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The above mural honoring our Veterans through the era’s is on display in our hallway and was created by local artist Galen McCarthy

ictor ierra scar Vol 1 Number 9 “America’s Veterans embody the ideals upon which America was founded.” December 2018

This publication is for all Veterans, their families and their communities compiled solely by the Jackson County Veterans Service Officer. The

information provided herein is to keep you informed of upcoming events, newsworthy items and

historical data of interest.

Proud member of

MN and National Associations

of Veteran Service Officers

“In the aftermath, we are because they were.”

― R.J. Heller,

OFFICE INFORMATION

The Jackson County Veterans Service Office is located at:

402 White St. (Door 6) Jackson, MN 56143

507.847.4774 jeff.gay@co.jackson.mn.us

Monday 8am-4:30pm Tuesday 8am-4:30pm

Wednesday 8am-Noon Thursday 8am-Noon

Friday Closed

(Available for after hour appointments case-by-case)

www.co.jackson.mn.us/veterans You can find us on FaceBook too

HOLIDAY GREETINGS From our family to yours, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas this 2018 season!

Holidays are a tough time for those in uniform and those no longer wearing the physical uniform. Many are deployed or on Active Duty serving away from home, others have provided the ultimate sacrifice and are with their families only in memory. There are those suffering from both within and without, some at home, others homeless and a large numbers in hospitals or other facilities.

As we celebrate this season of giving we must place an emphasis on those less fortunate than ourselves and give help where you can. This help is a gift to them consisting of a meal, cup of coffee or a kind deed; or it may be as mundane as a hug or a handshake just acknowledging they are home and they are safe.

Please reach out and let them know we are all brothers and sisters in uniform, still serving in whatever way we can and that we have one another’s back!

Bring in our new year with gusto but also stay safe. Practice moderation New Years Eve and/or have a designated driver. We sorta like having you around!

DENTAL/VISION PLANS By Jeffrey L. Gay

If you are a current member of TRDP (TRICARE Retiree Dental Plan) you’ve probably received your FEDVIP

notification of the plan administration changes. It’s quite important that you follow up with the open enrollment season for choosing a replacement for your plan or you will be without insurance the beginning of January! Open enrollment begins Nov 12

th and runs through Dec 10

th. Begin by checking

out the program at www.benefits.gov/benefit/4587.

If you wish to check eligibility find out whether you or your family, as a military retiree or active duty military, are eligible for the FEDVIP dental or vision plans you can go on-line at https://tricare.benefeds.com/InfoPortal/indexAction.

There are many more choices now for both dental & vision options and you can go on-line to compare the plans and costs to help guide you to a decision: https://tricare.benefeds.com/InfoPortal/containerPage?EventName=plans&ctoken=dvWb0HzG. Open enrollment is Nov 12 – Dec 10, 2018.

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DECEMBER SPECIAL DAYS

1 – Civil Air Patrol Birthday 7 – Pearl Harbor Day 10 – Human Rights Day

13 – National Guard 326th

Birthday, HOOAH! 15 – Bill of Rights Day 15 – Wreaths Across America Day 21 – Winter Solstice 25 – Christmas Day 26 – Boxing Day 31 – New Year’s Eve!!!! – Remember, MODERATION!

https://militarybenefits.info/military-calendar-holidays-events-observances/

HOLIDAY GREETINGS…

From our family to yours, please have a very merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season!

A few travel tips for you to consider: 1. Plan your trip

a. Route (both directions) b. Road Conditions (Call “511”) c. Monitor the weather

2. Dress for the temperatures 3. Pack a winter survival kit with enough supplies

and blankets for everyone a. Be sure to have a cellular phone and car

charger with you for emergencies b. Have a First Aid kit along c. Take plenty of drinking water & snacks d. Have a shovel and floor dry or kitty litter

along in case you get stuck 4. Call your destination when you leave and

provide them your ETA and the route you are taking. (Call ‘em when you get home too…)

Whew! That sounds like a lot of work! Hey… Its good stuff and can save the lives of you and your

passengers if you encounter any difficulties en route.

