so civilians can begin to better understand veterans' experiences.”
We have set some goals and priorities for the coming year, which are outlined in the attached document. We are developing project teams that we welcome you to join. Please email us if you’re interested in working with us on widening the outreach of Warrior Writers. Specifically, we hope that you can assist events in your region/city with logistical support, fundraising, outreach, etc. We welcome your support, so if you have other ideas, please contact us.
If you’d like to donate to this work, please send a check made out to our fiscal sponsor “IVAW” (with “Warrior Writers” in the memo line) to: IVAW National Office, 630 9th Ave, Suite 807, New York, NY 10036. Or you can make a donation on the IVAW website and mark it for the Warrior Writers Project.
Cook County Sheriff's Office will be hiring
Wednesday, December 23, 2009 — Amid double-digit unemployment rates across Illinois, the Cook County Sheriff’s Department is set to hire in record numbers in the coming months, Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced Wednesday.
The department is set to hire more than 500 correctional officers in 2010, with the first class of recruits set to come in January. The jobs pay about $45,000 a year and include health, dental and vision insurance, as well as a county pension and plenty of opportunities for career advancement.
“With so many people unemployed this year, we’ve been flooded with applications in general and have noticed not only the increase in quantity but also the increase in quality of applicants,” Dart said. “Now that we have real, meaningful jobs to offer, we expect to see even more applicants. While it is unfortunate so many are jobless, that also means people who might not ordinarily consider a career in corrections might now apply for a job with us.”
The jobs come as a result of a federal mandate that the county add hundreds of correctional officer positions at the Cook County Jail. Since taking office in 2006, Dart has increased hiring standards for correctional officer positions and last year, fewer than 100 applicants were able to meet those tougher hiring requirements. While military veterans are given preference for the positions because they seem to thrive in the jail’s paramilitary environment, all are welcome to apply.
All applicants must be U.S. citizens over 21 with a high school diploma or G.E.D., have a valid driver’s license and must have or be able to obtain an Illinois FOID card. Those considered for a position will have to endure a rigorous physical fitness test, thorough background check and must be willing to submit to a polygraph examination that will include questions about personal acitivities.
Applications are available at www.cookcountysheriff.com or at the sheriff’s merit board office, 69 W. Washington St., Suite 1100, Chicago.
This e-mail, and any attachments thereto, is intended only for use by the addressee(s) named herein and may contain legally privileged and/or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail (or the person responsible for delivering this document to the intended recipient), you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, printing or copying of this e-mail, and any attachment thereto, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please respond to the individual sending the message, and permanently delete the original and any copy of any e-mail and printout thereof.
VA Press Release on ending Homelessness by 2015
Secretary Shinseki Details Plan to End Homelessness for Veterans
Five-Year Plan Unveiled at Homeless Summit
WASHINGTON – Today, at the “VA National Summit Ending Homelessness Among Veterans,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki unveiled the department’s comprehensive plan to end homelessness among Veterans by marshalling the resources of government, business and the private sector.
“President Obama and I are personally committed to ending homelessness among Veterans within the next five years,” said Shinseki. “Those who have served this nation as Veterans should never find themselves on the streets, living without care and without hope.”
Shinseki’s comprehensive plan to end homelessness includes preventive measures like discharge planning for incarcerated Veterans re-entering society, supportive services for low-income Veterans and their families and a national referral center to link Veterans to local service providers. Additionally, the plan calls for expanded efforts for education, jobs, health care and housing.
“Our plan enlarges the scope of VA’s efforts to combat homelessness,” said Shinseki. “In the past, VA focused largely on getting homeless Veterans off the streets. Our five-year plan aims also at preventing them from ever ending up homeless.”
Other features of the plan outlined by Shinseki include:
· The new Post-9/11 GI Bill provides a powerful option for qualified Veterans to pursue a fully funded degree program at a state college or university. It is a major component of the fight against Veteran homelessness.
· VA is collaborating with the Small Business Administration and the General Services Administration to certify Veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled Veteran-owned small businesses for listing on the Federal Supply Register, which enhances their visibility and competitiveness – creating jobs for Veterans.
· VA will spend $3.2 billion next year to prevent and reduce homelessness among Veterans. That includes $2.7 billion on medical services and more than $500 million on specific homeless programs.
· VA aggressively diagnoses and treats the unseen wounds of war that often lead to homelessness – severe isolation, dysfunctional behaviors, depression and substance abuse. Last week, VA and the Defense Department cosponsored a national summit on mental health that will help both agencies better coordinate mental health efforts.