Lastly,,, Have a fun and enjoyable time with your family, give ‘em all a friendly hug

from us too!

HEY BUDDY CAN I HITCH A RIDE?

Sometimes it’s tough to get to/from your VA appointments. At those times you can give us a call and we’ll try to accommodate you with our Jackson County Veterans Van…

We have no set routes, ride’s are as needed and our runs are usually to Sioux Falls. All other rides are on a case by case basis.

We only ask for a $20 stipend to help defray fuel and driver expenses. Call 507.847.4774 to schedule a ride.

HAPPY 326th BIRTHDAY NATIONAL GUARD

The United States National Guard is turning 326 years old this month! It is the oldest military organization in our Nation.

An excerpt from www.military.com:

“In a move that would create the first militia on the North American continent, the Massachusetts General Court in Salem issued an order on Dec. 13, 1636, requiring all able-bodied men between 16 and 60 years old to create a standing Army for protection.”

“With that order, what we now know as America's National Guard was born. The idea was simple: Establish an Army of citizen-soldiers who could be called upon to fight when needed.“

Since that time the National Guard has served in every major conflict our nation has been involved in. In

most cases this involved direct combat missions as a unit and in other instances they have

augmented Active Units as replacements or in support duties.

Your National Guard is divided into two parts, Army and Air. The National Guard serves a dual mission.

First is that as a reserve of the United States Army or Air Force and may be called to active duty as required by order of the President..

Secondly the National Guard has a State mission and can be called to State active duty at the discretion of the Governor to assist in local emergencies.

VA TELEHEALTH - Video-to-Home

MISSION: The SFVAHCS Telehealth mission is to provide the right care in the right place at the right time through effective, cost-effective and appropriate use of health information and telecommunications technologies.

VISION: To make the home and local community into the preferred place of care whenever possible and practical.

Video-to-Home technology is essentially “real-time telehealth” where a telecommunications link allows instantaneous interaction between the patient and a member of their care team.

Visits that do not require a physical exam are well suited to this, such as:

Coughs, colds sinus congestion

Medication questions

Minor rashes, aches or pains

Mental Health Consults

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Nutrition consults & classes

Social work

Video to Home is for visits that are not emergent and do not require a physical exam. If your health care team is unable to treat your symptoms through a CTH visit, you may be asked to come into the clinic for an office visit.

When scheduling your next non-emergent VA appointment ask for Video-to-Home!

Why use a “Video-to-Home”?

Video to Home avoids extra travel and increases convenience

No fighting traffic & parking is not a problem

No fuel or travel expenses

Decreased funds spent on daycare (you don’t leave your home!)

Your appointment is in the comfort and privacy of your own home

Less time to take off work

No co-pay (even to see specialists) when using Video to Home

Technology needed:

Your smartphone, or

Tablet Computer w/camera, or

Computer w/camera, speakers & microphone

Using this program requires you to have Access to e-mail. Remember, if you are not connected to Wi-Fi on your device data charges may apply. If you are using an Apple device, download the VA Video Connect app.

For more information please contact:

Sioux Falls VA Health Care System 2501 W. 22

nd St. - Sioux Falls, SD 57105

800.316.8387 - 605.336.3230

National Telehealth Technology Help Desk (NTTHD) 866.651.3180

If you are not serviced by the Sioux Falls VA please

call your servicing VA and ask about telehealth options.

To test your device before a CTH visit follow the steps:

Go on-line to www.siouxfalls.va.gov

Scroll ¾ way down the page and click on the button labeled “Video to Home (CTH) Test”

For help call the Help Desk at 866.651.3180

NOTEl Your Jackson County Veteran Services Office offers a dedicated workstation in our facility for this

purpose without charge. Please call 507-847.4774 to schedule its use once

you have an appointment with the VA CTH.

Did you know you can check on your VA claims from the

convenience of your home? Just go to www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage. You can

also file your own claim on-line, manage your records and more.