· VA partners with more than 600 community organizations to provide transitional housing to 20,000 Veterans. It also works with 240 public housing authorities to provide permanent housing to homeless Veterans and their families under a partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The VA/HUD partnership will provide permanent housing to more than 20,000 Veterans and their families.
Over the duration of the conference it is expected that over 1,200 homeless service providers from federal and state agencies, the business community, and faith-based and community providers will attend and participate in the summit.
“This is not a summit on homelessness among Veterans,” added Shinseki “It’s a summit on ending homelessness among Veterans.”
H1N1 VACCINE AVAILABLE FOR VETERANS
FOR RELEASE AS NEEDED
CONTACT: RAY LEBER, PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER, (312) 569-6402
For Armed Forces veterans who wish to receive the H1N1 vaccine to protect against Swine Flu, there is no reason to pay for the flu shot or wait in long lines to receive it. An ample supply of the vaccine is available to veterans at no charge from Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, located at 820 S. Damen Avenue in Chicago, through March 2010. All veterans are eligible, even if they have not previously used VA services.
The Department of Veterans Affairs strongly endorses the use of the H1N1 vaccine as well as the seasonal flu vaccine. Both have been proven effective in reducing the spread of flu viruses. Veterans can even receive both vaccines simultaneously – one in each arm.
Flu shots are offered at the medical center Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Room 1412, located on the first floor of the Damen Pavilion in the Admissions area. No appointment is needed and veterans will receive their choice of either free self-parking or free valet parking at the medical center’s garage entrance on Ogden Avenue.
Veterans are asked to bring their VA identification card, DD Form 214 or other proof of military service to receive their flu shot.
Download Flu Shot News Release 
(.doc file)
Illinois license plate that salutes Women Veterans
Currently, there are over 70 specialty license plates available in Illinois, with more than a dozen to honor our Illinois Veterans who have served this great Nation. We are seeking support for the creation of a license plate that salutes Women Veterans and allows Women Veterans the recgonition they so honorable deserve.
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=4667...
A special THANK YOU to 15th District Representative John D'Amico for sponsoring this bill and providing fast, efficient work. Horrah to George Mulvaney, USMC Veteran for being the front line man! Thanks, Devil Dog!
Check our group out on Facebook: HB4667-Provides for issurance of Illinois Women Veterans license plates.
Military Separation Codes - Numeric Codes and Alphabetical Codes
Hidden on practically every veteran’s DD-214 discharge papers are secret code letters and numbers called Separation Program Numbers (SPN numbers) that might make obtaining veterans benefits difficult if not impossible. Here are these secret alphabetic and numeric codes that may make a difference in your future. These codes are contained in your military records and may be annotated on various military separation documents. These codes are subject to change, and the Department of Defense will no longer allow the military services to release the meanings of these codes to the general public. The below definitions were obtained before this prohibition went into effect.
Download Numeric Codes (
Adobe Acrobat reader required)
Download Alphabetical Codes ( Adobe Acrobat reader required)
Download Numeric Codes (Microsoft Word™ doc format)
Download Alphabetical Codes(Microsoft Word™ doc format)
Paid survey for Veterans of Afghanistan
Do you or someone you know have combat experience in Afghanistan?
Vernon Research Group, a global market research firm located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, are working on a study designed to improve the safety of equipment for the U.S. Military and are reaching out to E5s, E6s, and E7s who have either mounted combat experience and/or un-mounted combat experience in Afghanistan. $75 for qualified, thoughtful surveys. $25 for every referral who qualifies and completes the study.
http://www.vernonresearch.com/surveys/issi/issilogn.htm
I think this goes without saying but this study is for research purposes only. The information you provided to us is strictly confidential. You will never be asked to buy anything. All surveys will be reviewed by senior research analysts for legitimacy. Participants will not be paid for invalid surveys.
If you would like more information about this study, Call (toll-free)
1-888-710-7278 ext 111
Annual “Illinois Day” National Home for Children Bus Trip, October 3, 2009
All Aboard! The annual “Illinois Day” National Home for Children Bus Trip, October 3, 2009 leaves Villa Park Post 2801 located at 39 E. St. Charles Rd. (Jewel Parking Lot) at 5:00 am. Post 2801 will provide coffee and rolls prior to departure. There will be snacks and non-alcohol drinks on the bus tothe National Home. The cost for the bus trip is $30 per person. You pay for your own lunch at the Children’s Home.