Your VA is providing many services on-line now to help you have more control of what you are due. On-line services, telehealth, My HealtheVet and more.

However, with all this convenience there are many things that you probably would not know to explore or ask, this is where your local Veteran Service Officer can help as well as knowing what you will need for supporting documentation,

If you have any questions using “eBenefits” write them down and then call your local CVSO for clarification. In most cases it’s best to see your CVSO first.

GET YOUR “MOVE” ON!

What is MOVE!? MOVE! is a weight management, health promotion program designed to improve the lives of Veterans. Over the holidays I dare say there is barely any of us who doesn’t take a break from their normal

diet. The food’s there, we eat the food, we hold our bellies as we try to take that all important nap following the turkey dinner.

All that work all year long to get your weight just where you want it is pretty much shot to heck in a single day… The VA has a program to get you back on track painlessly, it’s called MOVE!

MOVE!’s core ideas—encouraging healthy eating behavior, increasing physical activity, and promoting even small weight losses—are easy to follow and based

on the latest in nutrition science.

With the help of your MOVE! care team, you can reduce health risks, prevent or reverse certain diseases, improve your quality of life, and even live longer! The next sessions begin on Tuesday

January 8th at 10AM at your Spirit Lake, IA CBOC. It’s

easy to join, just call for Brent! Brent is the Nutritional expert there and also the MOVE! Coordinator.

HAVING TROUBLE GETTING THROUGH?

Are you having trouble getting through to the CBOC or the VAMC when you call? Me too… It’s frustrating isn’t it?!?! Dog gone government employees just sitting there drinking coffee and ignoring your Important calls!

In their defense… They deal with many calls daily as well as their other duties making it difficult to do it all at the same time. I’ve been there and watched them, those phones would drive me crazy! Not to mention some of the callers…

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Before you pass judgement upon their demeanor answering the phone, or as you come in and see them, just remind yourself that the guy/gal before you may not have been as pleasant to them as you are…

Whether you call or stop in remember the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, treat them like you want to be treated, give ‘em a smile as you talk, they can hear it in your voice, and don’t forget to say “thank you”…

AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR VETERANS

It appears that there are plans to renovate at least 26 buildings at Fort Snelling into affordable housing for Veterans and their families.

These buildings were built circa the late 1800s and were used for training, offices and more for Soldiers since the Spanish-American War. Most recently they housed training units for the Army Reserve.

The buildings have been empty, unused, for the past several decades. Renovation will be costly but their historical significance and style will bring a new purpose to the area and serve a great need.

Their location will make it convenient for the residents to get to and from shopping and other trips being just off MN Highway 5, Crosstown 62 and I-494.

Since the residents will be for Veterans the proximity allows easy access to the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and the facilities located on the Air Guard and the Air Force Reserve bases which includes a Base Exchange and fitness center.

For more information please go on-line to WCCO TV at: https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2018/11/21/26-fort-snelling-buildings-to-be-turned-into-affordable-housing-for-veterans/?fbclid=IwAR2se-i1XphEXKnVgbO_XVvetIH7JOX3TyK91mPlAl_1HSgYA39tHG8j2MM

(If you receive this via e-mail just hold down the “Ctrl” button and click with your mouse over the link above)

VA BENEFITS DELIVERY AT DISCHARGE VA NEWS PRESS RELEASE

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program has made significant improvements in disability claim processing over the past year, with most service members who submitted claims through the program receiving decisions within 30 days of discharge.

BDD allows service members to file a claim for disability between 90 and 180 days prior to discharge from active duty, which provides time for paperwork review and medical exams prior to leaving.

“This is an important program for our service members as they transition to Veteran status,” said VA

Secretary Robert Wilkie. “The faster we can connect our Veterans with the benefits they deserve, the smoother their transition.”

In fiscal year (FY) 2018, the first full year of the revamped program, more than 36,000 service members submitted claims through BDD and about 53 percent of completed claims received a decision on their claim within 30 days. In the first month of FY 2019, 3,437 claims were completed with 57.7 percent completed within 30 days.

Throughout FY 2018, the program made continuous improvements, which include:

Expanding BDD claim review from two locations, to processing at any regional office

Enhanced software partnerships with the Department of Defense to improve record transfers

Additional claim training and performance standards for military service coordinators.

By participating in BDD, service members ensure that their disability medical exams become part of their service treatment record and that service connection for their conditions may be established as early as possible. Medical conditions can get worse over time and establishing eligibility at discharge may make it easier to increase disability ratings in the future.

For more information on the BDD program, visit www.benefits.va.gov/predischarge/claims-pre-discharge-benefits-delivery-at-discharge.asp.

(Preceding article is VA news release)

VA HOSTS MUSIC THERAPY RETREAT

‘Operation Song’ connects professional songwriters, former service members to help participants

improve their lives

WASHINGTON — Aimed at helping former service members process some of their military experiences, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the

nonprofit Operation Song launched the first of a series of national music

therapy retreats Nov. 14-17 in Nashville, Tennessee.

In collaboration with VA Voluntary services and Veterans

Canteen Service, the four-day songwriting retreat connected Veterans

from around the country with professional songwriters and VA therapists, as they translated

their service experiences into songs, which will be recorded in a music studio for the Veterans to keep.

“VA is always striving to find unique ways to help Veterans build on their military experiences, and music therapy is just one component of VA’s robust Recreation Therapy programs, which serve Veterans around the country,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Music can provide an outlet for expression of feelings, as well as be

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an avenue of communication for those who find it difficult to express themselves.”

Founded by Grammy and Dove Award-nominated songwriter Bob Regan in 2012, Operation Song brings professional songwriters together with Veterans to help create music from often difficult experiences. To date, Nashville-based Operation Song has created more than 600 songs with Veterans of nearly every military conflict, to include World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Veterans who wish to participate in the Operation Song retreat program must be referred by their VA health care provider. Operation Song officials said no musical background is necessary to participate in the program; Veterans only need a desire to tell their story.

For more VA Recreation Therapy programs info visit hwww.prosthetics.va.gov/rectherapy/index.asp. For more information about VA Voluntary Service, visit www.volunteer.va.gov/. For more information about Operation Song, visit www.operationsong.org.

(Preceding article is VA news release)

BLUE WATER NAVY ACT

Urge Your Senators to Support the Blue Water Navy Bill Now

Background: Congress is very close to passing H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2018, which would end the injustice of denying Vietnam, Korean DMZ, and Thailand veterans who suffer from life-threatening health conditions the care and benefits they deserve.

Unfortunately, this important bill is now in jeopardy. Make sure your senators support its immediate passage and encourage their colleagues to do the same.

Take Action: Call your senators to demand support for immediate passage of H.R. 299. The Senate cannot continue to delay passage of this important bill while Blue Water Navy veterans sicken and die from diseases related to exposure to Agent Orange.

Much like the old 60’s quote “Today is the first day of the rest of your life” Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote about new years to come, “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

MyHealthe Vet has turned 15 years young! This is an internet ba sed program to help put you in charge of

your health putting you in the driver’s seat!

“Launched on Veterans Day 2003, My HealtheVet has grown from a simple website to a robust suite of tools and resources that further enables Veterans to take charge of their health care by allowing them to refill their VA prescriptions, exchange private secure messages with their VA health care team, access their VA health records and more.”

This is just one more level of service afforded our Veterans. It allows them to log-in, look-up and log-out without having to leave your recliner! You can check your charts, history, order your meds, check on appointments and sent/receive secure e-mails.

HIRE A VET! There are many reasons to hire a Veteran!

Just to name a few! Local Jackson area businesses do hire Vets because of many of the above reasons.

S&J Cleaning LLC 83138 525th Avenue; Jackson, MN 56143 Phone: (507) 847-5054 Judy Allen, Manager

Several PART-TIME positions now available, evening work. Great as a part-time job for extra income… ‘TIS THE SEASON YOU KNOW!