For Reservations, please fill out the form below and return it with your check payable to 19th District Quartermaster
For more information please contact:
Ed Krup Cindy Paris
131 N. Biermann Ave. 630-584-5627
Villa Park, IL 60181
630-833-2732
Note: Last day for Reservations & Moneys’ turned in,
Tuesday September 15th, 2009
Download Reservation form here! (MS Word Doc)
National Home Brochure
National Home Referral
National Home 2007 Facts
Secretary Shinseki Moves to Simplify PTSD Compensation Rules
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 24, 2009
Secretary Shinseki Moves to Simplify PTSD Compensation Rules
WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking steps to assist Veterans seeking compensation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
“The hidden wounds of war are being addressed vigorously and comprehensively by this administration as we move VA forward in its transformation to the 21st century,” said Secretary Shinseki.
The VA is publishing a proposed regulation today in the Federal Register to make it easier for a Veteran to claim service connection for PTSD by reducing the evidence needed if the stressor claimed by a Veteran is related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. Comments on the proposed rule will be accepted over the next 60 days. A final regulation will be published after consideration of all comments received.
Under the new rule, VA would not require corroboration of a stressor related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity if a VA psychiatrist or psychologist confirms that the stressful experience recalled by a Veteran adequately supports a diagnosis of PTSD and the Veteran's symptoms are related to the claimed stressor.
Previously, claims adjudicators were required to corroborate that a non-combat Veteran actually experienced a stressor related to hostile military activity. This rule would simplify the development that is required for these cases.
PTSD is a recognized anxiety disorder that can follow seeing or experiencing an event that involves actual or threatened death or serious injury to which a person responds with intense fear, helplessness or horror, and is not uncommon in war.
Feelings of fear, confusion or anger often subside, but if the feelings don't go away or get worse, a Veteran may have PTSD.
VA is bolstering its mental health capacity to serve combat Veterans, adding thousands of new professionals to its rolls in the last four years. The Department also has established a suicide prevention helpline (1-800-273-TALK) and Web site available for online chat in the evenings at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Veterans.
Download Article here! (pdf)
Veteran Organization Application Deadline
Does your Veteran Organization serve Veterans of Cook County? Your organization is NEEDED to get involved with the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County. Cook Funds are alloted to the Commission to be disturbed to Veterans Organizations and Veteran Events. Monthly meetings are held where various Veteran Organizations come together to spread the word about upcoming Veteran Events and Issues. The VAC makes donations to Veteran Events and Causes at these monthly meetings with motions carried by VAC membership. If your Veteran Organization is not involved, your Veteran Events, Missions and Concerns are MISSING OUT, but more importantly your VETERAN VOICE is not BEING HEARD!!
Download application form here!
Governor Quinn Signs Illinois Veterans Bills
Bills designed to improve employment, business opportunities for Veterans
CHICAGO – July 26, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today signed into law several bills designed to honor and improve the lives of Illinois Veterans.
“These laws focus directly on Illinois Veterans by promoting jobs, and examining and acting upon their needs,” Governor Quinn said. “We believe their lives will be better as a result of this new legislation.”
Among the bills:
- Senate Bill 2046, sponsored by Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) and Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights), doubles the tax credit to employers on the wages of qualified veterans to $1200, up from $600.
- House Bill 1122, sponsored by Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora) and Sen. Antonio Munoz (D-Chicago), creates a task force to examine job training received by active military service members, and whether that training satisfies requirements for state professional licenses.
- Senate Bill 206, sponsored by Sen. Michael Bond (D-Grayslake) and Rep. Al Riley (D-Hazel Crest), creates a task force to examine whether Veteran-owned businesses should be added to the state’s procurement list for contract set-asides.
- House Bill 849, sponsored by Rep. Rich Brauer (R-Springfield) and Sen. Toi W. Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights), ensures that basic training and other educational training is included in promotion criteria in any municipal agency where Veterans Preference is applicable.
- House Bill 3787, sponsored by Rep. Michael Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) and Sen. Pamela Althoff (R-Crystal Lake) amends the school bus driver permit renewal procedure for military service members returning from active duty. Service members’ permits will now remain on hold rather than become invalid while they are on active duty, and can be renewed within 90 days of returning from active duty.