Field Service Technician Jackson, MN Ziegler CAT has an opening

for a full-time, experienced Field Service Technician to work to work on agricultural equipment.

To aply go on-line to: www.minnesotajobnetwork.com/job/detail/34935005/Field-Service-Technician-Ag?frame=1

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COPING WITH LIFE TODAY Jeffrey K, Gay

Life can be tough, it can be even tougher considering the stress each of us endure every day from work, our personal lives, social media, school, debt and a false need to “keep up with the Jones’s”… It also has a lot to do with us personally with how we were brought up, personal biases, choices we make and so much more. I am writing this based on my own personal experience and information I have been taught or have researched. Either we simply deal with stress or we take command and we “own it” not allowing it to control our lives and help others to do the same. Those who are in a position to see un-natural events on a day to day basis are wrought with added external stresses, internal struggles and are bound by HIPPA or other confidentiality rules making it difficult to de-stress. This includes, but is not limited to military service, law enforcement, fire and rescue, EMS, hospital/clinic staff. PTSD is a buzz-word we are all familiar with today and mostly associate it with the military but anyone can be subject to its effects due to traumatic experiences or witness to a traumatic experience transferring a part of that trauma to them. There are programs in place for Military and emergency workers to educate them about the causes and how to deal with these issues and where to go for help. However, for everybody else it’s a crapshoot, you either have to be proactive, realizing you actually need help, or have family or friends to help you get what you may not think you need, professional help. For those of us just trying to maintain a modicum of sanity in these insane times there is also help and self-help available. Just accepting that you are stressed is a great start! Some of the signs are anxiety, depression, anger, “short fuse”, inability to focus, shying away from things you have always enjoyed, decreased sexual desire and sensuality. It can also lead to the use of alcohol or other chemicals, abuse (verbally as well as physically), reckless behavior, hurting yourself (or others), becoming aloof, to name just a few if the symptoms.

Don’t discount Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), it’s a real thing. SAD is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons especially where daylight is at a premium. This means that you may be

more susceptible to SAD during the winter months. Maybe that’s where the holiday feeling of “Bah Humbug” originated?!?! The “ultimate symptom” is experiencing suicidal ideations or actually the consideration of following through. If you have those feelings call 9-1-1 or the National Suicide Hotline and be connected to a professional who will listen and not judge. There are things you can do to help you cope, they’re not fixes by any means but they may help in calming you. One is to “take a pause”. If your angry take a moment before you react and consider what you are about to do and how it will impact others. Take a pause, consider how your actions will affect you and your life. Maybe count to 10, as the old saying goes, give yourself some time and space. When you have time you can close your eyes and self-meditate. Consider what your personal “Happy Place” would be, build it in your mind and save it. Each time you are stressed you can close your eyes and go there, relax, take some ‘you’ time. You’ll come back refreshed and be on track. MOST IMPORTANT, it is not a sign of weakness to take care of yourself by asking for help, or to just talk it out. In my mind it’s more of a sign of weakness not to face your “demons” and allow them to win. Seek help, you’ll be glad you did.

It’s a beautiful world out there! Embrace it... Learn to let go of your fears and stresses and enjoy your life and your family and friends.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and

a Happy and Great New Year!

HOT OFF THE VA

PRESS TO YOU!

VA HEALTH RECEIVES ACCOLADES

VA researchers named to TIME Magazine’s list of 50 most influential people

in health care

WASHINGTON — Two research scientists with the U.S. Department of Veterans

Affairs were recently named to TIME Magazine’s list of the 50 most influential people in health care in 2018.

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TIME Magazine honored VA’s Dr. Ann McKee and Dr. Tony Wyss-Coray among a roster of

physicians, scientists, and

business and political leaders whose works are transforming health care approach and delivery around the country.

“Dr. Ann McKee and Dr. Wyss-Coray are key VA health care leaders who are performing groundbreaking research,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “And I’m proud to have them in our ranks searching for new ways to improve the lives of our Veterans.”

McKee is chief of Neuropathology at the VA Boston Healthcare System and director of the VA-BU-CLF Brain Bank, a joint endeavor between VA, Boston University and the Concussion Legacy Foundation. She is a pioneer in identifying and understanding the repercussions of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) — a degenerative condition caused by repeated traumatic blows to the head. CTE has been associated with repetitive, mild traumatic brain injury in military service members.

Her research has called widespread attention to the alarming prevalence of CTE in professional football players. After former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez died by suicide at age 27, McKee discovered CTE in his brain — the most severe case of CTE she had seen in someone his age. Her research has also demonstrated that adults are not the only ones at risk of brain injury from mild repetitive trauma. McKee has found evidence that children age 6 to12 who play tackle football are also at risk for brain injury.

Wyss-Coray is a VA senior research scientist and associate director of the Center for Tissue Regeneration, Repair and Restoration at Palo Alto, California. He is also a professor of neurology and neurological sciences at Stanford University. His laboratory studies the effects of aging and immune responses on the brain and the role Alzheimer's disease plays in brain degeneration and memory loss.

Wyss-Coray is best-known for his groundbreaking research into the use of blood taken from young mice to combat the effects of aging and memory loss in older mice. The process originally involved surgically connecting young mice to older mice — so they would share blood circulation. Now, his team injects plasma from donor mice into older mice. He hopes, eventually, to perfect the technique for use in humans, with an eye toward treating Alzheimer’s disease.

For more information concerning VA Research, visit www.research.va.gov.

TIME Magazine said it launched the Health Care 50 to highlight extraordinary people changing the state of U.S. health care this year. Winners were nominated by a team of health editors and reporters who evaluated their work on key factors, including originality, impact and quality.

(Preceding article is VA news release 6Nov18)

POST-9/11 GI BILL HOUSING

PAYMENT RATES UPDATE US Dept. of Veterans Affairs

WASHINGTON – Today the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced key changes in the processing of GI Bill benefits payments under the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 (Forever GI Bill).

Because of continued information technology difficulties with implementing sections 107 and 501 of the law, both of which change the way monthly housing allowance payments are calculated, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie has directed Under Secretary for Benefits Paul R. Lawrence to take the following actions:

Effective Dec. 1, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) will reset its implementation efforts for sections 107 and 501 of the law to give the department the time, contracting support and resources necessary to develop the capability to process Spring 2020 enrollments in accordance with the law by December 1, 2019.

o This includes soliciting bids from contractors for support in the areas of program integration, systems implementation, and software development.

During this time, VBA will pay monthly housing allowance rates for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the current academic year uncapped Department of Defense (DoD) Basic Housing Allowance (BAH) rates.

o For many students, this DoD BAH rate will be equal to or higher than their current payment.

o VBA will also correct retroactively any underpayments resulting from section 107 and 501 implementation problems.

o If a student was overpaid due to the change in law or because of VBA’s challenges in implementing the law, the student will not be held liable for the debt.

Also, for the current academic year (2018-2019), VBA will pay housing allowances based on the location of a school’s main campus, rather than the physical location of the student.

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This interim policy will terminate by December 1, 2019, upon implementation of a fully developed IT solution for sections 107 and 501 of the law.

Finally, VBA will define a training site as a “campus” when the following conditions are true: the physical site of the training is either owned or leased by the school, and the school has ownership or control over the student’s classroom instruction or the faculty conducting the instruction. This approach reduces the administrative burden for schools and students from VBA’s initial interpretation of the law.

As these changes are implemented, VBA will remain in continuous contact with Veterans, Congress, Veterans Service Organizations and other stakeholders to ensure everyone is informed and knows what to expect.

“Redesigning the way VBA calculates Post 9/11 GI Bill housing rates during a busy academic season was like flying a plane while building it, and that was unfair and frustrating to Veterans and taxpayers. That’s why we are resetting our implementation of the law for the next year to ensure we get the technology and formula right to put Veterans first,” said Secretary Wilkie. “In the meantime, beneficiaries receiving Post 9/11 GI Bill housing allowances will be paid at the DoD BAH rate, which in many cases will be equal to or higher than their current payment.”