“This is a proud day for Illinois, and we applaud Gov. Quinn and our legislators for advancing laws that will truly and positively impact the lives of its Veterans,” said Dan Grant, Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
article from http://www.illinois.gov/PressReleases/PrintPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=1&RecNum=7701
Veterans and Military Education and Benefits Workshop
at the Jesse Brown VA Hospital and Medical Center
August 8th, 2009
10:00am---2:00pm
The Student Veterans Association of Illinois and the Student Military Education Club at the Illinois Institute of Technology will hold a workshop for Veterans and Military personnel on Saturday August 8th from 10 AM to2 PM at the Jesse Brown VA Hospital and Medical Center, 10 South Damen Ave., Chicago. The workshop will be held on the 2nd floor in the Auditorium.
The workshop, sponsored by the more than a dozen Veteran and Military organizations (see list attached), with the Army ROTC Cadets and the Illinois Student Veterans Association as hosts. The workshop will offer guidelines for colleges in the greater Chicago area for admission, financial aid and program availability. It is scheduled to have information on the new GI Bill that will be announced August 1st. There is no charge for veterans or military personnel. A form of Identification showing military status will be required. Several area colleges and universities will participate in the workshop offering program requirements, financial aid and career building information. Among the educational institutions scheduled to attend are IIT, UIC, Loyola, Roosevelt and DePaul.
“The purpose of the workshop is to encourage as many veterans and military personnel as possible to develop an education path toward a meaningful career. There are careers available for those with an education and can use their highly skilled training in the military to purse a civilian career commented Dr. Jerry Field of IIT, the faculty advisor for the group.
“Being a Veteran and now in the Army ROTC college program to advance my career in the military this workshop is an opportunity to have other Vets become acquainted with the educational opportunities that are available, a just abut no cost to the veteran.” Said Army ROTC Cadet Lucas Park a second year Army ROTC student at IIT.
In addition to several colleges, representatives from the Jesse Brown VA Hospital, and Illinois Department of Employment Security, The City of Chicago Veterans Advisory Council and the State Department of Veterans Affairs are scheduled to be present.
For additional information call Dr. Jerry J. Field 312 567 3651 or e-mail at veteranschicago@gmail.com
-30- And thanks
Staff is available for interviews-
The VAs number game article
The VA’s number game with PTSD ratings — by Ray Parrish
The VA determines ratings for PTSD by using their ‘Schedule for Rating Disabilities,’ found at 38 CFR, part 4. Unlike the ‘criteria’ from the DSM used to confirm a diagnosis of PTSD, the rating schedule doesn’t list the ‘symptoms’ of PTSD, rather it looks at the impact that the symptoms have on the veteran’s ‘occupational and social functioning.’ So, when appealing a percentage assigned in a VA rating decision, your treating therapist or doctor can use the language from the rating formula and say which paragraph most closely approximates the severity of the veteran’s PTSD. Please note their use of adjectives such as ‘very,’ ‘occasional’ or ‘most’ and ‘difficulty’ versus ‘inability.’
VA General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders:
100% Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name
70% Occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood, due to such symptoms as: suicidal ideation; obsessional rituals which interfere with routine activities; speech intermittently illogical, obscure, or irrelevant; near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively; impaired impulse control (such as unprovoked irritability with periods of violence); spatial disorientation; neglect of personal appearance and hygiene; difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances (including work or a work like setting); inability to establish and maintain effective relationships.
50% Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to such symptoms as: flattened affect; circumstantial, circumlocutory, or stereotyped speech; panic attacks more than once a week; difficulty in understanding complex commands; impairment of short- and long-term memory (e.g., retention of only highly learned material, forgetting to complete tasks); impaired judgment; impaired abstract thinking; disturbances of motivation and mood; difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships.
30% Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal), due to such symptoms as: depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, panic attacks (weekly or less often), chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss (such as forgetting names, directions, recent events)
10% Occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress, or; symptoms controlled by continuous medication.
0% A mental condition has been formally diagnosed, but symptoms are not severe enough either to interfere with occupational and social functioning or to require continuous medication.
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June: Various Veterans programs and
event flyers Downloads
Acrobat Reader™ needed to open these documents. Download Here
- Student Veterans of America: Midwest Update Vol. 1, Issue #8
- Veteran with Disabilities Entrepreneurship Program
VEP. For more information, please visit their - Website VEP
- Illinois Department of
Employment Security veteran session focusing
on starting a business and becoming
an entrepreneur. June 12
- The Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services Live Webcast Discussion for Veterans and Families About the
Benefits and Resources in Massachusetts Available to Them. June 16
- Veterans with Disabilities
Entrepreneurship Program: January 30 - February 6, 2010 - Wes Watkins Center Stillwater, Oklahoma
- America Corporate Partners Program (ACP) acp-usa.org/
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Save supportive housing service funding from draconian cuts.