While VBA’s pending education claims inventory was three times higher than normal in early September, that figure is back to normal levels. For more information on VBA’s pending education claims inventory, see here.

VBA strongly encourages schools to begin submitting enrollments immediately for the Spring 2019 term to help VBA process them in a timely fashion. This will ensure that Veteran students receive their housing payments promptly and schools receive tuition and fee payments. VBA expects to maintain timeliness standards of an average 28 days for a new enrollment and 14 days for a re-enrollment.

If students require assistance with their GI Bill benefit or experience a financial hardship due to a delay in payment, we ask them to contact our Education Call Center at 888-442-4551 between 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. Students may also keep in contact with VA on our social media sites; on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gibillEducation/ or on Twitter at VAVetBenefits.

“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year

find you a better man.“ ~ Benjamin Franklin

ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS US Dept. of Veterans Affairs

VA seeks public comment on Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers,

as amended by VA MISSION Act of 2018

WASHINGTON — Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will accept public comments for 15 days on how to implement certain changes to the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers(PCAFC) required by the VA MISSION Act of 2018.

Through PCAFC, VA provides family caregivers of eligible Veterans certain benefits, such as training; respite care; counseling; technical support; beneficiary travel (to attend required caregiver training and for an eligible Veteran’s medical appointments); a monthly stipend payment; and access to health care (if qualified) through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA).

“VA values the knowledge, skill, and perspectives of all caregivers,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “This public comment period demonstrates our desire to create a program that best serves the participating caregivers and Veterans.”

The VA MISSION Act of 2018 expands eligibility for PCAFC to family caregivers of eligible Veterans who incurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty before Sept. 11, 2001 using a phased approach, establishes new benefits for designated primary family caregivers of eligible Veterans and makes other changes affecting program eligibility and VA’s evaluation of PCAFC applications.

Submitted responses will be used to guide future regulatory modifications and implementation of the expanded PCAFC. More information about the VA Caregiver Support Program and a link to submit comments is available at www.caregiver.va.gov.

THE “VA MISSION ACT” US Dept. of Veterans Affairs

On June 6, 2018, President Trump signed the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R.

Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (the MISSION Act). Certain provisions of the Act were further amended by the Department of

Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2018.

This Act will fundamentally transform elements of VA’s health care system, fulfilling the President’s commitment to help Veterans live a healthy and fulfilling life.

A transformed VA health care system will:

1. Ensure easy and reliable access to care when Veterans need it.

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2. Provide exceptional care to Veterans anytime, anywhere.

3. Serve as a trusted, caring partner, helping Veterans and their families be healthy and well.

Veterans deserve access to the best health care providers, state-of-art facilities and cutting-edge technology. The VA MISSION Act of 2018 will strengthen VA’s ability to deliver the quality care and timely service Veterans have earned.

Consolidating Community Care VA has been providing care to Veterans through community providers for decades, but the programs have grown in number and complexity over the years, making them complicated to access and administer. The MISSION Act will consolidate VA s community care programs, making community care work better for Veterans and their families, community providers, and VA staff.

Strengthening VA’s Workforce The MISSION Act gives VA greater ability to recruit and retain the best medical providers through greater access to an education debt reduction program and improved flexibility for bonuses for recruitment, relocation and retention. VA will also pilot a scholarship program for eligible Veterans to receive medical training in return for serving in a VA hospital or clinic for four years.

Strengthening VA’s Infrastructure On average, VA buildings are nearly 60 years old, with only half built since 1920. The MISSION Act will strengthen the Department’s ability to manage its real property portfolio and build a high-performing, integrated health care system.

Expanding Caregivers Eligibility The MISSION Act will expand eligibility for VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) under the Caregiver Support Program. The PCAFC is currently available to eligible Veterans who incurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. The expansion implemented by the MISSION Act will open the Program to eligible Veterans and their caregivers from all eras.

Over the course of the next year, VA will focus on establishing systems, writing regulations, training staff, and developing an implementation timeline to expand eligibility for PCAFC to include eligible Veterans from all eras of service.

VA will proactively communicate throughout the implementation and deployment process to ensure information is easily accessible, simple to understand, and meets the needs of Veterans and their loved ones.

www.va.gov/oei/missionAct/index.asp

“What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what

you bring to the new year.” ~ Vern McLellan

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

NEW OR USED MEDICAL

EQUIPMENT

Wheel Chairs, Shower Stools,

Shower Hand Bars, Walkers,

Canes, Battery Powered

Scooters or Wheel Chairs,

Hospital Beds…

MUST BE SERVICEABLE

AND CLEAN; No Personal Use

Items or Clothing

For more information

or to donate please contact

Jeffrey Gay, Jackson County

Veteran Service Officer

507-847-4774

I have been fortunate to receive several great donations from area families. There isn’t a great need for these items but when there is we like to be ready to accommodate allowing these items to be like its Veteran owner, able to keep on serving.

I’m not sure whether or not we can render a cash value receipt for tax purposes but I will be checking into that. If not, we may be able to work through a local non-profit to do so. However, the greatest reward a person can receive is gratitude and the knowledge that you have made another person’s life better.

It’s better to continue the life of these items rather than see them languish in a basement, attic or shed or to clutter a landfill. There is a need albeit probably not immediate.

10

Please help us out by passing the word to others you know who may have some of these items. You can call or have them contact me at 507.847.4774 or via e-mail to jeff.gay@co.jackson.mn.us.

Thank you, in advance, for your kind generosity!

“Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to.” ~ Bill Vaughan

MILITARY FAMILIES Jeffrey L. Gay

Who’s Got Your Back!

I am a small and precious child, my dad’s been sent to fight… The only place I’ll see his face, is in my dreams at night.

He’ll be gone too many days for my young mind to keep track. I may be sad, but I am proud.

My daddy’s got your back.

I am a crying mother. My son may go to war…

My mind is filled with worries that I have never known before. Everyday I try to keep my thoughts from turning black.

I may be scared, but I am proud. My son has got your back.

I am a strong and loving wife, with a husband soon to go. There are times I’m terrified in a way most never know.

I bite my lip, and force a smile as I watch my husband pack… My heart may break, but I am proud.

My husband got your back.

I am a soldier, Serving Proudly, standing tall. I fight for freedom, yours and mine by answering this call. I do my job while knowing, the thanks it sometimes lacks.

Say a prayer that I’ll come home. It’s me who’s got your back.

It’s the holidays, a time for joyous family events and gatherings.

Communities, businesses, organizations and service organizations come together to garner support for the men and women in uniform who will not be home for the holidays.

Holidays are a difficult time for those in uniform and getting cards, letters and gifts from “home” is uplifting and always appreciated.

Holidays for military families are just as difficult, probably more so due to the worry and concern for their servicemember’s safety in a far off land performing their military duties.

As you consider doing holiday things for the servicemembers maybe take some time to consider doing things for our military families as well. As community, family and friends it’s our compassionate duty to be able to say “we got your back…”

FOR YOUR INFORMATION!

DID YOU KNOW? “Being incarcerated in a federal, state, or local facility for more than 60 days for conviction of a felony will affect your assigned compensation.”

URGENT INFORMATION

Please place these numbers close by in case you would ever need to call one. We

hope that the need never arises but we also understand that it’s a real possibility.

Better to be prepared and to know where to call for help when help is needed…

OR TEXT TO “838255”

JACKSON VETERAN SERVICES

DON’T FORGET – LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! www.facebook.com/JacksonCountyMNVeteranServices

or visit online at www.co.jackson.mn.us/veterans

See ya next month! The sole responsibility for content is Jeffrey Gay, Jackson

Veteran’s Service Officer.

JACKSON VETERAN SERVICES

Merry Christmas

brother, wish

you were here…