We need to get as many calls as humanly possible as soon as
possible to each of your legislators and to Speaker Madigan.
We need to tell them to support a fair tax increase to save
supportive housing service funding and other vital services from cuts.
We need to tip the balance in favor of a fair tax increase. It is
the only way to save service funding from huge cuts.
We can do it! But we have to do it!
Here's how:
1. Call your state senators and representatives in their Springfield
offices.* Call Speaker Michael Madigan - (217) 782-5350.
1. Give your name and address, say you are a constituent (not to
Spkr. Madigan--unless you are) and a registered voter. Ask: Please vote for
an income tax increase to protect the funding for supportive housing and
other vital services. Please keep 8,300 men, women, and children from
returning to homelessness.
2. If you actually talk with your legislator, wait from her or him to respond and make a note of what they say.
3. If you leave a message for your legislator, leave the above request, and ask for a return call from your legislator. Leave your phone number. For Spkr. Madigan, just leave the message. Be very kind to the assistant who takes your message.
4. Email to say you did it, who you called, and their response if you got one.
5. Organize a way for everyone in your agency--staff, board, residents, clients, community members, etc. to call their legislators and report back. Reach out to all your networks. Ask them to call their state legislators and to email you when they've done it.
6. Go to housingmatters.net. Click on "Act Now". Follow the
instructions to send an email to your state legislators. Their Springfield
phone
numbers will come up after you send the letters to make calling their
offices easy.
* Not sure who your state legislators are? Go to http://www.elections.state.il.us/DistrictLocator/SelectSearchType.aspx?NavLink=1_
. Click
"by address". Type in the address of your agency, your supportive housing,
or your own address. Click "Search". Click on the names of your STATE
senator and your STATE representative (the second and third names on the
list). Their contact information will come up. Call their Springfield
offices.
* Know who your state legislators are but need their Springfield phone
number? Go to ilga.gov. Under the headings Senate and House, click on
Members. Find your rep and click on their name. Their contact info will come
up.
First Division Museum will hold a special observance of the 65th anniversary of D-Day at Cantigny Park
On June 6, 2009, the First Division Museum will hold a special observance of the 65th anniversary of D-Day at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Illinois.
The Museum would like to recognize all D-Day Veterans attending. If you are a D-Day Veteran and plan on attending please register in advance with Steven Hawkins at (630) 260-8130. Registered D-Day Veterans will be recognized during the ceremony and recieve free parking at Cantigny Park that day.
All WWII Veterans are also invited to attend. Registered WWII Veterans and their guests will also recieve free parking at Cantigny Park on June 6th. To register, call Steven Hawkins at (630) 260-8130.
Veterans can also register by mail. If you are able to attend this important occasion, please print this registration form below and mail it to:
D-Day Commemoration
First Division Museum
1s151 Winfi eld Road
Wheaton, IL 60187-3353
no later than May 25. More info at dday65.org/
Click here to download the Veteran registration form.
Veterans Legal Support Center & Clinic Art Showcase June 11
The John Marshall Law School Veterans Legal Support Center & Clinic cordially invites you to the VLSC Art Showcase featuring Jessika Ross photographs, on loan from the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum with special guest, Jessika Ross, a Chicago area photographer & graphic designer and 6-year Illinois National Guardsman at
The John Marshall Law School
315 S. Plymouth Court
Chicago, Illinois 60604
on Thursday, June 11th, 2009
from 3:00pm to 6:00pm
Refreshments & Hors d'oeuvres will be served
Please RSVP by June 4th, 2009
Veterans Legal Support Center & Clinic
The John Marshall Law School
Phone (312) 427-2737 ext 346
Fax (312) 427-4993
315 S. Plymouth Ct.
Chicago, IL 60604
vlsc@jmls.edu
www.jmls.edu/veterans
Sponsor Bruce Parry for the walk for Suicide Prevention June 27th and 28th.
Pav YMCA: FREE Senior Fitness/Wellness Event--Tues., May 26, 2009
The Pav YMCA is host to the state’s largest SilverSneakers® Fitness Program. This fitness program is greatly supported by Humana Health Care and AARP’s initiative to help older adults, age 55 and over, to maintain good health and stronger bodies through regular physical activity. In fact, there is a tremendous wealth of evidence that proves regular physical activity and remaining connected to community are two of the most important elements to healthy aging.
Pav YMCA celebrates active aging by hosting this
TYLENOL® Keep Moving event — State’s Largest SilverSneakers® Class, Senior Resource Fair & Social— through a generous grant from McNeil Consumer Healthcare. We encourage anyone over age 55 and those who may be suffering from arthritis to stay active and manage pain through increased regular physical activity and healthy living. Join us!
The event will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 2pm, in the Pav YMCA’s gymnasium, located at 2947 South Oak Park Avenue (at 30th Street) in Berwyn, Illinois. The 30-minute class —perfect for seniors and other arthritis sufferers—will begin at 10:30 a.m. YMCA membership is not required. After the formal exercise class concludes, enjoy our Senior Resource Fair, a healthy lunch and Senior Social.
Come on! Grab your friends and neighbors and help us beat our own record for the State’s Largest SilverSneakers® Class!
Help us to plan for this event and RSVP to the Pav YMCA by calling
(708) 749-0606 today!!
Event # 09MAY 01777-01
2nd Annual
Formal Affair
Honoring Women Veterans
Past & Present
Ad Book / Patron Order
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Hilton Oak Lawn Hotel
9333 S. Cicero Ave
Chicago, IL
Tickets $60
For Ad and ticket information contact
(312) 458-9130
Helmets to Hardhats Job Fair
The Teamsters Veterans Initiative program is hosting a Job Resource Forum for our veterans on August 5, 2009 at the Teamsters Local 705 Auditorium, 325 S. Marshfield, Chicago, Illinois. We hope to have immediate positions available through our corporate partners who are providing employment and career opportunities as well as extended assistance with claims and disabilities for our Teamster Veteran members. Representatives and affiliated partners in labor with the Helmets to Hardhats program will be at this event to further service you with apprenticeship and training programs in the Construction Trades.
Please review the enclosed materials to register and to obtain more information or you may visit our website at www.chicagoteamsters.org. Return registration may be submitted by fax to 312-666-7943, mailed to the above address or simply by bringing the registration form with you to the Job resource Forum.
VeteranIssues
Most Veterans Can get eyeglasses
and hearing aids
PRESCRIBING HEARING AIDS AND EYEGLASSES
http://www1. va.gov/vhapublic ations/ViewPubli cation.asp? pub_ID=1789
It is VHA policy that all enrolled veterans and those veterans exempt from enrollment are eligible for medical services that include diagnostic audiology and diagnostic and preventive eye care services, and that the prescription and provision of hearing aids and eyeglasses must be furnished to all eligible veterans in accordance with the parameters and criteria defined in this Directive..
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) not only covers eye examinations and audiology tests and writes eyeglass and hearing aid prescriptions for all its eligible patients.. In many cases it also covers eyeglasses and hearing aids---even for some non-service- connected Priority 5 and 7 patients (generally, veterans honorably- or generally-discharge d after at least two years’ service with incomes under about $35,000). The little-known Veterans' Health Administration Directive 2002-039 of July 5, 2002 [paragraph 4.a.(1)] authorizes eyeglasses and hearing aids for:
- those getting service-connected compensation for any reason or at any percentage;
- former prisoners of war and Purple Heart recipients;
- those getting Housebound or Aid and Attendance increments to needs-based disability Pensions;
- those needing eyeglasses or hearing aids due to any other (even non-service- connected) medical cause; and
- those with any other functional or cognitive impairment-- as shown by Activities of Daily Living (ADL) functional deficiency(ies) --who need eyeglasses or hearing aids to participate in their own care.
Replacements are allowed in cases of loss and breakage and for new or changed prescriptions. Hearing aids, without a prescription change or loss, must last 4 years. Issuance of spares is determined by the VA audiiologist or eye care specialist. Although general information on the VA website may wrongly suggest that the above benefits are restricted to those with service-connected disabilities and other limited groups, in fact Directive 2002-039 remains fully in force.
The VA ordinarily offers comprehensive dental services only to 100% disabled, service-connected veterans and those held as prisoners of war over 90 days; but other, non-service- connected veterans may apply to the VA, no later than 3 to 6 months after discharge, to get dental treatment that wasn’t completed while on active duty. For qualified cases, the VA may then pre-authorize some treatment with approved private dentists. VA health centers are listed at www..VA.gov.
Veterans Against Violence (VAV)
Come out and join us…
For a Press Conference
TOPIC: Youth Violence
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 — 6:00 p.m.
St. Sabina,
7800 S. Throop
Position Announcement: Research Assoc - LARC Program Director
Northern Illinois University 's Center for Governmental Studies (CGS) seeks to add a Research Associate to the staff of its affiliate, the DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform. This person will be responsible for directing and overseeing the implementation and evaluation of services provided by the Language Access Resource Center . Please feel free to pass this on to people who you know who might be effective in this role. The individual selected for this position will be an employee of Northern Illinois University , assigned to the Federation under our longstanding management contract with the University, and accordingly will have access to a full range of University benefits, including health insurance, disability, state university retirement etc. Thank you for your help! Position Announcement: Research Associate - LARC Program Director Northern Illinois University's Center for Governmental Studies (CGS) seeks to add a Research Associate to the staff of its affiliate, the DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform. The candidate chosen for this position will be responsible for directing and overseeing the implementation and evaluation of services provided by the Language Access Resource Center . The DuPage Federation Language Access Resource Center (LARC) trains foreign language interpreters for health care, human services and education settings, provider interpretation and translation services and provides training for professionals in working with persons with limited English proficiency. Essential responsibilities include coordinating and overseeing timely completion of outcomes in work plan, planning, implementing, and evaluating budgetary needs in order to develop the LARC and services provided and assure its continued success, overseeing and providing direction to staff and activities so that the LARC responds appropriately to the multi-lingual and multi-cultural service needs of the customer and the community, providing appropriate resources, education, communication, and counsel so that staff and volunteers provide excellent service and develop professionally, developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with are health and human service organizations, schools, community-based organizations, and all groups needing education or services of language assistance, and working on grant writing and maintenance. Required qualifications include at least a Bachelor’s degree, and significant competency gained from education and/or experience in interpreting and interpreter technique training, management, three to five years experience in health education, healthcare marketing or healthcare delivery, strong writing and speaking skills in both English and another language, good communication and organizational skills, and demonstrated ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, clients, providers and community members.
To apply, please send a letter of application and resume by May 8, 2009 to
Amy Snodgrass at asnodgrass@dupagefederation.org.
AA/EEO Institution. Amy L. Snodgrass DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform 146 W. Roosevelt Road Villa Park , Illinois 60181 (630) 782-4783 Fax: (630) 516-1306 asnodgrass@dupagefederation.org
an affiliate of NIU, Center for Governmental Studies
2009 Career Fair Expo
Thursday, April 23, 2009
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Kennedy-King College
Building W Atrium 6343 S Halsted
Chicago, Illinois 60621
Government Career Fair
Need to learn how to:
"NAVIGATE THE FEDERAL
HIRING SYSTEM"
Attend one of the
US Office of Personnel Management's
Workshops at
10am & 12 noon
Cordell Reed Student Union
Conference Rooms A-C
Thursday, March 12, 2009 11:00 am - 3:00 pm,
Chicago State University Jones Convocation Center-Concourse Ginny Narsete, U.S. EPA Region 5 Community Involvement Coordinator Superfund Division
SE 7 - J 77 West Jackson Chicago IL 60604
Office 312-886-4359 Cell 312-919-0126 Fax 312-353-9176
Comprehensive health insurance coverage for all United States residents
H.R.676
Title: To provide for comprehensive health insurance coverage for all United States residents, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [MI-14] (introduced 2/8/2005) Cosponsors (78)
Latest Major Action: 4/4/2005 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
SUMMARY AS OF:
2/8/2005--Introduced.
United States National Health Insurance Act (or the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act) - Establishes the United States National Health Insurance Program (the Program) to provide all individuals residing in the United States and in U.S. territories with free health care that includes all medically necessary care, such as primary care and prevention, prescription drugs, emergency care, and mental health services.
Prohibits an institution from participating in the Program unless it is a public or nonprofit institution. Allows nonprofit health maintenance organizations (HMOs) that actually deliver care in their own facilities to participate in the Program.
Gives patients the freedom to choose from participating physicians and institutions.
Prohibits a private health insurer from selling health insurance coverage that duplicates the benefits provided under this Act. Allows such insurers to sell benefits that are not medically necessary, such as cosmetic surgery benefits.
Sets forth methods to pay hospitals and health professionals for services. Prohibits financial incentives between HMOs and physicians based on utilization.
Authorizes appropriations and provides for appropriated sums to be paid for: (1) by vastly reducing paperwork; (2) by requiring a rational bulk procurement of medications; (3) from existing sources of Government revenues for health care; (4) by increasing personal income taxes on the top five percent income earners; (5) by instituting a modest payroll tax; and (6) by instituting a small tax on stock and bond transactions.
Requires the Program to give first priority in retraining and job placement to individuals whose jobs are eliminated due to reduced administration.
Establishes a National Board of Universal Quality and Access to advise the Secretary and the Director to ensure quality, access, and affordability.
Provides for the eventual integration of the health programs of the Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Indian Health Service into the Program.
Budget of the United States Government: Browse Fiscal Year 2009
It looks like a lot of funds are going into social services Department of Human Services(DHS). This will address our homeless issues as their s state spending directly for the homeless as well. Veterans on disability and SS will also get a one time payment. There was no mention of VA healthcare in this piece, therefore healthcare funding must be specifically addressed in the VA budget. Download VBA 2009 budget figures Here:
VA Benefits and Health Care Utilization 2009
Stimulus package website launched by Governor Quinn
Today Governor Quinn launched www.Recovery.Illinois.gov , a tool for every taxpayer interested in the $787 billion federal stimulus package. This site allows us to quickly share state-focused information about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, collect project ideas from the public, and direct people to relevant state and/or federal agencies and applications. We look forward to working with you to make the Illinois recovery effort a success.
Free email news from Veteran issues to other Vets & Posts.
Veteran Issues is an email newsletter. It's purpose is to inform individuals, and organizations of issues and news of importance to Veterans and Military Retirees. Join one of the oldest, largest, and fastest growing free veteran newsletters, founded in Oct 98. This is not a chat list.
Information and issues comes from individual veterans from around the world, as well as a variety of news media sources, veteran organizations, and government agencies.
For some issues recipients are asked to take some action to help solve or publicize the problem. Some key national level veteran activist, politicians, many local Veteran Posts, and media persons are current subscribers.
Join now to be informed, and to add your voice to Veteran Issues. To subscribe go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VeteranIssues/join
or send an email to:
VeteranIssues-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Veteran Issues has a Web site at:
http://www.angelfire.com/il2/VeteranIssues/
Questions, and Issues can be emailed to: colonel-dan@sbcglobal.net
United neighborhood Organization (UNO)
The United neighborhood Organization (UNO) has open 3 new schools named the
UNO Veterans Memorial School Campus. Uno is in the process of naming the
individual schools, 1 high school, 2 grammar schools, honoring veterans.
Also the individual classrooms will be named after veterans
We all know a veteran who deserves reconigition for their accomplishments in
the military or civilian life. Please consider nominating an individual.
An application form can be found here, if you are interested in submitting a
veterans name for consideration
Will Schmutz
Director / Community Liaison
Chicago Commission on Human Relations
Advisory Council Veterans Affairs
P 312 744 7582
F 312 744 1081
Rebuilding Together * Metro Chicago
2009 brings an exciting opportunity for Rebuilding Together * Metro
Chicago to work with veterans' homes through a partnership with HGTV's
community revitalization and environmental awareness initiative, "Change
the World. Start at Home." The campaign will highlight historic veterans'
group homes in eight U.S. cities, with two cities receiving $40,000 in
renovations to improve accessibility, living conditions and energy
efficiency. We need your help to make Chicago one of the two winning
recipients! Please visit:
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/home/text/0,,HGTV_32656_82769,00.html
to vote for the Eddie Beard Veterans Home in Chicago, a co-ed group home
offering counseling, education, and job placement services for homeless
veterans.
Last year the winning projects received over 40,000 votes, so we have a
long way to go. The good news is that you can vote once every day between
now and March 2, 2009. The two selected sites will be announced March 15,
2009 during the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway 2009 special. So bookmark the
page, set it as your homepage, create an Outlook reminder, post the link
to your Facebook page, whatever it takes!
Please pass this email along to anyone you think would be interested in
helping us reach our goal to improve the Eddie Beard Veterans Home.
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/home/text/0,,HGTV_32656_82769,00.html
The following profile is just one example of the difference the veterans'
home can make in the lives of those who sacrifice their own to serve:
When Joe came to the Eddie Beard Veterans Home in 1995, he was
homeless and mentally ill and had substance-abuse issues. After receiving
intensive support services for four months, he improved so much that the
staff helped him find his own apartment. Today Joe owns his own
home, is pursuing a master's degree in addiction counseling at
Northeastern University and is employed as a caseworker in the Homeless
Veteran's Reintegration Program for the Eddie Beard Veterans Home. The
Eddie Beard Veterans Home supports hundreds of veterans like Joe as
they find their paths in life, offering the counseling, education and
job-placement services that homeless veterans need to become self
sufficient. At the Eddie Beard Veterans Home, there are many successes
just like Joe each year.
Vote for the Eddie Beard Veterans Home and help us create even more
success stories!
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/home/text/0,,HGTV_32656_82769,00.html
